Success Story with Scott D. Clary

Epizodes

• Ronnen Harary - Spin Master Co-Founder & Chairman | How Two Friends With Zero Business Experience Built a $2.2B Toy Empire 20.07.2026 1h 40min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Ronnen Harary is the co-founder and chair of Spin Master, the global children's entertainment company behind PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Hatchimals, and the Rubik's Cube. In 1994, alongside two co-founders, he turned $10,000 into a publicly traded powerhouse generating over $2 billion in annual revenue across 190+ countries — all with zero prior business experience. His book, No Experience Necessary, breaks down how curiosity and action-driven confidence beat conventional credentials. He also founded the Toy Movement, bringing toys to children in underserved communities, and the Ronnen Harary Foundation, supporting young people with learning disabilities. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/noexpnec/  https://www.tiktok.com/@noexpnec  https://x.com/NoEXPNec  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - https://dell.com/dell-pro   AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Plaud – https://plaud.ai/success (Code: success) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 02:28 – Why Inexperience Wins 05:04 – Are You Starting Too Late? 07:06 – Escaping Limiting Beliefs Early 20:43 – The Spin Master Playbook 25:47 – Why He Chose Toys 30:17 – The Biggest Spin Master Mistake 32:39 – The Birth of Paw Patrol 35:30 – Scaling Without Losing Your Culture 38:24 – Sponsor Break 40:56 – Building Culture at Scale 44:30 – 11 Principles for Winning in Business 59:13 – Should Founders Start With the End? 1:05:25 – Partnering With Strangers 1:06:50 – Why Your 30s Are the Best Time to Bet on Yourself 1:08:45 – Sponsor Break 1:11:33 – The Two Mountains of Success 1:17:02 – What Success Really Looks Like 1:26:38 – Luck vs. Chance 1:31:21 – Turning Weakness Into Strength 1:38:43 – The Lesson That Defined His Career
• Lessons - The Man Who Personally Sold 2,400 Buildings Worth $24 Billion in NYC | Bob Knakal - Most Prolific CRE Broker in U.S. History 18.07.2026 10min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Bob Knakal, the most prolific commercial real estate broker in U.S. history, shares the principles behind building a career defined by consistency, expertise, and long-term relationships. He explains why becoming the leading expert in a specific niche creates a lasting competitive advantage, how trust and staying top of mind generate opportunities over time, and why commercial real estate is ultimately a relationship business. Bob also discusses the importance of passion and discipline, revealing how mastering the fundamentals and maintaining a long-term mindset are the keys to sustained success in any industry. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/QTg2sizLWOw  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bob-knakal-rk-real-estate-selling-%2421-billion/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BUdGx3dYY1i5XribDyth7  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - Why Comfort Is Destroying an Entire Generation | Joe De Sena - Founder of Spartan Race & NYT Bestselling Author 18.07.2026 16min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan Race and New York Times bestselling author, explains why a life built around comfort is leading to weaker minds, bodies, and habits. He shares why embracing discomfort through discipline, physical fitness, and daily challenges is essential for building resilience, improving performance, and living with purpose. Joe also explores how modern convenience has disconnected people from healthy routines, why exercise should be treated as a foundational life skill, and how small, consistent actions can transform your mindset, health, and long-term success. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/jByyHRNz7jo  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/joe-de-sena-founder-and-ceo-of-spartan-the-spartan-mindset/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1BtMY9Qq5U9XHBMEU3aAA8  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Naveen Jain - Billionaire Founder of Viome, Moon Express & Author of Counterintuitive | He Quit Microsoft With No Plan and Built a $40B Internet Company 13.07.2026 1h 16min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Naveen Jain is an entrepreneur and technology executive best known as the founder of InfoSpace, which he built from six employees into one of the largest internet companies in the American Northwest during the dot-com era, reaching a peak market capitalization of $31 billion. In 2003, he left InfoSpace to launch Intelius, one of the first companies to offer public records information to consumers, growing it to over $150 million in annual revenue and 500 employees before its sale in 2015. He co-founded Moon Express in 2010, where he serves as executive chairman and which became the first private company approved by the U.S. government to land on the lunar surface, and founded Viome in 2016, where he is CEO applying AI and RNA sequencing to precision health. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/naveenjainceo/  https://x.com/Naveen_Jain_CEO  https://www.linkedin.com/in/naveenjainintelius  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - dell.com/dell-pro  AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Plaud – https://plaud.ai/success (Code: success) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:49 – From Poverty to Purpose 07:58 – The Mindset That Changed Everything 10:15 – How Naveen Raised Entrepreneurial Kids 18:56 – The Secret Behind His Children's Success 25:37 – Sponsor Break 27:24 – What Made His Companies Win 42:57 – Chasing Moonshots Without Going Broke 47:27 – Get a Job or Raise Capital? 53:32 – When to Leave Your Job for Entrepreneurship 56:12 – Sponsor Break 58:59 – Is Your Moonshot Too Small? 1:01:01 – Never Stop Learning 1:04:48 – Advice to His 27-Year-Old Self 1:05:35 – Where True Greatness Comes From 1:08:32 – Life Never Stops Teaching 1:11:00 – The Lesson He'd Leave His Children
• Lessons - The Man Who Turned Beyoncé Into the Biggest Artist on Earth | Dr. Mathew Knowles - Music World Entertainment Founder (450M+ Records Sold) 12.07.2026 13min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Dr. Mathew Knowles, founder of Music World Entertainment and the visionary behind the careers of Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child, shares the core traits that separate high achievers from everyone else. He explains why passion is the foundation of extraordinary success, how it naturally fuels the work ethic required to achieve excellence, and why the world's top performers consistently outwork the competition. Dr. Knowles also discusses practical ways to identify your true passions, the importance of thinking beyond self-imposed limitations, and how parenting, environment, and early exposure can play a pivotal role in shaping long-term achievement and fulfillment. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/WMJWUWYDez4  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mathew-knowles-speaker-corporate-consultant-and/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/07nAMaqxNbJOeYYdWDaETo  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - The Woman Who Made "Lazy Girl Jobs" Go Viral and Now Makes More Than Her Old Boss | Gabrielle Judge - Founder of Ms. Anti Work & TEDx Speaker 12.07.2026 10min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Gabrielle Judge, founder of Ms. Anti Work and TEDx speaker, challenges conventional ideas about ambition and workplace success, explaining why working smarter doesn't mean caring less. She breaks down the true meaning behind the "Lazy Girl Job" movement, why setting boundaries is different from quiet quitting, and how employees can avoid unnecessary work without sacrificing career growth. Gabrielle also explores the importance of aligning ambition with personal values, reclaiming autonomy over your time and energy, and making intentional career decisions that lead to long-term fulfillment instead of burnout or external validation. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/wYMQt-FRk-s  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gabrielle-judge-founder-ceo-of-tula-and-the-anti/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JtFeHhie8a41stxx3x3wL  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Ruben Hassid - Author of “How to AI” | The #1 AI Teacher (Billions of Views) Explains Who Survives and Who Doesn't 11.07.2026 1h 24min

  ➡️ Join 800,000+ people who master AI for free at https://how-to-ai.guide  (Ruben's newsletter). https://how-to-ai.guide  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Ruben Hassid is the writer behind "How to AI," a Substack newsletter with over 805,000 subscribers, ranked #1 in Education and one of the fastest-growing AI newsletters in the world. With 890K+ LinkedIn followers and billions of views on his content, which teaches people how to use AI, Hassid has become one of the most prominent voices in practical AI adoption. He consults Fortune 500 companies on how to actually implement AI, and his guides have built a massive following of professionals who want to use the tools, not just talk about them. ➡️ Show Links https://substack.com/@ruben   https://www.youtube.com/@rubenhassid   https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-hassid/   https://x.com/rubenhassid    https://www.instagram.com/rubenhassid/  https://www.facebook.com/p/Ruben-Hassid-61558649438890/  ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:38 – The Content Framework That Actually Works 11:50 – Why AI Critics Don't Actually Use AI 19:24 – How Ruben Grew His Newsletter So Fast 23:11 – Master AI Before It Masters You 25:59 – Sponsor Break 30:46 – What Happens If You Ignore AI? 37:18 – Why Taste Is the Only Skill Left 41:19 – Should You Let AI Think for You? 42:57 – How to Avoid AI Dependency 49:03 – Sponsor Break 52:54 – The AI Tools That Actually Matter 1:00:41 – How Claude Beat the Biggest AI Companies 1:06:08 – Build a Free Content Empire 1:13:03 – How to Get Started With AI 1:19:00 – Why AI Won't Destroy Humanity 1:24:16 – Ruben's Biggest AI Insight
• Lessons - She Ran a $3B Cruise Line When the Entire Industry Shut Down Overnight | Lisa Lutoff-Perlo - Fmr CEO of Celebrity Cruises (Royal Caribbean Group) 09.07.2026 12min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, former CEO of Celebrity Cruises, shares the leadership principles that helped her navigate one of the most challenging periods in modern business history, leading a $3 billion cruise line through the COVID-19 shutdown while facing personal loss. She explains why empathy, resilience, and adaptability become essential during times of crisis, how continuously unlearning and evolving strengthens leadership, and why focusing on what you can control creates clarity in uncertain times. Lisa also discusses the value of self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and leading with hope, offering practical insights for staying grounded and guiding others through change with confidence. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/67NvAoVYF1Q  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lisa-lutoff-perlo-ceo-celebrity-cruises-running-a/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wzr5n8GmAQqtQHi0HYx2V  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - The Man Who Launched the Macintosh Says Ignore Every Motivational Speaker | Guy Kawasaki - Fmr Apple Chief Evangelist & Bestselling Author 09.07.2026 12min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Guy Kawasaki, former Apple Chief Evangelist and bestselling author, challenges one of the most common pieces of career advice: "follow your passion." Instead, he explains why pursuing your interests, experimenting with new opportunities, and staying open to unexpected paths are far more effective ways to discover meaningful work. Drawing from his own journey, from launching the Macintosh to becoming an author and podcaster, Guy shares why purpose isn't something you find overnight, how he redefines the concept of ikigai, and the simple test that reveals when you've found work that's truly worth committing to, even when it isn't driven by money or immediate success. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/I-eAutH_ojo  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasaki-chief-evangelist-at-canva-are-you-a/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1UshQD7EfXOAtMKF6iedl5  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Dave Ramsey - Billionaire Founder of Ramsey Solutions | Why Most Entrepreneurs Are Miserable Running Their Own Companies 07.07.2026 1h 4min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Dave Ramsey is an eight-time #1 national bestselling author, radio host, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. His show, "The Ramsey Show," reaches over 18 million weekly listeners across 600+ radio stations, SiriusXM, and iHeartRadio, making it one of the most listened-to programs in the country. His YouTube channels have amassed over 3 billion views. His flagship book, "The Total Money Makeover," has sold more than 8 million copies, and his Financial Peace University program has helped millions eliminate debt and build wealth through his proven "baby steps" system. Since 1992, Ramsey has built a media and financial education empire that has fundamentally changed how everyday Americans think about money. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/daveramsey/  https://x.com/DaveRamsey  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramsey-dave/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - dell.com/dell-pro  AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Plaud – https://plaud.ai/success (Code: success) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:34 – Why People Build Businesses They Hate 06:13 – Did Dave Ever Love His Business? 07:15 – Why Entrepreneurs Keep Making the Same Mistakes 08:38 – How You Accidentally Build Yourself a Job 13:47 – Your Most Important Hire 16:25 – Stop Being the Bottleneck 19:26 – Sponsor Break 24:13 – Why You Need to Build Something of Your Own 29:58 – Hustle Isn't the Answer 36:11 – The Hard Truth About Hiring & Firing 41:08 – Sponsor Break 44:58 – Are You Ready for the Next Level? 46:14 – The Pros & Cons of Hiring Gen Z 51:42 – The 4 Stages of Entrepreneurship 57:50 – Should You Think About Legacy From Day One? 1:02:15 – Advice Dave Wishes He'd Heard Earlier 1:03:52 – The Advice Dave Wants His Kids to Remember
• Lessons - The Man Who Broke the FTX Story Explains How Big Tech Controls Your Brain | Michael Casey - Fmr WSJ Journalist & Co-Author of Our Biggest Fight 07.07.2026 11min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Michael Casey, former Wall Street Journal journalist and co-author of Our Biggest Fight, explores how the internet evolved from an open platform for information into an algorithm-driven ecosystem designed to capture attention and influence behavior. He explains how personal data became one of the world's most valuable assets, why algorithms shape the content we consume and the decisions we make, and how social media platforms capitalize on human psychology. Michael also discusses why reclaiming ownership of your digital identity is essential for protecting privacy, preserving free will, and creating a more open and user-controlled internet. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/QVLuBpdGfnQ  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-casey-chief-content-officer-chairman-at-coindesk/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uqx8tvmORX6ClbFJFzC2X  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - The Billionaire Who Tried to Buy TikTok to Give It Back to the People | Frank McCourt Jr. - LA Dodgers Owner & Project Liberty Founder 06.07.2026 14min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Frank McCourt Jr., former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and founder of Project Liberty, explores how today's digital platforms have evolved into powerful systems that shape behavior, influence public discourse, and erode personal freedoms. He explains why the incentives driving Big Tech and policymakers make meaningful reform so difficult, the growing risks posed by surveillance-based technology and AI, and why society must rethink digital ownership before these problems become irreversible. Frank also shares his vision for a more transparent, human-centered internet that empowers individuals, protects digital rights, and restores trust in the technology we rely on every day. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/YkRw6djQtHY  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frank-h-mccourt-jr-civic-entrepreneur-5th-generation/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DqxN7E2Pqu8l9A8daiS0F  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Haresh Bhungalia - Serial Entrepreneur (3 Exits) | He Made $0 For 4 Years. Then Built $450M in Companies. 03.07.2026 1h 58min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Haresh Bhungalia is a serial entrepreneur who has built, scaled, and exited companies generating over $450 million in enterprise value. He founded his first company at 25, grew it to 650 employees, and sold it to a private equity-backed platform. He then took over as CEO of Casepoint and turned it into the dominant enterprise eDiscovery platform trusted by the U.S. Department of Defense, Fortune 500 companies, and the SEC — scaling it to 500+ employees before successfully exiting to Thoma Bravo, one of the world’s largest software private equity firms.  ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/haresh.bhungalia/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/hareshbhungalia  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - dell.com/dell-pro  AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Plaud – https://plaud.ai/success (Code: SUCCESS for up to 17% off now for the Plaud device, limited discounts exclusively for Prime Day) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:44 – Haresh Bhungalia’s Origin Story 12:47 – The Biggest Lesson His Dad Taught Him 14:15 – Why Your Roots Matter 15:22 – The Myth of the Self-Made Entrepreneur 16:38 – Are Entrepreneurs Born or Made? 22:56 – What Adults Can Learn from a 16-Year-Old 30:30 – How to Pivot Without Failing 34:12 – Sponsor Break 38:59 – When to Bet on Your Team 46:33 – Should You Follow Your Passion? 49:17 – Why Intent Beats Talent 1:02:07 – How to Build a Team That Loves You 1:07:30 – CEO vs Founder: The Real Difference 1:13:39 – Knowledge Is Useless Without Action 1:15:40 – Employees First. Customers Second. 1:16:59 – Life After a Billion-Dollar Exit 1:21:46 – The Biggest Lie About Exiting 1:23:16 – Sponsor Break 1:27:06 – Why Founders Must Tie Their Identity to the Mission 1:31:52 – Building Your Second Act 1:35:55 – Letting Go to Level Up 1:44:06 – What AI Can Never Replace in Leadership 1:50:39 – Advice for Life After an Exit 1:57:09 – The Lesson He’ll Pass On to His Kids
• Lessons - The Cybersecurity Expert The Wall Street Journal Calls After Every Major Breach | Mark Sangster - Author of No Safe Harbor 02.07.2026 14min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Mark Sangster, cybersecurity expert and author of *No Safe Harbor*, shares the essential habits that help individuals and organizations prevent costly cyberattacks before they happen. He explains why strong cybersecurity starts with simple practices like password hygiene, multi-factor authentication, and secure home networks, before breaking down how ransomware attacks unfold and why preparation is far more effective than reaction. Mark also discusses the role of law enforcement, insurance providers, and crisis planning during a breach, while offering practical strategies to strengthen digital security, minimize risk, and respond confidently when incidents occur. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/5tsrypjHUMw  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-sangster-cybersecurity-author-and-expert-the/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5yomF5180tj7hRiIrcUArW  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - The TV Producer Who Got Her Clients on CNN, NBC and Fox Without Spending a Dollar on Ads | Cheryl Hunter - Founder of Magnify Your Message 02.07.2026 11min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Cheryl Hunter, founder of Magnify Your Message and renowned media strategist, shares what it takes to earn credibility and land major media opportunities without relying on paid advertising. She explains why effective communication depends as much on the messenger as the message, how to tailor your expertise for different audiences and platforms, and why building genuine relationships with media gatekeepers before you need them creates long-term opportunities. Cheryl also discusses the importance of embracing feedback, refining your message through continuous iteration, and positioning yourself as a trusted resource to build influence, authority, and lasting credibility. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/O2cQkNckddI  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cheryl-hunter-best-selling-author-and-resilience/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4TlnOs4MNV5MQcXx3kopGT  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Jon Ostenson - FranBridge CEO & Author of Non-Food Franchising | Why Smart People Buy Franchises Instead of Starting Companies 28.06.2026 1h 23min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Jon Ostenson is the CEO of FranBridge Consulting and author of *Non-Food Franchising*, where he has established himself as a leading voice in the franchise industry. Drawing on his background as a former Inc. 500 franchisee and multi-brand franchise owner, Jon helps executives, entrepreneurs, and investors explore non-food franchise opportunities as a smarter alternative to building a business from scratch. Through FranBridge, he has guided hundreds of clients toward franchise investments that offer proven systems, reduced risk, and scalable growth — making the case that for smart, driven professionals, buying into a franchise is often a more strategic path than starting a company independently. ➡️ Show Links https://x.com/Jon_Ostenson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - dell.com/dell-pro  AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) Plaud – https://plaud.ai/success (Code: SUCCESS for up to 17% off now for the Plaud device, limited discounts exclusively for Prime Day) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:59 – Jon Ostenson's Origin Story 06:35 – How He Discovered Franchising 11:55 – How to Pick a Winning Franchise 17:48 – Are You Built for Franchising? 19:59 – Alternatives to Starting a Business 26:17 – Franchise Red Flags to Avoid 28:35 – Sponsor Break 33:29 – Why Franchising Is AI-Proof 36:19 – Franchising in Fast-Changing Industries 39:28 – How to Build a Franchise That Scales 46:02 – What Makes a Great Franchise? 51:28 – How to Succeed as a Franchise Owner 52:54 – Sponsor Break 57:06 – Why 10X5 Failed 1:03:49 – Designing the Life You Actually Want 1:06:27 – Why Most People Never Take the First Step 1:12:29 – Escaping the 9-to-5 Through Franchising 1:16:38 – Jon's 5 F's of Life 1:20:55 – The Biggest Lessons Franchising Taught Him 1:22:26 – The Advice He'd Give His Kids
• Lessons - The 2x Exited Founder on Why Most Business Coaching Is a Waste of Money | Polina Groman - Co-Founder of The Social Club 27.06.2026 12min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Polina Groman, 2x exited founder and Co-Founder of The Social Club, shares why trust, real results, and authentic relationships outperform traditional sales tactics when building a coaching or service business. She explains how experience-driven offers create stronger client connections, why delivering value before making an offer leads to significantly higher conversions, and how social proof is earned through transformation rather than marketing. Polina also explores how entrepreneurs can build a scalable business model that reduces burnout, increases recurring revenue, and gives them the freedom to grow without creating another full-time job for themselves. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/-AfpW3kfC8w  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/polina-groman-co-founder-of-the-social-club/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KKy0IonUtlw6DMuvflC4m  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Lessons - She Built the altMBA With Seth Godin Then Raised $25M to Reinvent Online Learning | Wes Kao - Maven Co-Founder (Backed by a16z) 27.06.2026 9min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Wes Kao, co-founder of Maven, explores why learning by doing is far more effective than passively consuming information when it comes to developing real-world skills. She explains how cohort-based learning combines accountability, community, and hands-on practice to accelerate growth, why proof of work is becoming more valuable than traditional credentials, and how learning directly from experienced operators can provide practical insights that academia often can't. Wes also shares why execution, consistent feedback, and investing in your own development are essential for building the skills needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing career landscape. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/DY4r-GqZzlk  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wes-kao-marketing-executive-entrepreneur-and-advisor/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hRuTuIOzZaInOuDmZ5DZ0  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary
• Mark Pincus - Zynga Founder | What 10 Years of Failure Really Looks Like Before a $7B Exit 25.06.2026 1h 32min

  ➡️ Join 321,000 people who read my free weekly newsletter: https://newsletter.scottdclary.com ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory Mark Pincus is the founder and former CEO of Zynga, the social gaming company behind iconic titles like FarmVille, Words With Friends, and Zynga Poker. Before building Zynga into a gaming empire that reached a $7 billion valuation at its 2011 IPO, Pincus spent over a decade navigating a series of ventures that never quite broke through — including Freeloader, an early internet content aggregator, and Tribe.net, a social networking platform that predated Facebook but failed to gain lasting traction. Rather than stepping back from entrepreneurship after each setback, Pincus treated every failure as a forcing function, sharpening his instincts around product-market fit, viral growth mechanics, and monetization — insights he would later weaponize at Zynga to pioneer the free-to-play model at massive scale. His story is a testament to the compounding value of persistence: the decade of misfires wasn't wasted time, but the education that made a billion-dollar outcome possible. ➡️ Show Links https://www.instagram.com/markpincus/  https://x.com/markpinc https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpincus/  ➡️ Podcast Sponsors Hubspot - https://hubspot.com/   Huel - https://huel.com/scott (Code: scott) Odoo – https://www.odoo.com  NetSuite - https://netsuite.com/scottclary/  Indeed - https://indeed.com/clary Framer - https://framer.com/design (Code: SuccessStory) LinkedIn Ads - https://linkedin.com/scottclary  Priori - https://priori.life/  Mars Men - https://mengotomars.com/  Upwork - https://upwork.com/  Xero - https://www.xero.com  Dell - dell.com/dell-pro  AutoPilot - https://www.joinautopilot.com/landing  Cohesity - https://www.cohesity.com/datacloud  Amp - https://amp.ai (Code: successstory) Whatnot - https://www.whatnot.com/ Monarch - https://www.monarch.com/ (Code: success) Hostinger - https://www.hostinger.com/success (Code: success) Cash App - https://cash.app/ (Code: cashapp10) MyFitnessPal - https://podcasts.myfitnesspal.com (Code: SCOTT) ➡️ Talking Points 00:00 – Intro 04:56 – The Danger of Being "Almost Great" 07:48 – Are You Stuck at B+? 19:22 – Why Entrepreneurs Shouldn't Accept Failure 28:42 – Why Zynga Won & Tribe Didn't 33:50 – Sponsor Break 38:43 – Why Virality Isn't a Business 50:56 – When Legacy Companies Ignore the Signals 1:02:00 – Sponsor Break 1:05:45 – The Founder Skill That Changes Everything 1:10:16 – Navigating Life as an Entrepreneur 1:26:01 – The Biggest Lesson from Mark's Book 1:31:17 – The One Lesson Mark Wants to Pass On
• Lessons - The Hidden Machine Behind US Foreign Policy | Eli Clifton - Investigative Journalist 23.06.2026 11min

  ➡️ Like The Podcast? Leave A Rating: https://ratethispodcast.com/successstory   In this "Lessons" episode, Eli Clifton, co-founder of the Quincy Institute and investigative journalist, explains how think tanks shape public policy and why greater transparency is essential in the policymaking process. He explores how funding from corporations and foreign governments can quietly influence policy debates, why conflicts of interest often go undisclosed, and how these dynamics can narrow the range of ideas presented to decision-makers. Eli also shares how investigative journalism uncovers hidden incentives behind major foreign policy decisions, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that influence government actions and public discourse. ➡️ Show Links https://successstorypodcast.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/aGlfOYorycE  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eli-clifton-senior-advisor-investigative-journalist/id1484783544  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eYtQMVxYuryAplxHgr1jY  ➡️ Watch the Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/scottdclary