The Mentee Podcast

A Mastermind is an event for a small group of intentional individuals seeking to upgrade their lives and take “living the good life” to a whole new level. It helps bring clarity and leaves a significant impact on your point of view in life.

Vadim Makhlis, a renowned entrepreneur, joins me to discuss what compelled him to attend a  Mastermind and what he learned there. How will joining a Mastermind help you become wiser? Listen to this podcast to find out.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• A Mastermind can leave a significant impact
• Find clarity if you feel lost
• Consider what you did and did not do
• We grow into the conversations around us
• Human connections are best made face-to-face

Episode Highlights

[1:02]  Introduction to the Mastermind 

Wyatt and Vadim met at the second Mastermind. Vadim returned for the second because the first had made such an impression on him. He'd been keeping an eye on Geoff because he was the host of The Mentee at the time.

[2:50] Why Vadim attended

Vadim had left the automotive industry to start another company that was only loosely related to the industry, but he found it “numbingly dull.” He felt a little lost after leaving a job that compensated him well.

He began to listen to Geoff and attempted to find his way. Then Geoff said something about the Mastermind that Vadim knew he needed.

[4:38 ] Money concerns

Vadim hesitated to join a Mastermind because of his finances, but a Mastermind was worth the price. What he learned made him his money back and more over the last five years.

[7:16] A Mastermind forms small, intimate connections

Vadim believes everything is better done face-to-face, if and when appropriate and possible. That is how you make human connections.

Many of these connections have brought Vadim tremendous value over the years. We grow into the conversations around us.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[5:42] “I look back on the things that I applied, and then I looked back on those things I didn't apply. And how both of those things have made me money and whatever else over the last five years.”

[7:18] “There was a lot of value in the things that I didn't apply, and then came to see the wisdom of what I had learned but didn't apply, and then applied it the next time.”

[8:39] “Anything that's done is done better face to face… You just make human connections that way.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple |

A new year means it’s time to set our goals. And as always, remember they come with challenges and setbacks we must face and overcome. So to achieve our goals entails becoming unshakable and having grit in the face of adversity. But what does it mean? How does one become unshakable? 

In this episode of the Mentee Podcast, I am sharing my thoughts on becoming unshakable. Listening to a podcast with Tony Robbins inspired me to engage in classes and discussions on the matter. I bring you the culmination of my thoughts on what it takes to be unshakable.

Tune in to this episode to gain insights on achieving your goals.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Be unshakable.
• Shape your environment towards your goals. 
• Find the right mentor.

Episode Highlights:

[3:29] Gain Clarity to Create Necessary Forcing Functions 

Find clarity on your goals for the year and what matters most. Shape your environment towards them by taking action and creating forcing functions. Forcing functions are the things and situations that compel your initiative and willingness to engage in an activity. Steer them towards your goals and your values to be unshakable.

[7:40] Forge the Right Relationships for You

The people you choose to surround yourself with will affect your journey to reaching your goals. They could either hinder your progress or be of great benefit and support to you. You can choose and create forcing functions to find the right people. The best relationships to forge are finding mentors who have already achieved the goals you want for yourself. 

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[2:24] “If you’re unshakable, then you have grit.” 

[5:12] “Sometimes you have to just sign up.”

[10:43] “Action leads to habits and habits create our futures.”

[16:06] “Take action. Find a mentor. Get connected.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Join the Mentorship Mastermind Community and sign up for the Live Mastermind Event: Website

It is easy to find ourselves sidetracked in a society with constantly developing technologies and social media. Sometimes we indulge ourselves in distractions to the point we're unable to complete necessary tasks. To achieve our goals, we must figure out ways to not let distractions take over our control.  

Peter Shankman, best-selling author and CEO of ShankMinds joins me to talk about how you can overcome distractions to achieve your goals. Are you having trouble staying focused on your tasks? How do you take control of your life to prevent straying from the good? Peter takes his understanding and experience with ADHD to show us the way. 

Tune in to the episode to take control of your life and learn to stay focused on your goals.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Plan everything beforehand 
• Discipline yourself with rules
• Understand yourself and your priorities
• It's okay to be different

Episode Highlights:

[4:24] Having ADHD and Controlling Distractions

ADHD is when distractions, forgetfulness, and inattentiveness become an issue regardless of the situation. It causes lower dopamine levels that lead to constantly seeking ways to achieve pleasure and satisfaction. 

[16:34] Choosing the Right Environment for Your Goals

Find a happy place for each task and avoid situations you know will ruin your plans. Peter goes skydiving to provide him hours of focused thinking time from the dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline he garnered from the activity.         

[25:18] The Proper Way to Deal with People with ADHD

The body seeking dopamine may cause misbehavior in kids and adults with ADHD. We must not be quick to judge them as broken. Nurturing individuals with ADHD with care and support helps prevent them from straying into a life of crime or addiction.    

[38:39] Don’t Let the Distractions Control Your Life

Gadgets and media exist as tools to provide us what we need. The moment we let these things control our behavior is when we lose focus on what we need to do. Fortunately, we can modify our surroundings to ensure control over our lives. Peter says we should make use of this power.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[14:18] “The thing that is the most important to you is that which allows your life to be better.” 

[30:53] “Just because someone is different than someone else, does not mean that they’re broken.”

[34:09] “Know thyself- I’d say is the first rule. Everything else gets easier after you know thyself.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Peter Shankman: LinkedIn | Website |

Real estate investing is tough without a plan. Some beginners think real estate investment starts when they buy a property. But that is not always the case.

Sterling Chapman of Crestworth Capital joins me to explain how to grow your portfolio strategically. We also talk about how to achieve success in the real estate industry. What do we need to do, and with whom?

Tune in to the episode to change how you strategize your portfolio growth!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Buy the right property 
• The mindset you need to succeed
• Learn why you should delegate
• What separates you from success

Episode Highlights:

[03:57] Find the Right Property 

Let go of attachments to locations when buying property. Sterling also recommends asking the following: Population trends — is the population increasing or decreasing? Job market — how good and diverse is the market? Crime and poverty rates, and supply and demand?  

[08:59] Sterling’s Secrets to Growth 

Sterling's first property was in 2018. He credits his growth to Napoleon Hill. He realized he had the power to become rich.  

[16:48] How to Manage Money 

Balance money and keep a source of profit. Sterling sometimes covers underperforming portfolios, but he knows most of his profit will come from flips.

He determines what to flip through a price-to-rent ratio.  

[19:15] Balancing Responsibilities 

Sterling has always preferred flexibility. He last needed to manage his own properties in 2019. Today, he delegates that responsibility to others. 

[25:01] How People Succeed

Everyone is functioning at 10% of their capacity. The line that separates the average and elite is productive discomfort. This discomfort involves overwhelm, frustration, and pressure. Remember, it's not about motivation — it's about discipline. Take action first. Surround yourself with people  you want to be like. 

[35:18] Financing and Finding Deals

Sterling typically taps into the following lenders: smaller community banks and a national hedge fund. He also launched a marketing campaign to get wholesalers to offer deals.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[08:51] “The best way to be careful is to just make sure you're in a growth market that is going to continue to have a high demand for the tenant base.”

[23:13] “I constantly feel overwhelmed. The answer is just creating systems to do it —who not what, how other people fill in the gaps.”

[30:10] “It's not motivation, it's discipline.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Sterling Chapman: Crestworth Capital I Website I Facebook I Youtube I Instagram I Rent Roll Radio Show 

Bigger Pockets Podcast 

The Mentee Podcast:

Mothers will sacrifice anything and everything for their children. From the health risks of pregnancy to nurturing their kids throughout their lives, mothers truly do it all. And sometimes, this comes at the cost of their own happiness. But mothers don’t have to be martyrs.

Alyce Dailey, the author of The Magic Mother, joins me to discuss how you can be happy as a mother and an entrepreneur. Are you feeling burned out from a stale life as a mompreneur? How can your ideal situation become a reality?

Tune in to the episode to develop a mindset toward happiness and success as a parent.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Happiness is a decision.
• You can be selfish.
• Use your life experience to your advantage.
• You are not alone.

Episode Highlights:

[08:13] Reevaluate Your Situation, Decide What You Want, then Do it

On your journey to happiness, it’s vital to reflect on where you are and where you want to be. If change is necessary, then don’t hesitate to make adjustments. Waiting until it’s too late means regretting what could have been.

[11:46] What’s Your Ideal Situation?

Figuring out what to do next begins with asking yourself what you can do. Use your experiences to provide a solution for questions people are asking. Promote the knowledge that you have.

[16:17] Fostering Happiness for Others Starts with You

Every mother wants their children to be happy, and parents are the best role model for their kids. To be a role model for happiness means being happy yourself. It’s okay to be a little selfish.

[27:03] Change Up the Environment

Sometimes we need time and space away from our daily lives, especially as parents. Mixing things up refreshes the mind and inspires you to become a better version of yourself.

[30:21] Building a Community of Similarly Situated Individuals

Parenting, in addition to other adult responsibilities, is challenging. Despite setbacks, remember that you’re not alone. There are others like you who are facing similar challenges. Learn and develop through each other as you build a strong community of support.

Notable quotes from the Episode:  

[12:32] “Our genius is so close to us that we can’t see it. It feels so much like breathing that we think everybody else can do it too. ”

[16:09] “The greatest burden on a child is the unlived life of a parent.”

[24:53] “Would you be willing to die for your kids? Absolutely. Okay, but if we’re willing to die for them, are we willing to fully live for them?”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Join the Mentorship Mastermind Community

and apply for our next VIP event on April 21 : Website 

Connect with Alyce Dailey:

As parents, we do our best to inspire our children and the generations that come after us. One of the proudest moments you can have a parent is when your child comes to you and says that they want to do what you do.

My daughter, Maggie Graves, joins us in this special episode of the Mentee Podcast. Through personal initiative and determination, Maggie takes over as host to share a message. She even came prepared with a script of her own. Her display of passion and great potential makes me proud as a father.

Tune into this episode and join my appreciation for this moment.

Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation

• Appreciate the special moments
• Inspiration leads to happy surprises
• Reward and encourage effort
• The potential of children is endless

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

Listen to more episodes of The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Join the Mentorship Mastermind Community

Apply for our next VIP event on April 21 Here. 

Buy and Sell property with Kaizen: Website

Just like everybody else, we’ve faced shame and struggled with our sense of worth in our lives. Now, we’re on the path to reconnecting with our true selves and finding “our people” .

Dr. Kelly Flanagan joins us on The Mentee Podcast as we talk about the journey of finding our sense of worthiness and reconnecting with our true selves. How can we share our true selves with our treasured relationships? What does it feel like to feel worthy?

We answer these questions and more in this episode so join us in our conversation about worthiness!

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Shame and ego are part of the journey
• Be wise in your vulnerability
• Find people on the same path
• Worthiness isn’t equal to your bank account
• Feel worthy. It’s time to play and have fun!

Episode Highlights:

[11:45] Losing and Finding Our Sense of Worth

As we live our lives, we go through steps of losing our original sense of worth, building a false self, and finally reconnecting with our true self and sense of worth. As we find our true selves, we share this vulnerable moment with the people who celebrate our worth with us.

[15:20] Wise Vulnerability

Rediscovering your sense of worth can lead to change. It’s necessary to explain and share this with others. Be wise in your vulnerability. Think about who and how you’ll share your true self .

[22:42] Worthy, New Relationships

As we go through the cyclical process of discovering worthiness, we want to find people on the same journey. These kinds of people are happy to have a conversation about their experiences and realizations in their lives. 

[26:11] Success in Worthiness

Discovering our sense of worth doesn’t mean not being interested in money. Career success can even end up flourishing. The difference is that as we embrace our true selves, we identify less and less with how much money we have or the possessions we own.

[27:55] A Time to Play

Regaining your worthiness is like reexperiencing a sense of child-likeness. There are no more games and competitions but there is fun and play. We uncover the joy that exists naturally within us.

Developing an ego and a false self is important in our journey. It’s what can help us reconnect with our true selves.  Let’s take the time for contemplation to stop doing and start observing who we really are.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[16:41] “If there's a hallmark of truly having re-embraced your sense of worthiness, it is seeing the worthiness of everybody else.”

[19:41] “Without that moment of vulnerability, we really don't get clarity about the people we belong with.”

[26:38] “Your career success can blossom once you've embraced your true self.”

[29:53] “There's nothing to prove. The game's over.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Dr. Kelly Flanagan: Website | Facebook | Blog | Loveable

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website |

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: