Podcast Summary: The Money Mondays – "Turning Setbacks Into Millions: Tim Storey & Natasha Graziano On Making, Multiplying & Giving Money"
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Host: Dan Fleyshman
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The Money Mondays, host Dan Fleyshman welcomes two inspiring guests, Tim Storey and Natasha Graziano, to discuss their journeys of turning setbacks into substantial financial success, strategic investments, and impactful charitable endeavors. Recorded inside a Hubble studio during the grand finale of Greg Kimball's three-day mastermind event, this episode delves deep into the core topics of making money, investing wisely, and giving back to the community.
Guest Spotlight: Tim Storey
Tim Storey, the youngest founder of a publicly traded company, shares his transformative journey from humble beginnings to becoming a renowned motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
Early Life and Foundations [00:05 – 03:11]
Tim discusses his upbringing in Los Angeles, highlighting the influence of his mother, who worked at Winchell's Donut Shop, and his father, a steelworker at Bethlehem Steel. As the youngest of five children, Tim emphasizes the importance of education and a supportive family environment.
Notable Quote:
"Even though we were lower income, my mother always said, 'We're not lower class.'" [01:21]
The Turning Point: Meeting Nelson Mandela [04:11 – 05:11]
A pivotal moment in Tim's career was when Nelson Mandela attended one of his talks. Speaking to an audience of 10,000 and having Mandela in attendance marked a significant shift, affirming Tim's path as a motivational speaker.
Notable Quote:
"When Nelson Mandela walked up, it was like a shift. This is for real." [04:17]
Transition to Paid Speaking [05:11 – 07:05]
Initially driven by the motive to help others, Tim began receiving invitations to speak at paid events. His signature message, "how to turn your setbacks to a comeback," resonated widely, leading to lucrative speaking engagements.
Notable Quote:
"My motives were always good—about helping people, not monetizing at first." [05:30]
Building a Team and Managing Success [10:36 – 12:53]
As opportunities surged, Tim learned the importance of assembling a reliable team and seeking mentorship from industry veterans like Lee Iacocca. This strategic approach helped him navigate the complexities of scaling his business and investments.
Notable Quote:
"Put the right team around you. That's key to managing your investments and business growth." [10:36]
Investing in Relationships and Social Media [16:16 – 19:57]
Tim underscores the significance of authentic social media presence and nurturing relationships. By staying connected and expressing gratitude daily, he built a robust network that facilitated numerous collaborations and opportunities.
Notable Quote:
"Every day, I text 10 people to tell them they're awesome. Gratitude extended." [18:38]
Philanthropy and Giving Back [23:00 – 26:50]
Philanthropy is integral to Tim's ethos. He believes in the principle of "reaping what you sow," and actively incorporates charity into his business model, enhancing both personal fulfillment and societal impact.
Notable Quote:
"What I make happen for someone else, life makes happen for me." [24:58]
Legacy and Wealth Distribution [26:17 – 28:16]
Looking ahead, Tim plans to leave a substantial legacy for his children, emphasizing the importance of teaching responsibility alongside wealth accumulation.
Notable Quote:
"I'm going to leave a lot to my children because I teach them responsibility along the way." [26:35]
Guest Spotlight: Natasha Graziano
Natasha Graziano, a dynamic motivational speaker and social media influencer, shares her rise from financial despair to building a thriving personal brand and business.
Overcoming Adversity and Building a Career [29:38 – 31:04]
Natasha recounts hitting rock bottom in 2019, burdened by significant debt and personal struggles. This low point ignited her passion to become a motivational speaker, leading her to establish a podcast, coaching business, and a successful personal brand.
Notable Quote:
"At my lowest point, something shifted in my mind that I was destined to be a motivational speaker." [29:48]
Establishing Credibility and Charging for Speaking [31:04 – 32:19]
After numerous free speaking engagements to build her reputation, Natasha began charging for her services. She emphasizes the importance of adding value and establishing credibility before monetizing her expertise.
Notable Quote:
"The first time I charged was probably the 10th time I went on stage. It was about building value first." [31:04]
Breaking Mental Barriers and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome [32:19 – 33:25]
Natasha identifies mental limitations, such as imposter syndrome, as significant obstacles to financial success. She advocates for overcoming these internal barriers to unlock one's full potential.
Notable Quote:
"Imposter syndrome tells you, 'You’re never going to do it. Give up now,' and that’s where most people quit." [32:19]
Strategic Brand Collaborations and Proactive Outreach [33:57 – 39:43]
Natasha shares her strategy for securing brand deals by proactively reaching out to companies. Using tools like ChatGPT, she crafts persuasive pitches that have been pivotal in her monetization journey.
Notable Quote:
"Being proactive in reaching out is how influencers make money, not waiting for brands to come to you." [39:06]
Investing in Personal Growth and Real Estate [41:41 – 43:45]
Transitioning from a scarcity mindset to a growth-oriented approach, Natasha invests in real estate and personal development to generate passive income and enhance her brand's value.
Notable Quote:
"I buy my assets that I rent out because I want to make money while I'm sleeping." [41:43]
"Be It Before You Become It" Philosophy [43:45 – 45:04]
Explaining her book, Natasha advocates for embodying the traits and behaviors of the person you aspire to become, rather than merely "faking it until you make it."
Notable Quote:
"Be it before you become it is about deciding who you want to be today, not waiting until you achieve it." [43:50]
Philanthropy and Purpose-Driven Giving [45:04 – 47:23]
For Natasha, charity is a fundamental component of her life and business. She ties her philanthropic efforts to her greater purpose, ensuring that her success benefits others significantly.
Notable Quote:
"Charity is one of the most important things we ever do. It’s about your why." [45:12]
Legacy and Wealth Distribution [46:45 – 47:18]
Looking forward, Natasha intends to leave a substantial portion of her wealth to her children and donate the rest to various charities, reinforcing her commitment to legacy and societal impact.
Notable Quote:
"I would leave 75% to my children, and 25% to an array of different charities." [47:08]
Conclusion
This episode of The Money Mondays offers invaluable insights into transforming personal setbacks into financial triumphs, the importance of investing in oneself and strategic relationships, and the profound impact of giving back to the community. Through the stories of Tim Storey and Natasha Graziano, listeners are inspired to reassess their own financial journeys, embrace growth mindsets, and integrate philanthropy into their lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Overcoming Adversity: Both Tim and Natasha illustrate how personal challenges can be catalysts for significant growth and success.
- Investing in Self: Continuous personal development and investing in one's brand are crucial for long-term financial prosperity.
- Authentic Relationships: Building and nurturing genuine relationships can open doors to unparalleled opportunities.
- Philanthropy: Giving back not only aids others but also enriches one's own life and legacy.
Connect with the Guests:
- Tim Storey: Visit timstory.com or follow him on social media at @timstory.
- Natasha Graziano: Find her on all major platforms under @natashagraziano and check out her podcast, Law of Attraction Secrets.
Join the Conversation
Listeners are encouraged to engage with The Money Mondays by liking, commenting, subscribing, and sharing the podcast. Embrace open discussions about money with friends, family, and colleagues to foster a financially empowered community.
Stay tuned for the next episode of The Money Mondays for more transformative insights and inspiring stories.