Navigating Life Changes; The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur

Business Legacy

Ever wondered what it takes to turn a company around and sell it for $1.8 billion? Join us on the Business Legacy Podcast as we sit down with Dr. Adam Carter, CEO of OpenLight, who shares his incredible journey from the UK to California, navigating the tech industry with giants like HP, Cisco, and Broadcom. Discover the strategic insights and market opportunities that led to the remarkable sale, and learn how Dr. Carter managed to balance the intense demands of his career with family life.

Drawing from his experiences with notable CEOs, he emphasizes the importance of a customer-focused strategy and the delicate balance between listening to customer needs and leading them towards innovative solutions. Don’t miss this insightful discussion filled with personal and professional wisdom from Dr. Adam Carter.

Highlights from this Episode: Career Evolution and Business Success:

Dr. Adam Carter, CEO of OpenLight, shares his journey from the UK to key roles at HP, Cisco, and Broadcom. He notably led Oclaro's turnaround and its $1.8 billion sale to Lumentum, showcasing his market and growth expertise.

Transition to Personal Life and Stay-at-Home Dad:

After a major career exit, Dr. Carter became a stay-at-home parent, navigating daily routines, family time, and hobbies like cooking and golfing. This period fostered personal growth, health, and fitness, as well as financial adjustments. Balancing Consultancy Work and Family Duties:

During his break, extended by COVID, Dr. Carter balanced consulting work with family responsibilities. He advised various companies, including a University of Glasgow startup, sharing his experience while maintaining family support.

Timestamps 00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome to Business Legacy Podcast

00:00:35 - Dr. Adam Carter’s Background and Move to California

00:01:50 - Early Career at HP, Cisco, and Broadcom

00:04:15 - Turning Around Oclaro and Strategic Market Decisions

00:07:30 - The $1.8 Billion Sale to Lumentum

00:09:00 - Personal Challenges of Extensive Travel

00:10:30 - Transitioning to Life After the Company Exit

00:11:15 - Adjusting to Stay-at-Home Parenting

00:12:30 - Consulting Work and Intellectual Stimulation

00:14:00 - Impact of COVID on Extended Break

00:14:45 - Personal Growth: Health, Fitness, and Hobbies

00:16:51 - Raising Children Fluent in Mandarin

00:18:00 - Insights on Legacy: Personal and Professional

00:19:30 - Customer-Focused Innovation at OpenLight

00:21:00 - Balancing Customer Needs with Innovative Solutions 00:22:30 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information for OpenLight

Resources:

Visit the website https://holdenadvisors.com/ to learn more about Holden Advisors and what they are up to.

Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit businesslegacypodcast.com.

For more information: Visit businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.