Better Business with Austin Zelan

#55: Dmitry Krasnogor: I Lost Everything Twice & Built a Dubai Business Empire

From bankruptcy to building a business empire in Dubai - this is the raw, unfiltered story of how a Russian diplomat’s son turned failure into a massive success. In this episode, Austin Zelan sits down with Dmitry Krasnogor who shares the hidden realities of building multiple businesses in the UAE over 17 years. His journey proves that failure can be the best teacher if you stay committed to learning, maintain strong ethics, and focus on delivering genuine value. Are you ready to learn what it really takes to succeed in Dubai’s business world? Hit subscribe and comment below with your biggest takeaway from Dmitry’s journey! Connect with Dmitry Krasnogor: Website: https://bit.ly/4j3wUwn [https://bit.ly/4j3wUwn] YouTube: https://bit.ly/4gHzvuo [https://bit.ly/4gHzvuo] Instagram: https://bit.ly/40jWHcm [https://bit.ly/40jWHcm] Facebook: https://bit.ly/3DGS5UU [https://bit.ly/3DGS5UU] LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3VZHYAD [https://bit.ly/3VZHYAD] TIMESTAMPS:   00:00 Intro of Show 00:54 Dmitry Krasnogor’s Entrepreneurial Journey 06:25 Working with Business Partners 09:58 Getting into Different Businesses (Real Estate, Consultancy, Event Management) 16:43 Overcoming Obstacles 20:29 Attracting Talent 21:31 Staying Up to Date on Industry Trends 23:50 Exceeding Customer Expectations 26:39 Prioritisation of Tasks 28:11 Managing Work-Life Balance 31:00 Network is His Best Investment 32:52 Final Piece of Advice from Dmitry To learn more about Austin Zelan visit: https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL [https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL] Watch "The Better Business Podcast" every Monday at 8AM ET on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8 [https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8] Connect with Austin: * Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z [https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg [https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA [https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH [https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH] SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial] Download the “Better Business Podcast” on all your favorite platforms! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0 [https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0] Apple: https://apple.co/3yaQnc0 [https://apple.co/3yaQnc0] Austin Zelan is an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist helping people around the world create financial freedom. His main focus is on investments that create cashflow for his clients and allow them to live the life they deserve.  *Disclaimer: Austin Zelan is not a financial advisor nor an attorney. This information is for entertainment purposes only. It is highly recommended that you speak with a financial professional or attorney before performing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.*

#54: Nik Dhimal: From British Army Selection to Real Estate Empire

Can a former British Army soldier who once tasted his own blood during selection become a real estate mogul? This incredible story proves that your starting point doesn't determine your success. In this interview, Nik Dhimal shares his remarkable journey from being one of only 200 selected from 8,000 applicants for the British Army to building a thriving real estate empire. You'll discover how he managed properties 4 hours away while serving in Afghanistan, and transformed challenging circumstances into a multi-million dollar business. This conversation isn't just about real estate - it's about turning disadvantages into opportunities and building success from scratch. If you've ever felt held back by your circumstances, this episode will change your perspective. What would be possible in your life if you stopped waiting for perfect conditions and started taking imperfect action today? Connect with Nik Dhimal: * Website: https://bit.ly/49RnfoB [https://bit.ly/49RnfoB] * YouTube: https://bit.ly/49RnjER [https://bit.ly/49RnjER] * Instagram: https://bit.ly/4a1ECmM [https://bit.ly/4a1ECmM] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/41RSA8O [https://bit.ly/41RSA8O] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4gvFIcS [https://bit.ly/4gvFIcS] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3DrQli4 [https://bit.ly/3DrQli4] TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:05 Nik Dhimal background in the British Army 4:02 How the Army prepared Nik for life & entrepreneurship 5:20 Discovery of real estate as a business path during his deployment   7:25 Managing tenants while still in the Army  11:56 New business model – property management for investors   13:34 The importance of social media in scaling a business   15:48 Paying for mentors as an investment 18:09 Nik’s team structure and managing goals   20:35 Military values and company culture 22:54 How Nik handled contractor issues and investor relations   23:32 The best investment: investing in himself and networking   24:14 The role of personal brand 25:04 Work-life balance 27:55 Advice to entrepreneurs 29:52 Common mistakes to avoid 30:24 How to connect with Nik Dhimal To learn more about Austin Zelan visit: https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL [https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL] Watch "The Better Business Podcast" every Monday at 8AM ET on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8 [https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8] Connect with Austin: * Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z [https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg [https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA [https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH [https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH] SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial] Download the “Better Business Podcast” on all your favorite platforms! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0 [https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0] Apple: https://apple.co/3yaQnc0 [https://apple.co/3yaQnc0] Austin Zelan is an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist helping people around the world create financial freedom. His main focus is on investments that create cashflow for his clients and allow them to live the life they deserve.  *Disclaimer: Austin Zelan is not a financial advisor nor an attorney. This information is for entertainment purposes only. It is highly recommended that you speak with a financial professional or attorney before performing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.*

#53: Debanjali Kamstra: Emirates Airlines to Dubai’s Design Empire

From Emirates Airlines flight attendant to leading a 200+ employees interior design empire in Dubai, Debanjali Kamstra’s12-year journey proves that consistent, methodical growth beats overnight success every time. In this episode, Austin Zelan sits down with Debanjali who had built a multi-million dirham company from scratch without external funding, executing major government projects in the UAE, including work with Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Civil Defense. Want to build something remarkable? The journey begins with having the right principles. Watch now and discover how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results with consistent effort and smart strategies.    Connect with Debanjali Kamstra: Website: https://www.debanjalikamstra.com/ [https://www.debanjalikamstra.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoIf-7RVv6H7plQB6RoSGDg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoIf-7RVv6H7plQB6RoSGDg] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debanjalikamstra/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/debanjalikamstra/?hl=en] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@debanjalikamstra13 [https://www.tiktok.com/@debanjalikamstra13] LinkedIn: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/debanjali-kamstra-ba4b8226 [https://ae.linkedin.com/in/debanjali-kamstra-ba4b8226] TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro of Show 00:57 Debanjali’s Professional Journey 05:05 Overcoming Challenges 06:21 Advice for Dealing with Employees in the UAE 07:27 Business Growth Strategies 09:44 70-30 Formula for Balancing Cash Flow 11:00 Company Culture in an International Company 12:17 Delegator vs. Doer vs. Founder 15:16 Keeping Up with Newest Trends and Technologies 17:10 Exceeding Customer Expectations 22:27 8-8-8 Rule: Time Management 25:50 Best Investment that Has Paid Off Significantly 28:24 Importance of Branding and Marketing 30:38 Impact of Networking and Relationship-Building 31:18 Final Thoughts from Debanjali 31:59 Connect with Debanjali   To learn more about Austin Zelan visit: https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL [https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL] Watch "The Better Business Podcast" every Monday at 8AM ET on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8 [https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8] Connect with Austin: * Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z [https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg [https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA [https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH [https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH] SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial] Download the “Better Business Podcast” on all your favorite platforms! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0 [https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0] Apple: https://apple.co/3yaQnc0 [https://apple.co/3yaQnc0] Austin Zelan is an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist helping people around the world create financial freedom. His main focus is on investments that create cashflow for his clients and allow them to live the life they deserve.  *Disclaimer: Austin Zelan is not a financial advisor nor an attorney. This information is for entertainment purposes only. It is highly recommended that you speak with a financial professional or attorney before performing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.*

#52: Scott Swerland: Shark Tank Deal Gone Wrong – The Reality TV Story They Didn’t Show

What would you do if you had to fire 500 employees in 48 hours? Most entrepreneurs dream of success, but this raw interview with Scott Swerland reveals what it really takes to survive when everything falls apart. Scott shares his 35-year journey building multiple successful businesses in the health and wellness industry, from starting his first company at age 15 to appearing on Shark Tank, and navigating the devastating impact of COVID-19. As Scott says, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint” – are you prepared for the long game of entrepreneurship? Share your thoughts down below!   Connect with Scott Swerland: Website: https://bit.ly/3OY1JVz [https://bit.ly/3OY1JVz] Instagram: https://bit.ly/3BuVXrq [https://bit.ly/3BuVXrq] Facebook: https://bit.ly/4gjbGJm [https://bit.ly/4gjbGJm] LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/4gcQYKT [https://bit.ly/4gcQYKT] TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro of Show 00:51 Scott’s Entrepreneurial Journey 05:34 Keeping it Simple and Staying True to Your Brand 11:05 Overcoming Challenges 14:59 Scott’s Working Hours 21:47 Shark Tank Experience 31:17 COVID Disrupted and Shut Down Businesses 38:36 What He Learned from His 35 Years in Entrepreneurship 43:57 Decision-Making and Learning from Mistakes 48:24 Final Word of Advice from Scott 51:03 Connect with Scott Swerland   To learn more about Austin Zelan visit: https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL [https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL] Watch "The Better Business Podcast" every Monday at 8AM ET on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8 [https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8] Connect with Austin: * Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z [https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg [https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA [https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH [https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH] SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial] Download the “Better Business Podcast” on all your favorite platforms! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0 [https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0] Apple: https://apple.co/3yaQnc0 [https://apple.co/3yaQnc0] Austin Zelan is an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist helping people around the world create financial freedom. His main focus is on investments that create cashflow for his clients and allow them to live the life they deserve.  *Disclaimer: Austin Zelan is not a financial advisor nor an attorney. This information is for entertainment purposes only. It is highly recommended that you speak with a financial professional or attorney before performing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.*

#51: Thach Nguyen: From Vietnam Refugee to $100M Real Estate Empire

Most people get passive income wrong – they try to replace their salary overnight. But what if active income was actually the key to building massive wealth? In this episode, real estate mogul Thach Nguyen reveals his unconventional journey from being a Vietnamese refugee to managing over $100 million in real estate assets. Learn how he strategically used his real estate commissions to fuel property investments, and why he still maintains multiple active income streams even after achieving massive success. What’s your biggest takeaway from Thach’s wealth-building strategies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!   Connect with Thach Nguyen: Website: https://bit.ly/3D6G4Ic [https://bit.ly/3D6G4Ic] YouTube: https://bit.ly/4fSGIaB [https://bit.ly/4fSGIaB] Instagram: https://bit.ly/4f4x8Qz [https://bit.ly/4f4x8Qz] Facebook: https://bit.ly/3D2UzN4 [https://bit.ly/3D2UzN4] TikTok: https://bit.ly/3Bq26ov [https://bit.ly/3Bq26ov] X.com: https://bit.ly/41iRLpb [https://bit.ly/41iRLpb] LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZHcHFd [https://bit.ly/3ZHcHFd] TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro of Show 00:43 Who is Thach Nguyen? 04:21 Active and Passive Incomes 05:15 Renting Advice for First-Time Homebuyers 09:14 Backyard as an Accessory Dwelling Unit 12:24 Which Cities Have Approved ADU? 13:30 Real Estate Coaching with Thach’s Team 14:16 Thach Nguyen’s Active Businesses 16:18 How Did Thach Realize Real Estate Was His Calling? 19:24 Lessons Learned from Overcoming Challenges 24:42 Business Growth Strategies Then and Now 27:19 Decision-Making in Uncertain Times 30:55 Flipping Houses 31:47 Keeping Up with Social Media Trends 33:45 Balance as a Core Value 38:50 Importance of Relationship-Building and Networking 40:17 Thach’s Financial Management Tips 42:55 Connect with Thach   To learn more about Austin Zelan visit: https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL [https://bit.ly/3zNbYHL] Watch "The Better Business Podcast" every Monday at 8AM ET on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8 [https://bit.ly/4bQMpD8] Connect with Austin: * Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z [https://bit.ly/3zS0m6z] * TikTok: https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg [https://bit.ly/4fbRqcg] * Facebook: https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA [https://bit.ly/3WfEpWA] * LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH [https://bit.ly/3LxwdvH] SUBSCRIBE TO: https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial [https://www.youtube.com/@austinzelanofficial] Download the “Better Business Podcast” on all your favorite platforms! Spotify: https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0 [https://spoti.fi/46iOZk0] Apple: https://apple.co/3yaQnc0 [https://apple.co/3yaQnc0] Austin Zelan is an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist helping people around the world create financial freedom. His main focus is on investments that create cashflow for his clients and allow them to live the life they deserve.  *Disclaimer: Austin Zelan is not a financial advisor nor an attorney. This information is for entertainment purposes only. It is highly recommended that you speak with a financial professional or attorney before performing any of the strategies mentioned in this video.*