Most people believe retirement means working 40 years, saving slowly, and hoping the market cooperates.

But what if that entire model is outdated?

In this episode of Beyond Average to Great, Ryan D. Lee breaks down why traditional retirement advice keeps people stuck—and how shifting your focus from age to income can radically accelerate your path to financial freedom.

We talk about:
 • Why the 65-year retirement plan may be a myth
 • The biggest mistake middle-class earners make
 • How to think like the wealthy when it comes to income
 • What it really takes to retire in 10 years or less

If you've been doing everything “right” but still feel behind financially, this conversation will challenge your thinking—and give you a new roadmap forward.

It’s time to stop playing defense with money… and start building freedom on purpose.

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Connect with Ryan:

@theryandlee

wealthoutsidewallstreet.com

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“As we head into a new year, most people are setting goals.
 They want to save more, get out of debt, feel less stressed about money.

But here’s the truth—most people don’t have a budgeting problem.
 They have an income problem.

Grant Cardone teaches that wealth is built in a specific order:
 Income first. Then saving. Then investing. Then multiplying.

And today, we’re going to challenge some average thinking around money.
 Because you don’t budget your way to freedom—you earn, invest, and grow your way there.

I’m joined today by Elsha Kim, a licensed financial professional, and we’re going to have a real conversation about income, investing, and how to set financial goals that actually work—so this year isn’t just another reset, but a breakthrough.”

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Connect with Elsha

IG:  @elsha.kim

Elsha Kim is an entrepreneur and financial educator who helps people think long-term about money, ownership, and stewardship. She’s passionate about helping people step into their God-given purpose and take bold, wise risks.

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IG: @markjean23 - personal
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Facebook: mark.jean.792
IN: mark-jean-6190249/
Website: markjean23.com - personal
Website: ardentintegrated.com - business

Greatness isn’t talent alone — it’s mindset, discipline, and daily decisions.

On this episode of Beyond Average to Great, I sit down with performance coach Stephanie Hajjar, who works with musicians, actors, and athletes to help them break through mental barriers and perform at their highest level.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or under pressure — this conversation is for you.

Connect with Stephanie:

IG: @coachstephhajjar

Stephaniehajjar.com 

Youtube: The Pursuing Excellence Podcast

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Website: markjean23.com - personal
Website: ardentintegrated.com - business

In this episode we explore how Steve Smith, CEO of Atlanta Technology Contractors, built and scaled his tech company. We discuss his strategies for expanding market presence and building high-performing teams, sharing insights on achieving exceptional performance in the tech industry.

Steve Smith is the CEO and Co-Founder of Atlanta Technology Contractors in Atlanta, Georgia — an entrepreneurial leader with a powerful track record of scaling companies, expanding market presence, and driving profitability. He’s known for his ability to cast a clear vision, build high-performing teams, and lead organizations to exceptional performance.

Contact:   [email protected] 

 Website:  atlantatechnologycontractors.com 

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Trading a potential college degree for a one-way ticket in the business jungle and starting Raven Ads with less than $20 in my pocket at the age of 18 was the toughest, yet best decision I ever made.
 
 All I had was a dream, drive and a laptop. I had many failures, and a few wins.

Stanko discusses..... 

Sales, at its core, is about assisting people in making informed decisions. If you genuinely believe your product or service can solve a problem, it becomes a moral obligation to help them.

How to attract your ideal client for high tickets offers

And how to make informed decisions when it comes to building your brand.
 
Connect with Stanko at:  

https://www.ravenads.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stankomrakovic/

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IN: mark-jean-6190249/
Website: markjean23.com - personal
Website: ardentintegrated.com - business

Meet the 18 year old that built a 6 figure business while still in High School.

Jaden Bottarini, is a 7-time national champion gymnast, and the founder of two ventures—The Bottarini Marketing Group, a full-service social media marketing agency, and The Believers, a faith-driven clothing brand. I’ve always believed that age doesn’t limit impact. My passion, discipline, and relentless ambition fuel everything I do. Whether it’s building brands or breaking barriers, I’m here to lead with purpose and hustle.

Connect with Jaden:

IG: @jadenbottarini

Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaden-bottarini-79700929b/

https://www.bottarinimarketing.com/

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Ken Miller, CFRE is a dynamic trainer, speaker, author and consultant. As the president of Denali FSP LLC Consultants, he leads transformative strategies, empowering organizations and associations across sectors.  

Ken shares his journey through trials, growth, self discovery, and finding hope in adversity.

Ken talks about his new book, Becoming Ken.

“Becoming Ken” is a brutally honest memoir chronicling Ken Miller's journey from a promising Ivy League student to a crack-addicted homeless man—and ultimately to a thriving nonprofit leader and inspirational speaker. It is a story of trauma, descent, redemption, and the power of grace and truth to rebuild a shattered life.

Core Messages:

• Truth Heals: Radical honesty—about your past, your pain, and your responsibility—is the doorway to transformation.

• No One Is Beyond Redemption: Even in the darkest moments, change is possible. There’s always a way back.

• Self-Forgiveness is Key: Healing begins when you stop running from your past and start forgiving yourself.

• Service as Salvation: Helping others is a powerful way to heal your own wounds and find meaning in your scars.

• Belonging is a Lifelong Quest: True belonging starts within—by owning your story and choosing love over fear.

Connect with Ken:

https://www.facebook.com/thekenmillerspeaks/

https://www.instagram.com/thekenmillerspeaks/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kenmillerspeaks/

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Website: ardentintegrated.com - business

David Meyer is the Vice President Multi-Family Operations at Courtesy Electric Company based in Denver Colorado.   With his leadership he helped the company grow from 40 employees to over 200 employees.

David discusses the career path for electricians and how to stand out in your company to get promoted.  The skills required to scale a business to 200 plus employees.  Boosting your profits with Service Agreements and more.

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Crestron's Sr. Marketing Director, Michael Short, shares his insights on the future of Home Automation and the roll A.I. will play in it.

 Michael is a highly accomplished marketing and communications executive with over two decades of experience building successful brands and leading high-performing teams.  He's currently the Senior Director Marketing of Operations and Residential at Crestron Electronics, the world leader in Content, Collaboration and Control solutions for Homes, Super Yachts and Corporations around the world. Michael is a passionate and enthusiastic leader who thrives on driving change, leading from the front and launching products & solutions that change the game in the industries he works in.

www.crestron.com/Products/Market-Solutions/Crestron-Home
www.crestron.com/Products/Market-Solutions/Marine
www.crestron.com/Products/Market-Solutions/MDU-Solutions

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Website: markjean23.com - personal
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Michael is an experienced innovator and growth strategist with a track record of delivering results. As Vice President at Fassberg, Michael transforms ideas into reality and supports the effective planning and development of every project. His methods give Fassberg a unique edge with each and every project they are engaged in, and encompass a highly collaborative approach to commercial construction.
 
 A creative-thinker and problem-solver who is dedicated to accomplishing whatever task is in front of him, Michael brings over 18 years in the real estate industry and a refreshing perspective to the table for every one of FASSBERG’s projects. Michael’s passion for construction and development was brought to the surface while working with owners and developers throughout his career and representing many prominent multi-family buildings, both in his hometown of Toronto Canada, and across the Los Angeles area.
 
 Michael lives in beautiful Santa Monica with his wife Jennifer, a family law attorney/mediator, his two kids, and Archie…his Aussie Labradoodle. Michael is a licensed private pilot and holds a Part 107 Certificate for unmanned aircraft (drones).

Connect with Michael:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwinestone
https://buildfassberg.com/
Email: [email protected]

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Website: markjean23.com - personal
Website: ardentintegrated.com - business