Beyond 8 Figures

Contrary to the belief that focusing on purpose detracts from profitability, many purpose-driven companies experience robust financial performance. A strong focus on creating a positive impact can differentiate a company in a crowded marketplace, attract loyal customers, and drive sustainable growth. As Dominnique Karetsos has seen with Healthy Pleasure Group, profit with purpose is not just possible - it can open up new revenue streams and market opportunities, put companies at the forefront of innovation, and help them attract like-minded partners and investors.  

About Dominnique Karetsos

Dominnique Karetsos is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in more than 40 markets. She founded Healthy Pleasure Group and co-founded Minthub, focusing on building a global ecosystem for sexual health and technology. Dominnique is also a General Partner at Amboy Street Ventures, the first fund dedicated to investing in sexual health and women's health technology. 

Known for her knack for spotting trends and reshaping brand strategies, she helps startups and established brands grow and thrive. With degrees in international marketing, management, and advanced supply chain management, Dominnique blends her diverse skills to lead with vision and purpose. She's passionate about driving social change and innovation in the sexual health industry, making a real difference in people's lives.

Key Insights:

• Stay consumer-centric. Always focus on your customers' real needs. Listening to them and adapting your products or services accordingly is a sure way to set you apart from competitors.
• Create a culture of inclusivity. Make diversity a priority and ensure that all employees feel valued and respected, which can enhance creativity and innovation.
• Embrace compassionate leadership. Practice empathy in your interactions. Listen to your team’s concerns and show understanding. Higher employee morale, better collaboration, and lower turnover are likely to follow!
• Stay agile and adapt quickly. Be willing to pivot and adapt based on market trends and feedback. Use agile methodologies to manage projects. Your company is more likely to survive and thrive when it can swiftly respond to market changes.
• Leverage your unique story. A distinctive brand that resonates emotionally with your audience will set you apart from competitors. Use your personal and company story to build a unique brand identity. Share your journey and mission openly so that people know where you stand. 

Dominnique's best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Dominnique Karetsos:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram
• X

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Sustainable growth hinges on leadership tactics that delegate authority and responsibility.  Adam Sandman’s journey of  bootstrapping, diversifying markets, and building a strong global team, demonstrated that smart, intentional decisions are what drive long-term success. His approach to leadership—decentralized, customer-focused, and growth-oriented—is what empowers teams to innovate and adapt, ensuring the company remains resilient and competitive in a global marketplace.

About Adam Sandman

Adam Sandman is the founder and CEO of Inflectra, a company that creates tools for software testing and automation. His journey with programming started when he was just ten, making computer games for fun. Later, he studied Physics at Oxford University but realized that working in labs wasn’t for him. So, he moved to the U.S. to follow his passion for technology.

One of Adam’s first big roles was at Sapient, where he worked on projects for the U.S. Marine Corps. Eventually, he decided to start his own company, and that’s how Inflectra came to be. What began as a small business grew into a leader in the software industry. Adam’s focus has always been on creating innovative products and expanding the business. Today, Inflectra is known around the world for its top-notch software management tools.

Key Insights:

• Start small, stay in control. Build your business without relying on outside funding so you can make decisions that align with your long-term goals. This way, you maintain control over your company’s direction and can grow at your own pace.
• Mix up your client base. Diversify your client portfolio by balancing startups with more established companies to provide stability and reduces the risk of losing significant revenue during market downturns.
• Build strong partnerships. Develop relationships with partners who can help you reach new customers and expand your business. These partnerships can act as a force multiplier, amplifying your sales and marketing efforts.
• Define your sales process. Before hiring salespeople, map out your sales process and understand the specific roles needed. Make sure you hire the right people for the right tasks and avoid costly mistakes.
• Focus on customer needs. Prioritize building products and services that truly meet your customers’ needs, even if it goes against industry trends. A customer-focused approach builds loyalty and drives long-term success.

Adam's best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Adam Sandman:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Instagram

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

Building wealth isn’t just about making money but managing it wisely. Mike Brown, entrepreneur, investor and wealth coach, found out post-exit from his company that without proper financial strategies, you can quickly lose it all. Luckily for him, Mike used his setbacks to build a comprehensive wealth-preserving strategy, which he now shares with other entrepreneurs to help them avoid his mistakes and build lasting financial stability. 

About Mike Brown

Mike Brown is a successful entrepreneur and investor, who started his career as a Navy pilot flying  F/A-18 Super Hornets. After leaving the military, Mike entered the oil and gas industry and built an eight-figure investment firm, which he sold in 2019. Facing financial challenges after the sale, Mike learned the importance of smart money management, which he now uses in his coaching program Unbreakable Wealth to help other entrepreneurs build and manage their finances.

Key Insights:

• Diversify but don’t overdo it. Avoid putting too much of your money into high-risk investments. A balanced approach helps you grow wealth steadily without unnecessary stress.
• Examine your money habits. Take a hard look at your relationship with money and how it influences your decisions. Fixing any unhealthy habits can prevent future financial headaches.
• Set realistic financial goals. Figure out what you truly need to be happy. Clear, achievable goals give you direction and purpose. It’s not always about having more money, but about having enough to meet your needs and desires.
• Seek advice from experts. Their insights can help you adopt effective wealth management practices and avoid common mistakes. Learning from others’ experiences can save you time and money.
• Prioritize your core business. Your main business is your best investment. Focus on growing and strengthening it before spreading your resources too thin in unrelated ventures. This ensures sustainable growth and stability for the long haul.

Mike’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Building lasting wealth is not rocket science. Sign up for Unbreakable Wealth’s coaching program to learn exactly how you create a stable financial future, and don't forget to mention "Beyond 8 Figures" for a special bonus!

Subscribe to Mike’s free weekly finance newsletter 

Connect with Mike Brown:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X
• Website

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

Even if you run a profit-first business, you can still create a lot of good in your community. And the good news is that it doesn't affect your bottom line. If anything, it can significantly improve the chances of lasting growth for your business. Take Mike Smith, for example. Mike built Rabble Mill and Bay High into thriving organizations that focus on youth empowerment and community impact through innovative programs and spaces. His approach to solving real-world problems and building strong community connections is a perfect example of how aligning your business with meaningful impact can drive both social and financial success.

About Mike Smith

Mike Smith is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to making a difference. As co-founder of Rabble Mill and founder of The Bay and Skate For Change, he empowers youth through creative programs. With Stanford certification in Design Your Life and as a StoryBrand guide, Mike helps others find their path and tell their stories effectively.

But what’s amazing about Mike is that his actions speak louder than his words. He’s skated 430 miles across Nebraska and lived homeless for 30 nights to raise funds, showing his commitment and unconventional approach. Mike’s relatable and practical strategies make him a valuable mentor for anyone looking to grow their business and create community impact.

Key Insights:

• Create repeatable models. Develop and document successful business processes that can be easily replicated. This allows you to efficiently scale operations, whether opening new locations or expanding services, reducing costs and increasing profits.
• Network with purpose. Attend industry conferences, local business events, and networking meetups. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals, partnerships, and new business opportunities that drive growth.
• Be ready to adapt. Stay flexible and open to change by regularly reviewing and adjusting your business strategies. This helps you stay ahead of industry trends, better respond to market shifts, and maintain a competitive edge.
• Measure success your way. Develop metrics that go beyond financial performance to include what truly matters to your business. This can help to differentiate your brand, attract customers who value corporate responsibility, and ensure your success aligns with your core values and mission.
• Stay transparent and authentic. Be open about your business practices and the impact you’re making. Authenticity builds trust with customers and stakeholders, fostering long-term loyalty and support.

Mike’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Resources mentioned:

• StoryBrand
• The Harbor

Connect with Mike Smith:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Website

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

If I can give one piece of advice, it’s to make data-driven decisions. Data on market trends and customer needs has moved my business forward. Trust the data! I spoke with Austin Linney, a seasoned innovator and entrepreneur, who shared how data helped him pivot from real estate to business acquisitions. By integrating data into every step of his business process, he was able to optimize operations, reduce risks, and build a resilient company. Today, he’s sharing how you can do it, too. 

About Austin Linney

Austin Linney is a serial entrepreneur, real estate investor, and host of the "Construct Your Life with Austin Linney" podcast. He has built several successful businesses, including Crementum Capital Holdings, and helped numerous people break through obstacles to achieve their goals.

But Austin’s life wasn’t always easy. He struggled with negative thoughts, self-sabotage, and alcohol addiction, which led to financial troubles and poor relationships. Hitting rock bottom, he decided to change his mindset and life, and now he focuses on helping others build businesses, achieve financial freedom, and grow personally.

Key Insights:

• Deliver great service. Positive customer reviews and feedback are critical indicators of business success as they build trust, attract new customers, and signal high-quality service.
• Balance big dreams with practical choices. Pick projects that make sense both financially and operationally. Austin compares the flashy appeal of big commercial jobs to the stability of residential projects in his business. 
• Use data wisely. Let data guide your decisions. Keep track of key metrics like call volumes and customer feedback to understand business trends and make informed choices about the next steps you want to take.
• Contribute to your community. Creating jobs and a positive impact not only adds to your business success but also fosters a positive social impact. This way, you build a loyal customer base and create a thriving environment that benefits everyone involved.
• Plan for the long term. Building a successful business takes time. I don’t believe in overnight success, and Austin also highlighted how planning ahead and being patient through the growth process can set you up for success.

Austin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Austin Linney:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• X
• Website

Resources mentioned:

• *Buy then Build book

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

*Affiliate 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. 

In 2014, after selling my NYC agency, I decided that from then on, I would rely on a fully remote team for my business efforts. For me,  hiring global workers isn't just about cutting costs—it’s a strategic move to tap into diverse talents and create more flexibility. And you won’t believe what amazing people you can find out there! I’m not the only one who thinks so. Recently, I talked to my lifelong friend and outstanding entrepreneur, Kevin Ashcroft, about leveraging global talent for business efficiency. He built his whole team at WP Support Specialists using this model and made it his priority to help other digital business owners scale their companies with global talent. 

About Kevin Ashcroft

Kevin Ashcroft began his entrepreneurial journey at 19. After selling his IT business in 2011, Kevin started Blinkered Media, focusing on marketing strategy and WP Support Specialists, which offers a wide range of WordPress services. Now living in Spain, Kevin keeps busy with his location-independent ventures and supports other entrepreneurs in optimizing their operations and scaling globally. He also wrote a book, *"Outsourcing For Success," which offers practical advice on growing your business with global workers. You can check out our previous interview with Kevin here. 

Key Insights:

• Start small. Outsource small, non-core tasks that do not require full-time attention but are essential, such as graphic design or copywriting, so you can get comfortable managing a remote team and perfect your leadership style.
• Focus on value, not just cost. While hiring global workers can be cost-effective, the primary focus should be on the value they add. If you go for the cheaper option, you might spend even more when the work is not up to your standards.
• Build a remote team culture. Support your remote workers by emphasizing communication, trust, and performance regardless of geographic location. Just because people are not in the same office, it doesn’t mean they can’t connect on a deeper level.
• Implement a strong onboarding process. Properly onboard and train remote employees to ensure they understand company processes, tools, and expectations, which can significantly improve their effectiveness and integration into the team and save you time.
• Perform performance reviews, monitor the results, and make necessary tweaks. This may mean renegotiating terms, choosing new providers, or shifting tasks to in-house teams.

Kevin’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Get Kevin’s book *"Outsourcing For Success"

Connect with Kevin Ashcroft:

• LinkedIn
• Website
• WP Support Specialists

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

*Affiliate 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. 

The more experience I have in being an entrepreneur, the more I see the importance of diversification in my investment strategies. It's not just about spreading your money across different stocks or sectors; it's about creating a safety net that can withstand market volatility and support your entrepreneurial efforts. My latest conversation with Ben Fraser from Aspen Funds is exactly about how spreading investments across different sectors can really protect your wealth and help you build a resilient portfolio. 

About Ben Fraser

Ben Fraser is the Chief Investment Officer at Aspen Funds, where he helps investors diversify investments beyond Wall Street. To date, Ben's firm has managed over $150 million in investor capital and achieved a strong track record of delivering outstanding client service and impressive returns through out-of-the-box investments. 

Ben is also the host of the popular podcast "Invest Like a Billionaire," where he shares valuable insights on building and preserving wealth. He emphasizes the importance of diversification, leveraging expertise, and understanding macroeconomic trends. One of his unique approaches includes offering tax benefits through real estate investments, which can significantly reduce taxable income for entrepreneurs.

Key Insights:

• What are your investment goals? Think long and hard about what you want to do with your investments. Understanding what you want and need beforehand allows you to build for the long term and not scattershot your investments. 
• Consider macro trends. Don't ignore larger economic trends. Identifying growing markets and macro-driven opportunities can help you make smarter investments and find unexpected opportunities.
• Diversify your investments. Instead of reinvesting all profits into the business, create diversified investments and income streams. This will build more external stability and preserve your wealth​ but also help you reduce stress if something goes wrong with your business. 
• Educate yourself. Spend time learning how to grow, preserve, and invest money effectively. DIY investing is becoming more popular, and understanding investment basics can lead to better financial control and decision-making​.
• Leverage other people's expertise. When entering new investment areas like real estate, consider partnering with or investing through experienced firms to avoid a steep learning curve and mitigate risks​.
• Plan for the future. Teach financial principles and investment strategies to your children. Help them understand the importance of creating value and contributing to the economy rather than just consuming resources.

Ben’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Ben Fraser:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website
• Invest Like a Billionaire Podcast

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

There’s a moment in every entrepreneur's journey when clarity hits, and for many, it’s realizing the potential of data-driven business insights. This week, I’m excited to have this conversation with Suneera Madhani, the founder of Stax and CEO School, who used it to predict market trends, understand customer behavior, and streamline operations. This strategic shift propelled her ventures to success and now guides the growth of her current fintech enterprise Worth AI. 

About Suneera Madhani

Suneera Madhani's entrepreneurial journey began with her founding Stax (formerly Fattmerchant), a revolutionary payment platform she grew from a fledgling idea to processing over $5 billion in payments. Her innovative approach to blending technology with financial services not only transformed how small businesses manage transactions but also was got her recognised by Entrepreneur Magazine among the 100 Most Influential Women. 

A recipient of many accolades, including a spot on Fortune's prestigious 40 under 40 list, Suneera is driven by a passion for empowering women in business. Her commitment extends beyond her ventures, as she continually seeks ways to help women entrepreneurs have it all. Today, Suneera leads Worth AI, leveraging artificial intelligence to further innovate business operations.

Key Insights:

• Don’t Skip Data Standardization. Standardize the data collection and analysis processes across your business to ensure consistency and accuracy. This makes it easier to compare metrics over time, leading to more informed decision-making and improved strategic planning.
• Focus on Execution. Put extra effort into the practical implementation of ideas and plans. Effective execution involves monitoring progress, making timely adjustments, and holding the team accountable, which are crucial for turning visions into reality and achieving business goals.
• Be Intentional with Growth Strategies. Clearly define your growth objectives and develop targeted strategies to achieve them. This includes identifying key markets, setting measurable goals, and allocating resources strategically to maximize ROI and sustain long-term growth.
• Simplify Business Processes. Look for ways to simplify operations to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This could involve cutting unnecessary steps, automating tasks, or reorganizing teams to better align with your business goals.
• Empower and Inspire Teams. Foster a supportive and motivating work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Empowered teams with a clear sense of purpose and commitment are more likely to contribute positively to the business’s success and adapt quickly to changes.

Suneera’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Suneera Madhani:

• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• Worth AI
• CEO School

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

It's the Fourth of July this week in the US, so I'm celebrating America's birthday with my family. Meanwhile, I wanted to find a great episode from our vaults to help you grow your brand. This one features Ray Mendez from Masa&Boz, my old friend and branding genius. In this episode, Ray shares his expertise in strategic decision-making and transformative branding and discusses how understanding core values, leveraging AI, and focusing on sustainable growth helps in building a successful brand.

About Ray Mendez

Ray Mendez is a partner at Masa&Boz, where he crafts strategies to help businesses connect with their customers. He's an expert in brand prototyping, strategy, and workshop leadership. Ray's impressive resume includes roles as a Creative Director at top firms like TBWA and Saatchi & Saatchi, and he has worked with global brands such as Apple and Greenpeace. He also teaches at Pratt Institute, sharing his knowledge from a Master of Fine Arts at Syracuse University. Known for his creative solutions and high standards, Ray believes in bringing brands to life with passion and innovation.

Key Insights:

• Empower your business. Take control of your strategy and let external agencies help you articulate your vision by asking the right questions. This way, you maintain authenticity and ensure your business’s mission and values guide your growth.
• Leverage technology. Using AI to deepen your brand's creative opportunities helps you pinpoint key areas for improvement and enhancement, making your branding efforts more effective and resonant with your target audience.
• Balance creativity with analytics. Combining creativity with data ensures your marketing is both imaginative and effective, attracting more customers and driving better results.
• Measure effectiveness. Continuously analyzing your marketing efforts ensures they align with your goals, allowing you to make informed adjustments and achieve optimal outcomes.
• Choose long-term sustainability. Focusing on the long game leads to steady and reliable growth, ensuring your business remains robust and competitive over time. As good as overnight success sounds, it’s not likely to get you far. 

Ray’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Connect with Ray Mendez:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website

Potential clients are within reach, but how do you make them loyal customers? In this episode, I talk with Karen Briscoe, a mega real-estate agent, successful author, and coach who shares how personalized follow-ups and scalable systems help to convert leads into lifelong clients in real estate and beyond. 

About Karen Briscoe

Karen Briscoe is the creator of the innovative "5 Minute Success" concept, which simplifies the path to success in both business and life. Her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her real estate career, where she leads a top-performing team and consistently sells over $100 million each year. Karen's methods have proven effective not only in her field but as a blueprint for others in various industries, making her a sought-after coach and podcast host. 

Karen's work and books focus on essential themes for business growth: generating leads, mastering sales, building connections, and fostering a success-oriented mindset. Each book, like Real Estate Success in 5 Minutes a Day and Consult to Sell: 66 Day Challenge®, is designed to help readers learn and apply new skills daily in manageable steps. Her latest book, Flip Time / Love Life, expands on this by showing how to balance professional achievements with personal happiness, encouraging readers to succeed in business while also enjoying life. Well worth checking out.

Key Insights:

• Use your time wisely. Break tasks into smaller parts and set strict deadlines. Focus on one thing at a time and use time blocks to get more done to stay productive and less stressed.
• Be ready to adapt. Stay flexible and open to change, especially in industries prone to fluctuations. Monitor market trends and customer feedback. Review your business strategy regularly to make changes and stay ahead of the competition.
• Learn a bit every day. Spending just five minutes daily improving your business knowledge can go a long way. Read an article, listen to a quick podcast, or watch a short video—this keeps you sharp and creative.
• Collaborate with others. Find other businesses to work with to boost your reach and offer better services. Partner up for joint promotions, events, or bundled services. Focus on collaborations that can help you tap into new customer bases.
• Have a conversion strategy. Make sure you have a plan to turn leads into paying customers. Follow up quickly, personalize your approach, and keep in touch. CRM tools can make this process easier.

Karen’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Read Karen’s book “Flip Time / Love Life: A Heroine’s Journey - A 5 Minute Success Story”

Connect with Karen Briscoe:

• Instagram
• X
• LinkedIn
• Website

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• LinkedIn
• X
• Website