Tune in as Dan unpacks the five financial wealth types—hustler, gambler, optimizer, saver, and outsourcer—and how understanding your type can transform the way you grow and manage wealth. He also introduces the four wealth killers that keep entrepreneurs stuck, revealing why simply making more money isn’t always the answer.

If you’re ready to take control of your finances in a way that aligns with your goals, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

✅ Why unlearning traditional financial teachings is key to long-term success

✅ How to define specific financial goals and allocate resources effectively

✅ The five financial wealth types—and how knowing yours can shape your strategy

✅ The four biggest wealth killers that sabotage financial success

✅ Why financial certainty isn't about more money, but better decisions

🎧 Listen now and take a smarter approach to building financial freedom!

This episode originally aired on The Startup Specialist Podcast—hosted by Ray Voice, a seasoned entrepreneur, startup strategist, and finance expert. Ray brings insightful conversations with industry leaders, helping founders navigate the complexities of startups, funding, and business growth strategies. His show is dedicated to breaking down the startup journey with real-world advice from investors, operators, and specialists across industries.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ The biggest financial mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them

✔️ Why traditional accounting advice doesn’t always work for entrepreneurs

✔️ Merchant accounts and payment processing: What every business owner needs to know

✔️ How to optimize your cash flow for long-term financial success

🔥 If you’re ready to gain financial clarity and grow your wealth with purpose, this episode is a must-listen!

Dan shares his approach to financial management for business owners, focusing on reducing uncertainty and building strategies that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Through his structured financial operating system, Dan has helped countless entrepreneurs optimize cash flow, enhance decision-making, and avoid unnecessary risks.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode

• The significance of financial certainty and risk management for small business owners.
• Why optimizing for the life you want is more important than simply maximizing shareholder value.
• The role of financial rules and protocols in improving ROI and overall business performance.
• Aligning business operations with personal values to reduce stress and avoid regrets.
• An overview of Dan’s 15 key financial rules and his cash flow protocol.

Connect with the Hosts and Guests

Jacob Koenig

• Woodbridge Group

Dan Nicholson

• LinkedIn
• Website

Episode Links and Resources

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website for more resources on financial certainty: nthdegreecpas.com
• Explore the Woodbridge Group’s services for business transitions: woodbridgegrp.com

Episode Highlights:

• Dan’s journey from Seattle University to working with Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft.
• Insights from his fellowship with GASB, contributing to the landmark Statement No. 53.
• The concept of “rigging the game” and structuring financial systems for entrepreneurial success.
• How small business owners can master accounting and tax strategies to build lasting wealth.
• Aligning financial decisions with broader life goals.

The Above The Business podcast is supported by leading tools and services that empower entrepreneurs and business owners to thrive:

BlueprintOS equips business owners with a robust operating system to streamline their operations. It helps refine leadership, clarify culture, align KPIs, develop top-tier teams, and execute effective playbooks. Get started with the free Rainmaker to Architect Starter Kit at start.blueprintos.com.

Autopilot Recruiting provides a dedicated recruiter who works daily to find top talent for your team. Start your continuous recruiting journey at autopilotrecruiting.com.

Coach P Consulting leverages proven systems and processes from Coach P's success as an insurance leader. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentorship at coachpconsulting.com—mention the podcast for exclusive insights.

TodayApp simplifies activity tracking, commission management, and CRM integration while providing tools like employee time tracking and leaderboards. Request a custom demo at todayapppro.com and mention Above The Business.

Club Capital specializes in financial and marketing services for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. Serving over 1,000 locations, they offer accounting, tax preparation, CFO services, and digital marketing. Schedule a free demo at club.capital and mention the podcast for special recognition.

Each of these tools provides powerful resources to help your business run smoothly and grow effectively.

In a special crossover episode, we flip the script as Sheila Slick interviews (Un)Conventional Wealth host Dan Nicholson. Known for his practical approach to wealth building, Dan shares his journey from a young entrepreneur with a marketing focus to becoming a highly accomplished CPA, bestselling author, and founder of Nth Degree CPA.

Dan reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including a game-changing opportunity at UPS that set him on the path to accounting and, eventually, entrepreneurship. He also dives into the core principles from his book, Rigging the Game, which focuses on creating financial certainty and aligning wealth-building strategies with personal goals.

This engaging conversation goes beyond the usual interview format, offering listeners actionable insights into achieving financial success by defining their “solvable problem,” optimizing business efforts, and making intentional decisions for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Defining Your Milestones: Dan's unique journey highlights how key career decisions led to his entrepreneurial success.
• Optimize Over Maximize: Why small business owners should focus on what truly matters instead of chasing endless growth.
• The Solvable Problem: Learn how to define personal wealth by calculating financial needs and aligning them with your goals.
• Understanding Wealth Types: Discover the risks and rewards associated with hustlers, savers, optimizers, and gamblers.
• Practical Financial Strategies: Insights on reducing unnecessary expenses, tax savings, and maintaining liquidity to fund your dreams.

Tune in for actionable strategies to:

• Increase your net worth
• Align your business with personal goals
• Achieve financial certainty in uncertain times

Special Mention:

Don’t miss the tools and resources discussed, including CertaintyApp, designed to help entrepreneurs measure financial progress and achieve their “solvable problem.”

Subscribe and Connect:

Enjoy this deep dive into entrepreneurial success and financial optimization on (Un)Conventional Wealth. If you’re a fan of Dan’s regular episodes, this crossover will provide a fresh perspective on his philosophy and practical strategies for wealth-building.

In this special replay from the Sharkpreneur podcast, Dan dives into what it means to achieve financial security as an entrepreneur. With valuable insights from his experience as a consulting producer for PBS’ Opportunity Knocks and the host of Rigging the Game, Dan shares actionable advice for business owners.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How Nth Degree CPAs specializes in proactive tax planning and strategy for small businesses.
• Why it’s critical for entrepreneurs to focus on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
• The importance of understanding risk and leveraging asymmetric opportunities for more upside than downside.
• How Nth Degree CPAs helps clients develop real, actionable plans instead of just crunching numbers for tax time.
• Why entrepreneurs should stop trying to prove themselves and instead pursue their goals because they genuinely want them.

Connect with Dan Nicholson:

• Website: Rigging the Game

In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson speaks with Jim Frawley, CEO and Founder of Bellwether. They discuss creating a values-driven business, navigating change with resilience, and scaling intentionally without compromising quality or relationships. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to your mission while growing your business, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways:

→ Align your actions and business with your core values to maintain integrity and satisfaction.

→ Build resilience by preparing for change, focusing on small, actionable steps.

→ Prioritize relationships over transactions to create long-term success.

→ Scale your business intentionally by asking why and assessing the costs of growth.

→ Self-awareness and honesty are critical for authentic leadership and decision-making.

More from Jim Frawley:

Jim Frawley is the CEO and Founder of Bellwether, a New York-based consulting firm specializing in helping individuals and organizations thrive in times of change. With a diverse background in corporate strategy, leadership development, and executive coaching, Jim is known for challenging conventional thinking to drive meaningful transformation. He is the author of Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in the New Economy, where he shares strategies for navigating change with resilience and adaptability.

Connect with Jim:

Website: jimfrawley.com

Social Media: @JimFrawleyNY

Sign up for Dan's newsletter and take the wealth assessment quiz: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson speaks with Igor Shaltanov, founder and managing partner of Avista Fund. Igor shares his journey from professional sports to founding a $500M+ real estate investment firm specializing in income-generating, value-added multifamily properties. He discusses the critical role of due diligence, conservative underwriting, and creating value for investors and residents alike. Igor also explains how Avista Fund provides international investors a secure entry into the U.S. real estate market, protecting wealth from inflation and currency fluctuations while delivering strong returns.

Key Takeaways:

1. Multifamily Real Estate for Inflation Protection
2. Currency Stability with U.S. Real Estate
3. The Importance of Scale in Real Estate Investing
4. Meticulous Due Diligence is Non-Negotiable
5. Passive Income Through Private Credit Funds

Meticulous Due Diligence is Non-NegotiablePassive Income Through Private Credit Funds

Quotes from Igor Shaltanov:

• "Multifamily real estate is one of the most secure ways to beat inflation, with property values and rents adjusting over time."
• "We believe in putting our own capital first—it forces us to dig deeper into every project and operator."

Connect with Igor Shaltanov:

LinkedIn: Igor Shaltanov

Website: Win Real Estate Game

Listen to this episode to discover how multifamily real estate investing can help you grow wealth, mitigate risks, and create lasting financial security.

Sign up for Dan's newsletter and take the wealth assessment quiz: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

In this special feed drop episode of Jet Setting Wealth Advisory, we’re excited to feature an engaging conversation from Jet Setting Wealth Advisory where David T. Yu speaks with Dan Nicholson.

Dan is a bestselling author, award-winning CPA, and founder of Nth Degree CPA. Known for his groundbreaking book Rigging the Game and the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan shares his unique approach to achieving financial certainty, navigating risks, and optimizing wealth for small business owners.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode here:

Challenging Traditional Financial Advice Through Rigging

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

→ The importance of creating and following your personal "money rules" for financial success

→ Why defining your "solvable problem" is essential for aligning wealth with life goals

→ How understanding risk and leveraging asymmetric opportunities can optimize financial outcomes

→ The critical distinction between maximizing and optimizing wealth strategies for entrepreneurs

→ How innovative tax strategies, such as sovereign tax credits, can drastically reduce tax liabilities

More from Dan Nicholson and Nth Degree CPA:

• Website: Nth Degree CPAs
• Podcast: (UN)Conventional Wealth
• Book: Rigging the Game: How to Achieve Financial Certainty, Navigate Risk and Make Money on Your Own Terms
• https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory sign up for Dan's newsletter!

Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion that challenges traditional financial wisdom and empowers you to take control of your financial future.

In this episode of Un(Conventional) Wealth, Dan Nicholson interviews Ilan Bracha, Founder and CEO of IB Global, who has sold nearly $10 billion in real estate and built a global network with asset portfolios exceeding $100 billion. From his early days with big dreams to becoming the #1 broker in New York City, Ilan shares how creativity, adaptability, and a strong team can transform your business approach. He also discusses the parallels between surfing, golf, and business and how maintaining a positive mindset helps him thrive in a dynamic market.

 5 Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability is key. In real estate and business, the Market and circumstances constantly change. Success lies in being creative and flexible.
2. The Power of a Strong Team: A small, focused, and value-driven team can achieve great results, even when managing billion-dollar portfolios.
3. Set Goals, Not Rankings: Rather than chasing titles, focus on achieving meaningful goals year after year.
4. Global Market Trends: New York remains a prime destination for international investors seeking stability and value in turbulent times.
5. Mindset is Everything: Positivity and resilience drive sustained success, even in the face of setbacks.

💬 Quotes from Ilan Bracha:

• "Success isn't about the number one spot; it's about hitting your goals every year and looking back to realize you've built something extraordinary."
• "In business, as in surfing, you’re always looking for the next wave—adapt, ride it, and enjoy the process."
• 
  

Sign up for the Unconventional Wealth Newsletter: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory and take the assessment quiz.

In this episode, Dan discusses lessons from endurance sports, “wealth types,” and actionable insights into tax planning. He also explores the evolving accounting landscape, including the influence of AI, and provides advice on how professionals can stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

Whether you're a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or financial enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable tips for navigating the intersection of money, strategy, and adaptability.

In this episode, host Dan Nicholson sits down with Jeff Luc, retired NFL linebacker, and Rei Rocha, marketing and advertising professional, to discuss their Miami-based venture, Chaser Water. Combining their expertise in sports and branding, Jeff and Rei aim to provide an all-natural hydration solution sourced from deep-sea minerals. They share the story behind the creation of Chaser, insights into their growth strategy, and how their product redefines hydration for athletes and everyday consumers. They also highlight the challenges and rewards of competing in a crowded beverage market while staying true to their mission of promoting wellness and balance.

Key Takeaways:

Innovation through Deep Sea Minerals: Chaser Water is the first product leveraging deep sea minerals, which provide 92 essential trace minerals and electrolytes for superior hydration.

A Dual-Purpose Product, Chaser Water caters to athletes seeking optimal performance and individuals looking to stay balanced during social occasions.

Unique Hydration Approach: The product offers a convenient solution that replaces the need for bulky water jugs. It features drops that enhance any beverage with maximum hydration benefits.

Founders’ Synergy: Jeff Luc brings his sports background and competitive mindset, while Rei Rocha applies his branding expertise to create a standout product in a crowded market.

Commitment to Growth: The company is focused on expanding distribution and collaborating with athletes, social venues, and wellness communities.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The ocean is a healer… our minerals go deeper than surface-level hydration. This is a wellness product.” — Rei Rocha
• 
  
• “You don’t need a gallon of water to stay hydrated anymore. With Chaser, you get hydration that works on a cellular level.” — Jeff Luc

Ready to experience hydration on a whole new level? Visit chaserwater.com to learn more about the benefits of deep sea minerals and order your own Chaser Water. Whether you’re hitting the gym, the field, or the dance floor, Chaser has you covered. Don’t forget to share your experience and tag @ChaserWater on social media!

In this episode, Dan Nicholson chats with Eric Malka about his journey from bootstrapping a small business to building a multi-million dollar brand and selling it to Procter & Gamble. Eric shares hard-won insights into the power of disciplined execution, building an accountability system, and creating an entrepreneurial culture. He also opens up about his emotional journey after selling his business, including navigating personal wellness and transitioning from entrepreneur to investor.

✨ Key Takeaways:

• 💡 Execution is Everything: It’s not the idea but how you bring it to life that creates a lasting impact.
• 🚀 Culture of Ownership: Empower your team to feel like business owners, fostering accountability and passion for growth.
• 🧠 Mindset Shift Post-Success: Achieving business goals doesn’t always bring happiness. Sometimes, it prompts deeper self-reflection.
• 💰 From Builder to Investor: The mindset shift from business operator to wealth preserver is crucial for long-term success.
• 🌱 Supporting the Next Generation: Eric’s focus now is on mentoring young entrepreneurs to help them overcome obstacles and create meaningful change.

📣 Notable Quote:

“Success isn’t just about making the right decisions—it’s about executing them with excellence.”

📍 Where to Find Eric:

Eric’s book On the Razor’s Edge is available on Amazon. Learn more about Eric’s work at ericmalka.com.

In this compelling episode, Dan Nicholson sits down with Mark Divine, retired Navy SEAL and founder of Unbeatable Mind, to explore how lessons from elite military training apply to entrepreneurship. They delve into the discipline, resilience, and emotional awareness necessary for high-stakes environments and how entrepreneurs can cultivate these qualities to thrive in a volatile, uncertain world.

Key Takeaways:

• Earn Your "A" Game Daily: Just as SEALs show up every day at peak performance, entrepreneurs need to consistently bring their best, treating each day as a new mastery project.
• Embrace Resilience in Failure: Mark shares that failure isn’t an option in SEAL training—it’s a stepping stone for learning. This mindset helps entrepreneurs learn and adapt instead of fearing setbacks.
• Purpose over Ego: Ego-driven goals are detrimental in the military and business. Mark explains why a more profound purpose is essential to sustain motivation, especially during challenging times.
• Double-Loop Learning and the OODA Loop: Adopting iterative reflection and the Observe-Orient-Decide-Act loop helps entrepreneurs stay agile and avoid rigidity in fast-paced environments.
• Daily and Evening Rituals: Implementing consistent practices, like Mark’s “evening debrief,” can enhance performance and apparent regrets and keep energy focused on goals.

Quote: “Failure is expected, but it’s how you respond and learn from it that counts. In both life and business, resilience is about bouncing back smarter and stronger.”

Learn More: Find Mark Divine's books, podcast, and training on mental development at MarkDivine.com and explore the 30-day Unbeatable Mind Challenge at unbeatablemind.com/challenge.

In this episode of (UN)Conventional Wealth, guest host Dan Nicholson speaks with Jeff Panik, author of Your Future Is Now: A Guide to Mastering Your Finances and Independence. Jeff shares insights into the importance of financial literacy, particularly for younger generations, and how his experiences shaped his approach to personal finance. They discuss the financial challenges many face today, including the impact of inflation, retirement planning, and how financial avoidance can lead to long-term issues. Jeff emphasizes practical steps for building financial independence and mastering key financial decisions, from budgeting to business valuation.

Key Takeaways:

1. 📚 Financial literacy is crucial: Jeff highlights the lack of financial education in schools and how understanding basic financial principles can set the foundation for a successful future.
2. 💸 Debt awareness is essential: Many young adults don’t fully grasp the consequences of taking on debt, especially student loans, and need to be better informed before making financial commitments.
3. 🎯 Plan for the future early: Jeff advocates for preparing early for retirement and major life expenses by making informed financial decisions and saving sooner rather than later.
4. 🏦 Business valuation is vital: For small business owners, knowing the value of your business and planning for eventual sale or succession is critical to ensure a smooth financial transition.
5. 📊 Manage your financial mindset: The emotional aspect of money management, including the influence of psychological biases, plays a large role in economic decisions. Understanding your "money rules" is key to making better choices.

Quote from Jeff Panik: "Financial literacy isn’t just about making more money—it's about mastering the basics, like understanding the difference between a checking account and a savings account. Without this foundation, managing larger financial responsibilities becomes a challenge."

How to Reach Jeff Panik: You can learn more about Jeff Panik and his work by visiting jeffreypanik.com or explore his financial guidance at Balance Wealth Management.

In this episode, Dan Nicholson sits down with Justin Bookey, a global ping pong player, US Open medalist, and best-selling author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life. Justin shares his journey from competitive table tennis to the business world, revealing how the strategies he mastered on the ping pong table can be applied to business leadership and life challenges. He highlights the importance of rhythm, the "ready position," and how success in sports translates into everyday leadership.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• ✔️ Master the "ready position": Always stay prepared to react effectively to challenges, both in sports and in business.
• ✔️ Embrace rhythm: Every action, whether in life or business, has its rhythm. Master yours and adapt to others.
• ✔️ Learn from losses, not just wins: Just like in ping pong, your failures in business can teach you more than your successes.
• ✔️ Trust your instincts: After mastering the fundamentals, rely on your natural reactions and intuition in high-pressure situations.
• ✔️ Ping-pong principles apply everywhere. The leadership lessons from ping-pong extend to business, relationships, and personal development.

💬 Quotes from Justin:

• "Ping pong is chess at 80 miles an hour. You need to think several moves ahead while reacting in real-time."
• "If you’re ready, you don’t have to get ready. Mastering the 'ready position' in life opens doors to success."

📱 How to Reach Justin:

• Visit Justin’s website at pingpongleadership.com
• Connect with Justin Bookey on LinkedIn.

🎧 Conclusion:

Ping pong isn’t just a game—it’s a life and leadership strategy. Tune in to hear Justin Bookey share how the principles from this fast-paced sport can transform the way you lead in business and life.

In this episode, host Dan Nicholson talks with Alex Wisch, an inspiring entrepreneur who has turned adversity into opportunity. From being a champion in sailboat racing to experiencing homelessness and severe depression, Alex shares his journey of resilience and personal transformation. Today, he is a thought leader on LinkedIn, a coach to entrepreneurs, and a mental health advocate, helping others unlock their potential. Alex reveals how consistency, mental strength, and purpose led him to thrive in both business and life.

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Control what you can: Sailboat racing taught Alex to focus on consistency, a lesson that has applied throughout his life.
• ✅ Burnout vs. Depression: Understanding the difference can help you determine when to take a break and when to seek deeper support.
• ✅ Pivotal moment: An 11-hour bike ride became Alex’s turning point, proving that mental resilience can be built even in the darkest times.
• ✅ Physical challenges for mental growth: From ultra-races to fitness feats, Alex uses physical challenges to overcome mental pain.
• ✅ LinkedIn success: Alex grew his LinkedIn presence to 37 million impressions, using the platform to inspire a global audience and save lives.

Memorable Quote:

“Adversity brings opportunities, and when you look at a situation differently, you find strengths that make you authentic and different.”

How to Reach Alex Wisch:

🔗 Connect with Alex on LinkedIn: Alex Wisch LinkedIn

In this episode of (UN) Conventional Wealth, Dan Nicholson sits down with Blake Grewal, the creator of Bold Growth, to discuss the critical role of customer experience in business growth. Blake shares insights on balancing technology and human interaction, using data to drive satisfaction, and creating empathy-driven customer experiences. He also discusses lessons from endurance sports and how they apply to entrepreneurship. Listen in as Blake reveals how service-based companies, financial services, and contingency law firms can transform their customer journeys by focusing on simplicity, empathy, and data.

5 Key Takeaways:

• Empathy-driven innovations are vital to creating customer-centric services that resonate emotionally and practically with clients.
• Data is invaluable for customer satisfaction, but many businesses are not utilizing it properly—organizing and analyzing it is crucial for growth.
• A growth mindset, derived from endurance sports, can help entrepreneurs persist through challenges and simplify complex problems.
• Balancing tech and touch is critical—customers still value human interaction despite technological advances like AI.
• Quick wins and personalization build momentum and improve long-term retention in service-based businesses.

Quote from Blake:

"Building better customer experiences is the differentiator that will set you apart from the competition. It’s not about more leads; it’s about giving the leads you have an exceptional experience.”

How to Reach Blake Grewal:

Website: Bold Growth

LinkedIn: Blake Grewal

Summary: In this episode, Dan Nicholson interviews Tareq Salahi, a seasoned polo player, wine enthusiast, and founder of Hotels at Sea. Tareq shares his journey from growing up in Virginia’s horse and wine country to becoming a global ambassador for polo and luxury travel. He discusses how his passions for polo and wine led to the creation of unique travel experiences, integrating these elements into a global brand that offers exclusive events and luxury cruises for high-net-worth individuals. Tareq also explains the parallels between teamwork in polo and running a successful business, emphasizing the importance of delivering exceptional client experiences.

5 Key Takeaways:

1. Polo is not just for the elite—it’s an accessible sport with opportunities for anyone interested, regardless of financial status.
2. Tareq turned his passion for polo, wine, and travel into a high-end lifestyle brand that offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences for clients.
3. Teamwork, whether in polo or business, is essential for delivering outstanding results and creating memorable experiences.
4. Hotels at Sea combines luxury travel with exclusive events, offering clients unique opportunities like saber-opening champagne and landing helicopters on icebergs.
5. Tareq believes that success in both sports and business comes down to effective communication and building personal connections with clients.

2 Quotes:

1. “The biggest misconception about polo is that it's a sport only for the rich. In reality, it's an accessible and exciting game for everyone.”
2. “In polo and in business, it’s all about teamwork and creating unforgettable experiences for the people you’re working with.”

How to Reach the Guest: For more information about Tareq Salahi and the luxury events offered by Hotels at Sea, visit hotelsatsea.com or follow Hotels at Sea on Instagram.

In this episode of (UN)conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson talks with Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS, about the critical shifts entrepreneurs need to make to grow their businesses sustainably. Bradley shares his personal journey of burnout and heart palpitations, leading to a transformative identity shift from being a "Rainmaker" to becoming the "Architect" of his business. The conversation dives into Bradley's Scale framework and strategies to move from a hard-working operator to a strategic business owner with systems in place, helping companies to scale while maintaining personal freedom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Redlining Dangers: Entrepreneurs often overwork, leading to burnout. Bradley shares his journey of realizing the need to shift gears before hitting a physical and emotional breaking point.
2. From Rainmaker to Architect: Bradley emphasizes the importance of shifting from being the central person driving all sales to becoming the architect of the business, creating systems that allow it to scale without your constant involvement.
3. Scale Framework: Achieving business growth involves sustainable revenue, consistent profitability, leveraging time away, and efficient operations—all integral parts of Bradley’s Scale framework.
4. 12 Weeks Off: One goal in business should be to architect your year to take 12 weeks off while ensuring the business operates smoothly, emphasizing the need for proper systems and leverage.
5.  Rainmaker’s Dilemma: Entrepreneurs' biggest strength—being the Rainmaker—can turn into a debilitating weakness when it becomes a bottleneck to business growth.

Quote from Bradley Hamner:

"At some point, the thing that got you to where you are will no longer work. The pedal is literally to the floor. Now, what are you going to do?"

How to Reach Bradley Hamner:

• Website: https://www.blueprintos.com/about/
• Free Rainmaker to Architect Starter Kit available at the link above.

In this episode, Dan Nicholson speaks with Dr. Stephen Wangen, founder of the IBS Treatment Center, about his journey from general naturopathic medicine to becoming a leading specialist in IBS. Dr. Wangen discusses the challenges he faced in finding his niche, the complexities of treating IBS, and the role of innovation and perseverance in building a successful practice. He also shares valuable insights on maintaining resilience while adapting to industry changes and evolving patient needs. Dr. Wangen’s dedication to solving digestive health issues has helped countless individuals regain hope and health.

Key Takeaways:

1. Niche is essential: Dr. Wangen realized early on that specializing in IBS allowed him to stand out in a crowded field and provide deep expertise to his patients.
2. IBS is more than a label: Most people diagnosed with IBS receive little guidance beyond a general label, but Dr. Wangen’s approach digs deeper to find the underlying causes.
3. The importance of persistence: Whether in business or healthcare, being ahead of your time means pushing through challenges and continuously adapting.
4. Patient education is key: Dr. Wangen emphasizes the need to educate patients about their digestive issues, as they often don't receive sufficient explanations from general practitioners.
5. Personalized care wins: In an era of cookie-cutter healthcare, Dr. Wangen’s personalized approach offers a competitive edge, especially for those who have exhausted other options.

Quotes from Dr. Stephen Wangen:

1. "I specialize in treating IBS because I realized I needed a niche to truly succeed in my business."
2. "Our business model is unique—we help people get better, and then they’re gone. That’s the challenge, but also the reward."

How to Reach Dr. Stephen Wangen:

https://www.ibstreatmentcenter.com/about-us

Take the Assessment Test and sign up for newsletter from Dan Nicholson at https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

In this episode, Dan Nicholson interviews Wilson Kriegel, a serial entrepreneur and endurance athlete with a remarkable story. Wilson shares how he navigated adversity, founded multiple companies, and climbed some of the world’s toughest summits. He discusses his unique approach to managing risk, balancing physical and intellectual challenges, and how embracing neuroplasticity helped him transform his life from a challenging childhood to becoming a high achiever. This conversation dives into resilience, mindset, and the importance of continually evolving, both in life and business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Starting Over Builds Resilience: Wilson emphasizes the power of starting over and pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations to grow stronger mentally and physically.
2. Risk Is Inevitable: According to Wilson, not taking risks is the greatest risk of all. Embracing risk leads to the most meaningful accomplishments in life.
3. Physical Challenges Enhance Mental Strength: Wilson found that his physical endeavors in endurance sports helped shape his intellectual growth and success in business.
4. Accountability Is Key: Personal accountability and resilience are foundational for overcoming adversity and reaching new heights in both personal and professional realms.
5. Constant Learning and Evolving: Wilson stresses the importance of never becoming stagnant and continually evolving both your mindset and skill set to succeed at higher levels.

Quote from Wilson Kriegel:

"The biggest risk of it all is the regret of not living things that you can live and achieve. The burden of that is unbearable."

How to Reach Wilson Kriegel:

You can connect with Wilson Kriegel via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsondk/

Be sure to take the wealth assessment quiz and sign up for Dan's newsletter: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

In this episode, Dan Nicholson interviews Bryan Kuderna, a Certified Financial Planner and author, about the impact of economic trends and political policies on personal finance. Bryan offers insights on staying focused amidst market uncertainties, understanding the potential implications of tax policies, and the importance of long-term planning.

Key Takeaways:

1. Election Impact: Focus on long-term goals rather than short-term political changes.
2. Tax Policy: Stay informed but avoid overreacting to proposed tax changes.
3. National Debt: Addressing entitlement programs is crucial for economic stability.
4. Simplified Advice: Clear, simple financial strategies lead to long-term success.
5. Immigration's Role: Balanced immigration policies are key to sustained economic growth.

Quote from Bryan Kuderna:

"If you want to live many lives, read many books. But if you want to live forever, write." — Bryan Kuderna

How to Reach Bryan Kuderna:

Visit bryankuderna.com to subscribe to his newsletter and follow his podcast, The Kuderna Podcast. Connect on social media @bkuderna.

Take the Assessment Test and sign up for newsletter from Dan Nicholson at https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

In this episode of "(UN) Conventional Wealth," host Dan Nicholson sits down with Nathalia Rojas, the CEO & Co-Founder of 2FIT BRANDS. Nathalia shares her inspiring journey from competitive gymnastics to founding a company dedicated to creating vegan, keto-friendly, gluten-free snacks that are as delicious as they are healthy. She discusses how her background in gymnastics influenced her approach to wellness and sustainability, and how she turned her passion into a thriving business. Nathalia also explores the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and offers valuable insights into building a brand that aligns with personal values and global trends.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Purpose: Nathalia emphasizes the importance of aligning your business with a strong personal mission, which can drive success and fulfillment.
• Sustainable Snacking: Learn how 2FIT BRANDS is revolutionizing the snack industry with its commitment to health and sustainability.
• Entrepreneurial Insights: Nathalia shares her tips for overcoming obstacles, staying motivated, and growing a successful business.
• Gymnastics to Business: Discover how Nathalia’s athletic background provided her with the discipline and resilience needed to excel in the business world.

Quote from Nathalia:

"Creating a product that not only tastes good but also supports a healthier planet is what drives me every day."

How to Reach Nathalia Rojas:

Connect with Nathalia Rojas on LinkedIn or visit the 2FIT BRANDS website at www.2fitbrands.com to learn more about her mission and products.

In this episode of (UN) Conventional Wealth, host Dan Nicholson dives deep with Alex Neist, a former professional quarterback who has successfully transitioned into entrepreneurship. Alex founded Hostage Tape, a company revolutionizing the sleep aid industry. He shares his compelling journey from the gridiron to the boardroom, detailing how his athletic background shaped his business acumen. This episode is packed with valuable insights into the mindset and strategies that can transform athletic success into entrepreneurial achievement.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Leveraging Athletic Mindset: Discover how Alex harnessed the discipline, resilience, and competitive nature developed in sports to thrive in the business world.

✅ Market Disruption: Learn how Alex identified a common yet overlooked problem and turned a simple idea into a thriving, market-leading business.

✅ Strategic Growth: Understand the importance of brand differentiation and the bold decisions that helped Hostage Tape stand out in the crowded sleep aid market.

✅ Overcoming Challenges: Gain insights into the unique obstacles faced when transitioning from professional sports to entrepreneurship and how Alex successfully navigated them.

Quote from Alex Neist:

"I’ve always believed that the discipline and drive I developed as an athlete are the same qualities that fuel my success in business. It’s about pushing through challenges and constantly striving to be the best."

How to Reach the Guest:

To learn more about Alex Neist and Hostage Tape, visit HostageTape.com or connect with him on LinkedIn at Alex Neist.

Be sure to visit https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/ and take the wealth assessment and sign up for Dan's newsletter! 

Jedidiah Collins’ eclectic story began with a record-breaking stint in college football at Washington State. He then spent 8 years in the NFL, much of which was spent with the Saints. The wealth of knowledge and strategy he gained there unexpectedly carried over to a financial planning career with industry giant Brighton Jones. Ever evolving, Jedidiah got involved with speaking and started the Rookie to Veteran podcast, dedicating himself to teaching others the ins and outs of financial fitness.

On this episode of the (UN) Conventional Wealth podcast, host Dan Nicholson and Jedidiah share insights on topics ranging from the lessons we can take from Drew Brees’ practice rituals to how journaling connects you to your loved ones and yourself and the critical importance of beginning with the end in mind.

What You’ll Learn

👉 How incremental gains add up to a lofty goal

👉 Why following the process will bring the results to you

👉 What Oreos have to do with your spending habits

Favorite Quote

“I can steal inches daily. And that’s how I’m truly going to add up and get to the ultimate objective, is by identifying, where are those marginal gains I can go and get?”

• Jedidiah Collins

Connect with Jedidiah Collins

🔗 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedidiah-collins/

Website: https://jedidiahcollins.com/

How to Get Involved

🚀 Take the Wealth Type Assessment at https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/.

Justin and Michelle DeMers met in college as fellow art students. As they built their first photography business together, they realized that simple beauty isn’t enough to sustain actual meaning or satisfying success. There has to be more. The two of them combined their strengths—Justin’s vision and Michelle’s organizational mind—and created a life and a way forward filled with success and impact as they define it.

On this episode of the (UN) Conventional Wealth podcast, Dan sits down with Justin and Michelle to discuss the path they took into a world of independent creativity, how putting in the effort to connect deeply with clients changes the game, and structuring a business (and therefore a life) that helps you play your own game to the best of your ability. Listen in to embrace what makes your way the best way.

What You’ll Learn 

• Why Michelle and Justin believe that beauty should be backed up by substance - and how it impacted their business in the early days
• How to gather social proof from clients without damaging the relationship by making it transactional
• Why seemingly risky choices may actually be a necessary, and safer than you think, part of your upward trajectory
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Take a pause and make sure that you're actually going in the direction that you want, not the direction that others may think is more attractive or impressive. And make sure you've got good support to help you make the change when change seems hard or when it's uncertain. But if you can see that where your path is taking you is not where you want to be, you need to make a change somehow.”

- Justin and Michelle DeMers

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
•  Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

In this episode, we sit down with Rustin Yasavolian, the second-generation CEO of Messina Diamonds in Atlanta. Rustin shares how his background in competitive soccer and bodybuilding has influenced his approach to running a successful family-owned jewelry business. He highlights the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, effective client communication, and continuous improvement. Rustin's journey from the sports field to the business world provides valuable insights into the transferable skills that contribute to entrepreneurial success.

Key Takeaways:

• ⚽ Sports Skills in Business: The discipline, teamwork, and competitiveness developed in sports are directly applicable to running a business.
• 💡 Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Successfully integrating new ideas with established practices is crucial for long-term success in family businesses.
• 📞 Effective Client Communication: Proactive communication throughout the custom design process ensures client satisfaction and prevents misunderstandings.
• 🔄 Continuous Improvement: The mindset of constant refinement and creativity in bodybuilding parallels the approach needed for business growth.
• 💼 Reinvesting for Growth: Investing profits back into the business, focusing on technology, marketing, and hiring, yields substantial returns.

Quote from Rustin: "I would rather make less money on the front end but produce something great for you because that turns into free advertisement for me."

How to Reach Rustin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rustin-yasavolian-06ba78bb

Be sure to subscribe to Dan Nicholson's newsletter: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

Guest Spotlight: Dan Barrett

Dan Barrett is an artist and an online real estate marketer by trade. As the founder of AdWords Nerds, he combines his creativity with his business acumen to help others live more fulfilling lives.

Episode Highlights

In this episode of the (UN) Conventional Wealth podcast, Dan and Dan discuss:

• Creativity Meets Analysis: Exploring how their personalities blend creativity with analytical skills and how bias can affect which trait is more dominant.
• Preference vs. Binary: The pivotal moment Dan Barrett realized the importance of this concept in his SEO work and the key questions he now asks to ensure he’s making the best decisions.
• Intentional Writing: Consistent, purposeful writing has transformed Dan Barrett's life, work, and sense of self.

Key Takeaways

• Paths to Success: Discover why Dan Barrett views creativity and analysis as means to achieve the same goal, emphasizing that the result is more important than the method.
• Standing Out: Learn why mimicking your competition won’t give you an edge and how to pivot to carve your path.
• Embracing Rebellion: Hear about Dan Barrett’s journey to harness his rebellious streak and evolve into his best self.

Memorable Quote

“There is so much more in life that is preference than binary, right? So much more of reality is open to your influence than you think. And that's really, really fun and a little exciting and a little scary sometimes. But it's liberating in the deepest sense of the word.”

— Dan Barrett

Check out Dan's website: https://adwordsnerds.com/

Visit Dan Nicholson’s website and Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals.

Enjoyed the podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and appreciate your help in spreading the word! Also, don’t miss out on more insights and updates—join our newsletter today!

Randy Massengale is an educator and coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners succeed with strategies, philosophies, and habits tailored to their unique blend of creativity and expertise. He has shared his insights with industry giants like Intel and Microsoft and is an avid reader with a passion for self-education.

In this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Randy delve into why mentorship is crucial for success, the difference between I-shaped and T-shaped people, and the art of staying in your lane. Tune in to start growing on your own terms.

What You’ll Learn

• Why formal education isn’t completely useless
• How doing the research changes the game
• What to do about the energy-sucking people in your life
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“I bring back the creativity as a coach, I'm trying to bring back the creativity and then have you do it within context. You may do it within the financial world. Someone else may do it within technology. Someone else may do it within fashion, but there's still this creativity that we want to bring to bear on it rather than we just reinforce rules all the time.”

- Randy Massengale

Connect with Randy Massengale

• SPU.edu - Bio of Randy
• Seattle University
• LinkedIn

How to Get Involved

Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPAs and Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. Rig the game to win and set the outcomes you want in life and business. Get closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast?

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love hearing your feedback and would appreciate your help in spreading the word!

 In this episode of the (UN)Conventional Wealth podcast, host Dan Nicholson interviews James Chester, a passionate advocate for holistic health and professional integrity. 

James has dedicated his career to amplifying the voice of a niche profession, ensuring its true potential is recognized and respected. They discuss the journey of transforming misconceptions, the vital role of philosophy in professional practice, and the blend of old-school and new-school marketing strategies that drive business success. Listeners will gain insights into building a sustainable and impactful business while staying true to core values and philosophies.

Key Takeaways:

• Public perception can be expanded through clear and consistent messaging.
• A strong philosophical foundation provides resilience and purpose.
• Each practitioner’s unique approach adds value to their services.
• Combine traditional community engagement with modern digital marketing.
• Sharing success stories can change public perception and attract clients.

Tune in to learn how to harness the power of philosophy, artistry, and strategic marketing to build a thriving and impactful business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your practice.

Reach out to James Chester on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-chester/

🎙️ Join host Dan Nicholson as he engages in a compelling conversation with guest Andy Neary, former professional athlete and founder of Complete Game Consulting. This episode sheds light on the crucial mindset shifts from sports to entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience in overcoming business challenges, and how lessons from competitive sports translate into entrepreneurial success.

5 Key Takeaways:

🧠 Mindset Over Mechanics: Transitioning from competitive sports to business requires significant mental adjustments, focusing on long-term growth over short-term wins.

🚀 The Infinite Game: Viewing business as a continuous journey encourages a focus on ongoing improvement and enduring success.

💡 Conquering Fears: Strategies for overcoming fears of judgment and failure are essential for both personal and professional growth.

🔍 Effective Targeting: Understanding your audience and crafting precise messaging is crucial for impactful marketing and operations.

🏋️ Relentless Effort: Similar to training for an Ironman, successful entrepreneurship demands unwavering dedication and persistence.

Memorable Quotes from Andy Neary:

"Persistence in the face of challenges is key—whether on the sports field or in the business arena."

"Detaching from immediate outcomes to focus on sustained effort has revolutionized my approach to business."

Connect with Andy Neary:

• LinkedIn: Visit Andy's LinkedIn
• Website: Complete Game Consulting

Stay Connected and Informed with Unconventional Wealth:

🌟 For more insights and strategies from leaders like Andy, subscribe to our newsletter.

Visit the host Dan Nicholson’s website to sign up for exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here!

Discover the Unique Way You’re Designed to Build Wealth - take the free assessment here! https://assessment.wealthtype.com/

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- The Power of Selective Investor Choices in Growth

- Balanced Decision-Making for Entrepreneurial Success

- Strategic Financial Decision Making for Long-Term Success

- Private Credit: The Rise of a Robust Asset Class

- The Importance of Rational Decision-Making in Business Growth

Guest Contact Info:  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-chu/

Summary:

In this episode, Glenn Dawson, a certified functional trainer with over 15 years of experience, discusses his transformative approach to fitness and health coaching. Through his Reset You program, Glenn focuses on addressing the root causes of physical issues such as hormone imbalances and muscular misalignments rather than just treating symptoms. His program integrates physical therapy, nutritional guidance, and neurological reprogramming to ensure clients experience pain relief and weight loss within the first month. Glenn shares how his personal journey through injury and depression has shaped his mission to help others achieve their best selves, particularly fellow entrepreneurs and fathers. His emphasis on lasting impact over financial gain and fostering a strong team culture sets him apart in the fitness industry.

Key Takeaways:

• 🌱 Root Cause Focus: Glenn’s Reset You program targets the root causes of physical damage, including hormone imbalances and muscular misalignments, for long-lasting results.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Comprehensive Approach: The program combines physical therapy, nutritional guidance, and neurological reprogramming to create personalized fitness plans.
• 🔍 Assessment Techniques: Glenn uses techniques like the broomstick squat test to identify muscular imbalances, leading to improved joint function and athletic performance.
• 💪 Mindset Matters: Emphasizing mindset and the 80/20 approach for habit change helps clients achieve fast and sustainable results.
• 🛠️ Team Culture: Glenn prioritizes a strong team culture focused on continuous improvement, accountability, and accepting challenging feedback.
• 🚀 Industry Impact: Shifting focus from monetary success to impactful growth, Glenn aims to revolutionize the fitness industry and create meaningful change.

How to Reach Glenn Dawson:

• Instagram: @ResetYouFitness
• Facebook: Reset YouFitness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-dawson-98205414/

Take the wealth assessment and sign up for Dan's newsletter: https://www.unconventionalwealth.cash/newsletter-directory

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Captivating Audiences Through Compelling Storytelling

- Effective Marketing on a Budget: Practical Strategies

- Profitable Narratives: Marketing Success through Storytelling

- Low-Cost Tools for High-Impact Marketing Success

- The hidden connection between magic and business revealed

Guest Contact Info:  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethgreene/

Before joining the City of Gresham in 2019, Larry held the esteemed position of Director of Citizen Engagement and Inclusion at the Oregon Secretary of State's office. In this capacity, he spearheaded numerous statewide initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to fostering inclusivity and civic engagement within the community.

Listen to this informative UnConventional Wealth Podcast episode with Larry Morgan on the Art of Making Memories: Lessons in Wealth and Happiness

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-Understanding the difference between cost and value in financial management

-Emphasizing common ground and problem-solving in politics and public service

-Prioritizing investing in memories over material possessions for a fulfilling life

-Building impactful connections and collaborations in the political landscape

-Embracing spontaneity and taking risks to create lasting memories and connections

Guest Contact Info:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-morgan-35349832/

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- The Resilience and Tenacity of a Cancer Survivor

- The Power of Listening to Client Needs in Business

- The Impact of Personal Conviction in Providing Advice

- Client-Centric Financial Advising Principles

- Finding Purpose Through Life's Challenges

Connect with Mike:

Links Mentioned: https://ichoselive.com/

Guest Contact Info:  

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-coy-r-f-c-c-p-b-a-865b9a58/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.coy.75033

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

-The Interconnectedness of Health and Business Success

-Balancing Self-Care in Healthcare Practice

-Unconventional approach in business & health, going against the norm to achieve results

-The importance of Like-Minded Community

-Following intuition and seeking solutions outside the traditional path

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Create diverse income streams for financial freedom 

- Focus on differentiation and innovation in business to stand out 

- Evaluate opportunities using the 'igakai' framework 

- Prioritize personal growth and self-awareness for attracting positive opportunities 

- Address limiting factors to pave the way for personal and professional growth

Jeremy and his wife, Brielle, co-founded Command Your Brand—a new media public relations agency designed to help entrepreneurs share their message by appearing as guests on podcasts.

Listen to this informative Unconventional Wealth Podcast episode with Jeremy Slate about commanding your brand and leveraging media for impact.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

- Recognizing the value of time and money in decision-making

- Significance of perseverance and resilience in achieving success

- Drawbacks of consumer debt and importance of tax strategies for financial stability

- Leveraging small pond strategies for media coverage and credibility

- Highlighting the significance of taking risks and following happiness

Links Mentioned: commandyourbrand.com

Guest Contact Info:

X: https://twitter.com/JeremyRyanSlate  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyryanslate/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jeremyryanslate/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ryan-slate-bb7b284a/ 

Jay Bhakta is a tax professional, business owner, and family man who is dedicated to helping young people learn strong lifelong practices around their finances, decisions, and overall confidence.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Jay go over the rhythms the tax industry goes through and how they have impacted Jay, viewing big decisions with a bias towards asymmetry to the upside, the barbell model of weighing choices, and how that model has helped Jay operate with more confidence without depending on just one business. Listen in to add another invaluable decision-making tool to your toolbox.

Key Takeaways

• How Jay began reevaluating his businesses in the context of his life as a husband and father.
• What Jay learned after making a big investment in a fitness center without stepping back to view the downsides.
• How Jay is turning his insight from CCA and the barbell method into a way to give young people the frameworks they’ll need to make better decisions throughout their lives.

Favorite Quote

“I feel very confident that I'm going to make sure that I compile and analyze, I do all the things I haven't done in the past, and all bets will be to the upside, and I will consider downsides from now on.”

• Jay Bhakta

Resources

Learn more about Jay Bhakta's Base Case n' Build program on The Success Finder.

Visit Dan Nicholson’s websites - Nth Degree CPAs to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. 

Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book Rigging the Game on Amazon. Interested in the Certainty Certified Advisor Program? Get the information you need at CertaintyU.com.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan lays out the fourth commandment — biasing asymmetry to the upside — including what placing your bias to the upside actually means, the backstory behind the phrase “burn the boats,” and why it doesn’t mean what you think it means, and the practice of considering the downsides of a decision up front in order to choose the best possible step forward. Listen in to break out of the work cycles that aren’t serving you. 

Key Takeaways

• Why the common advice of burning the boats doesn’t always work  
• What we miss when we constantly look for the upside and narrow our perspective
• How the middle-of-the-barbell system we embrace guarantees us a lifetime of unnecessary work

Favorite Quote

“At the end of the day, we're looking towards an orientation with the least amount of effort, least amount of risk, and most amount of options…When we're talking about asymmetry to the upside, when you violate this commandment, you're almost guaranteeing that you're going to take on the most amount effort, the most amount of risk.”

• Dan Nicholson

Resources

Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPAs and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. 

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book Rigging the Game on Amazon. Interested in the Certainty Certified Advisor Program? Get the information you need at CertaintyU.com.

 Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Paul Sparks is a lifelong innovator with a background that ranges from engineering to real estate to the blockchain. Now, Paul is focused on bridging the real estate and blockchain worlds through The Whale Club.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Paul break down how Paul came into entrepreneurship and why, the process of navigating trade-offs in your first couple of years in a new business and dealing with the urge to go fast and test out options, and how Paul used the barbell method to maximize the upside and minimize the risk involved in his projects. Join the conversation for an inside look at an entrepreneur who’s using the commandments we’ve covered to gain a massive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• How the pandemic made Paul take a step back and reevaluate what he really wanted to be doing with his life.
• How Paul’s family and social circle reacted to the biggest changes in his career (and how to manage the scrutiny and expectations you face when you buck convention).
• What Paul’s natural curiosity and his time in CCA and around other thinkers and innovators has given him in terms of perspective and the ability to identify and eliminate his blind spots.

Favorite Quote

“There's a trade-off to growing your business, to doing all these types of projects that suck your time and your energy out. Because resources are scarce. And we can't now allocate those to the things that really get me excited, which is innovation, which is doing something that's going to impact the world in a massive way.”

-Paul Sparks

Resources

 Connect with Paul Sparks

• The Whale Club
• Bunny Hill Properties

Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPAs and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. 

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book Rigging the Game on Amazon. Interested in the Certainty Certified Advisor Program? Get the information you need at CertaintyU.com.

 Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan covers the third commandment — every decision has an infinite number of trade-offs — including the TIMER acronym for all the currencies we have at our disposal, how to optimize before maximizing to find the most efficient path forward, and the consequences we run into when we don’t look at the trade-offs involved in our decisions. Join the conversation for another commandment that will help you play your game and achieve even more clarity.

Key Takeaways

• What possibilities we remove when we choose to invest in something, and how to use that concept to make better investments.
• Why the business school idea of “maximizing first” often won’t apply to you.
• How to recognize when you can turn a “no” opportunity into a “yes” opportunity, and what to evaluate as you make your decision.

Favorite Quote

“We tend to view these opportunities that we face through this lens of ‘more’ and maybe fear of missing out. And so what if I don't capitalize on this? What's going to happen?...But what is the trade off? What could I be doing that's going to be a better use of my precious resources, because they're scarce?”

-Dan Nicholson

Resources

Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPAs and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. 

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book Rigging the Game on Amazon. Interested in the Certainty Certified Advisor Program? Get the information you need at CertaintyU.com.

 Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Dan Barrett is an artist at heart and an online real estate marketer by trade, as well as the founder of AdWords Nerds. He combines both his creativity and his business skill sets to help those around him live more fulfilling lives.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Dan discuss the meeting of creativity and analytical skills in each of their personalities (and how bias can affect whether you primarily see one or the other), the moment Dan Barrett realized he needed to put the preference vs. binary concept into play in his SEO work, plus the questions he now asks himself to figure out whether he’s making the best decisions possible, and how intentional, consistent writing has changed Dan Barrett’s life, work, and sense of self for the better. Tune in for an episode that will begin to break down your boundaries and help you mold your life in a way that works for you.

Key Takeaways

• Why Dan Barrett sees both creativity and analysis as paths to get to the same place — and why the end goal matters more than how you get there.
• Why following the same checklist and practices as your competition won’t put you ahead of the game, and how to change your direction.
• How Dan Barrett learned to embrace his rebellious streak and evolve beyond it to sculpt the best possible version of himself.

Favorite Quote

“There is so much more in life that is preference than binary, right? So much more of reality is open to your influence than you think. And that's really, really fun and a little exciting and a little scary sometimes. But it's liberating in the deepest sense of the word.”

-Dan Barrett

Resources

Connect with Dan Barrett

• AdWords Nerds
• Better Questions
• Get a copy of Dan Barrett's book, Break Free Of Your Rut: 10 Steps To Discovering And Breaking The Patterns That Dominate Your Life

Don’t forget to check out Dan’s book Rigging the Game on Amazon. Interested in the Certainty Certified Advisor Program? Get the information you need at CertaintyU.com.

 Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan digs into commandment number two, or understanding the difference between preference and a binary view of right and wrong. 

He breaks down the freedom that comes with a world based on your preferences, recommendations to help you avoid a guilt spiral as you navigate preference-based questions, and how to recognize and push through the peaks and valleys of all your endeavors. Listen in for a perspective-shifting look at how we answer life’s most important questions.

Key Takeaways

• Why starting any question with “Should I?” puts you at a disadvantage.
• How the willingness to change your mind gets you closer to your goals and priorities.
• What you need to acknowledge about yourself to progress past “fake guru” status.

Favorite Quote

“We tend to view the world as if there's just a right and wrong in almost everything that we're dealing with. But the reality is that most of the questions that we're asking ourselves about business and life are not right and wrong. It's a preference… It depends on what you want.” 

Resources

Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from Dan's private Telegram Channel here.

Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Intro Music by: The Marshall Law Band. 

Ben Frank and his wife Joyce are dedicated to helping kids (and humans in general) reach their highest potential through athletic programs and education initiatives including the Play Big Project. 

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Ben discuss the advantages and challenges of running a business with your spouse–including letting each set of talents shine, not only deciding what you want but accepting what you want, and how being committed to playing your game and letting go of the outcome changes every relationship you have, from your partners to your clients to your family. Tune in for an episode that will revamp how you show up in business and in life.

Key Takeaways

• What Ben and Joyce realized about dividing their strengths and passions versus bringing them together, and how they changed course to become better than ever.
• How Ben learned to reject a black-and-white view of business opportunities and worked to mold them to his priorities instead.
• How letting go of your limiting beliefs and need for “more” opens up a world of options and opportunities you never knew existed.

Favorite Quote

“When you can interact that way with people, you're coming from a place of abundance rather than scarcity and confidence rather than fear…all of a sudden, it just leads to things that you didn't think were possible starting to present themselves.”

-Ben Frank

Resources

Learn more about Coach Ben Frank at https://linktr.ee/CoachBenFrank

Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from his private Telegram Channel here.

Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Intro Music by: The Marshall Law Band. 

Renee Metty is devoted to helping humans live their lives with more ease. From helping preschoolers build strong foundations for a mindful life to coaching adults through life and leadership without harmful conditioning, Renee guides her students in getting out of their own way and back to their natural state.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan sits down with Renee to take a look at Renee’s own journey of self-discovery and how she began to move away from her Type-A tendencies, the inflection point she encountered when she began embracing “closer vs. more,” and why that one commandment alone just isn’t enough. Listen in for a breath of fresh air and plenty of much-needed insight.

What You’ll Learn

• Why Renee’s natural state of being is so intriguing to hard-driving entrepreneurs
• How to get comfortable with the idea that priorities don’t have to be permanent
• How Renee’s kids have played an active part in keeping her on track and in line with her goals.

Favorite Quote

“I thought…there's got to be something where people don't have to suffer so much. And I knew I wasn't going to take away suffering. But I figured there was something to ease the burden of it.”

Resources

Learn more about Renee Metty at https://www.withpause.com/

Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from his private Telegram Channel here.

Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Intro Music by: The Marshall Law Band. 

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan lays out the first commandment in achieving certainty, closer vs. more, the “more” mindset we’ve been conditioned to follow, how to use your mental flowchart to make decisions based on your actual priorities, and thinking in terms of relative change as you get closer to what you want out of life. Listen in for the clarity you need to start achieving certainty.

Key Takeaways

• Why money isn’t the only currency that matters
• How to filter out the actions and paths that won’t bring you closer to what you really want
• How following this first commandment gives you back your time, energy, and resources.

Favorite Quote

“The game is, recover, reallocate, resources, because we want to put in the least amount of effort, least amount of risk, and have the most amount of options.” - Dan Nicholson

How To Get Involved

Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from Dan's private Telegram Channel here.

Learn more about Rigging the Game book at www.riggingthegame.com/book

Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Intro Music by: The Marshall Law Band. 

Key Takeaways

• Defining what certainty is for your life.
• Overview of the Certainty Operating System.
• Why our tendency is to orient towards "more" as individuals.
• Taking the most efficient path forward with optimization.
• The backstory to "burning the boats".
• What it means to play your game, and achieve certainty on your terms.

Resources

• Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from Dan's private Telegram Channel here.
• Rigging the Game Book is now available, learn more at www.riggingthegame.com/book
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word! Intro Music by: The Marshall Law Band. 

Key Takeaways

• Interviews with Graduates from CCA discussing how they've applied core principles to their life.
• Expect a breakdown of the 4 Commandments to Financial Certainty

Resources

• Visit CertaintyU.com to Learn More about joining the CCA Program (Certified Certainty Advisor) or get updates from Dan's private Telegram Channel here.
• Learn more about Dan's Book at www.riggingthegame.com/book
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Tony Banta is the co-founder of the Client Success System, along with his wife Suzanne, and the host of The Client Whisperer™ Show. The entire process is designed to provide business owners with not only the systems, but the behavioral shifts they need to optimize their clients’ journeys and get them incredible results. 

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Tony discuss the practice of recognizing the systems that govern everything in order to optimize for the best possible outcomes, taking a fluid, process-based approach to making changes within your business (or even your clients) as opposed to a binary approach, ensuring that the help you give your clients lasts in the long term, and why your systems will remain useless if you don’t have a strong focus on value creation. Join in for a necessary reality check on what your clients actually need. 

What You’ll Learn 

• What the signs in a company’s bathroom can tell you about the culture of the organization itself
• How to troubleshoot the standard process to fit the results to your client’s needs (because we don’t all fit perfectly into the average)
• Why treating your clients like the boss is a disservice to you and them, and the process Tony uses to prevent this issue entirely
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“I quickly found that the best code, the best software solutions were powerless in the face of dysfunctional leadership and dysfunctional organizational structures. And as a systems engineer, that bothered me. So that spurred the next decade of my career of getting out from behind the computer to figure out what makes leaders and teams and organizations tick.”

- Tony Banta

Connect with Tony Banta: 

• The Client Whisperer™ Show

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Mark Fujiwara was raised to run a business. From early childhood, he was witness to the inner workings of his family’s restaurant - and when that restaurant eventually shut down, Mark took what he had learned and applied it to his budding career as a stockbroker and his general love of numbers. From there, he went on to found what he refers to as a “family office,” through which he provides the highest possible level of service to each and every client, going far deeper than simple accounting. 

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Mark and Dan dig into the process of figuring out the “point” of what you’re doing for your client and focusing in on the one or two things that matter most to them, the unconventional methods Mark has used to excel at a given task (even something as small as selling pork buns), and how to engineer your conversations with clients to get beyond “more money” and dive into the heart of what they really want for themselves. Tune in to take your client service to the next level, and the next.

What You’ll Learn 

• What gross food-eating contests have to teach us about the art of rigging the game
• How Mark assembled his team of professionals, from physicians to air travel experts, to better serve his people
• Why working remotely during COVID-19 actually lends us a huge advantage in one very important way
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“It's not the technical strategies, all the sophisticated, complex solutions you can do for clients. What really matters is delivering what exactly the client wants. And in doing this process over and over again, I found that my real value is understanding who the people I’m dealing with, what they really want and need and just really dive in deep into all the insights of their goals and their needs, situation, concerns, anxieties, what they really want to accomplish.”

- Mark Fujiwara

Connect with Mark Fujiwara: 

• Markfujiwara.com

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

It goes without saying that most of the unconventional people in the world don't fit into any one mold, and Chris Small is no exception. Originally an attorney, Chris found that his interests lay less in the law and more in the realms of building systems, sharing his wisdom with other law firm owners and creating high-quality content. Currently, Chris owns a law firm alongside his consulting business, and a media agency, all of which tie together what fills Chris up and drives him forward. 

This episode of the Rigging the Game podcast features Dan and Chris discussing how Chris landed where he is now by "scratching his own itch," how to decide what it is that you actually want, in business and in life, and resisting the "yo-yo" mentality in order to set up sustainable, fulfilling habits that take you where you want to go. Listen in to find your ideal and start pursuing it. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why the common image of a business that goes from 0-100 very quickly is misleading
• How to start to navigate the pressures and comparisons of those around you to get to what makes you happy and fulfilled
• What philosophies Chris has in mind that make up his idea of a perfect day
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“You have to take some action. If you want to see results in your life, you have to be willing to put some work in and find a way to enjoy the process. You have to find some way to be able to wake up every day and do the things that you need to do to get to where you want to go.”

- Chris Small

Connect with Chris Small: 

• Unconventionalattorney.com

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Justin and Michelle DeMers met in college as fellow art students, and as they built their first photography business together, they came to realize that simple beauty isn’t enough to sustain actual meaning or satisfying success. There has to be more. The two of them combined their strengths - Justin’s vision and Michelle’s organizational mind - and created a life and a way forward filled with success and impact as they define it.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan sits down with Justin and Michelle to discuss the path they took into a world of independent creativity, how putting in the effort to connect deeply with clients changes the game, and structuring a business (and therefore a life) that helps you play your own game to the best of your ability. Listen in to embrace what makes your way the best way. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why Michelle and Justin believe that beauty should be backed up by substance - and how it impacted their business in the early days
• How to gather social proof from clients without damaging the relationship by making it transactional
• Why seemingly risky choices may actually be a necessary, and safer than you think, part of your upward trajectory
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Take a pause and make sure that you're actually going in the direction that you want, not the direction that others may think is more attractive or impressive. And make sure you've got good support to help you make the change when change seems hard or when it's uncertain. But if you can see that where your path is taking you is not where you want to be, you need to make a change somehow.”

- Justin and Michelle DeMers

Connect with Justin and Michelle DeMers: 

• Social Proof Club

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan talks through the nuances that make up financial readiness, recognizing group indexing vs. personal indexing, and how to put these concepts together for optimal decision-making. Listen in to stop feeling powerless. 

What You’ll Learn 

• How to tell the difference between rhythms you can't control and decisions you can
• What steps to take once you've isolated the data of your individual lifestyle
• How to stop trying to solve the unsolvable and make your decisions count
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Oftentimes folks haven't thought about the rhythm thing versus decisions and they're always trying to solve every problem. And we need to be able to separate out what's an actual problem versus something that's not.”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan digs into Wealth Acceleration and lays out the exercise that will help you align your behavior with the tax code to your best advantage, as well as an example equation for turning a minimal investment into a massive amount of money.    

What You’ll Learn 

• Why the tax system - whether we like it or not - is intrinsically fair
• How different business entities get taxed (and how you can start to figure out where you want to be on the quadrant)
• How to choose what you accelerate with your money
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“If your specific objective is to accelerate wealth, then you want to drive down your tax, take that extra money reinvested in things that are going to grow and accelerate.”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Andrew S. Kaplan began his Shatter the Mold podcast with the idea of helping others transition out of group-think and towards expanded perspectives and individual thought. Ironically, the name itself is an escalation on “breaking the mold”, and it’s exactly that intent that drives Andrew as he teaches his audience to forge a unique, well-informed path forward.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Andrew and Dan break down the ways that each piece of your life connects with the others – and how to recognize the framework, the future of current social media platforms as we progress and shift our focus, and the practice of harnessing the power of storytelling to access your audience on a biological level. Join the conversation to get the most from your ideas. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why you should pursue different ideas boldly (and why being timid could cost you)
• How to establish your authority before you begin selling to an audience
• What you can do to fireproof your business structure against burnout and maintain balance
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“I just want to give people a new way of looking at things so that they can make better decisions and wiser decisions that will help them. Everyone, their life, whether it's business, health, relationships, whatever that might be.”

- Andrew S. Kaplan

Connect with Andrew S. Kaplan: 

• Shatter the Mold podcast
• It Doesn’t Matter What You’re Selling

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

This episode of the Rigging the Game podcast breaks down the difference between agreeing and aligning, tips for reaching a happy conclusion when communication has gone off the rails, and how alignment removes excuses and promotes progress. Listen in for important insight from an unexpected place.  

What You’ll Learn 

• Why the word “agree” makes us hesitate
• How to tweak your communication strategy for maximum efficiency
• How confrontation happens in a room full of results-oriented people
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“The word choice of ‘agree’ tends to carry a lot of weight because you're in your head. Like if I have to agree, then that means that it's the way I would do it, and it's not the way I would do it.”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Alan Andersen specializes in leadership; through his work as the Managing Director of the Shandel Group, an executive leadership organization, Alan has fine-tuned the process through which he walks leaders, teams and audiences to help them emerge with a crystal-clear view of their game and how to play it with incredible success.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Alan lay out the four aspects of your life to examine in order to define and pursue your own definition of success, the questions to ask yourself that will help you collaborate with others who share your values, and the blueprint to help you determine your primary purpose (along with the reason why knowing that purpose will set you apart). This is an interview you can’t afford not to hear.

What You’ll Learn 

• How to evaluate your business to lead well, add value to the market and confidently play the long game
• What Forrest Gump teaches us about when to optimize vs. maximize
• How to develop your collaborative intelligence (and why it's part of a healthy sense of self-preservation)
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Figure out your strengths, figure out your potential blind spots, figure out what your uncommon advantage is, figure out what the game looks like for you, so that when you do get punched in the face - and you will...you have a greater likelihood to stand and persist and be patient and move forward.”

- Alan Andersen

Connect with Alan Andersen: 

• The Shandel Group
• On LinkedIn

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan dives deeper into the concept of “playing your game”, explains how to discern your unique style of business using your favorite sport, and explores why we lose touch with that singular style as we grow up.  

What You’ll Learn 

• How your greatest strength can overbalance and become your greatest weakness
• What your memories can teach you about finding and operating in “your style”
• How we are conditioned to operate according to what we “should” do - and why that really doesn’t matter
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“What’s the point of winning if you have to play someone else’s style?”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Zachary Babcock lasted exactly half a shift at his first job. Equipped with a naturally restless mind, he walked a winding path – including drug use, 5 years of prison time and a stint in life coaching – and ended up finding a way to make an impact on others like him through podcasting. Now, he runs the Underdog Empowerment podcast, which has drawn an avid listener base and reached the top 50 list on iTunes. 

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Zach and Dan walk through the concept of “playing your own game”, the blueprint for (quickly) churning out unique, high-quality content, and how Zach turned the perceived “weaknesses” of his childhood into superpowers. Join the conversation to start focusing in on your own story. 

What You’ll Learn 

• How ignoring your intuition in favor of what you “should be doing” will compromise your success
• Why strategically being yourself is different than filtering your personality to be popular (and why one helps and the other hinders)
• Which metrics will get your podcast into the top 200 on iTunes
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“No matter who you act like, there’s always going to be a bunch of people who don’t like you regardless. So, it’s a lot easier being yourself.”

- Zachary Babcock

Connect with Zachary Babcock: 

• Underdog Empowerment

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan dives deeper into the 2-Oreo principle and discusses how to purposefully organize and optimize your time and energy, what it takes to correct the aftereffects of waste, and a few relevant examples that you might have experienced yourself.  

What You’ll Learn 

• How to shift the scope of your perspective with useful data
• Which aspects of your life might be hiding a few extra Oreos
• How to put this principle in action to cut down on wasted time and resources
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Let’s be intentional about it, let’s opt in to where we want to spend our money and spend our time…We can actually make a conscious choice to identify those Oreos.”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Jedidiah Collins’ eclectic story began with a record-breaking stint in college football at Washington State, followed by 8 years in the NFL, much of which was spent with the Saints. The wealth of knowledge and strategy he gained there unexpectedly carried over to a financial planning career with industry giant Brighton Jones. Ever evolving, Jedidiah got involved with speaking and went on to start the Rookie to Veteran podcast, where he dedicates himself to teaching others the ins and outs of financial fitness.  

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Jedidiah share insights on topics ranging from the lessons we can take from Drew Brees’ practice rituals, how journaling connects you to both your loved ones and yourself, and the critical importance of beginning with the end in mind.

What You’ll Learn 

• How incremental gains add up to a lofty goal

• Why following the process will bring the results to you

• What Oreos have to do with your spending habits

• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“I can steal inches daily. And that’s how I’m truly going to add up and get to the ultimate objective, is by identifying, where are those marginal gains I can go and get?”

- Jedidiah Collins

Connect with Jedidiah Collins: 

• LinkedIn 

• Instagram 

• Rookie to Veteran Podcast

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan discusses exactly what constitutes a preference-based decision and introduces the principles that help him make important choices - beginning with the concept of optimizing vs. maximizing. Listen in for the first part of a conversation that will change the way you choose.

What You’ll Learn 

• How our brains are hard-wired to make decisions based on instincts and conditioning
• What factors into a long-term decision-making approach versus one that lives in the short-term
• Why you make different choices than Amazon does
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“Principles allow me to work through these preferences and navigate life with less anxiety because I’m not going back to this binary mindset of 0’s and 1’s and fact and fiction.”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Randy Massengale is an educator and coach who devotes his days to helping entrepreneurs and business owners achieve with strategies, philosophies and habits that work for their unique blend of creativity and expertise. He has contributed his genius to giants like Intel and Microsoft, and remains a prolific reader with a love of self-educating.

On this episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan and Randy break down the reasons why mentorship is vital to your success, I-shaped people versus T-shaped people, and the art of staying in your lane. Listen in to start growing on your own terms. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why formal education isn’t completely useless
• How doing the research changes the game
• What to do about the energy-sucking people in your life
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“I bring back the creativity as a coach, I'm trying to bring back the creativity and then have you do it within context. You may do it within the financial world. Someone else may do it within technology. Someone else may do it within fashion, but there's still this creativity that we want to bring to bear on it rather than we just reinforce rules all the time.”

- Randy Massengale

Connect with Randy Massengale: 

SPU.edu - Bio of Randy

Seattle University

Linkedin

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!

Dan Nicholson had a stellar track record in finance. After hitting all the milestones in education and his career, and achieving at ever-higher levels, he began to see that the term “accountant” didn’t begin to cover who he is. As a result, Dan set about developing the principles to help other entrepreneurial oddballs recognize their style and use it to their advantage.

On the first episode of the Rigging the Game podcast, Dan sits down to introduce himself, tell the story of kid who grew up knowing he didn’t fit in, and discuss what it means to rig the game in your favor so you can succeed while staying true to you. Join the conversation to win in ways that only you can.

What You’ll Learn 

• Why the labels you’ve been given don’t really fit
• 
  
• How to shape your business to suit your interests and talents
• 
  
• Why business is personal
• 
  
• And much more!

Favorite Quote

“If you're going to start a business, why not rig the game to win? Why not set yourself up to get the outcomes that you want while playing your style?”

- Dan Nicholson

How to get involved

• Visit Dan Nicholson’s website - Nth Degree CPA’s and the Rigging The Game to learn how he helps small business owners cultivate good accounting and tax practices to achieve their financial goals. To rig the game to win and to set the outcomes that you want in life and business.
• Get the news that gets you closer to what you want with Certainty News.

Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes and leave a review. We love to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!