Friendly CEO Podcast

In this Friendly CEO Podcast episode, David Figueroa—a motivational speaker, advocate, podcaster, ex-educator, and athlete—shared his journey overcoming cerebral palsy, defying predictions he couldn't read, write, or walk through resilience, self-acceptance, and peer education against bullying; we discussed his Orlando ADA accessibility advocacy under the Americans with Disabilities Act for greater inclusivity, his inspiring speeches on embracing uniqueness amid obstacles, athletic feats like three state cycling titles and inclusive baseball/football (retired due to limits), podcasts "Cerebral Palsy and Fitness" and "Beyond the Wrestling Gear" promoting fitness and community, plus his gratitude to family—especially his stepmom—and call to give backTimestamp:00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Welcome00:00:14 - David Figueroa's Background00:00:38 - David's Ventures and Motivational Speaking00:01:21 - David's Accomplishments and Challenges00:02:07 - Importance of Educating Peers00:02:58 - Influencing and Inspiring Others00:04:15 - Advocacy Work and Inclusivity00:06:05 - Challenges and Obstacles Faced00:07:03 - David's Early Life and Education00:09:15 - College Journey and Graduation00:13:42 - Role Models and Family Support00:16:59 - Graduation Day Experience00:20:23 - Youth Advocacy and Education00:21:18 - David's Involvement in Sports00:24:12 - Cycling Achievements and Retirement00:25:12 - David's Podcasts00:28:03 - Legacy and Final Thoughts00:31:33 - Favorite Book Recommendation00:33:58 - Contact Information and Closing Remarks

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Icen Collins, the CEO of Iccaribbean.com, a Caribbean travel blog and magazine. Icen, originally from St. Kitts and now residing in Atlanta, shared his journey from being a shoe salesman and auto parts store manager to founding his own online travel agency. He emphasized his passion for promoting the Caribbean, leveraging his local knowledge to offer authentic travel experiences. Timestamps 0:00:00 - Introduction and Background of Icen Collins00:00:46 - Previous Professions Before Founding IC Caribbean00:01:39 - Managing Time as a CEO and Family Man00:02:02 - Coordinating an International Team00:03:15 - Choosing the Travel Industry00:05:04 - Advice for Aspiring Travel Agency Owners00:07:04 - Long-term Vision and Entrepreneurial Mindset00:07:58 - Passion for the Travel Industry00:10:09 - Managing and Motivating a Team00:14:34 - Recognizing Strengths and Addressing Weaknesses00:16:06 - Potential Future Ventures00:18:19 - Reading Preferences and Recommended Books00:21:08 - Favorite Magazines00:22:07 - Love for the Caribbean00:23:29 - Tropical Climate and Cultural Similarities00:26:02 - Legacy and Helping Others00:28:03 - Social Media and Future Plans for IC Caribbean00:29:59 - Cross Collaboration and Networking00:31:07 - Audience and Outreach Connect to Icen: Website: iccaribbean.com

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Verna shares her personal experiences of trying to fit in with certain groups or please others, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from self-acceptance and self-love. She emphasizes the idea that each individual is uniquely divine and has a special purpose in the world. By focusing on loving and accepting oneself first, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and confidence that radiates outward. Takeaways: Verna's coaching approach involves guiding individuals through conversations and self-reflection to help them uncover their hidden strengths and qualities. Seeking out mentors and support systems that elevate, motivate, and inspire you is crucial for personal growth and development. Verna shares her own experiences of overcoming challenges such as sexual abuse, domestic abuse, and breast cancer. Verna's advice to a younger version of herself is to seek someone who will elevate, motivate, and inspire you. Timestamp: [00:01:26] The power of positive writing. [00:06:52] Overcoming challenges and spreading kindness. [00:10:42] Finding light in darkness. [00:17:37] Knowing oneself at a young age. [00:23:16] Embracing individuality and self-love. [00:25:47] Embracing uniqueness from within. Connect to Verna: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VernaHaywood3 Website: ⁠verna-haywood.com⁠

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Christine Dimaliwat, a unit manager from AIA Philippines, discusses the importance of insurance in the Philippines and the low insurance coverage rate of less than 2%. She highlights the value of insurance for income protection, health, critical illness, education, and retirement. During the pandemic, the focus shifted to affordable accident and life insurance. Dimaliwat emphasizes the need for financial literacy and insurance education in schools and families. She also shares the requirements for becoming a financial advisor and the entrepreneurial mindset needed for success. Dimaliwat encourages listeners to connect with her for more information and highlights the need for more financial advisors to help increase insurance coverage in the country. Takeaways Insurance coverage in the Philippines is less than 2%, highlighting the need for increased financial literacy and insurance education. Insurance provides income protection, health coverage, critical illness support, education savings, and retirement planning. During the pandemic, the focus shifted to affordable accident and life insurance to address immediate needs. Becoming a financial advisor requires sales experience, leadership ability, and an entrepreneurial mindset. 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:44 The Importance of Insurance in the Philippines 05:01 The Value of Insurance for Filipinos 06:00 Insurance as Income Protection 07:25 Insurance for Health and Critical Illness 08:52 Insurance for Education and Retirement 09:22 Promoting Insurance Awareness during the Pandemic 10:50 Choosing the Right Insurance Plan 12:11 Requirements for Becoming a Financial Advisor 16:43 The Entrepreneurial Mindset 18:22 Affordability of Insurance in the Philippines 19:51 Renewing and Expanding Insurance Coverage 22:26 Promoting Financial Literacy and Insurance Education 25:23 Connect with Christine Dimaliwat 26:55 The Need for More Financial Advisors 28:20 Being a Partner for Life 29:48 Opportunities for Financial Advisors 30:17 Helping People Nationwide 31:14 Elevating People's Quality of Life

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Maisie Trang, a pharmacist by, shares her unique journey of pursuing a career in the media industry while also teaching a basic computer course. She emphasizes the importance of embracing unconventional dreams and following one's interests. Maisie discusses the challenges of imposter syndrome and offers advice for introverts to overcome isolation and discover their passions. She encourages aspiring pharmacists to explore other skills and interests outside of their field. Additionally, Maisie provides insights for course creators, emphasizing the value of learning from successful examples and networking with experienced individuals. Takeaways Embrace unconventional dreams and diverge from the normal path. Overcome imposter syndrome by acknowledging that new pursuits are valid and real. Lean into your interests and offer something valuable to others. Take the time to discover your passions and give yourself a chance to pursue them. Learn from successful examples and network with experienced individuals when starting a business or creating a course. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:20 Pharmacist and Media Industry 03:01 Creativity and Basic Computer Course 05:13 Passion and Business Ventures 07:15 Introversion and Imposter Syndrome 10:04 Advice for Introverts and Finding Interests 13:16 Inspiration and Overcoming Isolation 14:08 Advice for Discovering Passions 16:41 Voice Acting and Acting Business 19:03 Discovering Voice Acting Skills 20:17 Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists 23:23 Advice for Course Creators 25:29 Conclusion

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Jessa Mae Bermudo, the founder and creative director of Whirlyesha Branding and Design Studio. Jessamee started her business at the age of 19 and has since worked with various brands worldwide. She shares her experiences and insights on freelancing, setting rates, investing in people, dealing with burnout, and finding balance as a student, freelancer, and business owner. She emphasizes the importance of discipline, making connections with industry leaders, and embracing the messiness of the journey. Jessa Mae's legacy is to inspire young people to pursue their passions while balancing their education. Takeaways Starting a business at a young age is possible with genuine connections and a playful approach to branding. When setting rates as a freelancer, consider the client's needs, your experience, and the impact you can provide. Investing in people and delegating tasks can help grow your business and create more time for other activities. Finding balance and dealing with burnout is crucial for long-term success as a student, freelancer, and business owner. Making connections with industry leaders and mentors can provide valuable guidance and inspiration. Embrace the messiness of the journey and take action, as it is through mistakes and experimentation that growth happens. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:15 Starting a Business at a Young Age 04:05 Working with Brands and Overcoming Challenges 05:19 Discovering Freelancing and Building a Brand 08:06 Setting Rates as a Freelancer 09:27 Factors to Consider in Pricing 12:06 Investing in People and Delegating Tasks 13:32 Pros and Cons of Being a Student, Freelancer, and Business Owner 14:17 Dealing with Burnout and Finding Balance 15:44 The Importance of Discipline and Staying Focused 18:02 Making Connections and Learning from Mentors 20:59 Embracing the Messiness and Taking Action 26:45 The Best Advice from Mentors 29:34 Leaving a Legacy and Balancing Education and Business Facebook: Jessa Mae Bermudo

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Jeg Lopez, a freelancer and social media manager, about his journey and personal development. Jeg emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's life and striving for 1% improvement every day. He shares his experiences in freelancing and the lessons he learned along the way. Jeg also discusses the significance of self-development and the impact it has had on his life. He highlights the value of fitness and learning from others, as well as the importance of knowing oneself and maintaining a clear vision. Jeg offers advice to younger generations and provides insights into the reality of freelancing. He concludes by sharing his income goals and his aspirations for leaving a legacy. Takeaways Take control of your life and strive for 1% improvement every day. Freelancing requires perseverance and the ability to handle rejection. Invest in personal development and know yourself. Maintain a clear vision and surround yourself with positive influences. Prioritize fitness and learn from others. Take time to reflect and spend time with yourself. Freelancing is not easy, but it offers opportunities for growth and success. Set realistic income goals and focus on building systems. Legacy is about helping others and being a role model. Love life will come in due time, focus on personal development first. Meditation and worship can help clear the mind and provide a sense of purpose. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Take Control of Your Life 01:55 Jeg's Journey into Freelancing 06:13 Personal Development and 1% Improvement Every Day 09:41 Jeg's Perspective at 20 Years Old 12:07 Legacy and Self-Development 14:30 Fitness Routine and Learning from Others 17:00 Advice for Younger Generations 20:50 The Reality of Freelancing 22:34 Jeg's Income in Freelancing 25:31 Legacy and Pursuit of Love Life 26:27 Meditation and Worship 29:24 Conclusion and Contact Information Facebook: Jeg Lopez

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Jeah Tradio shares her journey from being a social media manager to starting her own social media marketing agency. She discusses the transition from SMM to Facebook ads and the reasons behind it. Jeah also explains why she chose to work with local clients and the impact freelancing has had on her life. She shares insights on investment and financial management, emphasizing the importance of saving and minimizing business expenses. Lastly, she talks about using Grab as a business opportunity and the process of setting it up. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:00 Transition from SMM to Facebook Ads 15:27 Choosing Local Clients 18:02 Impact of Freelancing on Life 25:54 Investment and Financial Management 35:32 Using Grab as a Business Opportunity Connect with Jeah:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeydigitalms

In this conversation, host Jade interviews Jeff Mirandilla, the founder of IDeyator Ventures shares his journey from being a civil engineer to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and continuously learning. Jeff also discusses the significance of personal finance and the need for entrepreneurs to have a strong foundation in managing their finances. He shares his experiences of failure and resilience, highlighting the importance of embracing change and innovation. Jeff's passion for helping others led him to start Editor Ventures as a passion project, providing business consultation and support to aspiring entrepreneurs. Takeaways Nurture an entrepreneurial mindset and continuously learn to adapt to the ever-changing business landscape. Develop a strong foundation in personal finance to effectively manage your finances and business operations. Embrace failure and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Surround yourself with successful entrepreneurs who can inspire and mentor you. Be resilient and adaptable in the face of challenges and embrace change and innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:33 Humble Beginnings and Shift to Entrepreneurship 03:32 Editor Ventures and Business Consulting 04:30 Importance of Personal Finance 06:28 Overcoming Doubts and Fears 07:55 Learning from Failures 08:52 Inspiration from Successful Entrepreneurs 10:46 Nurturing an Entrepreneurial Mindset 11:43 Starting Editor Ventures as a Passion Project 16:40 Providing Business Consultation and Support 18:38 Building a Community and Offering Programs 20:23 The Importance of Fundamentals in Business 24:32 Handling Finances and Business Growth 28:00 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Connect with Jeff: Linked in: Jeff Mirandilla Instagram: iamjeffmirandilla Produced by: PodDing Media