How'd It Happen Podcast

On this episode of The How It Happen Podcast, Mike Malatesta shares his personal experience of selling two businesses and the lessons he learned. He emphasizes the need for not only an exist strategy,  but also an entry strategy. This is important to think about before selling your business. Mike also talks about the resources available for exiting a business and the changes that come with selling a business, including relationships, importance, purpose, and goals.Mike discusses the importance of operating your business as if it were for sale and the benefits it brings. He also delves into the best way to exit a business and the planning that needs to be done for your entry into a new world post-sale.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Ever wondered what it takes to build a multi-billion-dollar company from scratch? Settle in as Mike chats with Jonathan Cronstedt, better known as JCron. JCron is the force behind Kajabi, a company that has revolutionized the knowledge commerce industry. JCron unpacks his entrepreneurial journey, from the inception of the company, the trials and tribulations, the strategies that led to its success, to his life post-exit. He shares valuable insights on the significance of self-belief, the power of focus, and putting in the work before expecting results. He also shares his counter-intuitive belief on why people should come last in business.While JCron was the President at Kajabi, the company grew 2153%, achieving a $2B valuation within five years. After his 20-plus years in executive leadership, operations, and strategy, JCron developed the Bullseye Formula - his proven method for scaling to exit. Using the Bullseye Formula, JCron invests in and advises a diverse portfolio of companies through The Cronstedt Company, where he is Chairman and CEO. JCron is dedicated to supporting and equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs. He believes entrepreneurship is the single greatest transformational force in our world, and it may just be the thing that saves it.This conversation goes beyond entrepreneurship; it delves into the importance of meaning and purpose in life. JCron shares on how transformational books shaped his life, how the power of thoughts can create our realities, and the critical role of owning your audience in today's digital world.Connect with Jonathan Cronstedt:Website: significanlc.comTwitter: @thejcronTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, Mike Malatesta shares the inspiring story of Joe Polish, a recovering addict turned marketing genius. Mike discusses four key takeaways from Joe's book, “What's In It for Them,” that can benefit leaders and entrepreneurs alike.Despite a challenging start as a carpet cleaner with no money or experience, Joe's commitment to learning and connecting with others led him to become a successful entrepreneur and super-connector. Mike's takeaways from this book will help listeners build valuable relationships and achieve success.Mike delves into Joe's unique approach to relationships and how he emphasizes the importance of helping others without expecting anything in return. Joe categorizes relationships as either ELF: easy, lucrative, and fun, or HALF: hard, annoying, lame, and frustrating.Join Mike as he explores Joe' Polish's journey of resilience and determination and his insight on how to build meaningful relationships beyond just networking.Episode resources:Book: What's In It For Them by Joe PolishTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Join Mike for a profound conversation with his special guest, Paul Hutchinson, a true liberator of humanity. Known for leading over 70 undercover rescue missions, Paul shares his journey from aspiring brain surgeon to becoming the founder of the Child Liberation Foundation and Liberate Humanity. You will get a firsthand account of his daring infiltrations into trafficking networks, his work with retired US service personnel, and federal police in combating child trafficking.Paul Hutchinson is an executive director of new 2023 movie The Sound of Freedom. The film highlights one of the largest child rescue missions in history with over 120 victims being liberated. Paul's role in the rescue is played by the producer of the film. That rescue mission in Colombia set the course of Paul's lifetime focus on helping to heal humanity.Diving into the brutal realities of child trafficking, this episode takes you through the dark world of undercover missions and the horrifying realities of organ harvesting. Paul sheds light on the danger, hostility, and heartbreak that he and his team had to confront during their operations. Paul examines the crucial role of breaking the chain of abuse before it takes root and the potential impact it can have in curbing child trafficking.Wrapping up the discussion, Paul focuses on healing and rehabilitation for survivors of child trafficking. He deliberates on the complex moral implications surrounding the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children and the often disappointing response from the justice system. Learn more about the Child Liberation Foundation and the liberating wings project, aimed at providing healing modalities for trauma victims. Tune in to understand how you can play your part in this revolution against child trafficking.Episode resources:Check out the trailer for the movie The Sound of FreedomConnect with Paul Hutchinson:TikTok: @liberating.humanityFacebook: Paul HutchinsonInstagram: @liberating.humanityLinkedIn: Paul HutchinsonTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, Mike shares nine reasons why Jay Leno has more meaning than money. From his humility to his hard work, Jay's qualities are explored in depth. A lot of wealthy people and celebrities have the opposite where they have more money than meaning, and end up feeling very unfulfilled in their lives.Join Mike as he delves into the topic and reflects on the importance of having more meaning in our lives.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

We all probably think that we know the difference between right and wrong and wouldn't get caught up in something we aren't supposed to be doing, but according to Kelly Richmond Pope, it can be a slippery slope. Some people get into legal trouble by starting small or by not speaking up when someone sneakily gets them involved. On this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, Mike and Kelly discuss the three categories of fraud perpetrators: intentional, accidental, and righteous.Kelly wants to turn fraud upside down and allow people to see themselves in these unethical decisions. She wants to stop the language of "it's them, not me" and be more inclusive in understanding that it can be us. She explains that anyone can be talked into anything under the right circumstances and that we have a great ability to compartmentalize levels when it comes to what we will and won't do.Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope is a nationally recognized expert in risk, forensic accounting, and white-collar crime research, and an award-winning educator, researcher, author, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her area of expertise lies in understanding and identifying financial fraud risk within financial statements, assessing corporate culture and compliance systems designed to confront internal control challenges. Pope's research on executive misconduct culminated in directing and producing the award-winning documentary, All the Queen's Horses which explores the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history. Pope's TED Talk entitled "How Whistle-blowers Shape History” has been viewed over 1.6 million times.In this episode, Mike and Kelly explore the trillion-dollar fraud industry. They discuss the power of persuasion and the importance of embracing internal whistleblowing. Learn how to recognize and prevent fraud and protect yourself from being a victim of fraud or getting involved in the wrong situation.Key highlights:Fraud perpetrators: intentional, accidental, and righteousThe problem with our culture encouraging people to mind their own businessDifferent types of whistleblowers and their importanceHow to protect yourself from fraud and getting involved in unethical or illegal situationsEpisode resources:Fool Me Once: A Fraud ExperienceKelly's book: Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud IndustryConnect with Kelly Richmond Pope:Website: kellyrichmondpope.comInstagram: @kellyrpopeLinkedIn: Kelly Richmond Pope, CPATo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Who doesn't love receiving a gift from another person? It doesn't have to be an actual physical gift in order to be special. In fact, the best gifts humans can give cannot be bought. In this solo episode, Mike talks about the best gifts that humans can give to one another. He was inspired to do this by an American journalist and novelist named Oren Arnold. Mr. Arnold wrote a piece on the best gives to give, so Mike puts his own spin on it and shares why he agrees that these are the best gifts we can give to one another. There are certain intangible gifts that are incredibly special to those around us, and we can even give very powerful gifts to ourselves. Tune in for more!To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

As a high performer that may be running a business or calling the shots for a company, you have a lot of decisions to make. It is easy to get overwhelmed and experience decision fatigue, or struggle with indecisiveness, not knowing what is truly the best option. This episode is for you if you want to learn how to make quicker and better decisions in any area of your life. Hasard Lee is a former fighter pilot who has spent years making high stake split-second decisions and he wants to teach you how. Hasard Lee has spent his career flying both the F-16 and F-35. In 2016, he was selected as the ‘Top Instructor Pilot of the Year' for the Air Force's largest F-16 Combat Wing. In 2017, he returned from Afghanistan where his squadron dropped the most ordnance since the war's opening days. He has flown 82 combat missions and has 4 Air Medals. Hasard has the distinction of being the only fighter pilot to ever employ two different types of jets in combat on the same day. He is also a content creator with one of the largest defense channels on YouTube. Hasard's first book, “The Art of Clear Thinking” was recently released, and it focuses on how to use fighter pilot decision-making in everyday life.Hasard speaks on air combat, human performance, decision-making, mental toughness, and how to debrief. From reading his book, Mike had many takeaways, and couldn't wait to get Hasard on the How'd It Happen Podcast. In this episode, Hasard shares his dream of becoming a fighter pilot since he was a kid and the rigorous training he went through to make that dream a reality. Key highlights:Hasard's first experience with a jet when he was 5The physical and mental challenges of flying the airforce's fastest and most expensive jetsDecision-makingMental toughnessDebriefsThe book-writing processThe “Dream” sheetConnect with Hasard Lee:Website: hasardlee.com | hasardx.comInstagram: @hasardleePodcast: The Professionals Playbook YouTube: Hasard LeeGet Hasard's book: The Art of Clear ThinkingTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Do you want to know what it takes to create something truly magical from absolutely nothing? Building a remarkable business from the ground up requires focusing on being better than what is already out there. But here is the key: you can't just be slightly better than your competition. You need to go all in on being 10 times better than what is currently already being done. This is the mindset that Kevin Gibbon operates from and it has served him very well.Sometimes the misplaced step offers the most profound and lasting insight. Innately entrepreneurial, Airhouse CEO and Co-Founder Kevin Gibbon got his start in tech developing software for major aerospace players like Boeing and Raytheon. After a few years, he set out to carve his own path, building Shyp, attracting $62.1M in funding, and landing on Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies list. Unfortunately, Shyp was a bright star that ultimately burned out, but Kevin walked away from the experience equipped with reams of priceless insight. At Airhouse, he's applying that insight to revolutionize the way DTC e-commerce brands scale logistics.In this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, Kevin is sharing how he stayed so optimistic and confident while his first business Shyp, was about to close down. He took the priceless lessons that he learned from building a running Shyp, to go on and build the very successful company, Airhouse, and has been introduced as the next Jeff Bezos. What Kevin learned is that many entrepreneurs focus on the wrong things, such as building a great service or product, but where we need to focus is on our ideal customer. What do they need? How can we make their lives easier? Focus there, truly understand that problem, figure out how to solve it, and your chances of success will be much higher. Key highlights:How Kevin got started in TechKevin's thoughts on whether AI will replace creatorsHow to use AI to your advantage as a creatorThe Uberfication of everything The magic of building something from nothing Connect with Kevin Gibbon:Website: airhouse.ioLinkedIn: Kevin GibbonTwitter: @kevingibbonInstagram: @kevingibbonPodcast: Second Time FoundersTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

We all have cool things about ourselves, but how often do you take the time to list out the cool things about yourself? Chances are, it's probably not very often, but after listening to a podcast with Dean Graziosi, Mike felt inspired to reflect on the cool things about himself. In Dean's podcast episode, he talked about an exercise that he called “10 Cool Things About Me” and he listed them. It is really easy to forget what's cool about you because you might be focused on everything that's wrong with you, or wrong in your life or business. Mike encourages you to go in the opposite direction and take the time to sit down and list 10 (or more) cool things about yourself. We all have them!In this solo episode, Mike reflects on the 10 cool things about himself and what he is proud of. This is a fun and insightful exercise because it allows us to see the positives in ourselves when things may not be feeling very positive around us. We all have unique traits, talents, and things that are important to us, and that is what makes all of us special, and very cool. You might be thinking that it feels braggy or self-centered to focus on what is great about you, but we all deserve to celebrate ourselves and appreciate the cool things about us. So what are 10 cool things about you? Write them down, and send us a message on Instagram @malatesta.mike and we'd love to hear about the greatness in you.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

You might be thinking what do all these rhyming words mean together? Snap, nap, tap, clap, recap is a powerful 5-step system for improved vitality created by successful well-being expert David Lindsay. Each step serves an important purpose in building a strong mind and body and being present and resilient no matter what life throws at you.David Lindsay has changed the lives of 10s of thousands of people throughout the world. He has been obsessed with changing how we view health and vitality by disrupting how we see the links between fitness and workplace productivity. David is a personal trainer, keynote speaker, author, award-winning coach, and all-around good guy.David played Rugby League for many years, but suffered 2 knee reconstructions at an early age, cutting short his Rugby League Career. He put this setback behind him and went on to train as a Professional Arm Wrestler until an unfortunate accident occurred, which put the breaks on his dreams once again. He then went on to pursue martial Arts and received his Black Belt in Wing Chun, Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, train in Submission wrestling, and has had several MMA fights. In the last ten years, David has studied many successful teams and individual athletes, and they all in their own way, follow a similar structure to David's "5 Step System Towards Improved Vitality in the Workplace". David has personally used this System many times to achieve results outsiders said were never possible. These 5 little hacks are easy to implement and keep established in the long term.In this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, David Lindsay shares what it was like to experience not one, but two serious injuries as an athlete, and what he took away from each of those challenges. David's competitive nature and drive for success have served him well as he aimed to look for lessons in all of the difficulties he faced. Tune in and learn how to apply Snap, Nap, Tap, Clap, Recap to increase your vitality and get closer to your goals.Key highlights:David's accidents, his wife's motorcycle accident, and how they overcame each obstacleWhat is vitality?Why David wants to share his message with as many people as he canHow can you take a crisis and turn it into an opportunity?5 steps for improved vitality- snap, nap, tap, clap, recapLosing isn't losing, losing is learningHow to have a business that doesn't lose and only evolvesConnect with David Lindsay:Website: davidlindsay.com.auLinkedIn: David LindsayYouTube: David LindsayTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Today's solo episode of the How'd It Happen podcast was inspired by Jordan Peterson and his book, titled “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. After reading this book, Mike felt drawn to create his own 12 rules of life, and in this episode, he breaks down his 12.5 rules of life. Those rules are:Hold doors open, look people in the eye, say hello, and smile.Words matter.Surround yourself with people you like and who care about you.Progress, not perfection.Be a parent that your child wants to emulate and not one that they feel they need to emulate.We've all got problems, but remember yours before you expose or take advantage of others.Shiny objects might be horseshit.How does doing this hard thing make me better?All progress starts with the truth.Take the best away from every interaction and leave the rest behindSay what you mean to the best of your abilityHave fun and be okay with it. Don't take yourself too seriously.And here's a bonus, Mike's 12.5 rule of life: pay attention to what's in front of you, and be kind to whatever that is, to the best of your ability.Tune in as Mike breaks each of these down and explains why they are important to maximize the greatness in you.Episode resources:Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Life by Jordan PetersonTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

What exactly does it mean to live an “agile life?” Let's start with the definition of “agile” which means “marked by ready ability to move with quick easy grace.” That sounds like something that all entrepreneurs strive to be. We want to be agile in the way that we can move quickly to meet our customers' demands and recognize when it's time to shift directions or processes. Simon Severino is the author of the book “Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile Business” and he shares what he thinks the most important factors are to having an agile business and life in general.Simon Severino is the author of "Strategy Sprints" and CEO of the consulting agency Strategysprints.com. He is also the creator of the Strategy Sprints Method, a TedX Speaker, and a coach of coaches. He has been in entrepreneurship for 19 years and executed hundreds of go-to-market strategies with B2B teams around the globe. Simon has helped thousands of entrepreneurs reach financial freedom and have a firm that runs without being dependent on them. Today, he shares his blueprints with business leaders. Simon helps business owners discover how to run their company more efficiently which results in sales that soar.In this episode of the How'd It Happen Podcast, Simon emphasizes the importance of having great systems and processes in not only your business but also in life. He believes that goals are not the answer to success and that goals don't actually help you. According to Simon, “You don't rise to the levels of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.” The present moment is all we have, and there is much out of our control, so the key is to focus only on what you can control and make sure there is a great system in place for that.Key highlights:How Simon became an entrepreneurWhy processes are more important than your goalsWhat does it mean to have an “agile business”?Simon's thoughts on Elon Musk and TeslaHow Simon uses AI for his businessWhy our country relies on entrepreneurs to solve the problems we haveEpisode resources:Check out Truflation.com for current inflation ratesConnect with Simon Severino:Check out Simon's mastermind: strategysprints.com/jvcLinkedIn: Simon SeverinoTwitter: @simonseverinoInstagram: @strategysprintsYouTube: Simon SeverinoGet Simon's book: Strategy Sprints: 12 Ways to Accelerate Growth for an Agile BusinessTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Brett Johnson is a former US most wanted cyber criminal turned good guy. The United States Secret Service called Brett “The Original Internet Godfather.” Brett's fascinating story is one you don't want to miss as you'll hear about his role in refining modern financial cybercrime, being convicted of 39 felonies, escaping prison, and how he built the first organized cybercrime community. This community called “Shadow Crew” laid the way for modern cybercrime channels today.Today, Brett is considered one of the leading authorities on cybercrime, identity theft, and cyber security. Brett takes his role seriously and works tirelessly to protect individuals and businesses from the type of person he used to be.This episode is part 2 of 2 with Brett Johnson, so make sure to listen to part 1 first if you haven't already. In part 2, Brett walks us through what happened to Shadow Crew, what led to his arrest and escape from prison, working with the secret service, how he landed back in prison, and the occurrences that finally made him take responsibility for where he ended up. Brett has completely turned his life around and is passionate about protecting people from the crimes he used to commit. Cybercrime occurs more often than we think, so knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Tune in for more.Key highlights:Reasons why cyber crime usually involves multiple attackersGoing to prison and escaping and then landing back in prisonThings that make it easier for cybercriminalsHow Brett invented tax return identity fraudWas cybercrime an addiction for Brett?How CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) changed Brett's lifeWhy Brett speaks his mind on social media despite being an introvertWas Brett a leader in prison?What made Brett finally turn his life around?Connect with Brett Johnson:Website: anglerphish.comLinkedIn: Brett JohnsonPodcast: The Brett Johnson ShowCybercrime 101 BlogTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this solo episode, Mike channels Celeste Headlee's TED talk called “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” Mike puts his own spin on them by using his experience of releasing over 300 podcast episodes and interviewing many amazing people along the way. There are certain habits and questions that take a conversation to the next level by eliciting interesting topics and showing others that you are invested in what they have to say.This episode is part 2 of 2, so make sure to check out part 1 first if you haven't already. Being a great conversationalist is truly a skill, so although you may think you are already great at having conversations, the truth is that a lot of people don't realize that they tend to make conversations about themselves. We may think we are very interesting, but there is an important balance to maintain in having a conversation that is a 2-way street. Mike's remaining 5 tips for having a great conversation are: Don't equate your experience with your guests, try not to repeat yourself, stay out of the weeds, listen, and be brief. With these tips, you are sure to find yourself having elevated conversations.Episode resources: CelesteHeadlee.comListen to Celeste's Ted Talk: 10 Ways to Have A Better ConversationTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Brett Johnson is a former US most wanted cyber criminal turned good guy. The United States Secret Service called Brett “The Original Internet Godfather.” Brett's rollercoaster of a story is one you don't want to miss as you'll hear about his role in refining modern financial cybercrime, being convicted of 39 felonies, escaping prison, and how he built the first organized cyber crime community. This community called “Shadow Crew” laid the way for modern cybercrime channels today.Brett was sentenced to 90 months in prison, but that isn't where his story ended. After a life of crime, Brett finally took responsibility for where his life had ended up, and found redemption with the FBI. This was a chance to turn his life around and use his past for good, and so he took it. Today, Brett is considered one of the leading authorities on cyber crime, identity theft, and cyber security. Now, he works hard to protect others from the type of person he used to be.This episode is part 1 of 2 with Brett Johnson, so make sure to tune in next week for the second half of this fascinating conversation. In part 1 you will hear what it's like to grow up with a mom that's a fraudster, how he learned to steal at age 10, and meeting the first decent person at age 16. Brett's insight on what makes cybercrime easy for criminals, what cyber criminals look for, and why cyber crimes go unreported.Key highlights:Brett's childhood of abuse, and what he learned from his parents that influenced him throughout his lifeThe first crime Brett ever committed as a childThe Eastern Kentucky mentalityHow being a “social engineer” benefitted Brett as a criminalHow Brett met the first decent human being in his lifeHow Brett lost a full scholarship for actingHow he got into internet crimeThe first lesson cyber criminals learnHow trust is established onlineWhat predators look for onlineWhat needs to happen for cybercrime to be successful?Connect with Brett Johnson:Website: anglerphish.comLinkedIn: Brett JohnsonPodcast: The Brett Johnson ShowCybercrime 101 BlogTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this solo episode, Mike channels Celeste Headlee's TED talk called “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” Mike puts his own spin on them by using his experience of releasing over 300 podcast episodes and interviewing many amazing people along the way. There are certain habits and questions that take a conversation to the next level by eliciting interesting topics and showing others that you are invested in what they have to say.This episode is part 1 of 2, so you will hear Mike's first 5 tips for having a great conversation. Those tips are: Don't multitask, don't pontificate, use open-ended questions, go with the flow, and understand that it's okay to say you don't know something. Mike dives into each of these and why they are important to make a great conversation. Tune in next week for part 2, where Mike will cover his remaining 5 conversation tips.Episode resources: CelesteHeadlee.comListen to Celeste's Ted Talk: 10 Ways to Have A Better ConversationTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

All of us have been through challenges that no one else has been through, and those circumstances give you a license to speak to people that have been through challenges as well. It gives you an opportunity to help people while already having the credibility and experience to do so. Pain can be a gift if we allow it to, so today's guest encourages us to turn our pain into purpose and use it to help others. Your pain gives you a license whether you use it or not, so might as well put it to use. Johnny Crowder has an amazingly inspirational story of doing just that,Johnny Crowder is a resilience, well-being, and mental health expert. He is also a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, and Founder and CEO of Cope Notes®. Johnny gives people practical self-care tools and mental health strategies that they can start using now to improve their emotional health and well-being. With infectious positivity, humor, and authenticity, this trauma survivor and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist shows audiences why opening up about mental health is the key to coping. Whether he's discussing ordinary, everyday struggles or challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction, burnout, and compassion fatigue, Johnny confronts the myths that keep people stuck. As he explains in his 2020 TEDx Talk which has been viewed over one million times, good mental health is like physical health. Quick fixes and miracle cures don't work. Johnny provides people with a toolkit of self-care and wellness techniques that rewire the brain for positivity over time.In this episode of the How'd It Happen podcast, Johnny shares about growing up in an abusive household, the miracles that happened to get him help, bodybuilding and OCD, why he feels like a 5-year-old, and how the idea for his company, Cope Notes, got off the ground. Johnny is super likable, super relatable, and super inspirational. Key highlights:Going from being unable to speak to others and make eye contact, to now speaking on stages and helping hundreds of thousands of peopleHow Johnny started his business Cope NotesJohnny explains neuroplasticity and how people are malleable and have the ability to heal their mental healthWhy journaling builds emotional intelligenceEpisode resources:Try Cope Notes for free: copenotes.com/subscribe/#subscribe-formConnect with Johnny Crowder:Instagram: @johnnycrowderlovesyouWebsite: johnnycrowder.com | copenotes.comFacebook: Johnny CrowderLinkedIn: Johnny Crowder  To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Who doesn't love receiving a gift from another person? It doesn't have to be an actual physical gift in order to be special. In fact, the best gifts humans can give cannot be bought. In this solo episode, Mike talks about the best gifts that humans can give to one another. He was inspired to do this by an American journalist and novelist named Oren Arnold. Mr. Arnold wrote a piece on the best gives to give, so Mike puts his own spin on it and shares why he agrees that these are the best gifts we can give to one another. There are certain intangible gifts that are incredibly special to those around us, and we can even give very powerful gifts to ourselves. Tune in for more!To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In the world of modern marketing, there are many things that can be analyzed and optimized for your business goals. Just following what you see someone else doing online might not work for you, so take it from a marketing expert and pay attention to your data and dive into what is working and what isn't. Dennis Yu is committed to bringing marketing strategies to everyday businesses, especially the types that are not very skilled in marketing and need help the most. In this episode, Dennis and Mike discuss Dennis' mission to create one million jobs for people around the world, and why he is so passionate about helping business owners optimize their marketing so they can be more easily found by their ideal customers.Dennis Yu is co-author of the #1 best-selling book on Amazon in social media, The Definitive Guide to TikTok Ads. He has spent a billion dollars on Facebook ads across his agencies and agencies he advises. Mr. Yu is the "Million Jobs" guy-- on a mission to create one million jobs via hands-on social media training, partnering with universities and professional organizations.You can find him quoted in major publications and on television such as CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, NPR, and LA Times. Clients have included Nike, Red Bull, the Golden State Warriors, Ashley Furniture, Quiznos-- down to local service businesses like real estate agents and dentists. He's spoken at over 750 conferences in 20 countries, having flown over 6 million miles in the last 30 years to train young adults and business owners.In this episode, Dennis shares how he plans to create 1 million jobs all over the world, how he is already well on that path, how he learned to be a servant leader, how having great processes in place will make you more money, and he walks us through a live analysis of the website of one of Mike's company's, and what needs improvement in order to get more eyes on it.Key Highlights:Kaqun Oxygen Baths: What are they, and what are the benefits?Why the businesses Dennis helps have a low client loss rateLive analysis of a business websiteEpisode resources: As a special offer to How'd it Happen listeners, Dennis offered to perform a FREE data analysis of your business website. Email stephanie@blitzmetrics.com with the Subject: "How'd it Happen Podcast Offer"Connect with Dennis Yu:Instagram: @dennis.yuWebsite: dennis-yu.com | blitzmetrics.comFacebook: Dennis YuLinkedIn: Dennis YuTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Leaders have a great deal of responsibility not only in just leading, instructing, and delegating, but also in setting the tone for their team and being an example for those that they are leading. Whether you're leading a company, coaching a team, or even leading your family, there are 4 very important qualities of effective leaders.This solo episode was inspired by a webinar by coach Nick Saban, who is the head football coach at the University of Alabama. He shared 4 qualities that he believes all leaders should have, and in this episode, Mike shares his thoughts on each of them. Those 4 qualities are: leaders are committed to doing things the right way, leaders set a good example, leaders are never late, and leaders take care of their responsibilities. Tune in to hear about each of these more in-depth, and let us know if you'd agree with each of these!To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

As an entrepreneur, chances are you have gone on a personal development journey and aim to be the best version of yourself that you can be. In life, we strive to have harmony in the various aspects of our life such as personal relationships, business, fitness, and nutrition. A lot of people find themselves struggling in the fitness and nutrition realm because we have been taught to go about it in the wrong way. Cookie-cutter fitness programs that try to put us into a box simply do not work and leave us more frustrated than when we started. Each one of us is different and unique beings, so why do we buy into programs that are a one-size-fits-all? Mike Millner is here to explain why you need an approach that is tailored to you and your personality and focuses on the most important piece of the big picture: mindset.Mike Millner is the founder of Peak Performance Optimization and has been a high-level nutrition coach for almost 10 years. He has an extensive understanding of the psychology and physiological needs of his clients that has led to thousands of success stories. Mike utilizes a personality-based approach with an emphasis on mindset to give his clients the tools they need to become the person they want to be. Through his struggles with weight, yo-yo diets, binging, and unhealthy relationships with food and exercise, Mike realized that relying on willpower simply does not work, because it is a finite resource. So what does work?In this episode, Mike shares the darkest time in his life when he felt fed up with all the different diet and exercise programs that were not working for him, and how he helps his clients avoid the same mistakes he made. Mike is passionate about educating others on the fact that we do not have to work against ourselves in order to achieve success. He helps people bridge the gap between who they are now and their future selves in a way that feels authentic and aligned to them. Mike's energy and passion is magnetic and you won't want to miss this one.Key Highlights:Mike's struggle with poor body image, and cycles of binging and restricting that led him to want to make a changeWhat led Mike to leave his job and become an entrepreneur?The problem with most diet and nutrition programsThe switch that helped Mike see sustainable change in his fitnessWhy don't New Year's resolutions work?Episode resources:Get Mike Millner's book: The Personality DietTake the Neurotype Personality AssessmentListen to Mike's podcast: Mind Over MacrosConnect with Mike Millner:Instagram: @coach_mike_millnerWebsite: neurotypetraining.comFacebook: Michael MillnerTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

We all have cool things about ourselves, but how often do you take the time to list out the cool things about yourself? Chances are, it's probably not very often, but after listening to a podcast with Dean Graziosi, Mike felt inspired to reflect on the cool things about himself. In Dean's podcast episode, he talked about an exercise that he called “10 Cool Things About Me” and he listed them. It is really easy to forget what's cool about you because you might be focused on everything that's wrong with you, or wrong in your life or business. Mike encourages you to go in the opposite direction and take the time to sit down and list 10 (or more) cool things about yourself. We all have them! In this solo episode, Mike reflects on the 10 cool things about himself and what he is proud of. This is a fun and insightful exercise because it allows us to see the positives in ourselves when things may not be feeling very positive around us. We all have unique traits, talents, and things that are important to us, and that is what makes all of us special, and very cool. You might be thinking that it feels braggy or self-centered to focus on what is great about you, but we all deserve to celebrate ourselves and appreciate the cool things about us. So what are 10 cool things about you? Write them down, and send Mike a message on Instagram @malatesta.mike. He'd we'd love to hear about the greatness in you.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

As the podcast world grows, more and more people realize the power of podcast guesting. While getting on other podcasts as a guest can be an incredibly valuable tool to grow your impact, you want to be podcast guesting and not just podcast guessing. This should be a strategic process in which you first evaluate your goals, and come up with a plan that makes the most sense for you. Some people start out by wanting to just get on the “biggest” podcasts possible, but that doesn't always make the most sense. Today's guest is here to explain how you can profit as a podcast guest by coming up with a plan that aligns with your goals.Tom Schwab is an entrepreneur, engineer, US naval academy graduate, and expert in the art and science of podcast guesting. He is the founder of Interview Valet where he helps thought leaders get featured on leading podcasts that their ideal prospects are already listening to. Then he helps them to turn listeners into customers. Tom is also the author of “PODCAST GUEST PROFITS: Grow Your Business with a Targeted Interview Strategy.”In this episode of the How'd it Happen podcast, Tom shares how he got the idea to start one of the first podcast guest booking services and why his company is unique compared to other agencies. In a world where AI is becoming more widely used in text sources, audio and video are becoming more and more impactful because people know they are really hearing from you. Podcasts are an incredible tool to build that “know, like, and trust” factor that people need to buy from you. The key to being a guest on podcasts is to know the importance of leading with value. Tom explains how to use your knowledge and expertise to provide value to other people's audiences and turn them into customers.Quote from the episode:“What's the goal? What are you trying to do? Because we'll have some people come to us and say they want to get on podcasts. Well, that's not a goal. That's a means to a goal. If that's your goal, you're going to get bored after about 5 or 10." - Tom SchwabKey Highlights:Repurposing podcast contentHow one podcast episode can grow your impact significantlyHow Tom helps people get a clear strategyTom's advice on CTAs: keep it simpleEpisode resources:Get Tom's book: interviewvalet.com/hihCheck out episode 214 with Jeffrey Madoff: The Power of Curiosity FuelGet Jeffrey Madoff's book: Creative CareersConnect with Tom Schwab:Website: interviewvalet.comInstagram: @iamtomschwabFacebook: Tom SchwabYouTube: Interview ValetTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this solo episode, Mike channels Celeste Headlee's TED talk called “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” Mike puts his own spin on them by using his experience of releasing over 300 podcast episodes and interviewing many amazing people along the way. There are certain habits and questions that take a conversation to the next level by eliciting interesting topics and showing others that you are invested in what they have to say.This episode is part 2 of 2, so make sure to check out part 1 first if you haven't already. Being a great conversationalist is truly a skill, so although you may think you are already great at having conversations, the truth is that a lot of people don't realize that they tend to make conversations about themselves. We may think we are very interesting, but there is an important balance to maintain in having a conversation that is a 2-way street. Mike's remaining 5 tips for having a great conversation are: Don't equate your experience with your guests, try not to repeat yourself, stay out of the weeds, listen, and be brief. With these tips, you are sure to find yourself having elevated conversations.Episode resources: CelesteHeadlee.comListen to Celeste's Ted Talk: 10 Ways to Have A Better ConversationTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

As entrepreneurs, we tend to think that the world is full of competition and that certain markets are too saturated for us to stand out in, but the truth is that although the world is full of people, that doesn't mean it's full of competition. Chances are, what you need to do to stand out from the crowd isn't as challenging as you think it is. It just means you need to serve people's needs and do it in a way that is better than most. Today's guest explains why he quit his unfulfulling job to pursue freelance writing and landed an opportunity to write for the Washington Post with very little experience and zero connections.Jason Feifer is the editor in chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, author of the book “Build For Tomorrow”, a startup advisor, and host of the podcasts Build For Tomorrow, and Problem Solvers. LinkedIn named him a “Top Voice in Entrepreneurship” for 2022.In this episode, Jason and Mike discuss the topic of entitlement, why boundaries are not what they seem, and why Jason believes in the power of just getting someone on the phone. Jason shares his story of how it happened for him and his entrance into the entrepreneur world. Jason had an overwhelming feeling that there was a gap between the work he was doing and what he was capable of, so instead of staying stagnant and working at the level that someone else had placed him in, he bet on his ability and his hustle. Jason provides insight on how to pitch yourself even if you have no connections and very little experience.Quote from the episode:“You think that the world is full of competition but it's not. The world is just full of people and a lot of those people are actually not great competition. All you need to do is just make sure that you are serving someone else's needs and they will really like you for it.” - Jason FeiferKey Highlights:Why Jason doesn't set goals he can't controlHow he got to write for the Washington Post with little experience and no connectionsHow to pitch properlyThe meaning behind the phrase “I can't wait to do this a second time.”Episode resources:Check out episode 198: Jeff Peterson, I Don't Call Myself an Entrepreneur (#198)Connect with Jason Feifer:Twitter: @heyfeiferInstagram: @heyfeiferFacebook: Jason FeiferLinkedIn: Jason FeiferWebsite: jasonfeifer.comGet Jason's book: Build For TomorrowCheck out Jason's podcasts: Build For Tomorrow and Problem SolversTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this solo episode, Mike channels Celeste Headlee's TED talk called “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” Mike puts his own spin on them by using his experience of releasing over 300 podcast episodes and interviewing many amazing people along the way. There are certain habits and questions that take a conversation to the next level by eliciting interesting topics and showing others that you are invested in what they have to say.This episode is part 1 of 2, so you will hear Mike's first 5 tips for having a great conversation. Those tips are: Don't multitask, don't pontificate, use open-ended questions, go with the flow, and understand that it's okay to say you don't know something. Mike dives into each of these and why they are important to make a great conversation. Tune in next week for part 2, where Mike will cover his remaining 5 conversation tips.Episode resources: CelesteHeadlee.comListen to Celeste's Ted Talk: 10 Ways to Have A Better ConversationTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

We're sharing this guest episode again because it is full of such innovative and exciting medical advances that more of us should be aware of. If you didn't catch this one the first time, here is your chance. Dr. Timothy Nelson is the founder of HeartWorks, an organization that developed from the Todd & Karen Wanek Family Program for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome founded at the Mayo Clinic in 2010. Tim's work specializes in the creation of stem cells to create heart muscle and hopefully cure pediatric congenital heart defects in the near future.The HeartWorks team has developed a platform that enables multiple cell-based clinical trials to be conducted simultaneously in collaboration with a consortium of world-class medical institutions. Check out this short video that chronicles the transformative technology of bioengineered cardiac tissue by converting a piece of skin from an individual to a beating heart muscle.Dr. Nelson earned his MD and his Doctor of Philosophy from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and he's been a physician at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN since 2005In this episode, Dr. Nelson dives into the incredibly exciting technology that he and his team at HeartWorks are working on in an effort to create positive outcomes for those born with congenital heart defects. Statistics show that 1 in 100 children are born with a congenital heart defect and 1 in 4 of those born with a CHD will require a life-saving surgical procedure within their first year of life. Even with these interventions, 50% of children born with CHD won't make it to their fifth birthday. HeartWorks is working tirelessly to give children and adults with CHD a promising and fulfilling future.Dr. Nelson explains what exactly stem cells are, and how they are being used to have the potential to rebuild the heart. This is a fascinating episode, and I know you won't want to miss it.Quote from the episode:“We are on the tip of an iceberg and when we show this model can work, it is catalytic” - Dr. Tim NelsonTo learn more about Dr. Tim Nelson, please see the links below:Website: heartworksinc.orgCase2Cure Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cause2cure/id1489215831LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-nelson-cause2cure/Facebook (personal): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010438424147To Connect with Mike:Website: https://mikemalatesta.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalatesta/Get Mike's book “Owner Shift”: https://mikemalatesta.com/owner-shift-book-by-mike-malatesta/Please LIKE

Today's solo episode of the How'd It Happen podcast was inspired by Jordan Peterson and his book, titled “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos. After reading this book, Mike felt drawn to create his own 12 rules of life, and in this episode, he breaks down his 12.5 rules of life. Those rules are:Hold doors open, look people in the eye, say hello, and smile.Words matter.Surround yourself with people you like and who care about you.Progress, not perfection.Be a parent that your child wants to emulate and not one that they feel they need to emulate.We've all got problems, but remember yours before you expose or take advantage of others.Shiny objects might be horseshit.How does doing this hard thing make me better?All progress starts with the truth.Take the best away from every interaction and leave the rest behindSay what you mean to the best of your abilityHave fun and be okay with it. Don't take yourself too seriously.And here's a bonus, Mike's 12.5 rule of life: pay attention to what's in front of you, and be kind to whatever that is, to the best of your ability.Tune in as Mike breaks each of these down and explains why they are important to maximize the greatness in you.Episode resources:Book: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote for Life by Jordan PetersonTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Kyle McDowell is a man who traded corporate might for the mightier power of collaborative leadership. Kyle shares all about his transformative journey, chronicled in his compelling book "Begin With We," where the shift from an 'I' focused worldview to a 'we' centered philosophy is not just theoretical but lived. In this episode, Kyle peels back the layers of leadership, examining how personal growth and professional excellence can indeed be synonymous when vulnerability and collective success are placed at the heart of one's ethos.Kyle and Mike dig into the raw and often unseen struggles leaders face when aligning personal values with the culture of the corporate giants they steer. Kyle recounts the turning point that led him to walk away from a high-profile role, sparking a drive to pen principles that now guide leaders toward more holistic and effective management styles. Hear the tales that breathe life into the "10 We's" framework and how embracing challenges within a team can build trust and forge stronger relationships, transforming skepticism into exemplary leadership.This conversation with Kyle traverses the emotional landscape from shame to liberation, underscoring the importance of small victories in the journey of self-discovery and confidence building. Kyle's personal narrative exemplifies how living one's professional principles in everyday life extends beyond the boardroom, shaping a legacy of integrity and authenticity. This episode is an invitation to leaders and change-makers alike to embrace action, accountability, and excellence, inspiring a new wave of leadership that is as empowering as it is effective.Key highlights:Discovering Purpose]Corporate America Transformation StoryNavigating Career Changes and ChallengesBreaking the Cycle of Bad LeadershipEstablishing Workplace Principles for AccountabilityNavigating Personality Conflicts in LeadershipFostering Strong Professional RelationshipsNavigating Self-Doubt and Imposter SyndromePersonal Principles in Professional LifeEmbracing Mistakes for Team GrowthConnect with Kyle McDowell:Get his book: Begin with WEWebsite: kylemcdowellinc.comInstagram: @kylemcdowellincTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

In this solo episode, Mike dives into a topic that is near and dear to his heart, and that is when people call their business “small.” Businesses come in all sizes, but none of them are small. Politicians like to refer to small businesses, and how they are the backbone of our economy, and they can talk about business as they wish, but the problem comes in when business owners talk about their own businesses as small. Why does this matter? Because words matter! What you say and how you describe yourself matters and reflects how you think about yourself. You are not small, and your business isn't either. Every business started with a big idea, and even though you may have started small, continuing to describe yourself as small will eventually make your thinking small. Over time, thinking small can become a crutch or an excuse upon which to lean instead of making constant progress, learning new things, or making the business as productive and impactful as it can be. Small is not about the size of your company. It's about the size of your thinking. Mike offers a great mental reframe to stop thinking of your business, and therefore yourself, as “small.”To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

The unfathomable drive required to complete the Ironman World Championship and the tenacity needed to catapult a startup from inception to a successful exit; Steven Pivnik embodies both. As he unfolds his story from his early days as an immigrant, grappling with new beginnings, to his transformation into an acclaimed entrepreneur and endurance athlete, Steven lets us in on the parallels between the discipline required for athletic training and orchestrating a company's growth. His journey is a masterclass in leveraging failure as fuel and the pivotal role of strong relationships and strategic foresight in achieving success.Programming may seem galaxies away from the grit of endurance sports, yet Steven draws an unexpected connection. His story traverses the evolution from a computer programming enthusiast to a trailblazer in the tech industry, founding Binary Tree. But it's not just about the code – it's about the human element, the art of networking that transformed Steven from a corporate programmer to a business magnate. His shift from a sedentary lifestyle to competing in one of the most grueling athletic events on the planet, the Ironman World Championship, mirrors his business acumen – calculated, relentless, and with a vision that far surpasses the finish line."Built to Finish" is more than a book title for Steven, it's a credo. The process of penning his story was as introspective as it was informative, offering a lens into the synergy of an entrepreneurial and athletic mindset. As Steven shares how he set towering goals and meticulously charted a path to achieve them, listeners are invited to reflect on their own potential and the power of manifestation. His journey is a testament to the belief that within each of us lies the capability to unlock greatness, and it's a story that's sure to leave you contemplating the finish lines you're destined to cross.Key highlights:Immigrant Entrepreneur and Endurance AthleteEarly Computer Programming Career and EntrepreneurshipSuccess Through Relationships and Custom ProjectsEntrepreneur Turns AthleteManifestation and AchievementConnect with Steven Pivnik:Get his book: Built to FinishWebsite: stevenpivnik.comLinkedIn: Steven PivnikTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Have you ever tried to learn from the future? Probably not, because it is hard to learn from something that has yet to happen. We can imagine the future and create it, but we can't use it as a lesson. What about the present? The present is fleeting and happening right now at this moment, so it's not something we can really learn from either. What we can definitely learn from is the past. The past has all the lessons of what has happened, and it is like a library that we can learn from. We can study success, failures, and everything in between, and take note of how we can improve.We have all heard the saying “history repeats itself”, but if we really think about it, it's actually human nature that repeats itself. History tends to repeat itself because we as humans, repeat ourselves and make the same mistakes as those that came before us. By studying history, we can try to avoid the mistakes of the past and get the benefit of taking valuable lessons to become better.Key Highlights:Mike shares a podcast he listens to called “Founders” and what he has learned from tuning itMike uses the lessons from history to ask “How can I take them to be better?”Why it is important to study the past?Links mentioned in the episode:Podcast: FoundersTo Connect with Mike:Website: https://mikemalatesta.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalatesta/Get Mike's book “Owner Shift”: https://mikemalatesta.com/owner-shift-book-by-mike-malatesta/To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Markus Kaulius is an entrepreneur and bodybuilder, and in this episode, he shares his remarkable story of how he channeled his turbulent past into a catalyst for growth and success. He reveals the power of owning your history, the importance of shedding societal expectations to find your true self, and the critical role of action in turning knowledge into tangible change. This episode is an awakening to the undeniable fact that each of us has an irreplaceable role on this planet, and the world needs the authentic 'you' to step forward. Listen in as Mike and Markus discuss how life's toughest challenges can often be the most unexpected blessings, offering resilience and shaping our future in ways we might never have anticipated. Markus reflects on his experiences, from the struggles of parental divorce to the lessons learned that have forged his identity as a husband and father. He also tackles the transformative power of self-belief, the courage to break free from societal labels, and the necessity of surrounding ourselves with mentors and like-minded individuals. It's a conversation that underscores the transformative power of authenticity and the importance of aligning with those who nurture our growth.In this powerful episode, Markus  and Mike also touch on the interplay between personal growth, relationships, and professional success. They share insights on the importance of self-care, particularly for parents, and how prioritizing our well-being allows us to be more present and impactful in the lives of those we love. From personal narratives of overcoming adversity to entrepreneurial spirit, this episode covers it all. So, tune in, be inspired, and let's activate the greatness within.Key highlights:Uncovering AuthenticityFinding Blessings in Life's ChallengesDiscovering and Embracing Authentic SelfPersonal Growth Through Life ExperiencesIntegrity and Community in HealthConnect with Markus Kaulius:LinkedIn: Markus KauliusTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Are you someone that stays charged, or someone that needs charging? That is the question of today's solo episode. As humans, we don't have actual batteries that need charging, but we know there are certain things that recharge us, such as rest and restorative practices. We have some sort of energy source within us, but for some people, it doesn't seem that way.The way Mike sees it is that there are two kinds of people: the “batteries included” group, and the “batteries not included” group. Those that come with batteries know how to get themselves going and how to motivate others to get going. We feel enlightened around them. They are autonomous and self-starters. Those in the “batteries not included” group tend to have the opposite effect on others. We feel drained, deflated, and progress always feels so much more difficult. Which one are you? Chances are, you want to say you come with batteries and light other people up because we all aspire to be that way. Make sure you know how to keep your battery charged and light the way for others. Mike wants you to be a person that is a catalyst for change and great things, so how can he help you stay connected and charged? Tune in for more!Key Highlights:The difference between “batteries included” people and “batteries not included” people Do you choose to keep your energy fresh, charged, and connected? Mike asks: Which kind of person are you? How can Mike help you stay fully connected and fully charged?To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Picture this: you're standing at a crossroads in your career, wondering if the path to fulfillment lies in the confines of your office or out in the vast world of possibilities. Kevin McGoff, Mike's esteemed guest, takes you on his personal expedition from a bustling law career to a tranquil retirement, revealing the profound lessons learned about cultivating a purposeful life. Kevin traverses topics from the impact of his father's '50-50 guy' philosophy to the stark cultural contrasts between America's and France's interpretations of busyness and identity. His transition serves as a guiding light for professionals seeking to enrich their lives beyond their work desks.Navigating the legal labyrinth comes with its share of hidden pressures and ethical quicksand. This episode pulls back the curtain on these professional challenges and the crucial role of seeking counsel within the practice. This discussion illuminates the transformative power of professional coaching, a journey Mike has personally undertaken with life-altering results. Together, Kevin and Mike dissect the complexities of law firm dynamics, the gratification of personal development through coaching, and how embracing guidance can lead to expansive personal and professional growth.Kevin's role as an author unfolds in a heartening narrative, touching on how his book has profoundly influenced readers, like a retiring doctor who found solace in its chapters. Such stories underscore the importance of acknowledging the mentors who shape our journeys. Key highlights:Kevin's Journey to SuccessTransitioning to a New Career PassionLife's Parallel Runways and StrategyLawyers and Financial StrugglesConnect with Kevin McGoff::Get Kevin's book: surlaroutekm.com/my-bookFacebook: facebook.com/kevin.mcgoff.5Instagram: @kevin_mcgoffTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

We have been taught to trade our time for money, but there comes the point where we are allowing a disservice to ourselves by operating this way. The more of an expert we become in our field, the less time it takes us to reach a result, and that result is usually of higher quality than what others with less experience can provide. By continuing to trade our time for money, we will need to put in more and more of our time to reach our desired income.In this episode, Mike encourages you to trade your expertise and value for money instead of the time it takes you to provide a service or result. People typically don't ask you how long it took you to reach expert status in your industry, they usually ask how long it will take you to complete the task, but we need to provide a reframe for this way of thinking. Mike walks you through how to convey your value and expertise, and justify premium pricing for the experience that you have, instead of the time it takes you to get a result. Quote from the episode: “Don't charge for your time, charge for your result.”Key Highlights:To make a fortune, trading hours for money will take a great deal of your timeThe more expert you become, the less time it takes you to do somethingIf we charge by the hour as an experienced person, we lose moneyWe need to take a lesson from Picasso's rules: value your expertise on your outcome and the result and not the number of hours Mike explains how to get past your client's thought processing of paying by the hour  To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Discover how Michael Santos, a man who once faced a 26-year prison term, emerged as a triumphant author, educator, and voice for reform. Michael's gripping tale of transformation from a convicted drug trafficker to a beacon of hope and change is a journey you won't want to miss. His candid revelations about the pivotal moments that spurred his profound metamorphosis offer a stark reminder that the human spirit can prevail over the darkest of circumstances. Tune in for an episode that will challenge your perceptions and inspire you with the raw power of resilience and self-redemption.In this conversation, Michael and Mike explore the intricate dance between accountability and the criminal justice system through the lens of personal experience and unwavering commitment to growth. Michael shares the wisdom gleaned from mentorship and his unwavering pursuit of knowledge, even amidst the harshness of prison life. Listeners will be drawn into a world where education paves the path to new beginnings, and mentorship becomes the cornerstone of a future unshackled from past transgressions. His life serves as a blueprint for crafting opportunities and harnessing the strength within to transcend adversity.Michael's advocacy for a merit-based correctional system and the implications for society come to the forefront. This segment explores the necessity of reform to reflect the values of hard work and opportunity that define the American spirit. Entrepreneurs and business owners will appreciate Michael's insights on the fine line between success and legal scrutiny, emphasizing the need for vigilance and ethical practice in their endeavors. Tune in for a compelling narrative that will leave you pondering the essence of success, the significance of second chances, and the transformative potential of personal empowerment.Key highlights:From Struggle to SuccessBreaking the Law and Facing ConsequencesJourney Through Legal Troubles and RedemptionFinding Redemption Through Education and MentorshipCreating Opportunities Through Self-EmpowermentReforming the Prison System for SuccessConnect with Michael Santos:Website: prisonprofessors.com | earningfreedomcorp.com | michaelsantos.comLinkedIn: Michael SantosTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Discover the incredible ascent of Cameron Baldwin, who at 21 years old, armed with nothing but audacity and a single truck, built a pest control empire and a collection of flourishing companies. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs, as Cameron joins Mike to share the highs and lows of his remarkable journey. From his initial foray into the competitive Arizona market with door-to-door sales to his mastery of customer service and savvy business scaling, you're in for a masterclass on transforming trials into triumphs.Cameron's narrative is more than a business blueprint; it's a chronicle of personal evolution, shaped by unforeseen challenges and the resolve to push through adversity. Witness the strategic finesse that guided him through financial turmoil and the resilience it took to recover from a crippling investor pullout. The episode delves into the emotional nuances of entrepreneurship, from the weight of personal investment to the quest for balance amidst rapid growth, providing poignant insights that resonate beyond the boardroom.Cameron Baldwin's journey is not just an account of building successful businesses, it's a testament to the indomitable spirit that drives the world's most innovative leaders.Key highlights:Entrepreneurial Journey From Real EstateLearning and Growing in BusinessFunding Green Mango Success Through DiligenceEntrepreneur's Journey of Growth and ChallengesBusiness Struggles and TriumphsConnect with Cameron Bawden:LinkedIn: Cameron BawdenInstagram: @greenmangopestcontrolTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

When Mike first stepped into the world of Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, he was struck by the sheer warmth and impeccable service that seemed to flow effortlessly throughout the establishment. It's this very essence of Meyer's enlightened hospitality that Mike is eager to discuss, celebrating the Five A's that have redefined customer service: Awareness, Anticipation, Acknowledgment, Action, and Accountability. Meyer's philosophy is not just about serving food with a smile; it's a testament to the power of genuine care and connection in every interaction. This episode is an ode to the man whose principles in hospitality extend beyond the dining room into our daily lives, touching everyone from employees to the community at large.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Ever felt the rush of a Eureka moment that rewired your entire career path? That's the spark igniting today's chat with Michelle Nedelec, an entrepreneurial alchemist who turns the base metals of budding businesses into gold. She takes us on a whirlwind tour of her origin story, from an ambitious plan involving dental dreams and global escapades, to the serendipitous pivot that led her into the realm of financial services and beyond. The tale is a masterclass in adaptability and seizing the right opportunities—even when they're not the ones you were originally gunning for.Michelle's advice intertwines strategy, systems, support, and the pivotal state of mind. She covers marketing mishaps and the epiphanies that arise from them, like finding that one winning product that can launch your venture into the stratosphere. Michelle's infectious laughter peppers our journey as we scrutinize Apple's playbook, navigate the nuances of niche markets, and sail through the choppy waters of operational integration—all while keeping an eye on the prize of strategic growth and the dream exit.Remember it's not just about the destination but the greatness we harness along the way. Michelle leaves you with pearls of wisdom on tailor-made solutions for diverse entrepreneurial challenges, ensuring no listener walks away empty-handed. So, while you're plotting your next business move or dreaming up a venture that could change your life, take a leaf out of Michelle's book—and don't forget, the journey to success is always worth the ride.Key highlights:Entrepreneurial Journey in Electronic RetailFinancial Services Career TransformationValue of Problem Solving in BusinessPhases of Small Business GrowthNavigating Business Direction for GrowthConnect with Michelle Nedelec:Website: michellenedelec.comCompany website: awarenessstrategies.comLinkedIn: Michelle NedelecTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Unlock the secrets to extinguishing the 'dumpster fires' in your business with Mike on this Free Thinking Friday edition of the How'd It Happen podcast. Prepare to arm yourself with the knowledge to not only identify but also eliminate the messy, chaotic situations that chip away at your company's value and success. In this dynamic explanation, Mike dives into why the best in the business—A-players—steer clear of companies riddled with these fires and why savvy buyers won't invest in entities that are ablaze with issues.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Have you ever heard “Your network is your net worth?” Well it's true. The magnetic pull of genuine human connection and business growth are greatly related. Join Mike and his remarkable guest, Steve Ramona, as they unravel the power of networking with a servant's heart. Steve, the prolific host of "Doing Business with a Servant's Heart" podcast and "Together We Serve" TV show, brings to the table his unconventional 'reverse serving' philosophy, which could revolutionize your approach to networking and expanding your business.During this insightful chat, Steve and Mike tackle the unspoken intricacies of customer service and personal transformation, drawing from Steve's experiences managing a family health club where simply remembering a customer's name could turn the tables. Ferrying a durable network from one business endeavor to the next, he touches upon the subtle art of listening and the compounding effect of improving by just 1% daily. This philosophy doesn't just build success; it forges long-standing relationships rooted in value creation, which is the cornerstone of every thriving network.Steve and Mike also delve into the heart of servant leadership, discussing how leading with generosity and empathy can bring forth waves of unexpected opportunities. Buckle up and prepare to be moved, amused, and above all, transformed by the stories and strategies shared in this must-listen episode.Key highlights:Exploring Success Through Networking and ServingBuilding Relationships for Business GrowthPower of Networking for SuccessNetworking and Podcasting Strategies for SuccessThe Power of Servant LeadershipPower of Serving and NetworkingConnect with Steve Ramona:Website: intouchpad.comPodcast: servinginbusinesspodcast.comLinkedIn: Steve RamonaTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Have you ever envisioned the perfect exit from your business, only to be bogged down by the daunting unknowns? Turn that dream into a plan with the red, gold, and green thinking method. In this episode, Mike takes you through the transformative power of this simple, 30-minute strategy that could revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey. Through a candid reality check (red), a visionary future check (gold), and a decisive action check (green), you'll learn to conduct a thorough self-evaluation of your company's present state and set actionable goals towards a fulfilling exit strategy. Say goodbye to the 'focusing illusion' and hello to a path that charts towards your business aspirations with clarity and purpose.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Join Mike as he welcomes Ken Rusk, the champion of blue-collar pride and author of "Blue Collar Cash." Ken shares his transformative journey from ditch digger to entrepreneurial success, proving that college isn't the only path to a fulfilling and prosperous life. Ken and Mike take a deep look into the essence of hard work, the art of setting and achieving goals, and the underrated value of blue-collar vocations. Ken's story is not just about making a living; it's about crafting a life of comfort, peace, and freedom.In this discussion, Mike and Ken tap into the critical life skills often overlooked in traditional education—such as independence, visualization, and proactive planning. They talk about the power of visualizing one's future, from saving for that first big purchase as a kid to aligning personal dreams with your career path. This conversation will challenge your thinking on personal agency and the importance of documenting and regularly reviewing your aspirations. They also touch on how businesses can thrive when individual and company goals are in harmony, creating a dynamic environment where everyone's working toward a shared vision.Listen in as Ken addresses the current state of workforce education and its implications on the trades. He recounts his own circuitous route from plumbing to the corporate world and back again, while he dissects the societal pressures pushing young people towards college and away from trades. Ken brings philosophical depth to this chat, discussing the power of a 'you and only you' mindset and the significance of impacting lives beyond just running a successful business. Whether you're in the blue-collar world, dreaming of starting your own venture, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with insights that will resonate with and inspire you.Key highlights:Blue Collar Entrepreneur Success StoryBuilding Independence and Achieving GoalsImplementing Individual and Company GoalsSuccessful Business, Impacting LivesThe Crisis in Workforce EducationFrom Digging Ditches to EntrepreneurConnect with Ken Rusk:Website: kenrusk.comGet Ken's book: Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for LifeTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Have you ever been so caught up in extinguishing day-to-day fires in your business that the thought of planning your exit seems like a distant dream? It's a common trap for entrepreneurs, but today's discussion is all about breaking free from that survival mindset to achieve a "dream exit" that aligns with both your financial goals and personal fulfillment. In this solo episode, Mike dives into the critical components of exiting your business with success, shedding light on the perils of 3F thinking—fires, fears, and folly—that can sabotage your future. With 81% of entrepreneurs regretting their lack of exit preparation, Mike presents reflective questions designed to steer you toward a strategic exit plan, enhancing your business's value and ensuring a smooth transition.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

When the time comes to pass the torch of your business, the journey involves much more than a transaction—it's a transformation. Join Mike Malatesta as he sits down with Laurie Barkman, the insightful business transition sherpa, to illuminate the often-overlooked facets of preparing for a business handover. This discussion spans the emotional landscape business owners traverse, blending wisdom from the late Charlie Munger with personal anecdotes and expert strategies to equip you for a seamless transition. Ascending to a top executive role isn't a mere step; it's a leap enveloped in self-reflection and resilience. Laurie and Mike peel back the layers of what it takes to not only land that CEO chair but to also thrive within it. Hear from Laurie about the formidable hurdles of an executive search and the tenacity required to steer through them. This candid conversation offers a blueprint for transformational leadership—from squaring off against self-doubt to aligning your inner compass with the demands of the C-suite. Laurie's own metamorphosis from navigating corporate mergers to carving out a niche in entrepreneurship infuses this episode with real-life tales of growth and innovation. These experiences have sculpted both her podcast 'Succession Stories' and her book "The Business Transition Handbook," serving as a conduit for knowledge and inspiration to our listeners. For those charting their course through the business world's shifting tides, tune in to this episode for guidance.Key highlights:Business Transition and Succession PlanningPrepare and Land a CEO PositionEvolution of a PodcastCharlie Munger's Legacy Book and WritingTransition Planning Services for Business OwnersConnect with Laurie Barkman:Website: thebusinesstransitionsherpa.comPodcast: Succession StoriesBook: The Business Transition Handbook: How to Avoid Succession Pitfalls and Create Valuable Exit OptionsYou can get Laurie's book by texting the word “transition” to 762-320-2826To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Unlock the secrets to crafting a business that's primed for the ultimate success: a lucrative exit. In this latest episode, Mike delves into the art of early exit planning, a strategy that too many entrepreneurs overlook to their detriment. It's about shaping your company to operate at maximum value at all times, not just when you're ready to sell. Tune in as Mike reveals how sustainable systems, robust client diversification, and a powerful brand can not only prepare you for a rewarding departure but also enhance your daily operations. Through his experiences, Mike highlights the costly mistakes that come from neglecting such foresight, and he challenges you, fellow business trailblazers, to adopt the mindset of an exit-ready entrepreneur from day one.To Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Mike was recently a guest on the Ready Yet?! Podcast with host Erin Marcus, and he shared his successes and failures during his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of remaining curious and open to learning, and how he helps entrepreneurs with a Dream Exit plan to build and sell their business. This was such an insightful episode, that we wanted to share it on the How'd It Happen? Podcast as well.In this episode, Mike tackles the idea that commitment breeds confidence and dissects the delicate balance between seizing opportunities and avoiding the trap of overcommitment. Mike opens up about his own path to becoming selective and shares why he places a higher value on personal growth and aiding others above merely pursuing success or fearing failure.Key highlights:Exploring Success, Commitment, and Saying YesResilience and Responsibility in BusinessRecognizing Fallacies and Taking Personal ResponsibilityCreating a Dream Exit for EntrepreneursConnect with Erin Marcus:Ready Yet? Podcast on YouTube: @conqueryourbusinessWebsite: conqueryourbusiness.comFacebook: erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness  Instagram: @erinmarcusconqueryourbusinessTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Mike appeared as a guest on Michelle Nedelec's "Business Ownership Podcast" and shared his wisdom all about how to achieve the business exit of your dreams -- the Dream Exit™. In this episode, Mike unveils the often overlooked -- but critical -- phase of business ownership - the exit. Discover the importance of planning for your exit even when it seems distant, why every entrepreneur should strive to become dispensable, and how to ensure your business thrives without you. Mike's playbook method and his 'Red, Gold, Green' strategy provide a blueprint for aligning your business's current state with your ultimate goals, ensuring maximum value and meaning. If you're an entrepreneur seeking the freedom that comes with a well-executed exit, or if you're simply curious about the life that awaits beyond the sale, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how to prepare for success and secure the future you deserve.Episode resources:The Dream Exit Website: dreamexit.comCheck out the Business Ownership PodcastTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE

Today we have a very special episode for you. It is with heavy hearts that we bring you a recording featuring the late Dr. Mark Goulston, a renowned psychologist, author, and a dear friend to many in the field. Mark died on December 31 due to an unforeseen infection during recovery from a bone marrow transplant.Mark's wisdom, compassion, and contributions to the world of psychology have left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him or learning from his work. While he may no longer be with us in person, his insights and teachings continue to resonate and inspire.In this episode, we revisit a recording from a previous interview with Dr. Goulston that originally dropped on September 26, 2022. It remains as relevant and valuable as ever. We hope that by sharing his thoughts and expertise once more, we can honor his memory and continue to benefit from his incredible legacy. Dr. Goulston was a CEO and future CEO coach and advisor to founders and entrepreneurs.  He was a member of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches,  host of the top-rated podcast My Wakeup Call. He was also the author or co-author of nine books which have been translated into 42 languages, with his book, "Just Listen," becoming the top book on listening in the world. Website:  https://michelangelomindset.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkGoulstonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markgoulston/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarkgoulstonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/markgoulston/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drmarkgTo Connect with Mike: Website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter YouTube Coaching Get Mike's book: Owner Shift Please LIKE