Think Millions Podcast

In today’s solo episode, Dr. Alexa D'Agostino discusses how you can build everything over the years, but it can take mere moments, weeks, or even hours to lose it all. Alexa dives deep into her own experiences, sharing the tough lessons learned the hard way. She talks about the importance of staying vigilant, avoiding comfort, and always keeping your foot on the gas. This episode is packed with raw, unfiltered truths about entrepreneurship that you won’t want to miss.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [1:20] - The reality of building and losing everything in moments
• [3:45] - The importance of not getting comfortable
• [6:10] - Personal stories of trusting the wrong people
• [8:30] - The necessity of always being engaged in your business
• [11:45] - Learning from mistakes and failures
• [14:15] - The power of being solution-oriented
  
  

Great quotes from the podcast:

• "You can build everything in years and lose it in seconds. Always keep your eyes open and stay engaged."
• "The only person who's really going to care about your business is you. It has to be everything to you in order to succeed."
• "Losing is actually how you win. The sheer number of losses will be more than your wins, but the monetary side of all the wins will be bigger."
• "Perfection is a mirage. If you think things are perfect, it's not real and it can mess you up if you don't pay attention."
• "If you have a goal, you have a dream. It's your job to chase that, not your team's job. They're not going to do it because it's your dream, not their dream."

Resources:

For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast

For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]

Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/

Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/

Book a call with Alexa:

https://alexadagostino.com/discovery

Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website:

https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

Building a successful CPG (consumer packaged goods) brand in the current market is challenging, as getting off the ground requires the right product, team, timing, and funding.

In today’s episode, Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Ryan Lewendon, who has incredible experience mastering the legal and financial side of scaling and exiting billion-dollar CPG brands like Vitamin Water, Celsius, BodyArmor, & NOBULL. Ryan shares his insights on what it takes to succeed as a CPG brand today, the importance of profitability, finding your route to market fit, and leveraging digital marketing.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [1:48] - How the CPG market has shifted in recent years
• [3:47] - Top growth drivers for CPG brands today
• [6:23] - The changing role of celebrity/influencer partnerships
• [9:08] - What makes a CPG brand a winner
• [10:45] - The role of digital marketing in growing CPG brands
• [14:13] - Emerging trends in the CPG and plant-based food space

Great quotes from the podcast:

• "Today, companies are getting acquired when they're profitable, and that they've shown extended profitability." - Ryan 
• "The power of the celebrity isn't necessarily the biggest celebrity anymore, but it's the one that sort of hazard as a community that speaks most closely to them." - Ryan
•  "The days of the faceless, soulless brand that stands on its own. They don't exist as much anymore." - Ryan 
• "Digital marketing is a phenomenal way to educate consumers on what's behind the brand and what it stands for." - Ryan
• "The brands of the future, right, 50 years, 100 years from now are going to be ones that truly tailored themselves to their individual customer." - Ryan

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

In this solo episode of the Think Millions Podcast, I pulled back the curtain on the raw realities of entrepreneurship. From the grit and grind to the sleepless nights and ultimate triumphs, I shared my personal insights and practical strategies to help you navigate the challenging yet rewarding journey of building a business. Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion about the importance of reflection, resilience, and recalibration.

Key Parts of the Conversation:

• 1:19: The reality of entrepreneurship
• 2:44: The power of reflection
• 6:14: Lessons from industry titans
• 7:02: The tough parts of entrepreneurship
• 8:36: Personal stories and practical insights
• 10:05: Recap of the key message: reflection is not a weakness but a strength.

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

1. "Entrepreneurship is not the glitz, the glamour. It's not Instagram-worthy moments. It's about the grit. It's about the grind."
2. "Reflecting isn't just for mirrors; it's about looking at how far you've come and the potholes you've dodged."
3. "It's not just about making decisions. It's about aligning those decisions with your vision, your values, and sometimes your sanity."
4. "Reflecting is not weak. Reflecting is badass."
5. "Millions isn't just a number. It's a mindset. So stop trying to chase the millions and start chasing the right mindset."

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

Every story has the potential to motivate, heal, and inspire growth. Studies show that storytelling can enhance empathy by 65% and improve problem-solving skills by up to 47%. Reframing personal setbacks and criticisms as opportunities allows individuals to use stories as stepping stones to achieve tremendous success.

In today's episode, Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Mark Victor Hansen, known as "America's Ambassador of Possibility," to discuss storytelling's role in shaping perceptions and influencing lives. Hansen is the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series alongside Jack Canfield, a global sensation, with over 500 million copies sold.

Key parts of the conversation:

 [2:50] - How the Chicken Soup for the Soul series started
 [7:48] - Dealing with rejection and persevering
 [11:03] - Why you should write your book
 [14:37] - The power of stories
 [22:06] - How to maintain a positive outlook every day
 [24:06] - The importance of surrounding yourself with positivity
 [28:14] - If you could have an unlimited supply of anything, what would it be?

Great quotes from the podcast:

 "Your life is a story." - Mark
 "You don't want to die with the music in you." - Mark
 "Once you ask yourself what you want, you write down 10 goals a day." - Mark 
 "You gotta decide so your subconscious can make the provision." - Mark
 "You program for positive ideas, you're going to get positive results, negative ideas, negative results." - Mark
 "Life's short, and you only got one shot through." - Mark

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

In a world where the start is often as important as the rest of the story, how does one go from an idea to building a multi-billion dollar empire?

In today's episode, Alexa D'Agostino brings you an insightful conversation on the essence of entrepreneurship, the power of obsession, and the art of creating a brand that becomes a cornerstone in its industry. This episode explores Lavinia's unique journey with Equinox and introduces her latest venture, Move Joy, aimed at transforming lives post-COVID.

Critical parts of the conversation:

• [00:25] Introduction of Lavinia Errico and the foundation of Equinox
• [01:27] The spark of the Equinox concept
• [13:36] Insights on how to build a team
• [17:33] The transition from Equinox to founding Move Joy
• [24:15] Lavinia's insights on building a successful brand

Great quotes from the podcast:

• "We were creating something that we really wanted. Like, we were the best marketers, ourselves and our friends, like we knew what we wanted…" - Lavinia Errico
• "The magic happened when you had when you did the work and you got the people in the front row who were yelling and screaming and who and getting the rest of the class excited." -  Lavinia Errico
• "It's not just about your body and movement, either. I think the most important part of this is you're really hitting the soul and so many different ways in the mind." - Alexa D'Agostino
• "The way you do one thing is the way you do everything." - Lavinia Errico

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

Imagine breaking free from the constraints of a 9-to-5 job and living a life where your side hustle not only becomes your main hustle but propels you into the realm of multimillion-dollar success.

In this episode, Alexa D’Agostino dives deep into the entrepreneurial journey with LaDale Buggs, President and CEO of 316 Capital, as they explore the transformative power of turning a side hustle into a thriving, million-dollar business.

Critical Parts of the Conversation:

[00:25] - Introduction of LaDale Buggss and focusing on transitioning from a 9 to 5 to entrepreneurship

[01:28] - LaDale Buggs shares his origin story in real estate

[03:15] - The value of education.

[04:53] - Strategies for balancing a side hustle with a full-time job

[10:44] - The importance of core entrepreneurial skills

[18:25] - Insights into entrepreneurship

Great Quotes from the Podcast:

• "Cash flow is the most powerful word in business." - LaDale Buggs
• "I don't necessarily think having a degree will help you start a business. So why not do both at the same time?" - Alexa D’Agostino
• "Don't be so quick to leave on 9-5 because there's some skill that you're learning that you can take with you and implement in your side hustle business." - LaDale Buggs
• "Business is all about solving someone's problem. That's all it's about. So if you don't have a vision, you will not succeed. " - LaDale Buggs
• "While the solopreneur is dead, it's gone. Joint Venture structures, partnerships. That's the new hustle." - LaDale Buggs
• "Proximity is power. So Oh, you can only go so far when you're by yourself." - LaDale Buggs

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

While many people know and admire the job of a CEO, the role of the second in command often remains hidden from the public, despite the enormous impact they have on the business’s operations.

In today’s episode, Alexa D’Agostino and Debbie Shannon sit down with Cameron Herold, the Founder of the COO Alliance and Second In Command Podcast. An entrepreneur from day 1, Cameron had 14 employees by the age of just 21. By 35, he had helped build his first two $100M companies, and by the age of 42, he engineered 1-800-GOT-JUNK?’s spectacular growth from $2 Million to $106 Million in revenue, and 3100 employees - all in just 6 years.

During the episode, they discuss the importance of hiring a COO, when you should think about adding the second in command, how to ensure they will fit your culture, and much more.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [0:25] - Introduction of the guest and today’s topic
• [2:00] - About Alliance, Cameron’s community of COOs
• [4:32] - How Alexa realized she needed a COO
• [5:45] - The benefits of having a second in command
• [8:05] - What is the right moment to hire a COO?
• [16:15] - What does a COO do?
• [20:06] - How to find the right COO?
• [27:02] - Living life with an impact
• [28:59] - Being an intrapreneur as a COO
• [33:50] - How to raise kids as an entrepreneur?

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “Within 90 days, we tripled our business, and it was because I was able to let go of the things that I shouldn't have been doing and focus on what I am good at.” - Alexa
• “If we hired a second in command, we could delegate everything except genius.” - Harold
• “The CEO's job is to oversee and manage all of the areas that the CEO sucks at.” - Harold
• “At certain times, you could not be the right CEO for a company based on the leader.” - Alexa
• “If you focus on having free time, you will build a better company.” - Harold

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

Everybody says the odds are stacked against them just to avoid putting in the work. But what if everything in the world really seemed to be against you, yet somehow, you managed to turn your circumstances into enormous success?

In today’s episode, Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Issac Grace, a real estate investor, and mentor, to discuss winning against all odds and using the cards you have been dealt to create a better future for yourself and the people around you.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [0:34] - Introduction of the guest and today’s topic
• [2:20] - Issac’s story
• [10:19] - The power of self-reflection
• [12:43] - You are who you hang out with
• [14:04] - How Issac got started
• [18:04] - Overcoming burnout
• [20:23] - The basic skillset of an entrepreneur
• [22:34] - Learning from failures

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “I am not going to take the easy route. I am going to find the toughest route possible that I know will give me longevity and success.” - Issac
• “You are who you hang out with.” - Alexa
• “Sometimes when you have been doing something for so long, and it now comes easy to you, ask yourself, ‘Should I be trying to make life hard again, make business hard again?’.” - Issac
• “You can change your circumstances if you want to.” - Alexa
• “Be afraid, but just get out there.” - Alexa

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

Real estate is one of the trickiest markets out there. And when you add a life-changing injury to the equation, the probability of success seems to be even slimmer. Yet, for Nick Prefontaine, it never mattered that the odds were against him.

In today’s episode, Alexa D’Agostino sits down with Nick to discuss his accident and recovery, after which he turned his life around and not only regained his abilities but also exceeded his pre-injury peak to build generational wealth through real estate.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [0:40] - Introduction of the guest and today’s topic
• [2:04] - Nick’s background
• [9:11] - Nick’s life after the trauma
• [11:38] - The power of persistence
• [13:25] - How Nick became a real estate investor
• [20:08] - Why people are scared of real estate
• [22:59] - Where to learn more about Nick

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “Making money is easy once you figure out how to do marketing, sales, and how to operate a business.” - Alexa
• “You can go through a trauma in your life and come out on the other side and become successful.” - Alexa
• 98% of entrepreneurs fail because they can't persist.” - Alexa
• Whenever I learn how to do something, I just take action, adjust, and take action.” - Nick
• Unless the asset is making money, I'm not buying it.” - Alexa

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com

As entrepreneurs, we often put on many hats in our businesses, experimenting with different approaches and trying to see what works and what doesn’t. Unfortunately, doing so many things at once, we often overlook the tactics that not only don’t bring the expected return but even lose us money in the long run.

In today’s episode, Alexa D’Agostino talks about identifying and focusing on what generates your revenue and how you can spot the tactics that fall short and hold you back from achieving your business’s whole potential.

Key parts of the conversation:

• [0:35] - Today’s Topic: Stop Wasting Your Time on Tactics That Don't Work
• [1:48] - What do we mean by “results”?
• [3:02] - Identifying the tactics to get you to your goals
• [4:06] - The power of experimenting (and how to do it)
• [7:23] - How do you know if your strategy is not working?

Great quotes from the podcast:

• “In today's world, many options exist to promote your business. But the problem is that not every tactic works for everyone.”
• “Once you have a clear definition of what you want to achieve, the next step is to come up with a plan.”
• “You can't be scared to lose.”
• “The key to identifying and focusing on what generates results is to be flexible and adaptable.”
• “You need to see the signs when something isn't working.”

Resources:

• For all of our episodes, you can visit: https://www.thynkmillions.com/think-millions-podcast
• For comments or questions, email us at [email protected]
• Alexa’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralexadagostino/
• Alexa's Website: https://www.alexadagostino.com/
• Book a call with Alexa: https://alexadagostino.com/discovery
• Alexa's Full-Service Agency Thynkfuel Website: https://www.thynkfuelmedia.com