Episode 026: Martin Hensel - entrepreneurship, resilience, perspective

Welcome to Episode 26 of the LilyList Podcast, where our goal is to be a handbook for the living. In this episode of the LilyList Podcast, we talk with Martin Hensel, an entrepreneur and advisor to LilyList, whose journey spans decades of innovation in digital publishing and technology. From his early days growing up in rural Washington to his experiences in politics, startups, and leadership, Martin shares candid insights about the realities of entrepreneurship, business cycles, and personal growth. We explore his experiences founding and running Texterity, the digital publishing company that helped shape the transition from print to digital, and what he’s learned about navigating the ups and downs of building a business.

Beyond business, Martin reflects on legacy, family, and the long-term impact of our work and choices. Whether you’re a founder, innovator, or just someone interested in the intersection of technology and storytelling, this conversation offers hard-earned wisdom, practical insights, and a refreshingly honest take on the entrepreneurial journey.

This episode is packed with deep reflections on success, failure, and what truly matters beyond business. Tune in for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with Martin Hensel.

Here are some highlights that you can look forward to in this  episode:

1. From Rural Roots to Harvard Business School - How Martin’s small-town upbringing shaped his worldview and led him to unexpected opportunities.

2. Entrepreneurship and Business Lessons - Key takeaways from founding and leading Texterity and other ventures, including navigating investment, scaling, and exit strategies.

3. The Evolution of Digital Publishing - Martin’s perspective on the transformation of content, from print to digital, and how he missed the rise of the web.

4. Balancing Professional and Personal Priorities - How Martin shifted focus later in life to prioritize family, grandchildren, and personal fulfillment.

5. Thoughts on Legacy - Why he prefers looking forward rather than documenting the past, and what he believes truly matters for future generations.

As always, visit lilylist.com for more information on the podcast and platform. You can also contact us from the website, if you have questions or ideas for people or topics you’d like to see us cover in the future.

If you’d like to support the work of LilyList, you can donate using the links in the description and if you find these conversations meaningful, we thank you for liking, following, sharing, or subscribing wherever you listen.

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Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com