Beyond 8 Figures

As Ben Leonard knows from (lots of) experience, all challenges can be turned into business opportunities as long as you are willing to think creatively and put in the work! In this episode, Ben shares some of the challenges he has overcome in his personal and professional life, the value of finding an untapped niche as a business owner, and the importance of taking advantage of the enormous power of e-commerce.About Ben Leonard:Ben Leonard is the classic millennial entrepreneur. From a modest beginning, building a business on a laptop in a cupboard, he achieved what many dream of: growing it into an international 7-figure venture and successfully exiting after just three years. Now, Ben is not only repeating this success but is also helping others do the same through his e-commerce consultancy and brokerage.In his book, "Quit Stalling and Build Your Brand,” Ben leverages his extensive e-commerce experience to provide actionable strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. The book is packed with invaluable insights and practical steps for building authentic, scalable brands, empowering business owners on their journey to entrepreneurial success. Notably, before his business endeavors, Ben had no background in business, product development, or marketing, and applied his scientific training from his marine science background to master these fields.Browse our curated collection of Business Books for more enriching reads.Episode highlights:If you aren’t taking advantage of e-commerce, you are doing your business a disservice because of the volume of sales you are losing out on. There are so many affordable, accessible tools and resources available to you, so use them! (07:44)Find your niche so that your business stands out from the crowd! If you can come up with a unique, untapped business idea, you are well on your way to success; and if you think about it creatively, your opportunities are limitless.  (13:37)Overcoming challenges leads to enormous growth because of the invaluable lessons that you learn through the process. Don’t let hurdles discourage you; jump over them and keep moving forward. No matter how much you may want to give up in the moment, it will be worth it to push through. (27:09)Long-term, sustainable business growth requires patience. Don’t rush the process; take each phase seriously, and treat your business with the respect it deserves. (31:32)Making mistakes may not feel good, but it is one of the best ways to learn. If you deal with mistakes as quickly as possible, you’ll be better off for having made them. (39:50)Ben’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“There’s always going to be new opportunities for those of us who are willing to go the extra mile to take advantage of them.” (31:22)Connect with Ben:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteAffiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.

Continuous growth is the foundation of a successful business, which is why Matthijs Welle never misses an opportunity to learn and evolve on his entrepreneurial journey. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn how he and his team are revolutionizing the hotel industry through their remote-friendly, talent-first company Mews! About Matthijs Welle:After completing his studies in hotel management, Matthijs joined Hilton's fast-track management program and has since held numerous roles in operations and commercial departments. In 2013, he left his secure corporate job and joined Mews to revolutionize property management systems, reshaping the future of the hotel industry. Today, he serves as the CEO of Mews Systems, and the company has grown its employee count by nearly 5x under his stewardship.Episode highlights:As an entrepreneur, you are constantly evolving into different versions of yourself. When this evolution stops, it’s probably time to exit because if you’re not growing, you’ll likely be holding your company back. (05:08)Coaches provide opportunities for learning and growth. They will open your eyes to things you didn’t know you needed to know and help you become a better leader. So, even if you don’t think you need it, go out there and find a coach! (08:08)Don’t underestimate the importance of your board members. They can expand your network, provide financial support, and push you to take your business to the next level. (15:46)By being a remote-friendly company, you open up your talent pool exponentially. If you want to compete in a global market, expand your recruiting horizons and put more emphasis on talent than location. (25:18)Matthijs’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Having a really good board member will really push you as an entrepreneur  to the next level because you have to find answers, and you’ll dig deep to find them.” (16:35) Connect with Matthijs:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

There are a few factors that can help you stand out In the highly competitive working world; exceptional leadership strategies, an attractive company culture that offers both freedom and responsibility, and a leadership style that allows people to tap into their “genius.” Tune in to this episode to hear from Maxwell Reed about the effort that has gone into turning Kingdom of Something into the irreplaceable production partner it is today.About Maxwell Reed:Maxwell is a Swedish-Canadian creative entrepreneur based out of Amsterdam. Having worked for one of the biggest companies in the creative advertisement industry, he quit his job and founded his own motion design company in 2016 with four former classmates (one of whom he now runs the company with). With the amazing talent on the team and clients like Adidas, KFC, Nike, and Panda Express, he often looks forward to returning to the office on Monday morning.Episode highlights:Find your genius because that’s where you will create magic for your business; and then delegate the rest. Your genius is the skill set that comes naturally to you; the things you can do exceptionally well without needing to try too hard. For Maxwell, it’s networking. For you, it might be anything from organizational skills to coding. (09:25)A strong, healthy company culture is essential for attracting and retaining great people. Maxwell’s approach has been to create a safe environment that gives people freedom with responsibility (people can take as much time off as they want to, as long as they are delivering high-quality work on time). (14:55)As a leader, it’s important to find the right balance between being a boss and being a friend. This will help to cultivate a good atmosphere in the work environment and motivate your team members to give their best selves to the company. (22:20)As a leader, don’t think of yourself as being better than your team members. Flatten the hierarchy in your company by not asking your team members to do things you aren’t willing to do yourself (cleaning the coffee machine, for example). (26:40)Be a problem-solver, not an order-taker. This approach will get the creative juices flowing, keep you and your team members feeling inspired, and set you apart from your competitors. (28:13)You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. But if you say no, always try to give clients another solution. This will allow you to avoid burning out and delivering sub-part work while sustaining relationships that may result in more work in the future. (43:20)Maxwell’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“One of our main cornerstones and mantras is freedom with responsibility.” (16:20)Connect with Maxwell:WebsiteInstagramCreative (K)Nights PodcastResources Mentioned:RevThinkJoel PilgerFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

For Vices founder Daniel Curtis, navigating supply chain challenges as a business owner is all about letting your “why” drive you, doing everything with love, and surrounding yourself with people whose skill sets complement your own. Tune in today to hear about his journey of curating luxury subscription boxes during the current economic climate.About Daniel Curtis:Over the past sixteen years, Daniel has held several executive-level positions, working with some of the world's most prestigious organizations, such as Goldman Sachs and Robb Report. As the Founder & CEO of Vices, Daniel is responsible for spearheading the company's growth and vision. He strives to create a one-of-a-kind experience that truly brings people together and supports moments of thoughtful pause. He is also an avid traveler and has recently had his third child. Episode highlights:Even though we are living through one of the most challenging supply chain moments in decades, it is still possible to sustain a thriving business. So, do everything you can to keep your passion alive, and don’t give up! (13:28)The “why” behind your business makes all the difference to the end product. Don’t just do the work to get it done; do it all with love! (15:28)To be an effective leader, it is essential that you understand your personal strengths and weaknesses so that you can bring in talented people to fill in the gaps where you are lacking. (17:27)You don’t have to be everything to everyone; this approach is likely to lead to burnout and a less-than-optimal offering. Instead, define your ideal clients, build a strong relationship with them, and ensure you provide them with the products or services that they really want. (22:09)Every stage of the entrepreneurial journey comes with its own set of challenges. So, as your business grows and changes, you may need to rethink how you approach everything from funding strategies to marketing plans to make sure you address the new obstacles and opportunities that arise. (26:16)Daniel’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Bring on people that really can fly on their own and that bring strengths and ideas that you don’t have.” (13:53)Connect with Daniel:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

When you and your team love what you do, your clients can feel it, and your business will thrive as a result! Tune into this week’s episode to hear what culture-driven business growth looks like from Leon Winkes, as well as his approach to creating value, building long-term relationships, and finding happiness! About Leon Winkes:Leon is the founder and CEO of IWB Agency. He is an entrepreneur, investor, husband, and father of two. After three years of experience working at Google, he started IWB, which currently manages up to €30 million in Adspend for clients in the Netherlands.Episode highlights:If your employees are happy and fulfilled, they will be able to provide the most value they possibly can to you and your business. So, focus on building a company culture that prioritizes the well-being of your employees, and you will go far. (09:11)When hiring, look for people who are passionate and enthusiastic about the mission of your business. Teaching someone a skill is much easier than helping someone cultivate a growth mindset. (13:44)If you don’t love what you do, change something! Life is short, and there is no point in wasting your time on a job you hate. (20:26)Clearly define the type of clients you want to work with and the type of relationship that you want to develop with those clients. Don’t be afraid to get very specific about your niche! (25:26)No entrepreneurial venture is going to run perfectly smoothly all the time, and the sooner you can let go of that expectation, the more enjoyable your journey will be. (37:24)One of the main differences between being a leader and a manager is that leaders motivate and challenge their team members to move themselves and the company forward. On the other hand, managers often fixate on the nitty-gritty mistakes without thinking about the bigger picture. So, do you want to be a leader or a manager? (39:03)Leon’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“In order to build something, you really need people to do it with you; people with the same kind of purpose.” (08:55)Connect with Leon:LinkedInFacebookWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

If you own a business, the chances are that you are leaking profit somewhere. But don’t fret! Our today’s guest, Kevin Bees, is here to show you how to maximize profitability. From knowing your numbers to changing your mindset, Kevin’s approach will help you uncover the pot of gold that is already waiting at your feet! About Kevin Bees:Kevin Bees is Australia’s leading Profit Maximisation Expert. Kevin improves business profitability, cash flow, and net worth through his skills in financial strategy, sales, marketing, and operations. His clients benefit from his human behavior and change management expertise, improving their performance as individuals, teams, and organizations.Episode highlights:Your experiences as an entrepreneur can benefit others. Share your knowledge and skills so that other entrepreneurs can maximize their results. And you will see the world around you change. (03:30)Know your numbers! It might not be the most exciting part of your business, but it is definitely one of the most important. When you understand your financial performance, you can really maximize profitability. (05:34)There are seven core factors that are responsible for maximizing profitability, including leads, conversions, average dollar sales, and profit margins. The factors you should focus on will vary depending on the stage your business is in. So make sure to check in with your performance regularly to make sure you are focusing on the right ones. (17:38)The “pot of gold” isn’t at the end of the rainbow; it’s at your feet! Most businesses leak money somewhere. You need to take control of your finances as soon as possible to stop wasting your hard-earned profits. (25:27)So much of life is about perspective. Changing your mindset can change your whole life. And there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. You can prioritize your mental well-being by bringing in an external party to help you ask the right questions and determine the right answers. (26:36)Kevin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“If we can get the right perspective and the right mindset, everything changes.” (26:36) Connect with Kevin:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteProfit GiftsFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

As an investor in the biotech industry, today’s guest, Felice Verduyn-van Weegen, brings a different perspective to the podcast as we discuss her approach to making investment decisions! Listen in as she shares some of the key factors she considers before investing in a company and her thoughts on what it takes to be a successful investor and entrepreneur. About Felice Verduyn-van Weegen:Felice Verduyn-van Weegen is a Partner at EQT, in the life sciences venture team. She holds an MSc in Neuroscience and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Before taking on her current role, Felice worked as a neuroscientist and statistical geneticist and then as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. She also started a foundation called Healthcare Embassy (Zorgambassade) to improve the healthcare system in the Netherlands.Episode highlights:One of the key indicators of acquisition success is cultural fit (i.e. the values and foundational principles of your organization). So, if you are acquiring a company or your company is going to be acquired, ensure that you emphasize the cultural aspects of the transition. (07:25)Just as investors need to carefully consider where they invest their money, investees need to be discerning about who they take money from. The right investors can benefit a business financially and from a networking perspective, so don’t take the decision lightly. (16:21)As is the case with investors, your reputation as an entrepreneur is everything. Build your reputation by becoming someone to whom people want to reach out. Network by attending conferences, meeting people for coffee, or doing podcast interviews! (25:58)No matter how much we know, there is always more to learn. Constantly pursue knowledge but also accept the fact that you won’t be able to know it all. (27:05)Many investors want to become part of the team they are investing in. So, if you’re looking for investments, ensure that you give them a chance to participate and that your team is an attractive one to work with. (28:32)Felice’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“A key factor in the investment decision is always the team.” (28:17) Connect with Felice:LinkedInFacebookWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

Mackenzie Drazan has made it her mission to ensure everyone has access to effective mental healthcare through her platform, MiResource. During this episode, Mackenzie shares the strategies that have helped her get this far, including her approaches to effective communication, dealing with stress, and building a support system.About Mackenzie Drazan:Mackenzie is the Co-founder and CEO of MiResource, a platform that connects patients with mental health professionals. Her goal is to create a world where everyone has access to effective mental healthcare. Mackenzie holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Duke University, as well as a certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. She was also named on Forbes's 30 Under 30 list. Episode highlights:“It takes a village.” Guidance and support are essential to the success of an entrepreneurial venture. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can help shape you into the best entrepreneur you can be. (14:12)As an entrepreneur, you will constantly be put in situations outside your comfort zone. To prevent the stress of discomfort from becoming overwhelming, reframe those feelings and keep reminding yourself of why you chose to do what you are doing so that you can hold onto your energy and passion. (22:54)Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires being able to communicate your vision effectively. Be consistent in your messaging, keep it simple, and reiterate it often to yourself and your team. (27:09)The role of an entrepreneur is to solve problems. Don’t get caught up in titles and expectations; just focus on the impact you want to make in the world. (30:01)To ensure that you are always moving towards your greater vision, set yourself small, simple process goals that you can remind yourself of every day. (32:08)Mackenzie’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Everything is always changing, which makes it so fun, but it can also be stressful. So you’re always having to reformulate how you handle those stresses. That’s always an area of growth for me.” (24:00)Connect with Mackenzie:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteEmailFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

Unlike start-ups, the failure rate of acquired businesses is minimal. As Lisa Forrest explains in this episode, we are currently in the perfect environment for acquisition entrepreneurs to thrive! Tune in today to hear about the factors that are coalescing to create a solid foundation for acquisition success and what it will take to make your mark in the business acquisition space from someone who really knows!About Lisa Forrest:Lisa Forrest is a Co-Director of Sponsor Finance/Searchfund Lending at Live Oak Bank. She has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, in both SBA and Conventional lending products focused on the unique needs of lower middle market businesses. She is widely regarded as one of the industry's "go-to" resources nationally for her expertise in M&A deal structuring for the Searchfund ecosystem. She is also an avid golfer, outdoor enthusiast, and dog lover.Episode highlights:The “silver tsunami” (the term that is used to refer to the mass retirement of the baby boomer generation) is upon us, which means that it’s time for acquisition entrepreneurs to step up to the plate. If you’ve been considering this path, take this as your sign to go for it! (08:50)To make your mark as an acquisition entrepreneur, develop your own voice and point of view in the space, and learn how to do your own cash flow. These are very powerful tools that decrease your dependence on outside parties. (10:52)Every economic phase has its own unique qualities. During this current phase, cash flow is king. So, make sure you’re not overpaying or overleveraging. (26:49)The failure rates of starting a business from scratch are huge. In comparison, very few acquired businesses fail. So, if you want to increase your chances of success, acquisition entrepreneurship (particularly via the SBA route if you are based in the US) might be a better option! (29:24)Just get started! If you’re interested in acquisition entrepreneurship, stop thinking about it and take the leap. One of the best ways to start is to connect with someone experienced in the space (like Lisa if you live in North America). (41:20)Lisa’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“Cash flow is king.” (27:37) Connect with Lisa:LinkedInTwitterEmailFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite

Choosing the entrepreneurial route requires navigating uncertainty, being prepared for chaos, and being open to continuous learning and adaptation. In this episode, Sartou Djibril, co-founder and CCO of Enlight Ed, explains how building a strong team, listening to your target audience, and remaining humble can make the journey more advantageous for everyone involved! About Sartou Djibril:Sartou spent most of her career working for tech companies, helping businesses and organizations to adopt digital solutions to achieve their goals. Today, Sartou is the co-founder and CCO of Enlight Ed, a two-end virtual tutoring platform that increases efficiency for students and teachers. Episode highlights:The startup world is a lot more uncertain than the corporate one, and people aren’t always going to be ready for your ideas. Succeeding in this space requires patience, continuous learning, and making the most of the chaos. (12:12)From the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey, focus on building a strong team. Without this foundation, it will be very difficult to get your business to where you want it to be. (27:51)Experience is the greatest teacher. You can learn as much theory as you like, but until you actually put something into practice in the real world, you won’t have the full picture. (28:49)Build your business based on what your target users actually want, not on what you think they want. The only way to do this is by interacting with those users, listening to their insights, and adapting your offering as you learn from them. (30:36)Despite how it may appear, arrogance and pushiness do not have to characterize your approach to entrepreneurship. You can be strong and still remain humble and treat people with care. (41:20)Sartou’s best advice for entrepreneurs:“For many startups, the incompleteness of the team is one of the main obstacles. It’s hard to get something off the ground if you don’t have the core competencies in place from the beginning.” (27:51)Connect with Sartou:LinkedInTwitterWebsiteFollow Beyond 8 Figures:LinkedInTwitterWebsite