Doorward Thinking Doorward Thinking

Embarking on the thrilling journey of being an entrepreneur, balancing the 9-to-5 grind alongside your passionate side hustle, paints a romantic picture. However, this is proven to become a challenge in the long run and isn’t sustainable.  Ultimately, you need to decide whether you’ll quit your job and work full-time on your side hustle or let go of the side hustle and refocus your energy on your reliable 9-to-5, securing stability and steady progress.

In this episode, Shana Elson, CEO of Top This Chocolate shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from courtroom battles to spreading sweetness with Top This Chocolate. Uninspired by her day job as a litigator and bored with the options for her nightly chocolate fix, the lack of variety led her to innovate at home, experimenting with bold new topping combinations.

So the idea for Top This Chocolate was born. Shana quit her job and attended USC Marshall School of Business to combine her confectionary expertise with real-world business savvy.  While at USC, she won $25,000 in seed money in the Women's New Venture Pitch Competition. With the vote of confidence and the money, she decided to go for it. Now, she’s fulfilling her cravings and her dreams by bringing handmade tailored chocolate to the masses from her seaside store in Ventura, California.



Quotes

“Business is risky. Anything is risky. Maybe it’s one of those times where things fall through. But I’m kind of a deep thinker. My role is basically to fight the battle and exhaust the other side and get a client the best outcome you can get.” - Shana Elson

“I looked for something to give me a sense of progress. I started taking baking and pastry classes and I just loved it. You are creating something from nothing with ingredients to food. It sounds very simple and basic, but it was a sense of satisfaction that I wasn’t getting anywhere else. And so I loved it, I kept moving forward. ” - Shana Elson

“Business school, it really does give you that magic confidence that you need to feel like you can do anything that you put your mind to.” - Shana Elson

“It takes a relentless amount of self-advocacy. I would go back and forth during that time. I’d be really broke focusing on the business. I would get to a point where I’m just like, I’m sick of this. I feel like I’m beating my head against the wall. Just wanna have money again. Then I would get some job and it would be so soul-crushing that I wanna be broke again. I need to work on something meaningful to me.” - Shana Elson

“One of the important things is not to react emotionally to what can feel like an attack and actually be an attack, but to really just listen to the contents of their question and respond to it very carefully. Part of the process of vetting your idea is coming up with the answers to those questions, figuring out do they actually have a point or do they not have a point.” - Shana Elson

Chocoholic? Follow Shana Elson!

Website: topthischocolate.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topthischocolate

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

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/topthischoc

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@topthischocolate



Connect with team Doorward Nate and Jake on LinkedIn!Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin



Resource

The 6 Types of Working Genius



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!



If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!  

While businesses everywhere were shutting down across the country amidst the coronavirus pandemic, Juliana Scheidhauer was about to open one up. Recognizing the importance of maintaining physical fitness and mental clarity, she saw the opportunity to set up her business right in her parents' garage!



Today, Reimagine Resources helps make the world a healthier place by providing premium service high touch white gloved experience when choosing and using fitness equipment. But they don't stop there. Reimagine Resources doesn't just sell used exercise equipment; they also provide services like delivery, maintenance, consultations, upgrades, recycling, or donation. 



On a personal level, Juliana loves spending time with friends and family, enjoys volunteering as a self-defense instructor for a local nonprofit, and even holds a black belt in combat martial arts. When she’s not at work, you can find her riding her motorcycle around STL, learning new skills, exploring new things, or workout.

 

Key Takeaways


To have motivation, it is important that you understand your Whys. Why are you doing this? Why are you doing the work that you do? Where do you want to go? What legacy would you like to leave behind?


Forget about creating a business plan and hoping people will like it. Instead, focus on building a business plan around something people already want.


Running a business isn't all as glamorous as it seems on social media. It's a rollercoaster ride of hard work, physical effort, and sleepless nights. What you see online is only the tip of the iceberg!





“A lot of times, entrepreneurs want to be like make a business plan, I gotta go sell this stuff. For us, we have this stuff that people want, so we are going to create a business plan around that. We’ve grown in that way of what it is that our customer wants. How can we grow and scale this?” -  Juliana Scheidhauer



“It is unique as an entrepreneur and as a business owner that you are able to make a bigger impact than you normally would. You get to use your company for something good.” -  Juliana Scheidhauer



“If I can make my business global, I can help more people.” -  Juliana Scheidhauer



“You don’t have to wait till you made it to start giving back and doing something for your community. If we all waited until we “made it”, no one would probably do anything for anybody else.” - Daniel Jakubisin



“There’s a part of fitness that is social than just physical that the younger generations are grabbing on to.” - Nate LeBlanc

“If you value your education, health, and other things, then won’t you be doing more?” -  Juliana Scheidhauer

“In business, you could see a lot of things you’ve accomplished along the way but it’s not what a lot of people think it is. It’s not always cool and amazing or newsworthy. Every day is different. It’s hard work. It’s physical labor. It’s long hours. That’s not what you are going to see on social media.” -  Juliana Scheidhauer



Follow Juliana Scheidhauer!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianahscheidhauer?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Website: https://www.reimagineresources.co



Connect with team Doorward Nate and Jake on LinkedIn!

Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221

Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!



If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!  

Let’s dive into the world of relationship-building and its impact on business success. We have the pleasure of hosting Ronald Richardson, a seasoned Loan Originator, who generously imparts his expertise on practical strategies for effectively maintaining and nurturing your network



Ronald also shed light on the important aspects to consider when buying a house, empowering you to make informed decisions during this important milestone. If you've been contemplating leaving your 9-5 job for a career in real estate, listen closely as we reveal crucial insights and considerations you need to be aware of before taking the plunge. Join us on this exciting journey of building success one relationship at a time!



Quotes

“There’s too much responsibility, you just can’t do it on your own you gotta partner with people.” - Ronald Richardson



“You can’t prevent everything, you can’t prepare for everything, but you can prepare enough that by the time you’re going through the motions, it’s not gonna kill the deal. it’s still gonna be something that’s beneficial or profitable to everybody.” - Ronald Richardson



“What are the talents and the skills that God’s put in you? How can you use those to make everyone’s lives better? Because you’ll find a lot more joy in doing that than you will in just sitting behind a desk.” - Ronald Richardson



Considering selling, buying, refinancing, or even building your dream home? Connect with Ronald Richardson!

Website:https://www.usamortgage.com/mortgage-loan-originator/ronald-richardson/ 

Email: rrichardson@usa-mortgage.com

Phone: +1 304-473-2524



Connect with team Doorward Nate and Jake on LinkedIn!

Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221

Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin



WE WANT YOUR SPAM!

Share your most cringeworthy spam by sending it to contest@doorward.com.au for a chance to win $500! Make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on the weekly announcement of contest winners.



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!



If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!  

 In this episode, we delve into the world of spam and its detrimental impact on individuals and industries, with a special focus on the real estate sector. Join us as we uncover the tricks of scammers, explore effective techniques to detect and identify spam, and discover the best strategies to avoid falling victim to these digital nuisances.



But it's not all serious talk! As a fun twist, we invite our listeners to participate in the Doorward Weekly Cringe Contest. Share the cringiest spams you've received, and stand a chance to win a whopping $500! Don't miss out on this opportunity to turn the tables on scammers while having a chance to score some cash.



Tune in to our latest episode to equip yourself with knowledge, protect your digital identity, and contribute to a spam-free digital space. Together, we can create a safer and more trustworthy online environment for everyone.



Ready to cringe and win big? Share your most cringeworthy spam by sending it to contest@doorward.com.au, and make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on the weekly announcement of contest winners.



Connect with team Doorward Nate, Pete and Jake on LinkedIn!

Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221

Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin

Peter Costanzo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercostanzojr



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!  

Join us as we explore the concept of third spaces with Ronke Faleti, founder and CEO of korédé. Discover the benefits these spaces offer individuals seeking community and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. Ronke shares her personal journey and unveils the tremendous relief and freedom third spaces offer. We deep dive into how these spaces provide companionship without the pressure to conform, empowering individuals to be their authentic selves and remove stress from their lives. 



Ronke Faleti is the visionary behind korédé House, a third space community that’s not home (“first” space) or work (”second” space); that centers mothers with limited access to generational help or wealth; and addresses burn-out, isolation, and guilt.



Ronke previously worked at JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo Advisors, overseeing initiatives around client experience, communications, acquisition, and retention.



She’s an entrepreneur, a visionary, an innovator, but above all, a loving mother to her four beautiful children. 

 

Key Takeaways


In an increasingly digital and disconnected world, third spaces offer a physical or virtual haven where individuals can find support, build relationships, and engage in meaningful conversations.


There’s an overwhelming pressure to conform to expectations, constantly explaining and proving oneself.


Loneliness poses a significant challenge in Western societies and has a detrimental impact on overall well-being.





Quotes

“We might all read the New York Times, but we're not in the same community.” - Ronke Faleti



“When you have a space, then you can create those kinds of programming, that storytelling in nature, and that creates community and the house takes care of the restorative care. Because the place you can just be, there's no need to be productive. We can be a human being not a human doing.”



 “The environment dictates your level of confidence.” - Ronke Faleti



“The problem that we were trying to solve with our social real estate platform, was that sick feeling that everybody gets inside when they think about all the things they have to do by themselves. They have to check all those boxes and things to not let them fall through the cracks. It's a lot.” - Daniel Jakubisin



3 Things


What is something you possess that could be useful to someone else?


What is your favorite third space, what makes it special, and how can you take a piece of that special quality home with you?


How does experiencing a problem impact your efforts to bring solutions to others



Resources

Books:

The Courage To Be Disliked: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-courage-to-be-disliked



Looking for a community where you can relax and be your authentic self? Check out https://www.koredehouse.com and follow Ronke on social media!



Twitter: https://twitter.com/ronke_faleti?lang=en

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



Connect with team Doorward Nate and Jake on LinkedIn!



Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221

Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin

Peter Costanzo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercostanzojr



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!  

Are you constantly caught up in the past or anxiously anticipating the future?



In this episode of "Understanding the Process," discover how reframing your perspective can transform obstacles into opportunities. Justin Sanchez joins us to share valuable insights and personal experiences that will inspire and motivate you to embrace a new way of thinking. Gain the tools to conquer self-doubt, cultivate resilience, and the science behind motivation and how it can supercharge your goal-setting journey.



Justin is a second-year medical student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He earned his bachelor's degree in Neurobiology from Harvard College, where he was also an Undergraduate Fellow in Ethics at the Harvard Kennedy School.   



Prior to entering medical school, Justin worked as a researcher at Massachusetts General Hospital, focusing on neuroimaging methods for early detection of Alzheimer's disease. His scholarly work has been published in Nature Medicine, Science Translational Medicine, Neurology, and more. His current research focuses on finding ways of helping people flourish in demanding environments like medical training. 



This episode is for you if you want to learn how to embrace the now and empower yourself to achieve your goals with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.



Listen now and discover the dopamine drive!



Key Takeaways


Living in the present has a profound impact on your ability to set and achieve goals  


Centering yourself in the present moment reduces anxiety that results to increased focus and better decisions


Having the right amount of dopamine is important both for your body and your brain



Quotes

“Trusting the process is often a call to humility.” - Justin Sanchez

“Oftentimes when we face resistance, it’s often a sign that we are on the right path.” - Justin Sanchez

“Nothing that’s really worth doing comes easily at first.” - Justin Sanchez 



3 Things


What have you found to be the most challenging in accomplishing a goal (starting, finishing or something in between)?


What do you do when you understand you are unable to undertake and complete a step on your own?


What was the moment in your life where it clicked that your ability to reframe had become a nearly automatic response?





Resources

Books:

Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke

The Molecule of More



Podcast:

The Golden Hour OptimalWork by Dr. Kevin Majeres

Listen to Dopamine by The Arcadian Wild

Connect with team Doorward Nate and Jake on LinkedIn!

Nate LeBlanc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-leblanc-a8442a221Daniel Jakubisin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljakubisin

Peter Costanzo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercostanzojr



RATE & REVIEW this episode on Apple: https://apple.co/3ObriRB

SHARE this episode with someone so we all get back to living together.

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss out on any new episodes!

If you enjoyed this episode, check out our previous episodes on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you hear your podcast!