Aviv Palti, founder of Lifestyle Brands

Time-stamped overview

06:11
Transformed photo business to thriving homewares venture.
08:08
Success in business relies on finding commonality.
08:53
Pursued licensing deals with Disney and Getty.
14:01
The universe put Cambodia in our path.
17:40
Why start an NGO and why that business model?
20:55
Vision: Empower rural youths to break the poverty cycle through education.
26:38
Being poor does not mean being dumb. Education opens up opportunities.
30:41
It's not about me, it's about 'we'.
34:00
Learning self-leadership, time management and communication.
40:20
Key lessons from Aviv Palti's book.
43:15
Projects focus on empowering girls, promoting education and reducing plastic.
45:48
Start with passion to make a difference.

Hosts: Cec Busby and Adam Bub
Guest: Aviv Palti
Audio Production: Morgan Sebastian Brown for Pinstripe Media

Beyond profit: Aviv Palti’s journey from business to global impact

Aviv Palti is a lifelong entrepreneur with a knack for building businesses — and a heart set on making a difference. As the CEO of Lifestyle Brands and founder of the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST), Aviv’s journey weaves together commercial success and social impact.

Starting his first business at just 19, Aviv grew a small family venture into a thriving wholesale brand with global partnerships. But it was a family trip to Cambodia that unlocked a new purpose—breaking the poverty cycle through education.

In this episode of First Act, Aviv reflects on the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey, the power of mentorship, and how dreaming big can transform lives. He also shares the incredible success stories of CRST students, who’ve gone from rural poverty to leadership roles across Cambodia. Get ready to be inspired by Aviv’s belief that business, just like life, is about giving back—and that “it’s not about me, it’s about we”.

You can find out more about Cambodia Rural Students Trust and Aviv Palti’s book Empowered: A New Generation of Leaders here.

KEY TOPICS

Aviv’s entrepreneurial journey

  • Began business at age 19, after leaving Melbourne University
  • Transitioned from a Photoshop business to a wholesale business in photo frames
  • Expanded into the homewares market and achieved significant market share in Australia

Lifestyle Brands today

  • International expansion with major retailers like Walmart and Target USA
  • Development of licensed merchandise lines, including Disney

Entrepreneurial mindset

  • Developing an entrepreneurial mindset by adapting to market changes.
  • Initiatives in Cambodia addressing societal issues.

Projects in Cambodia

  • Project G: Empowering girls through education and menstrual kits distribution
  • Project R: Educating on plastic pollution and providing alternatives
  • Project T: Planting trees to make a positive environmental impact
  • Financial Literacy: Future project focus for high school students

Cambodia Rule Student Trust (CRST)

  • Initial Group: Began with 22 students, “generation 1.”
  • Sustainable Impact: Skilling locals for self-sufficiency
  • Alumni Success Stories: Examples of CRST alumni excelling in various fields

Leadership and continuous improvement

  • Leadership as a learnable skill
  • Empowering others and need-focused approach
  • Bringing international professionals to teach skills
  • Exposing students to international cultures and business environment

Aviv’s philanthropic journey

  • Initial involvement in Cambodia through family volunteer trip
  • Establishment of NGO focused on education transformation
  • Unique model allowing students to lead and manage the organisation

Episodes

  • All
  • 2024
  • 2022
  • 2019
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