Libsyn Directory

From Engineer to Empowering Coach: Sairan Aqrawi's Remarkable Reinvention

Release Date: 11/14/2024

The Journey of Digital Marketing Expert Chris Shihadeh

Traversing Entrepreneurship

This week, Derek sits down with Chris Shihadeh, CEO of Skylab Digital, who shares his entrepreneurial journey, insights on navigating the competitive Medicare space, and the importance of financial literacy in business. Chris discusses the significance of building a strong team, identifying A, B, and C players in hiring, and empowering employees to solve problems. He emphasizes the role of data in digital marketing, managing cash flow in seasonal businesses, and leveraging debt for growth. The conversation concludes with key takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of...

Motivation and Entrepreneurship... What an Epic Journey with Eric Stopper

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall’Olmo interviews Eric Stopper, an e-commerce expert and investor, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. From his early ventures in nanotechnology to his current success with Profitable, Eric shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business. Discover how meditation, self-reflection, and a focus on family have shaped his journey. Key Moments: Eric's transition from nanotechnology to e-commerce and investing. The importance of self-discovery and meditation in entrepreneurship. How...

Navigating Entrepreneurship with Beau Eckstein

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode Derek sits down with Beau Eckstein, owner of Business Ownership Coach and Emerge Lending Group. With over 26 years of experience, Beau shares his journey from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur, offering insights into funding strategies, franchise consulting, and the importance of tax strategies. Discover how Beau's experiences, including a stint on HGTV, have shaped his approach to business and life. Key Topics: Beau's entrepreneurial journey and early challenges The role of SBA loans and franchise consulting in business growth Insights into tax...

Navigating Entrepreneurship with Kasim Aslam

Traversing Entrepreneurship

Join host Derek as he sits down with Kasim Aslam, founder of Solutions 8, to explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Kasim shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a successful Google ad agency, discussing the importance of talent acquisition, the impact of AI on business, and the lessons learned from his failures and successes. Key Takeaways: Kasim's unique approach to hiring and retaining top talent. Insights into the Pareto Principle and its application in business. The role of AI in shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Personal stories of...

Helping Your Team Dream Bigger with Kate Volman

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Derek chats with Kate Volman—CEO, speaker, and big believer in helping people dream bigger. From her early days at the Chamber of Commerce to leading Floyd Consulting, Kate shares what she’s learned about people, growth, and the messy (but rewarding) work of leadership. They talk about the real stuff—why most business problems are actually people problems, how leaders can create space for personal dreams at work, and why being creative isn’t optional anymore. Whether you lead a team or are part of one, this is the kind of conversation that makes you pause and think...

Building a Business That Works for You with Sarah Noel Block

Traversing Entrepreneurship

Derek sits down with Sarah Noel Block, the brains behind Tiny Marketing and the Tiny Marketing Club—a go-to resource for indie consultants who want smart, simple marketing that actually drives business (without the overwhelm). They unpack Sarah’s journey from the corporate world to building a business on her own terms. You’ll hear how she turned a layoff during the recession into a springboard for entrepreneurship, how she ditched the agency grind for a membership model, and why she believes less but better is the future of marketing. This one’s packed with real strategies—like...

Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Corey Morris

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, Derek Dall'Olmo interviews Corey Morris, founder of Voltage Digital Agency. They discuss Corey's journey from employee to business owner, the intricacies of digital marketing, particularly SEO, and the challenges and strategies involved in business acquisitions. Corey shares insights on leadership, the importance of transparency in negotiations, and how he has personalized his agency's approach to better serve clients. In this conversation, Corey Morris discusses the evolution of his marketing agency, Voltage, emphasizing the...

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship with Brian Smith

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Traversing Entrepreneurship podcast, host Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Brian Smith, an entrepreneur who’s seen it all—from humble beginnings washing boats and launching a college photography business to navigating the highs and lows of real estate. Brian’s story is one of grit, growth, and ultimately, reinvention. Burnout pushed Brian to make a life-altering decision: selling his businesses and stepping back to reassess his purpose. That pivotal moment led him to coaching and founding the Founders Organization, where he now helps fellow entrepreneurs thrive....

Navigating the Private Credit Landscape: Mike Shum's Journey

Traversing Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek Dall'Olmo sits down with Mike Shum, CEO of Cascade Debt, to unpack his journey from derivatives trader to fintech founder. Mike opens up about the risks, missteps, and breakthroughs that shaped Cascade’s rise in the private credit space. They dive into how alternative credit scoring is reshaping lending, what most people get wrong about asset-based finance, and why economic shifts are forcing innovation in fintech. If you're building in the world of money—or thinking about it—this conversation is packed with firsthand insight. ...

From Forest Service to Global Visa with Rob Lee

Traversing Entrepreneurship

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship, Derek sits down with Rob Lee, co-founder and CEO of Swiss Passport and Visa Services, a company that expedites passports and obtains visas. Rob and his wife, Lori, started the business 17 years ago after living in Central America and encountering a need for such a service. Initially relying on paid ads, they shifted focus to business partnerships, particularly with Fortune 500 companies in the aviation, legal, and manufacturing sectors. They are now developing a software application to streamline travel document management. Rob emphasizes the...

More Episodes

In this episode, we are joined by Sairan Aqrawi as she shares her remarkable journey from Kurdish immigrant to successful business coach and mentor. After initially struggling to adapt to life in the US, Sairan discovered her true calling in coaching and personal development, transitioning from a decades-long engineering career. She emphasizes the importance of clarity, focus, and grit when pursuing entrepreneurial goals, drawing parallels between parenting and leading teams. Sairan's story underscores the value of progress over perfection, and how setbacks can ultimately shape one's path to success. Whether you're a young professional or an experienced entrepreneur, Sairan's advice on identifying your "hidden gems" and not being afraid to pivot will inspire you to reach new heights.

Connect with Sairan on LinkedIn or Instagram for a free coaching consultation.

This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship:

[0:00 - 2:00] Introduction to Sairan Akrawi and her background as a Kurdish immigrant to the US

[2:00 - 6:00] Sairan's initial struggles and challenges adapting to life in America, and the importance of having the right mindset

[6:00 - 11:00] Sairan's transition from engineering to coaching and mentoring, discovering her "hidden gem" talents

[11:00 - 16:00] The pivotal moment when Sairan decided to pursue coaching over continuing her PhD program

[16:00 - 21:00] Sairan's perspective on progress over perfection, and the value of diverse experiences

[21:00 - 26:00] Advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs: clarity, focus, and grit

[26:00 - 31:00] The importance of self-belief, competence, and not being your own worst critic

[31:00 - 36:00] Sairan's tips on handling disappointments and setbacks as an entrepreneur

[36:00 - 41:00] Parallels between parenting and leading teams, the power of leading by example

[41:00 - 47:00] Sairan's offer of free coaching consultations, and Derek's introduction of his own business

Connect with Sairan:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sairan-aqrawi-m-sc-993bb61a3

Email: sairan28@gmail.com

About TreMonte and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast

Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, co-hosts Derek Dall’Olmo and Melissa Niedzielski sit down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.

Derek is the owner of TreMonte Financial Consultants, LLC and TreMonte TreMonte Tax Solutions, LLC (together referred to as “TreMonte”). TreMonte works with business owners and entrepreneurs to develop a proactive tax strategy that maximizes after-tax profits. It is TreMonte’s goal to bridge the gap between Financial Advisors and Accountants by serving as CFO to their clients.

This show is for informational purposes only and should not be viewed as personalized financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. You should always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Please email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions and comments or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.

TreMonte Facebook Page | Follow Derek on LinkedIn | Follow Melissa on LinkedIn

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