When startup marketing leader Peter Sum turned 34, he had a moment of reckoning that changed everything. Despite 15 years of success in tech, he couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't fully bringing himself to his work. Today, Peter runs Kenzie Club, hosting sold-out supper clubs in Berlin and redefining what career success actually means.

This conversation explores the messy reality of career transitions, from the privilege required to make big changes to the fear of burning bridges to your old identity. Peter shares how moving to Berlin opened new perspectives on authentic living, why he's "anti-planning" these days, and what it really takes to align your work with your values.

If you've ever felt successful but misaligned, comfortable but restless, this episode offers honest insights about following authentic paths when the safe choice stops feeling safe.

Key Themes Explored

* The 34th Birthday Moment: How Peter's birthday reflection revealed the gap between external success and internal alignment

* Geographic Catalyst: Why moving to Berlin opened new perspectives on authentic living

* Anti-Planning Philosophy: How following flow and curiosity can be more effective than rigid goal-setting

* Privilege and Responsibility: The complex role of financial security in creative career transitions

* Sustainable vs. Scalable: Redefining success metrics from growth to lifestyle alignment

Episode Timeline & Key Moments

* 03:00 - Peter's university journey: switching programs every year and finding startups

* 06:15 - The 34th birthday realization and looking ahead 15 years

* 09:30 - How Berlin's culture influenced his perspective on authentic living

* 16:00 - The transition from tech motivations to food passion

* 24:30 - Working in professional kitchens for the first time

* 32:15 - Building Kenzie Club and the supper club model

* 38:00 - The "smash burger lasagna" innovation and pop-up success

* 41:30 - Navigating financial privilege and creative exploration

* 46:30 - Advice for examining life assumptions and following authentic paths

Guest Information

Peter Sum - Former startup marketing leader turned chef and food entrepreneur

* 15 years in tech startups, helping companies grow from pre-seed to Series B

* Currently runs Kenzy Club, hosting intimate supper clubs and pop-ups in Berlin

* Culinary school graduate from Italy

Key Takeaways

* Career misalignment often manifests as inability to "fully bring yourself" to work

* Geographic change can unlock new perspectives on what's possible

* Following curiosity and energy can be more effective than rigid planning

* Financial privilege creates both opportunity and responsibility in career transitions

* Success metrics can shift from external validation to internal alignment

* Regular assumption examination is essential for authentic living

Connect with Peter

* Kenzie Club Instagram

* Peter on Linkedin

* Peter on Instagram

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