Badass by Design with Beatrice Gutknecht
The RebelRebel Podcast
“You’re not going to be persecuted for doing things differently.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Beatrice Gutknecht, a brand strategist, former hotel manager, and founder of Badass Reby B. Now based in Valencia, Spain after a decade in Myanmar—including living through a military coup—Beatrice is helping people badass their brands by doing the exact opposite of what the world expects. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Beatrice opens up about the personal journey that shaped her, from a precocious...
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Fail Fast, Learn Faster with Sandra Kokotovic
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Take whatever opportunities you can so you can fail as fast as you can.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Sandra Kokotovic, immigrant entrepreneur and co-founder of Snap Advantage, a boutique marketing agency helping health and wellness brands scale to seven figures and beyond. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Sandra shares her journey from moving to Canada as a teenager—struggling with language, culture shock, and fitting in—to building Shopify stores from scratch and eventually launching her own...
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Questioning the Status Quo, On Purpose with Robyn Bolton
The RebelRebel Podcast
“We made up the rules. Let’s change them.” In this episode, Michael Dargie talks with innovation strategist, author, and rebel-in-chief Robyn Bolton, founder of Mile Zero and author of Unlocking Innovation: A Leader’s Guide for Turning Bold Ideas into Tangible Results. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. From growing up outside Cleveland to almost getting fired twice at Procter & Gamble for asking too many questions, Robyn’s journey is one of fierce curiosity, unapologetic honesty, and building real change...
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Beyond the Black Belt with Maeghen Cotterill
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Getting punched in the face? It’s the fastest way to learn what you’re made of.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with Maeghen Cotterill, a professional martial artist, psychic channeler, and intuitive coach. Maeghen has been immersed in martial arts since she was eight years old and built one of Canada’s most successful dojos. She earned 11 world titles, founded Rising Phoenix Martial Arts, led Team Canada, and brought the world championships to Calgary—all while confronting abuse, disillusionment, and burnout. But after checking every box she’d ever set for herself,...
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Universe, Show Me a Sign with Carmen Pineda-Selva
The RebelRebel Podcast
“I don’t know how the universe works, but I know how to move with it.” In this episode, Michael Dargie welcomes videographer, storyteller, and spontaneous cannonballer Carmen Pineda Selva. Known for her honest storytelling and contagious energy, Carmen shares the moment six months ago when she finally stopped resisting the universe and just started moving with it. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. What started as an unexpected invitation to ride motorcycles for a travel video evolved into a transformative...
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The Power of Story Structure with Deborah Ager
The RebelRebel Podcast
“That thing you feel awkward about? It might be your superpower.” In this episode, Michael Dargie sits down with author, editor, and writing mentor Deborah Ager, founder of Radiant Media Labs. Based in Maryland, Deborah helps business leaders, professionals, and creatives translate their decades of knowledge into books that clarify, inspire, and connect. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Deborah shares how her work evolved from marketing consultant to book coach—and how a single ghostwriting project opened a door...
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Art, ADHD, and Undead IP with Ben Walker-Storey
The RebelRebel Podcast
“That thing that made you weird? It’s your superpower now.” In this episode, Michael Dargie chats with illustrator, animator, and all-around macabre misfit Ben Walker-Storey. From his spooky spot in Grass Valley, California—known for gold rushes and now monster sketches—Ben opens up about his life as a creator navigating ADHD, artistic reinvention, and DIY horror storytelling. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Ben is the creative force behind Cheap Chills Fan Club, an online brand that’s part creepy, part...
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Tech, Tactics, and Takeovers with Claire Milligan
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Don’t stop being that person who steps off the ledge.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Claire Milligan, founder of Aimably, whose career has evolved from a designer obsessed with user experience to an entrepreneur helping businesses navigate private equity transformations—without losing their soul (or their engineers). This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. Claire shares her journey from building products inside a small startup to leading business lines within private equity–owned companies. When...
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Life After the Great Resignation with Laura Darrell
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Leadership is my jam.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with leadership coach, author, and former VP of Boston Pizza, Laura Darrell. From her new home in Mexico City, Laura shares the story of how she and her husband upended their successful corporate careers in Canada, packed up their lives—and their pets—and moved south to rediscover joy, purpose, and a better way of living. This episode is sponsored by my new book , helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. What began as a break from the grind turned into a lifestyle. Along the way, Laura wrote a book...
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Entrepreneurial Grit and Grace with special guests Tomer and Anastasia Arwas
The RebelRebel Podcast
“Exactly the way you are right now, you have massive value to share.” In this episode, Michael Dargie connects with Anastasia and Tomer Arwas, the duo behind Generation Nomads, currently living and working from the surf town of Ericeira, Portugal. Their story begins in Amsterdam, where they both held comfortable corporate jobs after completing their MBAs. But despite checking all the right boxes, something was missing. In 2018, they chose a different path—leaving their secure jobs to travel the world full time and reconnect with their purpose. This episode is sponsored by my new book ,...
info_outline"Flawless execution is what makes a company memorable."
In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie engages in an illuminating conversation with Brad Warren, the mastermind behind Our Invisible Empire. Brad shares his journey from his initial entrepreneurial ventures to creating a multifaceted business empire that provides comprehensive support for small businesses. He discusses the philosophy and operations behind Our Invisible Empire, emphasizing the importance of consolidating various business services under one roof to optimize efficiency and support for startups and struggling enterprises.
This episode is sponsored by Easy Next Steps, helping you and your business with the stuff that matters most.
Brad reveals the challenges and triumphs of his path, including the significant risks he took and the learning curves he navigated. He talks about the impact of the pandemic on his businesses, how they managed to thrive during such a tumultuous time, and the importance of timing and adaptability in business success. His candid reflections on managing rapid growth, financial oversight, and the importance of detailed data tracking offer invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Brad also dives into his personal life, sharing his love for spending time with his kids and his passion for gardening and music. His transparency about the pressures and mental health challenges that come with entrepreneurship, coupled with his relentless drive and innovative mindset, paint a comprehensive picture of a dedicated and dynamic business leader.
Cool Things Brad Says
- "Once you get everything you want, it's not going to make you any happier."
- "Every single thing in business can be decided by numbers."
- "I think you get bred along those, yeah. But it was always the case, man. I think I don't register the risk I take."
- "Flawless execution is what makes a company memorable."
- "Your financial forecast is everything."
Episode Highlights
- Brad Warren's journey from early entrepreneurial ventures to creating Our Invisible Empire.
- The concept and operations of Our Invisible Empire, consolidating various business services.
- Challenges faced and lessons learned from managing rapid growth.
- The impact of the pandemic and how Brad's businesses navigated it.
- Importance of detailed data tracking and financial oversight in business success.
- Personal insights into Brad's life, including his family time, gardening, and love for music.
- Reflections on the pressures and mental health challenges of entrepreneurship.
- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and the significance of self-awareness and data tracking.
Links from Episode
- Our Invisible Empire (https://ourinvisibleempire.com)
- On Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ourinvisibleempire)
- On Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ourinvisibleempire/)
- On TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@our.invisible.empire)
- Brad Warren On LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-warren-863046269/)
- Boulevard Auto Glass (https://boulevardautoglass.com)
- White Raven Accounting (https://whiteravenaccounting.com)
Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM
Guest: Brad Warren, OURINVISIBLEEMPIRE.COM