Are you ready for success? Of course you are—who isn’t?

But getting to the top takes more than just ambition. Becoming successful won’t happen overnight. In this episode, I’ll be talking about what it really takes to become successful, touch on important principles and habits, and discuss valuable elements required to ascend the ladder of success.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Know what success looks like to you
• Follow a model
• Move out of your comfort zone
• Determine successful habits
• Find your people

Episode Highlights:

[2:31] Defining Success

Success is getting what you want. So before you can be successful, you must know what you truly want. For you to be successful at the end of 2023, what has to happen?

[6:08] Getting Clear on Your Success

Connections are critical to your success. What is it about the best version of yourself that’s important to you? Why is it important to your family? Your community?

When you play small, other people are being left behind because you might be part of the five people they spend the most time with. So when you are unclear about what success looks like to you, other people will suffer from that.

[8:53] The Hack to Success

Find a model. It’s not easy to stay the course. Most people perform at only 10% of their potential. Your 10% is your comfort zone, and the 90% is your discomfort. Grow your 10%.

[11:49] The Secret to Being Elite

Do you want to be average or elite? Average is not bad. What’s important is knowing what you want and setting goals aligned with that, even if you’re not aiming to be elite.

But if you want to become elite, you must cross the line of productive discomfort. What habits and activities do you need to do daily to become successful? The people you spend the most time with and your physical environment will influence your behavior and goals.

[20:05] The Power of Finding the Right People

Words create worlds. Conversations with the right people will give birth to fresh ideas. Growing into the conversations around you accelerates progress. Find your tribe.

[23:12] Reflecting on Goals

What are two areas in your life that if you succeed there, it would make wins in other areas easier? What activities and behaviors do you need to achieve success in those two areas?

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[6:30] “Connection with other people is critical to your success.”

[10:51] “If you want a bigger life, you have to grow your 10%.”

[16:16] “Change is the gap. You are what you do.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

The Mentorship Mastermind Community

Are you tired of feeling like life is passing you by? Do you want to start living a good life this year, but don’t know how or where to even begin?

It can feel daunting and overwhelming when trying to undertake a massive lifestyle change. The truth is that beginning your journey towards creating the good life is within your reach. In this episode, we’ll be talking about what the good life means and how you can start achieving your goals today.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Focus on the gain
• Dream big and act small
• Clarify your desired future self
• Determine your good life
• Find the right people

Episode Highlights:

[6:55] Moving Past the Mind Chatter

Looking back on 2022, I can see tremendous progress. But even with all the wins and growth, the “mind chatter” is still there.

Following a model while working toward your goals feels unnatural. That might make you feel like you’re losing. But in reality, you’re winning slowly. Focus on the gain. Move past the mind chatter toward your goals. See how you’re winning slowly.

[12:08] What to Expect in 2023

In 2023, we at The Mentee will help you to: Dream big and act small. Practice stacking up your habits. Connect with guests and communities that will help and inspire you to level up your life. Strengthen your relationship with your goals. Gain clarity around your desired future self, be inspired to take action, and access the necessary resources.

[15:15] Start Living Your Good Life

The good life is simply the life you desire. Though it may look different for different people, here are some commonalities:

1. Financial freedom
2. Time freedom
3. Location freedom
4. Solid relationships

You don’t have to wait a year or more to live your good life. You can start now. Just taking the step toward your good life is already living it.

[23:50] Knowing Your Goals

You don’t know what you want; you only want what you know. Stepping outside your comfort zone will expose you to more choices. Surround yourself with people who are living intentionally. Choose the right community.

[31:12] Exploring Options

Here are some options to help you start living your good life now:

1. The Mentee Podcast to learn from mentors’ journeys.
2. The Mentorship Mastermind Community to connect with mentors and the right group of people to accelerate your results and make resources accessible.
3. The Elite Membership Package to access the online community, the course, and live interactive mastermind calls every two weeks.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[22:15] “Confidence comes after success.”

[26:34] “You don’t know what you want; you only want what you know.”

[40:39] “When you start living a bigger life, so do the people around you.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

The Mentorship...

You might have an idea of what you want your life to be, but do you have a roadmap to get there? Having a vision and setting goals are your first two steps to getting started. With the right mentors, a plan in place, and dedication and hard work, you can reach your goals and make your vision come to life.

In this episode of The Mentee Podcast, I interview Matt Buck about how he turned his life around — from being an 'aimless' kid to working with an established real estate persona. He also shares how having the right mentor helped put him in the right direction for success. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• The key is to know what you want. 
• Leverage your experiences, and think about how you can use them to grow and develop. 
• Have a vivid vision and main goal. Work backward from there. 
• Nail down your goals and follow through. 
• Have a personal brand that reflects your morals and beliefs. 

Episode Highlights:

[03:14] The Importance of Knowing What You Want 

Clarify and refine your goals by exposing yourself to new options, opportunities, and conversations. Find mentors living the life that you want. For Matt, this person is his mentor and boss, Brandon Turner. 

[21:01] Matt’s Goal-Setting Process

Matt intentionally sets aside time during the weekend to reflect. He often goes to serene places like a beach or a camp in Maui. Then, he finds a medium and avoids distractions from apps. Matt's goal-setting process starts with a larger vision and works backward from there. 

[26:45] Level Up Your Game

Think about and write down your goals, then plan how you'll get there. It is one thing to have a vision and mind and another to nail it down. Find a workplace that can help you accomplish those goals. Matt recommends leveraging the proximity effect — work with and learn from people established in your target industry. 

[39:23] Matt’s Top Tips for Finding a Marketing Intern

Have a personal brand that reflects your morals and beliefs. Sell the vision of the long run, and make sure to follow through on your goals. People sign up for where you're going. Once you have a marketing candidate, make sure to allow them room for growth. Have a basis of trust. 

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[03:14] “The hack on getting everything you want in life is one, to figure out what it is you want.”

[03:52] “Find mentors who are already living the life that you want.”

[52:47] “[A] personal brand doesn't have to be hundreds [or] 1000s of followers on Instagram. It's just more of, you know, who people say you are when [you’re] not in the room, your reputation, and the direction you're going.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website 

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Matt Buck:

There are two important aspects of living a fulfilling life: taking care of yourself and being kind. Do not let the negativities of life bring you down. Be your own advocate and pay the goodness forward by being an advocate for others. Even the smallest of acts can make a big difference in someone’s life.

In this episode of The Mentee Podcast, I interview the voice behind Scooby Doo, Scott Innes, about how he pushed through life and achieved all his goals. He also shares the value of kindness and his now-life mission of paying goodness forward. 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• People are stewards of goodwill. 
• Do not live in the past. Instead, imagine the future. 
• Be kind. You can be the answer or the cure to someone’s life. 
• Learn to sell yourself. 

Episode Highlights:

[09:23] Scott’s Trophy Story

Scott shares that he has a trophy superglued in his house. It was an award he won as a child that was destroyed to pieces after an incident with his mother. His stepfather fixed the trophy and the act has been a consistent reminder that people are stewards of goodwill. 

[11:56] Reaching Untapped Potential

It is easier to remember the past than it is to imagine the future. People often show up daily living from their past. This keeps them from tapping their potential for wholeness. Scott likes to go where people say he can’t. 

[23:49] Scott’s Three Life Goals 

Scott shares that he had three major goals: to write a song for Kenny Rogers, to win a CMA award, and to become the voice of Scooby Doo. He was able to achieve all of these goals despite people telling him he could not. 

[24:47] A Mission to Pay It Forward

Scott has had a lot of serendipitous moments in his life that inspired him to pay the goodness forward. He knows that he is imperfect and he has regretted a lot of life decisions. But this does not stop him from continuously doing good things for people -- even the people he doesn’t know. You could be the answer to someone’s cure for their life. 

[28:04] Selling & Believing in Yourself

People have so much talent, but some are just too afraid to speak up. You will struggle if you don’t believe in yourself. Remember, you control your destiny. Scott has been a firm believer in believing in oneself, keeping one’s feet on the ground, and reaching for the stars. Control your destiny. Learn to sell yourself.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[10:43] “We, as people, are stewards of goodwill.”

[25:57] “You, today, could be the answer to someone's cure in their life.”

[28:51] You got to sell yourself. If you believe in your goods, you got to do it.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website 

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Scott Innes: LinkedIn 

Real estate investment is one of the most tried and tested ways to build passive income. It presents many opportunities to generate wealth and value, but it also requires courage. Having a mentor to guide you significantly boosts your chances of success.

In this episode of The Mentee Podcast, Jan Wanot shares his real estate investment journey and how it improved his quality of life. He also describes the joy of partnering with people who would invest as he does.

What's the right mindset for investing in real estate, and what makes a tempting deal? Tune in to the episode to learn all about it!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Investing in real estate takes courage.
• Look for mentors and investment partners to succeed.
• Carefully weigh the gains and risks of any business venture.
• Grow your portfolio.

Episode Highlights:

[05:03] The Beginning of Jan’s Real Estate Investment Story

When Jan left college, he worked and saved around $20,000 annually. He realized he needed to do more to grow financially. After two failed businesses, Jan bought a house and rented it out. When it generated profit, he searched for partners that would invest with him in more real estate properties.

[16:29] The Importance of Partnership and Positive Mindset

The fear of failure did not stop Jan. Real estate investment requires courage to face risks. Jan found courage in the partners and mentors he had alongside him.

[21:29] Jan’s Mentorship Programme

Jan started a Facebook group called WA Real Estate Investing. This group became his platform for sharing investment insights. He launches a masterclass biannually where young investors can access mentorship, resources, and tools.

[27:58] A Look Into Jan’s Current Investment Portfolio

Currently, Jan has 224 real estate investment units operating through investment partnerships — and not a single one is owned by him alone. Most are mobile homes, but there are a few luxury homes and mid-graded multi-family homes.

[33:22] What Makes an Attractive Investment Deal

For Jan, an attractive investment deal should have significant returns within five years. Moreover, he had to be excited about the likely case while capable of living out the worst case. Jan also prefers to do less operational work if possible.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[13:16] “If you wanna go fast, go alone. If you wanna go far, go together.”

[39:09] “I have to be happy with the likely case, and then I have to be able to live, and my capital partners have to be able to live, with the worst case.”

[52:47] “There’s always bigger fish in the pond.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website 

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Jan Wanot: Facebook |

People often think of real estate investing as buying and flipping houses or renting apartments. But there’s another option that can be just as lucrative: mobile home parks.

Derek Vickers joins me to talk about mobile home park investing. Investing in mobile home parks probably never even crossed your mind. But believe it or not, investing in mobile home parks could be a great way to build your portfolio and create passive income.

Tune in to the episode to find out how to start investing in mobile home parks!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Search for trailer parks
• Provide affordable housing
• Look out for rent growth
• Underwrite conservatively
• Invest in capital improvements

Episode Highlights:

[05:33] Getting Into Trailer Park Investing 

There are many benefits to investing in mobile home parks. Tenants tend to stay for good, and the expense ratio is lower than the standard multifamily. Here are some steps to get started: 1.) Find a list of mobile home parks. 2.) Drive out and talk to the owners. 3.) Search for deals and sellers.

[16:56] The Future of Vacant Lots

If you’re doing the infill yourself, it’s possible but hard. The demand for vacant lots will go up, but there’s also heavy demand for affordable housing. Consider bringing in homes or trailers.

[20:04] Offloading Mobile Homes

Some ways to offload mobile homes to tenants include 1.) Selling parking homes in complete disrepair for cheaper cost and giving free lot rent so they can fix the home. 2.) Investors coming in to fix up the house and sell it to an incoming tenant.

Look at the markets and find where there will be constant rent growth. Signs of rent growth are a lack of affordable housing and an influx of people moving into the area.

[27:38] Underwriting Deals

Underwrite in the deal for project management at cost, then live off the profit after management. Be conservative in underwriting, so you don’t underestimate the expenses.

[45:06] Financing Tips

They often work together with the local community and regional banks. Know the costs for rehabbing a park, then re-appraise the property. Don’t go cheap on capital improvements.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[11:22] “What better way to learn the business than jump in headfirst?”

[38:06] “We're paying them really, really well above what market would pay for this position because we want skill. We want reliability, and people that we don’t have to handhold, and people that can solve problems on their own, and make good decisions for the company.”

[48:29] “We would rather distribute the money and have more than have to come back to our investors and have to do a capital call.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Finding Financial Freedom in Real Estate...

We live in a world that glamorizes the grind and the hustle. But is it really fulfilling to spend the rest of your life just blindly paying off bills? Yes, you have to work hard. But you have to work smarter. It’s not impossible, and you’re never too young to achieve financial freedom.

Matthew Amabile, real estate investor and founder of Amabile Investments, joins me to talk about how to attain financial freedom. What are the secrets to reaching financial freedom in just two years? 

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Increase your income while decreasing your expenses
• Follow the four-unit hack
• Build relationships with partners and investors
• Buy properties and refinance

Episode Highlights:

[04:31] Goal of Financial Freedom

The idea is to make a certain amount of money a month and keep your expenses low to do whatever you want. Matt earns $7,000 a month in passive income from rental properties. From this, he only spends around $3,000 a month.

[08:28] Four-Unit House Hack

Matt bought a condemned fourplex building and renovated it into a rental property. He went with an FHA 203k loan with renovation and acquisition costs factored in. It remains his best-performing property, with a value of $400,000 and a monthly gross rent of $4,800.

[17:06] The Real Estate Passive Income Formula

The main formula is to increase how much you’re saving. The two ways to do this are to increase your income or decrease your expenses. 

[21:41] Partnership Structure

Find someone who doesn't need cash flow. The two of you will each bring 50% of the cash to close. In that way, you can bring twice as many properties while still getting 100% of the cash flow. 

[26:21] Sourcing Deals

Matt is now transitioning over to building out a sales team. The 70% ARV rule works well for him, but he’s looking for deals where he could buy and refinance right away.

Notable Quotes: 

[16:16] “I just had a number in mind. I was like 5000—I just need to create $5,000 somehow.”

[21:05] “There's two sides to real estate. There's literally only two. There's the deal and then there's the money; you find the deal, you can find the money.”

[32:58] “You don't have to work the next 40 years of your life. You can go create some income for yourself.”

Resources Mentioned:

Raising Private Capital by Matt Faircloth

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Matthew Amabile: Email | Facebook | Instagram

Money Club:

Many people might believe that being a millionaire is out of reach. But becoming a millionaire is not a matter of luck or chance. It takes hard work, discipline, and planning.

David Vernich, a commercial lender and passive income coach, joins me to talk about how you can elevate your real estate investments and achieve financial freedom. With his strategies and tips, you can start your journey from middle class to millionaire and learn how to break free from the chains that are holding you back.

Tune in to the episode to make your journey to millionaire status a reality!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Try alternative investments
• Find the right mentor
• Use credit to buy assets
• Add more to your 401(k)
• Accumulate your inventory

Episode Highlights:

[08:30] Living Financially Free

You don’t need to retire to enjoy a life of leisure. People need the challenge of work, solving problems, and giving back to others. Passive income creates more financial freedom now.

[12:36] Exploring Alternative Investments

People have a lot of fear about alternative investments. But there are many ways to mitigate risks. The biggest risk in real estate is overpaying for a property. But if you know what you’re doing and buy properly, then you can reduce the risk and make a profit.

[21:52] Finding the Right Mentor

Use connections to find the right mentor. Having a mentor helps avoid making costly mistakes and becoming financially devastated. However, you don’t need to stop putting money into your 401(k); you just need to add more to it.

[26:10] Starting Your Real Estate Empire

Start with an unsecured line of credit. Offer opportunities to other people in the same boat. A person’s credit is an asset, so use it to buy assets that produce more income than debt cost.

[41:52] Investing in the Current Market

Banks lend money based on your income but secure it with the asset. Take a line of credit out. Leave a bit of money on the house and aim for 10% or less.

[45:50] Looking to the Future

David predicts a softening of the market in 2023 because of rates. Wait and do market timing. Being patient and accumulating inventory allows you to be in a good position in the market.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[06:49] “It’s more of an exception than a rule to find somebody that’s actually on track to be able to retire with the same standard of living that they have right now.”

[18:51] “I need mentors every day, still to this day.”

[29:35] “A person’s credit is an asset if it’s used properly.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with David Vernich: LinkedIn

We empower ourselves as we strive for growth and connection when there is psychological safety at work, home, and in your community.

Teresa Mitrovic, a psychological safety coach, joins me in a conversation about why feeling safe is important in our lives. Whether it’s in our workplace or at home, how can you create a safe space built on trust? What can you do to encourage connection in your community?

Tune in to this episode and listen to understand how you can bring psychological safety into your life.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Encourage connection rather than self-protection
• The right people can support and empower you
• Be present and be aware
• Remove fear and build trust in your connections

Episode Highlights:

[09:29] Defining Psychological Safety 

Psychological safety is when we feel safe at a cognitive and emotional level. When we remove fear, we remove the friction, doubt, and uncertainty it can create. This safety foundation creates a space that allows you to speak up and be vulnerable. 

[16:37] The Connection Within the Collective

Without psychological safety, the wrong people can inhibit your growth. You need support from true connections and a dynamic where we got each others’ backs. Here in our mastermind community, we work to leverage each other’s strengths and unlock collective wisdom. 

[34:58] Psychological Safety in all Relationships

First, be present and pay attention to the conversation. Only then can we be aware of what their spoken and unspoken words are telling us. Strive to listen with the goal of understanding each other to create a space where we can both be honest and connect with each other.

[41:45] Safety for Each of Us

Psychological safety can be different for each person, shaped by our life experiences. We have the responsibility to create a psychologically safe environment. Break the cycle of hurt. 

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[10:21] “Psychological safety at its heart is really just about making sure that we feel safe and secure, mentally and emotionally.“

[18:14] “You don't need to have all the answers. You just need to be surrounded by great people who have different perspectives.” 

[32:43] “If we can't imagine a future for ourselves and it's different from what it is today, then we're never going to get there.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Join us at the Mentorship Mastermind Community

The Currency of Connection by Teresa Mitrovic

Connect with Teresa: LinkedIn |

What do wealthy and successful people have in common? Mastering the art of organization and efficiency. Processes are a key ingredient to their success. If you want to join their ranks, then you need to start optimizing your own processes. Don’t worry—it’s not as daunting as it sounds!

Simon Severino, the author of Strategy Sprints, joins me to talk about optimizing your processes and accelerating growth to create an agile, successful business.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Optimize your processes
• Be agile
• Offer people what they need
• Use emails for sales
• Go on a vacation

Episode Highlights:

[04:26] The Importance of Processes

The first years of running a business aren’t fun. You want to have zero people risk, and you can do that by creating great processes. Break down your processes with these steps: Find out what’s working and what’s not. Map out what’s working and create the core valuation process. Pick one to turn into the flagship offer. Optimize it every week.

[09:02] Strategy Sprints Method

The Strategy Sprints method aims to double your revenue in 90 days by simplifying what you do and scaling what’s working. It entails mapping your current value creation system and improving the sales in each of those elements. 

[11:04] Being Agile

Agility means being able to change as quickly as the market is changing. Offer people what they need. Send out emails multiple times a week. Aim for an open rate of 45% and a 3% click rate.

Social media is a marketing instrument, so use it only for awareness. Warm emails, cold emails, and cold calling are the best tools to use for sales.

[27:10] Optimizing Sales Funnels 

Do you have multiple sales funnels? Pick one problem of one customer segment, then start optimizing a sales machine for 90 days. When you get 50% conversion rates and consistent cash flow, you can stack a second problem or additional offer.

[33:48] Why You Need a Vacation

Vacations can be used to see how well your systems and processes are running when left on their own. Are they self-correcting and self-adapting mechanisms? Or are they dependent on you? If it’s the latter, then it’s not scalable.

[33:48] How to Optimize Processes

Pick one offer and optimize it for the next 90 days. Follow these steps: describe the three main pain points, figure out the main problem, create an offer, map out how to get them interested and engaged, put together an email list and communicate consistently.

Notable quotes from the Episode: 

[05:37] “You cannot do 50k, 60k, 100k per month by doing the same things. So we have to help you write down what you’re doing. Systemize it.”

[13:49] “Offer the people that you are here to serve the one thing that they need.”

[26:02] “Sales is commercial teaching.”

Resources Mentioned:

Strategy Sprints by Simon Severino

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website |