Future Self Podcast | Living a Life That Will Make Your Future Self Proud | Learn How to Podcast

After spending a decade building a thriving real estate firm, Marc Mawhinney watched as the market—and his business—collapsed around him. In this pivotal moment, Marc made the decision to dust himself off and keep moving forward, going on to launch Natural Born Coaches and establishing himself as one of the premier business coaches in his niche. Key moments from this episode: 9:26 Finding his way into coaching after 10 years in real estate 16:20 The danger of becoming dependent on personal development content 21:15 How online coaches can find the line between providing free content and making money 24:15 Returning to print newsletters 26:35 The decision to add podcasting to his business *** Connect with Marc Mawhinney at TheCoachingJungle.com, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and NaturalBornCoaches.com. Resources Mentioned: 10 Clients in 90 Days Coaching  Program The Coaching Jungle Facebook Group Natural Born Coaches Podcast The Marc Mawhinney Show The 4-Hour Work Week The E-Myth Revisited The War of Art You can listen to this episode above or on iTunes. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.

This week I had North Carolina State Senator Jeff Jackson in the studio and it was a lights-out episode! It’s easy to get discouraged in the current political climate, but Senator Jackson’s optimism and positive vision for the future are infectious. In a little over an hour, we covered the issues you care about and hammered out a plan to save the world!  Key moments from this episode: 5:04 — How gerrymandering came to be a key issue for him 8:08 — On ending gerrymandering via constitutional amendment 9:24 — Bringing accountability to the process by lowering the barrier between the voters and the politicians 16:06 — Choosing to approach every interaction with constituents as a learning experience 23:56 — Battling disinformation 30:10 — The unpredictable rise of Donald Trump 41:35 — The influence of gerrymandering on national politics 45:17 — Going viral on a #SnowDay 57:00 — Changing the world by investing heavily in early childhood education 1:12:26 — Where he sees his future in politics *** Connect with Jeff Jackson on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, www.jeffjacksonnc.com, and the North Carolina General Assembly. Resources Mentioned: Viral Buzzfeed Snowday Article Charlotte Observer Snowday Article Compilation of Snowday Tweets Antifragile - Nassim Nicholas Taleb The Secret - Rhonda Byrne *** You can listen to this episode above or on iTunes. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.

I met Jamie at a Meetup in November 2015. He was a corporate lawyer-turned-restauranteur who was fresh off a Costa Rican sabbatical with his family and I had recently made the decision to quit practicing law and do...well, something else. While I wasn't sure what I was going to do just yet, my wife and I knew we wanted to do something that would eventually allow us to be location independent and we had recently put Costa Rica on our shortlist of potential countries for a first move. I took this chance lunchtime encounter as a not-so-subtle hint from the Universe that I was on the right track. Today, you can find Jamie commuting to Pittsburgh as the Vice President and General Counsel of Montauk Energy, a renewable energy company that converts methane gas from landfills into renewable energy. A supporter of the podcast since day one, I'm delighted to finally have Jamie on the show. Enjoy! Key moments from this episode: 8:07 — Where his entrepreneurial mindset was forged 21:00 — How pro bono work led him to quit his corporate law job and open an Ethiopian restaurant 35:32 — How he made the decision to stop being a lawyer and take a different path 38:47 — Making lifestyle compromises to bring his vision to life 42:30 — Selling the restaurant and taking a family sabbatical in Costa Rica 52:50 — Finding his way back into the corporate world *** Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and FindYourCostaRica.com You can listen to this episode above or on iTunes. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. Resources Mentioned: The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg  The Shadow Lounge (Sadly Closed) As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.

Farmers First Coffee is a socially conscious coffee startup that’s putting the focus on the farmers that are actually growing the coffee. Every bag of Farmers First comes with the name and image of the farmer who produced the coffee inside. The bag Matt graciously brought for me was grown by Rosa, a Peruvian widow that has been producing coffee for 30 years. Matt brewed me a delightful cup of Rosa’s coffee right in the studio, so I’ll apologize in advance if you hear us slurping a bit. Want a deal on some of this great coffee?! Go to FarmersFirstCoffee.com and use code FUTURESELF to get 10% off your first order. Key moments from this episode: 05:42 — Overcoming the fear and uncertainty of starting a business and dating in a country where he didn’t know the language 08:11 — The importance of finding a vocation, something that inspires you 13:37 — The origin story of Farmers First Coffee 20:51 — Why they chose to form a socially conscious startup over a non-profit 23:35 — How they launched a massively successful Kickstarter campaign 30:02 — Facing and overcoming fear in the early days of the business 42:37 — How his personal health struggles influenced his career trajectory 48:27 — How they connect coffee drinkers with the coffee farmers *** You can listen to this episode above or on iTunes. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. Resources Mentioned: Start With Why - Simon Sinek Bold - Peter Diamandis Hector and the Search For Happiness CLIP Brené Brown Ted Talk

This week I was in the studio with newly-minted City Council members and Charlotte's newest podcasting duo, Tariq Bokhari and Larken Egleston. Tariq and Larken recently launched their blockbuster political podcast R&D in the QC. Recorded immediately after their Monday night City Council meetings, Tariq and Larken provide their constituents with a unique opportunity to dive into the major topics from the meeting and hear straight-forward perspectives from both sides of the aisle. You can find R&D in the QC on iTunes and Facebook. Connect with Larken on Twitter, LinkedIn, and the Charlotte City Council. Connect with Tariq on Twitter, LinkedIn, and the Charlotte City Council. You can listen to this episode above, on iTunes, or watch the Facebook Live stream. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Resources Mentioned: Carolina Fintech Hub Podcast Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.

Dimitri Apostle is the owner of the Charlotte Brightway Insurance Agency and one of the most ruthlessly efficient people I know. In this episode, he shares his secrets for achieving super productivity in your business and life. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! You can connect with Dimitri on LinkedIn and at www.brightway.com/agencies/NC/Charlotte/101. Resources Mentioned: Evernote Slack MindNode Books Mentioned: Rich Dad, Poor Dad  Mindset Mastery Cheers!  Rob

A few shorts years ago, Adam Carluccio was a public school Special Education Teacher without a concrete plan for his life. Today, he holds the distinction of highest rated wedding DJ on The Knot, Gigmasters, and WeddingWire.com. In this episode, we dig into the powerful and often hilarious story of finding success through sheer force of will. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! My appearance on Adam's podcast, Lucdogg in the Morning You can find Adam on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, www.litmradio.com, or reach out directly at: https://ttrevents.com/book-me/ Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. Resources Mentioned: 1,000 True Fans The Secret

The first time I met Kevin we had scheduled a brief meeting just to get to know each other. Two hours later I knew I had to have him on the show. From a successful financial planning practice in New York to sleeping on a friend's Couch in Hollywood then back into finance in Shanghai, Kevin has taken a wildly unique path to arrive where he is today. You're going to enjoy this one. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! You can find Kevin on LinkedIn, www.intuitivecompensation.com, or reach out directly at: kmonaghan@financialguide.com Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. Podcasts Mentioned: Grant Baldwin - The Speaker Lab Books Mentioned: Rich Dad, Poor Dad How to Win Friends and Influence People The 4-Hour Workweek

This week I had the talented Tessa Machen in the studio. Tessa is an artist, blogger, model, actress, and brand builder. This was Tessa's first time on the mic, but I have a sneaking suspicion it won't be her last. Enjoy! My favorite moment: On creating a unique brand by being true to yourself: Be inspired by people, but make sure to stay in your own lane and try to stay as true to yourself as you can. That will help you to create amazing content, and then it's actually so fulfilling that you're doing what's true to yourself. Check out some of Tessa's inspired artwork HERE. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! You can find Tessa on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and at www.tessamachen.com You can reach out to the Tessa HERE. Books Mentioned: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The One Thing by Gary Keller Podcasts Mentioned: Julie Solomon - The Influencer Podcast John Lee Dumas - Entrepreneur on Fire Lauryn Evarts - The Skinny Confidential Gary Vaynerchuk - The GaryVee Audio Experience Jenna Kutcher - The Goal Digger Podcast

This week I had the pleasure of spending some time on the mic with my friend Ken Brokaw. Ken is an author, entrepreneur, and the founder of Leveling Up Your Life. A few of my favorite moments: Creating a profitable side hustle before quitting your job: Use that fear as motivation. If you're in a current job...I would keep that job and make sure you build up the side hustle accordingly. Build the systems and processes in place to be able to replace that side job. Don't cut off your main stream of income. Know that you hate the job. And once you know you hate the job, then you have more motivation to build that side hustle to replace that income.  Budgeting to quit your job: Map out all of your, what I call, "bare essentials." How much is your rent or mortgage? How much do you pay in utilities? Know exactly what you spend per week, even down to the bottle of wine. So, if you're gonna spend $40 a week on wine, know that. Write it down. Accept that that's what you spend on wine. And, know that once you add up all of those, that's what you need in order to quit your job and go all in. Using his job to get a better job: [My boss] was in a position where I wanted to be in the future. So, I notated everything he did. What was his morning routine? What did he do during the day? How did he treat his family? How did he get to where he is today? I would notate everything And, so when we would bring food to his meetings, I would notate who was in the meetings, what businesses, and so forth.  Ken's Book Leveling Up Your Life comes out in just a few days, but you can grab your advance digital copy HERE. Ready to Level Up now? Learn about Ken's course offerings HERE.  You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! You can find Ken on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and at LevelingUpYourLife.com You can reach out to the Ken HERE. Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. Books mentioned in this episode: The E-Myth Revisited Essentialism

This week I had the pleasure of spending some time on the mic with my friend Matt Andersen. Matt is a CPA and the founder of MD Andersen CPA, a public accounting firm in South Charlotte that prides itself on empowering entrepreneurs with nerdy CPA skills. We covered some serious ground in this episode and Matt destroyed the stereotype of the boring bean counter. Yet another killer episode that I know you're going to find immense value in. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! You can find Matt on Facebook, LinkedIn, and at www.mdandersencpa.com You can reach out to the Matt HERE. Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. Rich Dad, Poor Dad Mindset The Firm of the Future Traction Crush It

This week I got on the mic with Kevin Giriunas, the founder of Advent Coworking in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte. I didn’t plan it this way, but this interview couldn’t have been a more perfect follow up to the episode with Court Creeden. Kevin spent the bulk of his life chasing a version of success that wasn’t his own, earning a Master’s Degree in structural engineering and working as an IT project manager for four years. On paper, Kevin was living the life of his dreams. But, like so many others, he wasn’t fulfilled. Instead of sticking it out and hoping for the best, Kevin decided to walk away from the career he built to do something that mattered to him. Kevin and his team have created an empowering community by blending art, technology, creativity, and positive energy to change the world for the better. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That’s how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! Learn more about Advent Podcast University

This week I had a candid conversation with Court Creeden, the founder of Parent Financial and the author of the hot new personal development book, Blue Goat. I like to dig deep into the story with people and Court didn’t hesitate to go there with me. Do you feel like there’s more to life? Do you feel like you’re destined to do more than just live for the weekends? Are you ready to make a difference by living your truth? If any of this applies to you, then Court Creeden is the Red Pill that’s going to wake you up. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! A few of my favorite moments: On sideline critics: In the book, I actually call them the  'couch cowards.' They're the people that are sitting on the sidelines that, no matter what, they're going to find fault with something because all too often they're the ones who aren't happy themselves. So, they're constantly looking for other things going on in the world around them. They never want to look in the mirror they only want to look at the screen. On living your truth: And we're worried about what people are going to think or assume or judge about us because of who we are and what we do. And, if we can say "I don't care at all about how other people think about me, as long as I'm making decisions that are honest, genuine, and because they're in line with the life I want to live, that's living your truth." On appreciating what we have: They have it all. They've got the house, they've got the car, they've got the job. They have all the clothes. They have a refrigerator full of food. They have everything you could ever possibly need or want, and yet they're still thinking and worrying and concerned and consumed with what they still don't have. And, we go through life year after year after year after year always worrying about what we don't have, and never actually enjoying what we have.. On living every day like it's your last: If I die today, am I doing exactly what I want? And, I truly...I mean it when I say it, if I die today, I'll be the happiest guy you ever met. Because I live every day to make sure that whenever my last day comes I'm exactly where I want to be. And, if I'm not in that place today, then I'm going to change everything. On the magic of being yourself: That's the magic of being yourself and not being afraid to step out of the herd and being that Blue Goat and saying "no, I'm going to create, I'm going to do, I'm going to be myself. I'm going to be unedited. I'm going to go share whatever it is I've been given that are my gifts, and I'm going to put them out there in the world. And, if we all do that, I think there's going to be so much more creativity, there's going to be so much more beauty, there's going to be so much more love, so much more energy, than us all doing stuff we hate, things we don't like, and dealing with the crap of a life that we're just stuck living. If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten: We're constantly just doing the same things, day after day after day, and yet we're expecting something different or great or amazing to happen. It just doesn't work out that way. You can find Court Creeden on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, www.bluegoatlife.com & www.parent-financial.com You can reach out to Court Creeden HERE. Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.         

David Herring is an architect, attorney, and one seriously woke dude.  In this episode, we cover some deeply personal topics and often venture into the existential. I feel like we barely scratched the surface, so I look forward to having David back in the studio again soon. One of my favorite moments: On making the difficult decision to walk away from his job without a safety net or a plan rather than continue to be unhappy: "I was constantly anxious, stressed out, unhappy. And, I just kind of had this awakening-if you want to call it that-where I said to myself 'I'm not doing this anymore.' If it means I have to live in a box on the street to be happy, I'm willing to do that, because being happy and content in life is worth more than anything." You can find David Herring on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and www.davidherringlaw.com You can reach out to David Herring HERE. Liked what you heard? Consider sharing this episode with a friend. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. 

William Wilson is the founder of Charlotte-based William Wilson Clothing, a private men’s custom clothing company. Before he was designing custom clothing, William was in the construction business. Today, William specializes in high profile clients, and his client list includes professional athletes, celebrities, CEOs, and business executives. William Wilson Clothing only accepts three new clients per month and routinely has a waiting list. In addition to being a nationally respected clothier, he is also a leading authority on the impact of image and personal branding in corporate America and the world of entrepreneurship. You can find William Wilson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and www.williamwilsonclothing.com Liked what you heard? Book your appointment with William Wilson HERE. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. 

Escape rooms are gaining in popularity throughout the world and Exit Strategy is leading the charge in innovative and exciting escape room experiences in Charlotte.  Last week, me and two friends visited Exit Strategy and played their newest room, Ruins. In this episode, I chat with Exit Strategy General Manager Rob Staton about our experience escaping the room and Rob gives us the scoop on the history of escape rooms and what other unique experiences Exit Strategy has to offer.  You can find Exit Strategy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and www.exitstrategyus.com Book your own escape room experience HERE. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. 

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Simply put, if you want success you have to step outside your comfort zone and ruthlessly pursue it. You have to constantly position yourself to be in the right place to seize opportunities when they appear. In the first five minutes of this episode, it's clear Mike Simmons has taken these lessons to heart. Mike is the founder, CEO, and driving force behind the marketing and business development firm WIMS, Inc., a consulting firm focused on helping entrepreneurs develop strategies to bring their passions to life. If you're struggling to make the hard decisions, today and every day, to get from where you are to where you want to be, then you need to listen to this episode now. Not only is Mike's story compelling, it's filled with actionable advice that you can implement in your life today. You can listen to this episode above. After you listen, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it, then head on over to the iTunes Store and Subscribe, Rate, and Review the show. That's how we keep spreading the word and bringing you even more killer content! Cheers! A few of my favorite moments: On the power of showing up: I almost blew it off. It was literally the day before spring break started. I had a midterm that day, and then I was going to Vegas. But, I'm like "suck it up." I pulled an all-nighter to study for my test.  I made it at 8:30am to this interview, a little disheveled, but I pulled it off. I did great...I got the internship...and then I ended up working there full time. I was there for seven years. That one almost monumental mistake, that I would have never even known was a mistake, worked out. On inventing the person he wanted to be: I was more of a shy kid growing up. It took me a while to come out of my shell. When I first started my job and I would go to networking events, I used to have to have one or two drinks to kind of get warmed up, to be social. Now, of course, I can talk to anybody, and certainly don't need the liquid courage like I used to. I PRACTICED. I went to events, as awkward as I felt. I was a twenty-two year old kid going to networking events. I was so out of my element, but I kept showing up. I practiced. I taught myself a lot of this...I invented this guy I am today. On being accountable to yourself: Being an entrepreneur, you have to be accountable. Even if it's just to yourself. Having a boss, sometimes it's easier...you have those 10 things you need to do that day and once you get them done you can go home. I have an infinite list at all times...always. When you're just starting out, it's overwhelming. You learn. On delegating: When I first started my company, for the first two years even, I did everything myself. I did all the web development myself. I did all the social media myself, content creation...I did the CRM programs, the implementation myself...because you can't really delegate unless you know...what a good job looks like. On serving his clients better by recording their meetings: When I do discovery calls with new prospects and clients, I've been recording it and playing them back later. We've been good about being able to capture exactly what this prospects wants, what their problems are, and making sure that we solve them.  You lose a lot, even trying to take free-hand notes. The simple act of hitting record, and I let them know before...but...it's tremendous to make sure that I get back and that I'm solving the problem that they articulated.  Thanks for spending some time with me today! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment and Subscribe to the show and give us a 5-Star rating on the iTunes Store. You can then immediately bask in all that fuzzy warmth knowing that I'm going to see your review and it's going to bring a smile to my face. See you back here next week! You can get in touch with Mike on Twitter @WIMSconsulting , Facebook, LinkedIn, www.wims-consulting.com, www.wimsguide.com, and msimmons@wims-consulting.com.

Finding your niche is about more than just following your passion. While following your passion is all the rage, the truth is, if your passion doesn’t intersect with a viable need people are willing to part with their money for, your passion is going to bankrupt you. For better results, identify an existing problem in the market that pertains to your passion and then solve it. That’s how you can follow your passion to immeasurable wealth – or at least a successful business that gives you freedom and flexibility.  But as anyone who’s ever tried to follow their passion into the marketplace can tell you, it isn’t easy. That’s why I’m going to continue to bring you guests that have turned that dream into a reality. The sooner your passion and your purpose intersect with a revenue stream the happier and more fulfilling your life is going to be.  In this episode, we explore how Attorney Harrison Lord did just that. Harrison is the founder of  [ask LEGAL], a unique legal services boutique that emphasizes value over time. If you’ve ever asked a lawyer what something costs and received something short of a straight answer, you’ll appreciate Harrison’s novel and transparent approach to legal fees.  Please drop me a line and let me know how you liked it. A few of my favorite moments: On his unique approach to billing: I’m a big believer in doing things the way that I would want them done. When you shift how your charge, and you shift things to look at it from the client perspective, I think you have a very different analysis that you go through. On his entrepreneurial path: It’s not so much that I had this itch I needed to scratch…as that I was sort of wandering blindly through life and found a thing that looked interesting and poked at it until it either turns out pretty good or gives me hives. On the benefits of maintaining a friendly relationship with opposing attorneys: If I’m an idiot I’d much rather find that out on the phone. If they have good stuff, I’d much rather know that up front than in court later. His desperate attempts to save Blockbuster Video by writing off late fees: These are people that have the disposable income to come into a Blockbuster on a Friday night, there’s no reason they should be angry why they’re here. The best advice his dad ever gave him: Show up early, stay late, work harder than everybody else there If you enjoyed this episode please take a moment and give us a 5-Star rating on the iTunes Store. You can then bask in all that fuzzy warmth knowing that I’m going to see your review and it’s going to bring a smile to my face. See you back here next week! You can get in touch with Harrison on Twitter @hlord & @AskLEGALNC, Facebook, LinkedIn, and asklegalnc.com. As always, you can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button andgive us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content.   

This week I had the pleasure of spending some time with filmmaker Chung Winner. It was evident after talking for just a few minutes with Chung that he is a man on a mission. We covered topics from winning the day by starting with an ice cold shower to consciously manipulating his mind and body to serve his will. A director and editor by trade, Chung's behind the scenes credits include: Vanity Fair, The Travel Channel, short films, music videos, the #1 television show in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Penn & Teller CW show Fool Us. Today Chung is hard at work on a new documentary series, Stories From Our Time. Each 3-6 minute episode reveals a novel account of human life, a time capsule of sorts, documenting the human experience on the planet today. The stories focus on uniquely lived lives, from a money launderer for the Chinese mafia to a political activist to an elderly couple living in a house built of mosaic tiles. This episode is stacked with compelling and actionable content, and I hope you have as much fun listening as I did recording it. Enjoy! You can get in touch with Chung on Twitter, Instagram, ChungWinner.com, and the IQx Facebook page.  CLICK HERE FOR THE BLOG POST (Apologies to James Franco and the late Marva Collins for blanking on your names!) You can find the Future Self Podcast on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download the episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show please hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. A portion of any purchase made through our affiliate links kicks back to the show to help us keep the lights on and bring you more fresh killer content. 

Jason Mailot is the founder of East Coasters, a company dedicated to making unique and functional products from discarded rubber that was destined for the landfill. Check out the full post at RobertIngalls.com/18-East-Coasters Jason is an old friend and one of the most charismatic people I know, so it was an absolute joy to have him in the studio this week. Jason is the embodiment of achieving success through shear force of will. After leaving college with a degree, a mountain of debt, and no direction, he bounced through jobs, butted heads with bosses, and quickly discovered that he wasn’t built for a lifetime of taking orders. So, with little more than his unbridled tenacity, some maxed out credit cards, and his supportive wife Kaitlyn, Jason flung himself face first into the world of entrepreneurship founding East Coasters in 2014.   From the early wins to the devastating setbacks Jason maintained his trademark determination, always looking for new angles and never afraid to do the hard work himself. Clearly that persistence paid off, as East Coasters has amassed tens of thousands of loyal fans from around the world that allow him to do the job he loves every single day. In this episode we not only dig into what Jason is up to today, we also hear the often hilarious backstory of how it all came together. Enjoy! You can find Jason and East Coasters on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and at EastCoasters.org. Book Recommendation: Rich Dad, Poor Dad   You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download the episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.

Link to the Blog Post The Epipen is back in the news, but for all the wrong reasons. This week, only a few short months since the consumer and congressional outrage over a 500% price increase on Mylan's EpiPen, Pharmaceutical company Kaleo released their answer to the anti-allergy giant in the form of Auvi-Q. Touted as an affordable alternative, the product was originally released in 2013 with a similar price tag to the EpiPen. However, the drug was later recalled due to manufacturing problems. This time Auvi-Q hit the market with a price tag of $4,500.00, seven times the current price of the EpiPen. Kaleo has assured consumers that the high price tag is part of a complex effort to subsidize a program aimed at making the drug affordable for everyone. However, while Kaleo executive Spencer Williamson says he is encouraged by the number of insurance plans that he believes are going to cover Auvi-Q, others in the industry are not so optimistic. Adam Fein, president of Pembroke Consulting and author of drugchannels.net, compared Kaleo to Valeant Pharmaceuticals, which is under investigation by Congress, the Justice Department, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. “Frankly it sounds a lot like a Valeant strategy, where you set a very high list price and you only capture the reimbursement on a very small percentage of prescriptions" Fein said. “Instead of getting a reasonable price for everything, you are going to get nothing from most of the market and a lot from a very small percentage of the market. It’s almost an outdated strategy that seems designed to invite controversy.” (Forbes) The Great & Powerful Woz This is where Blake Anderson and Renco Medical come in. Not only is Renco attacking the pricing structure of epinephrine pens, they're also redesigning the product. While Auvi-Q was the first to include audio instructions, the instructions were built into the disposable pen for a one-time use. Renco, in an effort to reduce consumer costs and waste, is building the instructions into an ergonomic carrying case, allowing for repeated use over the life of the product. And, a crucial element of the redesign effort is focused on making their injectors more intuitive to use, thereby reducing mistakes when seconds count. For the initial round of funding Renco is turning to Indiegogo, launching their first campaign on February 21st. We'll update this post with the details when the campaign goes live. In this episode we discuss not only what Blake is up to today, we also dig into his backstory, philosophy, and habits for success. Coming from a meager background, Blake has been a brilliant example of the success that can be achieved through a hard work and hustle lifestyle. It's clear from listening to him for five minutes that he truly does believe in people over profits, choosing to focus on providing value above all else. Enjoy! You can find Blake and Renco Medical on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and www.rencomedical.com. Content Links Book Recommendation: The World Is Flat You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download the episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store.

(Get a FREE month of Evernote Premium HERE) It's possible to be organized and unproductive, but it's impossible to maximize your productivity without organization. Organizing our thoughts and priorities has likely been around since we first began having thoughts and prioritizing them. For the bulk of those years the primary tools where pen and pad. But, over the last 15 years the public has become increasingly reliant on digital means to organize their personal and professional lives. (I can't fathom how I ever remembered to go anywhere before Google Calendar.) While the first "app stores" popped up in the 90's, Apple brought apps front and center in our life with the launch of the iOS App Store in July 2008. And, with the emergence of cross-platform syncing, apps have created infinite opportunities to maximize our productivity. (Of course, our phones are also double-edged swords, creating limitless productivity-sabotaging distractions. Check out this episode where I lay out a few tips to crush those distractions vibrating from your pocket.) If you've followed me at all you know it's no secret that I have an affinity for all things productivity related. So naturally I was all in on the 24/7 access to my entire workflow that apps provided. And, I simply love playing around with new apps. From discovering innovative ways to streamline my workflow to tinkering with new features and playing games, I love everything about them. The reality is though, once the novelty wears off, the majority of the new shiny apps I can't get enough of today will quickly be relegated to the graveyard that is page 2 of my phone's home screen. They may be fun today, but many just don't do the required heavy lifting every day to keep them around. However, every once in a great while a new app enters my life and I quickly forget how I ever lived without it. Dropbox was one of the first such apps for me. (Remember the nightmare of tearing the house apart desperately searching for the floppy disk your term paper was saved on?) Since then I've become equally attached to a few other handy apps, but over the last year Evernote has emerged as an app I can't live without, and has solidified it's position on page one of my phone's home screen. I first found Evernote in 2009, but it wasn't love at first sight. I had just made the switch to a Macbook and I was looking for an alternative to Microsoft's One Note, which didn't offer a Mac version at the time. I used it for a few weeks but it just didn't stick. I re-visited Evernote again my first year in practice to take notes during continuing education courses, but again, it just didn't stick. Then last summer I heard a mentor mention Evernote as their favorite app, so I decided to give it one more shot. I'm glad I did. I'm not certain if the app got that much better over the years, or if I should attribute it to user error, but Evernote has quickly risen to Dropbox-status in my life. Initially I was just looking to takes notes, and while Evernote does that exceedingly well, it's so much more than a note-taking app. Here are six reasons you'll soon be giving Evernote some of that precious page-one real estate on your phone's home screen: 1. Never Forget While I may not have the eidetic memory of Sheldon Cooper, with Evernote I'm able to recall obscure details in an instant. In the last month I've turned to Evernote for my license plate number, a rarely-used account number, and a business idea I had while exercising. Evernote allows you to store and meticulously catalogue your business life, your personal life, and everything in between. And, the best part is all that information is accessible anywhere you have an internet connection. (Premium users have access to offline storage features as well) 2. Picture It This is one of my favorite uses of Evernote, I use it almost everyday. I take a quick shot of something and Evernote immediately saves it as a note. I use this for documents, post-it notes, business cards, prescriptions, house measurements, products I need to purchase, advertisements I want to remember, and even my license plate. I just snap the photo, apply the proper tag, and now that information is immediately at my fingertips across all my devices. 3. Newsletter Forwarding How often have you panicked at the sight of an inbox full of newsletters and just deleted them all? I'm guilty. I signed up for these newsletters on purpose and I want that information, but I also want a tidy inbox. Evernote solves this problem of competing priorities. Evernote issues you a unique email address and any message sent to that address automatically becomes a note. Now, just go through the newsletters you really care about and reroute them to your new Evernote email address. You can also train Evernote's Smart Filing feature to drop the newsletters into the proper notebook. The cherry on top? If you ever start receiving spam to your Evernote email address you can generate a brand new address with the click of a button. (Bonus: use Unroll.Me to unsubscribe from newsletters in bulk. This app will change your life.) 4. Business Cards No more rubber-banded stacks of business cards clogging up your drawers and your life. Evernote makes saving business cards and contact information a cinch. Simply press the button to take a photo in Evernote and hold the camera over the business card. Evernote will automatically take the photo, recognize it as a business card, edit the edges, and import the contact information from the card. A handy feature is the ability to automatically connect with the contact on LinkedIn. You can also make notes about the contact, such as where you meant them or personal details you want to remember. 5. Collaboration Before Evernote I was using a combination of Dropbox and Slack to collaborate on projects with colleagues. Now, Evernote covers it all. Evernote allows you to share notes, notebooks (collection of notes), and stacks (collection of notebooks) with anyone you choose. You can give them as much or as little access and editing ability as you wish, giving everyone on the team instant access to the entire workflow. What puts Evernote over-the-top in the collaboration space is native instant messaging feature ("work chat") that allows users to message individual users, multiples users, or the whole team. 6. Reminders This is one of the most powerful uses of Evernote, but expect a bit of a learning curve to get the hang of the full functionality. You can choose how to receive reminders with in-app notifications, emails, and/or notifications on the app icon. You can also associate reminders with the appropriate note, so there's no extra time spent accessing your work. One of my favorite features is setting reminders by email. Evernote can route the email into the appropriate notebook, title the note, add a reminder, and tags. Simply address a message to your unique Evernote address and add the appropriate language in the subject line. Email Subject: [Title of note] ![optional date for reminder] @[notebook] #[tag] Email Subject: Halloween Party !2016/10/31 @events #parties The best part is Evernote is 100% free forever for the basic features. I'm a full-fledged member of Evernote Nation (my unofficial title) so I have a premium account, but for many people the basic account is all they will ever need. Being the rabid brand evangelists that I am, I'm happy to answer any questions you have in the comments section. Click Here to sign up for Evernote and get a FREE month of Evernote Premium. Content Links You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, andTuneIn. You can also download the episode from the player at the top. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.

This week I sat down with John Azar of MACC Venture Partners, a private equity commercial real estate firm in Gastonia, North Carolina. John has a compelling story and it was a privilege to have him in the studio this week. John was born in Aleppo, Syria, into an upper-middle class family. Despite this, John's father insisted on instilling the value of hard work in his son, getting John his first job as a carpenter's assistant. Then, at sixteen years old, John's life was upended. During a period of civil unrest, John and his family were forced to flee Syria for the United States. John found himself in Charlotte, North Carolina, a place with few familiar faces and a language he didn't speak. Instead of easing his way into his new culture, John took the baptism by fire route. With only a handful of English phrases in his vocabulary, John enrolled in an English-only high school where he went on to graduate. After high school, John obtained a Bachelors Degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as a Masters Degree from Boston University. During his time in Boston, John co-founded and served as Managing Partner of Boston Venture Partners, a private equity consulting and finance firm specializing in real estate development and structured finance. Last year John returned to North Carolina to serve as Executive Vice President of MACC Venture Partners and the Capstone Multifamily Group, where he directs strategic development and growth. You can find John on LinkedIn, Twitter @businessanarchy, as well as the MACC Venture Partners website and Facebook page.   Content Links Devil Take the Hindmost: A History of Financial Speculation Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space Mastery You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, andTuneIn. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.

This week I sat down with one of my favorite chefs and the owner of Charlotte's #1 rated restaurant on YELP, Vic "The Chili Man" Werany. He's a man that marches to the beat of his own drum, consistently finds the funny in every situation, and is truly one of my all-around favorite humans. You may recognize him from his viral Panthers playoff videos, his cameos in Super Bowl commercials, and the Johnny Knoxville movie Bad Grandpa, but his legendary culinary creations are what he's truly famous for. Crafting such delicious gems as the Bleu by You Dog (smoked bleu cheese, spicy bacon, creole aioli, and green onions), If Looks Could Kale (kale pesto, arugula, spinach, with a Parmesan cheese crisp), and Poblano Picasso (homemade pimento cheese, roasted poblano pepper strips, chili, and pepper aioli.) And, in a tip of the cap to vegetarians, you can find vegan chili dogs on Wednesdays. The favorite dog of Panthers MVP Quarterback and regular customer Cam Newton.  I've stood in line for years listening to Vic pontificate on everything from Panther's football to lingerie, so when I started the podcast he was on my early list of people I wanted to talk to. And, I have to tell you, he did not disappoint.  Vic is a born storyteller, and in this episode he dishes on arresting Ric Flair the very same day his signature "Chili Man" monicker was born, playing alongside Johnny Knoxville on the big screen, and his #1 secret to success. (We found the Ric Flair video! You can watch it in all of its splendor on the blog.) You can find him on Facebook for catering and you can find him on the streets for lunch Tuesday-Friday at 4th and Tryon. Read the whole post at robertingalls.com

This week I sat down with Charlotte's own Annemarie Pantazis. This interview is particulary special to me, not only because Annemarie has been a great friend and mentor to me, but because she is the perfect example of someone that made the difficult decisions everyday to put their future self first. Long before she was an acclaimed workers' compensation attorney, at the tender age of seventeen she was cutting her teeth in a small law firm in her hometown. It was then that she decided that she was going to own her own law firm. Although she encountered hardships and failures along the way, she never lost sight of that goal. Not only did she make good on that promise to herself, she's compiled a laundry list of impressive accolades along the way including: Captaining the rugby team at Willian & Mary, published Editorial Staff member of the Wake Forest University Law Review, Charlotte Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40, lecturing nationally on the Affordable Care Act, as well as authoring numerous publications including the aptly named Amazon Best Seller Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Influential Women in Business. (Annemarie is giving away five copies this week, listen to the episode for details.) Outside her day job as one of the premier workers' compensation attorneys in the state, Annemarie is a treasure to the Charlotte community, regularly mentoring young professionals, sponsoring community events, and being a great cheerleader for the city of Charlotte. Some of my favorite highlights of the episode include: The biggest challenge to achieving your goals is patience. Networking provides a social safety net when life gets tough. You have to work in your business and on your business. In business, sometimes you have to spend money on mission critical items. Instead of getting the mindset that every dollar I spend is a dollar spent, you have to think that every dollar I spend is an opportunity to make two dollars. And, if someone will loan me that dollar, and then I can pay back that dollar and keep the other one, than that's a good use of money. Do not fear money, use it as a tool. Don't limit yourself to one type of mentor or one person. Read all the time. Advice on life and motherhood from Kim Cattrall. This interview was a lot of fun for me, and it's one of the most value packed episodes I've ever recorded. I'll see you back here next week where we'll be getting the skinny from Yelp's highest-rated food service in Charlotte, and one of the most genuine and funny people you'll ever meet, Vic "The Chili Man" Werany. Content Links As promised, links to the content discussed in the episode: THIS WEEK the Udemy course catalogue is only $15. This deal expires October 12th @ 9am: Udemy $15 Sitewide Promo Code: OCT1UDEMY15 You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, andTuneIn. You can also download this episode HERE. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE. Books Rich Dad, Poor Dad The World is Flat Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Influential Women in Business

Behind every successful businessperson or entrepreneur you're all but guaranteed to find a laundry list of high-value mentors that supported them on their journey. By now it's common knowledge that mentors are one of the fundamental building blocks of success, so why aren't we making the acquisition of mentors a priority? This week we’re going to break down my step-by-step strategies for discovering, developing, and retaining high-value mentors. (Because acquiring mentors and networking require a similar skill set, check out episode #9 Ten Things Networking Ninjas Know.)   Mentors are important because they offer a unique perspective gained only through experience. They've been there, they've seen it, and they know what it takes to win. Now they are tasked with passing those skills on to you. Good mentors are similar to parents, once you're under their wing it becomes their personal mission to help you succeed. And, when you succeed they feel like they have succeeded.   Of the young professionals I frequently talk to, one of the key obstacles I observe between them and success is the lack of a quality mentor. You can learn all of the right things, do all of the hard work, but, sometimes, if you don't know the right people, you're going to have trouble getting off the ground. The problem is, when you're just beginning to grow your network, finding high-value mentors can be challenging. That's why I broke down my proven methods for acquiring mentors. And, if you commit to following these strategies, I guarantee you will be courting your first high-value mentors in no time. Study Potential Mentors. When meeting a potential mentor, know more about them than they know about themselves. Have they written a book? Read it. Given recorded speeches? Watch them. You need to educate yourself on whatever it is your mentor has been up to. This has multiple benefits, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the person, you'll have a better idea if they are likely to be a good fit, and they will appreciate your sincere interest in them. Choose Your Mentors Wisely. Not every successful person should be your mentor. Mentors are like any personal relationship, not everyone is suited for each other. The first step in choosing a mentor is identifying people that are living the life you want to live. Articulate Why You Chose Them. Don't blindly chase "successful" mentors. Mentors should be able understand why it is you decided to seek them out. What is it about them that you find unique and enviable? What do you hope to gain from the relationship? (Hint: none of your answers should be "because you make a lot of money.") Be Visible. If you want high-value mentors it helps to be in their line of sight. However, getting in the room with high-value mentors can be trickier than it sounds. This is where your personal network comes in handy (your network truly is your net worth.) The larger your network the more likely it is someone can introduce you to a potential mentor. You can learn my secrets to networking success here. Now, if you're the kind of person that is sitting and waiting for a high-value mentor to find you, I recommend investing your savings in the lottery as well. Both are equally viable paths to success. Lead with Value. Just like networking, it's important to always be thinking "how can I provide value to my mentor?" Learning about them, what they do, and their accomplishments is one form of value. Your network is another valuable resource you can provide a mentor. The larger your circle the more likely it is you’ll be able to connect them with a valuable contact when the need arises. Do Something, Do Anything. The last thing a mentor wants to hear is that you're "thinking about" doing something, or you "have a great idea" but you're "waiting for the right time." If you want to establish credibility you need to be doing something now. Even if it's engaging in the small steps, you need to be actively working on something, making something happen.  Target Alumni. These are some of the easiest mentors to court. Alumni come with no-assembly-required personal bonds. You took classes in the same buildings, walked the same streets, cheered for the same team. Use this to your advantage. "I can't believe they closed Boli's Pizza, that was our late night spot!," or "Did you see the quarterback that just committed? Next year is our year!" Best of all, these contacts are the most likely to return your calls and find time in their schedule for you. I've gotten face time with high-value mentors with a simple phone call, "Hi, Mr. Swanson. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I'm a fellow ECU graduate just starting out and I was hoping I could get 15 minutes to pick your brain?" A week later I'm having coffee and getting career advice from someone with 40 years of experience in my field. Alumni love helping younger graduates, it gives them an opportunity to get nostalgic over the old days while directly contributing to the success of the school's next generation. Only Ask for Time. It's your first date, so think twice before pitching them on your big idea or asking for a job. Your job in that moment is to a) listen, and b) ask thoughtful questions that show you're serious and that you've done your homework. As the relationship develops it's likely they'll know what you need, and you won't even have to ask.  Respect Their Time. If they were kind enough to put you on their schedule, make sure you don't waste their time. So, be prepared and don't overstay your welcome. When the time you've asked for has expired, politely say something like "It's been 20 minutes already, I don't want to take up your entire day." If they insist you stay longer, stay longer. However, it's vitally important not to linger. Some people may be too polite to push you out the door, so look for subtle clues: checking their watch, checking their phone, diverting their attention to something else. If you pick up on any of these it's important not to let their discomfort escalate, so try something like: "I know how busy you are, so I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. I found your insight extremely valuable." Trust me, they will appreciate you giving them the out without forcing them to ask for it. If this first meeting goes well and you feel good chemistry, it may be appropriate at this point to ask for the mentor relationship directly. However, if you're unsure about the direct approach, at least make a plan to follow up with them. Offer to Pay. High-value mentors get solicited for advice regularly, so one great way to stand out is to offer to pay the check when getting coffee or lunch. You're likely to encounter a refusal, but the gesture will not go unnoticed. After the third such meeting, I recommend picking up the check before your mentor has an opportunity. Sure, the mentor may be far more financially secure than you, but it's the gesture that counts. It's your way of showing you're serious and that you value the relationship. Again, this won't go unnoticed.  Don't Expect an Instant Return. Like networking, acquiring mentors is a long game. This isn't about getting $1,000 tomorrow, this is about getting a rolodex of priceless friends for life. Friends don't send you ONE good referral. Friends invite you into their circles, friends offer you executive positions in their companies, friends pick you up from jail. If you make friends first, the fortune will sort itself out. Of all the benefits mentors bring to the table, arguably the most important is helping you identify the things you don't know. By using their roadmap you'll be able to cut down on avoidable mistakes and wasted time reinventing the wheel. If anything, the benefits of a good mentor are understated, because it can be difficult to quantify just how much time and heartache was avoided with one piece of sage advice.   Remember, it's not going to fall in your lap. You're not going to stumble in to a networking event and walk away with a million-dollar contact overnight. You may meet a million dollar contact, but that contact is worthless if you don't put in the effort to grow that relationship. If you want good mentors you're going to have to do the work to get them. You have to bring value and consistently build and nurture the relationships. Content Links As promised, links to the content discussed in the episode: Khan Academy, iTunes University, Code Academy, and Udemy. THIS WEEK ONLY the Udemy course catalogue is only $19. This deal expires October 5th @ 9am: Sitewide10f4-October-19dollars Promo Code: OCTUDEMY19 You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode HERE. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.  

Hi, Future Self Friends! Thanks for following us to our new home here at RobertIngalls.com! We're still working hard behind the scenes to create the best website experience possible for you, so expect some significant functional and aesthetic updates in the coming weeks. However, none of that is going to stop us from pumping out fresh and valuable episodes of the Future Self Podcast every Friday. I had planned on discussing mentorship this week, but this post felt more appropriate on the official launch day of the new website. So, instead we'll be back here next Friday with the blueprint for acquiring high-value mentors. On August 29, 2016, my friend and former intern, Joshua Lee, received his letter informing him that he had passed the North Carolina Bar Examination. Celebrating with him that day led me to reflect on the day I received that same letter, exactly five years to the day earlier. I came home that evening and felt compelled to pen the following letter to myself. The goal of the Future Self Podcast is to encourage a daily lifestyle that our future selves will thank us for, so writing this letter as my future self has been on my to-do list since the day the podcast launched. However, until that day, I hadn't been able to find the proper words. For reasons that will become apparent in a moment, I thought it best to wait a few weeks before releasing the letter. Thanks for spending some time with me this week and I'll see you back here next Friday. Hey buddy, If my calculations are correct, you'll be getting this letter on Monday, August 29, 2011, the day you found out you passed the North Carolina Bar Exam. Congrats, my man! It's been easy to romanticize Bar study as the years have gone by, but you totally embraced the grind every single day, and you earned every bit of it. You worked harder for this than you have for anything in your life, and this experience is going to set the stage for how you mentally approach difficult situations for the rest of your life. Not to immediately derail the joy train, but it ain't all flowers and sunshine from here. She's leaving soon. She hasn't told you yet, but you have less than a month. You know it needs to happen but that's not going to make it any less painful. It's still going to feel tragic, but, as far as breakups go, it's not going to be protracted or unnecessarily complicated. I would advise you to skip the month of wallowing in self pity, but since you're going to do it anyway, at least go easy on the alcohol and fried food--every pound that goes on has to come back off. Seriously though, hang in there, my man, beautiful things are just around the corner. This is going to be your moment, your time to explore the depths of your consciousness and embrace your true self. Poignant moments are in store, moments that are going to alter the course of your life. Be mindfully present in those moments, they happen fast. You're going to start taking yourself and your personal development seriously, and people are going to notice. Some people won't like it. Stay the course, resistance is part of transformation. You're going to date a few girls, a couple nice ones even, but they won't last long. You have a renewed sense of purpose and you don't have time to dawdle on the wrong relationships anymore. "You'll know when you know." Shittiest, trite love advice ever, amiright? Well, I've got news. In 156 days, on a chilly Wednesday night in February, you're going to walk into one of your favorite bars and see a woman you've never seen before, and you're gonna know. Right now as I’m writing this she's in your living room packing. No, no, no...not that again ;) Your first place together is a cozy little rental, but after three years you're starting to outgrow it. So, next month you're closing on your new home together. Right now she's packing pictures. Pictures from your trip to Fenway Park your first summer together (Yankees won!), pictures from the weekend she took you to Charleston for your Birthday (oyster shooters!), pictures from your Brooklyn adventure eating pizza and seeing the Avett Brothers (I know!!)...pictures of the day you got married. [gallery columns="4" ids="214,207,206,228"] At the risk of spoiling too much, here's the most recent picture of you two... [caption id="attachment_190" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Congratulations! You're having a...Millennium Falcon?[/caption] Life has been good to you, my man. But, before I leave you there's something important you need to understand, if you just sit on your hands and wait none of this is going to happen. You have to do the heavy lifting or this will never be your life. This woman will never marry you. This life belongs to a better man, a better you. The kind of man worthy of such a woman. You’ve got exactly 3,744 hours. It's all going to be worth it. Do work. For some added motivation, a few high points you have to look forward to: [caption id="attachment_201" align="alignright" width="300"] If 7th grade us only knew...[/caption] You’re married to her → You play guitar now, You have a podcast, You're well on your way to speaking a second language, You've conducted jury trials (a long way for a kid that was too petrified to give a book report in 4th grade!), You have an adorable pit-mix named Liberty. She's not so bright, but she's incredibly sweet, You're gonna be a dad, You've never been happier. Sincerely, Your Biggest Fan P.S. - The cargo shorts and ironic t-shirts have to go. Yeah, I hear you, you're totally hip and super unique and all that. They gotta go. So, try to really enjoy your post-Bar Exam vacation, because you're gonna need to get a job asap, you have an entire wardrobe to purchase. [caption id="attachment_232" align="aligncenter" width="665"] Why yes, Babies Я Us, I think we will.[/caption] Content Links As promised, links to the content discussed in the episode: Khan Academy, iTunes University, Code Academy, Udemy (or use code CHANGEUP15 at checkout) You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, andTuneIn. You can also download this episode HERE. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.

It was a short week and it’s going to be a short episode. We do have a big announcement this week though! Beginning next Friday, September 16, 2016, the Future Self Podcast will be permanently relocating to a new home. Initially my goal for this show was to create a resource for clients to find clear and concise answers to their estate planning questions. But, I also wanted to create an equally valuable resource that addressed the very real day-to-day concerns of my average client; a resource where clients could find advice on implementing positive habits and decision-making strategies, and a place for straight-forward tips they could implement in their life immediately to start seeing results. What I didn’t anticipate was the overwhelming response I was going to get from clients and new listeners. The bulk of the questions and feedback I received focused on goal-setting and developing strategies to take control of their lives. As that happened the podcast began to shift from it's primary focus of estate planning. My primary goal for this website is to provide only the highest quality, relevant content for my estate planning clients. That's why it makes sense now to move the podcast to it's own space where it can grow and take on a life of it's own. On next week's episode we’re going to be discussing acquiring high-value mentors, and I'll be giving you my step-by-step blueprint for getting and keeping these high-value mentors. So, whether you’re having trouble making the connections you need to take yourself to the next level or you’re just looking to tighten up your game, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.   

It's no secret that having a large social group, or network, is a valuable resource. So, why are so few people actively engaged in building their network?  In this post I'm going to answer that question and give you strategies to start expanding your own network today. Can you answer YES to any of these questions? Do you think networking feels sleazy or artificial? Do you get nervous and overwhelmed when you don’t know anyone in the room? Do you find yourself not knowing what to say to new people at a networking event? Do you find excuses to avoid networking events? You're not alone. Perhaps the most pervasive stigma networking faces is the perception that it's all about getting something in return. Far from it. It's about getting out and making friends. Good networkers understand that the goal of networking is to develop personal relationships with people you genuinely connect with. It's just a happy bonus that our friends are more comfortable recommending us for jobs or referring clients our way.  As for that anxiety? Even the most adept networkers can get a touch of nerves staring at a room full of strangers. They succeed because they consciously develop strategies to overcome it. A colleague of mine was late for a networking breakfast this week. When he arrived everyone was already sitting and all eyes turned to him. A seasoned networker, instead of stammering in embarrassment, he made a quick joke that broke any tension while he grabbed his seat. I know him well, he doesn’t have some innate natural charm. He nailed it because he’s done it a thousand times before. Networking, like all skills, takes disciplined practice. I know the idea of networking can be scary, but I also know how vitally important it is to your career. Start implementing these strategies today and soon you'll be crushing that anxiety and making valuable connections. Link to the full post HERE Content Links As promised, links to the content discussed in the episode: Khan Academy, iTunes University, Code Academy, Udemy  You can find me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.

This week I sat down with the most recognizable face (and beard) in the Charlotte startup scene, Mr. Jeff Brokaw. When he isn't mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, Jeff is an Associate with the Venture Capital firm SierraMaya360, an early stage startup investment firm, as well as the director of the Charlotte Chapter of Startup Grind, a global startup community powered by Google for Entrepreneurs.  You may have seen him at events, and perhaps heard his story, but in this episode we get under the hood and find out what makes him tick. Jeff dishes on everything from launching his first web hosting company at age 14, to his day-to-day routine in the venture capital world. He also hits on some of his lesser-known pre-teen business ventures (Jeff's Shiny Shoes!), and what you should, and more importantly, shouldn't, be saying when you're pitching to an investor. Jeff's also lays down his blueprint for courting high-value mentors in any field.  As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. As promised, links to the content discussed in the episode: The life of Elon Musk Infographic Khan Academy, iTunes University, Code Academy, Udemy Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE.  The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message. Zero to One, The Power of Habit, Extreme Ownership, Start With Why, Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future  

When I speak with a client that has never had an estate plan put in place I will usually ask them if there was any specific reason that caused them to put the decision off. Frequently the answer to that question is something along the lines of "some months I struggle just to pay the bills, I don't feel like a will is a priority." And, often, I would agree. Putting food on the table and a roof over your head should come before anything else. That's why I don't limit my practice to counseling client's about estate planning. I like to engage with my clients on a personal level, because a client's values and beliefs are every bit as important as their assets when it comes to planning for the future.  That's one of the reasons I started this podcast and blog. I wanted to create a resource for clients to find answers to their estate planning questions, but I also wanted to create an equally valuable resources that addressed the very real day-to-day concerns of my average client. A resource where clients could find advice on implementing positive habits and decision-making strategies; a place for straight-forward tips they could implement in their life immediately to start seeing results.  In this week's episode I take aim at the one person responsible for every single one of your problems...You. Now, don't get the pitchforks out just yet, I'm just as guilty as you are. This week I discuss how owning your victories AND your failures is the path to success. To Be the Man, You Gotta Beat the Man  These words, from Charlotte's own Ric Flair, have resonated with me for years. It's such a profoundly simple way of measuring success. If you want what someone else has you have to better than they are. Simple as that. Now that I have a few years under me, "the man" I'm trying to best is no longer the man across the ring/conference table, but the man in the mirror. One of my daily goals is to ensure that the man I see in the mirror tomorrow is more accomplished than the man I see today. In my one-on-one coaching sessions, most people I speak with genuinely want to transform their lives, they want more from life than they're getting. However, I've noticed a self-defeating pattern emerge as well: blame. Blaming life circumstances, blaming lazy co-workers, bad bosses, a down economy. Blame, blame, blame. Blame is something I'm intimately familiar  with. I've spent my fair share of time designing narratives that made me feel better about my shortcomings. But, at the end of the day blame gives you temporary satisfaction and gets you nowhere. That's why in this week's episode I attack blame and a few other toxic habits that may be sabotaging your growth. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I did making it. As promised, the links to the educational resources discussed in the episode: Khan Academy, iTunes University, Code Academy, Udemy, Lynda As always, the podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode HERE. And, please, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store. Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE. The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.  Extreme Ownership: How Navy Seals Lead and Win Free One-Month Trial of Kindle Unlimited

 This week's entry is a short one because I'm pumping this post out between waves. Don't sleep on this one, though, this episode is killer. I interview a woman who took control of her life from day one and made the hard decisions everyday to get from where she was to where she wanted to be.  A woman that has never rested on her laurels, looking at every major achievement as just another checkpoint on the road to success. A woman that has been a friend, mentor, and literal parent figure my entire life, my Mother, Mary Lou Woolard. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode because I had a blast putting it together.  Follow this LINK for a free one-month trial of the password manager LastPass.  The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.    Mount Vernon Love Story The Art of Racing in the Rain

This episode is an audio file of the very first recording I made after deciding to start a podcast. It's peppered with stammering, awkward pauses, inconsistent sound quality, and meandering streams of consciousness. But, it was the first step, and I couldn't be more proud of my past self for putting in the time and making the tough decisions. #ProudFutureSelfer However, I do feel obligated to warn you that you're in for a bit of silly rambling, and my mother is totally going to admonish me for swearing so much. But, I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to step one even half as much as I enjoyed taking it. Cheers! - Rob Are you thinking about taking the first step? Are you hesitating? Already moving toward your goals? Wherever you are right now I want to hear about it. Send me a message HERE. As always, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store.  The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.  Mindset, Start With Why, The Power of Habit, Bold, The 4-Hour Workweek, Entreleadership, The Total Money Makeover, Where the Red Fern Grows

This week I sat down with Estate Planning Attorney Nathan Workman to talk about Business Succession Planning, the right and wrong times to start a business, more productivity hacks, and a little life advice from Davy Crockett. The podcast is available for download from the iTunes Store, Google Play, Stitcher Radio, and TuneIn. You can also download this episode HERE. As always, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store.  A study from UC Irvine found "it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task" after being interrupted. It is mentally impossible to stay in the zone when you're attention is constantly interrupted by a Facebook notification, email, or retweet. So, use this simple tactic to take your productivity to the next level. Turn those notifications off, set a schedule for checking email and social media, and find your groove. You'll work faster and accomplish more, leaving you all that extra time to scroll that Instagram feed or search for Pokemon. (Warning: letting go of those comforting distractions can be a challenge, though, so commit to trying it for a week and measuring your success before giving up) Watch tutorial videos for iOS and Android. The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.  Nathan Workman's recommendation: The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

This week I answer listener questions. We discuss how to plan when you have genetic material on ice, tips to create a password succession plan, addressing unauthorized use of a social media account, and common Estate Planning mistakes to watch out for.  As always, if you enjoy the show hit that subscribe button and give us a 5-star rating in the iTunes store.  The following links are for the books discussed during the episode. Every book we discuss and link is a personal recommendation of mine or the current guest. The links found on this page and my webpage are affiliate links, so a portion of any purchase from these links benefits the show. If you dig these books or have a book recommendation of your own please let us know in the comments or shoot us a message.  The Obstacle is the Way: http://amzn.to/29PLkBd A Dog's Purpose: http://amzn.to/2a4WH7w Website: www.robertingalls.com    

A very special episode of the FutureSelf Estate Planning Podcast with guest Robert “Bobby” Sawyer, Estate Planning Attorney with the Law Office of Craig S. Johannesmeyer, PLLC. If you're having trouble setting and executing goals, then this week's episode is for you. In addition to actionable Estate Planning tips, Bobby tells us how he plans his routine every morning, and how you can implement routines in your life to achieve success. Join us today and every Friday for the most up-to-date content and planning strategies to make your future self your biggest fan. The book Bobby discussed is The Generals by Thomas Ricks. You can purchase the book here: http://amzn.to/29H6FIb You can also find more information on the book here: http://www.ingallslawfirm.com/blog/estate-planning-with-bobby-sawyer (The show receives a portion of each purchase made through these affiliate links) Link to the post: http://robertingalls.com/2-estate-plannin…ith-bobby-sawyer/

  What happens to our social media accounts, our digital identities, when we're gone? Who owns them? Who can legally control them? It turns out the answer varies by platform. If you're the kind of person that likes to do the heavy lifting themselves, here are the terms & conditions for the most popular social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Google, Youtube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Tumblr. For the rest of you... Click Here I hope you enjoyed this episode on preserving your online legacy after death. For weekly doses of actionable advice subscribe to the FutureSelf Podcast. Buy Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck Here Link to the post here: http://robertingalls.com/1-social-media-when-youre-gone/

The inaugural episode! Thanks for joining me. I'm thrilled to be launching the podcast and I'm looking forward to bringing you the best actionable advice from the top entrepreneurs, attorneys, financial planners, and accountants. Feel free to send me any questions you may have or anything you'd like to hear about: robert@robertingalls.com See you next week! Robert Ingalls Link to the episode HERE: http://robertingalls.com/0-podcast-launch-day/