Mindful Money Jonathan DeYoe

Kalani Leifer is the Founder and CEO of COOP Careers, a company aiming to overcome underemployment through digital skills and peer connections. Kalani began his career as a history teacher at Kappa International High School in the Bronx, NY (with Teach For America). Later, he worked as a consultant at McKinsey in Zurich and Dubai, and as a project leader at Google in California. Kalani grew up in the Bay Area, graduated from Stanford, and earned a master’s in education from Lehman College, CUNY.
In this episode, I talk with Kalani about the profound impact of peer support and community in navigating career challenges. Kalani shares his unique perspective, shaped by his upbringing on Stanford’s campus amidst the economic disparities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, and his early teaching experiences. We discuss the broken promise of higher education for first-generation college students, many of whom face unemployment or underemployment despite their degrees. Through Kalani's insights, we explore the crucial role of social networks in career advancement and how peer relationships can drive long-term career success and upward economic mobility.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro[02:06] - Kalani’s background and early influences[07:36] - Navigating the challenges of higher education[12:27] - The reality for college graduates[18:35] - Why building and maintaining relationships is so important[26:22] - How COOP Careers works[27:34] - The struggles of job hunting for graduates[28:36] - COOP’s unique curriculum: head, heart, and hustle[31:34] - Challenges in workforce development[33:07] - Networking and the importance of relationships[37:12] - The need for federal and state investment[43:34] - Advice for recent graduates[48:01] - The future of COOP and final thoughts
Get full show notes and links at https://mindful.money. 
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MindfulMoney.


This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence?
Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust?
Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan?
Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive?
If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions:
Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?
Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp
In this episode, I speak with Aimée Eubanks Davis, the inspiring Founder and CEO of Braven. Aimée shares her personal journey, from growing up in a hardworking family in Chicago to leading a national nonprofit that empowers first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented college students.
We dive into her experiences and the pivotal moments that shaped her understanding of economic mobility, systemic barriers, and the importance of education. Her passion for creating equitable opportunities shines through as she discusses the importance of internships, social capital, and long-term economic mobility.
Aimée's story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of opportunity, making this conversation both heartfelt and enlightening. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, social justice, and the power of community support. Join us for an engaging and motivating discussion that highlights the incredible potential within every student.
📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/LB2aKFpxtXI
Key Takeaways00:03:28: Starting and Growing a Family Business
00:10:28: Turning Point in Family's Financial Situation
00:12:24: Moving to the Suburbs and Realizing Economic Differences
00:17:45: Challenges Faced by First-Generation College Students
00:21:37: Introduction to Braven and Its Mission
00:26:01: Measuring Success and Impact of Braven
00:28:00: Unique Approach of Braven in Higher Education
00:31:41: Scaling Braven and Future Goals
00:34:39: Closing the Systematic Loop and Wealth Gap
00:38:23: Long-Term Impact and Wealth Gap Analysis
Tweetable Quotes"One thing that I often talk to people about is how many things are tied together, from education to healthcare to economic mobility.""I think in some ways, I got an accidental education in being an entrepreneur, but also in how systems can actually work against certain people being able to acquire money and wealth over time.""Who you know matters, but it's actually who knows you that matters more. And if you're not in certain networks, you have no idea that an internship matters."Guest ResourcesWebsite - https://braven.org/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-eubanks-davis
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aimee.eubanksdavis/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aimeeeubanksdavis
Twitter - a...

Upcoming Event!
How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence?
Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust?
Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan?
Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive?
If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions:
Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?
Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp
In this episode, I speak with TJ van Gerven, a Financial Planner and Founder of Modern Wealth Builders. TJ shares his journey from growing up with contrasting financial influences—his father, a self-employed plasterer with a scarcity mindset, and his mother, who came from a more affluent background. We dive into how these experiences shaped his approach to financial planning, particularly for millennials. TJ emphasizes the importance of understanding time horizons when buying a home and the true costs associated with real estate, challenging the common belief that homeownership is always the best investment.
We also explore TJ's innovative approach to financial planning, including his use of a subscription model to make financial advice more accessible to younger clients. He discusses the value of focusing on cash flow, tax planning, and the importance of having a disciplined, rules-based strategy. TJ's insights are not just about numbers; they’re about helping people use their money as a tool to live better lives. Whether you're considering a sabbatical, navigating equity compensation, or just trying to get a handle on your finances, TJ's practical advice and genuine passion for helping others make this episode a must-listen.
📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/ATG2dn18R4I
Key Takeaways00:03:08: Early Lessons on Money and Entrepreneurship
00:07:15: Family Dynamics and Financial Lessons
00:10:24: Career Path from Virginia Tech to Financial Planning
00:13:05: Choosing Financial Services and Early Career Challenges
00:17:29: Conference Experiences and Networking
00:21:07: Financial Advisor's Circle of Competence
00:29:14: Big Issues in Financial Planning: Real Estate and Stock Options
00:32:46: Planning for Sabbaticals and Financial Independence
00:34:48: Simplifying Financial Success for New Couples
00:43:21: Impactful Travel Experiences
Tweetable Quotes"Millennials think that buying a house is this natural progression, and what I try to educate them on is, number one, let's focus on time horizon. That is the biggest factor for a primary residence purchase, in my experience, is understanding how long do you plan to be in this house?""I think the value for advisors moving forward is going to be about making people's lives better in the sense that you're helping them use their money as a tool and not necessarily about maximizing performance, because we know that's kind of commoditized and there's a lot of good solutions for that already.""I just don't think people have the basic financial education around just the concept of compound interest. I think if people understand that with a reasonable expected return, you actually can achieve a meaningful amount of wealth if you have a disciplined saving strategy over a long time...

Upcoming Event!
How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence?
Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust?
Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan?
Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive?
If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions:
Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?
Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp
In this episode, I speak with Amy Schiller; a Writer and Political Philosopher who has spent over 15 years in major gift fundraising. Amy's insights into philanthropy are both profound and practical, as she explores how we can use our resources to truly enrich our communities. We dive into her new book, "The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix It,"We also discuss the importance of loving humanity in its fullest sense—beyond just survival, but also our ability to imagine, create, and connect. Amy's perspective is a refreshing take on how philanthropy can be more than just a transaction; it can be a meaningful extension of our values and a way to build a richer civic fabric.
Throughout our conversation, Amy shares her thoughts on the current trends in philanthropy, the pitfalls of a purely ROI-driven approach, and the unique role that philanthropy can play in our society. She highlights inspiring examples, like LeBron James' work in Akron, which beautifully illustrates how giving can be rooted in personal experience and community connection. Amy also touches on the balance between government responsibility and private giving, advocating for a more holistic approach to addressing societal needs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how we can make our giving more impactful and aligned with our deepest values.
📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/BguPrdoWVIU
Key Takeaways00:04:08: Importance of Philanthropy
00:09:46: Cultural Shifts and Philanthropy
00:13:32: Historical Context of Philanthropy
00:16:22: LeBron James' Philanthropy Example
00:19:41: Philanthropy and Hierarchical Dynamics
00:20:42: Philanthropy in a Capitalist Structure
00:23:31: Government for Bread, Philanthropy for Roses
00:24:51: Advisors' Role in Shifting Philanthropy Conversations
00:27:41: Importance of Unrestricted Giving
00:28:48: Local vs. Broader Philanthropy
Tweetable Quotes"Philanthropy is this wonderful opportunity to engage with money as an expression of intrinsic value. Again, not just performance, but something that we feel is beautiful, has an evergreen significance, is important, is outside the utilitarian framework.""I want to make this feeling possible for kids, but it is theirs to absorb in their own autonomous way that I don't need to surveil or control in the future.""Philanthropy is not the right vehicle for meeting those needs. It only heightens the need for social policy and public spending to play that role because that's the only way people are able to access those necessities with a sense of dignity and with a sense of stature."Guest ResourcesWebsite - a href="https://www.amybessschiller.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Upcoming Event!
How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence?
Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust?
Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan?
Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive?
If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions:
Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?
Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp
In this episode, I speak with Miriam Castilla, a Money Mentor, Author, and Speaker who has a unique approach to financial well-being. Miriam's journey from a broke single mother to a successful business owner is nothing short of inspiring. She combines her background in engineering and finance with her expertise in hypnotherapy and metaphysics to help small business owners create a truly rich life. We dive into her philosophy of marrying the magical with the practical, and how our feelings about money can either attract or repel it. Miriam shares her personal story, including the contrasting money habits of her parents, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of financial success.
We also explore practical strategies for managing cash flow, attracting premium clients, and maintaining a wealth mindset. Miriam emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan for your finances and the power of mindset in achieving financial stability. She offers valuable insights into how business owners can smooth out their income fluctuations and focus on what truly matters. Whether you're struggling with financial stress or looking to take your business to the next level, Miriam's wisdom and practical advice will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make positive changes. Join us for a conversation that blends heartfelt personal stories with actionable financial strategies.
📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/z0pHrZ77cC8
Key Takeaways02:40 - Early Lessons About Money
07:47 - Hypnotherapy and Law of Attraction
11:38 - Overcoming Societal Messages About Money
20:32 - Addressing Scarcity Mentality
23:33 - Hypnosis as a Tool for Change
34:27 - Smoothing Cash Flow for Business Owners
40:16 - Attracting Premium Clients
42:47 - Advice to Stop Listening to Others
43:52 - Trusting Yourself Despite Circumstances
46:23 - Personal Insights About Miriam
Tweetable Quotes"The way you feel about money will either make you magnetic to it or make you repel it unconsciously. If you feel uncomfortable asking to be paid or invoicing people, that will come through in your energy, and we all pick up on this unconsciously.""It's really got nothing to do with your level of income; it's got to do with your money habits. It's about being mindful about money and thinking about what you're actually doing with the money you have, not when the money will come that will suddenly change everything.""When you expect something to happen, it is so much more likely to happen. If you're out there discounting and pitching for really cheap hourly rates, you're going to attract people who don't value you. You need to become the person you want to attract."Guest ResourcesWebsite - a href="https://miriamcastilla.com" rel="noopener...

Upcoming Event!
How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence?
Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust?
Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan?
Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive?
If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions:
Am I on track for financial independence?What do I need to do to get on track?How do I design a mindful investing portfolio?How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets?
Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp
In this episode, I speak with John Crane, a Seasoned Financial Advisor with over two decades of experience. John has a unique approach to personal finance, especially when it comes to budgeting. He shares his journey from struggling with traditional budgeting methods to developing the "One Number Budget" system, which simplifies the process and makes it more manageable for his clients. We dive into his book, published in 2022, where he outlines this innovative approach. John’s passion for making a difference in people's lives is evident, and he aims to be the go-to person for his clients when they face significant financial decisions.
John also opens up about his personal experiences, from his early entrepreneurial endeavors as a teenager to his career shift from corporate America to financial advising. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow management and the psychological aspects of financial decisions. We discuss the challenges of traditional budgeting, the benefits of his one number budget, and the importance of being over-prepared for the future. John’s insights are practical and grounded, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to simplify their financial planning and achieve greater financial stability. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends personal stories with valuable financial wisdom.
📺 Watch on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/i69QwBGZVNM
Key Takeaways00:02:06: Early Life and Career Beginnings
00:05:33: Family Background and Money Conversations
00:08:48: Realization and Career Change
00:17:20: Economic vs. Psychological Financial Decisions
00:20:17: Traditional Budgets and Their Failures
00:22:22: Budgeting Apps and Their Limitations
00:26:19: Over-Preparedness in Financial Planning
00:29:21: Importance of Cash Flow Management
00:33:24: Potential Future Book Topics
00:36:56: Impactful Travel Experience
Tweetable Quotes"I realized pretty quickly that if I had my own money, then I could make a lot of my own decisions. And I liked that.""Health and fitness are not the same thing. I was physically fit, but I wasn't really healthy. They require different disciplines.""Cash flow management is the single greatest determinant of financial success or failure. Your ability to manage cash flow will make the difference as to whether or not you're a success financially."Guest ResourcesWebsite - https://www.cranefinancial.com/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncrane/
Book MentionedThe One-Number Budget: Why Traditional Budgets Fail and What to Do About It - a...