As a new year begins, many people feel stuck at a crossroads.

Stay safe or take a risk.

Keep the job or build something of your own.

Chase comfort — or responsibility.

In this episode of The Free Lunch, Eddie Ross sits down with Carlos Ross, James Ross, and Gregory Botanes for a deep, honest conversation about what it actually takes to change direction in your 20s.

Carlos shares what it’s like to help launch Krispy Kreme in Spain, stepping into leadership and building a brand from the ground up.

James talks about selling stablecoins across Latin America, moving countries alone, breaking into crypto, and learning sales the hard way.

Gregory explains why he quit the 9–5 to build his own business, the reality of entrepreneurship, and what freedom really costs.

This isn’t a highlight reel.

It’s a grounded discussion about discipline, risk, loneliness, ambition, and responsibility — and why there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

If you’re thinking about changing careers, moving countries, starting a business, or taking your next step more seriously, this episode is for you.

Topics covered:

Launching global brands in new markets

Breaking into crypto and stablecoins in LatAm

Quitting the 9–5 to start a business

Leadership, responsibility, and long-term thinking

The real trade-offs behind “freedom”

Listen in — and decide what kind of year you want to build.