"Inspired to Invest" Podcast

Episodes

• How To Build A Borderless Business To Reduce Taxes, Live Globally & Have Freedom Of Mobility | "Inspired To Invest" Ep143 with Bobby CaseyMay 13, 2026 · 34 minWhat if you could legally run your business from anywhere in the world… while optimizing your taxes, protecting your assets, and creating true freedom? Welcome back to ep143 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . In this week’s episode, I sit down with Bobby Casey, an international tax strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of BusinessAnywhere.io, to break down what it really takes to build a borderless business in today’s world. From living across multiple countries to helping entrepreneurs structure their businesses globally, Bobby shares real-world insights on how founders and investors can think beyond traditional systems and unlock new levels of opportunity. We dive into everything from entrepreneurship mindset and resilience to the practical realities of running a global business. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or digital nomad (or aspiring to be one), this episode will challenge how you think about business, income, and freedom. Thanks to Insta360 Link for bringing us this month's episodes! The Insta360 Link is a simple but powerful upgrade to keep you perfectly framed for virtual meetings and professional-quality video that instantly elevates your presence. It is perfect for calls, presentations, and podcasts Because in business… perception matters. 👉 Check it out! ________________________________________ 💡 What You’ll Learn: • How to legally structure a business you can run from anywhere • The truth about international tax strategy and wealth protection • Why diversification (in business and income streams) is critical • The mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur • How to recover and rebuild after major business setbacks • What it really means to live a location-independent lifestyle ________________________________________ 🔥 Key Takeaways: Bobby’s journey, from starting businesses at 19 to navigating major setbacks like losing a multi-million dollar contract overnight, highlights one core truth: 👉 Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about learning how to move through it. His perspective on persistence, risk-taking, and designing a life outside the “status quo” is a powerful reminder that the traditional path isn’t the only path. ________________________________________ 👇 Connect with Bobby Casey: Website: https://businessanywhere.io ________________________________________ 🎙️ About Inspired To Invest: Hosted by Serena, Inspired To Invest brings you conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who are building wealth, creating impact, and thinking differently. ________________________________________ 🚀 Enjoyed thiPlayPlay How To Build A Borderless Business To Reduce Taxes, Live Globally & Have Freedom Of Mobility | "Inspired To Invest" Ep143 with Bobby Casey
• The Rise Of AI Agents: How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Automating Their Businesses | "Inspired To Invest" Ep142 with Galya WestlerApr 29, 2026 · 31 minWhat if your next hire wasn’t human… but felt completely real? Welcome back to ep142 of Inspired To Invest with Galya Westler. To watch rather than listen, click here. She is the Founder & CEO of Human Beam Technologies and unpacks one of the most fascinating shifts happening right now in AI, business, and customer experience. We go deep into the world of AI avatars, digital twins, and 3D “human beaming” technology —and how it’s already transforming industries like healthcare, retail, hospitality, and enterprise. This isn’t theoretical. This is happening now. From holographic doctors in remote clinics to AI-powered concierge experiences that can sell, support, and interact like real people… this conversation will completely change how you think about the future of business. And if you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or operator… there’s a massive opportunity here if you understand where things are going. 🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How “human beaming” technology actually works in real life The rise of AI avatars and digital twins (and why they’re more powerful than chatbots) Real use cases in healthcare, retail, conferences, and enterprise The truth about AI replacing jobs vs. amplifying human potential The biggest challenges in scaling cutting-edge technology Why speed, adaptability, and constant pivoting are the real competitive advantage Where AI is heading in the next 2–5 years (and what to do about it) 💡 My Take What stood out most in this conversation is how fast this is moving. We’re not talking about some distant future. We’re talking about tools that are already reshaping how businesses interact, sell, and scale. The real question isn’t if this will impact your business… It’s whether you’ll be early enough to leverage it. 🔔 Don’t Miss What’s Next If you’re serious about building wealth, scaling your business, or staying ahead of where the world is going… 👉 Make sure to ring the bell and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes. 🎧 Listen / Watch More Episodes of Inspired To Invest New episodes drop regularly featuring top entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders sharing real strategies to build wealth and financial freedom. Connect with Serena Holmes Host of the Inspired To Invest Podcast , Serena Holmes interviews successful investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to uncover the strategies behind building wealth and financial freedom. Inspired To Invest proPlayPlay The Rise Of AI Agents: How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Automating Their Businesses | "Inspired To Invest" Ep142 with Galya Westler
• How To Architect Your Future! Buildings, Blueprints & The Back Nine | "Inspired To Invest" Ep141 with Mark ShulerApr 22, 2026 · 36 minWhat does it really take to build a $600M real estate portfolio managing more than 4,000 multifamily units ? Welcome back to ep141 of Inspired To Invest with Mark Shuler. To watch rather than listen, click here . Mark Shuler is the founder of SGRE Investments and is here to discuss his journey from licensed architect to large-scale multifamily operator. Mark shares how decades of experience in architecture, design, construction, and operations gave him a unique edge when building and scaling a vertically integrated real estate company. But the road wasn’t easy. From arson fires and tenant lawsuits to operational growing pains , Mark reveals the realities of building a large portfolio and the lessons investors must understand before entering commercial real estate. You’ll also hear Mark’s insights on: • Why most investors underestimate the importance of operations • The biggest mistakes new real estate operators make • How market cycles and interest rates are reshaping deal structures • Why investor due diligence should focus on the sponsor, not just the deal • How to scale responsibly in a higher-interest-rate environment Mark also explains why investors must learn to walk away from deals that don’t work , even when emotions try to override the math. Whether you’re an active real estate investor, passive LP investor, or entrepreneur building a portfolio , this conversation is packed with practical insights about navigating risk, scaling teams, and thinking long-term in real estate. If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to Inspired To Invest for more conversations with leading investors, entrepreneurs, and wealth builders. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss an episode! Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes. Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. https://manage.tenantpay.com/sign-up?utm_source=serena_holmes&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=tenantpay_rent_promo About Mark Shuler Mark Shuler is the founder of SGRE Investments , a vertically integrated multifamily operator managing $600M+ in assets across more than 4,000 apartment units in markets including Houston and Seattle. Originally trained as an architect, Mark brings nearly four decades of design, construction, and development experience into his real estate investments—combinPlayPlay How To Architect Your Future! Buildings, Blueprints & The Back Nine | "Inspired To Invest" Ep141 with Mark Shuler
• Create, Connect, Convert! The LinkedIn Strategy That Builds Real Relationships, Brands & Businesses | "Inspired To Invest" Ep140 with Leslie HughesApr 15, 2026 · 31 minIf you're using LinkedIn but struggling to turn visibility into real business , this episode will change the way you think about personal branding online. Welcome back to ep140 of Inspired To Invest. This week, Leslie Hughes is with us. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . Leslie is the principal of Punch Media, LinkedIn Top Voice 2025, author of Create, Connect, Convert , and digital marketing instructor at Ontario Tech University. Leslie has spent more than a decade helping professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations elevate their visibility and credibility through strategic LinkedIn branding and storytelling . In this conversation, she shares how entrepreneurs can stand out online, build meaningful connections, and convert attention into opportunity. From the early days of the internet (before Google even existed) to today’s rapidly evolving AI-powered marketing landscape, Leslie reveals the lessons she’s learned building her business and coaching thousands of professionals on how to show up confidently online. We dive into: • How to craft a LinkedIn profile that makes a powerful first impression • Why vanity metrics like followers don’t actually drive business • The Create, Connect, Convert framework for LinkedIn success • How AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT are changing marketing • Why micro-communities will dominate the future of social media • The biggest challenges entrepreneurs face when building a personal brand • Lessons learned from adversity, entrepreneurship, and resilience Leslie also shares a powerful mindset shift rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi —the idea that beauty exists in imperfection—and why embracing that concept can help you show up authentically in your business and online presence. Whether you’re a real estate investor, entrepreneur, content creator, or executive trying to grow your influence, this episode will give you practical strategies to build credibility, expand your network, and turn your personal brand into real opportunity. Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes. Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. Sign up! ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for insights on business, branding, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 If you enjoy conversations abPlayPlay Create, Connect, Convert! The LinkedIn Strategy That Builds Real Relationships, Brands & Businesses | "Inspired To Invest" Ep140 with Leslie Hughes
• Rebuilding After Losing Everything In The Crash Of 2008. Creative Real Estate & "3 Pay Days" Strategies | "Inspired To Invest" Ep139 with Chris PrefontaineApr 8, 2026 · 28 minWhat happens when the market crashes… and everything you’ve built disappears overnight? Welcome back to ep139 of Inspired To Invest. This week, Chris Prefontaine is here. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . Chris is the Chairman and Founder of Smart Real Estate Coach, to talk about one of the most powerful comeback stories in real estate. Chris has spent over 30 years in real estate , completed hundreds of deals across North America , and helped thousands of investors build wealth through creative real estate strategies. But his journey wasn’t always smooth. During the 2008 financial crash , Chris lost everything. Instead of filing bankruptcy, he rebuilt from the ground up. That experience ultimately led him to develop a powerful framework for investors called the “3 Paydays” model , a strategy designed to generate income upfront, monthly cash flow, and long-term wealth from real estate deals. Today, Chris runs one of the most respected real estate coaching communities in North America and hosts the Smart Real Estate Coach Podcast , ranked in the top 0.5% globally . In this conversation, we dive into: • The lessons Chris learned from losing everything in the 2008 crash • Why signing personal guarantees can destroy real estate investors • The power of creative real estate investing without banks or large down payments • How the 3 Paydays strategy works in real estate deals • The importance of mentorship, community, and accountability for investors • Why scaling a business requires letting go of control and building the right team • The mindset shift that helps entrepreneurs recover from setbacks faster Chris also explains how investors can acquire properties using strategies such as owner financing, subject-to deals, and lease purchase agreements —approaches that can allow investors to control real estate with minimal capital. If you’re interested in real estate investing, creative financing, building long-term wealth, or learning from one of the industry's most experienced investors , this episode is packed with insights. Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes. Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. Sign up now . ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for insights on business, branding, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "wPlayPlay Rebuilding After Losing Everything In The Crash Of 2008. Creative Real Estate & "3 Pay Days" Strategies | "Inspired To Invest" Ep139 with Chris Prefontaine
• From Teacher To Fund Manager: How To Expand Your Wealth With Multifamily Real Estate | "Inspired To Invest" Ep138 with Insiyah PanjuApr 1, 2026 · 26 minHow do you go from teaching in a classroom to building a national real estate portfolio and launching a real estate investment trust? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Insiyah Panju is here for ep138. To watch rather than listen, click here . Insiyah Panju is a Canadian real estate investor and co-founder of Pragma Inc. and Expand Wealth Real Estate Trust , to unpack the journey of scaling a multifamily portfolio across Canada while creating opportunities for investors. Insiyah’s story is a powerful reminder that wealth building isn’t reserved for financial insiders. After starting her career as an educator, she discovered the world of real estate investing and made the leap into entrepreneurship. Today, she focuses on acquiring and revitalizing multifamily housing while building investment vehicles that allow others to participate in real estate ownership. Throughout this conversation, we explore: • The mindset shift that took her from teacher to entrepreneur • How the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated real estate opportunities • Why multifamily properties can offer more predictable investment outcomes • What investors should know before expanding into new markets like Alberta and New Brunswick • The critical importance of property management and building the right team • The realities of scaling a real estate portfolio and hiring the right professionals • Lessons learned from difficult deals and legal battles in real estate • Why due diligence is the most important skill for investors • The power of time freedom and lifestyle flexibility through real estate • How a life-changing health challenge reshaped her perspective on wealth and time If you’re interested in Canadian real estate investing, multifamily acquisitions, real estate funds, passive investing, or building generational wealth , this episode offers both practical insights and a deeply human perspective on entrepreneurship. Insiyah also shares advice for investors about avoiding the “shiny object syndrome,” staying focused on long-term strategy, and vetting partners carefully before investing in deals. Whether you’re a new investor exploring your first property or an experienced entrepreneur looking to scale through partnerships or funds, this conversation highlights the realities of building wealth through real estate in Canada. Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes. Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. Sign up today . About Inspired To InvesPlayPlay From Teacher To Fund Manager: How To Expand Your Wealth With Multifamily Real Estate | "Inspired To Invest" Ep138 with Insiyah Panju
• Play A Bigger Game! How To Unlock The Mindset Necessary For Freedom, Fulfillment & Success | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep137 with Markus KauliusMar 25, 2026 · 32 minWhat does it really take to win at life and business, especially when your starting point is adversity, fear, and uncertainty? Welcome back to ep137 of Inspired To Invest. This week Markus Kaulius is here. To watch rather than listen, click here . In this powerful episode of Inspired To Invest , entrepreneur, investor, and Play A Bigger Game author Markus Kaulius shares the raw truth behind building multiple 8- and 9-figure companies, overcoming personal struggles, and mastering the inner game that determines outer success. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level motivation. Markus breaks down the real principles that shape elite performers — from mindset conditioning and decision-making under pressure to strategic investing, leadership during crisis, and the discipline required to scale wealth sustainably. You’ll hear how a difficult childhood shaped his drive, why he believes most people invest incorrectly, and the exact mental shift that saved his company after a 70% revenue drop during COVID. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, founder, or someone determined to level up your life, this episode will challenge how you think about success, risk, discipline, and personal responsibility. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: The mindset shift that separates high achievers from everyone else Why priming your state determines your results The biggest mistake investors make when choosing opportunities What real leadership looks like in a crisis How disciplined diversification reduces stress and increases long-term wealth The personal philosophy Markus credits for his success and fulfillment Markus also opens up about family, faith, purpose, and why true success has nothing to do with money if your life at home isn’t strong. Whether you’re building a business, scaling investments, or simply striving to become your best self, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with elite entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders 🔔 Ring the bell so you don’t miss upcoming interviews packed with real strategies and real stories To find out more, go to @markuskaulius on social or online. Thank you to Kera for bringing us this month’s episodes. Kera is a software platform dedicated to simplifying property management for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly app that helps you streamline the management of your properties efficiently and effectively. To find out more, go to https://getkera.com . “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond SuccessPlayPlay Play A Bigger Game! How To Unlock The Mindset Necessary For Freedom, Fulfillment & Success | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep137 with Markus Kaulius
• Angel Investing Explained: How Compassionate Capital Builds Businesses, Wealth & Impact | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep136 with Karen RandsMar 18, 2026 · 36 minWhat does it really mean to be an angel investor and is it only for the ultra-wealthy? Welcome back to ep136 of Inspired To Invest. This week, Karen Rands is with us. To watch rather than listen, click here . Karen is the founder of the Compassionate Capitalist Movement , author of Inside Secrets to Angel Investing and Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing , and one of North America’s leading voices on ethical, impact-driven private investing. Karen shares her journey from a corporate career at IBM to becoming a managing director of a top angel investor group in Atlanta, and why angel investing has quietly been one of the most powerful wealth-building tools used by millionaires for generations. This conversation goes far beyond theory. Karen breaks down: What angel investing actually is (in plain English) How everyday investors can participate responsibly Why due diligence matters more than hype The biggest mistakes new angel investors make How emotional investing destroys returns What entrepreneurs must understand before raising capital Why women and underrepresented founders receive a fraction of available capital How crowdfunding is changing the future of private investing If you are a real estate investor , business owner , capital raiser , or someone exploring alternative investments outside the stock market, this episode will challenge how you think about money, risk, and impact. Karen also explains how angel investing differs from venture capital, how investor groups evaluate deals, what a “good” deal structure looks like, and why transparency, capital strategy, and exit planning are non-negotiable. This is a masterclass in private capital, investor mindset, and purpose-driven wealth creation . 👇 If you find value in this conversation: ✔️ Like the video ✔️ Subscribe to Inspired To Invest ✔️ Ring the bell so you never miss future episodes with top investors, operators, and thought leaders And to connect, go to @compassionatecapitalist on social Thank you to Kera for bringing us this month’s episodes. Kera is a software platform dedicated to simplifying property management for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly app that helps you streamline the management of your properties efficiently and effectively. To find out more, go to https://getkera.com. “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for insights on business, branding, real estate, investing, wealPlayPlay Angel Investing Explained: How Compassionate Capital Builds Businesses, Wealth & Impact | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep136 with Karen Rands
• From The Marine Corps To The Real Estate Market! The Investor Mindset Shaped By The Military | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep135 with Tim StreetMar 11, 2026 · 31 minWhat if selling your home didn’t mean automatically giving away tens of thousands of dollars in commissions? Welcome back to ep135 of Inspired To Invest. This week, I’m sitting down with Tim Street. To watch rather than listen, click here . He is a Marine Corps veteran, real estate educator, and founder of Foolproof FSBO , to unpack how homeowners and investors can protect equity, maximize exit value, and approach selling real estate with an investor’s mindset . Tim shares his powerful journey from growing up in Detroit, to serving in the Marine Corps, to becoming a top-producing real estate agent — and ultimately walking away from traditional listings to focus on education, ethics, and empowerment for sellers . This conversation dives deep into: Why discipline and resilience from the Marine Corps translate so well into entrepreneurship How Tim became an unwilling landlord and built a profitable short-term rental portfolio The real pros and cons of Airbnb vs long-term rentals Why many capable homeowners underestimate their ability to sell successfully How scarcity, urgency, and buyer psychology impact sale prices The ethical challenges inside the real estate industry — and why Tim chose to “give the playbook away” instead How FSBO sellers can avoid costly mistakes while still capturing more equity What it truly means to bet on yourself in business and life If you are: A homeowner considering selling A real estate investor thinking about exit strategy Curious about FSBO vs using an agent Building wealth through property Or navigating a career pivot This episode will challenge how you think about selling real estate and protecting your capital. 👉 If you found value here, make sure to subscribe to the channel and ring the bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest. New conversations every week with investors, operators, and industry leaders who are building real wealth — intentionally. 👍 Like the video 📩 Share it with someone thinking about selling 🔔 Subscribe & turn on notifications To connect with Tim, go to @foolsprooffsbo on social or https://foolprooffsbo.com online. Thank you to Kera for bringing us this month’s episodes. Kera is a software platform dedicated to simplifying property management for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly app that helps you streamline the management of your properties efficiently and effectively. To find out more, go to https://getkera.com . “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-fPlayPlay From The Marine Corps To The Real Estate Market! The Investor Mindset Shaped By The Military | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep135 with Tim Street
• The Silver Tsunami Is Here! Why Senior Housing Is Such A Smart Play In Real Estate Right Now | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep134 with Debora RandallMar 4, 2026 · 30 minThe real estate world loves shiny objects. But the smartest investors are paying attention to something far less flashy and far more inevitable. Welcome back to ep134 of Inspired To Invest. If you'd rather watch than listen, click here . This week, we are sitting down with Debora Randall , an agricultural economist turned real estate investor, to unpack why senior housing may be one of the most compelling, under-discussed investment opportunities of the next decade. Debora has invested in 260+ residential units across Canada and the U.S. and has now pivoted her focus toward value-add senior housing communities in the U.S. Southeast. Her approach blends disciplined underwriting, demographic tailwinds, and genuine purpose , creating what she calls “profit with purpose.” Together, we explore: • Why the “Silver Tsunami” is no longer a future problem, but a right-now reality • How aging baby boomers are reshaping housing demand at scale • Why traditional multifamily stopped penciling for Debora • The massive gap in middle-income senior housing • How older properties are being repurposed into thriving senior communities • The role of operators, care, culture, and alignment in senior housing • Why conservative underwriting matters more than ever • Lessons learned from watching operators over-leverage and grow too fast • How senior housing differs from standard rental real estate • What investors need to understand before entering this asset class Debora also shares deeply personal insights about watching her own parents age and how that experience shaped her conviction that housing is not just an asset class, it’s a responsibility . This episode is a must-watch for: ✔ Real estate investors looking beyond multifamily ✔ Passive investors seeking long-term demographic tailwinds ✔ Capital raisers focused on resilience and sustainability ✔ Anyone curious about senior housing as an alternative investment If you care about building wealth without disconnecting from impact , this conversation will challenge how you think about real estate. To connect with Debora, go to @deborabeyondbounds on social or https://beyondboundsproperties.com Thank you to Kera for bringing us this month’s episodes. Kera is a software platform dedicated to simplifying property management for landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. Their goal is to provide a comprehensive, user-friendly app that helps you streamline the management of your properties efficiently and effectively. To find out more, go to httpsPlayPlay The Silver Tsunami Is Here! Why Senior Housing Is Such A Smart Play In Real Estate Right Now | "Inspired To Invest" Podcast Ep134 with Debora Randall
• How To Succeed When The Odds Are Stacked Against You! Inspired To Invest Ep133 With Justin LundFeb 25, 2026 · 33 minWhat does it really take to build a business that doesn’t depend on you every single day? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Justin Lund, founder of Propel Enterprises joins us from St. George Utah for ep133. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . Justin’s story is not a highlight reel. It’s a real, raw conversation about entrepreneurship, addiction, rebuilding after rock bottom, and what it actually takes to scale a business past the point where most founders get stuck. After struggling with opioid addiction, jail time, and losing nearly everything, Justin rebuilt his life and went on to help grow multiple companies to multi-million and eight-figure success. Along the way, he learned some of the hardest lessons founders face the hard way: choosing the wrong partners, taking your eye off the numbers, and trying to scale without systems. In this episode, we dive into: • Why many entrepreneurs unknowingly sabotage their own growth • The identity shift required to move from “doing everything” to true leadership • How ignoring finances nearly destroyed an 8-figure business • The difference between growing revenue and buying back your time • Why systems, support, and worst-day planning matter more than motivation • How Justin turned painful lessons into a playbook that now helps thousands of business owners This conversation is especially relevant if you’re: • An entrepreneur feeling maxed out and overextended • A founder who can’t step away from day-to-day operations • A business owner afraid to scale because of complexity or risk • Someone rebuilding after a major setback and questioning what’s next Justin also shares practical insights on hiring, delegation, financial oversight, and how to stop being the bottleneck in your own company. 👉 If you’re serious about building a business that creates freedom instead of burnout, this episode will hit home. 🔔 Don’t forget to ring the bell and subscribe so you never miss future episodes of Inspired To Invest featuring entrepreneurs, investors, and operators who’ve been through the fire and come out stronger. And remember: when you invest in yourself, everything changes. To connect with Justin, go to propelyour.com online and @itsjustinlund on social. Thank you to NOIC Academy for bringing us this month’s episodes! NOIC Academy is located in Markham, Ontario, Canada, is a full-time, high-end private boarding high school. Established in 2004, NOIC currently operates one campus and one dormitory, serving thousands of on-site and online students. The school has over 200 faculty and staff members, including more than 100 educational leaders and certified licensed teachers. To find out more, go to: visit.noic.ca/markham “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profiPlayPlay How To Succeed When The Odds Are Stacked Against You! Inspired To Invest Ep133 With Justin Lund
• The Path To Passive Income! How This Working Mom Built A $35M Portfolio Of Multifamily Real Estate. Inspired To Invest ep132 with Chutima BarriosFeb 18, 2026 · 30 minThe path to passive income starts HERE! Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Chutima Barrios is with us from Rent Roll Capital. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . We unpack how she transitioned from a demanding W-2 career into multifamily real estate, ultimately growing $35 million in assets under management — all while raising two young children. Chutima’s story didn’t start with massive deals or syndications. It started with a health scare, rising family expenses, and the realization that appreciation alone wouldn’t pay the bills. That wake-up call pushed her to move beyond the stock market and into cash-flowing real estate. What does it really take to build financial freedom without sacrificing your family or your sanity? In this conversation, we dig into: • Why cash flow, not just appreciation, changes everything • How Chutima scaled from a Philadelphia quadplex to institutional-style multifamily investing • What busy professionals misunderstand about passive real estate investing • Why protecting investor capital matters more than chasing deal volume • How to think about risk, underwriting, and downside protection • The mindset shifts required to leave the comfort of a steady paycheck • What realistic returns actually look like in today’s multifamily market • How real estate created time freedom, flexibility, and peace of mind for her family This episode is especially powerful for: ✔️ Professionals stuck trading time for money ✔️ Parents thinking about legacy, not just income ✔️ Investors curious about passive multifamily syndications ✔️ Anyone struggling with analysis paralysis and fear around investing Chutima also shares the questions every passive investor should ask before wiring a dollar, the mistakes she sees new investors make, and why starting earlier — even small — matters more than waiting for “perfect” conditions. 👇 If this episode resonates with you: • Subscribe to Inspired To Invest • Ring the 🔔 so you never miss an episode • Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway — we read them all And remember: when you invest in yourself, EVERYTHING changes. Thank you to NOIC Academy for bringing us this month’s episodes! NOIC Academy is located in Markham, Ontario, Canada, is a full-time, high-end private boarding high school. Established in 2004, NOIC currently operates one campus and one dormitory, serving thousands of on-site and online students. The school has over 200 faculty and staff members, including more than 100 educational leaders and certified licensed teachers. To find out more, go to: visit.noic.ca/markham “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. FindPlayPlay The Path To Passive Income! How This Working Mom Built A $35M Portfolio Of Multifamily Real Estate. Inspired To Invest ep132 with Chutima Barrios
• How To Build Generational Wealth With Real Estate Development & Strategic Tax Advantages Inspired To Invest Podcast Ep131 with Shannon robnettFeb 11, 2026 · 32 minIs creating generational wealth for your family one of your financial goals? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Shannon Robnett is with us for ep131. To watch rather than listen, click here . Shannon is the founder of Shannon Robnett Industries . He is a seasoned real estate developer and syndicator with over 30 years of experience in construction, multifamily development, alternative assets, and tax-advantaged investing. Shannon has helped investors deploy more than $70M+ into real estate , combining disciplined development strategies with intentional tax planning to create income, preserve capital, and build generational legacy. You could be wondering… What does it REALLY take to build long-term wealth through real estate development and how do sophisticated investors use the tax code to their advantage? In this conversation, we go deep into: • How Shannon transitioned from hands-on construction to large-scale real estate development • Why experience and contingency planning matter more than aggressive projections • What most new syndicators misunderstand about investor trust and responsibility • How tax strategies like bonus depreciation, Opportunity Zones, Section 179, QBI, and IRA/Roth planning can dramatically change after-tax returns • Why investors need a tax advisor , not just an accountant • How development creates unique opportunities for long-term tax efficiency • The mindset shift from chasing growth to building impact, stability, and legacy • Why transparency and communication are non-negotiable in investor relationships We also explore one of Shannon’s most unique projects to date—an aquarium redevelopment inside an Opportunity Zone—and how creative problem-solving, values, and long-term thinking can turn obstacles into opportunity. This episode is for: ✔️ Passive investors ✔️ Active real estate investors ✔️ Business owners and high-income earners ✔️ Anyone thinking about wealth beyond just returns If you care about freedom, family, tax efficiency, and legacy , this conversation will expand how you think about real estate investing. Learn more about the tax advantages the wealthy are using to grow their networth! Click here . 👇 If you found value here: • Subscribe to the channel • Ring the 🔔 so you don’t miss future episodes • Share this with someone serious about building wealth the right way And to connect with Shannon, go to shannonrobnett.com online, on Instagram and linkedin. Thank you to NOIC Academy for bringing us this month’s episodes! NOIC Academy is located in Markham,PlayPlay How To Build Generational Wealth With Real Estate Development & Strategic Tax Advantages Inspired To Invest Podcast Ep131 with Shannon robnett
• From Market Crash To Cash Flow! How To Capitalize On Real Estate With Creative Investment Strategies Inspired To Invest Ep130 Jo Anna WrightFeb 4, 2026 · 27 minFrom market crash to cash flow! What does it REALLY take to live off real estate not just own a few rentals, but build true financial freedom, time freedom, and legacy wealth? Welcome back to ep130 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . This week, I sit down with Jo Anna Wright, the founder of Bottom Line Wealth. We unpack her 25-year journey in real estate, from losing everything during the 2008 financial crisis to rebuilding a portfolio that now spans multiple states, asset classes, and even international boutique hotels. Jo Anna has personally managed over $13 million in assets, trained thousands of students nationwide, and is on a mission to help women, especially those over 40, ditch the banks, invest with confidence, and retire on their own terms. In this conversation, Jo Anna pulls back the curtain on: • How the 2008 banking collapse really unfolded from inside the mortgage industry • Why she pivoted from traditional lending into creative real estate strategies • How subject-to deals and seller financing actually work (and why they’re legal) • The mindset shift required to move from single-family homes into multifamily investing • Why cash flow on day one is non-negotiable in her deals • What most investors get wrong about communication, transparency, and stewardship of capital • How real estate created job-optional living, time freedom, and location independence • Why women invest differently — and why that’s a competitive advantage • The lessons she’s learned coaching investors from their first flip to multifamily portfolios This episode is especially powerful if: ✔️ You’re rebuilding after a financial setback ✔️ You want income that doesn’t depend on a paycheck ✔️ You’re curious about creative finance beyond traditional mortgages ✔️ You’re a woman looking for community, mentorship, and real-world investing strategies ✔️ You believe wealth should support your life — not consume it 💡 Jo Anna’s philosophy is simple: make it happen. Pivot when needed. Be impeccable with your word. Build wealth that lasts. ________________________________________ 🔔 Don’t Miss Future Episodes If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Inspired To Invest and ring the bell so you never miss an episode featuring real investors, real strategies, and real conversations about money, freedom, and legacy. 👍 Like this episode 💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway 📩 Share it with someone who needs to hear this message ________________________________________ 🌐 Connect with Jo Anna Wright • Website: BottomLineWealth.net • Text Jo Anna directly: 209-346-1014 (tell her you came from Inspired To Invest) ________________________________________ Thank you to NOIC Academy for bringingPlayPlay From Market Crash To Cash Flow! How To Capitalize On Real Estate With Creative Investment Strategies Inspired To Invest Ep130 Jo Anna Wright
• AI Is NOT Optional! How Automation, Agentic AI & Digital Disruption Is Reshaping The World Of BusinessJan 28, 2026 · 32 minArtificial intelligence isn’t evolving business… It’s rewriting the rules entirely . Welcome back to Inspired To Invest, this week Peter Swain is here for episode 129. If you'd rather watch than listen, CLICK HERE . He is a global AI and digital disruption strategist from Wiltshire, England. With over 30 years at the front lines of every major technology shift. From the birth of the web to today’s rise of agentic AI, Peter shares what most entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders are still getting dangerously wrong. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level AI tools. Peter breaks down: Why AI is not an evolution, but a paradigm shift How automation is quietly reclaiming 20+ hours per month inside businesses The real risks of AI such as identity theft, voice cloning, digital ransom and how to protect your family Why avoiding AI actually makes things worse , not safer How AI-driven sales systems are changing lead conversion forever The uncomfortable truth about intellectual property, regulation, and global enforcement What the next 2–3 years may hold for employment, productivity, and economic pressure (speculative, but grounded) If you’re an entrepreneur, real estate investor, executive, or business owner trying to future-proof your company, this episode is a must-watch . To connect with Peter, go to peterswain.com online or @peterswain247 on social. 👉 If this conversation made you think differently about AI, make sure to subscribe to Inspired To Invest and ring the bell 🔔 so you never miss an episode. New conversations drop regularly with investors, founders, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of business. 🎙️ Inspired To Invest is where real conversations meet real strategy — because when you invest in yourself, the sky’s the limit. ⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Peter Swain 01:35 – From coding at age 6 to building the early web 03:15 – Why AI is a paradigm shift, not an evolution 05:25 – The real dangers of ignoring AI 07:15 – AI, identity theft & digital ransom explained 09:10 – How to protect your family with a simple code-word strategy 11:40 – AI, intellectual property & copyright realities 15:05 – Why global AI regulation is failing 17:20 – Automating 19 hours of work into seconds 19:55 – AI in sales: lead enrichment & real-time coaching 22:10 – The craziest entrepreneurial story (the copper dust deal) 24:30 – Proud or rich? The mindset shift every founder needs 27:15 – AI, unemployment & what the next 2–3 years may bring (speculative) 29:40 – Low-hanging AI wins for small business owners 31:PlayPlay AI Is NOT Optional! How Automation, Agentic AI & Digital Disruption Is Reshaping The World Of Business
• From Corrections To Capital Raising! How Belen Is Building Her Real Estate Portfolio With Private MoneyJan 21, 2026 · 36 minWhat does it really take to go from working as a corrections officer to becoming a full-time real estate investor, operator, and developer ? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Belen Hipskind is joining us for episode 128. To watch rather than listen, click here. Belen is a hands-on real estate investor based in Ponca City, Oklahoma, who has rehabbed, rented, and sold 50+ units in just six years — while raising a family and building a legacy-driven business. Belen shares her raw, real-world journey : Leaving a demanding, male-dominated career Starting as a DIY rehabber Learning painful lessons with out-of-state investing Discovering private money through Instagram Building her own construction team Scaling into mixed-use commercial redevelopment This conversation goes far beyond theory. It’s about: ✔️ cash flow ✔️ systems ✔️ mistakes you don’t want to repeat ✔️ working with contractors ✔️ navigating city permits ✔️ being a woman in the trades ✔️ and creating freedom without sacrificing family 🏗️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Belen transitioned from DIY renovations to larger commercial and mixed-use projects Why private money became the key to her ability to scale The real cost of skipping inspections (and how to avoid six-figure mistakes) Why building your own construction team can be a massive advantage How Instagram unexpectedly became a capital-raising tool The realities of working with municipalities, permits, and inspectors Why real estate isn’t passive — but can still create freedom What it takes to build a business that supports your life (not the other way around) This episode is especially powerful for: 🎯 women investors 🎯 parents building legacy wealth 🎯 operators ready to scale 🎯 anyone stuck between “doing it all themselves” and building real systems To connect with Belen, go to @belen_the_builder on Instagram or trivestdevelopment.com online. Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes! Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. With user-friendly features and intuitive navigation, the portal empowers landlords like you to efficiently oversee your properties, tenants, and finances. <a href="https://manage.tenantpay.com/sign-up?utm_source=serePlayPlay From Corrections To Capital Raising! How Belen Is Building Her Real Estate Portfolio With Private Money
• How To Protect Your Business In A Digital World! The Rise Of AI & Why Cybersecurity Matters More Now Than EverJan 14, 2026 · 29 minCybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem. It’s a leadership, business risk, and personal responsibility issue , especially in the age of AI. Welcome back to ep127 of Inspired To Invest with Dominic Vogel. If you'd rather watch than listen, CLICK HERE . Dominic is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert and President of Vogel Cyber Leadership and Coaching , to unpack how cyber threats have evolved and what business owners, executives, and families must do to protect themselves. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity , Dominic shares real-world stories of ransomware attacks, phishing scams, boardroom wake-up calls, and why even small businesses and solopreneurs are now prime targets. As AI accelerates the speed, scale, and sophistication of cybercrime, the old mindset of “IT will handle it” no longer works. In this conversation, you’ll learn: Why AI has dramatically increased cyber risk for businesses of all sizes How ransomware and phishing attacks actually start—and why smart people still fall for them The biggest mistake leaders make by treating cybersecurity as a technical issue instead of a business risk Why cyber insurance alone is not enough How to identify what truly needs protection in your business (hint: it’s not everything) The role leadership, culture, and human behavior play in preventing breaches Practical steps every organization should take today—including multi-factor authentication How to think about cybersecurity for your personal identity and family , not just your company Dominic also shares unforgettable stories - from helping a pool party company recover from ransomware, to showing a board of directors how cyber negligence could cost them their mega yachts . (Yes, really.) If you’re a founder, investor, executive, or entrepreneur navigating growth, disruption, or digital transformation—this episode will change how you think about cybersecurity forever. To connect with Dominic, find him on LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/domvogel Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes! Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. With user-friendly features and intuitive navigation, the portal empowers landlords like you to efficiently oversee your properties, tenants, and finances. Sign up now ! 👇 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss future episodes of InspiPlayPlay How To Protect Your Business In A Digital World! The Rise Of AI & Why Cybersecurity Matters More Now Than Ever
• The Secret To Reinventing YourselfJan 7, 2026 · 30 minHow do you reinvent yourself in the midst of a successful career? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Terry Kirk is here for ep126. To watch rather than listen, click here . Terry is a former courtroom lawyer turned tech innovator and award-winning novelist. In this episode, we explore how reinvention, resilience, and creativity can shape a fulfilling second act. Terry’s debut novel, Pitfall (Bay Press 2025), was named a Top Book to Read by CBC Books. With her next release, Plunder, on the horizon, she shares how storytelling became the next chapter in a life once defined by law, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In this powerful conversation, you’ll discover: ✅ How Terry knew it was time to pivot from law to entrepreneurship. ✅ The lessons she learned building three technology ventures (including Funding Portal). ✅ Why she believes AI can be both a tool and a threat to creative work. ✅ How persistence, partnership, and purpose fuel every successful pivot. ✅ What it takes to write a novel that turns complex financial systems into deeply human stories. If you’ve ever wondered how to reinvent yourself, start a new venture later in life, or merge logic with creativity — this episode is a must-watch. 💡 Learn more about Terry’s work: https://terrykirkbooks.com 🔔 Don’t forget: Subscribe, ring the bell for weekly interviews, and join us as we explore the intersection of money, mindset, and meaning through real stories of reinvention and investment. Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes! Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience. With user-friendly features and intuitive navigation, the portal empowers landlords like you to efficiently oversee your properties, tenants, and finances. Sign up HERE . Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate InvestPlayPlay The Secret To Reinventing Yourself
• From Rock Bottom To 500+ Real Estate Deals A YearDec 24, 2025 · 44 minIf you’ve ever wondered how far grit, creativity, and pure resilience can take you in real estate… this episode will stick with you. Welcome back to episode 125 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . In today’s conversation, I sit down with Shawn Getty , one of the most explosive success stories in Canadian real estate. In just six years , Shawn went from broke, injured, newly divorced, and living on a mattress in a rented room … to becoming one of the highest-selling solo agents in the country with 186 deals in a single year — and now leading one of Canada’s largest real estate teams , closing around 500 transactions annually with eXp Realty . And the best part? Nothing about his journey was “easy.” It was built on hustle, door knocking, social media strategy long before it was cool, and a level of belief in himself that outworked every disadvantage stacked against him. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode This isn’t a highlight reel — it’s the truth about what it actually takes to build a real estate business from nothing. We cover: 🚀 How Shawn Got Started While Completely Broke Shawn shares the raw story of being six months behind on bills, selling his furniture for food, hiding his car from repossession, and trying to break into real estate during one of Calgary’s toughest markets. 💡 The Exact Prospecting Strategies He Used to Get His First Deals Including how he generated business from: Door knocking (up to 300 doors per day ) Calling through his sphere with zero “salesy” tactics Hyper-local social media commenting Free Facebook Marketplace listing blitzes that produced 20+ deals a year These are practical, repeatable, zero-budget strategies new realtors can use right now . 📱 How He Built Local Celebrity Status Through Social Media Shawn breaks down his “Blitz Strategy,” how he reverse-engineered Instagram to get hyper-local exposure, and how he turned simple DMs and comments into thousands of followers and a consistent pipeline. 💪 The Mindset Shift That Finally Changed Everything Shawn talks about the real reason most agents fail: They set income goals instead of skill-building goals. He explains the power of focusing on reps, not results — and why the first year should be dedicated to mastering skills, schedule, and strategy . 🤯 The Wildest Story From His Career (A Foreclosure You Won’t Believe) From a nine-hour drive in a blizzard… to a homeowner chasing him outside barefoot… to selling a listing withPlayPlay From Rock Bottom To 500+ Real Estate Deals A Year
• How To Build Financial Freedom For Your FamilyDec 17, 2025 · 27 minIf you’ve been trying to figure out how to build financial freedom for your family, then this episode is for you. Welcome back to Inspired To Invest! This week, Reine Becker is here for ep124. Reine is the founder of Becker Premier Properties, a Houston-based multifamily investment firm helping high-income professionals create passive income, legacy wealth, and lifestyle freedom. To watch rather than listen, click here . Reine shares her inspiring story of transitioning from a 15-year corporate career into full-time real estate investing — leveraging her background in operations and Lean Six Sigma to build a systems-driven, scalable investment business. You’ll learn: 🏢 How to transition from the corporate world to real estate investing 💡 Why multifamily investing offers true return on time and freedom 💸 The key financial metrics every investor should know (8% cash-on-cash, 14% IRR, 2x equity multiple) 🏘️ How to identify value-add properties and make an impact in local communities 💪 How to overcome challenges in today’s competitive market and stay disciplined as an investor 👩‍👧‍👦 How Reine balances motherhood and entrepreneurship while building generational wealth If you’ve ever wondered how to replace your W-2 income with real estate cash flow — or how to create a business that funds your dream lifestyle — this episode will light a fire under you. 🎧 Watch until the end for Reine’s best advice on systems, mindset, and chasing your dreams — no matter where you are in life. Thank you to M1 Capital Connectors for bringing us this month’s episodes. Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Find out how ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. <a href="https://www.howtoraisecapital.io/referral-page?slPlayPlay How To Build Financial Freedom For Your Family
• College Funding SecretsDec 3, 2025 · 32 minWhat if the way you’ve been taught to save for college is actually costing you more—and reducing your child’s financial aid eligibility? 🎓 Welcome back to ep123 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . Lance Morgan, author of College Funding Secrets , is here to uncover powerful, little-known strategies to pay for your kids’ education—without draining your savings or missing out on financial aid. Lance shares how he went from a career in IT to founding College Funding Secrets after realizing that traditional advice about saving for college often backfires. Learn how real estate, tax planning, and infinite banking can transform how you prepare for one of life’s biggest expenses. You’ll discover: ✅ Why college savings plans like 529s can hurt your financial aid eligibility ✅ How to use real estate investing to offset tuition costs and reduce taxes ✅ The hidden “third cost” of college most families overlook ✅ How life insurance can boost financial aid and serve as a long-term wealth strategy ✅ The role of emotion vs. logic in family money decisions ✅ How to teach your kids about money by example—not lectures If you’re a parent, real estate investor, or entrepreneur who wants to invest smarter and protect your family’s financial future, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL 🔔 so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest . New episodes every week with expert guests on real estate, wealth, and financial freedom. Connect with Lance Morgan: 🌐 collegefundingsecrets.com Thanks to M1 Capital Connectors for bringing us this month's episodes. Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Find out how ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ AttenPlayPlay College Funding Secrets
• Transforming World Class Destinations Into World Class InvestmentsNov 26, 2025 · 24 minWhat if your next investment didn’t just build wealth — but created unforgettable memories, too? In this inspiring episode of Inspired to Invest, Serena Holmes sits down with DeAnna Lee, founder of Collective Destinations, a lifestyle-hospitality investment fund redefining what it means to invest in real estate. To watch rather than listen, click here . From house hacking before it was a trend to building luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic and Utah, DeAnna’s story is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and conscious investing. After a dirt-bike crash forced her to pause, she discovered how to create a business that worked whether she was hustling or healing — and scaled her portfolio into a multimillion-dollar hospitality empire. 💡 You’ll learn: • How DeAnna turned hardship into clarity and built experiential real-estate wealth • What it takes to run boutique resorts and glamping retreats across multiple countries • The systems, automation, and team structure that allowed her to scale globally • Lessons from living 18 months in the Dominican Republic to restore her dream resort • Why she believes “Destruction and creation are the same thing—just at different points in the timeline.” • How investors can enjoy passive income and exclusive lifestyle perks at Collective Destinations If you’ve ever dreamed of blending purpose, profit, and travel, this conversation will open your mind to what’s truly possible when you invest with intention. 📲 Connect with DeAnna Lee 🔗 Book a call: go.collectivedestinations.com 📸 Instagram: @collective.destinations 📩 Connect with Serena Holmes 🌐 https://linktr.ee/serenaholmes 🎙️ Follow Inspired to Invest for more stories on real-estate investing, financial freedom, and legacy building. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode: Tap Like, leave a comment, and Subscribe — then hit the 🔔 bell so you never miss an inspiring conversation about wealth and purpose. Thank you to Advisor Innovation Lab for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. They provide AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. Learn more ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things relatedPlayPlay Transforming World Class Destinations Into World Class Investments
• From Cannabis To Condo DevelopmentNov 19, 2025 · 25 minIn this episode of Inspired to Invest, I sit down with Basem Hanna — serial entrepreneur, cannabis pioneer, and now real estate developer / exempt market dealmaker through his firm Almega Co. To watch rather than listen, click here . Basem’s journey is compelling... From scaling TerrAscend (TER.CN), navigating cannabis regulations and market cycles, to executing a strategic exit — then leaning into real estate development, capital markets, and building a new vehicle for investors via the exempt market. We cover: • 🎯 How he approached growth in a volatile, highly regulated cannabis industry • 🧠 The mindset and signals that led him to exit • 🔁 What lessons carried over into real estate and capital markets • 📊 How Almega Co. is structuring deals and redefining access for private investors • 🚀 Advice for entrepreneurs and investors looking to pivot, scale, or exit Whether you’re in real estate, entrepreneurship, cannabis, or capital markets — there is cross-industry wisdom here. 🔔 If you enjoy this episode, hit that Subscribe button and ring the bell so you never miss future conversations with builders, investors, and change-makers. ➤ Follow Basem Hanna / Almega Co . — 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes of Inspired To Invest! Thank you to Advisor Innovation Lab for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. They provide AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. Learn more ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ________________________________________ 📌 Suggested Timestamps Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & background 01:35 – The rise of TerrAscend: challenges & breakthroughs 06:15 – Regulatory headwinds, market pressures, and turning points 09:15 – Deciding to exit: what signaled “now’s the time” 12:40 – Transitioning into real estate: the move from cannabis to construction 15:10 – Building Almega Co. & its exempt market strategy 17:55 – The investor value proposition & deal structures 21:20 – Failures, lessons, and what he’d do differently 17:50 – Advice to entrepreneurs looking to pivot or exit 25:30 – Final thoughts, future vision, and wrap-up ➕ Follow <a href="https://instaPlayPlay From Cannabis To Condo Development
• From Mompreneur To Market LeaderNov 12, 2025 · 27 minWhat does it really take to turn a simple idea into a brand that parents everywhere love and trust? To watch rather than listen, click here . In this episode of Inspired To Invest, host Serena Holmes sits down with Julie Cole, co-founder of Mabel’s Labels — the award-winning Canadian company that grew from a basement startup to a multi-million-dollar international brand. Julie shares how she and three friends turned a common parenting frustration into a thriving business — and how they built community, culture, and confidence along the way. From navigating partnerships and acquisitions to balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and brand building. 💡 You’ll learn: • How to spot a market gap and turn it into a profitable product idea • Why community and storytelling drive word-of-mouth growth • The power of authenticity and visibility in personal branding • How to build a flexible company culture that retains great people • Julie’s biggest lessons from 22 years in business and her advice for female founders 🎧 Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a CPG founder, or simply love stories of Canadian success — this episode will leave you inspired to take action on your own ideas. 👉 If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to hit the thumbs-up, subscribe, and ring the bell 🔔 so you never miss a new conversation about real estate, wealth building, and entrepreneurship on Inspired To Invest. 📚 Julie’s Book: Like a Mother: Birthing Businesses, Babies and a Life Beyond Labels Available at mabelslabels.com/julie-cole and major retailers. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes of Inspired To Invest! Thank you to Advisor Innovation Lab for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. They provide AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. Learn more ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ________________________________________ 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Welcome to Inspired To Invest 01:05 – Julie Cole on founding Mabel’s Labels and the “mom problem” that sparked the idea 02:32 – Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship as a “recovered lawyer” 04:17 – How Mabel’s Labels set itself apart and scaled organically 06:50 – The importaPlayPlay From Mompreneur To Market Leader
• Unraveling Myths About Mortgages, Money & Real EstateNov 5, 2025 · 21 minWhat does it really take to build wealth, find balance, and create a legacy for your family — all while navigating the ever-changing world of mortgages? To watch rather than listen, click HERE . In this episode of Inspired To Invest , host Serena Holmes sits down with Steve Betel , better known as Steve the Mortgage Man , to explore his inspiring journey from the hospitality industry to becoming a trusted mortgage advisor helping families across North America achieve homeownership and financial freedom. Steve shares: ✅ How he transitioned from hotel management to mortgage brokering — and why it changed his life. ✅ His philosophy on “life balance” vs. “work-life balance.” ✅ The mindset shift that helped him build a thriving business through authenticity and social media. ✅ Lessons on resilience, parenting in the age of AI, and using personal branding to attract trust. ✅ How mentorship, consistency, and community have been the foundation of his long-term success. 💡 Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer , a real estate investor , or someone striving to build lasting wealth, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about debt, discipline, and the power of showing up as your full self. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes of Inspired To Invest ! Thank you to Advisor Innovation Lab for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. They provide AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. Learn more ! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Steve Betel, “The Mortgage Man” 01:10 – From hospitality to mortgages: Steve’s unconventional career pivot 03:45 – Finding balance as an entrepreneur and father 05:30 – Early challenges & lessons from building a new business 06:00 – The power of social media and authenticity in mortgage brokering 07:20 – Overcoming fear of rejection and building resilience 09:05 – The myth of work-life balance and embracing “life as one” 11:10 – Parenting, privacy & social media boundaries in the age of AI 13:00 – The vaPlayPlay Unraveling Myths About Mortgages, Money & Real Estate
• From Freelancer To Founder! Focused On Business Growth, Personal Branding & Female EmpowermentOct 29, 2025 · 27 minIn this episode of Inspired To Invest , I sit down with Lamia Tabina , Dubai-based entrepreneur, founder of Logo & Co , and creator of Chic CEO . Lamia shares her inspiring journey from sketching logos for $30 to running a successful creative agency that empowers brands and entrepreneurs across the UAE and beyond. To watch rather than listen, click here . We dive deep into her strategies for building a brand that converts , the importance of personal branding for business owners , and the challenges and triumphs of leading a growing team. Lamia also opens up about breaking cultural barriers, empowering women to step into entrepreneurship, and creating freedom through virtual business models. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone seeking the courage to start, this conversation is full of practical advice and powerful lessons on branding, leadership, growth, and work-life balance . 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and ring the bell so you don’t miss future episodes of Inspired To Invest ! What you’ll learn in this episode: How Lamia turned freelancing into a thriving agency business. Why personal branding is the key to standing out in competitive industries. Lessons from scaling a team and building strong foundations. The cultural challenges and breakthroughs of being a female entrepreneur in the Gulf region. How to create a business that gives you time, freedom, and flexibility . Connect with Lamia Tabina: Instagram: @chic.co Agency: Logo & Co UAE Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be just what you’re looking for. Let them handle the heavy lifting, while you kick back and collect an income. Click here to find out more. Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 📌 Timestamps 0:03 – Welcome & introduction to Lamia Tabina 1:09 – How Lamia transitioned from job-seeker to entrepreneur 2:29 – First clients, freelancing & the leap into branding 3:28 – Helping businesses with contentPlayPlay From Freelancer To Founder! Focused On Business Growth, Personal Branding & Female Empowerment
• Grow Your Wealth With Real Estate WITHOUT The Typical Landlord HeadachesOct 22, 2025 · 27 minReady to grow your wealth in real estate without the landlord headaches? In this episode of Inspired To Invest , I sit down with Andrew Kim, CEO of SHARE , a tech-driven company making U.S. rental property ownership simple, profitable, and stress-free for Canadian and international investors. To watch rather than listen, click here . Andrew shares how SHARE empowers busy professionals to own cash-flowing U.S. rentals while skipping the hassles of property management, tenant drama, and cross-border headaches. From building a 20-property portfolio to launching a venture-backed company with hundreds of units under management, Andrew opens up about the mindset, strategies, and systems that make real estate investing accessible for everyday investors. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How Canadians can invest in U.S. rental properties without being a full-time landlord. ✅ The step-by-step process SHARE uses to help clients acquire, manage, and scale portfolios. ✅ Creative ways to use home equity and refinancing to build wealth tax-efficiently. ✅ The biggest challenges Andrew faced building SHARE—and how he overcame them. ✅ Why “success is in the recovery” is Andrew’s guiding quote for entrepreneurship and investing. ✅ How SHARE is scaling toward a billion-dollar vision while creating financial freedom for investors. Whether you’re a first-time investor or ready to scale your portfolio beyond Canadian borders, this episode is packed with insights to help you build long-term wealth. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss a new episode of Inspired To Invest ! Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be just what you’re looking for. Let them handle the heavy lifting, while you kick back and collect an income. Find out more! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 📌 Suggested Timestamps 0:02 – Welcome & intro to Andrew Kim, CEO of SHARE 1:16 – Andrew’s background: tech entrepreneur turned real estate investor 2:05 – Discovering U.S. rental opportunities and building a portfolio 3:20 – The problem SHARE solves for time-strapped investors 4:07 – How SHARE’s process works for new clients 6:21 – Current scale of SHARE & growth goals 7:02 – Andrew’s entrepreneuriaPlayPlay Grow Your Wealth With Real Estate WITHOUT The Typical Landlord Headaches
• Wealth For Women! Empowering Women To Master Their Money & Plan For The FutureOct 15, 2025 · 29 minEver wondered how to align wealth with your core values —and even manifest the life you’re meant to live? Welcome back to ep116 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Tracey Lundell—Senior Investment Advisor and founder of Sea Glass Wealth—to unpack Master Planifesting , the powerful sweet spot where strategic financial planning meets manifestation and meaningful visioning . Tracey shares: The real magic behind Master Planifesting : blending traditional wealth management with intentional mindset shifts for lasting abundance. Easy, powerful Visoneering exercises (think value-mapping with cards) to locate your purpose-driven financial path. How childhood money stories can secretly shape your adult investing mindset—and how to rewrite that script. Why women, especially, often get stuck around money—and actionable mindset tools to shift into empowered abundance . Expect heart-centered strategies, empowering clarity, and next-level investment purpose. If you're ready to stop playing small with your wealth—and truly live your vision—this one's your wake-up call. Ready to be inspired, empowered, and aligned? Hit that 🔔 Subscribe button, drop a like if this resonates, and ring the bell to never miss an episode packed with real-world investing wisdom and soul-driven strategy! What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Master Planifesting bridges values, vision, and wealth creation Easy tools to uncover your core values and align them with your financial life The impact of your money story —and how to reshape it for abundance Why mindset matters as much as numbers—and how to shift it Strategic pathways for financial clarity, intentionality, and living a life you don’t need to retire from Connect with Tracey Lundell: Website: Sea Glass Wealth (Sea Glass Wealth dot com) LinkedIn: Tracey Lundell Facebook: Sea Glass Wealth Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be just what you’re looking for. Let them handle the heavy lifting, while you kick back and collect an income. Find out more! Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together bPlayPlay Wealth For Women! Empowering Women To Master Their Money & Plan For The Future
• Proven Strategies To Create Wealth. How To Generate Passive Income & Find Financial FreedomOct 8, 2025 · 30 minReady to take control of your financial future? Don’t miss this powerful episode of Inspired To Invest with Michael Iuculano, a seasoned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and wealth-building expert. In this in-depth conversation, Michael shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a multi-million-dollar portfolio, offering actionable strategies to help you achieve financial independence. To watch rather than listen, click here . Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: How to leverage real estate to generate consistent cash flow and long-term wealth. The mindset shifts needed to transition from employee to investor. Proven strategies for identifying high-return investment opportunities in any market. The importance of building a personal brand to attract capital and opportunities. How to overcome common roadblocks faced by new and seasoned investors. Michael’s take on balancing risk and reward in real estate and beyond. Practical tips for creating multiple income streams and scaling your portfolio. The role of mentorship and community in accelerating your financial success. Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or looking to scale your portfolio, Michael’s insights will inspire and equip you with the tools to succeed. Tune in, take notes, and start building your wealth today! 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes of Inspired To Invest ! Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be just what you’re looking for. Let them handle the heavy lifting, while you kick back and collect an income. To find out more go to: inspiredtoinvest.sharesfr.com Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 📌 Suggested Timestamps 00:30 – Welcome to Inspired To Invest with Michael Iuculano 00:55 – Michael’s journey: From humble beginnings to real estate mogul 03:10 – Why real estate is a cornerstone for wealth creation 05:30 – Mindset shifts for transitioning from employee to investor 08:50 – How to spot high-return investment opportunities in any market 12:10 – Building a personal brand to attract capital and partnerships 15:25 – Overcoming common challenges in real estate investing 18:40 – Balancing risk and reward in your investment strategyPlayPlay Proven Strategies To Create Wealth. How To Generate Passive Income & Find Financial Freedom
• Retirement Money Secrets! Making Sense Of Market Cycles, Diversification & Income InvestingOct 1, 2025 · 31 minIf you want to make sure you’re prepared for your retirement, this is an episode of Inspired To Invest you won’t want to miss. Welcome back to ep113 with Steve Selengut. To watch rather than listen, click here . In this episode of Inspired to Invest , I sit down with Steve Selengut , a veteran investment manager, wealth coach, and author of Retirement Money Secrets . With over 40 years of experience managing 325+ portfolios across the U.S. and abroad , Steve shares powerful insights on how to build lasting wealth, generate reliable income, and navigate the ups and downs of the market cycle. You’ll discover: Why income investing is the most overlooked yet powerful wealth-building strategy. How to use market cycles to your advantage instead of fearing volatility. The critical role of diversification in protecting and growing your portfolio. Lessons learned from decades of investing—including mistakes and wins. How real estate and closed-end funds can work together to create multiple cash flows . What Steve really thinks about crypto, ETFs, and alternative investments . The inspiration behind his books The Brainwashing of the American Investor and Retirement Money Secrets . How he now helps individuals and advisors through his coaching and retirement income community . Whether you’re an investor, advisor, or simply curious about smarter ways to grow your wealth, this conversation is packed with timeless wisdom and practical strategies you can apply right away. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 so you never miss future episodes of Inspired to Invest ! Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be just what you’re looking for. Let them handle the heavy lifting, while you kick back and collect an income. To find out more go to: inspiredtoinvest.sharesfr.com “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to personal branding, business, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 📌 Timestamps 01:00 – Welcome to Inspired to Invest with Steve Selengut 01:30 – Steve’s beginnings on Wall Street and shift to investing for income 02:20 – Understanding market cycles and why volatility is youPlayPlay Retirement Money Secrets! Making Sense Of Market Cycles, Diversification & Income Investing
• How To Master The Art Of Sales To Attract Incredible OpportunitiesSep 24, 2025 · 30 minWhat does it take to sell over $2 billion in real estate while building a boutique brokerage that thrives—even through the toughest markets? Welcome back to ep113 of Inspired To Invest with Scott Harris. To watch rather than listen, click here . Scott Harris, founder of Magnetic Real Estate in New York City, to unpack his journey from starting out in rentals to becoming a top producer, investor, and now author of the upcoming book The Pursuit of Home . Scott shares his unique perspective on the emotional side of real estate, the challenges of launching a brokerage, the lessons he’s learned as an investor, and why patience, mentorship, and compassion are the ultimate differentiators in this business. Whether you’re a real estate professional, investor, or someone curious about how top agents stay relevant in a fast-changing market, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: How Scott carved out his space in New York’s competitive real estate market Why emotional intelligence is just as important as market knowledge The biggest challenges in running a brokerage (and how to overcome them) Scott’s personal approach to real estate investing—and the tax advantages pros often miss How to build trust and rapport with clients during stressful transactions The Magnetic Method : putting people first to close more deals Why financial freedom is a marathon, not a sprint—and how to stay the course Scott’s pearls of wisdom for agents and investors just starting out ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction to Scott Harris & Magnetic Real Estate 3:15 – How Scott got started in real estate at 28 6:40 – The emotional side of real estate & managing client stress 10:20 – Early career, rentals, and breaking into sales 15:05 – Transition to launching his own brokerage & staying competitive with video & social media 21:45 – Biggest challenges: delegation, team growth & recruitment 28:30 – Scott’s real estate investment journey: condos, funds, and New Orleans properties 34:50 – Market cycles, surprises, and lessons from short-term rentals 41:15 – Craziest stories from the field (co-ops, bylaws & board drama) 48:00 – How Scott’s team thrived in 2023–24 despite market challenges 52:15 – The Magnetic Method : why leading with inspiration matters 59:30 – Managing client expectations in shifting markets 1:05:00 – Scott’s journey toward financial freedom 1:12:15 – Pearls of wisdom for new agents & investors 1:18:00 – Inspirational quotes & Scott’s go-to mindset practices 1:22:00 – How to connect with Scott & learn more about The Pursuit of Home Thank you to M1 Capital Connectors for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. If you’re an experienced rePlayPlay How To Master The Art Of Sales To Attract Incredible Opportunities
• The Goodness Game! Why Paying It Forward Always Pays OffSep 17, 2025 · 28 minWhat happens when a troubled teen who once ran away from home transforms into a successful real estate investor, digital marketing entrepreneur, and author? Welcome back to ep111 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here In this episode of Inspired to Invest , Bryan Driscoll shares his incredible journey—from nearly being homeless in Orlando to building a thriving business, investing in real estate, and writing The Goodness Game , a book about kindness and paying it forward. Bryan’s story is raw, real, and packed with wisdom about resilience, business growth, and creating impact. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, an entrepreneur in the trenches, or simply someone looking for more meaning and purpose, this conversation will leave you inspired to take bold action and rethink what success really means. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Bryan’s wild story of running away at 18 and the stranger who helped change his life The powerful ripple effect of small acts of kindness and how it inspired his book The Goodness Game How to avoid “goal-driven depression” and create purpose through investing and entrepreneurship Key lessons from scaling a digital marketing business and investing in real estate Why resilience is the single most important trait for long-term success The pitfalls of business partnerships and how to protect yourself with the right structures Simple advice for anyone just starting out in business or real estate The importance of finding your “energy audit” to align with your strengths and avoid burnout ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Bryan Driscoll 02:15 – Running away from home & surviving in Orlando at 18 08:30 – A stranger’s kindness sparks a lifelong mission to “pay it forward” 12:45 – The viral Craigslist experiment that proved small acts create big change 16:10 – From random acts of kindness to writing The Goodness Game 20:40 – The “energy audit” framework for knowing what lights you up vs. drains you 26:55 – Scaling a digital marketing business & overcoming self-doubt 32:10 – Business lessons: resilience, delegation, and confidence 36:20 – Craziest experiences as an entrepreneur 40:15 – What Bryan would do differently (drinking, partnerships, and agreements) 45:00 – Best advice for new entrepreneurs and investors 49:20 – How entrepreneurship creates purpose (and why retirement can feel empty) 54:10 – Bryan’s go-to quote from Think and Grow Rich 56:30 – Where to connect with Bryan + book & business links 58:00 – Closing thoughts 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring real estate and entrepreneurship stories. 📖 Grab Bryan’s book The Goodness Game : goodness-gaPlayPlay The Goodness Game! Why Paying It Forward Always Pays Off
• She's Crafty & So Is Her Real Estate Strategy!Sep 10, 2025 · 30 minWhat does it take to build a powerful personal brand alongside a significant real estate portfolio? Welcome back to ep111 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . 🎙️ Episode 111: From HGTV to Real Estate Freedom with Wendy Russell What does it look like to blend creativity, business savvy, and nearly three decades of real estate investing? In this episode of Inspired to Invest , I sit down with the multi-talented Wendy Russell —best known as the award-winning producer and TV host of HGTV’s She’s Crafty , as well as a seasoned real estate investor, general contractor, speaker, and personal brand coach. Wendy shares her fascinating journey from the film and television world to building a cross-border real estate portfolio, coaching entrepreneurs, and producing live events. From dirt-cheap deals in Indianapolis to the importance of trusting your gut with property managers, her story is packed with lessons, laughter, and a dose of straight-talk inspiration. ✨ If you’ve ever thought about expanding into U.S. real estate—or you’re looking for permission to stop doing the stuff you hate—this conversation is for you. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Wendy transitioned from TV hosting to real estate investing (and why both careers are more connected than you think). The economics of buying U.S. properties during the 2010 downturn—and why Canadians still have opportunity south of the border. The single biggest mistake investors make with property management (and Wendy’s system for vetting the right partners). Practical strategies for managing projects remotely, from cameras to clear systems. Why investors must detach emotionally and focus on the numbers. How showing up—even when uncomfortable—can create breakthrough opportunities. The branding insight that shifts your mindset from “selling a product” to “selling yourself.” Wendy’s unapologetic advice: Stop doing the sh t you hate.* ⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 0:00 – Welcome & Intro Meet Wendy Russell—TV host, producer, and real estate investor with 28 years of experience. 3:40 – From Stage to Strategy How Wendy’s background in TV and public speaking organically evolved into real estate investing and coaching. 9:15 – Breaking into the U.S. Market The story of starting in Indianapolis in 2010—buying single-family homes for $30K–$50K and applying the “3% rule.” 15:30 – Scaling Up Acquiring a 14-unit apartment building during the pandemic and the surprising opportunity to sell for major gains. 20:05 – The Hard Truth About Property Management Why your property manager can make or break your investment—and how WePlayPlay She's Crafty & So Is Her Real Estate Strategy!
• How To Turn Inner City Struggles Into Stepping Stones To SuccessSep 3, 2025 · 22 minWhat does it take to go from inner city struggles to a live of abundance, wealth, and success? Welcome back to ep110 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here . Can you really build wealth if you come from nothing? If you've ever asked yourself this question — this episode will light a fire in you. In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, I sit down with Darius Ross — founder of DariusARoss.com , a seasoned real estate investor, developer, and generational wealth strategist — who went from growing up in one of America’s toughest neighbourhoods to building an empire that spans across multiple real estate sectors. But this episode isn’t about flashy deals or overnight success stories. It’s about resilience , resourcefulness , and refusing to accept the limits society tries to place on you. Darius opens up about growing up in the South Bronx, surviving childhood trauma, and facing systemic oppression. But he also shares how he turned that pain into purpose — and eventually into power. With no safety net, no head start, and no wealthy connections, he forged a path forward by educating himself, staying disciplined, and investing not just in real estate — but in his mindset. If you're stuck in survival mode, or trying to figure out how to rewrite your financial story, this is a must-watch . Darius doesn’t hold back. He shares hard truths, practical strategies, and the kind of wisdom you don’t find in textbooks — only in real life. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: What poverty really means (it’s not just about money) How Darius used real estate as a tool for freedom Why mindset is your greatest asset — or your worst enemy How to get started in real estate when you have nothing How to protect your focus and energy in toxic environments Why representation and mentorship can change everything Tactical advice for first-time investors and wealth builders What legacy means when you’re the first to build one 💬 One of my favourite quotes from Darius in this episode: "You don’t need a silver spoon. You need a steel spine and a relentless plan." If you’ve ever felt like your background disqualifies you from success — think again. This episode will inspire you, challenge you, and give you the tools to start building something better. Darius shares how he overcame extreme childhood trauma, systemic barriers, and financial hardship to create economic freedom — not just for himself, but for his community. This is a must-watch for anyone who believes their past is too messy to build wealth. 🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE , SUBSCRIBE , and RING THE BELL<PlayPlay How To Turn Inner City Struggles Into Stepping Stones To Success
• Canadian Today, American Tomorrow! How To Leverage Strategic Real Estate Investments To Support ImmigrationAug 27, 2025 · 25 minWhat if your next real estate deal could also be your gateway to a new life in the United States? In this powerful episode of Inspired to Invest , I sit down with Lauren Cohen , an international lawyer, realtor, and global investment immigration expert, to talk about strategic real estate investing as a tool to support U.S. immigration from Canada . To watch rather than listen, click here . Whether you're a Canadian entrepreneur eyeing business opportunities in the U.S., or a real estate investor looking to plant roots across the border, Lauren breaks down how to align your investment strategy with immigration goals , avoid common pitfalls, and leverage legal structures like the E-2 and EB-5 visa programs to your advantage. 👉 If you've ever wondered: ✔️ “Can I use real estate to get a visa?” ✔️ “What structure do I need for cross-border investments?” ✔️ “How do I avoid the tax traps between Canada and the U.S.?” Then this episode is a must-watch . 🔔 Don’t forget to like , subscribe , and hit the bell so you never miss an episode that could change your financial future. 🎯 WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR: Canadian entrepreneurs or real estate investors looking to move or expand into the U.S. Anyone curious about how real estate can support immigration goals Investors seeking a strategic international foothold 💬 Let us know in the comments if you're considering a move to the U.S. or have had experience with investing across borders. We want to hear your story! 📩 To connect with Lauren or learn more about her concierge services, click here 🎙️ Hosted by Serena Holmes 📲 Follow @inspiredtoinvestpodcast for more content on real estate, entrepreneurship, and investing cross border investing Thank you to Knocknock for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. Knocknock is a powerful new platform for realtors! Keep all your database in one place—securely store listings, contacts and documents, while creating property presentations in seconds. Sign up for free ! ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying oPlayPlay Canadian Today, American Tomorrow! How To Leverage Strategic Real Estate Investments To Support Immigration
• How To Hustle & Make Things Happen With Hospitality & Hotel Real Estate InvestmentsAug 20, 2025 · 22 min🎙️ What does it really take to break into the hotel industry as a commercial real estate investor? Welcome back to ep108 of “Inspired To Invest” with John Wijtenburg. Click here if you'd rather watch than listen. John Wijtenburg is a commercial investor and asset manager who shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the high-stakes world of hospitality. From sleeping in cars and flying standby to closing multimillion-dollar deals and managing some of Canada’s most recognizable hotel assets—John’s story is one of grit, hustle, and relentless problem-solving . This episode is packed with real-life lessons for anyone looking to get into commercial real estate or scale beyond residential investing. Whether you're a seasoned investor, just starting out, or somewhere in between, this one’s for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like , subscribe , and hit the bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired to Invest . 🎧 Who should listen to this episode? Residential investors thinking about going commercial Aspiring asset managers or hotel owners Real estate agents curious about diversifying Anyone who’s built their business by hustling and being resourceful 📣 If John’s story resonates with you, share this episode with a friend or colleague who needs to hear it. 👉 Follow the show, check out new episodes weekly, and tap into real estate investing insights that go beyond the basics. 📢 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell For more interviews like this, subscribe to Inspired to Invest —where real people share real strategies for building wealth, mindset, and freedom. Thank you to Knocknock for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. Knocknock is a powerful new platform for realtors! Keep all your database in one place—securely store listings, contacts and documents, while creating property presentations in seconds. Sign up for free ! ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system! __________________ Want to invest in real estate with all of thPlayPlay How To Hustle & Make Things Happen With Hospitality & Hotel Real Estate Investments
• Turn Your Property Into A Cash Flowing Machine!Aug 13, 2025 · 25 minWant to turn your rental into a cash flowing machine? Welcome back to ep107 of “Inspired To Invest” with Aisha Govani. Click here if you'd rather watch than listen. Are you tired of negative cash flow? Feeling stuck with long-term tenants and low returns? In this episode of Inspired to Invest , I sit down with Aisha Govani , founder of Midterm Rental Properties , to explore one of the most under-the-radar investing strategies in Canada right now — midterm rentals (MTRs) . Think: the consistency of long-term rentals, with the cash flow potential of short-term stays... without the headaches of either. Aisha is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and mom of two who built her MTR business from scratch while still working a 9–5 job. She shares: How she turned a slow duplex into a high-performing MTR Where she finds fully furnished leads without relying on Airbnb Why MTRs are perfectly positioned for the Canadian market in 2025 and beyond This is one of the most relatable and tactical conversations we’ve had on the show — especially if you're an investor trying to make it work in high-priced markets like Toronto, Hamilton, or Durham Region. 👇 Whether you're a landlord looking to improve ROI or you're brand new to real estate, you'll walk away from this episode with a game plan. 🔥 Subscribe for more powerful Canadian real estate investing stories: https://www.youtube.com/@serenaholmesofficial 👍 Like this episode? Drop a comment and let us know your biggest takeaway — and don’t forget to ring the bell so you never miss an upload! 🎙️ About Inspired to Invest Hosted by Serena Holmes , this podcast features intimate and actionable conversations with real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and experts who are building wealth, creating impact, and inspiring the next generation of investors in Canada and beyond. 🔗 Connect with Aisha Govani Website: https://midtermrentalproperties.ca Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtermrentalproperties 💬 Drop a comment if this episode changed how you see rental investing. And if you’re already experimenting with MTRs — we’d love to hear your story! Thank you to Knocknock for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. Knocknock is a powerful new platform for realtors! Keep all your database in one place—securely store listings, contacts and documents, while creating property presentations in seconds. <a href="https://PlayPlay Turn Your Property Into A Cash Flowing Machine!
• The Growth Code: A Powerful Playbook For Sustainable Business SuccessAug 6, 2025 · 38 min🎙️ Want to scale your business like a pro! Welcome back to ep106 of “Inspired To Invest”. This week Michael Walsh is with us to share how to future proof your and scale your business. If you'd rather watch than listen, click here . Michael Walsh is a a business growth strategist and the founder of Walsh Business Growth , to unpack how service-based entrepreneurs can scale, systematize, and set themselves up for long-term success — without burnout. Michael shares candid lessons from helping over 250 businesses grow past the 7- and even 8-figure mark, and reveals the often-overlooked mindset blocks and structural gaps that keep most founders stuck in “operator mode.” This conversation is real, actionable, and packed with golden takeaways for anyone looking to grow a purpose-driven, sustainable business. Who should watch this: ✅ Service-based entrepreneurs ready to scale ✅ Business owners doing everything themselves ✅ Coaches, consultants, and real estate pros looking to grow with systems ✅ Founders who feel stuck under a revenue ceiling ✅ Anyone curious about shifting from hustle to high-leverage 🔗 Connect with Michael Walsh: Website: https://walshbusinessgrowth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelwalsh 🎧 Prefer to listen on the go? Search for Inspired to Invest wherever you get your podcasts. 📢 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell For more interviews like this, subscribe to Inspired to Invest —where real people share real strategies for building wealth, mindset, and freedom. Thank you to Knocknock for bringing us this month’s episodes of “Inspired To Invest”. Knocknock is a powerful new platform for realtors! Keep all your database in one place—securely store listings, contacts and documents, while creating property presentations in seconds. To learn more, go to https://knocknock.onelink.me/g5hL/serenaholmes ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Michael Walsh & his story 02:15 – From burnout to breakthrough: Michael’s personal pivot 05:22 – Why most founders don’t really want to scale (yet) 08:30 – The myth of working harder = growth 10:45 – How to identify the real bottlenecks in your business 13:58 – Building systems that don’t rely on you 17:00 – What “Kaizen” actually means for modern entrepreneurs 20:40 – How to free yourself from being the bottleneck 24:30 – Simple frameworks for predictable growth 28:10 – Hiring strategically vs. hiring reactively 30:00 – Why “freedom” has to be engineered, not wished for 33:20 – MichaePlayPlay The Growth Code: A Powerful Playbook For Sustainable Business Success
• Grief Breaks You, But It Also Builds You. A Story About Heartbreak And HealingJul 30, 2025 · 24 min🎙️ There’s no way to know when tragedy may strike close to home. Welcome back to ep105 of “Inspired To Invest”. To watch rather than listen, click here . In this emotional and deeply inspiring episode, I’m joined by Rosa Patrinostro , a certified hypnotherapist and founder of Elevate with Rosa . Rosa opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life — losing her husband suddenly — and the transformative journey she took to move from heartbreak to healing, and ultimately, to helping others through hypnotherapy. This conversation is raw, real, and full of powerful insights for anyone who’s experienced grief, burnout, emotional blocks, or is simply feeling stuck. Rosa’s story reminds us that healing is possible — and sometimes, our deepest pain can lead us to our greatest purpose. 💡 In this episode, we explore: How grief can impact every area of your life — physically, emotionally, spiritually The unexpected moment that changed everything for Rosa What hypnotherapy actually is (and what it isn’t ) How the subconscious mind controls 95% of your actions — and how to rewire it Why so many high-achievers carry unresolved trauma and limiting beliefs Tips for using hypnotherapy to unlock growth in business, relationships, and life The importance of surrender, self-care, and self-trust during the healing process 🧠 Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, parent, or professional — this conversation will speak to you. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, heartbroken, stuck, or burnt out... you're not alone. ⏱️ EPISODE TIMELINE: 00:00 – Intro 02:45 – The day that changed Rosa’s life forever 06:10 – Navigating grief while trying to stay strong for her kids 09:00 – When traditional therapy wasn’t enough 11:30 – How Rosa discovered hypnotherapy 15:15 – What hypnotherapy really is (and how it works) 19:20 – Letting go of the “strong woman” mask 22:45 – Helping high-performing women feel safe and supported 27:05 – The power of subconscious healing 31:00 – Hypnosis vs. meditation vs. therapy: What’s the difference? 35:20 – Healing your inner child to create a better future 39:55 – The role of beliefs in your business and investing success 43:10 – Tools and rituals Rosa uses daily 47:00 – What Elevate with Rosa offers and how to work with her 50:00 – Advice for anyone going through a dark season 52:40 – Final thoughts: growth after grief 💻 Work with Rosa or learn more about her practice: 🌐 https://elevatewithrosa.com 💬 If Rosa’s story touched you, please like, comment, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Healing is a journey — and youPlayPlay Grief Breaks You, But It Also Builds You. A Story About Heartbreak And Healing
• Wealth, Warnings And A Way Forward. The Truth About Real Estate InvestingJul 23, 2025 · 38 minHow to succeed in real estate! Let's talk about wealth, warnings, and a way forward for investors in the middle of a commercial real estate recession. Welcome back to ep104 of Inspired To Invest with Erwin Szeto. To watch rather than listen, click here . Erwin charts his trajectory from a modest $145,000 stake to orchestrating real estate transactions eclipsing $500 million! Hear how he revolutionized his portfolio, transitioning strategically from single-family homes in Hamilton to lucrative US investments, particularly in the Texan market. Erwin shares his seasoned perspectives on Hamilton's buoyant real estate environment, fueled by its healthcare and educational sectors, and its metamorphosis from a manufacturing epicenter. Moreover, he tackles the perplexing realities of Ontario's landlord-tenant framework and elucidates why his focus has since shifted towards the comparatively landlord-supportive legislative landscape of the US market. Delve into Erwin's inventive financing approaches, including subject-to arrangements and seller leasebacks. Furthermore, grasp how he harnesses AI's prowess for exhaustive market analyses and meticulous underwriting protocols. Critically, uncover Erwin's ambitious vision to empower 200 clients in realizing a substantial $100,000 in annual cash flow by 2032. Don't let pass this incredibly informative episode is with concrete strategies eminently useable by real estate mavens today ________________________________________ 💡 In this episode, we dive deep into: 🔸 The impact of the ripple effect from Toronto, benefiting Hamilton's real estate market. 🔸 Obstacles associated with Ontario’s landlord tenant board 🔸 Differences between Canada and the U.S. in terms of landlord rights and tenant vandalism 🔸 The importance of investing in landlord friendly areas and the challenges of dealing with unscrupulous operators 🔸 Creative strategics like subject-to deals and seller leasebacks 🔸 How to use AI to evaluate deals, prepare presentations and refine investment strategies ________________________________________ 🎤 Who is Erwin Szeto Erwin Szeto is a Canadian real estate investor, Realtor, and podcast host with nearly $500 million in income property transactions—including BRRRRs, student rentals, and basement suite conversions. He now helps Canadians achieve financial freedom by exiting local investments to invest passively in landlord-friendly U.S. markets. Erwin also hosts one of the top real estate podcasts in Canada – “The Truth About Canadian Real Estate” ________________________________________ 🔗 Follow Erwin Szeto 📍 Website: https://www.truthaboutrealestateinvesting.ca/ 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erwinszeto ________________________________________ 🎯 Who Should Watch This? If you're passionate about real estate,PlayPlay Wealth, Warnings And A Way Forward. The Truth About Real Estate Investing
• Fearless & Focused! The Evolution From Employee To EntrepreneurJul 16, 2025 · 30 minFearless and focused! Find out how Cindy Chang evolved from employee to entrepreneur. Welcome back to ep103 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click HERE . I sat down with Cindy Chang, powerhouse entrepreneur, founder of Evolve Consulting, co-creator of Dabble, and host of the Fearless Entrepreneurs podcast. Cindy shares the candid, behind-the-scenes story of how she went from 20 years in corporate to a full-time entrepreneur—without a formal business plan. What started as an “accidental” side hustle transformed into a thriving consulting company helping small and medium-sized businesses scale through smarter, values-based hiring. We talk about: 🔹 Why strategic recruitment is a game-changer for growing companies 🔹 The emotional rollercoaster of being laid off—and choosing entrepreneurship 🔹 Building a business and raising a family (yes, there are tears, trade-offs, and triumphs) 🔹 The launch of Dabble, a new platform supporting moms and parents with fractional work opportunities 🔹 The critical role of mentors, mindset, and business coaches in avoiding burnout and isolation 🔹 How to find value-aligned clients—and the power of walking away when it’s not the right fit Cindy’s favourite quote, “What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” truly captures the spirit of this episode. Her story is one of reinvention, courage, and designing a life and business that works on your terms. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or parent trying to juggle it all, this episode will hit home—and leave you inspired to take that next bold step. 👇 TUNE IN & LET US KNOW WHAT RESONATED 👇 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe to Inspired to Invest for more authentic conversations with real entrepreneurs doing business differently. ________________________________________ 🔗 Follow Cindy Chang 📍 Website: https://evolveconsultingco.com 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolve_consulting_co ________________________________________ 🎯 Who Should Watch This? If you're passionate about investing, entrepreneurship, or financial freedom, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who needs this kind of energy and perspective in their life. ________________________________________ 💬 Don’t forget to COMMENT below: 👉 What’s the biggest lesson learned from Cindy? 👉 What step will you take next to invest in yourself? ________________________________________ 📢 Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell For more interviews like this, subscribe to Inspired to Invest—where real people share real strategies for building wealth, mindset, and freedom. Thank you to SHARE Asset Management for bringing us this month’s episodes. If you want to own rental properties, but don’t want to be a landlord, SHARE may be jusPlayPlay Fearless & Focused! The Evolution From Employee To Entrepreneur
• From Passive To Powerful! Alternative Investment MasteryJul 9, 2025 · 27 minWatch this if you’re tired of the same old investing advice. Welcome back to ep 102 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click here . What happens when your first real estate deal ends in disaster… and you lose everything? That’s exactly where Patrick Grimes, CEO of Passive Investing Mastery, found himself after aggressively investing in pre-development residential projects leading into the 2009 crash. But what followed wasn’t just a comeback—it was a total reinvention. Today, Patrick controls a real estate and alternative investment portfolio worth over $600 million. In this episode of Inspired To Invest, we unpack: 🔥 How losing everything became Patrick’s greatest teacher 📉 The painful 2009 foreclosure that nearly destroyed his financial future 🔁 How he transitioned from speculative development to cash-flowing, recession-resistant assets 🧠 Why smart investors are diversifying outside of real estate into asset classes like litigation finance, healthcare, and education 📚 The blueprint behind his “Passive Investing Mastery” series and free investor resources 👥 Why partnering with industry experts is the key to building true passive wealth 📊 The metrics Patrick uses to evaluate high-return, low-correlation investments 📈 How to build a secure, diversified portfolio without being an expert in everything If you’ve ever felt that traditional investing advice wasn’t designed for you—this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Patrick doesn’t hold back. He shares the tough lessons, the mindset shifts, and the untapped opportunities most people never hear about. ✅ Whether you're a burnt-out landlord, a high-income earner looking for tax-efficient strategies, or someone who's simply done with market volatility—this episode could change the way you invest forever. 🎁 Grab Patrick’s free eBook "Passive Investing Mastery" 📞 Book a discovery call to explore your next alternative investment move 👉 Visit for all the resources mentioned ________________________________________ 🔗 Follow Patrick Grimes 📍 Website: https://passiveinvestingmastery ________________________________________ 🎯 Who Should Watch This? If you're passionate about investing, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, real estate and more, this episode is for you. Whether you’re in your 20s drowning in student loans or a parent trying to teach your kids about money, Patrick’s message will hit home. Share it with someone who needs this kind of energy and perspective in their life. ________________________________________ 💬 Don’t forget to COMMENT below: 👉 What’s the biggest money lesson you learned from this episode? 👉 Which tip will you consider incorporating? ________________________________________ 📢 Like, Subscribe & HPlayPlay From Passive To Powerful! Alternative Investment Mastery
• The Blueprint To Financial Freedom And Incredible WealthJul 2, 2025 · 24 minWhat if the lyrics of your favourite hip hop songs held the blueprint to financial freedom? Welcome back to ep101 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . This week Drew Boyer is with us —Certified Financial Planner, speaker, and author of Hip Hop x Finance —to talk about his incredible journey from six figures in debt to financial freedom, and how the culture of hip hop shaped his money mindset. Drew brings a fresh, relatable voice to the world of personal finance by translating lessons from hip hop into actionable financial strategies that anyone can use—especially young people, creatives, and underserved communities. Think Jay-Z meets Dave Ramsey (with better beats and cooler shoes). This episode isn’t just about budgeting or investing. It’s about empowerment through financial literacy , challenging cultural narratives around money , and creating wealth that lasts for generations. Drew doesn’t just preach theory—he lived it. After racking up over $100,000 in debt, he made a decision to learn everything he could about money, turn his life around, and now helps others do the same through his book, coaching, and social media content. 💡 In this episode, we dive deep into: 🔸 How hip hop culture can be a gateway to financial education 🔸 The moment Drew realized he was financially drowning—and how he turned it around 🔸 The biggest money lessons we can learn from artists like Jay-Z, Nas, and Dr. Dre 🔸 Why financial literacy is still lacking in schools (and how to fix it) 🔸 How parents can teach their kids about money using storytelling and music 🔸 What Hip Hop x Finance is really about—and how it’s changing lives 🔸 Tactical advice on budgeting, paying off debt, investing, and building real wealth 🔸 The myths about money that keep people broke 🔸 Why mindset, not income, is the real key to wealth 🎤 Who is Drew Boyer? Drew Boyer is a Certified Financial Planner and the creator of Hip Hop x Finance , a movement that blends the storytelling power of hip hop with the foundational principles of personal finance. He's been featured on major podcasts and is known for making money conversations accessible, fun, and empowering—especially for youth and families who didn’t grow up learning about money. 📚 Grab Drew's Book: Hip Hop x Finance: Become a Financial Gangster, Get Off Debt Row, and Stack Your Cash Flow 👉 https://hiphopxfinance.com 🔗 Follow Drew Boyer: 📍 Website: https://hiphopxfinance.com 📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewboyer78 📍 TikTok: https://wPlayPlay The Blueprint To Financial Freedom And Incredible Wealth
• Building A Better Future! Can Modular Homes Fix The Housing Crisis?Jun 25, 2025 · 29 minThere is no denying that there is a housing crisis happening across Canada and the U.S. Welcome back to 100th milestone episode of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . This week, I sit down with serial entrepreneur and disruptor Damion Lupo, the force behind FrameTec — a revolutionary Canadian company using cutting-edge automation to build high-quality, affordable modular homes and tackle one of the country’s biggest challenges: the housing crisis. With soaring real estate prices and mounting pressure on municipalities to create more housing faster, traditional construction methods just can’t keep up. That’s where FrameTec comes in — leveraging automation, robotics, and sustainable practices to reimagine what homebuilding looks like in the 21st century. In this conversation, Damion shares: His personal journey — including losing $25M in a single year, rebuilding from scratch, and channeling those lessons into creating impact-driven businesses. How FrameTec’s state-of-the-art technology is reducing framing time from weeks to days , cutting construction waste by over 90%, and increasing on-site safety. Why modular construction is the key to delivering affordable housing at scale — without sacrificing quality, design, or durability. The real reason municipalities and developers are embracing prefab construction , and what this shift means for investors, homeowners, and renters alike. A behind-the-scenes look at FrameTec’s massive manufacturing facility in Alberta and its national expansion plans. This isn’t just about construction — it’s about restoring hope. It’s about redefining what’s possible in real estate. And it’s about solving a crisis that affects all of us, one beautifully built modular home at a time. Whether you're an investor seeking your next big opportunity, a developer curious about prefabrication, or someone who just cares about the future of housing in Canada — this episode is a must-listen. Thank you to Executive Lens for bringing us this month’s episodes. To learn more about curating content to help you build a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn and beyond, go to executivelens.co. “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca. Thank you for tuning in and join us again on Jul. 2 for our next episode! ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ________PlayPlay Building A Better Future! Can Modular Homes Fix The Housing Crisis?
• Investing Across Borders: The Real Estate Blueprint You NEED!Jun 18, 2025 · 26 minWhat if the key to long-term wealth wasn’t locked in your backyard—but across borders? Welcome back to ep99 of “Inspired To Invest” with Evan McLeish. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . He is the sharp and strategic mind behind Midfield Investments, who’s on a mission to scale wealth through value-add multifamily real estate—particularly in the booming markets of Texas. Evan’s journey started in Ontario, but his real estate vision quickly expanded across state lines. Why? Because he realized the Canadian market wasn’t offering the same kind of scale, returns, or deal flow. With a finance background and an innate appetite for due diligence, he dove headfirst into the U.S. multifamily sector—and never looked back. In this episode, Evan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a successful cross-border portfolio. From capital raising and market selection to managing large-scale construction and optimizing operations, he shares the real-life strategies that have helped Midfield grow into a trusted investment firm for both institutional and retail investors. We dig into: 🔍 How to strategically select high-growth U.S. markets while managing risk across international borders 🧠 The mindset shift investors need to move from playing small to scaling with intention 💼 What Canadian investors often overlook when investing in U.S. multifamily—and how to avoid the common pitfalls 🛠️ The role of construction and asset management in creating long-term value 💡 The two-track investment strategy Midfield uses to maximize returns: income-generating assets and value-add growth opportunities But this isn’t just a technical breakdown. Evan gets real about the emotional side of investing—what it’s like to manage investor capital, lead a growing team, and make bold decisions in uncertain markets. He also talks about the importance of trust, reputation, and being the kind of operator people want to partner with. If you’re a Canadian investor who’s been curious about the U.S. market—or someone who’s ready to scale beyond single-family rentals and small multi’s—this conversation will give you the confidence and clarity you’ve been looking for. Evan’s approach is methodical, data-driven, and refreshingly humble. He’s not chasing vanity metrics. He’s playing the long game—and showing others how to do the same. 🎧 Ready to expand your portfolio and your perspective? Tune in now. 🔗 Learn more about Midfield Investments: https://investmidfield.com Thank you to Executive Lens for supporting this month’s episodes. To learn more about curating compelling content to build a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn and beyond, go to executivelens.co.PlayPlay Investing Across Borders: The Real Estate Blueprint You NEED!
• Business Without Burnout: Finding Peace & Alignment Among The ChaosJun 11, 2025 · 26 minWhat if success didn't require endless hustle and burnout? Welcome back to ep98 of “Inspired To Invest” with Vanessa Ortali. To watch rather than listen, click HERE . Vanessa Ortali discovered this truth the hard way after subscribing to hustle culture left her exhausted, depressed, and paradoxically, struggling to make money. Her breakthrough came when she embraced authenticity and realized she could achieve remarkable success while maintaining joy, balance, and her feminine energy. Vanessa's entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when she created the Toronto Ladies Community to fulfill her own desire for female friendships. What started as casual wine nights quickly blossomed into networking events with hundreds of attendees, teaching her valuable lessons about organic growth and community building. This experience, coupled with her background in corporate training, led her to identify a crucial gap: entrepreneurs needed support integrating practical business strategy with mindset work. Today, as an award-winning speaker and coach, Vanessa works with entrepreneurs—particularly high-achieving women and mothers—who find themselves at a crossroads. Whether they're struggling to launch or have built successful businesses but feel burned out, her approach helps them create sustainable success aligned with their authentic selves. She shares powerful insights about navigating significant setbacks (including a $60,000 loss with an app developer), leveraging AI technology to increase efficiency, and maintaining optimism despite challenges. For entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed by wearing "too many hats," Vanessa offers liberating advice: tune into your unique gifts rather than trying to be everything to everyone. "So many people think industries are saturated," she notes, "but you're always going to do it uniquely because YOU are unique and what you have to say matters." Ready to ditch the exhaustion and find success with alignment? Listen now to discover how embracing your authentic self might be the business strategy you've been missing. To connect with Vanessa, go to vanessaortali.com or @iamvanessao Thank you to Executive Lens for supporting this month’s episodes. To learn more about curating compelling content to build a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn and beyond, go to executivelens.co. “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca. Thank you for tuning in - and join us again on Jun. 11 for our next episode! ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (aPlayPlay Business Without Burnout: Finding Peace & Alignment Among The Chaos
• How To Raise Money For Your Real Estate Investments - Without Asking For It!Jun 4, 2025 · 37 minWhat would you do if your access to credit suddenly ran dry? Welcome back to ep97 of “Inspired To Invest” with Jay Conner. To watch rather than listen, click here . When the banks suddenly shut down Jay Conner's line of credit in January 2009 despite his perfect payment history and 800 credit score, he faced a crisis with two properties under contract and nowhere to turn for funding. What happened next transformed his real estate business forever. Rather than panicking, Jay asked himself a powerful question: "Who do I know that can help me with my problem?" That question led him to discover the world of private money and self-directed IRAs. The timing couldn't have been more perfect—foreclosures were abundant, banks weren't lending, and individual investors were desperately seeking alternatives to volatile stock markets and low-yield CDs. By teaching people in his network about private lending opportunities rather than asking for money, Jay raised $2.15 million in just 90 days and tripled his business during one of the worst economic downturns in history. What makes Jay's approach revolutionary is his servant-first mindset. "Desperation has a smell to it," he explains, which is why he never pitches deals or asks for money. Instead, he educates potential investors about private lending and self-directed IRAs—concepts 99% of people have never encountered—and allows them to express interest. When he has suitable opportunities, he simply makes "good news phone calls" informing investors he can now put their money to work. Security remains paramount in Jay's system. Each private lender receives their own promissory note and recorded mortgage/deed of trust, maintaining loan-to-value ratios below 75% of after-repair value. This conservative approach has allowed him to raise $8.5 million and utilize $230 million in private capital by recycling funds across multiple deals over 14 years. For those looking to implement similar strategies, Jay offers crucial red flags to watch for (like upfront application fees from supposed lenders) and emphasizes the importance of systems, software, and delegation. By becoming a "3D person" who can dictate, delegate, and disappear, he's reduced his weekly workload to under 10 hours while maintaining a thriving business. Want to learn how to attract private money without begging or chasing? Visit jayconner.com/book to receive Jay's bestselling book "Where to Get the Money Now" for just the cost of shipping. To connect with Jay, go to jayconner.com Thank you to Executive Lens for bringing us this month’s episodes. To learn more about how to leverage compelling video content to build a powerful personal brand, go to executivelens.co “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To GPlayPlay How To Raise Money For Your Real Estate Investments - Without Asking For It!
• Smart Scaling! How To Build A Stable, Sustainable Real Estate PortfolioMay 28, 2025 · 28 minLet's talk about smart scaling and how to build a stable, sustainable real estate portfolio. Welcome back to ep96 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click here . Elizabeth Kelly's transformation from corporate fundraiser to real estate mogul reveals the often-unseen realities of building a substantial property portfolio. Having scaled to nearly 400 units across multiple markets before strategically downsizing, Kelly brings a refreshingly honest perspective to the conversation about real estate investing and entrepreneurship. What begins as a fascinating account of portfolio building quickly evolves into a masterclass on sustainable growth. Kelly candidly shares how she and her husband leveraged favorable financing conditions in 2010 to rapidly expand their holdings, primarily focusing on cash-flowing apartment buildings. But as she reveals, this growth came with unexpected challenges that fundamentally changed her approach to investing. The conversation takes a compelling turn when Kelly discusses the dangers of "money churn" – the once-popular strategy of quickly buying, renovating, refinancing and moving to the next deal. Her insights on how tightening financial markets have exposed the vulnerabilities in this approach are particularly relevant in today's investment landscape. Perhaps most valuable are Kelly's hard-earned lessons about property management and operational demands. After establishing her own management company and experiencing the true weight of running a large portfolio, she made the strategic decision to sell 75% of her holdings. Her current focus on properties that function more like businesses with multiple revenue streams represents a sophisticated evolution in her investment philosophy. Throughout our conversation, Kelly emphasizes that real estate is merely a vehicle, not the destination itself. The freedom it provides – to set her own schedule, care for family members without permission, and create her desired income – remains her ultimate motivation. Her story serves as both inspiration and caution for anyone looking to build wealth through real estate. Ready to hear more investor stories and strategies that could transform your approach to building wealth? Subscribe to Inspired to Invest wherever you listen to podcasts, and join our community of forward-thinking investors. To connect with Elizabeth, go to @elizabethkellyconsulting on social or https://ekconsulting.ca Thank you for KnightsbridgeFX for bringing us this month’s episodes. To learn more about how you can save money when you have currency to exchange, go to https://knightsbridgefx.com and on social @knightsbridge.fx . “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-proPlayPlay Smart Scaling! How To Build A Stable, Sustainable Real Estate Portfolio
• From Fighting Fires To Finding Financial Freedom With Real EstateMay 21, 2025 · 28 minFrom fighting fires to financial freedom! Welcome back to ep95 of "Inspired To Invest". To watch rather than listen, click here . Paul D’Abruzzo's transformation from Toronto firefighter to successful real estate investor reveals a powerful truth about financial freedom. While his decade in firefighting offered security, camaraderie, and a six-figure salary, Paul and his wife Laura yearned for something more—a life without golden handcuffs, where they could build wealth on their terms. The journey began during the 2009 financial crisis when Paul, inspired by T. Harv Eker and a transformative conference in California, discovered the concept of passive income through real estate. Starting with rent-to-own properties and gradually shifting to multifamily investments across the GTA and Hamilton, he methodically built a portfolio designed to replace his firefighting income. What makes Paul's story particularly compelling is his departure from the fire service just days before COVID-19 hit Canada. This timing forced him to immediately apply his investment philosophy during unprecedented market conditions. "Anyone can be a hero in real estate when the market is going up," Paul explains. "The true mark of an investor is the ability to make money in any market—up, down, or sideways." When faced with rising interest rates and market volatility, Paul took an unemotional, asset-manager approach to his portfolio, selling underperforming properties, converting single-family homes to duplexes, and pivoting toward developing new multifamily buildings. This adaptability allowed his investments to not just survive but thrive during a period when many investors failed. Perhaps most valuable is Paul's goal-centered approach to real estate. Rather than chasing arbitrary targets like "10 properties" or "$10,000 monthly cashflow," he encourages investors to identify their true financial needs and deeper motivations. As he shares through his Expert Investor Academy, connecting with your "why"—whether it's paying off parents' mortgages or creating intergenerational wealth—provides the resilience needed to overcome inevitable real estate challenges. Ready to transform your own relationship with money and investing? Download Paul's "2025 Real Estate Investor Playbook" at expertinvestoracademy.com/playbook and discover strategies for building wealth that creates options no salary ever could. Download Paul's "2025 Real Estate Investor Playbook" at expertinvestoracademy.com/playbook and discover strategies for building wealth that creates options no salary ever could. To connect with Paul, go to @paulexpertinvestoracademy on social or https://expertinvestoracademy.com online. Thank you for KnightsbridgeFX for bringing us this monPlayPlay From Fighting Fires To Finding Financial Freedom With Real Estate
• The 1031 Playbook. How To Save Money & Grow Wealth With Tax-Free ExchangesMay 14, 2025 · 24 minEver wondered how seasoned investors keep more of their earnings while strategically navigating tax hurdles? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dave Foster, a veteran in the real estate realm, who turns tax codes into powerful tools for wealth building. To watch rather than listen, click here . From his own costly mistake to mastering the art of the 1031 exchange, Dave unveils how he transitioned from a hefty tax bill to leveraging government incentives for personal financial gain. He brings to light the intriguing concept of tax codes as behavior incentivizers, offering practical insights into deferring taxes while reinvesting in properties. Get ready for an engaging session filled with real estate wisdom and a sprinkling of humor as Dave shares tales from his eclectic investment journey, including a quirky client experience at a nudist colony. We tackle the myths surrounding the so-called passive income of being a landlord and dive into the complexities of legacy building through strategic property investments. With actionable strategies and a focus on tax-efficient wealth transfer to future generations, Dave's insights are a treasure trove for anyone looking to harness real estate for long-term financial success. Don't miss out on this rich discussion filled with both serious strategies and light-hearted moments, as we explore how to make the most out of your real estate ventures. To connect with Dave go to @davefoster1031 on social or https://the1031investor.com online. Thank you for KnightsbridgeFX for bringing us this month’s episodes. To learn more about how you can save money when you have currency to exchange, go to https://knightsbridgefx.com and on social @knightsbridge.fx . “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca. Thank you for tuning into “Inspired To Invest”. Join us again for our next episode May. 14. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system! __________________ WaPlayPlay The 1031 Playbook. How To Save Money & Grow Wealth With Tax-Free Exchanges