In this episode of the Learnings and Missteps podcast, host Jesse engages in a deep conversation with Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga, an international entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Jose shares his journey from being a struggling student to becoming a successful real estate magnate and author. They discuss the importance of following one's interests, the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, the significance of continuous learning, and the unexpected link between economics and philosophy. Jose also emphasizes the value of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, managing emotional responses in business, and the process of writing books to pass on his knowledge. The episode provides insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and emphasizes the importance of perseverance, resilience, and self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:57 Meet Mr. Jose Miguel Berlanga
02:02 The Connection Between Economics and Philosophy
06:16 Learning from Business and Personal Growth
08:53 Advice for Struggling Students
12:58 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
28:03 Managing Emotions in Business
31:21 A Unique Vacation: Seattle Children's Hospital
31:54 The Importance of Self-Care and Celebrating Wins
32:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life
35:42 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
39:07 Writing and Sharing Knowledge
44:21 The Concept of Quantum Entrepreneurship
50:41 Mentorship and Identifying Potential
55:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

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Ever found yourself asking too many questions or giving too many answers? You're not alone. This Solo-cast episode dives deep into the delicate balance leaders must strike between inquiry and instruction.

At the heart of this episode is the "coaching scale" - a powerful framework for understanding when to ask open-ended questions and when to provide direct guidance. The key insight: your approach must match your team member's capability level. For those with high competence, questions like "What have you tried?" foster critical thinking. For novices, demonstration and clear direction are essential - just as you wouldn't teach a child to tie shoes through questions alone.

What makes this concept particularly valuable is learning to identify where someone falls on the capability spectrum. By simply asking "Have you done this before?" and "How many times?", you gain immediate insight into whether open-ended questions will empower or frustrate them. The episode also explores the often-overlooked middle ground of providing options without dictating solutions - preserving ownership while still offering guidance.

The most powerful takeaway is recognizing that effective leadership requires flexibility across the entire coaching spectrum. Sometimes you need to roll up your sleeves and demonstrate; other times, the best thing you can do is ask questions that activate someone's existing knowledge. Mastering this balance transforms you from a one-dimensional leader into someone who knows exactly what each team member needs to grow at any given moment.

Ready to transform how you develop your team? Listen now and discover how to determine exactly when to ask and when to tell - your team will thank you for it. Share your biggest leadership challenges in the comments!

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

What happens when you create a vision so clear that every decision becomes obvious? Joshua McMahon, owner of McMahon Custom Homes, reveals how he transformed from laborer to business owner by focusing relentlessly on his three-year vision.

The entrepreneurial journey is rarely a straight path. Joshua candidly shares how he built his business foundation 18 months before leaving his secure job—posting consistently on social media, networking with key industry players, and sharing his vision repeatedly until the right people resonated with it. Despite initially being laughed at, Joshua's persistence led to critical relationships that fueled his company's explosive growth.

We explore the crucial distinction between management and leadership, with Joshua explaining, "There's managers on every single store corner. We need a leader, growing those managers into leaders." This perspective shift transformed how he approaches his business, focusing on developing people rather than just hitting numbers. His refreshing approach to growth—aiming for higher-value projects rather than higher volume—challenges conventional business wisdom while preserving what makes his company special.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when discussing failures and setbacks. Joshua reveals how his lowest career moments provided the greatest learning, though he admits feeling embarrassed to reach out during those times. His advice for weathering tough periods? Maintain focus on your vision and surround yourself with people who believe in your potential.

Joshua also shares practical strategies for vision-building, including scheduling dedicated thinking time and creating visions so detailed you can "touch" them. Whether you're considering entrepreneurship, seeking leadership insights, or simply trying to navigate career transitions, this conversation offers actionable wisdom from someone who's living proof that vision-driven success is possible.

Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn or social media to learn more about his visionary approach to business and leadership.

http://www.mcmahoncustomhomesllc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mcmahoncustomhomes

https://www.facebook.com/mcmahoncustomhomes/

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

What drives someone to rise from mechanical trades to vice president multiple times? For Pansy Romo of InTech Mechanical, the answer lies not in credentials or connections, but in authentic servant leadership and an unwavering commitment to valuing people.

This conversation delves into Pansy's remarkable journey—one that began without a college degree but flourished through intentional relationship-building and genuine appreciation for others. "When you invest in people and value them truly for no other reason than they are people and matter, everything else comes as a byproduct," she shares, revealing the philosophy that's guided her ascent in an industry not always known for prioritizing human connection.

Particularly fascinating is Pansy's perspective on career transitions and setbacks. Rather than viewing career progression as linear, she embraces the zigzags, including moments when "doors closed on purpose"—situations that initially seemed like failures but eventually revealed themselves as redirections toward greater opportunities. Her transition from trade-specific work to broader general contractor responsibilities demonstrates how vulnerability, resourcefulness, and willingness to learn can transform apparent limitations into strengths.

For leaders struggling with talent retention in today's competitive market, Pansy offers a compelling alternative to simply competing on compensation. When organizations demonstrate genuine interest in employees as complete human beings rather than mere contributors to dashboards, they create magnetic cultures where discretionary effort flows naturally. As she puts it, "Titles and authority are needed for business, but that's not how I show up every day—we're all trying to advance the ball together, just with different responsibilities."

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Listen now to discover how being a "light to others" can create both personal fulfillment and organizational success.

Connect with Pansy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pansy-romo-leed-ap-42b49818/

https://www.intech-mech.com/

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Emotional intelligence pioneer Brent Darnell takes us through his remarkable 25-year journey transforming the construction industry's approach to people. With disarming honesty and profound insights, he reveals how human connection stands at the core of solving our industry's most pressing challenges—from mental health crises to workforce development struggles.

"It goes beyond just being a better leader or a better manager of a construction process," Brent explains. "They become better human beings." This powerful truth underlies his revolutionary work, which began in 2000 when introducing emotional intelligence training to skeptical construction professionals was considered radical. Having superintendents practice yoga and meditation seemed outlandish then, but Brent persisted, eventually proving how these practices enhance performance while reducing personal wear and tear.

The conversation highlights how our industry has evolved from purely adversarial relationships to more collaborative approaches, creating an urgent need for the very skills Brent champions. As he shares the story of a superintendent who transformed from being removed from a project to becoming COO in just ten months through emotional intelligence training, we witness the tangible power of this work.

Most compelling is Brent's exploration of how the "respect for people" pillar of Lean construction remains overlooked despite its critical importance. His practical advice for building better connections—daily application, reflection, and self-awareness—offers listeners actionable steps toward immediate improvement in their professional and personal lives.

Visit brentdarnell.com for free emotional intelligence assessments, body battery inventories, and resources that can help you become a better leader and human being. What construction challenges might you solve by improving your emotional intelligence and human connection skills?

Connect with Brent at:

https://brentdarnell.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentdarnell/

Big Mamas Country Cook Book

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

What happens when a talented estimator decides to break free from the confines of office life and build a business that serves multiple contractors while traveling the world? Jake Jones, co-founder of Archer Estimation and Consulting, shares his remarkable journey from geology student to nomadic entrepreneur in this thought-provoking conversation.

Jake's natural talent for estimation was discovered almost by accident when his mentor reviewed a project budget he'd prepared and declared, "You're in the wrong job." What followed was a career transformation that led him through various companies where he consistently found ways to optimize estimation processes, turning handwritten takeoffs into sophisticated spreadsheet systems. One simple macro he developed saved his company approximately 40 man-hours annually – exemplifying his philosophy that small improvements can yield significant results.

The pandemic proved to be a turning point for Jake when he discovered he could be even more productive working remotely. When faced with ultimatums to return to the office, he made the bold decision to launch his own fractional estimating business. Now, he helps contractors who need estimation expertise but can't afford full-time specialists while enjoying the freedom to work from anywhere. Currently based in Santiago, Chile, with previous stops in Argentina and Uruguay, Jake and his wife have embraced minimalism, paring down their possessions to just a few suitcases.

For those considering a similar path, Jake offers practical advice about the realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding business fundamentals and building strong support networks. His story demonstrates how specialized expertise combined with process optimization can create opportunities for both professional fulfillment and personal freedom.

Whether you're a contractor seeking to improve your bidding processes or someone dreaming of location independence, Jake's experiences provide valuable insights into building a business that serves others while supporting the lifestyle you desire. What small improvements could transform your workflow and open new possibilities in your career?

Jakes Jones:

http://www.archerestimation.com/

mailto:info@archerestimation.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-j-73ba2516

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

What happens when only one side builds a relationship? You end up with a lookout, not a bridge. This profound realization forms the heart of my conversation with Kimberly Sauceda, bestselling author of "Meet Me on the Bridge" and a relationship expert with over 20 years of experience working with organizations like Apple.

Kimberly shares the touching origin story behind her bridge-building philosophy - a spontaneous moment with her teenage son during COVID lockdown that crystallized the truth about mutual relationship investment. "Hi mama, I'm here to build a bridge," he said, mirroring her own approach and revealing the essential nature of two-sided connection.

We explore how leaders unknowingly "pluck the feathers of eagles," transforming potential high-performers into disengaged team members through dismissive behaviors and unclear expectations. As Kimberly wisely notes, "unset expectations are predetermined disappointment." The bridge metaphor extends beyond the workplace into all human connections, offering a framework built on trust, respect, and genuine interest in others.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we discuss conflict's crucial role in relationship building. Rather than viewing conflict as something to avoid, Kimberly reframes it as an opportunity to strengthen connections through curiosity and listening. High-trust teams are five times more productive precisely because they can navigate disagreement effectively.

For those working under limiting leadership, Kimberly offers practical strategies: decide who you want to be regardless of circumstances, find alternative sources for validation, and develop a personal "board of directors" for perspective and support. This approach maintains integrity while strategically working toward roles where your contributions are valued.

Ready to transform your professional and personal relationships? Start by asking yourself which bridges you're building and whether you're inviting others to build alongside you. Check out Kimberly's book and leadership programs at fromO2U.com to learn how to move from overwhelmed to unstoppable through the power of connection.

Get the book Meet me on the Bridge

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7BZJQWF

Connect with Kimberly at:

https://fromo2u.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlysauceda/

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books

Mario's journey from the soccer field to the construction site reveals profound leadership insights that transform how we think about success. Originally dreaming of becoming a doctor, his unexpected path to becoming a senior project manager with over 20 years of experience in the painting industry demonstrates how our greatest plans often give way to our greatest purpose.

"The hardest person I had to deal with was myself," Mario confesses while sharing how internal battles with self-doubt nearly derailed his career. His vulnerability creates an immediate connection with anyone who's ever questioned their place in their profession. Mario's guidance on building championship teams—whether on construction projects or soccer fields—centers on trust as the non-negotiable foundation. "When you have a strong team that works as a unit, you can trust each other and not worry about checking their work all the time."

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Mario addresses the rarely discussed isolation that comes with advancement. "The higher you move up, the lonelier you're going to be," he explains, detailing how leadership positions often mean fewer peers, less positive feedback, and increased pressure. His advice to have honest conversations with family about the sacrifices required for career growth comes from painful personal experience, offering listeners wisdom that could save relationships while pursuing professional goals.

What separates this leadership conversation from countless others is Mario's focus on practical application rather than theoretical concepts. From eliminating "I" from your vocabulary to encouraging team problem-solving without dictating methods, his approach transforms leadership from a position of authority to one of service. Listen now to discover how to build your own championship team and leave a lasting impact through sharing your wisdom with others who follow in your footsteps.

Connect with Mario at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-acosta-36281a286/

Make yourself a priority and get more done: https://www.depthbuilder.com/do-the-damn-thing

Download a PDF copy of Becoming the Promise You are Intended to Be
https://www.depthbuilder.com/books