(UN)Conventional Wealth

Dan Nicholson
(UN)Conventional Wealth

(UN)Conventional Wealth is the top resource for entrepreneurs who want unconventional strategies and tips to win at business and life on their terms. Entrepreneurs who are breaking through barriers while setting new standards in their industry recognize that the cliché, cookie cutter, and conventional recommendations about finance and business don’t apply to them. This podcast will release you from the “WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING” chains so you can massively win at business and life by playing your game. Painful shyness intersecting with an insatiable desire to compete (and WIN) birthed a relentless curiosity to understand how to massively win at business and confront fears without conforming to a set blueprint. This show is for the purpose-driven entrepreneur who recognizes that the cliché, cookie cutter, and conventional recommendations about finance and business don’t work because they’re playing a different game. As a painfully shy kid, I often found myself on the sidelines quietly observing the game of sports, life and business until the flames of competitiveness grew to a bonfire and took over. From the ashes, birthed a relentless curiosity and drive to understand how to massively win at business and confront my fears without conforming to a set blueprint. I share the unconventional strategies and tips I learned to make sure you win (get what you want) under your rules. Hear all the “a-ha” moments as a business owner, dad, exercise enthusiast and serial idea generator while interviewing other thought leaders who have developed their own strategies to rig the game to win.

  1. Ep 54:  Unbeatable Resilience Strategies for Entrepreneurs

    1 DAY AGO

    Ep 54: Unbeatable Resilience Strategies for Entrepreneurs

    How does a Navy SEAL approach resilience, daily performance, and building a purpose-driven business? In this compelling episode, Dan Nicholson sits down with Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL and founder of Unbeatable Mind, to explore how lessons from elite military training apply to entrepreneurship. They delve into the discipline, resilience, and emotional awareness necessary for high-stakes environments and how entrepreneurs can cultivate these qualities to thrive in a volatile, uncertain world. Key Takeaways: Earn Your "A" Game Daily: Just as SEALs show up every day at peak performance, entrepreneurs need to consistently bring their best, treating each day as a new mastery project.Embrace Resilience in Failure: Mark shares that failure isn’t an option in SEAL training—it’s a stepping stone for learning. This mindset helps entrepreneurs learn and adapt instead of fearing setbacks.Purpose over Ego: Ego-driven goals are detrimental in the military and business. Mark explains why a more profound purpose is essential to sustain motivation, especially during challenging times.Double-Loop Learning and the OODA Loop: Adopting iterative reflection and the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act loop helps entrepreneurs stay agile and avoid rigidity in fast-paced environments.Daily and Evening Rituals: Implementing consistent practices, like Mark’s “evening debrief,” can enhance performance and apparent regrets and keep energy focused on goals. Quote: “Failure is expected, but it’s how you respond and learn from it that counts. In both life and business, resilience is about bouncing back smarter and stronger.” Learn More: Find Mark Divine's books, podcast, and training on mental development at MarkDivine.com and explore the 30-day Unbeatable Mind Challenge at unbeatablemind.com/challenge.

    29 min
  2. Ep 53: Your Future Is Now: Master Finances & Independence

    5 NOV

    Ep 53: Your Future Is Now: Master Finances & Independence

    Are you prepared to take control of your financial future? Discover how financial literacy can empower you and why Your Future Is Now according to Jeff Panik, author and financial expert. In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, guest host Dan Nicholson speaks with Jeff Panik, author of Your Future Is Now: A Guide to Mastering Your Finances and Independence. Jeff shares insights into the importance of financial literacy, particularly for younger generations, and how his experiences shaped his approach to personal finance. They discuss the financial challenges many face today, including the impact of inflation, retirement planning, and how financial avoidance can lead to long-term issues. Jeff emphasizes practical steps for building financial independence and mastering key financial decisions, from budgeting to business valuation. Key Takeaways: 📚 Financial literacy is crucial: Jeff highlights the lack of financial education in schools and how understanding basic financial principles can set the foundation for a successful future.💸 Debt awareness is essential: Many young adults don’t fully grasp the consequences of taking on debt, especially student loans, and need to be better informed before making financial commitments.🎯 Plan for the future early: Jeff advocates for preparing early for retirement and major life expenses by making informed financial decisions and saving sooner rather than later.🏦 Business valuation is vital: For small business owners, knowing the value of your business and planning for eventual sale or succession is critical to ensure a smooth financial transition.📊 Manage your financial mindset: The emotional aspect of money management, including the influence of psychological biases, plays a large role in economic decisions. Understanding your "money rules" is key to making better choices. Quote from Jeff Panik: "Financial literacy isn’t just about making more money—it's about mastering the basics, like understanding the difference between a checking account and a savings account. Without this foundation, managing larger financial responsibilities becomes a challenge." How to Reach Jeff Panik: You can learn more about Jeff Panik and his work by visiting jeffreypanik.com or explore his financial guidance at Balance Wealth Management.

    34 min
  3. Ep 52:  Ping Pong Principles for Business Success

    29 OCT

    Ep 52: Ping Pong Principles for Business Success

    How can the lessons from ping pong help you excel in leadership, business, and life? In this episode, Dan Nicholson sits down with Justin Bookey, a global ping pong player, US Open medalist, and best-selling author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life. Justin shares his journey from competitive table tennis to the business world, revealing how the strategies he mastered on the ping pong table can be applied to business leadership and life challenges. He highlights the importance of rhythm, the "ready position," and how success in sports translates into everyday leadership. ✅ Key Takeaways: ✔️ Master the "ready position": Always stay prepared to react effectively to challenges, both in sports and in business.✔️ Embrace rhythm: Every action, whether in life or business, has its rhythm. Master yours and adapt to others.✔️ Learn from losses, not just wins: Just like in ping pong, your failures in business can teach you more than your successes.✔️ Trust your instincts: After mastering the fundamentals, rely on your natural reactions and intuition in high-pressure situations.✔️ Ping-pong principles apply everywhere. The leadership lessons from ping-pong extend to business, relationships, and personal development. 💬 Quotes from Justin: "Ping pong is chess at 80 miles an hour. You need to think several moves ahead while reacting in real-time.""If you’re ready, you don’t have to get ready. Mastering the 'ready position' in life opens doors to success." 📱 How to Reach Justin: Visit Justin’s website at pingpongleadership.comConnect with Justin Bookey on LinkedIn. 🎧 Conclusion: Ping pong isn’t just a game—it’s a life and leadership strategy. Tune in to hear Justin Bookey share how the principles from this fast-paced sport can transform the way you lead in business and life.

    31 min
  4. 22 OCT

    Ep 51: Conquering Challenges: From Sailboats to Success"

    What happens when an ambitious young sailor faces the darkest of days, battles severe depression, and rises again to achieve incredible success in fitness, real estate, and mental health advocacy? In this episode, host Dan Nicholson talks with Alex Wisch, an inspiring entrepreneur who has turned adversity into opportunity. From being a champion in sailboat racing to experiencing homelessness and severe depression, Alex shares his journey of resilience and personal transformation. Today, he is a thought leader on LinkedIn, a coach to entrepreneurs, and a mental health advocate, helping others unlock their potential. Alex reveals how consistency, mental strength, and purpose led him to thrive in both business and life. Key Takeaways: ✅ Control what you can: Sailboat racing taught Alex to focus on consistency, a lesson that has applied throughout his life.✅ Burnout vs. Depression: Understanding the difference can help you determine when to take a break and when to seek deeper support.✅ Pivotal moment: An 11-hour bike ride became Alex’s turning point, proving that mental resilience can be built even in the darkest times.✅ Physical challenges for mental growth: From ultra-races to fitness feats, Alex uses physical challenges to overcome mental pain.✅ LinkedIn success: Alex grew his LinkedIn presence to 37 million impressions, using the platform to inspire a global audience and save lives. Memorable Quote: “Adversity brings opportunities, and when you look at a situation differently, you find strengths that make you authentic and different.” How to Reach Alex Wisch: 🔗 Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alex Wisch LinkedIn

    26 min
  5. Ep 50:  Empathy and Data: Transforming Customer Experience

    15 OCT

    Ep 50: Empathy and Data: Transforming Customer Experience

    Are you leveraging empathy and data to transform customer experiences? Discover how Blake Grewal, founder of Bold Growth, uses a unique approach to boost retention and satisfaction for service-based companies. In this episode of (UN) Conventional Wealth, Dan Nicholson sits down with Blake Grewal, the creator of Bold Growth, to discuss the critical role of customer experience in business growth. Blake shares insights on balancing technology and human interaction, using data to drive satisfaction, and creating empathy-driven customer experiences. He also discusses lessons from endurance sports and how they apply to entrepreneurship. Listen in as Blake reveals how service-based companies, financial services, and contingency law firms can transform their customer journeys by focusing on simplicity, empathy, and data. 5 Key Takeaways: Empathy-driven innovations are vital to creating customer-centric services that resonate emotionally and practically with clients.Data is invaluable for customer satisfaction, but many businesses are not utilizing it properly—organizing and analyzing it is crucial for growth.A growth mindset, derived from endurance sports, can help entrepreneurs persist through challenges and simplify complex problems.Balancing tech and touch is critical—customers still value human interaction despite technological advances like AI.Quick wins and personalization build momentum and improve long-term retention in service-based businesses. Quote from Blake: "Building better customer experiences is the differentiator that will set you apart from the competition. It’s not about more leads; it’s about giving the leads you have an exceptional experience.” How to Reach Blake Grewal: Website: Bold Growth LinkedIn: Blake Grewal

    27 min
  6. Ep 49:  From Polo to Luxury Cruises: How Passion Built a Global Brand

    8 OCT

    Ep 49: From Polo to Luxury Cruises: How Passion Built a Global Brand

    How does someone turn a love for polo, wine, and travel into a luxury lifestyle brand that caters to high-net-worth clients? Summary: In this episode, Dan Nicholson interviews Tareq Salahi, a seasoned polo player, wine enthusiast, and founder of Hotels at Sea. Tareq shares his journey from growing up in Virginia’s horse and wine country to becoming a global ambassador for polo and luxury travel. He discusses how his passions for polo and wine led to the creation of unique travel experiences, integrating these elements into a global brand that offers exclusive events and luxury cruises for high-net-worth individuals. Tareq also explains the parallels between teamwork in polo and running a successful business, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional client experiences. 5 Key Takeaways: Polo is not just for the elite—it’s an accessible sport with opportunities for anyone interested, regardless of financial status.Tareq turned his passion for polo, wine, and travel into a high-end lifestyle brand that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for clients.Teamwork, whether in polo or business, is essential for delivering outstanding results and creating memorable experiences.Hotels at Sea combines luxury travel with exclusive events, offering clients unique opportunities like saber-opening champagne and landing helicopters on icebergs.Tareq believes that success in both sports and business comes down to effective communication and building personal connections with clients. 2 Quotes: “The biggest misconception about polo is that it's a sport only for the rich. In reality, it's an accessible and exciting game for everyone.”“In polo and in business, it’s all about teamwork and creating unforgettable experiences for the people you’re working with.” How to Reach the Guest: For more information about Tareq Salahi and the luxury events offered by Hotels at Sea, visit hotelsatsea.com or follow Hotels at Sea on Instagram.

    25 min
  7. Ep 48:  Burnout to Breakthrough: Business Growth Secrets

    1 OCT

    Ep 48: Burnout to Breakthrough: Business Growth Secrets

    How can entrepreneurs stop redlining and transition from Rainmaker to Architect to achieve sustainable growth? In this episode of (UN)conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson talks with Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS, about the critical shifts entrepreneurs need to make to grow their businesses sustainably. Bradley shares his personal journey of burnout and heart palpitations, leading to a transformative identity shift from being a "Rainmaker" to becoming the "Architect" of his business. The conversation dives into Bradley's Scale framework and strategies to move from a hard-working operator to a strategic business owner with systems in place, helping companies to scale while maintaining personal freedom. Key Takeaways: Redlining Dangers: Entrepreneurs often overwork, leading to burnout. Bradley shares his journey of realizing the need to shift gears before hitting a physical and emotional breaking point.From Rainmaker to Architect: Bradley emphasizes the importance of shifting from being the central person driving all sales to becoming the architect of the business, creating systems that allow it to scale without your constant involvement.Scale Framework: Achieving business growth involves sustainable revenue, consistent profitability, leveraging time away, and efficient operations—all integral parts of Bradley’s Scale framework.12 Weeks Off: One goal in business should be to architect your year to take 12 weeks off while ensuring the business operates smoothly, emphasizing the need for proper systems and leverage. Rainmaker’s Dilemma: Entrepreneurs' biggest strength—being the Rainmaker—can turn into a debilitating weakness when it becomes a bottleneck to business growth. Quote from Bradley Hamner: "At some point, the thing that got you to where you are will no longer work. The pedal is literally to the floor. Now, what are you going to do?" How to Reach Bradley Hamner: Website: https://www.blueprintos.com/about/Free Rainmaker to Architect Starter Kit available at the link above.

    34 min
  8. Ep 47:  Niching Down for Business Success

    24 SEPT

    Ep 47: Niching Down for Business Success

    What does it take to build a successful practice in a highly specialized niche? Dr. Stephen Wangen, an expert in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), shares how he pioneered a unique approach to gut health and grew his business by solving problems others couldn’t. In this episode, Dan Nicholson speaks with Dr. Stephen Wangen, founder of the IBS Treatment Center, about his journey from general naturopathic medicine to becoming a leading specialist in IBS. Dr. Wangen discusses the challenges he faced in finding his niche, the complexities of treating IBS, and the role of innovation and perseverance in building a successful practice. He also shares valuable insights on maintaining resilience while adapting to industry changes and evolving patient needs. Dr. Wangen’s dedication to solving digestive health issues has helped countless individuals regain hope and health. Key Takeaways: Niche is essential: Dr. Wangen realized early on that specializing in IBS allowed him to stand out in a crowded field and provide deep expertise to his patients.IBS is more than a label: Most people diagnosed with IBS receive little guidance beyond a general label, but Dr. Wangen’s approach digs deeper to find the underlying causes.The importance of persistence: Whether in business or healthcare, being ahead of your time means pushing through challenges and continuously adapting.Patient education is key: Dr. Wangen emphasizes the need to educate patients about their digestive issues, as they often don't receive sufficient explanations from general practitioners.Personalized care wins: In an era of cookie-cutter healthcare, Dr. Wangen’s personalized approach offers a competitive edge, especially for those who have exhausted other options. Quotes from Dr. Stephen Wangen: "I specialize in treating IBS because I realized I needed a niche to truly succeed in my business.""Our business model is unique—we help people get better, and then they’re gone. That’s the challenge, but also the reward." How to Reach Dr. Stephen Wangen: https://www.ibstreatmentcenter.com/about-us Take the Assessment Test and sign up for newsletter from Dan Nicholson at https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

    31 min

About

(UN)Conventional Wealth is the top resource for entrepreneurs who want unconventional strategies and tips to win at business and life on their terms. Entrepreneurs who are breaking through barriers while setting new standards in their industry recognize that the cliché, cookie cutter, and conventional recommendations about finance and business don’t apply to them. This podcast will release you from the “WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING” chains so you can massively win at business and life by playing your game. Painful shyness intersecting with an insatiable desire to compete (and WIN) birthed a relentless curiosity to understand how to massively win at business and confront fears without conforming to a set blueprint. This show is for the purpose-driven entrepreneur who recognizes that the cliché, cookie cutter, and conventional recommendations about finance and business don’t work because they’re playing a different game. As a painfully shy kid, I often found myself on the sidelines quietly observing the game of sports, life and business until the flames of competitiveness grew to a bonfire and took over. From the ashes, birthed a relentless curiosity and drive to understand how to massively win at business and confront my fears without conforming to a set blueprint. I share the unconventional strategies and tips I learned to make sure you win (get what you want) under your rules. Hear all the “a-ha” moments as a business owner, dad, exercise enthusiast and serial idea generator while interviewing other thought leaders who have developed their own strategies to rig the game to win.

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