Hacks & Hobbies

Bold, emotional, and brutally honest—this episode rips back the curtain on business advice and coaching. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, "The Diary of a CEO" welcomes Mike Milan—known as “Cash Flow Mike”—who reveals the untold story behind his journey from state trooper to financial motivator. Why do so many entrepreneurs ignore solid advice? What makes some finally take action? This episode is as much about emotional transformation as it is about balance sheets.Mike shares his revolutionary "Elevation Sequence," a method forged on the front lines of human behavior, not just in boardrooms. Learn why most consultants get it wrong, why changing behavior is the only path to true business success, and how you can ignite breakthrough results in yourself and others.What You'll Learn:Why business owners resist advice—and what really motivates changeThe Elevation Sequence: 8 actionable coaching steps to drive resultsHow to create buy-in and ownership: the “Nudge Pact” and its real powerMike’s emotional lessons from hoarders,

Are you unknowingly bleeding cash from your business? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Mike Milan, famously known as “Cash Flow Mike”—the coach who’s helped over 25,000 business owners uncover $150 million in hidden cash. Discover why most entrepreneurs fly blind with their finances, and how a simple, actionable framework can radically transform your business life. Mike opens up about his journey from state trooper to financial educator, the toughest cash flow lessons from the trenches, and his emotional mission to make business failure a thing of the past. If you want to see your numbers clearly—and finally stop lying awake at night—this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.What You'll Learn:The single biggest cash flow mistake most business owners don’t realize they’re makingWhy understanding your financial statements isn’t as hard as you thinkThe life-changing “Seven-Minute Conversation” and how it can spotlight your business’s burning issues—fastHow to mine your company for hidden cash

What if mastering sales was less about scripts—and more about psychology, habits, and building lasting systems?In this electrifying, curiosity-driven conversation, Matt Raad sits down with renowned sales coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals why confidence—not pressure—powers high-performing teams. From escaping the clutches of toxic micromanagement to the overlooked magic of CRMs, discover not just strategies, but the deeply human stories behind sales that stick. Walk away ready to transform your team's mindset, your own daily rituals, and the way you measure success.Five Key Takeaways:Confidence is the fuel behind every great salesperson—and it starts with asking the right questions.Micromanagement kills momentum; creating real accountability means empowering, not stifling, your team.Simple, daily use of a CRM is the hidden superpower for tracking, follow-up, and closing.The only sales metrics that matter measure real progress toward your team’s true revenue targets.High-performance teams thrive with routin

So many of us are thrown into the deep end of sales, armed with nothing but a phone, a quota, and a sense of dread. But what if everything you knew about selling—and leading—was wrong?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with veteran sales and leadership coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals how he transforms struggling teams and uncertain professionals into confident, high-performing closers. From cold calls and door-to-door rejections to masterminding sales breakthroughs across industries, Howard’s stories and strategies will forever change the way you look at selling—and yourself.Takeaways:Why most sales training fails—and what actually works to grow sales and confidence.The hidden reason companies “churn and burn” their salespeople (and how to break the cycle).How understanding personality unlocks rapport—and closes deals you never thought possible.The 15 ways to close a deal (and why most salespeople only know two).The power of mentorship: what it means to truly impact someone’s life—and how the best rewa

Could your next book be the spark for seven-figure success?Meet Aurora Winter, bestselling author, publisher, and master of turning words into wealth, as she unpacks the secrets behind building authority, attracting premium clients, and multiplying income—all from the written word. In this episode, Aurora reveals actionable strategies—from “show me the money” mindset to leveraging books for brand-building, speaking gigs, and alternative revenue streams that most authors overlook. With stories of legal thriller authors, dentists, and entrepreneurs, each insight builds on curiosity: What if your book isn’t just a calling card, but the gateway to your next million?What you'll learn:Writing a book is just the beginning—clarity, branding, and monetization must be woven into your strategy from the start.Build and nurture your audience before launching your book to avoid its release into a “vacuum.”A published book opens doors: speaking, higher fees, media, partnerships, and more—your authority multiplies.Seven (and

What if the path to real influence wasn't about shouting the loudest, but about mastering your story?In this episode, best-selling author, publishing mentor, and entrepreneur Aurora Winter shares the powerful journey from childhood inspiration to helping leaders craft bestselling books and unforgettable brands. With raw honesty and actionable wisdom, Aurora breaks down the costly mistakes most aspiring authors make, reveals the invisible structures behind magnetic stories, and offers a blueprint for moving from expert to authority—even if you doubt your story matters. Learn from Aurora:Why most entrepreneurs fail at communicating their value, and how to finally monetize your messageThe secrets behind ghostwriting for the world’s top thought leadersHow to turn testimonials into stories that convert fans into followersBattling imposter syndrome and shifting your focus to serviceInnovative ways to share your wisdom: from video books to bestsellers**Timestamps:** 00:01 – The Spark: Aurora’s childhood dream an

Have you ever felt the itch to leave it all behind and create a life on your own terms?In today’s episode, Jerry Dugan reveals the honest, often messy truth behind walking away from a secure corporate role to chase a creative dream—becoming a full-time voiceover artist. From risking it all on gig platforms to navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship and mastering the art of authentic storytelling, Jerry shares every raw milestone, failure, and hidden lesson.Curiosity, hustle, and emotional grit: these are the cornerstones Jerry credits for lasting success. Whether you crave creative freedom, or simply wonder what it takes to get paid using your voice, Jerry’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention.What You'll Learn :Why traditional careers can stifle creativity—and the turning point that sparked Jerry’s leap.The tactical steps to break into voiceover—without a safety net (or big budget).How to land your first client—even when everyone says you’re not “qualified.”Surviving rejection, client drama, an

How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:The emotional toll of “golden handcuffs”—and the price of freedomHow a single conversation at home can change your entire life trajectoryThree mentors’ uncanny advice that pointed Jerry to his true callingThe struggle to build a business from scratch (and why the right “why” matters)Powerful lessons on identity, letting go, and crafting a life on your termsTimestamps:[0:00] Full Circle Moments: Jerry Returns—The Backstory Behind the Leap[2:00] “Put Yourself In a Prison”—The Real Cost of Corporate

What if you could finally measure what really drives revenue—without cookies, guesswork, or silos?In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, the authority behind Provalytics, takes us on a riveting journey through the future of marketing measurement. Get ready for a conversation that shatters the myths of digital attribution, revealing how data and AI can uncover the true impact of every marketing dollar—even in a world without third-party cookies. Jeff opens up about the emotional weight of uprooting the status quo and shares how “being less wrong” might be the most valuable marketing mindset of all.What You'll Learn:The seismic shift from click-driven to impression-driven attributionWhy legacy analytics are failing marketers (and how AI closes the gap)The real story behind multi-channel campaigns and the customer journeyHow to finally connect brand awareness to hard business resultsThe one marketing metric that keeps CEOs and marketers up at nightTimestamps:[00:01] Welcome back, and why marketers are in crisis w

Imagine discovering that the data guiding your marketing dollars is a lie. On today’s episode, Junaid Ahmed unpacks a seismic shift in marketing attribution with Jeff Greenfield—CEO and founder of Provalytics, pioneer behind C3 Metrics, and a leader whose ideas are rewriting the rules in a world with no more cookies.Jeff shares hard-won truths from his three-decade journey, exposing why most marketers are blind to what’s truly driving results—and how a privacy-first, AI-driven future is not just possible, but necessary. This is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and anyone chasing real ROI in a post-cookie world.What You'll Learn:Marketing’s biggest myth: Why the numbers you trust are often wrong.The collapse of cookie-based tracking—and the rise of privacy-first measurement.Inside the walled gardens: How Amazon, Facebook, and Google obscure real impact.Impressions vs. clicks: The mindset shift every marketer must embrace.Why AI and machine learning are the keys to attribution’s future.Timestamps:[00:01]

What does it really take to go from nothing to a thriving company—without a safety net?Brian Clayton, CEO and cofounder of GreenPal, returns for a raw, curiosity-fueled conversation on the lonely reality of building, scaling, and letting go. Discover why delegation can kill a startup—or make it unstoppable, how bootstrapping turns founders into wild animals on the hunt, and which hidden traps you must dodge as you raise (or reject) funding.Brian’s story is packed with lessons that will resonate with every founder, leader, and dreamer. This episode dives into why founders must wear every hat—until the moment they must let go. You’ll learn what separates a founder from a true CEO, how “having less” forges true innovation, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re forced to get scrappy. What You'll Learn: Delegation is a double-edged sword—do it too soon or too late, and you’ll pay.Founders thrive when their backs are against the wall—even bootstrapping, out of necessity.Building an org char

What if the secret to building a multi-million dollar business is hidden in door-to-door flyers, no shortcuts, and your personal cell number? In this emotional and curiosity-driven conversation, Brian Clayton—CEO and co-founder of GreenPal—reveals the raw journey of turning an old-school lawn mowing hustle into a $30 million empire. Forget Silicon Valley fairytales. This is a masterclass in resilience, relentless customer obsession, and why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong things.Discover why Brian believes hand-to-hand selling and direct feedback are the lifeblood of any real startup—and learn the lessons he wishes he’d known before fighting for every customer. This episode will make you rethink growth, funding, and the true price of entrepreneurial success.What You'll Learn:Bootstrapping isn’t just possible; it’s a superpower—if you focus on true customer needs.The best funding comes from happy customers, not investors.Scaling a company? Tackle it like a video game: one level at a time, and don’t w

What if the real secret to leading isn’t about titles, but invisible work behind the scenes?In this raw and revealing conversation, award-winning mentor and Navy veteran Enrique Acosta Gonzalez exposes how the world’s most authentic leaders are built in silence, not on stage. With emotional honesty and practical wisdom, Enrique shares how to overcome fear, prepare for your defining moment, and transform every setback into strength.What You'll Learn: Leadership starts in the unseen: act today, lead tomorrow. The Triad Principle: balance material and spiritual leadership. Overcoming fear is crucial—small steps toward courage matter. Guide from your own “why,” not just external expectations. True legacy is made with selfless action and impact.Timestamps 00:00 – A Navy Journey Transformed: Enrique’s origin story 02:00 – Triad Leadership: Spiritual and Tactical Secrets 04:00 – The Power of Leading Yourself—Before You Lead Others 08:15 – Why “Why” Changes Everything: Digging into personal motives 10:40

What does it take to go from the shadows of the unknown to the spotlight of global recognition?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Enrique Augusta Gonzalez—CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, retired Navy veteran, and six-time bestselling author—to uncover the raw truth behind leadership, legacy, and the courage to chase your dreams.Enrique’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From 26 years of service in the US Navy to building a thriving business and award-winning podcast, he reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and emotional battles that shape true leaders. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn setbacks into stepping stones and create impact that outlives you, this conversation is your blueprint.What You'll Learn:The hidden cost of “playing it safe” with your dreams—and how to break free.Why legacy is built in the quiet moments, not just the spotlight.How Navy core values shaped Enrique’s leadership philosophy for life.The emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from mil

What if losing your dream job was the best thing that ever happened to you?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Kirk Gimenez, a two-time Emmy winner and the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN, to uncover the untold story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention as the founder of sizzle TV. Kirk reveals how losing his authentic voice in mainstream media led him to create a platform that celebrates multicultural stories, positivity, and unapologetic representation.Dive deep into Kirk’s journey of resilience, the power of staying true to your roots, and the mission to flood the world with uplifting stories. This conversation is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, building a brand with purpose, and why the future of media belongs to those who dare to be different.What You'll Learn:How Kirk became the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN—and why it mattered.The pain of losing his authentic voice and the 20-year journey to reclaim it.Why sizzle TV is more than a platf

What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Ruso—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use.Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change.What You'll Learn:The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from presentHow havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilienceReal-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stagesThe “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance,

What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Rousseau—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind’s safe space.Discover how humor, understanding, and gratitude can become your daily tools for emotional well-being. Hilary’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—this conversation will change the way you think about healing, self-care, and the stories we tell ourselves.What You'll Learn:The “Hug It Out” Method: How humor, understanding, and gratitude can transform your emotional landscape.Havening Techniques: The science-backed self-soothing practice that rewires your brain for safety and calm.Gratitude’s Power: Why two minutes of gratitude each morning

What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, burnout-proof freelance business is a single mindset shift? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Jason Willis Lee—medical translator, business strategist, and host of the Freelance Training podcast—to uncover the hidden frameworks that separate struggling freelancers from industry leaders.From the power of lead magnets to the art of productizing your expertise, Jason shares the hard-won lessons and emotional turning points that fueled his evolution from service provider to sought-after thought leader. If you’re ready to attract better clients, earn more, and finally break free from the time-for-money trap, this conversation is your blueprint.What You'll Learn:Discover why “standing out in a sea of sameness” is the #1 skill for freelancers—and how to do it.Learn the lead magnet strategies that build trust and fill your pipeline with high-quality clients.Find out how virtual assistants and automation can buy back your time and scale your bu

Step inside the mind of Jason Willis-Lee, an ITI certified medical translator and serial entrepreneur, who’s spent over 25 years navigating the shifting tides of business, burnout, and personal brand in a world flooded with AI and endless content. With wisdom forged in Madrid and a career packed with reinvention, Jason reveals how freelancers can break through the noise, leverage their story, and create a business only they can build.In this unmissable conversation, Jason and Junaid dive into the secrets of packaging your IP, building a magnetic personal brand, and why iteration— not perfection— is the real superpower in 2025. Whether you’re a solopreneur, creative, or future-proofing your income against the AI tide, this episode uncovers how to claim your authority, connect more deeply, and build demand for what only you can deliver.What You'll Learn:Why personal branding is your uncopyable moat in business.How to transition from trading time for money to scalable impact.Lessons on balancing automation w

Could your biggest trading loss be just one emotional decision away?In this gripping episode, Casey Stubbs — veteran, trader, and creator of the 1% Weekly Trading System — reveals the life-changing mindset shifts and risk strategies that help thousands move from gambling with their futures to building real wealth. Casey brings military discipline, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare emotional honesty to a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about success in the markets and in life.Discover why trading isn’t about getting rich quick, how to tame emotional impulses, and why those who protect their gains — not just chase them — become the true winners. Whether you’re looking to escape financial pain or secure a vision for your future, this raw, curiosity-driven discussion will leave you re-evaluating how you approach money, risk, and personal growth.What You'll Learn:The biggest mental shift traders must make: it’s not a casino, it’s a craft.Emotional control is the true “edge” — and