For people like me, who have blocked out a chunk of their past, you wonder - if you open that door, if you walk into that room of your memories, what will happen? Will it destroy you or will it make you stronger?

I used to build lofts in SoHo back when there was nothing there. I had a stoop on West Broadway between Prince and Spring. My partner and I would sit there, eat dinner, and watch the world go by.

What can I say: I got started on the whole wife-and-kids thing at a young age. I had my kids while I was in utero.

What can I say: I got started on the whole wife-and-kids thing at a young age.

I definitely think if you're born into the industry, you get easier access, but that's about it. I have never denied that, but after that, only talent and hard work sustains you.

There were so many points where I was like, 'I can't do this.' It was too exhausting. It's just a lot, and then suddenly something happens, and your career changes, and it's so much fun and wonderful. I look back on those moments, and I'm so glad I didn't give up.

I met my wife, I had no money, I had nothing, and I started my family without really, my career was nowhere, but I had these other businesses, I had these things I was doing to be able to afford a small home.

How important is failure - yes, failure - to the health of a thriving, innovative business? So important that Ratan Tata, chairman of India's largest corporation, gives an annual award to the employee who comes up with the best idea that failed.