• Visualization and daily goal setting are powerful tools to stay focused and overcome setbacks on your entrepreneurial journey.
• Your environment and inner circle matter—surround yourself with ambitious, like-minded people and mentors who elevate your vision.
• Building and maintaining an organized system, like a CRM, is essential for managing leads, optimizing follow-ups, and scaling your business.
• Investing in personal development—books, courses, and masterminds—keeps your mindset and skills sharp for success and resilience.
• Starting a business often means stepping out of your comfort zone and breaking free from the limiting beliefs and routines of the 9-to-5 world.
• Leverage systems and technology (including AI) to work smarter, not harder, and to multiply your impact and income.
• Remember, you don’t have to trade your time for money; focus on scalable strategies and continuous learning to build lasting wealth.

[00:00] Introduction – Phil Better and the Narrator set the stage for the episode and introduce the show’s mission.

[02:00] Guest Introduction – Phil introduces Shannon Lavenia, the entrepreneur, digital strategist, and AI innovator behind Brand Builder AI.

[02:56] Accidental Entrepreneurship – Shannon shares her journey from high school biology teacher to entrepreneur after a life-changing financial crisis.

[05:33] The First Leap – How Shannon and her husband decided to quit their jobs and the initial challenges they faced stepping into full-time entrepreneurship.

[07:54] OG Digital Marketing – Discussion about being an early digital entrepreneur, pre-social media, and the changing perception of entrepreneurship over the years.

[08:26] Setting Goals & Quitting Together – The couple’s decision to quit on the same day and the power of goal setting and personal development in hitting their targets.

[10:43] The Pumpkin Story – Shannon shares her unique way of resigning as a teacher and how daily visualization played a key role.

[12:33] Power of Visualization – Deep dive into how visualization and daily mindset work helped them push through uncertainty and stay motivated.

[14:36] The Value of Mentorship – How having a successful mentor accelerated their learning curve and kept them on track to success.

[17:33] Leveling Up Your Environment – Cutting ties with limiting environments and the importance of surrounding yourself with growth-minded people.

[19:48] Immersed in Personal Development – From selling Bob Proctor’s courses to attending masterminds and events, Shannon discusses the role of continuous learning.

[23:01] Resilience Through Crisis – The story of losing it all during the 2009 real estate crash, advice from Grant Cardone, and the mindset to rebuild from bankruptcy.

[28:08] Daily Success Habits – Shannon's morning routine, strategic planning, and lifelong learning as keys to sustained growth.

[30:33] Leveraging AI for Learning – How Shannon uses AI to process books and courses, and advice on embracing AI as an entrepreneurial tool.

[32:17] CRM: A Critical Tool – Why having a CRM is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs, and how organized follow-up transformed their sales results.

[37:18] Organization Drives Success – Tips for staying organized, managing leads, and outpacing competitors with systems and follow-through.

[38:04] Wisdom for the Next Generation – The advice Shannon would share with her 10-year-old self: college isn’t required, learn online, start early, and break the time-money trap.

[39:48] Connect with Shannon – Invitation to connect with Brand Builder AI and join their business-building community.

[41:20] Closing Thoughts – Phil thanks Shannon and wraps up with a reminder to always invest in yourself.