← Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
Creating Confidence with Heather Monahan
#478: Do What Sets Your Soul ABLAZE with Kacia Ghetmiri, Podcaster, Speaker, & Entrepreneur
00:52:28
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- [00:00]
A
When I started podcasting, an online store was the furthest thing from my mind. Now I'm selling my group coaching on the regular and it is just so easy. All because I use Shopify.
- [00:15]
B
I do think it's really valuable for all of us to understand that no one stream of income is safe. Not being just a business owner with one product, program or service, not being a W2 owner, not network marketing, not insert anything. And it's like, how can we diversify and start to give ourselves more streams of income so that we're safe? Should, like, the economy change or should our circumstances or honestly even our desires change? Like, how can we set ourselves up more for success?
- [00:41]
C
I'm on this journey with me each week. When you join me, we are going.
- [00:44]
A
To chase down our goals, overcome adversity, and set you up for a better tomorrow.
- [00:51]
B
I'm ready for my close up.
- [00:53]
C
Hi and welcome back. I'm so excited. Listen, strap in, get ready for the next 45 minutes because I'm going to tell you, you're going to be so hyped. Every time I'm around this woman, I'm hyped. I'm going crazy. I'm so excited. And you are going to feel the exact same way. So if your day has been a little flat, oh, that's about to change. I'm so excited.
- [01:11]
B
And she's great.
- [01:12]
A
Multiple times.
- [01:13]
C
Very rarely do I have a guest on multiple times, multiple time guests on the show. So Keisha, not only she's a personal friend of mine, she's someone I freaking adore and love, but she's a high energy life enthusiast, a wife and a new mama. And I can't wait to get into all the transitions, all the changes.
- [01:27]
A
Her podcast, Empower her is one of.
- [01:30]
C
The top rated personal growth podcasts with over 11 million downloads. And they happened organically. Which guys, listen, you can gamify and do a lot of different things and advertise and you can force people to listen. This woman just had such an incredible product that helped people and she's so good and so high energy, people came to her. She's also the co host of the Get Investing podcast with her husband Sina, which is all about helping people get started in real estate investing. Can't wait to get into that as well. She's personally helped hundreds of women launch and grow, monetize their podcasts and strategically grow aligned businesses through programs and live events. With her husband Sina, she's also built a $7 million real estate investment portfolio in the last two years. She's all about pulling back the curtain to transparently share her journey in life and business, to show what is possible for you, too. So thank you for being here, guys. Welcome to the show. Keisha. I'm so happy you're here.
- [02:22]
B
Heather, I just adore you so much. I'm so excited to have this conversation. And just, this is going to be so juicy. I can't even wait to dive into all the things we were off air.
- [02:32]
C
Guys a minute ago and just talking and catching up at how much life has changed since we've laughed seen each other in real life, since we've laughed.
- [02:40]
A
At each other on the podcast.
- [02:41]
C
And I can't wait to get into it. But I love your story for so many different reasons. But let's go back to the beginning, because one of the things that's so interesting about you is the level of success you've achieved at a very young age. Things that took me, my gosh, 20 years longer than it took you. So I want to kind of get to, like, how did you get the confidence to do these things? Like, how did you know to do these things? And, like, why has it all worked out? Certainly seems like it's all worked out from afar watching you at such a young age. How did you build it?
- [03:10]
B
I really feel like it's one of those things where you can connect the dots when you're looking backwards. You know, like the famous Steve Jobs quote. We're, like, sitting here with you today and just thinking about, like, both of our careers and businesses. It's like, would have never guessed that one was going to work out. And it's like, here you are. But truly, like, it all started when I did the thing that I thought that I was supposed to do. For me, that was like, college, climbed the corporate ladder, had the job that, on paper, made sense. I looked around and I was like, crap, this is not it. Like, I knew that it wasn't aligned. But the problem was, and I feel like a lot of people can resonate with this, where on paper, everything made sense. Where I was working at Google was my last corporate job. I was making six figures at 23 years old. I had a lot of upward trajectory in my career, and I didn't have a bad boss. I. I didn't have an experience like you did, Heather. You know, in the corporate world, everything made sense. I liked my coworkers and stuff, but, like, there was this, like, gut feeling that was like, something is off. Like, there's a different path for you, and this is not it, that's why you're ugly. Crying on your bathroom floor, feeling like something's wrong with you. It's because you're just on the wrong path. So I started a business on the side way back then 2014. It was in network marketing. That took off really quickly because I did it in a way that was different than how everybody else was doing it. And I think this core belief that I've had for my entire business, and honestly, even in my life, is if something's not being represented the way you think it should and it's kind of bugging you, it's probably because you're supposed to be the representation. So that network marketing business was a lot of, like, stay at home moms building this business. And I was like, well, that's not me. Maybe I can attract a bunch of people that are working corporate jobs and, like, they just want to have, like, a little side hustle because they want to dip their toe into entrepreneurship. That turned into 4,000 people and speaking on massive stages and earning several million dollars. And then that gut feeling came back up again. My husband, who was at NYU dental school at the time, we moved to San Diego, and I was like, I don't want to do this anymore. But on paper, again, it made so much sense. When you're at the top of your game and you're getting a lot of, like, external validation, but you're also making a lot of money and you're making a lot of impact and you feel pretty good, it seems confusing to know that you want something else. But I decided to start a podcast. My show Empower her, which you were one of, like, the first 10 guests on that show. You've been on it so many times, but, like, you were one of the, I think the first 10 to 15 guests on that show, which is so wild way back at the end of 2018. And again, I think people resonated with it. And why it took off pretty quickly is because it was very transparent and open. I didn't try to pretend like I knew what I was doing. I was kind of lost figuring out what was next for me career wise and business wise, because I knew I wanted to make a pivot from that network marketing company. So I was like, let me just pull back the curtain and share what's going on and figure out how to build confidence and have, like, authors on my show that wrote books about that and just like, be really honest about my journey. And people just were like, this girl gets it. It feels like she's my girlfriend. Turned into creating courses, helping podcasters, big events, retreats, and then eventually real estate investing, too. So a lot of pivots, but it's all been very intuitively just, like, doing it my way and just kind of drowning out the noise from people that are saying, this is the way you should do it, you know?
- [06:14]
C
But so break down for us, because I've been where you're saying, like, it looks good on paper, but I didn't leave. I stayed because I was like, it.
- [06:22]
A
Looks good on paper.
- [06:23]
B
It is good.
- [06:24]
C
Like, stop complaining, Heather. No, Like, I can remember not really being happy, going to work in corporate and saying, like, something's off. I know something's wrong. I know something's more. And then be like, no, no, no, stop. Like, focus. You have a great job. Be grateful for what you have. I meant well with what I was saying, but I didn't have that knowledge or that intuition yet, or I didn't listen. Like, what's the difference?
- [06:44]
B
Yeah. So I always ask myself, like, when I've been doing something for a long time, whether it's a pivot that I'm making in my current business from, like, offers, products, program services, whatever. I'm always asking myself, number one, like, have I done this long enough to know if I'm pivoting because I'm just bored of it or because something's more aligned for me, or if I'm just, like, sucking at it because I'm new at it? For example, if you're starting something brand new and you're like, I know that I want to do something else, like, maybe I'll just get rid of this thing and start something new? It's often because, like, you suck at the beginning of anything. So I've always, like, trying to take into consideration, like, have I done something long enough to know that it's not aligned for me? And I've gotten past the stage of, like, I'm not very good at it now I've put more reps in, so I got better at it. And I can say, this is not aligned for me. And then in the actual corporate world, I honestly, like, have such a core belief that our days are numbered here and we don't know the count. So I just don't want to waste time. I've had two friends die at age 31 from ovarian cancer and one that fell out of a window. Freak accident. My husband lost his dad in 2021. So, like, the fragility of life is, like, so, so real. And we talk about this, but to me, I'm like, if I don't love it, if it's not making the impact that I want to make, if it doesn't feel aligned, and if it's sucking my soul, then I, like, I'm moving on. And I just believe in my ability to figure things out because I keep confidence and, like, building confidence as, like, the foundation of everything I'm doing next, you know?
- [08:12]
C
Oh, my gosh, it's so, so good. And we all need to think more like you because you're so right. And I don't think that's wild. To have lost two friends at 30 is, you know, I'm 50 this year, and I'll tell you, I've started seeing people in my sphere. Not people, super circles, but like, people I went to high school with passing away. And you're right, it really makes you pause and say, like, were they living the life that they were meant to live? Like, I am curious about that stuff. And because it relates back to you to really question yourself, like, are you living to your fullest? Are you living the purpose that you were supposed to be here for? So thank you for sharing that.
- [08:47]
A
Okay, so I want to get into.
- [08:49]
C
What's interesting to me is clearly I have not made the right life choices thus far on partner. Clearly you have. And I'm so interested in the way that you supported your husband. You guys have an incredible relationship. Been together for so long. How you supported him and getting him to transition or encouraging him to make a huge life transition, which ended up being such a blessing and a gift.
- [09:15]
B
Yeah. So my husband is Persian, so his parents are both first generation immigrants to the US So from his perspective, he always said that, like, he felt this pressure to be like a doctor, a dentist, a lawyer, an engineer. He chose dentist and he went through dental school. And as soon as he became a dentist, like, I could tell right away that he was not excited about it. And we kind of wrote it off to, you know, when you're not excited about something, it's often because you're not that good at it yet. Right. Where it's like, it's so much more fun to do things that you're great at. So we kind of let him take the time to put in more reps and see if he, you know, as he got better and just got to, like, practice his skill set, if that was when it would feel more exciting. But ultimately he knew that it wasn't aligned, but he wasn't ready to admit it yet. So we moved from San Diego to Austin for him to try out a different clinic. And I had an online business so I could kind of go anywhere. We moved to Austin. He had, like, the perfect clinic that he was working at. He had great hours, great pay, great career trajectory. And one day I got back from speaking at an event, and I walked in, and he was like, keish, I'm pouring us a glass of wine, and, like, we need to talk about something. I was like, oh, okay. And he tells me, I want to quit dentistry. And I was like, hell, yes. Like, please, please, please quit. And honestly, the real reason was kind of like, a couple parts. One was I just knew that he didn't like it. And we have been together since we were 19 years old. We've been together for 16 years. He's my favorite person on the planet. I just don't want him to, you know, not be excited about what he's doing in his life. Number two, I don't want to be married to someone who doesn't love what they're doing in their life because that massively impacts me. And then I didn't want him to be an example to our future kids, which we didn't have then, of someone who wasn't excited and just would come home every single day, like, womp, womp, womp about his life. I'm like, that's not what I signed up for. Also, because I know how smart and capable he is, that anything he puts his mind to, that he would be ridiculously successful at. He just needed the permission slip that, like, he needed to give it to himself. But because he had never stepped outside of this very linear path, like, he almost needed an overly enthusiastic person saying, like, let's go, to just remind him that, like, he could do this. He wanted to be a quote, unquote, real estate investor and quit dentistry. So he quit. Two weeks later, his dad gets cancer, and we fly up to Seattle, where we're from, and he spends the next 12 weeks by his side as he moved from, like, the hospital to hospice. You know, only child. His parents were divorced. Like, he was, like, the primary caretaker. It was, like, jolting. He had already left dentistry two weeks before that and made that decision. But I think it really stamped into, like, both of us the need that, like, you don't want to get to the end of your TBD amount of days here with coulda, woulda, shoulda is wondering what would have happened. His dad had big plans of, like, retiring and then, like, traveling the world and doing all these things that he just didn't get to do because he died. And like, that sounds, again, so heavy. But it was, like, so important for us to realize, like, he had made that decision on his own. And then once this happened to his dad, it was like, okay, like, whatever I want to build, like, whatever my dream is. And for him, it was real estate investing. So he stumbled so much. And I want to acknowledge this because one of the most difficult parts about being in a relationship with someone who is stepping into entrepreneurship when you've been the entrepreneur longer is I wanted to help him bypass some of the roadblocks. But the roadblocks and figuring out how to get through them are what helps you build up the confidence and also, like, feel proud of yourself. I was, like, robbing him of a lot of that because, like, no, you should just be doing it this way, do it this way, do it this way. Good intention, but, like, really freaking annoying. He would say to me. He was like, keisha, you know, I feel like I'm a really good swimmer, but I just got dropped into an ocean and I have no idea what direction to swim. And I would have to stop myself. Instead of giving him, like, some action plan like I would to someone I was coaching, I was like, good, like, you're in the game, babe. Like, you got this all, like, stand on the side and, like, cheer for you. And eventually that led us into the real estate path where, you know, now we have a bunch of rental properties, we have long term rentals, midterm rentals, luxury Airbnbs. And he's basically like the COO of this business and he loves it, and it's freaking awesome.
- [13:18]
A
Meet a different guest each week. What does the future hold for business? Ask nine experts and you'll get 10 different answers. A bull market, A bear market. Rates will rise. Rates will fall. Could someone just give me a crystal ball, please? Until then, over 40,000 businesses have future proof their business with NetSuite by Oracle. The number one Cloud ERP. Bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR into one fluid platform with one unified business management suite. There's one source of truth giving you the visibility and control you need to make quick decisions. With real time insights and forecasting, you're peering into the future with actual data. When you're closing the books in days, not weeks, you're spending less time looking backwards and more time on what's next. If I had needed this product, it's exactly what I would use. Whether your company is earning millions or even Hundreds of millions, NetSuite can help you respond to immediate challenges and seize your biggest opportunities. Speaking of opportunity, download the CFO's guide to AI and machine learning at netsuite.com monahan the guide is free to you at netsuite.com monaho netsuite if that sound isn't creating confidence for you and your business, I know what you're missing. You're missing Shopify. And I set up my own Shopify page. It is so simple that I could do it myself. You can absolutely do it and start converting potential customers into paying customers, creating confidence for all of us. Upgrade your business and get the same checkout we use with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.commonahan all lowercase go to shopify.commonahan to upgrade your selling today. Shopify.commonahan I asked you to try to.
- [15:26]
C
Find your passion so you see a significant change in your husband. The man who would go to work and be like wah wah, not loving his job to now he's completely into it.
- [15:39]
B
Well and also like, I mean we have a one year old at the time that we're recording this and it's like the lifestyle that we would have had if he had to be rushing to do root canal is when we're still not sleeping through the night. Like our son still wakes up in the middle of the night. So it's like can you imagine like a sleep deprived dentist like, like doing root canals and leaving at 8am leaving me with a baby. Like I can imagine that it would have resulted to a certain degree and some resentment of feeling like I had to give up my business for him to go be a dentist and him not even loving it. So it's like again like you can't connect the dots until you're looking backwards. But I see like he had to get uncomfortable. He had to also try out different environments to make sure that it was like actually not the right career path for him. I think there are probably some people listening and that it's like maybe you're a director of marketing at a company and you need to make sure that before you just walk away from that. You go try being a director of marketing at a company that solves a different problem or that's a different environment to see if it's an environment problem versus just a career problem. And I think because he had the experience of trying out different types of clinics, he felt confident enough to even say he didn't love it because like truth of the matter, dental school, 77 grand a year tuition for four years, eight years of his life in, like, the education space. And when he left, so many people were like, what are you going to do to, like, pay off your student loans? And I was like, you could pay off student loans for dental school with other businesses that aren't dentistry. Like, any type of money can pay off loans. Like, we'll just go build the money somewhere else, you know? So I think, like, the truth of all of this is, like, sitting here now, I have so much gratitude for him being willing to say what he didn't want. What, you know, so many people were clapping for, like, look, you did this thing. You're this dentist, and look, you're super. So proud of yourself. But, like, he didn't love it and he had the courage to say it, but to be really honest, in particular, for any of the entrepreneurs that are listening into this, we often talk about the doors that we're opening for a future version of ourselves, or the impact that we can make or the impact that we can make on our kids. But I did not know when I became an entrepreneur and started to build this business that I would be opening up a door for a future version of my husband that I didn't even know that he would one day want to have the option to walk through. The fact that he even knew that financially he could leave because I had a business that was making way more than his dental career was, and I was, like, super excited to have him leave.
- [18:02]
C
It's so incredible. It's a really good point. You just don't know who you're going to impact. And it might not be the person or in the ways that you think, but the example is always what actually does the impact. Not what we say or how we encourage people with our words.
- [18:16]
B
Yeah, yeah. And just the knowing, too, where it's like. Like, he knew that we financially would be fine if he left. And, like, I think that gave him the ability to even let his brain, which is so much more analytical than my brain. I'm so much more like, jump in the net will appear, like, super comfortable with risk, like, I'll just build the plane on the way down, like, that type of thing. But he is like. I mean, he's a logical, analytical guy. Like, he became a dentist because he, like, likes biochemistry and, like, and, you know, so it was a big thing for him to leave. But it's been so incredible in our life now.
- [18:48]
C
It's so interesting because I have to imagine, especially with his background, his heritage, that there's these level of expectations and.
- [18:56]
A
Not everybody I can't imagine not everyone.
- [18:58]
C
Was happy when he made the decision to leave dentistry. How did he handle that? Did he kind of just like, put blinders on, say, this is my.
- [19:05]
B
My decision.
- [19:05]
C
I'm not letting people get me to second guess.
- [19:08]
B
Yeah, I think he was really impacted by the fact that people that he thought would really be supportive weren't supportive in particular family. And I was like, remember, like, you wouldn't want to trade places with them. Like, you don't want the life that they're living. And they can only give advice from their perspective. And I think often we like to say, like, oh, people don't support me. Like, screw the naysayers, blah, blah, blah. But I'm like, what if we just frame this as they want to support you, but they've never done what you want to do. They don't feel like they can give you advice, so you're just going to have to go do it on your own without their support, and one day they'll come back around. And that's exactly what happened. Like, especially some of his family was openly, very unsupportive of this decision. And I was like, well, good thing it's just the two of us living together, because, like, I'm super supportive. I've got you. And I knew that my role was, like, to super hype him up as he was also grieving the loss of his dad and trying to figure out how to navigate all of this. So I think it's like drowning out the noise a little bit and knowing that, like, most often the people that are giving you negative feedback, it's just because they haven't done what you want to do. Like, you and I were talking before we started, it's like the podcasting space and some of the things that we're doing business wise, where both of us are, like, who can we connect you with? And, like, how can I support you? What's going on? Because people that have done things that you want to do or in the arena doing it with you, they want to support you because they know how hard it is when you're first starting. So he had to get really intentional about drowning out that noise. I took a big hype role, and then we really quickly connected him to other people that were in the space, like, emphasizing, like, going to real estate meetups and just, like, finding people that were doing what he wanted to do. So he understood, like, how to get more comfortable with risk and have, like, people that he could bounce ideas off of. And then we moved to Denver and there's a huge real estate community here in Denver and we plugged right into that and made a bunch of like close friends. So that was super, super helpful for us too.
- [20:54]
C
Being in community with like minded people. I think oftentimes it's underestimated and or because of COVID and people became more isolated. They've forgotten often in people like working remotely or whatever. And I know that works for a lot of people. But when you do get a group of people together that are like minded like you and I love like doing in person events and being around people. It's extraordinary the level of accountability you start holding yourself to, how excited you start becoming and the possibilities. I said this to my business partner yesterday. I happen to be in person with her. I leave every in person meeting with her so hyped because she's ahead of where I am. And so she's always like, of course this is possible. What are you talking about? Like, don't question that. Of course we'll do that. And just having that assurance of another person who's been the places you want to go suddenly makes it so crystal clear. So thank you for sharing that. Tell me a little bit about this whole idea of being a beginner and sucking at first because it's interesting that you've gone through it so many times yourself because you've done so many things new and like you almost get excited about, but also watching your husband do it, I would imagine that's even harder because it's someone you love and you care for that you want to help.
- [22:03]
B
So I think what's interesting is we talk often about not comparing ourselves to other people, but what I've struggled with more is comparing myself to a prior version of myself when the circumstances were different, right? So like for example, when we had our son and I decided I was going to start going back into work and like starting to host like retreats and events or whatever I was going to start doing. And I thought that I could approach it the same way that I did before having a baby. So I was trying to compare myself in this current new mom version who's like hormones are all over the place, like super sleep deprived of like this is how I'm going to approach business. Because, you know, four months ago before I had this baby, like I was able to do this, so I should be able to do it now. Same rules apply with doing anything new where it's like, you know, my first business in network marketing, I'm making like three or four hundred grand a year. Speaking on These huge stages, like, know what I'm doing. And then I decide to start a membership for my podcast community. And I was like riding on an easel with a Sharpie and I was like, like, I don't know what I'm doing. I feel so stupid doing this. It was a $17 a month membership. So, like the delta of the amount of money that I was making, like, I was just like, I don't know what I'm doing. Like, it's so much easier to go back to the familiar because when you do something at the very beginning, you just suck. It's like par for the course, you know, where, like, of course, as you keep putting your reps in, like, you're going to get better and you're going to feel more confident. But I think, like, I always have to keep in mind, like, I've never done this thing in this season of life before, ever, right? Like, as a mom with a one year old, like, everything is drastically different. Like, I don't sleep eight hours every night anymore. That's a huge part of like my productivity and my energy. So it's like anyone that's listening into this is like making sure that like your success criteria for this season of life and also your tenure with the thing that you're doing, whether it's a new career or it's a new business or it's a new offer or program service in your business. Your first time public speaking, you're so sweaty and awkward. You have no idea if you're going to like, puke or like, whatever, what's going to happen. But after you put a couple of reps in, like, okay, I've got the experience from my past that I can look back on and say, see, last time I did this thing, it worked out. And I think sometimes we just don't give ourselves grace and we beat ourselves up because it's like we forget to take into consideration the season. And I know, like, this is huge for me right now because I'm like a one year old is so different where, like I can jump on a plane and go keynote at an event and come home and he's not saying to me, mom, I wish you stayed home. You know, two years from now that could be a different conversation when I have a three year old, like, how am I going to make choices in my business? Well, I'm not going to worry about a future version of me's problems right now. I'm just going to focus on what I need to do right now to keep moving Forward and adjusting as I go. But I think we all need to do this as humans, you know, wow, it's so powerful.
- [24:43]
C
And what's weird, and I'm interested to hear your perspective on this. When you work in corporate America, so much of your time is spent forecasting forward, right? It's like we're in Q4 right now, but we're planning for Q1, we're planning for 20, 25. Well, how are we going to hit that mark for 2, Q3, Q4, and then what does that plan look like? I was always spending time in the future so much. So I do believe to your point, it allows for more worry because you're like, well, how am I going to.
- [25:08]
A
How? I have no idea.
- [25:10]
C
And I shouldn't be expected to know how to figure it out because technology is going to change. AI is going to be different by that.
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A
I have so many more tools and.
- [25:16]
C
Opportunities and bigger network by then. And what I've learned only in the past couple of years, having worked for myself, is to trust that that's all going to unfold, but just be where I am in this moment right now. And that is a discipline and a practice. And I just remind myself all the time, wait a minute, you're worrying about something that could happen in 20 days? Hang on, why don't you just get present in this moment and make this the best day possible? Something great could happen today or tomorrow that changes that whole forecast. How do you set yourself up to stay in that moment?
- [25:46]
B
Yeah, so I have a really interesting way that I do this in my head on a regular basis where like when I put my feet down on the ground, like I'm actually in my head, like, this is where you are, like be present where your feet are. But I have a relationship with one year ago version of me and one year ahead version of me. And I kind of toggle back and forth sometimes where like I have this perspective of like so much gratitude for the life that I'm currently living. Because I recognize one year ago, I mean actually full screen, like right now, one year ago I was like waiting for this baby to come out who was like six days past his due date. And like, remember just like wishing for this life that I currently have now and the opportunities that I have now and the network that I have and the income and the impacts that I've made. Like, I know how much work I had to do to get to this current stage that I'm at. So I can feel gratitude for that prior version of me. And then I also recognize that one year ahead for me is going to be able to look back on this exact version of me now and, like, what gifts am I gifting to her? Right? Like, what confidence does she have? Like, what connections does she have? Like, what type of impact is she making? What opportunities does she have? Like, how is she showing up the world? What type of marriage does she have? What's her health like? Because of all the actions that I'm taking. So instead of getting too worried about, like, you know, especially people that listen into this podcast, it's like, like you and I, Heather, it's like we have such big visions of, like, things that we want to do and, like, the world is at our fingertips. Like, let's go. Let's take it to the moon. That can also be really overwhelming if we get caught up in the distance between where we are now and where we want to go. But instead I just write it off right now where I'm like, of course I have no idea how the hell I'm going to do that. But that's why I need the space, the distance between where I am now and where I want to go. That's like my qualification period where I stumble and I learn the grit and resourcefulness, and then I meet that person that I need and then I connect with this person and I do xyz. Like, that's what the whole path is for. But it's difficult because we live in this, like, instant gratification, Amazon prime culture where we're socialized to believe that if we get something more quickly, it means it's more desirable or we should be more proud of ourselves. Everybody's celebrating how fast someone did something, but in reality, if we're honest with ourself, and I know, Heather, like, you're so into fitness, so I feel like this is a good example for everyone is like, a lot of people would be like, I want to lose 15 pounds tomorrow. It's like, okay, if you lost 15 pounds tomorrow, would you actually be able to maintain that? Would you have the habits and distress management tools and the workout routine and the accountability? And would you be eating well? No. What would happen is you would lose £15 and you would gain it all back and probably some more because you didn't build up the ecosystem to support it with, like, your habits. Right? So it's like, we almost need to just start to get more obsessed with the process of getting there, rather than just what the process could produce or the end goal so that we don't get anxious, overwhelmed, all the time doubt ourselves and so that like we just enjoy our days because we don't know how many we had.
- [28:34]
C
You know, it's so interesting and I have to express to you, like what you just said, who it reminds me of. Gary B. As you know, he was my first guest here on the show and him explaining to me like, you have to enjoy the journey. And you know what's funny is I wrote this post right after he explained that to me and I was like, yeah, easy for him to say because he's already at the highest. He's like got the biggest podcast in the world. Like he's got more views than anyone. He's got more, you know, whatever, written more books, blah, blah, blah. So he's done all the things that I want to do. And I remember thinking like, the journey is hard. Like it's hard. But to your point, like, the longer I'm on this planet, the more I'm starting to realize. Giving yourself grace, being in that present moment. And part of that is seeing like what good thing is happening today that I can focus on, be grateful for. Because this journey is actually where it's all at, like so little of it. And I remember, I relate it to the come up in corporate America. The come up for me was like, oh my gosh, you know, probably my early twenties until my early third, like a decade, like really like where I'm climbing ladder before I hit the top in corporate America and made it to the C suite. And I'll tell you, like, that grind was hard. But I, now I look back, I learned so much. I met so many incredible people. I did have so many unbelievable experiences. I don't know that I was really enjoying it because I was so focused on I got to break this glass ceiling, I got to get in there. And so I've sort of learned from that that okay, I'm going to get to where I want to go. I know that I have total belief and faith. I can see it. I know it's happening. I don't know how it's happening, I don't know when it's happening. But I'm coming for you. Future me, future accomplishments. I got to start celebrating these wins along the way and it's like a new discipline. Like it's, I don't know, it's still, it's elusive to me. It's not easy every day.
- [30:16]
B
Yeah, it's one of those things where like all of us have the double edged sword of like our strengths where for me, like I'm probably one of the most like, optimistic, happy, go, lucky, excitable people that I literally know. But on the flip side of that is if I'm bored, I have to get so good at like staying in the mundane, unsexy, like doing the reps because I get shiny object syndrome. I'm like, oh, that looks like that could be more fun. That could be more fun. That would be more energizing. So it's like all of us have our own thing. We're like, you are super, super goal oriented. We're like, I will do the shit. Whatever I need to do to get me where I want to go. Like, I'm in it, blinders on. You're like my husband in that way where it's like, this is the goal. See the goal, hit the goal, go versus me. I'm like, but it's gonna be so.
- [30:58]
C
Fun along the way.
- [30:59]
B
Which I think that joy part is so required. But it's also, everything has a double edged sword where you can miss some of the joy along the way if you're not intentional. I can miss getting to the goal if I let myself squirrel with all these like squirrels raving in my brain like, Keisha, do this, do this, do this. It's like no focus. So every personality type, right, has its things that we have to work on.
- [31:20]
C
Oh, that's. It's so, so true. But I'm appreciating you explaining that because I didn't realize so much of it was personality till you just broke it down. But you're right. And literally, kid, you're one on one. So you're like the only one on the planet like that and it needs to be celebrated.
- [31:32]
A
Okay, so talk to me a little bit about.
- [31:35]
C
We were talking offline about the beginning of your entrepreneurial career involved being in an mlm. And when you broke down for me, what's happened over the last couple of years, I was shocked. I had no idea. I want you to share with everybody so people can understand why it's important to set themselves up for not just having one job, one revenue stream, because you put yourself at risk in such a big way.
- [31:57]
B
Yeah. Oh my gosh. This is like one of my favorite topics to jam about in so many different ways. So for context, for people that don't know network marketing, like MLM structures, basically how it works is instead of a company having brick and mortar locations, they have representatives and different companies, they're called different things. My first network marketing company that I worked with and the only one I've ever worked with was called Beachbody. People are probably familiar with like 21 day fixed insanity P90X. These are some of the workout programs that they created. Well, back in the day, they had a network marketing model where you made income based off of selling like subscriptions to their workouts or their supplements or their shakes. But you also made money off of the volume of people that were in your organization. So as you helped people learn how to build their business, that's where the multilevel marketing comes in. So what they just did a couple of weeks ago is Beachbody announced, as many other network marketing companies have announced. Like, there's been like five or six major ones that have announced this in the last like year or two that they switched from that network marketing model where you're paid out based off of your team volume and like recruiting people in to a direct affiliate model. Meaning like you've got a code that people use or a link that people use, and you just get paid a percentage off of someone buying the product. So for people that built up massive teams or spent like. And there are some people in Beachbody that spent decades building up thousands and thousands and thousands of people teams. Their income is gone come January 1st, except for if they want to sign up for this affiliate model, which, like sake of example, that would be like 5% of their total income compared to what they used to make. So why that's important. Obviously there are some people listening into this that maybe you are interested in network marketing. I actually do think it's a really awesome business model in that, like I started in that and it was like my gateway drug into entrepreneurship. And I was able to leverage my experience there to take those skills and then go build my own thing. It's a lot easier to build a network marketing business, but you don't own it. So it's just keeping in mind that at any point in time, the company can change the structure. Just like my personal beliefs are that a W2 job is not any safer than being an entrepreneur because at any point in time a company can restructure, layoffs can happen. So I think this experience of like, you know, thinking about, my husband was a dentist during COVID When Covid happened in California, they closed down all offices. You could only do emergency procedures. So his income was basically gone. We would have been totally screwed if we were completely reliant on that. And then thinking of like this network marketing model, like closing their doors and people that had all their eggs in that basket, what that looks like. I think of friends of mine that are like, you know, executive level at corporations that like layoffs happen and restructures happen. And it's like, I don't say that to scare people, but in a way I do think it's really valuable for all of us to understand that no one stream of income is safe. Not being just a business owner with one product, program or service, not being a W2 owner, not network marketing, not insert anything. And it's like, how can we diversify and start to give ourselves more streams of income so that we're safe? Should, like, the economy change? Or should our circumstances or honestly even our desires change? Like, how can we set ourselves up more for success? And I've been thinking about this since I left network marketing in 2019. I've been thinking like, there's no way that that will continue. And I was wrong that it took so much longer for it actually totally to like be gone. But this has always been in the back of my mind.
- [35:16]
A
Meet a different guest each week. Let's talk about goals for a minute. How are you tracking with the ones you set for your business earlier this year? Are you close? If not, do you know why you haven't hit them yet? I mean, let's be honest, it's so important to track our goals, to set goals. Goal setting is where it all happens, taking us from where we currently are to where we know we can be. This podcast included. We got major goals and every day we are getting closer. You've got your end goals. Constant Contact has what it takes to help you meet them faster. No matter how experienced you are with digital marketing, Constant Contact has the tools to make your marketing run smoother. Tap email marketing that helps you create and send the perfect email to every customer. Get on your goals and realize them with Constant Contact. It's time to put the go in your 2024 business goals with email, social, SMS and customized marketing campaigns built for you in just a few clicks. Ready, set. Go to constant contact.com and start your free trial now. Go to constantcontact.com for your free trial today. The holiday season is here, which means we're focused on all things holiday festive gifting. Jenny Kane is our go to destination for the very best of the season. With their iconic gift guide leading the way. Jenny Cain makes it so easy and effortless to check everyone off your list, mostly including yourself. Don't forget you. Everything Jenny Cane makes is pure luxury. The cashmere is unbelievable. The knits essential outerwear to their homeware pieces like their obsession worthy candles. There's no better place to get into this season spirit than at Jenny Kane. For a limited time, our listeners get 15% off their first order. Go to jennycane.com and use the code confidence15 to get 15 off your order. The Cashmere Fisherman and Cashmere Cook Raccoon are two of my favorites. They are iconic knits. They feel incredible. There is a good reason. They are the top of the top. Both deserve a starting spot and your winter wardrobe rotation due to their versatility, ease and absolute comfort. Nobody does the holidays quite like Jenny Kane. They're known for their luxe sweaters, essential candles and cozy throws, all of which make perfect gifts for you too. The cashmere Jackie sweater just landed and it's nothing short of incredible. You can button it up to wear it as a turtleneck or unbuttoned for a fresh take on a classic crew neck. It is a must have. If you're eyeing coats, look no further than the Theodore coat and Apres coat. Both are a must for the season ahead, bringing added drama and ultimate coziness to your looks. Who doesn't need some added drama? We can't forget about the home essentials like giftable candles and splurge worthy decor. Get some now so you have them ready to give at parties that you go to. Their holiday gift guide just dropped makes gifting a total breeze. Shop Jenny's edit favorites under $250 and plenty of other gift giving categories. Plus they have an incredible rewards program where you can earn up to 10% back with every purchase and joining is free. Gift yourself and your loved ones the best gift of all. Jenny Kane our listeners get 15% off your first order when you use code CONFIDENCE15 at checkout. That's 15% off your first order at J E N N I K A Y N E COM promo code confidence 15. Let getting dressed be one less thing to worry about. I asked you to try to find your passion.
- [39:01]
C
Well, one of the things you were talking about was with your son Brody and how obviously your life has changed so much. I mean from becoming a mother is just like I believe it's probably the biggest shift that any woman will go right in your life from being an individual just has to take care of yourself to all of a sudden having a second person is wild and incredible as you know and are so excited about it. It's amazing. But you know when you were explaining to me setting yourself up so that you could take a break from business, which is incredible and I'm so happy you were able to do that one of the ways you were able to is because years ago you started saying, I want to diversify and set myself. So how did you set yourself up for that?
- [39:38]
A
And then how do you move forward.
- [39:39]
C
Now that you have a child? How does that all change?
- [39:42]
B
Yeah, what you're referring to is like, when I was working as an entrepreneur, I had a bunch of different products, programs and services, and everything that I did required me. So, you know, podcasting for my own show and, you know, hosting big events and retreats and speaking and courses that I was on for. I really liked what I was doing business wise, though. So I wasn't really interested in like creating a bunch of like evergreen courses and stuff like that because I loved getting to intimately work with people and I love in person events, so I love hosting them. But, like, there was no way for me to take myself out of my business. And I saw that as a problem for giving me future options. But I also, like, didn't want to change it because I loved what I was doing. So instead I was like, what if we use this business to fuel another business that didn't require my face, my voice, my time, me physically being there? So instead, what we started to do is take all of the revenue that was coming in from like, courses, memberships, you know, events, sponsorships on podcasts, all that. We took all that revenue and I basically just passed it to my husband Sina, who had left dentistry and was in real estate investing, and we would just buy properties. So in the last two and a half years now we've bought seven different investment properties. The first Airbnb that we bought here in Denver made more than he made as a dentist. And we were like, oh, baby, we're onto something. And it was so fun and it was so creative because we looked at the market here in Denver when we first got into real estate investing, and we're like, there's a need for like, bachelorette party retreat themed houses. Why is there not that many of these in Denver? So we created one. It crushed. We're like, okay, let's figure out how we can do the next one. We did the next one. We're like, okay, now let's go to the mountains. Let's do like an A frame. Let's do the next one. And like, we've just been kind of scaling, taking one property, getting up and running, then moving it, doing the next property. And now we're sitting here with this awesome investment portfolio that spits off in ash cash flow that it gives us a lot more Optionality of what we want to do next. So I share that because I think that like, there are some people that are listening into this that are really relying on something being safe. And like the economy changes in market change and like things change all the time in business and definitely in the corporate structure too, that it's like, what could you do on the side or how could you like set yourself up? If you're a dual income household, how could you take one income and start using that to start like diversifying on the side or building a personal brand or starting a podcast or creating something outside of what you're doing so that if one of these like really blows up, you have another stream that you could pour into so you're not having to like come from this desperation place. But you're doing it because you can kind of funnel from one to the other.
- [42:16]
C
It's so smart and you're not watching people. When you are in corporate, it's not really talked about. What if people were doing it? I didn't know anybody was. People just Talked about your 9 to 5 and your 401k and like just kind of more the standard or more antiquated way of looking at it. And the ways that you're talking about, it's literally the options are limitless. And because of the learning industry and people like you and your husband teaching people through podcasts how to do this, the information's out there, People are teaching it. People are often doing it many times through podcasts for free. Like you are, you know, what are some of the experiences you've had teaching people how to do the same things that you're doing?
- [42:51]
B
Yeah. So from a real estate perspective, I think it feels really nerve wracking for people because it's such a big investment, like buying a property. But like what I always remind people is, is like everything that's ever broken on a house has broken before. Right. And with like changes in technology and stuff, it's like I will bet forever that physical people need physical houses to live in. So it doesn't matter what happens with AI or different industries. Like, you know, I was talking with one of my friends that's in the recruiting space, which is what I was in way back at Google in 2014. The recruiting industry is going to change so drastically in a couple of years because of AI. So it's like looking at your own job and looking at your own business and being like, what could change based off of the way that like the world is going and asking yourself like, am I Willing to get uncomfortable with something like real estate investing and like learning how to diversify, like my income. Can I get a little bit uncomfortable doing that or am I going to be really damn uncomfortable later if like my job is gone? And I just, I care about this because like, I just truly believe that we're here on this planet, all of us, to live lives that we're obsessed with. And I want people to have options. And the freedom that comes from like really diversifying yourself, like from an income perspective means you get to spend the time doing the things that you want to be doing. And if you have a shitty boss or you hate where you're at, like you have the option that you could leave and you could like at least float yourself for a few months while you found something else. You don't have to stay in environments that are sucking your soul. From a tactical perspective, I think it's like figuring out what type of asset class that you're interested in. Like, we talk a lot about short term rental because we are big in the short term rental space. We've also done midterm rentals which are like 30 day plus days. We have a long term rental property and like starting to just think like, what am I curious about? And then asking the people that you're connected to if anyone else is curious about that. Because so often we tell ourselves a story like, oh, I don't have the capital to invest in real estate. Where it's like, I bet you you might have someone that you went to college with that you worked out in a previous job that you're connected with now that might have the capital but they don't want to operate the deal. Or maybe you're really good at finding the deal but somebody else can, you know, fund the deal. Or maybe you can fund the deal and somebody else can find the deal. Like there's so many different components of this. And so I just want to encourage people that it's like the thing that's stopping you, there's a solution to that thing. And sometimes you just have to raise the necessity to actually want to go do it. Because you have to picture a future where like you have more options because you did this now.
- [45:13]
C
So I relate this back to a conversation I had yesterday with my son, which is so funny. I love this idea of give yourself as many options as possible. You know, don't be a victim to not having the options. Which I sort of felt like when I got fired I was like, I'm option this. I have non compete and I have no options. It's so weird that I thought that way back then. And I don't want him to think that way, right? Because that's not true. That was a lie. I was telling myself it's limitless, the options that you have. I couldn't work in the media industry. So what, right? That's like one tiny industry anyhow. It's all how you perceive things. He gets his PSAT scores back the other day and they weren't bad, they weren't horrible, they weren't great, right? They were okay. Clearly I was not worried. It's the first time he ever took the test. And I said, let me know what you think. And he's like, I think it's, you know, it's fine. I said, right. I said, so do you think we should get a tutor or put you in one of these classes that you know, so that you can get some reps in so you don't have to be a beginner at it so you won't suck next time? And he said, I don't know. I don't know that I need it, you know, because what 17 year old boy wants to take a PSAT class, right? I get that. I'm from the same mold. I'd rather be out having fun. So I said, okay, let me just explain one thing to you. A year from now, do you want to have a ton of options available to you by way of different universities that you got into, or do you want to kind of be like, oh, shoot, I only got into one. I guess that's one I have to go to. And he's like, well, obviously I want all of the options. I'm like, great. So if we take it on the chin right now and do something hard, taking a class for eight weeks or whatever it is, and it's going to suck a little bit. It's not like something you're excited about that's going to unlock all of these opportunities. Is that pain right now worth that reward for a year from now? And he's like, oh, yeah, it is. It was just like this great teaching moment for him to say, yeah, you're right, I don't want to do it. But now suddenly I'm raising my hand, I do want to do it. I want the options.
- [46:57]
B
Yeah, that's such a good lesson for all of us, regardless of like, age or stage of life where it's like going back to like, what are you gifting to a future version of you? Are you going to feel more stuck? Because like, the thing is too, there are some people listening into this I know, that are in stages that you and I have both been in, where it's like I have this thing that I want to do, like, but insert like this habit of hesitation like next year, next month or I'll get to it or down the road or eventually. And it's like, I just don't want someone listening into this to have this thing that they want to do, this change that they want to make, and then know that one year from now they're going to be in the same place because that's one year of action that you could have taken that's going to get you closer to the vision that you have. But also like one year that you sat there waiting on the sidelines watching other people do the thing that you wanted to do when they're not any more capable than you are. They just decided to go and suck and put their reps in. And now you're comparing yourself to them because they're good, because they sucked at the beginning while you were just waiting, you know, oh my gosh, it's so obvious.
- [47:57]
C
You got to show up and suck.
- [47:58]
A
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- [49:07]
B
All right.
- [49:08]
C
Talk to us a little bit about you had so many options because you set yourself up this way by putting the reps and taking the risk and betting on yourself. You had so many options after having Brody. What is it about the empower her podcast that made you want to lean back there?
- [49:21]
B
Yeah, so I started the podcast. You know, like we mentioned at the end of 2018. And the whole idea behind it was that it was going to be this very come with me, let's figure out life together type of show, rather than like a look at me. I've got this all figured out because I was craving it. Like, I remember so many podcasters at that time, it felt like they were giving advice in hindsight. Like, back when I was in that season of life, or in my marriage or in my career or my business, here's what I did. And because I'm five years removed from it, let me tell you about it now, which is so helpful. I've learned so much from people that are a couple steps down the road. I mean, I've learned so much from you being a couple steps down the road in different areas and stuff. It's interesting because I was craving someone that was, like, ugly, crying on their bathroom floor with me, that was like, what do I do now? I don't know what's next? Like, crap. Like, I just. I really wanted it to be, like, almost like we were girlfriends chatting. I used to always talk about it on the show where I was like, it was like, we're girlfriends chatting over spicy margaritas. Like, that was the vibe that I wanted it to be. Because I think we're just supposed to create what we wish existed. So I was like, why are people not have podcasts like this? I was like, well, shoot, I guess, you know, it's not being represented the way I want. I guess I'm supposed to be the representation. So what's been interesting about this journey now, you know, you and I both having shows for such a long time is like, especially becoming a mom. I've evolved so much, and I truly gave myself full permission to play out every option of what I could do next. Where I was like, do I want to be a stay at home mom? I played that out for, like five minutes. And I realized that is not aligned for me. I played out, like, should I just burn everything to the ground and start something completely brand new? Should I jump into this real estate business that we have and just go full send in that with my husband? That doesn't really feel aligned. Like, I played out to the end, like, pros and cons of, like, every single thing of what was next. And I was like, what's always true to me is, like, I love bringing people along on the ride and peeling back the curtain and talking about the things that most people aren't willing to talk about. And, like, I was so open and transparent about my journey of like, what am I doing with my business? Do I burn it down and move to a deserted island? Work at a tiki hat? Like, what do I do? And I think a lot of people resonate with that. And that's where I feel like the most at home, is when I'm just being myself, rather than having to feel like I'm posturing, like, I'm an expert, and I'm an expert in certain things. But, like, the podcast, it feels so conversational and fun for me. So, like, I'm excited to kind of, like, lean back that direction and start really, like, asking, what is it that that community wants again? I've always created from a place of, like, what problems does my community have that I'm most excited to solve? Like, ooh, I'll create courses, events, insert whatever for them. So, like, I'm excited to kind of, like, feel like myself again after this, like, weird journey of postpartum. And now I've jumped back into it.
- [51:55]
C
Oh, you're so back and better than ever. I am so proud of you, and I'm so grateful that you're leaning into the show, that people worship that show, and I'm so grateful to be a guest on it. Guys, you got to check out the episode. I'm on Keese's show, and I can't wait for you to listen to it.
- [52:10]
A
On Power her podcast.
- [52:11]
C
I'm going to link the show in the show notes below, and I just want to tell you I'm proud of you. I love you and thank you for doing all the great things that you're doing. This world needs you so big.
- [52:20]
B
Thank you. I love you, girl. Thank you so much.
- [52:22]
C
All right, guys, check out Empower her podcast. Check out my episode. Let me know what you think. And until next week, keep creating your confidence. You know I will be.
- [52:33]
A
I decided to change that dynamic. I couldn't be more excited for what.
- [52:39]
B
You'Re going to hear.
- [52:40]
C
Start learning and growing.
- [52:42]
A
Inevitably, something will happen. No one succeeds alone.
- [52:46]
B
You don't stop and look around once in a while. You could miss it.
- [52:50]
A
I'm on this journey with me.