Create Your Life Series

By Kevin Y. BrownBusiness Entrepreneurship Health & Fitness Mental Health Education How To

Create Your Life Series episodes

February 23, 2018CYLS 106: Love & CEOing - Secrets to Balancing Love and Entrepreneurship
Episode Summary
Kevin, Eric Fondren and Todd Wahnish team up with their wives Melissa Wahnish and Danielle Fondren to discuss love and how their relationships are impacted by having entrepreneurs in the family.

Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Melissa Wahnish
Melissa Wahnish is the founder of RubyThursday, a free weekly online show that gives junior Rails developers bite sized tutorials, tips and tricks to help them grow. Along with her husband, she builds startups for non-technical entrepreneurs.

Eric Fondren
Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers.

Todd Wahnish
Todd Wahnish is the Founder of cleverera.com.. He is an award winning artist, animator and product designer having created notable works for Marvel Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and artist Jeff Koons. He holds a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art, is married to his beautiful co-founder and loves making things people want through story centered design.

Danielle Fondren
Danielle Fondren is a program manager for a substance abuse center.

Insights From the Episode
How to tell that you are in a good, healthy relationship
How to keep a healthy relationship while growing personally
Why searching for perfection doesn’t work
How to navigate the nuances of your partner
Tips to scouting the perfect mate, the importances of consistency
Consistency is how the person acts in different situations and just connecting with you as a person.
The benefits of being inspired by your partner and complimenting when and where they come up short
Insight on who to talk to while married
The importance of asking for help
Tips for setting boundaries when working from home
The benefits of bringing in your spouse or someone you are dating slowly
The work never stops and it takes a long time to see results
How to support an entrepreneur when the business isn’t going well
The benefit of communicating your needs

Secrets to Balancing Work, Parenting and Living Your Life
Scheduling
Parenting means working together
Work life will come into the home life from time to time and you support your partner

Tips for Dating an Entrepreneur
Take the risk
Be open
Be open to being wrong
Don’t be afraid to switch roles
Accept the crazy schedule and don’t be afraid to help out
Show appreciation for the hard work

Quotes From the Show
“CE-Uh-Ohing” - Todd Wahnish, Create Your Life Series, #106
“When the person you are with inspires you to be yourself, not to put on, or be something you're not... If you can purely be yourself, then that is the person for you.” - Danielle Fondren, Create Your Life Series, #106
“This is something you can be grumpy on inside.” - Melissa Wahnish, Create Your Life Series, #106
“You don’t have to always say everything. Sometimes a touch, a look, or a gesture makes as much sense as anything else would.“ - Eric Fondren, Create Your Life Series, #106
“You have to really understand that the failure isn’t a failure of yourself and it’s not failure in the other person.“ - Melissa Wahnish, Create Your Life Series, #106

Keys to Create Your Best Life
Communicate your needs
Don’t be afraid to get into a relationship with an entrepreneur
Work together and be a team

Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Melissa Wahnish
Email: [email protected]
https://twitter.com/_rubythursday_
www.rubythursday.com

Danielle Fondren
www.instagram.com/dannni_face

Eric Fondren
http://www.itell.io/
https://twitter.com/ericnfondren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren

Todd Wahnish
www.cleverera.com
https://www.instagram.com/wahnish
https://twitter.com/wahnish
https://www.facebook.com/todd.wahnish

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.

This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
56 min
February 16, 2018 CYLS 105: Focus on Focus - 20 Ways To Re - Focus and Stay Focused Throughout The Year
Kevin provides his 20 strategies to re - Focus and Stay Focused Throughout The Year. He also discusses his birthday celebration,
journey in NYC with friends along with his new wake up schedule. and secrets to making it to 100 episodes.
33 min
February 09, 2018CYLS 104: Surviving The Shark Tank - Lessons From Over 5,000 Shark Tank Pitches with Brandon Andrews
Episode Summary
In this episode Brandon shares his secrets to garnering and sustaining relationships that have put him in positions of power. Tips on surviving on ABC's shark tank, calculating what you should be paid for your time, paid vs free work and his journey of becoming a man.

Kevin Y. Brown
Kevin Y. Brown is a National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center For Public Trust (CPT) “Being A Difference” award recipient, international speaker, entrepreneur, and author. The former MTV Networks host and NYC fashion marketer has created an international following as a speaker on personal excellence, effective communication, and leadership. Kevin has been featured by Black Enterprise magazine as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and highlighted in various publications for his self-help speaking work and helping students graduate college debt-free. Recognized for his commitment to empowering foster care youth and as a foster care system alumnus, he has also delivered the keynote address at the International Foster Care Organizations Conference in Sydney, Australia and Osaka, Japan. Kevin is currently the creator/host of Sirius XM’s “Create Your Life” series, a fellow in the New York Chapter of the Startup Leadership Program, and an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Brandon Andrews
A communicator, social innovator, and entrepreneur, Brandon Andrews works with Values Partnerships to lead a nationwide casting tour focused on bringing more diverse ideas and voices to ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. He is also leading an effort to support entrepreneurs through developing a network of capital, skill-building, and other resources.

In 2015, Andrews worked with A+E Networks, iHeartMedia, and the United Way to develop the Shining A Light Concert for Progress on Race in America, Shining a Light Fund, and Conversations on Race in America documentary.

Previously, Andrews worked as a consultant assisting disruptive and social impact organizations with digital strategy, online advocacy, and navigating the federal system. He spent 5 years in the U.S. Senate where he handled technology, small business, and defense policy.

Andrews assisted in planning the first My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Data Jam, which laid the groundwork for evidence-based MBK work around the country. He is also a mentor for Qeyno Labs' MBK hackathons, engaging thousands of young men of color in computer science education nationwide. He was appointed to the D.C. Commission on National and Community Service.

Brandon provides commentary on policy, politics, and entrepreneurship on TVOne, BBC, NPR, Fox News, and other outlets.

Insights From the Episode
Reasons why always being of service helps
Strategies to sustain relationships both professional and personal
3 keys to sustaining relationships – find the right people to make sure you are in the right company, be consistent, build layers to your relationships,
How to Decipher between authentic and in-authentic relationships
The importance of keeping your word
Tips on how to calculate what you should be paid for your time
Tips on how to survive the Shark Tank show
Tips on if you should take venture capital funding

Quotes From the Show
“The spark of innovation and the grit that you need to grow a business overtime, those attributes exist in every community, every zip code, every area around the country and really around the world but the resources do not.” – Brandon Andrews, Create Your Life Series, #104
“Your heart might be right, your mind might be right but that doesn’t mean that your wallet will be right from volunteering to do work” – – Brandon Andrews on volunteering vs. being paid for your time, Create Your Life Series, #104
“The key to not being taken advantage, the key to making sure it makes sense is to do check ins with yourself and check ins with whoever is in power at the organization.” – Brandon Andrews, Create Your Life Series, #104

Resources Mentioned
https://buffer.com/
Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031

Favorite Book
On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History - Thomas Carlyle
The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin
Harvard Busines Review's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself

Favorite Quote
“My feet’s is tired but my soul is rested” – Sister Pollard

Keys to Create Your Best Life
Raise your hand and volunteer
Do what you have to do no matter what, keep moving forward
Connect to something bigger than yourself

Stay Connected
Create Your Life Series
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin Y Brown
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Brandon Andrews
www.brandonandrews.me
www.Instagram.com/yesbrandon
http://www.twitter.com/brandontalk
https://www.facebook.com/Brand.Andrews

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.

This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry (www.podcastlaundry.com)
56 min
February 02, 2018 CYLS 103: Goal Crushing Workshop Re-cap and 10 Ways To Plan and Host Your Own Event
In this episode participants from the goal crushing worshop come on air to discuss their experience at the seminar and which goals they are looking forward to accomplishing this year. Kevin also gives out his 10 ways to plan and host your own event.
45 min
January 26, 2018 CYLS 102: CEO TALKS - Difficult Negotiations with Eric Fondren and Todd Wahnish
Kevin, Eric and Todd give in depth insights of their experiences negotiationing to change terms, dodging shady characters who try to take advantage of them and understanding that a deal is not real until it is paid for not signed for.
52 min
January 26, 2018 CYLS 101: What Are You Thankful For?
In this episide guests call in from around the country and discuss what they are thankful for and are hopeful for in the New Year. They alsoo share strategies to make your dreams come true.
35 min
January 19, 2018 CYLS 100: Making My Childhood Dreams Come True
Episode Summary
Kevin walks us through his of making his 12-year-old dreams come true. During this episode many who have witnessed his growth, sacrifices and triumphs on the journey to where he is now call in and share their stories from the sidelines.

Stay Connected:

Create Your Life Series:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
51 min
January 12, 2018CYLS 099: 10 Ways To Make Yourself An Investible Asset
Episode Summary

Listeners (CYLS family) call in and share their 3 things that make them invest in others. They also share what they are looking forward to in the new year.

Insight from this episode:

Listener #1 Melany Ellis

3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
Confidence
Be Informed About What You Are Seeking
Be Genuine
Let Your Passion Shine Through
Her friends invest in her because they see her walk, she is walking in her purpose

What is your big goal for next year:
Flexibility
Listener #2 Derek Devan

3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
Discipline
A person keeps their word
Action

Why do your friends invest in you?
Because he is a positive person and loves to motivate others to do what they want to do.

What is your big goal for next year:
To become financially intelligent, start his businesses and set goals by writing them down

Listener #3 Tearra Vaughn

3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
Ability to connect
Network
Share insights

Why do your friends invest in you?
Confident
Team Player
Shares Resources

What is your big goal for next year:
To make the most of their collaboration
Listener #3 Charlton McKinney

3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
Everyday Attitude, How Enthusiastic They Are, How Inspired
They Are
Self Starter
They Practice Appreciation

Why do your friends invest in you?
Optimistic
Solution Focused
Huge On Communication

What is your big goal for next year:
To Expand His Startup Http://Www.Insanevegan.Com
Set Goals
Weekly Scheduler And Calendar

Listener #3 Kris Brice – Bell (Memphis)

3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
Confidence
Are you pursuing the goals that you want to pursue, do
you have a plan
What have you overcome
Why do your friends invest in you?
Persistent
Positive/ half- full perspective
Do things well even if its the slower route
Never give up
What is your big goal for next year:
The difference between a dream and a goal is, a dream is
something you think of a goal is something that you write
down
Big goal for next year is to investing in himself, cryptocurrency, and real estate
Quotes from the show:

“Anybody can talk about what they are doing and what they are passionate about, not everybody is walking in their purpose and living it” - Melany Ellis Episode #99

Resources Mentioned:

6 months to Six Figures
Http://Www.Insanevegan.Com
https://shopmodelatelier.com/

Stay Connected:

Create Your Life Series:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
44 min
January 05, 2018CYLS 098: CEO Talks – Setting And Achieving Goals For Your Organization with Lenore Kantor and Eric Fondren
About our Guests:
Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers.
Lenore Kantor is a branding and launch expert who has introduced more than 100 new products, services and business processes across a wide range of technology and financial services companies over 20+ years. A hands-on executive, she has built new product management and marketing communications functions from scratch, led international teams and budgets both large and small.
Episode Summary
Kevin, Lenore and Eric discuss their personal and organizational challenges that they are looking to improve upon. Each of them also outlines their goal setting and achievement processes for their businesses.
Insight from this episode:
Identifying your biggest challenges in the CEO seat
Understanding product market fit and the right customers
key indicators of clients
Get paid upfront from your time and effort = helps you distinguish
between clients that are serious
How to hire virtually
How to get to achieve your inner peace as a CEO
The importance of a daily routine
The benefits of investing in life outside of work
How to close more by finding the right clients
Breaking down goals for your organization

Quotes from the show:
“whether or not you ask yourself if you’re doing enough is the mark of an entrepreneur and you shouldnt be upset about the question being asked you should be worried about how you are answering the question.” - Eric Fondren Episode #98
“We have to get beyond the transactional to the relational” - Lenore Kantor Episode #98
“If you have a role and your hiring for it the person needs to be able to come in and do that job, it should not be that they come in and learn” - Eric Fondren Episode #98

Stay Connected:

Create Your Life Series:

https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Eric:
http://www.itell.io/
https://twitter.com/ericnfondren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren

Lenore Kantor:

http://www.launchwarrior.net
http://www.twitter.com/lkantor
http://www.twitter.com/launch_warrior
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor/

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
52 min
December 29, 2017CYLS 097: Pt. 2 The Journey From Failed Startup to 2 Successful Companies with Su Sanni
About our Guest:
Su is the CEO & Co-founder at WeDidIt, a New York-based tech company that helps nonprofit organizations fundraise online. For the last 6 years, Su has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise funds and find new donors through WeDidIt's innovative technology. Some of WeDidit’s customers include Amnesty International, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, NYC Coalition Against Hunger, LA Zoo, and Stupid Cancer. and he is now working on a new venture called dollaride on the side.  

Episode Summary:
Su takes us on his journey of failing in one startup to creating two successful companies. He teaches us the importance of flexibility, how self awareness has helped him in his partnership and how to run a company as a non – technical founder.
Insight from this episode:
Strategies to create a strong team
how to bounce back after your company fails
The importance of sales experience and how to acquire the selling skill
Why and how saying No is a superpower The importance of self-awareness to learn where your gaps are as an entrepreneur
The benefits and challenges of being a non-technical co-founder
The importance and ways to build trust in a partnership
How to stay grounded after receiving norotoriety and funding
Keys to setting and accomplishg goals as a team
Keys to a successful relationship
Su was inspired to quit his job and go into the non profit world because of 1 question from his mom
Quotes from the show:
“Choose to work on projects or at companies or in ventures where you'ree going to enjoy the process more than the end result” Su Sanni episode #96
I don't let dreams stay dreams, I put the work in, I bend the world to my will in order to make it happen - Su Sanni ep #97
“You have to be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything and bold enough to ask questions to people who know more than you” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97
“Being right means nothing when you loose everything” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97
Resources Mentioned:
Slack.com 
Favorite Book:
The Lean Startup
Zero to 1  
Favorite Quote:
“If you will it, it is no dream” - Theodor Herzl 
3 keys to Create Your Best Life:
Make long-term goals but try to enjoy the journey towards those goals - fall in love with process not the end result
Surround yourself with mentors and people who have been there and done that
Create a habit of learning
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/

Kevin:
www.kevinybrown.com
www.instagram.com/kevinybrown
www.twitter.com/kevinybrown
www.facebook.com/kevbrown001

Su Sanni:
https://www.dollaride.com/
www.wedidit.it
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni
https://twitter.com/thesusanni
https://www.facebook.com/ssanni

Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
39 min

About Create Your Life Series

From the publisher's feed

The Create Your Life Series is for Self-starters looking to live

Share Create Your Life Series

Sign up to save your podcasts

Create Your Life Series

Create Your Life Series episodes

About Create Your Life Series