How do you transform fear into fuel for your business? In this episode of Bridging the Divide, host Rolando Bonilla tackles the often-misunderstood world of sales. Rolando shares candid insights from his 15+ years as an entrepreneur, confronting the myth that “great ideas sell themselves” and explaining why the real differentiator between having an idea and having a business comes down to one thing: getting customers.

Explore why selling is not about being “an icky salesperson,” but about offering value, educating your market, and serving as your own best brand ambassador. Through personal stories and practical advice, discover:

• The critical role of your own network in building a sales pipeline
• Why rejection is a necessary step—often turning into opportunity when approached with resilience
• How to move past excuses and the “fear factor” that stops entrepreneurs from achieving their goals
• The importance of direct engagement and authentic conversations over passive marketing tactics

Whether you’re launching your first venture or looking to grow your existing business, this episode provides actionable strategies to overcome sales anxiety, embrace the challenge of rejection, and create genuine momentum. Tune in and learn how to bridge the gap between vision and reality—one meaningful conversation at a time.

In this episode, host Rolando Bonilla dives deep into one of the most frequently asked questions from listeners: How critical is mentorship in building a business? Rolando breaks down the real-world value of mentorship—not just as a formal relationship, but as an evolving, everyday practice.

He challenges traditional notions of what a mentor looks like and shares personal stories from his early career at San Francisco City Hall to starting and scaling his own company. Rolando emphasizes that mentorship can take many forms—from books and YouTube videos to casual conversations at events, and that knowledge is often more valuable than capital in the early stages of entrepreneurship.

You’ll walk away from this episode with practical insights on:

• Why mentorship matters more than ever
• How to build your own “kitchen cabinet” of advisors
• The importance of preparation when seeking help
• How strong relationships lead to stronger businesses

Whether you're just starting out or already on your journey, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice to help you build the relationships—and the mindset—you need to thrive.

In this special Q&A episode, Rolando Bonilla answers real questions from aspiring entrepreneurs tackling some of the biggest challenges in starting a business. From the myth of work-life balance to what to do when your business still hasn’t gained traction after years of effort, Rolando offers no-fluff, honest advice grounded in experience. He also dives into how to turn your side hustle into a full-time business, with the mindset and discipline required to make it happen. Whether you’re just starting out or stuck at a crossroads, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, Rolando responds to a powerful listener question: "If this podcast is about bridging the economic divide, when are you going to talk about the bigger systemic issues?"

His answer? We can’t address systemic challenges without first tackling the most overlooked barrier of all—access to knowledge.

You don’t need a business degree or insider connections to start building your future. But you do need the right information, broken down clearly and accessibly. That’s what this podcast is here for.

Rolando lays out why the real divide often begins before the funding, the mentorship, or the network—even before you take your first step.

This episode is a call to action: Get on the field. Learn. Start. Then surround yourself with the right people to help you grow.

In this episode of Bridging the Divide, host Rolando Bonilla shifts the conversation from mindset to money, specifically, how to capitalize your business and build sustainable cash flow. Rolando reminds listeners that being a small business is not a limitation—it’s a powerful position in the economy.

He shares hard-won lessons on the importance of starting local, focusing on value, and building trust through real relationships, not viral marketing or flashy investor pitches. Through personal stories and relatable examples, Rolando encourages entrepreneurs to lean into their networks, deliver outstanding service, and grow one customer at a time. This is the real work of building a business, and it starts with you.

In this powerful kickoff to the Bridging the Divide Podcast, host Rolando Bonilla gets real about one of the biggest fears entrepreneurs face: failure. Drawing from his own journey, including failed ventures, personal setbacks, and a non-traditional path to earning his law degree. Rolando shares how embracing failure as learning opportunities, not defeat, can be a catalyst for growth.

He reflects on the importance of focus, resilience, and surrounding yourself with the right support system. Listeners will walk away with a mindset shift: failure isn’t the end—it's part of the process. Whether you're building a business or rebuilding your confidence, this episode will remind you that the road to success is never a straight line, and that’s okay.

In the premiere episode of Bridging the Divide, host Rolando Bonilla sets the tone for what this podcast is all about: breaking down the barriers that keep everyday people from building successful businesses. Drawing on over 15 years of entrepreneurial experience—and a lifetime of hustle—Rolando shares his personal journey from paperboy to Business Owner and explains why he's launching this podcast now.

You'll hear why mentorship, access, and community are the foundation of real business success, and how this show aims to provide exactly that. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just real-world advice from someone who’s been in the trenches.

What You’ll Learn:

• Rolando’s entrepreneurial roots and business philosophy
• The gaps that exist in access to capital, mentorship, and opportunity
• Why honest, experience-driven mentorship is more important than ever
• The vision behind Bridging the Divide and what’s coming in future episodes