Donald Thompson isn't just the Board Chair of Walk West-he's a masterclass in how to scale yourself across multiple ventures without burning out. In this episode, we dive into his journey from selling Jolly Ranchers in fifth grade (and getting suspended for it) to leading a global consulting practice, coaching executives, investing in entertainment talent, and still finding time to catch Duke basketball games once in awhile.

Donald breaks down the real secret to entrepreneurship: it's not about having the best idea—it's about building the best team. We talk about the hard lessons of delegation, why keeping your promises is the ultimate career hack, and how to vet people you're thinking about hiring (hint: make them demonstrate their skills first).

He also shares why "find great people and let them shine" is his entire business philosophy, how your personal brand becomes your most valuable asset, and the one book he rereads every other year that shapes how he thinks and leads. If you've ever wondered how successful people manage to do it all, this conversation is your blueprint.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Book: Underestimated: A CEO’s Unlikely Path to Success
• Connect with Donald: linkedin.com/in/donaldthompson
• Donald's website: donaldthompson.com
• Walk West: walkwest.com

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• Email story ideas to AllUpInYourBusinessPod@gmail.com
• Follow / DM on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allupinyourbusinesspod
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AllUpInYourBusinessPod

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In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Jacoby (KJ), the powerhouse behind Social to Social and a full-time real estate agent crushing it in Raleigh. KJ opens up about her journey from playing D1 field hockey to building a thriving real estate career while still in college, and her brave move to Raleigh in 2023 that changed everything.

We dive deep into the real story behind Social to Social - how a viral TikTok turned into 27 events in just 7 months, bringing thousands of people together in the Raleigh community. KJ gets vulnerable about battling depression during her first eight months in Raleigh, dealing with online hate, and why she vlogs her life.

From sauna epiphanies to champagne tower disasters, KJ shares the unfiltered truth about building a business from scratch with zero event planning experience. If you've ever felt stuck overthinking your business idea or wondered how to make real friends as an adult in a new city, this episode is for you.

Kristen Jacoby (KJ):

• Instagram: @kristennjacoby (her personal/real estate account)
• TikTok: @kj

Social to Social Events:

• Instagram: @socials.social (main account - she notes this is the ONLY official account, all others are fake)

Support the show

🔗 My Links:

• Email story ideas to AllUpInYourBusinessPod@gmail.com
• Follow / DM on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allupinyourbusinesspod
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AllUpInYourBusinessPod

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It is nonprofit week! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Heather Thompson. She’s the Vice President of the Realtor Giving Network (RGN), but honestly, she’s more of a professional gap-filler for our community. Heather is here to debunk the "nonprofit myth" and show how Raleigh Realtors are doing way more than just closing deals - they’re out here furnishing homes for families, saving women and children in need, and hauling AC units and space heaters to seniors.. It’s a raw, heart-on-your-sleeve conversation about why philanthropy is basically just a "marketplace for love" and why a wicker dollhouse might be the most meaningful thing in the room.

The Top 4 Things

• Nonprofits are Real Businesses: Heather breaks down why working for a nonprofit isn't just "sweet charity" work-it’s a professional sector that employs 10% of the US workforce.
• The "Unrestricted" Gold Mine: We talk about why "unrestricted funds" are the liquid gold of the nonprofit world, allowing organizations to actually pay the light bill and handle emergency needs.
• Home Security & Survival: A heavy but necessary look at the reality of transitional housing, including why lamps have to be next to doors and why a simple rubber-tipped stick is a vital safety tool for mothers in crisis.
• The Realtor Power: How 10,000 local realtors have turned into an emergency response team that delivers window AC units to seniors within 24 hours of a call for help.

Resources

• Realtor Giving Network Website: www.rrarrgivingnetwork.org
• Other nonprofits mentioned:
  • The Green Chair Project: https://www.thegreenchair.org/
  • The Women’s Center:https://www.womenscenterraleigh.org/
  • Oak City Cares: https://oakcitycares.org/
  • CASA (Kings Ridge): https://www.casanc.org/
  • The Hope Center at Pullen: https://hopecenteratpullen.org/

Support the show

🔗 My Links:

• Email story ideas to AllUpInYourBusinessPod@gmail.com
• Follow / DM on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allupinyourbusinesspod
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@AllUpInYourBusinessPod

Become a Supporter of the show for as little as $3 and get exclusive access to shows early, special interviews, and updates from guests! Support the show here