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"Inspired to Invest" Podcast

"Inspired to Invest" Podcast

Hosted by Serena Holmes

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Episodes

145

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

The "Inspired To Invest" Podcast shares stories from inspirational business owners, entrepreneurs and real estate investors, how/why they got started, challenges/obstacles faced, successes achieved, lessons learned and much more. Never miss an episode! The host of "Inspired To Invest", Serena Holmes, ran her own multi-award winning brand experience agency for 18 years and has been investing in real estate for over ten years. Throughout the course of her career, she has had the chance to get to know some super amazing people who have taken charge of their lives to start a business and/or invest in real estate to completely change the trajectory of their finances, their future, and the legacy they will leave behind for their family. With this said, the concept for “Inspired To Invest” was born. Please join in as we journey through the episodes, featuring inspiring stories from business owners, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors. We hope that by hearing these stories that you will find the inspiration, encouragement, and confidence, to get started on your own path. "When you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit!" To watch episodes rather than listen to them, go to Serena's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@serenaholmesrealtor/podcasts and make sure you subscribe! For past episodes or to apply to be on the show, go to https://linktr.ee/inspiredtoinvestpodcast and to get in touch directly, go to inspiredtoinvestpodcast@gmail.com. In addition, Serena recently launched a new business called Executive Lens. Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! Learn more at https://executivelens.co Thank you in advance for your support.

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60 recent
July 1, 202630 min

From Wall Street To Serial Entrepreneur! Building A Real Estate Business & Mentorship Community | "Inspired To Invest" Ep150 with Mark Seruya

From Wall Street to serial entrepreneur!  What does it take to build lasting wealth over four decades? Welcome back to ep150 of Inspired To Invest.  This week, we are sitting down with Mark Seruya.  To watch rather than listen, click HERE. He is a Wall Street veteran with more than 40 years of experience, a real estate investor of 25+ years, Head of Capital Markets at KSR Real Estate, partner at Windsor Properties, founder of Rise With Mark, and owner of Nova Stem New York.  Mark shares the lessons he learned while managing more than $5 billion in client assets, navigating major financial crises, building real estate portfolios, and developing relationships with some of the most successful investors and business owners in the country.  From cold-calling six days a week to surviving the collapse of Bear Stearns during the 2008 financial crisis, Mark's story is a masterclass in resilience, emotional intelligence, leadership, and long-term wealth creation.  In this episode you'll learn:  ✔️ How Mark built a multi-billion-dollar advisory business  ✔️ Why relationships are more valuable than transactions  ✔️ The role resilience plays in long-term success  ✔️ Lessons learned from investing in real estate for over 25 years  ✔️ How listening can become your greatest competitive advantage  ✔️ What separates top performers from everyone else  ✔️ Why mentorship can dramatically accelerate your growth Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, real estate professional, or aspiring business owner, this conversation is packed with timeless lessons you can apply immediately.  🎙️ Tune into this episode with Mark Seruya and let us know: What was your biggest takeaway from Mark's journey?  👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and RING THE BELL so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest. Connect with Mark  ⁨@RiseWithMark⁩  on social.  Thank you to Mark Seruya for bringing us this month’s episodes of Inspired To Invest. To find out more about his mentorship support and community, go to risewithmark.com “Inspired to Invest” is proud to support the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy program for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Find out more at @more2give.ca.  ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for insights on business, branding, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit"      ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 24, 202639 min

The Love Doctor Reveals Why Relationships Fail & The 3 Keys to Better Communication | "Inspired To Invest Podcast" Ep149 with Dr. Etel Leit

What if the biggest obstacle in your relationships, career, and personal growth isn't communication itself but how you understand human behaviour? Welcome back to ep149 of Inspired To Invest with Dr. Etel Leit. To watch rather than listen, click HERE. Dr. Leit is an internationally recognized human communication researcher, TEDx speaker, psychologist, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and relationship expert known by many as "The Love Doctor." From serving as a commander in Israeli intelligence to pioneering baby sign language education and helping thousands of individuals improve their relationships, Dr. Leit shares powerful lessons about communication, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and human connection. You'll discover why feeling understood is one of our deepest human needs, how baby sign language can transform parent-child communication, and why thriving relationships often lead to thriving businesses. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔ Why communication is the foundation of every successful relationship ✔ The surprising benefits of baby sign language ✔ How curiosity can change your life and career ✔ Why most people listen incorrectly ✔ The connection between business success and personal relationships ✔ The powerful "3 A's" framework for personal growth ✔ How self-awareness can transform your relationships ✔ Why rejection can often be protection and redirection ✔ The difference between being a career woman and a woman with a career ✔ How to create deeper emotional connection with others Dr. Leit also shares the incredible story of how a business setback unexpectedly prepared her for success during the pandemic and the mindset shift that changed everything. If you're interested in personal development, emotional intelligence, communication, relationships, parenting, leadership, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe and ring the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest. 👍 Like, comment, and share this episode with someone who would benefit from becoming a better communicator. Connect with Dr. Etel Leit: @dreteleit on social and https://dretelleit online. Thank you to BnB Calc and RevWhisper for bringing us this month's episodes of Inspired To Invest.  Instead of relying on guesswork, you can analyze potential revenue, occupancy rates, expenses, and projected cash flow before you buy, which is huge in today’s market where margins matter more than ever.  Find out more, click HERE AND if you're an AirBnB host trying to improve your vacancy and get on the first page of AirBnB listings, check out https://revwhisper.com #InspiredToInvest #DrEtelLeit #Relationships #CommunicationSkills #EmotionalIntelligence   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Growing up in Israel and developing curiosity about communication 05:15 How baby sign language changed everything 08:40 The benefits of helping children communicate earlier 11:05 The #1 communication mistake most people make 13:30 Presence and acceptance as the foundation of love 16:20 Entrepreneurship lessons and overcoming setbacks 19:10 Why rejection can be protection and redirection 22:05 How the pandemic transformed her business 24:15 The connection between love, relationships, and business success 27:10 Career woman vs woman with a career 29:45 Building thriving personal relationships 32:30 Why your partner acts as a mirror 35:15 The Three A's: Awareness, Acceptance, Action 38:00 Final thoughts and where to connect with Dr. Etel Leit ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 17, 202628 min

How To Protect Yourself From Hackers! Cybersecurity for Entrepreneurs | "Inspired To Invest" Ep148 with Robert Siciliano

What if the biggest threat to your wealth… isn’t the market, interest rates, or your next deal, but a cyberattack you never saw coming? Welcome back to Inspired To Invest. This week, Robert Siciliano is with us for episode 148. To watch rather than listen, click HERE. In this episode, our host sits down with cybersecurity expert, private investigator, and “good guy hacker” Robert Siciliano to break down the real risks facing entrepreneurs, investors, and everyday individuals in today’s digital world. Robert, creator of The Strategic Human Firewall™, shares how most cyberattacks don’t start with sophisticated technology—but with simple human behaviour. From phishing emails to password habits, he explains how hackers exploit everyday actions and why awareness is your first line of defense. This conversation goes beyond fear and into practical strategy—how to protect your identity, your finances, and your business from threats that are becoming more advanced every day. If you’re building wealth, raising capital, or running a business, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore. 👉 Make sure to ring the bell and subscribe so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest. In this episode, we cover: How cybercriminals actually think and operate  Why most people underestimate their personal risk  The concept of the “human firewall” and why it matters  Common mistakes that leave entrepreneurs exposed  Simple steps to immediately improve your digital security  The real cost of a cyberattack on your business and reputation  Connect with Robert Siciliano: @robertsiciliano on social and https://protectnowllc.com online  Thank you to BnB Calc and RevWhisper for bringing us this month's episodes of Inspired To Invest.  Instead of relying on guesswork, you can analyze potential revenue, occupancy rates, expenses, and projected cash flow before you buy, which is huge in today’s market where margins matter more than ever.  Find out more: https://bnbcalc.com?fpr=adg2yq AND if you're an AirBnB host trying to improve your vacancy and get on the first page of AirBnB listings, check out https://revwhisper.com     Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:15 Robert Siciliano’s background and journey 03:20 What a “good guy hacker” actually does 06:10 The biggest cybersecurity risks people ignore 08:10 How hackers exploit human behaviour 10:25 Common mistakes entrepreneurs make 13:15 What is a “Strategic Human Firewall”? 16:15 Real-world examples of cyber attacks 19:50 How to protect your personal and business data 21:20 Tools, habits, and best practices 23:10 Final advice for entrepreneurs and investors ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, branding, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 #CyberSecurity #EntrepreneurMindset #DigitalSafety #InvestingSmart #OnlineSecurity ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 10, 202621 min

From Legally Blind to Tech Innovator: How To Turn Adversity Into Opportunity | "Inspired To Invest" Ep147 with Victor Vornado

What does it really take to turn adversity into opportunity? Welcome back to ep147 of Inspired To Invest. This week, Victor Vornado is with us. To watch rather than listen, click HERE. Victor is a comedian, filmmaker, tech innovator, and educator and he unpacks a journey that challenges everything you think you know about success. Born legally blind and navigating life as an African American with albinism, Victor didn’t follow a traditional path.  From performing stand-up comedy in New York to developing patented technology and receiving a National Science Foundation grant, his story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from perfect circumstances—it comes from execution, resilience, and perspective. Victor shares how he: Transitioned from entertainment into tech during the pandemic Sold a patent despite initially not recognizing its value Navigated imposter syndrome in rooms full of scientists Built systems that merge gaming, events, and lead generation Redefined wealth through freedom and autonomy This conversation dives into the real, unfiltered journey behind success—including moments of doubt, financial struggle, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. If you’re building a business, raising capital, or trying to create something meaningful… this episode will hit home. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE 🔔 Ring the bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest Thank you to BnB Calc and RevWhisper for bringing us this month's episodes of Inspired To Invest.  Instead of relying on guesswork, you can analyze potential revenue, occupancy rates, expenses, and projected cash flow before you buy, which is huge in today’s market where margins matter more than ever.  Find out more: https://bnbcalc.com?fpr=adg2yq AND if you're an AirBnB host trying to improve your vacancy and get on the first page of AirBnB listings, check out https://revwhisper.com     ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Early beginnings in comedy and entertainment 03:15 Transition into tech during the pandemic 05:15 Selling a patent and imposter syndrome 08:20 Overcoming visible and invisible challenges 09:10 Problem-solving under pressure 11:10 Building event tech and gamification systems 14:30 The $150,000 check story 15:45 Best advice: “Making money is a skill” 17:10 Defining “functional wealth” 18:20 Building a business you’re proud of 21:00 Final thoughts and how to connect ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, branding, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!). I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 3, 202627 min

The Mindset Blocks Sabotaging Your Success | "Inspired To Invest" Ep146 with Paul Salter

Why do so many people struggle to follow through… even when they know exactly what to do? Welcome back to ep146 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click HERE. In this episode of Inspired To Invest, I sit down with Paul Salter, a mindset and performance coach known as The Golf Hypnotherapist, to unpack what really drives success—and what quietly holds people back. Because here’s the truth… Most people don’t have a knowledge problem. They have an execution problem. Paul works with high-performing entrepreneurs and athletes to eliminate self-sabotage, rewire limiting beliefs, and build unshakable confidence under pressure. In this conversation, we go beyond surface-level strategies and into the deeper identity shifts required to actually take action and achieve your goals. Connect with him at @paulsaltercoaching or online https://thegolfhypnotherapist.com 💡 In this episode, we discuss: Why knowing what to do isn’t enough—and what’s really stopping you How subconscious beliefs (formed early in life) shape your results today The surprising fear of success—and how it keeps people playing small How to regulate your emotions and take action even when fear is present Why self-sabotage is often rooted in identity, not discipline The role of hypnotherapy in uncovering and rewiring limiting beliefs How high performers train their mindset to execute under pressure This episode is a powerful reminder that if you want different results… you can’t just do different things. You have to become someone different. Thank you to BnB Calc and RevWhisper for bringing us this month's episodes of Inspired To Invest. Instead of relying on guesswork, you can analyze potential revenue, occupancy rates, expenses, and projected cash flow before you buy, which is huge in today’s market where margins matter more than ever. Find out more: https://bnbcalc.com?fpr=adg2yq  AND if you're an AirBnB host trying to improve your vacancy and get on the first page of AirBnB listings, check out https://revwhisper.com Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀   🎧 If you’re serious about growth, performance, and building a life on your terms, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success.   👉 Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and high performers. 🔔Ring the bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest.   🔗 Connect with Paul Salter: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaulsalter Podcast: Scratch Golfers Mindset Book: The Sustainable Weight Loss Code   📌 About Inspired To Invest: Hosted by Serena Holmes, Inspired To Invest shares powerful stories and strategies from real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are building wealth and creating impact. Because when you invest in yourself… the sky’s the limit.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Paul Salter & mindset performance 02:15 Where Paul’s obsession with mindset began 06:30 Why high performers still struggle with execution 10:45 The hidden fear of standing out and success 15:20 Self-sabotage explained (and how it shows up) 20:10 Investing in yourself and overcoming scarcity mindset 25:40 The power of coaching and learning how to sell 30:15 Daily habits to strengthen your mindset (journaling, reflection) 34:50 Breaking down limiting beliefs and identity shifts 40:10 How hypnotherapy rewires subconscious patterns 46:20 Thoughts on plant medicine and deep inner work 50:30 Maintenance vs transformation: what happens after breakthrough 54:45 Mindset lessons from golf and entrepreneurship 58:30 Real client transformation story (powerful case study) 01:03:00 Final thoughts: becoming the person who achieves the goal ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 27, 202629 min

How to Build a $100M Global Company | Pivoting Fast To Grow, Scale & Sell Your Business | "Inspired To Invest" Ep145 with Joshua Gould

What does it really take to build a company that scales across borders, industries, and even global crises? Welcome back to ep145 of Inspired To Invest with Joshua Gould.  To watch rather than listen, click HERE Joshua is the CEO of The Big Word, a global language services and technology company that has grown to over $100 million in revenue while serving governments, healthcare systems, and legal institutions worldwide.  From launching a translation business in New York just before the financial crisis… to pivoting into government contracts during wartime… to navigating AI disruption and selling a majority stake of his company, Josh shares what it really looks like to build and scale an international business. This conversation goes far beyond surface-level entrepreneurship advice. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and making high-stakes decisions when the future is anything but certain. Thank you to Insta360 Link for bringing us this month’s episodes of Inspired To Invest. The Insta360 Link is a simple but powerful upgrade to keep you perfectly framed for virtual meetings and professional-quality video that instantly elevates your presence. It is perfect for calls, presentations, and podcasts Because in business… perception matters.  👉 Check it out!  🚀 In this episode, we dive into: • How Josh built and scaled a global company to over $100M in revenue • Why having a Plan B (and Plan C) is non-negotiable in business • The real impact of AI on service-based industries — and where humans still win • What happens when you sell 75% of your company but remain CEO • How to pivot your business model when your industry changes overnight • Lessons from operating in high-pressure environments like healthcare, courts, and government • The truth about entrepreneurship: uncertainty, risk, and long-term thinking   💡 Key Takeaways: Building a global business isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about adapting faster than the market shifts around you. Joshua's journey is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t come from avoiding challenges — it comes from navigating them with clarity, discipline, and the ability to pivot when everything changes.   🔔 Don’t Miss Future Episodes If you’re serious about investing, entrepreneurship, and building long-term wealth, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe. 👉 Ring the bell so you never miss an episode of Inspired To Invest.   🌐 Connect with Josh Gould: • YouTube: ExecCraft • Learn more about his work in global business and AI-driven communication   🎙️ About Inspired To Invest: Hosted by Serena Holmes, Inspired To Invest brings you real conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who are building wealth, scaling businesses, and creating impact across industries.   Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Josh Gould’s Background 02:15 Starting The Big Word & Early Challenges in New York 05:40 Pivoting During Market Disruption & The Power of Plan B and C 10:30 Scaling Globally & Managing 15,000+ Workforce 14:20 AI vs Human Talent: Where Each Wins 18:45 Selling 75% of the Business & Staying on as CEO 23:10 Diversifying Investments & Business Expansion Strategies 27:30 The COVID Shock: Losing 47% of Revenue Overnight 32:15 Rebuilding Through Digital Transformation 36:40 Best Advice for Entrepreneurs & Investors 41:20 Wealth, Priorities & The “Get Rich Slow” Mindset 46:10 What Success Really Means Beyond Money 49:30 Final Thoughts & Where to Find Josh ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 20, 202630 min

Employee Ownership Explained: How ESOPs Build Wealth, Reduce Taxes & Transform Business Exits | "Inspired To Invest" Ep144 with Matt Middendorp

What if you could sell your business… create wealth for your employees… AND potentially reduce your tax burden at the same time? Welcome back to ep144 of Inspired To Invest with Matt Middendorp. To watch rather than listen, click HERE. Matt is the Director of ESOP Consulting at VisionPoint Capital and we unpack one of the most misunderstood (yet powerful) strategies in business today: Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). If you’re a business owner, real estate investor, or entrepreneur thinking about exit strategies, succession planning, or long-term wealth creation, this conversation will challenge how you think about ownership. Because the truth is… The way you exit your business can be just as important as how you built it. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What an ESOP actually is (and why most people misunderstand it)  How employees can become “owners” without investing their own money  The real costs of setting up an ESOP—and how to evaluate if it’s worth it  Why ESOP companies often outperform traditional businesses in growth and retention  How business owners can take money off the table while still maintaining control  The tax advantages that can significantly increase your net return compared to selling to private equity  Why ESOPs are NOT the right fit if you want a clean, immediate exit  🔥 Why This Matters Most entrepreneurs focus on building… But very few think deeply about how they’ll transition or exit. And that decision doesn’t just impact you. It impacts: Your team  Your legacy  Your long-term financial outcome   This episode opens up a completely different way to think about ownership, alignment, and wealth creation, especially if you care about more than just the final cheque. The Insta360 Link is a simple but powerful upgrade to keep you perfectly framed for virtual meetings and professional-quality video that instantly elevates your presence. It is perfect for calls, presentations, and podcasts Because in business… perception matters.  👉 Check it out!  👇 If You’re Thinking About: Selling your business in the next 3–10 years  Creating a succession plan without handing over control  Building a company that people actually want to stay in long-term  Exploring tax-efficient ways to extract value  …this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🔔 Don’t Miss What’s Next If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, business, and strategic investing… 👉 Hit subscribe 👉 Ring the bell so you never miss an episode New conversations every week with investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are redefining what’s possible. 🎙️ About Inspired To Invest Hosted by Serena Holmes, this podcast dives into the real stories, strategies, and mindset shifts behind successful investors and entrepreneurs across North America. Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Matt Middendorp & ESOPs 02:15 What is an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)? 05:40 How ESOPs create ownership without employee investment 08:20 Ideal business size and industries for ESOPs 11:10 Costs of setting up an ESOP and feasibility studies 14:30 How ESOP transactions actually work behind the scenes 18:45 Maintaining control after transitioning to employee ownership 22:10 Pros, cons, and misconceptions about ESOPs 26:40 When ESOPs are NOT the right exit strategy 30:15 Real-life examples and deal structures 34:20 Tax advantages and wealth implications 38:10 Matt’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned 44:00 Final advice for business owners considering ESOPs ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 202634 min

How To Build A Borderless Business To Reduce Taxes, Live Globally & Have Freedom Of Mobility | "Inspired To Invest" Ep143 with Bobby Casey

What if you could legally run your business from anywhere in the world… while optimizing your taxes, protecting your assets, and creating true freedom?  Welcome back to ep143 of Inspired To Invest. To watch rather than listen, click here. In this week’s episode, I sit down with Bobby Casey, an international tax strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of BusinessAnywhere.io, to break down what it really takes to build a borderless business in today’s world.  From living across multiple countries to helping entrepreneurs structure their businesses globally, Bobby shares real-world insights on how founders and investors can think beyond traditional systems and unlock new levels of opportunity.  We dive into everything from entrepreneurship mindset and resilience to the practical realities of running a global business. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or digital nomad (or aspiring to be one), this episode will challenge how you think about business, income, and freedom.  Thanks to Insta360 Link for bringing us this month's episodes!  The Insta360 Link is a simple but powerful upgrade to keep you perfectly framed for virtual meetings and professional-quality video that instantly elevates your presence. It is perfect for calls, presentations, and podcasts Because in business… perception matters.  👉 Check it out!   ________________________________________  💡 What You’ll Learn:  • How to legally structure a business you can run from anywhere  • The truth about international tax strategy and wealth protection  • Why diversification (in business and income streams) is critical  • The mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur • How to recover and rebuild after major business setbacks • What it really means to live a location-independent lifestyle  ________________________________________  🔥 Key Takeaways: Bobby’s journey, from starting businesses at 19 to navigating major setbacks like losing a multi-million dollar contract overnight, highlights one core truth:  👉 Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding failure. It’s about learning how to move through it. His perspective on persistence, risk-taking, and designing a life outside the “status quo” is a powerful reminder that the traditional path isn’t the only path.  ________________________________________  👇 Connect with Bobby Casey: Website: https://businessanywhere.io  ________________________________________  🎙️ About Inspired To Invest: Hosted by Serena, Inspired To Invest brings you conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who are building wealth, creating impact, and thinking differently.  ________________________________________  🚀 Enjoyed this episode?  👍 Like the video  💬 Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway  🔔 Subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss an episode on building wealth and creating freedom through investing Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca.  ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀  ________________________________________  ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Meet Bobby Casey  02:10 – Growing Up Entrepreneurial & Early Business Ventures  06:30 – Lessons from Failure & Building Resilience  10:45 – Losing a Major Contract Overnight (Walmart Story)  16:20 – Why Diversification is Critical in Business  20:10 – The Mindset Every Entrepreneur Needs 25:40 – Risk-Taking & Regret: Hard Truths  30:15 – Entrepreneurship vs Traditional Careers 34:50 – Building a Borderless Business & Living Globally  40:10 – Final Advice & Where to Find Bobby ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 29, 202631 min

The Rise Of AI Agents: How Smart Entrepreneurs Are Automating Their Businesses | "Inspired To Invest" Ep142 with Galya Westler

What if your next hire wasn’t human… but felt completely real? Welcome back to ep142 of Inspired To Invest with Galya Westler. To watch rather than listen, click here. She is the Founder & CEO of Human Beam Technologies and unpacks one of the most fascinating shifts happening right now in AI, business, and customer experience. We go deep into the world of AI avatars, digital twins, and 3D “human beaming” technology—and how it’s already transforming industries like healthcare, retail, hospitality, and enterprise. This isn’t theoretical. This is happening now. From holographic doctors in remote clinics to AI-powered concierge experiences that can sell, support, and interact like real people… this conversation will completely change how you think about the future of business. And if you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or operator… there’s a massive opportunity here if you understand where things are going.   🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How “human beaming” technology actually works in real life The rise of AI avatars and digital twins (and why they’re more powerful than chatbots) Real use cases in healthcare, retail, conferences, and enterprise The truth about AI replacing jobs vs. amplifying human potential The biggest challenges in scaling cutting-edge technology Why speed, adaptability, and constant pivoting are the real competitive advantage Where AI is heading in the next 2–5 years (and what to do about it)   💡 My Take What stood out most in this conversation is how fast this is moving. We’re not talking about some distant future. We’re talking about tools that are already reshaping how businesses interact, sell, and scale. The real question isn’t if this will impact your business… It’s whether you’ll be early enough to leverage it.   🔔 Don’t Miss What’s Next If you’re serious about building wealth, scaling your business, or staying ahead of where the world is going… 👉 Make sure to ring the bell and subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodes.   🎧 Listen / Watch More Episodes of Inspired To Invest New episodes drop regularly featuring top entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders sharing real strategies to build wealth and financial freedom.   Connect with Serena Holmes Host of the Inspired To Invest Podcast, Serena Holmes interviews successful investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to uncover the strategies behind building wealth and financial freedom. Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real estate investing insights every week. 🔔 Hit the bell icon to be notified as soon as new episodes drop! ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Galya Westler & Human Beam 02:15 What is “Human Beaming” and how does it work? 05:40 From telehealth to AI avatars: where it all started 09:10 Real-world use cases: healthcare, retail, hospitality & conferences 12:30 AI avatars vs chatbots: what makes this different 15:20 Breaking into healthcare and navigating compliance challenges 18:45 Risks of AI, deepfakes, and ethical guardrails 23:10 The future of AI avatars and enterprise adoption 26:40 Lessons learned from building cutting-edge technology 29:15 The importance of pivoting and listening to customers 32:00 Where AI is heading in the next 2–5 years 35:10 Entrepreneurship, freedom, and building scalable products 38:00 Final thoughts + Galya’s favourite quote ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

April 22, 202636 min

How To Architect Your Future! Buildings, Blueprints & The Back Nine | "Inspired To Invest" Ep141 with Mark Shuler

What does it really take to build a $600M real estate portfolio managing more than 4,000 multifamily units? Welcome back to ep141 of Inspired To Invest with Mark Shuler. To watch rather than listen, click here. Mark Shuler is the founder of SGRE Investments and is here to discuss his journey from licensed architect to large-scale multifamily operator. Mark shares how decades of experience in architecture, design, construction, and operations gave him a unique edge when building and scaling a vertically integrated real estate company. But the road wasn’t easy. From arson fires and tenant lawsuits to operational growing pains, Mark reveals the realities of building a large portfolio and the lessons investors must understand before entering commercial real estate. You’ll also hear Mark’s insights on: • Why most investors underestimate the importance of operations • The biggest mistakes new real estate operators make • How market cycles and interest rates are reshaping deal structures • Why investor due diligence should focus on the sponsor, not just the deal • How to scale responsibly in a higher-interest-rate environment Mark also explains why investors must learn to walk away from deals that don’t work, even when emotions try to override the math. Whether you’re an active real estate investor, passive LP investor, or entrepreneur building a portfolio, this conversation is packed with practical insights about navigating risk, scaling teams, and thinking long-term in real estate. If you’re serious about building wealth through real estate, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to Inspired To Invest for more conversations with leading investors, entrepreneurs, and wealth builders. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss an episode! Thank you to TenantPay for bringing us this month’s episodes.  Say goodbye to rent hassles. TenantPay is a powerful and convenient tool designed to streamline and enhance your property management experience.  https://manage.tenantpay.com/sign-up?utm_source=serena_holmes&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=tenantpay_rent_promo   About Mark Shuler Mark Shuler is the founder of SGRE Investments, a vertically integrated multifamily operator managing $600M+ in assets across more than 4,000 apartment units in markets including Houston and Seattle. Originally trained as an architect, Mark brings nearly four decades of design, construction, and development experience into his real estate investments—combining technical expertise with disciplined underwriting and operational execution. His team focuses on protecting investor capital while creating long-term value through operational efficiency and strategic portfolio growth.    Topics Covered • Scaling from small deals to institutional-size multifamily • Why vertically integrated real estate companies outperform • The operational challenges of managing thousands of units • Hiring and retaining strong management teams • Why many investors fail during market shifts • Understanding real estate cycles and interest rate environments • Passive investing: how LP investors should evaluate sponsors • The biggest lessons learned after decades in the industry   Connect with Serena Holmes Host of the Inspired To Invest Podcast, Serena Holmes interviews successful investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to uncover the strategies behind building wealth and financial freedom.         Inspired To Invest proudly supports the Beyond Success Program, a not-for-profit financial literacy initiative for students, launched by More To Give & MAK Investments. Learn more at @more2give.ca. ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for expert insights on personal branding, business, real estate, investing, and wealth creation. Let’s build wealth together because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more real estate investing insights every week. 🔔 Hit the bell icon to be notified as soon as new episodes drop!   🕒 Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Mark Shuler 00:45 From childhood builder to architect 02:30 Designing complex structures and building expertise 04:30 Transitioning from architecture into real estate investing 06:10 Building a vertically integrated multifamily company 08:15 Lessons from scaling a real estate organization 10:15 Hiring the right team and leadership challenges 12:30 The harsh realities of managing large real estate portfolios 15:00 Fires, lawsuits, and unexpected challenges in real estate 18:00 Why investors should focus on the operator, not the deal 20:00 Understanding real estate cycles and market shifts 23:15 Interest rates, underwriting, and future deal structures 25:00 The best advice for real estate investors 28:00 Why you must walk away from bad deals 29:15 Final thoughts and closing ➕ Follow Serena Holmes for all things related to business, entrepreneurship, real estate, investing, wealth (and more!).  I'm on a mission to help others create wealth because "when you invest in yourself, the sky's the limit" 🚀 __________________ Attention Real Estate Investors! Raise your first (or next) $1-3 million in the next 90 days without relying on the bank, joint ventures, private lenders or cold calls. Learn more about this proven system!__________________Want to invest in real estate with all of the security and cash flow of ownership, but none of the landlord headaches? Learn more about SHARE, one of the largest asset management companies in the United States, with a turnkey "done for you" ownership program for investors. Find out more!__________________ Financial Advisors! Let me introduce you to your new secret weapon to help you land new clients, and maintain them for many years to come. Advisor Innovation Lab provides AI powered client intelligence for modern financial advisors to help them become trusted partners through life’s most important transitions. __________________ How would you like to get paid for your opinion?! Sign up with User Interviews & start earning!__________________📧 Sign Up For My Monthly ROI Report on LinkedIn! It's loaded with valuable content for buyers, sellers, investors, and homeowners.__________________ 💰 Turn content into connection! At Executive Lens, we curate compelling content to help busy business owners, executives, and investors build powerful personal brands on LinkedIn and beyond. After all, attraction is the ultimate flex! 💫Download our FREE EBOOK - The Ultimate Guide To Building Your Personal Brand On Linked 💫__________________ 🎙️Want To Be Featured On Podcasts Ranking In The Top 5%? Find Out How You Can Get Featured To Build Your Personal Brand. Find out more about That1💯 __________________ 🚀 CHECK OUT MORE INCREDIBLE CONTENT ON ‘INSPIRED TO INVEST” 🚀 👉🏼YouTube & Instagram   __________________        LET’S CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA 💥 → Instagram→ LinkedIn→ TikTok→ OnlineSerena Holmes is a licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, real estate investing coach, podcast host, published author and chief content officer of Executive Lens. She is also the former CEO of Tigris Events, a multi award winning brand experience agency.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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