Super Unemployable

Imagine starting a business in a 500 square foot room with 5 other co-founders, subsisting on beer, sandwiches and a dream. It's not glamorous but for the Super Unemployable, it can often mean the difference between success and failure. For Oli Garnder, it was a random rooftop conversation that would set the wheel in motion for the founding of Unbounce and ultimately change his life forever. During our discussion Oli reflects on key turning points, the importance of partnership and trust, and how embracing risk and uncertainty can lead to incredible opportunities. Throughout the conversation, we gain insights into the evolution of Oli's entrepreneurial spirit, his transition from traditional roles to becoming a public speaker, and his reflections on maintaining autonomy while working with multiple co-founders. Oli candidly shares his thoughts on balancing family life, business partnerships, and future ventures. He shares a deeply personal and enlightening perspective on what it means to forge a successful path where no path existed before.

In this episode, we explore the entreprenuerial journey of Chris Hobbs. He is truly the definition of Super Unemployable having transitioned from saving lives at a water park to leading one of Vancouver's largest iOS development communities. As a renowned leader in the tech industry, Chris shares insights into how billionaires think and act, the value of time, the importance of hiring the right people and the incredible amount of foresight required to stay ahead of ever-evolving technology. From early entrepreneurship endeavors to establishing TTT Studios, Chris provides a deep dive into the challenges of scaling a business and the evolving role of artificial intelligence. Chris reflects on the importance of autonomy in business and the bold decisions that come with being Super Unemployable.' He shares transformative experiences like firing a client for the first time—a moment of empowerment that defined his path. The discussion extends into the balance of family life and entrepreneurship, shedding light on how personal values align with professional success. Join us as we uncover Chris's perspective on the future of technology and its impact on the industry, and how aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the journey of innovation and independence.   Show Notes: The concierge service that Chris was referring to that helps small businesses get access to government funding no longer exists.  We were unable to find another similair service.

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia McKenna, a best-selling author, Former Miss Peru Latin International, investor, entrepreneur, and life coach, to explore her transformative journey from the vibrant streets of Peru to the bustling business world. Cynthia shares her remarkable story of rising from humble beginnings to achieving success, despite facing personal challenges such as raising a child with autism, navigating a divorce, and battling inner struggles. Join us as Cynthia delves into her unique process of persistence and reinvention, revealing the courage needed to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit. We discuss the concept of being 'super unemployable' and how it relates to creativity, freedom, and authenticity in the professional realm. Cynthia's insights into embracing failure, finding purpose, and maintaining a healthy relationship with money provide invaluable lessons for anyone on the path to personal and professional growth. Throughout the conversation, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community, and embracing vulnerability as key components to success. Her candid reflections on overcoming adversity and fostering meaningful connections offer inspiration and practical guidance for listeners seeking to unlock their potential. Don't miss this episode filled with powerful stories, profound insights, and actionable advice from a true visionary. Tune in to discover how Cynthia McKenna transforms challenges into opportunities and inspires others to do the same.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Silicon Valley's tech scene with Dr. Christy Lane, a trailblazer who left a secure academic career to co-found Vivimetrica, a company transforming wearable data into predictive health insights. Despite the odds, with women comprising less than 9% of health tech executives in 2014, Dr. Christy navigated the challenges of skeptical investors and numerous failures to rewrite the industry's rules. Join us as Dr. Christy shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting the evolution of wearable technology from rudimentary pedometers to the sophisticated devices we know today. We explore her personal and professional challenges, including balancing a young family with the rigors of startup life, moving to Silicon Valley, and the invaluable support from her husband and co-founder. Dr. Christy also offers insights into the gender disparities in tech, the importance of community and mentorship, and her latest venture, Flora Fertility, aimed at providing financial solutions for fertility treatment. Her story is a testament to the power of tenacity, passion, and the unwavering belief in one's vision.

In this episode of Super Unemployable, we dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Smith (Co-Founder and CEO of New Vision Projects), a Vancouver-based entrepreneur who transformed his life from humble beginnings in construction to becoming a successful business owner. Brandon shares his journey, driven by the belief that no dream is too big if you're willing to put in the work. We explore Brandon's early entrepreneurial ventures, from selling rocks as a child to navigating challenges in high school, including being labeled with a learning disability. Brandon candidly discusses the pivotal moments in his life, such as being fired from his first job at McDonald's and the impact of family support on his path to success. Brandon reveals the challenges and triumphs of starting his own construction business, including his partnership with a close friend, the importance of mentorship, and the lessons learned from early business mistakes. We delve into the significance of maintaining work-life balance, prioritizing family, and leading with integrity in both personal and professional spheres. Join us as Brandon Smith shares his philosophy on discipline, consistency, and the power of small, incremental steps in achieving long-term success. Discover what it truly means to be "super unemployable" and how embracing risks can lead to an extraordinary life.

In this episode of Super Unemployable, we dive into the inspiring journey of Anya Jordan, a relentless entrepreneur who transformed her life from the bustling streets of Russia to the vibrant chaos of Miami. Anya didn't just leave Russia to start anew; she embarked on an adventure that would redefine her existence. Her story is one of grit, determination, and the refusal to be confined by traditional employment. Join us as Anya shares her transition from juggling multiple jobs, including working as a server and selling Mary Kay products, to becoming a single mother navigating the complexities of life in a new country. Discover how she leveraged a precarious stack of credit cards to finance her dreams and eventually founded Age to Perfection, a thriving business that embodies her passion for skincare and beauty. Anya's journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it's about defying expectations, recognizing one’s vision, and the courage to pursue it despite the odds. Listen to how she overcame personal and professional challenges, including a significant business partnership breakup, and emerged stronger with a clear vision for her future. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unwavering spirit of those who are truly Super Unemployable.

In this episode, we sit down with Alan Albert, President of MarketFit.  Alan takes us through his journey from startup to acquisition by Apple Computers.  We dive deep into what it was like to build a company, wear multiple hats, experience the highs and lows of selling to one of the world's largest companies, and then what happens after that sale.  The moments of Super Unemployability that force you to question what comes next and how to cope with a world you no longer feel like you fit within. Show Notes: You can view Alan's Company here: https://www.marketfit.com My comment regarding Hendry Ford and the value of surrounding yourself with people who are smarter than you: https://dwvideo.com/henry-ford-surround-yourself-with-people-that-know-more-than-you

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of the Super Unemployable with Diane Jones from InsurTech. We explore the challenges faced by founders who sell their companies and find it difficult to adjust to being employees again, often leaving money on the table. Diane shares her personal journey of selling her family insurance business and her subsequent experiences working for a larger conglomerate. We discuss the concept of job autonomy and what it means to Diane, as well as her transition from being an entrepreneur to working within a structured organization. Diane opens up about her struggles with micromanagement, the loss of creative control, and how she eventually found her way back to a role that aligns with her values and need for flexibility. Diane also touches on her current role at a tech firm, her thoughts on future entrepreneurial ventures, and the legacy she hopes to leave for her children. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional seeking autonomy, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode offers valuable perspectives on embracing the Super Unemployable life.   Show notes: Approximately 40% of startup founders leave their companies before completing their buyout or reaching an initial public offering (IPO). This is often due to various reasons, including differences in vision with new owners, personal choices, or simply because the founders are no longer the right fit for the company as it scales under new leadership​( Knowledge at Wharton Kruze Consulting   Additionally, around 33% of employees, including founders, tend to leave within the first year of a company's acquisition, often due to organizational mismatches or cultural differences with the acquiring company​( MIT Sloan

In this episode, I sit down with Barry Hartman, co-founder and CEO of 505-Junk, one of Canada's fastest-growing junk removal companies. Barry's journey is anything but conventional. From taking odd jobs in the fast food and restaurant industry to becoming a professional snowboarder, Barry's path to entrepreneurship is inspiring and motivational. Barry shares candid stories about his early work experiences, including how drinking one too many milkshakes led to his first firing and how a chance conversation during a recovery from a busted ankle inspired him to buy a junk removal truck. We delve into the concept of being "Super Unemployable," discussing what it means to Barry and how it has shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout the episode, Barry talks about the importance of family, balancing work and personal life, and his aspirations for 505-Junk. He also opens up about the challenges he faced, including financial missteps and the pivotal decision to pivot from a franchise model to a corporate growth strategy. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable insights on strategic planning, the role of mentorship, and the importance of aligning business growth with personal values.

I am thrilled to have JP Holecka join me on the podcast today. He is the CEO and founder of Power Shifter Digital and a personal friend and mentor. In this episode, JP discusses his experiences with ADHD, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the importance of mentorship. He also delves into the challenges of being super unemployable, balancing personal and professional life, and the concept of leading by example. This is a show you won't want to miss.   Show notes: The study regarding ADHD and entrepreneurship can be found here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dalearcher/2014/05/14/adhd-the-entrepreneurs-superpower/ The study regarding lump sums of money and what people do with them can be found here: https://www.npr.org/2023/12/05/1217437174/people-can-do-more-with-lump-sum-of-money-than-payments-experiment-in-kenya-sugg

Working in women's retail taught me so much about life, leadership, friendships and integrity.  Honestly, this was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had and it has guided so much of my future decisions as an entrepreneur. I honestly believe that everyone should work in retail before starting a business.  Have a listen to the podcast and I will tell you why.

Hey there! Ever wondered what it’s like to dive into the working world at 15? Join me, Dean, as I take you back to the mid-nineties for a wild ride through my very first job as a telemarketer. Spoiler alert: it’s a rollercoaster of smoke-filled offices, chain-smoking bosses, and a hilarious mix of rejection and unexpected connections. In this episode, I share the valuable life lessons learned from getting hung up on, dealing with colorful characters, and fighting for a paycheck to buy that dream bike. Whether you’re reminiscing about your first gig or looking for some entrepreneurial inspiration, this story is sure to give you a good laugh and a fresh perspective on building resilience. So grab your headphones, settle in, and let’s chat about how a tough job can give you the thick skin you need to succeed. And hey, I’d love to hear your own thick skin stories too! Connect with me on LinkedIn and let’s keep the conversation going. Cheers!

I spent my university years serving at a local restaurant. My boss was Jillian Harris.  What I can say is that I wasn't very good at the job but it did teach me a lot about myself and it did help me learn more about my super unemployable self.   What is your serving story?  Share with me on the podcast. Find me on LinkedIn - Dean Horsfield.

Today, we're taking a slight detour from our usual antics. Guess what? Tomorrow's my birthday, and I'm turning the big 4-2! Birthdays always get me in a reflective mood, making me ponder over the past year and my entire 42-year journey. Do you ever find yourself questioning everything around this time too? Maybe it's a "super unemployable" syndrome—never really satisfied, always pushing for more. To celebrate, I want to dive into the life of one of my favorite super unemployables: Howard Schultz, the mastermind behind Starbucks. Inspired by his story on the "Acquired" podcast, we'll explore how a mere "three" in a job review propelled him to greatness. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's chat about the highs, lows, and endless pursuit of fulfillment. Oh, and if you have a story to share, I'd love to hear it! Reach out to me on LinkedIn—I'm Dean Horsfield, and I'm eager to connect with fellow super unemployables. 🎙️ Here's to all of us with birthdays on the horizon—may we find happiness and growth in our journey. Thanks for tuning in!

My girlfriend gave me an ultimatum that she was going to Europe, with or without me. Luckily, I am the Supe Unemployable and the decision to ditch my prestigious job at Best Buy and go backpack Europe for the months was a super easy one to make.

In this week's edition of The Super Unemployable Podcast, I talk about my experience working at a Vancouver based tech company - Contac Services.  Arguably one of the worst CEOs I have ever encountered.  However, it taught me a lot about how to focus, how to be responsible with cash flow and it was the job where I came up with my groundbreaking theory called The Tree of Granularity.

Being super unemployable is not easy, it's not even really a choice, it is essentially just the way you were born.  Constantly sabotaging good jobs, bouncing from employer to employer and choosing to work for terrible people just because you know that will make it easier to quit.   Ultimately you will either end up starting a company or find yourself in jail.  For me, it could have gone either way, but I found my way out.   Welcome to the Super Unemployable.