In this powerful solo episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross Mandell shares the true, untold story behind one of the most historic moments in modern finance — becoming the first American to bring a regulated U.S. financial business public on the London Stock Exchange in June 2002.

Speaking candidly from Scott Woolley Studios in Delray Beach, Florida, Ross walks listeners through the week that changed his life forever, detailing how Sky Capital Holdings successfully listed on London’s AIM Market, reopening investor confidence after the dot-com crash and 9/11 — at a time when global markets were effectively frozen.

This episode is a firsthand account of ambition, risk, power, and timing, told by the man who lived it.

📈 Inside the London Stock Exchange Breakthrough

Ross breaks down how he:

Reincorporated an American company in the UK

Spent nearly a year calling in favors, building trust, and assembling capital

Took Sky Capital Holdings public at £1.85 — opening at £2 and surging higher

Personally reached a $30 million net worth overnight

Positioned Sky Capital as a transatlantic investment bank connecting London and Wall Street

He also explains why market makers bet against him, how they were caught short, and why confidence, preparation, and sheer willpower made the difference.

🧠 Key Lessons from This Episode

In this episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, you’ll learn:

Why the London Stock Exchange matters more than most Americans realize

How Sky Capital became the first post-dot-com IPO success in the UK

The psychology of market makers and short sellers

Why timing beats talent in financial markets

How media exposure (national television) changes perception and power

The real mechanics behind IPOs, capital raises, and market confidence

How Ross Mandell helped reopen UK capital markets after 9/11

Ross also reflects on being featured on national British television as the face of market recovery — and how visibility, credibility, and execution intersect at the highest levels.

🎯 Why This Episode Matters

This is not theory.

This is financial history told by the person who made it happen.

If you’re interested in:

Stock markets

IPOs

Wall Street vs London finance

Capital raising

Investment banking

Market psychology

Financial power and influence

This episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell delivers rare insight you won’t find in textbooks or mainstream media.

🎙️ About the Podcast

Going Public with Ross Mandell is a long-form podcast covering markets, money, power, investing, and real-world financial experience. Hosted by Ross Mandell, the show features solo insights and conversations with elite operators across finance, business, and global markets.

🔗 Links & Resources

📌 Get Intro to the Stock Market

👉 https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

📲 Follow Ross Mandell on Instagram

👉 https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

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In this health performance podcast, Ross Mandell interviews Aleks Rybchinskiy, the Health Performance Engineer, to break down somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, breathwork, and mind-body healing for chronic pain, stress, and peak performance.

This episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell is a deep-dive health performance podcast interview focused on how trauma, stress, and emotional patterns are stored in the body — and how somatic therapy and nervous system regulation can create long-term healing and performance optimization.

Aleks Rybchinskiy is a holistic health coach, somatic therapist, and performance optimization expert with over 20 years of experience. In this health performance podcast, he explains why traditional medicine and fitness often fail and how chronic pain, burnout, and anxiety are rooted in nervous system dysregulation.

Topics Covered in This Health Performance Podcast:

This health performance podcast interview delivers actionable tools for entrepreneurs, high performers, and anyone dealing with chronic pain, burnout, or emotional stress.

🔗 LINKS

📌 Get Intro To The Stock Market

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In this episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross interviews Dawn Evans, a serial entrepreneur, international speaker, published author, and the CEO and founder of Ajuda Training Services, a multi-award-winning vocational training and mental health education company based in Cardiff, South Wales. Dawn shares insights from her journey building a purpose-driven business that has impacted tens of thousands of learners and professionals across the UK and Europe. 

Dawn walks Ross through the evolution of Ajuda from its early beginnings into a thriving training organisation that delivers accredited courses, supports community initiatives, and inspires individuals to unlock their potential. She discusses her philosophy on leadership, business development, and the importance of creating training programmes that make a real difference in people’s lives. Listeners also hear about Dawn’s passion for mental health advocacy, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and her work empowering others through education and personal development. 

🔑 Episode Highlights & Takeaways

* Dawn Evans’s professional background and entrepreneurial journey

* Founding and scaling Ajuda Training Services into a multi-award-winning organisation

* How accredited vocational training and mental health education can transform careers

* Dawn’s approach to leadership, mentorship, and coaching

* The role of passion, purpose, and perseverance in business success

* Inspiring others — from young entrepreneurs to experienced professionals

* Stories of impact: community engagement, training programmes, and educational outreach 

🎧 Who This Episode Is For

This conversation delivers valuable insight for:

* Small business owners and entrepreneurs

* Professionals in training, coaching, and education

* Anyone focused on personal growth, leadership, or mentoring

* Individuals passionate about mental health advocacy and community development

📌 Why This Matters

Dawn’s story is a powerful example of what happens when leadership, vision, and dedication converge. From early ambitions in education to leading a company that champions lifelong learning and well-being, this episode unpacks not just business growth strategies — but the human impact behind training, mentoring, and empowering others.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Follow Ross Mandell

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

Follow Dawn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajudadawn/

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In this episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross Mandell sits down with Michael Matthews, widely known as Powerballer—one of the most connected dealmakers in finance, entertainment, and ultra-high-net-worth circles. From sneaking into VIP rooms in Las Vegas at 21 years old with nothing but confidence, to advising billionaires, global banks, and elite institutions, this episode reveals how access, leverage, and reputation became Powerballer’s greatest assets.

Powerballer breaks down his unconventional rise from a misled youth in Boca Raton to becoming the founder of Blackridge & Company, a modern global advisory firm operating at the highest levels of capital, influence, and private deals. The conversation dives deep into network economics, billionaire psychology, social leverage, branding, and why today’s real power isn’t money—it’s who trusts you and who lets you into the room.

This episode is essential viewing for entrepreneurs, investors, founders, sales professionals, and anyone obsessed with how power really works behind closed doors.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro: Who Is Powerballer

02:45 – Growing Up in Boca Raton & Early Missteps

06:10 – The Vegas Weekend That Changed Everything

10:55 – Sneaking Into VIP With Nothing but Confidence

15:40 – Why Access Beats Money Every Time

20:30 – Turning Social Leverage Into a Career

26:15 – Working With Steve Wynn & Elite Circles

31:50 – Building Blackridge & Company

37:20 – How Billionaires Think About Capital & Yield

42:55 – Perception, Branding & Influence

47:40 – Why South Florida Is “Wall Street South”

52:10 – The Future of Global Connectivity & AI

56:30 – Final Lessons From Powerballer

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS

-How Powerballer turned confidence into global influence

-Why access and trust outperform money in elite circles

-The mindset shift that replaced college with opportunity

-Building relationships with billionaires and institutions

-Inside Blackridge & Company’s global advisory model

-How capital really moves behind the scenes

-Why South Florida has become the new Wall Street

-The future of AI, global reach, and influence at scale

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Follow Ross Mandell

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

Follow Powerballer

https://www.instagram.com/powerballller/

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Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Ross on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

In this solo episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross records from Scott Woolley Studios in Delray Beach, Florida and delivers an unfiltered “who I am” origin story—covering his upbringing, early athletic and academic drive, the trauma that changed his life, and how he ultimately became one of the most notorious and successful figures in modern Wall Street lore, blending themes of entrepreneurship, addiction recovery, high-stakes finance, and reinvention.

Ross traces his path from a stable childhood in New York to the turning point at age 16 when his father died suddenly—an event he describes as the trigger that fueled decades of substance abuse and reckless living. He explains how he transformed raw sales talent into a Wall Street career, becoming a top-producing broker, building and buying firms, and eventually creating an international blueprint for taking American companies public overseas. Ross also addresses his legal battles, prison sentence, and comeback—framing himself as a target of “lawfare”—before closing with updates on his podcast growth, mastermind, and media ventures.

Key Moments 

-The death of his father in 1973 and how grief became the gateway into long-term drugs/alcohol

-Ross describes years of daily intoxication (1973–1990) and the family fallout after the loss

-Early entrepreneurship and sales: parties, hustles, and drug dealing (Quaaludes, weed, later cocaine)

-Discovering the upside of stockbroking and pushing into EF Hutton despite his reputation

-Claims of massive wealth creation in the markets and becoming a “cold-calling cowboy” producer

-Wall Street career arc: major firms, IPO era, and building/buying Roan Capital

-Launching Sky Capital and describing an unprecedented run taking U.S. businesses public in London

-Ross addresses government accusations, trial narrative, prison time, and his comeback message

-Podcast growth update, social following, mastermind plug, and media projects under Raw Media

This episode is a fast-paced Ross Mandell autobiography—part Wall Street war story, part addiction-and-recovery testimony, and part entrepreneurial blueprint. For listeners interested in stockbroker culture, Wall Street history, sales psychology, sobriety, reinvention after prison, and building wealth through aggressive business strategy, Ross’s solo update delivers a high-energy snapshot of the experiences that shaped the “Bad Boy of Wall Street” brand and where he’s taking Going Public next.

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Get Intro To The Stock Market

In this episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross sits down with LaVonne Idlette, Olympic hurdler for the Dominican Republic, attorney, MBA, and financial professional focused on asset protection and wealth preservation. From elite athletics to law, finance, and family office strategy, LaVonne shares a rare perspective shaped by global competition, discipline, and long-term thinking.

LaVonne walks through her journey from growing up in Hampton, Virginia, discovering her natural speed on neighborhood streets, and eventually becoming a world-class hurdler who competed in the 2012 London Olympics and five World Championships. She explains how competing internationally at a young age built discipline, confidence, and adaptability — traits that later translated into business, law school, and financial strategy. The conversation expands into professional athletics as a business, sponsorship economics, transitioning out of sports, and why curiosity, exposure, and education are critical for building sustainable wealth beyond peak earning years.

Key Moments & Takeaways

-Growing up fast, competitive, and academically gifted in Virginia

-Discovering organized track late and transitioning into hurdles

-Competing internationally for the Dominican Republic at the Olympic and World Championship level

-Life as a professional athlete, sponsorship income, and global competition

-Balancing elite athletics with graduate school and law school

-Transitioning from sports into finance, law, and family office strategy

-Why curiosity, exposure, and discipline matter more than talent alone

-The importance of privacy, asset protection, and long-term wealth planning

-Helping athletes and high earners protect capital and avoid lifestyle traps

-Announcing her upcoming book, The Hidden Wealth Code, built around long-term financial principles

LaVonne Idlette’s story is a masterclass in discipline, reinvention, and elite performance beyond the track. This episode of Going Public highlights how world-class athletic mindset, legal training, and financial intelligence intersect to create lasting success. A must-listen for athletes, entrepreneurs, and high performers looking to convert peak performance into long-term wealth and stability.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Ross Mandell on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

In this deeply personal and cinematic episode of Going Public, Ross Mandell pulls back the curtain on one of the most defining — and explosive — moments of his life and career. On March 14, 1996, Ross woke up to find himself splashed across the front page of The Wall Street Journal, along with a massive 5,250-word, two-page feature inside the paper — the largest profile ever written about a single person in the Journal’s history at that time.

But unlike most brokers who dream of front-page fame, Ross’s story wasn’t a celebration — it was a public crucifixion. He describes the shock, the fallout, the media frenzy, and the behind-the-scenes forces that led to his portrayal as one of Wall Street’s most “notorious rogue brokers.” This is the raw, uncut truth behind a moment that changed the trajectory of his life, his reputation, and his rise as one of the most talked-about figures in the finance world.

From his early days as a gifted but self-destructive young stockbroker to the extortion attempt by powerful Wall Street insiders, and finally to the moment he refused to compromise his sobriety or integrity for $10 million — Ross lays everything on the table.

This is not just a story about Wall Street. It’s a story about addiction, redemption, betrayal, survival, and the iron will of a man who refused to fold.

🔑 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

-The Morning Everything Changed

-5,250 Words That Shocked Wall Street

-The Rise: From EF Hutton to Top Producer in America

-Hitting Bottom and Fighting Back

-The Extortion Attempt by Wall Street Insiders

-The Grueling Interviews Meant to Derail His Career

-Becoming the “Bad Boy of Wall Street”

-Building His Own Firm Against All Odds

This episode captures the rise, fall, and rebirth of Ross Mandell — told by the man himself with raw honesty and zero filter. More than a Wall Street war story, it’s a lesson in accountability, resilience, and the cost of living life on the edge. For anyone fascinated by the high-stakes world of finance, media manipulation, redemption arcs, and the psychology of powerful personalities, this is essential listening.

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Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Ross on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

Randall on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan/

In this powerful episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross sits down with serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and mentor Randall Kaplan — co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder of venture-capital firm JUMP Investors, and creator of the “Extreme Preparation” mindset. Drawing from decades of experience building, investing in, and scaling multiple companies, Kaplan unpacks what it truly takes to achieve excellence — not only in business but in life.

Throughout the episode, Kaplan breaks down the mindset, discipline, and strategic planning behind his massive successes. Listeners are treated to an unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, risk, perseverance, real-world execution, and the blueprint for building sustainable wealth and purpose-driven impact. This is more than a success story — it’s a masterclass in ambition, discipline, and legacy building for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-achievers alike.

🔑 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

-From Silicon-Valley Startup to Billion-Dollar Exit

-“Extreme Preparation” — The Core Mindset

-Mentoring Founders, Athletes & Future Leaders

-Overcoming Adversity & Giving Back

-Translating Success Strategies to Any Industry

Randall Kaplan delivers one of the most no-BS, actionable breakdowns of success, wealth-building, and personal excellence ever shared on Going Public. This episode isn’t about hype — it’s about real grit, discipline, and strategy. If you’re seeking long-term success, financial freedom, or a mindset upgrade, this conversation with one of the most seasoned entrepreneurs in the game is a must-listen.

Expect to walk away with concrete strategies, renewed motivation, and a new standard for what “excellence” truly requires.

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Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Ross on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

Matt on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/moneysmartguy/

This week on Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur, financial educator, and top insurance agency builder Matt Sapaula — widely known for being one of the driving forces behind PHP Agency, the life insurance company founded by Patrick Bet-David and later sold in a landmark $400 million deal.

Matt — a former U.S. Marine turned financial strategist — shares how he went from military service to becoming one of the most influential leaders in the insurance industry. As one of Patrick Bet-David’s personally mentored protégés, Matt breaks down the principles, mindset, and business philosophies that helped him build massive sales teams, scale distribution across America, and develop thousands of top-performing agents.

Ross and Matt dive deep into the fundamentals of money, the real blueprint for building a scalable sales organization, and why the life insurance industry remains one of the most powerful (but misunderstood) wealth vehicles in the world. Matt also talks about the discipline and mental toughness he gained from the Marines, how PBD’s mentorship shaped his leadership style, and what it really took to help grow a company that would ultimately sell for nearly half a billion dollars.

Packed with entrepreneurship lessons, high-performance strategies, and inside perspective on the PHP explosion, this episode is a must-watch for anyone in insurance, sales, or business looking to level up their career.

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Get Intro To The Stock Market

https://www.skool.com/going-public-with-ross-mandell-7131

Ross on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rossmandell/

In this explosive episode of Going Public with Ross Mandell, Ross retells one of the most painful and important lessons of his early Wall Street career—how a brilliant stock play on PANAM Airlines turned into a catastrophic collapse that wiped out clients, destroyed accounts, and forced him to rebuild from scratch.

As a young, high-performing stockbroker in 1985, Ross had insider-level insight into PANAM’s upcoming corporate moves. He pushed hard—selling 5,000 shares to every client who didn't own any and doubling positions for those who did. His conviction was so strong that he bought in himself at $5/share, and within days the stock climbed to $5.75.

Other brokers soon caught wind, and momentum exploded.

PANAM shot up to $7… then $7.50… then $9—all within six weeks. Ross was positioned to make $2 million, and more than half his clients were on margin expecting a home run.

Then everything changed.

Trading was halted for over 24 hours, and devastating news dropped:

PANAM wasn’t selling the company—only the valuable trans-Pacific routes and hubs. Executives secured golden parachutes, but investors were left holding the bag. When trading finally resumed, the stock reopened straight down to $3, instead of the expected $15.

Margin calls detonated across the board.

Ross lost $100,000 of his own money, made 130 margin calls, and watched his entire book implode overnight.

In this episode, Ross breaks down:

-The dangerous psychology of greed and euphoria on Wall Street

-Why you never count your profits until they’re realized

-How margin magnifies both gains and destruction

-The inside mechanics of a brokerage boom-and-bust cycle

-How corporate corruption and golden parachutes blindsided every investor

-The brutal process of rebuilding a shattered business

-The real truth behind “the crooked nature of Wall Street”

This story isn’t just about losing money—it's about learning the most expensive lesson a stockbroker can learn:

In the markets, the moment you think you’ve won… is usually the moment you’re already losing.

A must-listen for anyone in the stock market, day trading, investing, or the financial world.

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