Resources
Useful guides, articles, and frameworks for folks building a meaningful life — whether you’re giving money, time, or attention.
A Journey to Engaged Philanthropy
(With Minimal Bragging)
In “Engaged Philanthropy,” I take you through my personal odyssey from the day fortune smiled on me with a $45 million windfall to the profound realization that true wealth lies in giving it away. This book isn’t just a recount of my journey; it’s a heart-to-heart on the transformative joy of using one’s success to fuel positive change. It’s about the lessons learned, the pitfalls of philanthropy, and the incredible impact of aligning one’s wealth with their deepest values. I’ve poured my experiences, the highs and the lows, into these pages, hoping to inspire others to embark on their own path of meaningful giving. It’s more than a narrative; it’s a call to action for anyone who believes that the essence of life is not in accumulation, but in contribution and connection.
40 Lessons I’ve Learned from Peers
More Than Just a Book!
This is more than just a book; it’s a treasure trove of the lessons that have shaped my life and career. Over 20 years with Vistage, I’ve picked up these nuggets of wisdom that have been absolute game-changers. We’re talking about the kind of insights that transform the way you do business, lead, and live. From the importance of process and planning to the art of making impactful decisions and embracing humility in leadership, these 40 lessons are the ones that really stuck with me. I’ve seen firsthand how they can turn challenges into opportunities and ambitions into realities. Sharing these isn’t just about passing on knowledge; it’s about sparking a change, a new way of thinking, and maybe even inspiring others to embark on their own journey of personal and professional growth.
On Becoming a McCarthy
A Personal Reflection on Legacy
This is the most personal thing I’ve written. It started as a letter to my children and grandchildren, a way to preserve the stories and lessons that shaped our family. But as I wrote, I realized it speaks to something more universal. The book explores five generations of McCarthys, from Irish immigrants to my own journey as a son, brother, husband, father, and now grandfather. Along the way, I reflect on faith, family, work, aging, and what it means to live a life of meaning.
I included it here because legacy isn’t just financial. It’s about passing on values, stories, and a sense of who we are. If you’re thinking about how to leave more than just money to the people you love, I hope this offers some perspective.
Ohio State University Guest Lectures
Real Talk About When More Isn’t Enough
What happens when a millionaire walks into a college classroom and says, “I’m giving it all away”?
In this six-part guest lecture at The Ohio State University, Tim McCarthy opens up to students about his wild ride from corporate climber to philanthropic renegade. With his signature wit, some hard-earned humility, and zero sugarcoating, Tim unpacks how getting rich turned out to be the first half of the story—and why giving it away became the better half. If you’re curious what real-world wisdom sounds like when it’s stripped of ego and dressed in a hoodie, this is worth your time.
Tim Talks Marketing & Misdirection Playlist
What They Don’t Teach in Business School
If you’ve ever thrown money at marketing and hoped something—anything—would stick, this one’s for you. In this four-part series, Tim McCarthy pulls back the curtain on how he built a brand that actually connected with real people—without selling out or buying into the latest buzzword bingo.
He walks through the marketing moves that worked, the expensive mistakes that didn’t, and the one question that changed his whole approach: “Why would anyone care?” Spoiler: it’s not about being clever—it’s about being clear, consistent, and actually giving a damn.
This is the stuff most execs learn too late. Whether you’re running a company or just trying to figure out how to tell your story better, Tim’s got some gold here—no jargon, no fluff, just straight-up lessons from the front lines.