Mindset, Adversity, and the Fuel to Keep Going (Ep. 15)

Adversity can either break you or build you.

For Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski, it became the spark that shaped their resilience, drive, and commitment to growth.

In this episode, The Broken Dealer hosts share raw personal stories of hardship, bullying, and professional friction, and how those struggles became powerful motivators. They explore how mindset shapes success, why responding matters more than reacting, and how to turn criticism into fuel.

Key takeaways:

• Carmine’s sixth-grade time capsule revealed the roots of his resilience and determination
• How workplace adversity and regulatory battles transformed Carmine’s perspective and discipline
• Why negative voices and critics can be reframed into motivation and “fire in the belly”
• The importance of teaching children grit in a life of abundance
• How trauma, when acknowledged and redirected, can fuel growth and purpose
• And more!

Resources:

• Broken Dealer: Navigating the Path to Financial Advisor Independence by Carmine Corino and Daren Blonski

Connect with Daren Blonski:

• LinkedIn: Daren Blonski
• Sonoma Wealth Advisors

Connect with Carmine Corino:

• LinkedIn: Carmine Corino
• Cornerstone Planning Group