Paula Skaper begins with her early years in Northern Ireland during the Troubles . However, her parents chose Canada for greater stability and opportunity . That decision shaped her outlook on risk and resilience. She describes growing up in multiple provinces as mines opened and closed . As a result,
Episodes
Paul Melella Jr grew up in a tight Italian family in New York. He faced bullying at a young age. That experience pushed him into martial arts. He trained in secret and gained confidence. One moment changed everything. He stood up to his bully and shifted his identity. That challenge
David Wagstaff shares how his first business venture began with a lemonade stand after failing second grade. That early success gave him the confidence to improve academically and socially. He explains how being on a busy corner, not business genius, made the difference in his early profits. From selling candy
In this episode, we sit down with Park Howell to explore how storytelling became his framework for leading teams, growing businesses, and navigating personal change. Through stories from his early life and career, Park shares how he moved from advertising executive to storytelling educator, building a unique path by making
David Kidder on How Founders Think Differently David Kidder explains what separates successful founders from the rest. It’s not polish or presentation. It’s the way they think. They focus on deep customer problems, challenge assumptions early, and they care more about traction than applause. David shares how many people build
Peter Hopwood on the Power of First Impressions Peter Hopwood explains why first impressions matter more than most people realize. Whether you’re pitching an idea or leading a team, how you come across in the first few seconds sets the tone. He breaks down how confidence, posture, and vocal energy
Cam Roberts on learning without a blueprint Cam Roberts grew up in a quiet town in northern British Columbia with no real exposure to entrepreneurship. His early years were filled with snow forts, basic jobs, and the kind of hands-on learning you only get from being thrown into unfamiliar tasks.
A Young David Decker Finds His Path David Decker shares how growing up in northwest Indiana shaped his values. From delivering newspapers at age nine to painting houses and mowing lawns, he learned self-reliance early. His parents led by example—both hardworking and ambitious, with his mom becoming a vice president
Scott Miller on Growing Up and Grit Scott Miller shares how growing up with three older brothers in a small Midwest town shaped his outlook. With limited resources and a father who worked constantly, Scott learned early that no one was coming to help. That mindset followed him into adulthood.
Growing Up Hustling in Brooklyn Anthony Espo shares how growing up in Bay Ridge shaped his early mindset around work, independence, and hustle. He talks about his mother’s example as a relentless businesswoman, running a bike shop while raising three kids on her own. From delivering newspapers at ten years
Finding Opportunity in Unlikely Places Kison Patel shares how growing up in a small Nebraska motel shaped his work ethic from an early age. Raised by immigrant parents who ran a roadside motel, Kison learned to handle real estate, operations, and customer service by the time he was a teenager.
Learning to Think Differently Henning Schwinum’s journey started in Cologne, Germany, and took a pivotal turn when he joined a student exchange program in North Carolina. That early experience shaped his perspective and taught him to reason independently. He discusses how this mindset helped him see the world in nuanced