He Invested in 7 Unicorns. Now He Tells Founders "Don't Take the Money" | Cornelius Schmal

He Moved to LA With $300 and a Dream (Here’s What Happened) | Darin Rios

In this episode of the Be Yourself podcast, I’m joined by Darin Rios, a high-level personal brand strategist in Los Angeles who works with A-list celebrities and entrepreneurs. Darin shares a raw and inspiring story about moving to LA at 25 with only $300, prepared to live in his car just to make his vision a reality. We go behind the scenes of the pivotal moment his career took a massive leap: landing a Coca-Cola commercial shoot with Kevin Hart. Despite showing up with "rinky-dink" equipment and battling intense imposter syndrome, his grit led to an orchestrated, serendipitous opportunity in filmmaking working with Johnny Depp. We dive deep into how the fire of adversity forges a strong character and why taking 100% responsibility is the key to an authentic life. Darin’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don't need permission to be "good enough"—you just have to show up and figure it out. 🎥✨ Enjoyed this conversation? Make sure to subscribe to the Be Yourself Podcast for more stories on expressing your true self! 🎙️🔔 0:00 - Episode Intro 01:35 - Arriving in LA 03:57 - The Gig with Kevin Hart & Coca-Cola 07:16 - Weird Dreams Fulfillment 09:48 - Working with Johnny Depp 18:59 - Why Darin Didn't Give Up 21:02 - Office Work Misery 23:08 - Survival's Brain 25:54 - Is Suffering Necessary? 31:25 - Success from Adversity 36:35 - The Walls We Create 38:05 - Luck is Earned 38:53 - Darin's Clients' Pain 43:27 - How To Lead An Authentic Life Darin's Resources ~ IG: https://www.instagram.com/darinrios/ [https://www.instagram.com/darinrios/] 1-1- Waitlist: https://stan.store/darinrios [https://stan.store/darinrios] Website: https://www.thereveragency.com/ [https://www.thereveragency.com/] -- -- -- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com [serhiy@beverlyen.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly [https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly] Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly [https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly] My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production [https://beverlyen.com/production]

From Corporate Finance to Media & Culture | Bradley Orford-Hall (xRave Ventures)

In this episode of Be Yourself Podcast, I am joined by Bradley Orford-Hal, who is an investor, advisor and a startup founder. As the visionary mind behind xRave Ventures, Bradley shares his fascinating journey from investment banking to bridging the critical gap between capital markets and global culture. This conversation serves as a guide on finding what we truly want in life, exploring how to shift from superficial metrics of success like fame and autopilot competence to true, intentional alignment. We dive deep into why money is merely a tool for exchange, the borderless power of music and community, and the essential role of curiosity and travel in understanding yourself. If you are ready to dismantle rigid societal boxes and build a life that genuinely nourishes your soul, this episode offers the courage and clarity you need to step into your raw authenticity. 0:00 - Episode Teaser & Intro 01:23 - What Does xRave Venture Do? 06:18 - Why a Culture-Oriented Business? 08:54 - Business Stories that Shaped You 11:01 - Evolving Definition of Success 13:34 - The WHY Behind our Actions 16:34 - The Trap of Money 18:35 - Desiring Fame 21:16 - Importance of Healthy Relationships 24:38 - Why Does Brad Travel 28:50 - Bringing People Together 31:40 - Creativity and Ideas 35:05 - What is Real Art and Why We Make It 37:37 - Social Media vs Making Meaning 41:40 - When Should We Think About Purpose Connect with Bradly ~ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellobradley/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellobradley/] xRave Ventures: https://www.xraveventures.com/ [https://www.xraveventures.com/] - - - - If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com [serhiy@beverlyen.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly [https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly] Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly [https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly] My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production [https://beverlyen.com/production]

From 80-Hour Burnout to Millions: Richard Moore’s Sales Masterclass

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Richard Moore, who transitioned from 80-hour burnout in the corporate world to generating millions in sales as a conversion coach. Richard breaks down his "Sales Masterclass," challenging the mainstream narrative that viral reach equals business success. Instead of chasing empty metrics, he explains how to achieve client acquisition through alignment and targeting premium buyers who are ready to invest. You will learn why most social media strategies are based on "hope" rather than actionable conversion, and how to productize yourself by finding work that feels like play. Richard also shares his personal story of overcoming a "mental implosion" to design a life of freedom and integrity. Whether you are a solopreneur or a sales leader, this conversation offers a blueprint for building a high-impact personal brand on LinkedIn. Don't forget to like this video and subscribe to the channel for more insights on expressing your true self! 0:00 - Intro 01:31 - The Biggest Myth in Social Selling 05:20 - What Personal Brand is NOT 08:46 - Strategy Change 13:17 - Who's Watching You 15:35 - Richard's Personal Story 22:58 - Focus on What We Love 30:53 - The Comparison Disease 33:57 - Should We Find/Start a Community 38:44 - 2 LinkedIn Tips To Implement Today 47:30 - Final (Practical) Message Richard's Resources: Website: https://www.therichardmoore.com/ [https://www.therichardmoore.com/] Community: https://artofsell.co/ [https://artofsell.co/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjamesmoore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjamesmoore/] ~ ~ ~ A Note from Host ~ ~ ~ If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com [serhiy@beverlyen.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly [https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly] Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly [https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly] My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production [https://beverlyen.com/production]

Hollywood Producer on Why Your Movie Won’t Get Made (Yet) | Mike Timm

In this episode of the Be Yourself Podcast, Hollywood producer from Universal Studios Mike Timm breaks down how to make movies that actually get sold and why most ideas never make it past the script stage in Hollywood. He shares how his journey from film school to working with the Sundance Institute and Universal Studios shaped his understanding of both the creative and business sides of filmmaking. We explore what it truly takes for producers to navigate the movie industry, discuss the critical difference between understanding why and how to make movies, and highlight the importance of a compelling idea. This conversation offers a real insider perspective on making movies that resonate and get made. 🎬 We discuss: 🎬 How to make movies that actually get sold 💰 The reality behind big-budget film ideas 🛠️ Why “why vs how” matters in filmmaking 📉 How social media changed the movie business 🎭 Why emotions matter more than budget 🚀 Advice from a Universal Studios producer 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the Be Yourself Podcast. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 01:18 - Main Challenge for Movies Today 03:10 - Mike's Hollywood Journey 05:17 - Hustlers in Hollywood 07:20 - Why & How of Movie Making 09:31 - Reality of Screenwriting 12:34 - Movie Consumption Pattern Change 16:32 - Where Mike Feels Most Creative 21:05 - WHY you Create 24:52 - Advice for Content Creators 28:05 - Should We Go Niche? 31:35 - Mike's Take on Poetry 34:39 - Final Message Mike's Resources ~ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeatimm/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeatimm/] IG: https://www.instagram.com/mike.timm.filmmaker/ [https://www.instagram.com/mike.timm.filmmaker/] ~ ~ ~ If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com [serhiy@beverlyen.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly [https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly] Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly [https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly] My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production [https://beverlyen.com/production] #screenwriting #hollywood #producer

He Invested in 7 Unicorns. Now He Tells Founders "Don't Take the Money" | Cornelius Schmal

In this fascinating episode of Be Yourself Podcast I am joined by Cornelius Schmal, a veteran of the early "cowboy" days at Uber who successfully invested in 7 unicorns. We dive deep into his high-stakes journey of managing the Uber expansion across Africa and the intense market wars against Yandex in russia. Cornelius reveals the raw truth behind the glamour of venture capital, explaining why raising millions is often the quickest way to ruin your business and your mental health. We discuss why bootstrapping is the ultimate "sanity" for modern founders and how to shift your focus to net profit to build a sustainable legacy. Whether you are looking for startup scaling secrets or trying to avoid burnout, this conversation is a masterclass in staying true to yourself while building a billion-dollar trajectory. Don't take the money until you watch this! Subscribe if you enjoyed this episode! 0:00 - Intro 01:44 - How the Journey Started 03:14 - The Onset of the Career 05:04 - New Job at Uber 08:00 - Uber's Early Days Stories 10:21 - Expansion into South Africa 11:26 - Fighting with Yandex in russia and Ukraine 15:51 - Why Maps and Email Matter So Much 17:18 - First Investment Capital 19:06 - How to Spot the Next Unicorn 22:38 - Slowing Down after Burnout 25:01 - Scaling-Focused Coaching 29:47 - Startups North Star Metrics 32:42 - Net Profit is Sanity 34:00 - Why Bootstrapping is Better than Fundraising 35:41 - Being Someone Else 39:44 - Reinventing Ourselves Cornelius Resources ~ LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelius-peter-schmahl [http://www.linkedin.com/in/cornelius-peter-schmahl] Company: https://scalingbrilliance.com/ [https://scalingbrilliance.com/] IG: https://www.instagram.com/cornelius4life/ [https://www.instagram.com/cornelius4life/] -- -- -- If you're interested in cooperation of any kind, feel free to drop a line: serhiy@beverlyen.com [serhiy@beverlyen.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-leshchenko-81371198/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly [https://www.instagram.com/serhiybeverly] Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly [https://www.tiktok.com/@serhiybeverly] My Video Production & YouTube Agency: https://beverlyen.com/production [https://beverlyen.com/production]