Million Dollar Relationships

Have you ever been introduced to a person that completely changed the course of your business or your life… so much so, that much of what you have today wouldn't be possible, if not for this person?Each week on The Million Dollar Relationships Podcast, your host Kevin Thompson interviews successful entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs as they share their personal stories and experience around this very question.Your invitation is to have a seat at the head of the table as they honor and introduce you to the most valuable people in their lives and remind us that relationship capital is the most valuable asset we possess.Each week you'll be inspired and motivated to intentionally create more meaningful, rewarding and profitable relationships in your life so that together we can make a far bigger impact in this world.

Million Dollar Relationships is a business podcast hosted by Kevin Thompson, with 411 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Kevin Thompson hosts Million Dollar Relationships, a business show with 411 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #412

  Finding Purpose Through Adventure with Mike Brcic

  Aug 18, 202644 min

  What if your greatest adventure isn't about where you go, but who you become? In this episode, Kevin Thompson sits down with entrepreneur, adventurer, and Wayfinders founder Mike Brcic. After building and selling one of Canada's leading adventure tourism companies, Mike realized that success alone wasn't enough. Today, he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs reconnect with themselves through transformational adventures in some of the world's most breathtaking places. Mike shares how meaningful relationships shaped every major turning point in his life, from launching new ventures to discovering a deeper sense of purpose. He also explains why the greatest breakthroughs often begin with honesty, vulnerability, and the courage to have the conversations we've been avoiding. Whether you're building a business, strengthening relationships, or searching for greater alignment in life, this episode offers practical wisdom for living with more intention and authenticity. [00:04:50] Taking Entrepreneurs on Transformational Adventures Founder of Wayfinders, a global community for entrepreneurs seeking deeper purpose Leads immersive experiences in extraordinary locations around the world Combines adventure, coaching, and personal reflection Helps entrepreneurs reconnect with themselves and how they want to show up in life [00:06:30] Accidentally Becoming an Entrepreneur Moved to the Canadian Rockies after university Discovered he wasn't suited for traditional employment Started a mountain biking business after being fired from several jobs Eventually built the company into a global adventure tourism business operating in 45 countries [00:07:42] The Birth of Wayfinders Conversations with fellow entrepreneurs inspired a new business idea Began hosting adventure retreats for founders Transitioned from business-focused events to transformational experiences Sold his previous company to focus entirely on helping entrepreneurs grow personally [00:09:10] Creating Space for Honest Conversations Entrepreneurs often lack safe places to be vulnerable Retreats encourage discussions about marriage, leadership, purpose, and identity Helps participants slow down and ask life's bigger questions Creates environments where people can be fully authentic [00:10:13] Why This Work Matters Partnered with Philip McKernan to create even deeper transformational experiences Witnesses lasting change long after each retreat ends Finds fulfillment in helping people move closer to their authentic selves Believes every personal transformation creates a ripple effect through families, businesses, and communities [00:12:39] Facing the Truth We've Been Avoiding Entrepreneurs often bury difficult emotions by staying busy Encourages participants to acknowledge uncomfortable truths Creates an environment where honesty feels safe Helps people identify the parts of life they've neglected [00:15:02] Learning to Have Difficult Conversations Coaches participants through vulnerable conversations Teaches communication centered on personal needs instead of blame Shows how empathy reduces defensiveness Believes the most meaningful things in life are found on the other side of difficult conversations [00:17:30] One Mountain That Changed a Life Shares the story of a participant climbing Mount Cotopaxi in Ecuador The challenge transformed her confidence and self-belief Inspired life-changing decisions in both career and relationships Demonstrates how physical challenges can unlock emotional breakthroughs [00:21:37] The Relationships That Changed Everything Credits Floyd Marinescu for introducing him to life-changing connections Met Giovanni Marsico and Jason Gaignard through one entrepreneurial event Those relationships opened doors to lifelong friendships, business opportunities, and personal growth Reinforces the importance of intentionally putting yourself in the right rooms [00:24:05] Finding the Right Rooms Learned that successful entrepreneurs are ordinary people with extraordinary commitment Discovered the value of focus over trying to do everything Realized he belonged alongside other high-performing entrepreneurs Encourages others to invest in communities that challenge and inspire them [00:28:42] Chasing Validation Instead of Purpose A question from Philip McKernan exposed his deeper motivations Realized he had built his previous company seeking external validation Understood that success alone could never provide fulfillment Chose to build his next business around purpose instead of ego [00:32:23] Building a Business Around Alignment Designed Wayfinders around impact instead of rapid growth Created a lifestyle-focused business model intentionally Prioritizes exceptional experiences over scaling quickly Measures success by transformation rather than revenue [00:35:23] Creating Ripple Effects Focuses on helping entrepreneurs become better parents, partners, and leaders Believes changing one person's life positively impacts generations Regularly checks his motivations to stay aligned with his mission Keeps service at the center of every decision [00:36:50] How Relationships Continue to Fuel Growth Shares how one client referral created major business opportunities Demonstrates the long-term value of trust and reputation Shows that authentic relationships remain his strongest marketing strategy Believes sustainable growth is built through genuine connection [00:39:47] How to Join the Journey Explore upcoming Wayfinders adventures around the world Learn about experiences in Colombia, Morocco, and Patagonia Connect with a community of purpose-driven entrepreneurs Discover how adventure can lead to lasting personal transformation [00:40:26] The Gift of Authentic Relationships Encourages people to find spaces where they can truly be themselves Explains why authenticity creates deeper relationships Believes meaningful connection begins when people stop pretending Leaves listeners with a reminder to seek communities built on trust and vulnerability KEY QUOTES "Everything you want in life, the most meaningful things you want in life, are on the other side of a difficult conversation that you've been avoiding." - Mike Brcic "If I can help somebody live a life with more meaning, more connection, and more alignment, that creates a ripple effect far beyond that one person." - Mike Brcic "Find the rooms that you can afford to be in, and surround yourself with people who are just a little bit ahead of you." - Mike Brcic CONNECT WITH MIKE BRCIC Website: https://way-finders.com Substack: https://wayfinders.substack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrcic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikebrcic Email: mike@way-finders.com Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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  Episode #411

  Reinventing Philanthropy and Saving Lives with Andrea & Jessica La Mesa

  Aug 14, 202622 min

  What if one relationship could help save thousands of lives? In this episode, Kevin Thompson sits down with Andrea and Jessica La Mesa, co-CEOs of The Life You Can Save, a nonprofit dedicated to lifting people out of extreme poverty by changing the way people think about and donate to charity. Drawing on successful careers in Silicon Valley, the husband-and-wife team now helps donors make smarter, evidence-based giving decisions that create measurable impact around the world. Together, they share how they left the tech industry to pursue a more meaningful mission, why every dollar can save lives when invested wisely, and the relationships that transformed both their careers and personal lives. Their story is a powerful reminder that meaningful relationships and a willingness to take a chance can create ripple effects that change the world. [00:04:46] What They Do and Who They Serve Co-CEOs of The Life You Can Save Help lift people out of extreme poverty through evidence-based philanthropy Research and recommend the world's highest-impact charities Connect donors with organizations creating measurable change across health, education, and livelihoods [00:05:26] Making Charitable Giving More Effective Publish a curated list of rigorously evaluated charities Offer the Maximize Your Impact Fund to maximize donor impact Advise individuals, foundations, and philanthropic organizations Help donors make confident, data-driven giving decisions regardless of donation size [00:07:42] From Silicon Valley to Global Philanthropy Both built successful careers in the software and technology industry Decided they wanted work that created deeper purpose and meaning Transitioned from the private sector into nonprofit leadership Applied lessons from tech to scale the impact of charitable giving [00:08:52] Why This Mission Matters So Much Jessica believes life is largely a lottery, and anyone could have been born into extreme poverty Every person deserves access to healthcare, education, and opportunity Andrea believes success and purpose should exist together Their work allows them to improve lives while becoming better people themselves [00:12:01] Responding to Crisis with the Rapid Response Fund Created the Rapid Response Fund following major USAID funding cuts Partnered with Founders Pledge to close urgent funding gaps Raised more than $13 million in emergency funding Helped fund life-saving programs estimated to have saved approximately 4,700 children's lives [00:13:23] Every Donation Has the Power to Save Lives Andrea believes saving even one life would make his life meaningful Strategic philanthropy creates exponentially greater impact Data and evidence help maximize every charitable dollar Properly deployed funding can transform entire communities [00:15:25] The Mentor Who Changed Andrea's Life Wanted to leave Italy to pursue opportunities in software Nearly decided not to apply for a Fulbright Scholarship A trusted mentor encouraged him to apply anyway That single conversation ultimately led him to America, his career, and meeting Jessica [00:17:43] Jessica Honors the Relationship That Changed Everything Says Andrea has had the greatest impact on her life Their relationship opened the door to marriage, family, and international opportunities Leading a nonprofit together has strengthened both of their careers Their partnership continues to shape both their personal and professional journey [00:19:25] How to Get Involved Explore charity evaluations backed by extensive research Learn about The Life You Can Save's funds and grantmaking strategy Connect directly with Jessica and Andrea Discover how even small donations can create measurable impact KEY QUOTES "There's enough resources in the world to help these people and make this world a little bit more just and fair. It's really about helping as many people as possible, saving as many lives as possible, and making this world a little bit better." - Jessica La Mesa "I want a life of success and meaning. I think you can have both things. In this field of work, you can both be successful because you're truly helping people, and it has meaning because it makes me a better human." - Andrea La Mesa CONNECT WITH JESSICA & ANDREA LA MESA Website: https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org Jessica La Mesa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicahoy Andrea La Mesa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealamesa Jessica: jlm@thelifeyoucansave.org Andrea: andrea@thelifeyoucansave.org Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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  Episode #410

  Taking the Shot That Opened the Door with Susanne Sandler

  Aug 11, 202637 min

  What if every door that ever opened for you started with a message you almost didn't send? In this episode, Susanne Sandler, SVP and GM of Fintech at Mews, a $2.5 billion global hotel technology company, shares how a bold application as a college sophomore led her into the office of the CFO of Merrill Lynch, and how a cold message to a keynote speaker years later led to six years working alongside the future CEO of Booking Holdings. Susanne runs the fintech division at Mews, which accounts for 75% of company revenue. But the principles that drive how she leads trace back to two men who saw her potential before she did, and to one simple belief: you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. [00:03:48] What She Does and Who She Serves SVP and GM of Fintech at Mews, a $2.5 billion global vertical SaaS company Mews calls itself the operating system for modern hotels Runs the fintech business, which is about 75% of company revenue [00:04:30] Who Mews Serves Serves everything from small mom and pop hotels to large global chains Partnerships with Best Western, Choice, and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association AHOA members make up about 60% of US hotels [00:05:30] What Inspires Her Travel is where people have their most memorable experiences Most people name a trip when asked about their best moments of the year Mews removes the manual work so hotels can focus on the guest experience [00:06:48] How She Got Here Started her career in financial services and investing in financial companies Won her undergraduate business plan competition and launched a tech startup in New York The last 12 to 13 years have been focused on travel tech and fintech Says she feels lucky every day doing work that combines both passions [00:08:17] Client Impact: The Multi-Currency Win Launched a product letting hotels offer FX services to guests Guests can lock in their price in their own currency Hotels now earn markup revenue that previously went to banks and card networks Some hotels cover the full cost of all their Mews services from this product alone [00:10:52] AI at Mews: Thoughtful, Not Trendy Building a semantic data layer combining guest, property, and payments data The goal is better insights and experiences, not just cutting headcount Early results from the approach have been incredible [00:12:11] The Vision for Fintech at Mews Wants to build a holistic financial suite for hotels Expanding beyond payments into accounts, loans, and supplier payments Everything is deeply embedded and connected to hotel data [00:13:27] Why Hospitality Is Underserved Hotels have seasonal cash flow that banks struggle to understand Mews holds all bookings data plus a revenue management system That gives a full forward-looking picture of the business Underwriting becomes far easier than a bank reading old financial statements [00:15:08] The First Relationship That Changed Everything Saw an internship posting at NYU Stern for the CFO of Merrill Lynch Assumed it couldn't be the real CFO; applied anyway Walked in thinking worst case she meets someone impressive, best case she gets the job A short-term role became over two years with growing hours and responsibility [00:17:54] What She Learned from Him Finding people who believe in you and see your potential is everything Learned resilience by working under constant high-pressure stakes He was precise and held her fully accountable for her numbers People still compliment her composure; she credits that early training [00:20:24] Treating Every Human with Respect Watched him treat the person cleaning his office the same as a head of state He did it because it was right, not for gain That taught her the kind of person she wanted to become as she grew senior [00:21:31] How He Set Her Up After College He opened doors to meetings with teams across Merrill Lynch She still had to prove herself and work the grueling hours Landed a role investing in equity, debt, and early fintech companies That first role set the tone for the next 20 years [00:25:02] What Makes Mentorship Actually Work Both sides have to invest in the relationship Assigned mentorships often fail; organic ones tend to succeed Nobody owes you anything; it is all give and take [00:26:13] The Second Relationship: Glenn Fogel Saw Glenn deliver a keynote at a conference in 2013 and was blown away He told the story of rebuilding Priceline after the dot-com crash The company is now Booking Holdings with a $135 billion market cap [00:28:18] The Cold Message That Changed Her Career Reached out just to tell him the presentation was incredible He responded, they talked, and he ended up hiring her She worked with him and his team for over six years [00:29:08] What She Learned from Glenn Got a front row seat as he became CEO of Booking Holdings in 2017 Was handed some of the most critical projects for the business Learned what leadership looks like at the highest level Left only because she had learned enough to run a company at IAC [00:31:26] You Miss 100% of the Shots You Don't Take For every story that worked, there are hundreds that went nowhere She repeats the Gretzky line whenever imposter syndrome shows up There is almost no downside to taking the shot [00:33:10] Why Glenn Still Makes Time Even as a global CEO, he finds time for people who reach out He has never become overconfident or self-important He continues supporting people who did right by him Relationships become exponentially more valuable as both people grow KEY QUOTES "Finding those people who believe in you and see potential in you, I would say, is so important." - Susanne Sandler "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. I say that to myself a lot when I'm like, well, what's the point?" - Susanne Sandler "That's how we all give back, and that's how we all create this great karma in the world and support each other." - Susanne Sandler CONNECT WITH SUSANNE SANDLER Website: https://www.mews.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannegreenfield Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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  Episode #409

  The Golf Bag That Led to 2,500 Employee Owners with Bob Whalen

  Aug 7, 202633 min

  What if the most important introduction of your career started with raking a sand bunker? In this episode, Bob Whalen, CEO of HB Global and author of Beyond Your Ownership, shares how a 112-year-old mechanical contracting company in Central Pennsylvania became one of the most powerful examples of employee ownership in America. Today HB Global has 2,500 employee owners, over $215 million in value sitting in Pennsylvania employee accounts, and a mission that Bob describes simply: serve the employees who own the company. None of it would have happened without a caddy job at a golf tournament 40 years ago, a board member named Mark Caldwell who came to Bob unsolicited, and a high school football coach who made a phone call he never had to make. [00:06:00] What He Does and Who He Serves CEO of HB Global, an employee-owned holding company of mechanical contracting and service businesses Serves HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and construction clients across commercial and residential sectors Primary mission is serving the 2,500 employees who own the company through an ESOP [00:09:00] How He Got Here Came out of his MBA in 2004 wanting to lead a business like a sports team Got an opportunity to join H.B. McClure, a 94-year-old iconic company in Central Pennsylvania Joined in April 2008; didn't know yet that the recession had already started Bought a minority interest and used business cash flows to acquire the rest [00:11:00] The ESOP Discovery Looking for tax efficiency in the ownership transition led him to employee stock ownership plans In October 2010, sold the business to an ESOP trust; it changed his entire professional mission The median ESOP balance for employees who were there in 2010 is now over half a million dollars Over $215 million in value now sits in accounts of people living in Pennsylvania communities [00:12:00] The Book and the Mission Wrote Beyond Your Ownership to create awareness for business owners planning succession Ten million businesses are expected to need a succession plan over the next decade Selling back to employees keeps jobs local, builds community wealth, and preserves legacy Most sellers become disenchanted after selling; an ESOP keeps the legacy and culture intact [00:19:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything: Mark Caldwell Forty years ago, Bob caddied for his father-in-law and his partner at a golf tournament That partner was Mark Caldwell, who 20 years later sat on the board of H.B. McClure Mark came to Bob unsolicited and asked if he would be interested in the succession of the company That one invitation, which started on a golf course, had the biggest professional impact of Bob's life [00:22:00] What That Relationship Taught Him Relationships are built over long periods of time; short-term effort creates long-term results Bob gave more than he received throughout the relationship; Mark gave back far more than Bob ever gave Most things in life come from a disciplined, consistent approach over a long period of time His whole philosophy: give more than you receive [00:23:00] The Second Relationship: Coach Ray Erdy and Coach Bob Craig A local high school football coach reached out unsolicited to William and Mary on Bob's behalf Bob was injured most of his senior year; there wasn't much film on him, but the coach believed in him anyway His wrestling coach Bob Craig lived the same philosophy: helped any athlete who wanted his help His daughter's pole vault coach did the same; it taught Bob that giving freely is both right and rewarding [00:28:00] How to Get Involved with ESOPs Companies can either start their own ESOP or sell to an existing one like HB Global Setting up your own ESOP costs multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars and roughly $75,000 to $100,000 a year to operate There is no size threshold for selling to an existing ESOP; HB Global has acquired companies with as few as two to five employees Website is hb-global.com; Bob makes himself available to any owner interested in employee ownership KEY QUOTES "Give more than you receive. Mark showed me that. If you figure that out early, it leads to a lot of good things down the road." - Bob Whalen "I've never turned down an introduction from a good friend. In my 56 years, not one time." - Bob Whalen CONNECT WITH BOB WHALEN Website: https://www.hb-global.com Book: https://a.co/d/0i8Xi6Rg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-whalen-4023a21b Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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  Episode #408

  The Best Mistake I Ever Made with Ryan Lee

  Aug 4, 202636 min

  What if the two words you never meant to say turned out to be the most important words of your life? In this episode, Ryan Lee, founder of Wealth Outside Wall Street and author of Retire in 10 Years or Less, shares how losing most of his net worth in 2008 led him to discover a completely different way of thinking about money. He retired at 34, not because he was rich, but because he had built enough cash flow from 17 rental properties to walk away from a job he never wanted. The moment came when his boss Rob showed up unexpectedly to offer him more territory. Ryan was sitting there mentally counting his cash flow when Rob asked if he was ready. Without thinking, he said "I quit." He spent the next decade teaching over 3,000 people to do the same. [00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves Founder of Wealth Outside Wall Street, helping driven individuals take control of their money Serves entrepreneurs, business owners, and freedom seekers who want more control over their time Believes money's greatest value is giving people more options with their time [00:06:00] How He Got Here Dropped out of high school; came back at 23 and finished a four-year degree in two Moved to Arizona for his first corporate job; opened his first paycheck and nearly quit on the spot Was making less as a college grad than he was as a self-employed hustler paying his way through school Decided to climb the corporate ladder instead; 2008 changed everything [00:09:00] The 2008 Wake-Up Call Watched his net worth drop from $100,000 to $28,000 at the bottom of the crash Realized he had no control over the outcome of what he was investing in Saw people 20 to 30 years ahead of him watching their retirements melt away Decided he had to find a completely different way to think about money [00:11:00] The Books That Changed His Paradigm Picked up Rich Dad Poor Dad after 2008; the phrase "savers are losers" hit him like a slap Found Creating Wealth by Robert Allen with a subtitle promising retirement in 10 years The strategy was simple: buy two single-family homes a year for 10 years That concept filled the void Kiyosaki opened and gave him a concrete path forward [00:14:00] The Day He Quit Was managing the Denver territory for a medical equipment company when his boss Rob showed up unexpectedly Rob offered him three additional territories; more road, more travel, more time away from family While Rob was talking, Ryan was mentally adding up his cash flow from 17 rental properties Rob asked if he was ready; Ryan looked up and said "I quit" without planning to [00:17:00] The First Client Who Started It All: Dr. Wes Brown A week after quitting, a doctor he used to sell equipment to called and asked how he did it Sat with him at his kitchen table and mapped out what he would do if he were in his position Eighteen months later Dr. Brown quit medicine and has been singing in his choir ever since That one conversation led to 3,000 clients; Dr. Brown started sending referrals immediately [00:21:00] The First Relationship That Changed Everything: Russell Brunson After three years and 250 clients, wanted to reach more people but had no idea how to go online Read Dotcom Secrets in 18 hours; it was a manual for everything he wanted but didn't know how to do Found out Brunson was hosting an event in San Diego in 10 days; bought tickets and showed up Paid $25,000 to join his inner circle; says the return has been 10x what he ever paid [00:25:00] The Second and Third Relationships: Robert Allen and Robert Kiyosaki Hosted a live event and decided to invite the two authors who had shaped his entire philosophy Used mutual friend Randy Garn to connect with Robert Allen; got to Kiyosaki through another connection Gave them both lifetime achievement awards on stage; Allen said it was the most fulfilled he had ever felt by writing a book Allen co-authored his new book Retire in 10 Years or Less; Kiyosaki wrote the foreword [00:32:00] Final Word: Mindset, Skillset, Network The three best investments anyone can make are mindset, skillset, and network Mindset determines what you can see; upgrade your paradigm and new possibilities appear A strong network means you always have someone to call when things get hard or when things are great Be the kind of person others call in a crisis; that is the greatest form of leverage you can have KEY QUOTES "Money's greatest intrinsic value is to give each one of us more control over our time and more options with what we do with that time." - Ryan Lee "Mindset, skillset, network. Those are the three best investments you can ever make." - Ryan Lee CONNECT WITH RYAN LEE Website: https://www.wealthoutsidewallstreet.com Book: https://www.retirein10years.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-d-lee-31838b304 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.d.lee.50 Thanks for tuning in! If you liked my show, please LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW, like, and subscribe! Find me on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher

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