The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project

Gary Schoeniger

In a world that seems to favor top performers, we often overlook the mindset and the methods of everyday entrepreneurs—the underdogs and the misfits who have no particular advantage in life—yet somehow manage to succeed.

Author and entrepreneur Gary Schoeniger has traveled the world interviewing entrepreneurs and exploring the research to expose the hidden logic that exposes opportunities, optimizes engagement, and unleashes human potential. Whether you want to start a business, engage your team, or reinvent your career, this podcast will show you how an entrepreneurial mindset can empower ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Gary Schoeniger is an internationally recognized thought leader in the field of entrepreneurial mindset education. As the Founder and CEO of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI), Gary’s work has influenced a broad audience - from aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners to academic and organizational leaders worldwide, including the Kauffman Foundation, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute, Tecnolólogico de Monterrey, the European Commission, and the U.S. State Department.

Gary, along with Pulitzer nominee Clifton Taulbert, is the co-author of Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur, an international bestseller described as “required reading for humanity.” He also led the development of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program, which has been recognized by the Kauffman Foundation as “redefining entrepreneurship education in classrooms and communities around the world.”

In this podcast, Gary explores the entrepreneurial mindset as a cognitive framework that has become essential for individuals and organizations to adapt and thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.

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From Foster Care To Harvard With Rodney Walker

From Foster Care To Harvard With Rodney Walker

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today I’m speaking with Rodney Walker. This is truly an amazing story you won’t want to miss. Raised on the south side of Chicago, Rodney was born to parents who both struggled with addiction. At the age of five, he was cast into the foster care system, where he was separated from his parents and siblings. As he put it, he felt like life was happening to him, that he had no control over his circumstances. While the foster care system kept him in school, he struggled to keep pace, often finding himself in after school detention. Little did he know that exposure to entrepreneurship combined with a dedicated mentor would alter the course of his life. Today, Rodney not only holds degrees from Morrehouse College, Harvard and Yale, he is also the author of several books and is now a sought-after speaker and entrepreneur. So without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rodney Walker.

Episodes

From Foster Care To Harvard With Rodney Walker

From Foster Care To Harvard With Rodney Walker

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today I’m speaking with Rodney Walker. This is truly an amazing story you won’t want to miss. Raised on the south side of Chicago, Rodney was born to parents who both struggled with addiction. At the age of five, he was cast into the foster care system, where he was separated from his parents and siblings. As he put it, he felt like life was happening to him, that he had no control over his circumstances. While the foster care system kept him in school, he struggled to keep pace, often finding himself in after school detention. Little did he know that exposure to entrepreneurship combined with a dedicated mentor would alter the course of his life. Today, Rodney not only holds degrees from Morrehouse College, Harvard and Yale, he is also the author of several books and is now a sought-after speaker and entrepreneur. So without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Rodney Walker.

The Last Chance University With Jim Correll

The Last Chance University With Jim Correll

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the entrepreneurial mindset project. Today, I’m speaking with Jim Correll, an everyday entrepreneur who started an entrepreneurial mindset revolution that transformed his community. At the age of 50, Jim was hired as an outside staff instructor to teach the Successful Entrepreneur Program at a small community college in Independence, Kansas. At first, his efforts struggled to gain the attention of students who were otherwise focused on a degree. And because he was a non-academic outsider, he wasn't getting much support from faculty and staff. Yet once he realized he needed to shift his focus from traditional business planning to the entrepreneurial mindset, things began to change as word soon began to spread. Before long, Jim transformed an abandoned building into a thriving fab lab that soon became a hub of entrepreneurial activity. Soon, he was attracting not only degree-seeking students from the college but also everything from middle schoolers to mid-career adults, retirees, and everything in between. Some were starting businesses, some were reinventing their careers, and some were doing both. This is a great story that demonstrates how one person can make a difference in their community by taking an entrepreneurial approach to grassroots economic development.

Entrepreneurial Leadership: Don’t Be Afraid To Try, With Rob Vigil

Entrepreneurial Leadership: Don’t Be Afraid To Try, With Rob Vigil

Most city government workers, even though they have a keen eye on business, simply stay where they are and do not venture outside their comfort zone. What would it take for them to unlock their hidden entrepreneurial leadership skills? In this episode, host Gary Schoeniger sits down with Rob Vigil, a retired government worker in the City of Albuquerque. He looks back on his unlikely journey of becoming an entrepreneurial leader within city government, who now encourages others to take action on their entrepreneurial aspirations. Rob shares strategies for overcoming the sphere of failure, the power of constant micro-experimentation, and appreciating the importance of your opinions.

From Pizza Delivery Boy To Successful Entrepreneur With Joe Jaros

From Pizza Delivery Boy To Successful Entrepreneur With Joe Jaros

In this episode, Gary sits down with Joe Jaros, a remarkable entrepreneur who turned a pizza delivery job into a thriving career. Joe's journey is a testament to the transformative power of an entrepreneurial mindset, even in franchise ownership. Hailing from a working-class background in Cleveland, Ohio, Joe's story mirrors the essence of entrepreneurship: solving problems to empower oneself. They delve into crucial aspects of the mindset, from the significance of having a vision and reliability to continuous improvement. Joe emphasizes understanding the needs of both customers and employees. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom applicable to your job, life, or career. Join the conversation with Joe Jaros on this insightful episode!

Fear Is The Biggest Enemy With Susana Cabrera

Fear Is The Biggest Enemy With Susana Cabrera

Today, we're speaking with Susana Cabrera, who is one of the original entrepreneurs featured in the Ice House Entrepreneurship Program. I originally interviewed Susana in 2010, when she was in the first few years of her entrepreneurial journey. Today, I had the chance to catch up with her to revisit her journey and the life lessons she learned along the way. One thing you can say is that she takes the concept of side hustle to a whole new level. Susana built and sold Delicious Bites, a successful food product business—in her spare time—all while raising two children and holding down a full-time job as an executive in a Fortune 500 company! In this episode, we talk about overcoming fear, building resilience, the importance of asking for help, and the power of a compelling goal.

Making It Happen: From Dorm Room Prototype To Market With Chad Porter Of CHVD JUSTIN

Making It Happen: From Dorm Room Prototype To Market With Chad Porter Of CHVD JUSTIN

Welcome to another episode of The Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, we're joined by Chad Porter, a young, inventive entrepreneur who is well on his way. While studying biomedical engineering at Ohio State, he noticed that students were hauling fewer books around campus, which required a new type of backpack. All he needed was a prototype that would enable him to test his idea on his fellow students. Once he scraped up the money to buy a sewing machine, he went to work, experimenting with designs. By the time he sold 200 backpacks, he knew he was onto something that had the potential to grow. All he needed was the money to make it happen. Yet he quickly learned that venture capital investment was not readily available to young black entrepreneurs. He had to figure out how to make his business happen some other way. Like most entrepreneurs, Chad’s story is full of challenges and setbacks, as well as unforeseen opportunities. What stood out to me was the combination of passion, optimism, and persistence that enabled him to find a different path.

How A Vision Becomes Reality With The Garfield Twins

How A Vision Becomes Reality With The Garfield Twins

Welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project! Today, we have an inspiring story to share with you. Meet Ashley and Abby Garfield, identical twins and young entrepreneurs. Starting with just a vacuum cleaner, a broom, a bucket, and a mop, they launched a cleaning business in high school. As they pursued business courses at a local community college, their determination grew, and they decided to fully commit.Now, at the age of 21, they are well on their way to turning their vision into reality. This story gives us a glimpse into the early stages of an entrepreneurial journey and shows the power of vision combined with the determination to make it happen.So, without further ado, join us as we chat with the Garfield Twins and be inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit.

Measuring The Entrepreneurial Mindset With Dr. Jennifer Hall

Measuring The Entrepreneurial Mindset With Dr. Jennifer Hall

Welcome to the latest episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project! In this special edition, we're taking a different approach as we delve into the fascinating realm of the entrepreneurial mindset through the lens of psychology. Our guest today is Dr. Jennifer Hall, co-author of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile—a groundbreaking psychometric tool that assesses the entrepreneurial strengths of individuals across various domains, from students to organizational leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. Hall and her team have identified 14 key traits and skills that set entrepreneurs apart from the rest. But here's the burning question: Is the entrepreneurial mindset the driving force behind entrepreneurial behavior, or is it a consequence thereof? Join us as we explore this intriguing inquiry and uncover the intricate connections between psychology and entrepreneurship. Get ready for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jennifer Hall, where we unlock the secrets behind the entrepreneurial mindset. Let's dive in!

Ideas Don’t Matter With Steve Orlando

Ideas Don’t Matter With Steve Orlando

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today, I’m speaking with a special guest, Steve Orlando, who is not only an incredible entrepreneur, but was one of my very first students when I was experimenting with teaching entrepreneurship at a local high school back in 2006-2007. Trust me when I tell you Steve has an incredible story to tell. As a mediocre student from a working-class family, Steve wasn’t sure where he was going in life. Watching his father struggle to get ahead left a profound impression on him from an early age. Yet a light-bulb moment shifted his awareness in ways that had a profound impact on his life.What started as a simple idea for an office cleaning business soon morphed into an adjacent opportunity that enabled him to earn $40,000 in his spare time - all while a senior in high school! From there, Steve has since created a number of successful businesses, none of which required more than a few hundred dollars to start. In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, yet the one thing that really stood out for me was something that we never really discussed: the original idea doesn’t matter. What really matters is that we get out of the building and start knocking on doors, looking for problems to solve, and talking to people who might have the problem we are trying to solve. Sooner or later, an opportunity will emerge—an opportunity that you could never have foreseen when you began. So, without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve Orlando.

Learning By Doing With Stephanie Riel

Learning By Doing With Stephanie Riel

Today, we sit down with Stephanie Riel, founder of RielDeal & Co., a brand strategy consulting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, we explore the origins of an entrepreneur's passion and drive. Stephanie was inspired by her father's journey as an immigrant entrepreneur and always knew she wanted to start something on her own. However, finding her true calling was a challenge. She persevered and ultimately found success, starting with nothing and using Craigslist to find her first clients. During our conversation, Stephanie shares her insights on the value of side hustles, learning by doing, and the importance of having mentors. Her story serves as a reminder that when we combine our interests and abilities in ways that benefit others, we tap into a powerful force that ignites our passion and fuels our drive. Listen to this episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project podcast to learn more about Stephanie's journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

The Influence Of An Unlikely Entrepreneur With Clifton Taulbert

The Influence Of An Unlikely Entrepreneur With Clifton Taulbert

Hello, and welcome to another episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project. Today I’m speaking with my friend, collaborator, and co-author, Clifton Taulbert. Clifton has an amazing story to tell–from his childhood in the Mississippi Delta during the height of legal segregation to becoming a Pulitzer-nominated author and successful entrepreneur. I first met Clifton in 2008 while doing a research project for CISCO. It was his story that became the inspiration for the book Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons from an Unlikely Entrepreneur. In this episode, we discuss the life-changing influence of his Uncle Cleve Morman and how it shifted his thinking in ways that would ultimately transform his life. So without any further ado, I hope you enjoy my conversation with Clifton Taulbert.

Life Lessons From An Appalachian Entrepreneur With Dave Yeany

Life Lessons From An Appalachian Entrepreneur With Dave Yeany

Today I’m speaking with Dave Yeany, the founder of Yeany’s Maple, a small but thriving maple syrup business located in Marienville, PA. This is really an amazing underdog story that you won’t want to miss. I met Dave a few months back when giving a talk in Marienville, which is a small town of approximately 3,500 people located smack dab in the poorest county in Pennsylvania. Little did I know there was an unlikely entrepreneur in our midst. As a high school dropout, he spent the bulk of his career as a custodian at the local high school. Yet he was always looking for ways to make extra money in his spare time. One day, he decided he would try to make maple syrup from scratch. With only a few borrowed taps, he figured out how to make his first batch, which he then gave away to family and friends. They soon came back asking for more. At that moment, he realized there might be an opportunity at hand. Yet rather than quitting his job and going all in, he started small, selling maple syrup at the end of his driveway on the honor system. By the time he sold $70,000 worth of maple syrup in his spare time, he decided it was time to make the leap. Today, he not only has a thriving business, but he is also making a huge impact in his community. This is such a great story, one that not only demonstrates the power of the entrepreneurial mindset to improve our own lives but also the impact it can have on the communities we inhabit.

“My Purpose Is Bigger Than My Problems” With Trent Wallace

“My Purpose Is Bigger Than My Problems” With Trent Wallace

A full mindset shift is needed to get through the most challenging moments of your life. Without this life-changing process, you cannot unlock a more positive version of yourself. Our guest today is Trent Wallace, an up-and-coming entrepreneur from the streets of North Omaha, Nebraska. In this episode, we discuss his struggle to overcome the challenges of his past, the lessons he learned at Boys Town, and embracing an entrepreneurial mindset to become a force for good. Meanwhile, host Gary Schoeniger discusses the power of optimism and the concept of future positive orientation to access problem-solving abilities in the brain that are not otherwise available to you.

How To Refine Your Thinking With Tremain Davis

How To Refine Your Thinking With Tremain Davis

What is the value of learning, and do we ever stop? In this episode, guest Tremain Davis of Davis and Davis Investments and Management joins us to talk about shifting his mindset through constant learning. He joins Gary Schoeniger to share how he did not have an easy start in life. Raised by a single mom in an underserved community, the only entrepreneurs he knew were illegal ones. Yet, from an early age, he knew he wanted more. Tremain shares how building an underground candy operation as a kid inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship on a higher level, constantly refining his strategies and building on his knowledge. They also discuss transforming yourself into a powerful optimist, maximizing current technology for nonstop learning, and managing security risks when aiming for bigger life goals.

The Pathway To Success As A Serial Entrepreneur With Cameron Tolbert

The Pathway To Success As A Serial Entrepreneur With Cameron Tolbert

What makes a goal compelling? What do we gain from comparing ourselves to others? In this conversation with entrepreneur Cameron Tolbert, Founder of Native Ingredients, we dissect topics around honing a strong entrepreneurial mindset. We explore how circumstances and beliefs push people down the path of entrepreneurship, the dangers of comparing oneself to others, and human's innate tendency toward self-actualization. Cameron also opens up about the lessons he learned in his own career journey. From seeing how an internship shaped his mindset to learning from his failures, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Who Are You When No One Is Watching? With Bernardo Martinez

Who Are You When No One Is Watching? With Bernardo Martinez

Who are you when no one is watching? That’s what Bernardo Martinez will help you uncover with host Gary Schoeniger in this episode. Bernardo is the founder of Grow-Farms, a Mexico City-based startup designed to enable small and medium-sized farmers throughout Latin America to access global markets. Throughout the conversation, Bernardo makes it clear that mindset is essential to having your venture impact the world. From early childhood experiences to the value of finding your purpose, this is a fantastic conversation for anyone wanting to learn about the power of entrepreneurial thinking. In the episode, Bernardo and Gary reference a few impactful books and documents. You can find those at the links below: Bernardo's Mantra—www.fastleader.net/wp-content/uploads/self-confidence-formula-napoleon-hill.pdf Ego is the Enemy—https://amzn.to/3RitqaR Start With Why—https://amzn.to/3AnYIGd The Road Less Traveled—https://amzn.to/3PMJvEs

Inside the Mind of a Ukrainian Entrepreneur with Bogdan Romaniuk

Inside the Mind of a Ukrainian Entrepreneur with Bogdan Romaniuk

Starting up a business is hard. Doing it while in an active warzone is even harder. Ukrainian Entrepreneur Bogdan Romaniuk joins Gary Schoeniger for this podcast episode to share insights into his mindset as a co-founder of xTiles—a tool for visual thinking that helps people organize projects and ideas. Bogdan also lets us in on his thinking about solving problems and how being open to new experiences makes you more susceptible to "getting lucky" and finding new opportunities. Join this episode as they take us deep into this web-based organizational note-taking system for creative minds whose easy yet stylish user interface dramatically improves project organization. What is more, you can try and check xTiles’ free demo here.

How Dog-Walking Became A Successful Lifestyle Business With Susan Beauregard

How Dog-Walking Became A Successful Lifestyle Business With Susan Beauregard

When you talk about business, dog-walking isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. It's a profession that people don't know too much about. Can you make actually make a living, walking dogs? The answer is yes, but you need to know how to market yourself. You need to know how to build relationships so that you can ask for referrals from your clients. And, you need to live within your means. Live a simple, yet happy life. These are the things today’s guest did when she made her small dog walking business. Join Gary Schoeniger in today's episode of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Project, as he is joined by Susan Beauregard. Orphaned as a young adult, she developed a small dog-walking business to sustain herself in New York City. Now, by continuing to focus on her customers' needs, she is not only sustaining but thriving. Listen in to learn more!

Belief Management With Myron Pierce

Belief Management With Myron Pierce

Managing your beliefs is such an important thing to do when determining your future. If you believe that you'll succeed as an entrepreneur, you will. You just need to know how to shift your mindset so that you can put your mind to that goal. Stop living in your lies. And stop listening to people that tell you what you can or can't do. Find your own purpose in life. Join Gary Schoeniger as he talks to Myron Pierce for the start of season two. Myron is an entrepreneur and community leader based in Omaha, Nebraska. He's the Founder of Village Social and is one of the Co-founders of Shift Omaha, where he helps the next generation of entrepreneurs succeed. Listen to today's episode as Myron shares more about his struggles growing up. Learn more about why hope is the best strategy. And discover all about the power of managing your beliefs. Listen to his inspiring story of changing his mindset to succeed.

Revisiting Resilience With Sirena Moore-Thomas

Revisiting Resilience With Sirena Moore-Thomas

Resilience is not about being fearless. It’s about overcoming the fear. Joining us for another episode is entrepreneur, speaker, and author Sirena Moore-Thomas. After our first conversation, we decided there was too much to unpack and have her back for another fantastic conversation. In this episode, she goes more into her recent endeavors as an entrepreneur, including how she became the COO of a 100-million-dollar company. Sirena also shares her 4-step The W.A.L.K. Method™ on how to overcome fear, setbacks, and self-doubt from her book, Water Walker: How To Embrace Uncertainty And Do What Seems Impossible. There’s a lot to learn and gain from this episode so make sure to tune in.