What It Takes

Darren Valen
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it takes to get there.

  1. 07/10/2025

    From Volleyball to Venture - Bereme's Entrepreneurial Journey

    From Volleyball to Venture - Bereme's Entrepreneurial Journey In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Bereme, co-founder of UpFund, a data-driven platform aimed at revolutionizing the real estate industry. Bereme shares his journey from being a professional volleyball player to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the need for transparency in real estate. The conversation also touches on the sacrifices entrepreneurs make, the role of money, and the vision for UpFund to become the Bloomberg of real estate. Get in touch with Bereme: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bereme/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bureem and Upfund 01:55 From Sports to Entrepreneurship 08:16 The Journey to Becoming an Entrepreneur 13:15 The Birth of Upfund 18:07 Innovating Real Estate with Data 22:10 Challenges and Sacrifices in Entrepreneurship 24:04 Building Relationships in Entrepreneurship 26:32 The Importance of Scheduling and Rest 29:12 Finding Your 'Why' as an Entrepreneur 32:37 The Role of Money in Motivation 38:23 Assessing Business Growth Stages 40:16 Challenges in Data Access and Industry Resistance 44:23 The Continuous Learning Mindset 49:45 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Keywords entrepreneurship, real estate, business journey, UpFund, challenges, motivation, continuous learning, financial literacy, innovation, personal growth

    51 min

  2. 07/03/2025

    The Unique Experience of Salva's Barbershop

    The Unique Experience of Salva's Barbershop In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Salva, a successful barber and entrepreneur based in Oslo. Salva shares his journey from struggling to find his path to owning a thriving barbershop. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, positivity, and self-belief in achieving success. Salva also discusses the significance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how these factors contribute to his professional performance. He offers valuable advice for aspiring barbers, encouraging them to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams with determination. Get in touch with Salva: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordjackknife/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Salva's Journey 02:01 The Unique Barbershop Experience 05:31 Mindset and Client Retention 08:19 The Roller Coaster of Barbering 09:41 Accidental Barber: The Start of a Career 13:47 Overcoming Early Challenges 16:42 The Move to Norway and New Opportunities 19:22 Navigating Bankruptcy and Recovery 22:00 The Turning Point: From Struggle to Success 24:34 Emotional Resilience in Business 29:53 The Power of Self-Belief 32:12 Programming the Mind for Success 36:53 Nutrition and Exercise: Keys to Performance 43:17 Challenging Limits: The Mental Fight 45:31 Building Habits for Success 54:08 Finding Your Inner Fire Keywords: the barbershop, the barbershop tijuana, experience, barbershop, the last of us 2 ps5 shorts, the last of us 2 last shorts, barbershop tijuana, the last of us 2 movie, interesting haircut experience, the last of us 2 last chapter, the last of us 2, the korean barber, the last of us 2 ps5, peace all around the world, experiencia, save the earth subliminal, barbersop, the beverly halls, upsoundexperience, the female ceo turned janitor full episode, save the world subliminal powerful, save the world subliminal

    59 min

  3. 06/26/2025

    From Physical Therapist to Business Coach - with Nathan Farrugia

    From Physical Therapist to Business Coach - with Nathan Farrugia In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Nathan Farrugia, an inspiring figure known for running 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days across 27 countries. Nathan shares his journey from being a physical therapist to running multiple businesses related to sports events and coaching CEOs. He discusses the impact of his childhood asthma on his life, how it shaped his resilience, and his passion for endurance challenges. Nathan also delves into his experiences with public speaking and the unique challenges of events like the Marathon des Sables. In this conversation, Nathan Farrugia and Darren Valen explore the complexities of managing the inner critic, the FIRE model for high performance, and the importance of achieving a flow state. They discuss how to confront negative self-talk, the significance of self-awareness, and the balance between challenges and skills necessary for optimal performance. The dialogue emphasizes the need for impact and excellence in personal and professional growth, providing insights into how individuals can engineer their experiences to foster flow and achieve their goals. Get in touch with Nathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanfarrugia/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Nathan Farrugia 01:24 Journey from Physical Therapy to Business 02:38 The Role of Public Speaking in Nathan's Life 05:25 Overcoming Asthma: A Personal Journey 09:08 The Start of an Endurance Journey 11:23 Exploring Limits: Motivation Behind Endurance Challenges 12:26 Experiences in the Marathon des Sables 14:30 Training for Unique Challenges 15:30 Confronting the Inner Critic 17:53 The FIRE Model: A Framework for High Performance 22:28 Entering the Flow State 25:06 Balancing Challenges and Skills for Flow 27:50 The Role of Impact in Achieving Excellence 30:24 Understanding Flow State 32:31 Coaching Towards Flow 35:21 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Belief 37:02 The 27 Marathons Challenge 39:10 The Power of Healing 39:57 Reflections on Achievement 40:40 Vision and Values in Business 43:02 Finding Personal Values 43:32 Work-Life Balance and Role Management 48:04 Lessons Learned from Failure 49:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Keywords: fitness,inspiration,language health,how to workout,developmental disabilities,calves,armless,coachlegs,dicipline,wheeelchair,what's your excuse,building muscle,biceps,autism,mindset,motivation,arm workout,workout,weights,gym,leg workout,quads,legs, asthma

    51 min

  4. 06/19/2025

    The Power of Networking in Business - Lars Postmus

    The Power of Networking in Business - Lars Postmus In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Lars Postmus, a digital marketing agency owner who transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Lars shares his journey, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own agency, the importance of networking, and the current state of the marketing industry. He emphasizes the significance of having a strong network and the impact of personal relationships in acquiring clients. The conversation also touches on the risks of entrepreneurship and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. In this conversation, Darren Valen and Lars Postmus delve into the complexities of digital marketing, exploring the evolving landscape shaped by AI and the importance of transparency in marketing agencies. They discuss effective advertising strategies, the role of AI in automating tasks, and the challenges businesses face in selecting the right marketing agency. The conversation culminates in a discussion on defining success in marketing, emphasizing the need for clear KPIs and understanding the customer journey. Get in touch with Lars: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-postmus/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lars Postmus and His Journey 02:00 Understanding Digital Marketing and SCA Campaigns 04:59 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 10:02 The Decision to Start His Own Agency 14:59 Overcoming the Fear of Entrepreneurship 20:03 Acquiring the First Client and Networking 24:58 Challenges in the Marketing Agency Space 32:30 The Evolving Landscape of Digital Marketing 36:27 Strategies for Effective Advertising 41:06 Leveraging AI in Marketing 46:28 The Future of Marketing Agencies 52:48 Choosing the Right Marketing Agency 59:05 Defining Success in Marketing keywords: power of networking,business networking,networking,power of networking in business,business,business networking tips,networking tips,networking in business,power of joining our buisness networking tribe,networking basics,business networking groups,the power of networking with ryan pineda and pace morby,what is business networking,networking in dubai,networking in canada,business card case at networking events,networking 101

    56 min

  5. 06/12/2025

    Passion and Purpose - Building We Work at Home

    Passion and Purpose - Building We Work at Home In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Heiner Hofer, the founder of We Work at Home. Heiner shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own business. He emphasizes the importance of passion, risk-taking, and the need for a supportive network when venturing into entrepreneurship. The conversation also delves into the innovative products Heiner has developed to enhance remote work experiences, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive work environment at home. In this conversation, Heiner Hoefer and Darren Valen discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, focusing on the challenges faced in building a business, the importance of vision and values, and the evolving landscape of remote work. They emphasize the need for passion, resilience, and adaptability in the entrepreneurial journey, while also addressing the significance of teamwork and effective marketing strategies. The discussion culminates in insights on what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, highlighting the balance between hard work, luck, and the ability to learn from failures. Get in touch with Heiner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heiner-hoefer-9523b841/?originalSubdomain=de Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Heiner Hofer and We Work at Home 02:00 The Concept Behind We Work at Home 09:49 Heiner's Corporate Background and Transition to Entrepreneurship 14:37 Taking the Leap: Risks and Considerations 18:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 25:40 Passion for Product Development 27:53 The Journey of Founding We Work at Home 34:22 Embracing Ideas and Overcoming Criticism 37:14 Navigating the Challenges of Entrepreneurship 46:53 Vision and Values in Business 51:01 The Future of Work: Remote vs. Office 01:00:00 Keys to Entrepreneurial Success Keywords: finding passion and purpose in life,passion at work,find your passion,passion,how to find your passion and make it your job,how to find your passion,building homes,how to find my passion,finding your passion,finding passion,home building,building innovation,how to find your passion now,home building coach,how to find your passion in life,how to find your passion in 2020,find my passion,building process,find your purpose,find your life purpose

    58 min

  6. 06/05/2025

    The Power of Coaching - Insights from Brent Scott

    The Power of Coaching - Insights from Brent Scott In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Brent Scott shares his inspiring journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate professional and coach. He discusses the challenges he faced as a single father, his transition from retail to real estate, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his career. Brent emphasizes the importance of resilience, leadership, and the drive to control one's destiny, ultimately leading to his passion for coaching others in the real estate industry. In this conversation, Brent Scott shares his journey from losing his real estate license to becoming a successful operations director and eventually a real estate trainer and coach. He emphasizes the importance of taking chances, having faith, and serving others in the real estate community. Brent discusses his coaching philosophy, which revolves around identifying gaps, setting goals, and using frameworks like GROW to guide clients. He also highlights the significance of accountability and continuous learning in coaching. Get in touch with Brent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebesman/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Brent Scott's Journey 01:48 Early Life and Military Service 04:14 Transitioning from Retail to Real Estate 07:09 The Start of a Real Estate Career 10:29 Challenges in Real Estate and Returning to Corporate America 12:45 Re-launching Real Estate Career and Market Challenges 15:39 Lessons from Corporate America and Coaching 18:02 Navigating Setbacks and Returning to Education 19:56 From Real Estate to Operations 21:12 The Journey to Real Estate Training 22:33 Taking Chances and Faith in the Journey 23:46 Serving the Real Estate Community 25:19 Coaching and Development Frameworks 27:30 Identifying Gaps and Setting Goals 30:14 The Evolution of Coaching Style 32:04 The GROW Framework for Coaching 34:51 Providing Resources and Accountability coaching,football coaching,mindset of high achievers,leadership coaching,deep coaching,sales coaching,youtube coaching,poaching,rich litvin coaching session,rich litvin coaching,power,the surprising secrets of americas wealthy (book),rich litvin 1 insight,rich litvan 1 insight,brent schlender,nate scott my assignment is,leading from the heart,nate scott is to assignment elevate you,nate scott my the assignment is to elevate you

    50 min

  7. 05/29/2025

    From Adversity to Entrepreneurship - The Journey of Nicholas Herta

    From Adversity to Entrepreneurship - The Journey of Nicholas Herta In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Nicholas Herta, the CEO and founder of NeilTekstile, a company focused on creating fully circular textiles from innovative materials. Nicholas shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in the Czech Republic to becoming an entrepreneur dedicated to sustainability in the textile industry. He discusses the importance of education, resilience, and the drive to create a positive impact through his work. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship and the vision behind NeilTekstile's mission to revolutionize the textile industry. In this conversation, Mikulas Hurta discusses the evolution of his business from a B2C model to a B2B approach in the sustainable textile industry. He emphasizes the importance of experimentation, learning from data, and the significant environmental impact of the textile industry. The discussion also covers the challenges of mitigating climate change, the vision for a sustainable textile future, and the key to success through discipline and consistency. Get in touch with Mikulas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikulashurta/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicholas Herta and NeilTekstile 03:01 The Drive for Sustainability in Textiles 05:55 Overcoming Adversity: Mikulas's Early Life 08:52 The Importance of Education and Resilience 11:51 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 15:11 The Journey of Starting NeilTekstile 18:03 Navigating Challenges in Entrepreneurship 20:53 Vision and Execution in Business 23:56 Building a Sustainable Future through Innovation 31:50 From B2C to B2B: Adapting Business Models 35:28 The Importance of Experimentation in Business 40:22 Learning from Data: Insights into Marketing 41:31 The Environmental Impact of the Textile Industry 48:01 Mitigation vs. Adaptation: Addressing Climate Change 53:44 Vision for a Sustainable Textile Industry 59:14 Overcoming Challenges in Sustainable Fashion 01:01:55 The Key to Success: Discipline and Consistency entrepreneurship,adversity,from adversity to empire,from adversity to opportunity,ryan blair's path from adversity to entrepreneurial triumph,how to overcome adversity,how to overcome adversity in your life,how to overcome adversity in life,us entrepreneurship,overcoming adversity,entrepreneurship course,entrepreneurship ideas,entrepreneurship in usa,overcoming adversity in business,serial entrepreneurship insights,from jail to millionaire entrepreneur

    58 min

  8. 05/22/2025

    Navigating the Complex World of Material Bitcoin with Uxio Fraga

    Navigating the Complex World of Bitcoin with Uxio Fraga  In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Uxío, the founder of Material Bitcoin, a revolutionary way to store Bitcoin physically. Uxío explains the simplicity and durability of his product, designed for non-tech-savvy individuals. He discusses the future of Bitcoin, his personal journey from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from past scams in the crypto market. The conversation highlights the importance of financial security and the innovative approach of Material Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency space. In this conversation, Uxío from Material Bitcoin discusses the evolution of Bitcoin regulations, the importance of customer satisfaction, and the challenges of operating in a fluctuating market. He emphasizes the significance of Bitcoin as a decentralized currency compared to altcoins and meme coins, while also sharing insights on the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of freedom in business. Uxío provides practical advice for new investors and reflects on the future growth of his company amidst ongoing regulatory challenges. Get in touch with Uxio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikenoldus/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Material Bitcoin 02:20 The Concept of Long-Term Bitcoin Storage 05:58 The Future of Bitcoin 07:54 Uxío's Early Life and Career 12:10 The Journey into Trading and Bitcoin 16:11 Lessons Learned from Scams 21:52 The Birth of Material Bitcoin 27:25 Launching Material Bitcoin and Future Plans 29:03 Navigating Bitcoin Regulations 31:15 Customer Satisfaction and Business Growth 32:45 Market Cycles and Cryptocurrency Fluctuations 33:41 The Crypto Landscape: Bitcoin vs. Altcoins 38:40 Understanding Meme Coins and Their Risks 41:18 Future Growth and Expansion Plans 42:11 Challenges of Regulation in Marketing 45:22 The Value of Bitcoin in Today's Economy 50:29 The Entrepreneurial Drive and Freedom 56:39 Advice for Future Generations 57:42 Safe Investment Strategies in Bitcoin Keywords: bitcoin,raoul pal & jeff dorman: bitcoin & the banking crisis,bitcoin price,crypto price predictions - navigating the complex landscape,bitcoin news,bitcoin price prediction,bitcoin crash,bitcoin price analysis,bitcoin analysis,bitcoin price today,bitcoin halving,bullish on bitcoin,the sage of omaha,ethereum vs bitcoin,latest bitcoin news,bitcoin update today,rules of investing,understanding bitcoins price movements,bitcoin price predictions

    54 min
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About

We speak with founders and leaders across different industries about their stories and how they’ve reached today, and we dive deep into the challenges, the joys, and, generally, what it takes to get there.

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Valen
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Darren Valen
  • Show Website
    What It Takes