
Journey To Mastery
615 episodes — Page 5 of 13

Ep 401: 8 Key Drivers of Business Success with Nana Bonsu
Let's talk about the intricacies of The Value Builder System with Nana Bonsu, where he describes it as a powerful approach that allows businesses to operate much like a product, enabling them to clearly identify their value. The primary objective of the Value Builder System is unequivocal – to elevate the worth of businesses. Nana details how this system evaluates businesses through a comprehensive lens. It focuses on eight essential drivers that serve as pillars for assessing a business's success. These drivers encompass vital aspects like customer satisfaction, differentiation, dependence, supplier relationships, customer base, employee performance, cash flow, and the business model.Understanding and optimizing these key drivers is pivotal in achieving the overarching goal of enhancing business value. Tune in to discover how The Value Builder System can propel your business to new heights in this engaging micro episode! Episode Highlights:01:46 - The first one is customer satisfaction. How satisfied? So, essentially we start with what do you buy or sell, your products and your services? And then the main thing is, how differentiated is that? And then how satisfied customers are with it. How dependent is your business on you, the owner or the owners, if there's multiple owners? How dependent your business is on key people, your suppliers, your customers, your employees? What does the cash flow picture in your business look like? Those are some of the things that basically, and then, of course, in terms of your business model, is it a one-time transactional business model? Or is it a business model that relies on recurring revenue?Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Nana BonsuLinkedInPodcast

Ep 400: Watch, Learn, Delegate with Nana Bonsu
Nana Bonsu introduces a practical four-step framework: first, watch and learn; then, switch turns and observe; next, report back regularly; and finally, let go. This structured approach empowers business owners to entrust tasks to others gradually, ensuring a smooth transition of responsibilities. The Value Builder System emerges as a valuable tool in this process. It aids in pinpointing key activities that are ripe for delegation, highlighting the substantial time-saving potential. By incorporating this strategic approach, businesses can reallocate time towards higher-impact endeavors, driving growth and efficiency. Tune in to explore the transformative power of effective delegation with Nana Bonsu! Episode Highlights:00:32 - One is that the first thing is you want to have the people that you've identified as people you want to delegate. You want to have them watch you do it. And then as they watch, you want to then switch turns and have them do it while you watch over them. And then the next thing then is they go do it and then report back to you what is weekly status or whatever the frequency is. And then the final thing is they got it, they own it, they don't come to you anymore. So, those are the stages.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Nana BonsuLinkedInPodcast

Ep 399: Delegation and Scenario Planning with Nana Bonsu
Nana Bonsu advocates for a crucial mindset shift in business ownership: embracing delegation. He emphasizes that to unburden oneself, owners must overcome the belief that everything depends solely on them. Nana advises to envision potential future scenarios, preparing for emergencies to ensure business resilience. By considering unthinkable situations, businesses can fortify themselves for the long haul, making them more resilient and secure.Tune in to discover how a strategic shift towards effective delegation and forward-thinking scenario planning can revolutionize your business approach. Unlock the power of delegation and scenario planning with Nana Bonsu when you listen to this micro episode!Episode Highlights:01:51 - I think the main thing, in terms of not being comfortable, is starting to think about the future "what ifs?" How would you like to be able to take a three-month vacation without your business being impacted? If something were to happen to you, a family member, your business partner and whatnot, would your business survive and for how long? If you were to decide if there was some kind of emergency, whether it's divorce, disqualification, or disability, would your business be able to make it? If you start thinking in terms of that, then it just puts a whole different–because nothing is forever. Yes, you love your business, but we're all not going to be on Earth forever.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Nana BonsuLinkedInPodcast

Ep 398: The Art of Making Deals & Profitable Podcasting with Josh Wilson
Ever wondered how podcasting can be a catalyst for strategic alliances and profitable relationships? Join Elzie Flenard in this enlightening episode with fellow podcaster, author, and commercial real estate capital advisor, Josh Wilson. A devoted family man and seasoned entrepreneur, Josh unveils his secrets to monetizing relationships and leveraging podcasts for impactful partnerships. With a track record of 10 successful podcasts and iTunes chart-toppers, Josh shares game-changing insights. Shift your focus from vanity metrics to creating connections that fuel revenue and drive success.Tune in to discover the power of podcasting in building communities, setting clear goals, and amplifying your strengths. Learn how Josh transformed podcasts into revenue-generating ventures and overcame challenges on his path.Episode Highlights:09:39 - So, I stopped worrying about the audience. I focused on a community of people. All you need is about 100 people that you serve. And then I would use guests and work with guests to help them in their business, and then I'd introduce them to my community, and then I'd put deals together. And now I'm getting paid from all these different resources. And I get to do what I love to do, is meet people, hear their story, share my testimony about God and about my life, share things about business and help support other people, invest in things. That's all I do all day. And now I build those programs through my PR firm. And I work with people like you who could do the work much better than me, right? So strategic relationships, strategic alliances, that's the difference of the podcasting.13:44 - You always have to try things. You always have to test out new models. And we tried things that I had to give money back, and I said, "Hey, we tried to run this campaign that required me to do this, and I failed. Here's your money back, and I'm sorry." So, I think as we're doing this, some of the skill sets that are transferable is like, focus on your strengths. Focus where you're good. Focus on the things that drive you. And if you're just doing this to get an audience, go dance in a bunny suit or something like that. You'll get likes and comments from there, and hopefully, you make money spinning signs or dancing like that. But if you're in this game, the podcast game, to grow your business, to make an impact, which you could do both, which I love talking about that, then stop going after those kind of things. Focus on your strengths. Focus on a deliverable. Interview someone that you want to do a deal with. And have something, a very clear path, for them to engage with you. 16:06 - This is a small world. The podcast world is a small world even though there's millions of podcasters or whatever. I don't want to be known as a guy who doesn't show up, doesn't admit that he's wrong. I've had people that I've had to return money back, and they go, "Hey, cool. Let me know when you're on to the next one," because I built trust. Maybe that was a $6,000 gig. Next time I bring $10,000, they'll be careful, but they'll be open to it. Like, they even said, "Hey, when you're ready for the next one, let us know." I built trust, and I try to do that, and I've made mistakes, and I try to make them right, but I'm always moving forward. So, other actionable things, have a plan, try to create a plan. That's hard for me. So, the process of writing it out, hiring a consultant, having them take a look at it. Have them take a look at your processes and your deliverables. A lot of times, for a visionary, if you just go through that process, you'll go, "That can make me money," but I don't want to do that, so then scrap it.26:17 - This is where I think, when you're in your sweet spot, you're doing what you love for the people that you love, and it's sustaining you and your family, that's when I know that I'm in my jam. So, it's like you can do mission while still making money. That's kind of like my model. The mission is in the margin. You got to be profitable, or you can't just hand out money you don't have. So, why not do something that does both good and good for a cause you believe in. I like leveraging them together. And on the selfish side of it, I was getting help. People were helping me, and it was helping my audience at the same time. So, I love the mission side of media as well.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experien

Ep 397: Making a Difference Through Purposeful Media with Josh Wilson
Josh Wilson opens up about a challenging period in his life marked by repeated missteps. Determined to break this cycle, he launched the impactful podcast, "Uncensored Advice for Men." Through raw conversations with a diverse array of guests, including pastors, therapists, and even adult industry professionals, Josh found unexpected solace and guidance.What began as a mission to share wisdom with fellow men evolved into a profound self-discovery journey. As Josh provided valuable advice, he also received invaluable insights, fueling a renewed sense of purpose. Now, his vision extends beyond personal growth, aiming to create meaningful, sustainable content that uplifts individuals and supports causes close to his heart.Tune in to witness Josh's inspiring transformation and learn how his commitment to authentic, empowering media is making a positive impact on both his family and the community at large. This micro episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for positive change in the face of adversity.Episode Highlights:02:52 - This is where I think, when you're in your sweet spot, you're doing what you love for the people that you love, and it's sustaining you and your family, that's when I know that I'm in my jam. So, it's like you can do mission while still making money. That's kind of like my model. The mission is in the margin. You got to be profitable, or you can't just hand out money you don't have. So, why not do something that does both good and good for a cause you believe in. I like leveraging them together. And on the selfish side of it, I was getting help. People were helping me, and it was helping my audience at the same time. So, I love the mission side of media as well.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Josh WilsonLinkedInWebsite

Ep 396: Selecting the Right People for Collaboration with Josh Wilson
In this captivating episode, Josh Wilson delves into the profound aspects of achieving genuine success. He underscores the critical importance of self-awareness, urging us to know our strengths, weaknesses, and our unique path in order to make a lasting impact. Josh opens up about the tough lesson of having to return money when deals didn't pan out as expected. He shares valuable advice on the significance of creating a solid plan and seeking guidance from a consultant, while also highlighting the vital choice of working with individuals who value your passion and fostering harmonious working relationships. Tune in to this conversation as we explore the wisdom of recognizing your lane, staying true to your strengths, and forging successful collaborations. Listen to gain valuable insights that will guide you in your journey to meaningful impact and success! Episode Highlights:01:22 - This is a small world. The podcast world is a small world even though there's millions of podcasters or whatever. I don't want to be known as a guy who doesn't show up, doesn't admit that he's wrong. I've had people that I've had to return money back, and they go, "Hey, cool. Let me know when you're on to the next one," because I built trust. Maybe that was a $6,000 gig. Next time I bring $10,000, they'll be careful, but they'll be open to it. Like, they even said, "Hey, when you're ready for the next one, let us know." I built trust, and I try to do that, and I've made mistakes, and I try to make them right, but I'm always moving forward. So, other actionable things, have a plan, try to create a plan. That's hard for me. So, the process of writing it out, hiring a consultant, having them take a look at it. Have them take a look at your processes and your deliverables. A lot of times, for a visionary, if you just go through that process, you'll go, "That can make me money," but I don't want to do that, so then scrap it.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Josh WilsonLinkedInWebsite

Ep 395: Capitalizing On What You Have with Josh Wilson
Elzie engages in a meaningful conversation with Josh Wilson about the pivotal elements of success. They dive deep into the significance of building genuine relationships, nurturing your tribe, and honing essential skills. Josh candidly shares his experiences, emphasizing how acknowledging his weaknesses proved to be a costly lesson and propelled him toward a more focused and successful path. He encourages listeners to concentrate on their strengths, craft deliverables that invite meaningful engagement, and resist the allure of chasing likes and comments. Tune in to get essential guidance on how to harness your strengths, foster fruitful partnerships, and steer your journey towards achievement. Dive into this conversation and supercharge your quest for success. Episode Highlights:01:21 - You always have to try things. You always have to test out new models. And we tried things that I had to give money back, and I said, "Hey, we tried to run this campaign that required me to do this, and I failed. Here's your money back, and I'm sorry." So, I think as we're doing this, some of the skill sets that are transferable is like, focus on your strengths. Focus where you're good. Focus on the things that drive you. And if you're just doing this to get an audience, go dance in a bunny suit or something like that. You'll get likes and comments from there, and hopefully, you make money spinning signs or dancing like that. But if you're in this game, the podcast game, to grow your business, to make an impact, which you could do both, which I love talking about that, then stop going after those kind of things. Focus on your strengths. Focus on a deliverable. Interview someone that you want to do a deal with. And have something, a very clear path, for them to engage with you. Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Josh WilsonLinkedInWebsite

Ep 394: Creating Connections in the World of Podcasting with Josh Wilson
Elzie delves into the dynamic world of podcasting with seasoned podcaster and entrepreneur, Josh Wilson. With a track record of building and selling multiple successful podcasts, including one that soared to the top of the iTunes charts, Josh shares invaluable experiences. Discover how one pivotal interview led to a game-changing connection, sparking a new chapter in Josh's podcasting journey. Through strategic alliances and relationships, he monetized his knowledge and skills, reshaping his approach to podcasting.So, tune in to learn how Josh shifted his focus from audience numbers to building meaningful connections that drive revenue. Join Elzie and Josh as they uncover the secrets to podcasting success. Episode Highlights:03:48 - So, I stopped worrying about the audience. I focused on a community of people. All you need is about 100 people that you serve. And then I would use guests and work with guests to help them in their business, and then I'd introduce them to my community, and then I'd put deals together. And now I'm getting paid from all these different resources. And I get to do what I love to do, is meet people, hear their story, share my testimony about God and about my life, share things about business and help support other people, invest in things. That's all I do all day. And now I build those programs through my PR firm. And I work with people like you who could do the work much better than me, right? So strategic relationships, strategic alliances, that's the difference of the podcasting.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Josh WilsonLinkedInWebsite

Ep 393: Respectful Leadership & Creating Positive Environments with Gregg Ward
Elzie Flenard engages in a compelling conversation with Gregg Ward, Founder of The Center for Respectful Leadership. From his youth to training police officers in handling emotionally disturbed individuals, Gregg advocates for respect in all aspects of life. Let's explore how respect shapes law enforcement training, emphasizing assessing situations before action. Gain insights into metrics for mental health training. Uncover the need for proactive policing over reactive approaches. In business, discover how respect fuels motivation, enhances team morale, and boosts customer satisfaction. Learn to build robust diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, avoiding tokenism. Embrace empathy as a vital leadership trait for inclusivity. Apply these principles to revamp relationships, both personal and professional. From law enforcement to business, respect's impact is profound. You'll surely benefit if you implement Gregg Ward's strategies for effective communication, diversity, inclusion, and fostering a respectful work culture. Listen and take the first step toward a more respectful world. Tune in now and witness the transformative influence of respect on your growth and success. Episode Highlights:05:43 - First, you got to assess. You can't just run in and start hitting people over the head with your nightstick. You got to assess what's going on here. You got to take a moment and pause and take a deep breath and take a look at the situation, because it's not always as you assume it is. You just rush in. That's going to get you in deeper trouble.12:39 - So, we as employers have to realize that treating our employees with disrespect has huge implications not only for that individual employee, but also for how they treat their colleagues and how they treat their customers. So, all of our research tells us that if you have a culture where people treat each other with respect, that is going to have some significant positive bottom line impacts all the way from customer satisfaction, all the way to retaining your best and your brightest people.16:45 - It's imperative that people understand that our workplaces are more diverse than ever before in our history. And that is not going to change and we're not going to go back to the way it was. And so, if we accept that our workplaces are diverse, we must accept that people are different and have different expectations around what respect is for them. And if we find out what those are and we meet those expectations, we're likely to have a respectful environment.22:28 - People are so resistant and we live in such a highly politicized environment now, where the very term "diversity" is now political and politicized, and it drives me nuts. And my focus is on respect, which is at the core of everything we do here. And if we can help folks understand how important respect is, regardless of who you are. If I treat you in a way that you consider respectful, that's likely to turn out to be a good thing.23:15 - We usually start with education. We help business leaders understand two things, that one, that respect and disrespect are feelings. They're not part of rational cognitive thinking. And feelings are very, very important. Unfortunately, feelings tended to be downplayed or ignored in the workplace. But what we're seeing now is being a part of a team where you feel respected and valued and trusted, and you could say something that's a little bit contradictory of your boss and not get pilloried for it and not get in trouble for it. It's called psychological safety. So, we start with education.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 392: Creating a Culture of Respect with Gregg Ward
Gregg Ward unravels the profound significance of emotions in shaping a culture of respect within a business. Highlighting education and data as fundamental cornerstones, Gregg navigates through the initial steps essential to fostering an environment built on respect. Leaders are equipped with actionable insights to thwart the growth of disrespect, including timely interventions during meetings. Stay tuned as Gregg delves deeper into additional techniques for nurturing and sustaining a culture of respect in the workplace.Listen now to discover the transformative realm of respectful business cultures with Gregg Ward. Episode Highlights:00:33 - We usually start with education. We help business leaders understand two things, that one, that respect and disrespect are feelings. They're not part of rational cognitive thinking. And feelings are very, very important. Unfortunately, feelings tended to be downplayed or ignored in the workplace. But what we're seeing now is being a part of a team where you feel respected and valued and trusted, and you could say something that's a little bit contradictory of your boss and not get pilloried for it and not get in trouble for it. It's called psychological safety. So, we start with education.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 391: The Essentiality of Empathy in Leadership with Gregg Ward
Gregg Ward passionately advocates for fostering a culture of respect and understanding within leadership. He emphasizes the crucial need for leaders to empathize with others' perspectives, regardless of their background. He also underscores the value of respecting every individual, highlighting the transformative power it holds within a team or organization.Gregg champions the idea of open-mindedness in hiring and promoting individuals who haven't traditionally held such positions. He courageously acknowledges that mistakes may occur, but are a vital part of this evolving process. He calls for a shift in perspective, urging listeners to reframe it as a matter of respect as he believes that by placing respect at the forefront of discussions around diversity, we can pave the way for genuine progress and inclusivity.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges conventional notions of leadership, and discover how embracing diversity can lead to a more respectful and harmonious work environment.Episode Highlights:02:33 - People are so resistant and we live in such a highly politicized environment now, where the very term "diversity" is now political and politicized, and it drives me nuts. And my focus is on respect, which is at the core of everything we do here. And if we can help folks understand how important respect is, regardless of who you are. If I treat you in a way that you consider respectful, that's likely to turn out to be a good thing.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 390: Building an Effective DEI Strategy with Gregg Ward
Let's listen to a riveting discussion with Gregg Ward as he unpacks the vital link between respect, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate landscape. He shares his insights on how respect forms the bedrock of successful DEI initiatives in modern organizations.Gregg sheds light on the evolving workforce landscape, emphasizing the imperative for organizations to embrace diversity. He underscores that genuine respect is the linchpin in attracting both top talent and a diverse customer base. The conversation unveils the authenticity that respect brings to DEI efforts, moving beyond superficial gestures.Tune in to gain actionable strategies for nurturing a culture of respect and inclusivity. Gregg's wisdom serves as a compass for organizations seeking to navigate the dynamic terrain of diversity and inclusion. Remember: Respect is the bridge that transforms DEI rhetoric into meaningful action. Gregg's expertise provides a roadmap for organizations aiming to foster environments where every individual is valued and empowered.Episode Highlights:00:57 - It's imperative that people understand that our workplaces are more diverse than ever before in our history. And that is not going to change and we're not going to go back to the way it was. And so, if we accept that our workplaces are diverse, we must accept that people are different and have different expectations around what respect is for them. And if we find out what those are and we meet those expectations, we're likely to have a respectful environment.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 389: Show Respect, Get Respect with Gregg Ward
Let's explore the profound impact of respect in the corporate realm with Gregg Ward as he unveils the hidden dynamics that shape team performance and morale. He delves into the critical role of respect in driving motivation, enhancing customer satisfaction, and fostering a harmonious work environment. Discover why respect is the cornerstone of a thriving business as Gregg illuminates how a toxic workplace culture, devoid of respect, can have a staggering impact on employee retention and customer contentment. He unravels the science behind respect, shedding light on the release of oxytocin—the 'love hormone'—and its transformative effect on relationships.Tune in to gain invaluable insights into implementing a culture of respect in your workplace. Learn how understanding the neurological underpinnings empowers leaders to create environments where individuals thrive. Find out how prioritizing respect can lead to a happier, more productive workforce and satisfied clientele. Gregg offers a compelling blueprint for leaders to cultivate an atmosphere of respect that transcends mere professionalism, so don't miss this episode.Episode Highlights:02:00 - So, we as employers have to realize that treating our employees with disrespect has huge implications not only for that individual employee, but also for how they treat their colleagues and how they treat their customers. So, all of our research tells us that if you have a culture where people treat each other with respect, that is going to have some significant positive bottom line impacts all the way from customer satisfaction, all the way to retaining your best and your brightest people.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 388: Taking a Pause Before Action with Gregg Ward
Elzie engages with Gregg Ward, who is on a mission to transform lives via experiential learning and development programs that create respectful organizational cultures, to unravel the critical process of assessing situations before reacting.Gregg's profound advice resonates as he emphasizes the power of a pause. By taking a moment to breathe and gather oneself, police officers can make more informed decisions. Discover how this moment of reflection can transform real-world encounters for officers. Delve into the world of high-pressure decision-making and learn the significance of taking that crucial pause. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how training simulations can enhance preparedness. Listen now for a glimpse into the training methods that equip law enforcement officers with the skills to navigate complex situations. This episode is a testament to the value of measured action in the face of challenge. Episode Highlights:00:55 - First, you got to assess. You can't just run in and start hitting people over the head with your nightstick. You got to assess what's going on here. You got to take a moment and pause and take a deep breath and take a look at the situation, because it's not always as you assume it is. You just rush in. That's going to get you in deeper trouble.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Gregg WardLinkedInWebsite

Ep 387: Elevate Your Business with PR and Podcasting with Tonya McKenzie
Elzie Flenard engages in a dynamic conversation with Tonya McKenzie, Founder of Sand and Shores, a leading communications and leadership firm. They delve into the pivotal role of PR and podcasting in business success. Tonya emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling brand narrative, drawing inspiration from challenges, and aligning business values for growth. She provides practical insights into PR budgeting and consistent branding. Tonya also shares her journey in launching the Empowered Podcast Network, creating a platform for meaningful conversations. She highlights the therapeutic and educational power of podcasting, especially for survivors of challenging experiences. So, tune in for a transformative discussion on storytelling, PR strategies, and seizing opportunities in business. Episode Highlight:05:19 - I think it's really just a lack of understanding the importance of that. And then there is, particularly with women, not understanding your value and what who you are brings to the business. That is a part of the story–how you got here, how you founded this organization. But even the story behind that. What led you to solving this problem? Whether it's jeans that fit a different shape of woman, like where did that idea come from? Talk about that. It was probably some failure. It was probably some lack of ability to be able to find it somewhere else for yourself. And those are the things that connect people to your brand.10:40 - Let's be fair. Everybody is not good at what they say they're good at these days. It's like, "I'm amazing," but you're not. So, we have to be cognizant of that and be very diligent about where we're spending our money. So, I would suggest if you have a marketing coordinator, a marketing director, that you invest in training them, getting them some training on PR strategies. Because the truth of the matter is, an integrated strategy is the best. You need all of it. You need PR, you need marketing, you need advertising. You need it all.19:37 - My podcast network is really just another way of giving my clients and my business partners opportunities to find spaces where they are seen as credible. Every time we open our mouth and someone hears what we have to say, that elevates your brand. Everything you say these days, or type, or tweet, they become a part of your brand. So, allowing for these spaces to be used to elevate people's brands, their message, their stories, I think it was very important. It's called the Empowered Podcast Network. You'll learn something new. You'll have the opportunity to have a discussion about some difficult stuff. And it just feels good sometimes to be able to get it off your chest and have thoughtful conversations about things that everybody ain't ready for. But if you're subscribing to the show, you clearly like what they're delivering, and you're trusting that podcast host to continue to deliver you quality content.21:28 - You don't think people have gone through what you've gone through. I think everybody feels kind of isolated in their stuff until you start talking about it, and then other people that you're talking to will be like, "Oh yeah, well let me tell you what happened to me." So, it was mind-blowing to me because I thought the things that had happened to me were isolated to me. Well, why is that? Well, because we never talked about it, especially when things happen in Black families. We aren't supposed to talk about it. But I realized once I wrote this book, listen, you gonna have to talk about it. So, I started to talk, and that made others feel like they had a safe space to talk about some difficult things.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Tonya McKenzieLink

Ep 386: The Power of Telling Our Stories with Tonya McKenzie
Tonya McKenzie opens up about her journey as a gun violence survivor and author. Discover how her interest in podcasting was driven by a desire to create a safe haven for discussing challenging topics.Tonya has encountered a community of individuals who have faced similar experiences. By listening to the stories of fellow survivors, she has gained profound insights into the diverse ways people navigate trauma and adversity. Join us in this powerful conversation as we explore the therapeutic and educational value of sharing our experiences in order to heal and grow. Don't miss this episode, where personal stories become a source of strength and resilience. Episode Highlight:01:11 - You don't think people have gone through what you've gone through. I think everybody feels kind of isolated in their stuff until you start talking about it, and then other people that you're talking to will be like, "Oh yeah, well let me tell you what happened to me." So, it was mind-blowing to me because I thought the things that had happened to me were isolated to me. Well, why is that? Well, because we never talked about it, especially when things happen in Black families. We aren't supposed to talk about it. But I realized once I wrote this book, listen, you gonna have to talk about it. So, I started to talk, and that made others feel like they had a safe space to talk about some difficult things.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Tonya McKenzieLinkedInWebsiteFacebookXSand & Shores

Ep 385: Elevate Brands, Stories, and Messages with Podcasts with Tonya McKenzie
Elzie dives into the world of podcasting with Tonya McKenzie, the podcast host of My Morning Coffee and Leaders & Learners, and the mastermind behind the Empowered Podcast Network. Find out how Tonya strategically incorporated podcasts into her business, providing a platform for thought-provoking discussions and valuable insights. Discover the diverse shows featured on the network, from candid conversations with influential leaders to addressing sensitive topics in a safe space. Learn about the power of credibility in public relations and the impact of having your voice heard on a reputable platform. Tune in to uncover the secrets behind building credibility and elevating your brand through podcasting. Get a glimpse into the Empowered Podcast Network and how it's changing the game in thoughtful, engaging content. Episode Highlight:03:29 - My podcast network is really just another way of giving my clients and my business partners opportunities to find spaces where they are seen as credible. Every time we open our mouth and someone hears what we have to say, that elevates your brand. Everything you say these days, or type, or tweet, they become a part of your brand. So, allowing for these spaces to be used to elevate people's brands, their message, their stories, I think it was very important. It's called the Empowered Podcast Network. You'll learn something new. You'll have the opportunity to have a discussion about some difficult stuff. And it just feels good sometimes to be able to get it off your chest and have thoughtful conversations about things that everybody ain't ready for. But if you're subscribing to the show, you clearly like what they're delivering, and you're trusting that podcast host to continue to deliver you quality content.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Tonya McKenzieLinkedInWebsiteFacebookXSand & Shores

Ep 384: PR Strategies for Small Businesses with Tonya McKenzie
Tonya Mckenzie provides invaluable advice on PR strategies tailored for small businesses. Discover why allocating approximately 20% of your budget to PR is a smart move. Tonya emphasizes that smaller businesses need not rush into outsourcing their PR efforts. Instead, she highlights the importance of establishing a strong message and maintaining consistent branding across all platforms before diving into PR initiatives.Investing in training for your marketing staff with fundamental PR strategies can also yield enhanced results through an integrated approach. So, tune in for expert guidance on navigating the realities of PR, ensuring your investments are both strategic and effective. Episode Highlight:01:28 - Let's be fair. Everybody is not good at what they say they're good at these days. It's like, "I'm amazing," but you're not. So, we have to be cognizant of that and be very diligent about where we're spending our money. So, I would suggest if you have a marketing coordinator, a marketing director, that you invest in training them, getting them some training on PR strategies. Because the truth of the matter is, an integrated strategy is the best. You need all of it. You need PR, you need marketing, you need advertising. You need it all.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Tonya McKenzieLinkedInWebsiteFacebookXSand & Shores

Ep 383: Crafting a Captivating Brand Narrative with Tonya McKenzie
Join Elzie Flenard and Tonya McKenzie in this insightful episode as they dive into the often underestimated realm of brand storytelling. They underscore the pivotal role of elevating your message, a piece that frequently eludes business owners in comprehending the profound impact of their brand story. Tonya sheds light on the prevalent misconception surrounding the value of a brand narrative, emphasizing the necessity for individuals to reflect on their identity and its significance. Especially for women entrepreneurs, recognizing their inherent value and contributions to the business proves pivotal when crafting an authentic brand story. Tune in to discover the wisdom of drawing inspiration from established brands and integrating personal trials and triumphs into your narrative for a more compelling connection with your audience. Uncover the transformative potential of your brand story, embark on a journey to forge deeper connections, and elevate your business through the art of storytelling.Episode Highlight:01:12 - I think it's really just a lack of understanding the importance of that. And then there is, particularly with women, not understanding your value and what who you are brings to the business. That is a part of the story–how you got here, how you founded this organization. But even the story behind that. What led you to solving this problem? Whether it's jeans that fit a different shape of woman, like where did that idea come from? Talk about that. It was probably some failure. It was probably some lack of ability to be able to find it somewhere else for yourself. And those are the things that connect people to your brand.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Tonya McKenzieLinkedInWebsiteFacebookXSand & Shores

Ep 382: Transforming Failure into Referral Success with Stacey Brown Randall
Let's dive into an enlightening conversation with Stacey Brown Randall, award-winning author, speaker, podcast host and founder of the Brown Randall Group, where she helps business owners generate referrals without asking. Stacey's entrepreneurial path, from an HR consulting firm to her thriving coaching business, is a testament to resilience and learning from failures.Discover the critical role of tracking referrals, a practice that doesn't demand complex systems. Stacey's straightforward approach involves a simple spreadsheet, offering invaluable insights into lead quality and referral sources. Explore her powerful insights on focus and clarity, which have transformed her coaching program and client results. Stacey's journey is a reminder that asking for help and embracing failure can lead to unforeseen beauty. So, tune in for actionable advice on business growth and self-improvement. Remember, every failure is a stepping stone to success!Episode Highlights:06:04 - The business was successful. This is the biggest thing I learned, it didn't have a sustainable way of filling that prospect pipeline. There was always feast or famine. There was always the entrepreneurial roller coaster of the highs and lows of like, "Hey, I've got a client. Yay, I'm doing something for the bank. Let me put my head down and do the work." And then look up and be like, "Oh, snap, the work is done and there's not another client." Except for I kept saying, "Oh, snap, the work is done and there's not another client" for four years, for over four years. Just didn't ever figure out that prospecting piece, that filling of the prospect into the pipeline piece.11:51 - When we ask people for referrals, we're actually violating the science, which is why people run away from us when they see us coming at networking groups. Like, "Oh, I don't want to be that person." And when we just wait for it to happen, we're using hope as a strategy. Hope is a beautiful thing, but it is not a business strategy. And so these things we've been told, they violate the science behind what makes referrals actually happen, and it was just me figuring it out and uncovering that. And to be honest, it was over time that I was teaching it to my clients, that I was like, "Oh, yes, that is working." It's not a fluke. It's not my personality. It's not that this just works for business coaches. It's not that this just works for extroverts who have as much energy as I have. It's not about being female. It's not about being younger. I like to think of myself as younger and probably considered older, but whatever. It's not about those pieces to generate referrals. And so, when I could eliminate all the things that made it about me, and then I could have people who are very different from me in very different industries with different genders, and different extroverts versus introverts, and it worked for all of them, then I was like, "Okay, it's just a strategy." And that's what we need to understand and deploy. But it's got to be rooted in all the ways that referrals actually happen.22:04 - Any of the applications for people to work with me, they have to tell me, "How did you hear about Stacey?" It's a standard question that's required. And sometimes they don't know, and so we take, "I don't know." That's fine, but you should be asking those questions through your processes. Or just when you're in that first conversation with a prospect, you could be like, "Hey, by the way, I don't think I know this, but how did you hear about me?" It's a simple question. Most people kind of expect it, but tracking it should be super simple. So, we're talking about four columns in an Excel spreadsheet or a Google spreadsheet. What I'm looking for is the date. I think it's important that you track the date. Now, one of the reasons why I tell my folks to track the date that that prospect entered their world is because you're not going to close every prospect. And we teach a strategy inside our coaching program at the beginning of every year. We remind our coaching clients exactly how you go back to anyone referred to you the year before that didn't become a client and the correct way to follow up.28:11 - The number one thing that every single person who works with me, who decides, "Yes, I want to take control of my referrals. I want to get more referrals. I want to build a referable business," the number one thing they all have to do–it's why it's also available for free, like I talk about on my podcast, it's in my book, it's on my website in our resources link–is identifying your referral sources. And most people don't come to me with that tracker I just talked about for the last five years. Most people come to me and they're like, "Oh, I don't know, some people refer me. It's great. I wish I could have more of them." And so I then have them recreate that data from the last three to four years. You could just avoid that headache if you started tracking.33:18 - If I don't want to start unti

Ep 381: High Close Rates Through Clarity & Focus with Stacey Brown Randall
In this candid discussion, Elzie delves into the profound impact of focus and clarity on referral quality and close rates with the insightful Stacey Brown Randall. With a diverse array of business experiences, Stacey reveals her journey, highlighting the absence of passive income models.As a devoted mother, she places immense value on quality time with her children, working from a small office at her driveway's end to maintain a strong presence in their lives. Through trials and tribulations, Stacey has meticulously crafted a coaching program that not only brings laser focus and clarity to her own business but also empowers clients to achieve their optimal results. Join us for this illuminating conversation that unveils the transformative power of focus and clarity in referral success. Tune in now! Episode Highlight:01:37 - If I don't want to start until 9:00 a.m. in the morning because I want to be present to getting them out the door and then I want to work out, I want that. If I want to be done at 3:00 p.m., because usually I'm just tired and my kids are starting to come home from school or the Uber mom driver has begun, I want to be present, and I don't want to be on my phone every time I'm in the car with them. So, I have built a business that has satisfied my financial desires. I think you can work as little as you want and make as much money as possible. Fundamentally, there's nothing wrong with that. But, for me, I have made sure that the business has always fit the lifestyle, and I learned that through trial and error. So, I went from one-on-one coaching. You're going to tap out when you run out of hours to sell. Then I went to the online course model and while it's, I was going to say fun, but I would be lying. It's like kind of fun. That launch model is really, really hard and I lacked and missed the connection with people, and then through a few other trials and errors landed at this coaching program that I have. My online programs are still available. If the coaching model is not right for you, you can certainly come into one of my online programs and learn a strategy and go implement that and have success.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Stacey Brown RandallWebsite

Ep 380: Optimizing Lead Quality & Referral Sources with Stacey Brown Randall
In this insightful episode, Elzie poses a crucial two-part question to Stacey Brown Randall on maximizing referral data. Stacey emphasizes the paramount importance of identifying one's referral sources, marking it as a fundamental step for every individual working with her. By meticulously tracking this information, patterns begin to emerge, empowering businesses to make more informed decisions. This includes enhancing closing ratios and directing attention towards high-quality leads.Moreover, the data serves as a cornerstone for crafting comprehensive yearly plans, ultimately nurturing and prioritizing referral sources. Don't miss out on this valuable advice that can revolutionize your business strategy. Tune in now!Episode Highlight:02:00 - The number one thing that every single person who works with me, who decides, "Yes, I want to take control of my referrals. I want to get more referrals. I want to build a referable business," the number one thing they all have to do–it's why it's also available for free, like I talk about on my podcast, it's in my book, it's on my website in our resources link–is identifying your referral sources. And most people don't come to me with that tracker I just talked about for the last five years. Most people come to me and they're like, "Oh, I don't know, some people refer me. It's great. I wish I could have more of them." And so I then have them recreate that data from the last three to four years. You could just avoid that headache if you started tracking.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Stacey Brown RandallWebsiteLinkedIn

Ep 379: Make Tracking Referrals Easy and Effective with Stacey Brown Randall
Stacey Brown Randall introduces a straightforward method for monitoring referrals that requires no complex CRM or database system. With just a basic Excel spreadsheet or Google Doc, Stacey recommends four essential columns: date, prospect's name, source, and outcome. The "source" category encompasses a wide range of channels, from Facebook ads and networking events to specific referral sources' names or even LinkedIn followers. Meanwhile, the "outcome" field serves to indicate whether the prospect converted into a client, or if applicable, the associated revenue. By implementing this uncomplicated tracking system, business owners gain valuable insights into the most effective referral sources, ultimately streamlining their approach to generating referrals. Tune in now to learn this practical technique and elevate your referral game!Episode Highlight:02:24 - Any of the applications for people to work with me, they have to tell me, "How did you hear about Stacey?" It's a standard question that's required. And sometimes they don't know, and so we take, "I don't know." That's fine, but you should be asking those questions through your processes. Or just when you're in that first conversation with a prospect, you could be like, "Hey, by the way, I don't think I know this, but how did you hear about me?" It's a simple question. Most people kind of expect it, but tracking it should be super simple. So, we're talking about four columns in an Excel spreadsheet or a Google spreadsheet. What I'm looking for is the date. I think it's important that you track the date. Now, one of the reasons why I tell my folks to track the date that that prospect entered their world is because you're not going to close every prospect. And we teach a strategy inside our coaching program at the beginning of every year. We remind our coaching clients exactly how you go back to anyone referred to you the year before that didn't become a client and the correct way to follow up.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Stacey Brown RandallWebsiteLinkedIn

Ep 378: Guide to Generating Quality Referrals with Stacey Brown Randall
Stacey Brown Randall unravels the prevailing myths surrounding referrals that many entrepreneurs and business owners often fall victim to. Through extensive research and hands-on experience, she has uncovered the underlying scientific principles that truly drive successful referral generation. Contrary to popular belief, relying solely on delivering excellent work or directly asking for referrals may not yield consistent results. Stacey's findings emphasize the need for a customized, adaptable approach tailored to each unique business. What's more, her discoveries have shattered the notion that referral success hinges on specific personality traits or industry types. Join us in this enlightening discussion and unlock the secrets to building a robust referral network, regardless of your business background or personal disposition. Tune in now to revolutionize your approach to referrals and watch your business thrive!Episode Highlight:03:42 - When we ask people for referrals, we're actually violating the science, which is why people run away from us when they see us coming at networking groups. Like, "Oh, I don't want to be that person." And when we just wait for it to happen, we're using hope as a strategy. Hope is a beautiful thing, but it is not a business strategy. And so these things we've been told, they violate the science behind what makes referrals actually happen, and it was just me figuring it out and uncovering that. And to be honest, it was over time that I was teaching it to my clients, that I was like, "Oh, yes, that is working." It's not a fluke. It's not my personality. It's not that this just works for business coaches. It's not that this just works for extroverts who have as much energy as I have. It's not about being female. It's not about being younger. I like to think of myself as younger and probably considered older, but whatever. It's not about those pieces to generate referrals. And so, when I could eliminate all the things that made it about me, and then I could have people who are very different from me in very different industries with different genders, and different extroverts versus introverts, and it worked for all of them, then I was like, "Okay, it's just a strategy." And that's what we need to understand and deploy. But it's got to be rooted in all the ways that referrals actually happen.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Stacey Brown RandallWebsiteLinkedIn

Ep 377: Growing From Mistakes to Opportunities with Stacey Brown Randall
Stacey Brown Randall, who is a successful author, podcast host, and entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She unveils how a pivotal setback in her first venture led to profound insights that paved the way for her subsequent thriving business. Tune in to learn the invaluable lessons she gained about sustainable growth and discover the secrets behind her remarkable transformation. Listen to this episode that is packed with wisdom and strategies that every aspiring entrepreneur needs to hear. Don't miss this chance to glean from Stacey's journey and be inspired to navigate your own path to success.Episode Highlight:01:14 - The business was successful. This is the biggest thing I learned, it didn't have a sustainable way of filling that prospect pipeline. There was always feast or famine. There was always the entrepreneurial roller coaster of the highs and lows of like, "Hey, I've got a client. Yay, I'm doing something for the bank. Let me put my head down and do the work." And then look up and be like, "Oh, snap, the work is done and there's not another client." Except for I kept saying, "Oh, snap, the work is done and there's not another client" for four years, for over four years. Just didn't ever figure out that prospecting piece, that filling of the prospect into the pipeline piece.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Stacey Brown RandallWebsiteLinkedIn

Ep 376: Public Relations Strategies for Small Business Owners with Andrea Pass
Elzie Flenard delves into the world of Public Relations (PR) with seasoned expert Andrea Pass, founder of Andrea Pass Public Relations. They uncover the vital role PR plays for small business owners, offering valuable insights and actionable tips. Andrea's journey from high school PR chair to thriving entrepreneur serves as an inspiring backdrop. They emphasize the significance of earned PR over paid strategies, providing a roadmap to PR success. Whether new to PR or seeking to enhance existing strategies, you'll find this conversation invaluable. From initiating outreach to boosting engagement through active listening and collaboration, the episode guides aspiring entrepreneurs on harnessing the power of PR to elevate their businesses. So, tune in to gain access to practical steps, ensuring you don't just stay in the game, but thrive in it. Listen to discover the transformative potential of PR that will leave you eager to unlock its benefits for small businesses. Episode Highlights:06:12 - I see a lot of podcasts that they're not posting on social. There isn't an engagement. If they are posting, no one's following it except the PR person like me. And so, if there's no engagement other than to say, "I think I have X number of listeners," then what are you selling to the potential audience? So, there really is a challenge in that. In the world of public relations, I consider Andrea Pass Public Relations is a client of mine. So, I'm my own client. So I'm out there like I am today, getting featured on your particular podcast because you reach an audience of business experts and entrepreneurs that would be appropriate clients for me. But it's all part of a process. Is it cut and dry on how it can work? I don't really know because clients are waiting for those analytics. And in a podcast, you don't know the analytics until the podcast could be out six months or a year.09:36 - I think it's about establishing that relationship and seeing where it could go. That this worked out really well. We'd like to have you back. Can you be a sponsor? There's got to be a create the relationship first, because there are so many podcasters today and so many homegrown journalists, people that did not necessarily go to journalism school or have an internship at a TV station, or what have you. So, I think there has to be that recognition that, yes, I might want it to be a business, but let's take the steps necessary.11:41 - In my opinion, podcasters need to listen. You might have a list of questions, but it doesn't mean that question number three has to come after question number two. If the answer to question number two incites something in an effective podcaster, then that could warrant another question, and there should be that comfort level to not have to go down a laundry list of questions a certain way. So, I think that's one of the things. The other thing, I believe that podcasters need to make sure their engagement on social media is up there. And if that means all of your friends and family, and I would have no idea that these are your friends and family.21:23 - I've also flipped things. It is my life-work balance. Work isn't first, life is first. And I think because of that, I'm able to provide a service to my clients where they see results and see results quickly. So, being a solopreneur is exciting. I'm really loving it. I'm a kid in the candy store that if I click with you and you want to hire me, great. If we don't click, that's okay, too. Not everyone is going to be everyone else's cup of tea. And that's all right.25:16 - I don't spend months and months strategizing. I start working with you, day one, I'm securing background information, images, biography, book jacket, company specifics, what your service does for other B2B companies. Day two, I'm pitching you. I'm not wasting time. I'm not dillydallying. And that's where I'm different from other PR person and people and agencies that will waste six weeks writing fancy, pretty documents. My clients don't need my fancy PowerPoint document. They need to know I'm working and getting the job done, and they want to know I'm working quickly. And that's where it's a different approach in public relations.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If y

Ep 375: Strategize Less, Pitch More with Andrea Pass
Elzie Flenard explores the diverse lanes within Public Relations (PR) with expert Andrea Pass. Andrea emphasizes a practical approach to PR, steering away from over-analysis and extensive strategizing. She highlights that getting clients involved from day one and promptly pitching them to media outlets can yield more effective results than prolonged strategizing. This insight provides a fresh perspective on navigating the lanes of PR and seizing opportunities without unnecessary delay.Tune in now for a dynamic take on PR strategies!Episode Highlight:01:10 - I don't spend months and months strategizing. I start working with you, day one, I'm securing background information, images, biography, book jacket, company specifics, what your service does for other B2B companies. Day two, I'm pitching you. I'm not wasting time. I'm not dillydallying. And that's where I'm different from other PR person and people and agencies that will waste six weeks writing fancy, pretty documents. My clients don't need my fancy PowerPoint document. They need to know I'm working and getting the job done, and they want to know I'm working quickly. And that's where it's a different approach in public relations.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Andrea PassWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ep 374: Balancing Work and Life as a Solopreneur with Andrea Pass
Andrea Pass delves into the dynamics of being a solopreneur, shedding light on her transition from a long-standing career in public relations. Motivated by persistent inquiries from clients about her solo ventures, Andrea now manages a carefully curated client base of four to six, ensuring optimal service delivery. By prioritizing life over work, she maintains a healthy work-life balance while swiftly delivering results to her clients. With a discerning approach to project selection, Andrea aims for client relationships to culminate in positive testimonials, a testament to her commitment to excellence. Tune to discover this microcosm of Andrea's journey which highlights the harmonious blend of entrepreneurship and personal well-being.Episode Highlight:02:52 - I've also flipped things. It is my life-work balance. Work isn't first, life is first. And I think because of that, I'm able to provide a service to my clients where they see results and see results quickly. So, being a solopreneur is exciting. I'm really loving it. I'm a kid in the candy store that if I click with you and you want to hire me, great. If we don't click, that's okay, too. Not everyone is going to be everyone else's cup of tea. And that's all right.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Andrea PassWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ep 373: Tips for Better Podcast Engagement with Andrea Pass
Andrea Pass provides invaluable advice on enhancing podcast engagement. She stresses the significance of active listening and maintaining an open dialogue with guests. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of a robust social media presence, including tagging individuals, fostering subscriber interaction, and promptly addressing feedback. Lastly, Andrea advocates for collaborative efforts between podcasters and their guests as an effective strategy for expanding listenership. These insights collectively offer a comprehensive approach to cultivating a more engaging and interactive podcasting experience.Episode Highlight:00:47 - In my opinion, podcasters need to listen. You might have a list of questions, but it doesn't mean that question number three has to come after question number two. If the answer to question number two incites something in an effective podcaster, then that could warrant another question, and there should be that comfort level to not have to go down a laundry list of questions a certain way. So, I think that's one of the things. The other thing, I believe that podcasters need to make sure their engagement on social media is up there. And if that means all of your friends and family, and I would have no idea that these are your friends and family.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Andrea PassWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ep 372: Establishing Relationships Before Sponsorships with Andrea Pass
Andrea Pass offers valuable insights on podcast engagement, shedding light on the unique challenges she faces due to client budget limitations compared to larger PR firms in Manhattan. She emphasizes the critical step of building a strong client relationship before delving into discussions about potential sponsorship opportunities. Andrea underscores the significance of professionalism in business podcasts, commending Elzie for his adept presentation skills. This discussion highlights the importance of rapport and professionalism in podcasting, setting the stage for mutually beneficial collaborations. Episode Highlight:01:34 - I think it's about establishing that relationship and seeing where it could go. That this worked out really well. We'd like to have you back. Can you be a sponsor? There's got to be a create the relationship first, because there are so many podcasters today and so many homegrown journalists, people that did not necessarily go to journalism school or have an internship at a TV station, or what have you. So, I think there has to be that recognition that, yes, I might want it to be a business, but let's take the steps necessary.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Andrea PassWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ep 371: Discussing Solutions For Podcast Income Struggles with Andrea Pass
Elzie delves into the challenges faced by podcast hosts who find themselves at the lower end of the income spectrum in the podcasting industry. Joining the discussion, Andrea Pass offers valuable insights on the dilemma faced by PR firms and podcast hosts regarding engagement in pay-to-play arrangements to generate revenue. Andrea highlights the significant time investment PR professionals dedicate to researching suitable podcasts for their clients, making compensation a pertinent consideration. Additionally, she suggests that podcasters who can demonstrate substantial engagement metrics and foster strong relationships with guests are more likely to secure income through their shows. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on navigating podcast income struggles and exploring potential solutions.Episode Highlight:02:11 - I see a lot of podcasts that they're not posting on social. There isn't an engagement. If they are posting, no one's following it except the PR person like me. And so, if there's no engagement other than to say, "I think I have X number of listeners," then what are you selling to the potential audience? So, there really is a challenge in that. In the world of public relations, I consider Andrea Pass Public Relations is a client of mine. So, I'm my own client. So I'm out there like I am today, getting featured on your particular podcast because you reach an audience of business experts and entrepreneurs that would be appropriate clients for me. But it's all part of a process. Is it cut and dry on how it can work? I don't really know because clients are waiting for those analytics. And in a podcast, you don't know the analytics until the podcast could be out six months or a year.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Andrea PassWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagram

Ep 370: Building a Successful Business with Dwan Bent-Twyford
Join us for an invigorating episode featuring the dynamic self-made entrepreneur, Dwan Bent-Twyford, who transformed personal upheaval into a flourishing real estate investing venture. From laboriously handcrafting foreclosure lists to renovating her first house, Dwan's journey is a vibrant testament to her unwavering determination and passion. Elzie uncovers the pivotal moments and priceless lessons of her journey, highlighting her commitment to aiding distressed homeowners and rehabilitating buildings. Dwan's story serves as a beacon of encouragement, not just for real estate enthusiasts, but for anyone with a dream and determination. Ready for a dose of inspiration? Tune in to witness the transformative power of real estate investing and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit! Episode Highlights:06:50 - I sold the house. I made $22,000. And I was like, "Oh, my gosh, I have $22,000. I am rich." To me, I was rich. I'm looking at my bank statements. I have $22,000. People didn't even make that in a year. Thirty-four years ago, that was a year's salary for people. And I was like, "Oh, I have $22,000. Oh, my God, I'm so rich. I'm going to do it again." And I did another house and would move in. I would fix them up, bring the daughter with me, sell it, move, fix it, sell it. And I did that until she started kindergarten. And by then, I had money, and I understood what fixing up was. Rehabbing. I learned a lot in those first couple of years, but by then, I had enough money and I could have a crew here and have a crew there and work on a house here. And then I just started killing it with real estate.12:52 - We were encouraged to go get a factory job because all the car factories were there. So, it was like, "Get a factory job, get married, have kids, work for the man, retire when you're 60, and do that." So, my very first job out of high school, I actually got a factory job. And after a week, I thought, "Oh, my God, why would my parents want me to work in a factory? This is the worst thing that's ever happened to me. Who would want this for me?" I remember being mad at my dad like, "Why would you want me to work in a factory? It's so hot. It's so miserable. There's no air conditioning. I got to stand all day. I'm dirty. I'm sweaty. Why would you want that?" So, I was like, "Okay, that's definitely not going to happen for me." People still weren't pushing women to go to college. It was more like get a factory job, get married, have kids, and, it was the 70s. It was still kind of that way.21:37 - So, I started delegating things that I did not enjoy but are necessary. So, I just found good people, and then I started doing three and four houses at a time. I had to have other rehabbers because I can't do everything by myself. I don't have the skill set to do every single thing. So, I started finding crews, and then I would micromanage my crews. So, then I found a contractor. I'm like, "Okay, you micromanage the crews, and I'll just micromanage you." So, I just had to slowly peel my fingers off of things until I was doing what I really like. And what I really like is, I still to this very day, like talking to homeowners in distress and helping them.24:18 - To be a successful entrepreneur, it's not a solo act. You have to have a team. I can't find the houses and be the mortgage broker, the title company, the rehabber, and the bookkeeper. And it's not even delegating. You have to have other team members that have their own part. Like a title company has its part. My contractors, they have their role. Like podcasting, for me to grow my podcast, I have to meet other podcasters like you. And we get on each other's shows, and we talk, share, and go to podcast events. For me, my biggest thing was entrepreneurship is not an individual sport.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conv

Ep 369: Team Up to Succeed with Dwan Bent-Twyford
In this impactful episode, Dwan Bent-Twyford, who is an entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker, podcaster, and real state investor, shares her journey of overcoming adversity and achieving success. Drawing from her own experiences, Dwan emphasizes the importance of teamwork in entrepreneurship and resilience in the face of hardship. Tune in to discover how to bounce back stronger from hard times and the key role collaboration plays in reaching the pinnacle of success. Don't miss Dwan's inspiring story. It's sure to motivate you to strive harder and reach higher!Episode Highlight:00:32 - To be a successful entrepreneur, it's not a solo act. You have to have a team. I can't find the houses and be the mortgage broker, the title company, the rehabber, and the bookkeeper. And it's not even delegating. You have to have other team members that have their own part. Like a title company has its part. My contractors, they have their role. Like podcasting, for me to grow my podcast, I have to meet other podcasters like you. And we get on each other's shows, and we talk, share, and go to podcast events. For me, my biggest thing was entrepreneurship is not an individual sport.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Dwan Bent-TwyfordWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTikTokYouTubeInstagram

Ep 368: The Art of Delegation: Scaling Your Business with Dwan Bent-Twyford
Dwan Bent-Twyford delves into the art of delegation and how it's crucial for scaling a business. Elzie shares how maturity and the realization of the unsustainability of doing everything on his own prompted him to embrace delegation as a means for business growth.Dwan's delegation journey began unexpectedly during a long layover at an airport when she came across a mini-book. Recognizing the need to delegate, she started by handing off tasks she disliked, such as paperwork and managing monthly books, as well as the extensive paperwork required for real estate deals. Over time, her delegation efforts expanded to include hiring a transactional coordinator, rehab crews, and a contractor.Despite her 30 years in the business, Bent-Twyford still finds joy in working directly with distressed homeowners and revitalizing properties. These tasks, fueled by her passion, remain close to her heart. Tune in to gain valuable insights into effective delegation strategies and how it can help your business thrive.Episode Highlight:02:17 - So, I started delegating things that I did not enjoy but are necessary. So, I just found good people, and then I started doing three and four houses at a time. I had to have other rehabbers because I can't do everything by myself. I don't have the skill set to do every single thing. So, I started finding crews, and then I would micromanage my crews. So, then I found a contractor. I'm like, "Okay, you micromanage the crews, and I'll just micromanage you." So, I just had to slowly peel my fingers off of things until I was doing what I really like. And what I really like is, I still to this very day, like talking to homeowners in distress and helping them.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Dwan Bent-TwyfordWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTikTokYouTubeInstagram

Ep 367: From Factory to Fortune with Dwan Bent-Twyford
Dwan Bent-Twyford shares her remarkable journey from factory work to entrepreneurial success. Growing up in Ohio, she graduated high school in 1977 and initially took a factory job. However, Dwan quickly realized she aspired to achieve more in life. Driven by determination, she delved into the world of business and investing by devouring books on the subjects. With unwavering commitment, she gradually amassed enough funds to hire an accountant, further enhancing her financial knowledge. Tune in to hear how she got into wholesale real estate and how she later pursued courses on rental property investments. Her ultimate goal was to create a career that allowed her to work from home and raise her daughter without relying on daycare. Listen to hear Dwan's inspiring journey of resilience and entrepreneurial growth.Episode Highlight:00:42 - We were encouraged to go get a factory job because all the car factories were there. So, it was like, "Get a factory job, get married, have kids, work for the man, retire when you're 60, and do that." So, my very first job out of high school, I actually got a factory job. And after a week, I thought, "Oh, my God, why would my parents want me to work in a factory? This is the worst thing that's ever happened to me. Who would want this for me?" I remember being mad at my dad like, "Why would you want me to work in a factory? It's so hot. It's so miserable. There's no air conditioning. I got to stand all day. I'm dirty. I'm sweaty. Why would you want that?" So, I was like, "Okay, that's definitely not going to happen for me." People still weren't pushing women to go to college. It was more like get a factory job, get married, have kids, and, it was the 70s. It was still kind of that way.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Dwan Bent-TwyfordWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTikTokYouTubeInstagram

Ep 366: Killing It In Real Estate Investing with Dwan Bent-Twyford
self-made real estate entrepreneur. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of life's unexpected turns. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, she stumbled into the realm of real estate investing, a decision which proved to be life-changing. Emerging from humble beginnings, Dwan’s initial pursuits involved handwritten foreclosure lists and property visits. Her first investment was a financially-challenged property in dire need of repair. Despite the hurdles, she took it upon herself to learn the ropes, demonstrating the power of a self-starter attitude.Her actions led to a profitable sale that exceeded some people's annual income at the time. Dwan's journey didn't stop there, as she continued to grow her real estate empire, refining her strategy and building a team of experts. Tune in to this episode to get a glimpse of Dwan's impressive journey and achievements in real estate investing.Episode Highlights:05:26 - I sold the house. I made $22,000. And I was like, "Oh, my gosh, I have $22,000. I am rich." To me, I was rich. I'm looking at my bank statements. I have $22,000. People didn't even make that in a year. Thirty-four years ago, that was a year's salary for people. And I was like, "Oh, I have $22,000. Oh, my God, I'm so rich. I'm going to do it again." And I did another house and would move in. I would fix them up, bring the daughter with me, sell it, move, fix it, sell it. And I did that until she started kindergarten. And by then, I had money, and I understood what fixing up was. Rehabbing. I learned a lot in those first couple of years, but by then, I had enough money and I could have a crew here and have a crew there and work on a house here. And then I just started killing it with real estate.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Contact Dwan Bent-TwyfordWebsiteLinkedInFacebookTikTokYouTubeInstagram

Ep 365: How Real Estate Provides Financial Freedom and Flexibility with Meng Chen
Elzie sits down with Meng Chen, the founder of Portfolio Bay, a software designed to help early real estate investors transition from full-time work to full-time investment pursuit. Meng talks about his experience in real estate investing and how he struggled with managing properties, tenants, and accounting. He created Portfolio Bay to automate his processes and handle payments automatically, leading him to see the potential of creating a business out of it.They discuss the Lean Startup methodology and how it allows entrepreneurs to approach uncertain outcomes in steps, through building, measuring, and learning. They also dive into the importance of validating assumptions, the role of failure in success, and the idea of using real estate to build a financial runway before jumping into entrepreneurship.Tune in to listen to Meng share how his transition from a full-time employee to a full-time founder was more about having personal conviction that what he was doing would work and seeing value from his product among users. They also talk about how people without software engineering skills can take steps to build a platform and how Meng manages competition by focusing on solving user problems rather than differentiating from competitors. So, don't miss out on this episode on real estate investing and how Portfolio Bay is changing the game for early real estate investors.Episode Highlights:14:07 - I would say I will keep working on it. There might be pivot in terms of solution, in terms of what the product is, but I'll keep working on it until it becomes a successful company. And that's just the value of real estate. It brings in to me like my own personal life. It's not just about investing in real estate and make some money. It's about having the flexibility, like financially, to pursue things that you are more passionate about. And eventually, if you stay long enough and you have the passion to go really hard on it, you're going to be successful. So, that's my belief.17:15 - I learned everything myself. I didn't come up with the right framework in the very beginning, and the first version of the product isn't perfect. I actually went through multiple iteration and at some point, I had to rewrite everything in three months to make it under a more sustainable and a better framework that can be extended better, easier in the future. So, I definitely made a lot of mistakes like in the web development side.19:10 - For me, as a founder, I'm no longer just focused on the engineering. Because as a founder, you have to look at every part of the business. Engineering is one part of it, and there's an even bigger part that I don't have the background on it, is the marketing. And the marketing has multiple component, like the SEO. People spend their whole career and be expert just on this one thing, so you can go really, really deep on it. And for me, I have to spend a lot of time learning whenever I'm driving, whenever I'm just not working on Portfolio Bay. I'll always have something just like a podcast or listen to a YouTube video either talking about SEO or talking about marketing in general, because that's my short weakness in all the skill set for doing the Portfolio Bay things.26:49 - From my point of view, funding is kind of an amplifier on the success and the failure of a startup. So, if your startup is working and are in the right trajectory, having the funding really amplifies your success and it can make your success much bigger and it can make you go faster. But if you don't have the right idea or like there's some flaws in the business model, having the funding, it just amplifies the failure because you're going to spend the money but not getting enough traction to the next stage and get the next round of funding. And that's why startups die.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools,

Ep 364: Funding as an Accelerator of Success with Meng Chen
Let's discuss funding as a potent accelerator of success. Elzie dives into the topic of funding for Portfolio Bay, prompting Meng Chen to share his perspective. He enlightens us on how funding can serve as an amplifier, capable of magnifying both the success and failure of a startup. Meng unveils his current focus, which is firmly centered on product development and fostering gradual growth. At this juncture, Portfolio Bay isn't actively in pursuit of funding. Instead, Meng's strategy hinges on nurturing the product and its expansion. When momentous growth is achieved and demands additional resources, that's when the idea of seeking funding will come to the forefront. Tune in to discover more about the pivotal role of funding in the journey of Portfolio Bay's success.Episode Highlights:01:07 - From my point of view, funding is kind of an amplifier on the success and the failure of a startup. So, if your startup is working and are in the right trajectory, having the funding really amplifies your success and it can make your success much bigger and it can make you go faster. But if you don't have the right idea or like there's some flaws in the business model, having the funding, it just amplifies the failure because you're going to spend the money but not getting enough traction to the next stage and get the next round of funding. And that's why startups die.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Meng ChenLinkedInWebsiteEmail

Ep 363: Outsmarting Competition by Measuring Progress and Results with Meng Chen
Explore the art of outsmarting competition with Meng Chen as he discusses measuring progress and results. In this episode, Meng shares his multifaceted approach to business, emphasizing the significance of thorough measurement and learning. As a founder, he navigates various aspects, not limited to engineering but also encompassing marketing, like SEO. Meng reveals his strategy of enhancing marketing knowledge through user feedback and interactions with real estate agents. Quantitative metrics gauge SEO performance, while qualitative feedback shapes agent partnerships. Documenting priorities and maintaining a backlog help him stay on course. In a refreshing twist, Meng discloses his secret to tackling competition: focusing on user problems rather than differentiating from rivals. Tune in to gain insights into effective progress evaluation and strategic competition management.Episode Highlight00:33 - For me, as a founder, I'm no longer just focused on the engineering. Because as a founder, you have to look at every part of the business. Engineering is one part of it, and there's an even bigger part that I don't have the background on it, is the marketing. And the marketing has multiple component, like the SEO. People spend their whole career and be expert just on this one thing, so you can go really, really deep on it. And for me, I have to spend a lot of time learning whenever I'm driving, whenever I'm just not working on Portfolio Bay. I'll always have something just like a podcast or listen to a YouTube video either talking about SEO or talking about marketing in general, because that's my short weakness in all the skill set for doing the Portfolio Bay things.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Meng ChenLinkedInWebsiteEmail

Ep 362: Launching Platforms From Scratch with Meng Chen
Discover how Meng Chen, Founder of PortfolioBay, launched his platform from scratch in this episode as he sheds light on how even those without software engineering skills can embark on building a platform. Meng emphasizes the wealth of online resources available for learning web development. Drawing from his experience transitioning from software engineering, he highlights the importance of determination and conviction. He recommends starting with a minimal viable product, focusing on functionality to validate ideas. Once traction is gained, professional skills can be incorporated to enhance the product or secure funding. Tune in to explore the journey from novice to platform creator and how embracing imperfection can lead to ultimate success.Episode Highlights:00:57 - I learned everything myself. I didn't come up with the right framework in the very beginning, and the first version of the product isn't perfect. I actually went through multiple iteration and at some point, I had to rewrite everything in three months to make it under a more sustainable and a better framework that can be extended better, easier in the future. So, I definitely made a lot of mistakes like in the web development side.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Meng ChenLinkedInWebsiteEmail

Ep 361: Using Real Estate to Pursue Your Passions with Meng Chen
Let's explore the world of real estate as a stepping stone to pursuing passions and entrepreneurship with Meng Chen, Founder of PortfolioBay. He discusses the financial challenges of starting a business in this episode and how real estate can serve as a pre-entrepreneurial runway. Meng shares his perspective on real estate, emphasizing that it offers more than just financial gains. For him, it provides the freedom to explore passions and create a successful business. He also believes that having financial security allows ample time for pivoting and achieving success in one's endeavors. Tune in to discover how real estate can be a strategic foundation for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing both financial stability and the space to pursue meaningful goals. Episode Highlights:01:23 - I would say I will keep working on it. There might be pivot in terms of solution, in terms of what the product is, but I'll keep working on it until it becomes a successful company. And that's just the value of real estate. It brings in to me like my own personal life. It's not just about investing in real estate and make some money. It's about having the flexibility, like financially to pursue things that you are more passionate about. And eventually, if you stay long enough and you have the passion to go really hard on it, you're going to be successful. So, that's my belief.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Meng ChenLinkedInWebsiteEmail

Ep 360: The CHIPS Act and Investing in Early-Stage Technologies with Yanev Suissa
If you're intrigued by the intersection of technology and business growth, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. Join Elzie in an engaging conversation with Yanev Suissa, Managing Partner and Founder at SineWave Ventures, a leading firm that invests in early-stage commercial technologies with a unique focus on the public sector. Apply the wisdom Yanev shares to make informed decisions in your entrepreneurial journey. Assess the potential of your tech innovations and focus on meeting customer needs for sustainable growth. Emphasize relationship-building to foster a strong team culture and align with strategic investors. Leverage your strengths to overcome challenges and remain persistent in achieving your goals. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the world of revolutionary tech, customer dynamics, and market leverage. Uncover Yanev's expert advice on team building, strategic planning, and navigating the ever-evolving business landscape. Learn from his experiences as he shares the secrets of identifying revolutionary tech, diversifying customer bases, and leveraging market dynamics. So, whether you're a startup founder, investor, or business leader, these insights will transform your approach to technology, customer relationships, and strategic planning. Episode Highlights:06:03 - I think one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do early on is find a design partner. So, you always have customers, but there are customers who will put in the sweat equity with you because they see what you're doing is so important to their business and could drive so much value for them that they're willing to give you feedback and spend time with you, and try different things. I think that's really important for understanding what you're building and building it the right way. Caveat being, you need to have your own vision. You don't want to build just for one customer. You have to remember this has to be a platform or a technology that applies to many. But often one customer will give you enough of a framework that it'll apply to many different folks.12:22 - In the venture world and in the startup world and the entrepreneur's world, we sell what could be the vision. But a customer wants what they can use now that drives ROI now that brings them a return and value now for the problem that they're experiencing. And so, I think that that's a really important thing. When you're going into a customer, you could sell a vision. You could sell a tool set that they could do a million things with, but they're not going to think for you. So, at the end of the day, you want to be able to say, "I know you have this pain point. I can solve this now." 16:55 - Make sure that it's not as valuable to them or not useful to them, whoever the attacker is. And so, that was really where we came to Endpoint Security, which will be the next revolution. Basically, taking that paradigm and realizing this is the new paradigm. Let's think about it this way and build the best solution for that. And so, that's why we invested at SineWave and Sentinel One, which ended up being the biggest cyber IPO ever. They did great. And then what's the next revolution? Not just we can Whack-A-Mole this new bug, or we can add a nice feature onto what Sentinel One can do in Endpoint. What is the next paradigm shift that requires people to architect their systems or think about the industry differently?26:24 - It's a marriage. I'm going to be around longer than some of your wives and husbands are going to be, especially if you build a second company after the first decade, first company. And so, you want to make sure that you're really working with the people you want to work with. I say that at SineWave all the time. We are a team that has a particular culture that works for us. We care about each other, and that's our model. And other firms work well with very different models. So, find the place you fit, find the people you fit with, and I think that's the most important thing. I think it actually makes you more effective at the end of the day. And the most important thing, if it doesn't go well, you still feel realized and you still feel like you did something worthwhile.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re re

Ep 359: Empowering Your Team with Yanev Suissa
We dive deep with Yanev Suissa, a tech industry veteran, where he shares his approach that prioritizes authentic relationships, emphasizing compatibility and shared vision among team members, partners, and venture capitalists. Yanev highlights how at SineWave, fostering team growth and development is a core principle. He advocates for providing avenues for team members to take on new roles and acquire skills. Moreover, he addresses mismatches by guiding individuals towards environments where their talents align better. Tune in to gain insights into nurturing empowered teams and creating a culture of authenticity, growth, and collaboration. Whether you're a leader, a team player, or an entrepreneur, this episode offers invaluable lessons in effective team empowerment.Episode Highlight:01:30 - It's a marriage. I'm going to be around longer than some of your wives and husbands are going to be, especially if you build a second company after the first decade, first company. And so, you want to make sure that you're really working with the people you want to work with. I say that at SineWave all the time. We are a team that has a particular culture that works for us. We care about each other, and that's our model. And other firms work well with very different models. So, find the place you fit, find the people you fit with, and I think that's the most important thing. I think it actually makes you more effective at the end of the day. And the most important thing, if it doesn't go well, you still feel realized and you still feel like you did something worthwhile.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Yanev SuissaLinkedInEmail

Ep 358: Defining Revolutionary Tech with Yanev Suissa
Elzie delves into the concept of revolutionary tech, prompting Yanev Suissa, a tech expert and visionary investor, to provide an illuminating breakdown. Yanev paints a vivid picture of how revolutionary tech signifies the next phase of technological advancements. He uses the field of cybersecurity as an example, highlighting its evolution from traditional perimeter defense strategies to more sophisticated approaches like endpoint security.The episode also showcases Yanev's firsthand experience as an investor, shedding light on his involvement with groundbreaking companies like Sentinel One, which achieved the largest cyber IPO in history. Yanev's investment philosophy revolves around identifying paradigm shifts and groundbreaking concepts that transform industries from the ground up.Tune in as Yanev shares his belief on how the next revolutionary frontier lies in the realm of identity and explains how this shift to the identity level represents a fundamental change that requires industries to rethink their architecture and strategies.Episode Highlight:01:10 - Make sure that it's not as valuable to them or not useful to them, whoever the attacker is. And so, that was really where we came to Endpoint Security, which will be the next revolution. Basically, taking that paradigm and realizing this is the new paradigm. Let's think about it this way and build the best solution for that. And so, that's why we invested at SineWave and Sentinel One, which ended up being the biggest cyber IPO ever. They did great. And then what's the next revolution? Not just we can Whack-A-Mole this new bug, or we can add a nice feature onto what Sentinel One can do in Endpoint. What is the next paradigm shift that requires people to architect their systems or think about the industry differently?Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Yanev SuissaLinkedInEmail

Ep 357: Diversifying Your Customer Base with Yanev Suissa
Yanev Suissa explores the art of leveraging market dynamics as a founder. The episode also ventures into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for your business. Uncover the potential of AI in driving growth and innovation, while also acknowledging the short-term gains that customers may seek from this cutting-edge technology.Learn from Yanev's invaluable advice on diversifying your customer base to create a resilient and thriving business. Discover the power of seeking counter-cyclical market players and offering solutions that precisely address your customers' pain points. Embrace the key principle of focusing not only on your "vision" but also on delivering tangible ROI and value to your customers right now.Are you wondering how to expand your customer base and forge impactful partnerships? Yanev Suissa has the answers. Looking for real-world examples of diverse customers? He discusses a range of industries, including Fortune 480 companies, the public sector, technology, healthcare, commercial, and international sectors. Tune in as he shares strategies for working with investors who offer diverse networks of contacts and collaborating with strategic investors who bring something unique to the table.Episode Highlights:01:30 - In the venture world and in the startup world and the entrepreneur's world, we sell what could be the vision. But a customer wants what they can use now that drives ROI now that brings them a return and value now for the problem that they're experiencing. And so, I think that that's a really important thing. When you're going into a customer, you could sell a vision. You could sell a tool set that they could do a million things with, but they're not going to think for you. So, at the end of the day, you want to be able to say, "I know you have this pain point. I can solve this now." Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Yanev SuissaLinkedInEmail

Ep 356: Understanding Market Needs with Yanev Suissa
Yanev Suissa unravels essential tips and tricks to help founders gain a deeper understanding of their market and customer behavior. Discover the key to unlocking success as an entrepreneur by identifying your customers' pain points and understanding what truly drives ROI and lowers costs. He also shares valuable insights into honing in on these crucial factors that can make all the difference in your business's growth and profitability.But that's not all. The episode delves into the importance of finding the right design partner. Learn how having a reliable and collaborative design partner can be a game-changer for your product development journey. They provide invaluable feedback, help build your vision, and become an integral part of bringing your ideas to life.So, are you ready to gain the edge in understanding your market needs and customer behavior? Tune in to this power-packed episode with a goldmine of strategies that every founder should have in their arsenal. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, these insights will steer you towards success.Episode Highlights:01:35 - I think one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do early on is find a design partner. So, you always have customers, but there are customers who will put in the sweat equity with you because they see what you're doing is so important to their business and could drive so much value for them that they're willing to give you feedback and spend time with you, and try different things. I think that's really important for understanding what you're building and building it the right way. Caveat being, you need to have your own vision. You don't want to build just for one customer. You have to remember this has to be a platform or a technology that applies to many. But often one customer will give you enough of a framework that it'll apply to many different folks.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Yanev SuissaLinkedIn

Ep 355: Living Out Your Purpose with Brandon West
Are you ready to explore the extraordinary journey of a purpose-driven entrepreneur? In this inspiring episode, join Elzie as he sits down with Brandon West, the Chief Purpose Officer and Founder of PHOS Creative, which is a remarkable marketing agency with a mission to restore dignity, purpose, and freedom to those impacted by extreme poverty and sex trafficking. Discover Brandon's unique insights on entrepreneurship, from building a successful business to intertwining profit with a profound mission. Explore the concept of the "care matrix" model, where revenue generation and meaningful impact converge at local and global levels. Dive into the essence of leadership, the importance of purpose, and making a difference both at work and at home.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur seeking a purposeful journey or an established leader aiming to create a positive impact, this episode holds valuable insights. Brandon's profound experience as a purpose-driven entrepreneur offers a blueprint for intertwining business success with transformative missions. Learn how to align your heart with your skills, discover your true purpose, and create a meaningful legacy through leadership when you tune in!Episode Highlights:03:57 - I have found that neither one of those are all that exciting for me. Neither one of those ideas of building an equity business to sell it out or a lifestyle business just so I can go play a bunch of golf, I hate golf. Top golf is like the best–I don't like fishing, like I love what I do. Neither one of those two perspectives on business have been enough to sustain me. We have built something exceptional and different at PHOS. It's a different type of business. It's not equity, It's not lifestyle. We call it business as a ministry. BAM. Business as a ministry. What if business wasn't just about equity and you living a lifestyle that you wanted to live? What if your business and your life and your leadership was actually about other people?10:52 - We had grown to such a size that I had delegated so much of my roles and responsibilities away. I was walking and going, "What do I do here again?" I had delegated so much away and people are like, "Oh, well done. A leader worth following. Delegation is such a great leadership quality." Until you're looking at it and you're just like, "I don't even know what I'm supposed to do when I wake up tomorrow morning." I went to my leadership team. I shared this with them, my executive team. I said, "Here's what I'm struggling with." And they were like, "We know exactly what you're supposed to do here, Brandon." I was like, "Well, please tell me." "You're supposed to guard our purpose." 15:19 - That's why leadership is hard. In the middle of all that, you're trying to figure out purpose. You're trying to figure out, how am I supposed to do? What am I called to? What an interesting blend of roles and responsibilities. For me, as I've tried to answer that question about purpose, one of the best tools I've seen for doing so, Andy Stanley, great leadership guy in my life, he says that purpose is found at the intersection of three things. What breaks your heart? Start there. You want to understand your purpose, then be willing to go on all. It took me years to answer that question.20:07 - I have more potential inside of me, and I choose not to pursue that because of the things that that potential for business or for leadership, or for influence or for growth, or for revenue, or for impact, or for ministry would threaten the things that are most acutely I'm called to in life. I would willingly lay aside potential for the sake of purpose, and people who God's called me to minister to. The life most wasted is not the one who wastes the most amount of potential but spends their potential on the things that they were never meant to spend it on. 25:14 - I want my life to count for something and not just because I gave my money. We talk about at PHOS, the acronym, LIFE. You gave it to me. Didn't you give me this acronym, LIFE? I don't know. Maybe you did. LIFE, Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise. If you're to give away your LIFE, it's not just about you opening your wallet. Sometimes that's much easier for me. Sometimes it's easier for me to take out my wallet, write a check, and just say, "I've done my due diligence for the day." I'm supposed to give my labor, my influence, my finances, and my expertise away. As much as that's hard because it fights my selfishness, it's also so life-giving because it leans into my purpose.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Jour

Ep 354: Creating Real Change with Brandon West
Step into a transformative episode and prepare to be inspired by Brandon West as he talks about the powerful lessons and goals that drive his life and leadership. Discover Brandon's profound realization that leadership at home should be just as much of a passion project as his work. Explore the profound impact this perspective shift has had on his personal and professional life, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing family and creating a positive influence within his own household. Brandon shares that they are opening three care centers in Rosita, Nicaragua with the aim of serving 500 children annually. His commitment to this cause is a testament to his unwavering determination and desire to bring tangible change to communities in need. He is also off to Guatemala with Compassion International, where he will explore existing care centers and seek opportunities for further involvement. Get ready to be amazed by Brandon's goal of launching 30 care centers worldwide to support women and children affected by extreme poverty and sex trafficking. Learn about the passion that fuels this mission and the unwavering dedication to making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Tune in to gain insights into the incredible work being done on the ground and how individuals can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in vulnerable situations.Episode Highlight:04:33 - I want my life to count for something and not just because I gave my money. We talk about at PHOS, the acronym, LIFE. You gave it to me. Didn't you give me this acronym, LIFE? I don't know. Maybe you did. LIFE, Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise. If you're to give away your LIFE, it's not just about you opening your wallet. Sometimes that's much easier for me. Sometimes it's easier for me to take out my wallet, write a check, and just say, "I've done my due diligence for the day." I'm supposed to give my labor, my influence, my finances, and my expertise away. As much as that's hard because it fights my selfishness, it's also so life-giving because it leans into my purpose.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Brandon WestLinkedInWebsite

Ep 353: Pursuing Purpose Over Potential with Brandon West
Brandon West shares the importance of embracing purpose and prioritizing family amidst the pursuit of success. Let's explore the poignant realization in this episode where being present as a father holds more significance than seizing every opportunity that comes your way. Tune in to hear the transformative wisdom Brandon derived from his wife when they discussed the delicate balance of building a business without compromising family relationships. Reflect on the notion that faithful leaders are willing to set aside potential in favor of purpose. Gain a deeper understanding of the true essence of leadership, one that encompasses not only professional achievements but also the cultivation of meaningful connections and nurturing of personal relationships.Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we challenge conventional notions of success and inspire a paradigm shift towards purpose-driven living. Together, let's embark on a journey of purpose, growth, and creating a lasting impact in all aspects of our lives.Episode Highlight:03:32 - I have more potential inside of me, and I choose not to pursue that because of the things that that potential for business or for leadership, or for influence or for growth, or for revenue or for impact, or for ministry would threaten the things that are most acutely I'm called to in life. I would willingly lay aside potential for the sake of purpose, and people who God's called me to minister to. The life most wasted is not the one who wastes the most amount of potential but spends their potential on the things that they were never meant to spend it on. Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Brandon WestLinkedInWebsite

Ep 352: Facing Difficulties as a Leader with Brandon West
Get ready to navigate the complexities of leadership and the pursuit of purpose as Brandon West delves into the complexities and challenges of being a leader. Discover the often thankless nature of leadership, where leaders continuously pour themselves out for others without always receiving the same support in return.Explore the skillset required for leaders to navigate the delicate balance of understanding and guarding their purpose, not only for themselves but also for the organization and the people they lead. Uncover the importance of being led while leading others, a tricky concept that requires intentionality and self-awareness.Tune in as Brandon sheds light on the tension that exists between leaders and followers, acknowledging that even the best leaders are subject to criticism and differing perspectives. Discover the transformative power of purpose and let's explore the challenges and rewards of leadership and discover how to face difficulties with resilience and determination. Together, let's empower and inspire one another on the journey of leadership.Episode Highlight:02:32 - That's why leadership is hard. In the middle of all that, you're trying to figure out purpose. You're trying to figure out, how am I supposed to do? What am I called to? What an interesting blend of roles and responsibilities. For me, as I've tried to answer that question about purpose, one of the best tools I've seen for doing so, Andy Stanley, great leadership guy in my life, he says that purpose is found at the intersection of three things. What breaks your heart? Start there. You want to understand your purpose, then be willing to go on all. It took me years to answer that question.Ready To Go Deeper?If today’s episode resonated, don’t just move on to the next one. The next step isn’t more content. It’s context, clarity, and formation.That’s why I created the Journey Feed.Inside the Journey Feed, you’ll find:Mentorship Notes: Honest reflections, Elzisms, and faith-driven insight to help you align your life and leadership.Behind-the-Scenes Perspective: The thinking, lessons, and real-time discernment shaping the Journey to Mastery.Weekly Focus & Reflection Prompts: Simple tools to help you slow down, get clear, and lead with intention.Early Invitations: First access to gatherings, workshops, and live experiences.If you want to grow God’s way, this is where the journey continues. 👉 Join the Journey Feed (free)Want To Go Deeper on Self-Mastery? If you’re ready to work from the inside out, Flame Starter: The Art of Self-Mastery lays the foundation for everything we talk about here. It’s about learning to live and lead In Purpose. On Purpose.™ 👉 Learn moreSupport The MissionJourney to Mastery is an independent podcast created to serve faith-driven entrepreneurs.If this show has helped you grow, your support helps us continue building tools, spaces, and conversations rooted in faith, clarity, and purpose. 👉 Support the missionJourney to Mastery is produced by EF3 Studios.Connect with Brandon WestLinkedInWebsite