Change and Triumph with Tene Williams

In this episode of Change & Triumph, Tené Williams sits down with real estate developer Eugene Gershman to talk about family business, foreclosure, reinvention, and the future of real estate.

Eugene shares how growing up around the stress of construction pushed him away from the industry, only for him to later join the family business and spend more than two decades in development. After losing two projects to foreclosure, he was forced to rethink the business model, where he spent his time, and how he wanted to operate going forward.

He also explains how he now uses AI for feasibility, zoning research, bookkeeping, contract review, marketing, and podcast production.

This is a conversation about real estate, resilience, and knowing when to change the way you build.

(0:00) Introduction and Eugene’s early path: family construction roots, finance stint, and MBA

(3:05) The family project that drew Eugene into real estate and development

(5:06) Resisting the family business and new perspectives from business school

(8:55) Joining the company: paycheck, future upside, and legacy expectations

(10:32) Strategic shift: exiting construction to focus on development

(13:17) Building trusted teams, subcontractor relationships, and transparent pricing

(19:25) Evaluating contractor margins and fees in development deals

(20:56) Major business challenges and company pivot three years ago

(23:50) Staffing challenges as the market tightens and wages rise

(25:04) Project foreclosures and shutting down the construction company

(26:30) How cross-collateralized deals, refinancing, and interest rates caused failures

(28:35) Pivoting to consulting, ownership, and marketing in development

(31:47) The reality of development: balancing ease, difficulty, and risk

(33:38) What development really requires: time, money, risk tolerance, and strong teams

(37:05) Navigating market cycles, recession timing, and the impact of covid

(38:22) Using AI for feasibility, zoning research, bookkeeping, contracts, and editing

(44:16) Cost savings and human oversight: the realities of AI in development

(45:49) How AI is changing work for young developers and landowners

(47:58) Leveraging AI for content creation, podcast distribution, and PR

(49:00) Key prompts for city hall and zoning questions for land development

(50:46) Getting responses from permit reviewers and municipal staff

(52:15) Greatest change and triumph: returning to business basics

(53:52) Lessons from unfinished projects, foreclosure, and perspective

(54:42) Personal story: letting go of a property and its later return

(56:02) Final advice: develop your land and pay for implementation, not just advice

"Don’t get stuck at the back of a demographic wave — learn how to position yourself on the front of it."

Bob Peel talks about growing the business to 25 locations, later selling to Home Depot, and using demographic waves to spot opportunity before everyone else gets there.

(0:00) Introduction and guest background

(3:30) Early work experiences and developing work ethic

(7:05) Childhood aspirations and career changes

(10:27) Traveling through Europe at 17 and lessons learned

(14:12) Transitioning from travel to career

(22:19) Starting and growing own business after returning from Europe

(24:46) Learning from contractors and early business challenges

(26:04) Early career and joining the chamber of commerce

(27:00) Expanding the family business and managing multiple locations

(28:19) Importance of a business laboratory

(29:18) Selling the family business and coping with personal loss

(30:33) Understanding demographics and their impact on opportunities

(32:22) Staying ahead of demographic trends

(34:24) Challenges and strategies in real estate and other industries

(37:25) Generational dynamics and their impact on career opportunities

(40:05) Succession planning in organizations and personal experiences

(43:37) Balancing artistic passion with business responsibilities

(46:07) Learning from other industries and applying their solutions

(51:19) Lessons learned from past experiences

(53:57) Generational differences in dealing with inconvenience

(54:27) Gratefulness, responsibility, and perspective

(56:26) Importance of self-awareness and maintaining perspective

(59:51) Role of meditation and quiet time in problem-solving

(1:00:35) Gathering knowledge through reading and conversations

(1:05:46) Building meaningful customer relationships

(1:09:35) Reputation management in the small business world

(1:11:41) Value of an executive MBA program

(1:14:58) Educational opportunities for entrepreneurs

(1:17:23) Family sacrifices for entrepreneurship

(1:19:22) Importance of sleep and unconventional sleep patterns

(1:20:02) Split sleep habits developed in Europe

(1:20:45) Maintaining connections with MBA classmates

(1:22:02) Value of an MBA for entrepreneurs

(1:24:12) Planning and scaling a business

Brian Tankersley joins Change and Triumph to break down how cybersecurity has changed in the age of AI, why small businesses are more exposed than they think, and how hackers use social engineering, fake emails, spoofed texts, ransomware, and public data to target companies. He also shares how he moved from advertising into cybersecurity, why integrity matters in sales, and why protecting clients still requires real human communication, intuition, and trust.

(0:00) Selling what you believe in & leveraging client relationships

(1:23) Cyber attack and break-in story

(2:34) Common cybersecurity issues & social engineering attacks

(6:26) Doxxing explained

(8:21) Cybersecurity training and support for small businesses

(10:08) Impact of AI on cybersecurity

(13:02) Dollar a Day Plan for small business cybersecurity

(16:34) Personal experience with a DDoS attack

(19:26) Human elements in cybersecurity

(21:57) Advice for career reinvention

(27:10) Guest's children and their career paths

(28:08) Greatest change and triumph in life

(29:29) Shift in mindset towards helping others

(30:04) Love for Texas and New Mexico

Join Tené Williams as she welcomes Stephanie J. Bagot to discuss her inspiring journey from independent beginnings to a key figure in impact investing. They delve into Stephanie's early influences, her experiences with women's independence in 1980s France, and a life-changing visit to an African orphanage. Stephanie shares insights on balancing a big law career with pro bono work and the intricacies of business funding strategies. They explore the double bottom line of impact investing, AI's role in research, and address reduced aid from the US and Europe. Stephanie emphasizes small steps for global impact and her work with FINCA International.

(0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and early inspirations

(2:48) Growing up independently and lessons in self-reliance

(4:43) Women's independence in France during the 1980s

(6:00) Impact of early travel experiences

(7:02) Visiting an orphanage in Africa

(8:44) Balancing a career in big law with pro bono work

(10:32) Differences in business funding strategies

(12:11) Understanding impact investing and the double bottom line

(15:20) Example of successful impact investment

(19:45) Defining and measuring impact in impact investing

(24:35) Using AI in impact investing research and operations

(26:24) Ensuring AI does not replace human roles

(27:23) Filling gaps left by shrinking aid from the US and Europe

(29:03) Small steps to make a global impact

(29:46) Role of impact investing with Fina Ventures

(30:55) Greatest change and triumph in life

(32:24) Closing remarks and gratitude

Tené Williams chats with Stephanie J. Bagot about her journey from law to impact investing. Stephanie shares how her upbringing and travels shaped her perspective. They explore the intersection of justice and business, challenges for small businesses in impact investing, and the importance of defining and measuring success. Stephanie addresses misconceptions about returns, AI's role, and the need for human oversight. They also discuss filling gaps left by reduced aid from the US and Europe, and offer advice for making meaningful global contributions. The episode wraps up with reflections on intent, joy in work, and Stephanie's biggest changes and triumphs.

(0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and early life experiences

(2:18) Career change from law to impact investing

(4:33) Growing up independently and lessons learned

(6:03) Early travel and its influence

(8:33) Combining justice with business

(10:22) Challenges in impact investing for small businesses

(12:01) Defining, measuring, and misconceptions about impact investing

(16:17) Example of a successful impact investment

(19:54) Investor misconceptions and returns

(21:42) Evolution and future of impact investing

(24:48) Role of AI and importance of human oversight

(27:13) Filling the gap left by shrinking aid from the US and Europe

(28:54) Small steps for impactful global contributions

(30:02) Consistency of intent and finding joy in work

(30:45) Greatest change and greatest triumph

(32:14) Closing remarks and gratitude

Tené Williams converses with Todd Palmer about his journey from a traumatic childhood to entrepreneurial success. He opens up about overcoming self-doubt and financial struggles, sharing lessons learned from early business pitfalls. They delve into strategies for financial planning and the nuances of coaching startups versus lower middle market companies. Todd discusses adapting to change, repairing family relationships, and insights from Dr. Danny Friedland. They explore AI's impact on business and the active learning cycle. Todd shares his healing journey, personal growth, and introduces his upcoming book, "Traumapreneur," highlighting his greatest change and triumph.

(0:00) Welcome, guest introduction, and Todd Palmer's early life

(1:12) Todd Palmer's traumatic childhood experience

(3:29) Overcoming self-doubt: The "itty bitty shitty committee"

(5:10) Financial struggles and business management lessons

(7:14) Pitfalls and challenges of early entrepreneurial success

(10:27) Strategies for financial planning and diversification

(13:40) Coaching: Startups vs. lower middle market companies

(17:09) Adapting to change and learning from peers

(19:14) Biggest mistake and repairing family relationships

(24:43) Lessons from Dr. Danny Friedland

(30:09) Dealing with AI's impact and owner's guilt

(34:07) The active learning cycle explained

(37:00) Sponsor: Suck to Success (offered for free)

(39:04) Healing, self-worth, and personal growth

(40:49) Upcoming book: Traumapreneur

(41:32) Todd Palmer's greatest change and triumph

Tené Williams sits down with Sherilyn Williams Casiano to explore her journey from childhood in Antigua and St. Croix to a successful career in wealth management. They discuss Sherilyn's early career aspirations, lessons from her parents, and the work ethic developed through summer jobs. Sherilyn shares her experiences balancing work and education at Lehman College, transitioning to Manhattan, and joining KKR. The conversation touches on the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, founding Dynamic HQI, and wealth preservation strategies. They delve into building the DWIMS wealth management platform and integrating AI into modern business. Sherilyn offers advice on commercialization, exit strategies, and post-exit wealth management.

(0:00) Introduction and Sherlyn Williams Casiano’s background

(1:06) Resilience, wealth technology, and AI in decision making

(1:30) Childhood in Antigua, St. Croix, and family influences

(5:38) Early career aspirations and lessons from parents

(8:02) Summer job experience and work ethic

(10:07) Balancing work and education at Lehman College

(11:31) Transition to Manhattan and joining KKR

(14:29) Overview of KKR and its business operations

(18:09) Impact of the 2008 financial crisis on Bear Stearns

(20:47) Cultural dynamics and career progression at KKR

(22:58) Founding Dynamic HQI and its services

(25:21) Lessons from the 2008 financial crisis

(29:56) Preparing for unexpected crises

(31:28) Cash flow management and wealth preservation strategies

(33:34) The spender vs. saver mindset in wealth

(34:24) Building the DWIMS wealth management platform

(38:36) Integrating AI into wealth management

(40:49) The role of AI in modern business and career balance

(42:11) Advice for founders: commercialization and exit strategies

(45:32) Post-exit wealth management and special offer

(47:21) Greatest change and greatest triumph

Tené Williams engages with Antonio Garrido to explore his career journey and the founding of My Daily Leadership. Antonio shares stories of his humble beginnings, family influence, and valuable lessons from his father. They discuss insights drawn from architecture and leadership, as well as lessons learned from flying. Antonio recounts the challenges of starting a business in Miami and overcoming financial pressures, leading to a turning point in business growth. He introduces the "shark in the tank" strategy inspired by the Japanese fishing industry and the importance of bold actions in leadership. The episode reflects on personal change, triumph, and the legacy Antonio aims to leave for his family and business.

(0:00) Introduction and Antonio’s career journey

(2:55) Founding My Daily Leadership

(4:46) Humble beginnings and family influence

(7:38) Encouragement and lessons from Antonio’s father

(12:08) Insights from architecture and leadership

(17:34) Lessons learned from flying

(21:08) Starting a business in Miami and early challenges

(23:50) Overcoming struggles and financial pressures

(25:17) Turning point and business growth

(25:33) Story of the Japanese fishing industry

(31:09) Implementing the "shark in the tank" strategy

(33:07) Taking bold actions in leadership

(36:04) Invitation to My Daily Leadership session

(38:12) Reflections on change and triumph

(38:48) Greatest personal change and triumph

(41:14) Legacy, family, and business

(41:28) Final thoughts and gratitude

Tené Williams talks with Dr. Mitchell Levy about his journey from New York and New Jersey to becoming a successful entrepreneur. They cover his early influences, mentorship, and experiences at Sun Microsystems before founding his e-commerce consulting company. Dr. Levy shares insights on navigating the dot-com bubble, establishing over 20 companies, and executive abundance. The discussion includes the four C's of executive abundance, the importance of family, employees, and measuring success beyond finances. They also explore AI's role in business, its future, and the irreplaceable human touch in consulting. Dr. Levy discusses defining one's CPOP and historical technological shifts.

(0:00) Introduction, early influences, and integrity

(1:25) Business school and mentorship

(2:42) Growing up in New York and New Jersey

(4:16) Realizing ability to manage chaos

(6:44) Interviewing thought leaders on credibility

(10:19) Early career at Sun Microsystems

(12:27) Leaving corporate job to start own business

(14:48) Founding an e-commerce consulting company

(18:31) Navigating the dot-com bubble burst

(27:59) Establishing over 20 companies

(29:30) Publishing company and executive abundance

(31:06) Serving entrepreneurial and corporate communities

(32:42) Graduation and concept of executive abundance

(35:29) The four C's of executive abundance

(36:42) Importance of family and employees

(39:13) Short-termism and its effects

(43:04) Measuring success beyond financials

(45:02) Creating fulfilling work environments

(48:03) Starting with clarity for corporate success

(48:30) Personal perspective on AI vs. human threat

(51:03) Using AI for analysis and expert witness preparation

(54:12) Downsides and future of AI in society

(57:26) Connection between Terminator and The Matrix

(58:46) Using technology to add value in business

(59:00) The irreplaceable human touch in consulting

(1:01:29) Defining and articulating your CPOP

(1:03:30) Historical technological shifts and their impact

(1:04:21) Executive Abundance as a roadmap for the future

Join Tené Williams as she chats with Collete English Dixon about her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to real estate leader. Collete shares her experiences during the financial crisis, Prudential's strategic shifts, and the resilience required to stay in the industry. They discuss real estate's long-term nature, AI's role in decision-making, and blending tech with human insight. The episode also covers AI's impact on education, the significance of socially conscious leadership, age diversity in real estate, and community development. Collete reflects on affordable housing challenges and her greatest achievements.

(0:00) Introduction and meeting Colette Dixon

(1:34) Colette's career journey: from aspiring lawyer to real estate

(4:22) Experiencing and navigating the great financial crisis in real estate

(7:02) The crisis’ impact on commercial real estate sectors

(10:18) Choosing to stay in real estate through industry challenges

(12:21) Prudential's shift to financial services and real estate investment

(16:04) Real estate investment: long-term nature and market cycles

(18:41) The impact of AI on real estate and decision-making

(22:20) Balancing human intelligence and AI in companies

(23:08) AI integration and implications in university education

(25:41) Adapting university assessments for the AI era

(27:51) Preparing for downturns in the real estate market

(32:08) Fostering socially conscious leadership in real estate

(36:34) Age diversity in Roosevelt University’s real estate programs

(37:42) Community partnerships and funding for neighborhood development

(42:18) Challenges in affordable housing development

(42:33) Colette’s greatest changes and triumphs