Posts

collaborative teamwork

Pat Flynn – The Power of Collaborative Teamwork for the Entrepreneur: From Solopreneur to SPI Media and Beyond (AoL 200)

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In the last session, I brought up the books Key Person of Influence and OverSubscribed both written by Daniel Priestley and one thing that these books have made is that the dream of the solopreneur is a pipedream. In fact, as a business owner, we need to seek collaborative teamwork as soon as possible.

And, as I’ve been telling people in my day to day life, I think these books are as vital to someone’s success as an entrepreneur as Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The E-Myth Revisited are. Sure, you can go without reading any of these books… but I highly suggest you don’t pass them over.

For the longest time, today’s guest might have been considered the Ultimate Warrior of Solopreneurship. In fact, for much of its history, Smart Passive Income (SPI) featured Pat Flynn as the Crash Test Dummy of Online Business. And if he could start a six figure passive income business on his own, anyone could.

But here’s the thing. For several years now, he’s been part of a team. Sure, he’s been the head of creative at SPI, but he’s been part of a team.

And I have to admit, when that transition happened out of the blue, I (and I’m sure plenty of others) felt left behind.

But as you’ll hear, when he joined forces with Matt Garland and his team, things completely changed. The power of collaborative teamwork began changing his business and his life.

Listen in as Veronica and I hear about his Pat his journey of leaving the legend of the great solopreneur behind to join his own team of Avengers.

I think it’s a lesson we all have to hear moving forward.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • If Pat was the main protagonist of a Disney movie, how would it start? 13:42
  • What made Pat finally start his podcast? 18:39
  • What factors does Pat believe give his show staying power? 21:34
  • When it comes to SPI, who is Jess and how did her getting involved with the brand open doors to what it is today? 24:34
  • What were the indicators that it was time to start growing the SPI team? 27:36
  • How did Pat meet Matt Garland originally? 31:09
  • What tactics does SPI use to keep everyone working in their strengths? 35:01
  • What were some of the takeaways Pat had after doing the Income Stream daily for an entire year? 37:17
  • After doing the Income Stream for a year, does he prefer podcasting or the live stream? 40:39
  • How can someone realize when the business is ready for the solopreneur to take a step back? 42:37
  • How do you know it’s time to embrace collaborative teamwork? 45:54
  • Where does Pat see entrepreneurship after the pandemic and what does he want to do more of? 48:49
  • Who are Pat’s top 3 influential people who have helped him get to where he’s at today? 53:37
  • Who would cause Pat to be starstruck if he had the chance to interview them? 54:20
  • What’s the biggest plot twist Pat has seen in his professional life? 55:50
  • If Pat was sent back to January 1st 1990, what would he do to prepare? 59:40
  • How can someone be a difference maker in their community? 1:01:57

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Pat Online: SPI, Personal Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Cohost: Veronica Kirin
Powered By: SPI Pro
Pat’s 100th episode
Cliff Ravenscraft
SPI 115 – Jess comes on to the scene of SPI
Adam Baker – Man vs Debt
Bonusly
Clockwork – Mike Michalowicz
Decisive – Chip and Dan Heath
Ramit Sethi
Michael Hyatt
The Social Dilemma

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

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

How to Build a Blog in 4 Minutes:

What Pat Learned in 10 Years of SPI:

Pat’s Kids See his Book in a Bookstore

365 Minutes of the Income Stream on Day 365

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!

finding inner peace

Kira Leskew – Taking a Step Back to See the Big Picture: Finding Inner Peace in a World of Chronic Hustle and Burnout (AoL 199)

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A couple of books I’ve been reading recently are essentially about finding inner peace as a business owner. One is called Key Person of Influence, and the other is called OverSubscribed both by Daniel Priestley. One’s about becoming someone who creates opportunities in life through relationships while the other is about making you and your brand something so desired that there’s a waiting list. How are they about inner peace? Well, both of them are books essentially about anti-hustle. They’re books about working smarter, not harder. (They’re also both available on Scribed).

So many of us are used to working harder in our lives that we forget the price that we pay to do so.

I know I have. And I’ve realized that pushing the capacity of myself wasn’t really getting me further along. In fact, it was ruining not only my relationships but also my own physical wellbeing.

I first started on this path of discovery when I met this session’s guest, Kira Leskew in the summer of 2020. And while I was still trying to figure out what my next steps were, I was also trying to carry on all the other things that I was already doing.

After working with her for a few months to learn about Pranayama last fall, I have continued to use it and other tools to get the weight of the world off my shoulders.

I’ve realized (and I continue to realize) people who get to where many of us want to be – they don’t overwork themselves. In fact, according to Key Person of Influence, they do just the opposite.

In this episode, and as we close out season 5, I wanted to have Kira on to share with you some of the insight I’ve learned during this Pandemic stricken year. It really did allow me to slow down so I could speed up.

Listen in as she shares with us some of her thoughts on anti-hustle, being present, and keeping yourself from burning out.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • How did Kira get into teaching others about meditation? 14:03
  • What was the critical moment that made Kira consider meditation? 15:32
  • How did she realize that others would be interested in the same realizations she’s had? 20:25
  • A lot of times, business owners find themselves in the weeds of the business. How can they raise themselves up to see the bigger picture more frequently? 27:31
  • For people who have problems actually getting into meditation, what would Kira recommend to people to finally make it happen? 30:37
  • How is she addressing all the burnout that’s going on due to the pandemic? 36:01
  • How can business leaders who feel pulled in many directions be able to reset themselves? 39:30
  • What’s Kira excited about in the coming year? 47:31
  • Who are three influencers who helped Kira get to where she’s at today? 49:18
  • If she could ask anyone living or dead a question, who and what would it be? 50:09
  • What’s something Kira thinks is going to affect entrepreneurship in the future she’s excited about? 51:08
  • In the last 5 years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved Kira’s life? 51:35
  • What’s it mean to live a life of abundance? 53:43

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Kira Online: Website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube
Cohost: Veronica Kirin
Powered By: Groove Digital
Brushfire Marketing
Tim Cook announces Apple’s focus on Wellness
Maria Gonzales
Morrnah Nalamaku Simeona
Prahamahansa Yogananda

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

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Maria Gonzalez Interviews Kira:

Midlife Crisis Paradigm Changing:

Pranayama – Breathing to Calm (Neutralize energy)

Determine if you have Burnout in 2 Minutes

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!

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

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

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!

take care of yourself

Sameera Khan – Healthy Living for the Creative: Secrets from a Health Nutritionist to Take Care of Yourself (AoL 188)

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In 2020, it’s been relatively easy to put on a few pounds since we’re all more prone to living a sedentary lifestyle. That’s why the Quarantine 15 has become a thing. However, that’s really a bad excuse to not take care of yourself.

So, for the holidays, I wanted to make sure we released a conversation with someone who can help us work-o-holic creatives be a bit more mindful of how we’re treating ourselves during the last stretch of the year.

While our guest Sameera Khan typically works with bariatric surgery candidates, she has some great tips for the rest of us.

Listen in as Veronica and I explore a handful of tips we should keep in mind to keep ourselves from binging and/or staying on track for our holiday meal planning.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • What was the spark that drew Sameera towards a career in the health field? 11:03
  • How can someone become more aware of where they’re at in their own personal care? 15:52
  • How would the work-a-holic use this knowledge in their day to day? 18:31
  • What is someone facing when they’re looking at bariatric surgery? 21:40
  • What kind of actions does someone need to take after bariatric surgery to stay healthy? 26:00
  • Why would someone want to shift their carb intake and what are some tips someone can do that? 28:03
  • What is Sameera focused on for the rest of this year and going forward? 33:24
  • Which 3 books does Sameera find herself giving or telling others about the most? 35:30
  • Is there a documentary she recommends people check out? 36:17
  • What is something she believed as an 18 year but has realized is completely inaccurate and why? 37:17
  • Which three personal truths would Sameera want others to know? 38:52
  • What does it mean to live a life of abundance? 40:40

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Sameera Online: Website, Facebook, Instagram
Cohost: Veronica Kirin
Powered By: Uncover Your Personal Mission
Regain Be Gone (Amazon Link)
Obesity Code (Amazon Link)
Whole30
What the Health
Curiosity Stream (free with your subscription to Scribd!)

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

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Rob’s testimonial of the journey she’s been on with Sameera

Ed’s testimonial of Sameera’s work

Denise Walsh speaks with Sameera about Keeping Weight Off

Dr. Oz on the Paleo Diet

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!

creative thinking

Lois Stark – Shapes of Changing Times – Exploring Creative Thinking in an Uncertain World (AoL 185)

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It’s said that college can either teach you what to think or how to think. And in my case, I’d like to believe that it taught me how to think. But looking back, especially this past year, I’ve realized when it comes to creative thinking, my Purdue career might have failed me. Not because I didn’t get anything out of it. I did. However, when I got out of grad school, I found myself trying to build staircases out of information.

That’s just not how the world works. Especially when you’re trying to start or restart a business.

In fact, when you’re learning something new, using a circular or global way of learning to connect the dots might make more sense to utilize than a linear model.

In this session with Emmy award winning documentarian Lois Stark, Veronica and I chat with her about what what she’s learned about shapes and patterns in nature, and how those relate to our ability to think now and in the future.

Enjoy!

SPECIFICALLY, YOU’LL FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:

  • What fostered Lois’ interest in becoming a documentarian? 8:38
  • Are there specific ideas people can remember as their world continually shifts around them? 11:57
  • How can we get a little higher to see beyond the divisions of mankind? 24:11
  • How can adults reshape their mindset so we can access the future before it unfolds and possibly influencing it based on what we know from the past? 29:11
  • What advice would she give to business owners in riot zones who want to stay in business, but also need to be cautious about how they engage with their community? 41:32
  • What is Lois working on now and what does she expect for its impact in the future? 47:17
  • Who are three of Lois’ influencers or teachers who have helped her get to where she’s at today? 52:47
  • What are three books she gifts or tells others about? 56:51
  • In the last five years, which belief, behavior, or habit has most improved her life? 59:42
  • What happens regularly today which would horrify a person from 100 years ago? 1:01:35
  • How can someone be a difference maker in their community? 1:03:28

ITEMS and PEOPLE MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

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

SHOW NOTE EXTRAS:

Lois’ TEDx Presentation

Understanding Fractal Thinking with Keith McGreggor

Sir Ken Robinson on the Journey of Discovering Our Talents

Lois is interviewed by Eric Reid of Success 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!