Let’s be honest—growth isn’t always glamorous. In this episode, I tackle a raw and real truth about leadership, entrepreneurship, and building anything worthwhile: it’s going to suck sometimes. Whether you’re transitioning into a leadership role, breaking out of a corporate rut, or chasing a dream that feels just out of reach, the path forward will require more grit than glamor.

I share my take on why most people stay stuck at the same level year after year, and how those who break through are the ones willing to get uncomfortable, take a step back, and put in the work that no one sees. This one’s a wake-up call for anyone looking to lead, grow, and truly level up in life and business.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:37] - Why we require leaders to start in the trenches

[1:15] - The myth of only doing what you “enjoy”

[2:20] - You want to lead? Prove you’re willing to do the work

[2:56] - Most people aren’t built for entrepreneurship—and that’s okay

[3:33] - In business, you are the player and the coach

[4:20] - Why you haven’t broken through yet: ego and resistance to discomfort

[5:09] - The truth about what it takes to be in the top 1%

[5:47] - Read Ego Is the Enemy, and embrace the long road

[6:01] - Show up, do the hard thing, and keep doing it—for a decade

Key Takeaways

1. Leadership begins with service – True leaders must first prove they’re willing to do the work they expect from others.

2. Success demands sacrifice – If you’re not willing to “embrace the suck,” you’ll never earn the results you want.

3. Ego is the biggest barrier to growth – Set it aside, take the long road, and stay in it longer than everyone else.

Links & Resources

• Recommended reading: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

• Follow me on social media for more insights and updates

If this episode challenged or inspired you, make sure to rate, follow, and share the podcast. I’m here to help you build something real—and that starts with doing the hard things most won’t.

Have you ever had the rug pulled out from under you—career gone, future uncertain, and fear knocking louder than ever? In this episode, I dive deep into a recent story from a friend who faced exactly that—and how it’s often in these moments of crisis that our biggest opportunities emerge. I share my own personal journey from getting fired to building a multi-million dollar business, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference.

If you’re feeling the pressure, uncertain about your future, or just need a boost of motivation to bet on yourself, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through practical strategies for building financial resilience, reframing failure, and staying committed when the excitement of entrepreneurship fades and the real work begins.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - Introduction

[0:37] - When life pulls the rug out: a friend’s job loss sparks a major turning point

[1:15] - Why I told him this was the best thing that could’ve happened

[2:49] - Turning fear into fuel: the hidden opportunity in adversity

[4:01] - How to create financial stability in uncertain times

[5:17] - Real talk on business ownership, risk, and responsibility

[6:52] - My story: from losing $140K in commissions to building a $12M company

[7:52] - Why most people quit and how to stay in the game

[9:35] - Success is lonely: what it really takes to push through the hard seasons

[11:11] - Winners don’t quit—they just stick with it longer than everyone else

[12:15] - The choice: forge your own path or go back to safety?

Key Takeaways

1. Adversity can be your biggest advantage – It all depends on your perspective and your willingness to embrace discomfort and bet on yourself.

2. Financial preparation creates freedom – Securing lines of credit, leveraging assets, and managing expenses can give you the runway to grow your business.

3. Commitment outlasts talent – Most people fail not because they aren’t capable, but because they quit too early. Stay the course, even when it’s hard.

If this episode hit home for you, don’t forget to rate, follow, and share the show. Every listen helps us keep bringing you real stories and practical advice to help turn your properties—and your life—into profit.

Hey guys, Michael here! In this episode of the Properties to Profits podcast, I’m opening up about a recent (and painful) lesson we learned at my company, Oasis Home Buyers. We’re talking about the hidden costs of a bad hire and how one wrong fit can ripple through your business in ways you might not expect. From team morale to public reputation to lost time and money, I’m breaking down the real impact—and more importantly, how we’re improving our hiring process to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur building your own team or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a fast-growing real estate business, this episode is packed with insights you can apply. Stick around to hear how we’re doubling down on alignment, culture, and building a resilient team that can scale and succeed.

Timeline Summary

[0:00] - The story behind our first one-star Glassdoor review

[2:55] - Lessons learned from hiring misalignment and turnover

[5:29] - The emotional and financial toll of a bad hire

[6:35] - Our revamped hiring framework for alignment, not just talent

[9:57] - Red flags to watch for in the first 30–90 days

[11:10] - Why one bad review doesn’t define your business

[12:17] - How to bounce back, improve, and keep moving forward

3 Key Takeaways

1. Hire for alignment, not just talent — Skills can be taught, but shared values and work ethic are non-negotiable.

2. Act fast on red flags — A bad hire drains morale, time, and money; address misalignment early and decisively.

3. Failure is fuel for improvement — Mistakes and criticism are part of growth—learn, adjust, and keep building better.

Links & Resources

• Connect with me on social media: realestatemike02

Closing Remark

Thanks for tuning in, friends! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, follow, and share the podcast—it helps us reach more people who want to turn properties into profits. And don’t forget to leave a review; I’d love to hear what you think! Until next time, keep pushing forward and building your dreams.