Becoming The Side Hustle Millionaire - with Desiree Maya - EP 279
In this special guest episode, Desiree Maya - host of the "Born Unbreakable" podcast interviews Tony Whatley.
Follow Desiree at Instagram
Find Desiree's podcast at BornUnbreakable.com
Bold Moves and Words - with Zachary Babcock - EP 278
Entrepreneurship involves a great deal of risk, yet so many people are too afraid to take a risk that could change their life significantly for the better. When we remove risk, we also remove the reward. With risk removal, there is a cost and it is usually the reduction of the ROI you will get from taking a leap toward your vision and greater purpose. Zachary Babcock understands the gain that happens when you put yourself out there, commit to personal development, but stay true to your value and do the right thing by others.
Zach is back on the 365 Driven podcast for the third time for a fun and candid conversation with Tony about why hustle culture is outdated, why revenue doesn’t matter, and why critical thinkers are hard to come by nowadays. Both Zach and Tony think back to when they began their personal development journeys and the lessons they learned getting to where they are now. Both of them have made tremendous strides in improving how to communicate with others and get their message out to the world. Zach served 5 years in prison before building his brand, and Tony went from being terrified of public speaking, to now being an award-winning speaker, delivering his message on stages all over the world.
Showing up consistently, letting go of what other people might think, and following your gut, are key to reaching your potential. Zach shares the habits that he focuses on each and every day that led to him being able to help people build a celebrity brand and explosive business with his top-rated podcast, Underdog Empowerment.
Key highlights:
- Zach’s background of rehab, trauma, and prison and how he turned his life around by putting in the work every day
- Tony’s vision for the 365 Driven brand
- Too many people are not focusing on the long game and building something meaningful
- Focus on serving people and helping people and success and money will follow
- Purpose is fluid and changes with age
- Why time feels like it goes faster as we get older
- Why critical thinking is becoming rare
- What does it mean to be a thought leader?
- What Zach and Tony have learned from podcasting
- How to be a better storyteller
- Tony’s story about being terrified of public speaking and how he overcame it
- Is your purpose strong enough to not care about haters and people that criticize?
- Consistency over time: Show up consistently and get the results that come with that
Connect with Zachary Babcock:
Website: zachbabock.com
Instagram: @realzachbabcock
TikTok: @realzachbabcock
Facebook: Zach J. Babcock
Connect with Tony:
Instagram: @365driven
Facebook
LinkedIn
What I Learned in My 40's
I turned 50 last week. Here's what I observed and learned in my 40's.
I kicked-off age 40 with several wins and some momentum. I had finally started taking my diet and fitness more seriously, and regularly went to the gym.
I had just accepted a role at Chevron earning $240K per year, and had a $38K signing bonus. I bought my first Rolex. People congratulated me. I also had the wheel business netting me 6-figures on the side. I was happy and felt good about my career path and future.
I enjoyed my project team, and mentoring some of the younger members. The job was challenging on a technical level, with many moving parts, international time frames, and big dollars. My signature authority was managing $200M of a $1B project.
It only took a few months within that role for me to realize that bigger companies move slower, and that I'd have hardly any real way to create impact there. It felt a bit limiting. I was just an employee ID on badge.
Most of the other managers greeted you for the first time while mentioning how many years they were with the company. It was clear that the culture valued tenure over talent. I've always been somewhat of a maverick, trying to improve organizational processes, efficiencies, and profits. Chevron didn't seem to value that effort. "If it isn't broke, don't fix it."
Between ages 41-43, I was fortunate to work for months in other countries. I worked in France, UK, Italy, Angola, and Republic of Congo. Working in other countries, living and commuting there for work, is an entirely different experience than just vacationing there. I observed cultural differences, and compared what the USA did well, and not so well. This broadened my global perspective about business and lifestyle.
The most impactful trips were the months I worked in Africa. I learned that the most extreme levels of poverty didn't automatically make people unhappy. I saw the opposite. I met and spoke with more happy locals in Africa, than I see here in the USA on a daily basis.
People everywhere are resilient, strong, hopeful, and make the best of what they have, regardless of income levels. I realized that the less people feel entitled, or behave and think someone "owes them", the happier they are. These people are more grateful about life. Money doesn't create happiness. Happiness is rooted within your soul, it is your choice, your outlook, your actions that create it.
I started to ponder my remaining 20+ career aged years ahead. Would I be happy waiting in line for desks in bigger offices to vacate? Would more Sr job titles and salary bumps really satisfy me? Was I pursuing executive titles out of ego and competitive nature? Likely yes. I was already earning more than most executives, with all I had built. I knew I had the skills and work ethic. It was just a time game, at that point. "Wait your turn."
At age 43, in 2015, there was a downturn in the oil/gas industry. The last year of my employment, there were several waves of layoffs. Our entire project team knew that we'd likely be laid off after completing the project. It was a testament of performing under pressure, not allowing emotions to dictate actions. At that point within operations, we were burning millions per day to execute. I completed my scope on time, and on budget.
I observed several unethical events on my way out of that industry. It was enough for me to realize that I didn't want to return to an industry that treated their loyal people so negatively.
I was laid off while still working in Paris. I never made it back to my Houston office, nor did I get to say goodbye to my team. I felt exhausted and underappreciated. I flew Lisa over, and we spent a few weeks driving around France, unwinding from a stressful year. We both were focused on "What next?" during those weeks.
I just knew that I wanted to create more impact in this world, but I wasn't certain which path it would be. At that point, I had the right thoughts and intentions, but I lacked urgency. I was burned out.
Urgency arrived in December 2015. I had a near-death experience while racing a car at the drag strip. I hit a concrete wall at 130 mph. I had no major injuries, but that moment before impact reframed my entire perception of time.
What if I had died? How would I be remembered? Was my imagined eulogy good enough? No, it wasn't. I'd have been remembered as "Nice rich guy, cool cars, gone too soon."
Up until that point in my life, I always tried to lead by example and mentor/help those around me, but I was also playing very small. Unless you were within proximity to me, you'd never experience the benefits I could provide. I've helped and mentored several friends to become highly successful... but how come I wasn't expanding my effort to the world?
It's because I was insecure about stepping into any spotlight. I was comfortable being the MVP behind the logos, behind the people I helped. I had built a very comfortable life without putting myself out there. I didn't like being on camera, photos, or recordings.
You see, that accident made me realize I was hiding. I was putting fear of criticism and judgment ahead of my true purpose. I had all the convenient excuses to deploy, just like many of you still do. "I'm too busy for that." "I have a family that takes up my free time." "I don't need to do that" It was all just lies I told myself, to avoid being uncomfortable. Sound familiar?
In 2017 I started writing my first book, Side Hustle Millionaire. It launched in 2018 and sold over a thousand copies the first week. It hit #1 on Amazon in several large categories, against most of the books you've likely read.
I weathered a small wave of critics, haters, and naysayers. Some of them I'd even known for years. Even had someone try to sabotage my business. I removed those people from my life. I'm grateful they exposed themselves.
Later in 2018 the 365 Driven podcast launched. Now we are 277 episodes in, and it is globally ranked in the Top-1% of all podcasts.
I've helped thousands of people find their confidence, learn business principles, and pursue their own dreams. I've advised clients with 7 and 8 figure exits, reduce their stress levels, and find more time freedom for themselves.
I no longer fear stages. I no longer fear cameras. I've invested heavily into myself to become the required character to pursue my mission and purpose. I no longer fear death, as it is inevitable.
My 40's were about living with intention, gaining awareness of the world and my innermost beliefs. It was an era of discovery and unveilings when it comes to other people and their weak intentions and false friendships.
My core values drive me, daily. I'm motivated by showing you all what is possible. I'm physically and mentally stronger than at any point previous of my life.
As a man of focused legacy and impact, I'm no longer impressed purely by someone's wealth or their internet flex. I admire the positive global impact that individuals create, regardless of their wealth.
I am now excited by uncertainty and the unknown. I look forward to what my 50's bring. 🧡
-Tony
Find Your Freedom - with Tony Whatley - EP 277
Are you living in freedom? Financial freedom, time freedom, location freedom, and mental freedom are goals that we should be striving for, but what does that look like? Tony broke each of these down in his speech at the Cash Profit Live event hosted by Tyler McBroom in West Palm Beach, FL on November 9, 2022.
Financial freedom isn’t just about how much money you make, but more about the ability to control what comes in and knowing how to acquire more if that is what you desire. It is not relying on a job in which we have no control over how much we make but instead creating an income for ourselves that is limitless. While it is true that money won’t buy happiness or fulfillment, it can give you more of your time.
Time is valuable. We are only given one life and we get to decide how we spend it. We can’t manage time, but we can learn to manage our tasks. Tony shares his tips to guard your time without being overwhelmed with a bunch of to-do lists. Learn to prioritize the tasks that will move the needle forward not only in your work but also in your personal life. Making time for what is important to you outside of your work, is also key.
Location freedom means being able to travel and work when and where suits your life best. Maybe you are tired of commuting and spending a large amount of your time in an office and not having the time to take vacations when you want. Entrepreneurship can allow the freedom to take time away when you want, and choose your work location.
Mental freedom comes after realizing that we are not put on this Earth to please everyone. Tony shares his near-death experience and the new perspective on life that he was able to walk away with. Mental freedom is about not requiring anyone else’s approval, knowing your life's purpose, and going after it despite any fears. Fear and confidence are both imaginary, and you decide which one you want to live with.
Key highlights:
- Put passion and purpose before profit and provide value to as many people as possible
- Do the right thing not the easy thing
- ABC: Action, belief, consistency - in that order
- Tony‘s advice to guard time for things that are important without getting overwhelmed with everything
- What it means to be a thought leader
- Tony’s near-death experience and what he learned from it
- Put your purpose above your fears because our time is too valuable to waste
Episode resources:
Tony's book: Sidehustle Millionaire
Connect with Tony:
Instagram: @365driven
Facebook
LinkedIn
Small Details Create Big Results - with Tony Whatley - EP 276
Small details matter when you are trying to build your personal brand or your social media. Today’s episode is a solo in which Tony dives into the aspects that business owners tend to forget about when it comes to building their brand and making a name for themselves. Although they are small details, they have a big impact on establishing your brand and setting you apart from others.
When you’re just getting started, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on fancy camera equipment. Tony shares tips for creating engaging content by using just your phone and learning about proper lighting. Tony is honest about his regrets in not investing in himself at a earlier age when it comes to public speaking skills and formal training in how to be entertaining. Don’t let a fear of public speaking or lack of confidence in your skills keep you from putting yourself out there. We all start somewhere, and this episode offers a simple starting point to help you work your way up to being a dynamic speaker. Tune in to find out common mistakes business owners make in creating their brand, and how to avoid them to position yourself as an authority in your niche.
Key highlights:
- Why you should get professional headshots
- Tony’s tips for shooting content for social media
- Why you should stop representing brands that aren’t your own
- Building a professional studio
- The difference between speakers and presenters and how you can get started working on your speaking skills
Connect with Tony:
Instagram: @365driven
Facebook
LinkedIn
High-Performance Leadership - with Dr. Jamie Meyer - EP 275
Spending several years getting a degree or working your way up a certain company, doesn’t mean you can’t eventually pivot away from that industry to try something new that you might enjoy more. A lot of times, people get caught up in what Tony calls a “sunk cost fallacy” and they think that because they invested time or money into something, that going a different direction would be a waste, but that isn’t true. You can’t get the time or money back, so don’t be afraid to take the knowledge and lessons you learned, and switch gears to something that makes you happy and better fits your lifestyle. Today’s guest did just that and went from being a medical doctor to working in the car industry.
Dr. Jamie Meyer has served on the SEMA Board of Directors since 2018, and has taken the role as President of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show and media company. Jamie has a long history in motorsports and racing, and will lead the PRI team in increasing engagement and support for the industry through enhanced programs and services for the motorsports community. He recently left a very successful 15-year career at General Motors, where he served as the Advanced Performance Parts program manager, the performance marketing manager, as well as several marketing and advertising roles.
In this episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, Dr. Jamie Meyers shares his journey of pivoting from the medical industry to cars, and his advice for people that are scared of transitioning from one industry to another. Jamie urges leaders to not be afraid to make mistakes but to make sure to learn from them. Jamie and Tony discuss recent changes in the car industry and offer advice to those looking to get involved with this industry. Tune in for more.
Key highlights:
- How Dr. Jamie Meyes went from being a doctor to being involved with cars
- His advice to someone that is scared to pivot
- The secret that Jamie has learned about leadership
- Is leadership something you can learn?
- How Jamie views mistakes
- Changes Jamie and Tony have noticed in the car industry with government regulations
- How to get involved in the car industry
- The surprising benefits of “micro-influencers”
- Everyone needs to become more politically active because regulations could be coming to your industry
- The importance of the upcoming midterm elections
Learn about the RPM act: saveourracecars.com
Connect with Dr. Jamie Meyer:
Upcoming PRI show in Indianapolis December 8-10: performanceracing.com/tradeshow
Jamie's website: performanceracing.com
Instagram: @myprishow
Facebook: Performance Racing Industry
Twitter: @prishow
TikTok: @myprishow
LinkedIn: Jamie Meyer
YouTube: Performance Racing Industry
Connect with Tony:
Instagram: @365driven
Facebook
LinkedIn