Shows
What It TakesFrom Volleyball to Venture - Bereme's Entrepreneurial JourneyFrom Volleyball to Venture - Bereme's Entrepreneurial JourneyIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Bereme, co-founder of UpFund, a data-driven platform aimed at revolutionizing the real estate industry. Bereme shares his journey from being a professional volleyball player to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the need for transparency in real estate. The conversation also touches on the sacrifices entrepreneurs make, the role of money, and the vision for UpFund to become the Bloomberg of real...
2025-07-1051 minWhat It TakesThe Unique Experience of Salva's BarbershopThe Unique Experience of Salva's BarbershopIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Salva, a successful barber and entrepreneur based in Oslo. Salva shares his journey from struggling to find his path to owning a thriving barbershop. He emphasizes the importance of mindset, positivity, and self-belief in achieving success. Salva also discusses the significance of nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how these factors contribute to his professional performance. He offers valuable advice for aspiring barbers, encouraging them to challenge themselves and pursue their dreams with determination.Get...
2025-07-0359 minWhat It TakesFrom Physical Therapist to Business Coach - with Nathan FarrugiaFrom Physical Therapist to Business Coach - with Nathan FarrugiaIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Nathan Farrugia, an inspiring figure known for running 27 marathons in 27 consecutive days across 27 countries. Nathan shares his journey from being a physical therapist to running multiple businesses related to sports events and coaching CEOs. He discusses the impact of his childhood asthma on his life, how it shaped his resilience, and his passion for endurance challenges. Nathan also delves into his experiences with public speaking and the unique challenges of events like the Marathon des Sables. In...
2025-06-2650 minWhat It TakesThe Power of Networking in Business - Lars PostmusThe Power of Networking in Business - Lars PostmusIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Lars Postmus, a digital marketing agency owner who transitioned from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Lars shares his journey, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own agency, the importance of networking, and the current state of the marketing industry. He emphasizes the significance of having a strong network and the impact of personal relationships in acquiring clients. The conversation also touches on the risks of entrepreneurship and the evolving landscape of digital marketing. In this...
2025-06-1955 minWhat It TakesPassion and Purpose - Building We Work at HomePassion and Purpose - Building We Work at HomeIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Heiner Hofer, the founder of We Work at Home. Heiner shares his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and motivations behind starting his own business. He emphasizes the importance of passion, risk-taking, and the need for a supportive network when venturing into entrepreneurship. The conversation also delves into the innovative products Heiner has developed to enhance remote work experiences, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive work environment at home. In this...
2025-06-1257 minWhat It TakesThe Power of Coaching - Insights from Brent ScottThe Power of Coaching - Insights from Brent ScottIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Brent Scott shares his inspiring journey from military service to becoming a successful real estate professional and coach. He discusses the challenges he faced as a single father, his transition from retail to real estate, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his career. Brent emphasizes the importance of resilience, leadership, and the drive to control one's destiny, ultimately leading to his passion for coaching others in the real estate industry. In this conversation, Brent Scott shares his...
2025-06-0549 minWhat It TakesFrom Adversity to Entrepreneurship - The Journey of Nicholas HertaFrom Adversity to Entrepreneurship - The Journey of Nicholas HertaIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Nicholas Herta, the CEO and founder of NeilTekstile, a company focused on creating fully circular textiles from innovative materials. Nicholas shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in the Czech Republic to becoming an entrepreneur dedicated to sustainability in the textile industry. He discusses the importance of education, resilience, and the drive to create a positive impact through his work. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning from a corporate job to entrepreneurship and the...
2025-05-2958 minWhat It TakesNavigating the Complex World of Material Bitcoin with Uxio FragaNavigating the Complex World of Bitcoin with Uxio Fraga In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Uxío, the founder of Material Bitcoin, a revolutionary way to store Bitcoin physically. Uxío explains the simplicity and durability of his product, designed for non-tech-savvy individuals. He discusses the future of Bitcoin, his personal journey from a traditional career to entrepreneurship, and the lessons learned from past scams in the crypto market. The conversation highlights the importance of financial security and the innovative approach of Material Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency space. In this conversation, Uxío fr...
2025-05-2254 minWhat It TakesThe Art of Packaging Solutions with Mike NoldusThe Art of Packaging Solutions with Mike Noldus In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Mike Noldus, CEO of Karten BV, a leading producer of corrugated board boxes in the Netherlands. Mike shares his journey from aspiring entrepreneur to CEO, discussing the intricacies of the packaging business, the importance of experience, and the challenges of leadership and hiring. He emphasizes the significance of investing in people and machinery for business growth and outlines his vision for the future of Karten BV, including plans for expansion and innovation in the packaging industry. In this...
2025-05-1555 minWhat It TakesEmpowering Consumers for a Greener Future with Akhil SivanandanIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Akhil Sivanandan, CEO and co-founder of GreenStory, discusses the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry. He shares his personal journey towards creating a platform that helps consumers understand the environmental impact of their clothing choices. The conversation delves into the complexities of the fashion supply chain, the significance of accurate data in sustainability efforts, and the role of consumer choices in driving change. Akhil emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and action to combat climate change and outlines GreenStory's mission to empower a billion consumers to make greener choices. In...
2025-05-0858 minWhat It TakesDelayed Gratification - The Key to Zachary Gray's SuccessDelayed Gratification - The Key to Zachary Gray's Success In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Zachary Gray shares his remarkable journey from financial struggles to becoming a successful entrepreneur in real estate. He discusses the importance of mindset, the influence of role models, and the transition from a career in fitness to real estate investing. Zach emphasizes the significance of taking action, building partnerships, and maintaining a focus on personal growth and financial independence. In this conversation, Zachary Gray discusses the dynamics of personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of patience and shared goals. He shares...
2025-05-011h 01What It TakesUnderstanding the importance of teamwork is vital with Melih TekinIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, Darren Valen interviews Melih Tekin, CEO of Wabel, a B2B matchmaking company focused on the FMCG industry. Melih shares his journey from a small town in Turkey to becoming a successful entrepreneur, discussing his early leadership experiences, educational challenges, cultural adaptations, and the importance of self-belief and networking in achieving success. In this conversation, Melih Tekin shares his journey from feeling isolated in a new country to building a successful career through internships, leadership roles, and strategic networking. He discusses the importance of public opinion in career advancement, the challenges...
2025-04-241h 06What It TakesHow Passion Fuels Success in Business with Eliseo RodriguezIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Alessio, the CEO of Adaptive Companies, who shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Mexico to building a multi-million dollar business in industrial automation. Alessio discusses the importance of family support, education, and passion in achieving success, as well as the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. In this conversation, Eliseo shares his journey from struggling with health insurance to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He discusses the mindset that drove him to start his own business, the challenges of scaling Adaptive, and the importance of excellence...
2025-04-171h 06What It TakesThe Drive for Responsibility with Lukas Vács - What it Takes Podcast Episode 25In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, host Darren Valen interviews Lukas Vács, an entrepreneur and co-founder of the SIVAS Group, a commercial real estate company in the Czech Republic. Lukas shares his journey from being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and motivations behind his decision to start his own business. He reflects on the lessons learned from sports, the importance of teamwork and perseverance, and the drive for responsibility and legacy. Lukas also talks about the planning and execution involved in starting the SIVAS Group, navigating financial challenges in real estate, and b...
2025-04-1054 minWhat It TakesThe Future of Sustainable Buildings – Renate Straume on Innovation, Challenges, and GrowthIn this episode of What It Takes Podcast, I sit down with Renate Straume, the founder and CEO of Varig, a company focused on reducing carbon footprints in the building industry. Renate shares how her journey took her from engineering and acting to starting her own business. We talk about the power of technology in driving change, the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship, and how she went from working in big construction projects to launching a sustainability platform.Renate explains how data and reporting play a huge role in making buildings more sustainable, why market awareness is shifting, and how...
2025-03-0656 minWhat It TakesFrom Dishwasher to Luxury Real Estate Mogul with Jimmy WidenIn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, I sit down with Jimmy Widen, an absolute powerhouse in the world of luxury real estate. Jimmy’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from washing dishes at 13 to landing a top sales job in Sweden’s TV industry, to now running a thriving real estate and relocation agency in Marbella, Spain. We dive into his story of spotting a gap in the market, taking bold risks, and building a brand that stands out in one of the most competitive industries out there.Jimmy shares what it really takes to scale a busi...
2025-02-271h 00What It TakesBuilding Resilience and Wealth Through Real Estate with Andrew PowersIn this episode, I sit down with Andrew Powers, and let me tell you, this guy's story is something else. We dive into his incredible journey from being a troubled kid trying to find his footing to building a thriving career as a real estate entrepreneur. Andrew opens up about the moments that really changed his life—how he found his self-worth, the role faith played in giving him purpose, and why consistency and effort are the real keys to success.We talk about his transition from working a corporate job at Geico to taking the leap into entrepreneurship, and th...
2025-02-201h 07What It TakesCraftsmanship and AI in Luxury Art with Franziska ScheuerleIn this episode, I sit down with Franziska Scheuerle, the brilliant mind behind Loremo, a company that’s redefining luxury art. Franziska shares how she’s blending craftsmanship with AI to create bespoke pieces that reflect the personality and style of her clients. We explore her journey of bootstrapping Loremo, navigating the challenges of balancing technology with tradition, and her vision for the future of luxury art.Franziska also opens up about the role of passion in overcoming obstacles, building meaningful relationships with artists, and her bold plans for entering the luxury hotel market. This conversation is packed with inspiration and...
2025-02-131h 00What It TakesEmbracing Curiosity and Creativity with Evelina KvartunaiteIn this episode, I sit down with Evelina Kvartunaite, a true example of living life on your own terms. From her start as a young poet in Lithuania to her work as an educator, photographer, and humanitarian, Evelina’s journey is all about curiosity, creativity, and making an impact.We explore her unique career path, from teaching leadership and working in conflict zones to creating Strive Cards, a project designed to spark meaningful conversations around values. Evelina shares insights on the power of self-awareness, empathy, and embracing life’s process—whether it’s writing a book, exploring spirituality, or simply staying...
2025-02-0650 minWhat It TakesRevolutionizing Shared Workspaces with Maximilian von der AhéIn this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Maximilian von der Ahé, the founder of Betahaus, one of the first co-working spaces in Germany. Maximilian's journey is nothing short of inspiring—from starting out as a lawyer to becoming a pioneer in the co-working industry. We dive into his early days of building Betahaus, scaling to 11 locations across Europe, and the challenges of running a business through a global pandemic.Maximilian opens up about navigating uncertainty, dealing with doubt, and the mindset shifts he had to make to keep going. We also talk about the evolving world of...
2025-01-3053 minWhat It TakesTurning Passion into Purpose in Real Estate and Beyond with Raffaella SolfanelliIn this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Raffaella Solfanelli, who left behind a high-profile corporate career in banking to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and reinvention. After an epiphany in her Paris office, she traded spreadsheets for the sun-soaked shores of Spain, where she now thrives in luxury real estate and interior design.We talk about her transition from a 9-to-5 life to building a multifaceted career that aligns with her passions. Raffaella opens up about the challenges of starting over in a new country, learning a new language, and breaking fr...
2025-01-2347 minWhat It TakesTransforming a Cleaning Business into a Multifamily Powerhouse with Angelica BermudezIn this episode, I sit down with Angelica M Bermudez, whose story is nothing short of incredible. Angelica went from growing up in Colombia with big dreams and very little else to building a thriving property maintenance business here in the U.S. She didn’t just overcome challenges—she completely redefined them. From navigating financial struggles and supporting her family to creating opportunities for her team and empowering others to grow, Angelica’s journey is all about determination, faith, and purpose.We dive deep into her evolution from starting a small cleaning service with her husband to leading a multif...
2025-01-161h 00What It TakesTurning Side Hustles Into Global Ventures With Ray WinklemanIn this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Ray Winkleman, a guy who’s not just crushing it in tech and real estate but really living the entrepreneurial journey. From a small-town kid in Nova Scotia to building a SaaS empire and managing over 300 apartment units, Ray’s story is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and just plain getting it done.We dive into his early days, how he broke away from the 9-to-5 grind, and what fueled his drive to succeed—hint: it’s not about fancy cars or flashy watches. Ray’s all about building freedom, m...
2025-01-0958 minWhat It TakesE-Bikes and the Future of Sustainable Transportation with Ollie van der ElstIn this episode, I sit down with my good friend Oli van der Elst, an incredible entrepreneur who’s been shaking things up in the electric bike industry. We dive into his journey from starting Green Air in Ireland to launching Volo in Spain. Oli shares what sparked his passion for sustainability, how he’s overcome social norms to follow his path, and the big lessons he’s learned along the way. We also talk about the challenges of leading a business through the pandemic, how he’s stayed ahead in a competitive market, and his vision for the future of e-bik...
2025-01-0254 min
MOTIVASJONSPREIK podcasten som skal motivere deg#337 Darren ValenBusiness talent og karriere i London ble byttet ut med å jobbe for å motivere unge mennesker til å finne sin vei i livet. Jobber som både coach og guide. En som har stå på vilje i genene.
2024-12-2649 minWhat It TakesTurning Curiosity into Cash in the IT World With Bartek KuzmaWhat’s good, everyone! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Bartek Kuzma — an IT entrepreneur with a seriously inspiring story. From breaking down old electronics as a kid to building his own IT consultancy, Bartek's journey is packed with valuable lessons.We talk about what it really takes to start a business, the power of patience, and why following your passion is a game-changer. Bartek also breaks down his unique approach to IT consultancy and how mentorship played a key role in his success. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business or just need that extra pu...
2024-12-2643 minWhat It TakesThe Purple Pill That Changed Everything for Andrew FreedEver wonder what it really takes to break free from the 9-to-5 grind and build a life of financial freedom?In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Freed — an entrepreneur who's gone from working a traditional day job to managing over 300 rental units. Yep, 300. His story is wild, inspiring, and packed with actionable gems you can use right now.We talk about that pivotal moment that shifted everything for him, and spoiler alert — it wasn’t some big flashy event. It all started with a simple book. From there, Andrew dives into the mindset shifts that changed his life, how he...
2024-12-1957 minWhat It TakesFrom the Hood to Harvard with Karim AbouelnagaOn this episode of the What It Takes podcast, I sit down with an absolute powerhouse of purpose — Karim Abouelnaga. Karim’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up as a first-generation immigrant in a low-income community to becoming an entrepreneur, author, and leader on a mission to impact 1 million children by 2030 — this conversation is a masterclass in grit, conviction, and doing the work that truly matters.We get into it all. Karim opens up about the realities of growing up in the "hood" and how those early experiences lit a fire under him to change not only his fu...
2024-12-1253 minWhat It TakesThe Art of Innovation and Human Connection in Real Estate with Philip WeiserIn this episode of What It Takes, we meet Philip Weiser, a trailblazer in luxury real estate with a story that’s as inspiring as it is extraordinary. Philip’s journey starts in New Zealand and spans the globe, from working in hotels to managing thousands of properties in London—long before Airbnb was even a thing.What sets Philip apart is his ability to adapt and rebuild. He opens up about losing everything during the Gulf War, starting from scratch, and creating Carlton International, a leader in high-end real estate. His passion for innovation and human connection shines through as he...
2024-12-051h 00What It TakesAutonomous Ambitions: Building AI Ventures with Lasse FlagstadIn this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Lasse, a 23-year-old entrepreneur who's diving headfirst into the world of AI and business automation. Lasse’s story is all about taking the unconventional path, ditching the traditional education system, and leaning into entrepreneurship at a young age. We get into the nitty-gritty of his journey—how he started with high-income skills like sales, dealt with the societal pressures of going against the grain, and built his resilience to handle the ups and downs of business life.Lasse opens up about his big-picture vision for the future: a world wher...
2024-11-2849 minWhat It TakesThe OPEN Framework: Keys to Successful Entrepreneurship with John Lee - EP005In this episode of the What It Takes podcast, John Lee shares his journey from corporate finance to entrepreneurship in the construction industry. He discusses the challenges and opportunities he faced, including the dot-com crash and the great recession, and how he leveraged technology to create a new home buying experience. John introduces his OPEN framework for entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of identifying market opportunities, passion, experience, and addressing customer needs. He also shares insights on bootstrapping, building a strong foundation for business, and effective marketing strategies. In this conversation, John Lee discusses the transformative role of AI in the...
2024-11-211h 01What It TakesRevolutionizing Medical Real Estate with Ronak Vyas - What it takes - EP004In this episode of What It Takes, I'm thrilled to chat with Ronak Vyas, founder and CEO of MedcoShare. Ronak’s journey from commercial real estate to building MedcoShare, a medical co-working space company, is inspiring. He recognized a real gap in the medical industry and created a flexible, smart solution that’s changing how private practices work. We dive into his early experiences in entrepreneurship, lessons from past ventures, and how MedcoShare navigated the challenges of COVID-19.Ronak shares advice for young entrepreneurs on perseverance, finding a balance between passion and financial sustainability, and the importance of building strong clie...
2024-11-1559 minWhat It TakesPassion, Precision, and the Power of AI with Luis Berga - What it takes - EP003On this episode of What It Takes, I sit down with Luis Berga—a legend with 35 years shaping medical devices and electronics. Luis dives into how his sports background molded his leadership style and his belief in the power of teamwork. We get into the grit of balancing startup agility with big-corp precision, and he explains why AI is crucial for fast, smart decision-making in today’s world. Links: Find Luis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-berga-4891271/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Teamwork05:04 Navigating the Startup Landscape10:00 Lessons from the Semiconductor Industry19:58 The Role of Artificial Intelligence in D...
2024-11-1556 minWhat It TakesTurning $10K into 88 Units with Joao Macavilca - What it takes - EP002In this episode, we dive into the world of real estate with Joao Macavilca. Joao shares his journey from working multiple jobs and being unmotivated playing video games to becoming a self-made entrepreneur and a real estate investor managing larger scale projects. Discover how his determination, resilience, and commitment to building generational wealth for his family helped him overcome challenges and achieve success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Joao's insights offer invaluable lessons on self-belief, dedication, and what it truly takes to thrive in the competitive real estate industry.Links: Talk to Joao on Linkedin: https...
2024-11-0157 minWhat It TakesRisk, Resilience, and Deal Junkies in Real Estate with Shree Kulkarni - What it takes - EP001In this episode we dive into the high-stakes world of real estate with Shree Kulkarni. Shree shares his remarkable journey from chemical engineering and law to becoming a fearless real estate developer who navigated the 2008 financial crisis. Discover how his unique background shaped his approach to risk, the challenges he overcame, and the relentless drive that fuels his success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Shree's insights offer invaluable lessons on resilience, determination, and what it truly takes to thrive in the competitive real estate industry.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Sri Kulkarni's Journey03:12 The Influence of Engineering and...
2024-11-0153 min
System Showcase | Andy Green & Robin ThurstonRobin Thurston & Andy Green - System Showcase 119 (March 2024)System Showcase on Proton Radio. Tune in on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 8PM (EST), 1AM (UK), 2AM (CEST), 9PM (Argentina).
Part 1 - Robin Thurston (Resident Mix)
1. Juliane Wolf - Far Away (Kenan Savrun Remix) (Manual Music)
2. Dave Leck - Opal (Erdi Irmak Remix) (Particles)
3. Erich LH, Valen Gonzalez - On Board (AH Digital)
4. Ev Rymd - Mirage (BC2)
5. Hideo Kobayashi, Alistair - Espiritualidade (Weird Sounding Dude & FM Dub) (Electronic Groove Records)
6. LOPA - Trimurti (Arbey Gonzalez Remix) (Arcedian)
7. George Alhabel - Solace (MNL)
8. Daniel Curotto - Mediterraneo (Gai Barone Remix) (Golden Wings Music)
9. Alan Cerra - Blackout...
2024-03-282h 47
Mixing Podcast Amsterdam by Stef SegersStef Segers - Summer Chill 2022-2Another great summer chill mix with house, tech house and club house.Enjoy!01 BOMBAYS, Myles Franklin - BELIEF (Original Mix)02 Andreas Henneberg - Bad Habits (Original Mix)03 Aron Volta,Hart & Neenan - My Mind04 Curtiba MUUS - Just Like That (Extended Mix)05 Fabio Longhi - You Got Soul (Original Mix)06 Dmitri Saidi, Groove Killah - Haussaxx07 Chris Nasty - Rising Up08 Amorhouse, Tonix - Across The World (Extended Mix)09 Luke Nash & Morsense & Alonso...
2022-06-102h 29
Essex Techno Ltd PodcastEssex Techno Limited Podcast 104Tracklist:
1. Sam Goku - Fisher's Theme (Ineffekt Azalea Version)
2. Zac & Zagitar - Huhnerhaus (AMPISH Mix)
3. Olympic Pool Maintenance League - A Well Functioning Stent
4. Fatih Kosar - Closer (Bardeeya Mix)
5. Nick Curly & Jansons - Go (Budakid Mix)
6. Valen Gonzalez - Rev Ike
7. Out Of Sorts - Lynchpin
8. Den Marr & The Kode - Manipulator (Vlad Jet Mix)
9. Sons of Slough - Skyline
10. Subset - The Darkened Spire (Jor-G Mix)
11. Sebastian Busto - The Persistance Of Memory (Analog Jungs Club Mix)
12. Blanka Barbara - Amabie
13. The Cobb - Reflection (Nopi Mix)
14. The Journey - Secrets (Thankyou City Mix)
15. Patrick Hero - Pallas...
2021-10-301h 54
IMPARABLES - UNA VIDA UN LEGADO[E113] Dónde invertir para ser libre financieramenteLas mejores lecciones de mi socio y mentor Darren Weeks (coautor, socio y asesor de Robert Kiyosaki) para guiarte a encontrar las herramientas que te llevarán a ser libre financieramente están en este episodio especial de mi Podcast.
Para mí, estas lecciones valen más que oro molido, valen mi libertad financiera. Espero que les encuentres el mismo valor. Y recuerda... si conoces a alguien a quien le pueda gustar o servir este episodio, compárteselo.
2019-05-0353 min