Authority and Lead Generation LinkedIn Master Class with Adrian Lea: EP 7

Authority and Lead Generation LinkedIn Master Class with Adrian Lea

Join us for this episode of this season's Business Growth Mindset featuring the Authority and Lead Generation LinkedIn Master, Adrian Lea.

Adrian Lea is a country boy who's made it big in business with a proprietary LinkedIn system with his company, Growthlink.

People would say he’s fitness obsessed and a champion of others. However, Adrian loves to see people win on LinkedIn with their profile.

He loves to keep things simple for his clients by systemising lead generation and authority building.

Growthlink focusses on 1 thing, LinkedIn authority and leads without advertising.

In this episode, Kristian asks the hard questions:
What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your role/business/project right now and how are you tackling it?

What should I ask you that I don’t know enough to ask?

Tell me about a customer that was inspiring or touched your heart and tell me about a customer that changed your business.

What’s your biggest failure and what did you learn from that experience?

If you could turn back the time and talk to your 18-year-old self, what would you tell them?

Then we have some fun with 5 questions in 5 minutes! 🤣

Adrian's Book Recommendation 📚

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Connect with Adrian here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/health-fitness-nutrition-coach/

Growthlink: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaway/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adrian.lea.3

Thank you for listening, if you enjoyed the episode, please rate the show and write a review that shares with others what you enjoyed the most.

We love hearing from you so please drop us an email hello@kristianlivolsi.com.au

Don't forget to Subscribe to this channel for updates and future podcasts!

If you have any questions about today's podcast or want to get in touch send me a message or book a call here https://businessgrowthmindset.com/

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Transcript

0:12

Welcome to another episode of Business Growth Mindset podcast series number three. I'm your host, Kristen Wolsey. And I'm incredibly excited to welcome our guest, my friend and business partner, Adrian Lee on the show today, Adrienne, welcome, Christian. I'm super excited to be here. And I just want to say, I've actually sat in your seat before. Hilarious in it, like stood in my seat. I've actually sat in it. I've stood in it, though. Yes, no base. That's right. I'll see. I reckon you've sat in my chair. But look, it's really good to see you. I mean, obviously, we talk a lot. Thank you for joining me and, and all of our wonderful audience. Why don't we dive straight into it? Right? Because we've had a little unfair conversation. But I think let's, let's give our listeners some insight and value. Agent, why don't you tell us a little bit about you from the perspective of where you've come from and where you are today. So great question, Christian. I'm a country boy from Shepherd and Victoria. So I grew up in the country. And I decided when I was about 24, so I'm 30. I'm 39 this year, crazy. So 24 decided to move to the big country, from a sorry, from the country shepherd in to Melbourne, to reboot my life of success, and really find myself because there wasn't very much opportunity in Shepparton. And I've always been quite outgoing, working in hospitality, being in person personal trainer, doing a few jobs germane to like, online, sorry, in person, personal training, hospitality, love that construction, building, like those types of jobs. And I was really trying to find myself but the one thing that really stuck was the fitness. And so I moved to Melbourne got into, redid my certification again, at fitness, first in QV, which is in the city of Melbourne. And then I was just like, Hmm, I want to get more into this. So I was then doing in person versus training. And then I was doing some hospitality work. And then I got into construction. So kind of all mixed together. So I was doing everything at once. And long story short, is I'd been in Melbourne for about five years, and my dad passed away. And that was the turning point for me. I think it really shifted something inside of me that I wanted to start finding my purpose, figuring out what was actually the work that I was put on this earth to do. I believe that we're here to serve, right, like, you're you're a big fan of that, like serving and leaving the purpose is the work, it's doing the work. Because that's what helps you be more fulfilled in life. Anyway, so when dad passed away, I went through all the motions, and I decided, You know what, I'm just going to quit my job. I was gonna quit my job, and go out and use the connections that I had in the construction industry, and go and, and connect with people on LinkedIn, and start doing some in person group training for corporates. So I did that. And I found my way. During that time, I learned a lot about business. And I spent about a year doing that. And I decided, You know what, I'm gonna go back to work. So I went back to work because I ran out of money. Yeah, but it also had long service leave that I was almost ready to collect. So I went back to work, and I hired two coaches. One of them was Craig Valentine. The other one was Christie Fey. And they both helped me understand the big world of digital marketing, and how to build a business online. So in literally six months, I went back out. So I got to work, built an online program, focused on one platform, LinkedIn, and then built out the strategy from that. So basically, I quit my full time job in the construction industry, started in online fitness, built out a system that builds authority, credibility and generates leads without paid ads, by the way, just sort of add that little bit in that Yeah. And other people started to see what I was doing. So they were like, Oh, what do you what do you do with this LinkedIn looks like you doing some stuff doing well, or whatever. And then people started to come to us for coaching consulting. So that's how it evolved over time. So I built my first business, which was leeway fitness to six figures. And then use that to start a family. Right. So my wife, who was a school teacher didn't have to work. So that we could have a family with our little boy Charlie's two now. And then I could evolve from that. So that was where that journey started. And then, during that journey, you and I started working together. And then out of necessity, we built out an outsourcing company called growth, outsource. And that's how the journey evolved as an entrepreneur. And now, you know, we've built some have built a great partnership with one of our clients, Holly Smith. And now I'm part I guess, a partner in best fit her business as well. And I've still got I'm still, you know, you won't take the fitness out of Adrienne. Always got to be flexing, always flexing, let's put those that's that's the entrepreneur journey. And it's been, it's been probably more lows than highs. Yeah, look, it's really interesting, because I think you've, you've cut out about 80%. Of, of the, of the whole story in that, because it's a very long journey. I mean, you know, it's 15 years, right, you know, and I know for a fact that, you know, your dad passing away 29 left a very big hole in your life. And, you know, you still support and help your mom today. So it's not just about L and Charlie, and by the way, Charlie's absolutely gorgeous. Blondie. He's beautiful, wise. So, you know, I know that you're building a future for your family. And yes, you know, Adrienne, and I, I actually engaged Adrian to teach me the dark arts of LinkedIn. And from there, we became good mates and decided that, you know, I would be coaching him on his business and advising him on his growth, and that's called growth link. And, and then we, by absolute necessity, found that it was time for us to start a, a significantly large outsourcing business that is growing, what, 20% month on month and and the reason that growth is so phenomenal, Adrian, is because you really have built a system that is second to none, in terms of building authority, and driving leads for not only the growing customers, but also the growth outsource customers. So I think let's, let's not, you know, be overly humble in your explanation. But you also had built a very successful online fitness business. I mean, one of your videos, we were only just doing an audit of your account, one of your videos, which is one of your favorite videos that we fitness for Anytime Fitness or somewhere, doing some bench pressing exercise, what to get 120 727,000 views the other day on LinkedIn. Yeah, like, you know, for shits and giggles, that's kind of, you know, you still put it out there. So I think, yeah, let's not undervalue what you do. But let me ask you another question. What's the biggest challenge that you're facing in your business right now? And how are you tackling? That is an epic question. Yes. It is leveraging Adrian Lee. It's being able to step out of growth link, focus more on like, growing the business and scaling it, but also hiring the right people that we already know, love and trust that are already in our ecosystem. So that's, that's probably the biggest challenge right now. And it's something that you and I are working on together. Yeah. And I just want to highlight something that when you work with people, like really good mentors, like really good, like usual, so like, when I say wet, like really good, you know how, like, you find a gym. Yeah. And not they're not just the gym at what they do like as in the skills and the mindset that they have to be able to look at your business. There's something that really comes to mind for me right now. out, and is that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, right? Yeah, it's it's really. So here's the thing. You are someone who absolutely cares about people. This is not about how good I am. No, no, but no, but they need to hear this. Yeah. Because dirt you've had the highs and highs of business, and the lows and lows. And you've had and sold multiple businesses. Right? So the multiple actually, right? Yes. And I've also lost a few in the in the pipeline. But yeah, no, I appreciate what you're saying. But but the point is, is that you genuinely care. And you are really freaking amazing at what you do. Thank you. You're making me blush. No, but serious. And I, I'm not, I'm there's no strips here. This is in the moment, you actually have caught me by surprise. I'm not one for compliments. So thanks very much for doing it on my podcast. No, people need to hear. Because I've I've worked with you for a period of time. Now. Yes, you are one smart cookie that gives two apps about people. I think you know what I will accept that compliment what you what you're summed up, I actually love what I do. Right. And I don't know, if I'm, I don't know, if there's a genius there. You know, it's nice hearing it. But I love what I do. And more importantly, I love doing it for people that love what I do. And that's what makes my relationship with you and all my clients so enjoyable. Because I get given that opportunity to live vicariously in a business that I wouldn't otherwise run or own. And I do care, I care a lot I treat your money like it's mine. And, and more importantly, I'm probably treated better. Because I'm less, I'm more risk averse with your money. But you know, I do appreciate you saying that Adrienne, and particularly surprising me on the podcast, and anyone that's watching the YouTube trailer or whatever it might be. I am I was actually blushing. I don't take compliments very well, because I don't really have a job. You know, I love what I do. And, and I know that, you know, for Adrian, it's it's been all something you know, we've we've we've done an incredible amount of pivoting to position your business now where it is, but at the same time, as we were discussing in our coaching call yesterday when our advisory call yesterday. You know, one of the biggest things that we've done with you also affects our clients everywhere. So, you know, I think winning is about a win win. That's what you hear me talk about a lot. Yeah. And I think that's what I'm really most proud about. And you're right, it's nice to hear someone say, I really care. And because I know what it's like to be alone. I know what it's like to lose. And more importantly, I also know what it's like to get shit advice. So I you know, I do my very best for you and the others. And, and I love it. I love it. I could, as I said it's, I've, I've got the best. I've got the best job in the world. That's not a job. So tell me though, how are we tackling or how you tackle the challenge of leveraging Adrian Lee you touched on on Holly Holly's been on the podcast too. On this series. She's She's Superwoman. 22 years old running, you know, an exceptionally good business about to launch her her book 30 days to happiness. I mean, we were both so proud of her right she's she's a youngest, too, right? Yeah, like she's definitely my youngest client. And and you know, and it was someone that had worked with you in the past and you said to the group Christian you really I know this is beneath your paygrade I think you said to me, but you really need to look and and do something and it was the best decision I made she has been one of those amazing people that you love working with she puts in so much effort and it's been amazing. So you brought on Holly in your team because you're growing you're about to bring someone else in in your team you built an accelerator program for our outsource their business but how you over how are you really leveraging Adrian Lee in this growth phase that you have been gathering? That's really important. Yeah, so like, I think like right now it is one thing that you've taught me is that I without liking it in myself, I can try and please everyone. And when you try and please everyone you PLEASE NO ONE and you've really helped me to value myself Are you on LinkedIn at the moment? Now? Why? Did you hear that breaking news? Oh, that's the scored. Focus. Remember 100% Focus, you and your you and your mastermind group. I love it. So you go nuts. There you go, it's off. Otherwise, that will just I can just imagine everything in that podcast is ending. No, we've just started back to it. So, yeah, in terms of leveraging you, it's leveraging me and it's like any business owner goes through it is. Can the other person do the work better than I can? And their answer is, yes, they can. Because once you can get over your own, like, I guess anchors and blocks that hold you back, and you systemize start Systemising things, then, and you value yourself, which means that just recently, you've told me this actually, you've told me this a million times. I'm scared of what you're gonna say. Adrian. Dirt? Who does your eyebrows for you? I say that to you all the time. No. But seriously, dude, you need it. You need your to cheat the words you use you to cheat you need to put your price up. Yeah, you use this marking. Bloody now tell you that? Well, here's the thing you gave me, you advised me to make shifts in my model? And I did. So this was one over six months ago? I did, then you advise me to do it again. And I did it. And now just recently, you advise me to do again. And I did it. And I've had three sales calls with two closes in a day with the new model with the new pricing model. And here's the kicker is, it was easy, simply because of the belief that you that you inspired me to look within to bring to the world. And now I really value what I do. You You're one of the best people in the world at what you do. I mean, let's not undervalue the fact that you have clients in four or five countries at the moment. Right? You and they're all getting incredible results. Maybe we should actually just people probably thinking what does this guy do? So why don't we just talk a little bit about growth growth link? Primarily, which is your business? Why don't you tell people a little bit about what you actually do? I know you've touched on it. It's Authority building and lead generation on LinkedIn. But I think you also touched on the fact that it's using zero avatars. Okay, yeah. So there's another one of your things going off. That's something that has to be because I'm on d&d. It's, I don't have anything on no social medias right? Up. All right, I'm always teaching Adrian to stay focused. And then at the moment, so far, he's doing all right. Normally, he's already itching to go and do stuff, right. We've only seen one Muscle Flex for now. Oh, and I think we could keep it there. It's G rated. So Andrew, tell us a little bit about the groupthink model. What do you actually do? Alright, so the the results that a lot of our clients come so a lot of our clients that coaches and consultants, like thought leaders, we get a lot of people looking to transition their careers from Navy full time work, like, like, you know, I did in the beginning, and, and build like a side hustle or an online business. Right. So we get like, we get those types of people could be like, for example, CEOs that are wanting to build their, their brand, and their their personal profile on LinkedIn to get more exposure. What we're finding is a lot of CEOs are out in there, you know, going to events and at that's their business card. Are you on LinkedIn. Yeah. Great. We'll connect. That's what they're using as their business card. And I'm not talking like, like small business. I'm talking like, big business. Yeah. Like that. Is your your online card. Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Great. Oh, don't sorry, don't go to my LinkedIn profile looks horrendous. It's like, so that's what we're doing. We're helping business owners, coaches, consultants, CEOs build their personal brand on LinkedIn. And for the right people that are wanting to grow their business, we teach him our LinkedIn proprietary blend, which is blend strategy. Sounds like a coffee? Because actually, I did have a call right now. Hey, Tracy, wherever you are I repeat a coffee. Yeah, so for me, of course, but I think the biggest thing here is that we're teaching people how to build a business, and use LinkedIn as a platform to do so. Right. So it's all the other things. It is, one, it's optimizing their profile, it's creating high value, shareable content that gets people to know love and trust you, then you're having a conversation with people every day. And then you're nurturing people through your content and through your email. And then you're using other platforms to omni channel or multi channel, the exposure that you have. But you keep the main thing, the main thing, which is LinkedIn is, is a, an amazing platform, it's going through an a golden age algorithm, which simply means that you can post content consistently, if you know what types of content to post to get massive exposure on the platform. And then use you write the brand of you, the human that people do business with. And then they do business with the company. Right? So you're building your personal brand, and people getting to know you. And then you're indoctrinating people into how you do business, and how you think, and what your marketing messages are. And when you're educating, right, and I think what's really cool for people to understand is that both Adrian and I and hundreds of other customers are using this one platform to generate almost 80% of our income. In my case, in my case, it's almost 100%. But it is it's formidable. It's amazing. I mean, agent just just for our audience, how many followers have you got on LinkedIn? Followers? Almost 40,000? Yeah, there you go. And you're averaging how many views a week. views per week. And these these are real people views like not some vanity metric of just engagement. This is pure, just individual people visiting Adrian's content and profiles. Average views per week is about 50,000. No, when you mean, as in average, like some posts go, like Mega viral? Like 120 130. You've got others that are like the 20s. But the average, most posts go between like 10 and 20,000. So maybe a bit more maybe up towards the 70 or 80. Yeah, pretty sure we did the audit because the 8500. And by Amazon, what 65 70,000? Yeah. And and I just want to make this super clear for the for your audience, Christian, is that those metrics are great. But what we care about, or what I care about, as a business owner, is, how many leads Am I getting every day? And how many clients Am I getting every week? Right? Right. That's it. How many leads that daily? And we're tracking it? How many qualified people and people that we're working with on a weekly and a monthly basis? So yes, the content has its place that does the heavy lifting, and the views and the comments and all that have their place? Because they're building credibility. They're building trust in the marketplace. And some people just like, the views, how do I get more followers? And it's like, okay, great. But how can we do everything together? Yeah, well, I think the system is understanding your niche market, understand who you want to be connected to building meaningful relationships to the wonderful thing and for the benefit of everyone. The reason why I really decided that I needed Adrian to be my business partner, and in a way we were heading was because we both have two very good views on things and they are slightly different. And you just heard it here on the podcast today. I'm all about brand equity. Okay, Adrian is all about that lead gen side. And so when we bring those two together, it's created this incredible harmony for our clients because we've got, you know, as you said, there are some amazing there's a couple of people that run billion dollar companies on our portfolio. And, you know, they, they're in a purely for grant, they already have plenty of lead flow, but they want to finally stretch out. There are other clients who run, you know, four or $5 million businesses who also just want to build their authority, because they're publishing books or doing other things. And then there is even the smaller client, you know, the barely, you know, five figure a month, or even four figure, a month client, you know, just starting out, you know, three $4,000 a month business, who then says, No, I really need more leads, and they've got a low ticket, and they can come in and, and so that or even a high ticket. So it is an amazing system. Now, what I want to do is I want to move away from that for a second. If, what would I ask you? Right, that I don't know enough to ask? Oh, I know a lot. So this is a really tough one for you. So what should I ask you? That? I don't know enough to ask? You that isn't an ethic question. I stole that from another podcast. I don't remember which one. But I love the question, because everyone had the same look on your face than you do. who's like, oh, shit, how do I answer that question? What was life like growing up as a fat country boy? Okay, so what was life? Like growing up as a fat Tshabalala over in that shit? will be pretty good, actually. Yeah, it was it was actually pretty good. So growing up with older parents, one having I guess. Stories from mom and dad side that kind of haunted me for a lot of years. So for me, obviously, I was when I was younger, I was quite overweight. I was I didn't do very well at school. I couldn't think clearly. I was like, quite depressed, to be honest. And it was when I look back at at it today. I look at all the the habits that I had in my life that really held me back. Like, the food that I was eating the the exercise that I was doing, I wasn't doing my habits of going out, you know, all the time drinking and taking drugs and things like that. Don't really refer you to drugs. Yeah, there you go. There's some harsh like marijuana. Hi, I'm disgusted. Adrienne, with my friends. Yeah. Now you tell me you even have friends? Yeah, of course. But yeah, I was I was I always wanted to be light. Right, growing up. And hey, what do you what do you mean, that hasn't changed? Yeah, different now. Because I'm the person I am. Yes. But like, I think the early stages of growing up with a mum who was suicidal almost every week, watching her, you know, try and like speaking to a young, like a kid 1414 1516 Like her trying to ask me whether, you know, should I continue life on an ongoing basis. So and then my dad who lost his wife, and his son in a car accident, and watching him drink in the early days, and come home drunk, cops pull up in the driveway because he was drunk, drunk driving him trying to deal with his the story that evolved in his real life. And then passing that on, like, to me and watching, you know, him coming home, yelling and carrying on and drinking and smoking and all sorts of stuff. You know. And then for me, the one thing that really, I guess, shifted how I looked at my life and where it was going, was that dad had a really good work ethic. And no matter what he did the night before, he would always get up and he would be so happy to go and build a home for someone. Yeah, great work ethic, that work ethic. He conditioned into me. So growing up since I was 1617. I've always had work to pay my way. If I wanted something, I had to work for it. Yeah, it's interesting. It's sure I never asked that question. I didn't realize that. You'd been through those Some kinds of difficulties. Yeah, it's true, you you have an exceptional work ethic. I mean, I still give you shit about your work. But the thing is, you also, it explains why you're all about balance. And also making sure that you know, you spend quality time with L and Charlie. You know, on the recent trip to Adelaide, you know, you bought the whole family with you. You know, unfortunately, my family got COVID. So I got to see you on my first day out in jail, and then you were leaving. So, you know, but you are a big family man. And I think that I think the lesson there is that our trials and tribulations, our paths, the things that we go through the adversity, it's sculpts us to take teaches us who we are, and you've got, you know, you've got an opportunity to be a victim or to be a victim. Exactly. You know, our, our, our one of our core values that growth, outsource, when we sat down and did our strategic planning date, you remember, it's a, it's a victim mentality, we do not employee victims, and we do not employ client, we don't engage clients who have a victim mentality, it's, you've got in this because our veterans, both of us, we are your incredible workers, we will do the work. And you will inspire people to do the work. And I think that makes a big difference. So make that was very deep. What I want you to tell me now, because let's let's down the deep part, tell me about a customer that touched your heart and tell me about that customer and how they changed your business and your life. Deep, so I'm making it deeper. All right, so All right. So okay, I think I think it all starts with the early days in when I started getting into the coaching consulting on LinkedIn. And I'd look to this person as like a call them. And I've told this person this before, and I'll mention his name on the podcast, is I caught him like a veteran marketer. Right? Right. He just had a brand and a profile. And I thought, Oh, this dude's like friggin way out of my league. Next minute, I'm speaking with him. And his name's Greg Gillies. Now, Greg Gillies is very much an action taker. Right. And we're gonna have Greg on the podcast, too. So. And the reason why Greg is here, apart from he's a, he's a cool cat. And he's, he's got a beautiful wife and kids. Tracy is awesome, is that he referred me to Christian LLC. He did. That's how we got to, because the irony of that is that Greg and I were working with a really, really, the top like, over in the US, both of us to us is the only two Aziz on the whole program, learning the the Wiser parts of LinkedIn. And yeah, Greg was Greg, I actually engaged Greg to work with me. What's that it's evolved man evolve CEO is the Yeah, and I highly recommend it. I went through it. It was amazing. Sorry, back to your story. Yeah, so. And I think this just highlights the power of your network. And that we can always be looking for, and I'm just going to slightly just go off a bit here, but I'll circle it back around very fast, is that we can always be looking for the new and next best thing. Or, you know, the next client or the or the or the next lead or whatever it is, say on a start, I gotta pause you. Are you telling me that you've learned that the shiny new objects you're not to chase anymore? Yes, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Uh, you know, it took me seven months of sweat and blood, to emphasize to Adrian to stop chasing those shiny objects. And anyone listening if you want to succeed, powerfully succeed. That's step one. stay very focused, when you know what you working, stay focus and double down on it. Not for a job for seven months. This guy drove me nuts. I'm sorry. Now back to yours. Do you want to just repeat that again? Like, okay, I'm sitting here in shock. I drive Christian nuts for about seven months. And it was for good reason. Like I needed it. I needed to experience that and go through that to be able to be where we're at now. But long story short, is that through working with you, and working with like higher level people, you know, we were speaking every week on our coaching on our coaching calls for LinkedIn. And I really got to know you and I It was quite a few was actually quite weird to think about those days actually, compared to two years ago now. And it's like, wow, it's true when you put it like that it was we used to sit there and just talk for hours. And I think I actually just said this, if I can interrupt, I had this brain wave just now like this memory comeback. One of the things that always fascinated you about working with me, was that, how carefree I was, I remember you saying to me, you just don't want to make money. It's like, No, I've got plenty of that. It's more I want to, I want to understand who you are and what you do. And our reverse roles were reversed, you know, like, you were coaching me, and teaching me your system. And at the same time, I can't help myself. So I was sitting there, helping you refine your system. And that's how we built this incredible friendship, because we just learned to trust each other. And, and they are great. It's been it's been rather amazing. So what are you trying to say, is essentially, that, you know, the customer that touched your heart, was Greg Gillies. Because Greg ended up introducing me to you. And I actually think it's true. I mean, if it wasn't, if it wasn't for Greg, you and I wouldn't be talking today. And I certainly wouldn't have the extra success that I've had, because the system does work. And more importantly, I wouldn't have you as a friend in my life. And that means more to me, as you know, then, than any money that we can make. So I think that's amazing. So how did that change your business day? How did it change my business? Yeah. Well, if we can just take back to what we're talking about with Greg and yourself, yeah. It only takes one person to change your life. One, one person to to help you think differently, and have clarity, and focus on what it is that you need to do daily and weekly, and then have that accountability from someone that you as Craig Valentine would say you deeply do not want to disappoint us. Right. And I don't want to disappoint you. That's powerful. Like I've looked, I've, I've worked with people before, but that never stuck until I hit 39 years old. And we started really getting into well, like this is really starting to grow here yet. Because now, yeah. Somewhat nearly fit. I Yeah. So we're just getting on with it. Yeah, August five. Yeah. Fifth of August. Yeah. Yeah. Next year is a big party. Yeah. 14. I think Dan was saying we're going to Vegas. Correct. And Lucy will both kill us. So. But okay, amazing. I love that. I love how you just put that together? Let's, let's find something that you know, you might not be able to relate back to me. What's your biggest failure? And what did you learn from that experience? My biggest failure was not managing money. Okay, talk to us a bit more about it. So I guess over the years, I didn't really understand money. I had a bad relationship with money. Money, for me was always borrowed. So like getting loans and credit cards and things like I really didn't understand money. I just wasn't educated. And I came from a lack of money. Even though I worked to get things, there still was never enough money. Goosebumps Oh, no. Yeah, there's a bit. I know. So I'm not massive. Yeah. It's massive. Yeah. And if you've gone from like, not having enough money in your parents struggling for everything, and you know, you've didn't really understand it, but you just wanted to make yourself feel better by having more money in the account that was borrowed. That was one of my biggest failures was not understanding money. I think I think for our audience benefit, Adrian has been incredibly vulnerable here. And maybe maybe he'll go a little deeper the consequence of your behavior and your decisions and this this was a while ago, so it's, you know, was five, five sec, let's call it five years ago, right? spending more than you're making investing more in achieving more? Let's be real. Yeah. What were the consequences of that? Remember, your podcasts had to sit, they have this Power Pod smile on your face. If you want to share, what were the consequences the consequences were that, well, it affected my family life. My personal life in you know, it was money just really held me back until I started educating myself to learn more about, you know, taxes and basses and profit and losses and things like that, that now, now that I understand what it is, and we've put in place, a solution for that not to happen again. Are we that's never going to happen to you. I can assure you, I give you my word. You know, what we're doing? What we're doing now is, is limitless. But I think what you're, what you're trying to say was a very hard time. You know, you essentially lost everything. Yeah. And you had to at that time, you know, you hadn't had Charlie yet. But you know, it was holding you back from being able to do the things that you wanted to do. And even when we started working together, I think it was one of the first observations I made, didn't it when you were coaching me, and I think I turned around, I said, you don't know how to manage money. Remember, I said that you and you? And you're like, you're such a prick. Anyone that knows me, right? Because I cut straight to the bullshit. You either love me, or you hate me, and I'm cool with both one. I can't be everyone's friend. I don't have enough time in my life. But one thing that I noticed, I thought Adrian was really special. And I saw this person who gives Gibbs Gibbs and that's one of your weaknesses. You give too much. And we've worked on that. But one of the things that I did notice is that yeah, you really struggled with understanding money. You know, even even like, I pulled you I pulled your fingers apart while I was. You were my coach. I just didn't one day what I think what I say is, Adrian, bear out your financials. This is ridiculous. Yeah, you're just like, wow, I want to know how many cards you got. We and I did the numbers like what in 15 minutes? I'm gonna dude. Where's your money going? And you were trying to put a system in place at the time was two years ago. And eventually between owl, right, your wife's like super duper regime. You not only rebuilt yourself, but you ended up freeing yourself from that shackle. I think that's really the story. Because, yeah, there's so many people listening, that might be starting their own business might be at, you know, a nice deep in a lumberyard in the pool, who's wondering how they're going to get out? Well, Adrian is a real success story in this area. Yeah, he listened. You're good advice. I then told him to go and see his accountant who's also one of his mates. They put together a plan. I've taught you I'd be able to teach your bare chested about PAYG. You know, these are things that people take for granted when they're starting businesses. Yeah, especially sole traders. Right? Now. You're a company, there's all these all these things that have transpired. But ultimately, this is all a development plenty. Right? It's a journey. Right? You know, we always say to people, you know, your life is not a destination. You don't just You're not born and then you die. It's all this other shit that happens in the middle. Yeah. And, and I think for you, that's really you've lived a, you're leaving a journey. And I think that's really strong. But tell me what, what was the one thing you learned from that experience? I mean, you've sort of touched on but what is the one thing? What is the one piece of advice you'd give to everyone listening to the show? And it can't be? Get me what is it? Believe within your means. Yeah, but more so now that you understand that is how much more power than Yeah. Very well. I think we had this conversation the other day on the call like, I'm Wait, like, right now I know. Like, you know, this may sound a bit like woowoo or whatever. But one thing that I said to myself through the times of hardship and go went through the challenges and pains. And this is this has been going on for probably eight years now. But I used to say like a daily affirmation. Right, I used to tell myself, even though I didn't, my reality didn't align with what I was saying. I just continue to tell myself that every day and do the simple things. You know, it's the simple things, it's the simple activities that you do daily, that you become better at and you optimize, and then you grow and, you know, leverage yourself and but it's Christian, it's just literally a journey of evolving you. Yep. So he's like that the reason you have to go through something is because there's a better self, like Ed Mallette says, is a better self are waiting for you to go through that. And most people, like I remember, when in the very, very, very first program I did with Chris, was he showed me the energy way I saw the the, what was it the performance curve? And it's like, most people get started and build momentum. And then they fall off. Yeah, if they just continue to just keep pushing through those hard times. And mind you, they're not months, and years. Those years, like, it's also about making the right decisions. To Yeah, there are people that push push a wheelbarrow up a hill, and don't deviate from the path, expecting that they're gonna get to the top of the hill without exhaustion. You know, like, sometimes the easiest part, the more, the more efficient part is to go from site to site up a hill. Right, especially with a heavy load. Right? Yeah, I know all about heavy loads. Very heavy man. And, you know, going up a hill, right? If I go up full steam on a vertical like that, I'm wrecked. Whereas if I work a little bit longer, right, then you find a lot of gold along the way. And I think the problem with you today is that everyone wants to have everything yesterday. Yeah, everyone wants to be in the two comma club. Sorry, Russell, but everyone wants to be in the two comma club within a week. Right? You know, it takes time. You know, getting getting getting your business to five figures is easy. Getting it to six a month. And that's that's how it worked. And then getting it to seven. Is, is rewarding. But then that comes with a whole bunch of different challenges. Yeah. So okay, awesome. If you could turn back the time and talk to your 18 year old self. What would you tell? This is super easy. Take 100% responsibility for everything in your life. Absolutely everything. Take ownership. Don't blame anyone. It's all on you. And when you realize it's all on you, guess who you look at? If something goes wrong in your business, someone cuts you off or something. If your wife doesn't like you, if your friend hates you, for whatever reason, or whatever it is in life. It's on you. Yeah. You know, I keep the money you want. Cool? Well, you know about it. Outstanding. Accidentally. I like the way you put that. So what's the most important thing that you've learned in your life? So, you know, yeah, what was the most important thing you weren't? The most important thing you can't help others until you help yourself first. Okay, that's amazing. That's excellent. And what was your life like before you live that? Was the opposite. Okay, share that a little bit. In other words, I would put helping others first. Out of my own time, or out of my own wallet or whatever it is, right. I would sacrifice in order to help someone else. But at the end of the day, I wasn't helping from the right place. So for me, it was I was helping people for what I would get in return. Right not giving from genuine heart. Yeah. Okay, so when you learned that, and you started giving abundantly, an open heart, what was life like after that? I felt more fulfilled. And I just felt as though, you know if today was the last day where I'd be happy with how my life is, yeah. Regardless, Money comes and goes. Right, Money comes and goes sadboys forever. Yeah, but also, pad was the other day. But Money comes to me freely, abundantly like, like, it comes and goes. And, you know, for example, I think this is super important to share Christian is that one of our team members for growth outsourced, had a horrific accident with a family. This, we won't go into the details. But together, we all pitched in to help the person whilst they were taking time out to recover. Financially, yeah, financially. Yeah. And it's made a significant difference to her recovery and, and her family. So we, you know, it is a it's a beautiful story. But you know, that that was a company wide initiative initiated by our people, you know, they came to us only at the end when they'd already done it. And then we did what, we sat there and we said, Sure, we'll match it. All of us went, me you, their leadership team, but me in particular, was okay, whatever you raised will match it dollar for dollar. And, and I think that that's a purpose driven company. Especially, and I appreciate where you come from and explain that. But you know, that's about learning to, to really serve. Yeah. And, and you know, that I have a servant's heart and I love I love taking care of people. But you're right, Adrian, you got to take care of yourself first. Because if you if you're not in control, you can't apps you can't help anyone else. Yeah, like it's that analogy that when you get an aeroplane, yeah, how could you put your mask on first before you put your mask of your child in an emergency, but the reality of it is, you can't help your child if you passed out. Right? So if I remember as a kid, I flew so much I picked the animals up. Why did they say that? Like I, you know, like, it's great for me as a child, but then isn't that on? Earth? Am I not going to put the mask on my chart? And then you wake up and you realize maybe you're gonna help so if we can help others All right, we are almost out of time. So in the tradition of series three, we have the Fast Five in thought. Are you ready? Go. Are you ready? Are you sure? I know. This will make you nervous. No, wait at all. All right. There is going is a warm up session. Makes you feel inspired Adrian fish in the Balti. Oh, stop it. This compliment you have ever received I feel valued. Sorry, no, I feel I value the work that you do. Yeah. Awesome. If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be? motivating people to chase after their big goals and dreams. Awesome. Best book recommendation I know you're a big fan of modeling. So that's okay. How to Win Friends and Influence People. Okay, great. Daniel COVID. Good book. If you could have and there's the last five, five. If you could have a billboard with anything on it. What would it be and why? One thing that comes to mind, get stumped on this question. Okay, it's got to be fast, too. It's actually quite slow at the moment. Yeah. It's remarkably slow by your standards. Yeah. I can assure you we haven't gone off air. He's just thinking and I'm really proud of him. He's thinking it's actually quite funny because People look at me on coaching calls and like, Hey, is the Zoom not working? I'm like, No, I'm just thinking if you could have a billboard with anything on it, what would it be? And why? Most things in life. So actually 99.99% of things in life simply do not matter. Focus on what does, because that's the key to a great life. I like that 99.9% of things really don't matter. Yeah. And it can go into it, like the people that cut you off in traffic, that someone said that you weren't going to be anything in school, blah, blah, blah, blah. Like, most things don't matter. Yeah, we realize this things that you stress over and worry about, guess what? It doesn't matter. It's all going to be over soon. Think about that for a sec. Yeah. Yeah, everything, everything has a purpose. And the key is, a lot of people spend a lot of time worrying about irrelevant things that don't actually affect their life. Really, they don't improve it either. That's fine. Adrian, thank you. And you shared your vulnerability, you shared your care, you almost turned my podcast into a testimonial. I thank you for your really kind words. But I really am grateful that you took the time to join us today. It's been an absolute pleasure, right having you on the show. So thank you. And but more importantly, I want to actually also thank our listeners we value you. And and I know that there are hundreds and 1000s of podcasts out there. And yet you've chosen to listen to this one. I know that series one and series two is trending in seven countries. At the moment I got the I got the chattable list this morning, where some are in the top 100. Some are just out. As some some people know I'm going to be heading to Ireland, I actually don't know when this podcast is going to air but it's my podcast currently in Ireland and top 100. So in entrepreneurship, which is very cool. And we're in the top 20 Qatar. So I want to thank you all wherever you are in the world in the US we do really well. And in obviously in Australia, but I want to take that time to really thank everyone that takes the time to listen because you're not you're not just listening the show for my benefit. You're inspiring me by listening, but also allows me to showcase people like Adrian who are amazing in their own very right and they've made a very positive influence in my life. Make sure you visit the show notes, where you'll find all the links and notes from the show. But also make sure that you connect with Adrian Lee will provide his LinkedIn URL in those show notes. And you get to see some amazing, amazing content from him. That will not only help you but inspire you a massive shout out to our team at growth outsource growth, think business growth mindset, the media Charlotte team and also adjective linear, and particularly to Tracy, Bonnie and Simone who do put up with me and Claude it. Everyone knows that you get to people like Adrian and Krishna are the conversations are intense. So ladies and gentlemen, Adrian Lee, thank you. Until next time, live with purpose