Aww Shift

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Robbin. She is a Pharmacist, entrepreneur, podcaster, and social media influencer who encourages fitness and full expression through her brand. Robbin uses her knowledge in the medical field to create amazing products for fitness and also add value to others through her social media platforms. Dr. Robbin has successfully combined the medical field and social media to influence lives positively. She has created something great in life and still doing that. Today, she shares her journey of being a pharmacist, social media influencer, and adding value to others.   [3:05] Why should we listen to you?                                                              I am a product of my environment and living has made me gain experience. If I’m going to talk to you or share advice, it is going to be about something that I know. We live in a world where people try many things which I have done too but the most important thing is trying and succeeding and this can only happen with discipline and consistency.   [4:42] Where did Dr. Robbin begin?   I love medicine and have always been good at science so I started working as a pharmacist technician. I was good at graphic design, and website building so social media came naturally to me. There is a difference between being an influencer and being influential so I take my time to give back to students by adding value to them and also mentoring them.   [9:00] Did you know you were going to step out and do socials or did it just happen?                    It's funny I have the same amount of experience and ambitions as a social media influencer and a pharmacist because I did everything at the same time from high school to now. You must have leadership qualities to apply to medical school, which prompted me to launch a business of which I was the owner and which also served as a platform for community development.   [12:33] What are your intentions when bringing up content?   I think it is important to create organic content. Videos are also a way of showing who you are and this is so evident. Your followers want to know you, they want to know what you can offer them and before you can achieve this, you have to put yourself out. I would advise anyone to make use of reels, trending audios, and hashtags, and also have something educational to teach.   [14:08] What was the building of your brand and how do you get to it?    It came to me as a vision. Some people go to pharmacy school to become pharmacists, while others want to use their skills to help the business grow. For me, it's the other way around as I consider how I might use my understanding of medicinal ingredients to create things that can change people's lives. I'm a busy professional who understands that most people don't have time to look out for themselves. So, I created the face wipe product to streamline the routine of skincare and fitness.                                                                 [16:30]  What are the things you’ve gone through to keep this business running?    This is the most difficult for me. All because of what I do, it appears to be a full-time job; I manage everything myself, including social media, advertising, and everything else, but that's something I'd like to change this year. It's also crucial to have someone on your team who believes in you. It's not a good option to hire folks that don't share your vision. You can’t do everything. Work hard, gain new skills, and hire someone to do the work for you.   [18:08] How do you know when it’s time to bring a team on?   I would say when you are into the product business. You need more hands. You will want to add more aspects like a newsletter and this will require a marketing person. How fast you want to go will determine if you need someone or not.   [29:54]  How do you make someone attached to your brand?   It is not about the title but what you represent. If you know a specific field well enough and you educate your followers, they will become attached to you. People are paying attention to great content and they will become attached to you if you can offer that. Add value to them. Be a big supporter of them. Continue creating content so that you can be seen.   [34:00]  What is that abundance you are trying to get for your audience?   The first is to allow people to have the same transformation that I do. When I was in pharmacy school, I took discipline from it and I applied that in everything that I do. So, my mission is not only to create but give people the opportunity to coach them, communicate with them, live calls and all. In short, build a healthy relationship with me.             [42:20] What promise did God make to the world when he created you?                    I believe God made a promise of representation. A lot of young women get scared of their profession because they don’t feel like they can be themselves but it is not that way for me.   I am living on the belief that you can successfully graduate, be a doctor and also live all your dream. You can be anything. You can use all the talents that God has given you. Don’t let anybody put you in the box. You can be whatever you want to be.   Key Quotes  If you want to bring someone to your team, you must have expectations. Make sure you are on the same page and that they believe in your vision. Working with someone that does not believe in you or your business is a disaster. Discipline is something you must apply in every aspect of your life. It is part of having an accountability partner, a mentor, and a coach. Use everything you have and do your thing. Believe in yourself and hold on to the inner power within you. Do your thing differently and stand out Learn more about Dr Robin Website - https://drrobinb.com/ Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/drrobinb Twitter - https://twitter.com/drrobinb Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.robinb/?hl=en                                                                                                                                                          

In this episode, our guest is Sara Lovestyle. Sara is a Lifestyle Influencer and Social Media Expert who inspires power at the intersection of health, beauty, and consciousness through her “Lovestyle Movement!” She champions The Lovestyle Movement by channeling her fitness goals to elevate as a Lovestyle Warrior in all areas of family, purpose, and play for the everyday modern woman. Sara has crossed many finish lines in ways that most people wouldn't get past and still create something great in life, let alone give it back to the world.  Today, she shares her journey of being a mother and creating an impact on others.   [1:52] Why should we listen to you? I have this strange ability to make you believe that you are the exception because my faith is so important to me. We live in a really tough world right now where people need encouragement, love, and compassion. This is where the lifestyle part of my brand comes from. I love to pour into people. If we're having a conversation, the idea that something is a dream isn't possible. I'll probably bully you into believing that it's real because I am going to challenge you, but also have a conversation that is hopefully enlightening, where we can learn from one another and share experiences. [3:20] How would you explain who you are? Many times, we go into either characteristic, or people will go into their titles. But the reality is who you are at the core. For me, I am compassionate, kind, smart, and brilliant. I believe in doing items every single day. But also, I am faith-filled. I truly believe in everything I tell myself, even if I don't always believe it. Having that conversation about everything I am, even the parts that aren't necessarily the best, is okay, because those are who I am. [4:45] Self-Affirmations My parents are incredible. Very early on, my father would instill in me, “Listen, you are kind, you're smart, you are brilliant. You tell yourself this stuff every single day until you believe it.” Then you become an adult, and you realize life is an interesting journey. I do affirmations every single morning for 10 minutes. It may sound dull, but I have them written on my mirror and my vanity, in my bathroom, and my office. If I ever have moments where I'm not feeling beautiful, I can look up and tell myself I am beautiful. [11:39] What was your journey to getting a message refined that resonated? I started as a beauty influencer because I thought I would like it. That was the cool thing to do six years ago. I realized quickly that the power was in my storytelling. The second I started talking, everything changed. People were receptive. My brand is a lifestyle brand because the fitness element is important because I was overweight and heavy during my heart attack. As a mom, there's the self-care element where I needed to give and give, and I forgot about myself. Then there's the part about telling the story of motherhood and that journey, and talking about my son was hands down the most difficult part for me. Everyone was receptive, and the brand grew quickly because I didn't have to pretend to be something I wasn't. [15:52] Nothing is Impossible I was afraid of imposter syndrome. I was afraid that I would not be accepted if I could be honest because I started as an influencer. The reality is that you can influence one person, or have one follower, and still be identified as an influencer. I want to show people what is possible, truly limitless. [17:49] Journey of investment return What's interesting is it started with the investment of a relationship. There's also an assumption that an investment has to be money, and it's not. I realized quickly that I could use the leverage of my platform to get a board seat. I could leverage a company that maybe did not have the funds to pay me as a creator. But you have some shares, though. There are so many aspects of an influencer that could begin. But there are routes to getting a seat at that table. It was about bringing someone to have a relationship that could be mutually beneficial for the company. [22:02] Allow Yourself to Fail We are so afraid of taking risks. And we're afraid of what people think. We are afraid of what if it doesn't come back? Or what if I don't come back from it? My dad used to ask me as a child, and it used to get on my nerves, and he would ask me, “What did you fail out today?” And it used to make me so mad. But what he knew that I didn't realize at the time is that I never gave myself the opportunity to fail. [26:40] What Shifted Sara The catalyst for my ultimate shift was my divorce. That's the one piece I've never talked about. I know that it is important that I create a stable life for my children. But was I okay with this thing that happened to me? Or am I going to allow it to happen through me? And it's not that it's easy. And it's not that life isn't hard. It's not that there aren't hardships. The scariest element for me is to be at the end of my life and be filled with regrets. I refused to be that person. My option at that point was to continue to dive deep into my faith, build my confidence, do my items, have my prayer time be in my word, and take risks. [32:59] What is “Lovestyle?” It's not the love of clothing. It's not the love of a makeup style. It's how do I choose to live my life every single day? Can I choose to live in love and compassion and kindness, in awareness in the people I'm interacting with, whether that's somebody at Starbucks or wherever at the grocery store? Am I living my lifestyle? Am I living the thing that I call my lifestyle? And it's a daily reminder: have I done an act of kindness today? Or have I been selfish? [34:25] I don't think balance is real. But we do the best that we can. And I hope that people choose their lifestyles when they come to me or when they meet the brand or me or any work that I've done is that they choose their lifestyle. I think it's more important that people have a feeling when they meet you than an actual name. I don't care about titles, but how did I make you feel today? How did the brand make you feel about yourself? Were you encouraged? Do you feel self-love? Do you feel poured into your faith? Do you feel spiritually motivated? Do you feel challenged? Those are all the things that I want people to feel when they meet me or go to the brand. [38:17] What is that abundance you're trying to get for your audience? The first is internal. I'm not a therapist, but I believe in internal work. The second thing is I want to know what monetizing looks like to you because it could be 50,000, 25,000, 100,000, or even seven figures. What does that look like to you? I also want to expand people's ideas of how we get there. The thought that an influencer could become an investor wasn't a thing when I started. [42:07] What promise did God make to the world when He created you? I will make an impact. I will create change and be the mother of all mothers. And that is what I was created to do. That is who I am. I am made to impact. I am made to be a change-maker. I am made to go against the current and show what can be, but also leave the door open. [43:15] I don't want to eat by myself. Life is not meant to be done alone. We fill the table, and we eat together. I cannot be selfish. People need to go and expand that table, and then it continues. So how do I, in my life, expand the impact that's so far beyond me that it has nothing to do with me. And I know that that is that's my purpose. Key Quotes [13:23 – 13:49] “I was struggling, not knowing how to voice how I was feeling about having a special needs child. Now I can because I feel seen and heard because the idea and the perception of who I was and who I am, weren't the same. And people were incredibly accepting the more I shared them, the more real I got.” [21:29 – 21:48] “Failure is a part of the journey. It just is what it is. But every one of those failures was a lesson to teach me what not to do the next time. One thing that all entrepreneurs have in common is we're not afraid to fail. It just is what it is. It's part of the journey.” [31:08 – 31:15] “Don't avoid the feelings, have them. But pick yourself back up. And at some point, you tell yourself, okay, now what? And what is next?” Learn more about Sara: Website: https://www.saralovestyle.com/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/saralovestyle Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUUsC0jNry2rNxpqUFgaU2Q    

In today’s episode, our guest is Sal Frisella. He is the President of 1st Phorm International, an established premier supplement leading brand in the industry. Their mission is to change the world one person at a time. Built by creating thousands of positive and fun relationships, 1st Phorm strives on being people-focused and helping people become the best version of themselves. Today, Sal talks with us about the importance of building relationships with people.  Why should we listen to you? [2:38] I try to give you an option to not listen to me because I keep pestering until you walk away. I've learned a long time ago that life is about the company you keep in the people you surround yourself with. Having a great conversation never goes out of style. I've met great people in random places that I'm still connected with to this day. I think that's the beauty of today's world. A great opportunity that we all have is social media. Learning to have that conversation and be comfortable getting uncomfortable with another human, you realize is that we're all the same. I'll give you an option to not listen to me. But I do have a good story in relationships. Understanding Others  [6:06] Our stories are all uniquely different. However, they're all strangely the same. What you struggle with is very similar to what I struggle with. I've been fortunate enough to understand how humility plays a great role in having those conversations. I may not have gone through every struggle that everybody has, but I felt insecure, defeated, and felt I was not enough. I understand all of those things that everybody struggles with too.  Helping Others Change their Lives  [8:36] I got through many struggles in my life by having other people listen to me. I realized that I could provide that same service to other people, listening to them and letting them know that they're not alone and let them know that it's okay and we'll get through it. As long as we're willing to put in the work and make an adjustment, we can get through anything. I think that progress in life just steamrolled into what we do for a living now, which is help people change their life. Being a Leader to Others  [11:24] I realized I wasn't giving my life and baseball the respect it deserved because I wasn't paying my dues the correct way. It took the gift from me, and I had to process that. I think that shift allowed me to go through that struggle and realize that I couldn't go through it alone. I needed other people who I talk to and can listen to me. It wasn't some special gift that they gave me other than just the ability to listen to me and help me process some information. It changed my life so drastically that I realized to be a good leader, I had to possess those abilities to listen and help people through struggles. Greatest Gift in Life  [15:21] Experience is the greatest gift in life. In order to have experience, you have to go through some of the things that you don't want to go through. To help an individual go through it; you have to relate to them and tap into what they want to be. Taking the Harder Path  [19:01] We are conditioned to take the lesser path, the easier path. Earning your respect for yourself is by taking a hard path. I have learned that through conditioning myself to take the path less traveled; I've learned to become a little bit harder, more mentally tough, and more sensitive. Lessons for a Man  [21:32] I had to learn about not knowing the answer. And that's a hard thing, and being able to ask somebody and rely upon somebody else, realize that they might have the answer, and be able to express enough humility to ask that question is another shift in life. When you start asking these questions, these are great transitions of life because that's a progression as a man, as a leader, and it's a progression of learning to trust and build those relationships so that you can go through the journey together.  Allowing your Tribe to Grow  [24:23] To allow your tribe or your pack to grow, you have to be willing to relinquish that power to the lead man, and they have rotated it around, and you get a better pack because you're sharpening and building these guys to be better tools in the toolbox. They give you respect because you're giving them the keys to the kingdom for a little while, and they have a deeper respect for you. Now you're getting to test their limits and that ego checks down. Prioritizing what is more Important  [40:08] Your kids don't care if you're rich or not. Your kids care that you're there, your kids care that you're present, that you kick the ball with them and you play catch. I had a hard time transitioning out of that because I wanted to succeed for my family, and I realized that my family needed me to be present. And when I found that internal hole I had to make, I had to adjust. I had to prioritize what was most important to me and I attacked it. [41:21] By prioritizing what's important and attacking that, I'm able to progress faster. I'm able to get where I need to go faster. And so I don't need to be successful. I need to be present, and I need to make sure that I'm giving it a great effort attacking what I need in front of me so. Respecting your and other people’s time  [42:22] The older you get, the more you learn that you're wasting your time. So when somebody disrespects my time, somebody is 10 minutes late to a meeting or a zoom call, I'm out. I'm gone and I won't just keep moving. And when you establish respect for your own time, what you realize is people will start to respect your time. And that's a huge transition. Most Important Lesson Learned  [46:15] The best lesson I learned in life is that you can live a fulfilled life when you learn that life is bigger than you. It's very easy to go through life in a very narcissistic manner and I think that's okay. I believe that we often get shunned from that, but what you realize is that “WE” is better than “ME”. We are better as a team together. We are better than one. I think when you make a friend, you make a community. When you go out, actually be a good human, and be a person of character and value. That together we can live a better life. Together, we can hold each other accountable. What promise did God make to the world when He created you? [49:26] That this man will bring to his friends and family is unlike anything else unmatched. I commit, I believe in leaving this world a better place and I found it. And it's not just with my family. It's not just with our company. It's not financial success. It's making the world a better place. And I feel that obligation to my soul. [50:23] It is not about the legacy of wealth. This man was created as the legacy of change, and I feel deeply connected. I feel a moral responsibility to impact my financial self and change the world truly. [51:06] I feel an obligation and connection to the world. God gifted me with a great gift of talent, and I think success is measured differently for every individual. My talent is people where you could put me in any room, race, religion, color, tuxedo, or overalls, and I can figure it out. I love connecting with people. That's my gift, and I'm going to use the platform that I have, which is social media and I'm going to do the best I can to impact as many of those people. I think there's never a wrong time to do the right thing.  Key Quotes: [3:16 – 3:22] Everybody's story is uniquely ours, which makes it a great story. [6:45 – 6:50] God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason. You can listen to people and help them through their struggles.  [15:21 – 15:28] Experience is the greatest gift in life. In order to have experience, you have to go through some of the things that you don't want to go through. [28:21 – 28:30] In order to be King, you must make your partner the Queen, which means you have to support them, that your life will be insurmountably better because of them.  [53:44 – 53:50] Don’t chase things. Chase People  Learn more about Sal Frisella on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-frisella/ Website: https://1stphorm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrfrisella/  

In this episode, our guest is Mally Roncal. Mally is a makeup artist, founder, and president of Mally Beauty. She has worked with many A-list celebrities such as Beyoncé, Knowles, Rihanna, Celine Dion, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez, and many more. She also served as a spokesperson for Sephora before founding her company. Mally regularly appears on The Wendy Williams Show, The View, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Rachael Ray, and today as a beauty expert and pens editorials for the New York Times, Huffington Post, and iVillage. Catch her in this episode as she shares her journey of how she got into the beauty industry and finding her purpose. Why should we listen to you? [3:04] You should listen to me because not everybody feels everything as much as my heart and my soul. I always have this blessing and curse that I feel everything a hundred times more than the regular person. I need to digest all the crazy things that go into this world that we all as humans live in the same string. We all have different life experiences. But we all go through these feelings. How did you get into beauty? [17:24] I originally wanted to be a doctor because that's what my parents were. I realized very soon that that was not going to be my career. My purpose was not to be a doctor because I wanted to do my hair. I fell in love with fashion and beauty and glamour and all that. It's just something that my mother and I shared. What are the aspects you saw that most people didn't see that allowed you to grow? [23:16] There was artistry or people in the fashion and beauty industry. There was always an amazing universe where they had all the actresses, and I could see what they were doing. I became so passionate about transparency in that. [28:46] I love that there is an incredible opportunity right in front of us. Everything that is happening has a reason behind it, and the universe has a reason behind it. What are you trying to do? [33:53] I am no longer worried about everybody's feelings. I realized that I had to take my time. I sometimes think I'm good at telling other people what to do. But I realized that I had to practice what I preach. The premise is that both my husband and I are very similar in that way. The point is you can choose positivity, and you can choose to be happy. You can choose to find joy. You can choose joy. You can cry or get sad. You can do all that, but then you have to get back up and get to work. Finding yourself [47:43] This whole COVID situation has been a terror. All of us are trying to find the silver lining. Personally, it stopped me dead in my tracks. I was on the road working when I realized that I had to learn to accept myself. I wasn’t able to take care of myself spiritually and physically. That made me realize what was more important. What promise to God make to the world when He created you? [50:41] God promised that He would bring the most loving human. And that I strive to show love. Remember that you are what you see. We do what we do, and we do it with heart and passion.   Key Quotes [30:44 – 30:54] “It's not about the time after what it is. I realized how fast it felt. That's where the fear came where it felt like it was a blink of an eye.” [33:19 – 33:26] “The creation process is the only thing that exposes you to the nuances of something new that creates a difference.” [35:15 – 35:36] “You can choose positivity. You can choose to be happy. You can choose to find joy. You can cry or get sad. You can do all that, but then you have to get back up and get to work.” [45:09 – 45:11] “We always have more. The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.”   Follow Mally Roncal: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mally-roncal-38a5279 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mallyroncal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallyroncal/ Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/mallyroncal Website: https://mally.com/        

In this episode, we have Josh Landan joining us today. He is the founder of Saint Archer, a craft brewery sold in 2015, and he is the founder of Ashland Hard Seltzer. Josh started his career telling stories from behind the lens – filming, directing, writing, and producing films and documentaries featuring some of the world’s top surfers, snowboarders, and skateboarders. Today, he shares his journey on building his business without any business knowledge and background!   Why should we listen to you? [1:17] If you’re a sports fan, you’d probably enjoy talking sports, which is what I would probably bring up. The last thing you’d get for me is business talk. [4:23] I don’t want the attention. Just like an athlete, you don’t get to the top level, not needing recognition to compete at the highest level and be the best. I’d be lying if I said that the ego wasn’t there, and I wasn’t trying to get approval in some way. I have those insecurities as everybody does, and I went the other way. I didn’t want to go anywhere and didn’t want to go out, and if anything, I got more introverted. Wanting to Win [8:18] When you come from doing it yourself, and you’re at the speed in which you’re most comfortable, then you go into that corporate structure, you might want to win, but the speed isn’t there. You’re fine with things taking a long time, whereas that wasn’t conducive to my personality. Entrepreneur vs. Business Owner [9:26] There’s a big difference between employees, business owners, and entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur to me means that you have this burning desire to continue to create from scratch. I didn’t know that about myself until I put myself through that. I see people calling themselves entrepreneurs all the time, but they only own a small store or business. But they are a business owner. So there is a big difference. Learning Experiences  [14:27] The way I’ve handled certain situations and looking back, I probably could have dealt with that better. Maybe firing certain people or leaving businesses and the way things are handled and at the moment is always more emotional. Hopefully, when you look back, you learn from that, and the next time, you do it better. I just would have maybe handled it with more maturity and professionalism in some cases. Building a Business [15:43] I just had the idea to do a beer brand. But I knew nothing about beer, and I didn’t even know what a capital raise was. I had no idea about starting a business and somehow raised $3 million, and moved my family to San Diego, and we built a 20,000 square foot brewery. But right before that, I fired three people that weren’t the right fit for me. I would never apologize for that because that was the right thing to do. You can’t beat yourself up for your experiences. You can beat yourself up if you do these things repeatedly, and you never learn from them. [17:35] The biggest key is being self-aware. Many people have a hard time with being self-aware. I’ll be the first to tell you I was not passionate about beer. I was more passionate about getting some approval than I never got when I was young. I just took it to the craziest ridiculous level of building these multimillion-dollar businesses when that’s going overboard. Luckily, the approval was probably the motivating factor that made me do things. I fell in love with building brands. So that worked out. I think where it’s scary is when you’re doing something for approval, then you get it. Work in Progress [25:03] I’m a work in progress like everyone else. What I’m looking for now is more so contentment, and I want to win to the highest level at all times by any means necessary. You can separate that from your personal life. The reality with Managing a Business [28:10] You have people’s money on the line, and you have people’s families that are depending on you that work for you. You have all these things and like you have to look at them. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns, and they make it look like on these magazines or podcasts. I can think of 10 business owners from the top of my head that are on their third marriage and are completely miserable and have no relationship with their kids. I didn’t want to be that man. What People see as Amazing [30:21] You might show up at work, and you can leave everything at the door. If your home life is a tornado, that’s hard to focus on. I can’t focus on the people that I care about most. But society celebrates the asshole. I would turn on this show for the investors where they want you to be, a hard-charging prick who doesn’t care about anything wants to win. It’s funny that that’s the person they see as amazing. [33:30] I would rather be more myself that is more compassionate and warm, and I can be sympathetic to what everybody else wants to write. I’ve found on the all the way around, that’s how you get the best out of people. That’s how you get the best out of the staff. If you’re not great at many things, you hire the best. If they want to be around you and believe in you, you’ll build a successful business. But if you think you can do it all and you will be a hard-charging egomaniac, the chances are that you’re not going to do anything special. Believing in yourself [39:06] When I believe in something and believe in what I’m doing, I can be convincing. As you’re successful, it gets easier. It’s not like that first 3 million every time. But that first 3 million was the authenticity of what I was saying, and people could feel the passion of what I was doing. If you think about it, they’re investing $3 million in a guy that knows nothing about beers and doesn’t know anybody in the beer business. But I think it conveyed my vision and passion for building a great craft beer brand. The Deep End [40:13] People start businesses, and they want to keep doing this on the side, and they want to do this until this starts happening. They want to play it safe. But, if you’re really that passionate and you go all in, there is no escape hatch, and there is no plan B. You are in the deep end. Confidence in Building a Business [41:27] It’s scary. But it wasn’t scary for me because I knew I would be successful. There was no doubt in my mind, not an ounce or a shred of doubt. I know, in my heart, how I was then. My wife felt the same way. There was no doubt in her mind that I would be successful. She’s probably the only one or my mom that ever just believed in me. How to Become Successful in Business [44:09] In my field of alcohol and building these brands, it’s really about innovation. In today’s short attention span society, you constantly need to keep your brand fresh. That’s why many big brands are dying because these smaller brands gravitate towards independent authenticity. But then you constantly need to evolve, and you continuously need to innovate. What Promise did God make to the world when He created you? [48:52] I think what God would say is I’m a spiritual guy. I will give you this work in progress. Stick with him because he’s going to figure it out. And when he figures it out, it’ll be special. But stick with it because it might take a minute. The heart and the humility are in there. So bear with it and have some patience. Key Quotes [8:17 – 8:44] “When you come from doing it yourself, and you’re at the speed in which you’re most comfortable, which for me is foot on the gas, and then you go into that corporate structure, you might want to win, but the speed isn’t there. You are fine with taking a long time, but that wasn’t conducive to my personality.” [16:47 – 16:59] “You can’t beat yourself up for your experiences. You can beat yourself up if you do these things repeatedly, and you never learn from them.”   Learn more about Josh Landan on: Website: https://www.ashlandhardseltzer.com/home Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshlandan_/    

Life is full of wonders that entice you to stay a little longer—standing up for what you believe in offers you meaning in life and allows you to make your presence felt and known all across the world. Chef Bren Herrera is a dynamic bilingual, award-winning celebrity chef, TV personality, spokeswoman, and host. Today, Chef Bren shares her struggles, how she took the risk of following her heart’s desire, and how she dedicates her presence as a beacon for those who don’t have a voice. [01:58] Why should I listen to you? Because I’m a wacky, entertaining person. I lived by the #liveandlove slogan. You act in love when you live and love yourself. I’m a social butterfly because I find myself talking to people who don’t want to be bothered. It’s always a pleasure for me to make folks happy. [03:02] Many years ago, a buddy of mine taught me the platinum rule: treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s always about getting to know the person you’re spending time with and then pouring yourself into them, whether it’s a stranger like you at a coffee shop, restaurant, or anywhere, my goal is to make you feel like you’re the only person in the room. [04:28] How did the foundation of the heart come about? I believe I spent a few years purposefully going into myself, attempting to unpack why I chose that path. You take stock of your life about who you are, and you understand what has transpired in your life to bring you to this point. I grew up in a family environment that was highly attentive to only the needs, and the primary wants that humans have. [06:19] Simply being exposed to and reared in an environment where my parents continually reminded us not to waste food because others are hungry. Now that I’m an adult, I’m in charge of my own life, and I take those issues seriously because I’ve recognized that not everyone can afford the same things. [07:08] I’m a classic empath, and I sometimes wish I wasn’t an empath because it’s exhausting. Everyone plays a role in the world, and I’ve accepted and owned that that’s just who I am, and that’s fine. [15:31] What deterred you from making choices? I was always self-assured and understood what I wanted as a child. For example, I adored Whitney Houston, and I used to think to myself, “One day, I’m going to be a singer performing on stage.” I adored the way she made me feel. I was insanely motivated. But I didn’t always outperform my peers. So, when I made that decision, I had no finances, and I had no idea where I would go physically. Work-wise, you’re not going to stay in DC because DC was already pricey at the time. [19:11] I started organizing this charity event in Atlanta to benefit the AIDS community there, and it stems from the pro bono work I did in DC when I went to speak. That charity event, dubbed Creative Cause, brought together many creative people for a good cause. [21:32] I lacked the necessary infrastructure. I decided to let life take its course. I didn’t have that advice, and I take full responsibility for it. I didn’t realize I should have gone to someone. [25:05] What was the turning point that led you to this path? Everyone who had something to say and wanted to share it got a blog because it was new. I believe Blogspot was one of the original platforms. People were looking for recipes, and therefore food blogs were becoming extremely popular. They also wanted to use food to connect with family and friends. And it made sense to me because I could continue to share these fascinating cultural stories through cuisine while also introducing people to new foods. I began writing about travel approximately a year and a half before starting the food blog. As a result, I incorporated all of my trip experiences into my culinary blog. [27:00] Blogging wasn’t sustainable. You had to monetize it for it to make sense. And I was seeing and finding that many bloggers had full-time jobs. Thus, blogging was their side hustle that made a few coins off here and there. But I was so determined not to go back to work. I was pressed to make this work. I was doing private events, catering, and writing for some fancy glossy travel magazines. I used to do some food columns for different magazines online. [30:24] What do you create that pushes yourself and keeps moving? In 2012, I returned to DC. Because I was done with that land, I felt like I had tapped out. I had done everything I was going to do, and my music career did not pan out the way I had hoped. Rock Nation approached me twice, offering me the position of a private chef for one of their best players for the Yankees, as well as one of Nike’s top athletes. I discussed it with my team and lawyer, and we discussed the deal. I didn’t like it because the money wasn’t quite right. A family friend who’s a big name in the boxing world told me, “You should have taken the job, Sis. Because although that job didn’t pay you for what you’re worth, it might have opened so many possibilities for you.” [40:15] Were there thoughts of going back to Law? When I talk to my friends about the challenges I’ve faced, I mention how there hasn’t been an infrastructure for me to go to law school and how I had gone down that path or returned to it. That infrastructure would have made it so much easier for me. I would have been able to gather the money and resources I now have and am only beginning to do a tiny bit with, but my heart wasn’t in it every time I’ve considered returning to law school. [42:27] I don’t always choose the easiest path. There isn’t a plan, and there isn’t a schedule. I have quarterly and annual goals. Every day is different, and I don’t report to anyone. It’s challenging because you have to be disciplined and devoted to your art, and you have to make it work. [46:02] If you can impart a message that can carry my life in a great direction, what will you tell me? When you say “Yes,” everything changes. It alters your thinking, movement, response, and it alters your self-esteem and ability to be present for others. To me, it’s critical to just be in tranquil places and areas and thrive in peaceful locations. Therefore, if a scenario does not result in peace or does not thrive in peace, I am saying yes, I desire peace. And I shall extricate myself from that circumstance. [47:16] There is a great deal of power in saying “Yes,” and “No,” and in being able to say, “No, I am not going to do that.” Many people are “people-pleasers,” and they are conflicted about this. However, there is tremendous power in saying “Yes” to yourself.   [51:01] What promise did God make to the world when he created you? That I would be a loyal servant with a servant’s heart. I still have the impression that we’re always fighting, that we’re constantly struggling to be seen, heard, appreciated, and cherished. But you and I are tremendously fortunate because we get to do what we love and share our talents. But there are a lot of people who don’t have it because they simply don’t have it. As a result, I was born to serve. And I eventually embraced it because, while it isn’t a burden, it is certainly weighty. It’s difficult because you wake up thinking, “How can I serve others today?” Key Quotes: [07:22 – 07:30] “The world needs all kinds of people for it to work. Everyone plays a role, and I have owned and accepted that that’s who I am.” [39:21 – 39:30] “The stories and the way I present myself organically and intrinsically represents me. That’s who I am.” Learn more about Bren Herrera on: Website: http://www.brenherrera.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrenHerrera LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenherrera/  

  In today’s episode, our guest is Kailee Scales. Kailee has been on multiple national publications and now sits at the top of running Pencils of Promise. She served as the first Managing Director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network and supported the development of a solid infrastructure around the decentralized organization, allowing it to grow from a hashtag to a political and cultural powerhouse for Black people worldwide. Stay tuned and learn more about Kailee!   [2:18] Why should we listen to you?   As a stranger in a cafe in the middle of a pandemic, I have something very important to say if I talk to you. I like to kind of keep to myself. Once we start talking, we could talk. But I'm not one to strike up a conversation.   [2:48] I'm a strange paradox. I am very engaging, I love people, and I love talking to people. But I can be nervous. I think all of us have a bit of a paradoxical little part of our personality.   [4:00] Kailee’s career   First, I'm a mom. First thing when I wake up in the morning, it's school. Then I go right into my work, and sometimes I just kind of look at my work a little bit as I'm getting ready for school because I love what I do so much, particularly with Pencils of Promise- the organization that I lead. It is just so empowering, especially when we feel a little uncertain and all over the place; it's great to be able to do something to help the world.   [5:22] World movements   All the things that happened in my formative years just pointed me toward a world change of transformation. I realized I was familiar with a lot of the world's issues, and I was always mobilized and had opportunities to volunteer and do things. As a result of that, I realized that we all have a part in this world; whether or not we like it, we all have a part. We can affect change. I wanted to make a shift to making sure that that happens. So the process of contributing to Big World Problems makes me feel better.    [6:58] Making it happen   It's always about identifying the North Star, identifying what you're trying to accomplish, and being firmly resolved to accomplish that thing—and then being open to realizing that there are many pathways to that thing and not judging. The way it happens will be strategic, will be exactly the way it's supposed to happen, will teach you lessons along the way, will allow you to purposefully take a different pathway to see if it'll work and see if it will fail. If it does, you fail fast and move back the other way. You won't be as connected to how you're doing it as you are to what you are trying to achieve.   [18:49] Building a platform to have a communication channel   We want to create these things to end these personas, platforms, and brands to appeal to others. We forget that each of us has high value and each of us has gifts. We all need to stay centered, honor, expand and expound that because no one can be you, and no one has what you have, even if you're a twin.   [19:34] It's always really important to me to know who I am and discover that and not be afraid of the things that I may not like. The North Star analogy also pertains to us as individuals; what is our individual North Star?     [28:03] What would you attach your success in the area you are to?    It was the skill, acknowledgment, and awareness that change is possible. I shared the commitment with many of my colleagues throughout my career and found those like-minded people who understood that change is possible.   [29:05] I value myself, know I have gifts, and honor those. I value you and I know you have gifts, and I honor that. Along the way, sometimes, we need help. Sometimes we need support. Sometimes we need to be seen. Sometimes we need encouragement and comfort. We always need love. That's the spirit in which I engage all the time. I treat others as if they engage that way all of the time. I think that's what brings me in these environments with like-minded people who also value themselves and value their gifts and want to make sure that the world sees that and that helps the world promote that.   [31:04]  Handling people that will come with inflammatory words or statements   These questions go unanswered because these disparities exist because there are people who inherently disagree and want to keep things the same way. When you do this change work, you are changing. You are raging against a machine and institution, individuals who disagree with you, which is why you have to dismantle those feelings. You have to flat already just out commit to that. [35:23] When do you know you’ve won?   It's one step at a time. It's one person at a time. It's again, back to that whole Northstar self-actualization: your goal is your peace and joy and your ability to appreciate the process, whether or not it's working because you feel fulfilled. We also have to calibrate our goals, desires, dreams, and hopes with finding those interim moments of fulfillment, those interim moments of feeling peaceful, love, grounded and leaning into that and absorbing all that gives us to motivate, empower, and sustain us to the next thing.   [38:19] Pencils of Promise   Pencils of Promise for me is a continuation of my equity work. This transformation works to ensure that people everywhere have opportunities, that we level the playing field, and that human beings can access the rights they were born into as human beings. Pencils of Promise focuses on providing high-quality educational opportunities for children worldwide.     Key Quotes:   [6:17-6:35] “If your room is a mess, and you clean it up, you feel better. Just a process that makes you feel better. And so the process of contributing to Big World Problems makes me feel better.”   [17:14-17:24] “We all do what we want. But I always think about staying connected to ourselves and staying connected to each other is what will transform the world.”   [23:05-23:11] “You must be present with yourself at all hours of the day. You don't just deserve 15 minutes. You deserve 24 hours. You should center and be present in all the stuff. ” Learn more about Kailee Scales on:   Website: https://www.kaileescales.com/      https://pencilsofpromise.org/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kailee.scales  Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaileescales?lang=en   

You must take chances to transform your life. You attain your objectives by taking risks. It’s difficult to imagine yourself failing during the process, but it’s more difficult to regret not trying in the first place. Craig Siegel discusses fundamental components of life that we must remember entirely and why we should never lose hope in the face of adversity and welcome difficulties. Gift of Communication [04:39] I believe that one of my greatest gifts is the habitual capacity to communicate and have things registered in a way that you and your audience agree throughout this conversation. That you don’t just want to hear it, but you want to encourage inspired action immediately. [06:21] Everyone believes that I was always enthusiastic and passionate, but the reality is that I was not. It took 35 years for me to discover myself. As I grew older, I was constantly pursuing something and believed there was something more out there for me, but I wasn’t sure what it was. I discovered that personal development is not always indicative of who we can become. I began delving deeper and realizing that we can alter our associations with pain and pleasure, that we have options and can change our perspective. And I began to develop confidence and discover myself. Wall Street Journey [10:29] It was first quite enjoyable and was a thrilling experience. I was in finance to make money and suddenly, it ceased to be enjoyable. So, to say, the worry began to outweigh the joy. And thus, while remaining on Wall Street, I established my own business. In essence, we sold loans and cash to enterprises around the country. However, albeit less stressful, the second one had the opposite effect of setting my soul on fire. It felt like I was waking up every day and heading to work. That is not how life should be, as we always choose. [12:16] I’d been miserable for years, and I despised the direction I was taking. I wasn’t even in love with myself. I didn’t enjoy waking up every day, and I was genuinely miserable, and I accept whole accountability for that since everyone has a choice. I became entangled in the rat race. I know I am meant for something greater, to make a difference, to make a mark in the cosmos, to do something extraordinary. [14:26] People constantly ask me whether I was afraid to leave a secure position and start something new. This is somewhat complicated. However, once I identified the CLS concept and vision, the most significant concern was failing to take that shot and returning to a job that made me miserable. Now that I finally got some clarity after 35 years of searching for myself, I was like, let’s do this. And I developed a comprehensive plan vision. After that, I began reverse engineering it and so on. Failures [15:19] Everyone appears to believe that this is what precisely I was born to accomplish. And, fortunately, it’s a nice fit. Additionally, those that consume the content may not necessarily collaborate with me, and however, they are inspired and elevated by merely viewing the content. As a result, many people who previously worked with me are delighted and supportive. [17:12] I recognized that it could fail. I could live with that, but I could not live with not taking a shot and returning to be miserable. I have entirely disassociated myself from my old business on Wall Street dealing with loans and such. As if I were publishing content. I had a strategy. I was generating that Hollywood excitement and people began to appreciate it, share it, and so on. [18:20] There was some danger in the beginning because when you start something new, you don’t make money immediately, but I just purchased and bought, working 20-hour days. I adore this material. To me, this does not work. And this is the first time I’ve ever felt this align in this manner. We’re like, “Yes, this is what exactly I should be doing.” As an entrepreneur, and let me state unequivocally, it never goes straight up. There are setbacks, heartbreaks, and such things. However, for the most part, I was hell-bent on seeing things through, even if it didn’t work out. [21:01] When I had that moment, at the outset of the epidemic, and gained clarity about my gifts and passion, I founded the CLS brand. CLS is an abbreviation for “Create Enduring Symphony.” Additionally, it’s a play on my initials. Symphony has always stood out to me. When I think about Symphony, I immediately envision an orchestra of musicians playing in time. I wanted it to be the last thing, like changing people’s thoughts and viewpoints on what they are capable of, which is less lasting. That was the moniker.   Personal Growth and Development [21:52] When I considered CLS, I thought, “Okay, so how does this look?” Because I am a firm believer in the maxim that if you are going to think, you may as well think large. Unless that is the case, what is the point? I viewed CLS as the apple of personal development, the market leader, and even if you’re an Android user, you have to appreciate Apple for what they’ve accomplished. I responded, “How does that appear in the human form?” [28:44] I realize how courageous it is to be vulnerable in front of strangers on social media, as it is something I would have never considered before to CLS. When I first grasped the CLS vision, I recognized that transparency was an integral component of the process. This is a no-judgment zone before charging and all that. [30:10] Individuals always ask me, and I joke that my CLS audience is more diversified than my Wall Street audience; it’s people from all walks of life. Everybody shares a common denominator- growth. Everybody wants to develop as a human being, whether it’s through relationships, entrepreneurship, business, or fitness. People want to be around others who are willing to challenge themselves and be around big thinkers attempting to move the paradigm. If I had to pick one group that I believe represents the most significant number, I would say wannabe entrepreneurs. [32:47] After all, it’s about the thoughts. The majority of us have disempowering ideas throughout the day, and if people practice awareness and mindfulness, they recognize that they have all these limiting beliefs as a result of unconsciously feeding themselves disempowering and negative thoughts. And as we become conscious of this and can replace disempowering thoughts with positive, constructive ones, they spontaneously generate new beliefs, mostly self-belief. These self-beliefs result in new habits and actions, ultimately creating a new world and new results. Gratitude [33:29] Gratitude. Simply by changing your perspective to one of appreciation, you’re no longer as furious or miserable as people believed you were. You can only choose one frequency. I want to add kindness to that list because doing a kind deed increases serotonin levels in the brain. And it is the natural process of producing happiness and bliss. But here’s the kicker: when you perform a good act for someone, not only do you receive serotonin, but the recipient does as well. Appreciation and kindness are beneficial. [35:27] Maintain complete mindfulness and awareness of your thoughts. Thoughts are random, and not everyone understands that this is scientific. Throughout the day, I encounter an abundance of unpleasant thoughts. Once you become conscious of this, you can go back in and be more selective about who you allow in or who you want to leave. And as you begin to construct new thinking, you inevitably establish new beliefs, and people’s lives immediately change. The primary factor that prevents people from taking positive action or doing great things is a lack of belief in their ability or fear and uncertainty. The kicker is that we were not born with dread and doubt or negative beliefs.  [38:38] I’ve been skeptical. Before the marathon, I began delving deeply into quantum physics. In essence, I could obtain the Starlin without engaging in physical activity and run faster than I had ever read in my life. And it just does not happen without physical training unless you are operating on a different frequency. [39:10] Within us is energy, and everything is energy, particularly our ideas. Thus, our ideas are electrical signals that we send out to the cosmos; this is the power of intention. And that is how the law of attraction works for me: you must first have an aim, then alter your thoughts about what is achievable, which alters your habits, and you work your way toward that goal. Validation and Affirmation [45:39] When I was younger, I used to seek approval in the form of things I desired, such as a flashy automobile or a great watch. And, similarly, I desired validation. However, I now see that I was so devoid of myself as if I had a completely different personality. Nowadays, I feel validated through contribution when I make an impression on someone, and they return to provide a testimonial. In any event, when someone returns with evidence of the impact I had, I know I made a difference. That is how I view validation in the modern-day. [47:27] Make people feel happy as if there is something more available to them. And it is attainable. Thus, when I was created, this vessel was already inhabited by this soul and spirit, and it may have taken me a little longer to find it out. However, you must go through experiences that truly mold and develop your character as part of life. [49:52] For the benefit of everyone listening. Ask yourself three questions. Why you are not included? Why you are not included? Because it’s not about pretending to be someone else, but rather realizing that you have the potential to control your thoughts and create new beliefs. There is practically nothing you cannot accomplish. Look yourself in the mirror and ask yourself these three simple questions—why not you? Key Quotes: [25:50 – 25:58] “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea, and I’m not everyone’s glass of whiskey. It is what it is, and I’m as real, raw, and authentic as I’ve ever been in my life.” [17:19 - 17:23] “I understood that there’s a possibility that it could fail, but I could live with that. What I could not live with is not taking a shot going back and being miserable.”   Learn more about Craig Siegel on: Website: https://www.cultivatelastingsymphony.com/ Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pg/Craig-Siegel-102643008696634/posts/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-landon-siegel/  

In today's episode, our guest is Patricia Washington. She is an award-winning best-selling author, top rated podcaster, television and radio personality, international transformational speaker, brand influencer, national spokesperson and leading authority on personal finance, entrepreneurship and success for women. Patricia is known for her holistic approach to wealth management, she is proud to be one of few women of color who hold a Certificate in Financial Psychology. Today, we delve deeper into her experiences and the adversities that mold her into the best individual she can be. [02:01] Why should we listen to you? I'd say something completely out of the blue that would catch you off guard. Who is this crazy person insane lady, you ask? In the grand scheme of things, my life hasn't been that amusing. I often say that I consider myself fortunate for what I've been through, despite the fact that I've been through a lot. Then, if you go any deeper than that, you'll find out shortly. Despite my reputation as a finance specialist, I am not really enthusiastic about personal finance because to textbooks. [04:27] What happened in life that led to that business downfall and what do you think was your ability at that time to build that? I knew I wanted to be a business owner. My friends informed me in third grade that my father would always come to me, even though I didn't live with him. I asked my father what he does for a living because he always has time to come visit me whenever he wants, and I found out that he is an entrepreneur, which is a better way to make money than my mother, who had to get up early simply to be at the office and then leave extremely late at night. I knew then that I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps as an entrepreneur. [08:41] I stayed at her house when I was 20 weeks pregnant. But I was hurried to the emergency room, where I was told that I was in labor and that there was nothing the hospital could do to stop it. On top of that, I learned of the company's demise, which added to my already high level of anxiety. The doctor advised me that if I don't stop worrying about other things, I'll lose this child and be stuck in the same room for the rest of my life, going out without a child. [12:10] How did those moments transpire and go down? Take me back and guide me on this point. When I was released, I went straight to the mailbox and opened some mail that had been sitting there for quite some time. It included some crucial notices, particularly for properties that are now at risk of foreclosure. I eventually had to liquidate assets, lay off some employees, and pay some bills with my savings. Some of my possessions were repossessed, so I sold everything on Craigslist before relocating. [13:14] with having the last of my savings, I have decided to use that to purchase a house to where we have decided to relocate. I have been sending money to a broker that promised us a place to live in. When we got there, we found out there were squatters residing in the property, and the money that I have been sending all this time was taken by that person and he ran away. [15:16] After hearing all this, we were able to move into a 1 square foot apartment where I could not even been able to keep the lights running. It was then at that time that I looked at the mirror, self reflected and asked God for guidance. I cried heavily, but then when I felt better, I opened up the bible and it showed me a scripture that is found in Proverbs 17:16. It changed my life and my perspective, and that was where I had a clear vision going forward. [20:46] Were there any people who helped you get back on your feet? What was the next step? One way God showed me that he cared about me was by sending strangers my way, who assisted me by sharing their thoughts whenever I opened up about my family's circumstances. I was able to obtain excellent information from a variety of sources. This was also the time when I had the opportunity to learn more about the Mommy Bloggers when they gave my husband and me coffee at a fast-food restaurant. I had no idea what that was about at the time. [27:06] Tell me all the cool things that you have done I've written five personal finance books. With 18,000 copies sold, it was a best seller. I spent four years on Steve Harvey's morning show, where I answered financial concerns, had guest appearances, and was published in several periodicals. I got featured on the success magazine's digital cover. My four-year-old podcast has nearly a million dollars in revenue. [31:25] Were there times where you felt like super stretched, maybe super scared. Or felt not credible for the next stage but you stepped into it? Many of us are praying for the ability to accept and sustain information. In order to process childhood trauma, I have invested in a therapist and counseling. I didn't have a really happy childhood. My family was often in dispute, and I always felt like I was the undesirable one. It became a concern for me when I became addicted to achieving and continuously demonstrating my value because it was the one area where I felt like I had control. [33:04] A portion of us believes that we need to gather more data because we believe that having more data will make us more trustworthy. So we spiral into this confusion of "I can't move to the next level because I'm so confused," "I still need validation or I still need that," and "I can't go to the next level because I'm so confused." Someone said something on my show that struck a chord with me: "Your business will grow to the amount that you are ready to repair." [37:13] Do you feel like fulfilled and at ease and almost like a draw? Like to the point of like working? Right now, I'm at a season in my life when scaling joy is the focus. In the program that I teach, I am exactly where I want to be. When I consider the positive impact that my team and I have had on people's lives, I realize that keeping the numbers low has been a mistake. I prefer to block out time in my calendar for activities that I truly enjoy. [45:35] Where can people find you if people want to engage, follow join what it Where's the place, you would direct them? You can find me at https://patricewashington.com/ to know more about me.  [46:06] What promise did God make to the world when he created you? People were promised by God that they would be able to redefine their wealth, that they would be able to reject civilizations, and that they would be able to have everything that they were created to have, without perfectionism or validation.   Key Quotes [38:47 – 39:02] “The things that you truly enjoy, I'm just doubling down on it so I'm really  creating space in the calendar and in my life and in my life to just do the things that are lovely.” [33:27 – 33:35] "So many of us gather information. We think that the more information we have, that's something that would make us credible." Learn more about Patrice Washington on: Website: https://patricewashington.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricecunninghamwashington/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekWisdomPCW/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/seekwisdompcw 

In today’s episode, our guest is Anthony O’Neil. He is the national bestselling author of The Graduate Survival Guide: 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College and travels the country spreading his encouraging message to help teens and young adults transition into the real world. He is also a financial expert and a host of a new podcast called The Table. [8:32] Why should we listen to you? I grew up with four parents. I have two biological parents and two step-parents who raised and loved me just as much as my biological parents. I come from a life perspective, not as an expert nor preacher when I talk to you. I’m going to come from a real relevant and relatable perspective.  [11:08] Where did you get the skills you work with?  It took me a long time to figure it out. It was when my truck started traveling around the world. Then I started teaching young people how to go to school without racking up student loan debt. And then my mentor Dave Ramsey recruited me. [12:18] Do you find that sometimes it takes an extra level to be confident and teach someone? I think it’s where I tend to attract and where I tend to go. This generation is looking for authentic, relatable, and relevant content. I just got to force myself into that world into their culture. And once they understand what I’m saying, then that’s it. [13:21] What have been some of the most impactful groups or organizations that you’ve talked to? I had the opportunity to speak for NFL and NBA teams and go in there to help out with their rookies every year. I sit down with these rookies and mentor them. When I sit down with him, I say things that he needs to do.  [16:16]  How do I get people out into financial freedom to have freedom of life? You got to have a why and if your why doesn’t make you cry, then the price of commitment, the cost to accomplish the goals and dreams that you want, will make you cry. It starts with the internal why. When your why makes you cry, then the price of commitment won’t make you cry, and you will push through anything and accomplish everything you desire. [18:44] How does somebody get out of debt? Stop borrowing money. If you want to get out of debt, stop racking up debt, bottom line. I had to be patient and not worry about trying to blend in with the world. Use the Debt Snowball method; when you’re paying off all your debt, on all your debt from smallest to largest, make all your minimum payments. But then when you’re getting your extra income, and if you do a budget, and you cut out some additional expenses, all that extra income, you’re going to put it on the very first one, why are you making your minimum payments on the others. [20:46] When you get done with the first one, take all of that money and put it on the second one. It’s an efficient way to get out of debt. And when you do this debt snowball method, it’s all about momentum. It’s not about math. It’s not about getting creative knows about when you see yourself paying off the first one, get to the second one, get to the third one. You saw your future change, and you keep moving. [21:47] What kind of indirect message passes the question of why they should go and start doing something?  I’m always trying to go back to myself and teach from within myself. When you start avoiding debt, make sure you have an emergency fund. Once you have that emergency fund, take advantage of all the Roth plans out there. Be creative. Go out there and buy your plot of land and just let it sit there put it into the trust for your kids down the road.   [25:27] What should be the amount of money for an emergency fund? If you’re in a stable situation, three months of your average expenses. The bare minimum that I teach is three to six months of your expenses if you’re in a commission-based job. It all depends on your situation. [29:09] What promise did God make to the world when He created you? You can get an authentic, relevant, and relatable conversation. You’re not going to have an expert. You’re going to have a person who is a student first and foremost, who loves God and who’s going to be genuine, and who genuinely wants to see you win. Learn more about Anthony O’neil on: Website: https://anthonyoneil.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/anthonyoneal Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnthonyONeal