Real Business Connections

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn Speak Teach Episode #159 with Pia Silva.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scaling does not have to mean hiring a team, building a big agency, or burning yourself out trying to serve everyone.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Pia Silva, entrepreneur, author of </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Badass Your Brand</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scale Solo</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, host of </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The No BS Agency Podcast</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and founder of </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">No BS Mastery</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pia helps expert-led service providers build profitable businesses that stay small on purpose. Her approach challenges the common “scale or fail” advice and gives consultants, strategists, designers, coaches, and agency owners a simpler path to more profit, more freedom, and less BS.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this conversation, Pia breaks down how to scale solo without burning out, why your clients probably do not want your proposal either, and how to get paid before you ever pitch the full project. She also explains her Lead Product Method, why premium clients want speed and clarity, and how to compete when AI is free and fast.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ben and Pia also workshop real examples around podcast production, retainers, recurring revenue, authority content, and how service providers can package their expertise into clear, high-value offers.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you sell your expertise and want a business that gives you more freedom instead of more complexity, this episode is a must-listen.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Timestamps:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[00:00] Trailer and Intro</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[01:12] Why everyone keeps talking about Pia</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[02:59] What makes Pia Silva different</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[03:37] More impact with less energy</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[05:08] Can you scale solo and still have big impact?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[07:28] Ben’s story about impact through business</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[09:29] What Scale Solo is really about</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[10:53] The 50-25-25 rule</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[13:05] Why experts struggle to charge</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[18:43] Replacing free calls with a lead product</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[22:54] Why clients don’t want proposals</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[24:13] The problem with retainers</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[27:16] Thinking annually like a CEO</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[30:21] Can you have recurring revenue and scale solo?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[32:44] Compressing projects into two days</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[36:20] Scale Solo and intensive delivery</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[38:01] How AI changes expert services</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[40:38] Trust, authority, and AI noise</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[44:17] Why relationships still win</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[48:25] Where to find Pia’s book</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Key Takeaways: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• You can scale solo, but the business has to be designed around profit, freedom, and fewer moving pieces. ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “You must make all of the revenue you need in maximum 50% of your working hours or less.” ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• Experts often struggle to charge for what feels easy to them, but clients are paying for the process, confidence, leadership, and clarity behind the work. ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• A lead product builds trust before the pitch because the client pays for the strategy instead of receiving a free proposal they may not value. ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “When we think monthly, we’re thinking like employees. And when we think annually, we’re thinking like CEOs.” ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• AI can speed up expert services, but premium clients still pay for discernment, curation, confidence, and human strategy. ~Pia Silva</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep In Touch with Pia Silva:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website:</span><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.piasilva.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pialovesyourbiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/pialovesyourbiz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.instagram.com/pialovesyourbiz</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook Group:</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/badassyourbrand/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/badassyourbrand/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/groups/badassyourbrand/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-silva-86b2723/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-silva-86b2723/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/pia-silva-86b2723/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Books:</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YouTube:</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@pialovesyourbiz/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@pialovesyourbiz/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.youtube.com/@pialovesyourbiz/videos</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">People Mentioned and Other Resources:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scale Solo Book:</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">No BS Mastery:</span><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.piasilva.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Badass Your Brand:</span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XHL8F3G</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The No BS Agency Podcast:</span><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.piasilva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.piasilva.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Balbert…</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">–</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LST is made possible by</span><a href="https://balbertmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www://balbertmarketing.com/</a></p><br><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn Speak Teach Episode #158 with Lilian Riad-Allen.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. Not because something is wrong with you, but because loneliness is not always about proximity. It is about belonging, connection, and whether you feel truly seen in the moment you are living.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Lilian Riad-Allen, host of </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lil on Life Pod</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, People &amp; Culture executive, behavioural neuroscientist, and ICF-certified coach, for a grounded conversation about loneliness, life transitions, authenticity, and what it really means to live a life well lived.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lilian shares why so many successful people still feel disconnected, how social media can become a substitute for real connection, and why journaling, music, nature, and small moments of presence can help us come back to ourselves. She also opens up about grief, immigration, embracing her “corporate hippie” side, and learning to be her own cup of tea.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Together, Ben and Lilian explore how to stop outsourcing validation, build deeper connection, and create a life that feels meaningful in the everyday moments, not just the big milestones.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Timestamps:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[00:00] Trailer + Intro</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[00:56] Feeling lonely in a crowd</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[02:42] What loneliness really means</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[06:48] Journaling through music</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[09:08] Life Transition Compass</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[10:26] Climbing cringe mountain</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[11:16] Signs of a life transition</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[15:05] A life well lived</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[17:29] Success, achievement, and disconnection</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[20:01] Wonder in everyday moments</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[23:19] Becoming a corporate hippie</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[24:48] Grief and authenticity</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[27:50] Being your own cup of tea</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[31:51] Lilian’s immigration story</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[33:23] Asking what really matters</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[35:09] Finding your values</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[37:57] Embracing the journey</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[39:33] Connect with Lilian</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[41:16] Integration assignment</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Key Takeaways: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• Loneliness is about belonging. You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone when you do not feel connected. ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• Isolation is being alone when it is not your choice. Solitude is intentionally spending time with yourself. ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• Journaling does not have to mean writing in a notebook. It can happen through music, playlists, reflection, and paying attention to your body. ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• A life well lived is built through authenticity, connection, presence, vulnerability, and the courage to ask for help. ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “We’re not actually meant to evolve, to do things on our own.” ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “You don’t have to be everybody’s cup of tea. I’m not, and that’s okay. I’m my own cup of tea and that’s what matters.” ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• If your best day feels too big or far away, start with one small step or one millimeter of movement toward it. ~Lilian Riad-Allen</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep In Touch with Lilian Riad-Allen:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website:</span><a href="https://lilonlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://lilonlife.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://lilonlife.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YouTube:</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LilonLifePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@LilonLifePodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.youtube.com/@LilonLifePodcast</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilonlifepod/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lilonlifepod/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.instagram.com/lilonlifepod/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilian-riad-allen-6997a011/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilian-riad-allen-6997a011/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilian-riad-allen-6997a011/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Life Transition Compass App:</span><a href="https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/life-transition-compass/id6760262141" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/life-transition-compass/id6760262141" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/life-transition-compass/id6760262141</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email: [email protected]</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Balbert…</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">–</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LST is made possible by</span><a href="https://balbertmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www://balbertmarketing.com/</a></p><br><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn Speak Teach Episode #157 with Anne Peterson.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What happens when personal growth crosses the line into manipulation? In this episode, Anne Peterson shares her experience inside Landmark, why she now questions the harm caused by certain high-control groups, and how charisma, coercion, and intensity can get mistaken for transformation.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, we are thrilled to have Anne Peterson on the show, author of Is This a Cult? and a coach, consultant, and advocate for safer, more ethical personal and professional development.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this episode, Anne breaks down Landmark, large group awareness trainings, informed consent, coercive control, and the difference between healthy growth and harmful leadership. She also shares what people should look for in ethical communities, how to spot red flags, and what to do if something feels off.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This conversation is for anyone interested in self-help, leadership, personal development, community, psychology, or the line between support and exploitation.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Timestamps:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[00:00] Trailer</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[01:26] Landmark’s Bankruptcy and the Texas Two-Step</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[03:51] Is Landmark a Cult?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[04:53] The Origins of EST, Landmark, and Large Group Awareness Trainings</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[11:48] “Wait, Is This a Cult?”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[16:27] Peak Experiences, Breakthroughs, and Unintended Harm</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[20:07] Why We Miss Manipulation</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[24:32] Where Cults Cross the Line</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[35:33] The Cost of High-Control Leadership</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[37:05] Duty of Care and Ethical Practice</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[42:10] Anne’s Work, Book, and Safer Solutions</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[45:06] What Healthy Ethical Leadership Looks Like</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[48:39] How to Leave a Harmful Group</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[52:52] Intuition, Community, and Final Thoughts</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Key Takeaways: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “Wait, I think I just spent 27 years and became a senior leader and raised a lot of money for a group that is actually a harmful cult, a destructive cult.” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “We haven’t been trained how to see the exploitive side. We haven’t been trained how to separate charisma from character. We haven’t trained ourselves to see manipulation.” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “Who paid the price for my signing away and doing that was my daughter and my son who didn’t have their mom.” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “When the doctor gives me a medication, they have to tell me the side effects. Why? Because in that profession, there’s a standard for informed consent. Why is there not a standard for informed consent in self-help?” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “If the attention is on you, that’s a great teacher.” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “If you get a sense like, ooh, something doesn’t seem right here, listen to that.” ~Anne Peterson</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep In Touch with Anne Peterson:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepeterson2/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.l.peterson1</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Book, Podcast, and More: https://linktr.ee/anne_l_peterson</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Marketplace Website: https://ilumn8.life/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Seek Safely Workshops: </span><a href="https://ilumn8.life/lp/seek-safely-programs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ilumn8.life/lp/seek-safely-programs/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">People Mentioned and Other Resources:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A Little Bit Culty: https://alittlebitculty.com/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rachel Bernstein: https://www.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Seek Safely: https://www.seeksafely.org/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Anne Peterson’s Marketplace: https://ilumn8.life/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Safe Seeking Workshops: https://ilumn8.life/lp/seek-safely-programs/</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Balbert…</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">–</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LST is made possible by</span><a href="https://balbertmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www://balbertmarketing.com/</a></p><br><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Real Talk with GrowGetters Episode #34 featuring Nick Gray.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Most people say they want better relationships, stronger networks, and more opportunities. But very few people actually create the spaces where those connections happen.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this exclusive “Ask Me Anything” session from the GrowGetters ONLY Inner Circle, we’re joined by Nick Gray — author of </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The 2-Hour Cocktail Party</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, founder of Museum Hack, and a leading voice in personal branding and meaningful networking.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Nick shares practical, no-fluff strategies for building real relationships through intentional gatherings, showing how simple hosted events can create powerful personal and professional opportunities. He breaks down the psychology of hosting, why small curated groups outperform big crowded events, and how anyone can become a connector without being the loudest person in the room.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The conversation also explores personal branding, creating a memorable online presence, and why a simple personal website is one of the highest-leverage assets you can build. Nick explains how to stand out authentically, make it easy for people to understand your value, and turn everyday interactions into lasting connections.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or professional who wants stronger relationships, better visibility, and a network that actually works, this session delivers practical playbooks you can use immediately.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">People Mentioned and Other Resources:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The 2-Hour Cocktail Party</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> by Nick Gray: </span><a href="https://amzn.to/39rfb2V" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://amzn.to/39rfb2V</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2. Meetup Video Nick Filmed: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNB0o9VD0wU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNB0o9VD0wU</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">3. LocalRank Checklist: </span><a href="https://localrank.so/checklist/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://localrank.so/checklist/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">4. UltraSpeaking (Public Speaking Training): </span><a href="https://ultraspeaking.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ultraspeaking.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">5. Personal Websites: </span><a href="https://personalwebsites.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://personalwebsites.org</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep In Touch with Nick Gray:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website:</span><a href="https://nickgray.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://nickgray.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://nickgray.net/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Twitter:</span><a href="https://twitter.com/nickgraynews" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://twitter.com/nickgraynews" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://twitter.com/nickgraynews</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgraynews/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgraynews/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickgraynews/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickgraynews/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nickgraynews/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.instagram.com/nickgraynews/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/newfriend?fref=ts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/newfriend?fref=ts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/newfriend?fref=ts</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YouTube:</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/nickgray" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/nickgray" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.youtube.com/user/nickgray</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join GrowGetters ONLY:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Inner-Circle: </span><a href="https://growgettersonly.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://growgettersonly.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Community: </span><a href="https://weallgrowtogether.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://weallgrowtogether.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Balbert…</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="https://web.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">–</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">GrowGetters ONLY is made possible by </span><a href="https://balbertmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www://balbertmarketing.com/</a></p><p><br></p><br><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn Speak Teach Episode #156 with Peter Sage.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What does it take to master your mind when life gets brutal? In this episode, Peter Sage shares lessons from rowing the Atlantic, spending 6 months in prison for something he says he didn’t do, losing everything, and building his life back from the ground up.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, we are thrilled to have Peter Sage on the show, a serial entrepreneur, speaker, author, mentor, and 7x TEDx speaker who has taught more than 76,000 students across 100+ countries.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this episode, Peter breaks down what self-mastery really looks like under pressure, how to take complete responsibility for your life, why adversity can become your greatest teacher, and why fulfillment matters more than chasing success alone. He also shares deep perspective shifts on fear, freedom, growth, identity, and what it means to stop swimming upstream.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The episode also explores prison, ocean rowing, emotional resilience, false goals, and how to become the kind of person who can handle anything life throws at you.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Timestamps:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[00:00] Trailer and Intro</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[01:02] Rowing the Atlantic vs. Prison</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[08:19] Mastering Your Mind Under Pressure</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[10:46] Fear of Death and Fear of Living</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[13:50] Losing Everything and Going to Prison</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[18:13] Becoming a Secret Agent of Change</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[25:51] How to Become an Agent of Change</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[33:34] Take Complete Responsibility</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[37:11] Is It Too Late to Change?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[43:26] Time, Money, and Fulfillment</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[50:57] How to Connect with Peter Sage</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Key Takeaways: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “Life is a growth centric experience, not a comfort centric experience.” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “Who shows up to answer the voice? Is it the coward, the criticizer or the champion?” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “If you do not make peace with understanding death, you will end up being afraid to live.” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “I went in there not with the identity of a prisoner. I went in as a secret agent of change.” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• Becoming the example and the invitation is how you truly impact other people. ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “You taking complete responsibility for everything that happens in your life, case closed.” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• “I can’t get it wrong and I can’t run out of time.” ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• True wealth is what is left when all your money is gone. ~Peter Sage</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Keep In Touch with Peter Sage:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website:</span><a href="https://petersage.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://petersage.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://petersage.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealpetersage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealpetersage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.instagram.com/therealpetersage/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">YouTube:</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealPeterSage/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealPeterSage/videos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.youtube.com/@TheRealPeterSage/videos</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Sage/100044204765430/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Sage/100044204765430/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/people/Peter-Sage/100044204765430/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Balbert…</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook:</span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram:</span><a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LinkedIn:</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">–</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LST is made possible by</span><a href="https://balbertmarketing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> www://balbertmarketing.com/</a></p><br><p><br></p>