How six words changed my life | Dave Guttman | TEDxSDSU

At 24, Dave Guttman was told he had six months to live. Three doctors confirmed it. Sitting alone that night, he asked himself one question: If I died tomorrow, what would be different because I was here? The answer terrified him more than dying. In this deeply personal talk, Dave shares the misdiagnosis that changed his life, the manager who taught him what leadership really looks like, and why the measure of a life isn't what you build—it's who you leave better. David Guttman is a serial entrepreneur who has bought and sold 15 businesses, raised $25M+ in capital, and earned 3x Inc. 500 recognition across 35 years of building 8- and 9-figure companies. With degrees from Brown University and Wharton, he now shares his expertise as host of an Apple Top 50 Business podcast and mentor to C-level executives and entrepreneurs. His work continues to inspire leaders with the tools to scale, lead, and succeed through sound principles, creative problem-solving, and relentless execution. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx