Making Bank

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Allison Maslan. Allison is the WSJ Best Selling Author of SCALE OR FAIL endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. She has built and scaled 10 companies since the age of 19 and has featured in Success, Inc., Fortune, Fast Company and Forbes Magazines. She is also the host and producer of The Scale or Fail Show podcast, and the Women Who Own it Podcast in partnership with WBENC, the largest certifier of women owned businesses in North America. Allison is the CEO and founder of Pinnacle Global Network and has helped established business owners scale their companies and reach their dreams. Her team of established mentors are all CEOs who have built and scaled their own highly successful companies.

 

This week on the podcast, Allison gives you some amazing insights, tips, and nuggets to help you transform your business where you're at, and then improve your overall revenue. As well as improve your systems processes and give you your time and freedom back, so that you can stop feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.

 

Listen to Josh and Allison discuss scaling:

 

(3:01) Allison On Becoming An Entrepreneur

Allison grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and says that she was blessed with the spirit of entrepreneurship. Her first break as an entrepreneur would come in college when she wrote personalized poems for birthdays and anniversaries. Her dad encouraged her to do more, so she worked at a TV station. After learning all she could from her job, at the age of 25, Allison was running a full service advertising NPR firm.

 

(5:59) Initial Success & Challenges

Initially Allison had to learn how to ask for help and that’s something most entrepreneurs struggle with. People think it’s a sign of weakness, but asking for help is one of the best ways you can progress forward. Allison also struggled with always wanting to be in control of her business. Even though her business was extremely successful, she had no time for anything else and that made her feel miserable in her own success. She became so afraid of failing but she had so many people depending on her that she felt she couldn’t let them down.

 

(10:24) How To Stop Being Stressed And Overwhelmed 

As the CEO, it’s our job to make sure that the business is running whether you’re present or not. That’s why we have to learn how to hire people and have the right systems and processes put in place so that we can step back and allow our employees to take over, make decisions of their own and successfully keep the business running. In order to stop being stressed all the time, it’s important to shift from being a boss to being a leader. Delegate, instruct and empower your team to handle the business and transform it into a collaborative company where you’re able to step back and the team steps up.

(19:12) What Is Real Scaling

The word scaling isn’t used to just describe your ability to grow the company fast. Scaling really is a creative strategy. You have to figure out what is the best scalable model for you. Figure out the best strategy that is going to create the growth you need, but also make sure that the systems and processes you have in place enable you to meet that demand. Scaling is about having a strong foundation. A lot of businesses can grow quickly but end up toppling over due to the lack of foundation.

 

(22:54) Staying Sane And Being Happy

Nobody enjoys being stressed and burnt out. If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, you’re doing something wrong. The best way to escape from stress and burn out is to build a team managed company that’s able to run by itself so that you can remove yourself from the day to day business activities. If you can give yourself more free time, it’ll enable you to feel more energized and allow you to focus even more on the aspects of your business that really matter.

Links mentioned:

Pinnacleglobalnetwork.com

Twitter: @AllisonMaslan

Instagram: @

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Frank LLosa. Frank is the founder and CEO of KetoneAid Inc which is the world leader in Ketone Salts. He also just launched Hard Ketones which is the world’s first ethanol free alcohol. Frank has revolutionized the keto space. Frank is a serial entrepreneur who has an incredible track record of success in a number of fields from real estate, to highly technical photography for National Geographic, to one of the first cloud-based storage systems available to the public. Now through KetoneAid Frank offers one of the purest ketone esters ever tested. 

 

This week on the podcast, Frank talks about how he developed a ketogenic drink that was 40 years in the making. He also talks about the benefits that ketones have for you from a health and energy standpoint.

 

Listen to Josh and Frank discuss ketones:

 

(2:53) Frank’s Background 

Before Frank was revolutionizing the keto space, he was a real estate agent. His wife’s godfather was Dr. Richard Veach and he had been working for the last 40 years trying to develop a keto drink that would stimulate a ketogenic diet. So Frank had prior success by creating one of the first cloud-based storage systems available to the public and he decided to take a shot at developing a keto drink. It took two years of research and development and now Frank’s drink is the sponsor of the number one cycling team in the world.

 

(5:41) Biggest Challenges Frank Faced

The first hurdle that Frank had to overcome was being able to figure out how to scale. To overcome that, rather than using one R&D lab, he had 3 or 4 labs that were competing against each other to complete the same task. Another hurdle that Frank faced was getting customers to believe in his product enough to actually want to try it. The hardest part was clearing up the misconceptions and misinformation that had been spread by other keto companies so that they could sell more of their products.

 

(9:20) Benefits of Ketones

While there is a lot of misinformation spread regarding the actual benefits of ketones, you can expect to have better recovery after they workout, it’s also used to clear brain fog. People also use it to help with their multi day fasts — they use it for its appetite suppression effect. Even though people usually use ketones to get a boost to their energy, if it’s used in small amounts before bed, it could also help you track around 30 minutes more of deep sleep. It’s important that we understand the real benefits of ketones and not the misinformation that gets spread so that consumers will spend more. Ketones are beneficial but to a certain extent.

 

(16:02) What Sets KetoneAid Apart

Frank believes that it’s his marketing message that sets KetoneAid apart from the rest. Rather than using flashy graphics that can appeal to their customers, Frank focuses his marketing message on getting his customers to believe in his product. His marketing message doesn’t revolve around his ketone ester being the only ketone product they should buy. He tries to promote the value of ketones to his customers through his own product and other products as well.

 

(19:11) Just Do It

Frank explains how he didn’t go down the venture capital route even though most people think that’s the correct path. He goes on to explain that people use venture as an excuse when they aren’t getting enough funds. Instead of complaining about not having an abundance of funds to start your company. It’s rare that you will, Frank’s advice is to stop whining and start doing instead. Just start, if your company is good enough, then you’ll be able to figure out how to make it work.

 

Links mentioned:

Ketoneaid.com

Twitter: @ketoneaid

Instagram: @ketoneaid

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frankllosa/

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Frank LLosa. Frank is the founder and CEO of KetoneAid Inc which is the world leader in Ketone Salts. He also just launched Hard Ketones which is the world’s first ethanol free alcohol. Frank has revolutionized the keto space. Frank is a serial entrepreneur who has an incredible track record of success in a number of fields from real estate, to highly technical photography for National Geographic, to one of the first cloud-based storage systems available to the public. Now through KetoneAid Frank offers one of the purest ketone esters ever tested. 

 

This week on the podcast, Frank talks about how he developed a ketogenic drink that was 40 years in the making. He also talks about the benefits that ketones have for you from a health and energy standpoint.

 

Listen to Josh and Frank discuss ketones:

 

(2:53) Frank’s Background 

Before Frank was revolutionizing the keto space, he was a real estate agent. His wife’s godfather was Dr. Richard Veach and he had been working for the last 40 years trying to develop a keto drink that would stimulate a ketogenic diet. So Frank had prior success by creating one of the first cloud-based storage systems available to the public and he decided to take a shot at developing a keto drink. It took two years of research and development and now Frank’s drink is the sponsor of the number one cycling team in the world.

 

(5:41) Biggest Challenges Frank Faced

The first hurdle that Frank had to overcome was being able to figure out how to scale. To overcome that, rather than using one R&D lab, he had 3 or 4 labs that were competing against each other to complete the same task. Another hurdle that Frank faced was getting customers to believe in his product enough to actually want to try it. The hardest part was clearing up the misconceptions and misinformation that had been spread by other keto companies so that they could sell more of their products.

 

(9:20) Benefits of Ketones

While there is a lot of misinformation spread regarding the actual benefits of ketones, you can expect to have better recovery after they workout, it’s also used to clear brain fog. People also use it to help with their multi day fasts — they use it for its appetite suppression effect. Even though people usually use ketones to get a boost to their energy, if it’s used in small amounts before bed, it could also help you track around 30 minutes more of deep sleep. It’s important that we understand the real benefits of ketones and not the misinformation that gets spread so that consumers will spend more. Ketones are beneficial but to a certain extent.

 

(16:02) What Sets KetoneAid Apart

Frank believes that it’s his marketing message that sets KetoneAid apart from the rest. Rather than using flashy graphics that can appeal to their customers, Frank focuses his marketing message on getting his customers to believe in his product. His marketing message doesn’t revolve around his ketone ester being the only ketone product they should buy. He tries to promote the value of ketones to his customers through his own product and other products as well.

 

(19:11) Just Do It

Frank explains how he didn’t go down the venture capital route even though most people think that’s the correct path. He goes on to explain that people use venture as an excuse when they aren’t getting enough funds. Instead of complaining about not having an abundance of funds to start your company. It’s rare that you will, Frank’s advice is to stop whining and start doing instead. Just start, if your company is good enough, then you’ll be able to figure out how to make it work.

 

Links mentioned:

Ketoneaid.com

Twitter: @ketoneaid

Instagram: @ketoneaid

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frankllosa/

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Simon Leslie. Simon is the founder and CEO of Ink, a global travel media company. He's an expert in crafting travel media, and over the last 30 years, he has dedicated his skills to creating remarkable media in the travel space. Some of his clients include major airlines, airports, and travel groups. He's a world record holder for the amount of inflight magazines he has launched and published, with over 250 million copies of magazines being published in the last 30 years. Simon is also the author of three books on sales and negotiating and a beautiful compilation of motivational poems. He also works as a mentor to multiple young entrepreneurs and worn-out business leaders and coaches them on how to live the life of their dreams. 

 

This week on the podcast, Simon talks about his 30-year journey of starting multiple businesses as an entrepreneur. He talks about what it means to be who you really are and how to bounce back from failures and setbacks. 

 

Listen to Josh and Simon discuss surviving your struggles:

 

(1:56) Getting Started As An Entrepreneur

Simon was difficult to manage while and even when he started working a 9 to 5. He realized that he could only be content with his life if he became his own boss, which was the beginning of his journey as an entrepreneur. He started a few businesses that failed before he finally managed to successfully create his company, Ink, which has been going strong for 28 years. Simon talks about business being stressful but also fun at times. So if you want to live an easy life, find what you love to do, then find what inspires and motivates you to do what you love.

 

(8:49) Biggest Takeaways From Owning Multiple Businesses

After failing three businesses and then successfully running one for 28 years, it's fair to say that Simon has been through his fair share of obstacles and turmoil and knows what it takes to become successful. Over 28 years, Simon has dealt with 9/11, the 2008 crash, and most recently, COVID and many mistakes he's made while running his business. He believes that all opportunities are gifts wrapped in problems. However, most people don't work hard enough to get through the problems and unravel the opportunity waiting for them.

 

(15:13) Who Is Simon Leslie

People are often judged by their titles or accomplishments, but that's not substantial enough to dictate who a person really is. Even after successfully running a business for 28 years, Simon Leslie doesn't want to be known as just the founder and CEO of Ink. Today his priorities are being a good father and being more present in his kids' lives. Apart from being around his kids, he also wants to be able to inspire people and help them get through tough times. We need to adopt a similar mindset and ensure we're not only focusing on our accolades but truly developing who we are as a person.

 

(19:18) VIP Listening

There are both regular and VIP seats whenever you go to a conference. While the VIP seats may be a lot more comfortable or closer to the stage, Simon points out that there's something called VIP listening. Where you're sitting doesn't matter because the same information is being relayed to you regardless. The problem is that we usually get so busy and caught up with our days that we often miss the opportunities being presented to us. So you need to be awake, awake, and available, and only then will you attract more opportunities.

 

(22:56) Staying Grounded

With the rise of COVID, all planes were grounded, and airports began to shut down, but through that, Simon was able to persevere. Covid was out of his control, but he understood it was still his responsibility to take care of his team and inspire them to push through the struggles. Simon talks about how he and his team were able to bounce back after their business went down to zero in just nine days.

 

Links mentioned:

Luckyleslie.com

Twitter: @simonleslie21

Instagram: @simon_leslie21

L

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Simon Leslie. Simon is the founder and CEO of Ink, a global travel media company. He's an expert in crafting travel media, and over the last 30 years, he has dedicated his skills to creating remarkable media in the travel space. Some of his clients include major airlines, airports, and travel groups. He's a world record holder for the amount of inflight magazines he has launched and published, with over 250 million copies of magazines being published in the last 30 years. Simon is also the author of three books on sales and negotiating and a beautiful compilation of motivational poems. He also works as a mentor to multiple young entrepreneurs and worn-out business leaders and coaches them on how to live the life of their dreams. 

 

This week on the podcast, Simon talks about his 30-year journey of starting multiple businesses as an entrepreneur. He talks about what it means to be who you really are and how to bounce back from failures and setbacks. 

 

Listen to Josh and Simon discuss surviving your struggles:

 

(1:56) Getting Started As An Entrepreneur

Simon was difficult to manage while and even when he started working a 9 to 5. He realized that he could only be content with his life if he became his own boss, which was the beginning of his journey as an entrepreneur. He started a few businesses that failed before he finally managed to successfully create his company, Ink, which has been going strong for 28 years. Simon talks about business being stressful but also fun at times. So if you want to live an easy life, find what you love to do, then find what inspires and motivates you to do what you love.

 

(8:49) Biggest Takeaways From Owning Multiple Businesses

After failing three businesses and then successfully running one for 28 years, it's fair to say that Simon has been through his fair share of obstacles and turmoil and knows what it takes to become successful. Over 28 years, Simon has dealt with 9/11, the 2008 crash, and most recently, COVID and many mistakes he's made while running his business. He believes that all opportunities are gifts wrapped in problems. However, most people don't work hard enough to get through the problems and unravel the opportunity waiting for them.

 

(15:13) Who Is Simon Leslie

People are often judged by their titles or accomplishments, but that's not substantial enough to dictate who a person really is. Even after successfully running a business for 28 years, Simon Leslie doesn't want to be known as just the founder and CEO of Ink. Today his priorities are being a good father and being more present in his kids' lives. Apart from being around his kids, he also wants to be able to inspire people and help them get through tough times. We need to adopt a similar mindset and ensure we're not only focusing on our accolades but truly developing who we are as a person.

 

(19:18) VIP Listening

There are both regular and VIP seats whenever you go to a conference. While the VIP seats may be a lot more comfortable or closer to the stage, Simon points out that there's something called VIP listening. Where you're sitting doesn't matter because the same information is being relayed to you regardless. The problem is that we usually get so busy and caught up with our days that we often miss the opportunities being presented to us. So you need to be awake, awake, and available, and only then will you attract more opportunities.

 

(22:56) Staying Grounded

With the rise of COVID, all planes were grounded, and airports began to shut down, but through that, Simon was able to persevere. Covid was out of his control, but he understood it was still his responsibility to take care of his team and inspire them to push through the struggles. Simon talks about how he and his team were able to bounce back after their business went down to zero in just nine days.

 

Links mentioned:

Luckyleslie.com

Twitter: @simonleslie21

Instagram: @simon_leslie21

L

In this episode of the Making Bank podcast, we welcome guest Robert Overweg. Robert has over a decade of experience in innovation and digital transformation with clients like Vodafone, Liberty Global, eBay Heineken, and various other startups and innovative schools. He is also a frequent speaker at MIT, SXSW, and the European Commission institutes. Robert speaks about how we can use tech to work smarter and add value to the world. He's the founder of the adaptable mindset program. He and his team aim to empower people and help them develop their own adaptable mindset to develop mental flexibility and learn how to create a mental space allowing them to find new possibilities.

 

This week on the podcast, Robert explains the adaptable mindset program and how you can use the adaptable mindset to eliminate stress and perform better in all aspects of your life.

 

Listen to Josh and Robert discuss the adaptable mindset::

 

(1:26) What Is The Adaptable Mindset

There's a desire for change, innovation, experimentation, and trying out new things, but Robert noticed that there was a lack of openness and a lot of doubt instead. To bring about change and innovation, you need to be able to deal with the uncertainty and ambiguity the change brings. An adaptable mindset is the ability to find fresh perspectives and be open to new ideas. It's a mental space that allows people to connect their intrinsic motivation to what energizes them to create the proper foundation to be innovative.

 

(4:10) Most Common Challenges

The most predominant challenge faced by most people that Robert has worked with is stress. People are so busy nowadays, and none of them focus on having a vision for the future. Most people are just trying to get through their days. There's also a fear of failure that hinders people from being innovative and creative. People tend to compare themselves to the top performers — the best of the best, but usually don't live up to those expectations and make themselves feel like failures instead. The biggest problem is that they aren't creating an environment that enables them to flourish.

 

(7:19) How To Develop The Adaptable Mindset

Robert talks about a small hack that almost everyone can follow to develop an adaptable mindset. Most people spend a significant chunk of their time on their phones, watching TV, and all sorts of other superficial things. The hack is to spend less time distracting yourself with something superficial and substitute it with some of the things that have pushed humanity forward, like art, nature, or philosophy. Learn from other top performers and find something that resonates with you. Anything you can integrate into your life that enables you to have a different perspective on the world.

 

(10:38) Alleviating Stress

To unlock the adaptability mindset, you need to be able to get away from stress. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to lower your levels of stress. The easiest thing you can do is take some time out of your day to meditate and practice breathing exercises. Also, how you structure your day plays a major role in the amount of stress you may feel. How often do you have breaks and intervals that allow you to relax? The key is to actually relax, don't take a break and pick up your phone and distract your mind. Just relax, maybe even close your eyes — figure out what helps you relax and then do it regularly. 

 

(15:40) The Biggest Changes Robert Has Seen

Robert was able to see significant changes in the workspace when people were able to make the connection between their work and their own insights, input, and innovations. Robert also noticed that the more autonomous the organization, the better it was because it's hard for just one leader to have knowledge about everyone and know exactly how to steer the organization. The adaptability mindset allows for more openness which gives people a broader perspective enabling them to come up with new business models and opens up many new