Hey everyone! Today I'm sitting down with two of my closest friends here in Playa del Carmen for a conversation that hits different. 

We're talking about something most entrepreneurs struggle with but rarely discuss openly: the difference between self-confidence and self-esteem.

Meet Ray Blakney, a Filipino-American entrepreneur, and his wife Laura Ramirez Blakney, a Mexican-born language educator. Over the past 18 years, they've built over 20 profitable companies, sold 4 of them, and taken multiple to multi-seven-figure success, including their global language-learning platform Live Lingua. Their newest venture, Online School Builders, helps experts turn their knowledge into thriving online schools.

Ray shares a mentor's definition that completely shifted his perspective: self-confidence is believing you can do anything; self-esteem is believing you don't have to. 

When scammers destroyed his business, his high self-confidence couldn't save him from an identity crisis. We dive into what depression actually looked like for both of them, how Laura's cultural approach helped pull Ray through his darkest moments, and why high-powered executives have the exact same self-doubts as everyone else (they just act anyway).

Plus, we explore their "wisdom to wealth" philosophy and how they help experienced professionals turn their knowledge into profitable schools.

Laura's approach to supporting Ray wasn't just cultural, it was strategic. She reminded him he was more than his business success, gave him space to process, then literally created action plans on giant sticky notes to pull his intellectual side back online.

This conversation reminded me why I love talking about the non-business side of business. Success isn't just about confidence. It's about knowing you're worthy even when everything falls apart.

Connect with Ray & Laura:

Thanks to Proximity Outsourcing for sponsoring this episode! If you need to outsource your tedious tasks so you can focus on what matters, visit proximityoutsourcing.com

See you in two weeks for another episode of None of Your Business!

P.S. - If you know an expert who should turn their knowledge into a school, send them Ray and Laura's way. You'll be doing everyone a favor.

What happens when the children of the country’s most powerful families flaunt ₱700,000 dinners and designer bags online—while ordinary Filipinos wade through floods?

In this episode of None of Your Business, Karla Singson sits down with journalist and PR professional Jesse Boga to unpack the cultural, political, and media machine behind the rise of these “influencers.”

Together, they ask:

This is not your typical conversation on wealth and power. This is a raw look at how media, corruption, and blind aspiration collide, and why Filipinos deserve better role models.

If you’ve ever wondered why we follow people who don’t truly serve us, or what it would take to redirect admiration toward real builders and leaders, this episode will leave you fired up and thinking differently.

Listen now, and let’s talk about the uncomfortable truths behind the glitter.

For comments and further discussion, comment to this episode, or connect with Karla here:

Karla's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlastefan/
Karla's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karlasingson.official

Today's episode feels like the perfect follow-up to my recent solo episode about toxic Filipino money mindsets. Because apparently every culture has their own messy relationship with money, and entrepreneurs? We're no exception.

I'm sitting down with Cameron Williams, CEO and founder of Kynli Consulting, who has 12 years in the accounting industry and has helped hundreds of marketing agencies save over $2 million in taxes. Cameron's on a mission to impact 300 marketing agencies by 2030, and today we're diving into the stupid spending decisions entrepreneurs make (yes, including some of my own embarrassing confessions).

We dive deep into why entrepreneurs want opposite things (scaling fast while hoarding cash), the shocking difference between cash flow and profit (spoiler: they're NOT the same), and how the comparison trap makes us think we're failing when we're actually winning. Cameron breaks down when to hire what. Plus, my rant about spiritual entrepreneurs who think tracking numbers kills their vibe, and why lifestyle creep destroys businesses faster than bad marketing.

"You can have all the faith, but you can't be doing no work. You can't do all the work and have no faith. You gotta do both."

This conversation really opened my eyes to why I used to say "I'm better at making more money than cutting back". And how that mindset, while not wrong, needed better strategy behind it.

Connect with Cameron:

If you're tired of feeling confused about your business finances or wondering why you're making good money but still feel broke, Cameron's your guy. He's like having a big brother who actually understands numbers and won't judge your past money mistakes.

See you next Monday for another episode of None of Your Business!

P.S. - If this episode made you realize you need help with your finances, don't wait. Your future self will thank you.

My online businesses run on Mercury! The best fintech solution built by startup Founders to take the pains of banking out of operating your online business. Claim your account here and get a $250 BONUS: https://mercury.com/r/proximity-solutions-llc

Hey everyone! Today I'm going solo to talk about something really close to my heart—those toxic Filipino money mindsets we grew up with that are still messing with our adult lives, our businesses, and even our relationships.

This episode was inspired by a viral thread I posted about setting boundaries with money, specifically how I made it publicly clear that I don't lend money to anyone. Yes, not even my siblings (unless it's a real emergency). And the responses were... interesting.

I'm diving deep into five toxic Filipino money behaviors that are keeping us financially stuck—from the crushing pressure OFWs face to send money home at their own expense, to that weird culture where birthday celebrants are expected to pay for everyone else's meal.

We'll explore how shame-based spending, fatalistic attitudes toward money, and unspoken family obligations create cycles of financial dependency that hurt everyone involved.

Plus, I'm sharing some personal stories from my own journey as a former family breadwinner and why I had to set some hard boundaries.

I've been the family breadwinner. I've experienced the pressure, the guilt, and the financial hardship of putting everyone else first. But I've also learned that helping others shouldn't come at the expense of your own financial security—because if you get sick or lose your job, will those same people be able to help you?

This episode is especially for my fellow Filipino entrepreneurs, OFWs, and anyone trying to balance family obligations with building personal wealth. If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Connect with me:

See you next Monday for another episode of None of Your Business!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear this message. Breaking generational cycles starts with honest conversations.

What does it look like to actually heal through the body? Most of the time people don't even touch into their body—they're just in their head and that's how they're living.

Today, I sit down with trauma coach, spiritual mentor, and author Gabriella Cacciatore to explore how entrepreneurs might be unconsciously running their businesses from unprocessed trauma.

Gabriella is the author of "Unbroken," a raw memoir about surviving childhood sexual abuse, remembering repressed trauma, and healing through the body. She helps survivors connect to their truth through somatic work, nervous system regulation, and emotional integration. Her work is raw, real, and rooted in deep lived experience—she's not here to sugarcoat healing.

What We Talked About

About Gabriella's Book "Unbroken"

Launching August 18th, "Unbroken" takes readers through trauma, healing, and reclamation in three parts. It's for anyone who's experienced trauma and feels like they can't come out of it—showing that there is life, hope, and joy after trauma.

Support Gabriella's Book through GoFundMe https://gofund.me/0adff36b

Connect with Gabriella

Big thanks to our sponsors Proximity Outsourcing and Huckleberry Consulting for making this episode possible!

If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. And if there's a non-business topic you'd like me to cover, reach out—just tell me why you find it interesting and promise it's not business talk.

See you next week, and remember—everything here is none of your business.

Note: This episode contains discussions of childhood trauma and sexual abuse that some listeners may find sensitive. Listener discretion is advised.

This is not your typical budgeting episode. I’m not here to lecture you about lattes.

Instead, I’m sharing how mindful spending—yep, just being a little more intentional with your money—led to massive shifts in my mental clarity, emotional stability, and even how I run my business.

After a chaotic move back to Mexico (we still haven’t unpacked everything ), some surprising expenses, and a lot of internal debates with my old impulsive shopper self, I’ve finally found a new groove. In this episode, I’ll walk you through what changed, how it happened, and why I think you might want to give this mindful money thing a try.

In this episode, we talk about:

How I hit my record month in June 2025 and what helped

The surprising connection between less clutter and sharper decisions

My personal challenge: 90 days without Amazon

Why walking out of the store is sometimes the biggest flex

The internal tug-of-war between "you deserve this" and "be smart about it"

Paying off a $10,000 surprise debt—without panicking

Why mindful spending = more power, not less freedom

What changed when I started asking: “Will I love this forever?”

Want to share your mindful money wins or past shopping regrets? I’d love to hear them.
DM me or reply to my stories on IG: @karlastefan

Join Pocket Proximity Beta – Hire 12 kinds of remote professionals for only 20 hours/month
https://proximityoutsourcing.com/pocket-proximity/

Master Strategic Upselling That Builds Trust & Drives Growth   https://strategic-upsell-workshop.netlify.app/

This episode has been a long time coming. I’m joined by one of my favorite people in the world—Kim, who happens to be a User Experience Program Manager at Google. I may have slightly bullied her into doing this, the same way I scammed her into being a bridesmaid at my wedding.

Kim leads the cross-functional research efforts for DORA (yes, that DORA report) and manages user research initiatives under Google Cloud. But before she became the boss lady she is now, she and I were teammates on the college debate team.

We talk about how debate shaped our careers, our communication styles, and our ability to survive—and even thrive—in high-pressure environments. We share our most embarrassing tournament memories, how debate gave us the confidence to speak on stage and lead teams, and why the skills we learned as students are still paying off today.

Why debate is the ultimate crash course in public speaking and critical thinking

The skills from debate that help in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and sales

Why confidence sometimes just looks like pushing through with butterflies in your stomach

Funny stories from our debate failures (spoiler: someone misunderstood what “embargo” meant)

Lessons in stamina, prep, and how debate tournaments are mental marathons

The difference between persuasion and substance—and how you need both to lead effectively

What happens when you have to argue for a side you don’t agree with

How these skills make you sharper at work, in business, and in life

If you have a kid—or know someone—consider encouraging them to join a debate team. It’s not just for nerds or aspiring lawyers. It’s a serious skill builder that opens doors, builds confidence, and gives you lifelong advantages. Whether you're heading into business or climbing the corporate ladder, debate can make all the difference.

Also, starting this month, None of Your Business will shift from weekly to monthly episodes. I’ll be focusing some energy on launching a new podcast for location-independent business owners. But don’t worry, this show isn’t going anywhere—it’s just pacing itself better, the same way we learned to do in debate.

Let's connect:

Instagram: @karlastefan

Website: karlasingson.com

Let’s be real: the economy isn’t exactly throwing us a party right now. Groceries are up, essentials are feeling like luxuries, and even the most seasoned entrepreneurs are asking: What now?

In this episode, I sit down with two of my favorite humans—Martin and Chelsea Matthews—to talk about what online entrepreneurs need to know as we move through (and maybe already in) a recession.

Martin and Chelsea are financial educators, business owners, authors of Let’s Fight About Money, and founders of M Wealth Group, a financial consulting, investment, and insurance agency that helps people build “unbreakable finances.” They’ve worked with clients in 48 states, and they bring both strategy and heart into every conversation around money.

What We Talked About:

✅ How to build an emergency fund (even if you’re starting from zero)

✅ Why investing in your own business may be smarter than buying stocks

✅ The mindset shift entrepreneurs need to make in uncertain times

✅ How couples can stay aligned financially (even if one loves risk and the other doesn’t)

✅ Weekly and daily money rituals that help keep your household and business stable

✅ Talking to your team about tough financial seasons without causing panic

✅ Teaching your kids about money without trauma or lectures

Grab a free copy of their book Let’s Fight About Money:
letsfightaboutmoney.com/ebook

Follow me on Instagram:

instagram.com/karlastefan

If you’re someone who lights up at the smell of a simmering pot or feels nostalgic over a childhood snack, this episode is for you.

Today, I sit down with the amazing Rosemary Kimani, co-founder of Authentic Food Quest—a platform dedicated to connecting travelers with cultures through local food and immersive cooking vacations. Since 2015, she and her partner Claire have explored the cuisine of 45 countries and over 290 food cities, spotlighting the kind of culinary experiences that go far beyond what's on the plate.

We talked about everything—from soul-warming tomato stews in Argentina, surprise snail dinners in Vietnam, to the simple snack that bonded me with my mom. But more than just food, this episode dives into how meals open doors to connection, understanding, and even business growth.

In this episode, we covered:
Why food is never just food—it’s emotion, memory, culture, and connection
How to deepen travel experiences by choosing what’s truly local
How food melts walls in business settings and helps build real trust
3 food tourism trends you can use in your own business: authenticity, sustainability, and wellness
The power of storytelling (even a $10 chocolate bar can go a long way)
Why entrepreneurs should celebrate local culture through food—whether you're hosting clients, motivating a team, or building brand identity

And if you’re someone who’s been dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime foodie adventure, Rose shared all about Authentic Food Quest’s immersive cooking vacations in Italy and Greece. Think: homemade pasta with a real Italian nonna, cheese-making in the countryside, wine tastings, and dancing in the moonlight. Um—yes, please.

This episode might just convince you to try that unpronounceable dish, recreate a family recipe, or book a food trip of a lifetime. And if you’ve been looking for a unique incentive trip for your team, a food quest might just be the answer.

Share this episode with your foodie friends or your work bestie—especially if you’re dreaming of an unforgettable bite abroad.