Success Story with Scott D. Clary
Welcome to the Success Story Podcast, hosted by entrepreneur, business executive, author, educator & speaker, Scott D. Clary (@scottdclary). On this podcast, you'll find interviews, Q&A, keynote presentations & conversations on sales, marketing, business, startups and entrepreneurship. Scott will discuss some of the lessons he's learned over his own career, as well as have candid interviews with execs, celebrities, notable figures and politicians. All who have achieved success through both wins and losses, to learn more about their life, their ideas and insights. He sits down with leaders and mentors and unpacks their story to help pass those lessons onto others through both experiences and tactical strategy for business professionals, entrepreneurs and everyone in between. To get more of the Success Story podcast, go to www.successstorypodcast.com.
Most Recent Episode
Angelo Bahu - Viral Video Creator | From Donut Shop to 6 Billion Views
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Angelo Bahu is the viral force behind Yonutz, racking up 750+ million views across 8 million YouTube subscribers and 2.8 million TikTok followers. He turned his family's donut shop into a national franchise backed by Shark Tank's Kevin Harrington, with his creative content—making ice cream-stuffed SMASH Donuts based on movies and pop culture—generating multiple 20+ million view hits. Featured on Fox Business and ranked #9 in U.S. Food Entertainment, Angelo built a Gen Z empire that transformed gourmet donuts into a cultural movement.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.instagram.com/yoangelolo/
https://www.youtube.com/@yoangelolo/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:32 – The Moment That Changed Angelo
04:18 – How His Family Joined Yonutz
10:06 – The Secret Behind His Viral Boom
16:25 – Making Your Brand Culturally Relatable
19:24 – Using Socials to Pick Your Next Location
22:20 – Opportunities That Leveled Him Up
24:19 – Sponsor Break
27:03 – Why His Content Exploded Organically
28:19 – Does Every Platform Treat Content the Same?
34:24 – Inside Angelo’s 21-Day Viral Course
43:42 – Angelo’s “Evil Twin” Growth Strategy
51:46 – Why You Must Keep Testing New Ideas
53:25 – Sponsor Break
55:55 – The New Rules of Social Media
1:00:14 – Angelo’s Best-Performing Videos
1:02:18 – Can Any Content Style Go Viral?
1:05:13 – Winning on Socials Without a Big Team
1:07:58 – The Power of a Strong CTA
1:14:19 – Podcast vs Short-Form Audiences
1:16:47 – Who Angelo’s Course Is Really For
1:20:45 – What Agencies Get Wrong About Social Media
1:24:58 – Angelo’s Hardest Career Lesson
1:26:37 – A Social Media Belief He No Longer Holds
1:27:43 – Balancing Perfectionism with Posting
1:32:51 – The Value of Pausing to Appreciate Progress
1:39:40 – The One Lesson He’d Leave His Kids
More Episodes
Lessons - 44 Decisions That Make or Break Leaders | David Siegel - Ex-CEO of Investopedia
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In this "Lessons" episode, David Siegel, former CEO of Investopedia, shares his insights on what makes leaders truly effective. He explores how transparent decision-making, aligned incentives, and open communication empower teams and strengthen organizations. Drawing on his experiences leading multiple companies and learning from legendary leaders like Jack Welch, he reveals why many decisions are more reversible than assumed and how supporting the success of others defines impactful leadership.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rzQ63gtjEcA
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-siegel-ceo-of-meetup-decisions-that-make-or/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3q4YqkM87QS5VsAEeWm45P
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - The Podcast Strategy That Beats Legacy Media | Ben Shapiro - Media Entrepreneur
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In this "Lessons" episode, Ben Shapiro, media entrepreneur, breaks down how a simple consulting pivot evolved into a full-scale media business powered by podcasting. He shares how relationship-driven outreach, iterative experimentation, and an unexpected discovery about audience behavior reshaped his entire strategy. Through his journey from short-term projects to building daily shows with strong organic growth, he highlights why adaptability often beats traditional long-form media models. This conversation offers a clear look at how understanding your audience — not legacy formats — ultimately determines what scales.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/61ta8a6xbFw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-shapiro-ceo-co-founder-of-i-hear-everything/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Tu7v5U0STWHY9EUteTcWo
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Maria Wendt - Business Coach to 100,000 Women | How to Make $650K/Month Working Less Than 2 Days
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Maria Wendt is a seven-figure business coach and entrepreneur who has transformed over 100,000 women into profitable online business owners. Featured in Forbes and sought-after globally, she evolved from brand designer to business architect, pioneering a proven framework for rapid client acquisition, magnetic offer positioning, and wealth-building mindset. Through her digital programs and proprietary coaching methodology, Maria has built an international movement of female entrepreneurs achieving financial freedom and generational wealth.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.youtube.com/c/MariaWendt
https://www.instagram.com/maria.wendt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariafwendt/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:21 – How Working Less Made Her Richer
04:59 – From Launch to $4M in Year One
07:25 – What Makes a Course Truly Great
09:17 – Should You Create a Course?
10:29 – The Fail-Proof Course Strategy
13:38 – Entrepreneurship Is Just Problem-Solving
16:12 – Building the Confidence to Begin
20:32 – The Dark Side of Online Coaching
22:59 – The Real Value She Gives Clients
26:05 – Sponsor Break
28:48 – How Much of Your Life Should You Share?
31:26 – Turning Pressure into Power
36:44 – Content That Sells Everything
47:51 – Why Focus Beats Hustle
50:28 – Sponsor Break
52:57 – When Cash Flow Hurts Your Mindset
55:31 – The One-Day-a-Week Work Model
59:37 – How She Cut 95% of Work & Grew Revenue
1:01:53 – Killing the Ego to Succeed
1:04:22 – Staying Connected to Your Audience
1:07:06 – Why Some Men Don’t Support Ambitious Women
1:12:43 – Choosing the Right Partner for Growth
1:20:12 – Building a Business Beyond Yourself
1:22:30 – Advice to Her 20-Year-Old Self
1:23:26 – The Lesson She’ll Pass to Her Child
Lessons - The Hiring Process That Got SpaceX’s Attention | Harpaul Sambhi - Careerify Founder
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In this "Lessons" episode, Harpaul Sambhi, founder of Careerify and CEO of Magical, breaks down how intentional hiring and radical transparency can transform company culture. He explains why defining clear values early helps build diverse, high-performing teams and how open communication fosters trust across every level of an organization. Harpaul also shares lessons from scaling his own ventures—highlighting the importance of investing in top talent, encouraging candid dialogue, and creating a workplace where ownership and trust drive long-term growth.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/zP8MfGKM7dg
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harpaul-sambhi-founder-ceo-of-magical-trials/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mKtOfk6gp6lrNEJbBR6jZ
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - What Happens When CEOs Stop Chasing Revenue ($100M Founder) | Melissa Urban - CEO of Whole30
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In this "Lessons" episode, Melissa Urban, CEO and co-founder of Whole30, explores what happens when leaders stop chasing revenue and start building from purpose. She shares how genuine human connection can transform leadership, why comparing yourself to competitors limits growth, and how self-awareness builds trust across teams. Melissa also discusses how loyalty and integrity shape her hiring philosophy, and why community—not profit—has always been at the center of Whole30’s success. Through her reflections, she reveals how stepping back, staying grounded, and leading with empathy can help founders create brands that truly endure.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ndKRBXk9-jw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melissa-urban-co-founder-ceo-of-the-whole30/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hqwTNunf5E3VV44gRoVg5
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Peter Cuneo - Marvel’s Turnaround CEO, $4.5B Exit | The Navy Officer Who Saved Marvel
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Peter Cuneo is a renowned American business executive best known for orchestrating one of the greatest corporate turnarounds in history as President and CEO of Marvel Entertainment. He rescued Marvel from bankruptcy in the late 1990s and transformed it into a global entertainment powerhouse that Disney ultimately acquired for $4.3 billion—delivering massive returns to shareholders and cementing his reputation as one of America's elite turnaround specialists. With senior leadership roles at major brands including Clairol, Black & Decker, and Remington, Cuneo has built a legendary career revitalizing struggling companies into category leaders through strategic vision, disciplined execution, and a proven track record of creating extraordinary value.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cuneo/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:15 – The War Experience That Redefined Risk
17:38 – Are Leaders Born or Made?
23:47 – Sponsor Break
28:22 – Why Great Leaders Stay Curious
33:13 – Are We Losing Our Curiosity?
37:03 – Raising Successful Kids in 2025
42:09 – The Best People to Learn Leadership From
44:20 – Leadership Advice for 25-Year-Olds
46:35 – Sponsor Break
49:28 – Knowing Which Lessons to Keep—or Forget
53:17 – Early Signs a Company’s Failing
56:33 – The Power of Thinking Like an Outsider
1:01:12 – The Bold Bets That Transformed Marvel
1:07:08 – Smarter Decisions and Risk Taking
1:11:49 – Peter Cuneo’s Final Lesson for His Son
Lessons - Chauffeur Knowledge (Scott)
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➡️ If you like more content like this, you'll love my podcast, 10 Minute Mindset https://10minmindset.org/
➡️ Connect With Me https://instagram.com/scottdclary / https://twitter.com/scottdclary
Lessons - The Brutal Truth About Fundraising | Russ Heddleston - Built & Sold DocSend for $165M
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In this "Lessons" episode, Russ Heddleston, founder of DocSend, breaks down the harsh realities of startup fundraising and what truly separates successful founders from the rest. Drawing from his experience building and selling DocSend for $165M, he reveals why timing a raise is less about fixed milestones and more about credibility, vision, and momentum. Learn how simplicity in your pitch deck earns investor trust, why clarity always beats complexity, and how to approach different fundraising stages with confidence. This conversation cuts through the noise to deliver practical, data-backed insights every founder needs before their next investor meeting.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/HwEWy24UDWs
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7MY2iI39B6OlywWV7b5CX3
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - The Truth About Finding Product-Market Fit After 3 Exits | Shirish Nadkarni - Author of From Startup to Exit
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In this “Lessons” episode, Shirish Nadkarni, author of From Startup to Exit, breaks down what it really takes to find product-market fit — and why timing, validation, and adaptability can make or break a startup. Drawing from his own journey through three successful exits, he shares how he raised $15 million pre-revenue during the dot-com boom, learned the hard way that great ideas fail without market readiness, and turned a struggling concept into a company eventually acquired by BlackBerry. Learn how founders can identify the right problems to solve, test demand before building, and recognize when it’s time to pivot, raise, or exit strategically.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Xe25lwThfBw
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shirish-nadkarni-author-of-from-startup-to-exit/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cAYe8tjGHCEdg9srQzs4a
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Dr. David Burns - Stanford Psychiatrist, 10M Books Sold | The Stanford Study That Changed Everything
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Dr. David D. Burns is an American psychiatrist, bestselling author, and pioneer in the field of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He is best known for his groundbreaking books Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy and The Feeling Good Handbook, which have helped millions overcome depression and anxiety through evidence-based self-help techniques. A graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Burns has devoted his career to developing innovative, practical methods for emotional healing, including TEAM-CBT, a powerful, results-driven approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes empathy, cognitive reframing, and rapid symptom relief.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.youtube.com/@daviddbmd/
https://www.facebook.com/DavidBurnsMD/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-burns-86178657/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:25 – Redefining Therapy
13:29 – Misunderstanding Depression
15:46 – Hormones and Mood
23:51 – Sponsor Break
28:15 – Breaking Worthlessness
35:05 – The Power of Feeling Good
39:19 – From Depression to Joy
48:52 – Sponsor Break
51:44 – When Therapy Fails
58:31 – Lasting Change
1:01:19 – Dangerous Self Talk
1:06:58 – A Lesson for His Children
Lessons - The Blueprint for Building Two-Sided Marketplaces | David Ciccarelli - Voices.com Founder
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, David Ciccarelli, founder of Voices.com, breaks down the core principles behind building successful two-sided marketplaces. Drawing from years of experience scaling one of the largest voiceover platforms, he explains the four key components that make platforms thrive—participants, information sharing, service exchange, and currency flow. Learn how balancing supply and demand prevents negative network effects, why strategy ultimately comes down to choice, and how narrowing your focus on one niche can create an unbeatable competitive advantage against larger players.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/4C0y2Oho5mk
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/david-ciccarelli-ceo-founder-of-voices-com-how-to/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/64iCtTb3UGm6JneBNC0zMo
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - The Truth About Venture Capital Nobody Tells You | Rand Fishkin - Author of 'Lost and Founder'
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In this "Lessons" episode, Rand Fishkin, author of Lost and Founder and founder of SparkToro, shares a brutally honest look at the venture capital system and how it shapes the modern startup world. He breaks down why VC funding, though glamorized, often leads to unsustainable growth and high failure rates, and explains how founders can build lasting, profitable businesses outside that cycle. Learn how alternative funding models empower entrepreneurs to retain freedom, balance, and creative control, and why redefining success beyond hustle culture can lead to a healthier, more equitable vision of capitalism.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/9j54xukQPRk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OeVFwvhI12Z3pUh9dZKni
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - You're Tired From Not Finishing (Scott)
➡️ Start Here: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com
➡️ Like The Podcast? Subscribe Here: https://youtube.com/c/scottdclary
➡️ If you like more content like this, you'll love my podcast, 10 Minute Mindset https://10minmindset.org/
➡️ Connect With Me https://instagram.com/scottdclary / https://twitter.com/scottdclary
Nicholas Thompson - CEO of The Atlantic (50k American Record Holder) | The Simple Sport That Reveals Everything About You
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Nicholas Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, where he has led one of the most successful turnarounds in American media—achieving profitability, record subscriptions, and three Pulitzer Prizes since 2021. Previously editor-in-chief of Wired (where he boosted digital subscriptions nearly 300%) and editor of NewYorker.com, Thompson co-founded two tech ventures sold to WordPress and Amplica Labs, edited stories that became the Oscar-winning film Argo, and authored The Hawk and the Dove, hailed as "brilliant" by The Washington Post. An American record holder in the 50K run with 2 million social media followers, he embodies the intersection of editorial excellence, entrepreneurial vision, and athletic discipline—bringing the same relentless drive to building media companies as he does to distance running.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.instagram.com/nxthompson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasxthompson/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
Truth, Lies & Work Podcast - https://truthliesandwork.com
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:31 – Why Running Is the Purest Sport
02:28 – The Challenge of Being Alone with Your Thoughts
04:44 – Discovering the Need for Solitude
11:52 – Running with Awareness, Not Just Discipline
14:42 – Living with Conflicting Personalities
16:42 – Sponsor Break
19:27 – The Double-Edged Sword of Obsession
21:14 – How Cancer Changed His Perspective
31:50 – Sponsor Break
43:29 – When Simplicity Becomes Profound
48:40 – Running as a High-Performer’s Edge
49:30 – Nicholas’ Wildest Running Story
53:22 – Running as a Multifaceted Tool
54:43 – The One Takeaway for Readers
55:11 – Advice to His 20-Year-Old Self
Lessons - How Finding a Mentor Changed Everything | Alex Banayan - Forbes 30 Under 30
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Alex Banayan, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and author of The Third Door, unpacks the transformative power of mentorship and mindset in shaping success. Through the remarkable story of how Steven Spielberg became Hollywood’s youngest director, Banayan explores how courage, persistence, and genuine connection can open impossible doors. Learn how finding the right mentor can redefine your path, why belief often precedes achievement, and how surrounding yourself with possibility can change what you think you’re capable of.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/1NM3mIeRkHw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GE4T1EZI0eoyTSCSVM6Pb
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - Why Living Scared Is Actually Killing Your Dreams | Kara Goldin - Author of 'Undaunted'
➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory
In this "Lessons" episode, Kara Goldin, author of Undaunted and founder of Hint, shares how courage, curiosity, and persistence shape the path to true success. She reveals why living scared quietly kills your dreams — and how choosing to take massive action, even in uncertainty, can create unstoppable momentum. Learn how Kara turns fear into fuel, why self-belief is the first step to resilience, and how embracing failure helps you grow stronger with every setback.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/51SF0mNuhis
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ZRVvK9N2takQvuooaXPhL
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Richard Fain - Royal Caribbean Chairman | How Culture Took Us from $550M to $90 Billion
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Richard D. Fain led Royal Caribbean Group as CEO from 1988, growing it from a $550 million company into a $90 billion cruise industry giant. A Berkeley and Wharton grad, he's known for pioneering revolutionary ship designs and sustainability initiatives that changed how the world cruises. His culture-driven leadership style built one of the most innovative and successful companies in global travel. He now serves as Chairman of the Board.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardfain/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:28 – Why Richard Fain Can’t Retire
02:44 – 33 Years as a Cruise Industry CEO
04:55 – The Death of Long-Term Thinking
06:36 – The Inflection Point That Changed Everything
08:18 – Building Culture with Intention
12:35 – Leading Under Pressure Without Losing Culture
15:32 – Vision vs. Intentionality: What’s the Difference?
18:17 – Hiring the Right People for the Mission
21:09 – Alignment Over Consensus
23:46 – Sponsor Break
28:21 – Killing Ego While Leading with Purpose
30:17 – Driving Results Without Burning Out Your Team
35:47 – The CEO’s Decision-Making Framework
38:11 – How to Create True Innovation
42:52 – Inside Royal Caribbean’s ‘Culture of WOW’
46:28 – Sponsor Break
49:21 – Getting Your People to Go the Extra Mile
52:59 – Turning Products into Culture Statements
1:01:35 – Fear Makes People Stupid
1:06:04 – How to Pass the Torch the Right Way
1:12:16 – Lessons from Richard Fain’s Book
1:13:31 – The Most Important Lesson for His Kids
Lessons - The Truth About Making $1M+ on Fiverr | Alexandra Fasulo - Author of 'Freelance Your Way to Freedom'
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In this "Lessons" episode, Alexandra Fasulo, author of Freelance Your Way to Freedom, reveals the reality behind building a million-dollar freelancing career on Fiverr. She shares how starting on a marketplace can teach invaluable skills in time management, communication, and client relationships—foundations that later empower freelancers to scale independently. Learn how mastering soft skills like discipline and professionalism builds long-term success, why structured client onboarding prevents miscommunication, and how strategic pricing decisions pave the path from solo work to a thriving agency.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/IM7LZ-vMC6E
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7McJiaPKzX7XMPETW9mi1P
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - The Real Secret to Personal Branding | Aaron Marino - 6M+ YouTube Subscribers
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In this "Lessons" episode, Aaron Marino — better known as Alpha M, with over 6 million YouTube subscribers — shares how authenticity, resilience, and community drive true personal branding success. He reveals how his journey from style vlogs to entrepreneurship was built on self-awareness and embracing imperfection, not polish. Learn why showing up as your unfiltered self builds stronger trust than trying to be someone you’re not, how repeated failures can become the foundation of confidence and creativity, and why surrounding yourself with ambitious, like-minded people fuels lasting growth in both business and life.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pBPakchjxgE
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iibFw8k6k00mpGBN06qWT
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Chris Do - Emmy Award-Winning Designer | Stop Hiding Behind Your Work
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Chris Do is an Emmy award-winning designer, director, CEO, and founder of The Futur, an education platform with 3+ million YouTube subscribers and a community serving millions of creatives across 190+ countries. As the former CEO of Blind for 20+ years—a motion design agency that generated $7M+ annually working with Fortune 500 brands including Nike, Microsoft, and Samsung—Chris has built a career spanning design, strategy, and entrepreneurship, now empowering the next generation through courses, workshops, and content that have generated over 500 million views worldwide.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:21 – Why the Most Creative People Are Survivors
05:00 – Can Creativity Be Built from Scratch?
07:43 – Discovering Creativity at 42
10:04 – From Corporate Leader to Creator
13:25 – How to De-Risk Entrepreneurship
16:23 – Knowing Your Worth as an Entrepreneur
23:58 – Sponsor Break
28:34 – Why Charging More Makes Sense
31:15 – What It Really Means to Build a Personal Brand
40:07 – Growing a Business on Social Media (Without Oversharing)
47:25 – Chris Do’s Personal Branding Playbook
57:43 – Sponsor Break
1:00:36 – How to Present Yourself to the World
1:16:06 – Turning an Audience into Opportunity
1:19:16 – The Right Way to Monetize Your Audience
1:28:46 – Advice Chris Do Would Give His 20-Year-Old Self
Lessons - Breaking Away From Institutional Financial Systems | Miko Matsumura - $500M Crypto VC Fund Partner
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In this "Lessons" episode, Miko Matsumura, partner at a $500M crypto venture fund, breaks down how blockchain represents a fundamental shift away from traditional financial institutions. He explains how decentralized systems introduce competition for consent, forcing existing structures to stay accountable and transparent. Miko also unpacks why responsible risk-taking and diversification are critical in the volatile world of crypto, emphasizing the importance of learning through play before committing deeply. Through thoughtful analogies and hard-earned lessons, he reveals how curiosity, caution, and the freedom to “fork and go” empower individuals to participate more intelligently in the digital economy.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/9rlP-SJt3Ms
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2qMAEpAQQVCfiC6u0IU1FR
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - How Fear Reshapes Global Economy and Society | John Hagel - Center for the Edge Chairman
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In this “Lessons” episode, John Hagel, Chairman of the Center for the Edge, explores how fear is quietly reshaping the global economy, business culture, and individual behavior. He unpacks how intensifying competition, rapid technological change, and a fear-driven media environment have pushed both companies and people into short-term thinking and constant anxiety. Learn how narratives built on threat fuel this collective fear, why redefining success through purpose and passion is essential for resilience, and how building supportive communities can help individuals and organizations thrive amid uncertainty.
➡️ Show Links
https://successstorypodcast.com
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ogf2JGDOvr0
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/john-hagel-founder-of-center-for-the-edge/id1484783544
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zR5sQCM0PZKYMV3kSIR5P
➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
Lessons - The Gym Isn't About Your Body (Scott)
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➡️ If you like more content like this, you'll love my podcast, 10 Minute Mindset https://10minmindset.org/
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Lavell Juan - Built a NASDAQ Company (Brag House) at 30 | How to Build Movements Not Companies
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Lavell Juan Malloy is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brag House Holdings (NASDAQ: TBH), a media-tech company he recently capitalized with $15 million. A former securities lawyer at Weil, Gotshal & Manges who represented Fortune 500 clients, he’s achieved two startup exits and secured partnerships with Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Learfield. He now leads the company’s strategy to dominate Gen Z engagement through gaming and college sports.
➡️ Show Links
https://www.instagram.com/bragceo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavell-juan-bh/
➡️ Podcast Sponsors
Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/
ShipStation - https://www.shipstation.com/ (Code: SuccessStory)
Square - https://square.com/go/success
SurveyMonkey - https://www.surveymonkey.com/scott
Monarch Money - https://www.monarchmoney.com (Code: Success)
Claude - https://claude.ai/success
Incogni - https://incogni.com/success (Code: Success)
Think Big, Buy Small Podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/B2cH36AX?sid=SuccessStory
NetSuite — https://netsuite.com/scottclary/
Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary
➡️ Talking Points
00:00 – Intro
01:33 – Why Gen Z Is Hard to Reach
04:44 – The Moment That Changed Everything
12:57 – Community vs. Audience
15:54 – You Can’t Buy Culture
20:08 – Scaling Without Losing Your Soul
35:47 – Sponsor Break
38:46 – Landing Major Partnerships
42:17 – What Makes a Career “Dangerous”
47:30 – The Psychology of Starting Over
52:41 – Starting Over vs. Starting Fresh
57:48 – Sponsor Break
1:00:40 – Reinventing Yourself the Right Way
1:09:41 – The Power of Asking for Help
1:15:16 – Staying Strong Through Self-Doubt
1:20:12 – Advice to His 20-Year-Old Self
1:21:38 – The One Lesson for His Kids