Entrepreneur Aligned Podcast

Do you often find yourself getting burnt out even before you start your day? Do you feel as if, despite performing well and being well-liked by everyone at work, you still feel down in the dumps? If all you can do when you look at your schedule is sigh, then maybe it’s time for you to step back and ask yourself if you are truly finding meaning in what you are doing.

What we focus on and where we find meaning change during our entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, we discuss how to recognize when you may have dipped out of alignment and how to get back on track. We also discuss the difference between your more permanent elements like your family statement of intent and your values versus your current focus and where you find fulfillment at the moment. We also expand on: 

• Why changes in focus happen naturally as your life, family, and the world around us change
• How our bodies can physically indicate when we are out of alignment and what 'fighting' the process looks like
• How we have the opportunity to continually iterate not only in our business but also on how what we do is meaningful and connects to what matters most to us. 

Find meaning in your business today and tune in to this episode!

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. Jarrod and Tiffany give an overview of today’s topic [04:16]
   • Via negativa: Noticing the negative signs [07:58]
   • Illness is another indicator of misalignment [09:10]
2. The telltale signs of lack of meaning in your business [06:50]
   • Having the freedom of time, attention, energy, and capital [10:38]
   • Becoming an impact multiplier [11:28]
3. Jarrod’s reasons for being an entrepreneur [10:29]
   • Changing the world from their small, little corner [13:44]
4. Pay attention to your relationship with time, money, attention, and capital [13:15]
   • Creating an impact through wealth management [17:44]
   • Women advancement and leadership roles [18:30]
5. Tiffany’s reason for going into business [16:37]
   • Hitting financial success through unhealthy means can create a disconnect between business and meaning [24:00]
   • Increasing the connection between business and meaning is an incremental approach [25:56]
   • Diverse boards outperform homogenous boards [26:42]
6. Ways to better connect your business and meaning [22:02]
   • Changing your outlook and transferring your knowledge [30:11]
   • The best thing about today’s world is it’s permissionless [33:28]
7. How to utilize business opportunities to connect to what’s meaningful to them [28:29]

Resources:

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)

• Episode 1, Statement of Intent and Values (https://omny.fm/shows/already-successful/how-to-reach-entrepreneurial-success-fulfillment)

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Success has many different faces. For some, it can be buying their second vacation home or ranch. For others, it could be something as simple as having the financial freedom to be able to spend more time with their families. Whatever financial success looks like to you, it is certainly something that you don’t want to recede.

How do you define your success and ensure you stay focused on the right things so you don't go backward? We discuss why success is made up of a number of factors unique to each of us and how money enables us to continue to direct our time, energy, and attention to the areas where we get the most value.

In our conversation, we discuss:

• How to define your success and get specific on what creates meaning for you
• What role finances play in enabling your lifestyle
• Why the barbell portfolio approach suits most advisors and how it is different from traditional asset management
• Specifics on private real estate, venture capital, and equity options as strategies

Unlock the ways to ensure financial success by tuning in to this podcast today!

Resource Links:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear (https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299)

What’s Discussed in This Episode:

1. Financial success defined [03:25]
2. • Your habits determine your success [05:48]
   • Your primary focus helps you understand what success means to you [07:00]
   • Success can be different between people [08:18]
   • Goals are meant to be refined [14:08]
   • How you perceive your goals affects how you perceive success [14:47]
3. Handling the feeling of lack of consistency in terms of success [12:05]
   • Have a plan before the periods of abundance [16:34]
   • Identifying other sources of income [18:48]
   • The barbell portfolio: Business equity and cash [20:20]
4. Ways to ensure financial success doesn’t recede [16:08]
   • Real estate: Principal equity value and cash flow [23:01]
   • Venture capital: A high-risk, high-reward asset class [25:32]
   • • Backing a founder is not a viable investment strategy [29:00]
   • Equity options: Regular financial disruptions and the value of diversification [32:48]
5. Three typical asset classes and the barbell portfolio [21:55]

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what your numbers are? Are you clear on the value of your business? It’s difficult when you have concentrated business equity but it is really important to understand what your business’s value is, the numbers specifically, and allow it to show up in your world and your decisions. 

During our conversation today we discussed why having a plan for how you will ultimately exit your business and a valuation based on that plan allows you to treat your business like the critical investment it is. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation including:

• Business equity valuation methodologies and when they may apply
• Why the valuation methodology depends on the vision for your business
• Not having an accurate business valuation means it doesn't feel like a real asset so you don't consider it one
• When you don't value your business as an asset you don't take advantage of opportunities or experiences as they present themselves because you feel like you can't depend on the business value
• Why a lack of knowledge on business valuation can lead to overfunding traditional retirement vehicles that are geared toward employees and not owners.

Tune in to this episode. 

Resources:

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. Jarrod and Tiffany give an overview of today's episode [4:11]
2. Different approaches to valuation and factors that affect it [6:20]
   • Revenue multiple
   • Third-party valuation
     • Different valuation firms and how to select the right one for your business
     • Building a professional network for the purpose of valuation
     • Getting objective feedback from others about the value of your business
3. The need to educate one's self to understand the true value of your business [10:39]
4. How an accurate business valuation helps you with decisions [11:25]
5. The consequence when you don't value your business as an asset [13:17]
6. Over funding of traditional retirement [16:05]
7. Operating with range valuation aspects [19:14]

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most traditional advisors have structured their services and offerings in such a way that entrepreneurs think it is not beneficial to them. Advisors are supposed to be most trusted by entrepreneurs on the professional side but it is only possible when the advisor’s interests are aligned with that of the entrepreneurs and what they want to invest in. 

In this podcast episode, we discuss areas where the model of most traditional advisors isn’t ideal for entrepreneurs, and how we, at Destiny Capital, chose to do things a different way, more suited to the entrepreneurial lifestyle. We point out that although traditional financial advisors often do not serve the needs of entrepreneurs, there are others who think differently and champion the entrepreneur’s spirit. As long as you keep an open mind to it, you will find that there is someone who is definitely a good fit for you.   

Tune in to this episode. 

Resources:

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. Reasons why entrepreneurs think advisors are ineffective [5:03]
2. The structural setup of most advisors [7:17]
3. How Destiny capital structured their service and offerings [11:05]
4. Destiny capital’s pricing standpoint [11:51]
5. A common complaint of entrepreneurs with advisors [14:05]
6. What commitment should look like for financial advisors [16:59]  
7. The importance of delegation in helping entrepreneurs [17:17]
8. The balancing component advisors should focus on [18:30]
9. The area where most traditional advisors have failed [19:15]
10. Why we serve entrepreneurs the way we do as opposed to the traditional setup [22:40]

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.  

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our conversations with entrepreneurs have shown us that the top thing they fear is failing their families and their kids most especially. Entrepreneurial success cannot replace your success as a parent to your children who knew and understood that more than the business, they meant everything to you. 

In this week’s podcast episode we talk about a topic that is so dear to us, and that’s being able to show up for our kids the way they want to see us. We share and elaborate on three things that are vital to showing up - being present, fun, and wisdom transfer. We also touch on the importance of your well-being to be able to serve those in your family. 

We hope that as you listen to this podcast you’ll find interesting takeaways that you can apply to achieve the success you desire in your family life. 

Resources:

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. How to address the top need of being present with your kids [7:33]
   • How you communicate your time blocking 
   • Checking yourself to make sure you are present and above the line 
   • Redefining productivity
2. Time blocking or scheduling [10:00]
   • Allowing your kids to have a voice 
3. Showing up for your kids in a fun way [17:28]
   • The rewarding and reinforcing process
   • The importance of trust 
4. Becoming a safe and open place your kids can open up to [23:11]
5. Why your emotional well-being is important to serve your family [30:41]

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.  

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founders are constantly on the lookout for resources that can be used to help with their goals, whether those goals are business or personal. These resources are sometimes difficult to reach by one’s efforts alone. This makes partnerships essential and Private Equity is something that you, as a founder, should consider looking into. 

In our conversation with David Ettenger of Bow River Capital, we discuss the variety of ways that founders can leverage the resources of Private Equity firms to achieve their goals. From full business exits, partial exits, subject matter expertise, and even coaching for internal succession, PE offers a wealth of resources to help your business and family get to where they want to be. We also discuss how to find the right PE firm that specializes in your specific industry and also how some entrepreneurs have transitioned to working with PE firms and their portfolio companies as a way to share their knowledge and pay it forward. 

If you are wondering how to use PE for an exit, taking chips off the table, or to just help you continue on your growth journey this episode is for you. 

About Our Guest:

David Ettenger is responsible for business development activities at Bow River including originating investment opportunities and managing investor relationships. He has over five years of Institutional Equity Sales experience, most recently serving as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley.

He holds an MBA with an emphasis in Accounting and a BS in Accounting from the University of Colorado, where he graduated with honors. He is also a CFA Charterholder. 

Resource Links: 

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com) 
• Bow River Capital (https://bowrivercapital.com/about-us/)

We’ll be talking about: 

1. Definition of Private Equity (PE) [4:58]
2. The value that PE creates for founders in a leveraged buyout [6:53]
3. How PE helps founders in the decision making process [11:19]
4. Private Equity partnerships [16:22] 
5. Overview of Bow River Capital’s two areas of expertise [20:18]
6. Understanding the importance of a PE firm’s expertise [21:29]
7. When should founders leverage PE as a resource [24:14]
8. How PE firms facilitate transitions of founders who want to work with them  [29:16] 
9. Advice for investors who want to deploy capital into PE [34:06]
10. Advice for founders who want to use PE as strategy for their own growth or exit [34:44]

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a successful business exit what comes next will be determined by what exactly you are passionate about tied with what your core values are. Just remember though that your entrepreneurial skills are unique and remarkable and there are founders or companies out there that value what you lay on the table.

In this episode, Mike Hersh shares his journey from being an operator through a very successful business exit to impacting the next generation of entrepreneurs through direct investment, board involvement, and advisory work. Mike discussed how his philosophy evolved over time as he became more experienced as an investor and advisor. We discuss how Mike started much smaller with some of his initial investments, then became involved with incubator programs, and how he has managed his involvement so that he provides massive value to a few founders at a time. We also discuss the various hats that he wears as a board member and advisor and how to be in both seats effectively.

This is a fascinating conversation and a must listen for anyone who is wondering how to leverage their wealth from a successful exit and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

About Our Guest: 

Mike Hersh is known for his entrepreneurial approach to managing large project teams and to driving the growth of innovative startups given his 30-year career in the software and financial services industries. He is focused on helping innovative startups as an angel investor and mentor. 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.   

Resource Links: 

• Connect with Mike on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-hersh-84b1862/) 
• Visit Neat Capital (https://www.neatcapital.com/)

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. Mike’s story of when he sold his company and his journey after [4:23]
2. Mike’s journey of investing in companies [6:13]
3. How Mike came about with his strategy when it comes to investing [10:16]
4. Helping organizations and creating value [12:59]
5. Important components to look out for when investing in startup companies [16:31]
6. Why a heart connection with entrepreneurs is essential [17:46]
7. The art of being successful [21:02]
8. Mentoring young entrepreneurs become an effective leader [21:43]
9. The process Mike uses when he’s looking to work with entrepreneurs  [22:27]
10. Mike’s theory on a company’s valuation [25:59]
11. Doing reference checks [29:15]
12. Balancing multiple roles [30:33]
13. Best advice for those looking to be investors in the startup area. [33:56]
14. A balanced portfolio [37:47]
15. Closing thoughts [39:24]

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you’ve reached entrepreneurial success, the question of what’s next for you is something you begin to ponder on. It is no longer about just earning a certain amount of money, the focus shifts to how you can make an impact and influence others. One of the ways you can do so is through helping other entrepreneurs by sharing the knowledge that you have so they too can taste their own share of success. 

In this episode, we talk with Paige Goss, Founder and CEO of Point Solutions Group. Paige shares with us her journey of growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, becoming an intrapreneur within another company, and how she grew Point Solutions Group from bootstrapped startup to several million of revenue and more than 50 employees in three years. We focus this conversation on how Paige is using her time and energy to make entrepreneurship more approachable to new founders by discussing alternative strategies for raising capital. We go in depth on how you can leverage your unique experience to make a difference in the world around you and how impact can take a number of different forms.

Come and take the time to listen to this podcast episode. 

Resource Links: 

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)
• Point Solutions Group (https://pointsolutionsus.com/)
• Small Business Administration (https://www.sba.gov/) 
• Women’s Based Enterprise National Council (https://www.wbenc.org)
• Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (https://www.cwcc.org/) 
• Denver7’s Interview of Paige Goss (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZO9jXGahtpw )

What’s Discussed in This Episode:

1. How growing up in a family of entrepreneurs shaped Paige [4:11]
2. Story of Points Solutions Group [6:24]
3. The impact of behavioral modelling [8:31]
4. Paige shares her passion for helping entrepreneurs [11:02]
   1. Integrity [14:26]
   2. Passion [16:18]
   3. Partnerships [17:05]
5. Core values of the organization and how they help with scaling and growth [13:42]
6. The role of competition [19:32]
7. How Paige values the resources of time, attention, energy and capital [20:00]
8. Educating women entrepreneurs on ways to raise capital [23:48]
9. Merging time, impact and capital creates fulfillment and opportunities [28:17]
10. Looking at what’s possible and what’s inside of you [29:27]

About Our Guest: 

Paige Goss is a fixer of fixers, orchestrating a collection of highly adept tech and engineering all-stars. She founded Point Solutions Group to address the dire need for diversity in information technology, engineering, and professional services in government and commercial organizations. 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.  

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The thought of transitions seems to be a scary thing for most entrepreneurs especially if the transition involves hitting a pause on the entrepreneur journey to focus on yourself, your goals and dreams together with your loved ones. Success can somewhat be addicting that we find it hard to stop as we always want to be on the go. But if you look at this kind of transition from a positive perspective, this could be your chance at creating and expanding your horizons for the better. 

In this episode, we talk with Kerry Crandell, Founder and CEO of WoMAn. Kerry takes us through her journey from starting WoMAn, what the future looks like for her as they focus on expanding their impact for female founders and leaders, and why she is planning on a one year pause to pursue a year of international travel with her family. Kerry shares with us how she approached conversations about taking a pause with her spouse who is also an entrepreneur and how they zeroed in on why the time and place a right for them. We also discuss how Kerry is continuing to serve the WoMAn community through the COVID-19 crisis and why she has chosen to focus on individual conversations rather than adding more volume to the mass outreach campaigns that many companies are using during this time.

We bet you’ll love this episode, so tune in now. 

Resource Links: 

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com)
• WoMAN (https://womanglobalgroup.com/) 
• Kerry’s email ([email protected])

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. An overview of what WoMAN is about [4:18]
2. How Kerry’s core values help her navigate this crisis environment [7:28]
3. 3 Important statements Kerry’s gravitated towards [9:38]
4. The direction that WoMAN is taking here onwards [12:18]
5. Kerry shares what is next for her [15:27]
6. Effectively communicating your dreams and visions to those closest to you [19:16]
7. Hitting the transition point [26:15]
8. Choosing to be courageous and brave enough to listen to ourselves [28:02]
9. Where to learn more about WoMAN [30:47]

About Our Guest:

Kerry Crandell is an authentic, collaborative, and enthusiastic business professional/entrepreneur who is President & Founder of WoMan (Women of M&A Network), an extraordinary membership-based organization for women in M&A. She is powered by an admirable mission to enrich the lives of women who work in and support Mergers & Acquisitions through Information, Connection, and Service. 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.  

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where should I allocate my capital? What is the best investment for me? These are questions that we get asked and cater to our clients at Destiny Capital. One must understand though that there is no exact or definite answer to these types of questions except for ‘It depends’. That is because your investment thesis leans strongly on your statement of intent and core values.  

In this episode, we talk about the different types of investments that you can allocate your capital to. We also discuss why your investment thesis should be based on your values and why that is a top factor to consider before investing. We emphasize strongly on the need to position your capital in a way that elevates your time, energy, and attention so you are living a joyful and fulfilling life. 

If you want to understand the secret sauce to the right investment for you, tune in to this episode. 

Resources: 

• Destiny Capital (https://www.destinycapital.com) 
• Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha (https://rowdymermaid.com/)

What’s Discussed in This Episode: 

1. Constructing an investment thesis based on your values [3:55]
   1. Private self-managed real estate categories [7:45]
   2. Reasons to consider investing in private self-managed real estate [11:02]
   3. Active and passive private real estate investments [11:46]
   4. Self-managed versus fund structure [16:48]
2. Private self-managed real estate investments 
   1. Reasons why people invest in businesses [20:27]
   2. Private equity [29:30]
   3. Venture capital [31:14]
3. Business investments [19:38]
4. Cryptocurrency [35:21]
5. Buying debt [38:09]
6.  Liquid public markets [40:52]
7. Social Responsible Investing (SRI) and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) [44:07]

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to subscribe, tune in, and share this podcast.  

Connect with Already Successful: 

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdP-TOyToXAc5iSIA4Ehc6g

Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadySuccessful/

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alreadysuccessful

Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadysuccessfulpodcast/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.