Podcast
Crazy Courage Business Stories
Hosted by Nick Begin · EN
“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
― We Bought a Zoo
Interviewing business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals to hear the story of their journey.
Working for yourself requires a lot of courage and a little bit of crazy. This kind of person forges their own path, attempting to defy the odds with little regard to financial security and safety nets. They are driven by passion and they all have a unique story to share.
nick@crazy-courage.com
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
When The Aliens Come As AI | Larry O'Brien - 2028 Tomorrow Is The Day
Oct 24, 202400:55:09Tap to summarizeLarry O'Brien talks about his new science fiction novel, '2028 Tomorrow Is The Day.' The conversation delves into the implications of AI on society, the rapid evolution of technology, and the need for regulation. O'Brien shares insights from his diverse career, including his experiences in technology, business, and politics, and discusses the challenges and lessons learned in writing his book. In this conversation, Larry reflects on his journey from leading a successful company to navigating the complexities of municipal politics. He discusses the importance of company culture, the challenges he faced as mayor of Ottawa, and the differences between business and political environments. O'Brien shares insights on the role of technology and AI in modern society, emphasizing the need for adaptation and understanding in a rapidly changing world. He also touches on the significance of imagination in entrepreneurship and writing. You can find Larry and purchase the book here: https://2028tomorrowistheday.com/ https://www.instagram.com/2028tomorrowistheday/ AI, science fiction, technology, regulation, democracy, entrepreneurship, Larry O'Brien, 2028, future, innovation, Callian, company culture, politics, management, challenges, business acumen, socialism, political dynamics, writing, AI, technology, imagination
Transcribe →
Most Managers Feel Like They've Failed In Two Years | Janet Polach - In The Lead
Oct 21, 202400:47:03Tap to summarizeJanet Polach is an executive coach and founder of In The Lead. She discusses the importance of leadership development, particularly for first-time managers, and the challenges they face in transitioning from individual contributors to managerial roles. Janet shares insights on her coaching programs, the significance of early management training, and the common mistakes new managers make. She also highlights her focus on mid-sized companies and the impact of military training on leadership skills. Additionally, they explore the journey of building a consulting business, setting rates, and the importance of networking. In this conversation, Janet Polach and Nick Begin discuss the critical role of networking in professional growth and business success. They explore the nuances of building and maintaining a network, the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles, and the importance of a strategic mindset in leadership. Janet shares her experiences in coaching and consulting, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a global business environment. The discussion also touches on the evolution of professional development post-COVID and the significance of collaboration and support within professional networks. Janet can be found at: https://janetpolach.com/ janet@inthelead.co You can purchase Janet's book here: https://www.kirkhousepublishers.com/product-page/the-seven-mistakes-new-managers-make leadership development, executive coaching, first-time managers, management training, consulting business, setting rates, mistakes new managers make, mid-sized companies, career development, military leadership, networking, leadership, business, coaching, professional development, entrepreneurship, connections, strategic mindset, global business, career transition
Transcribe →
Severe Weather Is A Call To Action | Robert Esposito - Relocators Inc.
Oct 17, 202400:34:54Tap to summarizeRobert Esposito is the owner of Relocators Inc., a full-service moving company that specializes in house transitions, including moving, cleanouts, estate sales, and online auctions. Robert shares his experiences navigating the challenges posed by hurricanes, particularly in Florida, and discusses the impact of economic factors on the real estate market and his business. He explains the concept of restoration packouts and how his company assists clients during stressful times. Robert also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from starting with a single box truck to managing a growing business. In this conversation, Robert Esposito discusses his experiences in the moving industry, emphasizing the challenges and lessons learned from his journey. He shares insights on the drawbacks of franchising, the importance of implementing effective systems in business, and the value of collaboration over competition. Additionally, he talks about his upcoming book aimed at helping people navigate the stress of moving, while also recounting some memorable horror stories from his career. The conversation highlights the emotional aspects of moving and the various reasons people relocate, as well as the significance of building strong relationships in business. Robert can be found at: https://usrelocators.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/relocators/ info@usrelocators.com https://www.facebook.com/USRelocators https://nobodymovebook.com/ Sound Bites "We try to be like an end to end solution." "I've kind of built my career after these storms." "The real estate market is horrendous." "I was not a fan of franchising." "The franchise model is not right for my industry." "You have to really have a lot of units to be successful." (re: franchising) Relocators Incorporated, moving company, hurricane recovery, economic impact, restoration packouts, entrepreneurship, online auctions, estate sales, business growth, storm severity, franchising, independent business, systems, moving industry, stress of moving, collaboration, competition, business growth, book writing, customer service
Transcribe →
Stand Up And Create Change | Dr. Priya Nalkur - Roundtable Institute
Oct 14, 202400:57:13Tap to summarizeDr. Priya Nalkur is the founder of the Roundtable Institute, which focuses on executive leadership development. Priya shares her journey from a small Canadian town to becoming a prominent coach and advocate for inclusivity in the workplace. She discusses the importance of courageous conversations, navigating power dynamics, and the challenges of building inclusive environments. Priya also highlights her new book, 'Stumbling Towards Inclusion,' which offers insights and tools for leaders to foster inclusivity. The conversation emphasizes the significance of relationships, continuous learning, and the evolving landscape of work in a post-pandemic world. Priya can be found here: https://www.priyanalkur.com/ https://www.theroundtableinstitute.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpriyanalkurpai/ You can order Priya's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Stumbling-Towards-Inclusion-Imperfect-Leadership/dp/1637558813 Sound Bites "I want my clients to come together and leave their power at the door." "I started the company the day after Donald Trump was elected." "I had a history of dealing with racism myself." leadership, inclusivity, coaching, diversity, emotional intelligence, courageous conversations, Roundtable Institute, Priya Nalkur, executive coaching, workplace culture
Transcribe →
#1 Investment for Success | Rick Salmeron - Salmeron Financial
Oct 10, 202400:52:40Tap to summarizeRick Salmeron, an independent financial advisor, shares insights on achieving financial freedom and the importance of self-esteem in making financial decisions. Rick emphasizes the significance of building trust and long-term relationships with clients, as well as the role of behavior in financial success. He discusses his personal growth journey, including his experiences with public speaking and the impact of self-esteem on his professional life. Rick can be reached at: https://www.salmeronfinancial.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SalmeronFinancial https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricksalmeron/ https://www.instagram.com/ricksalmeron/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJCEyhukoiwvCs6m6UnqIXA https://twitter.com/SalmeronFin financial freedom, self-esteem, trust, long-term relationships, financial success, personal growth, public speaking, entrepreneurship, money management, investment advice
Transcribe →
When The Author Becomes Part Of The Story | Pepper Anne - Author: The Notorious Texas Swindler
Oct 7, 202400:45:55Tap to summarizePepper Anne shares her incredible journey of writing a true crime book over the span of 12 years. She discusses the challenges she faced, including threats to her safety, the importance of having a strong support system, and the extensive research involved in telling the story of her cousin, a convicted criminal. Pepper emphasizes the need for honesty and transparency in storytelling, as well as the complexities of human choices. She also reveals her plans to transition into fiction writing, showcasing her versatility as an author. Pepper Anne can be found at: https://www.pepperanneauthor.com https://www.tiktok.com/@pepperanneauthor https://www.instagram.com/PepperAnneAuthor/ https://twitter.com/pepper_author https://www.facebook.com/PepperAnneGetsTheScoop https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22695449.Pepper_Anne https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pepper-anne Buy her book here: https://www.pepperanneauthor.com/store.html#/ true crime, writing journey, Pepper Anne, support systems, research, interviews, human choices, storytelling, indie author, fiction
Transcribe →
Experience is the Best Teacher | Jonathan Sheeley - Sheeley Executive Consulting
Oct 3, 202400:50:05Tap to summarizeJonathan Sheeley, a business and life coach who runs Scheeley Executive Consulting. Jonathan discusses the distinction between coaching and consulting, his target audience, and the importance of leadership in small businesses. He shares insights into his service offerings, the value of an external perspective, and his journey into coaching. The conversation also touches on the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, building relationships with clients, and Jonathan's aspirations for the future of his business. Jonathan can be found at: https://sheeleyexecutiveconsulting.co/ business coaching, life coaching, entrepreneurship, leadership development, small business consulting, personal productivity, team dynamics, business growth, coaching services, client relationships
Transcribe →
*Warning* Guest's Enthusiasm is Contagious | Aaron Ryan - Author
Sep 30, 202401:02:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Nick interviews storyteller and voiceover artist Aaron Ryan, who shares his journey of creativity and the evolution of his latest sci-fi project, a hexalogy that began as a trilogy. Aaron discusses the adaptation of his work for the screen, the challenges of the voiceover industry, and the impact of AI on creative professions. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling, the emotional connections to his characters, and the lessons learned from navigating the competitive landscape of voiceover work. The conversation also touches on the significance of focus, collaboration, and the realities of receiving feedback in the creative process. Aaron Ryan can be found at: https://authoraaronryan.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authoraaronryan https://www.instagram.com/authoraaronryan/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/authoraaronryan/ https://www.tiktok.com/@authoraaronryan https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdJpItECeJ7OcWal1oCDETg/ https://amazon.com/~/e/B0CRC2775Q sci-fi, storytelling, voiceover, adaptation, AI, creativity, world building, character development, entrepreneurship, writing
Transcribe →
Being Comfortable Outside Of Your Comfort Zone | Arshad Hisham - inGen Dynamics
Sep 26, 202400:41:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Crazy Courage Podcast, Nick interviews Arshad Hisham, a serial entrepreneur and educator, who shares his journey through various industries, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and innovative approaches to education. Arshad discusses his passion for creating impactful projects, his unique teaching methodologies, and the significance of networking and cultural adaptability gained through extensive travel. He advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, focusing on personal growth and the value of human connections over material possessions. Arshad can be reached: https://arshadhisham.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshadhisham/ entrepreneurship, education, learning, networking, adaptability, AI, robotics, innovation, personal development, travel
Transcribe →
Setting the Example for Your Kids | John Rich - A Rich Opinion
Sep 23, 202400:53:29Tap to summarizeJohn can be found here: https://arichopinion.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/arichopinion https://x.com/aRichopinion https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Rich-Opinion https://www.instagram.com/arichopinion/ In this episode of the Crazy Courage podcast, host Nick speaks with John Rich, a strategic PR and marketing expert, about his journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. John shares insights on the importance of resilience, the evolution of PR practices, and the underutilization of social media by smaller firms. He discusses the emotional challenges of starting a business, the significance of continuous learning, and his vision for a collaborative agency model that incentivizes employees. The conversation emphasizes the need for a purpose-driven life and the value of taking risks in pursuit of one's passions. entrepreneurship, PR, marketing, social media, business growth, resilience, personal development, client relationships, content creation, remote work
Transcribe →