

Success Story with Scott D. Clary
Success Story Media
Welcome to the Success Story Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur, business executive, author, educator & speaker, Scott D. Clary (@scottdclary). On this podcast, you'll find interviews, Q&A, keynote presentations & conversations on sales, marketing, business, startups and entrepreneurship. Scott will discuss some of the lessons he's learned over his own career, as well as have candid interviews with execs, celebrities, notable figures and politicians. All who have achieved success through both wins and losses, to learn more about their life, their ideas and insights. He sits down with leaders and mentors and unpacks their story to help pass those lessons onto others through both experiences and tactical strategy for business professionals, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. To get more of the Success Story podcast, go to www.successstorypodcast.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

15 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 1h 50min
Mikhail Andersson - NYC's Most Wanted Tattoo Artist | From Broke Designer to $2,000/Hour Empire
Mikhail Andersson, known as the "Michelangelo of the Tattoo Renaissance," has transformed tattooing into a luxury art form with his New York City studio, First Class Tattoos. He shares his journey from a struggling designer in Russia to charging $2,000 per hour for his intricate designs. In this conversation, he discusses the influence of classical art on his work and the impact of AI on the tattoo industry. Mikhail also reflects on navigating the challenges of establishing a successful business and the evolving cultural perceptions of tattoos.

Aug 30, 2025 • 15min
Lessons - From Nobody to Closing $2 Billion in Deals | Oren Klaff - Pitch Anything Author
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Oren Klaff, bestselling author of Pitch Anything and Flip the Script, reveals the art of controlling sales conversations without coming across as forceful. He explains why giving buyers too much control kills deals, why predictable behavior undermines influence, and how discovery calls often waste time instead of building trust. Oren shares actionable strategies to frame conversations, maintain authority, and create autonomy for buyers while keeping control of the process—turning sales into a game you set the rules for.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Y3VO7LbNurk
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oren-klaff-author-managing-director-at-intersection/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/47tQSxKdqPRzDUvizTwhkK
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 30, 2025 • 12min
Lessons - From Drug Addict to $4 Billion Real Estate Empire | Grant Cardone - 10X Founder
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Grant Cardone, 10X Founder and real estate mogul, reveals how relentless action and bold thinking turned his life around from addiction to building a $4 billion empire. He shares the core principles of the 10X Rule, why doubling down on what works is the key to scaling, and how massive action separates the wealthy from the average. Grant also explains the dangers of mediocrity, the mindset shift required to break out of the middle class, and why success demands both strategic focus and timing.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ayiBhmT4PCA
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grant-cardone-ceo-of-cardone-capital-speaker/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6fFhw4HFLJbVWWQfNoSgNi
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 22min
Michael Sonnenfeldt - Founded A Billionaires Club ($165 Billion) | The Hidden Curse of Early Success
➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
Michael Sonnenfeldt is a legendary entrepreneur and investor who built a fortune by orchestrating one of New York’s biggest real estate deals — the $120 million transformation of Harborside Financial Center — and went on to pioneer ventures in solar energy and beyond. He is the founder and Chairman of TIGER 21, the world’s most powerful peer network of 1,200+ wealth creators managing over $150 billion in assets. Celebrated for his bold vision and ability to turn opportunity into empire, Sonnenfeldt has become both a wealth creator in his own right and the architect of the ultimate community for the ultra-successful.
➡️ Show Links
https://x.com/mwsonnenfeldt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Inbound - https://www.inbound.com/register
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:33 – Michael’s Father’s Story
07:56 – Legacy and Pressure to Succeed
12:42 – Lessons from a $100M Exit
17:46 – Life After the Big Exit
22:08 – Why He Founded TIGER 21
26:50 – Sponsor Break
28:59 – The Lonely Side of Wealth
33:14 – From Entrepreneur to Investor
37:40 – What Is Portfolio Defense?
42:30 – Average Net Worth of TIGER Members
45:51 – Top Concerns of Wealthy Members
53:27 – Sponsor Break
57:59 – Balance vs. Productive Imbalance
1:03:56 – Finding the Right Mentors and Peers
1:06:54 – Meditation and Entrepreneurial Success
1:13:43 – Why Your Business Isn’t Your Identity
1:16:18 – Biggest Regrets of the Ultra-Wealthy
1:20:06 – Michael’s Most Important Life Lesson

Aug 25, 2025 • 13min
Lessons - The One Thing That Kills Every Startup | Captain Hoff - Advised 1000+ Companies
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Captain Hoff, a seasoned entrepreneur and advisor to over 1,000 companies, reveals the mindset shifts and strategies that separate thriving startups from the 95% that fail. He explores why meaningful work continues to matter even when financial security is no longer a concern, and how purpose and creativity drive true fulfillment. You’ll also learn what radical innovation really takes, the biggest pitfalls in turning an idea into a successful business, and why recurring revenue models are critical for long-term growth in today’s competitive landscape.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/43eTNwIPplY
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steve-hoffman-chairman-of-founders-space-the/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0iEx8U1j5OiTUIVBjRRuE7
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 25, 2025 • 14min
Lessons - The Missing Secret Nobody Tells You | Joe Vitale - Law of Attraction's Hidden Formula
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Joe Vitale, best-selling author and renowned Law of Attraction expert, reveals the missing secret to turning dreams into reality. He explains why success is not about overnight miracles but about consistent effort and small, intentional actions. Joe shares powerful insights on embracing progress over perfection, building resilience through persistence, and acting quickly on inspired ideas to seize opportunities. This episode is a practical guide to unlocking the true potential of the Law of Attraction in your life.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2LmAIGWjgW4
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-joe-vitale-author-of-80-books-the-law/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BHRrnIPoe13jYtFdBGkJD
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 51min
Ross Mandell - The Real Wolf of Wall Street | Rock Bottom to Wall Street Royalty
Ross Mandell, known as the 'Bad Boy of Wall Street,' built a financial empire before facing a prison sentence for financial crimes. He discusses the psychological burden of money and offers insights on overcoming financial fears through mentorship. Mandell contrasts his high-powered Wall Street life with humorous prison anecdotes and explores addiction issues within the finance industry. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and authenticity in navigating challenges, advocating for meaningful connections and a commitment to giving back post-recovery.

Aug 22, 2025 • 20min
Lessons - 144 Rejections to Billion Dollar Brand | Jack Canfield - Chicken Soup for the Soul Co-Creator
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Jack Canfield, co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul and author of The Success Principles, shares timeless strategies for achieving extraordinary success in any area of life. He explains why clarity of purpose and taking 100% responsibility are foundational to personal growth, and how mindset shapes outcomes far more than circumstances. Jack also reveals practical methods to overcome limiting beliefs, set powerful goals, and pivot during uncertainty, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/RddrcP8QD_I
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jack-canfield-author-speaker-motivational-trainer-the/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7x1Or93IPS71XASEtvuu4Q
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 22, 2025 • 13min
Lessons - From Refugee to $300 Million Empire | Patrick Bet-David - Valuetainment Founder
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Patrick Bet-David, founder of Valuetainment, shares powerful insights on transforming adversity into opportunity and building lasting success. He explains why adopting an entrepreneurial mindset—even within an organization—can lead to career growth, equity, and leadership roles. Patrick also dives into the principles of intrapreneurship, the importance of thinking like an owner, and how strategic actions can position you for long-term value. Drawing from his own journey from refugee to leading a $300 million empire, he highlights the phases of wealth creation, the role of purpose, and the mindset shifts that turn ambition into reality.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/UIcfPUB4Hes
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/patrick-bet-david-ceo-of-valuetainment-php-agency-4/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/01TFbgmQFHRzcEjU6nU6vs
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary

Aug 21, 2025 • 15min
Lessons - The Things You Want But Won't Ask For (Scott)
Explore the things you want but often hesitate to ask for, from raises to personal boundaries. Discover why your brain clings to wanting over having and how to combat this mindset. Uncover the surprising truth that people are more likely to say yes than you think. Learn effective techniques for making your requests and the life-altering power of simply asking. With a practical eight-second script in hand, you’ll be equipped to bridge the gap between desire and communication.