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Trusting your gut

Trusting your gut is about embracing the unknown.

It often requires a leap of faith, where you must confront fear and uncertainty.

Listening to your instincts means taking risks that can lead to growth and new opportunities.

Although it may feel daunting, diving in headfirst can reveal paths you never considered–or thought possible.

Remember, courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward despite it.

Risk is scary.

It’s natural to be afraid.

But taking risks can transform your life.

Risks take experience.

Experience making mistakes, both small and large.

Life is about learning in the end.

With risks, new doors open up, leading to new possibilities.

In the end, we only have one life.

This is it.

Embrace it.

Trust your gut.

Keep digging

Life is unpredictable, filled with twists and turns that add excitement and possibilities.

This unpredictability can be daunting.

But it’s also what makes life exciting and full of possibilities.

Each day presents a new opportunity to explore the unknown and embrace the unexpected.

We only have one life.

We must cherish our experiences and pursue our passions.

It’s a reminder that time is limited–we should seek joy and fulfillment in all aspects of life.

When something piques your interest, dig deeper.

Curiosity is a powerful tool that leads to personal growth and discovery.

Exploring new skills or hobbies can uncover hidden talents and passions.

Keep digging.

Dig, explore, and uncover.

Keep digging.

Why not you?

That’s what I would ask myself every day when I was young: “Why not me?”

This single question drove me to keep pushing, to keep fighting forward through the pain and struggles.

I grew up facing trauma and poverty, which felt like an insurmountable barrier at times.

But instead of letting those challenges define me, I chose to work harder.

I believed in myself, even when it was difficult to see a way forward.

I remember late nights spent studying after long hours of work, feeling exhausted but determined.

Each small victory, whether it was acing a test or securing the next round of interviews, reinforced my belief that I could change my circumstances.

It was under my control.

Wherever you are in your life journey, ask yourself this one question: “Why not me?”

Because it can absolutely be you.

Your past does not determine your future.

Your resilience and belief in yourself can pave the way for incredible possibilities.

Be a “CFO” for your life

The #1 thing that causes the most stress in our lives is money.

So how can you manage it and stay sane?

By acting like a “CFO” for your life.

Let’s go.

What is a CFO?

A CFO is a Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

They are responsible for managing the financial actions of a company.

Their main duties typically include:

1. Financial Planning and Analysis: Developing budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to guide the company’s financial strategy.

2. Reporting: Preparing and presenting financial statements and reports to the executive team and the board of directors.

3. Risk Management: Identifying financial risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them.

4. Cash Flow Management: Monitoring cash flow and ensuring the company has the necessary funds to meet its obligations.

5. Investment/Capital Allocation Oversight: Evaluating investment opportunities and managing the company’s capital portfolio aka where to play that hard-earned cash to generate the highest returns.

6. Compliance: Ensuring that the company adheres to financial regulations and standards.

7. Team Leadership: Leading the finance and accounting teams, overseeing their performance, and ensuring effective processes are in place.

8. Strategic Decision-Making: Collaborating with other executives to shape the overall strategy of the organization from a financial perspective.

There are just a few of the main duties of a CFO.

How to apply “CFO” thinking to your life

In my +15 years of finance and strategy experience along with being both a Founder and a Fractional CFO to companies, I have learned that managing money is one of the most important skillsets one can have.

And it’s even more true in our personal lives.

Just like a CFO does in their day-to-day role, ask lots and lots of questions.

  1. What are our key financial metrics and how do they compare to our projections? (aka your goals and how are you tracking towards them)
  2. Are we on track to meet our revenue and profit targets for the quarter? (aka am I meeting my goals? Why or why not?)
  3. What are the major drivers of our current financial performance? (aka what specifically is allowing me to either a) hit my goals or b) miss them?)
  4. How accurate have our forecasts been historically, and what adjustments can we make moving forward? (aka am I reasonably hitting my goals or do I need to re-adjust?)

By asking questions, you’ll be thoughtful in how you approach money.

And thereby more likely to hit and achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Think like a CFO when it comes to your money.

You’ll more than likely start hitting your financial goals because you’ll be more thoughtful and decisive.

You’ll know the what’s, the why’s, the how’s, and the where’s of your money.

Ultimately, you’ll have a better handle of your money.

Which you worked so dang hard for. 🙂

Push through the fear

Fear is inevitable.

Fear will always be hanging over us.

Fear is and will always be there.

But push through the fear.

Embrace the fear.

Overcome the fear.

Because you will be stronger from it.

Big things happen when overcoming our fears.

We discover what we’re truly made of.

Embrace fear.

How Excel Helped Save My Life

When I was a college freshman, my father passed away. My mother 2 years earlier.

Despite the tragedies, I made a promise to myself and to my late father to turn my life around, excel academically, and secure a high-paying job.

The Promise and the Path Forward

The last conversation I had with my dad before he passed remains etched in my memory.

I told him that I loved him and appreciated all his sacrifices.

As an immigrant who had faced immense hardships, he had given everything to our family.

I vowed to make him proud by achieving academic excellence and eventually retiring him from hard labor, a promise that fueled my determination.

Wrestling and Work Ethic: The Foundation of My Success

Wrestling played a crucial role in shaping my resilience and work ethic.

Although I wasn’t anything special, the sport ingrained in me the importance of not quitting and continuously striving for improvement.

This mindset was critical during both my studies and job hunting.

Mastering Microsoft Excel: The Game Changer

As I embarked on my journey towards a career in investment banking and finance, one piece of advice from a mentor stood out: “Become really damn good at Excel.”

According to him, my proficiency in Excel would make me stand out, especially against candidates from more prestigious schools.

I took this advice to heart and committed to mastering every aspect of Excel, from basic commands to advanced formulas and shortcuts.

The Road to Excel Mastery

Every week, after completing my college assignments and exams, I dedicated hours to practicing Excel.

I learned formulas, shortcuts, and how to create complex financial models.

This relentless practice not only boosted my academic performance but also played a significant role in landing me a prestigious job with GE’s FMP program.

Without this, I truly believe I would not be where I am today.

The Long-Term Impact of Excel Proficiency

Fifteen to twenty years later, I continue to use and love Excel.

It’s an indispensable tool that I can navigate effortlessly, whether building financial models or analyzing data.

It’s also allowed me to become more strategic minded because of the speed advantages from being quick in Excel.

As a result, my proficiency in Excel has opened numerous doors for career advancement and opportunities.

Encouragement for Aspiring Professionals

For those striving to excel in their careers, I advise using Excel as a framework for self-improvement.

Start by learning one new function or formula a week (30 minutes).

Create spreadsheets for personal interests, like tracking cryptocurrency or planning for a job promotion.

With each iteration, aim to complete your tasks faster and more efficiently.

Takes you 1 hour? Trim it down 50% to 30 minutes.

Then further trim those 30 minutes by half again down to 15 minutes.

You get the idea 🙂

Conclusion

The greatest barrier to achieving success is often our own self-doubt.

By committing to continuous learning and self-improvement—whether through Excel or other skills—you set yourself up for long-term success.

Remember, put a smile on your face, embrace the grind, and keep moving forward.

Why Time is Your Most Valuable Asset

Time sneaks into every decision we make.

What will you eat for dinner?

What job will you look for next?

What’s the next business idea you’ll work on?

👉 Time.

Whether it’s about career advancement, personal development, or simply choosing what to eat, time is the silent factor influencing our choices.

We often find ourselves chasing dreams with the hope that with just a bit more time, we could achieve them faster and more efficiently.

Mastery Takes Time

Consider any skill you’ve wanted to master, from professional qualifications (e.g. CMA, CPA, MBA) to hobbies like jiu-jitsu (from white to black belt takes 10 years on average).

The journey to expertise is a marathon, not a sprint.

There are no shortcuts to experience.

It’s all about putting in the hours, the practice, and, yes, making the most of the time you have.

Because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Building a business requires a time investment

Launching and nurturing a business is a prime example of time’s impact.

From acquiring sales and marketing knowledge to understanding operations, every step requires a significant time investment.

Unless you’ve had prior experience, most of us have to learn from the ground up.

My entire career was in Corporate Finance (longer story here).

And while I learned how the numbers worked in growing revenues, I didn’t know how to capture revenues.

Kind of a big deal in business.

Ultimately, it’s about dedicating the hours to learn, fail, and eventually succeed.

And only time allows for that.

Time in Decision-Making

Every choice, from the mundane (like what to eat for breakfast) to the critical (getting married and having kids), involves time.

Purchasing decisions, for example, aren’t just about what we buy but also the time spent considering our options.

“Is this healthier than this? What about that? And what about this I found on Amazon?”

Decisions take time.

Consider what’s important to you to allocate that time towards.

Time is the Ultimate Asset

Why does time matter?

Because it’s finite.

Once that hour passes, it’s gone.

Forever.

Here’s a simple graphic depicting our age and lifecycle:

We’re constantly reminded to be mindful of how we spend our time, focusing on activities that bring us joy and fulfillment.

Recognizing time as our most valuable asset is the first step towards living a life aligned with our true priorities.

Family, friends, you name it.

Conclusion: Time, The Foundation of Fulfillment

Time shapes our existence, from the personal ambitions we chase to the professional goals we set.

Embracing time as a precious commodity means making conscious choices about how we spend it, who we spend it with, and what we spend it on.

Technology, mentorship, and self-investment can be powerful tools in making the most out of our limited time.

Reflect on your relationship with time and how it influences your life’s trajectory.

Remember, time is the one asset you can’t afford to waste.

Cheers 👊

5 Lessons Learned Growing a Six-Figure Service Business

Table Of Contents
  1. Lesson 1: Level up your skills
  2. Lesson 2: Track your metrics
  3. Lesson 3: Find like-minded groups and people
  4. Lesson 4: Build systems and processes
  5. Lesson 5: Continuously learn and adapt
  6. Conclusion

5 years ago, I quit my Finance job and launched, grew, and scaled a six-figure service business.

In the process, I learned a lot about what it takes to start and grow a business.

TLDR: It’s super hard!

And along the way were tons of learnings, mistakes, failures, and wins.

If you’re reading this today, my hope is you will learn from my mistakes.

Let’s go.

Lesson 1: Level up your skills

The first, and arguably most important, lesson I learned was leveling up.

At that point, I had over a decade of experience in Finance, Accounting, and Strategy.

While it was nice to know the ins and outs of numbers and how they translate to sales and profits, the truth was this…

Those skills didn’t teach me how to sell and market.

The 2 skills you actually need to start and grow a business.

So every day, I dedicated myself to learning just a little bit about sales and marketing.

That habit became (and is still today) a huge driving force in scaling my business to 6 figures in under one year.

Everything I learned and consumed, I put into action immediately.

It was a very similar process to Wrestling and BJJ – learn a technique, and then apply them during sparring.

I started seeing results immediately.

And all those years of tracking, creating, and presenting metrics started to make sense.

So my lesson here is simple:

Every day, carve out time to level up.

Whether reading for a few minutes or listening to a podcast relevant to your business, invest the time to level up.

You will be extremely grateful for doing so.

And you’ll also reduce many mistakes along the way.

Invest the time to level up now and experience growth as a result over time.

Lesson 2: Track your metrics

As mentioned earlier, my career was in Finance.

I had the privilege of working at Fortune 100 companies, billion-dollar hypergrowth companies, and down to startups and small businesses.

What made these companies so successful was their relentless focus on the metrics and KPIs.

  • CEO: Our target is $1M.
  • CFO: Okay, we’re targeting $1M and here is how.

I was fortunate that I worked directly for the C-suite and had hands-on experience seeing what it took to take companies to the next level.

They knew their numbers inside out.

They challenged the numbers.

They benchmarked those numbers.

And most importantly, they were relentless in holding their teams accountable to those numbers.

If you’re starting a business or in the process of growing and scaling, measure your metrics.

Create a simple performance tracker with key metrics that drive your business.

Then create a plan on how you will hit those numbers.

And finally, measure and track those numbers on a set cadence (e.g. monthly).

Be relentless, track the numbers, and adjust and pivot when necessary.

Lesson 3: Find like-minded groups and people

Starting out, I tried to do everything by myself.

I thought I would find the answers in time.

But the truth was this, you don’t know what you don’t know.

I made a ton of mistakes as a result.

From stupid sales call blunders to not setting up basic systems that cost me money.

I realized quickly I was never going to grow at the pace I was on.

I had to admit I needed help.

It was then that I started networking, finding like-minded groups and masterminds, and finding the right people who could help and I could help them.

This resulted in not only making fewer mistakes but also resulted in making wonderful connections and even sales.

Everybody needs help.

The sooner you start reaching out for it, the faster you’ll notice growth in your business.

Lesson 4: Build systems and processes

Ever since I can recall, I’ve always wanted to do things quicker and easier.

It made me happy knowing I could create something that I built once and would continuously work on thereafter.

When I worked in Finance, I hated that certain processes took so long or had too many steps.

It didn’t make sense to me.

So I would rebuild the process, add my flair, and ensure this new process achieved the following:

  1. Faster to produce
  2. More accurate
  3. Enabled others to plug in quickly

This mindset was tremendously helpful when growing and scaling my business.

Immediately, I set up sales systems to capture and nurture leads, automate repetitive tasks, and scale marketing activities.

If you’re just starting or growing, think about your systems.

  • What makes your business tick?
  • What activities could be automated away vs. needing to hire resources?
  • What is something that’s causing a bottleneck in your business?

I suggest using a mind map tool to think through this.

The answers will become clear.

Build systems and processes to scale and grow your business.

Lesson 5: Continuously learn and adapt

Here’s the thing.

Every business is different.

Every business is unique.

What worked for one business may not work for yours or mine.

Stay curious and always ask “why”.

Don’t wait to fix things when they’re too late.

Actively optimize and improve your business.

Undoubtedly, something will need to be fixed at some point.

Keep reading and learning.

Books, podcasts, blogs, you name it.

There is always something to learn.

And when you do learn, apply as well.

Just like in sports, you learn best when things are applied.

Business is no different.

Conclusion

Starting a business is hard.

Scaling a business is hard.

Staying motivated is hard.

But having systems in place, staying hungry, being adaptable, and staying persistent will go a long way.

I hope these 5 lessons help you in your business journey. 👊

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed

Tomorrow may never come.

Tomorrow may not show up.

Tomorrow is a long time.

Realizing that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed changes perspective.

Our perspective.

My perspective.

So live your best life now.

Take on new challenges.

Fight for what you believe in.

Do what you believe is right.

Stand up for what you believe is right.

Be authentic.

Be genuine.

Be curious.

Be hungry.

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

So live a life so big you won’t regret it.

And then you can look back with a smile.

How to think using mind maps

When I graduated college, I did what everyone else did.

Get a job, go to work daily, come home, eat, rinse, and repeat.

However, after I was laid off for the second time, I realized I needed to change.

So I quit my job, turned down offers including Amazon, and went backpacking.

It was during this period of my life I learned about mind maps.

TLDR: Mind maps are life-changing. They will force you to think deep.

What I learned from mind maps wasn’t about pretty visuals or a wall of text.

No.

It was about how to think.

Sounds silly, right?

And you’re probably thinking to yourself now, “But I already know how to think.”

I thought so too.

That all changed when I discovered that real thinking manifests when we sit down and think.

Truly think about the thing we’re doing.

Let’s use an example:

What do I do with my life?

Reasonable question.

Let me ask, how did you answer it?

Did you have an answer?

If yes, great!

If no, no worries. (This question is HARD for anyone.)

Now let’s try answering using the mind map framework.

Okay, we got some clarity now.

We’ve broken it down into short-term (less than 1 year) and long-term (more than 1 year) timelines.

Let’s go deeper.

Awesome! Now we’ve isolated our thinking to “Goals” and by category (Personal vs. Professional).

Let’s go one level deeper.

Now that’s specific. 👊

By doing this exercise, you’re clearly articulating what you want, when you want it, with whom you want to do it, etc.

Your thinking has gone 3 levels deep vs. the 1 level we had initially.

How’s that for deep thinking?

Let’s try one more exercise that I love doing and do every week.

A mind map for our life as a whole.

Doing this mind map exercise will unveil so much about yourself.

  • Likes
  • Dislikes
  • Passions
  • Interests
  • Goals
  • Ambitions

The list goes on.

A mind map is ultimately a way of thinking.

A way of being able to consolidate your brain in one place to make sense of this crazy thing called life.

Now go give it a try.

Map out your life, goals, ambitions, and so on.

And when you’re done, let me know how it went!

Would love to hear about it.

Chat soon! 👊

Be in the moment

This very second.

This very moment.

See how fast it passed?

You won’t ever get that second back.

Fast forward.

Years have passed.

Dreams have slipped by.

You wake up, begrudgingly.

You’re tired.

But wait.

Take a second.

Close your eyes.

Breathe in the brisk air.

You feel that?

That calm, relaxing feeling.

That moment.

You pause.

Life stops.

For just a second.

Take in the moment.

Be in the moment.

Enjoy it.

Life is crazy.

Life is mad.

But stay in the moment.

Embrace it.

Be in the moment.

The Power of Conviction in the Face of Doubt

Doubt can be a powerful force that can challenge even the strongest of convictions.

It can make us question our beliefs and cause us to second-guess ourselves.

However, having conviction in the face of doubt is a key ingredient for success in all aspects of life.

Whether it’s in our personal lives or our careers, maintaining a strong conviction in the face of doubt can help us achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life.

Stick to your ideals, your beliefs, and your values.

Stand up for what you believe in.

Have conviction, even in the face of doubt.

Ultimately, stay true to yourself.

The passion for learning

I’ve always been a curious person growing up.

When I was little, I would stare up at the stars and wonder what those things were.

“How do I get there? Can I touch it? How far away are those stars?”

My mind was filled with imagination.

I wanted to learn how this life worked.

Going through high school and college

In my high school days, I was learning but honestly, it was mostly memorization.

I was struggling with home life, so I barely had time to think about school.

I did enough to study, get decent grades, and apply to college.

However, the real learning began in college.

In fact, I had no choice.

It was do or die for me at that period in time.

I had just lost my father, and I had no other family.

In my mind, I HAD to get a job. I HAD to make money.

I HAD to survive at all costs.

And the only way I could achieve that was by studying.

More importantly, learning everything.

So for the next 4 years, I studied feverishly. All day, every day, while at work, eating dinner, hanging with friends.

In my mind, I had ZERO doubt that was what I NEEDED to do.

I worked multiple jobs, studied all day, dreamed about how I would be successful.

I thought about how things would get easier.

I visualized it every day.

How I developed a passion for learning

Learning is a process.

Learning is a habit.

Learning is dedication.

Learning is a way of thinking.

I understood immediately that the only way I was going to survive was to level up.

I NEEDED to be smarter. I NEEDED more knowledge. I NEEDED to understand what was happening.

This, in turn, changed everything.

I started loving studying because I was learning how things worked.

From science to finance to greek mythology, I enjoyed it. Some classes less so of course 😅

But overall, I learned to enjoy the process.

I was able to make SENSE of what I was learning.

I also found that I LOVED helping and teaching others, which I still do to this day.

When you find a way to be curious and wonder how things became the way they are, that’s where true learning emerges.

You begin to enjoy the fine details.

Steve Jobs was like this.

Questions to think about to build your learning passion

The truth is we all live busy lives, so taking the time to learn can be challenging. However, it can achieved.

Start with one fundamental question, “Do I want to learn?”

We can’t begin to learn anything if we don’t have the desire to.

So ask these questions and see how you feel:

  • Do I want to learn that new skill?
  • Do I want to learn about that new job?
  • Do I want to try out that new sport?
  • Do I want to be better?

Having a desire is the first step towards the path of learning.

Enjoy the journey and process

Like everything in life, learning is a process. It’s a journey.

Learn to love it.

Learn to love every minute of it.

Things take time.

But when you do achieve something new as a result of spending time to learn, you feel amazing.

To this day, I learn everything.

I keep an open-mind to all perspectives.

I love hearing what people have to say, whether I agree or not.

So there you have it.

Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, have fun.

Life’s short, kick ass, and spend it with people you love.

Enjoy!

Curiosity is an unfair advantage.

Curiosity is an unfair advantage.

Curiosity will encourage you to take bold actions, start new projects, and force you out of your comfort zone.

Go back to the last time you truly asked questions about life, your career, your relationships, etc.

At some point, we lost our curiosity of the world.

Be bold, be fearless, embrace life.

Be curious.

Be daring and live the life you want and desire.

No one – and I mean no one – can say otherwise.

Be curious, stay curious.