Matt is a lifelong entrepreneur, a software developer since age seven, and the founder of over 30 startups. A world traveler who has visited more than 70 countries, he hosted and produced “Places to Go” for Amazon Prime. He holds a commercial pilot’s license, a real estate broker’s license, and is a musician with over 30 published songs. A GIA-certified gemologist, black belt in Karate and Aikido, scuba diver, and photographer, Matt is a U.S. expat splitting his time between Colombia and Switzerland. He’s also a proud father to a pilot and a firefighter.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn what it really takes to transition from employee to entrepreneur, navigate ups and downs in business, and create lasting client loyalty.

Matt and I discuss:

• Lessons from early work experiences and rapid advancement [00:01:46]
• The difference between employee and entrepreneur mindsets [00:04:01]
• How setting and evolving goals drives success [00:04:55]
• Navigating ups and downs, from the 2008 crisis to COVID [00:05:44]
• Adapting business models and finding new income streams [00:06:17]
• The power of treating clients with genuine care [00:08:29]
• Building loyalty and relationships that endure transitions [00:10:09]
• Standing out by offering a “concierge” approach [00:19:29]
• How to leverage community, stay lean, and find support [00:16:22]

Learn more about Matt at https://theamericano.com

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Prosper Taruvinga is the founder of Live Long Digital, where he helps coaches and consultants scale from six to seven figures with ease and flow. A Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur based in Australia, Prosper blends digital strategy with heart, helping experts stop relying on algorithms and build profitable, enjoyable businesses they love.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to embrace unexpected opportunities, the importance of owning your media, and how building the right community can transform your business success.

Prosper and I discuss:

• Prosper’s journey from Zimbabwe to Australia and into digital marketing [00:01:54]
• The role of mentorship and models in shaping career paths [00:05:02]
• How Prosper turned being fired into a business opportunity [00:04:01]
• Navigating economic uncertainty and adaptability [00:05:53]
• Why owning your media is crucial for entrepreneurs [00:10:12]
• The tools and platforms Prosper uses to grow his business [00:12:41]
• Why he transitioned from working with restaurants to coaches and consultants [00:15:04]
• The biggest mistakes coaches and consultants make—and how to fix them [00:17:50]
• How to clarify your message and identify your target market [00:18:58]
• The transformative power of community in business and life [00:21:36]
• Prosper’s thoughts on collaboration and leveraging collective strengths [00:22:00]

Learn more about Prosper at https://onlineprosperity.com.au/

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Wagner Denuzzo is the author of Leading to Succeed, a book on essential skills for the new workplace. He is currently a consultant and coach at his own firm. Previously, he served as the VP and Global Head of Leadership Development at IBM, as well as the VP and Head of Capabilities for the Future of Work at Prudential Financial.

He is a seasoned leader in organizational development, human capital strategy, and leadership transformation, with over two decades of experience across global enterprises, consulting firms, and startups.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to effectively transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Wagner and I discuss:

• Wagner's journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to a successful corporate career [02:16]
• The pivotal moment that led Wagner to become an entrepreneur [04:41]
• The role of community in organizational success [07:13]
• How to leverage personal experiences for professional growth [10:04]
• The significance of listening in consulting engagements [13:14]
• The importance of shared leadership and collective purpose [20:12]
• Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur [22:48]
• Insights on building effective teams through the lens of quantum physics [25:10]

Learn more about Wagner at https://a.co/d/azLLRXK.

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