In my latest episode of Inside the Lion's Den podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brandon Elliott, CEO and founder of Credit Council Elite, for an inspiring conversation about transformation, resilience, and innovative approaches to real estate investing.

Growing up in challenging circumstances with a dysfunctional family background, he initially took a wrong turn in life. However, a life-threatening accident in 2013 - where he suffered severe burns in an explosion - became his wake-up call. Rather than letting this setback define him, Brandon used his house arrest period to educate himself, spending four hours daily learning about real estate investing.

Our conversation took an interesting turn as Brandon explained how he leveraged credit cards to build a successful real estate portfolio, starting with properties in Ohio while based in California. Using the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), he transformed his life from working in restaurants to generating substantial passive income through real estate investments.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-Brandon's journey from a challenging upbringing to his wake-up call after a devastating accident that left him with severe burns and facing potential jail time

-How Brandon used his house arrest period constructively, dedicating 4 hours daily to studying real estate, which laid the foundation for his future success

-The transition from working in restaurants to long-distance real estate investing in Ohio, including the challenges and lessons learned from managing properties 3,000 miles away

-The birth of Credit Council Elite, which started after a pivotal speaking opportunity at a Cancun mastermind event where 20 people immediately wanted to pay Brandon for his credit expertise

-Brandon's philosophy on using credit strategically as a tool for investment, comparing it to how banks leverage money, and his mission to help others avoid the mistakes he made while losing over a million dollars in credit lines and nine bank relationships

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode92

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What struck me most about Menina's story was her incredible resilience. Growing up in Canada with parents in the dance industry, she fought against their initial skepticism to pursue her dreams. At just 18, she secured a U.S. work visa independently and made the bold move to Los Angeles. Within months she was dancing alongside industry giants like Paula Abdul and Britney Spears.

During our conversation, Menina shared how motherhood prompted her first major career pivot from performing. But what I found particularly fascinating was how the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its challenges, became an unexpected catalyst for her business transformation. After experimenting with virtual dance fitness classes and facing numerous setbacks, she discovered her true calling: mentoring aspiring dancers through her program, Business of Dance.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-From teaching dance at age 12 to performing with Britney Spears - how early passion and dedication launched a star performer's career

-The entrepreneurial pivot - transforming from professional dancer to successful business owner through multiple career transitions

-Building during COVID - evolving from in-person events to a thriving online dance mentorship program

-The game-changing moment - how investing in a business coach led to explosive growth and necessary tough decisions

-Creating work-life harmony - balancing motherhood while building a business that impacts the next generation of dancers

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode91

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In my latest episode of Inside the Lion's Den, I had the pleasure of hosting Katie Trost, an elite executive coach who brings a fascinating approach to helping tech CEOs scale their companies. What struck me most about our conversation was Katie's unique perspective on executive coaching – she's laser-focused on supporting CEOs rather than companies, a distinction that fundamentally shapes her entire practice.

We dove deep into the critical challenges of scaling a business, exploring everything from building high-performing executive teams to creating effective board dynamics. Katie broke down her framework into three key categories: leadership development, business operating systems, and people/culture. Her insights on helping CEOs move beyond being the "middleman" to facilitate true executive team collaboration were especially valuable.

-The unique dynamics of scaling tech companies from $10M to $100M+ in revenue

-The critical role of executive team evolution

-Board management strategies for venture-backed companies

-The three pillars of successful company scaling

-Why CEO coaching should focus exclusively on the chief executive's success rather than the company's interests

-Katy's perspective on why she doesn't take equity compensation

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode90

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This episode offers valuable lessons for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the publishing industry. Miriam's story demonstrates how passion, perseverance, and a willingness to learn can transform a personal mission into a thriving business that impacts countless lives.

Miriam candidly shares the challenges and triumphs of both self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering valuable insights for aspiring authors. She explains how her speaking engagements at schools evolved into a thriving business, eventually leading to the creation of her own publishing company.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• How personal experiences can be powerful motivators for creating impactful children's literature

• Setting ambitious goals and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can lead to unexpected opportunities

• Both self-publishing and traditional publishing have pros and cons; authors should carefully consider their options

• Marketing is crucial for book success, regardless of the publishing path chosen

• Quality content is essential for creating children's books that resonate with young readers and their parents

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode89

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In this engaging episode, Aryeh sits down with Samantha Skelly, founder of Pause Breathwork. The conversation weaves through Samantha's entrepreneurial journey, from her early days of making jewelry to becoming a leader in the breathwork industry.

Samantha shares her fascinating story of discovering breathwork in Bali, which led to healing her own eating disorder and eventually creating a successful business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building an app, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision and the right team.

The episode takes an intriguing turn as Samantha explains her role as a "spiritual strategist," bridging the gap between traditional business practices and energy-based approaches. She provides insights into how breathwork can benefit even the most logic-driven entrepreneurs, helping them manage stress and gain new perspectives.

Listeners will find valuable lessons on hiring, scaling a business, and the power of intuition in decision-making. Samantha's unique blend of business acumen and spiritual awareness offers a fresh take on entrepreneurship and personal development.

The conversation concludes with information about the Pause Breathwork app, which offers customizable breathwork sessions for various needs, from stress relief to better sleep.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• How entrepreneurship often stems from either inspiration or pain, with many driven by the need to prove themselves

• Having a clear vision is crucial when developing products or services, especially in tech

• When intuition can be a powerful tool in hiring and decision-making

• How breathwork can be a valuable tool for managing stress and gaining new perspectives in business

• When bridging the gap between traditional business practices and energy-based approaches can lead to unique insights and opportunities for growth

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode88

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Adrian Koehler, the founder of Take New Ground, shares his journey from nursing to leadership coaching in this engaging interview. He explains how his experiences in healthcare, spiritual communities, and philanthropic work shaped his approach to coaching entrepreneurs and business leaders. Adrian's unique background, which includes working with prison inmates and trust fund kids, gave him valuable insights into human behavior and personal growth.

Throughout the conversation, Adrian emphasizes the importance of key leadership qualities such as personal responsibility, adaptability, and the ability to ask for help. He stresses that great leaders need to be both confident in their opinions and open to feedback. Adrian also highlights the importance of creating a work environment where team members feel valued and can grow personally and professionally. He suggests that retaining top talent is about ensuring that working with you helps people become the best version of themselves.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-Adrian Koehler's journey from nursing to leadership coaching

-The importance of personal responsibility for entrepreneurs

-Balancing confidence with openness to feedback as a leader

-Focusing on results and reality rather than intentions

-The power of storytelling in leadership and business

-Creating a work environment that fosters personal growth

-A three-part feedback method to giving and receiving effective feedback

-The "Revenant process" - a leadership deep dive retreat

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode87

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Shaun’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He shares how he navigated the ups and downs of his career, from losing a promising internship during the dotcom crash to building and selling successful businesses. His candid reflections on past mistakes and learning experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The episode dives into the entrepreneurial journey of Shaun Clark, CEO and co-founder of HighLevel Software, as we explore Shaun's path from his early ventures to the creation of HighLevel, a CRM and marketing automation platform.

Shaun discusses how they identified an underserved market - marketing agencies - and built a solution tailored to their needs. He emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and letting them drive product development, a strategy that has been key to HighLevel's success.

In this episode, we'll cover:

1. Adaptability is crucial: Shaun’s success came from pivoting when initial ideas didn't work, always being open to new opportunities.

2. Customer-driven development: HighLevel's growth is attributed to closely listening to customers and building features they actually need.

3. Strategic investment: Even when profitable, taking on outside investment can provide valuable expertise and position a company for future growth.

4. Maintain company culture: As the company grew, Shaun found it better to nurture existing talent rather than always bringing in experienced outsiders who might not fit the culture.

5. Empowering others: Shaun finds fulfillment in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their goals, which drives HighLevel's mission.

For listeners interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or building customer-centric businesses, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, Shaun Clark's journey and insights provide valuable food for thought.

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode86

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Get ready to step into a world where creativity reigns supreme and the hustle never stops. Today I’m talking to Adley, a one-of-a-kind content creator turned business maven, as she shares her incredible journey from facing the mic on The Voice to masterminding a digital empire.

We discuss the highs and lows of transitioning from the glitter of the entertainment industry to the grip of content creation and business strategy. With a knack for storytelling that captivates, Adley offers up a play-by-play of the strategies that catapulted her content to hundreds of millions of views weekly.

Our discussion uncovers the profound lessons learned on this journey and the relentless passion she has for empowering creators.

You’ll learn the importance of understanding platform trends and analytics as Adley breaks down the critical aspects of social media success. It's all about knowing the numbers.

Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is a reservoir of insights for anyone aspiring to master the art of virality while leading with authenticity.

Adley's story is a testament to finding your path and thriving in the joy of creation. Tune in to explore the essential role of authenticity, perseverance, and fulfillment in building a life, not just a living.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-Challenges faced in learning the ropes of running a business

-The importance of making viral videos while providing brand solutions

-Utilizing platform trends for business growth

-Importance of analytics in ensuring quick pivots to emerging trends

-Adley's experiences with multiple business ventures and delegation

-Transition from the music industry to video content creation

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode85

Listen to, Episode 75: The Psychology Behind Disappointment and How to Combat Negativity Bias in Your Life and Business

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Today we have an incredibly timely and educational show lined up for you with Kathy Stokes, the director of fraud prevention programs at AARP. Our conversation unfolds with a personal touch as I share a recent experience where my digital wallet was hacked.

Kathy offers a powerhouse of insights, stressing the importance of reporting such incidents to potentially recover stolen funds through blockchain tracing and tying together cases against transnational criminal enterprises.

We talk about the emotional impact of being scammed, the technical sophistication of these fraudulent scripts, and the general population's lack of confidence in law enforcement's current ability to tackle these evolving crimes.

She emphasizes on the necessity of better training in organizations to combat phishing and social engineering, laying out the three key factors scammers exploit: unexpected communication, emotional manipulation, and urgency.

Kathy isn't shy about diving into how transnational criminal enterprises might be behind this massive-scale fraud, revealing her passion for social change sparked by a shift from educating workers on retirement benefits to fraud prevention for retirees.

Tune in as we navigate the real implications of falling prey to scams and why awareness is the best defense.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-The rise in reported losses due to fraud, especially during the pandemic

-The necessity of educating young adults, parents, and retirees on fraud prevention

-The association of large-scale fraud with transnational criminal enterprises

-The role of emotional manipulation in successful fraud schemes

-The psychological tactics exploited by scammers

-Impact of fraud on mental health and the extreme distress leading to suicide

-AARP's commitment to providing support for victims of fraud and financial crimes

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode84

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Today we have an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship and networking with Keaton Hoskins, also known as "the muscle" from the Diesel Brothers and founder of Limitless Society!

Together, we explore the raw truths of starting and running a business, emphasizing the vital role of networking and the sometimes overlooked value of paying for invaluable experiences.

We shed light on the glamorized image of entrepreneurship, discussing the unseen hard work and the shift away from the traditional path to success.

Keaton opened up about his journey, starting at 21 after a family loss, refusing a life on someone else's terms. His belief is slightly controversial but honest: entrepreneurship is innate for some, like athleticism, yet, with grit and determination, even the less predisposed can pave their path to entrepreneurial success.

Keaton redefines networking by emphasizing a value-first approach, where transactions are not the goal. He believes listeners should bring value without expecting immediate returns, which helps to establish meaningful relationships.

Get ready for an eye-opening and inspiring conversation on what it truly takes to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship.

In this episode, we'll cover:

-The importance of providing value without expecting anything in return

-Personal experiences in building relationships through offering value

-Being willing to pay for valuable relationships and experiences

-The benefit of overpaying, tipping well, and adding value to others

-How the traditional education system is not a great fit for everyone

-The unseen hard work behind the glamorization of entrepreneurship on social media

SHOW NOTES: https://insidethelionsdenpodcast.com/podcast/episode083

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