Bold, emotional, and brutally honest—this episode rips back the curtain on business advice and coaching. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, "The Diary of a CEO" welcomes Mike Milan—known as “Cash Flow Mike”—who reveals the untold story behind his journey from state trooper to financial motivator.

Why do so many entrepreneurs ignore solid advice? What makes some finally take action? This episode is as much about emotional transformation as it is about balance sheets.

Mike shares his revolutionary "Elevation Sequence," a method forged on the front lines of human behavior, not just in boardrooms. Learn why most consultants get it wrong, why changing behavior is the only path to true business success, and how you can ignite breakthrough results in yourself and others.

What You'll Learn:

• Why business owners resist advice—and what really motivates change
• The Elevation Sequence: 8 actionable coaching steps to drive results
• How to create buy-in and ownership: the “Nudge Pact” and its real power
• Mike’s emotional lessons from hoarders, parenting, and policework
• A mindset shift: facilitating change instead of preaching answers

Timestamps:

• 00:01—From State Trooper to Cash Flow Coach: Mike’s unlikely journey
• 02:10—Why “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” is the advisor’s core challenge
• 05:25—Verbal Judo & The Art of Business Motivation
• 08:45—What Hoarders Can Teach Us About Business Owners
• 13:19—The Elevation Sequence: Eight Steps That Transform Clients
• 18:47—Emotion Meets Action: Connecting Money to Motivation
• 20:55—How to Unlock Commitment and Crush Resistance

Guest Links:

• Website: https://www.cashflowmike.com (free 7-minute cash flow lesson & digital resources)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cashflowmike
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashflowmike
• Books: