The GROW GIVE EXPAND Podcast

The Grow Give Expand Podcast celebrates its 1 year anniversary by bringing back the first guest AND still the most played episode of the podcast, Bret Macdonald!

Before getting into introductions, from the studio directly to you, a sincere thank you for listening to the show. 

When the podcast started back in March of 2019 with the release of the first interview with Bret, I had no idea what kind of uptake and following the show would capture...

Now, 12 months later and with 20 long-form interviews completed, I've had the pleasure of sharing with you conversations with exceptional guests including sales superstars, numerous real estate investors, entrepreneurs, former university athletes, clinical counsellors, executive coaches, and more, as well as my own personal monologues and stories from the time spent transitioning from employee to entrepreneur / business owner. A big thank you to all the guests who have taken the time to join me on this show and for openly sharing your stories, experience, and knowledge for all to learn from. 

It's been an amazing journey and I am grateful for your support, feedback, and continued interested in the show - thank you for listening!

Now...for introductions..or in this case a re-introduction.

Bret Macdonald is first and foremost a close friend of mine. A former University level basketball player at the University of British Columbia (OKanagan and Vancouver programs), Bret knows what it's like to chase and achieve athletic excellence. Taking the transferable components of being a high-level athlete on the court, Bret has coached at the NCAA level for Simon Fraser University, and off the court has taken big strides in business on his own entrepreneurial journey.

Our conversation in this episode is as natural and unplanned as it can be, and really reflects some of the actual kinds of conversation we would have if we were just hanging out (though in this case I get to ask all the questions)! What results is a free-flowing, engaging, and educational chat in which Bret fills us in on the last 12 months of his life with a focus on his involvement in a cannabis start-up business and some of the transitions he's made along the way. 

In addition to the update, Bret shares his thoughts and perspective for how to handle self-isolation amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, which has in some way affected us all. As the new normal sets in, Bret highlights:

- A perspective of gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation as a habit 

- Taking advantage of the opportunities available to you RIGHT NOW to learn, develop, and get better

- Making big decisions, in life and in business, and how to simplify the decision making process

We conclude with a back-and-forth discussion around improvement based on the life of Kobe Bryant. What would he do if he were here right now - and what can we learn about focus, appreciating the process instead of just the outcomes, and about sacrifice from the life of one of the greatest basketball players to ever live?

This leads to powerful insights about greatness and super-success. We discuss the pursuit of greatness, and share our closing remarks on why we believe EVERYONE should, at least once in their life, try to pursue greatness in an area of interest to them. The rewards of doing so are immense in terms of character development and better understanding yourself.

Let's GROW, GIVE, and EXPAND, with this episode's guest: Bret Macdonald

Welcome to a new decade of the Grow Give Expand Podcast. In this episode I am speaking with a long-time connection, fellow entrepreneur and investor, Nick Findler. For the past 5 years, Nick has been situated at the intersection of building businesses, angel investing, raising capital, and helping small cap companies tell their story. He has since started a couple of his own ventures, including candle apparel which is working on bringing heated clothing to the market, beginning with their heated gloves, and Edge Investments, an investment/education company focused on the world of small, high growth, publicly traded stocks – also known as small-cap investing, whose aim is to provide quality information and knowledge for investors seeking to learn more about the world of small-cap investing. After introductions, our conversation effectively covers two areas. For the first half we dive in to Nick’s background in the business world and how he got started in business, entrepreneurship, and specifically, the venture capital and small-cap investing space. Nick shares his knowledge on small-cap investing, who it is suitable for, and why people should be looking at these kinds of investments, while providing some education on how people can get started. For the second half of our conversation we discuss both business and life, everything from tips for becoming great at networking, advice for new entrepreneurs or business owners looking to raise money to fund their businesses, key things to consider and set up before taking the leap to entrepreneurship, and a number of strategies for improving self-awareness and mindfulness. Let’s grow, give, and expand, with this episode’s guest: Nick Findler Show Notes: 00:32 – Intro: Who is Nick Findler? 06:33 – How Nick got started in business, entrepreneurship, and investing, highlighting the impact of having a few key mentors to learn from in the beginning and for continued growth 08:59 – Discussion of Edge Investments – a small-cap investing education company – helping bridge the gap for millennials to get into small-cap investing 11:40 – What is small-cap investing, who is it suitable for, and why should people be looking at these kinds of investments? 13:58 – Nick’s suggested distribution for investors wanting to get started in small-cap investing 15:24 – Suggestions for how to identify opportunity and establish trends for potential future success of a small-cap investment 16:40 – Some small-cap industries currently warranting a deeper look 18:50 – A quick primer on contrarian investing 20:50 – Strategies and insights for when, and how, to exit (sell) an investment 24:58 – What a typical day looks like for people in the venture capital world 28:30 – What Nick’s typical day looks like: reviewing the day’s activities the night before, studying successful people, and structuring time to develop his businesses 31:00 – Two key themes for being a great networker & building relationship 32:58 – Advice for new entrepreneurs or business owners looking to raise money to fund their business 38:15 – What betting on himself did for Nick’s mentality, self-awareness, business habits, and lifestyle 41:25 – The key things that allowed Nick to take the leap from having a job to going after his entrepreneurial ventures 46:00 – Strategies for reframing your perspective around business losses and failures 46:45 – Systematizing time for mind resets and self-awareness / mindfulness practices 50:30 – Discussion around practices for improving self-awareness and using trusted sources to help identify personal blind spots 54:52 – The Grow Give Expand Final 3 Questions 59:23 – The “one-degree shift” approach to goal setting for moving in the general direction of where you want to go Links to resources and topics touched on during the show: - Eric Termuende – One Degree Shift (Podcast) - How 1% Improvement Led to Olympic Golds for the British Cycling Program

The Investor Couple Mel & Dave Dupuis join The Grow Give Expand Podcast for this edition of the ongoing real estate investor mini-series! Mel & Dave are proof that as long as you don't let anything stop you, success can be yours. On their way to a real estate investing conference they experienced one of life’s crucible moments as a car accident nearly ended their life. Despite the shock, they continued on to the conference as scheduled and have since taken their portfolio and business to new heights. Now with over 100 rental units to their name and 17+ years of experience in real estate investing, property ownership and management, this self-made couple understands the ins and outs of building a business, and wealth, through real estate. In our conversation, Mel & Dave dive into the details of their story and how they came to be known as The Investor Couple. From their early start as individual investors, to their most recent small business of the year award in North Bay, ON, you’ll learn: · How Mel & Dave got started investing in real estate · How they built their portfolio to over 100 rental units and counting · What real estate investing strategies they use to grow their portfolio · Where they invest in real estate · Why they invest in real estate and what the result of their success has allowed them to do from a lifestyle standpoint · The importance of working with coaches and mentors who have walked the path you want to walk · The importance of being involved in communities of like-minded peer groups that help you rise and grow · How to turn your real estate investing activities into an active business In addition to these topics, we discuss the details of their coaching and mentorship programs, as well as their best-selling book, Real Estate Investing Secrets: A No B.S. Guide to Creating Wealth & Freedom. Mel & Dave were an absolute pleasure to speak with. They bring a fun and relaxing energy to the show as they share their stories, wisdom, and experience. Let’s GROW, GIVE, and EXPAND, with this episode’s guests: The Investor Couple Mel & Dave Dupuis! Want to connect with Mel & Dave, or find out more about their coaching and mentorship programs? Find Mel & Dave online at: https://investorcouplemelanddave.com/ Instagram @investormeldave Facebook @investormeldave If you are interested in ordering Mel & Dave’s book, Real Estate Investing Secrets: A No B.S. Guide To Creating Wealth & Freedom, you can purchase it on Amazon by following the link below: https://www.amazon.ca/Real-Estate-Investing-Secrets-Creating/dp/1999546407

Welcome to the Real Estate Investor Mini-Series! Over the coming weeks on The Grow Give Expand Podcast we will be conducting interviews with successful Real Estate Investors from across Canada. Our line-up of guests includes individuals, business partners, married couples, and skilled professionals who have all demonstrated proven success in the area of real estate investing. You can expect to learn from these leaders a variety of tips, tools, and strategies you can put to use in your own investing activities. Our first guest on the mini-series is Julia Pereira. Julia is originally from Toronto, ON, but currently resides on the west coast in Vancouver, BC. As a regulated health care professional for 19 years, Julia began building a real estate portfolio while working full-time and has since scaled back to part-time consulting work of her choosing as her portfolio and real estate activity has increased. Julia began her real estate investing career by getting educated. Becoming a member of the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) in 2015, she began studying the subject and getting active. In 2018 she achieved her Bronze Pin Award for her first 3 properties purchased, then in the past year has scaled up significantly, earning a Top Player Award from REIN in BC for 2019. Her portfolio includes a number of residential multi-family homes, multi-family apartments, and private lending investments. In addition to being a health care professional, Julia co-hosts events with the Women’s Real Estate Network (WREN) and help others in their financial and investing journeys as a Financial Life Professionals with the LEGACY Council of Canada. A self-professed learning addict, Julia is always learning and growing. As part of our conversation this becomes clear as we cover a number of topics including: - The importance of building a team - Protecting the downside in any investment opportunity by having multiple exit strategies - The criticality of identifying what role you play in your investing journey (identifying your investor profile) - The details of Julia’s investment portfolio – what works for her and why - The SWAN (Sleep Well At Night) Rule and why you must follow it - And much more… I hope you enjoy this high energy conversation with Julia Pereira! If you would like to get in touch with Julia you can contact her at jpereira@prepareyourlegacy.com, and you can check out her Making A Daily Difference Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/159539277990855/ Books mentioned in the show: - The Power of Focus – Jack Canfield & Les Hewitt - Big Leap – Gay Hendrix - Don Campbell – The Little Book of Real Estate Investing in Canada A Note on the Real Estate Investor Mini-Series: With a number of the prior guests on the show having experience in the real estate investing sector, I thought it would be beneficial to do a series of shows that focus specifically on the topic. Personally, real estate investing has been the key piece in setting myself up financially for the creation of the next chapter of my life, part of which includes the continued production and growth of this podcast. Similar stories can be heard from countless people who have used real estate to achieve their income and wealth-building goals. With that in mind I feel there will be an incredible value in bringing these focused conversations to you and sharing the experience, stories, and strategies that successful real estate investors are putting into practice to achieve extraordinary results.

Welcome to this edition of the Life Launch Mini-Series! This episode features a combination of topics for your educational enjoyment: - The final domino has fallen… On August 7th I had the personal joy of handing in my notice of resignation from my current job. This has been 2 years in the making in concept, and 5 months of tangible, executable action steps, and I made it! Many accomplishments and lessons along the way to take stock in with bright lights and exciting times ahead. - Tony Robbins and The Power of Success Event Review On August 1st I had the privilege of attending The Power of Success Event with Tony Robbins & Friends. Big thank you to LEGACY CEO Richard Dolan for bringing me out to take part in the event, which was an amazing experience. A room of 8,000 like-minded individuals all learning, growing, and expanding together is something to behold. Enjoy my review of the event and my key takeaways from Tony Robbins 4-hour non-stop session. - Roger Love, The Power of Voice, and an Enticing Offer for One Lucky Listener Roger Love was presenting at The Power of Success Event. He’s dubbed the world’s No. 1 vocal coach, and his brief presentation had me sold on attending his upcoming event in Calgary on September 20-21, 2019. I share some brief take-aways from his short talk as well as provide an offer for one inspired listener to take action on… - The offer The FIRST listener of this episode to send me a message on Instagram @dougwmeyers will have the opportunity to join me at the Power of Influence event with Roger Love and Guests in Calgary, September 20-21. Your ticket as my guest is FREE, just cover your travel and accommodation expenses. Come learn how to use your voice to be a better influencer, leader, and steward of the message you want to share with others. I’m really looking forward to this event, it’s going to be great! - Brief Personal Finance Tips I provide a breakdown of how I budget my finances to allocate percentages of my take home pay towards 2-items before anything else. 1. Personal & Professional Development 2. My Dream Bucket I explain why I do this, and exactly how, so that you can implement something similar for yourself to ensure that when those opportunities to GROW, GIVE, and EXPAND, you’re financially prepared to take advantage of the prospect. Thank you for listening, Keep GROWING, GIVING, and EXPANDING

Darcy and Deanna Boyden are high school sweethearts who grew up in small town Alberta and share a passion for real estate investing while living a life full of family, friends and travel. Having raised their 2 boys, they have now turned their real estate hobby into a multi-faceted portfolio of active and passive investments across Canada and the US. Both continue to work full-time in jobs they enjoy while focusing on real estate in their spare time. Actively traveling the world and splitting time between two homes, Darcy and Deanna believe in “building for tomorrow while living for today”. They have utilized various investment strategies, including Buy and Hold, Flip to Yourself, Agreement for Sale, Rent To Own, Joint Ventures, land development, syndicate mortgages, private lending, purchases of short sales and courthouse auctions. Darcy and Deanna are a testament to the success that's possible when you take action in real estate investing. The strong partnership that transcends their business is something all couples can look to and learn from, as they've successfully taken control of their financial freedom while crafting a lifestyle that has them fulfilled. Let's grow, give, and expand, with this episode’s guests: Darcy & Deanna Boyden

Hello and welcome to another episode the Grow Give Expand Podcast - thank you for tuning in. If this is your first time listening to the show a special welcome to you, and for all the return listeners welcome back! I’m happy you are listening and continuing to provide words of encouragement, as well as sharing the show with others. In this episode I’m speaking with Kevin Kokoska. Kevin is a counsellor, performer and a teacher. Through his private practice, Kokoska & Co., he offers clinical counselling and creative consulting services, performs one-person plays about mental health, and teaches in the Family & Community Counselling program at The Native Education College in Vancouver. Little fun fact for those of you prepping for a shot on Jeopardy – Kokoska, loosely translated, means “broody hen”. We recorded this episode from Kevin’s unique office and studio space where I got the privilege of taking the counselor’s chair and putting the man himself in the client’s chair, which I think lends itself well as a visual for the conversation we weaved our way through. What we touch on is going to open your eyes to the world of counselling psychology: - Kevin pulls back the curtain for all of us who may be wondering what therapy looks like, and what it’s not - Understanding how Kevin’s familial background and upbringing shaped an openness towards mental health - How combining therapy and theatre can improve both mental health and theatrical ability for budding actors and artists - Clarification of a number of misconceptions and beliefs about what a successful therapeutic alliance looks like - Discussion on the world of life coaching, discussing both the differences and similarities between the practice of life coaching and counseling psychology - Sharing of personal stories of current and past events from our lives, wrapping a psychological context around them, including decisions to walk away from competitive sports, career changes, and the introduction of “shadow Doug” - And much, much more What I found really valuable about this conversation, and what I think you will find valuable too, is that as the conversation goes deeper, there is a similarity to what a therapy session may look like. This is something that Kevin discusses at points during the show. Therapy is, in many cases, a conversation in which two people in the context of wanting to get a deeper understanding of an event, issue, feeling, or experience, come together to explore, and it’s the role of the clinical counselling psychologist to help guide that conversation in the most beneficial way for the advancement of the client. The show starts off in medias res as we got into a natural flow and decided to keep the vibe going. I hope you enjoy and learn from this conversation as much as I did. If you want to get in touch with Kevin to find out more about his private practice, Kokoska & Co. you can do so on Instagram @kevkokoska, that’s k-e-v-k-o-k-o-s-k-a. Lastly as always, a big thank you to you the listener for tuning in. If you enjoyed what you heard on the show please let us know by leaving a review, and if you really liked the show we’d be grateful if you were to share it on your social media platforms, with your friends, family, or anyone else you feel could gain from the content contained within. In doing so, you’ll be growing the connections you have with others, giving the gift of knowledge and inspiration, and expanding your reach as a positive action taker in the communities that you are a part of. Until next time keep growing, giving, and expanding!