Podcasts about Success

This week on the Maxwell Leadership Podcast, find out what an ice cube can teach you about patience and results. Today, John Maxwell finishes up his two-part lesson on the compounding power of daily action, reflection, and intentional growth on the path to lasting leadership success. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Goede dive into real-world strategies and personal stories to help you immediately implement John's teaching. Key takeaways:  Your first step is your most important step.  Success is a series of steps, not one giant leap. If you can't get happy where you are, you can't get happy where you're going. Our BONUS resource for this episode is the What People Misunderstand About Success (Part 2) Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John's teaching. You can download the worksheet by visiting MaxwellPodcast.com/Misunderstand and clicking "Download the Bonus Resource." Take the next step in your growth journey and become a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Member. Click here to speak with a Program Advisor today! References:  Watch this episode on YouTube! Get the 21 Laws of Leadership online course for 20% off Apply this week's episode with other growth-minded leaders in the Maxwell Leadership Podcast Social Community Why So Many Leaders Stop Growing Podcast Episode Join the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class. Rushion McDonald’s “Keep Winning” #2 – Key Takeaways In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald shifts the discussion from personal value proposition to building and protecting a business through effective employee management. His message is simple: a great business idea can fail if the wrong people are responsible for executing it. Top Lessons 1. Your Employees Can Make or Break Your Business No matter how strong your product, service, or vision may be, success depends on having the right people helping you deliver it. A weak team can undermine even the strongest value proposition. 2. Five Reasons Companies Struggle to Find Great Employees Keeping poor performers because of personal relationships or loyalty. Hiring repeatedly from the same circle of recommendations. Refusing to admit that hiring mistakes may be coming from leadership. Hiring based solely on experience rather than adaptability. Believing there are no good candidates available. Rushion emphasizes that leadership must take responsibility for the quality of its hiring decisions. 3. Don't Build a Business on Hope Many businesses fail because they operate on optimism rather than planning. Rushion stresses the importance of having: A budget An accountant Human resources processes Clear hiring standards Successful businesses are built on systems, not wishes. 4. Be Willing to Let Employees Go One of the hardest responsibilities of leadership is termination. Rushion advises employers to: Be clear about performance expectations. Document problems. Communicate concerns early. Have witnesses present when necessary. The goal is not punishment but accountability. 5. Poor Customer Service Destroys Value Rushion shares a story about a restaurant where employees displayed poor attitudes, lacked preparation, and failed to serve customers properly. His lesson is that customers judge a company through employee behavior. A business can spend years building its reputation and lose it through poor service. 6. Raise Your Own Value Before Asking for More For employees, Rushion recommends thinking beyond the current position. Instead of focusing only on the job you were hired to do: Look for additional responsibilities. Set higher goals. Become indispensable. Increase your value to the organization. When your value grows, opportunities and compensation often follow. 7. Be Careful Hiring Family Members Rushion identifies several common mistakes: Hiring family simply because they're family. Hiring relatives because you feel sorry for them. Giving jobs to relatives who need financial help. Hiring family members who already owe you money. Hiring someone solely because a parent or relative recommended them. Business decisions should be based on qualifications and fit, not emotions. 8. Use a 90-Day Probation Period Rushion believes a structured probation period helps protect both employer and employee. Key checkpoints include: 30 Days: Review performance and reinforce expectations. 60 Days: Evaluate progress and determine whether improvement is occurring. 90 Days: Decide whether the employee is a long-term fit for the organization. Consistent evaluation prevents small problems from becoming major issues. Keep Winning Quote “Do not let an employee destroy your company. If they do, it's because you let them.” Bottom Line Build your business with the right people. Hold employees accountable. Create systems for hiring and evaluation. Avoid emotional hiring decisions. Protect your value proposition by surrounding yourself with people who help your vision grow. That's how you keep winning. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gregory Richardson. A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raoul Davis. CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding:

Robert Guerra and Ephraim Salaam filling in for Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington react to Kyler Murray continuing to find success as an unsuccessful quarterback within the NFL. JJ McCarthy was never that guy and shows us in undeniable fashion. Plus, the real reason NFL joint practices!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Bill Hoogterp is the founder and CEO of LifeHikes, a global experiential learning and human performance company that helps people and organizations unlock greater confidence, communication, and leadership. He has trained more than one million people across 1,200 organizations in 47 countries and has coached executives, athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders from companies including Meta, Google, LinkedIn, and OpenAI. Bill also co-founded Do Something and what became Raptive, making his journey from living on virtually no income to building successful businesses especially unique. On this episode we talk about: Bill's unusual journey from intentionally making zero dollars to becoming a successful entrepreneur The transition from nonprofit work to building for-profit businesses and why scaling behavior is similar in both worlds The relationship between money, happiness, impact, and personal fulfillment How to determine your own financial “number” instead of chasing wealth because of societal expectations Why continuous learning and personal growth should continue long after you leave school The power of asking better questions and learning to approach problems from different perspectives Why trying to accomplish everything alone can hold you back Top 3 Takeaways Define what “enough” means for you. Instead of endlessly chasing more money, determine the amount you actually need to support the lifestyle you want, celebrate reaching it, and then decide what you want to pursue next. Keep reinventing yourself. Your goals and priorities should evolve as you move through different stages of life. Don't assume that graduating, retiring, or reaching a certain age means you've stopped learning and growing. Stop trying to do everything alone. Success often comes from combining individual initiative with the support, knowledge, and resources of other people. Find others who are working toward similar goals and build together. Notable Quotes “Happiness doesn't link to more money, but the challenge of building things is what gives you happiness.” “Don't connect the complete money to your identity. That's where people get in trouble.” “Almost all of our failures are because we think we should [do it alone].” Connect with Bill Hoogterp: LinkedIn: Bill Hoogterp on LinkedIn Website: LifeHikes Other: LifeHikes leadership training and executive coaching A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we'll talk about:Why you need your own definition of success before the world gives you oneHow to identify what you're actually trying to protect as you build your lifeWhy your non-negotiables create boundaries around what success is allowed to cost youHow to distinguish healthy devotion to your work from sacrificing yourself for itWhy surrendering your plans to God can create a better definition of success than ambition aloneHow to build success around the life you actually want to live—not sacrifice that life to achieve itAnd more… START HERE…→ Join The Niche Is You® — my Substack (20K+) — Weekly essays, the full workshop library, the private community + the Quarterly Challenges. → https://mattgottesman.substack.com/aboutNEW HERE…→ 6 Days to Clarity Workshop — clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play. → https://mattgottesman.com/reverse-engineer-your-life (FREE)CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ TikTok — @mattgottesman→ YouTube — @mattgottesmanRESOURCES…→ Write • Design • Build — my Content Creator Studio & OS masterclass (Included when you join my Substack) — Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & income — CLICK HERE→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Apparel — thenicheisyou.comOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Faith Isn't Knowing the Whole Path… It's Taking the Next Honest StepApple: https://apple.co/3MB62IuSpotify: https://bit.ly/4rZw3RN

In the second hour, Leila Rahimi and Mark Grote were joined by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk to discuss the latest Bears and NFL storylines. After that, Cubs left fielder Ian Happ joined the show to discuss his new platoon role and the clubs' continued success as it has won seven of its past eight games. Later, Rahimi and Grote held the Halftime segment.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Arrington Gavin. CEO and Founder of Rugged Evolution Beard Care, about entrepreneurship, brand growth, and the evolution of men’s grooming.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gregory Richardson. A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class. Rushion McDonald’s “Keep Winning” #2 – Key Takeaways In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald shifts the discussion from personal value proposition to building and protecting a business through effective employee management. His message is simple: a great business idea can fail if the wrong people are responsible for executing it. Top Lessons 1. Your Employees Can Make or Break Your Business No matter how strong your product, service, or vision may be, success depends on having the right people helping you deliver it. A weak team can undermine even the strongest value proposition. 2. Five Reasons Companies Struggle to Find Great Employees Keeping poor performers because of personal relationships or loyalty. Hiring repeatedly from the same circle of recommendations. Refusing to admit that hiring mistakes may be coming from leadership. Hiring based solely on experience rather than adaptability. Believing there are no good candidates available. Rushion emphasizes that leadership must take responsibility for the quality of its hiring decisions. 3. Don't Build a Business on Hope Many businesses fail because they operate on optimism rather than planning. Rushion stresses the importance of having: A budget An accountant Human resources processes Clear hiring standards Successful businesses are built on systems, not wishes. 4. Be Willing to Let Employees Go One of the hardest responsibilities of leadership is termination. Rushion advises employers to: Be clear about performance expectations. Document problems. Communicate concerns early. Have witnesses present when necessary. The goal is not punishment but accountability. 5. Poor Customer Service Destroys Value Rushion shares a story about a restaurant where employees displayed poor attitudes, lacked preparation, and failed to serve customers properly. His lesson is that customers judge a company through employee behavior. A business can spend years building its reputation and lose it through poor service. 6. Raise Your Own Value Before Asking for More For employees, Rushion recommends thinking beyond the current position. Instead of focusing only on the job you were hired to do: Look for additional responsibilities. Set higher goals. Become indispensable. Increase your value to the organization. When your value grows, opportunities and compensation often follow. 7. Be Careful Hiring Family Members Rushion identifies several common mistakes: Hiring family simply because they're family. Hiring relatives because you feel sorry for them. Giving jobs to relatives who need financial help. Hiring family members who already owe you money. Hiring someone solely because a parent or relative recommended them. Business decisions should be based on qualifications and fit, not emotions. 8. Use a 90-Day Probation Period Rushion believes a structured probation period helps protect both employer and employee. Key checkpoints include: 30 Days: Review performance and reinforce expectations. 60 Days: Evaluate progress and determine whether improvement is occurring. 90 Days: Decide whether the employee is a long-term fit for the organization. Consistent evaluation prevents small problems from becoming major issues. Keep Winning Quote “Do not let an employee destroy your company. If they do, it's because you let them.” Bottom Line Build your business with the right people. Hold employees accountable. Create systems for hiring and evaluation. Avoid emotional hiring decisions. Protect your value proposition by surrounding yourself with people who help your vision grow. That's how you keep winning. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class. Rushion McDonald’s “Keep Winning” #3 – Key Takeaways In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald expands on the concept of value proposition, focusing on how entrepreneurs and professionals can differentiate themselves through customer service, marketing, mentorship, and continuous growth. Top Lessons 1. Understand Your Value Proposition Your value proposition is what makes your talent, product, or company unique. It's the reason people choose you over the competition and the foundation for negotiating better opportunities, raises, and contracts. Rushion uses the example of athletes who fail to recognize their true market value and end up accepting deals that don't reflect their worth. 2. Never Let Age Become an Excuse One of Rushion's recurring themes is that success has no age limit. He encourages listeners to: Keep setting goals. Continue learning. Pursue new opportunities. Avoid believing that life slows down after 40, 50, or 60. Success belongs to those who continue moving forward regardless of age. 3. Market More Than Your Product Two companies may offer similar products, but customer perception can create dramatically different outcomes. Rushion emphasizes that businesses should promote: Customer service Customer experience Reliability Trust Products may attract customers once, but outstanding service keeps them coming back. 4. Choose to Be the Eagle, Not the Chicken One of the episode's most memorable analogies compares an eagle and a chicken. Although both are birds, society views them very differently. The lesson: Eagles soar. Eagles command respect. Eagles fight to maintain their position. Rushion challenges listeners to adopt an eagle mindset by thinking bigger, acting boldly, and pursuing excellence. 5. Seek Mentorship and Guidance Many entrepreneurs fail simply because they try to figure everything out alone. Rushion highlights resources such as: The Small Business Administration (SBA) SCORE mentors Experienced business professionals Mentorship can help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth. 6. Expand the Possibilities of Your Product Rushion shares the story of a pancake mix company whose product evolved from a simple pancake and waffle mix into a unique 3-in-1 product capable of making: Pancakes Waffles Biscuits The lesson is to continually explore new uses and opportunities that can differentiate your product in the marketplace. 7. Packaging Matters A great product alone isn't enough. Using the example of a gourmet popcorn company, Rushion explains that: Product quality matters. Customer service matters. Packaging matters. A product may be excellent, but weak presentation can prevent it from reaching larger retail opportunities. 8. Customer Service Is a Competitive Advantage Across every business example discussed in the episode, one factor remained constant: Excellent customer service. Customers remember: How they were treated. Whether expectations were met. Whether businesses delivered consistently. Strong customer service often becomes a company's most powerful marketing tool. 9. Reliability Builds Trust Rushion emphasizes that success often comes down to honoring commitments. If you say: You open at 8:00 AM, open at 8:00 AM. You will deliver a product, deliver it. You promise service, provide it. Consistency creates credibility. Keep Winning Quote “Market your brand to stand out above the crowd through excellent service, strong presentation, and a commitment to outperforming the competition.” Bottom Line Know your value. Keep learning. Seek mentorship. Expand your thinking. Deliver exceptional customer service. Package your product professionally. And most importantly, choose to soar like the eagle instead of settling like the chicken. That's how you keep winning. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Barbosa. CEO and Founder of International Supply Partners (ISP), about breaking into government contracting, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the complexities of supply chain management.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney S. Diane Clair. A Georgia-based attorney, real estate law professor at Kennesaw State University, and founder of a law practice specializing in real estate, estate planning, probate, business, and contract law. The discussion focuses on wealth building through real estate investing, asset protection, and estate planning strategies for generational wealth. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Purpose of the Interview The primary purpose of the interview was to: Educate listeners about real estate investing opportunities, including lesser-known strategies such as tax liens and tax deeds. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Stress the importance of working with qualified legal professionals instead of relying on Google, social media, AI tools, or generic legal templates. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Promote wealth preservation through estate planning, particularly trusts and business structures. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Encourage minority communities to create estate plans and pass wealth to future generations. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Key Takeaways 1. Don't Rely Solely on Google, Social Media, or AI for Legal Advice Clair warns that many individuals attempt to create wills, trusts, and legal documents online without professional guidance. She emphasizes that legal matters require experienced attorneys because AI and internet sources may provide incomplete or incorrect information. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Why it Matters Legal mistakes can create costly problems later. AI-generated content can be inaccurate. Estate planning and real estate transactions require professional review. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 2. Real Estate Is a Powerful Wealth-Building Tool Clair argues that real estate remains one of the strongest ways to build and transfer wealth between generations. She highlights its relative stability compared to stock market fluctuations. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Benefits Mentioned Builds long-term wealth Generates passive income Creates assets that can be inherited Helps achieve financial freedom [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 3. Start Real Estate Investing Through a Business Entity One of Clair's first recommendations is to establish a legal business structure before purchasing investment properties. Recommended Structures LLC Corporation Other formal business entities [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] She repeatedly stresses that investment assets ideally should not be owned in an individual's personal name. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 4. You Don't Need Large Amounts of Money to Invest A major myth she debunks is that real estate investing requires significant capital. Entry-Level Strategies Tax liens Tax deeds Foreclosure purchases Fix-and-flip projects Rental properties [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] According to Clair, investors can begin with relatively small amounts by purchasing tax liens and earning interest when property owners redeem them. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 5. Estate Planning Is Largely Ignored Clair shares a startling statistic: Approximately 64% of Americans do not have an estate plan. Among minorities, that number rises to about 70%. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] She believes the problem is educational rather than financial, noting that even wealthy celebrities frequently fail to plan their estates. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 6. Trusts Are Better Than Wills for Many Situations Clair strongly favors trusts, especially irrevocable trusts, as vehicles for preserving wealth. Advantages of Trusts Avoid probate Potential tax benefits Asset protection Easier transfer of wealth Can operate while the creator is still alive [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Difference Between a Will and a Trust Will Takes effect after death Goes through probate court Directs distribution of assets [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Trust Can function during the owner's lifetime Avoids probate Can provide stronger protection and tax advantages [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] 7. Asset Protection Is Essential Clair explains that trusts can own: Real estate Bank accounts Businesses Investments Other valuable assets [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Because the trust, rather than the individual, owns the property, there can be additional protection from lawsuits and claims. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Notable Quotes On Legal Services Beyond Personal Injury Law "You can hire lawyers for way more, and we can assist you in way more." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Using AI for Legal Matters "AI is not really something you want to trust... It creates and makes up stuff." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Professional Guidance "You want to book a consultation with an attorney." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Real Estate Investing "A lot of people have that misconception that you have to have a lot of money to start investing in real estate, and that's not true." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Generational Wealth "Real estate is something that is the best thing to invest in and pass down to future generations." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Estate Planning "This is not a money thing... It's an education thing." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Trusts "The best estate planning instrument is always going to be a trust." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] On Asset Ownership "Don't have anything in your own name, have it in the name of the trust or in the business." [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] Overall Message Attorney Diane Clair's central message is that wealth creation and wealth preservation must work together. Building assets through real estate is important, but equally important is protecting those assets through proper business structures, trusts, estate planning, and professional legal guidance. The interview encourages listeners, especially entrepreneurs and minority communities, to think long term about generational wealth, asset protection, and financial legacy rather than short-term gains. [S. DIANE CLAIR | Txt] #BEST #STRAW #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelli-Ann McKenzie. Purpose of the Interview The interview focuses on advocating for healthcare professionals, addressing the challenges they face, and introducing Shelli-Ann McKenzie’s nonprofit organization, Help for Healthcare Professionals (HCPP). The goal is to highlight burnout, financial struggles, and systemic issues in healthcare while promoting programs that support mental wellness, financial literacy, and career development. Key Takeaways Healthcare Workforce Challenges Nurses and healthcare professionals face high stress, burnout, and long hours, leading to workforce shortages. Many professionals struggle financially—24% live in poverty. Lack of professors in nursing schools limits the number of students entering the profession. Understanding Nursing Roles Nursing includes multiple levels: Registered Nurse (RN): Associate or bachelor’s degree. Advanced Practice Nurses: Master’s level (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator). Doctorate Level: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD. Nurse practitioners often function as an extension of physicians, providing quality care. Respect and Recognition Nurses provide more direct care than any other health profession but often lack recognition. Advocacy is key to ensuring nurses can practice at the highest level and improve access to care. Why HCPP Was Founded Born out of COVID-19 crisis and Shelli-Ann’s personal experience with burnout. Mission: Provide mental health referrals, financial assistance (gift cards, gas), and professional development. Programs include: Financial literacy workshops Entrepreneurship training for healthcare professionals Scholarships and internships for aspiring professionals Youth Med Program Targets ages 13–20 to build a healthcare workforce pipeline. Offers hands-on training, CPR certification, exposure to neurosurgeons, and mentorship. Tuition-free and designed to scale nationally. Funding and Community Support HCPP is a nurse-owned nonprofit, funded by federal grants and donations. Annual event: Night of Grand and Gratitude—a charity awards dinner to raise funds for programs. Notable Quotes “No one else was coming to save us—so I created HCPP.” “24% of healthcare professionals live in poverty.” “If we don’t have enough professors, we cap nursing students—it’s cyclical.” “The most rewarding part of nursing is showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.” “Every dollar we raise fuels education programs like Youth Med—strategic investment in the future of healthcare.” #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Interview Overview Guest: Michael WoodwardHost: Rushion McDonaldShow: Money Making Conversations MasterclassFocus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealthCompany Featured: Woodward Property Group Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own." Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience. Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable. 2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles. Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities. 3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact. He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige. 4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks. Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business. 5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time. Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently. 6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta. Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call. 7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes. Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities. 8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles: Never give up Protect your credit He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers. Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive. Notable Quotes On poverty: “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.” On education choices: “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.” On opportunity and courage: “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.” On advice to entrepreneurs: “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.” On consistency: “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere. Overall Impact The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making. Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown. CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, New Jersey. The discussion centers on the organization's mission to support underserved youth through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, life skills development, athletics, and community engagement. Dr. Brown also shares her vision for empowering young people and calls on businesses, volunteers, and community leaders to help create opportunities for the next generation. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Highlight the needs of children and families in Paterson and Passaic, New Jersey. Showcase the impact of the Boys & Girls Club's programs. Encourage volunteers, mentors, business owners, and corporations to get involved. Promote youth entrepreneurship and leadership development. Demonstrate how communities can work together to improve outcomes for young people. Key Takeaways 1. The Boys & Girls Club Is a Lifeline for Many Families The organization serves more than 1,400 children and teens daily through after-school programs, summer camps, tutoring, athletics, arts, and mentoring. Many of the families served face challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and educational barriers. Impact: Academic support and homework assistance. Nutritious meals and safe environments. Positive recreational and leadership opportunities. Family and community support services. 2. Education Requires Community Support Dr. Brown explained that schools alone cannot provide everything children need to succeed. The Boys & Girls Club helps fill those gaps through smaller group settings, individualized attention, and additional academic resources. Programs Include: Homework support (Power Hour) Tutoring Character development Leadership training Creative arts and athletics College and career preparation 3. Entrepreneurship Is a Major Focus One of the Club's signature initiatives is Girls with Goals, a 10-week entrepreneurship program designed to help young women develop business skills. Participants: Learn from successful women entrepreneurs. Create business plans. Develop pitching skills. Present their ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition. The program aims to build confidence, leadership abilities, and financial literacy while inspiring future business owners. 4. Mentorship Is Critical A central message throughout the interview is the importance of mentorship. Dr. Brown emphasized that young people benefit from seeing successful individuals who share similar backgrounds and experiences. She encouraged professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to volunteer their time and expertise. Why Mentorship Matters: Provides real-world guidance. Builds confidence. Expands career awareness. Helps break cycles of poverty. Creates positive role models. 5. Challenging Negative Stereotypes Dr. Brown spoke passionately about overcoming what she called "deficit ideology," the belief that young people from marginalized communities lack the ability to succeed. Her message was clear: Talent exists everywhere. Success is not determined by zip code. Every child has strengths that deserve recognition. Soft skills are just as important as academic achievements. She stressed the importance of helping young people recognize their own value and potential. 6. Preparing Youth for Adulthood The organization serves youth from ages 5 to 25, including young adults who are still exploring career options. For older participants, the Club focuses on: Professional development Workplace readiness Internships Career exploration Leadership opportunities Dr. Brown also discussed expanding partnerships with local businesses to expose young adults to skilled trades and vocational careers. 7. Community Involvement Is the Solution Both Dr. Brown and Rushion McDonald repeatedly stressed that real change happens when communities become actively involved. The interview served as a call to action for: Volunteers Business owners Corporations Churches Mentors Community organizations The message: everyone has something valuable to contribute to the success of young people. Notable Quotes On Community Responsibility "I can't complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I'm not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation." On Motivation "It's hard to get to sleep at night because you're constantly thinking about what's next and what you must do. But I am motivated to jump out of bed every morning to come and support these communities." On Potential and Success "No matter where you come from and no matter what you look like, no matter what skin you show up in, you have the capacity to become great." On Building Confidence "We have to help affirm those skills just like the others, so that young people can be confident in who they are." On Mentorship "One of the best motivating factors for most young people is being able to look into the eyes of a person who looks like them, who has a similar background." On Entrepreneurship "Many of our teenage female club members wanted to start their own businesses." On Community Access "We want to make ourselves available to the community as often as the community has a need." Executive Summary Dr. Christina Dukes Brown's appearance on Money Making Conversations Masterclass was a powerful call for community-driven youth empowerment. She highlighted the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic's efforts to address educational challenges, develop future leaders and entrepreneurs, provide mentorship, and create pathways to long-term success. Her overarching message is that every child has the potential to thrive when surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and a community willing to invest in their future. #BEST #STRAW #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Zach Shefska. Co-founder of CarEdge, a consumer-focused automotive platform he launched with his father in 2019. CarEdge was created to bring greater transparency, fairness, and efficiency to the car-buying experience through pricing data, negotiation tools, consumer education, and AI-powered resources. The conversation explores the current automotive market, rising vehicle prices, strategies for buying and selling cars, the role of AI in negotiations, and practical advice for consumers seeking to avoid costly mistakes. Purpose of the Interview 1. Educate Consumers About Car Buying Zach's primary objective was to help consumers become smarter car buyers by understanding vehicle pricing, trade-ins, inspections, warranties, financing, and negotiation tactics. 2. Promote Transparency in the Automotive Industry CarEdge was founded to level the playing field between dealerships and consumers by providing tools and information that reduce confusion and increase buyer confidence. 3. Showcase the Power of AI and Technology Zach discussed how AI is being used to assist consumers with vehicle negotiations and purchasing decisions, making the process more accessible and less intimidating. 4. Share an Entrepreneurial Success Story The interview highlights how Zach and his father transformed a simple YouTube channel into a nationally recognized platform that helps hundreds of thousands of consumers each year. Key Takeaways 1. Car Prices Have Reached Historic Levels One of the most eye-opening parts of the discussion was Zach's explanation of today's automotive market. Average new vehicle prices exceed $50,000. Average used vehicle prices exceed $28,000. Affordable entry-level vehicle options have become increasingly rare. Lesson: Consumers need to carefully budget and research before making a vehicle purchase. 2. Never Skip a Pre-Purchase Inspection Zach repeatedly emphasized that a pre-purchase inspection is the most important step when buying a used vehicle. An independent mechanic can uncover issues that may not appear on vehicle history reports. Lesson: Spending a small amount upfront on an inspection can prevent major repair expenses later. 3. Do Most of Your Homework Before Going to a Dealership Today's buyers can complete much of the purchasing process online. Consumers should: Research prices Compare vehicles Review financing options Understand ownership costs The dealership visit should mainly be for the test drive and final inspection. Lesson: Preparation creates leverage and confidence. 4. Think Beyond the Monthly Payment Many consumers focus only on monthly payments when evaluating vehicles. Zach recommends considering: Depreciation Insurance Fuel expenses Maintenance Repairs Financing costs Lesson: The true cost of ownership extends far beyond the monthly note. 5. Extended Warranties Can Be Negotiated Many consumers assume warranty packages and protection plans are fixed-price products. Zach explains that buyers should: Ask for the total cost Understand what is covered Negotiate the price if interested Lesson: Everything in the finance office is part of the negotiation process. 6. Separate Trade-Ins from Vehicle Purchases A major strategy discussed was treating a trade-in as a separate transaction. Before visiting a dealership: Obtain offers from CarMax Obtain offers from Carvana Use those offers as leverage Lesson: Negotiating the purchase and trade separately helps maximize value. 7. Reliability Matters More Than Ever When discussing dependable vehicle brands, Zach highlighted: Toyota Honda Mazda He noted that reliability should be a major factor in purchasing decisions because maintenance and repair costs significantly impact long-term ownership expenses. Lesson: A lower-maintenance vehicle often provides better long-term value. 8. Driving Cars Longer Is a Smart Financial Strategy Rather than frequently upgrading, Zach recommends keeping vehicles longer and extracting maximum value from them. Lesson: Reducing depreciation is one of the easiest ways to save money over time. Notable Quotes On Entrepreneurship "Being an entrepreneur is scary. Putting your name associated with something, there's a lot of responsibility associated with that." On Car Shopping "Do your wants versus needs analysis." On Used-Car Purchases "Get a pre-purchase inspection." On Ownership Costs "The cost of a car is not just your monthly payment." On Extended Warranties "Ask them what the actual price is of the coverage." On Trade-Ins "Treat buying a car and selling a car as two separate transactions." On Affordability "Don't be spending more than 20% of your gross take-home income on your car." On Long-Term Ownership "Drive your car into the ground." On Reliability "Toyota, Honda, Mazda." The CarEdge Value Proposition CarEdge is built around four core principles: Transparency Providing real-time pricing insights and market data. Consumer Empowerment Giving buyers the information and negotiating tools needed to make informed decisions. AI-Powered Assistance Using technology to simplify vehicle buying and negotiation. Consumer Education Helping people avoid common mistakes that cost buyers time and money. Overall Assessment This interview serves as both a practical consumer guide and an entrepreneurial case study. Zach Shefska explains how CarEdge is helping consumers navigate an increasingly expensive and complex automotive marketplace while using technology to make the car-buying process more transparent. The central message is simple: informed buyers make better decisions. Whether purchasing a new vehicle, shopping for a used car, negotiating a warranty, or evaluating a trade-in, success comes from research, preparation, and understanding the full cost of ownership before signing on the dotted line. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raoul Davis. CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding:

Re-release - Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary journey of Mark Bradley, founder of LMN. In part one of this two-part episode, Dwayne Kerrigan delves into Mark's transformation from the nuclear industry to super successful landscape entrepreneur, and finally, to tech innovator with his software company.Discover the key principles driving Mark's unparalleled success, including a focus on quality customers and employees, a clear mission and goals, and efficient operations. Mark shares his unconventional strategy of paying top-dollar salaries to his team, revolutionizing the industry and contributing to his remarkable achievements. This conversation showcases Mark's commitment to integrity, fair business practices, and industry improvement.Mark Bradley co-founded LMN in 2009 based on his company's need for landscape software that simply didn't exist. Now the industry's best business management software, he credits LMN as a catalyst for helping him scale TBG Landscape from backyard business into one of the Top 100 landscape contractors in North America. Since his first lawn care customer in 1999, Mark has been passionate about educating the industry on best practices for building better businesses.Now a sought-after speaker and business coach, he regularly shares his insight at events including GIE+Expo, Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA), the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, to name a few. Having recently completed the transition from landscape business owner to tech entrepreneur, Mark is committed to transforming talented landscape professionals into better business owners through industry-leading software and learning opportunities.Time Stamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:35] Mark Bradley: TBG Landscaping Journey[01:38] Starting a Business: Mark's Story[07:34] Acquiring First Customers: Strategies[13:17] Business Evolution: Landscaping Today[14:03] Replicating Business Success: Insights[18:41] Targeting Ideal Customers[23:59] Maximizing Revenue Per Hour[27:15[ Mindset: Abundance vs Scarcity[29:33] Financial Management: Budgeting Tips[32:55] Crafting a Solid Business Plan[37:00] Preserving Company Culture During Growth[42:10] Leadership's Role in Business Success[46:06] Setting Strategic Business Goals[47:53] Implementing Goals Across Your Team[51:39] Earning Based on Results: A Business Philosophy[54:54] Transition from Landscaping to Software Development[57:20] Emphasizing the Role of Education in Business[1:00:18] Entering the Software Industry: A New Venture[1:06:48] Mindset Shifts for Software Business Success[1:07:27] Announcement: 2 Part Podcast Series[1:07:54] Future Podcast Topics Discussion[1:09:00] Finding Industry Mentors[1:10:33] Youthful Entrepreneurship: Learning the Ropes[1:12:12] Tailoring Advice to Fit Your Business[1:13:55] Closing Remarks and Contact InformationConnect with Dwayne KerriganFacebookInstagramLinked InWebsiteDisclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.

Welcome to the Leading Edge in Emotionally Focused Therapy, hosted by Drs. James Hawkins, Ph.D., LPC, and Ryan Rana, Ph.D., LMFT, LPC—Renowned ICEEFT Therapists, Supervisors, and Trainers. We're thrilled to have you with us. We believe this podcast, a valuable resource, will empower you to push the boundaries in your work, helping individuals and couples connect more deeply with themselves and each other. In this episode, James and Ryan unpack a simple but powerful metaphor for adult romantic bonds: the red hat (emotional system), blue hat (caregiving system), and purple hat (sexual system). Drawing on attachment science from Phil Shaver, Mario Mikulincer, and Sue Johnson, they show how these three behavioral systems interact in-session and at home—and why you “can't red-hat your way into connection.” You'll hear vivid clinical examples, live-process reflections, and practical language you can bring straight to your couples, helping them see their cycle, name their hats, and take the first small blue-hat risks that change everything. 1. The Three Behavioral Systems = Three Hats Red Hat = Emotional System The hardwired system that signals inner experience—distress, pain, longings—outward. “Red” is not bad; it's the channel for “something is happening in me; I need you to see it.” Blue Hat = Caregiving System The instinct to turn toward another's distress: to be accessible, responsive, and engaged. In EFT terms, this is the responsive other—and it's what actually creates and maintains bond. Purple Hat = Sexual System The system driving touch, pleasure, and erotic connection in adult romantic bonds. Not an “add-on” after emotions are fixed, but a co-equal system that interacts with red and blue. 2. You Can't “Red-Hat” Your Way into Connection When both partners stay in red, they're each sending signals but no one is picking up the phone. That red‑vs‑red pattern feels like: competing for whose pain “counts,” chronic explaining, convincing, and defending, more loneliness after talking than before. Without at least a little blue hat, the bond cannot form or repair—no matter how much content is shared. 3. The Blue Hat Is Vulnerable Work—for Clients and Clinicians Putting on the blue hat requires a yielding move (Jim Coan's language): setting your own swirl aside for a moment, letting the other's pain actually touch you, allowing yourself to be impacted and guided by their inner world. For many partners (especially withdrawers), caregiving is wired to feel like a set-up for failure: “Every invitation is just another chance to get it wrong.” They often pull their heart back to protect against repeated failure. As a therapist or coach, you are meant to wear the blue hat for everyone in the room: If your compassion goes offline for one partner, the cycle has pulled you into red. Your temporary blue hat often “bridges” when a partner can't yet offer that responsiveness. 4. Red, Blue, and Purple Are Interlocking Cogs, Not a Straight Line Traditional framing: fix the emotional system first, and the sexual system will naturally follow. This episode offers a more mutual, systemic view: Secure emotional connection supports satisfying sexual connection. Blocked or painful sexual dynamics also make emotional safety harder. Deep, responsive sexual moments can reinforce emotional security, and vice versa. Think of the systems as interlocked gears: when one jams (emotion, caregiving, or sex), the others feel the strain. 5. Simple Metaphor, Heavy Theory Behind It The hat model is a front-door metaphor for clients that quietly carries: attachment research (5,000+ studies), Shaver & Mikulincer's work on adult bonding systems, Sue Johnson's emphasis on responsiveness as the core of love. Instead of teaching full attachment theory to clients who “can't even sit on the same couch,” you: offer two or three hats they can remember in the heat of the moment, help them name when they're switching hats, and anchor micro-interventions: “Right now, everyone has the red hat on. Who can risk 1% of a blue hat?” 6. Seeing the Cycle = Regaining Choice Clients cannot change what they cannot see; “hats” give them a shared language to see it. Therapists can track: When red turns from “open red” (vulnerable sharing) into “shadow red” (mistrust, blame, vague signals). When a partner briefly has a blue hat on and then flips back into red. When sexual bids (purple) are met with blue (healing) vs met with red (rejection, mistrust). Even a 1% blue-hat response (e.g., “I can see how hard that is for you”) can be enough to create real hope. 7. Beyond the Couch: A Call for More Blue Hats in the Culture The same red‑vs‑red dynamic shows up at the societal level: “My red hat is bigger/more legitimate than your red hat.” Lots of pain, very few reliable blue hats. The episode frames EFT and attachment science as world-facing work: inviting more blue‑hat moments in communities, justice spaces, and public conversations, honoring community leaders who quietly build learning communities that increase quality of care everywhere. We aim to equip therapists with practical tools and encouragement for addressing relational distress. We're also excited to be part of the team behind Success in Vulnerability (SV)—your premier online education platform. SV offers innovative instruction to enhance your therapeutic effectiveness through exclusive modules and in-depth clinical examples.    Stay connected with us: Facebook: Follow our page @pushtheleadingedge Ryan: Follow @ryanranaprofessionaltraining on Facebook and visit his website James: Follow @dochawklpc on Facebook and Instagram, or visit his website at dochawklpc.com George Faller: Visit georgefaller.com If you like the concepts discussed on this podcast you can explore our online training program, Success in Vulnerability (SV). Thank you for being part of our community. Let's push the leading edge together!

What if the thing that finally stopped your addiction... wasn't willpower? Today I'm sitting down with Matt Grace — a man who went from Ritalin to crystal meth to arrests and overdoses, and is now, twenty years later, the guy that Manhattan's wealthiest families call when their kid is dying from the same thing he almost died from. He's about to tell you the one thing his own parents did that kept him sick for years — and why he says addiction never lies, but families do. This is not a sanitized recovery story. Stay with us.     Follow Matt Grace - - New Book - God Doesn't Relapse- https://amzn.to/3Spg42y - IG - @mattsavinggrace - Website - https://mattgrace.com     Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ► Substack: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook:  / makessensepodcast ►YouTube:  / drjcdoornick     MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is subjective and an acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.   SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec   Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Operly - Take Back Control of Your Work Day and Get Rid of All Your AI Apps - Welcome to the new world of Time Freedom and Unlimited Scaling and Success with Operly -  https://go.getoperly.ai/video?ref=jean-claude-claude-d-2a95 Blue Blinds Bakery - Handcrafted with all-natural ingredients - www.blueblindsbakery.com 00:00 - 02:23: Intro: Turning the Tables / Episode Trailer 02:23 - 08:58: Before They Met: Mieke's Path, JC's First Marriage & Seven Years of Dating 08:58 - 14:29: Manifesting Love: Mieke's Ritual & JC's Recurring Dream 14:29 - 20:13: The Bumble Match & the First Phone Call 20:13 - 27:33: The First Date, Moving In Fast & a Hospital Scare 27:33 - 32:39: The Reveal: Lexi and the Dream Come True 32:39 - 37:50: What Makes Their Marriage Work 37:50 - 40:47: The Proposal in Front of 11,000 People 40:47 - 44:42: Gratitude & the Adoption Journey 44:42 - 48:35: Advice: Trust the Process 48:35 - 52:35: The Book "Make Sense" & Reframing Your Life 52:35 - ending: Chicken, Dragon & Closing Thoughts   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Book Alan's Business Breakthrough Session. Your first 30-minute coaching call is FREE. Learn how to prioritize success and let your quality of life become the byproduct. - https://calendly.com/alanlazaros/30-minute-breakthrough-sessionFitness is forever, it's a lifestyle. Join the Next Level Fitness Accountability Group. Reach out to Kevin or Alan on Instagram:Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/_______________________Success has a system. In this episode, Kevin and Alan explore why the results people call “luck” are usually built through years of focused effort, skill development, and consistent action. Drawing on their experience coaching clients, building businesses, and creating more than 2,500 episodes, they explain why opportunities often appear after the work has already been done. You will hear how clear goals shape what you notice, why small improvements create larger outcomes over time, and how to separate real cause and effect from surface-level success.They also address the pressure that comes with growth. More success can create more responsibility, more standards, and more problems worth solving. Do not wait to feel lucky. Build proof that you are ready when the opportunity arrives._______________________NLU is more than a podcast. From the Next Level Dreamliner to Group Coaching, we provide tools and communities to help you grow with more clarity, consistency, and accountability.Visit our website and socials through the links below.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Jackson Dunbar. Entrepreneur, author, and chronic pain advocate, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his book Race Matters in Pain Medicine, his experience living with chronic pain following a serious car accident and failed back surgery, and the lessons he learned about resilience, health, and financial success. The conversation combines personal testimony, healthcare advocacy, and practical strategies for overcoming adversity. Dunbar shared how chronic pain dramatically changed his life but ultimately pushed him to develop new approaches to physical health, financial stability, and personal growth. His story demonstrates how determination, self-education, and adaptability can help individuals thrive despite significant challenges. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Discuss Dunbar's book Race Matters in Pain Medicine. Raise awareness about disparities in pain management and healthcare treatment. Share his experience navigating chronic pain and recovery. Inspire people facing personal, health, or professional setbacks. Encourage financial literacy, self-help, and personal accountability. Provide practical strategies for creating success under difficult circumstances. Key Takeaways 1. Resilience Is a Choice Dunbar emphasizes that while people cannot always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond. Rather than focusing on what he lost, he concentrated on what he could still accomplish. 2. Create a New Normal A central theme of the discussion is that recovery does not always mean returning to life exactly as it was before. Success often comes from adapting and building a sustainable new reality. 3. Race Matters in Healthcare Dunbar highlights disparities in pain treatment and argues that race can influence how patients are treated, diagnosed, and prescribed medication. His book explores these inequities and their consequences. 4. Chronic Pain Affects Every Aspect of Life Pain impacts more than physical health. It affects emotional well-being, family relationships, work performance, finances, and overall quality of life. 5. Self-Advocacy Is Essential Patients must become informed participants in their own healthcare. Dunbar encourages people to ask questions, seek information, and actively engage in treatment decisions. 6. Financial Education Creates Opportunity Dunbar believes financial literacy is a critical life skill. He encourages continuous learning about investing, wealth creation, and economic trends regardless of one's circumstances. 7. Health and Wealth Are Connected His journey demonstrates that improving health and improving finances can occur simultaneously through discipline, education, and consistent effort. 8. Apply Business Thinking to Personal Challenges Dunbar credits much of his success to using a solutions-focused, analytical approach to managing his health, finances, and personal goals. Memorable Quotes "If you're about to make a change in your life and you feel uncomfortable, that's the best feeling you can have because for the first time in your life, you'll make a decision that's going to be best for you." "I made money, lost 90 pounds, and thrived in chronic pain." "Race matters in pain medicine." "A strong believer in self-help, Jackson Dunbar applied solutions-focused business logic to his own health." Bottom Line The interview is a powerful discussion about overcoming adversity through resilience, self-advocacy, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. Jackson Dunbar's message is that while chronic pain and life-changing setbacks may alter a person's path, they do not have to define their future. By creating a new normal, staying informed, and focusing on solutions, individuals can continue to grow, succeed, and make a positive impact on others. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gregory Richardson. A cybersecurity expert and AI consultant. The conversation explores cybersecurity best practices, the rise of AI, and how Gregory is helping churches and nonprofits leverage technology to spread the gospel.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Interview Overview Guest: Michael WoodwardHost: Rushion McDonaldShow: Money Making Conversations MasterclassFocus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealthCompany Featured: Woodward Property Group Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own." Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience. Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable. 2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles. Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities. 3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact. He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige. 4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks. Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business. 5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time. Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently. 6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta. Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call. 7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes. Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities. 8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles: Never give up Protect your credit He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers. Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive. Notable Quotes On poverty: “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.” On education choices: “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.” On opportunity and courage: “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.” On advice to entrepreneurs: “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.” On consistency: “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere. Overall Impact The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making. Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! In 2017, two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald launched his podcast, Money Making Conversations Master Class. Rushion McDonald’s “Keep Winning” #2 – Key Takeaways In this episode of Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald shifts the discussion from personal value proposition to building and protecting a business through effective employee management. His message is simple: a great business idea can fail if the wrong people are responsible for executing it. Top Lessons 1. Your Employees Can Make or Break Your Business No matter how strong your product, service, or vision may be, success depends on having the right people helping you deliver it. A weak team can undermine even the strongest value proposition. 2. Five Reasons Companies Struggle to Find Great Employees Keeping poor performers because of personal relationships or loyalty. Hiring repeatedly from the same circle of recommendations. Refusing to admit that hiring mistakes may be coming from leadership. Hiring based solely on experience rather than adaptability. Believing there are no good candidates available. Rushion emphasizes that leadership must take responsibility for the quality of its hiring decisions. 3. Don't Build a Business on Hope Many businesses fail because they operate on optimism rather than planning. Rushion stresses the importance of having: A budget An accountant Human resources processes Clear hiring standards Successful businesses are built on systems, not wishes. 4. Be Willing to Let Employees Go One of the hardest responsibilities of leadership is termination. Rushion advises employers to: Be clear about performance expectations. Document problems. Communicate concerns early. Have witnesses present when necessary. The goal is not punishment but accountability. 5. Poor Customer Service Destroys Value Rushion shares a story about a restaurant where employees displayed poor attitudes, lacked preparation, and failed to serve customers properly. His lesson is that customers judge a company through employee behavior. A business can spend years building its reputation and lose it through poor service. 6. Raise Your Own Value Before Asking for More For employees, Rushion recommends thinking beyond the current position. Instead of focusing only on the job you were hired to do: Look for additional responsibilities. Set higher goals. Become indispensable. Increase your value to the organization. When your value grows, opportunities and compensation often follow. 7. Be Careful Hiring Family Members Rushion identifies several common mistakes: Hiring family simply because they're family. Hiring relatives because you feel sorry for them. Giving jobs to relatives who need financial help. Hiring family members who already owe you money. Hiring someone solely because a parent or relative recommended them. Business decisions should be based on qualifications and fit, not emotions. 8. Use a 90-Day Probation Period Rushion believes a structured probation period helps protect both employer and employee. Key checkpoints include: 30 Days: Review performance and reinforce expectations. 60 Days: Evaluate progress and determine whether improvement is occurring. 90 Days: Decide whether the employee is a long-term fit for the organization. Consistent evaluation prevents small problems from becoming major issues. Keep Winning Quote “Do not let an employee destroy your company. If they do, it's because you let them.” Bottom Line Build your business with the right people. Hold employees accountable. Create systems for hiring and evaluation. Avoid emotional hiring decisions. Protect your value proposition by surrounding yourself with people who help your vision grow. That's how you keep winning. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Janice Omadeke. Founder of The Mentor Method and author of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Raoul Davis. CEO branding expert and partner at Ascendant Group Branding:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Janice Omadeke. Founder of The Mentor Method and author of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Interview Overview Guest: Michael WoodwardHost: Rushion McDonaldShow: Money Making Conversations MasterclassFocus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealthCompany Featured: Woodward Property Group Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own." Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience. Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable. 2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles. Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities. 3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact. He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige. 4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks. Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business. 5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time. Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently. 6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta. Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call. 7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes. Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities. 8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles: Never give up Protect your credit He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers. Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive. Notable Quotes On poverty: “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.” On education choices: “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.” On opportunity and courage: “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.” On advice to entrepreneurs: “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.” On consistency: “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere. Overall Impact The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making. Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Jackson Dunbar. Entrepreneur, author, and chronic pain advocate, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his book Race Matters in Pain Medicine, his experience living with chronic pain following a serious car accident and failed back surgery, and the lessons he learned about resilience, health, and financial success. The conversation combines personal testimony, healthcare advocacy, and practical strategies for overcoming adversity. Dunbar shared how chronic pain dramatically changed his life but ultimately pushed him to develop new approaches to physical health, financial stability, and personal growth. His story demonstrates how determination, self-education, and adaptability can help individuals thrive despite significant challenges. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Discuss Dunbar's book Race Matters in Pain Medicine. Raise awareness about disparities in pain management and healthcare treatment. Share his experience navigating chronic pain and recovery. Inspire people facing personal, health, or professional setbacks. Encourage financial literacy, self-help, and personal accountability. Provide practical strategies for creating success under difficult circumstances. Key Takeaways 1. Resilience Is a Choice Dunbar emphasizes that while people cannot always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond. Rather than focusing on what he lost, he concentrated on what he could still accomplish. 2. Create a New Normal A central theme of the discussion is that recovery does not always mean returning to life exactly as it was before. Success often comes from adapting and building a sustainable new reality. 3. Race Matters in Healthcare Dunbar highlights disparities in pain treatment and argues that race can influence how patients are treated, diagnosed, and prescribed medication. His book explores these inequities and their consequences. 4. Chronic Pain Affects Every Aspect of Life Pain impacts more than physical health. It affects emotional well-being, family relationships, work performance, finances, and overall quality of life. 5. Self-Advocacy Is Essential Patients must become informed participants in their own healthcare. Dunbar encourages people to ask questions, seek information, and actively engage in treatment decisions. 6. Financial Education Creates Opportunity Dunbar believes financial literacy is a critical life skill. He encourages continuous learning about investing, wealth creation, and economic trends regardless of one's circumstances. 7. Health and Wealth Are Connected His journey demonstrates that improving health and improving finances can occur simultaneously through discipline, education, and consistent effort. 8. Apply Business Thinking to Personal Challenges Dunbar credits much of his success to using a solutions-focused, analytical approach to managing his health, finances, and personal goals. Memorable Quotes "If you're about to make a change in your life and you feel uncomfortable, that's the best feeling you can have because for the first time in your life, you'll make a decision that's going to be best for you." "I made money, lost 90 pounds, and thrived in chronic pain." "Race matters in pain medicine." "A strong believer in self-help, Jackson Dunbar applied solutions-focused business logic to his own health." Bottom Line The interview is a powerful discussion about overcoming adversity through resilience, self-advocacy, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. Jackson Dunbar's message is that while chronic pain and life-changing setbacks may alter a person's path, they do not have to define their future. By creating a new normal, staying informed, and focusing on solutions, individuals can continue to grow, succeed, and make a positive impact on others. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to Bear Mattress for sponsoring this video. Visit https://www.bearmattress.com/floris and use code FLORIS to get 40% off your Bear mattress. Charlie Rocket went from barely being able to run for two minutes and weighing 300 pounds with a brain tumor, to completing five marathons, an Ironman, biking across America, and becoming a Nike athlete. Charlie transformed his life through running, optimism, and what he calls a "Winning Streak" mindset.   Learn how to turn setbacks into momentum, reinvent yourself, find joy in training, and believe in possibilities that seem impossible.   Watch the full video on YouTube   Topics covered: ​00:00​ — Charlie Rocket's incredible transformation story ​02:01​ — The Delusional Optimist ​07:40​ — From 300 pounds to the cover of Runner's World ​12:20​ — How a brain tumor changed his life ​14:25​ — Becoming a Nike athlete against all odds ​17:01​ — Advice for anyone starting from rock bottom ​21:50​ — How to manifest the person you want to become ​26:17​ — How to regain control when life goes wrong ​33:28​ — Surrounding yourself with the right people 37:15 — Bear Mattress sponsorship 38:29 — Success stories from my PB running coaching program ​39:02​ — Charlie's unconventional Ironman training ​43:33​ — Finding a training style that works for you ​48:43​ — Why endurance sports are about memories ​53:15​ — Charlie Rocket's book, Winning Streak 58:10 — How Charlie became @Charlie  ​1:00:02​ — The 10-minute Winning Streak Walk ​1:03:58​ — What advice Charlie would give his younger self ​1:05:53​ — Strategies to kickstart momentum ​1:07:07​ — Why you should tell people your biggest dreams ​1:13:10​ — How to become a stronger, healthier & happier runner 1:16:30 — Where to find Charlie ​1:16:55​ — Charlie's final thoughts and next chapter   Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn commissions if you purchase items via my affiliate links. "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." Affiliate links do not increase cost to you. Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in Amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.    FIND CHARLIE HERE:  ► INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/charlie/    LINKS & TOOLS MENTIONED ► Join my Personal Best Running Coaching Program: https://www.skool.com/personalbest ► Buy my new book Running Breakthroughs: https://geni.us/running-breakthroughs  ► Bear Mattress (40% off) with code FLORIS: https://www.bearmattress.com/floris    YOU CAN FIND ME, FLORIS GIERMAN HERE:  ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florisgierman ► Podcast: https://extramilest.com/podcast ► Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1329785      ► Extramilest Website: https://extramilest.com   ► Path Projects Website: https://pathprojects.com   ABOUT THE EXTRAMILEST SHOW: A podcast and YouTube channel where host Floris Gierman interviews world class athletes, coaches and health experts on the topic of how to become a stronger, healthier and happier athlete.   Join my running coaching program and transform your running and health in 60 days: https://www.skool.com/personalbest. 

Discover how finding the right people is more crucial than ever—especially as AI transforms the workplace. What does it take to hire and build thriving teams in this era of rapid change? In this episode, Lou Diamond sits down with Craig della Penna, founder of ASAP Partners and author of "Cypher," to unpack a proven framework for hiring the best talent. They explore the impact of AI on recruiting, why human skills are still irreplaceable, and how a well-crafted hiring process can save leaders countless hours and headaches. Plus, Craig shares insights on modern leadership, the trend toward craving real human connection, and the essential qualities hiring managers should prioritize. Whether you're an HR pro, a business leader, or just eager to level up your hiring game, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom.Timestamped Overview[00:00] Introduction and background on Craig della Penna[02:50] Craig's career journey: from finance to talent consulting[06:10] The rising importance of people in organizations and the impact of AI[08:17] The origin and purpose of the Cypher framework[12:10] Turning methodology into a practical book[14:00] Who benefits most from the Cypher method[16:05] AI trends and challenges in hiring[19:14] Skills for asking great questions—human and AI contexts[21:00] Laws for using AI in talent acquisition[22:33] Industry sectors and differences in AI adoption[24:01] The resurgence of human connection in work and life[25:44] Young professionals, workplace skills, and the future workforce[27:36] Why interpersonal fit trumps technical skills in hiring[28:31] Wrapping up: book name, how to connect with ASAP Partners[30:00] Quickfire round with Craig[36:12] Craig's household of authors and final thoughts[38:23] Closing remarks and outro

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Jackson Dunbar. Entrepreneur, author, and chronic pain advocate, joined Rushion McDonald to discuss his book Race Matters in Pain Medicine, his experience living with chronic pain following a serious car accident and failed back surgery, and the lessons he learned about resilience, health, and financial success. The conversation combines personal testimony, healthcare advocacy, and practical strategies for overcoming adversity. Dunbar shared how chronic pain dramatically changed his life but ultimately pushed him to develop new approaches to physical health, financial stability, and personal growth. His story demonstrates how determination, self-education, and adaptability can help individuals thrive despite significant challenges. Purpose of the Interview The interview aimed to: Discuss Dunbar's book Race Matters in Pain Medicine. Raise awareness about disparities in pain management and healthcare treatment. Share his experience navigating chronic pain and recovery. Inspire people facing personal, health, or professional setbacks. Encourage financial literacy, self-help, and personal accountability. Provide practical strategies for creating success under difficult circumstances. Key Takeaways 1. Resilience Is a Choice Dunbar emphasizes that while people cannot always control what happens to them, they can control how they respond. Rather than focusing on what he lost, he concentrated on what he could still accomplish. 2. Create a New Normal A central theme of the discussion is that recovery does not always mean returning to life exactly as it was before. Success often comes from adapting and building a sustainable new reality. 3. Race Matters in Healthcare Dunbar highlights disparities in pain treatment and argues that race can influence how patients are treated, diagnosed, and prescribed medication. His book explores these inequities and their consequences. 4. Chronic Pain Affects Every Aspect of Life Pain impacts more than physical health. It affects emotional well-being, family relationships, work performance, finances, and overall quality of life. 5. Self-Advocacy Is Essential Patients must become informed participants in their own healthcare. Dunbar encourages people to ask questions, seek information, and actively engage in treatment decisions. 6. Financial Education Creates Opportunity Dunbar believes financial literacy is a critical life skill. He encourages continuous learning about investing, wealth creation, and economic trends regardless of one's circumstances. 7. Health and Wealth Are Connected His journey demonstrates that improving health and improving finances can occur simultaneously through discipline, education, and consistent effort. 8. Apply Business Thinking to Personal Challenges Dunbar credits much of his success to using a solutions-focused, analytical approach to managing his health, finances, and personal goals. Memorable Quotes "If you're about to make a change in your life and you feel uncomfortable, that's the best feeling you can have because for the first time in your life, you'll make a decision that's going to be best for you." "I made money, lost 90 pounds, and thrived in chronic pain." "Race matters in pain medicine." "A strong believer in self-help, Jackson Dunbar applied solutions-focused business logic to his own health." Bottom Line The interview is a powerful discussion about overcoming adversity through resilience, self-advocacy, financial literacy, and personal responsibility. Jackson Dunbar's message is that while chronic pain and life-changing setbacks may alter a person's path, they do not have to define their future. By creating a new normal, staying informed, and focusing on solutions, individuals can continue to grow, succeed, and make a positive impact on others. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dave Charest. Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact, shared practical advice for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startup founders on marketing, customer engagement, business growth, and the future of AI in marketing. Drawing from his experience helping small businesses worldwide, Charest explained why entrepreneurship is booming, how businesses can effectively market themselves with limited budgets, and why building direct customer relationships through email marketing remains one of the most valuable assets a company can own. Purpose of the Interview The interview was designed to: Explain why more people are starting businesses and pursuing entrepreneurship. Educate business owners on effective marketing strategies. Highlight the advantages of email marketing over relying solely on social media. Discuss common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs. Help small businesses understand how to build customer relationships. Explore how AI is transforming marketing and business operations. Provide actionable guidance for growing a brand through consistency and community engagement. Key Takeaways 1. Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow According to Charest, people are increasingly motivated to start businesses because they want: Greater independence Better control over their schedules Increased financial potential Many entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into full-time businesses and pursuing ownership rather than traditional employment. 2. Email Marketing Is More Valuable Than Most Entrepreneurs Realize One of the strongest themes of the interview is the importance of owning your audience. While social media platforms can help businesses attract attention, email marketing provides direct access to customers without relying on platform algorithms. Charest encourages entrepreneurs to use social media as a discovery tool but move customers into channels they control, such as email and text messaging. 3. The Real Asset Is the Relationship Businesses that own customer contact information have a direct connection that cannot be disrupted by changes in social media platforms. Unlike followers on a social network, email subscribers have chosen to hear from a business directly. The stronger the relationship, the greater the opportunity for future sales and engagement. 4. Small Lists Can Produce Big Results Charest challenges the belief that businesses need massive audiences to succeed. A small, engaged audience often produces better results than a large, passive following. For many local businesses, quality relationships matter more than audience size. 5. Consistency Beats Perfection When marketing a business, consistency is more important than trying every available platform. Business owners should: Choose channels they can maintain consistently. Show up regularly. Stay visible to customers. Build trust through repetition and reliability. His message is simple: people can't buy from businesses they forget about. 6. New Entrepreneurs Often Try to Do Too Much One of the most common mistakes startups make is attempting to launch every marketing tactic simultaneously. Charest recommends: Starting small. Building a solid foundation. Creating manageable marketing habits. Avoiding unrealistic expectations. Businesses grow more effectively when they focus on a few activities and execute them well. 7. Community Matters Successful local businesses build relationships beyond customers. Charest emphasized the importance of connecting with: Other local businesses Community organizations Referral partners Customers in person Strong community connections often become a business's most reliable growth engine. 8. Choose Marketing Channels That Fit Your Strengths Different social platforms serve different purposes. Rather than chasing every trend, entrepreneurs should focus on: Where their audience spends time What content they naturally enjoy creating Which platforms they can use consistently A sustainable strategy beats an ambitious one that is quickly abandoned. 9. Marketing Is About Staying Top of Mind Charest defines marketing in a straightforward way: Businesses need to remain visible so customers think of them first when they need a product or service. The more consistently a company appears in front of its audience, the stronger its brand becomes. 10. AI Is Becoming a Powerful Marketing Tool Charest views AI as a major opportunity for small businesses. He discussed how AI can help: Generate marketing content Create email campaigns Build marketing plans Repurpose content across multiple channels Analyze customer behavior Identify new opportunities Rather than replacing entrepreneurs, AI allows them to save time and make smarter decisions. 11. Business Owners Must Continue Learning Technology and marketing are evolving rapidly. Charest advises entrepreneurs to stay informed and remain open to new tools and trends, even if they do not adopt every new technology immediately. The key is to remain adaptable and avoid being left behind. Memorable Quotes "People are determined to become their own bosses." "Our mission is to help the small stand tall." "The money is in the list." "Your goal should always be trying to move those people to channels that you own." "The relationships you build with customers are always going to be your most valuable asset." "You don't really need the big numbers." "Start small." "Consistency is the big thing that makes marketing work." "Marketing at its simplest level is about keeping your business top of mind." "Small business owners are resilient." "There isn't a Plan B. Plan A is to own this business." "AI can save time so you can get back to the things you'd rather be doing." Bottom Line Dave Charest's interview is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs looking to grow a business in a crowded digital marketplace. His core message is that successful marketing is not about chasing every trend or building massive social media followings. Instead, businesses win by building genuine relationships, creating direct connections with customers through email and text marketing, staying consistent, embracing new technology like AI, and becoming a trusted part of their community. For entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth, Charest advocates focusing on ownership, relationships, and long-term customer engagement. Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcast #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. Interview Overview Guest: Michael WoodwardHost: Rushion McDonaldShow: Money Making Conversations MasterclassFocus: Entrepreneurship, real estate, education, overcoming poverty, and building generational wealthCompany Featured: Woodward Property Group Michael Woodward shares his journey from growing up in low‑income neighborhoods in Miami to becoming a successful real estate investor, contractor, and property management entrepreneur based in Atlanta. The conversation blends personal history, mindset lessons, and practical business guidance, especially for listeners from underserved communities. Purpose of the Interview The purpose of the interview is to: Demystify success for everyday people by showing how discipline, education, and calculated risk can lead to financial freedom Inspire listeners to move beyond circumstances of poverty or limitation Teach practical strategies around education choices, real estate investing, side hustles, credit management, and seizing opportunity Highlight community impact, mentorship, and “reaching back” to help others Rushion McDonald consistently frames the discussion around helping the audience “stop reading other people’s success stories and start planning your own." Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Poverty Is Relative — and Often Invisible Woodward explains that many people grow up in poverty without realizing it because everyone around them shares the same conditions. He distinguishes between government definitions of poverty and lived experience. Takeaway: Awareness is the first step to change; normal does not always mean acceptable. 2. Early Business Lessons Came from the Community Woodward credits his grandmother—who ran an informal candy business in the housing projects—as his first exposure to entrepreneurship. Watching her manage inventory, customers, and cash taught him foundational business principles. Takeaway: Entrepreneurship often begins long before formal education—especially in underserved communities. 3. Education as a Strategic Tool, Not Just a Degree Initially planning to become a lawyer, Woodward changed direction after realizing law school would not provide the financial or social return he hoped for unless he reached elite status. A mentor guided him toward education as a pathway for impact. He strongly recommends the Occupational Outlook Handbook as a practical guide for choosing careers based on income, longevity, and demand. Takeaway: Choose education intentionally—based on outcomes, not prestige. 4. Service Before Profit: Two Decades in Education Woodward spent over 20 years as a teacher and assistant principal, mentoring students, organizing college tours, and running summer STEM programs—often during his breaks. Takeaway: Long‑term service builds perspective, discipline, and purpose that later pays dividends in business. 5. Turning a Side Hustle into Financial Freedom While working in education, Woodward renovated homes at night and on weekends. Over time, rental income exceeded his school salary, allowing him to retire from education and focus on real estate full‑time. Takeaway: Side hustles can become exit strategies when managed consistently and patiently. 6. Opportunity Comes from Relationships A chance relationship with a Lowe’s executive changed Woodward’s business trajectory. When asked if he could do high‑end kitchens, he said yes—then partnered with the right experts to deliver. This led to contracts in seven Lowe’s stores across metro Atlanta. Takeaway: You don’t have to know everything—just know who to call. 7. High‑End Thinking Changes Income Ceilings Woodward explains the difference between standard and high‑end construction, describing six‑figure kitchens and appliances that cost more than many homes. Takeaway: Understanding premium markets unlocks entirely different financial opportunities. 8. Two Core Business Rules: Persistence and Credit When asked what advice he gives most often, Woodward gives two principles: Never give up Protect your credit He shares how poor credit once forced him to reinvest profits just to buy tools, slowing growth. Managing credit later removed those barriers. Takeaway: Credit is leverage. Without it, growth is harder and more expensive. Notable Quotes On poverty: “A lot of people living in poverty don’t know that they’re impoverished because everybody around them looks just like them.” On education choices: “I wanted to make a difference… and education allowed me to do that.” On opportunity and courage: “You don’t have to know everything. Just get the people in your corner that do.” On advice to entrepreneurs: “Never give up. And protect your credit. Credit is everything.” On consistency: “My phone number has been the same for 23 years. I ain’t going nowhere. Overall Impact The interview positions Michael Woodward as a practical role model—someone who combines humility, preparation, faith, and execution. Rather than promoting quick wins, the conversation emphasizes long‑term discipline, community uplift, and strategic decision‑making. Core message: Sustainable success is built step‑by‑step—through education, relationships, credit discipline, and the courage to say yes before you feel ready. #SHMS #BEST #STRAW Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSteve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning!Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Janice Omadeke. Founder of The Mentor Method and author of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

What role do SLPs play with literacy development?Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QITEarn 0.10 ASHA CEUs for this episode with Speech Therapy PDWatch on YoutubeIn this episode of First Bite, Michelle Dawson, MS, CCC-SLP, CLC, BCS-S, FNAP, is joined by Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD, CCC-SLP, CALT, QIT, for a passionate, research-backed discussion that positions speech-language pathologists as central to literacy development. Heather reframes dyslexia and reading challenges as reflections of underlying language and developmental profiles, explains how early oral language skills lay the foundation for reading, and discusses key early indicators of risk and the diverse developmental pathways that contribute to reading difficulties.About the Guest: Heather L. Ramsdell, PhD CCC-SLP, CALT, QI in Training, University of Memphis, 2009, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Idaho State University, owner/clinician at Once Upon a Time LLC, and mother of two children with dyslexia. Her teaching, research, and clinical areas of expertise/interest include infant vocal development, phonetics, phonology, multisensory structured language intervention, spelling, structured word inquiry, literacy, and dyslexia.Show Notes:Read with Ramsdell: www.readwithramsdell.comContact Heather: www.isu.edu/slp/about/facultyPublications: https://pubs.asha.org/authored-by/Ramsdell/Heather+LSign up for the ASHFoundation 7th Annual Virtual Walk/RunJoin the First Bite Team: "First Bite Fun Runners"

What if the fear you're feeling isn't a sign to stop, but evidence that you're standing at the edge of something incredible? In this powerful conversation, Allison sits down with transformational speaker, bestselling author, and School of Becoming founder Tracy Litt to unpack why so many high-achieving women know they're ready for more but still struggle to make the leap. Tracy explains what actually happens in your brain and nervous system when you consider doing something unfamiliar, why what we call "lack of clarity" can sometimes be fear in disguise, and how to distinguish real danger from the discomfort that comes with growth. Together, Allison and Tracy share their own experiences leaving successful corporate careers, navigating uncertainty, betting on themselves, and learning to trust the women they were becoming. They also explore why sustainable transformation isn't about eliminating fear, but learning how to create enough internal safety to move forward anyway. Tracy also introduces her Choice Method, a four-part framework designed to help women build awareness, regulate their nervous systems, make decisions from their future identity, and create lasting change. If you've been feeling the pull toward something more but keep wondering, "What if it doesn't work?" this conversation may be exactly what you need to hear. Connect with Tracy on Instagram @thetracylitt and access the Choice Method here. Positioned for Partnerships™ Mini Course - Turn your platform into a revenue-generating brand opportunity—without needing a massive following. Learn how to position your brand, create a high-converting media kit, and confidently pitch partnerships so brands instantly understand your value. 

When people speak about “making it,” what is usually implicitly meant? What is real, unadulterated success?

Book Alan's Business Breakthrough Session. Your first 30-minute coaching call is FREE. Learn how to prioritize success and let your quality of life become the byproduct. - https://calendly.com/alanlazaros/30-minute-breakthrough-sessionFitness is forever, it's a lifestyle. Join the Next Level Fitness Accountability Group. Reach out to Kevin or Alan on Instagram:Kevin: https://www.instagram.com/neverquitkid/Alan: https://www.instagram.com/alazaros88/_______________________In today's episode of Next Level University, hosts Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros dig into what it actually means to grow up. Maturity is not about eliminating every enjoyable part of life. It is about being honest about your habits, priorities, and the consequences that come with them. This conversation examines the tension between immediate comfort and long-term fulfillment. Kevin and Alan address self-discipline, personal responsibility, addictive patterns, and the rationalizations that keep people from making necessary changes. They challenge listeners to consider whether their leisure choices support a strong, healthy, meaningful life or quietly work against it. If you want more clarity around discipline, adult responsibility, and building a life that aligns with your goals, this episode offers a direct and practical perspective._______________________NLU is more than a podcast. From the Next Level Dreamliner to Group Coaching, we provide tools and communities to help you grow with more clarity, consistency, and accountability.Visit our website and socials through the links below.

In part one of the Regulation Series, Lesley Logan reframes a belief many high achievers cling to: that success comes from more discipline. She explains why feeling stuck is often a biological state rather than a character flaw, and how learning your regulated and dysregulated patterns can affect your decisions. Drawing on perimenopause, late-diagnosed ADHD, and her own overachiever tendencies, she shows how guarding what you let in, from your feed to other people's chaos, keeps you steady. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:Why chasing more discipline can keep you stuck in the shame cycle.The real challenges with ADHD and how it affects your regulation.The importance of self-awareness and the need to redefine success.The gateway effect and why a racing brain blocks creativity and confidence.A simple daily noticing practice that shortens your recovery time.Episode References/Links:Ep 400 ft Gay Hendricks - https://beitpod.com/ep400The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks - https://a.co/d/0aNfSwP7Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questions If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00  What if success isn't about discipline? What if we didn't actually need to get more discipline and buckle down and get everything right? What if that wasn't what we needed? What if actually what we needed is just some more regulation? Lesley Logan 0:17  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.  Lesley Logan 1:00  Hey, Be It babe. What if success isn't about discipline? What if we didn't actually need to get more discipline and just buckle down and get everything right? What if that wasn't what we needed? What if actually what we needed is just some more regulation?Lesley Logan 1:21  Hi, I'm Lesley Logan. Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast. I am doing a solo episode this week, and it's about regulation. And this comes actually because we've got some great episodes coming out where we're talking about midlife, perimenopause, just all the things that make life life. But I'm increasingly aware of all the podcasts I've done where people ask me what success means to me, and it's really funny because whenever I answer, I'm like, "Oh, I'm doing that right now. Success is being in control of my own schedule." And really, if we think about it, success is just being aware of how we feel, right? And so, look, I will say I was a hustler. I've been someone who's been busy my whole life. As a kid, I remember when my speech therapist met with me, and they were like, "Okay, we want to work with you." I was like, "Oh, I couldn't possibly work with you. I have sewing classes on these days. I have dance class on these days. I have gymnastics on these days. I have softball on these days, I have church." All the things, right? This was the second grade. What are you, about eight years old? And I was so in control of my schedule. And then in high school, I had a job as soon as they let me have a work permit. So I was in sports, I had a job, and I was taking AP classes. Always been a busy person. And what happens is you go through your life, and then systems don't work anymore. The thing is that what we know is that after 36, you're probably in some perimenopausal state. So my lovelies who are younger, yes, it's coming. Those of you who are on the other side, hey, way to go! But things change, and we have an episode on astrologically about how things change, too. And the thing that's so weird about being at a certain age is that you can have achieved so much, and then you can still blame yourself for having not enough discipline, or lacking discipline, or lacking organization, willpower, or motivation when you feel stuck, or hit a wall, or feel overwhelmed. And then what happens is we want to go buy another planner, or we sign up for another course, or we think we just need to wake up earlier, or we go into this weird shame cycle. And then that kind of feels good. I remember someone showed me a meme: "I'm amazing," and then it goes, "I suck. This sucks. I can't do this. I don't know what I'm doing. I'm amazing," right? It's like this creative's cycle. And the reality is sometimes we do that. "Okay, all this stuff is going wrong. I just lack discipline. I'm gonna get another planner. I'm going to sign up for these things.Lesley Logan 4:02  I'm going to do this," and, "Okay, now I feel better," because we took some action, and action always brings clarity, so it does make things feel better. But it doesn't actually, it just becomes part of this cycle that will just keep repeating itself because it's not about the discipline, right? This is not a character flaw you have. When we go into these spirals, it's often just a biological state. It's a dysregulated state, right? And I wanted to say, we will talk about this more, but I am not suggesting that I am regulated all the time. I would not say that, but I do want to acknowledge that awareness is key, and being aware of when these things are happening is the first thing you can do, right? So I'm teaching people how to teach Pilates for the first time, and some people already have been teaching a little bit, but now they're going through comprehensive training with me, and you can't know all that stuff, I mean, I can talk to you about it, but first you just have to be aware that that is the sidekicks and what you're seeing happen. You have to start there, right? So that's where we're gonna start. Lesley Logan 5:09  There are two versions of you, my love. There is a regulated you, and that you, you know that you, that's the you that is calm and decisive, that does take the messy action or the first next step. And it's almost like people are throwing tennis balls at you and you're whacking them back, right? Whacking them back. I love a regulated me. I'm like, "Woo! My inbox is at zero. You need that? I'll get that to you, no problem." I don't go, "Oh my god, I need that thing right now." I'm like, "Oh yeah, no problem. Here you go. Here's this. How about I get you these things?" The regulated me is not delulu, but definitely at ease, able to take on hard things, excited by what I'm saying yes to, not annoyed by requests from people that are last fucking minute. The regulated me is like, "Oh, you want this? I can take this on. Oh yeah, no, I'll go do that. Oh, I'll do seven more new things." The regulated me just feels at ease with things and doesn't have this like "what the fuck," right? It's so funny when my husband freaks out about the internet in his office, and I'm like, "Oh my god, can you calm down? I can hear it across the house." And then of course there's the other side, right? There's a dysregulated you. There's a dysregulated me. The one that gets overwhelmed, trapped in task paralysis, mindlessly scrolling, or oversnacking, or doing seven other things besides the thing you need to do, or I'm the one yelling, "Why is this computer not working?" And so, can you think about a time like that? I'll just say, when I get dysregulated, a few things happen all at the same time: my sleep goes bad, and then because my sleep goes bad, I don't really feel good in my movement, and so I tell myself, "Oh, I don't need to move because I didn't sleep very well." That's probably true, but then I'll just start work early. Wrong, wrong, always the wrong answer. I should not do that. I should do something else that is for me to regulate myself so that when I do go to work at the normal time, I would actually see all the things as the regulated version of me, right? But of course, now we're tired. Now we didn't fill our cup, and now we're seeing things and it's like, "Why doesn't this person understand that? Why is this why it's gone?" When you feel yourself like, "Why are they? Why is that person? Why is this person?" When you're upset in the car in traffic, it's a dysregulated you, babe, right? And it's not that you need more discipline.Lesley Logan 7:30  No, it's a biological state, and what we need is to figure out what our regulated and dysregulated states look like, feel like, sound like, smell like, just noting the things, right, so that we can be aware. Because until we are aware, we can't change anything, right? And I just want to also add, my loves who are getting late diagnosed ADHD: hello, I see you. Late diagnosed auDHD. The reality is I thought I was going crazy. I was like, "Why all of a sudden so frustrated by all these things? Why am I getting irritated about this thing? Is this perimenopause? Because this sucks." And when I found out, it's like, "No, this is my brain's operating system." My ADHD people, you will just go buy another journal. That is not the next thing you should do because you've got a stack of them you don't use, but you're like, "Oh, what a pretty journal that is." I have pretty journals that are just for decor, I don't even try to write in them anymore. I am aware that I'm buying them just for the look of it. But our nervous system is functioning differently and it does things outside of what we often desire, like a dopamine high. I will tell you right now, there's a lot of things that I do just for the dopamine of it all, and having awareness around that really does help. But our brain is also three steps ahead of everyone, right? Like my psychiatrist said, "I can help you focus, but I can't keep you from saying yes to things you don't have time for." And so, really understanding yourself is one of the most important things I could say you need to do in order to feel successful, right? Because again, we could define success as whatever it is. But if you are dysregulated, you're always going to feel like you're not successful, right? If you're unaware of how you operate and what you need, right? So systems really, really work, my ADHD people. I know you don't want them, but they really, really work.Lesley Logan 9:24  But also, even if you don't have ADHD, if you are balancing perimenopause with kids and your aging parents, and you run your own business, or you work for a high-stress business, or all of us in this life, there's a lot of life going on. And I just want to say, I don't have children, and my parents are independent right now, so I have more time than my friends who are older than me who don't have kids, but their parents are aging and have more needs. My friends are in a different place in their life about what they're thinking about and planning for versus me. They are getting ready for retirement; I am still building that. So we often compare ourselves to other people in our life, and we have to be really mindful of that, right? I also don't get to blame myself, "Well, you don't have kids, so you should have time for this." That's not healthy either, my loves who don't have children. We have to be honest, all of us have so many different responsibilities, and if we are operating from a regulated state when we're answering questions or answering requests, we will actually give a better answer to those things so that we actually can stay regulated. But when we are in dysregulation and trying to do all these things, one, we're not doing it out of a place of love. That is for sure not happening. There is no love in a dysregulated state, and we start to just get overwhelmed by the mundane, the things that we have to do every day anyway, right? So I just want to say that because I know that there's a lot of people who just have a lot, and they're like, "Okay, I just need one more thing that will make this easier." There probably isn't, but if you can be aware of what you need to do to feel like you're coming from a regulated state, then you are going to be able to make decisions from a better place. And sometimes those decisions are to say no, right?Lesley Logan 11:11  And then those of you who love Pilates, I do want to bring a little Pilates analogy here. When we do our Pilates, if we are just doing choreography, that will be like a dysregulated state. For example, you're doing the 100 and the carriage is bouncing everywhere, or you're on the mat and your head is bouncing everywhere. That is not regulated. That is not connected. But you're doing the 100 and the carriage doesn't move, or you're doing the 100 and everything feels strong. It's hard. Life is hard, but it feels possible, and I think that that is where I'm hoping we can all wrap our brains around. Life isn't going to feel easy and then hard and then easy and hard. It can actually feel hard all the time, but possible, like you're in control of how you feel and how you operate in that, right? So I've been mentioning regulate and dysregulate, but maybe we need to talk about what it looks like. A lot of people might think dysregulated is just a temper tantrum, and I have those. Sometimes I'm like, "I just want to have a temper tantrum like a three-year-old. There's something that feels really good about screaming right now." But it also can be hyperarousal, like fight or flight, right? Compulsively overworking or micromanaging people, or having this invisible clock of anxiety, you're feeling rushed to do things, but you made up the deadline, or there is no deadline. I will also say, if you read The Big Leap, we talk about that book a lot on this podcast, Episode 400 is the author, when I am dysregulated, I will tend to worry about things I have no control over, and then I will also look for all the things that haven't been done. These are all bad, by the way: "That's all going to happen, and none of this is done." None of those things are done, but that doesn't have anything to do with what could go wrong here, and has nothing to do with the thing we need to work on, right? But I will just pile it on. You could have hypoarousal, though, that's a freeze or fawn state. Procrastination disguised as researching, or people-pleasing to avoid conflict, or taking up a couch state, right, and going, "Oh, I'm just percolating." So you can be dysregulated and look calm, but really you're not working on the thing you want to be doing, right? Does that make sense?Lesley Logan 13:31  So I sometimes will play a video game when I am feeling out of sorts because there's something about moving these colors around that helps bring my heart rate down and bring me into a different place, and then I can go, "Okay, hold on. What am I avoiding?" So I just want to say it's okay to end up doing those things, but being aware that what you're doing is what you're doing is really, really important. I think a lot of times we go through life very unaware, right? In Pilates, if I tell someone to pull their shoulders back and they're as far back as they can go, that person is unaware that their shoulders are very much forward, and they don't have the ability to pull them back. So I have to first make them aware of what back means because they think back is what they're doing, but it's not. And then I have to help them, right? And there's a perfectionist shutdown cycle that also happens, right? You set some impossible standard, hi, I see you, it's this all-or-nothing mindset, then you can't meet it, then you panic, and then you just shut down and give up. And you often don't tell anybody about that thing that you're going to do, because then you can go through the cycle and you don't have to let anyone know. Yeah, I see you. I've been there. I understand. "I'm gonna go to the gym every single day." Then the first day you hit traffic, there's a new construction site, you get there and you forgot your pants, so now you can't do anything, and you're like, "This didn't work at all."Lesley Logan 15:11  And then you shame and blame yourself, then you have a shit day, and you didn't do enough reflection on how to solve the problem for tomorrow. So then tomorrow comes, and you're like, "I can't do it. It's not fun." So here's what we have to do: we actually have to redefine the goal of what we're trying to achieve in regulation, and also probably what success is for us, right? So I wanted to say that being regulated does not mean that we are a monk who never gets upset, that is crazy and unattainable. It's unattainable. Come on, unattainable, right? I have seen monks, and I am impressed by them, but you guys, they have nothing else to do but be regulated and calm as fuck. They have nothing else to do. Someone else makes sure that they are fed. Someone makes sure that they have clothing. Someone makes sure that they have a roof overhead. They have nothing to do but pray and meditate. You, my love, are not a monk. You have so many things to do on top of it. So it's not about being someone who never gets upset. Lesley Logan 16:14  And it's also important that we talk about success and being regulated as not the absence of triggers. I don't like when people say, "You triggered me," because that's not real unless someone actually knows what your triggers are and does it on purpose. But yes, you can be activated. That's how my therapist would call it:, activated over triggered. But you can be activated by something I say or do, and that doesn't mean you are unsuccessful or that you're not a regulated person. No, it's actually the speed at which you acknowledge it and then recover, right? Today I had some bad news that came before I hit record on this, and it really sent me into a state, and I saw myself wanting to spiral worse than the thing that I was made aware of, right? And I was like, "Hold on, hold on, we don't have to go there. That has nothing to do with the thing that's making us sad right now, and we can feel those feelings, take a moment, and think of all the things we can do to maybe be part of solving that problem." And also, it wasn't my problem to solve, so I really actually just have to feel my feelings and send some good hope, and then I have to go back to the thing, right? Because if I let this thing derail my whole day, then I'm even more behind. And then what am I going to do? Probably go through that shame perfectionist cycle, right? Now, if, what was going on, I had control of taking action and taking action would be the step to take. And I might still be behind, but I actually can acknowledge that was because I was taking action to solve the problem. But it's the speed at which you actually acknowledge the difference, right? I have somebody in my mentorship program who's like, "I want to stop negative self-talk." You're probably not going to stop that, but what you can do is get faster at catching that you are doing it, right? So how long does it take you? Right now, is it taking you 20 minutes, 10 minutes to realize you're doing some negative self-talk? Okay, can we get that to be a little shorter, and then a little shorter, and then eventually you say the first line and you're like, "Shut up!" Right, that kind of thing. How quickly can you recover if you know what your activators are? What boundaries can you put in place? Can't put boundaries in place? That person or that thing is going to activate you. Okay, how quickly can you acknowledge that and go through recovery so that it doesn't derail you, so it doesn't put you in a dysregulated state? It can still upset you, can still frustrate you, you can still feel your feelings. But to literally take you off your course, my love, that's such a bummer, right? That'd be such a bummer because then the things that you're here on this planet to do, you won't be able to do, right? Lesley Logan 18:44  There's another way to redefine the goal. It's called the gateway effect. You cannot access creativity, strategic decision making, or genuine confidence when your body thinks a tiger is chasing it. Our lizard brain goes into flight or fight, or is searching out for a tiger that's gonna eat it. When that's where your brain is at, you can't be creative. Impossible! You're trying to survive, trying to survive. So I see this a lot. At the time that I'm recording this, there's a lot of people who are upset in my industry about something that was posted that I know nothing about, nor did I seek out because I do not care, because going and seeking that out would just dysregulate me. Of course I would get upset by what I saw, and then it would make me sad about people, and then it would make me worry about how this could negatively affect my business, and then it would make me worry about my financials, and then it would make me worry about my future, and then it would make me go, "Why am I even trying this new thing when people could be so shitty about it?" So I don't go look at that stuff, but I was made aware. And the thing that I found was that so many people were fighting me on seeing the thing because I wrote this post about being in a state of practice and not judgment, knowing why you teach and not caring who is the person who trained you. And I noticed how many people wanted to fight me on how it needs to be louder for those people who need to hear it. I'm like, "Well, they don't want to hear it. They're in a state the don't want to hear. Why would they listen to me? They don't want to be there. They want to be in their awful world." And it's interesting that you want to be in that awful world with them. You're letting them do that to you when you could just put blinders on and go, "That's for those people over there." That seems so crazy. Why would I even give them any attention when I have an impact to make over here?Lesley Logan 20:32  So if you keep opening up your socials and the things that you see are causing your brain to go into "a tiger is chasing me," you've got to change your algorithm, my love. That world is shit, right? I get that, and you know what? I really struggled in the last couple of years with promoting things that will help people because there are people dying, there's genocides happening all the time, and so every time I open my phone, "This person fucking did this. These people died." It's not that I don't care about that stuff; it's that I have to make sure I only see that stuff after I've done the things that I can do, because I actually don't get to decide who the leaders are in those cases, because I voted as hard as I could, you know, and I have to go, "What can I do?" So I walk dogs for a shelter. I stay informed in politics, but before and after work only, so that I do not feel like a tiger is chasing me, right? I think it's just really important to understand, babe: I don't think you need more discipline. I think you need to be aware of when you're being dysregulated and what's dysregulating you, so that you can do the things you want to do. Lesley Logan 21:46  So on our next episode, we are going to do some practical regulation and some self-trust. You know I always like to do information and then strategy, so that's what I'm gonna do. So my love, until Thursday, can you do me a favor and just notice your states throughout the day? Notice when you feel it's so easy to tackle that inbox, and when it feels so hard. Just notice. Don't do anything about it, just notice. My love, that's your practice on being a recovering overachiever. All right. Please do me a huge favor: if our episodes are helping you in any way, can you please share them with a friend who needs to hear it?Lesley Logan 22:23  Leave a review, tag me in sharing it so I can see what you loved about it. Whatever it is, it would really mean the world to me. And if you want to support this podcast in any way aside from leaving a review or sharing with a friend, you can be an OPC member. Yep, that's one of the best things you could do, because at OPC, we are a place where you get to practice moving your body, pouring into yourself, listening to it, understanding when you feel great, and just getting to know yourself so much, being curious, being in community, having some accountability, not more discipline, having fun, finishing optional. So go to onlinepilatesclasses.com to check out our membership options. And if that doesn't work for you, then thanks for being here. Thanks for being you. Thanks for downloading this episode. Thanks for listening all the way through. You're amazing. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 23:13  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 23:55  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 24:00  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 24:05  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 24:12  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals. Brad Crowell 24:15  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Success can create its own challenges. After a breakthrough, many high achievers unknowingly begin to self-sabotage — losing urgency, lowering their standards, or allowing fear to influence their decisions. In this episode of the Seven Figure Standard Podcast, Arash Vossoughi and Mykie Stiller dive into the hidden survival identity that causes people to hesitate, procrastinate, and lose the hunger that created their success in the first place. They unpack why nothing fails faster than success, how to identify hidden commitments keeping you stuck, and the role identity, discipline, and consistency play in creating lasting results. Discover how to interrupt the self-sabotage cycle, take complete ownership of your growth, and build the mindset required to keep winning.Key Points From This Episode:Introducing today's topic.Arash explains why self-sabotage plays such a big role in so many people's lives.What happens when you don't catch that internal voice.Why nothing fails faster than success: losing the hunger.How self-sabotage affects both the builders and those who've never built anything.Three lines everyone should brain-tattoo.Why he says, “I already am all that I desire to be.”How our voice actually creates. He unpacks how consistency takes us to the finish line.Discovering your hidden commitments (and how to deal with them!) Protective versus productive and how self-sabotage operates within us. He breaks down the fastest way to interrupt self-sabotage.The key to finally breaking free from self-sabotage.They look at the self-sabotage cycle and its causing points.Tools for overcoming self-sabotage.The opposite of self-sabotage.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:As a Man ThinkethVoss Coaching CoVoss Coaching Co on LinkedIn Voss Coaching Co on InstagramVoss Coaching Co on FacebookEmail Voss Coaching CoMykie Stiller on LinkedInMykie Stiller on Instagram Arash Vossoughi on LinkedInArash Vossoughi on YouTube

What really changes when you go from $1 million to $100 million? Surprisingly, not much. In this episode, Christina explores why bigger businesses don't necessarily mean fewer problems, more freedom, or greater peace. From payroll and hiring to leadership loneliness and personal pressure, CEOs face many of the same challenges, just at a larger scale. The real difference? Knowing how to make clear, decisive decisions under pressure and keep moving forward. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating  and leave us a comment on iTunes   CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Everyone wants a bigger Vision Story of Success, but very few people have a decision-making framework strong enough to protect it. Dr. Stephen and Dr. Pete unpack why core values are the invisible force behind sustainable growth, resilient leadership, healthy relationships, and thriving businesses. Through practical frameworks and deeply personal stories, they reveal how alignment between values, vision, and daily behavior becomes the difference between burnout and peace, between chasing success and actually living it.  If success has ever felt harder than it should, the answer may not be working harder, but getting clearer about what truly matters.  This episode will help you get there. In This Episode You Will Discover: Why some of the biggest business struggles are actually values problems in disguise.  The surprising reason highly successful leaders walk away from opportunities others would chase.  A simple framework that exposes whether daily decisions are building success or quietly working against it.  The hidden difference between having values and actually living by them.  How one deeply personal story reveals the real cost of making decisions that conflict with what matters most. Episode Highlights 01:15 - Core values can shape wealth far beyond finances, influencing business, health, marriage, family, and everyday life. 03:11 - Meaningful growth requires values strong enough to build resilience, character, and leadership capacity. 04:39 - A simple distinction reveals whether core values are guiding the business or merely decorating the wall. 08:04 - Sustainable success looks very different from a short burst of growth followed by exhaustion and burnout. 09:14 - The relationship between core values, vision, and behavior determines whether a leader is truly operating in alignment. 11:47 - Calendars, spending habits, attention, and energy often reveal personal values more clearly than words do. 13:55 - Misalignment between values and daily behavior creates stress, friction, and unnecessary difficulty. 16:49 - Burnout may be signaling something deeper than workload alone. 19:12 - Leaders can use core values as a practical standard for personal accountability, hiring, and team culture. 23:40 - One framework helps organize aligned values across life, marriage, parenting, finances, and business. 27:23 - A major personal dream becomes a real-world lesson in using values to make difficult decisions. 31:23 - Saying no to the wrong opportunity can protect freedom, peace of mind, and long-term success. 33:02 - The right technology should give chiropractors more time to care for people, not more work to manage. Dr. Pete speaks with Gabriel Doty from Success Partner ChiroHD about building smarter practice management software that streamlines workflows, improves efficiency, embraces meaningful AI innovation, and helps chiropractic practices scale with confidence while preparing for long-term success.   Resources Mentioned To learn more about the REM CEO Program, please visit:  http://www.theremarkablepractice.com/rem-ceo For more information about ChiroHD visit: https://content.chirohd.com/remarkable-practice Book a Strategy Session with Dr. Pete - https://go.oncehub.com/PodcastPC Prefer to watch? Catch the podcast on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRemarkablePractice1 To listen to more episodes, visit https://theremarkablepractice.com/podcast or follow on your favorite podcast app.

In this episode, Morgan sits down with Aubrey Marcus, entrepreneur, co-founder of Onnit and New York Times bestselling author, to unpack what it actually takes to break through the invisible patterns that keep even the most driven people stuck at the same level no matter how hard they push.Aubrey shares the story behind building Onnit into a global wellness company and selling it, what a plant medicine ceremony in his early twenties cracked open about the unconscious patterns running his life and why the inner work is never separate from the outer results. He breaks down what total human optimisation really means beyond the surface, how the brain's deepest belief systems quietly shape every decision a person makes and why most people are trying to solve an identity problem with a strategy fix.The conversation also goes deep into consciousness, psychedelics as a tool for identity expansion, the suppression of questioning during the pandemic, authority bias and the bystander effect, modern medicine and what it means to think independently in a world designed to keep you compliant.This episode is a masterclass in identity, inner work and becoming the person your next level actually requires.Episode Timestamps00:00 Intro00:25 Inner work and business growth01:28 The principle of correspondence - as within so without02:38 How inner work translates to day to day life03:38 Signs of unworthiness in entrepreneurs05:13 Morgan's journey and closing the gap06:13 The inner saboteur and the subconscious mind08:31 How to begin rewiring the subconscious09:49 Reprogramming inner self talk10:57 Taking bold risks and self love12:11 The small self versus the higher self14:47 How to listen to your higher self28:47 Why Aubrey is considering a new venture29:21 Psychedelics and the commitment to the earth30:35 Plant signalling technology and regenerative agriculture35:14 Human optimisation and new health technologies35:37 Ivermectin and suppressed treatments41:25 The bystander effect and authority bias46:10 The Milgram experiment explained48:38 Aubrey's father and inoculation against authority bias52:53 Modern medicine - where it works and where it fails55:06 Vaccines, questioning the science and thinking independently57:22 Psychedelics and neurogenesis01:01:07 Financial incentives behind the medical system01:02:31 Trusting your own judgment in an age of captured authorities01:04:02 What Aubrey would do differently as a CEO01:06:43 Where to find Aubrey Marcus01:07:49 Advice to his 18 year old selfAbout Aubrey MarcusAubrey Marcus is an entrepreneur, author and podcaster best known as the co-founder of Onnit, a holistic health and wellness brand built around total human optimisation. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Own the Day Own Your Life and the host of the Aubrey Marcus Podcast. After building Onnit into a globally recognised brand and selling it in 2021, Aubrey has continued to be one of the most honest and influential voices on identity, consciousness, psychedelics, masculinity and spirituality. He is also the founder of Fit For Service, a brotherhood and leadership community for men committed to deep growth.Dream Fest Registration