Quit The Quota

Laid Off, Went All In, and Never Looked Back | Nate Frisella's Entrepreneur Journey

What happens when the career you've spent years building suddenly stops feeling aligned with the life you want to create? In this episode of Quit the Quota, Daryl Medico and Maria Ryan sit down with entrepreneur and technology expert Nate Frisella to discuss the journey from corporate success to business ownership, and the mindset shifts required to make that leap. What starts as a conversation about careers, sales, and entrepreneurship quickly evolves into a deeper discussion about freedom, flexibility, identity, and the realities of building something of your own. Nate shares how years in automotive, telecommunications, and technology ultimately led him to realize that the freedom he was chasing inside corporate America would only come from creating it himself. Throughout the episode, the group explores the hidden tradeoffs of corporate life, why so many people dream about entrepreneurship but never take action, the lessons that come from layoffs and setbacks, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can completely change your trajectory. They also dive into leadership, parenting, personal growth, and what it really means to define success on your own terms. Tune in now to hear Nate's inspiring journey, learn the mindset shifts that helped him make the jump into entrepreneurship, and discover why the life you're looking for might be waiting on the other side of a difficult decision. In This Episode, They Share: * Why layoffs can become the catalyst for life-changing opportunities * The difference between corporate flexibility and true freedom * How entrepreneurship often starts with small side projects * Why your network can accelerate your growth faster than any strategy * The mindset required to stop talking about entrepreneurship and actually take action Timestamps (Key Moments) 00:00 – Introduction and defining success on your own terms 03:41 – Meet Nate Frisella and his entrepreneurial journey begins 10:09 – From Volkswagen and Audi to a career in technology 12:30 – The moment Nate realized corporate life wasn't enough 13:10 – The layoff that pushed him toward entrepreneurship 16:23 – Corporate constraints, flexibility, and the illusion of freedom 25:23 – The importance of culture, leadership, and autonomy 1:20:24 – Why you're exactly where you're supposed to be right now 1:26:16 – Why most people talk about entrepreneurship but never make the jump 1:32:09 – Final lessons, reflections, and where to connect with Nate Connect with the Host and Guest Nate Frisalla Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natefrisella/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natefrisella/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natefrisella [https://www.instagram.com/natefrisella/] Darryl Miedico Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram: @quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Marya Ryan  Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram:@quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota #QuitTheQuota #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwner #SalesLeadership #CareerGrowth #MindsetShift #Leadership #SmallBusiness #StartupLife #PersonalDevelopment #TechIndustry #CorporateLife #FreedomLifestyle #BusinessGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

The Secret Behind Achieving Your Biggest Dreams

In this episode of Quit the Quota, Darryl Miedico and Marya Ryan take a step away from guest interviews and dive into an unexpected source of entrepreneurial wisdom: Disney's The Princess and the Frog. What starts as a conversation about Darryl's recent purchase of a lifelong dream—a Cessna 182 airplane named "Evangeline"—quickly turns into a powerful discussion about mindset, visualization, purpose, and the balance between dreaming and doing. Inspired by themes from the movie, Darryl and Marya explore why so many people get trapped in endless grinding, why wishing alone isn't enough, and how success often comes when you become the person capable of receiving what you've been chasing. Along the way, Darryl shares the emotional story behind his aviation journey, including how the loss of his niece to cancer inspired him to return to flying and volunteer with organizations that transport patients to critical medical treatments. The conversation highlights the importance of having a strong "why," taking intentional action, and staying connected to the life you're building instead of sacrificing everything in pursuit of future success. Whether you're building a business, pursuing a dream, considering leaving your W2, or simply feeling stuck in the grind, this episode serves as a reminder that the goal isn't just achieving the dream—it's becoming the person who can live it. Tune in now to discover why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop grinding, start dreaming, and trust yourself enough to take the next step. Timestamps (Key Moments) 04:41 – Why this episode is called "Evangeline" 05:36 – Darryl shares the story of buying his dream airplane 07:39 – The powerful themes hidden inside The Princess and the Frog 09:39 – The danger of grinding yourself into the ground 10:41 – Why Tiana becoming a frog is the real lesson of the movie 15:28 – The emotional meaning behind wishing on Evangeline 16:15 – The family tragedy that inspired Darryl's mission to serve others 18:43 – Using aviation to help cancer patients access treatment 20:32 – The balance between visualization and taking action 27:31 – Why the best time to pursue your dream is now Connect with the Host and Guest Darryl Miedico Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram: @quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Marya Ryan  Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram:@quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota #QuitTheQuota #Entrepreneurship #MindsetMatters #ThePrincessAndTheFrog #PersonalGrowth #BusinessOwner #LeaveTheW2 #DreamBig #Visualization #SuccessMindset #FinancialFreedom #EntrepreneurLife #PurposeDriven #TakeAction #Evangeline

Quit the Quota: Build a Life You Don't Need to Escape From

In this episode of Quit the Quota, Darryl Miedico and Marya Ryan explore the power of taking action before you feel ready and why some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you decide to do “just one more.” What begins with a simple follow-up phone call turns into a deeper conversation about intuition, persistence, visualization, and the unexpected opportunities that appear when action meets intention. Darryl and Marya discuss the connection between mindset, energy, and personal fulfillment. They share stories about overcoming limiting beliefs, trusting your instincts, and recognizing the subtle signals that often point toward growth. The conversation highlights how many people unknowingly carry negative paradigms about work, success, and career fulfillment from childhood and how those beliefs can quietly shape the decisions they make as adults. The episode also dives into leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship. Darryl shares a powerful story about a team member who wanted to become more involved in the business because she had finally experienced a work environment that felt inspiring instead of draining. Together, they unpack why entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to create cultures that empower others, help people discover their strengths, and build careers aligned with their passions. Tune in now to learn why waiting for certainty can keep you stuck, how one extra action can create unexpected momentum, and why building a life you don't need to escape from may be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Timestamps (Key Moments) 01:55 - Why taking "one more action" can create momentum 03:03 - The phone call that changed someone's direction 04:46 - Matter, energy, and the power of intuition 06:17 - How energy influences opportunities and relationships 07:25 - Turning visualization into action 08:19 - Following your dreams and living life on your terms 09:06 - A team member asks to become more involved in the business 09:39 - How childhood experiences shape our beliefs about work 11:33 - The compliment that validated the company's culture 13:12 - Why making a change impacts more than just you 14:14 - Escaping work versus building a life you enjoy 15:13 - The excuses people make to stay stuck 16:17 - The hidden cost of not pursuing your dreams 17:22 - Entrepreneurship becomes bigger than yourself 17:56 - Leadership lesson: Remove the guardrails 19:00 - The exercise every leader should give their team 19:53 - Designing your perfect role, career, and life 20:49 - Not making a decision is still making a decision 21:29 - The core mission behind Quit the Quota 22:30 - Creating a work environment people actually want to be part of 23:02 - The best part of entrepreneurship: Controlling culture and vision 25:06 - Final takeaway: Trust the feeling and take action 25:27 - Build your own path and impact more lives 25:43 - Closing thoughts and invitation to future guests Connect with the Host and Guest Darryl Miedico Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram: @quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Marya Ryan  Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram:@quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota #QuitTheQuota #Entrepreneurship #MindsetShift #Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #BusinessOwner #TakeAction #SuccessMindset #PurposeDrivenWork

How He Escaped Corporate and Built Freedom on His Own Terms

In this episode of Quit the Quota, Darryl Miedico and Marya Ryan sit down with Kyle Welch to unpack his journey from high-performing corporate sales leader to full-time entrepreneur. After spending 20 years in telecom, tech, and cybersecurity sales, Kyle found himself facing a major turning point when layoffs forced him to reconsider what security, freedom, and success really meant. What started as curiosity around short-term rentals quickly turned into a complete mindset shift. Kyle shares how he went all in on building his own business after years of relying on the “security” of corporate America, despite the fear, uncertainty, and pressure that came with it. The conversation dives into the emotional side of entrepreneurship, including the stress on relationships, the doubt that creeps in during the early stages, and why mindset work became the key factor that helped him push through difficult moments when nothing seemed to be working. Throughout the episode, Kyle breaks down how meditation, visualization, and studying mindset principles completely changed the trajectory of his life. He shares the story of landing his first client with zero experience, how referrals eventually snowballed into rapid growth, and the unbelievable opportunity that recently “fell into his lap” after building trust and relationships the right way. Darryl and Marya also explore the illusion of corporate security, why sales skills translate directly into entrepreneurship, and how taking ownership of your future creates a completely different level of freedom. Tune in now to hear how Kyle transformed a layoff into the beginning of a completely new life—and why betting on yourself may be less risky than staying where you are. Timestamps: 02:07 – Introducing guest Kyle Welch 05:01 – Kyle’s 20-year career in telecom, tech, and cybersecurity sales 06:48 – The layoff that changed everything 07:54 – Reaching out to Darryl after selling an investment property 09:39 – Going all in and walking away from corporate for good 11:01 – Why most people “tiptoe” into entrepreneurship 11:49 – The brutal reality of finding your first client 12:57 – The mindset work that changed everything 16:45 – The meditation habit that helped him push through uncertainty 22:40 – Why meditation used to sound “weird” to Kyle 24:25 – Revisiting old meditations and seeing personal growth 27:26 – Building a “coaching tree” that impacts other people’s lives 30:16 – Why getting laid off was actually a blessing in disguise 31:36 – “Security” in corporate America isn’t actually secure 33:39 – The reality of never truly feeling safe in sales roles 35:35 – The biggest risk: ending up exactly where you started 38:05 – Why sales skills directly translate into entrepreneurship 39:48 – Kyle’s first entrepreneurial business before corporate 41:48 – Realizing entrepreneurship was always “in his blood” 42:49 – The story of a $50K/year Airbnb opportunity falling into his lap 47:17 – The Big Bear property opportunity that changed everything 49:55 – Why “luck” is actually preparation, persistence, and mindset 51:24 – Overcoming the fear of having “no credibility” in the beginning 58:02 – Visualizing successful outcomes before every call 59:05 – Why mindset became the true “secret sauce” 59:31 – “I’d probably be a CEO somewhere right now” 01:04:28 – Why people should change before an emotional event forces them to 01:05:18 – Kyle’s final advice: “Don’t quit.” Connect with the Host and Guest Darryl Miedico Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram: @quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Marya Ryan Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram:@quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Kyle Welch Website: www.freedombnb.net #QuitTheQuota #EntrepreneurMindset #CorporateLife #W2ToFreedom #MindsetShift #ShortTermRental #AirbnbBusiness #SalesLeadership #PersonalGrowth

You Will Have to Start Over Someday — Why Not On Your Terms?

In this episode of Quit the Quota, Darryl Miedico and Marya Ryan tackle one of the biggest lies people are taught about success: that playing it safe guarantees security. What starts as a conversation about career transitions quickly evolves into a deeper discussion around rebuilding your life, overcoming fear, and why most people wait until a major emotional event forces them to finally make a change. The episode explores the hidden conditioning behind corporate life and why so many people stay tethered to jobs they no longer love. Darryl and Marya unpack the fears that keep people stuck — fear of criticism, fear of failure, fear of poverty, and fear of disappointing others — while sharing their own experiences with layoffs, divorce, rebuilding identity, and learning how to trust themselves again. They also discuss why entrepreneurship is less about tactics and more about reprogramming the beliefs and paradigms that have been shaping your decisions for years. Through personal stories, mindset shifts, and practical exercises, they explain why starting over is something almost everyone will face at some point in life. From building a business after a layoff to writing and burning a letter to release fear, the conversation highlights the importance of intentional action, changing your environment, upgrading your network, and learning to create a future on your own terms before life forces the decision for you. They also challenge listeners to stop obsessing over the “how” and spend more time getting clear on what they actually want. Tune in now to learn why “safe” is often an illusion, how to rebuild from the ground up with purpose, and what it really takes to create a life designed around freedom instead of fear. Timestamps (Key Moments) 01:44 – Is playing it safe actually safe? 03:21 – The lie most people are taught about success 04:07 – Why nobody prepares you to start over in life 06:22 – The decision to build something from scratch 07:29 – Why W2 jobs feel safe and secure 09:44 – Breaking free from lifelong conditioning and paradigms 12:24 – Why corporate jobs are not always secure 14:05 – The danger of ignoring your inner voice 16:29 – “At some point, you will have to start from scratch” 19:32 – Trusting the voice that keeps pulling you toward something bigger 21:10 – The emotional hit that comes with career collapse 22:04 – The athlete mindset for rebuilding after setbacks 24:32 – Investing in mentorship after getting laid off 27:04 – “I could never do that” — the excuse that keeps people stuck 29:48 – Getting “a little crazy” and fully committing 30:07 – Building a business late at night after work 32:36 – The power of no longer needing the job 36:46 – The exercise: write down what you actually want 37:54 – Why wanting something different can feel “irresponsible” 41:26 – Why fears never fully disappear 43:39 – “Who not how” and learning from people ahead of you 45:17 – Stop obsessing over HOW and focus on WHAT 47:17 – You don’t have to wait for a crisis to change your life 48:27 – Stop scrolling and start thinking about your future  Connect with the Host and Guest Darryl Miedico Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram: @quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota Marya Ryan  Email: quitthequota@gmail.com Website: www.quitthequota.com Instagram:@quitthequota Facebook: Quit the Quota #QuitTheQuota #EntrepreneurMindset #MindsetShift #CorporateLife #QuitYourJob #StartOver #PersonalDevelopment #FearOfFailure #GrowthMindset #EntrepreneurLife #CareerFreedom #SelfDevelopment #MindsetMatters #TakeControl #BuildYourFuture