Episodios

  • The $44 Trillion Loophole: How Self-Directed IRAs Unlock Real Estate, Startups, and Tax-Free Wealth

    The $44 Trillion Loophole: How Self-Directed IRAs Unlock Real Estate, Startups, and Tax-Free Wealth
    Jul 9 2025
    Guest:

    Mat Sorensen
    CEO of Directed IRA | Attorney | SDIRA Expert | Author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook
    LinkedIn

    Host:

    Bryan Hancock

    Executive Connect | Website
    YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    Think your retirement account is just sitting there collecting dust? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of Executive Connect, host Bryan McElderry sits down with Mat Sorensen, the leading voice in self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs), to uncover how this often-overlooked financial tool can unlock powerful investments and serious tax advantages. From real estate and startups to crypto and cows (yes, cows), Mat shares how executives can break free from the limits of traditional brokerages. You’ll learn the key legal frameworks, tax traps like UDFI and UBIT, and how to truly take control of your financial future using structures like LLCs and checkbook IRAs. Whether you're new to SDIRAs or ready to scale, this episode is a goldmine for anyone serious about building wealth on their terms.

    Timestamps:

    00:01 – Welcome & Guest Intro: Mat Sorensen
    00:21 – How Mat Entered the SDIRA Space
    01:45 – What is a Self-Directed IRA? Explained Simply
    03:45 – IRAs vs. 401(k)s: Where the Real Money Is
    06:00 – When You Can Move 401(k) Funds to an IRA
    06:34 – Self-Direction vs. Checkbook Control
    08:30 – Using LLCs for Real Estate Investing via IRAs
    10:00 – Can You Use Financing? (Non-Recourse Loans Explained)
    11:58 – UDFI & UBIT Taxes: What You Need to Know
    14:31 – Strategies to Minimise or Defer UDFI Tax
    17:00 – The Real Goal: Maximise After-Tax Wealth
    18:52 – Investing in Startups, Private Companies & Crypto
    21:00 – Unusual IRA Investments (Racehorses, RV Parks, Cows!)
    21:48 – Final Thoughts: Stop Letting Retirement Accounts Sit Idle

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    Bryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanhancock/
    Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
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    26 m
  • The Peace Code: Wellness, Wisdom & Vibrant Health with Udo Erasmus

    The Peace Code: Wellness, Wisdom & Vibrant Health with Udo Erasmus
    Jul 4 2025
    Guest:

    Udo Erasmus
    Founder of Udo’s Choice | Wellness Pioneer | Author of Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill
    LinkedIn

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect | Website
    YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    Feeling burnt out or out of balance? This episode of Executive Connect is a masterclass in reconnecting with your inner self and rediscovering what true health means. Host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with legendary wellness pioneer Udo Erasmus, who shares the powerful story behind his lifelong journey—from surviving World War II to becoming a global advocate for holistic health and inner peace. Udo breaks down his revolutionary concept of Total Health, rooted in 8 powerful pillars—from inner awareness and life energy to nutrition, emotional harmony, and nature. You’ll learn how modern executives can build resilience, beat burnout, and achieve vibrant energy—not through hacks, but by tapping into ancient truths and daily stillness practices.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – The Origins of Udo’s Journey
    06:50 – The 8 Pillars of Total Health
    19:20 – Stillness: The Missing Link in Leadership
    24:20 – True Nutrition vs. Modern Diets
    32:56 – Creating a Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyle
    38:26 – The Practice That Changed Udo’s Life

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    41 m
  • The 10 Minute Challenge to Boost Team Resilience and Reduce Burnout

    The 10 Minute Challenge to Boost Team Resilience and Reduce Burnout
    Jul 2 2025
    Guest:

    Skye Michaels
    Founder of With Heart Coaching | Former Head of Coaching at Compass
    LinkedIn

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect | Website
    YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    What if your team’s resilience could be rebuilt in just 10 minutes a day? In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Skye Michaels, founder of With Heart Coaching and former Head of Coaching at Compass, who has coached over 30,000 professionals on the inner game of leadership. Skye shares his powerful, people-first approach to building resilient teams in a chaotic world. From identifying how ego undermines growth to leading with compassion without compromising performance, this episode delivers a blueprint for thriving in high-stress environments without burning out. We covered:
    • Why ego creates fragility and how humility fuels real strength
    • How to stay centered as a leader in the face of chaos
    • The 80/20 rule of thriving under tough leadership
    • A 10-minute daily ritual to reset, recharge, and reconnect
    • Why kindness + accountability is the ultimate leadership combo
    • How to lead with energy by fueling yourself first
    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Skye’s leadership journey and mission-driven coaching philosophy
    01:09 – How teaching, real estate, and COVID reshaped his path to coaching
    04:28 – Why ego kills growth and how humble, confident leadership builds teams
    10:49 – Strategies for thriving under ego-driven leaders using the 80/20 rule
    14:56 – The overlooked power of leading with heart in a results-obsessed world
    19:34 – Why continuous improvement beats hustle culture and how to apply it
    25:10 – How to prioritize what matters when the world feels like chaos
    29:43 – Fueling yourself first so you can lead with energy and clarity
    37:03 – Reclaim your mornings, your mind and your leadership power
    39:31 – Skye’s message to burnt-out leaders and where to connect with him

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect Social:
    Melissa’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    43 m
  • The #1 Franchising Mistake to Avoid for FINANCIAL FREEDOM

    The #1 Franchising Mistake to Avoid for FINANCIAL FREEDOM
    Jun 26 2025
    Guest:

    Cliff Nonnenmacher
    Franchise Consultant | CEO of Elite Franchise Advisors
    LinkedIn

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect | Website
    YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    In this powerhouse episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cliff Nonnenmacher, former Wall Street insider turned franchise empire builder. Cliff shares the truth about franchising—the good, the bad, and the financially ugly. Whether you're a high-income earner looking to escape the corporate grind or simply exploring new paths to build wealth, this episode is packed with real talk. Cliff dives into what actually works in franchising, the #1 mistake to avoid, and why “passive income” might be the biggest myth of all. From a cartridge business that scaled to closets that bring in $9M/year, this conversation delivers both insight and fire. We spoke about:
    • What franchise trends are booming—and which are dying
    • The five winning franchise categories you should keep your eye on
    • What makes franchises actually fail (hint: it’s not the economy)
    • How to approach franchising with realistic expectations and strategic planning
    • ROBS funding, hiring hacks, and the ultimate exit strategy
    Timestamps:

    00:00 – The Harsh Truth About Franchising
    01:18 – Meet Cliff: From Wall Street to Franchises
    04:43 – First Franchise Win: Printer Cartridge Empire
    07:21 – What Wall Street Taught Him About Scale
    10:01 – Franchising Trends You Need to Know
    14:25 – 5 Winning Franchise Categories (Tools, Pets, Aging, Biohacking, Education)
    21:03 – Why Franchises Really Fail
    25:11 – The 41 Principle of Hiring and Leadership
    28:29 – Should You Quit Your Job to Franchise?
    32:36 – Passive Income Myths and Airbnb Reality Check
    34:04 – Franchise vs. Building From Scratch: Who Wins?
    40:14 – Exit Strategy: Multiples & Liquidity Explained
    45:11 – Eye-Opening Franchise Funding Strategy (ROBS)
    49:34 – Final Thoughts + Where to Find Cliff

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    Melissa Aarskaug LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    50 m
  • Burnout vs Prosperity Which is Better for Your Career?

    Burnout vs Prosperity Which is Better for Your Career?
    Jun 19 2025
    Guest:

    Terri Maxwell
    Founder of Succeed On Purpose & Share On Purpose | Growth Strategist | Author | Purpose Pioneer
    LinkedIn

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect | Website
    YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    What if the key to success isn’t hustling harder, but flipping a mental switch? In this inspiring episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Terri Maxwell—serial entrepreneur, growth strategist, and founder of Succeed On Purpose. Terri has launched over 50 brands and now helps leaders and entrepreneurs reframe their approach to success—making it more aligned, sustainable, and purposeful. In this conversation, Terri shares her story from corporate burnout to transformational leadership and introduces her science-backed "Success Switch"—a three-step framework that can help anyone rewire their mindset and achieve prosperity with purpose. We spoke about:
    • Why burnout is not a badge of honor—and what to focus on instead
    • The three pillars of aligned success: Persona, Passion, Purpose
    • How to ditch hustle culture and find sustainable, purpose-driven growth
    • Real-world examples of leaders redefining success in every industry
    • The "ABC Framework" to flip your mindset and reprogram in 7 days
    • And why the only limits are the ones you believe

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – What If Success Isn’t More Hustle?
    01:15 – Terri’s Wake-Up Call After Corporate Success
    02:20 – The 3 Pillars: Persona, Passion, Purpose
    04:35 – Rethinking Success Beyond the 9-5
    07:20 – Purpose Is a Verb, Not a Noun
    10:30 – Are We Entering the Purpose Era?
    12:20 – Examples: Purpose-Driven CFOs and Engineers
    14:36 – Why Personal Growth Drives Business Growth
    17:03 – Terri’s Childhood & The First Success Switch
    20:32 – The ABC Framework: Acknowledge, Breathe, Claim
    25:29 – Reprogramming the Mind in 7 Days
    26:45 – Final Words: There Are No Limits But Your Own
    28:22 – Where to Find Terri

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    31 m
  • Tax-Free Growth & Real Estate Power Plays with Solo 401(k)s

    Tax-Free Growth & Real Estate Power Plays with Solo 401(k)s
    Jun 12 2025
    Guest:

    Dmitriy Fomichenko

    Website: https://www.sensefinancial.com

    HOST:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    EPISODE OVERVIEW:

    Feeling the chaos of the stock market tug on your retirement plans? Dmitriy Fomichenko joins Melissa Aarskaug to dive deep into the world of Solo 401(k)s a powerful strategy for self-employed professionals and small business owners. Learn how to bypass custodians, invest in real estate, save on taxes, and take full control of your financial future. If you're ready to make your money work smarter (and keep more of it), this episode is your blueprint.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 – Intro: Why Solo 401Ks Matter Now
    01:18 – Dmitriy’s Immigrant Journey & Founding Sense Financial
    02:54 – IRA vs 401(k) vs Solo K Explained
    04:43 – Investing Beyond Wall Street
    06:55 – Massive Tax Advantages of Solo Ks
    11:24 – Real Estate Leverage Without Tax Penalties
    14:06 – Prohibited Transactions & IRS Rules
    19:44 – Maintenance Made Easy
    23:10 – Dual 401K Strategy for Married or Multi-Income Households
    26:41 – Final Tips: Control, Leverage & Long-Term Wealth
    28:47 – Where to Connect with Dmitriy

    CONNECT WITH US:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    SOCIAL:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    31 m
  • From Oil Rigs to Boardrooms: Sales, Strategy & Self-Leadership in Energy

    From Oil Rigs to Boardrooms: Sales, Strategy & Self-Leadership in Energy
    Jun 5 2025
    Guest:

    Justin Vandenbrink
    President, Mercenary Sales

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    From the icy oil fields of Canada to high-stakes meetings in Houston boardrooms, Justin Vandenbrink has lived the full spectrum of the energy business. In this episode, he joins host Melissa Aarskaug to talk about making bold career pivots, building trust-first sales relationships, and leading yourself like a CEO—even when you’re not one yet. Learn how the best salespeople in upstream oil & gas aren’t “closing deals”—they’re solving problems. Plus, hear Justin’s take on balancing hustle with mental wellness and why the future of energy work might not include full-time jobs at all.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – From Geologist to CEO Whisperer
    05:00 – Taking the Leap: Canada to Houston
    07:00 – Sales Isn’t Selling—It’s Strategy
    11:00 – Navigating Tech Shifts & Client Needs
    15:00 – High-Trust Selling for High-Stakes Clients
    18:00 – Wellness in the Hustle
    22:00 – Lead Yourself First
    28:00 – When Selling Looks Effortless
    32:00 – Rethinking the Sales Process
    36:00 – Future of Work in Oil & Gas

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    39 m
  • The Harsh Truth About Startups & Why Ecosystems Fail

    The Harsh Truth About Startups & Why Ecosystems Fail
    Jun 1 2025
    Guest:

    Paul O’Brien
    Startup Economist & Founder, MediaTech Ventures

    Host:

    Melissa Aarskaug

    Executive Connect: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Episode Overview:

    Think you know startups? Think again. In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Paul O’Brien—startup economist, ecosystem architect, and unapologetic contrarian. Paul challenges everything you think you know about entrepreneurship, from how we define a startup to why most innovation ecosystems flop. Find out why cities are chasing vanity metrics, how Austin’s creative core is shaping its tech rise, and what founders (and corporate leaders) really need to understand before diving into the startup world. Paul doesn’t hold back—and that’s exactly why you’ll want to listen.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Teaser
    01:00 – Paul O’Brien’s Startup Contrarian View
    06:00 – Why Cities Must Support Startup Ecosystems
    11:00 – Why Big Companies Don’t Create Jobs (Startups Do)
    16:00 – Austin vs. Silicon Valley vs. Nashville
    21:00 – The Real Founder Class: Artists, Musicians & Triangle Players
    27:00 – Why Most Accelerators Fail Without Incubators
    34:00 – Advice for Executives Entering Startup Land
    41:00 – The Investor Class Misunderstanding Startups
    44:00 – Final Words: Why Paul Will Rip Your Pitch Apart (for your own good)

    Connect With Us:

    Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

    Social:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
    X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
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    46 m