Entrepreneur Conundrum

In this episode, we cover:Nicolai’s global journey across 11 countries and 10 years at McKinsey Why ambition can either propel you forward or trip you up The difference between wisdom and knowledge in career decisions How to move from “outside-in” expectations to “inside-out” self-authorship Nicolai’s three-part reflection framework: past, present, and future Why so many high performers feel stuck, and how to get unstuck Practical tools for sustainable peak performance (without losing your edge) The “future of work” that’s already here—and how to not miss the waveTimestamps (approx.)00:00 – 01:05 – Intro: Nicolai’s background, Potential Academy, and global journey 01:05 – 04:20 – Nonlinear paths, ambition, impatience, and learning patience as wisdom 04:20 – 07:00 – Where Nicolai’s ideal clients hang out and why online media is the new TV 07:00 – 12:17 – Big goals, Potential Academy’s vision, and helping people find their path 12:17 – 15:03 – Why so many of us feel stuck & the shift from outside-in to self-authored lives 15:03 – 19:50 – Sustainable peak performance, presence, cosmic perspective, and micro-practices 19:50 – 23:59 – Intuition, “feather–brick–truck” messages, and listening to your gut 23:59 – 26:04 – “Know your I before your why” and getting honest about trade-offs 26:04 – 28:58 – The future of work as a moving target and massive opportunity 28:58 – 29:04 – Where to find Nicolai and final thoughts About Nicolai NielsenNicolai Nielsen is a Danish-Chinese bestselling author, coach, and founder of Potential Academy. Born in Brazil and now living in Italy, he’s lived in 11 countries and spent 10 years with McKinsey & Company focusing on leadership and culture. Today, he helps ambitious individuals and leaders unlock sustainable peak performance and design lives that truly fit who they are.Website: www.nicolainielsen.com Potential Academy: www.potentialacademy.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaicn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolaicnielsen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolaichennielsen X (Twitter): https://x.com/nicolaicnielsenKey Questions(01:05) Can you share a little bit more about how you ended up where you are today?(02:00) Who are your ideal clients these days?(02:47) Okay, so why should I have patience in moving forward? Or when should I?(04:20) Where do you find your people? Where are they hanging out? How do you get in front of them?(05:21) Which channels do you like to be on?(07:00) What are some big goals you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(08:05) So is Potential Academy, is it a group program or a one-on-one? How's that one laid out?(12:17) Why do you think so many of us are feeling stuck these days?(15:03) So amidst all of this confusion and muddle and stuff, how do you help us become the best version of ourselves?(18:23) How do you make sure that you can still focus on the flowers but yet not lose sight of your ambition and your goals?(19:50) What was the best advice that you have ever received?(22:40) What's the best advice you've ever given?(25:07) Is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you'd like to touch on?(26:04) Can you give me an example?(28:28) Where can we learn more about you and what you do?Nicolai Nielsenwww.nicolainielsen.comwww.potentialacademy.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaicn/https://www.instagram.com/nicolaicnielsen/https://www.facebook.com/nicolaichennielsenhttps://x.com/nicolaicnielsenVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, we discuss:How Laura went from introverted teen to global leadership mentor Her transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur The limitations she experienced in corporate and what pushed her to make the leap Why storytelling is a non-negotiable skill for modern leaders Laura’s signature 3M Framework for leadership The mindset traps younger leaders often fall into The importance of community when growing as a leader How cross-generational dynamics affect today’s workplace What it means to start with the end in mind Laura’s goal to impact 100,000+ people through her books and programs Her best advice for aspiring leaders: think big, embrace change, and stay aligned with your purposeWhere to find Laura:Website: https://www.empower-quest.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-g-patacYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@empowerquest1-p9lBooks by Laura:Stories with Purpose (Available on Amazon, Kindle, BookBaby, and more) Love Is – releasing OctoberEpisode URL:👉 https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/laurapatacLaura Patac www.linkedin.com/in/laura-g-patachttps://www.youtube.com/@empowerquest1-p9lwww.empower-quest.com, under review to progress to v2 by end of April.Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Episode: Redefining Goals: Behavior-Driven Change with Michael LopezGuest: Michael Lopez – Best-selling author, LinkedIn Top Voice, transformation consultant Listen: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/michaeljalopezIn this episode, we cover:Michael’s journey from military intelligence and Big Four consulting to founding his own boutique consultancy Why traditional change programs fail when they treat employees as one homogeneous group The truth about change: you can only change yourself—but you can influence others through modeling How redefining goals from things you want to actions you take keeps you motivated longer Why outcomes are harder to predict—but inputs (effort, repetitions, consistency) are fully in your control How Michael uses his Top Voice Tuesday series on LinkedIn to practice this “effort-first” approach The role of time, constraints, and focus when you’re a high-touch consultant with a full client roster Why doing hard things literally reshapes your brain and reputation as a leader How to build teams that embrace mistakes as part of growth rather than something to hide “Watching the tape”: what football film review can teach leaders about revisiting failure without shame Why leaders should stop over-directing and instead create space for teams to design the howConnect with Michael LopezWebsite: https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljlopez9/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/MichaelJLopez9 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelJosephLopez9Connect with VirginiaDistinct Digital Marketing: @distinctdm Instagram: @h_ginia Podcast: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Website: https://entrepreneurconundrum.comKey Questions (00:58) Can you share a little bit about your journey? How did you end up where you are today?(02:55) Who's your ideal client these days?(04:15) When you're talking about change, is that my change and how our company change?(05:58) How do you get in front of these people off?(10:28) What do you feel is your biggest roadblock for reaching those goals?(12:14) Earlier, you had mentioned about defining goals differently. Because then you have pursue your goals differently. So are those the same thing or are they different?(16:13) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(17:56) What's the best advice you've ever given then?(20:24) Was there anything else on the implications for change in teams and organizations that you wanted to touch on?(24:19) Is there something that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to touch on?

Guest: Lloyd Ross – lawyer, MBA, CFA level III, multiple six-figure entrepreneur, seven-figure investor, 2-Comma Club winner, Legacy Club millionaire, author of three books, and host of the award-winning podcast Money Grows on Trees.Episode: Become Time Rich: Ditch Busywork and Build Real Wealth with Lloyd RossLink: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/lloydrossIn This Episode, We Cover:Lloyd’s journey from unhappy lawyer to global real estate, network marketing, and financial education The moment he realised a 3-hour commute was “destroying his soul” and chose excitement over security How a simple side hustle (aimed at $500/week) turned into a multi-million dollar portfolio Why freedom, not hustle, is his highest value—and how he designed his life around it The danger of being tactically perfect but strategically wrong Why “the busy man has no time to make money” (and what that looks like for entrepreneurs) Hurry sickness and how constantly living in the future kills your presence and productivity The real reason many people never sit down with their bank statements How to start shifting your money identity by creating evidence that you are good with money Why environment beats willpower—and how changing your circle changes your bank account Lloyd’s approach to delegation as personal development for your team His rhythm of overwhelming himself, then automating, delegating, and eliminating to buy back his time The story of attending Warren Buffett’s last AGM as CEO and Lloyd’s goal of owning one Berkshire Hathaway A share His definition of success, best advice received (and given), and why he refuses to live in “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.” Connect with Lloyd RossWebsite – Money Education: http://moneytreeeducation.com Book: Money Buys Happiness – http://moneybuyshappinessbook.com Time Rich + Links Hub: https://linktr.ee/becometimerich Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.ross.7 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lloydjamesross X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/lloydjamesross LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-james-ross-26b7859 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lloydross Podcast – Money Grows on Trees: https://spoti.fi/3KLSsvg Connect with Virginia / Entrepreneur ConundrumWebsite & Episodes: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com Instagram: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Facebook: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Twitter / X: @EnConundrumPod Distinct Digital Marketing (Virginia): @distinctdm Lloyd Rosshttp://moneytreeeducation.comHttp://moneybuyshappinessbook.comhttps://linktr.ee/becometimerichHttps://www.facebook.com/lloyd.ross.7Https://instagram.com/lloydjamesrossHttps://mobile.twitter.com/lloydjamesrossHttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lloyd-james-ross-26b7859https://youtube.com/@lloydross?si=Sn77cP78AtetWBmIhttps://spoti.fi/3KLSsvgVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comKey Questions(02:49) How did you get to where you are today? (09:56) How do you get in front of them? How do they learn about you Well, they buy my books.(10:57) Is there any advice or tips that you can give us in regards to money mindset?(23:48) How did you overcome that?(25:23) What's some of your big goals you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(26:22) What do you feel is the number one roadblock in your way?(31:09) What's the best advice you've ever received?(32:39) What other way can I do it?(33:52) What's the best advice you've ever given?(34:37)  Is there something that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to talk about?(35:06) Where can we go to learn more about you, what you're doing, how to get your books?

Guest: Mark DelaneyWebsite: markdelaney.comNonprofit: purposemastermind.com/nonprofitPodcast: The Purpose Mastermind PodcastYouTube: @Mark.DelaneyFacebook: facebook.com/markdelaney.meLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mark-delaney-3a935b107In This Episode:The single line that changed Mark’s life Why comfort and reputation keep us trapped Freedom defined: “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove” Why fixing your problems isn’t the solution—purpose is The link between purpose, service, and mental health What it really means to live authentically and love people wellBooks Mentioned:One Step to FreedomIn the Game (both available on Amazon)Key Questions(00:56) How did you get to where you are today? Is there any bit of a journey that you can share with us?(02:16) Who do you tend to help these days?(04:09) How do you get in front of all these different varieties of people?(06:34) What are a couple of big goals that you have in the next year or two?(08:16) What do you feel is the number one roadblock from reaching that goal?(09:24) So we're talking about freedom. We tend to hear about freedom in the movies and stuff like that. But is it something that we can actually... How obtainable is it? Is it just like a fairytale?(17:32) What's your take on the difference between goals and motivation?(19:12) Why do you think that we, as a society, don't really talk much about our purpose or having purpose?(25:47) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(28:24) What's the best advice you've ever given?(32:33) We've covered a few things today. Is there anything else that you wanted to talk about?(37:05) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do and grab some of your books?Mark DelaneyWebsite: markdelaney.com/purposemastermind.com/nonprofitFacebook: facebook.com/markdelaney.meLinkedin: linkedin.com/in/mark-delaney-3a935b107/Podcast: The Purpose Mastermind PodcastYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mark.DelaneyVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Guest: Sloan Wilkins — Executive Financial Coach & financial well-being advocateLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sloan-wilkins/ Website: executivefinancialcoach.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/ExecutiveFinancialCoaching Instagram: instagram.com/sloan_now_here/ TopicsSloan’s shift from corporate wealth management to coaching Why he focuses on professionals & business owners (esp. on LinkedIn/BNI) The Meaningful Money Method: purpose + mindful habits + left/right-brain The seven life areas (finances are only one) Foundations: eliminate unproductive debt, build an emergency buffer, create a spending plan (money follows instructions) Retirement & flexibility: fund tomorrow without sacrificing today Workplace financial well-being (Everyday Money Live): reduce turnover, boost productivity Mindset: “progress over perfection,” moving from ambition to meaning Quotes“Life happens outside the spreadsheet.” “Money is great at following instructions—give it a plan.” “Financial freedom is the capacity to live life on your terms.” “Progress, not perfection.” “We don’t need to see the whole road—just drive by the headlights.” LinksEpisode page: entrepreneurconundrum.com/sloan-wilkins Sloan Wilkinshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sloan-wilkins/https://www.facebook.com/ExecutiveFinancialCoachinghttps://www.instagram.com/sloan_now_here/https://executivefinancialcoach.com.auVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Guest: Derrick Chevalier — H-C (h-c.com), Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon #1) Core ideas:Negotiate people, not problems; products don’t change—people do “Feel good” ≠ “win-win”; feelings aren’t facts Persuasion vs influence: persuasion is seen, influence is felt Antidote axiom: the antidote to any tactic is that tactic (or its opposite) elevated Harmony > balance for life/work integration Tactics & frameworks:Identify counterpart intent (not just demeanor) When splitting the difference can be smart—and when it’s a trap Cooperative empathy: share just enough of your constraints to co-design terms Post-deal audit: judge outcomes by ROI over time, not end-of-meeting vibes Stories & examples:From hostage talks to aerospace & automotive deals Coaching a skeptic who becomes a “gold medallion” client and top negotiator/lawyer Miles Davis “wrong chord → resolution” as a model for harmony Takeaways:Prepare to discover what you don’t know about the other side Don’t avoid “sales”—upgrade your definition and skill set Use influence to align behavior, not manipulate Resources:Book: Evolve or Be Slaughtered (Amazon) Connect with Derrick: IG @derrick_chevalier, FB /anyproblemsolved, LI profile Free 30-min consult link via h-c.com Key Questions(01:00) How did you get to be where you are today?(03:43) Who do you serve today?(05:38) So if I wanted to come work with you, what would be some of the criteria that you would be looking for?(09:37) So on that note, how do you get in front of your potential client?(12:34) What are some commonalities, mistakes, misconceptions that people have when they start working with you or when they come to you?(25:24) Can you talk to us about how negotiation impacts everyday life, whether it's business or personal?(30:41) Have you heard of Chris Voss?(42:34)  What is your take on balance in life and work?(49:34) What is the best advice you have ever received?(51:21) What's the best advice you've ever given?(58:23)  We've talked about a few things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?(59:39) Where can we learn more about you and what you do and your book?Derrick Chevalierwww.h-c.comhttps://www.amazon.com/EVOLVE-Be-Slaughtered-Negotiation-Negotiating/dp/1965092543www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-chevalier-6323272https://www.instagram.com/derrick_chevalier/https://www.facebook.com/anyproblemsolvedVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

What happens when a software engineer pulls back the curtain on social media’s inner workings? In this episode, Virginia Purnell talks with Tim O’Hearn, author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective on Social Media, about the psychological and technical forces that shape what we see, share, and believe online.You’ll learn:How Tim’s unconventional path led from tech to authorship The real mechanics behind social media growth What entrepreneurs misunderstand about “influence” Why authenticity is more powerful than algorithms How to think critically about your digital footprint About Tim:Tim O’Hearn is a software engineer, writer, and entrepreneur whose debut book, Framed, became an Amazon #1 bestseller in the “Social Aspects of the Internet” category. His work explores the intersection of psychology, technology, and society—helping readers and entrepreneurs understand the hidden systems that shape our online world.Connect with Tim:🔗 tjohearn.com📘 LinkedIn📰 timohearn.beehiiv.com📚 Buy Framed on AmazonConnect with Virginia:🌐 entrepreneurconundrum.com/timohearn📸 IG: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm      FB: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast | @distinctdm💼 LI: Virginia PurnellListen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

Guest: Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau — ENCC-accredited senior executive coach; founder, Smart Power Method; author of Who’s in Charge? Lead with Real Power and Creative Impact in the Echo-Chaotic World.Links:Website: smartpowermethod.com The Book: smartpowermethod.com/the-book LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/In this episode:The Smart Power Method: authentic, service-driven leadership for complex systems Clarity > force: purpose, intent, and clean communication Stubbornness vs. relentless purpose (and how to know which one you’re in) Vulnerability that strengthens trust (CEO case example) Artistic intelligence at work: trusting the creative process in leadership Energy management: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual levers Three quick practices for emotion regulation and presence Career design: aligning with values now, not “someday” Timestamps (approx.):00:00 – Why “smart power” beats “old power” 05:09 – Who Sylvia serves (C-suite, founders, change-makers) 06:40 – Attraction vs. chasing: how she builds trust and clients 10:26 – Common pre-coaching pitfalls (purpose, clarity, communication) 14:20 – Arts → leadership: trust the process 16:47 – Embodied presence & authentic power 20:34 – A CEO’s vulnerable pivot that built credibility 20:44 – Resilience & energy: the four dimensions 23:14 – Instant practices for emotional awareness 25:43 – Best advice received: “As a leader, it’s no longer about you.” 27:20 – Best advice given: “Start loving yourself.” 29:19 – Career/life alignment with values 31:27 – Where to find SylviaCTA:Explore the Smart Power Method and Sylvia’s book: smartpowermethod.comKey Questions(01:55) Can you explain a little bit more to us about how you ended up where you are today?(05:01) Who do you serve today?(07:48) You do stuff on social media then to gain that more like and trust aspect?(08:51) What are some big goals that you have in the next year?(10:26) Is there a common I don't know if I want to use the word mistake, but a common thing that your clients do just before you start to work with them?(13:57) You have a lot of artistic background, like if you're dancing, being an artist, and singer, and all of that other stuff, how have you found that integrating all of that art into the workplace has been a positive outcome?(16:20) Taking the... I'm going to say holistic in the sense of all aspects, let's say well-rounded. We have bringing in our artistic self, this spiritual aspect, and embracing those, how does that help to support the leaders that want to increase their power?(20:34) Can you touch a little bit on the art of resilience and energy management for effective leaders?(23:06) Do you have any examples that we might be able to implement right away?(25:26) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(27:16) What's the best advice you've ever given?(29:08) Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to talk about?(31:27) Where can we learn more about you and what you do.Sylvia Rohde-Liebenauhttps://smartpowermethod.comhttps://www.smartpowermethod.com/the-bookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Guest: Fred Meyers, Founder & CEO of QueensboroLinks:Website: www.queensboro.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/queensboro/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queensborousa/Episode page: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/fredmeyersIn this episode:(00:00) Intro — spotting a premium polo gap and building from scratch(02:35) Why Queensboro is B2SMB (marketing-first vs. enterprise sales)(04:14) The $4.95 first-order offer and trust-building guarantees(06:07) Shipping realities: continental U.S. free shipping and reliability(07:25) Lessons from economic turbulence & organizational vulnerabilities(09:40) Why move HQ to Dallas—and what improved (talent & logistics)(15:26) Expansion thinking (East, Texas/Midwest, West Coast next)(16:06) “Great small company” > “bad big company” (and how to become great)(18:35) A turning point: “We’re not doing better because we aren’t better.”(19:38) The 4 P’s people framework: Principled, Positive, Proactive, Productive(27:50) Brand basics: clear positioning → clear logo → clear expression(30:24) Culture you can “hear”—why energy shows up in the box(33:21) Best advice received: “Do what’s good for Freddie.”(35:52) Best advice given: “Pray for a difficult life (and wife)” → growth & character(37:58) Where to learn more & connectTakeaways:Trust is a growth lever: guarantees, clear policies, and reliability convert skeptics.Hire for the 4 P’s; you can’t out-perform your lowest standard.Be a great small company—scale comes after excellence.Position → brand → logo → apparel: get the story straight, then amplify.CTA: Start your first embroidered shirt for $4.95 and test the experience: www.queensboro.com Key Questions(01:07) All right, so how did you get to where you are today?(01:52) You stayed focused?(02:28) Who is your ideal It's a small, probably company. Do you sell more B2B or B2C?(04:09) Do you have a minimum quantity that I need to order?(07:13) You have been around for a while. You've been through lots of crazy things with the economy. What things did you learn? What tips do you have for it?(11:32) When you were growing, was it hard to remove yourself from certain positions so that you weren't for bottleneck?(15:58) Are there any other big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next couple of years?(22:57) How did you get your company's name?(26:39) What are some of your thoughts about helping others build their brand?(30:57) What did you do to help you get through hard times or times that were rough?(33:12) What's the best advice you've ever received?(35:49) What's the best advice you've ever given?(37:53) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do? Fred Meyerswww.queensboro.comhttps://www.facebook.com/queensboro/https://www.instagram.com/queensborousa/?hl=enVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com