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The climb to success is hard enough. Imagine earning every penny, every piece of respect and every sense of success only to discover a new side of you. Change is inevitable but accepting who you are and the life changes you will make is never easy. This is what Shane Wenzel did. A stable in the Calgary Business Scene, Shane learned the family business and took it to a whole new level. As a contributing writer, public speaker, podcaster guest, social media influencer, local voice of wisdom and overall fun guy, Shane has a wealth of knowledge and insight on many topics.

Whether it's talking about cancel culture, the current business landscape, being a father and role model, the state of society, growing up in an entrepreneurial family and many more topics, Shane give honest opinions and isn't scared to be disruptive. Disruption and change is something he knows far too well. After many years of business success, martial breakdown turned his personal life upside down. After years of soul searching an unexpected compliment steered him into a new chapter of his life. Coming out about his sexuality in the male dominated home development business wasn't easy. Shane embraced who he was and found new happiness in both his personal and professional life.

Join me as we discuss so many amazing topics. Share shares his lessons on life, the importance of trust in business and coming out while holding a high profile position. Among the laughs and his every so smooth voice, I walked way inspired and encouraged about the future. Join me for one of the best conversations with the one and only Shane Wenzel!

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Ready Set RISE E11: A Man's Journey to Confidence, Style and Business with Abdul Ahmed Basit

The journey of an entrepreneur is a difficult one. However when you are driven by a strong passion to succeed, found the right partners to go to battle with and the a business model that adds value to consumers, you have found the right formula. The idea of being a gentleman starts with simple things such a manners, confidence, chivalry and style. When Abdul Ahmed Basit took his entrepreneurial upbringing and applied it the changing needs of men, Adesso Man was born. Adesso Man addresses style, uniqueness and class at reasonable price. Despite many challenges, Abdul and his partners took a brand from scratch to a socially responsible enterprise focused on serving not only men but the community as a whole.

Join me as we dive deep in topics such as being raised in an immigrant family, the definition of what it means to be a gentleman, Racial injustice, Social Entrepreneurship, Faith over fear, how to develop your own style, personal health and fitness, the challenges of creating your own brand, the silent struggles that men face and what it takes to become the best version of yourself. Abdul get vulnerable and allows us to peer into his mind and how his company can change the lives of men and society that they serve.

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Abdul Ahmed Basit

2:00 Abdul's motto that he lives by - Think Again

7:10 A lineage of Entrepreneurship

9:00 Being Built to do More

11:30 Reframing Fear into success

19:00 How to stay grounded & level headed in crisis

21:50 The importance of focusing on mental health

30:25 The biggest mistakes I have made in Life

35:00 Getting into the world of Mens Fashion

42:00 Evolution of Adesso Man

47:40 Intertwining Muslims, Indigenous People and the shared values in society

53:30 Seeing the world of racism, prejudice and can we fix it

1:00:00 What inspires you?

1:02:00 Testing Abdul's knowledge of music pop culture, family and cool stuff

1:09:00 RISE ROUND

This was a blast!!! Enjoy this episode and walk away feeling inspired to be the best version of yourself! It's time. Ready, Set, RISE!

Watch the video of this awesome interview on Youtube at https://youtu.be/VpRRqMwzPJ0

For more inspirational content check out my website at www.michaelsiervo.com

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EPISODE 10

Imagine walking into a stadium packed with thousands of people. The scream of fans filled the air. Not only are all eyes watching you but millions around the world are clued to their television sets. This is the Olympics and the hopes and dreams of an entire country rest on your shoulders. To get to this level you need to be a super human. You need to be among the best of the best to be the 1% of the 1%. I had an opportunity to peer into the world of 2 Time Olympian, 2 X published author and motivational speaker, Akeem Haynes. Before competing in track for the greatest games in the world, Akeem endured countless challenges. From homelessness, to being raised by a single parent to struggling academically, Akeem proved time and time again that effort, determination and faith is all that is need to make dreams come true.

Join me as we discussed:

• The early struggles of a new country

• Knowing that no superhero will save you

• Accepting the kindness and generosity of others

• Racing on the biggest stage in the world

• The mindset needed to overcome advserity

• Defining success now and beyond

• Leaving a legacy that inspires others

• Fun topics such as what he listens to in order to get hyped up, the advice he would give his younger self and why people are not living up to their potential. It's an honour to interview this man.

EPISODE 10: From Underdog to Champion with Olympian, Author and Motivational Speaker Akeem HaynesJoin us on this amazing episode of Ready, Set, RISE

Check out the Video of this interview on Youtube https://youtu.be/XJi-Ltgu0HM

For more amazing content check me out at www.michaelsiervo.com

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EPISODE 9: Wisdom, Business & Martial Arts. The Budo Brothers Way with Erik Allan

The word "Budo" in Japanese means modern day martial arts. This is a path that led co-founder Erik Allan to pursue his vision of creating a martial arts apparel line with a purpose. From going broke with his first venture to following his heart down the road of martial arts, Erik discovered a unique niche market in modern martial arts gear. This community opened up his eyes to creating a brand alongside his best friend and partner that would inspire martial artists around the world.

From bouncing from failure to exploring new entrepreneurial challenges to wandering the streets of Asia, Erik sees the opportunity in the face of adversity. 

Listen as he shares his thoughts on the warriors journey and finding the courage to pursue your dreams. 

www.budobrothers.com

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EPISODE 8: The inspiring journey behind the music industry, life and finding your groove with Jack Trades | DJ, Artist & Producer

One such word that embodies my next guest is UNDERDOG. As someone from Indian decent he overcame stereotypes as an underdog, insecurities and lack of support from his inner circle. Jack Trades worked in a corporate job and found immense success in sales within the payment services industry. However he had another calling that kept brewing in his heart. Against all odds he decided to chase his dreams, lock himself in his room, cut out his social life and become a master of his craft. He reinvented himself several times and has now created a reputable brand that is taking notice in the music industry.

His music has been featured by celebrities and make it to number on in iheartradio. His goals haven’t stopped there as he continues to reach new heights. Whether it was taking a risk to be mentored by a strange russian character in the seedy studio in Calgary to jumping on a plane on a whim to Toronto to learn DJing, Jacktrades dove deep into his passion. With a strong support unit, he went against all odds and overcame some difficult lessons early on in his career. Now, Jacktrade is being heard around the world and is one of the top up and coming recording artist and Electronic Pop genius in the world. He is a husband, father, philosopher and overall amazing human being. I am honoured to have my good friend Jacktrades on the show!

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EPISODE 7: How to stay humble and happy while crushing it in LIFE | Tanya Eklund | One of the World's Top Realtors

I love being around genuinely humble and happy people. It's

One such person who embodies the word WINNER is my next guest, Tanya Eklund.

She starts off the show with an awesome quote "I am clothed with strength and dignity, and laugh without fear of the future."

Born an raised in the farming community of Wetaskiwin Alberta, she traveled to Calgary in her 20’s to go to school at the University of Alberta. After graduation she stumbled onto the world of Real Estate out of necessity. After a well meaning business man commented that she wouldn’t make more than $100k, that was enough to spark her drive to prove him and all the doubters wrong. After close to 20 years in the business she has done more than proven them wrong as she has the number #1 Team at the #1 Re/Max Office in the World. She continues to master her craft, build her brand and mentor a Rockstar team along the way. She is a member of the Chairman’s Club, Diamond Awards, Million Dollar Club, President’s Club, is consistently one of the top Realtors in Alberta and is voted Calgary’s kindest realtor according to me, it’s my honour to have the one and only Ms. Tanya Eklund! Tanya welcome to Ready Set RISE.

We talk about:

• Her rise to becoming one of the top Realtors in the world

• Growing in a male dominated industry

• Being challenged, insulted, doubted and declaring her self worth

• Proving yourself in the face of adversity

• Don't wish away your competition - They will help you achieve a higher level of success

• Hiring a coach to take you to the next level

• Staying Humble when you're on top

• Behind the scenes of being a top realtor, Concierge Service, Finding Solutions

• Talking "Suits" - part Harvey Spector, part Mike Ross, part Olivia Pope

• Alter Egos? Being Authentic, The Eklund Project

• Realty TV Million Dollar Listing, Dogtopia, Financing ventures and side hustles

• Brand is everything

• Happiness is a Choice

• Fun scenarios during the RISE Round

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EPISODE 6: Being a Gem for Gems with Jordan Guildford | Providing HOPE after domestic Abuse.

I want to share with some shocking statistics, 7 out of 10 adult victims of criminal harassment were female, 8 out of 10 adult victims of intimate partner violence were female and 9 out of 10 adult victims of sexual violence were female according to the RCMP. The World Health Organization states that 1 in 3 women throughout the world will experience physical and/or sexual violence by a partner or sexual violence by a non partner. These statistics are shocking.

However my next guest is out to change that. Born in Nova Scotia and raised in poverty, she was determined to make a difference. At the age of 14, she along with her simblings wanted to do something special for their hard working mother. The small token of jewelry sparked her mission to empower women. What started off as a kind gesture turned into a movement that has been recognized around the world. Her organization is Gems for Gems started in 2015 with the mission to end the cycle of domestic abuse for women, and their children. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed as she was recognized in by the Canadian Business Chicks, Women of Influence in 2017, Recognized by the True Beauty Foundation for your community work in 2019. In the same year she was awarded by Avenue Magazine as top 40 under 40. She has changed the lives of over 1000 vulnerable women and continues to shine a light during some of the darkest hours in society. It’s an honour and priviledge to welcome the wonderful Ms. Jordan Guildford.

In this interview we discuss:

• Growing up in poverty in a first world country

• Sharing hope and inspiration to women

• Fighting the stigma of domestic violence and overcoming it

• How Calgary came together for the women of Calgary

• How one small kind gesture became a movement (Gems for Gems)

• THRIVE Program

• how a spark became a scholarship program! The collective resilience

• Turning Trauma into Triumph - Importance of family and a support system

• Female Heroes, Struggles of Women during the pandemic

• The MASSIVE transition happening in the world!

Come join us for this amazing interview #orangetheoryseton

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EPISODE 5 is an awesome one!

Now one thing that I love about this show is hearing about stories of people who have experience success, overcame adversity and came back to help others.

One such person who embodies the word GRIT is my next guest.

Born in Juba, South Sudan, she was raised in a country rife with civil war—it has seen three civil wars since 1972. She had fled South Sudan in 1996 with the belief that she would do something great. Since then she launched of her companyNeveen Dominic Cosmetics in 2014, Dominic has enjoyed national and international attention. She was nominated for Fashion Industry Professional for Obsidian Awards (2016) and received Philanthropist of the Year for Vigor Awards International (2016). Dominic is the first of any South Sudanese actresses and film producers to feature in the Nigerian Nollywood.[7] She produced and was starred in the TV series titled, "It’s A Crazy World,". She is seen in many of the fashion scenes across Canada and can also be seen doing amazing things around the world. Most recently she helped over 5000 less fortunate people in Nigeria during COVID19. She is actress, film producer, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, super mom extraordinaire, the one the only my good friend Neveen Dominic.

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You want to Real Talk? This next interview gets real and deep into the mind of a man who has hit rock bottom and found a way to RISE. I absolutely enjoyed my conversation with Wes Kowalchuk, Founder of Business Impact Coaching Inc. I loooooove real conversations with people can be vulnerable, throw the canned responses out the window and let their emotions out. Despite his gun slinging, weight lifting, big smiling, oil man turned business coach, Wes Kowalchuk really opened up to show his vulnerable side.

This is what it means to be a real man and real human being.

Watch this episode as we discuss a broad range of topics from:

• Finding yourself at the bottom of a bottle

• Recovering from alcoholism

• Break down of relationships and children

• Getting "Screwed" by booze and hookers but not in a good way

• Accepting and forgiving yourself

• Being the author of your own story

• Finding the love of your life - What men need to be better men - Racism and so much more... Stay till the end for the RISE ROUND. Hope you all enjoy! Sending you all love and good vibes.

WES KOWALCHUKS:

BIO Below He started early in his career as an entrepreneur, at the age of 10 as a paper delivery boy in Calgary AB. Over the last 30 years, He has ran, owned and operated several businesses, including a very successful Oil and Gas Service Business. After being forced to enter bankruptcy in 2015 with the low oil prices, the only position Wes could find to provide for his family was as a business coach with a firm in Calgary. It was there he was to realize the lessons he had learned that can help keep others from facing the same fate as he had in 2015. So he researched successful companies and dug deep into all the reasons why a company can go bankrupt. He has put this all together into a simple 9 Step program called: “The Ca$hFlow Creator”, to help entrepreneurs not only avoid bankruptcy, but to actually create a sustainable predictably profitable business that will withstand any economy. His passion to help other business become stronger, better, and financially bullet proof, has led him to where he is today, running his own coaching firm. He and his team of Accountants/Book Keepers, Bridge Financiers, Legal teams and Virtual Assistants are growing and currently helping businesses across Western Canada and are currently moving into the US and Overseas Markets. Check this interview and enjoy as we RISE up and get a RISE out of each other. Watch till the end to hear the RISE Round! https://www.yourbestyear.ca/Wrong-PAS​ https://www.weskowalchuk.com/​ https://business-impact-academy.ca/​

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Does Life imitate Art or does Art imitate Life? Perhaps it's both.

"Art washes away from the soul dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

Julianna is one such person that embodies that statement. However the importance of art in her life made her life far from average. Julianna Enciu was born and raised in Calgary AB and has traveled around the globe for inspiration. From the style of Paris to the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, she used the world as her inspiration. Her life revolved around art both in front of the camera and behind. She took her talent to the canvas which led her to her blossoming business. Prior to her entrepreneurial endeavors she went to the American Musical Dramatic Academy in Los Angles. She has called Ottawa, Vancouver, LA and now Calgary home. Again her back ground is rooted in performing arts which was the inspiration to her company PS Make Me Famous. Here she turns original artwork into high apparel for both men and women. This product ranges from socks, pocket squares, bow ties and more. Each fold is an adventure. Now celebrities from around the world are are clamoring to get a piece of this up and coming brand. There is no dull moment with her as she brightens up this podcast with her energy, art and insight!

We cover so many amazing topics including:

• The journey from artist to entrepreneur

• Reliving a broadway rehearsal (Chicago)

• Celebrity Inspirations

• Why we love Kanye and Kim

• Coolest President in history (Obama)

• Finding frequency during this pandemic

• Why Art matters

• The RISE Round with Julianna and much much more!!!

Enjoy! This is a fun one! www.psmakemefamous.com

Celeb Shoutouts #jenniferlopez​ #barrackobama​ #kimkardasian​ #kanyewest​ #CelineDion​

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Life can be unpredictable.

However the best way to predict the future is to create it. This is exactly what Tony McGrath has done all is life. This man is a total class act and almost had me in tears. You don't want to miss this inspirational, emotional, raw conversation with one of Calgary's most well known people.

Tony McGrath was born in the UK, were her served a short term in the military beforefinding his way to Canada. After holding several positions in banking, insurance and finance, he eventually owned his own brokerage firm. He later sold his brokerage to launch a private consulting firm to help entrepreneurs and businesses with strategic planning. He is a former soldier, elite athlete, entrepreneur, senior business executive, model and public speaker. Has spoken on countless stages across north America and the UK. He has helped many organizations as a strategic business consultant is formerly the CEO of the oldest and most prestigious Theatre in Calgary, The Grand Theatre. He sits on a number of Advisory Boards for start up companies and entrepreneur incubators in Canada, sat on the Alberta Board of Directors of the Certified Management Consultants. Tony volunteers as a business mentor for Futurpreneur Canada , Haskayne Business School and The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship. He has a particular interest in Social Enterprise ventures.

Always a man to stand up for what is right, he shares his thoughts on:

• Family
• Heartbreak
• Adversity and reinventing yourself
• New beginnings
• Black lives matters and the amazing voices he had with him
• White privilege and the real issues
• Gentleman's perspective on Feminism and what it takes to be a true gentleman
• The importance of Mentors

It was truly an honour to spend time with a true class act and an amazing human being. If you want to talk about role models, look no further. This episode is one you do not want to miss. Thank you Tony.

TheGrand #Calgary #Mentorship #YYC #Diversity #gentleman #newbeginnings #business #entrepreneurship

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EPISODE 1: Booosting it up with Donny Wong

This Episode is one FIRE! It's so exciting to speak to and learn from the insights of amazing people.  I always love the raw, unscripted and genuine thoughts so someone who is fighting the good fight.

Many people become entrepreneurs and some are born entrepreneurs. 

Donny Wong, Founder of BOOOST CBD and Nomad Property Management is a born entrepreneur. I got a chance to sit down and get to know the mind and story behind the man. We go deep into a broad range of thought provoking topics such as:

• His chinese upbringing and the resilience it instilled in him
• Handing the a year of killed with death
• Moving away from owning one of Downtown Calgary's hottest Clubs to hustling door to door as a salesman in Toronto
• Being inspired by the death of his close friend to open BOOOST CBD
• The 4 stages of learning
• What it takes to be a great entrepreneur
• And much much more!

This conversation is as real as it gets as Donny drops gems of wisdom, lessons from failure and why we must keep hustling.

You don't want to miss this one. 

READY SET R!SE w/ Host Michael Siervo

ReadySetRise #hustle #grind #entrepreneur #business #sales #rise #motivated #inspired #failure #chinese #calgary #yyc #podcast #CBD #booostCBD #takinglunchmoney #success #mindset #learning