building companies

Marek Zmyslowski – Building Companies Abroad: Key Do’s and Don’ts when Investing In Businesses Outside the First World (AoL 191)

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Welcome to 2021, everyone. What an interesting ride it’s been… and we’re not out of woods yet. However, if you’re interested in building companies (and who isn’t these days?), I’m really feeling hope in the air. Hope of a fresh start.

If anyone knows about fresh starts, it’s this session’s guest Marek Zmyslowski. He’s had a couple in his career – but one he’s most notable for is the one he had to go through as he was writing his book Chasing Black Unicorns.

In his book, Marek shares with us the story of why and how he built the Amazon of Africa… but then how selecting a bad business partner eventually got him in hot water with Interpol… and what he learned from the whole ordeal.

In our conversation with Marek, new co-host Ya’el and I explore some of the items Marek has learned you want to do or don’t do when you’re building companies in up and coming countries.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • What was Marek’s first business? 10:08
  • What were some of the key steps he took to get some of his first ventures started? 14:23
  • How did Marek come to the decision to buy out his business partner when things started going south? 17:54
  • How was Marek able to move past the drama with Interpol and his business partner? 23:19
  • In which ways has Marek been able to leverage his experience into positives today? 29:12
  • What has Marek done for his own pandemic pivot? 32:04
  • Who are three influencers or teachers which have helped him get to where he’s at today? 35:47
  • What’s been the biggest plot twist he’s seen in his day to day life? 37:56
  • What’s something he feels is going to change entrepreneurship in the future, and what specifically is he excited about? 39:15
  • Which message in the world is a disservice to youth? 43:49
  • How can someone be a difference maker in their community? 47:13

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Marek Online: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram
Cohost: Ya’el Johnson
Powered By: Groove (formerly Groovefunnels) – Get all your online marketing needs under one roof… currently for a lifetime deal!

Tony Robbins
Tim Ferriss
Joe Rogan’s podcast

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SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Introduction of Chasing Black Unicorns

Marek’s TEDx on becoming Interpol’s most wanted criminal

Marek’s talk on the LetsDoHumans Podcast

Marek Chatting with Candice Horbacz

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

young professional

Emily Mishler – Perspective for the Young Professional: Why Authenticity Wins when Building Your Network (AoL 190)

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As we’re quickly hurtling towards 2021, many a young professional is finding it harder and harder to sync into the “real world” once they’re out of college. For me, it’s been over 10 years since I got out. And it took me quite awhile to get my bearings. I can only imagine what it’s like now as the world is changing faster and faster outside the ivory tower of academia.

Personally, I think 2020 has been a wake up call in more ways than one. Sure, we’ve been talking about pivoting all year since the virus officially dropped. But one thing we haven’t discussed is the need for better networking skills.

For yours truly, I struggled with this for awhile when I got out of school. In fact, I wasn’t all that great at it even when I started this podcast. However, it was through the podcast, that I have been able to build my networking skills. It’s definitely not the same perspective I have on the art as I did when I first entered into the “real world”. It would have been nice to have been taught some of the stuff you’ll learn in today’s conversation in school.

So, if you’re a young professional, entering the workforce, or have an expendable entry level position, what can you do to hedge your bets? Well, I think a great start is to look at someone like Emily Mishler as a fine example of how to get yourself out there.

Listen in as Andy and I find out how she’s been able to reach the professional level she has as a late 20-something.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

How was Emily able to be as productive as she was during her college years? 11:08
How can a young professional leverage their network to build something they’ll be really proud of? 15:44
What are some common misconceptions that younger people have about networking? 18:37
If someone wants to begin networking, what would Emily recommend as a starting strategy? 23:03
What advice would Emily have for those who have multiple passions and is having a hard time focusing on single passion because they feel if they focus on one that it will be on the expense of the others? 29:11
How has Emily been able to pivot in 2020? 31:46
What is Emily’s favorite opening line for networking? 35:12
Which one book, one film, and one song would Emily add to the national curriculum? 36:06
What has she been learning about recently that she’s super excited to implement? 36:36
Is there something specific that each high school student must know? 37:49
What’s it mean to live a life of abundance? 38:29

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Emily Featured as Miss Purdue

Emily’s Interview on the Grow Stack Drive (GSD) Podcast with Ken Joslin

Jas and Jo Interview Emily and learn more about Curiosity and her children’s book series

Emily Discusses the Creative Society

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

build confidence

Casey Sharperson – Believe in Your Better Tomorrow – How to Build Confidence and Achieve Your Dreams (AoL 189)

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As 2020 is coming quickly to an end, we’re moving closer to favorable conditions to be creatively self employed. However, that might be easier said than done. For many, the pandemic has set people back in more ways than one. If we want to build confidence going into the new year and to be a player in the Pandemic Adjusted Economy (PAE), we’ll likely need to rebuild and equip ourselves with new expectations of what’s possible.

Personally, I feel that 2020 has helped me reflect and improve my vision of what my businesses can be. In fact, we’re improving the model of everything I’m involved with. I’ve certainly learned a few lessons from this past year. More so how to build businesses that are pandemic proof!

However, I understand that not everyone has been able to gain that clarity. In fact, I think a lot of people who’ve lost their business aren’t quite sure how to pick things up to rebuild. Or, even if they’d want to. Or maybe, someone’s been waiting for the best time to start out on their own – but they’re especially not sure if NOW is the best time to get started.

Here’s the thing: everyone who was affected by COVID-19 will still have to start from a level playing ground when we’re given the greenlight to begin again.

So don’t let your fears hold you back. Reach out and find those who can be a catalyst for what you’re trying to achieve.

One such person I’d recommend reaching out to is this session’s guest, Casey Sharperson. In this conversation, she shares with us how she made the jump BEFORE the pandemic hit and how she’s already helping others do the same.

Listen in as Veronica and I find out what it means to take charge of your story and use it to your advantage to move forward.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • Who was Casey growing up and how would her own Disney movie begin? 9:44
  • How did her mentor, Alice Carson Tisdale, affect her and where she saw her life going? 12:17
  • Was there a “catalyst moment” during her corporate career which made Casey start on her own path? 18:41
  • When it comes to working with Millennials, where does she start in the process of helping a client? 23:54
  • How can someone use rejection as a catalyst for change and growth themselves? 28:05
  • How has Casey pursued her vision as opposed to simply dreaming and hoping things will come true? 32:45
  • What’s it take to leverage one’s own story to build a brand and fans who love them? 37:06
  • If someone hasn’t found their “story” yet, is it possible for them to build a brand? 40:30
  • Has any of her clients realized their own personal story under her watch, and if so, what was the transformation like? 43:31
  • What would the world look like if everyone had their own personal transformation experience where they actually step into who they are? 47:17
  • What in particular is Casey focused on for the near future? 48:43
  • Who are three influencers/teachers who have helped her become who she is today? 50:28
  • What gift does she like giving others? 52:50
  • Which issue does she believe more people should be discussing yet hardly anyone is? 53:48
  • Which ad would she place into the world if it didn’t cost anything? 55:16
  • How can someone be a difference maker in their community? 55:38

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Casey Online: Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Cohost: Veronica Kirin
Powered By: Groovefunnels
Casey’s Book – Dream, Build, Repeat (Amazon Link)
Alice Carson Tisdale Story
Marshawn Evans Daniels

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Angela Ganote interviews Casey on Fox59

3 Ways of Pushing Past Comparison

Casey’s Talk on Overcoming the Label and Living a Life of Purpose

Casey chats with Taylor Bell about Meditation and Faith

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

live the life

Justin Breen – Live the Life You Want – How to Build Your Own Epic Business (AoL 187)

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In the last five years, I’ve learned a lot of things from doing this show. If someone is looking, I really think it can help someone live the life they want. However, while I might have learned plenty since starting the show, I’d say a big part of that knowledge is simply developing new perspectives on what I already thought I knew.

While I’ve had several changes of perspective, three have stood out the most this year.

The first big perspective change I had was that it really does take awhile to master a craft. For example, while I feel I know a lot about producing a great sounding show, there’s always tweaks I can be making to improve the show as a whole. But it’s only from that experience that I know to make those changes. You’re not going to learn meaningful knowledge overnight.

The second perspective shift I’ve received from the show was actually a big game changer. I realized the more people are doing work aligned with what’s important to them in life and how others see them, the closer they are to doing work that isn’t really… work.

And the third realization came from understanding this past year one thing: The more people you meet and let into your life, the more opportunity you have to grow.

I share those three perspectives with today’s guest, Justin Breen.

In fact, when I realized he was building his business on these three core beliefs, it occured to me that I should probably embrace them more myself.

Listen in as he shares with Veronica and I why these beliefs are important to him and how they’ve empowered him to live the life he’s proud of.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • What initially drew Justin to a career in journalism? 9:13
  • In 2017 Justin realized there was a shift in journalism. What happened that made him realize it was time to start to live the life he desired? 11:43
  • What inspired Justin to write his book Epic Business the way he did? 18:04
  • What are some of the things someone should expect to learn about in his book? 19:53
  • How can someone put their family needs first when they believe the work that they’re doing is supporting their family long term? 24:01
  • How important is a knowledge of PR and media connections in business success? 31:09
  • For someone who’s just starting out in their business, what should they know about being more respectful of journalists and building relationships with them? 34:26
  • How did Justin learn the skill of leading with relationships in building his business as opposed to being highly transactional? 37:58
  • What does the future of BREpic look like and what is he looking forward to? 43:25
  • Who are Justin’s favorite teachers who have helped him get to where he’s at today? 45:21
  • Which documentary would he recommend people check out? 45:37
  • What’s the best advice he’s ever received? 45:58
  • Is there an issue more people should be paying attention to? 46:12
  • What’s it mean to live a life of abundance? 46:36

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Justin Online: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Cohost: Veronica Kirin
Powered By: Kennected
Greg Reid AoL Interview
Epic Business – Justin Breen (Amazon Link)
Three Feet from Gold – Greg Reid (Amazon Link)
Kolbe A Index
Documentary: Thirteenth

Justin’s Networking Groups
Provisors (Local chapters around the country)
Strategic Coach
Entrepreneur’s Organization
Abundance 360 (Elon Musk level)

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

AoL Past Guest Manuj interviews Justin

Kristi Ross Interviews Justin – Summary of BrEpic and Some Key Considerations on Growth

Rob Rosmis interviews Justin – The Importance of the Story

Jordan Ostroff interviews Justin – Developing a Unique Brand

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

think big

Ya’el Johnson – One Step at a Time: How to Think Big Yet Focus on What We Can Control (AoL 186)

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Believe it or not, but there’s a lot of people in this world who are afraid to think big. The reason for this is pretty simple… at least to them. Why think of making a huge impact when you can’t even get your own life straight?

What I’ve learned is that having big goals and dreams actually helps one deal with the now. If we have a worthwhile goal, it allows us to prioritize it. And that, allows us to not prioritize what’s good now… or at least the actions that might self sabotage us in the long run. In other words, if you have an elephant to eat, that’s how you eat it – one bite at a time.

In this session with friend of the show, with newly married Ya’el Johnson, Andy and I chat with her about what she’s learned about life and success as she’s taken control over her own life and destiny. This is a great lesson if you’re new to the self development world, but also a great reminder for those of us who might feel down due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • How does Ya’el remember getting into the personal development space? 10:46
  • According to Ya’el, why is it necessary for people to control what they can in their lives? 12:10
  • What tips does she have for someone whose been living a horror story and are trying to get out? 19:25
  • What got her interested in aiding in homelessness in the town she’s living in? 23:33
  • How can someone tackle a big project like homelessness in their own community? 27:48
  • What can we expect to hear from Ya’el’s podcast? 35:01
  • What’s going on for Ya’el in the not too distant future? 39:43
  • Who are her three influencers or teachers who have helped launch her to where she’s at today? 41:25
  • What is the most powerful question she likes to ask her coaching clients? 41:59
  • What message is out there that’s a disservice to youth? 43:29
  • How does Ya’el deal with getting overwhelmed? 46:22
  • What’s it mean to live a life of abundance? 47:50

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Ya’el’s Poem “The World I See Beings with Me”

Abraham Hicks – How to Make Big Things Happen

Brendon Burchard – Working on Self Perception

Tony Robbins – Achieving Meaning and Real Success in Life

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

identity shift

Rob Scott – Tackling Humanity’s Core Problem – How an Identify Shift Can Lead To Your Personal Breakthrough (AoL 184)

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There’s a lot to be said when it comes to having a personal breakthrough. In fact, having one might just change the rest of your life. However, when it comes to having a breakthrough through an identity shift, what does that actually mean? Shouldn’t a breakthrough come before having a change of identity?

Interestingly, according to today’s guest, Rob Scott, you can find a way to change your perspective on who you are and how the world influences you. Not only that, but when you do, the world can become a much more friendly and/or productive place.

In this session, Andy and I chat with Rob about how he could have had all the reasons to be a failure at life, but instead used identity shifting techniques to become the person he is today.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • How did Rob discover his fundamental shift? 9:35
  • What kind of identity shifting techniques did he have to use to get to where he’s at today? 15:14
  • What mindset issues does Rob typically see while working with his clients? 22:17
  • There’s three steps to changing one’s limiting beliefs: awareness, a new choice, and a subconscious pattern. What do those mean, exactly? 23:51
  • How does someone install a new lens in how they see the world? 26:34
  • What would it be like working with Rob when he’d be helping with identity shifting? 38:04
  • What is Rob looking forward to in his work? 50:09
  • Is there a power coaching question Rob likes to ask his coaching clients? 52:02
  • What are three books Rob gifts or gifts to others? 53:05
  • Why is self sabotage such a problem amongst most human beings? 54:10
  • What’s one thing every high school student must know? 55:44
  • Is there a secret to achieving personal freedom? 56:52

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Rob at The Foundation Live Event 2015

Rob Talks @ Google

The #1 Skill in Personal Development

How to Change Your Story – Tools to Use to be Resilient

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!

business team

Dirk van Reenen – A Great Challenge Means Great Opportunity – How to Build a Pivot Ready Business Team from Day 1 (AoL 180)

/by

For a lot of business owners, the pandemic has cost them their livelihood. For example, Yelp! recently shared that 55% of the businesses using their platform which closed down due to the pandemic aren’t coming back. What’s a business team to do when you’re looking at those kinds of numbers? How can you avoid having to close down?

The answer, I believe, is all about being able to make a pivot. And this is something we’ve been discussing in great detail on the show.

Unfortunately, for some business teams, pivoting might not be too obvious. Sure, curb service and delivery for some restaurants makes sense, but what if your restaurant wasn’t so much a restaurant, but a bar? What if you’re reliant on a market that’s not doing so great right now such as realty?

Today’s guest, Dirk van Reenen, excels at helping teams focus on the foundations of business and how they scale their businesses in ways that they might not have noticed before. In fact, with the future looking like things will be changing faster and faster, it’s important that all businesses know how to quickly pivot.

So what does that look like? Well, the first thing is all about building the right team – and that’s where today’s conversation takes us.

Listen in as Andy and I learn more about Dirk’s business BERGflow and how it might benefit those of us going through or preparing to go through a hard time.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • What’s the path that Dirk followed to eventually starting BERGFlow? 9:45
  • Where did the name BERGFlow come from? 15:20
  • What are some things people need to consider when building a team as a solopreneur? 20:24
  • What challenges does remote work give to a group who’s forming into an effective team? 26:50
  • If a leader finds themselves in a situation where there’s trust issue in the team, how can they get back some of the control in their group? 32:02
  • According to Dirk, what’s the importance of a business team building something worthwhile? 38:54
  • What kind of things is Dirk looking forward to as we move into a different world post-pandemic? 45:40
  • What’s the best advice he’s ever received? 51:40
  • Which three books does he gift or tell others about? 52:11
  • What’s the smallest decision he’s made that has had the largest impact in his life? 54:22
  • What’s one thing all high school students must know? 59:01
  • What’s the secret to achieving personal freedom? 1:01:41

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Dirk Online: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
Cohost: Andy Dix
Powered By: Kennected
Documentary – Happy – (Flow in BERGfow comes from this documentary)
Rocketfuel – Visionary / Operator (or Integrator) relationship
David Osborn- Dirk’s Mentor
e-myth revisited
Chris Tuff AoL Interview
Think and Grow Rich
The Fish that Ate the Whale
The Road Less Stupid – Keith Cunningham
Loving What Is – Byron Katie

Right click here and save-as to download this episode to your computer.

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

How to Navigate the Early Stages of Shift

Adapting to the Shift

Where is the Bottom of This?

What are you doing to Pivot and Move Forward?

Thanks for Listening!

Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of the post.

Also, please leave an honest review for The AoL Podcast on iTunes! Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.

If you have any questions feel free to email them over via the email mentioned in the show or by our contact form.

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Castbox, iTunes, Stitcher, PodBean, and/or Google Play Music. It’s absolutely free to do so.

A huge thank-you to you guys for joining us!

Cheers!