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What do autopsy assistants, nuclear medicine, and successful financial planning have in common? For Matt Roop, Partner at Deerfield Financial Advisors, they're all stepping stones on an extraordinary career journey guided by a simple principle: "always raise your hand" for new opportunities.

Matt's path to financial planning began nowhere near the industry. With a degree in nuclear medicine technology, he found himself working as an autopsy assistant during a period of career exploration – a position that led to meeting his wife "over a dead body" as they joke. When the opportunity to join Charles Schwab's expanding operation appeared in the late 1990s, Matt's willingness to try something new set him on an unexpected trajectory through the financial world.

Following his wife's Air Force career took him from Indianapolis to Biloxi, Mississippi, to Washington D.C., each move providing new professional experiences and perspectives. After briefly joining his family's construction business and later running his own financial practice, Matt found his home at Deerfield Financial Advisors, where he eventually became a partner.

Throughout our conversation, Matt shares valuable insights about navigating career transitions, finding fulfillment through client relationships, and balancing business ownership with personal life. His self-described "small boat philosophy" – preferring deep connections with fewer people over numerous shallow relationships – has shaped both his approach to wealth management and his definition of success, which centers on family and meaningful client relationships rather than traditional metrics.

For Matt, failure isn't defined by unsuccessful attempts but by not trying at all. His story reminds us that the most rewarding career paths often emerge when we're brave enough to raise our hands, seize unexpected opportunities, and build genuine connections along the way.

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Ever wonder what happens when a theatrical Navy veteran with a rebellious streak becomes an IT entrepreneur? Meet Steve Schulenberg, the self-proclaimed "Cyber Cowboy," who's breaking every stereotype about tech professionals while building a thriving cybersecurity business.

Steve's journey began over 14 years ago when, sitting at his local bar contemplating his future, a bartender suggested he simply call his business "Just Call Steve" – and JCS Technologies was born. From those humble beginnings, Steve has crafted a unique approach to IT services that blends technical expertise with genuine human connection.

What makes Steve's story particularly compelling is his willingness to embrace his naturally outgoing personality in an industry often dominated by introverts. Rather than conforming to expectations, he leverages his theatrical background to bridge the gap between complex technology and business owners who find IT intimidating. This authentic approach has become his secret weapon in business development and client relationships.

The conversation takes a serious turn when Steve reveals a startling statistic: 80% of small businesses that suffer a ransomware cyber attack never recover. As he explains, too many companies entrust their vital technological infrastructure to underqualified individuals, often with catastrophic results. His mission has become protecting these vulnerable businesses through professional IT services and comprehensive cybersecurity measures.

Throughout our discussion, Steve shares invaluable insights on networking, time management, and defining success on your own terms. His philosophy that "success is any advancement from where you were before" and "failure is refusing to change" offers a refreshing perspective for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.

Whether you're a business owner concerned about cybersecurity, an entrepreneur struggling to find your authentic voice, or someone contemplating a major career pivot, Steve's story will inspire you to embrace your unique qualities and turn them into your greatest business assets. Listen now to discover how being yourself might be the most powerful business strategy of all.

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Unlock the secrets of strategic thinking and transform your entrepreneurial journey with our latest episode of the Owner's Odyssey. Drawing inspiration from Keith Cunningham's "The Road Less Stupid," we promise to guide you on fostering clarity and innovation amidst the chaos of business ownership. We'll share personal stories and insights that illuminate the power of asking the right questions to drive both personal and professional growth.

Imagine creating a dedicated space for uninterrupted thinking, where you can reflect and strategize like never before. That's exactly what we explore as we discuss the impact of strategic and emotional thinking on managing life's challenges. Just like athletes who must balance proactive planning with reactive responses, business leaders can benefit from a disciplined approach to decision-making. Through relatable sports analogies, we highlight how prioritizing objectives over personal pride can prevent costly misdirection and maintain focus.

In this episode, we also dive into the art of journaling with intention and how it can enhance your personal development. Discover how altering your approach to self-reflection can unlock deeper understanding and clarity in your decision-making process. As we revisit Cunningham's financial lessons, reminiscent of Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad," we emphasize the power of maintaining focus and harnessing the right questions to achieve your desired outcomes. Join us for this compelling discussion filled with gratitude and inspiration.

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What if you could transform your personal values into a thriving business that makes a genuine social impact? Angela Parker, co-founder of Realized Worth, joins us to share her inspiring entrepreneurial story. From starting in a small church environment to partnering with corporate giants like Microsoft, Angela's journey is a testament to the power of aligning passion with purpose. Through her experiences, Angela highlights the importance of creating a culture that prioritizes social good, and she reveals the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped her path, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Angela's narrative is rich with lessons on the complexities of leadership and the art of trusting one's instincts in business growth. Despite the challenges of transitioning from a small cleaning business to launching Realized Worth, Angela emphasizes the crucial role of intuition in navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. She shares her personal reflections on the emotional challenges of growing her business, and how these experiences have shaped her unique approach to integrating corporate social responsibility into business strategy.

Our conversation also delves into the emotional journey of maintaining passion amidst challenges and the transformative power of self-compassion. Angela candidly discusses her struggles with identity tied to business success, the impact of setbacks, and the resilience needed to overcome them. Through personal anecdotes and techniques like journaling, Angela offers a roadmap for leaders to nurture their mindset and navigate the pressures of leading a mission-oriented company. Join us for a compelling discussion filled with insights, inspiration, and the wisdom to transform your own entrepreneurial journey.

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Ever feel like you're constantly juggling challenges without a positive mindset to ground you? Join us, Zach Jones and Brook Gratia, as we share how transforming our headspace with positive content and meditative practices like binaural beats has helped us tackle obstacles with resilience. We share personal anecdotes and offer practical tips to maintain an optimistic attitude, crucial for effective leadership and personal growth. By tuning into motivational podcasts, audiobooks, and inspirational social media snippets, discover how you can shift your perspective and approach challenges with renewed energy.

We also open up about the essential role of self-care in maintaining mental health, exploring unique metaphors and activities that highlight the balance necessary for well-being. Think of yourself as a sponge, absorbing and releasing energy, while we explore the impact of technology on stress and sleep. From minimizing screen time before bed to indulging in hobbies like playing the guitar or enjoying a round of golf, we emphasize the importance of finding personal spaces that offer relaxation and stress relief. These practices help refresh the mind, offering a sanctuary from the hustle of everyday responsibilities.

Lastly, we reflect on the power of creative expression and "me time" in avoiding burnout and sustaining creativity. By sharing my journey of shifting music from a professional endeavor to a personal passion, I highlight the significance of having hobbies that fuel joy without pressure. Recognizing the challenges of balancing family and work, we underscore the necessity of early morning routines for personal growth. Whether it's reading, exercising, or simply enjoying quiet time, prioritizing "me time" is not just a luxury; it's a vital part of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Allow us to inspire you to embrace self-care, paving the way for greater personal and professional success.

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When Starla West swapped the security of her consulting job for the roller-coaster ride of entrepreneurship amidst the 2008 economic crash, she wasn't just chasing a dream—she was leaping into a new reality. Our latest episode zeros in on Starla's unguarded revelations about the lessons learned through her coaching business's evolution. From trusting her gut over traditional business plans to nurturing invaluable relationships with an advisory board, Starla's narrative brims with the tenacity and wisdom only found on the front lines of self-made success.

Scaling a business isn't for the faint of heart, and Starla unpacks the intricacies of growth with the precision of a seasoned pro. She shares the significance of having a board of advisors—each a maestro in their realm—and how this council helped her filter through the cacophony of entrepreneurship advice. There's a moment in every business owner's journey where you must decide between deep involvement or expansion, and Starla was no exception. Her candid insights give a sneak peek into the critical decisions and the strategic moves she made to ensure her business thrived without losing its soul.

The conversation takes a profound turn as we venture into the realms of marketing authenticity, pricing strategies, and the promising field of psychedelic integration coaching. Starla's personal experiences and forward-thinking approach exemplify how one's values and business acumen can unite to chart a course through uncertain waters. Whether she's navigating the complexities of networking or contemplating the integration of psychedelics into her practice, Starla's pioneering spirit and commitment to authentic growth are nothing short of inspiring. Join us as we uncover these riveting developments in the world of personal and entrepreneurial breakthroughs.

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When the going gets tough, they say, the tough get going. Amy Kandrac embodies this adage, turning a deeply personal challenge into 'What Friends Do', a robust support network born from the chaos of a health crisis. Join us as Amy takes us through her entrepreneurial odyssey, from the platform's early days before smartphone ubiquity to its transformation into a sustainable modern business model. Her journey is a heartfelt testament to the resilience required in the startup world, especially within the software industry in the Midwest. As she shares the hurdles of growth, funding, and the switch from nonprofit fundraising, Amy's story offers a candid look into the adaptability needed when your venture is as personal as it is professional.

Navigating the waters of a family-run business has its unique trials and triumphs, as Amy deftly illustrates. The blending of personal connections into professional ones can either be a recipe for success or a potential minefield. This episode peels back the layers of this delicate dynamic, discussing the challenges of managing relationships and the subtle art of maintaining friendships and family amidst business pressures. Additionally, we delve into the world of venture funding from a female entrepreneur's perspective, celebrating Amy's status as the first woman in Indiana to secure such funding and discussing how she managed to break through barriers that many women in business face today.

The conversation doesn't shy away from the leadership labyrinth—balancing the need for confidence with the humility of seeking support. Amy's insight into fostering a culture of compassion within her company and the broader business community sets an example for all leaders. Coupled with her vision to extend 'What Friends Do' on a global scale and the introduction of a new concierge service, Amy's drive to innovate support networks has the potential to revolutionize how we help each other through life's toughest challenges. So, tune in to hear how one woman's mission to provide a lifeline for those in need has blossomed into a life-changing enterprise for many.

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Embarking on a quest for entrepreneurial wisdom and personal transformation, we traverse the highs and lows of business growth and self-discovery with Zach Jones. The narrative weaves a tapestry of creative ambition and leadership evolution, transitioning from corporate structure to the rhythm of hip-hop production and back again. Our candid discussion sheds light on mentorship's profound influence, the art of conflict resolution, and the power of embracing one's weaknesses to uncover new strengths.

Within this episode's harmonious blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, Zach reveals his personal rollercoaster ride—from mastering payroll management with no prior knowledge to flourishes of transparency and direct engagement that shaped his journey in the financial sector. Zach's eclectic and creative voyage underscores the authenticity that fuels his musical endeavors, as we examine the role of experiential learning and an instinctual knack for sales in crafting his unique hip-hop identity among the many other hats he wears with pride.

Join us as we examine the psychological nuances of color in branding, the balancing act of personal and professional growth, and a little sneak peak at Zach's music chops. Join us in celebrating the enduring spirit of tenacity and the rich rewards found in the odyssey of ownership at any level.