In this episode of The Alchemy Podcast, host Doug Cartwright sits down with Zaza, one of his closest friends and former mentees, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Zaza opens up about his early struggles in door-to-door sales, his spiritual and emotional turning points, and how he transformed his life through grit, mentorship, and an unshakable refusal to quit. From nearly giving up after a brutal summer, to hitting 175 installs and becoming one of the top reps in the industry, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, self-discovery, and leadership.

Doug and Zaza explore the evolution of their friendship, the painful but transformative lessons of failure, and what it truly means to build confidence and identity through honoring your commitments. Zaza’s storytelling is raw and unfiltered, offering a rare look at what it takes to become elite—not just in sales, but in life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, doubting their path, or wondering whether to keep going. Zaza’s journey proves that success is not about being the best—it’s about being the one who refuses to give up.

Timestamps of Key Moments:

00:00 – Intro: Doug welcomes Zaza to the podcast and reflects on their history

01:45 – Memphis Summer: Zaza’s first brutal experience in door-to-door sales at 18 years old

06:20 – Learning the Hard Way: Being the worst rep in the office and learning from elite performers

10:58 – The Turning Point: The phone calls with Casey and Alex that stopped Zaza from quitting

16:43 – The Power of Not Quitting: How pushing through August changed his identity forever

20:50 – Zaza’s Second Year: The vow to never let down his mentor again and the rise to 175 installs

24:33 – The Crash: 11 installs cancel in a single day—Zaza’s most emotionally devastating moment

28:55 – The Comeback: Installing the final deal, crying in the front yard, and driving straight home

33:40 – Leadership Born from Pain: How hardship shaped Zaza’s ability to lead and empathize

38:12 – Confidence Redefined: Why confidence is built only by doing what you say you’ll do

41:36 – You Can’t Beat Someone Who Doesn’t Quit: Zaza shares his secret weapon for long-term success

47:05 – Final Thoughts: Why resilience, not talent, is the ultimate separator in door-to-door sales

Follow Doug:

• IG: @doug_cartwright
• Join the Alchemy Accelerator: HERE
• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: HERE

Follow Zaza:

• IG: @zazaandersen
• Check out: @todaysthedaypodcast