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We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it...
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We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it takes to get there.
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Episodes & Posts
Episodes
Posts
10 JUL 2025 · From Volleyball to Venture - Bereme's Entrepreneurial Journey
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Bereme, co-founder of UpFund, a data-driven platform aimed at revolutionizing the real estate industry. Bereme shares his journey from being a professional volleyball player to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the need for transparency in real estate. The conversation also touches on the sacrifices entrepreneurs make, the role of money, and the vision for UpFund to become the Bloomberg of real estate.
Get in touch with Bereme: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bereme/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Bureem and Upfund
01:55 From Sports to Entrepreneurship
08:16 The Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur
13:15 The Birth of Upfund
18:07 Innovating Real Estate with Data
22:10 Challenges and Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship
24:04 Building Relationships in Entrepreneurship
26:32 The Importance of Scheduling and Rest
29:12 Finding Your 'Why' as an Entrepreneur
32:37 The Role of Money in Motivation
38:23 Assessing Business Growth Stages
40:16 Challenges in Data Access and Industry Resistance
44:23 The Continuous Learning Mindset
49:45 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Keywords
entrepreneurship, real estate, business journey, UpFund, challenges, motivation, continuous learning, financial literacy, innovation, personal growth
3 JUL 2025 · The Unique Experience of Salva's Barbershop
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Salva, a successful barber and entrepreneur based in Oslo. Salva shares his journey from struggling to find his path to owning a thriving barbershop. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, positivity, and self-belief in achieving success. Salva also discusses the significance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how these factors contribute to his professional performance. He offers valuable advice for aspiring barbers, encouraging them to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams with determination.
Get in touch with Salva: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordjackknife/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Salva's Journey
02:01 The Unique Barbershop Experience
05:31 Mindset and Client Retention
08:19 The Roller Coaster of Barbering
09:41 Accidental Barber: The Start of a Career
13:47 Overcoming Early Challenges
16:42 The Move to Norway and New Opportunities
19:22 Navigating Bankruptcy and Recovery
22:00 The Turning Point: From Struggle to Success
24:34 Emotional Resilience in Business
29:53 The Power of Self-Belief
32:12 Programming the Mind for Success
36:53 Nutrition and Exercise: Keys to Performance
43:17 Challenging Limits: The Mental Fight
45:31 Building Habits for Success
54:08 Finding Your Inner Fire
Keywords:
the barbershop, the barbershop tijuana, experience, barbershop, the last of us 2 ps5 shorts, the last of us 2 last shorts, barbershop tijuana, the last of us 2 movie, interesting haircut experience, the last of us 2 last chapter, the last of us 2, the korean barber, the last of us 2 ps5, peace all around the world, experiencia, save the earth subliminal, barbersop, the beverly halls, upsoundexperience, the female ceo turned janitor full episode, save the world subliminal powerful, save the world subliminal
26 JUN 2025 · From Physical Therapist to Business Coach - with Nathan Farrugia
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Nathan Farrugia, an inspiring figure known for running 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days across 27 countries. Nathan shares his journey from being a physical therapist to running multiple businesses related to sports events and coaching CEOs. He discusses the impact of his childhood asthma on his life, how it shaped his resilience, and his passion for endurance challenges. Nathan also delves into his experiences with public speaking and the unique challenges of events like the Marathon des Sables. In this conversation, Nathan Farrugia and Darren Valen explore the complexities of managing the inner critic, the FIRE model for high performance, and the importance of achieving a flow state. They discuss how to confront negative self-talk, the significance of self-awareness, and the balance between challenges and skills necessary for optimal performance. The dialogue emphasizes the need for impact and excellence in personal and professional growth, providing insights into how individuals can engineer their experiences to foster flow and achieve their goals.
Get in touch with Nathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanfarrugia/
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Nathan Farrugia
01:24 Journey from Physical Therapy to Business
02:38 The Role of Public Speaking in Nathan's Life
05:25 Overcoming Asthma: A Personal Journey
09:08 The Start of an Endurance Journey
11:23 Exploring Limits: Motivation Behind Endurance Challenges
12:26 Experiences in the Marathon des Sables
14:30 Training for Unique Challenges
15:30 Confronting the Inner Critic
17:53 The FIRE Model: A Framework for High Performance
22:28 Entering the Flow State
25:06 Balancing Challenges and Skills for Flow
27:50 The Role of Impact in Achieving Excellence
30:24 Understanding Flow State
32:31 Coaching Towards Flow
35:21 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Belief
37:02 The 27 Marathons Challenge
39:10 The Power of Healing
39:57 Reflections on Achievement
40:40 Vision and Values in Business
43:02 Finding Personal Values
43:32 Work-Life Balance and Role Management
48:04 Lessons Learned from Failure
49:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Keywords:
fitness,inspiration,language health,how to workout,developmental disabilities,calves,armless,coachlegs,dicipline,wheeelchair,what's your excuse,building muscle,biceps,autism,mindset,motivation,arm workout,workout,weights,gym,leg workout,quads,legs, asthma
19 JUN 2025 · The Power of Networking in Business - Lars Postmus
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Lars Postmus, a digital marketing agency owner who transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Lars shares his journey, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own agency, the importance of networking, and the current state of the marketing industry. He emphasizes the significance of having a strong network and the impact of personal relationships in acquiring clients. The conversation also touches on the risks of entrepreneurship and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. In this conversation, Darren Valen and Lars Postmus delve into the complexities of digital marketing, exploring the evolving landscape shaped by AI and the importance of transparency in marketing agencies. They discuss effective advertising strategies, the role of AI in automating tasks, and the challenges businesses face in selecting the right marketing agency. The conversation culminates in a discussion on defining success in marketing, emphasizing the need for clear KPIs and understanding the customer journey.
Get in touch with Lars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-postmus/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&originalSubdomain=nl
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lars Postmus and His Journey
02:00 Understanding Digital Marketing and SCA Campaigns
04:59 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship
10:02 The Decision to Start His Own Agency
14:59 Overcoming the Fear of Entrepreneurship
20:03 Acquiring the First Client and Networking
24:58 Challenges in the Marketing Agency Space
32:30 The Evolving Landscape of Digital Marketing
36:27 Strategies for Effective Advertising
41:06 Leveraging AI in Marketing
46:28 The Future of Marketing Agencies
52:48 Choosing the Right Marketing Agency
59:05 Defining Success in Marketing
keywords:
power of networking,business networking,networking,power of networking in business,business,business networking tips,networking tips,networking in business,power of joining our buisness networking tribe,networking basics,business networking groups,the power of networking with ryan pineda and pace morby,what is business networking,networking in dubai,networking in canada,business card case at networking events,networking 101
12 JUN 2025 · Passion and Purpose - Building We Work at Home
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Heiner Hofer, the founder of We Work at Home. Heiner shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own business. He emphasizes the importance of passion, risk-taking, and the need for a supportive network when venturing into entrepreneurship. The conversation also delves into the innovative products Heiner has developed to enhance remote work experiences, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive work environment at home. In this conversation, Heiner Hoefer and Darren Valen discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges faced in building a business, the importance of vision and values, and the evolving landscape of remote work. They emphasize the need for passion, resilience, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey, while also addressing the significance of teamwork and effective marketing strategies. The discussion culminates in insights on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, highlighting the balance between hard work, luck, and the ability to learn from failures.
Get in touch with Heiner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heiner-hoefer-9523b841/?originalSubdomain=de
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Heiner Hofer and We Work at Home
02:00 The Concept Behind We Work at Home
09:49 Heiner's Corporate Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship
14:37 Taking the Leap: Risks and Considerations
18:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
25:40 Passion for Product Development
27:53 The Journey of Founding We Work at Home
34:22 Embracing Ideas and Overcoming Criticism
37:14 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship
46:53 Vision and Values in Business
51:01 The Future of Work: Remote vs. Office
01:00:00 Keys to Entrepreneurial Success
Keywords:
finding passion and purpose in life,passion at work,find your passion,passion,how to find your passion and make it your job,how to find your passion,building homes,how to find my passion,finding your passion,finding passion,home building,building innovation,how to find your passion now,home building coach,how to find your passion in life,how to find your passion in 2020,find my passion,building process,find your purpose,find your life purpose
5 JUN 2025 · The Power of Coaching - Insights from Brent Scott
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Brent Scott shares his inspiring journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate professional and coach. He discusses the challenges he faced as a single father, his transition from retail to real estate, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his career. Brent emphasizes the importance of resilience, leadership, and the drive to control one's destiny, ultimately leading to his passion for coaching others in the real estate industry. In this conversation, Brent Scott shares his journey from losing his real estate license to becoming a successful operations director and eventually a real estate trainer and coach. He emphasizes the importance of taking chances, having faith, and serving others in the real estate community. Brent discusses his coaching philosophy, which revolves around identifying gaps, setting goals, and using frameworks like GROW to guide clients. He also highlights the significance of accountability and continuous learning in coaching.
Get in touch with Brent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebesman/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brent Scott's Journey
01:48 Early Life and Military Service
04:14 Transitioning from Retail to Real Estate
07:09 The Start of a Real Estate Career
10:29 Challenges in Real Estate and Returning to Corporate America
12:45 Re-launching Real Estate Career and Market Challenges
15:39 Lessons from Corporate America and Coaching
18:02 Navigating Setbacks and Returning to Education
19:56 From Real Estate to Operations
21:12 The Journey to Real Estate Training
22:33 Taking Chances and Faith in the Journey
23:46 Serving the Real Estate Community
25:19 Coaching and Development Frameworks
27:30 Identifying Gaps and Setting Goals
30:14 The Evolution of Coaching Style
32:04 The GROW Framework for Coaching
34:51 Providing Resources and Accountability
coaching,football coaching,mindset of high achievers,leadership coaching,deep coaching,sales coaching,youtube coaching,poaching,rich litvin coaching session,rich litvin coaching,power,the surprising secrets of americas wealthy (book),rich litvin 1 insight,rich litvan 1 insight,brent schlender,nate scott my assignment is,leading from the heart,nate scott is to assignment elevate you,nate scott my the assignment is to elevate you
29 MAY 2025 · From Adversity to Entrepreneurship - The Journey of Nicholas Herta
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Nicholas Herta, the CEO and founder of NeilTekstile, a company focused on creating fully circular textiles from innovative materials. Nicholas shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in the Czech Republic to becoming an entrepreneur dedicated to sustainability in the textile industry. He discusses the importance of education, resilience, and the drive to create a positive impact through his work. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship and the vision behind NeilTekstile's mission to revolutionize the textile industry. In this conversation, Mikulas Hurta discusses the evolution of his business from a B2C model to a B2B approach in the sustainable textile industry. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation, learning from data, and the significant environmental impact of the textile industry. The discussion also covers the challenges of mitigating climate change, the vision for a sustainable textile future, and the key to success through discipline and consistency.
Get in touch with Mikulas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikulashurta/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Herta and NeilTekstile
03:01 The Drive for Sustainability in Textiles
05:55 Overcoming Adversity: Mikulas's Early Life
08:52 The Importance of Education and Resilience
11:51 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur
15:11 The Journey of Starting NeilTekstile
18:03 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship
20:53 Vision and Execution in Business
23:56 Building a Sustainable Future through Innovation
31:50 From B2C to B2B: Adapting Business Models
35:28 The Importance of Experimentation in Business
40:22 Learning from Data: Insights into Marketing
41:31 The Environmental Impact of the Textile Industry
48:01 Mitigation vs. Adaptation: Addressing Climate Change
53:44 Vision for a Sustainable Textile Industry
59:14 Overcoming Challenges in Sustainable Fashion
01:01:55 The Key to Success: Discipline and Consistency
entrepreneurship,adversity,from adversity to empire,from adversity to opportunity,ryan blair's path from adversity to entrepreneurial triumph,how to overcome adversity,how to overcome adversity in your life,how to overcome adversity in life,us entrepreneurship,overcoming adversity,entrepreneurship course,entrepreneurship ideas,entrepreneurship in usa,overcoming adversity in business,serial entrepreneurship insights,from jail to millionaire entrepreneur
22 MAY 2025 · Navigating the Complex World of Bitcoin with Uxio Fraga
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Uxío, the founder of Material Bitcoin, a revolutionary way to store Bitcoin physically. Uxío explains the simplicity and durability of his product, designed for non-tech-savvy individuals. He discusses the future of Bitcoin, his personal journey from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from past scams in the crypto market. The conversation highlights the importance of financial security and the innovative approach of Material Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency space. In this conversation, Uxío from Material Bitcoin discusses the evolution of Bitcoin regulations, the importance of customer satisfaction, and the challenges of operating in a fluctuating market. He emphasizes the significance of Bitcoin as a decentralized currency compared to altcoins and meme coins, while also sharing insights on the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of freedom in business. Uxío provides practical advice for new investors and reflects on the future growth of his company amidst ongoing regulatory challenges.
Get in touch with Uxio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenoldus/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Material Bitcoin
02:20 The Concept of Long-Term Bitcoin Storage
05:58 The Future of Bitcoin
07:54 Uxío's Early Life and Career
12:10 The Journey into Trading and Bitcoin
16:11 Lessons Learned from Scams
21:52 The Birth of Material Bitcoin
27:25 Launching Material Bitcoin and Future Plans
29:03 Navigating Bitcoin Regulations
31:15 Customer Satisfaction and Business Growth
32:45 Market Cycles and Cryptocurrency Fluctuations
33:41 The Crypto Landscape: Bitcoin vs. Altcoins
38:40 Understanding Meme Coins and Their Risks
41:18 Future Growth and Expansion Plans
42:11 Challenges of Regulation in Marketing
45:22 The Value of Bitcoin in Today's Economy
50:29 The Entrepreneurial Drive and Freedom
56:39 Advice for Future Generations
57:42 Safe Investment Strategies in Bitcoin
Keywords:
bitcoin,raoul pal & jeff dorman: bitcoin & the banking crisis,bitcoin price,crypto price predictions - navigating the complex landscape,bitcoin news,bitcoin price prediction,bitcoin crash,bitcoin price analysis,bitcoin analysis,bitcoin price today,bitcoin halving,bullish on bitcoin,the sage of omaha,ethereum vs bitcoin,latest bitcoin news,bitcoin update today,rules of investing,understanding bitcoins price movements,bitcoin price predictions
15 MAY 2025 · The Art of Packaging Solutions with Mike Noldus
In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Mike Noldus, CEO of Karten BV, a leading producer of corrugated board boxes in the Netherlands. Mike shares his journey from aspiring entrepreneur to CEO, discussing the intricacies of the packaging business, the importance of experience, and the challenges of leadership and hiring. He emphasizes the significance of investing in people and machinery for business growth and outlines his vision for the future of Karten BV, including plans for expansion and innovation in the packaging industry. In this conversation, Mike Noldus discusses innovative packaging solutions, the essential traits of a successful CEO, and the lessons learned from football that can be applied to business. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's weaknesses, the difference between leaders and CEOs, and the misconceptions surrounding work-life balance. Noldus also critiques the current education system, advocating for a more practical approach that prepares students for real-world challenges. He concludes by defining what makes a successful employee and sharing key insights for aspiring CEOs.
Connect with Mike Noldus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenoldus/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mike Noldus and Karten BV
03:05 Understanding the Packaging Business Model
06:05 Mike's Journey to Becoming CEO
09:02 The Importance of Experience in Entrepreneurship
11:55 Navigating Challenges in Business
15:04 Leadership Style and Company Culture
17:55 Hiring Challenges and Strategies
20:57 Growth Strategies and Future Plans
32:13 Innovative Solutions in Packaging
34:07 Traits of a Successful CEO
36:41 The Difference Between Leaders and CEOs
37:44 Lessons from Football
41:08 Work-Life Balance Myths
44:26 The Younger Generation's Work Expectations
48:50 Reforming Education for Real-World Skills
52:24 The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education
57:11 Defining a Successful Employee
59:29 Keys to Success as a CEO
Keywords:
packaging,luxury packaging,innovative packaging solutions,custom packaging,sticker packaging,food packaging,packaging design,product packaging,packaging machines,carton packaging,packaging inspiration,packaging production,packaging art,packaging division,confectionery packaging,creative packaging tutorial,cosmetic packaging,packaging for,box packaging,packaging box,packaging design tutorial,packaging asmr,gift packaging,packaging love
8 MAY 2025 · In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Akhil Sivanandan, CEO and co-founder of GreenStory, discusses the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. He shares his personal journey towards creating a platform that helps consumers understand the environmental impact of their clothing choices. The conversation delves into the complexities of the fashion supply chain, the significance of accurate data in sustainability efforts, and the role of consumer choices in driving change. Akhil emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to combat climate change and outlines GreenStory's mission to empower a billion consumers to make greener choices. In this conversation, Akhil Sivanandan discusses the complexities of measuring carbon footprints, the importance of consumer behavior in sustainability, and the challenges posed by climate change denial. He emphasizes the role of human activity in climate change and how businesses can adapt to meet consumer expectations for sustainability. Akhil also shares insights on entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of discipline and perseverance in achieving success. Connect with Akhil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhilsivanandan/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to GreenStory and Sustainability
02:58 Akhil's Journey to Sustainability
06:01 The Birth of GreenStory
09:02 Understanding the Fashion Supply Chain
12:01 Data Accuracy in Sustainability
15:04 The Impact of Consumer Choices
18:01 Consequences of Inaction
20:53 The Path to a Sustainable Future
30:18 Understanding Carbon Footprint Measurement
35:04 Consumer Behavior and Sustainability
39:01 Addressing Climate Change Denial
41:24 The Role of Human Activity in Climate Change
44:37 Business Strategies for Sustainability
48:52 The Entrepreneurial Journey and Motivation
51:50 Discipline and Perseverance in Entrepreneurship
We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it...
show more
We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it takes to get there.
show less
Information
| Author | Darren Valen |
| Organization | Darren Valen |
| Categories | Entrepreneurship |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| - |
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