Blaze Your Own Trail

Jordan Mendoza
  • 5.0 (105)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

Real stories. Raw conversations. And actionable strategies from Host Jordan Mendoza and other 100's of entrepreneurs and trailblazers who turned adversity into advantage. Are you ready to blaze your own trail? Then you have come to the right place! Learn more here: https://byotpod.com/ We hope each episode adds value to you in some way. Make sure to follow & subscribe so you don't miss any content & updates!

  1. 5d ago

    From New Orleans to Broadway: Alan Seales' Journey of Creativity and Tech

    Join us as Alan Seales shares his extraordinary journey from childhood in New Orleans to a diverse career spanning theater, technology, and Broadway production. Discover lessons on teamwork, resilience, and the power of creativity in navigating career shifts and building impactful projects. Key topics Career transitions from sports to tech to theater The importance of teamwork and trust Leveraging creativity and technology in career growth Sound  bites "Be the best you you can be." "Think big, think outside the box." "Find what you really want to do." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Early Years in New Orleans and Florida 01:03 Moving to North Carolina and College Choices 02:01 Early Interests in Tech and Entertainment 02:26 Lessons from Playing Sports and Teamwork 03:48 Key Lessons on Teamwork and Humility 05:13 The Power of Building Great Teams 06:34 Choosing NC State and College Experience 09:22 College Years: Theater and Engineering 10:46 Transition to Professional Acting and Tech Roles 12:04 Work at Google and Tech Innovations 19:20 Transition from Tech to Broadway and Podcasting 23:31 The Impact of Digital Auditions and Networking 30:01 Google Culture and Creative Initiatives 39:16 Culture Shift at Google and New Opportunities 41:27 Starting Broadway Podcast Network 43:09 Leaving Google and New Ventures 50:50 Investing in Broadway and Future Projects 52:33 Advice for Aspiring Trailblazers 53:54 Final Words and Inspiration Connect with Alan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-seales-158a469/ https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/     Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    54 min

  2. 5d ago

    How Risk and Faith Shaped a Film Producer's Path with Sharon Oliphant

    Sharon Oliphant shares her inspiring journey from a large homeschooling family to becoming a faith-based film producer and actress. Discover how she overcame fears, took risks, and stayed true to her calling in the competitive film industry, all while balancing family and faith. Key  topics Journey from homeschooling to acting and filmmaking The importance of faith and risk-taking in career decisions Balancing family life with a passion for film The process of producing faith-based movies Lessons learned from entrepreneurial parents Sound  bites "Admit what you are created to do." "It's worth it. It's so worth it." "Your kids will blaze a trail too." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sharon Oliphant 01:06 Sharon's Early Life and Influences 11:07 Lessons from a Trailblazing Mother 14:19 The Journey to Finding Purpose 21:06 Navigating Career Choices and Family Life 25:31 Taking Risks and Embracing Change 28:07 The Commitment to Crafting Stories 30:47 Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking 34:19 Divine Connections and New Opportunities 36:33 Taking on New Responsibilities in Film Production 38:48 The Journey of Faith and Film 41:43 Empowering the Next Generation 46:52 Reflections on a Trailblazing Journey Connect with Sharon: Email: Sharon@21fivefilms.com https://www.instagram.com/sharonoliphant_/ 21 Five Films: https://www.instagram.com/21fivefilms/               Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min

  3. Jun 9

    How to Unlock Wealth in Commercial Real Estate with Cherif Medawar

    In this episode, Cherif Medawar shares his inspiring journey from hotel management in Switzerland and the US to becoming a successful real estate investor and educator. Discover his proven strategies for building wealth through commercial real estate, networking, and innovative deal-making techniques. Topics: Cherif Medawar's journey from hospitality to real estate The importance of networking and relationship building Strategies for increasing property value and financing deals The DCBA formula for success in real estate Innovative deal-making techniques and deal structuring  Sound bites "He was very wealthy and very honest" "The deal in Martinique changed my life" "Take calculated risks and act quickly" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cherif Medawar 00:58 Early Life and Education in Egypt 02:47 Transition to the United States and Hotel Management 04:29 Lessons from the Hospitality Industry 07:26 Cultural Shift: From Switzerland to UCLA 12:03 Working with Edmond Beasari: The Beginning 12:14 Growth and Learning Over Eight Years 16:26 A Life-Changing Deal in Martinique 22:19 Mentorship and the Path to Independence 23:20 The Journey of Self-Education 25:02 Transitioning to Real Estate Success 29:23 The Power of Commercial Real Estate 30:39 Tips for Aspiring Real Estate Investors 43:28 Building a Real Estate Fund and Legacy Connect with Cherif: https://www.cherifmedawar.com/     Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    48 min

  4. May 26

    They Made a Motion Picture About His Life with David Packouz

    Jordan Mendoza interviews David Packouz, the real-life inspiration behind the movie War Dogs, exploring his journey from religious upbringing to government contracting success. Discover how David leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit, navigated legal challenges, and now teaches others to win government contracts through his War Dogs Academy. Key topics David's background and early life The story behind the War Dogs movie How David got into government contracting The process of winning government contracts Lessons learned from legal challenges and success Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Packouz and His Journey 02:51 Early Life and Religious Background 06:50 Rebellion and the Path to Entrepreneurship 07:19 First Steps into Business and Music 17:09 Transition to Government Contracting 20:29 Understanding Government Contracting 23:02 Success Stories from War Dogs Academy 29:59 The Genesis of War Dogs Academy 35:58 Building a Real Business: The Importance of Integrity 37:50 The Role of Community in Success 40:34 The Journey to Hollywood: From Infamy to Fame 51:22 Finding Fulfillment in Business and Life Connect with David: IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidpackouz/ War Dogs Academy - https://wardogsacademy.com InstaFloss - https://instafloss.com SingularSound (Beat Buddy) - https://www.singularsound.com TrustPilot reviews for War Dogs Academy - https://www.trustpilot.com/review/wardogsacademy.com                 Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  5. May 12

    How a $35K Investment Turned into a Highly Profitable Airbnb Arbitrage Business with Linda Kim

    Linda Kim shares her inspiring journey from corporate tech to successful Airbnb arbitrage and coaching. Discover actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and tips to accelerate your side hustle into a thriving business. Key  topics Airbnb arbitrage strategy Mindset and overcoming fear Design as a profit driver Automation for passive income Scaling and partnership in real estate Takeaways Investing in coaching accelerates success. Design can increase profits by 30%. Mindset is crucial for overcoming rejection. Automation enables working fewer hours. Taking action despite fear leads to breakthroughs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Linda Kim's Journey 02:25 From Corporate to Entrepreneurship 05:11 The Decision to Invest in Coaching 07:52 Achieving Rapid Success in Airbnb 10:56 Mindset and Overcoming Challenges 13:44 Transitioning from Corporate to Full-Time Airbnb 16:39 Understanding Airbnb Arbitrage 19:45 The Importance of Design in Airbnb Success 22:16 Coaching and Helping Others Succeed 25:33 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Work with Linda: https://www.bnbmasterysociety.com/contact Connect with Linda: https://linktr.ee/itslindakim   Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  6. Apr 20

    From Knucklehead to Financial Freedom with Ryan D. Lee

    In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Ryan D. Lee, who shares his journey from a troubled youth to a successful entrepreneur and financial coach. Ryan discusses his philosophy on money, the importance of financial freedom, and how he helps others achieve their goals in a constrained timeframe. He emphasizes the significance of being present in family life and the lessons learned through his experiences in real estate investing. The conversation also touches on the concept of the ownership economy versus the dependency economy, and Ryan's approach to building a passive income machine. He concludes with a powerful message about living life to the fullest and using one's talents to serve others. Takeaways Ryan helps people retire in 10 years or less. He believes money's greatest value is providing options. Ryan's early life was marked by challenges and learning the hard way. He emphasizes the importance of being a present father. The 2008 financial crisis was a turning point for Ryan. He transitioned from a corporate job to real estate investing. Financial freedom is about cash flow, not just net worth. Ryan learned to build a system for financial independence. He advocates for the ownership economy over the dependency economy. Teaching others is a way to reinforce one's own learning. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ryan D. Lee 01:18 Ryan's Early Life and Challenges 06:16 The Turning Point: Family and Purpose 12:07 Transitioning from Corporate to Real Estate 17:25 Lessons Learned in Real Estate Investing 23:33 Building a System for Financial Freedom 29:08 The Ownership Economy vs. Dependency Economy 33:43 The Passive Income Machine 39:12 The Book and Its Impact 45:35 Parting Words: Rise Up, Live Free Connect with Ryan: https://ryandlee.com/ Attend Ryann's event: https://joinriseuplive.com/2026 Buy a copy of Ryan's book: https://a.co/d/0gNEgob4   Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    47 min

  7. Apr 17

    From a Shy Kid with a Learning Disability to Stand-Up Star with Lahna Turner

    Join us as Lahna Turner shares her inspiring journey from a shy kid with learning disabilities to a successful comedian, filmmaker, and advocate. Discover how her experiences with trauma, addiction, and resilience shaped her path and her latest projects, including a documentary and a comic series that honor her late husband Ralphie May and inspire others. Topics Journey from childhood to comedy Impact of trauma and addiction Creating a documentary and comic series Lessons learned from sports and arts Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lahna Turner 02:52 Lahna's Early Life and Challenges 05:40 The Journey into Dance and Fitness 08:16 Transitioning from Dance to Journalism 11:07 The Impact of a Life-Altering Accident 16:53 Embracing Comedy and Living Life Fully 18:32 The Spark of Comedy: Lahna's First Performance 24:02 Navigating the Comedy Scene: Mentorship and Growth 31:02 Balancing Family and Comedy: The Journey of Parenthood 37:27 Honoring a Legacy: The Documentary and Comic Book Projects Connect with Lahna Website - https://lahnaturner.com Documentary info: https://comewhatmayfilm.com/ Get the new comic book series: https://poundsofpower.com/     Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    41 min

  8. Apr 15

    The Accidental Juggler & Professional Keynote Speaker with Greg Bennick

    Summary In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza speaks with Greg Bennick, a professional speaker and entertainer, about his journey from a young juggler to a successful entrepreneur. Greg shares his early experiences that shaped his passion for performance and connection, the evolution of his marketing strategies over the decades, and the importance of authenticity in personal branding, especially in the age of social media. The conversation emphasizes the significance of kindness and personal connection in both business and life. In this conversation, Greg Bennick shares his journey of building community and adding value through his work. He discusses the evolution of his offers, emphasizing the importance of connecting with audiences both on stage and through social media. Bennick highlights the significance of genuine presence and listening to the audience's needs. He introduces his book, 'Reclaim the Moment,' which outlines strategies for personal growth and connection in a world filled with distractions. The discussion also touches on the metaphor of juggling as a life lesson, encouraging listeners to celebrate small victories and maintain consistency in their pursuits. Takeaways Greg started his journey as a performer at a young age. He discovered his passion for juggling by accident. The entrepreneurial journey involves embracing uncertainty. Personal relationships are key to success in business. Marketing strategies have evolved but core principles remain the same. Authenticity is crucial in social media engagement. Kindness is a central theme in Greg's work. Building a personal brand takes time and effort. Value-driven content resonates more with audiences. Connection is essential in both personal and professional realms. Your goal should be to add value and build community. Connecting with your audience is essential for effective communication. Preparation is important, but presence in the moment is crucial. Feedback is vital for growth; seek it actively. The world is filled with distractions; focus on what truly matters. Celebrate small victories to maintain motivation. Consistency in your efforts leads to success. Patience is key when learning new skills. Stay engaged and connected with your audience. You're not alone in your struggles; reach out for support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Greg Bennick's Journey 03:01 The Early Years: Discovering Passion and Purpose 05:57 The Evolution of a Performer: From Juggling to Speaking 09:02 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey 11:57 Marketing Strategies: Then and Now 15:05 The Impact of Social Media on Personal Branding 18:55 Building Community and Adding Value 19:25 The Evolution of Offers and Edutainment 20:33 Connecting with Audiences: The Importance of Presence 22:09 Enhancing Audience Experience and Collecting Feedback 27:09 Introducing the Book: Reclaim the Moment 31:34 Juggling as a Metaphor for Life Lessons Connect with Greg: https://www.gregbennick.com/ Buy a copy of Greg's book: https://www.gregbennick.com/gregbennickbook   Are you an entrepreneur? Join my FREE Group Coaching Community where we have live calls, Q&A and more! Our Trailblazer Ecosystem also enables you to network with other entrepreneurs and creator hub eliminates multiple subscriptions and logins creating a one stop shop to take action!   Join here: https://byotgroupcoaching.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    37 min
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5
out of 5
105 Ratings

About

Real stories. Raw conversations. And actionable strategies from Host Jordan Mendoza and other 100's of entrepreneurs and trailblazers who turned adversity into advantage. Are you ready to blaze your own trail? Then you have come to the right place! Learn more here: https://byotpod.com/ We hope each episode adds value to you in some way. Make sure to follow & subscribe so you don't miss any content & updates!

Information

  • Creator
    Jordan Mendoza
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jordan Mendoza
  • Show Website
    Blaze Your Own Trail

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