Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Ann Wilson is a South African who leads a unique lifestyle immersed in the wild, sharing her experiences through engaging videos. Her home features an eight-foot-high outdoor tub where giraffes and elephants occasionally come to drink, providing a glimpse into her extraordinary surroundings. As winter settles in, she humorously recounts the mischief caused by roaming elephants, which she incorporates into her maintenance budget. Reflecting on her journey, Ann feels privileged to live in such a vibrant environment, though she acknowledges the hard work that has gone into achieving her dream. ⁣ Growing up as the fifth of six children in a typical middle-class South African family during the height of apartheid, Ann was shaped by the struggles of her upbringing. Her father worked tirelessly to support the family, while her mother instilled the value of education as a pathway to success. Witnessing societal injustices fueled Ann's activism during her university years, where she became involved in the anti-apartheid movement. ⁣ Throughout her life, Ann has lived in various parts of the world, but she cherishes her life in South Africa, often highlighting the laid-back, positive attitudes of her friends. Her journey towards financial independence and security began after witnessing her mother’s challenges following their father's passing, which motivated Ann to seek a stable career in civil engineering. However, her quest for true financial freedom led her to explore unconventional paths, including real estate and investing. Today, Ann is not only a wildlife enthusiast but also a passionate advocate for conservation and community empowerment. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of gratitude and living a fulfilling life that goes beyond mere financial success.

Michael Stein is a dynamic entrepreneur, actor, writer, director, producer, stand-up comedian, and personal development expert, currently serving as the CEO of Abadak. He began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 19 as the top nightclub promoter in Los Angeles, rapidly expanding his company from the ground up to achieve over $100 million in revenue. ⁣ In addition to his success in nightlife, Michael has ventured into acting and filmmaking, collaborating with notable Hollywood figures such as Faye Dunaway and Andy Dick. His film, Love Hollywood Style, paved the way for further entrepreneurial endeavors, ultimately generating over $120 million. Presently, he is focused on his latest project, Bullock—a backpack company currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter. ⁣ As the host of the podcast Long Shot Leaders, Michael shares stories of resilience and personal growth, inspired by his own journey through challenges like ADHD and family struggles. Committed to personal development, he has invested significantly in his growth, attending events led by Tony Robbins and embodying the principles of intention and confidence. With a strong belief in the importance of teaching personal development and critical thinking in schools, Michael combines humor and insight in his work. He emphasizes a "10-point recipe for success," which includes thorough assessment, critical thinking, and a focus on both physical and mental health. Michael continues to inspire others through his podcasts and ventures, highlighting the potential for positive change and fulfillment in life.

Roni Robbins is a Jewish writer originally from Long Island and Queens, whose journey led her to author her debut book, Hands of Gold. Growing up in a creatively gifted family—her father a blacksmith and her mother a silversmith—Roni initially pursued a career in music before discovering her passion for writing. She earned a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, later working for various newspapers in the South, including the Atlanta Jewish Times, and freelancing for major publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, New York Daily News, Forbes, and Huffington Post. ⁣ After dedicating over 20 years to balancing her writing career with motherhood, Roni completed Hands of Gold, inspired by her grandparents’ lives and the themes of survival, illness, and family struggles during significant historical events like the Great Depression and the Holocaust. Her persistence culminated in securing a professional publishing deal with Amsterdam Publishers after overcoming initial setbacks. ⁣ Currently, Roni is focused on sharing her family's stories, which resonate with contemporary audiences. She plans to write a second book titled A Mighty Arm, inspired by her father's life as a blacksmith.

Jeremy Parker is a dynamic entrepreneur whose career journey has been defined by creativity, adaptability, and a relentless drive to solve problems. Raised in Angola, New Jersey, by an artist mother and a business-savvy father, Jeremy initially pursued filmmaking, winning an award for a feature-length documentary at the Vale Film Festival. However, after recognizing a lack of passion compared to his peers, Jeremy pivoted to entrepreneurship shortly after college. ⁣ Jeremy's most notable success came with the founding of Swag.com, a platform for promotional products that streamlined the purchasing process for businesses. By listening to customer feedback and targeting the right audience, Jeremy grew Swag.com into a $30 million enterprise in just six years. The company was later acquired by Custom Ink. ⁣ Currently, Jeremy is leading Swag Space, a platform designed to empower small promotional distributors by leveraging Swag.com’s technology. His goal is to automate backend processes, allowing distributors to focus on sales and scale their businesses while benefiting from Custom Ink’s purchasing power. Jeremy attributes his success to adaptability, learning from failure, and focusing on customer needs. He believes in staying present, consistently improving, and balancing his entrepreneurial ventures with family life in Florida, where he resides with his wife and two children, expecting a third. He is passionate about creating more businesses and helping others succeed through platforms like Swag.com and Swag Space.

Kute Blackson is a transformative speaker, author, and personal development coach born in Ghana to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother. His unique multicultural background shaped his early life, leading to feelings of disconnection as he moved from Ghana to London and later to the United States. Influenced by his father, a prominent church leader who built over 300 churches in Ghana, Kute began speaking at church services by age eight and was ordained as a minister at fourteen. However, he felt a profound internal conflict between adhering to his father's expectations and following his true calling. ⁣ At eighteen, Kute chose a path of personal development instead of pursuing a traditional university education, inspired by figures like Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn. He took a bold step by moving to California after winning a green card through a lottery, embracing a journey marked by uncertainty and self-discovery. His coaching career began organically as he helped individuals navigate their emotional struggles, focusing on deep transformation rather than traditional methodologies. ⁣ Kute's innovative approach, which he termed "uncoaching," emphasizes the importance of addressing unresolved emotional pain and fostering authentic self-expression. His reputation grew as he guided clients from around the world toward significant life changes. He is the bestselling author of "You Are the One" and "The Magic of Surrender," where he explores themes of authenticity, purpose, and personal growth. Through large seminars and intimate coaching sessions, Kute Blackson inspires others to reconnect with their true selves and navigate their personal journeys toward fulfillment. He currently travels internationally to share his message, offering transformative experiences that help individuals heal past traumas and discover their authentic paths.

Alex Quin, a Miami native, transformed his early passion for marketing into a thriving entrepreneurial career. He began his journey in high school, engaging in digital marketing by selling various items, from tickets to cars. After graduating, he honed his leadership and business skills as a Pizza Hut manager, which paved the way for his future endeavors. ⁣ At just 19, Alex became the marketing director for a Miami business, where he gained invaluable insights into the marketing world while working alongside a successful advertising executive. Recognizing the potential of digital marketing, he launched his own agency, focusing on social media management and content creation. His first client, an e-commerce merchandise company, helped him expand his offerings and build a client base. ⁣ By the age of 22, Alex had successfully scaled his agency to five offices across South Florida, working with diverse industries including automotive and hospitality. He emphasizes ethical marketing practices, customer service, and the importance of understanding both the product and the business owner. Through his extensive experience, Alex has become a sought-after speaker and consultant in the digital marketing space. He shares practical strategies for marketers, including the significance of documenting case studies and using customer pain points to drive marketing narratives. As he continues to innovate, Alex is also preparing for the release of his third book on digital marketing and remains active in media, contributing to platforms like Forbes and Entrepreneur.

Tessa White is a career strategist, author, and influencer who founded "The Job Doctor" to help individuals navigate their professional paths. Raised as the eldest of eight in a Mormon family in Utah, Tessa faced cultural norms that discouraged women from pursuing careers. After divorcing and raising three children, she transitioned from being a secretary to a leadership role in human resources for Fortune 50 companies. ⁣ In 2020, she took her expertise to social media, offering career advice on TikTok, where she quickly gained over 400,000 followers. Her authenticity and practical guidance, especially during the uncertain job market of 2020, resonated with many. ⁣ Tessa’s book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, published by Harper Collins, further solidified her as a trusted voice in career coaching. Today, she continues to build her brand while helping others succeed in their careers.

Micah Siegel is a 13-year-old wildlife conservation enthusiast with a remarkable passion for animals and environmental issues. His journey began with a childhood curiosity about species like giraffes and lions, which evolved into a commitment to conservation after learning about the detrimental impact of rhino horn poaching. ⁣ Inspired by innovative conservation strategies, including the use of naturally shed antlers, Micah founded Rogue Scholar Academy to pursue his interests outside of traditional schooling. As a budding podcaster and author of The State of Animals Report 2024, he aims to educate others about endangered species and effective conservation practices. ⁣ Micah emphasizes the importance of reducing demand for poached animals and advocates for proactive self-education among his peers. With a grounded perspective and a dedication to making a difference, Micah continues to inspire others with his knowledge and determination to promote wildlife conservation.

Chris Smith, originally from Lakeland, Florida, is an accomplished entrepreneur and thought leader known for his innovative approach to business and technology. Raised in modest circumstances, Chris's early experiences in trailer parks and his parents' police work fueled his drive to succeed. He earned a sociology degree from Florida State University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. ⁣ Despite initial acting roles in shows like "Scrubs" and "Buffy," Chris shifted focus to entrepreneurial ventures, including a Korean karaoke business and sales roles with controversial figures like Lou Pearlman. Transitioning from these challenges, Chris found success in mortgage sales at Quicken Loans and later in real estate technology. ⁣ As the founder of Curator, a rapidly growing marketing firm for realtors, he has authored best-selling books such as The Conversion Code and Exactly What to Say for Real Estate Agents. Chris is now at the forefront of AI-driven solutions with his concept A-I-R-E (Artificial Intelligence Real Estate), aiming to revolutionize coaching and consulting. 

John Miles is a seasoned professional with a rich background in military and intelligence services. Raised with a curiosity for science and a family legacy of military service, John pursued his interests at the Naval Academy but had to pivot from his SEAL aspirations due to injuries. ⁣ He then contributed to the NSA, where he played a pivotal role in supporting Navy SEAL teams and working on drug operations. His career highlights include significant public speaking experiences, a major role in creating a collaborative multi-agency command, and influencing national security policies. ⁣ Outside of his professional achievements, John advocates for effective time management, peak performance, and continuous self-reinvention. He also shares personal insights on dealing with family loss and his new ventures, including the "Passion Struck" movement and a successful podcast.