Extraordinary America

Alicia Butler Pierre shares personal anecdotes and pivotal realizations, such as the importance of business acumen in navigating the marketplace and the recognition of utilizing innate talents for entrepreneurial ventures. Through her experiences, Alicia underscores the essence of the American Dream, emphasizing the freedom and opportunities to shape one's skills into profitable ventures. 

Alicia delves into practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including accessing capital, understanding funding sources, and leveraging resources like the Small Business Administration. Alicia's insights also touch upon the significance of adaptability, listening to customer needs, and continuous learning in the entrepreneurial journey. 

Alicia encourages listeners to broaden their perspectives through travel, gaining valuable insights into global opportunities and challenges.

You can hear the full episode on Monday July 18th

Richard's story is a testament to the power of belief and the ability to overcome obstacles. He draws from his experiences of navigating a challenging childhood to eventually building thriving businesses. His insights into entrepreneurship at a young age offer valuable lessons for aspiring business owners. At the same time, his weight loss journey sheds light on the mental and physical transformation that accompanies personal growth. 

Richard's exploration of balancing family and career underscores the importance of prioritization and self-care. His reflections on the role of mentors and financial literacy highlight the significance of guidance and understanding in navigating life's challenges. Through mindfulness practices and embracing change, Richard demonstrates the profound impact of self-reflection and action in achieving success. 

His perspective on gratitude and abundance offers a refreshing outlook on redefining success and embracing the American Dream in today's society. Richard's story is a compelling narrative filled with practical insights and inspiring anecdotes that resonate with listeners seeking guidance on their paths of growth and fulfillment.

Highlights:

{02:50} Overcoming Adversity

{05:30} Finding Purpose

{08:30} Lessons to share

{13:16} Leaving the employee mindset

{23:30} How to overcome challenges

{26:45} Advice to the younger generation

{30:15} The American Dream is up to you

Richard Olson bio:

Richard is a dynamic entrepreneur, an influential speaker, and the driving force behind multiple ventures. As the founder of Driven Solutions, he leads a venture dedicated to providing impactful solutions in fitness and life transformation. 

Richard is a visionary committed to catalyzing positive change. His journey is a testament to resilience and determination. With a steadfast commitment to pushing boundaries and inspiring transformative change, guided by core values such as community, integrity, and faith, he goes beyond conventional fitness paradigms. He envisions holistic well-being and personal growth as integral components of a fulfilling life. 

As a multifaceted leader, he seeks to inspire individuals to overcome challenges, promoting mental and physical resilience. His impact extends beyond the boardroom. He's a motivational force on the podcast scene, with his show, guests, and others, where he delves into diverse topics, sharing insights and creating a community of growth-minded individuals.

Connect with Richard:

Website: https://drivensol.com/join-us 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-olson-4a710035/ 

Richard's story is a testament to the power of belief and the ability to overcome obstacles. He draws from his experiences of navigating a challenging childhood to eventually building thriving businesses. His insights into entrepreneurship at a young age offer valuable lessons for aspiring business owners. At the same time, his weight loss journey sheds light on the mental and physical transformation that accompanies personal growth. 

Richard's exploration of balancing family and career underscores the importance of prioritization and self-care. His reflections on the role of mentors and financial literacy highlight the significance of guidance and understanding in navigating life's challenges. Through mindfulness practices and embracing change, Richard demonstrates the profound impact of self-reflection and action in achieving success. 

His perspective on gratitude and abundance offers a refreshing outlook on redefining success and embracing the American Dream in today's society. Richard's story is a compelling narrative filled with practical insights and inspiring anecdotes that resonate with listeners seeking guidance on their paths of growth and fulfillment.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday July 11th

Kim Flick is a passionate advocate for social and environmental impact. She has dedicated her career to fostering positive change for people, the planet, and profit. Passionate about cultural learning and consultative selling, Kim provides aspiring social impact entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed for success. 

A dedicated volunteer and co-founder of #linkedinlocalpdx, Kim is committed to leading purpose-driven events and travel teams. In addition to her professional pursuits, she advocates for the environment and actively participates in land conservation efforts. With her creative thinking, adaptability, and passion for positive change, Kim empowers individuals and businesses to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable world.

Highlights:

{02:40} Childhood Observations

{12:00} Introduction to B Corp

{16:00} Introduction to Social Impact Entrepreneurship with Gen Y & Z

{21:30} Definition and Importance of Equity in Business

{25:30} Considerations for Environmental Impact in Business – Green Washing

{34:00} The influence of money and lobbying in hindering progress toward environmental sustainability

{37:30} The importance of equity and access in achieving the American Dream for future generations

Kim Flick bio:

Kim Flick is a passionate advocate for social and environmental impact. She has dedicated her career to fostering positive change for people, the planet, and profit. As the founder of Mighty Epiphyte, a Certified Benefit Company, and B Corp certified entity, Kim leverages her business, certifications, and marketing expertise to help companies make meaningful impacts. 

Certified by the Institute of Equity-Centered Coaching in Leadership and Coaching, Kim excels in building strong relationships, leading projects, and driving teams to achieve and report outstanding outcomes. With a diverse background in large corporate expansions and startups, domestic and international, Kim is a Growth Wheel Certified professional known for her profound generalist approach and commitment to local community support. 

As a Business Advisor and Facilitator for Business Builders at SBDC and Global Trade Management at Global Trade Center, Kim is dedicated to weaving equity and social enterprise values into every aspect of her work. 

With a passion for cultural learning and consultative selling, Kim provides aspiring social impact entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed for success. Specializing in B Lab Assessments for B Corp Certification and Benefit corporations for Good (BCFG) assessment, Kim excels in business development, leadership, and marketing, driving business improvement and social innovation missions. Certified as a Projects for Good Consultant and an Acumen Human Centered Design for Social Innovation student, Kim builds strategic partnerships and solves complex problems with a keen awareness of cultural nuances. 

A dedicated volunteer and co-founder of #linkedinlocalpdx, Kim is committed to leading purpose-driven events and travel teams. In addition to her professional pursuits, she advocates for the environment and actively participates in land conservation efforts. With her creative thinking, adaptability, and passion for positive change, Kim empowers individuals and businesses to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable world.

Connect with Kim:

Website: https://www.mightyepiphyte.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimallchurchflick 

Kim Flick is a passionate advocate for social and environmental impact. She has dedicated her career to fostering positive change for people, the planet, and profit. Passionate about cultural learning and consultative selling, Kim provides aspiring social impact entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed for success. 

A dedicated volunteer and co-founder of #linkedinlocalpdx, Kim is committed to leading purpose-driven events and travel teams. In addition to her professional pursuits, she advocates for the environment and actively participates in land conservation efforts. With her creative thinking, adaptability, and passion for positive change, Kim empowers individuals and businesses to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable world.

You can hear the full episode on July 4th

Stephan Stavrakis shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and discusses his unique system and philosophy for business development. Stephan delves into the importance of emotional and perceptual evolution in achieving business growth, emphasizing the need to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs and stories. 

He explores the difference between perception and reality, rethinks the concept of business competition, and highlights the significance of serving clients at the highest level and nurturing client relationships. 

Drawing on principles from quantum physics, Stephan shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of scarcity thinking and delves into the cycle of scarcity and self-sabotage. He evaluates the effectiveness of the scarcity versus abundance mindset in various aspects of life and offers practical examples of how scarcity thinking manifests. Stephan provides insights into addressing the scarcity mindset within oneself and others, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals. 

Highlights:

{03:30} Stephan Stavrakis's background: Transition from corporate career to entrepreneurship.

{09:30} The importance of emotional and perceptual evolution in business growth.

{21:00} It is understanding the difference between perception and reality.

{28:45} Rethinking the concept of competition in business.

{34:00} Personal anecdotes illustrating the effects of scarcity thinking.

{48:30} The importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals.

Stephan Stavrakis bio:

Stephan Stavrakis is a seasoned business consultant with over 20 years of experience across various sectors. Companies enlist Stephan's expertise and that of his team for various reasons, including devising cost-effective market penetration strategies, refining business, marketing, sales, and systems strategies, and addressing margin concerns or shrinkage. Stephan specializes in streamlining sales cycles, ensuring leadership team alignment, and revitalizing lackluster results in pitching to investors, customers, or the market. 

Whether it's a quick internal or external positioning adjustment or a comprehensive strategy overhaul, Stephan's approach is centered on co-creating methods, processes, plans, and strategies that prioritize aligning with the client's values first and financial success second. Operating with a simple yet profound code, Stephan and his team aim to "Design, assist, create" solutions as they would for their best friend or family member. Rather than solely focusing on business growth, Stephan prioritizes helping companies achieve exciting, fulfilling, and profitable growth experiences. Having witnessed the toll of burnout on CEOs and leadership teams, Stephan now dedicates his efforts to guiding companies toward building profitable ventures that invigorate everyone involved, foster closer connections, and instill pride and joy in their work.

Connect with Stephan:

Website: https://tidycal.com/3dthinkingandtraining 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/3dthinking 

Stephan Stavrakis shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and discusses his unique system and philosophy for business development. Stephan delves into the importance of emotional and perceptual evolution in achieving business growth, emphasizing the need to recognize and challenge limiting beliefs and stories. 

He explores the difference between perception and reality, rethinks the concept of business competition, and highlights the significance of serving clients at the highest level and nurturing client relationships. 

Drawing on principles from quantum physics, Stephan shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of scarcity thinking and delves into the cycle of scarcity and self-sabotage. He evaluates the effectiveness of the scarcity versus abundance mindset in various aspects of life and offers practical examples of how scarcity thinking manifests. Stephan provides insights into addressing the scarcity mindset within oneself and others, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and like-minded individuals.

{You can hear the full episode on Thursday June 27th}

Welcome to the podcast with our guest, Kirk W. McLaren, a distinguished Growth CFO, author, and visionary strategist. Kirk's extensive background encompasses military experience, academic pursuits, and a profound commitment to building financial freedom. Through his evolution to a Growth CFO, Kirk has developed a strategic vision that empowers CEO business owners to achieve unprecedented success. During our conversation, Kirk shares invaluable entrepreneurial insights and practical steps to business success, emphasizing the importance of partnering wisely and continuous personal development. 

Kirk delves into the challenges individuals face working multiple jobs or living paycheck to paycheck, the negative impact of overworking on relationships and health, and the pervasive culture of hyper-consumerism affecting personal finances. 

Highlights:

{02:40} Kirk McLaren's Background

{07:00} Evolution to Growth CFO

{09:30} Practical Steps to Business Success

{27:30} Importance of Peer Groups

{36:50} Economic cycles and their effects on individuals' financial stability. And Inflation

{48:30} Overcoming obstacles to business growth

Kirk McLaren bio:

Kirk McLaren is a distinguished Growth CFO, author, and visionary strategist renowned for his unparalleled expertise in guiding CEO business owners toward unprecedented financial success. With a profound commitment to excellence, Kirk and his team of TrueTEAM Growth CFOs collaborate daily with CEOs, ensuring they achieve higher revenue, increased profit, and optimized cash flow while enhancing their businesses' overall value. 

With over three decades of experience in business building, complemented by a strong military background and a passion for teaching, Kirk has established himself as a trusted advisor and mentor in the entrepreneurial landscape. His unwavering dedication to empowering CEOs led him to develop the groundbreaking Growth CFO Financial Freedom System™, a comprehensive framework designed to navigate CEOs through every stage of their journey, from laying a solid foundation to exploring seven succession options for exiting their businesses with maximized income and equity. 

Kirk's transformative insights and innovative strategies have been widely acclaimed. His seminal work, "The Growth CFO Void: The Guide to What's Holding You Back from Becoming a 2% CEO," published on August 30, 2022, continues to inspire and empower business leaders worldwide.

Connect with Kirk:

Website: https://www.foresightcfo.com (Company) https://kirkwmclaren.com (Personal)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkwmclaren 

Welcome to the podcast with our guest, Kirk McLaren, a distinguished Growth CFO, author, and visionary strategist. Kirk's extensive background encompasses military experience, academic pursuits, and a profound commitment to building financial freedom. Through his evolution to a Growth CFO, Kirk has developed a strategic vision that empowers CEO business owners to achieve unprecedented success. During our conversation, Kirk shares invaluable entrepreneurial insights and practical steps to business success, emphasizing the importance of partnering wisely and continuous personal development. 

Kirk delves into the challenges individuals face working multiple jobs or living paycheck to paycheck, the negative impact of overworking on relationships and health, and the pervasive culture of hyper-consumerism affecting personal finances.

{You can hear the full episode on Thursday, June 20th}

In this enlightening podcast episode featuring guest Marisa Kiley, listeners are treated to a deep dive into entrepreneurship, resilience, and personal development. Marisa's upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs laid the foundation for her strategic goals and vision from an early age, setting her on a transformative journey filled with constant vision and determination. She candidly discusses the challenges and rewards of balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities and offers valuable advice for women, particularly single mothers, considering entrepreneurship. 

Throughout the episode, Marisa highlights the significance of determination, resilience, and perseverance in overcoming setbacks and failures, urging listeners to view roadblocks as breakthrough opportunities. 

Highlights:

{02:30} Marissa's background and upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs.

{08:20} Evolution of entrepreneurship and business strategies over time.

{10:15} Advice for women, especially single mothers, considering entrepreneurship.

{16:40} Techniques for managing setbacks and failures, including visualization and self-talk.

{22:15} The mindset shifted from being an employee to an entrepreneur.

{24:30} The importance of community and mentorship for entrepreneurs.

{28:15} The need for financial education in American schools.

{31:30} Strategies for achieving financial freedom and the American Dream.

{35:45} Advice for Gen Z individuals considering their career paths.

Marisa Kiley bio:

Marisa Kiley & Ernesto Tatunay, the visionary minds behind Grit & King, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the world of entrepreneurship. With over 40 years of combined entrepreneurial experience, Ernesto and Marisa hold MBA degrees, setting a solid foundation for transforming aspiring entrepreneurs into successful business leaders. Together, they are committed to redefining the entrepreneurial landscape, viewing every student in their program not as a client but as a valued partner in the journey toward success.

At Grit & King, their uniqueness lies in the efficiency and effectiveness of their program, Mentorship to Partnership. Unlike traditional approaches that may take 18-24 months to launch a business, they empower entrepreneurs to launch successfully in just six months. This not only saves valuable time but also accelerates the path to profitability.

Connect with Marisa:

Website: https://mentorshiptopartnership.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisakiley