people | Exit Plan - Part 5

By Alexa Tanen

Ramit Sethi

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur- Financial Advisor-Author

Industry 

  • Finance

Website

Social Media

Born in 1982, Ramit Sethi stands out from typical financial advisors. He doesn’t advocate for living frugally or counting pennies. Instead, his mantra is simple: “To embrace your most prosperous life.” This philosophy has propelled him to become a New York Times best-selling author, the founder of the widely popular “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” and a sought-after speaker.

Sethi’s journey began at Stanford, where he worked multiple jobs to fund his education. This experience sparked his interest in financial wisdom. It led him to navigate the scholarship system and finance his college and graduate studies. This success strengthened his belief that anyone can attain financial freedom regardless of background.

In 2004, Sethi launched the “I Will Teach You To Be Rich blog,” challenging conventional financial advice. He advocated a “Rich Life” philosophy, emphasizing maximizing income, automating finances, and strategic investing. His methods, rooted in psychology and practicality, resonated with millions seeking financial well-being without sacrificing happiness.

Sethi’s impact goes beyond financial figures. He co-founded PBworks, a successful wiki platform, and GrowthLab, a resource for online entrepreneurs. As an engaging speaker, he inspires audiences with practical strategies and an unapologetic approach to building wealth.

His unconventional perspective, often challenging financial norms, has garnered praise and criticism. His straightforwardness and emphasis on automation may stir controversy. However, his core message to take charge of your finances and live on your terms remains a potent motivator. He also runs a podcast called “I Will Teach You To Be Rich,” where he invites various successful entrepreneurs to share helpful insights with their listeners.

Ramit Sethi’s influence is undeniable. He has empowered millions to achieve financial freedom and embrace a rich, fulfilling life. Whether you’re a struggling student or an experienced professional, his unique approach provides valuable insights. He’s not just a financial expert; he’s a catalyst for change, a contrarian voice, and an advocate for living life to the fullest with your wallet and heart satisfied.

Publications 

  • Recruit or Die: (2007)
  • I Will Teach You to Be Rich (2009, 2019)
  • I Will Teach You to Be Rich: The Journal (2019)
  • Your Move: The Underdog’s Guide to Building Your Business (2010)

Achievements

  • #3 on the New York Times Best Seller list in August 2023.
  • Highlighted in publications such as The New York Times and Forbes.

By Alexa Tanen

Roland Frasier

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Attorney – Co-founder of 5 different Inc. Magazine fastest-growing companies

Website

Social Media 

Roland Frasier is the go-getter CEO of All Channels Media, LLC, who’s making waves in the business world. Roland is not just your typical business guy; he’s the brains behind six super successful companies in areas like e-commerce, e-learning, real estate, and SaaS. These companies are set to bring in a whopping $4 billion in sales this year—impressive. 

But Roland’s journey to success didn’t start in fancy boardrooms. Back in Covington, VA, he was a 16-year-old keyboard player in a band, working the day shift at Skate World. He used to balance club nights till 3 a.m. with a day job. 

The turning point came when Roland stumbled upon a tape called “The Psychology of Winning” in his dad’s car. Inspired, he got his real estate license at 18 and started selling listings for developers at 19. With $12,000 saved from his Skate World gig, he leaped and invested it all. A year later, he had a whopping $39,000 in returns. Talk about a confidence boost!

Roland is a creative soul. He played in bands until he was 42 and has a passion for nature photography and puzzles. Originally a lawyer in San Diego for 14 years, Roland shifted gears to focus on his business portfolio.

Today, he’s not just about “smart” business deals; Roland believes success is about being creative. Featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine, he also hosts the award-winning Business Lunch podcast, chatting with big names like Richard Branson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Based in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Roland now helps others grow, scale, and exit their companies while staying true to his creative roots.

Famous Publication 

  • Zero Down

Achievements

  • Roland Frasier is the driving force behind six Inc. Magazine fastest-growing companies spanning various sectors.
  • His diverse business portfolio is on track to generate an impressive $4 billion in sales this year.
  • Roland has founded, scaled, or sold over 35 businesses, with sales ranging from $3 million to just under $4 billion.
  • Beyond business, Roland’s creative influence extends to playing in bands, nature photography, and hosting the influential Business Lunch podcast.
  • Featured in multiple publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc. Magazine,

By Alexa Tanen

Ryan Berman

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur- Keynote Speaker

Website

Industry

  • Self Help

Social Media

Ryan Berman is the driving force behind the Courageous Brands movement. As the founder of Courageous Brand and the bestselling author of “Return on Courage,” Ryan has emerged as a leading advocate for bold leadership and transformative change.

Ryan’s life began with challenges, including dyslexia and other learning hurdles. Despite these obstacles, he overcame them and excelled as a student and athlete. These early experiences fueled his deep belief in the transformative power of courage to conquer challenges and achieve his goal.

 He has been featured on big platforms like Forbes and Fast Company and multiple podcasts like Opt-Out for Courageous Brands. Ryan shares that since 2000, half of the Fortune 500 companies have disappeared, and all of it comes down to one thing: Courage. 

After working on Wall Street, Ryan transitioned to marketing and brand building. He refined his skills at renowned agencies like Ogilvy & Mather and Saatchi & Saatchi before venturing out to establish Courageous Brands. 

Courageous Brands is not just a company; it’s a movement. It empowers individuals and organizations to embrace vulnerability and take bold steps toward their dreams. He is also the founder of “Sock Problems,” a sock company with a social mission of contributing a portion of its proceeds to charitable causes.

Ryan’s book, “Return on Courage,” is a compelling call to action for leaders at all levels. It asserts that courage is not merely a feel-good quality but a crucial driver of success in both business and life. The book provides a practical framework for harnessing the power of courage to achieve breakthrough results.

Ryan’s commitment to courage extends beyond corporate walls. He supports social justice and environmental causes and actively contributes to organizations like Charity: water.

He is an inspiration to dream big, defy limitations, and lead with courage; Ryan Berman’s impact transcends the business realm. As the founder of Courageous Brands, he initiated the corporate courage movement, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to live courageously.

Famous Publications 

  • Return on Courage

Achievements

  • Overcame early life challenges like Dyslexia and other learning difficulties and got successful
  • Authored the best-selling book, “Return on Courage.”
  • Founded Courageous Brands movements to help others become successful
  • Established “Sock Problems” with a charitable cause in mind
  • Featured like famous publications like Forbes, Fast Company, and multiple podcasts

By Alexa Tanen

Ryan Holiday

12 months ago · 3 minute read

  •  Author/Entrepreneur

Website 

Industry

  • Self-Improvement

Social Media

X: @RyanHoliday

Instagram: @ryanholiday 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryanholiday/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanholiday/ 

Ryan Holiday breaks the mold of a typical author. Instead of traditional libraries and scholarly towers, this 36-year-old writer made a name for himself by diving headfirst into the dynamic world of marketing and media. His journey is one of bold choices, unexpected twists, and, ultimately, mastering the art of overcoming life’s challenges.

Holiday’s book, “The Obstacle Is the Way,” shifted my perspective on challenges, framing them as opportunities for growth. His emphasis on controlling perception, action, and will aligns seamlessly with the core tenets of stoicism. Holiday’s insights on resilience, drawn from historical examples, offer practical guidance for navigating life’s inevitable setbacks.

Through his books and podcast (The Daily Stoic), he shares wisdom and vulnerability, acknowledging the ongoing nature of personal development. I appreciate how Holiday challenges conventional thinking, urging readers to embrace discomfort and view obstacles as stepping stones. He talks about how fortune favors the brave to excel in personal and professional life. His impact extends beyond literature; Holiday’s work has become a blueprint for cultivating a resilient mindset in a tumultuous world.

Starting out: At just 19, Holiday left college and learned the ropes from Robert Greene, the author of “The 48 Laws of Power,” soaking up marketing strategies like a sponge. This unique education led him to a prestigious role at American Apparel. His sharp mind and unconventional tactics propelled the brand to viral fame (and occasional controversy) there.

From hype to wisdom: Holiday realized the shallowness of the attention-driven world. Seeking more profound meaning, he embraced Stoicism, an ancient philosophy of resilience and virtue. In 2012, his book “Trust Me, I’m Lying” exposed the dark side of media manipulation, striking a chord with a generation hungry for authenticity.

Stoicism for today: This was just the beginning. Holiday became a prolific author, producing bestsellers like “The Obstacle is the Way” and “Ego is the Enemy,” applying Stoic principles to everyday challenges. His relatable language and practical advice resonated with a diverse audience, from NFL coaches to world-class athletes, establishing him as a modern Stoic guru.

His popular podcast, “The Daily Stoic,” provides daily doses of Stoic wisdom. His media consulting firm, Brass Check, has guided prominent brands and authors. As a sought-after speaker, he inspires audiences to find calm in the chaos of modern life. Ryan also owns a bookstore by the name “The Painted Porch.”

Ryan Holiday’s story exemplifies the power of reinvention. From marketing mastermind to Stoic sage, he teaches us that wisdom can be found in unexpected places. Even the most challenging obstacles can be navigated with a dose of ancient philosophy and a lot of heart.

Famous Publications

  • The Obstacle Is the Way (2014) 
  • Ego Is the Enemy (2016)
  • The Daily Stoic (2016)
  • Stillness Is the Key (2019)
  • Lives of the Stoics (2017)
  • Trust Me, I’m Lying (2012)
  • Growth Hacker Marketing (2014)
  • Perception is Reality (2016)
  • Discipline Is Destiny (2015)
  • Courage Is Calling (2019)

Achievements

  • Multiple bestselling books translated into over 30 languages
  • Featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The Guardian, and others.
  • Described as “one of the most influential writers in the world” by Fortune Magazine.
  • Popularized Stoicism for modern audiences
  • Influential voice in personal development
  • Podcast host of “The Daily Stoic”

By Alexa Tanen

Scott Scheper

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Writer-Marketer 

Industry 

  • Affiliate Marketing – Cryptocurrency

Website

Social Media

Scott P. Scheper lives in Coto de Caza, California, and works as a writer and marketer. He wants to help freelance writers do well. Scott started looking for more satisfying work after co-founding a cryptocurrency company, XYO. It led him to teach the power of traditional tools for mental growth.

Because of his skills, he wrote a best-selling book on writing and study skills called Antinet Zettelkasten. As an “underground affiliate marketing legend,” Scott was the top affiliate marketer in the most extensive network for four years, setting a record for the most money made for clients.

Scott did all these business things from an 8 Mbps internet connection in a small shack in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Later, he turned a tech company with $4 million in debt into the hottest cryptocurrency of 2018, and it was finally listed on Coinbase.

Scott learned on his own with books and notecards and wants to spread the word about how powerful traditional tools are for mental growth. Pen and paper are emphasised as a solid way to improve reading, writing, researching, and thinking skills. He supports an “analog-first” approach to knowledge creation.

As an Antinetter, Scott is part of a group that values analogue information, growth, and a different approach to the world.  The Antinetter Creed shows that they are dedicated to learning on purpose, don’t like being lazy, and believe in using neuroimprinting to learn new skills. Scott’s business ventures include working with famous people like the co-founder of Uber. He has also started a Facebook app company and run Greenlamp successfully. During its first year of business, this programmatic advertising firm made more than $12M.

Aside from his work, Scott relaxes by reading books by Gary C. Halbert and Charlie Munger, two authors he looks up to. He likes spending time with family and friends in San Diego, California when he has free time.

Publications 

  • Antinet Zettelkasten

By Alexa Tanen

Todd Wente

12 months ago · 2 minute read

  • Entrepreneur – Writer

Todd Wente is a seasoned writer, consultant, and inventor living on his terms. Residing in the picturesque Baltic village of Horvik, Sweden, Todd has mastered the art of opting out without needing constant globe-trotting.

Todd’s journey is a blend of creative pursuits and entrepreneurial spirit. As a writer, he’s not confined to a desk but enjoys the freedom to control his time, consulting remotely and making the most of his skills. His wife, a certified gemologist and jewelry designer, shares a similar story of opting out and working remotely, proving that the Wente family has embraced a lifestyle many yearn for.

Unlike the stereotypical digital nomad lifestyle often portrayed on Instagram, Todd emphasizes that location independence doesn’t mean living out of a van or moving to exotic destinations. Instead, he and his wife have found their oasis in Sweden, enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere in Europe with just a short flight away.

Todd’s perspective is fresh air for those stuck in traditional 9-5 jobs. He encourages others to question the need for constant office presence, inspiring them to explore alternatives like remote work or consultancy. Todd believes that if you provide value to your company, negotiating flexibility is a viable option, leading to increased happiness and potentially more significant success.

One unique aspect of Todd’s opt-out life is his interest in real estate. Challenging the idea that people working from anywhere can’t own property, Todd is considering investing in a triplex or fourplex. It would give him a home in the U.S. that he can set up, and he might even rent it out on Airbnb when he’s not there. This thoughtful approach showcases Todd’s commitment to turning potential challenges into opportunities.

But that’s not all; Todd is not one to rest during the serene Swedish winters. He’s also an inventor, having filed a patent for a revolutionary stove-top coffee brewer. Driven by his passion for industrial design and product development, Todd’s winter project exemplifies his determination to create something new and valuable.

As he navigates through various projects, Todd remains focused on lifestyle choices. Whether deciding to split time between Sweden and sunny San Diego or turning a cottage into a revenue-generating asset, Todd exemplifies the philosophy of making life choices based on the desired lifestyle. Todd has shared his journey on Opt Out Life Podcast. 

In Todd’s world, every challenge is an opportunity waiting to be discovered. His story encourages others to embrace change, leverage available resources, and craft a life that aligns with personal goals and values. Todd Wente is more than just an opt-out enthusiast; he’s a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking a path less traveled.

By Alexa Tanen

Brian Tracy

12 months ago · 2 minute read

Title: CEO

Website: https://www.briantracy.com/

Industry: Leadership/Selling

X: @BrianTracy 

Instagram: @thebriantracy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrianTracyPage/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briantracyinternational/

Brian Tracy is a highly regarded self-help author, motivational speaker, and personal development expert. With a prolific career spanning several decades, he has become a household name in the field of personal and professional success. Brian’s insights and teachings have inspired millions worldwide to unlock their potential and achieve their goals. Me included.

Brian’s journey to success began with humble origins. He overcame personal and professional challenges, including early financial difficulties, to eventually become a leading authority in the personal development industry. His book “Psychology of Achievement,” published in 1984, marked a turning point in his career and solidified his reputation as a motivational speaker and author. Since then, he has authored numerous bestsellers, including “Eat That Frog!” and “The Power of Self-Confidence.”

Throughout his career, Brian Tracy has delivered thousands of motivational speeches, seminars, and workshops to audiences across the globe. His speaking engagements and training programs have touched the lives of individuals, businesses, and organizations, providing them with valuable strategies for achieving success. Brian’s core teachings emphasize setting clear goals, time management, and developing essential life skills.

Brian Tracy’s impact on personal development and success coaching cannot be overstated. His work inspires people to break through limitations, take control of their lives, and achieve their dreams. His enduring legacy lies in his dedication to helping others realize their full potential, making him a respected figure in the self-help and motivational industry. Check out his website here to see his courses. 

By Alexa Tanen

Heather Robinson

12 months ago · 2 minute read

Title: 

  • Business Owner, Real Estate Professional

Industry: 

  • Real Estate

Social Media

Bio: 

Let me introduce you to Heather Robinson, a creative powerhouse who has worked in property management for most of her career. She also happens to be my wife. In the last 25 years, she owned four property management businesses. Heather is really good at managing short-term rentals (STRs). Not that I’m biased or anything. 

She ran two companies that dealt with STRs and owned several STR properties herself. She’s also a licensed California real estate agent. Right now, she runs a business that takes care of her properties and those of her investors. Heather knows a lot about real estate and managing properties.

When I interviewed her on the Opt Out Life Podcast in 2020, she shared insights about her entrepreneurial journey. The critical point she shared was that she does not like high-intensity or stressful situations. 

She added that she likes quiet environments and doesn’t like chaos, so she is naturally not made for entrepreneurship. Her sincere evaluation is that it’s completely fine to discover your own route and not feel compelled to become an entrepreneur. She also said it’s completely okay to be a follower, not a leader, which makes a great team. 

When you meet Heather, you’ll see a woman driven by passion, expressing herself through her work. She is always trying new things in her quest for creative excellence. It proves that she loves working with others, values silence, and doesn’t live in chaos. Which means I don’t have to either, so it’s a win-win. 

By Alexa Tanen

George Esquivel

12 months ago · < 1 minute read

Title: President of Esquivel Designs

Website: www.georgeesquivel.com

Industry: Shoe Design

X: @esquivelshoes

Instagram: @esquivelshoes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeesquivel

George Esquivel, a master craftsman in the world of handmade luxury footwear, has left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. I interviewed him on my podcast a few years ago about his passion and dedication to the craft. His eponymous brand, Esquivel Shoes, is synonymous with artisanal excellence, each pair crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

What sets Esquivel apart is his commitment to preserving the tradition of handcrafted shoemaking, ensuring each pair tells a unique story. I admire his hands-on approach, often working directly with clients to create bespoke pieces that reflect their individual style. In a world driven by mass production, George Esquivel stands as a beacon of craftsmanship, reminding us of the beauty in artisanal creations.

By Alexa Tanen

George Samuel Clason

12 months ago · < 1 minute read

George Samuel Clason, born in Louisiana in 1874, was not only an influential writer but also a pioneer in the realm of personal finance. While little is known about his personal life, his legacy lies in the impact of his work, particularly “The Richest Man in Babylon.” His collection of parables imparts invaluable financial wisdom in a simple, accessible manner. Sounds familiar, right? Well, that’s because it was a big inspiration for my newest book “The King’s Flyswatter.” 

Through tales of ancient Babylon, he teaches the art of saving, investing, and making money work for you. Clason’s storytelling transcends time, offering practical lessons on wealth accumulation, thriftiness, and sound financial principles, such as saving, investing, and avoiding debt. I appreciate Clason’s emphasis on personal responsibility and the importance of cultivating good financial habits.

His book remains a treasure trove of insights, even today. His legacy lives on through the enduring lessons of Babylon, encouraging readers to take charge of their financial destinies and cultivate the habits of the wealthiest citizens of ancient times.

Opt Out Gig Out The King's Flyswatter

Get On Dana's Email List

Grab Your Free Copies of Dana's Books

Hear the stories of entrepreneurs from startup to sale and hear from the professionals who helped them achieve their exit.




100% Safe. You'll only receive emails from us.