Podcast Summary: "Slay The Gatekeeper"
Episode: Un-Gatekeeping Problematic Success Cheat Codes with StartUp Steph
Host: Courtney Johnson
Guest: Steph Moy
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Slay The Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson engages in a profound conversation with Steph Moy, founder of PIN (Power in Numbers). The discussion delves into "Problematic Success Cheat Codes," offering listeners unconventional yet effective strategies for achieving success in entrepreneurship, personal growth, and beyond. Steph shares her journey, insights from the venture capital world, and practical advice on navigating challenges in both professional and personal realms.
1. Cheat Code #1: Don't Optimize for a High Salary
Timestamp: [02:52]
Steph introduces her first cheat code, emphasizing the importance of creating scalable assets over merely chasing high salaries.
Steph Moy [02:52]: "If you want to break out from just trading your time for more money, really the way to do it is to create assets that scale."
She cites examples from the venture capital sphere, observing that even highly successful individuals like Mr. Beast are diversifying their income streams beyond their primary endeavors. The key takeaway is to focus on building or investing in equity-based assets to achieve long-term wealth.
2. Cheat Code #2: Kaizen – 1% Improvement Every Day
Timestamp: [05:25]
Channeling the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, Steph advocates for marginal gains achieved through consistent, small improvements.
Steph Moy [05:25]: "Sometimes it's really hard to stay motivated until you see progress... taking just a little bit of change every single day... really just the compounded version of what you see over time has been a really powerful source."
She parallels this with the challenges of maintaining motivation in activities like fitness. By focusing on incremental progress rather than immediate results, individuals can enjoy the journey and build sustainable habits.
3. Cheat Code #3: Take Risks – 10 to 20% Out of Your Comfort Zone
Timestamp: [07:31]
Steph discusses the importance of taking manageable risks to gradually expand one's comfort zone.
Steph Moy [08:03]: "Taking smaller risks 10 to 20% outside of your comfort zone... helps me continuously expand without overwhelming myself."
Referencing a framework from a Stanford Graduate School of Business class, she explains that incremental risks, especially in emotional contexts like difficult conversations, can lead to significant personal and professional growth without causing burnout.
4. Cheat Code #4: The 90-Day Rule
Timestamp: [10:18]
The 90-Day Rule is presented as a method to build habits by committing to consistent action for a set period before evaluating progress.
Steph Moy [10:18]: "If you just commit to doing something every day for 90 days... it detaches the outcome from the journey and helps build the habit."
Courtney adds that this approach helps overcome emotional dips and procrastination by focusing on the process rather than immediate results. Steph emphasizes the importance of habit formation over chasing perfection.
5. Cheat Code #5: Interview Biases
Timestamp: [13:03]
Steph brings attention to subconscious biases in interviews that can affect both candidates and interviewers.
Steph Moy [13:27]: "People are going to interact with you and have an impression of you... understanding that allows you to control the narrative."
She outlines common biases such as recency bias, primacy bias, and the halo effect, explaining how they influence hiring decisions. Recognizing these biases enables individuals to better position themselves during interviews, such as scheduling interviews at optimal times or enhancing personal presentation to make favorable impressions.
6. Cheat Code #6: Take Selfies with Influential People
Timestamp: [23:27]
Steph highlights the strategic advantage of taking photos with admired individuals to foster personal connections.
Steph Moy [23:27]: "Taking a selfie with someone you admire... encourages them to respond later."
Referencing advice from Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, she explains that such gestures create memorable interactions, making subsequent communications more personal and effective. Courtney complements this by relating it to stepping slightly outside one's comfort zone to build meaningful relationships.
7. Rich Habits to Improve Your Life
Timestamp: [25:29]
Steph outlines three rich habits that can significantly enhance one's life:
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Hire a Coach
Steph Moy [25:29]: "Paying someone to teach you... saves time and shortens your learning curve."
She discusses the value of investing in expertise to accelerate personal and professional development, reducing the time spent on trial and error.
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Think About Bigger Money Decisions
Steph Moy [27:41]: "Instead of focusing on small monetary issues, prioritize larger financial decisions that have a greater impact."
Steph advises letting go of minor financial frustrations to allocate time and energy toward more significant financial strategies, thereby enhancing overall efficiency and success.
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Surround Yourself with the Right People
Steph Moy [33:55]: "The people you spend the most time with significantly influence your habits and mindset."
Emphasizing the importance of a supportive and ambitious social circle, she explains how surrounding oneself with high-achieving individuals normalizes success and fosters a conducive environment for personal growth.
8. Cultivating Audacity and Confidence
Timestamp: [34:25]
In response to Courtney's query about gaining audacity, Steph shares her personal journey from an immigrant family background to entrepreneurial confidence.
Steph Moy [34:57]: "Realizing we only have one life to live... being inspired by successful entrepreneurs regardless of their backgrounds."
She credits her audacity to surrounding herself with supportive and ambitious friends, recognizing the power of community in fostering self-belief and resilience. Steph underscores that audacity is a numbers game—persistently taking shots increases the likelihood of success.
Conclusion
Courtney and Steph wrap up the episode by reinforcing the significance of these cheat codes in navigating success without gatekeeping. Steph encourages listeners to implement these strategies to build sustainable habits, foster meaningful relationships, and maintain a growth-oriented mindset. She provides her contact information for those interested in learning more about PIN and following her entrepreneurial journey.
Steph Moy [37:29]: "Anytime you have a problem, figure out who can help you solve it instead of how to solve it yourself."
Key Takeaways
- Focus on Creating Scalable Assets: Prioritize equity and investments over high salaries to achieve long-term wealth.
- Embrace Incremental Improvements: Apply the Kaizen philosophy for sustainable personal and professional growth.
- Manageable Risk-Taking: Step slightly outside your comfort zone regularly to foster continuous development.
- Habit Formation: Use the 90-Day Rule to build and sustain beneficial habits.
- Understand and Leverage Biases: Recognize subconscious biases in interviews to better navigate professional interactions.
- Build Meaningful Connections: Take proactive steps to connect with influential individuals through memorable interactions.
- Adopt Rich Habits: Invest in coaching, prioritize significant financial decisions, and cultivate a supportive social circle.
- Cultivate Audacity: Surround yourself with ambitious peers and persistently pursue your goals to build confidence and resilience.
Further Information
Follow Steph Moy:
- Instagram: @StephTheFounder
- TikTok: @StartupSteph
- Twitter: @StephMoyMUI
- Website: PIN
Connect with Courtney Johnson:
- Patreon: Exclusive content and resources available for supporters.
This episode provides actionable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to dismantle traditional gatekeepers and carve their own path to success. Steph Moy's experiences and strategies offer a fresh perspective on achieving and sustaining success in today's dynamic landscape.