Fail With Fire

Fail With Fire

Where industry titans welcome failure - as long as there's fire. Join AdBeacon CEO, Phoenix Ha in this unfiltered look at how our greatest moments of failure fuel the fire of success for our businesses, relationships, and roadmap for the future. How we learn, navigate and pivot amidst the fire will redefine failure altogether. Let's dive in.

  1. Overcoming Burnout & Building Empires: Nathan Chan’s Story | Fail With Fire Season Finale!

    23/12/2024

    Overcoming Burnout & Building Empires: Nathan Chan’s Story | Fail With Fire Season Finale!

    Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Fail With Fire! This week, host Phoenix Ha, CEO and co-founder of AdBeacon, is joined by the incredible Nathan Chan, founder and CEO of Foundr. In this raw and honest conversation, Nathan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the struggles that shaped him, and the lessons he’s learned while building a globally recognized brand. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an e-commerce founder, or simply someone interested in navigating the ups and downs of leadership, this episode has something for you. Subjects Covered in This Episode: The Birth of Foundr and the Lawsuit That Changed Everything Nathan opens up about how an unexpected lawsuit in the early days of his business forced him to pivot. Learn how what seemed like a catastrophic failure turned into a rebranding success story, giving rise to the powerful and globally recognized "Foundr" brand. Embracing Failure as a Catalyst for Growth Phoenix and Nathan dive into the often-overlooked topic of failure in entrepreneurship. From financial setbacks to moments of doubt, Nathan explains why these experiences are essential for personal and professional growth. The Power of Teamwork and Leadership Nathan discusses the importance of building a strong team and leading through people. Discover how he navigates the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining a culture of kindness, collaboration, and creativity. Overcoming Burnout and Prioritizing Mental Health Nathan shares his personal battle with burnout and how it affected his passion for his work. He offers actionable advice on practicing self-care, setting boundaries, and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with mental well-being. Advice for Solopreneurs and Startups For those just starting out, Nathan provides practical tips on how to focus your energy, avoid common pitfalls, and build a sustainable business. Learn why mastering one skill or channel can make all the difference in the early days. The Obsession That Drives Success Nathan reflects on the obsessive nature of entrepreneurship and why it’s crucial to temper that drive with discipline and self-awareness. Phoenix adds her perspective on balancing ambition with self-compassion and grace. What You’ll Learn: How to turn unexpected setbacks into opportunities for growth. Why a strong network and mentorship are invaluable for success. Strategies for avoiding burnout and maintaining balance. The role of emotional maturity in leadership and scaling a business. Why knowing your strengths and weaknesses is key to building a thriving team. Nathan and Phoenix’s candid, heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is your guide to turning failures into stepping stones for success, staying motivated through tough times, and leading with purpose. About Nathan Chan Nathan Chan, CEO of Foundr, is a visionary entrepreneur driven by a passion for empowering others. Starting from a bootstrapped idea, he has built Foundr into a globally recognized media and education company, serving millions of entrepreneurs each month. Through magazines, books, and online courses, Foundr has become a cornerstone in the entrepreneurial world. The magazine has featured influential figures such as Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Mark Cuban, and Jack Dorsey, cementing its place as a leading resource for aspiring business leaders. Connect With Nathan and Foundr: Instagram: @foundr Instagram: @nathanchan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foundr/ Learn more about AdBeacon! www.AdBeacon.com

    49 min
  2. Hard Lessons: Losing $500K & Scaling to $65M with Shahbaz Khokhar

    16/12/2024

    Hard Lessons: Losing $500K & Scaling to $65M with Shahbaz Khokhar

    In this episode of Fail with Fire, Phoenix sits down with Shahbaz Khokhar, the CEO of Venture Beyond, an e-commerce growth agency that has transformed countless brands into multi-million-dollar success stories. Shahbaz shares how he scaled his agency from a modest three-person team to an innovative powerhouse of 40, producing over 1,000 creatives per month for brands. Under his leadership, businesses have seen explosive growth, like a beauty brand skyrocketing from $900K to $65M in annual revenue. Shahbaz also opens up about the challenges and failures that shaped his journey. From losing over $500K in a failed gym venture to struggling with over-leveraging multiple businesses, he shares the pivotal lessons that taught him the value of focus and simplicity. With a candid discussion on leadership, scaling teams, and overcoming ego, Shahbaz provides actionable insights for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. This episode also delves into Shahbaz’s personal life, including how becoming a father reshaped his priorities, and offers a refreshing perspective on why wealth and success don’t always look like what social media portrays. If you’ve ever wrestled with balancing ambition, failure, and personal growth, this conversation is for you. Highlights from this episode... From Accounting to Entrepreneurship: Shahbaz shares his career shift and the founding of Venture Beyond. Building an Agency Powerhouse: How Shahbaz scaled his team and developed a creative production engine producing over 1,000 creatives per month. Failures That Defined the Path: Candid stories of losing over $500K on a gym business and learning the importance of focus. Lessons in Leadership and Mentorship: Shahbaz discusses his leadership style, team-building strategies, and the role of mentorship in scaling a business. Personal Growth and the Role of Family: How becoming a father reshaped Shahbaz’s perspective on life and business priorities. Rethinking Success and Social Media Perception: A hot take on why social media’s portrayal of success is misleading and the importance of authenticity. More About Shahbaz Khokhar: Shahbaz is the CEO of Venture Beyond, an ecommerce growth agency that scales ecommerce brands through paid social, creative production and CRO. Since 2020, Shahbaz has transformed a modest team of three into a powerhouse of 40 ecommerce super-wizards headquartered in the UK. Under his leadership, a beauty brand soared from $900k to $65M in annual revenue, a major luggage retailer successfully transitioned to ecommerce, a cold start Kickstarter brand pivoted to 8-figures in revenue, and several brands have been propelled to achieve 7 and 8-figure revenues. Underpinning the successes of Venture Beyond is a creative production machine that produces 1,000+ creatives per month for brands, scaling them through semi-automated media buying and continuous CRO testing. Stay Connected With AdBeacon! Visit www.AdBeacon.com to learn more about our next-level ad optimization technology and book your free 1-on-1 demo while you’re there!

    39 min
  3. Crash, Burn, Rebuild: How Taylor Frame Mastered Failure in Business

    09/12/2024

    Crash, Burn, Rebuild: How Taylor Frame Mastered Failure in Business

    In this episode of Fail With Fire, Phoenix Ha sits down with Taylor Frame, co-owner and CRO of Best Practice Media, to unpack the failures that ignite transformative growth. From scaling 60 franchises in four months to losing them all in 45 days, Taylor shares how setbacks shaped his principles, leadership, and resilience. This candid conversation explores five key areas of discussion: The importance of self-worth and principle-based living in personal and professional growth. Lessons learned from scaling too quickly and the challenges of managing client relationships. How to approach leadership with calmness and deliberate action using the “no fast hands in the cockpit” principle. The power of trust in partnerships and why micromanagement can be detrimental. Insights into Taylor’s approach to acquisition-focused marketing and his passion for empowering entrepreneurs. Learn how to embrace failure, cultivate self-worth, and lead with intention in business and life. Taylor’s journey offers actionable insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on turning failures into catalysts for growth. Tune in now for an episode filled with valuable takeaways for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of business! Learn More About Taylor! Taylor Frame is the co-owner and Chief Revenue Officer of Best Practice Media, a digital growth shop. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs hit their goals, Taylor has consulted and worked with over 400+ eCommerce companies ranging from start-ups to enterprise level accounts. Under his leadership, the agency has launched and scaled over 100 brands to consistent 6-figure months, finding creative solutions in the shifting eCommerce world. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-frame IG: https://www.instagram.com/bestpracticemedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bestpracticemedia/ Learn more about AdBeacon! Visit www.AdBeacon.com to learn more about our first-data powered ad optimization technology and book your one-on-one demo to see AdBeacon in action for yourself!

    46 min
  4. Turning Failure into Fuel: Mike Beckham's Journey from Ministry to Millions

    02/12/2024

    Turning Failure into Fuel: Mike Beckham's Journey from Ministry to Millions

    In this compelling episode of the Fail with Fire Podcast, host Phoenix Ha sits down with Mike Beckham, Co-Founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a nine-figure global leader in premium drink ware and lifestyle products. Mike dives deep into his personal journey, from a decade in ministry to founding and scaling several successful e-commerce ventures. Together, they explore profound topics on failure, leadership, and what it means to build something meaningful in both business and life. Here is some of what you will hear in this episode! The Role of Failure in Success: Mike shares his perspective that failure isn’t just a hurdle—it’s an essential part of growth. Learn why he believes you can’t achieve sustainable success without embracing failure as a necessary ingredient. Reframing Failure as Tuition: Discover how Mike learned to view mistakes as valuable lessons rather than setbacks and how this mindset has shaped his career. Key Lessons from a Million-Unit Defect: Mike reveals how he and his team navigated a major manufacturing crisis when a defective valve affected over a million water bottles. Learn how they rallied as a team and turned a disaster into an opportunity for growth. Leadership in Crisis: Whether it’s managing a company during COVID or addressing internal challenges, Mike discusses how leaders must balance urgency with calm and transparency to inspire their teams. The Importance of Feedback: Hear how a major turning point in Mike’s 20s was learning to embrace constructive criticism and become a more coachable leader. Knowing When to Quit: Mike challenges the notion that persistence is always a virtue, sharing how strategic quitting is just as important for success as perseverance. Raising Resilient Kids and Teams: Mike explains why modeling resilience and transparency in the face of challenges is crucial for raising strong children and building empowered teams. The Need to Build in America: Drawing on his observations during a recent trip to China, Mike reflects on the need for the U.S. to return to its roots as a country of builders. Navigating the Disruptions of AI and Innovation: Mike and Phoenix touch on the rapid advancements in AI and the importance of balancing tradition with innovation in a fast-changing world. 🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with friends who need a dose of inspiration! More about Mike! Mike Beckham is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a global producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Founded in 2015 and based in Oklahoma, Simple Modern currently generates a nine-figure annual revenue and is committed to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations. Under Mike’s leadership, the company has grown into a category leader for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, serving more than 20 million customers worldwide. Mike is a teacher, leader, and entrepreneur at heart. Before founding Simple Modern, Mike began his career working for the worldwide Christian ministry CRU. Equipped with a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector, Mike transitioned into the business world and helped found and operate several e-commerce businesses, which cumulatively generated more than $1 billion in revenue. Mike graduated with a degree from the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business, where he currently serves as the senior entrepreneur-in-residence. Learn more about AdBeacon Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ad_beacon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAdBeacon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adbeacon/ www.AdBeacon.com Check out AdBeacon and book your demo where you are there!

    52 min
  5. The Power of Psychology in Ads: Sarah Levinger’s Approach to Winning DTC

    25/11/2024

    The Power of Psychology in Ads: Sarah Levinger’s Approach to Winning DTC

    Join us for an inspiring and insightful conversation with Sarah Levinger, a Forbes-featured consumer behavior analyst, creative strategist, and performance creative consultant. Sarah delves into her unique approach to psychology-based advertising, sharing how it helps brands like Fabletics, Hexclad, and True Classic achieve remarkable ROI. This episode isn’t just about marketing—it’s about balancing personal growth, professional ambition, and the relationships that shape us. Here’s a taste of where we go in this episode of Fail With Fire... Psychology in Advertising: Learn how understanding consumer behavior can transform your marketing strategy and help you create emotionally resonant campaigns. Work-Life Balance for Entrepreneurs: Sarah shares her journey of setting boundaries, managing burnout, and balancing a thriving career with motherhood and marriage. Failures as Catalysts for Success: Discover how Sarah turned challenges and setbacks into opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Power of Saying No: Understand the importance of selective opportunities and why saying “no” can often lead to more impactful results. Navigating Relationships in Entrepreneurship: Explore the dynamics of personal relationships and how they influence career trajectories, decision-making, and overall happiness. Connect with Sarah Levinger: Twitter: https://x.com/SarahLevinger LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlevinger/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarahLevinger TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlevinger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.levinger/ Stay Connected with AdBeacon https://twitter.com/ad_beacon https://www.instagram.com/AdBeacon https://www.linkedin.com/company/adbeacon https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAdBeacon/ Get Your Free Demo Today: www. Adbeacon.com Subscribe for more impactful episodes where we discuss the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. Let us know your favorite insight in the comments!

    58 min
  6. From Tragedy to Triumph: Lessons in Faith, Family & Finance

    18/11/2024

    From Tragedy to Triumph: Lessons in Faith, Family & Finance

    In this heartfelt episode of Fail with Fire, host Phoenix welcomes Jarrod Sousa, CFO and founder of DTC Wealth, for an inspiring conversation that covers pivotal moments, resilience, and data-driven growth. Jared shares his near-death experience and the transformative power it had on his life, faith, and purpose. Here are five key areas of focus the episode covers: Life’s Wake-Up Calls and How They Shape Us: Jarrod dives into how his near-death experience impacted his life, faith, and outlook on business. These moments can transform our perspectives, revealing what truly matters. The Role of Faith in Business and Personal Life: Jarrod shares his faith journey and discusses how it guides his approach to family, business, and helping others, making faith a core part of his resilience. Real Financial Insights for DTC Brands: As a CFO for eCommerce brands, Jarrod provides valuable insights on the importance of understanding financials, contribution margins, and how these impact sustainable growth for DTC companies. The Power of Adoption and Family: Jarrod opens up about his family’s adoption journey, offering a moving perspective on family, love, and purpose beyond business goals. Finding Purpose in Resilience and Service: Phoenix and Jarrod explore how tragedy and setbacks can reveal our calling to help others, bringing authenticity and meaning into both personal and professional lives. If you're passionate about building both a successful career and a fulfilling life, tune in for a conversation that goes beyond business, offering practical advice and profound life lessons. 00:00 - Introduction 01:47 - Why Jarrod Was Chosen as a Guest 03:52 - “How Would Your Wife Describe You?” 04:58 - A Lifelong Partnership: Jared’s Marriage Story 07:00 - Phoenix’s Reflection on Tragedy, Fires, and Resilience 08:40 - The Catalyst of Failure: Jared’s Pivotal Life Experiences 11:08 - The Rope Swing Incident: 12 Inches From Death 14:20 - Surviving Close Calls: Comparing 12 Inches and Two Hours 17:26 - Surviving Trauma: Finding Focus in Crisis 19:55 - How Faith and Gratitude Shape Jarrod's Life 23:07 - Marriage, Faith, and True Success Beyond Business 26:37 - Money, Access, and Opportunity: Using Wealth to Serve 28:51 - Jarrod's Adoption Journey: Expanding a Family 34:31 - Letting Go with Faith and Finding Gratitude 36:14 - “What’s Meant for You Will Find You” 39:38 - Phoenix’s Puppy Story: Holding Out for What’s Meant to Be 40:47 - Jarrod's Advice on Adoption and Family 42:09 - Business Hot Take: Knowing Your Numbers to Succeed 43:49 - Accurate Financials and Sharing Data with Your Team 47:25 - Unpacking True Costs and Financial Clarity 48:53 - Where to Find Jarrod Online for Business and Personal Advice

    50 min
  7. Growth Secrets for Ecommerce, Life, and Family with Sanjay Jenkins

    11/11/2024

    Growth Secrets for Ecommerce, Life, and Family with Sanjay Jenkins

    In this episode of the Fail with Fire Podcast, Phoenix, CEO and co-founder of AdBeacon, sits down with Sanjay Jenkins, an e-commerce expert who’s helped Shopify store owners and agencies scale to new heights. Sanjay shares his inspiring journey, from launching a pet toy subscription box to scaling e-commerce for Buff City Soap from $280K to $3M in just 10 months. He talks about the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how his failures became the catalysts for his success. Tune in to hear about his relentless drive, the importance of giving and receiving grace, and why obsessing over your craft can lead to greatness. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Navigating Personal and Professional Failures: Sanjay opens up about his biggest personal and professional failures, including the pressures of family expectations and how he dealt with not following the traditional path of becoming a doctor. He explains how these failures became catalysts for change and helped him build the resilience needed to succeed in the e-commerce industry. Building and Scaling Brands Through Organic Strategies: The conversation shifts to Sanjay’s expertise in growing brands organically. He shares valuable insights on how to leverage landing pages, CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization), and strategic digital marketing to scale brands from six to nine figures. Sanjay emphasizes the importance of working smart, iterating quickly, and staying ahead of the competition. The Importance of Relationships and Community: Phoenix and Sanjay discuss how the e-commerce and marketing world is driven by relationships and collaboration. They talk about the importance of building authentic connections and how their mutual network of friends and colleagues has influenced their careers. Sanjay also shares humorous anecdotes about realizing unexpected family connections through his professional network. Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries: Sanjay reflects on the personal challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a driven entrepreneur. He talks about setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and finding ways to recharge. Phoenix and Sanjay discuss the challenges of staying “on” for clients and friends while maintaining personal well-being and mental health. Failures as Catalysts for Personal Growth: The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the power of failure and how it shapes personal and professional growth. Sanjay explains how his hardest moments led to his biggest successes, and why embracing failure is essential for long-term success. Phoenix and Sanjay both agree on the importance of perseverance, grit, and staying true to one’s values in the face of adversity. Connect With Sanjay: https://x.com/SanjayAtPlayhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sanjayatplayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjayjenkins/https://www.instagram.com/corndogbillionaire/ Connect With AdBeacon! www.AdBeacon.comhttps://www.instagram.com/adbeacon/https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAdBeacon/https://twitter.com/ad_beaconhttps://www.tiktok.com/@adbeacon

    46 min
  8. From $50 Million in Ads to Selling a 7-Figure Agency: Jessie Healy's Journey

    04/11/2024

    From $50 Million in Ads to Selling a 7-Figure Agency: Jessie Healy's Journey

    In this insightful episode of Fail with Fire, Jessie Healy, founder of the UK-based eCommerce growth agency Webtopia, shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Jessie’s experience spans spending $50 million on digital advertising for major brands like Etsy, Farfetch, and Candy Kittens, leading to the creation of her agency. Throughout the episode, Jessie discusses the challenges of running a fully remote agency, her decision to sell Webtopia, and the lessons learned from overcoming obstacles, such as navigating iOS 14’s impact on digital advertising. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale a business, balance personal and professional life, or understand the realities behind successful entrepreneurship. In this insightful episode of Fail with Fire, Jessie Healy, founder of the UK-based eCommerce growth agency Webtopia, shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Jessie’s experience spans spending $50 million on digital advertising for major brands like Etsy, Farfetch, and Candy Kittens, leading to the creation of her agency. Throughout the episode, Jessie discusses the challenges of running a fully remote agency, her decision to sell Webtopia, and the lessons learned from overcoming obstacles, such as navigating iOS 14’s impact on digital advertising. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to scale a business, balance personal and professional life, or understand the realities behind successful entrepreneurship. 00:00 Introduction 01:57 Connecting with Women in DTC 03:37 How Family Views Jessie’s Work 05:48 Introduction to Failures and Growth 06:24 Moving to New Zealand While Running a UK Agency 10:01 Remote Leadership Challenges 12:05 The Impact of iOS 14 14:09 Isolation and the Weight of Leadership 15:15 Balancing Agency Life and Motherhood 16:19 Realizing the Need for Change 17:58 Selling Webtopia 19:39 Hurdles in Selling an Agency 20:43 Post-Sale Life and Business Shift 21:14 Realities of Running an Agency 23:32 iOS 14 and Shifting Consumer Behavior 25:01 Reflections on Agency Growth 28:07 Advice for Aspiring Media Buyers 30:08 The Role of a Modern Media Buyer 33:48 The Balance of Creative, Data, and Client Management Overview of this episode of Fail With Fire Introduction to Jessie Healy Jessie’s background in digital advertising and experience working with major brands, leading to the creation of her agency Webtopia. Building Webtopia How Jessie founded Webtopia in 2018, scaling it to seven figures, and the unique value proposition of offering creative-focused strategies in a competitive eCommerce space. Challenges of Running a Remote Agency The challenges Jessie faced when managing a remote team from New Zealand while her agency was based in the UK, including time zone difficulties and balancing work and personal life. Navigating iOS 14 & Client Challenges Jessie shares how the iOS 14 privacy update and changes in consumer behavior during the pandemic made it harder to maintain clients and deliver results, pushing her to rethink her business model. Decision to Sell the Agency Jessie’s realization that she wasn’t happy running the agency, and the process she went through to sell Webtopia in 2023, along with insights on the challenges and lessons of selling a business. Life After Selling the Agency How Jessie has transitioned into consulting and running an accelerator for eCommerce brands, plus the personal and professional transformations she experienced. Hot Takes: Media Buying Today Jessie shares her thoughts on brand PMAX traffic and incremental growth, questioning whether Google’s brand traffic is truly driving new customer acquisition. Connect With AdBeacon! www.AdBeacon.com https://www.instagram.com/adbeacon/ https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAdBeacon/ https://twitter.com/ad_beacon https://www.tiktok.com/@adbeacon

    44 min

À propos

Where industry titans welcome failure - as long as there's fire. Join AdBeacon CEO, Phoenix Ha in this unfiltered look at how our greatest moments of failure fuel the fire of success for our businesses, relationships, and roadmap for the future. How we learn, navigate and pivot amidst the fire will redefine failure altogether. Let's dive in.