What does it really take to build something meaningful over time, and how does that shape the way you define wealth?

Is it about financial outcomes, personal fulfillment, or something deeper that evolves along the journey?

In this episode, Kevin Swanson interviews Edward Oates, Co-Founder of Oracle, about his path from uncertainty in college to helping build one of the most influential technology companies. He shares lessons from early computing, leadership, and decision-making inside a growing startup. Edward also reflects on motivation, hiring philosophy, and the role of wellness in long-term performance. The conversation explores how financial stability, purpose, and relationships shape a meaningful life.

Key takeaways:

• How early uncertainty and curiosity shaped his career path toward computing and data systems
• Lessons from managing massive datasets in the Army and solving accuracy challenges creatively
• Why disciplined cash flow and selective hiring guided Oracle’s early business decisions
• How leadership evolved as the company scaled and why roles had to shift over time
• The connection between financial stability, wellness, and long-term life fulfillment
• And more!

Connect with Potentia Wealth:

• Potentia Wealth
• 408.288.7886
• ask@potentiawealth.com
• LinkedIn: Potentia Wealth
• LinkedIn: Kevin Swanson

Connect with Edward Oates:

• LinkedIn: Edward Oates
• Website: Oracle
• Website: San José State University

About our guest:

Edward Oates is a co-founder of Oracle and a key figure in the early development of relational database technology that helped shape modern computing. With a background in mathematics and a career that began during the early days of programming, he played a central role in building scalable data systems and guiding Oracle’s growth from a small startup into a global technology company. Beyond his work in technology, Edward is deeply engaged in education and philanthropy, supporting initiatives at San Jose State University and serving on nonprofit boards. His perspective blends technical innovation, business discipline, and a strong belief in lifelong learning and personal fulfillment.

Why do people keep chasing more, even when it doesn’t seem to bring lasting fulfillment? Many discover that achievement alone does not deliver the satisfaction they expected.

In this episode, Todd Barney and Kevin Swanson speak with Fred Luskin, Director of the Stanford Forgiveness Projects at Stanford University, about the relationship between wealth, fear, and happiness. They explore why humans are wired to pursue security even after their needs are met, how status comparisons quietly shape dissatisfaction, and why meaningful relationships and contribution play a larger role in fulfillment than accumulating assets.

Fred shares:

• Why humans are biologically wired to scan for threats and scarcity even when their financial needs are met
• How status comparisons quietly fuel dissatisfaction even among highly accomplished individuals
• Why shifting focus from survival and safety toward relationships improves overall well-being
• How the “marshmallow effect” explains investor behavior when gains are followed by losses
• Why gratitude, relationships, and contribution help create deeper satisfaction than accumulating wealth
• And more!

Connect with Potentia Wealth:

• Potentia Wealth
• 408.288.7886
• ask@potentiawealth.com
• LinkedIn: Potentia Wealth
• LinkedIn: Kevin Swanson
• LinkedIn: Todd Barney, CEPA®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®

Connect with Fred Luskin:

• LinkedIn: Fred Luskin
• Website: Fred Luskin

About our guest:

Dr. Frederic Luskin is a psychologist who has been teaching at Stanford University for the past 30 years. He has a Ph. D in Counseling and Health Psychology from Stanford University and holds clinical licenses as a Psychologist and a Marriage and Family Counselor. Currently, he is on the faculty for the GSB Executive Education program, where he teaches mindfulness, emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and positive psychology to executives from all over the world. When not at Stanford, Dr. Luskin often speaks to a variety of audiences, including investors, corporate leaders, medical and mental health professionals, educators and several other organizations and individuals.

He also serves as Director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects. The forgiveness projects sponsor teaching and research that validate his nine steps to forgiveness. Dr. Luskin is one of the world’s recognized authorities on forgiveness, both of self and others and has taught forgiveness to tens of thousands of people.

Medicare enrollment feels overwhelming even for financially confident individuals. With 11,000 people turning 65 daily, the complexity of choosing the right plan, understanding hidden costs, and maintaining access to care creates real anxiety.

In this episode, Kevin Swanson and Todd Barney sit down with Julie Brajenovich, Agency Owner at Senior Life Matters, Inc., to demystify the Medicare process. Julie walks through initial enrollment periods, the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, how IRMAA impacts costs based on income from two years prior, and why annual review matters as doctors retire and medical groups change. She explains why working with an independent agent costs nothing out of pocket while providing access to all available plans instead of just one carrier’s offerings.

Julie discusses:

• Why Medicare creates anxiety regardless of financial status, and how early planning alleviates overwhelm
• The HSA contribution penalty timeline and when to sign up for Medicare Part A versus delaying Part B
• How Medicare Advantage plans work county by county, while supplements offer nationwide flexibility
• Why IRMAA lookback periods catch retirees off guard, and how to appeal incorrect income assessments
• The critical importance of annual plan reviews as access to care becomes increasingly challenging

Connect with Potentia Wealth:

• Potentia Wealth
• 408.288.7886
• ask@potentiawealth.com
• LinkedIn: Potentia Wealth
• LinkedIn: Kevin Swanson
• LinkedIn: Todd Barney, CEPA®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CFP®

Connect with Julie Brajenovich:

• LinkedIn: Julie Brajenovich
• Website: Senior Life Matters, Inc
• Facebook: Senior Life Matters, Inc

About our guest:

Julie Brajenovich is the Agency Owner of Senior Life Matters, Inc., where she specializes in helping clients navigate the complexities of Medicare enrollment and planning. With her motto “Medicare Made Simple,” Julie works to demystify a system that overwhelms even financially confident individuals approaching retirement. Licensed in 10 states and leading a large team of agents, she provides independent guidance across all available Medicare plans without charging clients for her services. Julie’s approach focuses on early planning, understanding individual healthcare needs, and providing year-round support to ensure clients maintain appropriate coverage as their situations evolve. Her expertise includes Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, IRMAA planning, and helping clients maintain access to care during annual enrollment periods.