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21st Century Entrepreneurship

Latest episodes

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Oct 18, 2023 • 20min

Blesson Abraham: Transforming Credit Scores with AI & Social Impact

Blesson Abraham is the driving force behind the credit-improvement application, Cambio. Together, we explored the intricate relationship between generative AI, data security, and the art of personal finance. With the meteoric rise of personal data collection, ensuring its security and privacy becomes paramount. Blesson shared, "We were very careful of not putting in any personal information in... We were guarding against providing any of the personal information." This vigilance propelled Cambio to craft its unique, proprietary model, leaning into open-source AI frameworks without compromising on user data.Yet, beyond the technology, Cambio stands tall as a beacon of hope for many, especially minorities in the US who grapple with a system that often leaves them behind. Blesson revealed a startling insight, saying "73% of our customers fit a minority class," underlining the social responsibility Cambio undertakes. The credit system, as he notes, can be a double-edged sword. "It's easy to go get credit, but nobody teaches you how to do it responsibly." Cambio emerges as that guide, that supportive hand in a journey often fraught with pitfalls.A poignant story from Blesson highlighted the transformative power of their approach. He recounted the journey of a member who, with Cambio's AI-driven insights, went from a dwindling credit score and no savings to a comfortable financial cushion and renewed self-belief. "Little wins lead to big rewards," he emphasized, drawing a parallel between individual financial growth and the entrepreneurial journey.Taking inspiration from Paul Graham of YC, Blesson champions the philosophy of compounded growth, a concept that applies as much to personal finance as to life itself. "You don't become this big, giant company by all of a sudden going from zero to 1000. It's the compounded growth that you continue to do month over month, week over week, day over day."Tune into this episode to unearth insights on leveraging AI in finance, the ethos of compounded growth, and the transformative stories Cambio has catalyzed. Let Blesson's words inspire and inform your journey, whether in finance or in life.
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Oct 16, 2023 • 35min

Patrick Grimes: Mastering Passive Income through Real Estate

Patrick Grimes is a visionary in the realm of real estate investment, especially in emerging markets across the nation. Our conversation revolved around his distinctive approach to business, where he meticulously combines analytical insights with historical models to create a repeatable and successful strategy. “I have a very narrow buy box that is supported by analytics and data,” Patrick notes, emphasizing his reliance on a data-driven, rinse-and-repeat methodology. His book, "Persistence, Pivots, and Game Changers: Turning Challenges into Opportunities," resonates with the same ethos, where he shares the essence of his journey, challenges faced, and how he navigated them to success.One of the most potent takeaways from our chat is Patrick's emphasis on the importance of viewing your investment portfolio with as much dedication as one's primary profession. He poignantly remarks, “If you have a job, you're an investor,” prompting professionals to consider not just how they earn, but how wisely they invest. Patrick also highlights the distinction between single family buy and holding, and investing in multifamily properties in emerging markets, explaining how the latter can offer higher returns and lower risks.Furthermore, he shared a compelling success story, elucidating how partnering with his investment strategies enabled an investor to retire decades earlier. It's not just about making money, but also about strategically positioning it to work for you. With phrases like "tax advantaged, hard asset backed inflation hedged," Patrick offers a fresh perspective on investment that's both strategic and insightful.
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Oct 13, 2023 • 37min

Jeff Buehner: Harnessing the Power of Feelings for Success

Jeff Buehner is an author and life coach with a mission to introduce transformational concepts that enable individuals to tap into the profound force of their emotions. In our enlightening conversation, we discussed the pivotal role of feelings in shaping our reality and the importance of curating those feelings to architect a desired future. Jeff shed light on the potent connection between our subconscious and our emotions, emphasizing, "Feelings are self-fulfilling prophecies." He introduced the concept of the subconscious as an "all-powerful genie" that only queries, "What do you want?" and subsequently affirms, "Your wish is my command." Drawing inspiration from success stories like Michael Jordan, he underscores the importance of holding onto a vision of success regardless of external circumstances. He elucidates, "Your subconscious mind cares not whether it's real or imagined in your mind. All of your experiences are interpreted in your imagination." By the end of our chat, Jeff revealed the first three principles from his book "The Sultan's Seven Secrets," which promises to guide readers in speaking the "language of the gods." For those eager to embark on a transformative journey towards creating their desired reality, this episode is an essential listen.
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Oct 11, 2023 • 31min

Patrick Dillon: Charting Global Growth in the Digital Landscape

Founded by serial entrepreneur Patrick Dillon, Wise Digital Marketing has evolved as a testament to perseverance, ambition, and adaptability. Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey, sprinkled with insights from nine previous ventures, laid the foundation for Wise Digital’s 10th endeavor.With its inception occurring just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, Wise Digital began with Patrick’s vision of a remote-first approach, tapping into the expertise of key individuals from his past ventures. The pandemic strengthened this strategy, showcasing the benefits of a digital-focused business model. This approach not only saved significant operational costs but also enabled the company to source the best global talent, ensuring uninterrupted business operations during turbulent times.One of Patrick’s primary goals with Wise Digital was rapid expansion, targeting a place on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. This milestone is soon to be achieved, with aspirations of maintaining this status for five consecutive years. Achieving such growth demanded the establishment of robust processes from the outset, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery to clients. Patrick acknowledges that past setbacks played a pivotal role in shaping Wise Digital’s current trajectory. His commitment to talent has allowed Wise Digital to sustain consistent growth, boasting 14.5% quarterly growth for 13 consecutive quarters since the onset of COVID.However, amidst this growth and organizational restructuring, the company’s core culture and values remained consistent. These foundational principles, symbolized by the brand elements - Owl and Wise, and characterized by transparency, honesty, and continuous learning, are integral to the company's success.In our conversation, Dillon dives deep into how the pandemic influenced internal communications and client interactions. The shift in strategy, from emails to agile communication tools like Slack, underscores Wise Digital’s adaptability. More intriguingly, the pandemic facilitated their transition to a global clientele, as traditionally tech-averse sectors began embracing digital communication.Patrick's journey with Wise Digital offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs in the dynamic business landscape. His emphasis on company culture and digital strategies provides insights into successfully navigating modern entrepreneurial challenges.Stay updated on Patrick Dillon's pioneering approach, marketing strategies, and future endeavors by signing up for their newsletter at Wisedigitalpartners.com. Join us in exploring the future of digital business with an industry innovator.
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Oct 9, 2023 • 26min

Reuben Mattinson: Forex, Trust, and Helping at the Right Time

Reuben Mattinson is the driving force behind Puli Trading and RJM Tax Exemption. In our chat, we dove into the world of forex trading. He warned about the many scams out there and stressed how vital it is to check trading proofs and work with regulated brokers. With Puli Trading's focus on clear dealings and trust, Reuben shared how his e-commerce consultancy background shaped his forex trading approach. Touching on his diverse career, he highlighted the importance of character and trust in business leadership. He believes strongly that good communication starts with looking inward and being consistent. Reuben also shared how he values his clients, always showing thanks without trying to keep them with discounts. He shared a touching tale of encountering Hungary's highest-ranked junior female tennis player, who was placed 20th globally in the 18 and under category. He went on to become her sponsor and witnessed her progress and achievements, highlighting the value of extending a helping hand when it is most needed.Make sure you listen in for great advice and a touch of motivation. Don't miss out!
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Oct 2, 2023 • 35min

Sean Campbell: Navigating the 'Age of Narrow' in B2B Tech

Sean Campbell is a revered figure in the B2B technology landscape, embodying a rich blend of expertise, mentorship, and a clear-eyed understanding of market dynamics. As the CEO and Founder of Cascade Insights, with over 17 years under his belt, Sean has been at the forefront in delivering strategic insights and actionable intelligence to a broad spectrum of players in the tech industry, ranging from budding startups to established tech giants. Our discourse delved into his conceptual framework of the "Age of Narrow," a term he coined to advocate for transparency and explicit communication of a company’s competencies and constraints to the market, aimed at building a foundation of trust with prospective clients.A crucial part of our discussion circled around the notion of engendering trust through a candid representation of one's business capabilities. Sean eloquently stated, "I would say that what you will find if you embrace the age of Narrow... you're going to create trust. Because the one thing I believe people wonder about when they listen to or engage with any piece of content is they're wondering kind of what its limits are or what its boundaries are." His insights highlight the imperative of navigating the skepticism prevalent in today’s marketing and sales communications.Sean’s passion extends beyond the boardroom into the classroom, where he has mentored and educated business professionals. His teaching stint at Willamette University, coupled with his co-authored eBook on maximizing web resources, showcases his dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and actionable intelligence. He shares, "I ultimately want these people to excel in their own areas and domains, to be way better than anything I could ever hope to be." This nurturing perspective underscores his commitment to advancing a growth-oriented culture within and beyond his professional sphere.The episode is a treasure trove of Sean's accumulated wisdom on fostering a culture of transparency, the virtue of being an educator in the business realm, and strategically navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Sean’s narrative underscores the importance of honest communication and educational leadership in cultivating trust and propelling forward in the B2B tech domain.
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Sep 27, 2023 • 29min

Matt Seefeld: Merging Discipline, Entrepreneurship, and Recovery

Matt Seefeld, Executive Vice President at MedEvolve, Inc., and Founder of myLifeLink, exemplifies discipline, resilience, and a strong community spirit. From being an all-American athlete to a disciplined entrepreneur, Matt has transitioned his athletic discipline into entrepreneurial success in healthcare software development and a personal mission to aid those battling addiction through myLifeLink, a virtual support community.His journey highlights the importance of long-term goals over instant gratification, emphasizing the role of disciplined, relentless effort towards achieving one’s objectives, be it overcoming personal challenges like addiction or succeeding in entrepreneurial ventures.Creating myLifeLink, a free app for individuals grappling with addiction, showcases how personal experiences can evolve into initiatives addressing societal needs. Through myLifeLink, he's established a virtual support sanctuary, stressing that no one should feel isolated in their struggle against addiction. This initiative not only provides aid but also nurtures a community of 'sober warriors,' promoting a collective path towards recovery.Additionally, Matt mentors aspiring entrepreneurs on go-to-market strategies, fundraising, and team-building, exhibiting a holistic approach to making a positive impact. His belief in the interconnection between a healthy body and sound mind, paired with the emphasis on discipline as a precursor to success, offers key takeaways for listeners.To explore Matt’s insights on disciplined living or learn about his initiatives, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or discover the myLifeLink app on Apple Store or Google Play, delving into the community he’s fostering for individuals pursuing sobriety. This episode encapsulates not just an inspiring narrative but practical advice for individuals and entrepreneurs, making it a rich source of life lessons.
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Sep 25, 2023 • 27min

Tom Jackobs: Mastering Sales Pitches Through Storytelling

Tom Jackobs is a seasoned public speaker and storytelling coach with a knack for turning personal narratives into impactful sales pitches. In our engaging conversation, we spoke about Tom's unique journey from crashing and burning on stage to mastering the art of ‘selling from the stage’ through storytelling, emphasizing the transformational power of a well-constructed personal narrative.Tom reminisced about his initial struggle with stage sales, sharing a particular instance where a lack of connection and the right content led to a glaring failure in front of 60 potential clients. It was a bitter learning curve that eventually shaped his distinct approach to public speaking and sales.“I didn’t have the right content, I didn’t connect with my audience using a personal story, and I was super awkward in the pitch,” Tom reflects on his past missteps.His methodology is unlike any other. With a background in Theatre, Tom leverages his performance, scriptwriting, and production skills to assist business owners, coaches, and authors in amplifying their revenue using their personal stories. His expertise transcends traditional public speaking coaching, tapping into the essence of authentic storytelling to foster a genuine connection with the audience.Tom elaborated on the process he employs, which commences with honing an individual's Impact Story. He stressed the significance of structuring this story in a way that captivates the audience, seamlessly intertwines teaching moments, and culminates in pitches that don’t feel like pitches. The aim is to turn these narratives into a Hollywood blockbuster, a thrilling journey that holds the audience's attention while subtly leading them to a desired action.“You find a story which will have a real impact, utilize a proven method to structure it to captivate your audience, create your teaching moments, create your pitches which don’t seem like pitches, use your voice and your body to create a performance, and create your speaker kit to book more opportunities,” Tom outlines his meticulous process.What sets Tom apart is his lived experience, once being in the shoes of individuals striving to sell their products but lacking the know-how. His amalgamation of real-world sales experience, performance acumen from theatre, and a structured approach to storytelling births a unique coaching system. It’s about creating an impact, evoking emotions, and directing those emotions towards a meaningful action—making a purchase.Our discourse extended to practical examples where Tom’s storytelling framework significantly bolstered a client’s business. The case of Fatima, a fitness entrepreneur, was particularly noteworthy. Her dramatic life story, when curated and presented effectively, doubled her business within a year—a testament to the profound impact storytelling can have on sales and audience engagement.We wrapped up our conversation with an invitation for a complimentary call with Tom, offering a chance to explore a collaborative journey towards mastering the art of storytelling in sales. It's not just about selling a product; it's about selling a narrative that resonates, engages, and ultimately, convinces.
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Sep 23, 2023 • 26min

Bill Ottman: Authenticity and Agile Evolution in Modern Social Networks

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep with Bill Ottman, the CEO and co-founder of Minds.com, as he articulates the evolution of modern marketing towards authenticity, and the compelling journey of Minds.com - a decentralized social network platform emphasizing freedom, transparency, and user empowerment. Bill underscores the gravity of crafting a business persona that resonates realness, and a hint of quirkiness, as it's the "authenticity" that nowadays, effortlessly gravitates the audience. “It goes viral because it’s real. It's authentic...authenticity is what people crave,” he reflects.We trail through the concept of agile business models, epitomized by Minds.com’s unique offering of personalized social networks for brands, all the while preserving an open, user-centric ecosystem. It’s an illustrative lesson on not merely reacting to market demands but evolving in a way that’s organic and resonates with your core principles. “We never set out to duplicate what someone else was doing...the whole idea is to do the opposite of what they do,” Bill remarks.The conversation steers towards the robust, remote, and decentralized work culture at Minds.com, resonating the modern-day emphasis on work-life amalgamation, as opposed to a stark separation. Bill shares his daily regimen that encapsulates this philosophy and the crucial role of physical wellness in sustaining productivity and mental clarity.The episode underscores a pivotal shift in the social media landscape, veering away from an obsession with mere growth to a more sustainable, value-driven approach. Bill elucidates, “It’s about revenue, it’s about profit, it’s about selling things that people want.”Moreover, Bill introduces us to the intriguing amplification system on Minds.com, which facilitates a genuine connection between users, a far cry from the throttled outreach on mainstream platforms. It's a refreshing narrative on how a smaller network can yield more potent engagements.The episode is laden with insightful anecdotes, clever strategies, and a refreshing perspective on the social media paradigm, which could serve as a beacon for budding entrepreneurs, marketers, or anyone intrigued by the digital realm’s endless possibilities.
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Sep 20, 2023 • 25min

Daniel Gagnon: Leading Through Digital Chaos

In this episode, Daniel Gagnon unravels the multi-faceted challenges confronting today's leaders. Painting a vivid picture of the post-pandemic landscape, he highlights the tensions surrounding return-to-office dynamics and the pitfalls of current digital transformations. With a captivating analogy, Gagnon introduces the "Silos Steeple Chase," a metaphor for the unpredictable and shifting obstacles within organizational structures. "Unlike the Olympic sport, where there are 28 barriers the same size… the organizational steeple chase features barriers where you don’t know how many there are, you don’t know the distance between them," he observes.Gagnon's insights into the need for unity in leadership are both profound and timely, emphasizing the misalignment of short-term thinking with broader organizational visions. However, hope emerges from the challenges. Through the Agile Leader Academy, which Gagnon co-founded, he presents an approach that combines tailored education, professional coaching, and timely advising. Gagnon's conviction shines when he states, "You can still make a difference if you’re the only one."Key Takeaways:Leadership in the modern era is akin to navigating a ‘Siloed Steeple Chase’ of unforeseen challenges.Without a unified vision, digital transformations can be more disruptive than beneficial.Proper education, bolstered by professional coaching, can pave the way for decisive, informed leadership.Autonomy remains paramount: "The first thought that I have when engaging with a new client is, how fast can I stop engaging with this client?… my goal is to leave an autonomous, aware, and self-guiding individual in my wake."Feeling the pressures of modern leadership? Dive into this episode with Daniel Gagnon and discover strategies to navigate the tumultuous digital landscape. Master the maze, find your path, and shape your leadership journey. Listen now!

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