Podcast Summary
Entrepreneurial Success is Unpredictable: Past experiences and circumstances do not determine entrepreneurial success, as demonstrated by Caitlyn Dawn Bristow's journey despite a low credit score and unique circumstances.
Entrepreneurial success is not limited by past experiences or circumstances. Caitlyn Dawn Bristow, a former Bachelor contestant and podcast host with over 140 million downloads, demonstrates this through her various businesses and achievements despite starting with unique circumstances and a low credit score. In this special 1000th episode of Trading Secrets, Caitlyn played a game called "Ask the Mafia" with the hosts, revealing their credit scores and worst/best paying jobs. The game showed that even though KB is the entrepreneur and Jay is the numbers guy, they both had unexpected answers, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the potential for growth and success in unexpected places.
Discomfort with discussing money despite past financial struggles: Caitlin and Jason, despite their success, were uncomfortable discussing money and had trouble remembering their savings and retirement contributions.
Both Caitlin and Jason had diverse and interesting backgrounds before they gained success in their respective careers. However, when it comes to discussing money, they both seemed uncomfortable. During the conversation, they shared their lowest paying jobs, with Caitlin working as a table setter at Smitty's restaurant and Jason as a dishwasher at Atlanta Bread Company. They also revealed that their best paying job was their podcast. When asked about their annual savings and retirement contributions, they struggled to remember the exact figures. The conversation then turned to the "MFK" game, where they had to choose which of three things they would "make love to, fornicate with, and murder." Caitlin chose her podcast, trading secrets, and the restart road map, while Jason chose rewired, spade and sparrows, and duetted. They also shared their favorite Canadians, with Caitlin listing Bieber, Celine Dion, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Michael Myers, and Jason listing Brett Kislow, Wayne Gretzky, and Justin Bieber. Despite the lighthearted nature of the conversation, it was clear that both Caitlin and Jason had experienced financial struggles before achieving success. Their discomfort when discussing money may have stemmed from past experiences or a desire to keep their earnings private. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of financial transparency and the diverse backgrounds and experiences that lead people to success.
From couch surfing to success: One woman's inspiring journey: Despite difficult times, believe in your potential and never give up on your dreams, even if it means seeking help and taking small steps to improve.
No matter how low you may feel or where you may start in life, you have the potential to turn things around and achieve great success. Caitlin Russo shares her story of going from couch surfing and living with her parents, to becoming one of the most successful people to use "The Bachelor" as a launchpad for her career. However, she also acknowledges the importance of allowing yourself to go through the difficult times and giving yourself grace. This can include seeking help through therapy, taking small steps to get out of a funk, and learning better coping skills. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and it's okay to take things one step at a time. Don't let your past define you, and never give up on your dreams.
Realizing the impact of therapy on personal growth and professional success: Seeking therapy and open communication can lead to greater self-empowerment and stronger relationships, improving both personal growth and professional success.
Personal growth through therapy can significantly impact professional success. This was a personal realization for the speaker, who learned to empower herself and become self-reliant through therapy. However, in a past relationship, she found herself financially and emotionally dependent on her partner, which led to discomfort and a lack of independence. This experience highlighted the importance of transparent communication and working together to find solutions when feeling less than in a relationship due to financial disparities. The speaker's motivation and independence in her current career can be traced back to this experience and the lessons she learned. For those in similar situations, seeking therapy and open communication with their partners can lead to greater self-empowerment and stronger relationships.
Growing up with financial privilege but lacking financial knowledge: Lack of financial education from parents and past experiences can lead to unexpected financial challenges, but these challenges can also motivate personal growth and new opportunities.
A lack of financial education from parents and past experiences can lead to unexpected financial challenges later in life. The speaker shared how she grew up with financial privilege but lacked knowledge about managing credit and paying bills on her own. This, combined with a rocky relationship, left her with a low credit score. However, these challenges motivated her to work hard and build her independence, ultimately leading to personal growth and new opportunities. The speaker also emphasized the importance of learning from all experiences, good or bad, as they shape and define us. Despite her past financial struggles, she encourages everyone to keep striving for improvement and empowerment.
Past experiences shape perspective in relationships and partnerships: Consider mutual alignment, shared vision, and deep understanding of each other's motivations and goals before collaborating to mitigate risks and concerns.
Past experiences, whether positive or negative, can significantly shape an individual's perspective and decisions, particularly when it comes to relationships and partnerships, both personal and professional. The conversation between the speakers highlights the challenges and complexities that can arise when two individuals, who have grown accustomed to working independently, consider coming together. While there are potential benefits to collaboration, there are also risks and concerns, such as feelings of being used or the fear of losing independence. Ultimately, the decision to partner or collaborate should be based on mutual alignment and a shared vision, as well as a deep understanding of each other's motivations and goals. The speakers also acknowledge the unique challenges that come with public figures, such as those who appear on reality TV shows, and the potential power dynamics that can arise in such relationships.
Healing inner child wounds for self-worth and confidence: Unresolved emotional baggage from childhood can limit personal growth and confidence. Inner child work can help heal these wounds and break free from limiting beliefs and patterns.
Our past experiences and unhealed emotional wounds, often rooted in our inner child, can significantly impact our self-worth and confidence in our adult lives. The speaker shares her personal journey of feeling less than due to financial struggles and relationship issues, and how she discovered the importance of inner child work in healing and breaking free from these patterns. Whether it's related to pride, success, or community recognition, the unresolved emotional baggage can hinder personal growth and create an ongoing cycle. By acknowledging and addressing these deep-rooted issues, individuals can gain a newfound sense of self-worth and confidence. The speaker's advice is to take the time to do the inner child work and heal these wounds to break free from limiting beliefs and patterns.
Discovering potential through commitment: Rebelling against expectations led to finding confidence and skills in dance, which were later applied to the restaurant industry, shaping her into a successful and adaptable individual.
Confidence and networking skills, though present in her younger years, were enhanced through professional experiences and personal growth. During her dancing career, she rebelled against her mother's expectations but discovered her potential when she decided to fully commit to a competition. This moment of confidence propelled her to pursue a scholarship and a professional dance career. However, she eventually transitioned into the restaurant business to maintain flexibility for her dance schedule. It wasn't until age 25 that she acknowledged dancing was no longer her future. Her experiences in both dancing and the restaurant industry shaped her into the confident and skilled individual she is today.
Following dreams comes with financial challenges: Believing in oneself and taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities and financial investments, but staying focused on the goal can result in a successful outcome.
Following your dreams and passions can lead to unexpected opportunities, but it may also come with financial challenges. The speaker, KB, shares her experience of giving up her job as a server to pursue a chance to be on "The Bachelor" show. Although she didn't make any income during the 4-month waiting period between being on "The Bachelor" and being selected as "The Bachelorette," she saw it as an investment in her future. She spent around $2,000 on clothes and other necessities for the show. Despite the financial strain, she remained focused on her goal and was eventually chosen as "The Bachelorette," leading to a successful career in television. This experience underscores the importance of believing in oneself and the potential rewards that come from taking risks and following one's dreams.
The power of having a clear vision and negotiations: Believing in your vision and negotiating skills can help overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional goals.
Having a clear vision for your future and believing in it wholeheartedly can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Caitlin Bristow shared how her determination to become the bachelorette was the only thing on her vision board, and she made it a reality. Negotiations also play a crucial role in personal and professional growth, especially for women as the wage gap continues to tighten and even flip in some areas. Caitlin didn't reveal if she negotiated to be the bachelorette, but she did emphasize the importance of negotiations in all aspects of life. Overall, the episode was a testament to the power of having a clear vision and the importance of negotiations in achieving personal and professional success.
New situations can make even confident individuals uncomfortable: Acknowledge people's complexities, communicate openly, consider consequences, and address past traumas for successful partnerships
Even the most confident and successful individuals can feel uncomfortable and vulnerable in new situations. During a podcast interview, the host was surprised to see a nervous and unprepared Kate, a well-known dancer and businesswoman, who had previously radiated immense confidence. This experience highlighted the importance of acknowledging and respecting people's complexities and the impact of past experiences on their present behaviors. Furthermore, the discussion emphasized the significance of open communication and the importance of considering the potential consequences of business ventures on personal relationships. The interview also touched upon the importance of self-awareness and the need to address past traumas to build healthy and successful partnerships.
Building a Strong Business Partnership: Mutual respect, complementary strengths, and a well-defined agreement are key to building a successful business partnership. An operating agreement protects both parties in various scenarios.
A strong partnership can be built on mutual respect, complementary strengths, and a well-defined agreement. Kate and Jason discussed the potential for a business partnership, with Kate's creative ideas and Jason's ability to help bring them to fruition. They also highlighted the importance of an operating agreement, which functions like a prenup, protecting both parties in various scenarios. Kate's journey on The Bachelorette, despite the financial struggles, was celebrated for her authenticity and determination. In the upcoming episode, they will delve deeper into Kate's businesses, finances, and personal growth. Additionally, they touched upon the idea that we all carry our inner child within us, and understanding and addressing the emotions that stem from it can lead to personal growth.
Embracing Our Inner Child: Facing Fear and Joy: Caitlin's journey of dealing with her inner fears and joys through therapy inspires us to face our uncomfortable experiences and embrace our inner child.
Key takeaway from this episode of Trading Secrets is the importance of facing uncomfortable experiences and embracing our inner child. Caitlin shared her personal journey of dealing with her alligator and monkey, representing fear and joy respectively, through therapy. Her vulnerability and courage in sharing her experiences inspire others to do the same. The show has come a long way, from the first episode with Dean to the 100th episode with KB, and we're grateful for all our guests and listeners who make Trading Secrets possible. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast, follow us on Instagram and YouTube for more insightful episodes. Part 2 with KB next week promises to be one you can't afford to miss. Remember, individuals on the show may have a financial interest in products or services discussed. Stay tuned!