What It Takes

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Raffaella Solfanelli, who left behind a high-profile corporate career in banking to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and reinvention. After an epiphany in her Paris office, she traded spreadsheets for the sun-soaked shores of Spain, where she now thrives in luxury real estate and interior design.We talk about her transition from a 9-to-5 life to building a multifaceted career that aligns with her passions. Raffaella opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new country, learning a new language, and breaking free from societal norms. She shares her insights on self-discovery, mindset, and the lessons learned from embracing failure.
If you’re looking for inspiration to follow your dreams and live a life true to yourself, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice you won’t want to miss!
Connect with Raffaella on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffaellasolfanelli/Learn more about Raffaella's work in real estate - https://www.marloproperty.com/
Chapters
00:00 From Corporate to Entrepreneur: Raffaella's Journey09:01 The Epiphany: Breaking Free from the 9 to 518:13 Starting Fresh in Spain: Embracing New Challenges25:59 Overcoming Language Barriers and Cultural Challenges27:24 Mindset Transformation and Overcoming Challenges29:30 Rediscovering Self and Personal Growth31:30 The Journey of Resilience and Learning33:28 Networking and Building Connections37:08 Challenging Societal Norms and Pursuing Passion42:25 Practical Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs46:06 Embracing Challenges and Learning from Failures47:27 Future Aspirations and Building Bridges49:54 Balancing Multiple Passions and Priorities54:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Staying Present
#Entrepreneurship #RealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #InspiringStories #Raffaella #WomenInBusiness #MindsetMatters #OvercomingChallenges #PersonalGrowth #BreakingBarriers #FollowYourDreams #NetworkingTips #SelfDiscovery #Resilience #WorkLifeBalance #SocietalNorms #PassionAndPurpose #SuccessMindset

In this episode, I sit down with Angelica M Bermudez, whose story is nothing short of incredible. Angelica went from growing up in Colombia with big dreams and very little else to building a thriving property maintenance business here in the U.S. She didn’t just overcome challenges—she completely redefined them. From navigating financial struggles and supporting her family to creating opportunities for her team and empowering others to grow, Angelica’s journey is all about determination, faith, and purpose.We dive deep into her evolution from starting a small cleaning service with her husband to leading a multifaceted company that now supports dozens of families and even integrates cutting-edge technology. Along the way, Angelica shares what kept her going during the darkest times, how she balances business and family, and the values that guide her every decision. If you’re looking for a story about grit, growth, and giving back, this is it.
Check out Angelica's company Esencia - https://esenciamaintenance.comConnect with Angelica Bermudez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-bermudez-cas-15ab9a168/?trk=public_post_feed-actor-image
Chapters
00:00 From Colombia to Entrepreneurship: Angelica's Journey18:03 Building a Business: Challenges and Triumphs36:02 Empowering Others: The Ripple Effect of Success41:35 Navigating Gender Roles in Leadership51:39 Vision for the Future of the Business01:00:21 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
#Entrepreneurship #InspiringStories #AngelicaBermudez #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness #ImmigrantSuccess #MultifamilyIndustry #CleaningBusiness #PropertyMaintenance #FamilyFirst #LeadershipJourney #PurposeDriven #Innovation #TechInBusiness #HardWorkPaysOff #SuccessTips #CommunityEmpowerment #GritAndDetermination #FemaleCEO #FaithInBusiness

In this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Ray Winkleman, a guy who’s not just crushing it in tech and real estate but really living the entrepreneurial journey. From a small-town kid in Nova Scotia to building a SaaS empire and managing over 300 apartment units, Ray’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and just plain getting it done.We dive into his early days, how he broke away from the 9-to-5 grind, and what fueled his drive to succeed—hint: it’s not about fancy cars or flashy watches. Ray’s all about building freedom, making smart moves, and staying tough when the going gets rough. He talks about why personal development matters, why every job is secretly a sales job, and how the journey shapes the person you become.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed—beyond the warm and fuzzy motivational quotes—this is the episode for you. Ray keeps it real, sharing the highs, the lows, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Let’s get into it!
Connect with Ray on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raywinkelman/Visit Ray's software consultancy - https://shadowsoftware.comExplore Ray's firearm trading platform - https://americanguntrader.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ray Winkleman00:57 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Software Development04:03 Real Estate Investments and Strategies07:53 Early Life and Journey into Entrepreneurship12:00 Motivations Behind Entrepreneurship16:00 Transitioning from Employment to Entrepreneurship18:53 Building Successful Projects and Contracts22:08 Personal Development and Overcoming Challenges27:03 The Reality of Entrepreneurship29:53 Passion for Technology and Career Path32:46 The Nature of Love and Reality34:54 Rebellion Against Subjectivity36:59 The Journey into Technology and Passion37:37 The Role of Passion in Entrepreneurship39:52 Political Landscape and Personal Freedom42:11 Future of Work and Universal Basic Income


#entrepreneurship #techindustry #personaldevelopment #leadership #realestate #SaaSbusiness #softwaredevelopment #startupsuccess #entrepreneurjourney #smallbusiness #salesstrategy #businessmotivation #networkingtips #businessgrowth #freedom #financialfreedom #entrepreneurshiplife #resilience #stoicism #overcomingchallenges #businessmindset #successmindset #innovation #futureofwork #motivation #careeradvice #mentorship #businessleaders #businessgoals #personalgrowth

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Oli van der Elst, an incredible entrepreneur who’s been shaking things up in the electric bike industry. We dive into his journey from starting Green Air in Ireland to launching Volo in Spain. Oli shares what sparked his passion for sustainability, how he’s overcome social norms to follow his path, and the big lessons he’s learned along the way. We also talk about the challenges of leading a business through the pandemic, how he’s stayed ahead in a competitive market, and his vision for the future of e-bikes. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just someone curious about what it takes to build something meaningful, you’re going to love this one.Connect with Ollie on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliviervanderelst/Chapters


00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and E-Bikes
03:07 The Evolution of Green Air and Volo
06:05 Motivation Behind Entrepreneurship
09:10 Overcoming Social Norms and Barriers
11:55 Exploring India and Discovering Electric Cars
15:02 The Focus on Sustainability
18:01 Starting Green Air and Initial Challenges
21:01 Transitioning from Cars to E-Bikes
23:59 Passion and Adaptability in Business
30:01 The Post-Pandemic Bicycle Boom
36:03 Differentiating in a Competitive Market
39:54 Lessons in Leadership and Customer Engagement
51:56 Vision for the Future of E-Bikes
57:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs#entrepreneurship #ebikes #sustainability #businessjourney #leadershiplessons #inspiration #electricbikes #GreenAir #Volo #innovation #transportationrevolution #followyourpassion #adaptability #pandemicstories #futureofmobility

What’s good, everyone! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bartek Kuzma — an IT entrepreneur with a seriously inspiring story. From breaking down old electronics as a kid to building his own IT consultancy, Bartek's journey is packed with valuable lessons.We talk about what it really takes to start a business, the power of patience, and why following your passion is a game-changer. Bartek also breaks down his unique approach to IT consultancy and how mentorship played a key role in his success. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business or just need that extra push, this one’s for you.
Don’t miss it — tap in and let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Connect with Bartek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartek-kuzma-12345678
Visit his IT consultancy website: https://www.sowhyit.com


chapters:00:00 Introduction to Bartek's Journey04:00 Early Influences and Passion for IT08:01 Starting a Business: Motivation and Inspiration12:11 Navigating Challenges in Business15:54 The Importance of Passion in Work20:08 Building a Supportive Network23:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations24:47 The Importance of Mentorship in Business Growth30:25 Balancing Full-Time Work and Entrepreneurship34:32 Learning from Experience: Applying Insights to Business42:37 Innovative IT Solutions: A New Approach to Services48:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Building Networks and Patience




#Entrepreneurship #ITConsulting #BartekKuzma #MentorshipMatters #BusinessGrowth #FollowYourPassion #SmallBusinessTips #StartupJourney #PodcastEpisode #WhatItTakesPodcast

Ever wonder what it really takes to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and build a life of financial freedom?In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Freed — an entrepreneur who's gone from working a traditional day job to managing over 300 rental units. Yep, 300. His story is wild, inspiring, and packed with actionable gems you can use right now.We talk about that pivotal moment that shifted everything for him, and spoiler alert — it wasn’t some big flashy event. It all started with a simple book. From there, Andrew dives into the mindset shifts that changed his life, how he built unstoppable discipline and habits, and why mentorship is an absolute game-changer. If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure of your next move, this part alone is worth the listen.We also get into the real side of building a business — the hard lessons, the sleepless nights, and the pressure that comes with managing a growing team. Andrew breaks down how he scaled his operations, why having the right people in the right seats is everything, and how personality tests helped him build a powerhouse team.We even touch on AI (yes, it’s changing real estate too) and how Andrew’s using it to streamline his business operations. Plus, he shares his big goals for the future — and trust me, they’re ambitious.This episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and real talk. If you’re ready to think bigger, take more action, and level up in business and life, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.chapters00:00 From Nine to Five to Entrepreneurial Success06:12 Overcoming Fear: The Drive to Change09:02 The Importance of Mentorship12:01 Mindset and Habits for Success14:59 Facing Challenges and Building Resilience17:56 The Power of Visualization and Faith21:04 Building a Strong Team and Culture27:59 Building Teams for Exponential Growth31:31 The Importance of Seeking the Right Advice36:07 The Value of Coaches and Mentors38:00 Giving Back to the Community39:35 Mindset and Overcoming Negativity40:22 Protecting Your Mental Environment43:51 Practical Steps to Enter Real Estate45:23 Earning Before Investing47:20 Essential Skills for Real Estate Success50:47 Building Trust and Relationships53:06 Setting Ambitious Goals54:10 Incorporating AI in Real Estate57:21 The Key to Self-Development for Success#WhatItTakesPodcast #AndrewFreed #RealEstateJourney #FinancialFreedom #RentalEmpire #WealthMindset #BreakFree #EntrepreneurJourney #MindsetShift #From9to5ToFreedom #PassiveIncome #SuccessHabits #MillionaireMindset #RealEstateTips #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #DisciplineEqualsFreedom #BuildingWealth #EntrepreneurMindset #PropertyManagement

On this episode of the What It Takes podcast, I sit down with an absolute powerhouse of purpose — Karim Abouelnaga. Karim’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up as a first-generation immigrant in a low-income community to becoming an entrepreneur, author, and leader on a mission to impact 1 million children by 2030 — this conversation is a masterclass in grit, conviction, and doing the work that truly matters.We get into it all. Karim opens up about the realities of growing up in the "hood" and how those early experiences lit a fire under him to change not only his future, but the future of kids just like him. From stealing food to stay fed to leading a company that’s impacted over 100,000 kids so far, this is a journey of transformation you need to hear.We talk about:🔥 The Power of Role Models – Why having the right people around you changes everything.🔥 Turning Pain into Purpose – How Karim turned adversity into his life’s mission.🔥 Why Early Mornings Win the Day – The 3:40 am wake-up call that transformed his productivity.🔥 How to Bet on Yourself (Even When It’s Scary) – The moment Karim turned down a Wall Street job to pursue his dream.🔥 Lessons from Near-Bankruptcy – How almost losing it all taught him the power of leadership, accountability, and faith.Karim’s honesty is refreshing, and his story is proof that your circumstances don’t have to define your future. This episode is packed with life lessons on the power of mentorship, why luck does play a role in success, and how every single one of us can "pay it forward" in ways that matter.If you’ve ever questioned your purpose or felt unsure about taking a leap, this episode is a wake-up call. You’ll leave feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to chase your own mission with more clarity and drive.👉 Don’t miss this one. Trust me, Karim’s story will stick with you long after you’ve hit pause.🎧 Listen now and let me know what hit you the hardest.Subscribe to Karim’s free leadership newsletter: https://www.karimabouelnaga.comchapters00:00 Introduction to Karim's Journey01:23 Growing Up as a First-Generation Immigrant04:41 The Importance of Education and Mentorship08:01 Overcoming Adversity in Education12:31 The Decision to Start a Business17:01 Finding Purpose and Taking Risks27:36 Addressing Inequality in Education29:22 The Relative Nature of Poverty and Happiness30:42 The Importance of Assets and Skills in Overcoming Challenges32:01 Changing Perceptions: The Power of Role Models33:20 The Impact of Positive Role Models on Children35:03 The Influence of Parents and Peers on Child Development36:30 Being the Change: The Role of Personal Example38:35 Facing Business Challenges: Lessons from Near Bankruptcy44:24 The Power of Early Rising and Productive Habits48:43 Understanding the Insight-Action Gap50:43 Finding Purpose Through Service52:03 Scaling Impact: Helping a Million Children by 2030
#KarimAbouelnaga #WhatItTakesPodcast #YouthEmpowerment #MentorshipMatters #FromStruggleToSuccess #EducationForAll #RoleModels #PurposeDriven #PayItForward #ImpactfulLeadership #FirstGenerationSuccess #RiseAndGrind #EarlyRiser #UnlockPotential #EntrepreneurMindset #SocialImpact #EducationalEquity #BreakTheCycle #InspirationDaily #SuccessHabits #ChasingPurpose #MissionDriven #NoChildLeftBehind #SuccessStory #ChangeMakers

In this episode of What It Takes, we meet Philip Weiser, a trailblazer in luxury real estate with a story that’s as inspiring as it is extraordinary. Philip’s journey starts in New Zealand and spans the globe, from working in hotels to managing thousands of properties in London—long before Airbnb was even a thing.What sets Philip apart is his ability to adapt and rebuild. He opens up about losing everything during the Gulf War, starting from scratch, and creating Carlton International, a leader in high-end real estate. His passion for innovation and human connection shines through as he shares how he built a career around understanding people, not just properties.
Philip also gets real about the challenges of integrating technology like AI in an industry that thrives on trust and relationships. And his golden rule for negotiation? “The sale begins when the client says no.”
This episode is packed with lessons on resilience, the importance of living in the present, and how embracing challenges can lead to incredible opportunities. Philip’s journey is proof that no matter how big the setback, it’s always possible to start again.
Learn More About Carlton International: https://www.carlton-international.com/en/
Chapters00:00 The Journey Begins: From New Zealand to Luxury Real Estate10:31 Building a Portfolio: The Rise of Carlton International19:31 The Fall: Losing Everything and Starting Over24:39 Resilience in the Face of Adversity31:00 Building from the Ground Up39:10 Innovation and Human Connection in Real Estate45:34 The Importance of Personal Connection in Real Estate48:49 Navigating Relationships in a Digital Age50:19 Lessons Learned: Living in the Present54:28 The Art of Negotiation: When No Means Yes01:02:23 Future Aspirations: Building a Legacy


#LuxuryRealEstate #RealEstateJourney #WhatItTakesPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #PhilipWeiser #CarltonInternational #BusinessInnovation #PassionAndPurpose #LeadershipLessons

In this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Lasse, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who's diving headfirst into the world of AI and business automation. Lasse’s story is all about taking the unconventional path, ditching the traditional education system, and leaning into entrepreneurship at a young age. We get into the nitty-gritty of his journey—how he started with high-income skills like sales, dealt with the societal pressures of going against the grain, and built his resilience to handle the ups and downs of business life.Lasse opens up about his big-picture vision for the future: a world where AI runs businesses autonomously. Yep, you heard that right—entire businesses run by AI, no humans needed. We talk about what that could mean for the workforce, the challenges that lie ahead, and why having the right skills today is more important than ever.
This is a conversation about more than just business—it’s about mindset, freedom, and preparing for a world that's changing fast. Whether you're just starting out as an entrepreneur, curious about the future of AI, or looking for tips to level up your game, this episode has something for you. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Lasse’s passion and forward-thinking approach!

In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, John Lee shares his journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship in the construction industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced, including the dot-com crash and the great recession, and how he leveraged technology to create a new home buying experience. John introduces his OPEN framework for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of identifying market opportunities, passion, experience, and addressing customer needs. He also shares insights on bootstrapping, building a strong foundation for business, and effective marketing strategies. In this conversation, John Lee discusses the transformative role of AI in the home buying process, emphasizing the importance of data-driven ecosystems, personalization, and visualization. He explores how AI can enhance customer experiences, facilitate home design, and overcome traditional limitations in real estate. The discussion also touches on the significance of trust in the market and the potential for direct-to-consumer models in the future.