Investing To Win
Download on the App Store

Investing To Win episodes

  • Alternative Investments & Private Credit: How Smart Investors Build Recession-Resilient Wealth

    Alternative Investments & Private Credit: How Smart Investors Build Recession-Resilient Wealth

    In this episode of *Investing to Win*, host **Garret Wong** sits down with Patrick Grimes to dive into:

    - Alternative investments and private credit strategies

    - Litigation finance and medical receivables investing

    - Portfolio diversification and recession resilience

    …and the powerful lessons entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can use to level up their business, leadership, and thinking.


    🎥 **Prefer watching the conversation? The full video is available on YouTube:**

    https://youtu.be/zXbe33KswBc&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug


    This creates a richer experience with facial expressions, visuals, and deeper engagement.


    Whether you're a business owner, investor, operator, or someone exploring new pathways to financial freedom, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can take action on immediately.


    ---


    ## 🔥 Episode Summary

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Patrick Grimes to unpack how high-net-worth and institutional investors think about alternative investments and private credit. Patrick shares his journey from corporate engineering into full-time investing, including the lessons learned from major losses and how those experiences shaped his focus on non-correlated assets.

    The conversation explores how private credit functions across real estate debt, litigation finance, and medical receivables - asset classes that continue to perform regardless of economic cycles. Patrick explains why banks are retreating from certain lending segments, how accredited investors can step into that gap, and what proper due diligence looks like in complex alternative strategies.

    This episode is a masterclass in modern portfolio construction, highlighting why resilience, cash flow, and downside protection matter more than speculation in today’s investing landscape.


    ---


    ## 🎯 Key Takeaways

    • Understand how alternative investments reduce portfolio volatility

    • Learn why private credit thrives when traditional lenders retreat

    • Discover how litigation finance and medical receivables work

    • See how non-correlated assets protect wealth during downturns

    • Avoid common pitfalls new alternative investors make


    ---


    ## 🧠 Topics Covered

    • Alternative investment fundamentals

    • Private credit strategies

    • Small-balance commercial real estate lending

    • Litigation finance mechanics

    • Medical receivables funding

    • Accredited investor due diligence

    • Recession-resilient asset allocation


    ---


    ## 🔍 SEO Keywords

    alternative investments, private credit, litigation finance, medical receivables, accredited investors, passive investing, wealth preservation, non correlated assets, portfolio diversification, recession resilient investing, private debt, investing strategies, financial education


    ---


    ## ⏱️ Timestamps

    [00:00:00] – Introduction

    [00:01:40] – Patrick’s background and early investing lessons

    [00:04:00] – Real estate as an allocation, not a strategy

    [00:05:45] – What private credit actually is

    [00:08:10] – Medical receivables explained

    [00:11:20] – Litigation finance and mass tort cases

    [00:15:35] – Due diligence in alternative investments

    [00:17:35] – Investor sentiment and market volatility

    [00:21:40] – AI disruption and resilient industries

    [00:31:40] – Roll-ups, risk, and fundamentals

    [00:35:35] – Advice for new alternative investors

    [00:45:15] – Defining success and winning


    ---


    ## 👤 About Patrick Grimes

    Patrick Grimes is an alternative investment expert and founder of Passive Investing Mastery. A former robotics and automation engineer, Patrick transitioned into full-time investing after studying how high-net-worth individuals allocate capital. He now focuses on private credit strategies across real estate, litigation finance, and medical receivables, helping accredited investors build resilient, non-correlated portfolios.


    ---


    ## 🔗 Episode Links & Resources

    • 🎥 **Watch the YouTube version:** https://youtu.be/zXbe33KswBc&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    • https://passiveinvestingmastery.com/

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricksgrimes/


    ---


    ## 📘 Recommended by Garret

    **Get Garret’s bestselling book *The Property Playbook*: https://a.co/d/3Ww0si0**

    Build wealth without burnout using the systems that scaled over $1B in managed assets.


    ---


    ## 🌐 Stay Connected

    **Join the My First Keys Community:** https://my-first-keys.mn.co/landing/

    Weekly landlord education, walkthroughs, systems & support.


    **Follow on Instagram**

    https://www.instagram.com/garretwongofficial/

    51 min
  • Fractional COO Strategies for Scaling, Turnarounds & Business Exits with Ashish Gupta

    Fractional COO Strategies for Scaling, Turnarounds & Business Exits with Ashish Gupta

    In this episode of *Investing to Win*, host **Garret Wong** sits down with Ashish Gupta to dive into:

    - Fractional COO leadership and business turnarounds

    - Scaling small and mid-sized businesses for sustainable growth

    - Company culture, hiring, and remote team performance

    …and the powerful lessons entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can use to level up their business, leadership, and thinking.


    🎥 **Prefer watching the conversation? The full video is available on YouTube:**

    https://youtu.be/ksevGclt4cY&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug


    This creates a richer experience with facial expressions, visuals, and deeper engagement.


    Whether you're a business owner, investor, operator, or someone exploring new pathways to financial freedom, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can take action on immediately.


    ---


    ## 🔥 Episode Summary

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Ashish Gupta, a former Apple executive, tech entrepreneur, and founder of Scale Up Exec, a fractional COO firm working with companies on turnarounds, plateaus, and rapid growth. Ashish shares his remarkable journey from co-founding an early wireless charging technology acquired by Qualcomm, to running large-scale manufacturing operations at Apple, and eventually transforming distressed businesses into profitable, scalable organizations.

    Ashish breaks down what truly drives successful business turnarounds, including how to diagnose operational breakdowns using KPIs, when difficult staffing decisions are unavoidable, and why culture is the ultimate accelerator or constraint on growth. He also explains why most founders stay trapped in day-to-day operations and how a properly structured fractional COO engagement can unlock both profitability and peace of mind.

    The conversation also dives deep into hiring, remote workforce strategy, leadership fit versus A-player labels, and how founders can objectively evaluate whether their teams and seats are aligned with their business stage. Ashish offers a rare mix of operational precision and inner leadership philosophy, emphasizing that true success begins with clarity, execution, and inner stability.


    ---


    ## 🎯 Key Takeaways

    • Diagnose business health using clear KPIs before making major decisions

    • Design culture through defined values and observable behaviors

    • Right-fit hiring matters more than A-player labels

    • Turnarounds often require fast, uncomfortable staffing changes

    • Remote teams demand stronger communication and self-drive


    ---


    ## 🧠 Topics Covered

    • Fractional COO services

    • Business turnaround strategy

    • Scaling operations for growth

    • Exit planning and acquisitions

    • Company culture design

    • Leadership and management styles

    • Hiring remote teams

    • KPI dashboards and metrics

    • Founder burnout and renewal


    ---


    ## 🔍 SEO Keywords

    fractional COO, business turnaround, scaling business, company culture, leadership strategy, remote teams, founder burnout, operational excellence, KPI dashboards, business exits, acquisitions, distressed business recovery, entrepreneurship, consulting services, management systems


    ---


    ## ⏱️ Timestamps

    [00:00:00] – Introduction & Guest Welcome

    [00:02:15] – Ashish’s Tech Startup Journey & Qualcomm Exit

    [00:06:45] – Timing, Innovation & Market Readiness

    [00:09:27] – Building to Sell vs Building to Operate

    [00:11:37] – Buying Distressed Businesses vs Healthy Companies

    [00:16:44] – Culture, Leadership & Team Realignment

    [00:21:38] – A-Players vs Role Fit

    [00:23:27] – Founding Scale Up Exec

    [00:28:52] – Turnaround Triage & KPI Dashboards

    [00:33:33] – Staffing Cuts & Financial Recovery

    [00:37:26] – Remote vs In-Person Teams

    [00:40:44] – Hiring & Communication Testing

    [00:43:13] – Growth Without Goals

    [00:46:59] – When to Hire a Fractional COO

    [00:47:18] – Defining Success & Winning


    ---


    ## 👤 About Ashish Gupta

    Ashish Gupta is the Founder of Scale Up Exec and a seasoned technology executive, entrepreneur, and fractional COO. He previously co-founded a wireless charging technology company acquired by Qualcomm and held senior operations leadership roles at Apple managing large-scale manufacturing and supply chains. Ashish specializes in business turnarounds, scaling operations, leadership development, and culture transformation across a wide range of industries.


    ---


    ## 🔗 Episode Links & Resources

    • 🎥 **Watch the YouTube version:** https://youtu.be/ksevGclt4cY&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    • Guest Website: https://scaleupexec.com/


    ---


    ## 📘 Recommended by Garret

    **Get Garret’s bestselling book *The Property Playbook*: https://a.co/d/3Ww0si0**

    Build wealth without burnout using the systems that scaled over $1B in managed assets.


    ---


    ## 🌐 Stay Connected

    **Join the My First Keys Community:** https://my-first-keys.mn.co/landing/

    Weekly landlord education, walkthroughs, systems & support.


    **Follow**

    50 min
  • Private Markets: How Interval Funds Are Opening Access to Alternatives with Kimberly Flynn

    Private Markets: How Interval Funds Are Opening Access to Alternatives with Kimberly Flynn

    In this episode of *Investing to Win*, host **Garret Wong** sits down with Kimberly Flynn to dive into:

    - Private markets and the rise of interval funds

    - How private equity and private credit are becoming accessible to individual investors

    - The decline of the traditional 60/40 portfolio and the future of diversification

    …and the powerful lessons entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can use to level up their business, leadership, and thinking.

    🎥 **Prefer watching the conversation? The full video is available on YouTube:**

    https://youtu.be/2pzAQetxJlw&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    This creates a richer experience with facial expressions, visuals, and deeper engagement.


    Whether you're a business owner, investor, operator, or someone exploring new pathways to financial freedom, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can take action on immediately.


    ---


    ## 🔥 Episode Summary

    In this in-depth conversation, Kimberly Flynn — President of XA Investments — demystifies the world of private markets and explains how interval funds are transforming investor access to alternatives. Drawing from her background in investment banking, equity research, and asset management, Kimberly outlines how institutional-grade investment strategies are now being packaged for individual investors through SEC-registered structures.


    She describes why the traditional 60/40 model has lost effectiveness, especially after 2022 when both stocks and bonds delivered negative returns. Private equity, private credit, and real asset strategies offer new ways to pursue returns and manage risk, but they also require education and thoughtful planning. Kimberly breaks down the mechanics of interval funds, the reasons they’ve surged in popularity, and why advisory practices must understand their nuances — from liquidity considerations to suitability requirements.


    The discussion also explores major trends impacting the investing landscape, including the growth of direct lending due to the retreat of traditional banks, the rise of private credit yields, and how everyday investors can begin integrating alternatives into retirement planning. This episode provides clarity, actionable insight, and a grounded look at where private markets are heading.


    ---


    ## 🎯 Key Takeaways

    • Understand how interval funds work and why they’re growing

    • Learn why private equity and private credit are expanding beyond institutions

    • Discover why the 60/40 model is being challenged

    • Recognize the role of direct lending in today’s market

    • Explore how advisors can begin integrating alternatives responsibly

    • Gain insight into risks, liquidity, and investor suitability requirements


    ---


    ## 🧠 Topics Covered

    • What private markets are and how they differ from public markets

    • Interval funds explained

    • Private equity vs. private credit

    • Direct lending and the decline of bank financing

    • Liquidity considerations for alternative investments

    • The future of the 60/40 portfolio

    • Retail access to institutional investment strategies

    • Risk/return characteristics of alternatives

    • Advisor education and suitability


    ---


    ## 🔍 SEO Keywords

    private equity, private credit, interval funds, alternative investing, direct lending, roll ups, XA Investments, asset management, capital raising, portfolio construction, diversification, private markets access, financial advisors, private credit yields, 60/40 portfolio


    ---


    ## ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00 – Setting the Stage: Why Private Markets Matter in 2025

    Garret introduces the episode and frames the rapid rise of alternative investments.


    01:00 – Kimberly Flynn’s Career Journey & Building XA Investments

    Kim shares her path from Oklahoma to investment banking to leading XA Investments.


    03:00 – Investment Banking vs. Equity Research: Key Differences & Lessons

    Exploring the analytical, solitary nature of equity research versus the intensity of banking.


    06:30 – The Truth About Investment Banking Lifestyle & Career Trade-Offs

    Kim describes 80–100 hour weeks, mentorship, and long-term career implications.


    09:30 – Private Equity Explained: How Firms Buy and Grow Companies

    Breaking down PE strategies, middle-market focus, and specialization in sectors.


    12:00 – Unicorns, Late-Stage Growth & Why Companies Stay Private Longer

    Why today’s tech giants avoid IPOs and what this means for investors.


    14:00 – Understanding Interval Funds & How They Expand Investor Access

    Kim explains interval funds as SEC-registered vehicles enabling retail access to private markets.


    17:00 – Roll-Up Strategies: How Private Equity Creates Value in Fragmented Industries

    Dental, veterinary, HVAC, and home services as examples of scalable consolidation.


    19:45 – AI-Resistant Businesses & Opportunities in Home Services Roll-Ups

    Why plumbers, electricians, and landscaping remain attractive in an AI-driven world.


    22:30 – The Real Impact of AI on Research, Investing & Business Operations

    Where AI helps (summaries, efficiency) and where it falls short in asset management.


    25:00 – The Coming Talent Gap: How Automation Affects the Next Generation of Workers

    Kim discusses how reducing entry-level talent creates future shortages.


    28:30 – AI Voice Agents & Automating Sales and Customer Operations

    Garret shares real-world implementation of AI booking and triage tools.


    31:00 – Competing in AI: Why Roll-Ups Offer Lower Risk and Better Entry Points

    Why going head-to-head with tech giants is dangerous for small operators.


    33:00 – What Private Equity Looks For When Buying Roll-Ups and Platform Companies

    The growing trend of PE-to-PE exits and consolidation models.


    35:10 – Shrinking Public Markets & the Future of IPOs

    Why fewer companies are listed today and how exchanges are trying to change it.


    38:00 – Direct Lending Deep Dive: How Private Credit Replaced Bank Lending

    Private lenders step in as banks pull back — and yields rise as a result.


    41:00 – Asset-Backed Lending & Inflation-Proof Credit Strategies

    Why tangible collateral is attracting both advisors and institutions.


    43:30 – Why Small Business Lending Has Become So Difficult

    Garret’s experience with loans during COVID and banks avoiding service-based industries.


    46:30 – SBA Loans: The Last Reliable Path for Small Business Financing

    How SBA structures help entrepreneurs expand or survive economic stress.


    49:00 – The Death of the 60/40 Portfolio & the Rise of Alternatives

    Why public markets alone no longer deliver retirement-ready diversification.


    52:00 – Education, Risk & Suitability: How Advisors Should Approach Alternatives

    The importance of informed guidance, long time horizons, and liquidity awareness.


    55:00 – First Steps for Advisors Integrating Alternatives into Client Portfolios

    Kim’s practical recommendation: start by learning interval funds and advisor resources.


    57:00 – Kimberly’s Definition of Success & Final Reflections

    A personal answer on building expertise, health, and long-term fulfillment.

    ---


    ## 👤 About Kimberley Flynn

    Kimberly Flynn is the President of XA Investments, a Chicago-based asset management firm specializing in private markets, product development, and interval fund innovation. With a career spanning investment banking, equity research, and institutional asset management, Kimberly has helped expand advisor and investor access to private equity, private credit, and alternative strategies. Under her leadership, XA Investments manages approximately $1B across multiple funds and operates a leading consulting and research practice focused on private markets.


    ---


    ## 🔗 Episode Links & Resources

    • 🎥 **Watch the YouTube version:** https://youtu.be/2pzAQetxJlw&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    • Guest Website: https://www.xainvestments.com

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyannflynn/

    • Additional Resources:

    XA Funds: https://xainvestments.com/xflt/


    ---


    ## 📘 Recommended by Garret

    **Get Garret’s bestselling book *The Property Playbook*: https://a.co/d/3Ww0si0**

    Build wealth without burnout using the systems that scaled over $1B in managed assets.


    ---


    ## 🌐 Stay Connected

    **Join the My First Keys Community:** https://my-first-keys.mn.co/landing/

    Weekly landlord education, walkthroughs, systems & support.


    **Follow on Instagram**

    https://www.instagram.com/garretwongofficial/

    1 hr 1 min
  • Slow Fashion & Ethical Entrepreneurship with Blue Meets Blue Founder Shahd El-Asali

    Slow Fashion & Ethical Entrepreneurship with Blue Meets Blue Founder Shahd El-Asali

    In this episode of *Investing to Win*, host **Garret Wong** sits down with Shahd El-Asali to dive into:

    - Slow fashion as a tool for ethical entrepreneurship and social healing

    - Employing refugees through trauma-informed, purpose-driven business

    - Redefining success beyond profit and scale

    …and the powerful lessons entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can use to level up their business, leadership, and thinking.


    🎥 **Prefer watching the conversation? The full video is available on YouTube:**

    https://youtu.be/PKTUfWgVt0A&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug


    This creates a richer experience with facial expressions, visuals, and deeper engagement.


    Whether you're a business owner, investor, operator, or someone exploring new pathways to financial freedom, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can take action on immediately.


    ---


    ## 🔥 Episode Summary

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong speaks with sociologist and founder Shahd El-Asali about building a business rooted in healing, dignity, and purpose. Shahd shares her personal journey growing up between North America and Syria, and how the civil war shaped her work around identity, trauma, and collective healing.

    The conversation explores the philosophy behind Blue Meets Blue, a slow-fashion brand that employs refugee women, preserves endangered Syrian textiles, and treats fashion as both craft and community. Shahd explains how art-based work creates therapeutic space for refugees while challenging the fast-fashion model that prioritizes speed and profit over people.

    Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of ethical entrepreneurship, the realities of mission-driven business, and what it truly means to “win” when success is measured by impact rather than spreadsheets.


    ---


    ## 🎯 Key Takeaways

    • Redefine success beyond revenue and scale

    • Use business as a platform for healing and dignity

    • Build ethical brands without burnout

    • Understand the difference between slow fashion and fast fashion

    • Create community-based, trauma-informed workplaces


    ---


    ## 🧠 Topics Covered

    • Slow fashion movement

    • Ethical entrepreneurship

    • Refugee employment and resettlement

    • Art and trauma healing

    • Sustainable fashion practices

    • Purpose-driven business models

    • Social justice in entrepreneurship


    ---


    ## 🔍 SEO Keywords

    slow fashion, ethical entrepreneurship, refugee employment, impact business, sustainable fashion, social justice entrepreneurship, trauma informed business, humanitarian fashion, conscious consumerism, purpose driven brands, Blue Meets Blue, Shahd El Asali, investing to win


    ---


    ## ⏱️ Timestamps

    00:00:00 – Introduction and guest background

    00:02:20 – Growing up connected to Syria

    00:06:00 – Survivor’s guilt and trauma awareness

    00:07:30 – Founding Blue Meets Blue

    00:10:20 – Slow fashion vs fast fashion

    00:13:00 – Defining slow fashion

    00:16:00 – Sourcing textiles from Damascus

    00:19:40 – Art as a healing practice

    00:21:00 – Impact stories from refugee women

    00:24:30 – Social media and mission-driven brands

    00:25:20 – Entrepreneurship, motherhood, and balance

    00:27:00 – Partnerships and ethical growth

    00:28:10 – Legacy, purpose, and defining success

    ---


    ## 👤 About Shahd El-Asali

    Shahd El-Asali is a sociologist and founder of Blue Meets Blue, a slow-fashion brand rooted in social justice and ethical production. With a background in international psychology and trauma-informed work, Shahd focuses on collective healing through art, fashion, and refugee employment, bridging humanitarian impact with sustainable business.


    ---


    ## 🔗 Episode Links & Resources

    • 🎥 **Watch the YouTube version:** https://youtu.be/PKTUfWgVt0A&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    • Guest Website: https://bluemeetsblue.com

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahd-a-0747b647/

    • Additional Resources:

    1. Blue Meets Blue
    2. Slow fashion movement
    3. Ethical and sustainable textile production


    ---


    ## 📘 Recommended by Garret

    **Get Garret’s bestselling book *The Property Playbook*: https://a.co/d/3Ww0si0**

    Build wealth without burnout using the systems that scaled over $1B in managed assets.


    ---


    ## 🌐 Stay Connected

    **Join the My First Keys Community:** https://my-first-keys.mn.co/landing/

    Weekly landlord education, walkthroughs, systems & support.


    **Follow**

    34 min
  • From Pizza Guy to 2,000 Units: Gino Barbaro on Reinvention, Risk, and the Mindset Behind Multifamily Success

    What does it take to turn decades in the restaurant business into a $450 million real estate empire? In this episode, Garret Wong sits down with multifamily investor, author, and educator Gino Barbaro to unpack his incredible journey from owning an Italian restaurant in New York to building one of the largest educational communities in multifamily real estate.

    Gino shares the hard lessons from losing $172,000 on his first deal, the power of mentorship, and why true wealth comes from purpose, not just money.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00:00] Introduction:

    Garret introduces Gino Barbaro and opens with the surprising parallels between the restaurant grind and real estate investing.

    [00:01:00] From Pizza Guy to Property Pro:

    Gino shares his early story, growing up the son of Italian immigrants, working in his father’s restaurant, and realizing he wasn’t living his dream.

    [00:05:00] The Great Reset:

    How the 2008 recession forced Gino to rethink his path, discover real estate, and meet his business partner, Jake Stenziano.


    [00:17:30] The $172,000 Lesson:

    The painful story of Gino’s first real estate deal gone wrong—and how it shaped his investment philosophy forever.


    [00:20:30] Building While Working:

    Balancing a full-time restaurant business while acquiring multifamily properties one at a time.


    [00:28:50] The “Jockey Framework” for Passive Investing:

    Gino breaks down his 3-step model for evaluating deals and sponsors: the jockey, the saddle, and the horse.


    [00:34:30] Why Coaching Collapses Time:

    Both Garret and Gino discuss the difference between free advice and mentorship that actually holds you accountable.


    [00:44:45] From Real Estate to Money Coaching:

    Gino explains his shift from multifamily education to becoming a certified money coach—and what “Happy Money” really means.


    [00:49:10] The Moment He Almost Quit:

    A story about faith, frustration, and rediscovering purpose that changed Gino’s life and career direction.


    [00:53:50] Defining Success:

    Gino closes with his personal definition of “winning”—and the mindset that separates long-term investors from gamblers.


    Key Takeaways:
    1. Hardship often precedes clarity—Gino’s greatest loss became the foundation of his success.
    2. Mentorship shortens the learning curve; experience without guidance is just expensive trial and error.
    3. Real wealth is about freedom and impact, not accumulation.
    4. Your relationship with money determines your results—learn to earn happy money.
    5. Purpose and family should be the true metrics of success.

    About the Guest: Gino Barbaro

    Gino Barbaro is an investor, entrepreneur, and author who has grown his multifamily real estate portfolio to over 2,000 units and $450 million in assets under management. A former restaurant owner for more than 20 years, Gino co-founded Jake & Gino, one of the premier multifamily education communities in the U.S. He’s a best-selling author of Wheelbarrow Profits, The Honey Bee, and Family, Food, and the Friars, and currently runs Barbaro 360, where he helps families and entrepreneurs redefine their relationship with money.


    Mentioned in this Episode:
    1. Wheelbarrow Profits by Gino Barbaro & Jake Stenziano
    2. The Honey Bee by Gino Barbaro & Jake Stenziano
    3. Family, Food and the Friars by Gino Barbaro
    4. Happy Money, Happy Family, Happy Legacy by Gino Barbaro
    5. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
    6. Jake & Gino Community

    Connect with Gino Barbaro:

    🌐 Website

    📘 LinkedIn

    📖 Instagram

    58 min
  • Healing Without Surgery: Dr. Fawad Mian on PRP, Stem Cells & Entrepreneur Burnout

    When failed surgeries and chronic pain brought neurologist Dr. Fawad Mian to the brink, he didn’t double down on prescriptions; he turned inward. In this episode, Garret Wong speaks with Dr. Mian about how regenerative therapies, such as PRP, prolotherapy, and stem cells, are helping people heal without the need for drugs or scalpels. They also explore how stress, burnout, and performance pressure break the entrepreneurial body from the inside out.

    ⏱️ Timestamps:

    [00:00:00] Introduction:

    Garret introduces the episode and sets the stage for a deep dive into healing, longevity, and avoiding surgery.

    [00:00:38] Topic 1 – Dr. Mian’s Personal Health Journey:

    How years of injuries, failed surgeries, and ineffective treatments led him to explore regenerative medicine and heal himself.

    [00:11:32] Topic 2 – Understanding PRP, Prolotherapy, and Stem Cells:

    Dr. Mian explains how PRP and stem cells work, what they actually do inside the body, and why steroids can worsen joint damage.


    [00:20:34] Topic 3 – Burnout, Cortisol, and the Entrepreneur’s Body:

    The physiological toll of hustle culture — what chronic stress does to your immune system, brain, and recovery capacity.


    [00:32:08] Topic 4 – Walking, Meditation, and Energy Management:

    How simple practices like walking and mindfulness boost creativity, recovery, and high-performance decision-making.


    [00:34:15] Topic 5 – Turning Setbacks Into Teaching Moments:

    Dr. Mian’s process for bouncing back from failure, reframing mistakes, and keeping momentum in life and business.


    [00:36:53] Interview with Guest:

    Dr. Fawad Mian shares his clinical approach to regenerative medicine, the importance of image-guided treatment, and how he’s working to expand access while tracking outcomes.


    [00:41:16] Key Takeaways:

    Surgery is not always the answer. Pain is a signal, not the problem. Entrepreneurs need to manage energy, not just time. Healing is possible, from the inside out.


    👨‍⚕️ About the Guest: Dr. Fawad Mian

    Dr. Fawad Mian is a board-certified neurologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. After facing his own cascade of injuries, failed surgeries, and chronic pain, he turned to regenerative medicine, using PRP, prolotherapy, and autologous stem cells to heal himself.

    Today, he applies those same techniques in his clinical practice, helping patients avoid surgery and restore function. His work bridges neuroscience, performance optimization, and longevity-based care.


    🔗 Mentioned in this Episode:
    1. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
    2. Prolotherapy
    3. Autologous Stem Cell Therapy
    4. Tony Robbins’ Priming Meditation
    5. Fight or Flight vs. Parasympathetic Recovery


    📞 Connect with Dr. Fawad Mian:

    1. Website
    2. Instagram
    3. LinkedIn

    Get Involved:

    Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews with successful and interesting people! Please review and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    Subscribe & Follow:

    Spotify

    Apple Podcasts

    YouTube

    Contact:

    For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

    45 min
  • Home Care Franchising: Building Ethical, Scalable Elder Care with Amrit Dhaliwal

    Home Care Franchising: Building Ethical, Scalable Elder Care with Amrit Dhaliwal

    In this episode of *Investing to Win*, host **Garret Wong** sits down with Amrit Dhaliwal to dive into:

    - Home care franchising as a scalable, purpose-driven business model

    - Rebranding and modernizing elder care services

    - Entrepreneurship, franchising, and long-term impact

    …and the powerful lessons entrepreneurs, investors, and operators can use to level up their business, leadership, and thinking.

    🎥 **Prefer watching the conversation? The full video is available on YouTube:**

    https://youtu.be/T3I1yUV32l4&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    This creates a richer experience with facial expressions, visuals, and deeper engagement.

    Whether you're a business owner, investor, operator, or someone exploring new pathways to financial freedom, this episode delivers practical, no-fluff insights you can take action on immediately.

    ---

    ## 🔥 Episode Summary

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Amrit Dhaliwal, founder and CEO of Walfinch, to explore how the home care industry can be rebuilt through ethical franchising, better branding, and a focus on longevity rather than decline.

    Amrit shares his unconventional entrepreneurial journey — from hospitality and early franchising to building a national home care brand across the UK. Drawing from firsthand operational experience, he explains why profit is essential to quality care, how outdated perceptions limit innovation, and why dignity and activity must be central to elder care services.

    This conversation offers valuable insight for entrepreneurs and investors seeking recession-resistant businesses, while also challenging listeners to rethink what success, care, and “winning” truly mean.

    ---

    ## 🎯 Key Takeaways

    • Rethink home care as an active, dignity-driven service

    • Understand why franchising enables industry-wide change

    • Recognize profit as a driver of better care outcomes

    • Use branding to shift trust and perception in healthcare

    • Align business growth with personal purpose

    ---

    ## 🧠 Topics Covered

    • Home care franchising

    • Elder care and longevity

    • Private vs public care systems

    • Branding in healthcare

    • Ethical entrepreneurship

    • Franchising vs corporate growth

    • Technology and data in care

    ---

    ## 🔍 SEO Keywords

    home care franchising, elder care business, healthcare entrepreneurship, franchising model, active aging, longevity services, ethical business, private home care, Walfinch, Amrit Dhaliwal, investing to win, recession resistant business, senior care innovation

    ---

    ## ⏱️ Timestamps

    [00:00:00] – Introduction and Amrit’s background

    [00:01:30] – Early entrepreneurship and hospitality

    [00:05:55] – Why home care needs to change

    [00:09:50] – Private vs public home care

    [00:12:40] – Profit, staffing, and service quality

    [00:15:00] – Rebranding elder care

    [00:20:00] – Why franchising beats corporate scale

    [00:24:10] – Cultural attitudes toward elder care

    [00:28:15] – Active aging and longevity

    [00:31:30] – Technology and data in home care

    [00:35:40] – Advice for new franchisees

    [00:39:45] – Defining success and winning

    ---

    ## 👤 About Amrit Dhaliwal

    Amrit Dhaliwal is CEO and founder of Walfinch, one of the UK’s fastest-growing home care franchise networks with 30+ territories nationwide. A former franchisee turned franchisor, he’s the author of Time to Thrive: The Home Care Revolution and host of the Walking With Walfinch podcast. Amrit has been named in the Social Care Top 30 and recognised as Emerging Franchisor of the Year.

    ---

    ## 🔗 Episode Links & Resources

    • 🎥 **Watch the YouTube version:** https://youtu.be/T3I1yUV32l4&list=UULFRs3SSmwVFbR2QEjIDqU0Ug

    • Guest Website: https://www.walfinch.com

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-dhaliwal-a436445b/

    • Additional Resources:

    • https://walfinchfranchising.com/
    • Royal Osteoporosis Society
    • Wellness with Walfinch (YouTube)

    ---

    ## 📘 Recommended by Garret

    **Get Garret’s bestselling book *The Property Playbook*: https://a.co/d/3Ww0si0**

    Build wealth without burnout using the systems that scaled over $1B in managed assets.

    ---

    ## 🌐 Stay Connected

    **Join the My First Keys Community:** https://my-first-keys.mn.co/landing/

    Weekly landlord education, walkthroughs, systems & support.

    **Follow**

    44 min
  • Systematic Trading vs. Real Estate: Why Adrian Reid Says Strategy Beats Luck

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Adrian Reid, a former corporate strategist turned full-time stock and crypto trader. They explore the difference between building wealth through real estate versus systematic trading—and why aligning your investment strategy with your personality is the real key to winning. Whether you’re feeling stuck in the property market or curious about trading, this episode brings a fresh perspective on diversification, risk, and mentorship.

    ⏱️ Timestamps:

    [00:00:00] Introduction

    Garret introduces the theme of the episode and why exploring other asset classes beyond real estate is so important in 2025.

    [00:01:00] Topic 1: Adrian’s Pivot from Corporate to Trading

    Adrian shares how a boring engineering degree and burnout in consulting led him to pursue trading—and eventually quit his job in 2012.

    [00:06:30] Topic 2: Discovering Systematic Trading

    Adrian explains how he moved from broker tips and newsletters to building backtested rule-based trading systems.

    [00:12:40] Interview with Guest: Real Estate vs. Stocks Mindset

    Garret and Adrian discuss why real estate often relies on timing and luck, while trading requires a more structured and self-aware approach. They also dive into identity traps, mentorship, and the role of AI in modern investing.

    [00:27:30] Key Takeaways

    Adrian and Garret agree that success is not about the asset class—but about clarity of goals, mentorship, and matching your strategy to your lifestyle. Adrian shares how mentorship can compress years of struggle into months of real progress.

    👤 About the Guest: Adrian Reid

    Adrian Reid is a private trader and founder of Enlightened Stock Trading, where he teaches systematic stock and crypto trading strategies. With over 25 years of experience in the markets, Adrian transitioned from a career in business consulting and corporate strategy to full-time trading in 2012. He now runs a six-month mentorship program that helps new traders design rule-based portfolios aligned with their personality and goals. Adrian has clients all over the world and believes the best trading system is one that fits you.

    📚 Mentioned in this Episode:
    1. One Up On Wall Street by Peter Lynch
    2. Enlightened Stock Trading (Adrian’s platform)


    🔗 Connect with Adrian

    1. Official Website
    2. Linkedin
    3. Instagram


    Get Involved:

    Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews with successful and interesting people! Please review and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    Subscribe & Follow:

    Spotify

    Apple Podcasts

    YouTube

    Contact:

    For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

    48 min
  • Investing in Rare Earth Metals: The Untapped Asset Class Powering the Future

    In this episode of Investing to Win, Garret Wong sits down with Louis O’Connor, founder of Strategic Metals Invest, to discuss one of the most overlooked yet critical asset classes of the modern era—rare earth and strategic metals. From the tech in your smartphone to global defense systems, these metals are shaping the future. Learn how private investors can profit from this growing demand and why this might be the most geopolitically sensitive investment class you’ve never heard of.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00:00] Introduction:

    Garret introduces Louis and sets the stage for a deep dive into rare earth metal investing, touching on global demand and scarcity.

    [00:01:45] Topic 1: Louis’ Global Background in Real Estate and Transition into Metals

    Louis shares his journey—from early property investing in Ireland and Panama to discovering rare earths at Freedom Fest.

    [00:05:00] Topic 2: What Are Rare Earth Metals and Why Do They Matter?

    Defining rare earths, strategic metals, and why these trace materials are essential for AI, defense, green energy, and consumer electronics.

    [00:10:30] Topic 3: Supply Chain Realities and Geopolitical Control

    Understanding the fragility of the global supply chain, China’s dominance in production, and the implications for Western economies.

    [00:16:30] Topic 4: Investment Opportunities and Real-Life Price Surges

    Case studies on metals like Hafnium and Terbium, scarcity-driven spikes, and how Strategic Metals Invest facilitates investor buybacks.

    [00:30:00] Interview with Guest: Louis O’Connor

    Louis breaks down the logistics of physically owning metals, how storage works in a Frankfurt vault, and what the investment process looks like for private clients.

    [00:46:30] Key Takeaways:

    Rare earths are no longer obscure—they’re the new oil. With growing global demand and limited supply, early investors have a unique opportunity to benefit from scarcity and geopolitical shifts.

    About the Guest: Louis O’Connor

    Louis O’Connor is the founder of Strategic Metals Invest, a company that offers private investors the opportunity to own physical rare earth and strategic metals typically reserved for industrial use. With a background in global real estate and international business, Louis brings a unique perspective to alternative assets. His firm partners with over 4,000 industry clients and operates a secure logistics platform in Frankfurt. He is a recognized thought leader in the emerging rare earth investment space.


    Mentioned in this Episode:
    • Strategic Metals Invest
    • Freedom Fest Conference
    • US Geological Survey – Critical Minerals List


    Connect with Louis O’Connor:

    Strategic Metals Invest

    Linkedin


    Get Involved:

    Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews with successful and interesting people! Please review and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    Subscribe & Follow:

    Spotify

    Apple Podcasts

    YouTube

    Contact:

    For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

    54 min
  • The Truth About Longevity, Stress, and Hustle Culture (What No One Tells You)

    What does it take to live longer and better, especially as an entrepreneur? In this episode, Garret Wong is joined by Mark Young, a doctor of functional medicine and founder of a marketing agency focused on health and longevity, to explore how intentional living can reverse stress damage, optimize your biology, and drive deeper impact. From spiritual grounding to nutritional upgrades, this is a masterclass in creating a life that wins on every level.

    Timestamps:

    [00:00:00] Introduction:

    Garret and Mark kick off the episode with light banter and a preview of what's to come—why longevity is more than diet, and why entrepreneurs must protect their most important asset: themselves.

    [00:01:30] Topic 1: From Accountant to Biohacking Entrepreneur

    Mark shares his winding career path—starting as an accountant, moving through marketing and education, and eventually building a purpose-driven agency rooted in functional medicine and longevity.

    [00:06:52] Topic 2: What Biohacking Means

    They unpack the misconceptions about biohacking, what the term represents, and how small biological inputs can trigger major health shifts, especially for high-performing professionals.

    [00:14:28] Topic 3: Hustle Culture is Killing Us

    Mark explains how the sympathetic nervous system is overactivated in grind culture and how that leads to physical and emotional damage, often mistaken for weakness.

    [00:32:51] Topic 4: The 3 Dimensions of Health

    Longevity isn't just physical—Mark breaks it into three pillars: physical, emotional, and spiritual health, and gives practical tips for improving each one.

    [00:41:59] Interview with Guest: Mark Young

    Mark explains how his agency helps cutting-edge health brands tell their stories, educate the market, and amplify products that make a real impact—from cancer detection tools to skincare free of seed oils.

    [01:02:00] Key Takeaways:

    Success is measured by impact, not just output. Entrepreneurs have the tools and discipline to create holistic longevity—but only if they apply the same intentionality to their health as they do to their business.

    About the Guest: Mark Young

    Mark Young is a doctor of functional medicine and the founder of a marketing agency based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, focused on health, wellness, and longevity brands. With a background in accounting, education, and psychology, Mark brings a multi-dimensional perspective to marketing science-based solutions. His mission is to help purpose-driven companies tell better stories and empower individuals to live longer, healthier, and more intentional lives. He is also the author of Radical Generosity and the upcoming book Co-Creators.


    Mentioned in this Episode:
    • TheMarkYoung.com – Mark’s personal website and resource hub
    • Radical Generosity – Book by Mark Young
    • Co-Creators (Upcoming) – Mark’s upcoming book about the power of language and intention
    • Cancer Check Labs – Cancer screening startup mentioned in the episode
    • Happy Healthy Thin – Seed oil detox program mentioned by Mark
    • Masaru Emoto’s water experiment – Link


    Connect with Mark Young:
    • Official Website
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram


    Get Involved:

    Subscribe to the podcast for more interviews with successful and interesting people! Please review and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

    Subscribe & Follow:

    Spotify

    Apple Podcasts

    YouTube

    Contact:

    For feedback or questions, reach us at https://garretwong.com/contact/

    1 hr 5 min

About Investing To Win

From the publisher's feed

Hey there, audience! This is the Investing to WIN podcast, the show dedicated to inspiring budding entrepreneurs and business owners to live balanced, fulfilled lives. Our guests share their personal journeys, struggles, adversity and success stories. If you're a person that is working too hard, thinking of change or looking towards a future goal, you've come to the right place!