Thinking Big: Mindset, Habits, and Hacks

This episode is sponsored by: Here's the hard truth I learned in this conversation: You can spend thousands on Facebook ads, perfect your email sequences, and create the most polished marketing campaigns... but if you're not building rich relationships, you're fighting an uphill battle that's only getting steeper.   In this episode, I sit down with publicity strategist and author Selena Soo to dive deep into her new book "Rich Relationships" - and what she reveals will completely shift how you think about growing your business.   As a fellow introvert, I've always struggled with the idea of "networking." The thought of working a room or making small talk at conferences made my skin crawl. But Selena showed me something game-changing: You don't need to be an extrovert to build a million-dollar network. You just need to be intentional.   Why This Episode Will Transform Your Business We're living in what Selena calls a "trust recession." People are bombarded with ads, skeptical of marketing messages, and increasingly buying from their communities rather than responding to traditional marketing. The entrepreneurs who thrive in this new landscape aren't the ones with the biggest ad budgets - they're the ones with the richest relationships.   I've seen this firsthand. When I look back at my entire career - from taking a company public in the late '90s to my current work with industry leaders like Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, and Russell Brunson - every major breakthrough came through relationships, not marketing campaigns.   What You'll Discover The 3 Types of Givers (And Why Most Entrepreneurs Are Doing It Wrong) The "Indiscriminate Giver" trap that leads to burnout and resentment How "Transactional Givers" actually block abundance The "Rich Giver" approach that creates win-win relationships   The 6 Circles of Connection Framework This is Selena's signature system for managing your network without overwhelm: Circle 1: Your innermost circle (1-3 people doing life with you) Circle 2: Treasured connections (your soul family) Circle 3: Active network (people you'd invite to the party) Circle 4: Distant connections (arm's length relationships) Circle 5: Disconnected connections (people you keep at distance) Circle 6: Unknown individuals   The Top 40 Strategy 20 rich relationships to nurture and prioritize 20 new relationships to develop based on your goals How to avoid the "one is the most dangerous number" trap   Standout Moments From Our Conversation "Rich relationships are the world's highest form of currency. There's no amount of money you can pay for that trust." - Selena Soo "Everything that has pushed me forward in my businesses has been the relationships that I've had. You cannot buy that trust. You have to build the relationships and the relationship has to come first." - Sean Osborn "One rich relationship is more powerful than a hundred casual connections." - Selena Soo "People are now buying from their communities, from their tribes. It's no longer business to consumer - it's consumer to consumer, tribe to tribe." - Sean Osborn Key Takeaways ✅ Rich relationships have 3 characteristics: They bring financial abundance (directly or indirectly), align with your biggest goals, and inspire you to become your best self   ✅ The relationship-first approach: Stop leading with transactions. Build trust through conversations - Level 1 (getting to know each other), Level 2 (nurturing and building trust), Level 3 (solid foundation for collaboration)   ✅ Your network is your net worth: There are places you can only reach through rich relationships. No amount of mass marketing can replace a trusted referral   ✅ The email list revelation: My most effective sales don't come from ads anymore - they come from my communities. Think of your list as a savings account where you must make deposits (value) before withdrawals (asks)   ✅ Introverts have superpowers: You don't need to be the center of attention. Mission-driven leaders who put themselves out there for a bigger purpose are often the most influential   ✅ The vulnerability factor: The fastest way to build relationships is to show genuine interest in others, support their goals, and be open to receiving support yourself   Why This Matters More Than Ever As AI becomes more prevalent and marketing becomes increasingly automated, the human connection becomes even more valuable. Selena and I both believe that businesses without rich relationships won't survive in the coming years.   The entrepreneurs winning today aren't just great marketers - they're great relationship builders. They understand that in a world of infinite content and constant noise, trust and personal connection are the ultimate differentiators.   Resources Mentioned Selena's New Book: "Rich Relationships" (Available for pre-order on Amazon) Free Resources: Get the first 4 chapters free + 25 Rich Relationship Scripts at richrelationshipsbook.com/thinkingbig Myers-Briggs Assessment: Referenced as a tool for understanding your personality type (Selena is an INFJ - same as Gandhi and Mother Teresa)   Connect with Selena Soo Website: https://www.selenasoo.com/   If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. Share your biggest takeaway on social media and tag me - I read every single message. And if you know another entrepreneur who's struggling with networking or feeling like their marketing isn't working, share this episode with them. Sometimes one conversation can change everything.   Remember: You don't need to be the most extroverted person in the room. You just need to be the most intentional about the relationships you build.   Keep thinking big, Sean

This Episode Is Sponsored By: Get the 1357 Plan journal FREE (just pay shipping) + 14-day trial to the exclusive 1357 Club mastermind community:   What if I told you that Napoleon Hill had a SECRET method for personal achievement that was completely lost to time... until now?   In this episode, I share the incredible story of how Russell Brunson and I discovered a "lost" system in Napoleon Hill's personal archives that transforms lives in just 13 minutes and 57 seconds per day. This isn't theory - this is a proven method that Hill and his business partner W. Clement Stone used with their own employees, and I've been using it for 6 months with life-changing results.   🔥 What You'll Discover: The exact story of finding Napoleon Hill's lost 1357 method in his personal archives Why stopping mid-sentence is the most brilliant psychological hack ever invented How 13:57 daily creates compound transformation (and why this specific time works) The daily accountability system that makes failure practically impossible My personal 6-month transformation using this method   Episode Highlights 💎 The "Open Loop" Brain Hack "When you force yourself to stop reading mid-sentence, you create what psychologists call an 'open loop' in your brain. Your brain hates unfinished business. So what happens? Your subconscious keeps working on that idea all day long."   🧠 The Focus Breakthrough "I now actively look for the key idea and principle instead of letting my brain wander off. I've learned and implemented so much more with this method than I ever did with traditional reading."   🎯 The Compound Effect "Every day, you're feeding your mind with wisdom. Every day, you're taking small actions based on what you've learned. Every day, you're becoming a slightly better version of yourself."   The 1357 Method (Quick Summary) Set timer for exactly 13 minutes, 57 seconds Read any personal development book Stop immediately when timer goes off (even mid-sentence) Fill out journal prompts to process and implement Join daily accountability calls (optional but powerful)   Two Key Journal Prompts: RECOGNIZE: The key principle, idea or technique I recognized is... RELATE: To me, it means...   Connect With Me Website: Thinkingbigcoaching.com Instagram: @thinkingbigcoaching Email: Sean@Thinkingbigcoaching.com   Episode Quotes "Sometimes the most powerful solutions aren't the newest, shiniest techniques. Sometimes they're the wisdom that's been forgotten, waiting for someone to dust it off and bring it back to light."   "We're all capable of so much more than we're currently achieving. We all have dreams and goals that we've been putting off, telling ourselves we'll get to them 'someday.' But someday never comes unless we make it come."   "Your biggest breakthrough might be just one discovery away."   Share This Episode If this episode resonated with you, please: ⭐ Rate and review on Apple Podcasts 📱 Share on social media using #ThinkingBigPodcast 💌 Send to a friend who needs to hear this story   This episode contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use and believe in.

What do car sales, real estate, and billion-dollar knowledge empires have in common? Dean Graziosi. In this powerhouse episode, I sit down with the legendary Dean Graziosi—entrepreneur, multiple New York Times bestselling author, and one of the OG architects behind the Knowledge Business Blueprint (aka KBB for those in the know). From flipping cars on VHS to co-creating movements with Tony Robbins, Dean drops mic-level insights about knowing when to pivot, when to persist, and how to embrace the "success tax" that comes with leveling up your life and business. This isn't just an interview—it's a mindset recalibration. If you're an entrepreneur, solopreneur, or simply human-ing your way through this wild ride called business, this is your wake-up call in podcast form. Trust us, you’re going to want to take notes. ✍️ 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Pivot vs. Persistence Dilemma – When grinding harder is actually slowing you down. The "Success Tax" – Why struggle is not a sign you're failing... it's a receipt for your next breakthrough. AI in Business – Dean’s take on how artificial intelligence is not replacing you—it’s upgrading you. Behind the Scenes of Thrive in 25 – A sneak peek into the biggest event of 2025 featuring Tony Robbins, Matthew McConaughey, Jay Shetty, Lisa Nichols, and more. Dean’s Evolution – From hustling used cars to becoming one of the most respected voices in the knowledge industry. 🚀 Want In On The Magic? Dean and Sean aren’t just talking about next-level growth—they’re creating it. Get in on Thrive in 25, the free 3-day event with some of the biggest game-changers in the personal growth and business space. Yep, FREE. 🎟️ Register now at thrive25event.com This event could seriously change your trajectory. Don’t just take notes from the sidelines—get in the game. 🧠 Quote of the Episode: "Sometimes what feels like your breaking point might just be your breakthrough point." – Sean Osborn 🙌 Enjoyed the Episode? Help other entrepreneurs find their breakthrough moment: ✅ Rate ✅ Review ✅ Subscribe And don’t forget to share this episode with your tribe. Because growing together? That’s the real glow-up.

This episode is sponsored by:   In this power-packed episode of The Thinking Big Podcast, Sean Osborn sits down with the one and only Russell Brunson—entrepreneurial powerhouse, founder of ClickFunnels, and visionary behind Secrets of Success. Dive deep into a high-energy conversation where Russell shares the game-changing mindset shifts, rare personal development strategies, and transformative secrets he's unearthed from the greatest thought leaders of all time. What You'll Discover: The Real Secret to Entrepreneurial Success: Why 90% of your success hinges on psychology, not tactics—straight from a private conversation Russell had with Tony Robbins. The Magic of Historical Wisdom: Russell shares his obsession with rare, timeless personal development treasures, including never-before-seen manuscripts from legends like Napoleon Hill and Earl Nightingale. Mastering Your Subconscious: The game-changing revelation from L.C. Lincoln Benedict's "How to Get Anything You Want" that will revolutionize the way you approach your goals forever. Exclusive Sneak Peek: Russell reveals his groundbreaking plans for the Secrets of Success community, including an immersive digital experience that's set to redefine personal growth worldwide. How to Tap Into Unstoppable Momentum: Sean and Russell unpack the importance of obsession and how embracing your deepest passions will unlock new levels of achievement in your life and business. Key Quotes: “Your psychology unlocks every door to success—fix that, and tactics become unstoppable.” – Russell Brunson “Feelings, not just thoughts, dictate your destiny. Learn how to master them.” "Legacy isn’t about what you collect; it’s about what you contribute back to humanity.” Special Offer for Listeners: Don’t miss out on transforming your mindset and skyrocketing your success! Check out Russell’s exclusive Secrets of Success community and immerse yourself in timeless wisdom from legendary minds. ➡️ Secrets of Success Connect with Sean Osborn at Thinking Big Coaching https://www.thinkingbigcoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/thinkingbigcoaching/ https://www.facebook.com/thinkingbigcoaching/   If you enjoyed listening then please take a second to rate the show on iTunes. Every podcaster will tell you that iTunes reviews drive listeners to our shows so please let me know what you thought and make sure you subscribe using your favorite podcast player. It means a lot to me and to the guests.

This Episode Is Sponsored By The Inner Circle Mastermind What if a single idea could completely transform your life? In this episode, I take you inside an exclusive mastermind room in Chicago—where history was rediscovered, success principles were unlocked, and the secret to separating the top 5% from the rest was revealed. I sat alongside legends like Russell Brunson, Don Green (President of the Napoleon Hill Foundation), and Vic Conant, inside the Nightingale Conant archives, where we uncovered The Strangest Secret—a message that built the foundation of the personal development industry. This isn’t just another motivational lesson. This is the blueprint for how the most successful people think, act, and achieve at the highest level. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why 95% of people ignore the secret to success ✅ How one gold record launched the personal development industry ✅ Why getting in the right room changes everything ✅ The one thought principle that controls your future ✅ How to rewire your mindset for unstoppable success 🔑 The Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ You become what you think about most of the time. 2️⃣ The greatest breakthroughs in history happened inside rooms of great minds. 3️⃣ Most people hear life-changing advice but never apply it. 4️⃣ The top 5% don’t just consume wisdom—they embody it. 5️⃣ Your environment shapes your success. If you want to level up, get in the right rooms. 🛠️ Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Watch The Replay Of The Once In A Lifetime Masterming 📀 The Strangest Secret – The first spoken-word album to sell over a million copies, recorded by Earl Nightingale. It holds the key to mastering your thoughts for success. 🏛 Nightingale Conant Archives – The vault of personal development history, where forgotten wisdom is stored. 📘 Napoleon Hill Foundation – Dedicated to preserving and expanding upon Napoleon Hill’s legacy in success and personal growth.   Connect with Sean Osborn at Thinking Big Coaching 🌎 Website 📸 Instagram 📘 Facebook 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review on iTunes and subscribe—it means the world to us!

This Episode Is Sponsored By The Inner Circle Mastermind Welcome back to the Thinking Big Podcast—the show where we take massive action and make big things happen. In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise and diving into one of the most powerful strategies for increasing sales, engagement, and community growth: defining your dream customer. 👉 Are you struggling to get the right leads? 👉 Spending money on ads but seeing no results? 👉 Feeling stuck because your audience isn’t engaging? The problem isn’t your product. It’s that your message isn’t reaching the right people. Without a crystal-clear buyer persona, every marketing effort is like throwing darts in the dark—hoping something sticks. Hope is NOT a strategy. In this episode, I’m breaking down: ✅ Why defining your dream customer is a game-changer. ✅ The biggest mistakes business owners make when marketing. ✅ How to craft messaging that speaks directly to the right people. ✅ How I use AI to generate laser-focused customer personas. ✅ A free AI-powered resource that will help you build your customer persona today! If you’re tired of marketing that feels like guesswork and want a proven, effective way to build an audience that actually converts—this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward marketing that actually works!   🔑 Key Takeaways 1️⃣ You can’t sell to everyone. If your message is too broad, it resonates with no one. 2️⃣ A well-defined customer persona = higher sales & engagement. Speak to their exact pain points. 3️⃣ Emotions drive decisions. Understanding frustration, overwhelm, and hope makes your message powerful. 4️⃣ Your dream customer already exists. You just need to attract them with the right messaging. 5️⃣ AI tools can simplify the process. Use my free resource to build a clear, actionable customer persona.   🛠 Resources Mentioned in This Episode 🚀 Want a foolproof way to create a dream customer persona? I’ve got a FREE AI-powered tool for you right here!  Ultimate Customer Persona Generator – A free AI-powered tool that helps you define your ideal customer. 📌 The Ultimate List-Building Blueprint – A step-by-step framework to grow a highly engaged email list. 📌 Books Mentioned: "DotCom Secrets" & "Atomic Habits" – Must-reads for digital entrepreneurs.   💡 FAQ Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make in marketing? A: Not knowing exactly who they’re speaking to. If your messaging is too broad, it doesn’t resonate. Q: How do I know if my customer persona is accurate? A: Test your messaging. If you start attracting the right audience, you’re on the right track. Q: Does email marketing still work? A: Yes! It’s still one of the highest-converting strategies—when done right. Q: How long does it take to define my ideal customer? A: With the right framework, you can create a powerful customer persona in under an hour. Q: Where can I get your free customer persona generator? A: Check out the show notes for the link! 🔥 Connect with Sean Osborn at Thinking Big Coaching 🌍 Website 📷 Instagram 📘 Facebook 🎙 Loved this episode? Leave a review on iTunes! It helps more people find the podcast and learn how to think BIG.  

In a high-energy discussion, the importance of taking action to ignite clarity shines through. Over-planning can leave you stuck, while real transformation begins when you take that first step. Embrace the unexpected as plans often shift, revealing new possibilities. A personal fitness journey illustrates how starting small can lead to discovering hidden passions. The episode emphasizes that both personal and professional lives benefit from a mindset of adaptability and bold action.

Imagine your mind as a supercomputer you can program! Explore how to cut the strings of limiting beliefs and upgrade your mental software. Discover why messy growth phases are a sign of evolution, and learn the process to design a mindset for success. With insight into the illusion of free will, this discussion reveals how to take control of your thoughts, habits, and beliefs for continuous personal development. Get ready to embrace the powerful potential of self-reprogramming!

This episode is sponsored by: Ready for an inspiring deep dive into entrepreneurship, second chances, and the power of building a business that truly changes lives? In this episode, I sit down with Gina Schaefer, founder of multiple hardware stores and author of Recovery Hardware, for a conversation that’ll have you rethinking what’s possible in business, in life, and in leadership. Gina’s entrepreneurial journey started with a bold leap: opening her very first hardware store in a previously riot-torn neighborhood in Washington, D.C. But that was just the beginning! She quickly discovered a passion for hiring returning citizens and individuals in recovery—creating a unique culture of empathy, accountability, and second chances. Today, Gina speaks nationwide, advocating for non-traditional hiring and empowering employees to become co-owners through ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans). She’s living proof that the best leaders are often those who bet big on people others overlook, and in doing so, reap extraordinary rewards. If you’ve ever wondered how to blend community impact with profit, why hiring someone in recovery might be your smartest business decision, or what it really takes to create a brand that attracts talent and loyalty, this episode will fire you up and leave you energized. Prepare to see “baggage” in a whole new light—and pick up the powerful lessons only non-traditional teachers can bring.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Gina Turned “Naive” Ambition into Entrepreneurial Gold Discover how she opened her first hardware store against all odds—without a typical business background—and grew it into a thriving chain. Why Hiring People in Recovery Can Transform Your Culture Hear the jaw-dropping stories of employees who went from incarceration or drug addiction to becoming indispensable team members. Leadership Lessons that Defy Convention Gina shares how empathy, second chances, and personal accountability create unstoppable teams—and how to nurture growth without coddling. Employee Ownership: The ESOP Advantage Unpack how selling her business to her employees built generational wealth and boosted retention—while fueling her bigger mission. Practical Tips for Future-Proofing Your Business From shattering limiting beliefs to building confidence in your team, get the strategies you can implement right now, whether you’re a solopreneur or CEO.   My Favorite Quotes From The Episode “Somebody told me 70% of all business ideas never get started because of fear. If you want to beat the odds, you have to just do it—even if you think you’re not ready.” —Gina Schaefer “I’m not interested in baggage—baggage is luggage, and I like to travel. I want to know where that person’s journey can take us both.” —Gina Schaefer “One of my employees likes to say I’m good at nurturing, not coddling—and you know what? I’ll take that as a huge compliment.” —Gina Schaefer   Episode Highlights From Tech Layoffs to Hardware Success How Gina’s experience of being laid off multiple times lit a fire in her to create something that would truly serve her community. Recovery & Redemption The heartfelt story of Gina’s first hires—individuals in recovery—and how their resilience, determination, and customer service skills propelled her store to success. Growth Mindset in Action Learn why Gina never dwells on failures, instead seeing them as stepping stones to the next level of success. The Power of Employee Ownership Discover how an ESOP sparks a sense of pride and long-term investment in the business, transforming customers and teammates into raving fans. Why Stupid Courage Can Be Your Greatest Asset Sean and Gina’s honest takes on charging forward without waiting until you’re “ready,” even when you’re sure you’re in over your head.   About Gina Schaefer Gina Schaefer is the founder and former CEO of an award-winning chain of Ace Hardware stores, a dynamic speaker, and the author of Recovery Hardware. Her passion for hiring employees from non-traditional backgrounds—especially those in recovery or returning from incarceration—has reshaped local communities and proven that business can be both profitable and transformative. Connect with her at GinaSchaefer.com to learn more about her speaking engagements, workshops, and leadership insights.   Ready to Tune In? If you’re fired up by the thought of breaking business barriers and empowering people others might overlook—this episode is your calling card. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with practical insights that will forever change how you view leadership, hiring, and community impact. So, hit that “play” button now and discover how Gina Schaefer is unlocking potential where most never think to look. You’ll walk away believing that all it takes is one bold step to transform someone’s life—and maybe even your own.   Links & Resources: Get Gina’s Book: Recovery Hardware Connect with Gina: GinaSchaefer.com Follow Sean for More Inspiring Conversations: [Your Podcast/Web Link] Enjoyed the episode? Leave a 5-star rating and a quick review—it helps others discover these powerful stories! Share the episode on social media and tag friends who need to hear it. Subscribe or follow the show to never miss an episode packed with fresh motivation and next-level insights!

This episode is sponsored by: Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to become—and remain—one of the best in the world at what you do? Today’s guest, Ryan Lavarnway, has lived that story. He’s the World Series–winning catcher whose relentless refusal to quit propelled him up, down, and back up again through multiple Major League Baseball rosters. Now, he’s harnessing that ironclad mindset to help business leaders, sales teams, and everyday high-achievers show up and win—no matter the obstacles. In this episode, host Sean Osborn takes you behind the scenes of Ryan’s incredible journey in baseball and beyond. From wearing that massive World Series ring (think instant back problems!) to lessons learned from iconic coaches, Ryan explains why being “too realistic” is often just another way of saying “I’m giving up.” Highlights That Will Pump You Up: The ‘Refused to Quit’ Mentality Hear how Ryan rebounded—over and over again—every time the Majors sent him packing. It’s a masterclass in resilience (that every sales pro, entrepreneur, or dreamer needs to hear). From ‘Limitations’ to Home Runs Discover the mindset shift Ryan credits for smashing through the barriers he once thought were insurmountable. Behind-the-Dugout Stories Get up close and personal with insider baseball tales—like how Ryan didn’t pick fights with the ump (and why that matters for your career, too!). The Power of Being Unrealistic In the face of setbacks, Ryan learned from top MLB managers to never settle for “realistic” goals. Spoiler alert: This perspective can supercharge your business, relationships, and life. Mindset Isn’t Just for the Diamond Whether you’re leading a sales team, building a start-up, or pursuing your greatest passion, Ryan’s strategies for handling rejection, adapting to change, and cultivating top-tier discipline will leave you hungry for more. Life After the Big Leagues How Ryan navigated his “midlife crisis” and found a whole new mission: sharing his passion for personal growth with global audiences. Why You’ll Love This Episode It’s not just a peek into a champion’s mindset; it’s a step-by-step blueprint to elevate your own game, whether that’s crushing it in sales, starting a new career chapter, or becoming the MVP of your own life. Curious how a triple-PhD-level baseball mind translates into an unstoppable life game plan? Strap in and enjoy this high-energy, deeply inspiring episode—you’ll come away with more than a few “a-ha” moments (plus some laugh-out-loud stories you won’t hear anywhere else). Ready to level up? Hit play now and get ready to rewrite your own definition of “unrealistic” goals! Connect with Ryan Website: ryanlavarnway.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlavarnway/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.lavarnway.9 Connect with Sean Website: ThinkingBigCoaching.com Instagram: @SeanOsborn Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show—together, we’ll keep Thinking Big!