Start Your Podcast

I never planned on having a show about how hard it is to be an entrepreneur, it just kinda happened, and I am so glad it did. Hi, I am Carl, and I have so many stories to tell about my one year into podcasting. I truly appreciate each guest that took the time out of their day and visited with me. I have to say each episode has it's own life as we are all individuals figuring out life in the first place, so let me spare you the pleasantries and let's jump into what I was able to gather from each episode.

Episode 1"Insights From The 6"

with Alexandros Kessaris

Alex is a dreamer and a rare talent from the future. His ability to synthesize the world and deliver witty candor, is like no other. I thoroughly enjoyed how he would keep going on about the universe and how we really are all vibrations, yes- the story is one of sacrifice- but with so much more to give. He loves his family, I even had the opportunity to talk with his Grand Mother, right after his Grand Father passed, may he rest his soul. A truly inspiring moment for me as I write this today. The podcast brought us to this juncture in our lives, and for a moment I was apart of their story. I can only say how fascinating it was to have time give me a moment such as this. You have to listen to this episode as it is the only one I rap in the intro. I want to thank Alex and his family for their time and inviting me to and through their journey. We still keep in touch till this day, and I am better off to have had the opportunity to meet him and his family.

Listen to Episode #1 "Insight From the 6" : https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Insight-From-The-6-e37t5p/a-aaj92f

Episode #2 "Cloud 9 Living" with Jordan Gross

Jordan is the hardest working guy and a truly good soul to be around. His energy signature is 100% positive, not just for himself, but for you as well. It is something I have come to realize that my own signature is alive and well, but does not emit the same radiation as Mr. Gross himself. He is currently promoting his book "Cloud 9 Living" and on a journey of learning about each person he comes in contact with. He successfully executed 90 Podcasts in 90 days or something to that affect. Extremely difficult to do.

I had the opportunity to meet Jordan in Manhattan, NY in October of 2019 and was not disappointed. A few of us are pretty comfortable with meeting individuals we are unfamiliar with off line, through a social platform like LinkedIn, and there will always be a little curiosity on how the experience will work out. When we have a great interaction with a person we didn't know before, it resonates with us, just as if we were to have a horrible experience.

This was a great one folks. The meeting was set at Jordan's favorite Sushi Bar in Manhattan. It was great, I learned how to eat a sushi wrap. Let me tell you this wrap was light and flaky, with a proprietary outer shell that just melts in your mouth. I really appreciate Jordan for coming on and discussing his vision of the world and how he plans on staking his claim. Learning from each other is an underrated practice that we need to get back to. I think that 's why Podcasting can have such an impact on us. I can always go back to these moments to reflect, and they are as relevant as the day we recorded.

Listen to the Episode 2 "Cloud 9 Living" Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Cloud-9-Living-With-Jordan-Gross-e43dff/a-aame7h

Episode 3 "Value In 30" with Cory Warfield

Cory has a gut wrenching story that many may not know about. Once homeless and a survivor of hard times, Corey has witnessed his share of difficulties that some of us would not be able to survive. The day I interviewed Cory, I knew it would be a great episode. It's not because I knew him but I knew of him, and once I did some research, I was amazed at his ability to grow at the rate he has, and give it his all with a tenacious passion that is unrivaled. Cory is the CEO of Shedwool. Shedwool is a scheduling platform for the Hospitality Industry. Cory cut his teeth in upscale restaurants where he made 6 figures, learned to think on his feet, and grow the necessary people skills one would need to make it in a City such as Chicago. Cory sits on several boards and does so much for his community. What was surprising during our interview was his ability to eloquently lay out his story. He has a way of telling stories that get you hooked when you listen. It's like you are reading a book and the author is you but Cory is the author and the book at the same time, mind blowing, I know. He lives life with such passion and integrity. He is always fighting for those who do not have a voice, and I have to say, I want to be on his team when it is all said and done.

Listen to Episode #3 "Value in 30" with Cory Warfield Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Value-In-30-With-Cory-Warfield-e44tnl/a-ag2c0s

Episode # 4 "100 Cups" with Dr. Joe Daniels

What a guy! Dr. Daniels is a recent doctorate engineer graduate who, during the time of our interview, was trying his hand in entrepreneurship. I could sense his dedication to his legacy as a doctoral student but he was also figuring out the ropes when it came to entrepreneurship. He knew he had a task on his hand, to say the least. With me being a well versed failure at entrepreneurship or should I say, I have many failures under my belt, that I now call lessons. We were able to share those stories of how we grew up as men of color and how our upbringing shaped how we view the world.

Joe is a huge advocate for Diversity and Inclusion and he makes it known as we all should. I find myself wondering, how can I do more with that cause. I always end up with saying, my time will come, and I will know it, when I see it. Joe reminded me of how much more we have to get done to really be able to see the progress of those that came before us.

It's funny, because during this interview, the equipment was a nightmare. We had to record several times, as you will notice in the audio. I hope a few empty sound bites do not scare you away from the great conversation Joe and I was able to embark on. I was thrilled with one of his call to actions and this is not verbatim but I will take shot at it- He wants the populous to start a rehabilitative approach to the criminal justice process, particular when dealing with people of color. His goal is to get all the HBCU'S and do a pilot program where Medicinal Marijuana proceeds would fund the program to get men and women who have been incarcerated to study their own impact of them making bad decision i.e.. selling drugs. The pilot program would also fund the elementary to college pipeline instead of the elementary to jail pipeline, that has plagued the black community for centuries. I commend Joe in his fight, and will stand with him. We all have something to gain by sharing the pie instead of grossly marginalizing a race for some of the similar crimes. Great message here.

Listen to Episode #4 "100 Cups" with Dr. Joe Daniels here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/100-Cups-of-Coffee-with-Dr--Joe-Daniels-e46p97/a-agcg6d

Episode 5 "Holistic Entrepreneur" with Sam Chein

Sam is truly an enlightened individual. He has a perspective of good food equates to great outcomes, hence the title of the episode "Holistic Entrepreneur"! We discuss how if one is to take on the challenges of the world, one must equip their bodies to do so. I remember him saying " I know a person is on there game, when I can have a 10AM conversation at 10PM" He is basically saying, how sharp are you throughout the day. We have all been there, right. Once we eat lunch, which is probably not healthy I'm guessing, our energy tends to decline from there. Sam is making a case for healthy eating or a healthy lifestyle for us entrepreneurs. As I write this, I am eating a Great American Cookie, and I know Sam would not be happy with that. I think we all have a struggle with something externally and internally. As I have gotten older, I am witnessing how difficult it is to keep weight off. Staying healthy has become a full time job, and I don't like it at all.

I think I will take Sam's advice and try to look at the cause of why I eat, not when I eat. I remember during that hot June day when we had our interview, I was sold on his demeanor and candor as he made the case for healthy transformation for anyone who would welcome the shift in mental and physical form. Sam, I will make this year the year I finally watch what I eat, and why. Thank you for your time and continued support. Great story here.

Listen to Episode 5 "Holistic Entrepreneur" Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Holistic-Entrepreneur-e4dtff/a-ahis77

Episode # 6 "Young and Profiting" with Hala Taha

Hala is a daring risk taker. It isn't anything that she can't put her mind to and accomplish. Her history in the radio industry and being in New Jersey is definitely on display in this episode. We discuss how she used her super powers to leverage once dreams into realities, that only she could have created. Hala is an ultimate entrepreneur, I really enjoyed her discipline and out right grit, that is needed coming up in the industry of radio and media.

Her dream job was to work on the Angie Martinez show in New York. I am from the South so this is the first time I heard about the Angie Martinez show. Little did I know, it's the "Holy Grail" of radio shows in New York. She was able to get in and abruptly that dream came to end. What really got me was, Hala did not let that failure define her. In fact, she used those relationships she was able to build overtime to build her now current empire which goes by the name of "Young and Profiting".

Hala has had several ventures, some being successful, and some not. But as we say in the entrepreneurial world, if you aren't failing, you aren't trying hard enough, or your dreams are just to small. Failure is what brings about the future of where you want to be. I learned a ton from Hala particularly why you never burn bridges, but utilize those relationships even when things don't quite go your way, learn from them, and get better. Thank you Hala for your time and giving us so much.

Listen to Episode 6 "Young and Profiting" Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Young-and-Profiting-with-Hala-Taha-e4j4p4/a-aik5b0

Episode 7 "A Life of Stories" with Lubna Forzley-Badr

This was one of my favorite episodes. Lubna has a very charismatic and eloquent approach. Her corporate journey with entrepreneurial undertones is fascinating. We discussed being raised during a war which she had that experience for a short time. Originally Lebanese but raised in Canada, and then moved back to the Middle East for work. Her list of accomplishments are to long to place here, but her impact is much more evident through her selfless but fierce approach. I remember when I asked her "how do you balance life and work" and her response was so classic, " like any man would"! I thought that was so timing and golden.

You will notice how hard I laughed when she said it. Lubna has a very witty way of putting things that draws you into her energy sphere. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking with her and finding out more about her story, as well. One thing I noticed, was her will to stand up for herself. She told me a story about a board leader going to each person and asking for their input and he tried to overlook her, and she spoke up. That is big, and I applaud her for that and giving a voice to the future women that will be sitting in that place one day. It is so much more to getting to the table, but actually standing up for yourself once you are there, is extremely powerful. A quote that she mentioned that really opened my eyes was this " A bird that rests on a branch on a tree, does not rest her fate on the branch, but on her own wings" Very impactful and fearless. Thank you Lubna for your time and your contributions to The Grind 1.0

Listen to Episode # 7 "A Life of Stories" with Lubna Forzley-Badr Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Episode-7-A-Life-of-Stories-e54ffu/a-amij1m

Episode #8 "The Success Chronicles" with Chip Baker

Chip Baker is a man on a mission and I am better off having had the opportunity to interview him. He is on a truly inspiring mission to change the narrative of young men and treat people with a great deal of humbleness. Chip has a background in coaching, he is a 4th generation educator teacher coach. He is a 2 time author who preaches success and how you can accomplish that with hard work and dedication.

Have you ever heard the saying "Be the change you want to see in the world", this quote embodies Chip and his mission. He lives by the idea that your journey is what you make, based on how you respond to adversity. Adversity makes us what we are and ultimately will determine where we eventually will get to. Making a difference in the world will be met with friction and challenges, but for Chip, the potential impact, is well worth the effort. I remember during our interview I could sense his humbleness and his good spirit that emits so much energy.

Chip leads with service and ultimate gratitude. I am thankful for Chip and his mission. We need more Chips in the world today. Go and check "Success Chronicles" out when you get a chance. You will not be disappointed. A quote that really stuck out to me from Chip is this: "Change your mindset from I have to-to I get to" That is profound and it really resonated with me. Thanks Chip for the time.

Listen to Episode #8 "The Success Chronicles" with Chip Baker Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/The-Success-Chronicles-e5eb45/a-ante7r

Episode #9 "The Executive Coach" with Nicole P Jones

This was a really great episode. Nicole is stellar and well rounded. Her dedication during tough times when her mom passed speaks volumes to her grit and fortitude. We go through so many storms throughout our lives, and one thing to the next, can be the moment of reckoning. Nicole used her pain to create passion for her and her family. She is tenacious and very cerebral when it comes to how she approaches her craft. Our journey to this podcast is one of mutual understanding. How do we look at our current situation and learn where we will be in the next 3-5 years? It's impossible to know that. I think Nicole's natural ability to be grounded really resonated with me. She has her guiding star in her son, but also has so many ambitions that are realized through her hard work. It's funny she mentioned being engaged with her son through a accidental step into martial arts. This is one of many ways she connects with her son, and it just so happens, she enjoys the art of kicking butt.

Nicole's journey is just like a lot of ours and once we lean into those tough times to see where we are mentally, we get a better understanding of where we want to go. We have so much to learn from each other. I think you can sense a pattern in my case that I am making with each of these episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing Nicole's challenges and her ambitions as an Executive Coach. She is definitely a trailblazer. Thank you Nicole for coming on to the show and sharing your story with me. I am better off having the opportunity to interview you.

Listen to Episode #9 "The Executive Coach" Here: https://anchor.fm/carl-dunn/episodes/Ep--9-The-Executive-Coach-e5j4v1/a-aor029

Lastly, each episode has it's own feel and context. What I really hope you gain from this article, is to learn about each guest but also learn a little more about me. I enjoy listening to other people's story of entrepreneurship. The best part is, I get to feel their story for a short time, which in turn, allows me to appreciate the effort and handwork each person put into their individual careers and passions.

I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to learn more about my guests. I cannot thank them enough for taking time out of their busy day to chat with me for a while. I would also say, we need to get to know each other more, and take time to bring people into our ecosystem. I feel this is one way that all of us can add more meaning to our lives as we journey this existence together. We have to remember, we cannot survive without each other, why not know more about your neighbor than you currently do? I think it will help overall. This is only my #3Cents, but you don't have to take it from me. I hope you enjoy this article as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Until next time, have a great week!

Thank You,

Carl Dunn

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