Inside the Lion's Den: A Business and Leadership Podcast

Ever wondered what it takes to grow a successful business that will last and could even become a sellable asset? Inside the Lion’s Den will give you an insider’s view of the leadership skills, financial acumen, and operational improvements needed to succeed in the long term. Hosted by Aryeh Sheinbein, business strategist and valuation expert, this show will uncover business concepts that you didn’t realize you were missing. Successful businesses focus on more than generating revenue, they understand their numbers, how to think about using different types of financing, product expansion and going from an entrepreneur to building a business with inherit value and built to last.

Ep 92: Overcoming the Odds: Learn to Build Wealth Through Credit and Real Estate with Brandon Elliott 02/26/2025

Ep 92: Overcoming the Odds: Learn to Build Wealth Through Credit and Real Estate with Brandon Elliott In my latest episode of Inside the Lion's Den podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brandon Elliott, CEO and founder of Credit Council Elite, for an inspiring conversation about transformation, resilience, and innovative approaches to real estate investing. Growing up in challenging circumstances with a dysfunctional family background, he initially took a wrong turn in life. However, a life-threatening accident in 2013 - where he suffered severe burns in an explosion - became his wake-up call. Rather than letting this setback define him, Brandon used his house arrest period to educate himself, spending four hours daily learning about real estate investing. Our conversation took an interesting turn as Brandon explained how he leveraged credit cards to build a successful real estate portfolio, starting with properties in Ohio while based in California. Using the BRRRR strategy (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat), he transformed his life from working in restaurants to generating substantial passive income through real estate investments. In this episode, we'll cover: -Brandon's journey from a challenging upbringing to his wake-up call after a devastating accident that left him with severe burns and facing potential jail time -How Brandon used his house arrest period constructively, dedicating 4 hours daily to studying real estate, which laid the foundation for his future success -The transition from working in restaurants to long-distance real estate investing in Ohio, including the challenges and lessons learned from managing properties 3,000 miles away -The birth of Credit Council Elite, which started after a pivotal speaking opportunity at a Cancun mastermind event where 20 people immediately wanted to pay Brandon for his credit expertise -Brandon's philosophy on using credit strategically as a tool for investment, comparing it to how banks leverage money, and his mission to help others avoid the mistakes he made while losing over a million dollars in credit lines and nine bank relationships SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/35411465

Ep 91: From the Biggest Stages to Business Success: A Story of Setbacks, Grit, and Resilience with Menina Fortunato 02/19/2025

Ep 90: The CEO’s Secret Weapon: How Leaders Build High-Performing Companies with Katy Trost 02/12/2025

Ep 89: From Grief to a World Record: Empowering the Next Generation with Miriam Laundry 02/05/2025

Ep 88: From Vision to Profit: Samantha Skelly's Approach to Energy, Vision, and Growth 10/02/2024

Ep 88: From Vision to Profit: Samantha Skelly's Approach to Energy, Vision, and Growth In this engaging episode, Aryeh sits down with Samantha Skelly, founder of Pause Breathwork. The conversation weaves through Samantha's entrepreneurial journey, from her early days of making jewelry to becoming a leader in the breathwork industry. Samantha shares her fascinating story of discovering breathwork in Bali, which led to healing her own eating disorder and eventually creating a successful business. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building an app, emphasizing the importance of having a clear vision and the right team. The episode takes an intriguing turn as Samantha explains her role as a "spiritual strategist," bridging the gap between traditional business practices and energy-based approaches. She provides insights into how breathwork can benefit even the most logic-driven entrepreneurs, helping them manage stress and gain new perspectives. Listeners will find valuable lessons on hiring, scaling a business, and the power of intuition in decision-making. Samantha's unique blend of business acumen and spiritual awareness offers a fresh take on entrepreneurship and personal development. The conversation concludes with information about the Pause Breathwork app, which offers customizable breathwork sessions for various needs, from stress relief to better sleep. In this episode, we'll cover: How entrepreneurship often stems from either inspiration or pain, with many driven by the need to prove themselves Having a clear vision is crucial when developing products or services, especially in tech When intuition can be a powerful tool in hiring and decision-making How breathwork can be a valuable tool for managing stress and gaining new perspectives in business When bridging the gap between traditional business practices and energy-based approaches can lead to unique insights and opportunities for growth SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/33288517

Ep 87: Building Strong Teams using Courage, Culture, and Calculated Risks with Adrian Koehler 09/25/2024

Ep 86: The Power of Expectations and Culture: How They Shape Success and Failure with Shaun Clark 09/18/2024

Ep 86: The Power of Expectations and Culture: How They Shape Success and Failure with Shaun Clark Shaun’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability. He shares how he navigated the ups and downs of his career, from losing a promising internship during the dotcom crash to building and selling successful businesses. His candid reflections on past mistakes and learning experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode dives into the entrepreneurial journey of Shaun Clark, CEO and co-founder of HighLevel Software, as we explore Shaun's path from his early ventures to the creation of HighLevel, a CRM and marketing automation platform. Shaun discusses how they identified an underserved market - marketing agencies - and built a solution tailored to their needs. He emphasizes the importance of listening to customers and letting them drive product development, a strategy that has been key to HighLevel's success. In this episode, we'll cover: Adaptability is crucial: Shaun’s success came from pivoting when initial ideas didn't work, always being open to new opportunities. Customer-driven development: HighLevel's growth is attributed to closely listening to customers and building features they actually need. Strategic investment: Even when profitable, taking on outside investment can provide valuable expertise and position a company for future growth. Maintain company culture: As the company grew, Shaun found it better to nurture existing talent rather than always bringing in experienced outsiders who might not fit the culture. Empowering others: Shaun finds fulfillment in helping small businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their goals, which drives HighLevel's mission. For listeners interested in entrepreneurship, software development, or building customer-centric businesses, this episode offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, Shaun Clark's journey and insights provide valuable food for thought. SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/33110627

Ep 85: Adley’s Viral Video Strategy: From Bankruptcy to Consistent 1 Billion Views a Month 02/28/2024

Ep 85: Adley’s Viral Video Strategy: From Bankruptcy to Consistent 1 Billion Views a Month Get ready to step into a world where creativity reigns supreme and the hustle never stops. Today I’m talking to Adley, a one-of-a-kind content creator turned business maven, as she shares her incredible journey from facing the mic on The Voice to masterminding a digital empire. We discuss the highs and lows of transitioning from the glitter of the entertainment industry to the grip of content creation and business strategy. With a knack for storytelling that captivates, Adley offers up a play-by-play of the strategies that catapulted her content to hundreds of millions of views weekly. Our discussion uncovers the profound lessons learned on this journey and the relentless passion she has for empowering creators. You’ll learn the importance of understanding platform trends and analytics as Adley breaks down the critical aspects of social media success. It's all about knowing the numbers. Whether you're a content creator, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is a reservoir of insights for anyone aspiring to master the art of virality while leading with authenticity. Adley's story is a testament to finding your path and thriving in the joy of creation. Tune in to explore the essential role of authenticity, perseverance, and fulfillment in building a life, not just a living. In this episode, we'll cover: -Challenges faced in learning the ropes of running a business -The importance of making viral videos while providing brand solutions -Utilizing platform trends for business growth -Importance of analytics in ensuring quick pivots to emerging trends -Adley's experiences with multiple business ventures and delegation -Transition from the music industry to video content creation SHOW NOTES: Listen to, Episode 75: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/30136278

Ep 84: Cyber Fraud: Protecting Your Assets In A Fast And Growing $9 Billion Industry with Kathy Stokes 02/21/2024

Ep 84: Cyber Fraud: Protecting Your Assets In A Fast And Growing $9 Billion Industry with Kathy Stokes Today we have an incredibly timely and educational show lined up for you with Kathy Stokes, the director of fraud prevention programs at AARP. Our conversation unfolds with a personal touch as I share a recent experience where my digital wallet was hacked. Kathy offers a powerhouse of insights, stressing the importance of reporting such incidents to potentially recover stolen funds through blockchain tracing and tying together cases against transnational criminal enterprises. We talk about the emotional impact of being scammed, the technical sophistication of these fraudulent scripts, and the general population's lack of confidence in law enforcement's current ability to tackle these evolving crimes. She emphasizes on the necessity of better training in organizations to combat phishing and social engineering, laying out the three key factors scammers exploit: unexpected communication, emotional manipulation, and urgency. Kathy isn't shy about diving into how transnational criminal enterprises might be behind this massive-scale fraud, revealing her passion for social change sparked by a shift from educating workers on retirement benefits to fraud prevention for retirees. Tune in as we navigate the real implications of falling prey to scams and why awareness is the best defense. In this episode, we'll cover: -The rise in reported losses due to fraud, especially during the pandemic -The necessity of educating young adults, parents, and retirees on fraud prevention -The association of large-scale fraud with transnational criminal enterprises -The role of emotional manipulation in successful fraud schemes -The psychological tactics exploited by scammers -Impact of fraud on mental health and the extreme distress leading to suicide -AARP's commitment to providing support for victims of fraud and financial crimes SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/29972208

Ep 83: Nature vs. Nurture: Unpacking the DNA of Entrepreneurship with Keaton Hoskins 02/14/2024

Ep 83: Nature vs. Nurture: Unpacking the DNA of Entrepreneurship with Keaton Hoskins Today we have an insightful conversation on entrepreneurship and networking with Keaton Hoskins, also known as "the muscle" from the Diesel Brothers and founder of Limitless Society! Together, we explore the raw truths of starting and running a business, emphasizing the vital role of networking and the sometimes overlooked value of paying for invaluable experiences. We shed light on the glamorized image of entrepreneurship, discussing the unseen hard work and the shift away from the traditional path to success. Keaton opened up about his journey, starting at 21 after a family loss, refusing a life on someone else's terms. His belief is slightly controversial but honest: entrepreneurship is innate for some, like athleticism, yet, with grit and determination, even the less predisposed can pave their path to entrepreneurial success. Keaton redefines networking by emphasizing a value-first approach, where transactions are not the goal. He believes listeners should bring value without expecting immediate returns, which helps to establish meaningful relationships. Get ready for an eye-opening and inspiring conversation on what it truly takes to thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. In this episode, we'll cover: -The importance of providing value without expecting anything in return -Personal experiences in building relationships through offering value -Being willing to pay for valuable relationships and experiences -The benefit of overpaying, tipping well, and adding value to others -How the traditional education system is not a great fit for everyone -The unseen hard work behind the glamorization of entrepreneurship on social media SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: Solution Advisory: Investment for Wealth Coaching Program /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/29938498

Ep 82: Consistency: The Follow Through That Drives Your Future Self with Amanda Goetz 01/24/2024

Ep 81: Understanding the Narratives that Can Keep Us Stuck with Katy Wells 01/17/2024

Ep 80: Getting the Highest ROI on People, Time and Money with Cameron Herold 01/10/2024

Ep 80: Getting the Highest ROI on People, Time and Money with Cameron Herold Today I had a great conversation with Cameron Herold, the founder of COO (Chief Operating Officer) Alliance. There was so much I wanted to talk to Cameron about that we just jumped right into it and Cameron shared some great advice and insight on what a COO's role is and considerations to make when hiring a COO (or other senior team members) for your business. When Cameron started COO Alliance he had worked has a COO for several years (and been quite successful at it) and thought he had a good understanding of the ins and outs of a COO’s role. Since starting COO Alliance, his understanding of what a good COO does has changed drastically. This episode isn’t just for those of you who are already working with a COO or wanting to hire one. In our conversation, Cameron shared in depth about hiring and training good leaders in your business, even if they’re not specifically going to be a COO. This episode is full of direction and tips for anyone working with or looking to hire new senior team members. Cameron talked about hiring and finding a COO for your business and the things you need to understanding regarding your businesses before hiring new team members. He also shared in-depth about how to actually train good leaders within your company and how this is an area where he sees many companies fall short. The majority of our conversation was spent on this idea of training good leaders and how focusing energy on doing that will reap enormous benefits for your business. In this episode, we'll cover: -What the COO Alliance is and how it began -What you need to know before hiring a COO for your business -Considering the unique season and needs of your business -Hiring someone who fits skill-wise and culture-wise -When being a generalist is better than being an “expert” -How to find the right COO once you’re ready to hire one -How to actually train good leaders -Teaching people how to do their jobs properly (because they probably don’t realize they aren’t) -Teaching your leaders to lead -Getting the highest return on investment on your business' people, time, and money -What companies can learn from football players and elite navy seals -Growing people will grow your business -The real role of a COO -Giving people the critical few things instead of the important many things SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/29346413

Ep 79: From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Supercharge Your Impact with Tom Reber 11/08/2023

Ep 79: From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Supercharge Your Impact with Tom Reber Today I’m talking to Tom Reber, the founder of the contractor fight. Tom works with people specifically in the contractor space to be more profitable and grow their businesses, but the advice he shares is applicable across all industries. Tom and I had a great conversation about the behind the scenes of running a profitable business, what it looks like to master financial intelligence around your business, and what you can do on a daily basis to take your business from ordinary to extraordinary. In Tom’s experience, one of the major mistakes that many people in the business world make is not doing the math and being confident in their numbers. When determining what to charge for a product or service, many people are looking at the “going rate” and using that as a measure for pricing their own products, but not actually sitting down and doing the calculations on what their business is actually worth and what they need to make in order to thrive. Tom also emphasizes the need for getting your priorities straight in your business and putting in the work to grow and become a better business owner so that you can take your business to new levels. Finally, Tom shared the one question that he asks himself before talking to any customer, prospect, employee, or vendor and how asking that one simple question can immediately differentiate your business from anyone else doing what you do. If you’re intrigued by that, take a listen, and no matter what type of business you find yourself in, I know you’ll find Tom’s advice and expertise both relevant and applicable. In this episode, we'll cover: -Tom’s background and how he got to where he is today -The first step to making what you’re worth -Why you need to do the math and be confident in your numbers -The mind shift that needs to happen when you start a business -Why the “going rate” shouldn’t determine the pricing for your business -The importance of investing in yourself and what that looks like -Getting your priorities straight -Why “winning” in business can be a dangerous place to be -You need to figure out your non-negotiables -The law of attraction - how you talk about your business matters -How to immediately differentiate yourself from other businesses -The one question you need to be asking yourself SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom Join me inside: /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/28547936

Ep 78: Happy Accidents: Finding the Solutions to Problems with Dan Meadors 09/20/2023

Ep 78: Happy Accidents: Finding the Solutions to Problems with Dan Meadors Today I sat down an interviewed Dan Meadors who has been a friend of mine for close to a decade. Dan is a successful Amazon seller and the co-founder of The Wholesale Formula. Dan is a self-proclaimed “side-hustle guy” and his business journey over the past few years is full of big mistakes but also big wins. Even if you’re not interested in selling on Amazon, Dan’s story is sure to inspire you to look at your problems as opportunities for growth, creative thinking, and opportunity. Dan started selling with Amazon in 2011 while working full time at a gaming company. After being fired from his job, he had the choice to look for another job or pursue Amazon selling full time. He chose to focus solely on Amazon. Dan ended up getting lucky with one of the products he was selling but as competition for the product grew, Dan came to the realization that other sellers were doing a much better job than he was and what had started out as a lucky break turned into a “catastrophic mess”. Luckily, Dan is a creative thinker and really made the best of some stressful situations by thinking outside of the box and avoiding colossal losses. In our conversation, Dan shared some of the creative solutions he came up with to some of the stressful situations he found himself in and how each mistake ultimately led to opportunity and growth in his business. Eventually Dan came up with a new approach for selling on Amazon and this approach is what really took his business to the next level and he went from making about 1.8 million per year to almost 7 million per year in sales. Eventually, people started asking him how he did it, and that’s when The Wholesale Formula was born. Now, in addition to selling on Amazon, Dan teaches other people how to be successful in online wholesale. In this episode, Dan also shared some advice for anyone else interested in doing what he does. I hope that as you listen you’ll find some inspiration from Dan’s journey. In this episode, we'll cover: -How getting fired led Dan to being a full-time Amazon seller -Dan’s early ventures with Amazon and the mistakes he made along the way -How a lucky start turned into a catastrophic mess -How Dan’s creative problem solving kept him from a colossal loss -Dan’s new approach and how it brought him to success -Dan’s strategy to convince brands to work with him and how he went from 1.8 million in sales per year to almost 7 million -The challenges that came with quick business growth -How giving up control of some areas paid off (literally) -Safeguarding your business in the midst of major change -How Dan and business partner, Dylan, ended up creating The Wholesale Formula -The launch of The Wholesale Formula -How Dan’s own business grew and benefited from The Wholesale Formula -Finding opportunity in the midst of difficulty -Is there still opportunity in the world of online selling? Dan’s advice for anyone who wants to sell on Amazon -How to become a real Amazon seller in just six weeks SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: Instagram | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/28082736

Ep 77: How I Realized Why I Was Not Getting the Results I Expected 09/13/2023

Ep 76: Rethinking Priorities: Preserving the Foundation, Not Just the Fruit with Anthony Trucks 09/06/2023

Ep 76: Rethinking Priorities: Preserving the Foundation, Not Just the Fruit with Anthony Trucks On today’s episode we have Anthony Trucks, a former NFL player and author of Identity Shift and founder of the Shift Method. Anthony shares with us his background and history, and some interesting lessons that you can get out of it for personal growth, business growth, or any of your relationships. Anthony talks about growing up in foster care, his adoption, and how he made the decision to alter his thinking in order pursue college and a football career. He shares his insights on how hardships in life help form intangible skills that can transfer to a successful business and life. He also discusses his Shift Method and how recognizing that you’re not where you want to be in life can trigger a shift in your identify, and help form a plan and the discipline for success. Anthony Trucks is a former NFL player, American Ninja Warrior, business owner, author, speaker, and Identity Shift Coach. His Shift Method has helped thousands of people reprogram themselves from the inside out and align their life vision with their ideal identity. It is Anthony’s passion and life’s mission to pass along the knowledge that took him 30+ years to learn. As the founder of “Dark Work” and creator of the “Dark Work Experience” Anthony teaches people how to access the power of their identity through Dark Work, tap into their full potential, and Make Shift Happen! In this episode, we'll cover: -Anthony’s early life from foster care to the NFL -How Anthony made the decision and mental shift to pursue college and a football career -Recognizing your intangible skillset earned through the crucibles of life -What Anthony didn’t know he didn’t know going into the NFL -Coming to the realization you’re at the bottom in order to shift and progress forward -Planting the seeds of change and allowing the world to water it -Anthony’s Shift Method and the goal of being in the Zone of your identity -Why doing things that feel out of character will get you to the place and to the person you want to be SHOW NOTES: CONNECT WITH ARYEH: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/27948390

Ep 75: The Psychology Behind Disappointment and How to Combat Negativity Bias in Your Life and Business 08/16/2023

Ep 74: Beyond Boundaries: Accelerating Your Business with Non-Linear Growth with Tim Calise 08/09/2023

Ep 74: Beyond Boundaries: Accelerating Your Business with Non-Linear Growth with Tim Calise Today I had the pleasure of sitting down with Tim Calise, who is a business coach, investor, and advisor to over 15 privately held businesses with annual revenues from $250,000 to $10,000,000+. Tim’s background is really unique but his story and experience lends practical advice no matter where you are in your business journey. In our conversation we talked through how Tim got started in the business world and looked at some of the most interesting parts of his career. From starting a campus snack delivery service and then raising over $325 million for a hedge fund in his early twenties to working for years as the VP of business development at gym launch, Tim has experience in many aspects of the business and truly understands what a business needs to be successful. One of the things that Tim is really interested in is the concept of non linear functions and growth in business and helping others apply this to their businesses. In the last few years, Tim has turned his attention to partnering with businesses with revenue under 3 million per year to help them double their revenue and quadruple their cash flow within 24 months. Tim shared that having conversations with business owners and helping them problem solve is really what gets him excited. Tim’s expansive knowledge of the business world - everything from marketing to franchising to selling - means that you will almost certainly gain something of value from listening to our conversation. In this episode, we'll cover: -Tim’s background and exposure to business as a kid -Tim’s college businesses and his first lessons in business -Tim’s start in the investment world -Non-linear growth in business -Knowing which stage in a business you’re best at -Tim’s business journey post 2008 -Gym Launch’s unique business model -What Tim wishes he knew from the beginning -Tim’s mindset shift from the beginning to now -Your business needs a storyteller -Why Tim loves partnering with smaller businesses -The problem with big consulting firms SHOW NOTES: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/27670731

Ep 73: Unleashing the Hidden Potential: Mastering Mediocrity for Extraordinary Success with Will Nitze 05/24/2023

Ep 73: Unleashing the Hidden Potential: Mastering Mediocrity for Extraordinary Success with Will Nitze Will Nitze is the founder and CEO of IQBAR, a brain and body nutrition company. I reached out to Will because I actually like and use his product. We had a really insightful conversation where he shared in-depth about his journey to starting IQBAR and all of the big steps in between brainstorming his product to where he is now. Will’s story is not only full of great tips for anyone else starting or running their own company, but it’s also really inspiring to see how hard he worked to even get this company off the ground. When he was in his mid 20s, he spent an entire year working evenings and weekends to research, plan, and design his product. As all of this was going on, he realized there wasn’t really a road map for this kind of thing. He had no idea how to manufacture a product or do any of the other important things that come with starting a company. Will shared really openly about this process and how he figured out his own roadmap and processes to creating and manufacturing his product. Will also shared how, after launching the IQBAR crowdfunding campaign, he used consumer feedback to really help his product evolve into what it is today. In this episode, we'll cover: -Will’s background story pre IQBAR -Why Will decided to start a brain food company -The roadmap to starting a company (does it exist?) -Why a great product isn’t enough for a successful business -The three things you need to focus on for a successful business -How listening to your consumers can help your product evolve -Marketing your product to your consumers -How Will used reverse engineering to design IQBAR -Using unit economics and consumer desires to create the best possible product -How Will moved forward with creating prototypes and eventually finding a co-packer to take him on -Using crowdfunding sites to fund your product -The benefits of selling on Amazon -Challenges and logistics of getting product into stores -Where Will sees IQBAR going in the future -The question you should be asking about your business every year -The importance of optionality in your business SHOW NOTES: Resources: | The guilt-free flexible plan to build financial wealth + freedom /episode/index/show/insidethelionsden/id/26938509