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🎧 Episode 184: Proof That Anything Is Possible When You Bet on Yourself with Destin George Bell (Part 1)

What does it take to go from $2,000 and no industry connections to landing a deal on Shark Tank and building a fitness movement?

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, I sit down with Destin George Bell — founder of Card.io, the gamified running app turning neighborhoods into turf wars — to unpack the mindset, grit, and wild belief it takes to turn an idea into a national spotlight moment.

Destin didn’t come from privilege or a deep tech background. He taught himself product design, cold-DM’d over 400 engineers, and raised nearly a million dollars to build the dream. And he did it while refusing to wait for permission or play by anyone else’s rules.

This conversation is raw, real, and overflowing with lessons for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone sitting on a vision they’re scared to pursue.

We explore:

• Why belief must come before the big break
• What it means to lead with influence, not just title
• How curiosity became his unfair advantage
• The true moment on Shark Tank that changed him most (and brought his mom to tears)
• Why great leaders multiply other leaders — not just followers
• How he builds culture, trust, and conviction in a high-stakes startup
• What most people get wrong about betting on themselves

🔑 Key takeaways:

• You don’t need a blueprint. You need belief and bold execution.
• Radical curiosity will open more doors than credentials ever could.
• Leadership isn’t about barking orders. It’s about creating leaders who create leaders.
• If you're waiting to feel “ready,” you're already behind.

💡 Quotes to remember:

“I didn’t come from the tech world. I didn’t come from the running world. I just radically believed in what was possible.” 
“If your business can’t run without you, you don’t own a business — you own a job.” 
“Great leadership looks like multiplying leaders who grow beyond you.” 
You only get so many hours in a day. Why you spend them matters.”

📲 Resources + Links:

• https://www.destingeorgebell.com/
• Connect with Destin on 
• LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/destinbell/
• IG: @gfortune_500
• Learn more about the Card.io app: https://www.cardioapp.io

A rising tide raises all ships, and I invite you along on this journey to Evoke Greatness!

Check out my website: www.evokegreatness.com

Follow me on:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonnie-linebarger-899b9a52/

https://www.instagram.com/evoke.greatness/

https://www.tiktok.com/@evoke.greatness

http://www.youtube.com/@evokegreatness