From Moving to America With Nothing to Best Selling Author | Kute Blackson | RISE EP. 38

In this powerful episode of RISE, Gary Lipovetsky and guest co-host Chris Adamo interview Chris Wilson, who shares the life-changing incident that set him on a transformative path. Chris opens up about his difficult upbringing, family struggles, and the dangerous conditions he grew up in. He reflects on the family trauma that shaped his early years and the events that ultimately led to his imprisonment. From launching a business while incarcerated to creating "The Master Plan," Chris' story is one of resilience, redemption, and hope. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and mental health, the impact of his foundation's work in rehabilitation, and his experiences with the White House. Chris offers insightful advice and final thoughts on overcoming adversity and making a lasting impact on the world. Don't miss this inspiring episode of Rise.Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Timestamps: 00:00 The Incident That Changed Everything00:16 Chris Wilson's Early Life and Family Struggles00:54 Introduction to Chris Wilson's Story03:26 Chris's Journey to Success07:02 Growing Up in Dangerous Conditions09:22 The Impact of Family Trauma28:23 The Incident Leading to Prison42:19 Discussing Success and Challenges43:12 Life in Prison: Harsh Realities43:49 Starting a Business in Prison46:05 The Master Plan: A Path to Redemption48:01 Unpacking Trauma and Mental Health49:03 Foundation Work and Rehabilitation53:08 Funding and Impact of the Foundation01:07:13 Experiences with the White House01:18:52 Final Thoughts and AdviceGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskyChris Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/chriswilsonslifeChris Adamo: https://www.instagram.com/chrisadamo

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.In this episode of RISE, host Gary Lipovetsky sits down with Anne Mahlum for a deep dive into her journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Anne shares her early life experiences, how she overcame adversity, and the lessons she learned during her college years and early career. They discuss her success in starting and scaling SolidCore, the challenges of nonprofit leadership, and her personal motivations and inspirations. Anne also reflects on navigating the COVID-19 crisis, building community, and transitioning from a founder-centric to a founder-influenced leadership style. From selling her company to embracing public speaking, Anne's story is a testament to perseverance and empowerment. The episode wraps up with her insights on women asking for more, finding love, and gaining a fresh perspective on life in Miami. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskyAnne Mahlum: https://www.instagram.com/annemahlum

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.On this episode of RISE Gary Lipovetsky sits down with David Centner for an enlightening conversation.  Dive into David's impressive accomplishments and ventures, and hear the heartwarming story of his flash mob proposal. Learn about the significance of community and education, and get insights into David's early life and struggles. Discover how meeting Layla transformed his business, and explore the journey of his first internet company, including taking the company public and his early ventures in online advertising. Uncover the story behind his third company, reverse auctions, and the creation and exit of Highway Toll Administration. David shares his diverse business ventures and experiences in construction, school policies, the technology ban and children's content. All that and more on this Episode of RISEGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskyDavid Centner: https://www.instagram.com/david_centner

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Embark on an enlightening journey through entrepreneurship with Nancy Twine and host Gary Lipovetsky on RISE podcast! From the transformative power of kindness to strategic insights on launching a podcast, this episode delves deep into the entrepreneurial realm. Join us as we explore Nancy's journey from Goldman Sachs to beauty entrepreneurship, navigating early career challenges, and unlocking growth with influencer partnerships. Discover how to redefine success, embrace selectivity, and stay grounded amidst success. With discussions on the importance of authentic connections, community, and networking, this episode offers invaluable wisdom for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. All that and more on this episode of RISE with Nancy Twine and Gary Lipovetsky!Timecodes: 00:00 The Power of Kindness and Authentic Connections01:09 Redefining Success in Podcasting01:50 Embracing Selectivity and Saying No03:08 The Journey from Goldman Sachs to Beauty Entrepreneurship05:26 The Impact of AI and Future Predictions08:14 Launching a Podcast to Share Entrepreneurial Insights09:46 Staying Grounded Amidst Success13:21 Navigating Early Career Challenges in Finance25:21 The Transition from Finance to Entrepreneurship32:53 Unlocking Growth with Influencer Partnerships35:27 The Power of Authentic Connections in Business36:10 Navigating the Balance Between Passion and Business Feasibility38:18 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing in Brand Strategy43:51 The Importance of Community and Networking for Entrepreneurs50:06 The Journey to Selling a Company: Insights and Strategy58:44 Building a Legacy Through Entrepreneurial Support and GrantsGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/Nancy Twine: https://www.instagram.com/nancytwine/

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Welcome to episode 42 of The RISE Podcast, where we explore resilience, innovation, and empowerment. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Schwartz, The Tea Blender, tracing his journey from humble beginnings to entrepreneurial triumph. We delve into tea's global impact, its cultural significance, and health benefits. Discover the genesis of Art of Tea and its evolution into a thriving business. Explore the therapeutic aspects of tea blending and its role in promoting mindfulness. Learn about the challenges faced and strategic moves made, including expansion to Miami and navigating COVID-19 through e-commerce. Join us as we uncover the art of tea blending, entrepreneurship, and the power of building a brand. Timestamps:00:50 Introducing Steve Schwartz: The Tea Blender02:30 The Global Impact of Tea: From the White House to Google03:29 The Journey of a Tea Blender: Learning and Growing05:17 The Cultural Significance and Health Benefits of Tea21:32 From Family Struggles to Entrepreneurial Success28:59 The Genesis of Art of Tea: A Blend of Passion and Purpose32:09 From Living Room to Expanding Business: The Growth of a Tea Empire33:06 Tea as Therapy: Blending for Health and Wellness35:03 The Ritual of Tea: A Mindful Practice for Well-being36:31 Exploring the Science and Varieties of Tea38:10 Tea and Presence: The Power of Being in the Now40:33 Integrating Tea into Daily Rituals and Education49:55 The Business of Tea: Custom Blends and Corporate Clients01:04:43 The Move to Miami: Expanding Operations and Embracing Community01:14:41 The Pivot to E-Commerce: Navigating Business During COVID-1901:16:43 The Power of Influencer Partnerships and Brand Evolution01:27:04 Becoming a Media Company: The Future of Branding and E-Commerce01:33:29 Personal Connections and Future Plans: Wrapping UpGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskySteve Schwartz: https://www.instagram.com/artofteala/?hl=en

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Embark on a journey from corporate life to influencer with Cristina Cataman in this episode of the RISE Podcast. From navigating the unpredictable landscape of content creation to embracing cultural differences and finding humor in heritage, Cristina shares her bold transition, financial challenges, and insights into the influencer industry amidst the backdrop of COVID. Delve into discussions on handling criticism, overcoming language barriers, and unraveling geopolitical complexities like the Ukraine-Russia conflict and Moldova's identity. With laughter, resilience, and a vision for the future, Cristina unveils her plans for expanding creative horizons and collaborative endeavors, offering a candid and inspiring glimpse into the world of content creation. Don't miss this captivating conversation filled with wit, wisdom, and laughter, as Cristina Cataman shares her unique journey and perspectives.Timestamps:00:00 Navigating the Unpredictable World of Content Creation01:01 Welcome to RISE Podcast: A Candid Chat with Cristina Cataman01:46 From Corporate Auditor to Comedy Influencer: Cristina's Journey03:45 Embracing a New Life: Cristina's Bold Move to Canada08:33 The Creative Spark: Transitioning to Influencer Life During COVID15:01 The Cultural Comedy of Cristina Cataman: Finding Humor in Heritage23:13 Navigating Financial Instability in the Influencer Industry25:00 The Launch of a New Podcast and Future Content Strategies25:39 Dealing with Criticism and Hate in the Public Eye29:17 Exploring Cultural Differences: Eastern European vs. North American Perspectives38:34 A Unique Encounter: Valeria's Story39:21 Cultural Differences and Communication Styles41:06 Navigating Language Barriers and Misinterpretations42:04 Discussing the Complexities of the Ukraine-Russia Conflict42:27 Exploring Moldova's Political Landscape and Cultural Identity45:20 Personal Histories and the Impact of War55:00 The Challenges and Joys of Being an Influencer01:00:24 Future Plans and Expanding Creative Horizons01:11:21 A Comedic Collaboration Idea and Wrapping UpGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/Cristina Cataman: https://www.instagram.com/cristinacataman/

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Join us for an insightful journey in this episode of the RISE podcast, where we redefine consistency and explore the art of making better choices. Follow Greg Scheiman’s personal journey from facing challenges to achieving triumphs as we delve into crafting a fulfilling life through effective strategies and realizations. Discover the power of scheduling and prioritizing to maximize your life, along with practical advice on fitness in middle age and fostering confidence. Explore the interconnection of fitness, health, and personal growth, and address controversial topics such as age gap relationships and the realities of divorce in midlife. From embracing technology and navigating parenting challenges to prioritizing self-care and setting examples, we cover it all. Plus, gain insights into career success, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of hobbies in enhancing life quality. Subscribe now for more empowering conversations on the RISE podcast!Timestamps:00:00 Redefining Consistency and Making Better Choices02:44 Greg's Personal Journey: From Challenges to Triumphs09:43 Crafting a Fulfilling Life: Strategies and Realizations16:51 The Power of Scheduling and Prioritizing in Maximizing Life30:01 Fitness in Middle Age: Realistic Goals and Sustainable Practices42:28 Navigating Sexuality and Confidence in Middle Age45:20 The Impact of Physical Fitness on Perception and Sexuality47:12 The Interconnection of Fitness, Health, and Personal Growth55:18 Addressing the Controversy of Age Gap Relationships57:26 The Challenges and Realities of Divorce in Midlife01:02:05 Embracing Technology and Parenting Challenges01:02:39 The Significance of Self-Care and Setting an Example01:06:20 Exploring Career Success and the Pursuit of Happiness01:19:36 The Role of Hobbies in Enhancing Life QualityGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskyGreg Scheinman: https://www.instagram.com/gregscheinman

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success."Welcome to the latest episode of RISE! In this captivating instalment, we embark on the remarkable journey of Michal Berski, founder of CurlSmith, as he shares his inspiring story. From his upbringing in Communist Poland to identifying market gaps and founding CurlSmith, Michal's narrative is one of resilience and entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore pivotal moments such as raising funds, leveraging the power of community on Instagram, and the crucial role influencers play in brand growth and authenticity. Discover the emotional rollercoaster of selling a business and the importance of celebrating small victories along the way. Stay tuned to learn about Michal's exciting new venture in the beauty industry, and subscribe to RISE for more empowering conversations and insights!"Timestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Journey of Michal Berski05:48 Early Life and Growing Up in Communist Poland25:39 The Birth of CurlSmith: Identifying a Gap in the Market33:32 The Art of Raising Money: Lessons Learned40:59 The Power of Community: Building an Instagram Following01:03:58 The Crucial Role of Influencers in Brand Growth01:06:29 The Impact of Influencer Partnerships on Brand Authenticity01:15:20 Post-Sale Reflections and Future Ventures01:20:01 Insights on Wealth, Happiness, and Entrepreneurship01:22:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring EntrepreneursGary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetskyMichal Berski: https://www.instagram.com/michalberski

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth as Kute Blackson, renowned author and speaker, shares profound insights and experiences in this enlightening episode of RISE. Delve into the essence of identity, gratitude, and life's purpose, exploring Kute's near-death experience, his arrival in the U.S., and the struggles he faced. Gain wisdom on manifesting dreams, aligning with your soul, and viewing life as a university for spiritual evolution. Explore spirituality in daily habits, the connection between spirituality and sexuality, and reflections on the state of religion and spirituality in today's world. Learn how to live authentically, embrace freedom, and connect deeply with your soul's journey. Join us in this empowering conversation that will inspire you to embark on your own path of self-discovery, purpose, and enlightenment with Kute Blackson.Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/Kute Blackson: https://www.instagram.com/kuteblackson/

Join host Gary Lipovetsky, the renowned serial entrepreneur, business partner, and husband to social media celebrity Valeria Lipovetsky, in this captivating podcast "RISE, Life Stories of Accomplished Individuals". Gary not only delves deep into the lives of notable figures to extract their fascinating origin stories and the hurdles they faced, but he also meticulously draws out the specific knowledge and expertise they hold in their respective fields. Through in-depth interviews, Gary unravels the secrets to their achievements and highlights the value of their unique experiences and insights. Tune in to gain invaluable wisdom from these remarkable individuals and be inspired to reach new heights of success.Welcome to our latest episode of RISE where we dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship with the remarkable Melanie Duncan! Join us as we embark on an insightful journey with Melanie Duncan, a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and advocate for women in business, as she shares her invaluable wisdom and experiences. Get to know Melanie Duncan and her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, including the rise of Truvani and its journey into the retail market. Discover Melanie's vision for the future of Truvani and its impact on the health and wellness industry. Gain insights into effective brand marketing strategies from Melanie's expertise and the delicate balance of being a mother and a successful entrepreneur, as well as the dynamics of working with a spouse in the business realm and the secrets to success. Explore the strategies and considerations behind expanding a business into mainstream retail markets. Tune in to gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiration from Melanie Duncan's wealth of entrepreneurial knowledge! Gary Lipovetsky: https://www.instagram.com/garylipovetsky/Melanie Duncan: https://www.instagram.com/melanieduncan77/