365 Driven

Lately, you might be hearing a lot about NFTs, Web 3, and blockchain technology, but what does that all mean, and how could it affect you or your company? Today’s guest Heather Parady is here to break it all down for us. Heather is the host of the Unconventional Leaders podcast, the viral podcast Web 3 and NFTs for Newbies, and her newest podcast, Community Builders in Web 3. She is also the founder of the Content Lab and helps mission-driven leaders spread their messages through content marketing strategies. In this episode, Heather starts with a few tips to improve your storytelling for marketing purposes, and then dives right into everything you need to know about NFT’s, blockchain, web 3, and how absolutely essential it is to build a community. She shares what you need to pay attention to right now as a business owner in this fast-moving tech world, and different ways you can facilitate experiences for your community. Tune in to hear more! Key highlights Introduction to Heather Trying something new as an entrepreneur, such as acting or improv classes The idea of mental freedom Why Tony and Heather classify themselves as creatives first, then as entrepreneurs Making your storytelling relevant to your audience when marketing How Heather's podcast Web 3 and NFTs for Newbies went viral and got 1 million downloads in 8 months What is an NFT exactly? What is a blockchain? The benefits of blockchain for businesses The difference between web 1, 2, and 3 Web 3 is focused on community building  Thoughts on the Metaverse What should you start paying attention to right now as a business owner in this new tech world? What are POAPS? Why you need a crypto wallet Websites you can go to make a wallet Audience vs. community Different ways you can facilitate experiences for your community For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode259

Negative experiences from our past can remain in our subconscious and affect us throughout our lives if we do not address and overcome them. Without even being aware of our traumas, we might be held back by them, not reaching our fullest potential, and trying to overcompensate to push away the pain. Today’s guest went through just that.  Chris Saunders is the president of Integrated Communications, which is a field mobility company, and he also leads a Marketing Agency called Yonder Digital. Chris is a member of the Arete Syndicate and he is a successful entrepreneur with a very inspiring story of how he went from someone that was always fearful of uncertainty, to now one of the strongest people he knows. Chris faced very difficult times recently, as most of us did, but this forced him to face the childhood trauma that he had been trying to push away for so long. In this episode, Chris shares his story of battling hopelessness and desperation, and knowing when it was time to ask for help. Through a special kind of therapy called EDMR, he was finally able to face his traumas and start to truly live in the present, and finally call the shots in his own life. Everyone deals with adversity, but winners realize it is the past that makes us who we are. Tune in to hear Chris’ story.  Key highlights Introduction to Chris The childhood trauma Chris endured that made it difficult to connect to his true self The massive shift Chris went through after investing in himself through the Arete Syndicate How Chris' business was affected in recent times Chris’ experience with EMDR therapy How the Arete syndicate saved Chris' life Chris' experience with 75 hard Tony’s experience with high functioning depression How things happen FOR us not TO us The purpose statement Chris says every day to stay connected to his “why” The purpose statement he says with his kids every day What’s next for Chris: A safe zone for men For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode258

Ken Okazaki is referred to as "the Video Marketing Guy." He has worked with international TV celebrities, CEOs, and business owners who know they need to be on video but lack the time, skills, or confidence to get started. Ken is the founder of Oz Media Global, a video marketing agency, and he loves helping businesses plan, optimize and launch their video campaigns. Ken has been able to learn what has worked with his world-class clients, and systematize the process to help businesses of all sizes. He teaches coaches, trainers, and consultants to create irresistible videos that land them leads and sales. With Ken's help, his clients have generated millions of dollars in extra profit from video marketing.  Ken has developed a system for video content production, a combination of hooks, triggers, and techniques to get viewers to take the desired action. This is an episode you will definitely want to take notes on and listen to a few times as Ken is very generous in giving a wealth of information on how you can create videos that capture your audience and convert that to dollars. Ken goes step by step through the process that he uses for his clients when creating video ads that use psychology to get people to want to take action after watching. Tune in to hear the most common video mistakes people make, and learn how you can look like a pro. Key highlights Introduction to Ken and his journey as an entrepreneur Ken’s background as a large event planner in Japan The work and time that goes into planning and executing a large event The “sweet spot” of when to promote an event Getting hired for Jordan Belfort's world tour Japan event and why it didn’t happen Why you should be using video for marketing Tony’s tips for reels and TikTok Ken’s advice for creating powerful video ads using psychology The importance of going the shortest distance to make someone feel emotion with your video Why you shouldn’t buy any new equipment and use the things you have already to make videos Ken’s Storytelling format: HILDA - Hook, introduction, lead, deliver, ask Ken’s advice for beginners Ken’s thoughts on virtual backgrounds Lighting tips and tricks to look like a pro The most common mistake people make with their background that makes them look like an amateur  Where you should have light sources in your video to flatter you most What is next for Ken? Ken’s advice to someone struggling to start with video content For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode257

Rich Cardona is a retired Marine aviator, former Amazon employee, media company owner, podcaster, and most importantly, a proud girl dad. Rich is very focused on optimizing life with efficiency, routine, and manifestation, which has led him to where he is today. Rich’s business focus is podcast production and video content for 7-8 figure CEOs, and his journey to building his business involved a lot of letting go of things that didn’t align with his aspirations and vision for his life.  In this episode, Rich emphasizes how powerful it is to limit your availability, which means letting go of what doesn't serve the bigger picture you have for yourself. Although saying “no” can feel difficult, a lot of things are not worth letting go of your dream. That might mean waking up earlier, spending less time on social media, or even walking away from a position that you know is limiting your potential, just as Rich did. Tune in to hear Rich explain the power of “addition through subtraction.” Key highlights: Introduction to Rich and his background as a marine and Amazon employee How he quit his job at Amazon to be an entrepreneur Tony’s advice for becoming a leader in your company even if your company doesn't put you on that path Why Rich applied to entry-level positions after quitting Amazon How a lot of people are limiting themselves in what they are willing to do and learn Knowing which doors to shut and avoiding “shiny object syndrome” When to stop consuming content and take action How to get unique content when meeting your role models How Rich got the idea for his globally ranked podcast, NFTs for Newbies Clues that you should consider a pivot Are you rolling with people you are not aligned with?  The price of your dream is letting go of the thing you're doing right now Sacrifices don't always mean you're losing something The power of saying “no” is one of the best skill sets you can have The value of your proximity Addition through subtraction and being in a “no” period The local vs. global benefit What Rich has learned from a social media hiatus The power of conceptualizing and visualizing what you want Your subconscious looks for opportunities to meet your goals Quote from the episode: “The world will give you more of what you give attention and energy to.” For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode255

Joan Ball is an associate professor in the Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University in New York City and the founder of WOMB Service Design Lab, an action research consultancy where she works with individuals, teams, and organizations to help people learn to thrive in uncertain times. Joan works with leaders of all experience levels and helps them to navigate and thrive through times of change and embrace the idea of pausing and inquiring. Disruptions and uncertainty happen to everyone, but learning to pivot around or push through is not always the best option. Joan is passionate about changing how we view uncharted territory and see it as a great opportunity to inquire about our true goals and wishes, and explore new routes that will set us on the path to living our own version of a fulfilled life. So many of us get caught up in a game of comparison and think that there is only one path to success, and if we don’t follow that path, we have failed. In this episode, Joan invites you to spend more time pausing and doing the work to make sure your identity and goals are in alignment. Her work lives in the space between ambition, impact, and well-being at a time when we are forced to reimagine what it means to live meaningful and successful lives in a rapidly changing world.  Key highlights: Introduction to Joan and how she got to where she is now Why do we pursue other people’s dreams? Joan explains the idea of time boxed experiments and active waiting Navigating no man’s land We all have the capacity to persevere or panic, so how do we amplify the perseverance part? What are some indicators that change is needed? Practicing pause and inquiry Self-identity and direction - Who will I be and where am I going? Tony’s experience with a micromanager and having a hard conversation What are you avoiding that you know you need to confront? “What now” moments - assessing what your options are in a situation that is not ideal for us Connecting your goals to the steps that it takes to get there The significance of pausing and assessing our happiness with where we are currently Sometimes the next step is going backward for a little while Not getting caught up with your ego and comparison game, sometimes we are happier with less The idea of a “true north” is dead Calibrating your journey and goals with your values If you are in the midst of change with no direction, what is the first step to take? Quote from the episode: “I'd rather prevent unhappiness perhaps, than always have to be happy.” For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode254

This special episode was recorded at our 365 Driven "Advance" live event in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. We interviewed a dozen entrepreneurs, and asked them to share their tips and advice. Co-Hosted with Jeremy Slate, of the "Create Your Own Life" podcast.

Tony Whatley delivered this closing speech about Freedom at the 365 Driven "Advance 4" event on May 21, 2022, in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Tony speaks about 3 types of freedom we should all be striving for: financial freedom, time freedom, and mental freedom. Financial freedom isn't just about the numbers, but more so about the freedom to choose where your money is coming from and have the ability to make decisions that will bring in more money if that is what you want. It’s not being tied to a company or job where you don’t have control of the money you can acquire.  The next is time freedom. Tony talks about how we have been sold an idea that we have to hustle all the time in order to be successful. In reality, we should be intentionally delegating tasks to others in order to free up time for things that we enjoy. This is the key to scaling a business while getting your time back. Focus on your strengths and get help with everything else. The last freedom is mental freedom. Tony shares about his near death experience and the perspective on life he gained from going through that. The truth that we all have to face is that we will die someday. Wasting time and energy on what other people are going to think, or fearing judgment is a waste of time and holds us back from taking action, making a real impact, and creating a life we are truly proud of.  Key highlights: How Tony started his first company by teaching himself how to build websites Being more focused on giving than receiving Selling Tony’s first company at age 34 Developing money maturity Providing value to others You don't have to work 24/7 How to scale your business while getting your time back Getting rid of negative or toxic people How Tony’s parents instilled discipline in him Being fired from his corporate job His near-death experience and what he took away from that Action, belief, consistency- take the action before you have the belief How Tony got better at public speaking Losing the fear of judgment Quote from the episode: “Regret is avoidable, but only with action.” For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode252

Ed Mylett is back on the 365 Driven podcast, and you already know this will be an episode packed with lessons and advice from Ed that you are going to want to take notes on. Ed is an incredibly successful businessman, creator of the Arete Syndicate, and one of Tony’s mentors. Since being on the podcast in April 2020, Ed has gone through the loss of his dad and spent the last year writing his upcoming book, The Power of One More, which is a very in-depth guide full of Ed’s powerful strategies and insight that will guide you to a happier and more successful life. In this episode, Ed takes us through some life changing lessons that are included in his book that will benefit anyone, no matter what stage you are in your life. Tony and Ed’s conversation brings out a side of Ed that no one has asked about before. Ed exposes how our society is programmed to avoid pain, which is keeping everyone stuck and repeating the history of those before us. You are sure to hear a perspective from Ed that other people don’t talk about because it is hard to hear, but he doesn’t shy away from the truth bombs that are guaranteed to motivate you to take action in making the changes necessary to reach the potential you didn’t think was possible. Key highlights: Introduction to Ed and what he has been up to the past year Dealing with the recent loss of his father The concept of “Beginning with the end in mind” from Think and Grow Rich The concept of “memento mori” We all have visions on our life, the issue is depth perception, you think its further away than it is You are one decision away, one meeting, one relationship, one thought, one book, one podcast away from a different life Most people don't meet their highest self because they are not willing to go through the pain of getting there How Ed developed his listening skills as a child Truth bomb that’s hard to hear: “The most insidious form of child neglect is a parent not pursuing their ultimate potential. You’re instilling in that child that it's okay to settle.” Most lessons our kids learn are caught not taught We are programed to avoid pain and not do hard things Successful people pursue the inconvenient thing How our parents instill their limitations in us Why Ed is different from other people on social media A different view of Ed: What his dogs mean to him How to balance being successful and maintaining your family/parenting Most people are operating out of their memory and history, but happy people operate out of their imagination and dreams How to get your kids to be dreamers and have high confidence Surround yourself with people that say “imagine when” not “remember when” Your identity is the thermostat setting of your life How to train your RAS (reticular activating system) Anger is the manifestation of fear The importance of finding emotional control in stressful situation: equanimity How his book will apply to everyone How to get access to Ed’s virtual event for free Quotes from the episode: “It's not the events of our lives that define us, it's the meaning we attach to it.” “On the other side of temporary pain, you get introduced to your other self.” “What if the highest potential exists in something we haven't even started yet?” “Success is where your life matches the blueprint you have for it. You come up with a blueprint for your life and you get it” For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode251

Cynthia Thurlow is the CEO and founder of Everyday Wellness Project, and she’s the host of Everyday Wellness podcast, which was listed in “20 podcasts that will help you grow in 2020” by Entrepreneur magazine. Cynthia is an expert in nutrition and intermittent fasting, and she has a viral Tedx talk on this subject that has been viewed over 11 million times. She was also one of Tony’s earliest coaching clients, and a former guest on the show from 2019, although so much has happened since then, including the release of her book: Intermittent Fasting Transformation. Cynthia has been a nurse practitioner for over 20 years, and in this episode she shares all about her huge career shift, and the major catalyst in her life that set her on a path of opportunity and success. Through dealing with a major health scare, she learned that the toughest times can allow us to have the opportunity to grow into the people we’re meant to be.  Key highlights: Cynthia’s experience as a 2x Tedx speaker How she got on stage 27 days after being hospitalized and almost dying How her second Tedx talk was a powerful catalyst for opportunity How that talk led to Cynthia’s book that sold 14k copies in the first month When you are in difficult circumstances, focus on what you can to get through it Cynthia’s advice to do the 3 things you don't want to do first thing in the morning and set up your day for success Tony’s advice for when the people close to you don't understand or acknowledge what you're doing Why Cynthia left her job as a medical professional Tony’s advice to create boundaries with people that bring you down A big cultural difference between the US and UK and how we value our careers How our culture has an unhealthy relationship with our careers and we are exceedingly toxic with labels and expectations You can’t serve everyone in your business- you have to know your avatar first and serve them You can't have a big casting net or you won't catch anyone People are looking for specialists, not generalists, so you need to be specific in who you serve Podcasting is the new networking Tony’s tip for fewer filler words while podcasting Be intentional about personal development How Cynthia deals with imposter syndrome For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode250

Kimanzi Constable is an author of four books and a freelance writer whose articles have been published in Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Insider, SUCCESS Magazine, NBC, CBS, FOX, and 80 other publications and magazines. He's a global traveler and digital nomad that has been to 83 countries and counting. He started his first business at just 19 years old, after having been previously homeless, dropping out of high school, and living in a shelter for 18 months. In 2011, Kimanzi discovered business podcasts and dove into writing his first book.  In this episode, Kimanzi shares all about the lessons he learned along the way, and everything you need to know about paid publications vs. pay-to-play PR. He explains just how he built an audience and took his business to the next level through writing articles. He walks you through how to pitch yourself to publications, and what being published can do for you and your credibility. Kimanzi also reveals how you can ruin your credibility by taking shortcuts and playing into the fake media influence games. Quote from the episode: “Be the person that goes out and finds the information, the scoops, the stories, and brings it to the people. And you’ll get the same notoriety over time and hopefully some success behind that.” Key highlights: Kimanzi’s background that led to being an author and freelance writer How he built an audience by guest posting Tony’s experience with getting published in magazines Pay to play vs. getting paid to write Tips on how to pitch yourself to publications What a good article contains: it's not about you, it's about what you can provide His thoughts on HARO (Help a reporter out) How to pitch to a contributor and why you should pitch to them to feature you Tony’s tips on pitching yourself a podcast guest What editors look for when vetting you Recommendations for cleaning up your Linkedin How social proof relates to your ideal client Should you care about social proof? Does being verified on IG matter? Why you should want to be published and what it does for you and your credibility For more information about this episode, visit: 365driven.com/episode249