Extraordinary America

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. 

{You can hear the full episode on Thursday, June 13th}

In this podcast episode, guest Adam Cortez discusses various aspects of entrepreneurship, business management, and lifestyle choices. Growing up in Silicon Valley provided a unique environment for Cortez, influencing his exposure to tech culture and networking events from a young age. 

Starting businesses in high school, including ventures into web design and tech reviews on YouTube, laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey. Adam learned business skills such as taxation and financial management through hands-on experience, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge. Motivated by a sense of adventure and curiosity, Adam embraces failure as part of the entrepreneurial journey and overcomes financial fears by focusing on revenue generation and understanding market needs. 

Mentorship and support networks played a crucial role in his development, allowing him to learn from diverse perspectives while traveling. Remote work and the digital nomad lifestyle are discussed in the context of leveraging technology and adapting to remote-first business models. 

Highlights:

{02:30} Growing up in Silicon Valley

{04:00} Motivation for entrepreneurship

{06:45} Overcoming financial fears

{15:00} Importance of mentorship and support networks

{21:30} Building resilience in business

{28:00} Outsourcing

{42:00} Cultures in marketing 

Adam Cortez bio:

Adam Cortez is a seasoned business builder and creator hailing from Silicon Valley. With a wealth of experience spanning over a dozen companies, Adam has collaborated with numerous startup founders, small business owners, and enterprise clients across various industries. Currently serving as the creative partner at STEINGARD Financial, a digital marketing agency, Adam also lends his expertise to Net Worth, a networking collaboration company, and a bookkeeping firm. Residing in Osaka City, Mexico, Adam has a passion for exploring the world and engaging with individuals who possess innovative ideas worth sharing. 

As a digital marketer specializing in WordPress Websites, SEO, Google Ads, and Email Systems, Adam's primary focus is helping business owners enhance their online visibility and effectively reach their target audience through strategic digital marketing initiatives. With a proven track record of assisting countless businesses in transitioning from concept to established enterprises, Adam is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to succeed in the competitive online landscape. 

Connect with Adam:

Website: https://arccreativeco.com   https://signup.adamcortez.com 

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamrcortez 

In this podcast episode, guest Adam Cortez discusses various aspects of entrepreneurship, business management, and lifestyle choices. Growing up in Silicon Valley provided a unique environment for Cortez, influencing his exposure to tech culture and networking events from a young age. {You can hear the full episode on Thursday June 6th}

In this episode, guest Drew Donaldson shares insights into the evolving marketing landscape and its impact on career trajectories within the industry. Drew emphasizes the significance of understanding audience dynamics and adapting business strategies to changing market dynamics. He draws insights from successful marketing campaigns and historical examples, such as Milton Hershey's business pivot. 

Highlights:

{03:00} Drew’s journey

{11:30} The Power of Marketing

{31:30} Authentic content on social media

{40:30} Understanding Audience Dynamics

{46:30} Starting Gro•Haus 

Drew Donaldson bio:

Drew leads our strategy and client services team. 

In addition to Gro•Haus, Drew has built several small businesses, including a software company, a mobile notary service, and a media production and design studio.

Connect with Drew:

Website: https://www.grohaus.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewrdonaldson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GR0Haus 

In this episode, guest Drew Donaldson shares insights into the evolving marketing landscape and its impact on career trajectories within the industry. Drew emphasizes the significance of understanding audience dynamics and adapting business strategies to changing market dynamics. He draws insights from successful marketing campaigns and historical examples, such as Milton Hershey's business pivot. {You can hear the full episode on Thursday May 30th}

In this engaging podcast episode, guest Joshua Smith explores and dissects various facets of the sales profession. He shares insights into the pitfalls of relying on outdated sales patterns and emphasizes the significance of genuine value creation over the "numbers game" approach. Additionally, the discussion navigates the nuances of selling in B2B versus B2C scenarios, underscoring the importance of tailored communication and service. 

Strategies for overcoming the fear of rejection are discussed, along with personal motivations for pursuing a career in sales, which evolved from providing for family to a broader desire to help others succeed. Joshua's journey into the lighting industry is examined, highlighting the role of opportunity and family influence. 

The episode also addresses the importance of education and becoming a subject matter expert in the industry while critiquing the flaws in traditional education systems that lack practical financial education. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the need for innovation in trade industries and reflects on personal growth, offering advice to younger selves to seek mentorship and guidance. Joshua provides valuable insights into the multifaceted sales and personal development world.

Highlights:

{04:14} Sales Techniques

{07:30} Patterns in Sales

{11:30} Selling in B2B vs. B2C

{19:45} Motivations in Sales

{22:15} Entry into the Lighting Industry

{23:30} Advice for Newcomers

{25:45} Flaws in American Education

{31:30} Innovations in Trades

Joshua Smith bio:

Joshua Smith is an accomplished Executive Sales Expert in wholesale (B2B) Residential and Commercial distribution. Joshua possesses a proven track record of launching strategic initiatives that significantly advance enterprise growth. His expertise is leveraging strategic selling methods to establish profitable revenue streams across diverse verticals.

Adept at leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with third-party vendors, Joshua excels in crafting innovative selling content. This proficiency ensures designing, developing, and deploying impactful marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences.

Joshua's ability to optimize budget allocations, drive cost-saving solutions, and prioritize spending has been instrumental in achieving organizational success. His knack for building corporate partnerships and establishing client relations has consistently opened doors to new business opportunities.

Notable highlights in Joshua's career include developing new customer relationships with National Brands, leading to the mandatory specification status of commercial products for all future projects. Managing a National Territory, Joshua secured over $4 million in revenue streams for commercial lighting products and controls within an impressive three-year timeframe.

Joshua's skill in orchestrating and delivering finished projects for complex sales strategies, from lead generation to project completion, sets him apart. His collaborative approach with stakeholders and business leaders allows him to convert client needs into tangible business goals, ensuring recurring revenue generation.

In summary, Joshua Smith is a seasoned sales professional renowned for driving growth, building lasting partnerships, and achieving outstanding results in the competitive wholesale distribution landscape.

Connect with Joshua:

Website: https://www.dynamicillusions.com 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mechcustoms 

In this engaging podcast episode, guest Joshua Smith explores and dissects various facets of the sales profession. He shares insights into the pitfalls of relying on outdated sales patterns and emphasizes the significance of genuine value creation over the "numbers game" approach. Additionally, the discussion navigates the nuances of selling in B2B versus B2C scenarios, underscoring the importance of tailored communication and service.

{You can hear the full episode on Thursday, May 23rd}

In this podcast episode, Dan Calandro delves into his background and upbringing in finance, tracing their interest in the stock market and financial intricacies back to college. Motivated by a desire to assist middle-class individuals facing financial challenges, they explore the complexity of the financial system and highlight the general lack of knowledge among the public. 

Dan shares that strategies for combating inflation and securing retirement savings are discussed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the financial system to maintain personal freedom. 

Highlights:

{03:00} Personal background and upbringing in finance.

{10:15} The complexity of the financial system and lack of knowledge among the general public.

{15:00} Critique of traditional financial advisors and Wall Street practices.

{21:30} Predictions and concerns about potential economic crises and market manipulation.

{32:00} MIT investor

{40:15} There is a need for financial education and empowerment among individuals to navigate the financial world effectively.

Dan Calandro bio:

Dan Calandro is an independent critical thinker with a unique combination of passion, curiosity, and creativity, making him an exceptional analyst and strategic planner. A professional number two by trade and experience, Dan has a long and distinguished career streamlining operations, improving performance, and providing alternative, outside-the-box solutions to complex challenges.

He also has an uncanny ability to transform complex findings into presentations easily appreciated by almost any audience or skill level. This is demonstrated in his award-winning book on investment entitled LOSE YOUR BROKER, NOT YOUR MONEY. The book is easy to understand, the methods are simple to apply, and the results are astounding — the concepts that can improve any portfolio's performance.

Whatever its size and make-up, and whatever the overall objective.

Connect with Dan:

Website: https://www.calmgt.net 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-calandro 

In this podcast episode, Dan Calandro delves into his background and upbringing in finance, tracing their interest in the stock market and financial intricacies back to college. Motivated by a desire to assist middle-class individuals facing financial challenges, they explore the complexity of the financial system and highlight the general lack of knowledge among the public. 

Dan shares strategies for combating inflation and securing retirement savings are discussed, emphasising the importance of understanding the financial system to maintain personal freedom.

{You can hear the full episode on Thursday, May 16th}

Chirene Hughes joins us to delve into their journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, a transition marked by personal tragedies and the closure of their agency. Motivated by the need to provide for their child and the lack of job opportunities in their small town, Chirene bravely embarked on the path of entrepreneurship despite facing emotional turmoil and financial uncertainty. Chirene shares valuable insights into time management strategies and the challenges of balancing personal and professional life while starting a business. 

Chirene explores the evolution of the SEO industry and offers advice for entering the digital marketing field, stressing the importance of understanding storytelling and branding. Reflecting on their journey, the speaker shares valuable advice for their younger self and provides an overview of their book, "The Seven Figure Freelancer," and the Freelance Training Academy program, underscoring the significance of mentorship and community in freelancing. 

Highlights:

{04:00} Motivational factors behind entrepreneurship

{12:30} The importance of words

{17:30} Know your target audience

{20:30} The difference between good and bad stories

{31:00} Reflections and advice for a younger self

Chirene Hughes bio:

Chirene Hughes is a dynamic force in the world of marketing and storytelling. Hailing from a small town in South Africa, Chirene is the founder and principal of two Red Crows brand storytelling agencies. With a passion for crafting compelling narratives, Chirene and her team produce an impressive volume of 100,000 words per month, specializing in strategic wording for email marketing, lead nurturing, social media, SEO articles, and social selling. 

Through their expertise in storytelling, Chirene helps businesses increase their revenues by driving sales through captivating narratives. With a knack for creativity and a love for making things up, Chirene and her team excel at assisting clients in optimizing their blogs, social networking, and overall web traffic. From marketing strategy to copywriting and word wrangling, Chirene navigates the complexities of content creation with finesse, ensuring her client's success in the digital landscape. Through her dedication and expertise, Chirene brings a wallop of happiness to many lips as she continues to shape the future of brand storytelling and marketing strategy.

Connect with Chirene:

Website: https://www.tworedcrows.co.za 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirene-hughes