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Demond T. Martin has traveled an unlikely path from White House aide and hedge fund partner to wellness entrepreneur and philanthropist. During a September 22 visit to UNC Greensboro, he drew on that journey and his new book, “Friends of the Good,” to urge students to embrace opportunity, build meaningful relationships and believe they belong in rooms that may initially intimidate them.
His appearance was part of UNCG Connects, a speaker series that brings innovators and changemakers to campus to exchange ideas, foster connections and encourage lifelong learning. Martin used his own journey—what he called “an improbable possible life”—to show how mentorship, friendship and courage can help change a person’s direction.
Martin shared that he grew up in poverty and lived with a stepfather who was addicted to heroin. His early years found him living in Columbus, Ohio, then Inglewood, California, before relocating to Davie County, North Carolina shortly before high school. He later enrolled at UNC Charlotte, became student body president and secured an internship in the White House under the Clinton administration after meeting a university alumna and asking for an opportunity.
“Sometimes it’s not about the 10-year plan. Life is about making the next best decision,” Martin said.
That internship became a permanent position and was followed by Harvard Business School and a 21-year career as an investor at Adage Capital Management, where Martin rose to senior partner at one of the world’s largest hedge funds. He has also held leadership roles with the Obama Foundation, Berklee College of Music, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the GRAMMY Global Venture Board.
Martin said those accomplishments were not his alone. They grew from the people who offered wisdom, support and access along the way.
“People are going to give you a shot. You got to do something with it, right?” he said. “So many people intervened in my life, gave me a shot, gave me some wisdom, gave me opportunities that added up to the things that I’ve been able to accomplish.”
That idea forms the heart of his book, “Friends of the Good,” which examines the mentors, relatives and lifelong friends who shaped Martin’s path from a difficult childhood to success in business and public service. Inspired by Aristotle’s concept of virtue-based friendship, the book distinguishes lasting, value-centered relationships from friendships based primarily on transactions or pleasure.
Martin also challenged students to resist the fear that they do not belong. He recalled feeling intimidated at Harvard after a classmate revealed that he had been a rocket scientist. That same classmate later asked Martin for a job.
“It’s so easy to tell yourself that you don’t belong,” Martin said. “But one of the first steps is to remind yourself that you got here. So, you belong.”
He encouraged students to pursue internships, travel and other experiences that broaden their view of what is possible. He also urged them to follow up with professional contacts, arrive prepared, work beyond minimum expectations and treat uncomfortable situations as opportunities to grow.
Jason Howard, a UNCG junior majoring in finance, said Martin’s advice was relevant to students learning to navigate unfamiliar environments.
“I would like to hear more about his personal experiences and how he navigated these uncomfortable spaces,” Howard said. “Because it can be challenging when learning how to adapt to unfamiliar scenarios, and you’re just trying to see what works and what doesn’t.”
Alexander Hubbard, a UNCG junior majoring in computer science, said Martin’s discussion of friendship also stood out.
“The people you surround yourself with are going to be your biggest influences on who you are and how you develop your sense of self,” Hubbard said.
Freshmen business administration majors, Makaylah Harris and Dekai Crosby connected with Martin’s message about daily motivation.
“I like that he mentioned daily affirmations. First thing in the morning, it helps set the tone for your day,” Harris said.
Crosby added, “He reminded me that where you come from doesn’t have to determine your future. Find what helps keep you motivated when times are hard.”
Martin noted that his priorities shifted about six years ago when someone he loved experienced depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The crisis made him recognize how wealth and access can determine whether someone receives help. He later retired from investing and launched WellWithAll, a health and wellness company that directs 20 percent of its profits toward health equity programs in underserved communities.
Through its “Know Your Numbers, Change Your Life” initiative, the company encourages people to understand key health indicators while also considering the strength of their “circle”—the people they can call during a crisis. Martin and his wife, Kia, also lead the Martin Family Foundation, which works to close gaps in education and health care.
“Taking a small step is sort of the biggest thing,” Martin said, connecting personal health and meaningful relationships to the possibility of a longer, healthier life.
Martin closed with the lesson at the center of both his book and his life. Growth often begins when people move beyond familiar circles and remain open to opportunities and mentors they may never have expected.
“Those barriers stop you from meeting people who can really transform your life,” Martin said. “So, I would just say, take a chance.”
