11: Ramon Ray on Getting Fired, Selling Businesses & The Celebrity CEO Framework

If this conversation gave you a clearer way to think about your next move, you’ll find more episodes and insights at Success, Rewritten. It’s all there to help you keep moving forward and build something that actually works for your life.What happens when getting fired forces you to figure it out fast with no backup plan?Getting fired forced Ramon Ray to make things work. Ramon is a serial entrepreneur who worked at the United Nations before starting multiple businesses and selling several of them.In this episode, we get into how he started building on the side while working a full-time job, installing modems and learning technology, and how that drive came with real pressure to keep providing… especially after having a child young and needing stability before he felt ready.When his contract ended, he leaned on his network and existing relationships to rebuild income from scratch. He shares how he navigated those early financial decisions, what he learned in hindsight after selling his businesses, and why he believes smaller, more intentional rooms create deeper connection than chasing big stages.Ramon is also the author of Celebrity CEO, and we talk through his personal branding framework for entrepreneurs who want to build a recognizable, trusted name in their space.This is an honest look at building out of necessity, working through entrepreneurial depression, and learning to keep moving without losing yourself.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[04:24] The UN years and the side hustle that got Ramon fired [13:16] Rebuilding income without a safety net [19:04] What Ramon learned from selling three companies [23:48] Why 20 people in a room beats 300 [25:40] How to recover when you fail a client [28:11] Experimentation as a strategy, and its limits [30:33] Genius Talks, Bitdefender, and the Celebrity CEO framework [34:16] How Ramon works on entrepreneurial depressionResources Mentioned:The Celebrity CEO (Ramon Ray’s book) Bitdefender | WebsiteIf you want practical ideas and resources built for entrepreneurs in the middle of figuring things out, head over to Zone of Genius. It’s a place to learn, stay informed, and find support as you grow your business.Find more from Ramon:Ramon Ray | WebsiteRamon Ray | LinkedInRamon Ray | InstagramZone of Genius | WebsiteZone of Genius | YouTubeFind more from Emily:Success, Rewritten | WebsiteSuccess, Rewritten | InstagramEmily LoMenzo Washcovick | LinkedInEmily LoMenzo Washcovick | InstagramBipolar Brought Balance | WebsiteBipolar Brought Balance | Instagram