“The only way to truly fail is to give up.”

Those words resonated through the room as I sat down with Gerard Adams last month in downtown Toronto, and dove deep into his life and career story.

Gerard Adams is a visionary entrepreneur from New Jersey, who has transformed the digital landscape with his groundbreaking creation, Elite Daily. At its peak, Elite Daily captivated audiences with 80 million unique visitors each month, earning its place as a premier destination for millennials. Gerard’s journey reached a remarkable milestone when he sold the platform for $50 million at the age of 30, solidifying his status as a millennial maestro.

Gerard Adams’ story is a powerful testament to perseverance and resilience. If you ever need a dose of motivation to chase your dreams, Gerard is your go-to inspiration. He embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, dedicating his life to mentoring and creating leaders. Gerard was in Toronto as one of the main speakers for the huMAN Experience’s MNY, SEX, PWR event. Hosted at The One Hotel, this gathering aimed to empower men and provide a safe yet intimate space for meaningful engagement, attracting over 80 attendees. Organized by Zarak Fatah, the event featured a significant charity component, with proceeds supporting the Ben Le Fevre Mental Health Impact Fund in partnership with The United Way.

When chatting with him, Gerard expressed his enthusiasm for Toronto, recalling a previous visit, including a memorable trip to Niagara Falls. This year marked a significant shift in his career as he transitioned from coaching women to focusing exclusively on working with men, addressing the unique challenges they face today. He highlighted his seven core values that guide his life and work that are “integrity, strength, love, trust, freedom, transparency and generosity.” These principles have shaped his approach to business and his interactions with others, making him a respected figure in the entrepreneurial community.

In his mid-20s, Gerard amassed $20 million in the stock market, but lost nearly everything during the recession. Feeling overwhelmed by failure, he found solace in his mother’s wisdom, who reminded him that true wealth lies in resilience. Encouraged by her words, Gerard resolved to rise again, drawing on his past lessons and seeking new opportunities. Reflecting on his mother’s journey from Colombia, where she overcame tremendous adversity, Gerard gained perspective and found gratitude in what remained. “Now,” he affirmed, “I know that setbacks are just detours on the path to success. I’ve been through it once, and I can do it again.”

Having a daughter profoundly changed Gerard’s perspective on life too. Describing it as the greatest blessing, he expressed how she has given him the gift of experiencing true love, softening him and slowing him down. ‘‘She is my purpose”, he told me as his eyes lit up, “becoming a father has given me perspective of what’s really important in my life and this little girl has helped me connect to my heart.” Witnessing her birth was a transformative moment that forever changed him, making his daughter his number one priority.

For Gerard, success means “loving your life.” He recalled a transformative moment at Burning Man, where he learned from a man he’d met that true wealth lies in waking up each day grateful for life itself and pursuing meaningful endeavours. “Wealth is when you absolutely love your life” is a sentiment that resonated deeply with him.

Gerard has a deep appreciation for home-cooked meals, especially Latin American and Italian dishes. He enjoys experimenting with different recipes and is a fan of Italian restaurants and good pasta. Persian food is also on his list of favourites, thanks to his upbringing surrounded by Ecuadorian and Colombian cuisine. Recently, he had a delightful experience at Osteria Giulia in Toronto. When it comes to music, Gerard enjoys a mix of Afrobeat with house and tribal authentic sounds from Africa. He also loves Latin, house music and orchestral classical music with a contemporary twist. Bear Rinehart’s live performances and the raw sound of live instruments captivate him.

Gerard Adams’ journey is a narrative of resilience, learning and an unwavering belief in oneself. His story continues to inspire, reminding us that setbacks are merely detours on the path to success. Gerard expressed his love for Toronto, praising the people, food scene and the vibrant atmosphere. With his enthusiasm for the city, we can’t wait for Gerard to come back soon!

Photos courtesy of Gerard Adams and Tim Sandik.