Scared SHITLESS

Sarah Sémajuste
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This podcast is about having the guts to do what terrifies you... on purpose. It’s for people chasing their calling, even if it means tripping over a few obstacles (or faceplanting into them). Tune in for real stories of real people who dared to follow their own path—even when it was uphill, in the snow, both ways.

  1. 1d ago

    Mortgage Broker Didn't Make A Dollar For 18 Months... Now He Helps People Build Wealth | Charles Kayitaba | EP 21

    What would you do if you spent 18 months building a business without earning a single dollar? In this episode of Scared Shitless, Sarah sits down with Charles Kayitaba, a Mortgage Agent Level II, real estate investor, and entrepreneur, to talk about what it really takes to build a successful business from the ground up. Charles shares how he walked away from a career in athletic therapy, started a mortgage business during the uncertainty of COVID-19, and spent 18 months without closing a single deal—all while refusing to give up. Today, he's helped more than 250 families achieve homeownership and continues to build wealth through real estate investing. This conversation goes beyond mortgages. It's about resilience, delayed gratification, mentorship, investing, entrepreneurship, and having the courage to bet on yourself when no one else can see the vision. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, first-time homebuyer, investor, or someone navigating uncertainty in your own career, this episode is packed with practical insights and inspiration. In this episode, we discuss: Building a business with no income for 18 monthsWhy Charles left an eight-year career pathLessons learned from competitive sportsFinding mentors who change your lifeReal estate investing and wealth buildingHelping his mother retire through investingThe importance of your network and mindsetAdvice for entrepreneurs and first-time investorsAbout Charles Charles Kayitaba is a Licensed Mortgage Agent Level II serving clients across the Greater Toronto Area. Before entering the mortgage industry, he was already investing in real estate as a private lender, giving him a unique investor-focused perspective on financing and wealth creation. Over the past six years, Charles has helped more than 250 families purchase their first home while educating clients on building long-term wealth through strategic real estate investing. Connect with Charles: Instagram: @_ckthebroker LinkedIn: Charles Kayitaba Facebook: Charles Kayitaba About Scared Shitless Scared Shitless is a podcast about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Each episode features honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, professionals, and changemakers who have faced fear, rejection, uncertainty, and setbacks—and chose to keep going anyway. If you enjoy conversations about entrepreneurship, personal growth, real estate, investing, leadership, and resilience, follow Scared Shitless wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode.

    Mortgage Broker Didn't Make A Dollar For 18 Months... Now He Helps People Build Wealth | Charles Kayitaba | EP 21

  2. Jun 10

    He Bought 9 Houses Through Church Connections… Now He’s Building the Airbnb of Storage | Daniele Disipio (Shared Storage) | EP 20

    In this episode of Scared Shitless, Daniele Disipio explains how relationships, church networks, and mentorship helped him acquire 9+ properties and raise investor capital. He also shares why he founded Shared Storage and how he’s scaling it into the “Airbnb of storage”, covering fundraising and startup mistakes. What you’ll learn in this episode: How to buy off-market real estate deals Building wealth through relationships and networkingRaising capital from investorsSelf-storage investing strategiesStartup development mistakes to avoidBuilding a marketplace businessScaling through technologyEntrepreneur mindset and resilienceBalancing business, family, and success Connect with Daniele: Shared Storage Instagram You can also follow Sarah Sémajuste on IGFollow Scared Shitless for more conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and builders who are taking bold risks to create extraordinary outcomes.

    He Bought 9 Houses Through Church Connections… Now He’s Building the Airbnb of Storage | Daniele Disipio (Shared Storage) | EP 20

  3. May 23

    From Video Game Addiction & Fast Food Jobs to Real Estate Developments | Yishi Pan (Terzetto Homes) | EP 19

    From dropping out of high school and struggling with direction… to building a successful design-build company and stepping into real estate development, Yishi Pan’s story is a masterclass in resilience, growth, and reinvention. In this episode, Yishi shares the raw realities behind entrepreneurship: starting a business with no experience, surviving financial pressure, losing an entire team during COVID, and rebuilding his company culture from the ground up. Together, we explore leadership, relationships, mindset, risk-taking, and the emotional weight of building something meaningful. What you’ll learn in this episode: • How Yishi built Terzetto Homes from scratch • The mindset shifts that changed his life and business • Lessons from scaling a renovation company without industry experience • What COVID taught him about leadership and company culture • Why entrepreneurship changed his perspective on freedom, parenting, and success • How he transitioned into real estate investing and development This conversation is honest, insightful, and deeply inspiring for anyone navigating business, personal growth, or the uncertainty of starting over. A powerful reminder that success is rarely linear — and that sometimes your biggest setbacks reveal your greatest opportunities. Contact Yishi PanEmail: info@terzettohomes.comIGTiktok Terzettohomes.comYou can follow Sarah Sémajuste on IG here

    From Video Game Addiction & Fast Food Jobs to Real Estate Developments | Yishi Pan (Terzetto Homes) | EP 19

  4. Apr 18

    Why Entrepreneurs Hate The Question "What Do You Do For A Living?" | EP 18

    In this episode of Scared Shitless, I talk about something most entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and multi-passionate professionals quietly struggle with…👉 That simple question: “What do you do for a living?”On the surface, it sounds harmless. But in reality, it often feels like people are trying to:- Put you in a box- Size you up- Attach your worth to a title or incomeAnd when you wear multiple hats? It gets even more uncomfortable.In this episode, I open up about:- Why I used to feel hesitant (even shy) answering this question- The pressure to simplify yourself for other people’s understanding- The truth about having multiple income streams and identities- Why it’s time to normalize NOT fitting into one boxIf you’ve ever struggled to explain what you do—or felt like your path doesn’t fit the traditional mold—this one’s for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro00:45 Why this question feels uncomfortable02:30 Wearing multiple hats as an entrepreneur05:10 The “putting you in a box” reality08:00 Income, identity & perception11:30 Learning to own your path14:00 Final thoughtsYou don’t need one title to be validMultiple income streams ≠ confusion — it’s strategyYou get to define your identity, not othersentrepreneur mindset, multiple income streams, real estate investor life, what do you do for a living, personal branding, multi-passionate entrepreneur, career identity, business mindset, female entrepreneur, mom entrepreneur, passive income, entrepreneurship journey#EntrepreneurMindset #MultipleIncomeStreams #RealEstateInvestor #PersonalBranding #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #PassiveIncome #BusinessMindset #ScaredShitlessPodcast #MomEntrepreneur #CareerIdentity #BuildInPublicIf this resonated with you, drop a comment:How do YOU answer “What do you do?”And if you’re building something outside the box—make sure to subscribe. You’re not alone in this.

    Why Entrepreneurs Hate The Question "What Do You Do For A Living?" | EP 18

  5. Mar 28

    He Started with a Cottage… Now He’s Developing Land | Dennis Tanguay | EP 17

    Stop trading time for money—start using what you already have. In this episode of Scared Sh*tLess, Sarah Sémajuste sits down with IT consultant turned developer Dennis Tanguay. From a self-paying cottage to a 6-unit townhouse project, he shares how he leveraged home equity, handled zoning challenges, and scaled without quitting his day job. A real, no-fluff look at building wealth through calculated risk. What you’ll learn:• Using property to generate its own income• Leveraging home equity to scale• Moving from rentals to development• Navigating zoning and delays• Why keeping your job matters Chapters:0:00 Introductions0:54 Life as an IT Consultant2:37 First Investment Strategy5:24 Scaling Up7:13 Leveraging Equity9:18 Joint Ventures11:41 Market Challenges15:36 Keep Your Day Job16:40 Land Development21:52 Zoning Lessons25:20 City Delays29:22 5AM Routine31:02 Generational Wealth35:33 What’s Next About Dennis Tanguay Dennis is a proud father and husband, a long-time IT consultant, and a fitness buff who tries not to complain about early-morning workouts. Recently stepping into life as an empty nester, he’s channeling his energy into a new chapter as a land developer - bringing fresh energy and big ideas to the next chapter. Contact Email: dennis@jade4.ca Facebook Instagram

    He Started with a Cottage… Now He’s Developing Land | Dennis Tanguay | EP 17

  6. Mar 13

    EP 16 - The Pressure of Being a Mom & CEO in the Natural Hair Industry | Mendjaly & Medjine Hyppolite (Frizé Frizé)

    Building a business is scary — doing it with your twin sister makes it even more powerful. In this episode of Scared Shitless, host Sarah Sémajuste talks with twin founders Medjine Hyppolite and Mendjaly Hyppolite of Frizé Frizé about entrepreneurship, natural hair, and the courage to pivot. They share how they balanced motherhood and full-time jobs while building a natural hair brand, the financial risks they took to fund the business themselves, and why they eventually pivoted from selling products to focusing on hair education and coaching. This episode explores natural hair identity, imposter syndrome, business pivots, and building a Black-owned business from scratch. Key Moments 0:00 Intro: Meeting the founders of Frizé Frizé1:36 Balancing business, motherhood, and community support3:03 Overcoming fear of charging for your work5:59 Creating their first natural hair product8:54 Why they pivoted away from products11:11 Hair and identity: embracing natural texture17:33 Funding the business without loans21:25 Lessons from business coaches31:34 Running a business with your twin37:47 Launching a 90-day hair education program49:25 Biggest wins and milestones Connect with Frizé Frizé Website: https://www.frizefrize.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/frize_frizePinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/frize_frize Topics: Natural hair journey, entrepreneurship, Black-owned business, curly hair education, business pivot, success mindset.

    EP 16 - The Pressure of Being a Mom & CEO in the Natural Hair Industry | Mendjaly & Medjine Hyppolite (Frizé Frizé)

  7. Feb 13

    EP 15 - Integrity Over Opportunity in Business — A Military Mom's Success Story | Victoria Cluney

    What happens when your military discipline meets the "Wild West" of entrepreneurship? In this episode, I sat down with Victoria Cluney, a military veteran turned business coach and real estate investor, to discuss the raw, unglamorous truth of building an empire.From smuggling her toddler into military barracks to walking away from a massive partnership to protect her integrity, Victoria’s story is a masterclass in resilience. We dive deep into the $200,000 mistake that taught her about due diligence, how she how she evolved from feeling alone in her responsibilities to building a strong, supportive partnership with her husband, and why she believes radical transparency is the only way to build a personal brand that lasts. (00:00) – Intro & Welcome Victoria Clooney (01:01) – The "Most Important Role": Being a Mom (02:01) – Defining the BUILD Ecosystem and Life by Design (03:56) – From Military "Lone Wolf" to Entrepreneurial Impact (05:04) – Breaking into Male-Dominated Real Estate Spaces (07:38) – Reluctantly Stepping into Leadership in Ottawa (09:16) – Choosing Integrity Over Opportunity: The BUILD Origin (12:27) – Opening Doors: Why Mission Trumps Revenue (14:04) – Managing Business Growth with a Risk-Adverse Partner (18:57) – Knowing When to Let a Business Go (20:16) – The Reality Behind Being a "Power Couple" (22:52) – Growing Up in a Global Military Family (24:55) – Choosing the Infantry Over Law School (28:21) – Starting a Real Estate Portfolio at 20 (30:57) – Accidental Landlord: Managing Property from Overseas (35:07) – Playing Big: Why Big Success Requires Big Problems (38:24) – Navigating Career Pivots for Family Needs (41:32) – Normalizing Motherhood in Professional Spaces (45:33) – Learning to Ask for Help During Crisis (48:20) – Smuggling a Baby into Military Shacks (51:55) – Leading Teams with Empathy and Personal Support (54:01) – Scaling Your Most Valuable Asset: Personal Branding (56:56) – Overcoming the Fear of Judgment Online (1:00:12) – Why Credibility Trumps Information in 2026 (1:05:05) – Losing $200,000 and Learning Hard Business Lessons (1:11:08) – Mastering Due Diligence in Modern Partnerships (1:17:21) – Instilling Capability in the Next Generation Got questions for Victoria? 📥DM the word "Shitless" to @victoriacluney on InstagramMeet Victoria CluneyVictoria Cluney helps founders go from overlooked to in demand by showing up online with messaging that lands and the confidence to lead with it.She blends behaviour science and leadership with more than 20 years of real operator experience, building and scaling businesses across real estate, hospitality, franchising, and service-based ventures.Backed by 24 years of military leadership, a master’s degree in organizational psychology, and national media experience including CBC’s Dragons’ Den, she brings a high-stakes standard to how founders communicate and grow. Because when results stall, it is rarely a talent problem, it is usually a messaging problem, a positioning problem, and a strategy problem. Victoria helps entrepreneurs fix all three, while building the resilience to navigate growth without burning out or losing themselves in the process.She is the founder of BILD (Business, Impact and Life by Design), a high-support coaching community, and WE BILD, a monthly networking community with chapters in Toronto, Ottawa, and online. She also hosts the BILD What Matters Podcast, designed to showcase the real struggles and behind-the-scenes decisions founders face as they grow, and the shifts that help them rise.Connect with Victoria CluneyWebsite Instagram Tiktok - Facebook LinkedIn Alex Hormozi X Tony Robbins Interview

  8. Jan 22

    EP 14 - Carina Guzmán - She Quit Her Job And Built Multiple Businesses - Still Scaling Despite Fear

    Master the world of land development and learn how to scale your real estate portfolio by "flipping the paper" and building high-value projects. In this episode of Scared Shitless, host Sarah sits down with Carina Guzman, founder of the Land Development Academy, to uncover the raw truth about transition from a corporate 9-to-5 to becoming a powerhouse developer.Building a life you love means doing it afraid, and Carina shares her journey as an immigrant escaping war in El Salvador to navigating the complex regulations of the Canadian real estate market. We dive deep into modular construction challenges, the importance of deal structuring, and why your "exit strategy" is the most critical part of any land development project. Carina explains her "flipping the paper" strategy, securing permits and entitlements to add massive value to raw land before selling to builders and why this niche is the ultimate wealth-builder for those willing to learn the foundations.Whether you are a seasoned investor or a curious beginner, this conversation covers the importance of networking with high-caliber individuals, managing the stress of multiple mortgages, and leading a team with a sense of urgency. Carina doesn’t sugarcoat the failures; she treats every "landmine" as a lesson. Tune in to learn how to move beyond your "like-minded" circle and elevate your floor to become a leader in the real estate industry.Timestamps0:00 – Welcome...1:10 – How to Manage Motherhood, Marriage, and Multiple Projects4:06 – Developing a Sense of Urgency as a Leader6:07 – From Boutique Real Estate to Landlording7:09 – The Reality of Modular Construction & Why It Failed in 201611:08 – From Immigrant Household to Entrepreneurial Spirit13:07 – That Moment You Realize You’re Not a Good Employee17:12 – Navigating Family Expectations & Risk-Averse Parents21:35 – What is "Flipping the Paper"?23:36 – The Single Hardest Part of Land Development24:35 – Underwriting for Your Exit: 3 Exit Strategies You Need27:40 – Biggest Mistakes: Timing, Market Analysis & Regulations28:41 – Inside the Land Development Academy (LDA)33:12 – Overcoming Daily Fears & Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone35:14 – Why "Like-Minded" Groups Might Be Limiting Your GrowthConnect with Carina GuzmanIG -   / iamcarinaguzman  Linkedin -   / carina-guzm  Website - https://www.landdevacademy.com/💬 Drop your questions in the comments📩 DM Sarah for help with your project👍 Like the video to support the channel🔔 Subscribe for weekly real-estate development breakdowns#landdevelopment #entrepreneurship #propertydevelopment

    EP 14 - Carina Guzmán - She Quit Her Job And Built Multiple Businesses - Still Scaling Despite Fear
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About

This podcast is about having the guts to do what terrifies you... on purpose. It’s for people chasing their calling, even if it means tripping over a few obstacles (or faceplanting into them). Tune in for real stories of real people who dared to follow their own path—even when it was uphill, in the snow, both ways.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Sémajuste
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Sémajuste
  • Show Website
    Scared SHITLESS