The Create Your Life Series is for Self-starters looking to live life on their own terms. Join award winning entrepreneur, author and speaker Kevin Y. Brown as he shares the Strategies Behind the Successes of today’s Trailblazers by uncovering experiences, daily habits and defining moments of high achievers from around the world. Learn more at cylseries.com
Episodes
Friday Feb 23, 2018
Friday Feb 23, 2018
Two CEO couples share the blueprint for balancing entrepreneurship, parenting, and personal growth. They share secrets to finding a supportive mate and the importance of consistency.
About our Guest:
- Melissa Wahnish is the founder of RubyThursday, a free weekly online show that gives junior Rails developers bite sized tutorials, tips and tricks to help them grow. Along with her husband, she builds startups for non-technical entrepreneurs.
- Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers.
- Todd Wahnish is the Founder of cleverera.com.. He is an award winning artist, animator and product designer having created notable works for Marvel Entertainment, Cartoon Network, and artist Jeff Koons. He holds a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art, is married to his beautiful co-founder and loves making things people want through story centered design.
- Danielle Fondren is a program manager for a substance abuse center.
Episode Summary:
Kevin, Eric Fondren and Todd Wahnish team up with their wives Melissa Wahnish and Danielle Fondren to discuss love and how their relationships are impacted by having entrepreneurs in the family.
Insight from this episode:
- How to tell that you are in a good, healthy relationship
- How to keep a healthy relationship while growing personally
- Why searching for perfection doesn’t work
- How to navigate the nuances of your partner
- Tips to scouting the perfect mate, the importances of consistency
-
- Consistency is how the person acts in different situations and just connecting with you as a person.
- The benefits of being inspired by your partner and complimenting when and where they come up short
- Insight on who to talk to while married
- The importance of asking for help
- Tips for setting boundaries when working from home
- The benefits of bringing in your spouse or someone you are dating slowly
- The work never stops and it takes a long time to see results
- How to support an entrepreneur when the business isn’t going well
- The benefit of communicating your needs
Secrets to balancing work, parenting and living your life:
- Scheduling
- Parenting means working together
- Work life will come into the home life from time to time and you support your partner
Tips for dating an entrepreneur:
- Take the risk
- Be open
- Be open to being wrong
- Don’t be afraid to switch roles
- Accept the crazy schedule and don’t be afraid to help out
- Show appreciation for the hard work
Quotes from the show:
“CE-Uh-Ohing” - Todd Wahnish Episode #106
“When the person you are with inspires you to be yourself, not to put on, or be something you're not... If you can purely be yourself, then that is the person for you.” -Danielle Fondren Episode #106
“This is something you can be grumpy on inside.” - Melissa Wahnish Episode #106
“You don’t have to always say everything. Sometimes a touch, a look, or a gesture makes as much sense as anything else would. “-Eric Fondren Episode #106
“You have to really understand that the failure isn’t a failure of yourself and it’s not failure in the other person.“ Melissa Wahnish Episode #106
3 keys to Create Your Best Life:
- Communicate your needs
- Don’t be afraid to get into a relationship with an entrepreneur
- Work together and be a team
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Melissa:
Email: melissa@rubythursday.com
https://twitter.com/_rubythursday_
Danielle:
Eric:
https://twitter.com/ericnfondren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren
Todd:
https://www.instagram.com/wahnish
https://www.facebook.com/todd.wahnish
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
Friday Feb 16, 2018
Friday Feb 16, 2018
Kevin provides his 20 strategies to re - Focus and Stay Focused Throughout The Year. He also discusses his birthday celebration,
journey in NYC with friends along with his new wake up schedule. and secrets to making it to 100 episodes.
Friday Feb 09, 2018
Friday Feb 09, 2018
About our Guest:
A communicator, social innovator, and entrepreneur, Brandon Andrews works with Values Partnerships to lead a nationwide casting tour focused on bringing more diverse ideas and voices to ABC’s hit show, Shark Tank. He is also leading an effort to support entrepreneurs through developing a network of capital, skill-building, and other resources.
In 2015, Andrews worked with A+E Networks, iHeartMedia, and the United Way to develop the Shining A Light Concert for Progress on Race in America, Shining a Light Fund, and Conversations on Race in America documentary.
Previously, Andrews worked as a consultant assisting disruptive and social impact organizations with digital strategy, online advocacy, and navigating the federal system. He spent 5 years in the U.S. Senate where he handled technology, small business, and defense policy.
Andrews assisted in planning the first My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Data Jam, which laid the groundwork for evidence-based MBK work around the country. He is also a mentor for Qeyno Labs' MBK hackathons, engaging thousands of young men of color in computer science education nationwide. He was appointed to the D.C. Commission on National and Community Service.
Brandon provides commentary on policy, politics, and entrepreneurship on TVOne, BBC, NPR, Fox News, and other outlets.
Episode Summary
In this episode Brandon shares his secrets to garnering and sustaining relationships that have put him in positions of power. Tips on surviving on ABC's shark tank, calculating what you should be paid for your time, paid vs free work and his journey of becoming a man.
Insight from this episode:
- Reasons why always being of service helps
- Strategies to sustain relationships both professional and personal
- 3 keys to sustaining relationships – find the right people to make sure you
are in the right company, be consistent, build layers to your relationships,
- How to Decipher between authentic and in-authentic relationships
- The importance of keeping your word
- Tips on how to calculate what you should be paid for your time
- Tips on how to survive the Shark Tank show
- Tips on if you should take venture capital funding
Quotes from the show:
- “The spark of innovation and the grit that you need to grow a business overtime, those attributes exist in every community, every zip code, every area around the country and really around the world but the resources do not.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104
- “Your heart might be right, your mind might be right but that doesn’t mean that your wallet will be right from volunteering to do work” – Brandon Andrews episode #104 on volunteering vs. being paid for your time
“The key to not being taken advantage, the key to making sure it makes sense is to do check ins with yourself and check ins with whoever is in power at the organization.” – Brandon Andrews episode #104
Resources Mentioned:
- https://buffer.com/
- Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031
Favorite Book:
On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History - Thomas Carlyle
The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin
Harvard Busines Review's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself
Favorite Quote: “My feet’s is tired but my soul is rested” – Sister Pollard
3 keys to Create Your Best Life:
- Raise your hand and volunteer
- Do what you have to do no matter what, keep moving forward
- Connect to something bigger than yourself
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Guest Name:
www.brandonandrews.me
www.Instagram.com/yesbrandon
http://www.twitter.com/brandontalk
https://www.facebook.com/Brand.Andrews
Brandon’s phone number: 2028313031
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
Friday Feb 02, 2018
Friday Feb 02, 2018
In this episode participants from the goal crushing worshop come on air to discuss their experience at the seminar and which goals they are looking forward to accomplishing this year. Kevin also gives out his 10 ways to plan and host your own event.
Friday Jan 26, 2018
Friday Jan 26, 2018
Kevin, Eric and Todd give in depth insights of their experiences negotiationing to change terms, dodging shady characters who try to take advantage of them and understanding that a deal is not real until it is paid for not signed for.
Friday Jan 26, 2018
Friday Jan 26, 2018
In this episide guests call in from around the country and discuss what they are thankful for and are hopeful for in the New Year. They alsoo share strategies to make your dreams come true.
Friday Jan 19, 2018
Friday Jan 19, 2018
Episode Summary
Kevin walks us through his of making his 12-year-old dreams come true. During this episode many who have witnessed his growth, sacrifices and triumphs on the journey to where he is now call in and share their stories from the sidelines.
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
Friday Jan 12, 2018
Friday Jan 12, 2018
Episode Summary
Listeners (CYLS family) call in and share their 3 things that make them invest in others. They also share what they are looking forward to in the new year.
Insight from this episode:
Listener #1 Melany Ellis
3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
- Confidence
- Be Informed About What You Are Seeking
- Be Genuine
- Let Your Passion Shine Through
- Her friends invest in her because they see her walk, she is walking in her purpose
What is your big goal for next year:
- Flexibility
Listener #2 Derek Devan
3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
- Discipline
- A person keeps their word
- Action
Why do your friends invest in you?
Because he is a positive person and loves to motivate others to do what they want to do.
What is your big goal for next year:
To become financially intelligent, start his businesses and set goals by writing them down
Listener #3 Tearra Vaughn
3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
- Ability to connect
- Network
- Share insights
Why do your friends invest in you?
- Confident
- Team Player
- Shares Resources
What is your big goal for next year:
To make the most of their collaboration
Listener #3 Charlton McKinney
3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
- Everyday Attitude, How Enthusiastic They Are, How Inspired
They Are
- Self Starter
- They Practice Appreciation
Why do your friends invest in you?
- Optimistic
- Solution Focused
- Huge On Communication
What is your big goal for next year:
- To Expand His Startup Http://Www.Insanevegan.Com
- Set Goals
- Weekly Scheduler And Calendar
Listener #3 Kris Brice – Bell (Memphis)
3 qualities you look for in people when you decide to invest in them:
- Confidence
- Are you pursuing the goals that you want to pursue, do
you have a plan
- What have you overcome
Why do your friends invest in you?
- Persistent
- Positive/ half- full perspective
- Do things well even if its the slower route
- Never give up
What is your big goal for next year:
- The difference between a dream and a goal is, a dream is
something you think of a goal is something that you write
down
- Big goal for next year is to investing in himself, cryptocurrency, and real estate
Quotes from the show:
“Anybody can talk about what they are doing and what they are passionate about, not everybody is walking in their purpose and living it” - Melany Ellis Episode #99
Resources Mentioned:
https://shopmodelatelier.com/
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
Friday Jan 05, 2018
Friday Jan 05, 2018
About our Guests:
- Eric Fondren is the CEO of Itell.io, a company that provides a digital advertising platform for ATM owners to digitally advertise to their customers.
- Lenore Kantor is a branding and launch expert who has introduced more than 100 new products, services and business processes across a wide range of technology and financial services companies over 20+ years. A hands-on executive, she has built new product management and marketing communications functions from scratch, led international teams and budgets both large and small.
Episode Summary
- Kevin, Lenore and Eric discuss their personal and organizational challenges that they are looking to improve upon. Each of them also outlines their goal setting and achievement processes for their businesses.
Insight from this episode:
- Identifying your biggest challenges in the CEO seat
- Understanding product market fit and the right customers
- key indicators of clients
- Get paid upfront from your time and effort = helps you distinguish
between clients that are serious
- How to hire virtually
- How to get to achieve your inner peace as a CEO
- The importance of a daily routine
- The benefits of investing in life outside of work
- How to close more by finding the right clients
- Breaking down goals for your organization
Quotes from the show:
“whether or not you ask yourself if you’re doing enough is the mark of an entrepreneur and you shouldnt be upset about the question being asked you should be worried about how you are answering the question.” - Eric Fondren Episode #98
“We have to get beyond the transactional to the relational” - Lenore Kantor Episode #98
“If you have a role and your hiring for it the person needs to be able to come in and do that job, it should not be that they come in and learn” - Eric Fondren Episode #98
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Eric:
https://twitter.com/ericnfondren
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericnfondren
Lenore Kantor:
http://www.twitter.com/lkantor
http://www.twitter.com/launch_warrior
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenorekantor/
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.
Friday Dec 29, 2017
Friday Dec 29, 2017
About our Guest:
Su is the CEO & Co-founder at WeDidIt, a New York-based tech company that helps nonprofit organizations fundraise online. For the last 6 years, Su has helped hundreds of nonprofit organizations raise funds and find new donors through WeDidIt's innovative technology. Some of WeDidit’s customers include Amnesty International, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, NYC Coalition Against Hunger, LA Zoo, and Stupid Cancer. and he is now working on a new venture called dollaride on the side.
Episode Summary:
Su takes us on his journey of failing in one startup to creating two successful companies. He teaches us the importance of flexibility, how self awareness has helped him in his partnership and how to run a company as a non – technical founder.
Insight from this episode:
- Strategies to create a strong team
- how to bounce back after your company fails
- The importance of sales experience and how to acquire the selling skill
- Why and how saying No is a superpower The importance of self-awareness to learn where your gaps are as an entrepreneur
- The benefits and challenges of being a non-technical co-founder
- The importance and ways to build trust in a partnership
- How to stay grounded after receiving norotoriety and funding
- Keys to setting and accomplishg goals as a team
- Keys to a successful relationship
- Su was inspired to quit his job and go into the non profit world because of 1 question from his mom
Quotes from the show:
“Choose to work on projects or at companies or in ventures where you'ree going to enjoy the process more than the end result” Su Sanni episode #96
I don't let dreams stay dreams, I put the work in, I bend the world to my will in order to make it happen - Su Sanni ep #97
“You have to be humble enough to know that you don’t know everything and bold enough to ask questions to people who know more than you” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97
“Being right means nothing when you loose everything” - Kevin Y. Brown episode #97
Resources Mentioned:
Favorite Book:
Favorite Quote:
- “If you will it, it is no dream” - Theodor Herzl
3 keys to Create Your Best Life:
- Make long-term goals but try to enjoy the journey towards those goals - fall in love with process not the end result
- Surround yourself with mentors and people who have been there and done that
- Create a habit of learning
Stay Connected:
Create Your Life Series:
https://www.facebook.com/cylseries/
https://www.instagram.com/cylseries/
Kevin:
Su Sanni:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni
https://twitter.com/thesusanni
https://www.facebook.com/ssanni
Subscribe to our podcast + download each episode on iTunes, Google Podcast, Stitcher and Spotify.