My Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Taimur Baig heads global economics and macro strategy for interest rate, credit, and currency at DBS Group Research.STORY: Taimur invested in his friend’s hedge fund that was dealing with Iraqi stocks. He lost 50% of his investment after the country entered a war three years later.LEARNING: Don’t get swayed by the upside and forget about the downside. Always analyze the risks, especially when the deal seems too good. “Don’t get swayed by greed and the potential upside, and forget about the downsides.”Taimur Baig Guest profileTaimur Baig heads global economics as well as macro strategy for interest rate, credit, and currency at DBS Group Research. He is a Director Fellow at the Asian Financial Think Tank and a council member of the Economic Society of Singapore.Before joining DBS in 2017, Taimur was a Principal Economist at the Economic Policy Group, Monetary Authority of Singapore. Earlier, he spent nine years at Deutsche Bank, where his last position was Managing Director and Chief Economist, Asia.During 1999-2007, Taimur was based in Washington, DC, at the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund, where his last position was Senior Economist. He is the host of the Kopi Time Podcast.Worst investment everIn 2012, Taimur’s friend—a Wall Street success story—who ran a hedge fund was pivoting to geopolitical bets. The idea was to invest in stocks in countries just recovering from war. Taimur was impressed by his success in the 2000s and had a lot of respect for him. So he started following the setting up of this fund.The fund’s first investment idea was Iraq. The country had had 10 years of massive conflict. But after a decade of death and destruction, the country was coming together, and there was some peace in place. There was huge potential for the US Iraqi stock market to make an earnings growth of about 40% a year. This was the mother of all bull markets to latch on to.Taimur had little understanding of the institutional nature of the Iraqi capital market. Still, he trusted his friend, who had made trips around Baghdad with US Marines and talked to entrepreneurs and the people who were to set up and run the new Iraqi stock exchange. It all seemed very good.The fund launched in 2012, and Taimur invested in it. By the end of 2013, things were going really well, and the value of the investment was growing steadily. Then the insurgency began, and the following years got terrible in terms of security, as well as deep disappointment in the Iraqi government’s ability to channel oil resources to support Iraq’s economic rejuvenation.In 2016, Taimur’s friend called him from New York and informed him that he would shut the fund down. He said he’d pay Taimur 50% of his investment in that fund.Lessons learnedDon’t get swayed by greed and the potential upside, and forget about the downsides.Be careful when investing with friends.You don’t have to reach for the stars and be super greedy when investing.Andrew’s takeawaysJust because something sounds cool doesn’t mean it’s gonna be cool.No matter how exciting an investment opportunity is, don’t get too excited and forget to analyze the risks.Actionable adviceGetting into an illiquid investment is a bad idea for the average investor. Investing in liquid things is far more preferable.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsTaimur’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to be a faster runner. He also wants to solve the six sides of the Rubik’s Cube a little faster.Parting words “Just keep listening to My Worst Investment Ever. It’s an awesome podcast.”Taimur Baig [spp-transcript] Connect with Taimur BaigLinkedInTwitterYouTubePodcast Andrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Jem Bourouh is 24 years old and a serial entrepreneur from Germany. With his Google Ads agency Adcubator, Jem and his team have spent more than $318 million profitably.STORY: Jem’s worst investment ever was enrolling for a Bachelor’s degree without thinking clearly about what he wanted to do with his life after university. This saw him try out many things that failed due to a lack of proper focus. He is yet to finish his degree.LEARNING: XXX “Don’t pursue something you’re genuinely unhappy with just because you think it’s something you need, or you think society will like it.”Jem Bourouh Guest profileJem Bourouh is 24 years old and a serial entrepreneur from Germany. With his Google Ads agency Adcubator, Jem and his team have spent more than $318 million profitably. After being in the direct-to-consumer space for more than 4 years, he’s decided to bootstrap his own e-commerce brands and invest in and acquire other businesses such as marketing agencies and e-commerce brands.Worst investment everJem’s worst investment ever was enrolling for a Bachelor’s degree without thinking clearly about what he wanted to do with his life after university. This saw him try out a myriad of things that failed due to a lack of proper focus.His dream was to be a millionaire; he just didn’t know how to become one. So while studying, he started doing different jobs and even tried to learn internet marketing. Jem started his first dropshipping venture and failed miserably after three months. After this, he changed universities and moved to a new city. Jem is still enrolled at this university and is yet to finish his degree.Lessons learnedFirst, understand what you want to do and for who you’re doing it.Always strive for greatness in life.Andrew’s takeawaysFocus on the journey to get to the goal.Follow one course until success.Maybe it’s worth returning to that thing you’re very close to completing, but you put it aside for various valid reasons.Actionable adviceIf there’s something that you don’t enjoy and are genuinely unhappy with, then there is no point in pursuing that path just because you think it’s something you need or you think society will like it.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsJem’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to grow his company, eCom Incubator, and train more people.Parting words “Don’t stop; you’ve got this. Believe in yourself, and don’t ever quit. Just pursue what you want to do with intimacy, and you’ll make it. You’re gonna be happy no matter what.”Jem Bourouh [spp-transcript] Connect with Jem BourouhLinkedInFacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeWebsiteAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: John Lawson is an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author. His entrepreneurial spirit helped him achieve a level of success that few obtain.STORY: A friend convinced John to buy a house and flip it. He took a loan and got into the project. The friend was in charge of the renovations and made changes, which reduced the home’s value and made it impossible to sell for a profit. John was stuck with the home for eight years.LEARNING: Never depend on other people to watch your money. Monitor your investment consistently. “Never depend on other people to watch your money.”John Lawson Guest profileJohn Lawson is an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author. His entrepreneurial spirit helped him achieve a level of success that few obtain. After consulting Fortune 100 companies at Accenture, he took his expertise to the world of small business, today mentoring entrepreneurs on topics such as social commerce, online marketing tactics, and e-commerce strategies.John is a small business power player listed as one of the Top 50 SMB Influencers by All Business. Recognized for his work in e-commerce, John received two Small Business Influencer awards from SmallBusinessTrends.com and won “Business Book of The Year” for his book “Kick Ass Social Commerce for E-prenuers.”Worst investment everAround 2000, John worked in consultancy, making a decent salary. A friend suggested to him that they start flipping houses. The idea was for John to finance the project and the friend to oversee it, then split the profit 50/50.The house was in a bad neighborhood in Georgia but close to the city. Some gentrification plans were going on where the whole neighborhood would be turned into a more livable area. John took a loan to buy and repair the house. The loan terms were that he would pay it back after three months. From his calculations, this would be enough time to flip and sell the house. So John signed the paperwork, and work started. He was still working full time, so he couldn’t follow up with the project in person. John visited the house a few days before selling, and everything looked good. But he noticed they had turned the three-bedroom home into a two-bedroom one. This change reduced the house’s value, and now it was going to be hard to make any money back and pay the loan.John got a 30-day extension from the bank but had to come up with $21,000. There was no way he would make that kind of money from the house that had just been turned into a two-bedroom. John started looking for other ways to make money. A friend told him about eBay, where he sold old programming books and made some money. He ran out of books and needed more ways to make money.John read in a Sunday morning newspaper about getting free inkjet printers after a rebate. He went on a mission to collect as many free printers as possible. John would then sell the printers and the ink cartridges separately on eBay. He then got into selling Tickle Me Elmo dolls and made enough money to pay off his loan, but he was still stuck with the house. He only managed to sell it off eight years later.Lessons learnedNever depend on other people to watch your money.No matter what you’re experiencing, just persevere. That pressure will make you stronger.Andrew’s takeawaysTurn your pain into motivation to make a change.Don’t just start a partnership with someone you don’t trust yet.Monitor your investment consistently. Otherwise, it could go south pretty quickly.Actionable adviceBe careful with real estate. Understand what you’re getting into because real estate will bind you for many years.John’s recommended resourcesFeeling overwhelmed and want to get your time back? Get his FREE How To Hire a VA guide.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsJohn’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to go to Thailand and live there for at least three months.Parting words “I’m totally stoked. Thank you.”John Lawson [spp-transcript] Connect with John LawsonLinkedInBookWebsiteAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Keith Johns helps corporate leaders who are feeling stuck in their 9-5 break free from corporate by building and scaling a purpose-driven business.STORY: Keith came across two Facebook marketing programs and bought them for five figures because he didn’t want to miss out. He only had time to implement one of the programs. He is yet to implement the second one to date.LEARNING: Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) push you to do something before you’re ready. Don’t let emotions or flawed thinking affect your investment decision. “Pay attention to your emotional state when investing.”Keith Johns Guest profileKeith Johns helps corporate leaders who are feeling stuck in their 9-5 break free from corporate by building and scaling a purpose-driven business. Keith believes you’re not crazy for wanting more, and you can have more purpose, freedom, income, and free time in your work.Worst investment everKeith quit his job to start a coaching business. When he was ready to diversify where he marketed his services, he invested in two Facebook marketing programs. Keith bought the two programs for five figures.It was only after he paid for the programs that he realized he had made an emotional decision out of fear of being left out. Now he didn’t have the time to integrate two Facebook systems simultaneously. One program is still lying somewhere on the back burner, unimplemented.Lessons learnedPay attention to your emotional state when investing.Before you invest, have a plan. Consider talking to someone with more experience who can help you navigate those waters more successfully.Don’t be in a hurry to invest in anything you don’t understand. There will always be plenty of entry opportunities at different moments.Don’t let the fear of missing out (FOMO) push you to do something before you’re ready.Andrew’s takeawaysDon’t let emotions or flawed thinking affect your investment decision.Actionable adviceThe minute you’re inspired, have an idea, or are excited about something, share that excitement so somebody else knows what you’re up to.Keith’s recommended resourcesRead Questions Are the Answer: A Breakthrough Approach to Your Most Vexing Problems at Work and in Life more at ease and more comfortable knowing I don’t have to have all the answers, but I could be the most effective person in the room if I listen better and ask better questions.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsKeith’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to take his business, get it running and then leave other people to run it so he can have time to do other things.Parting words “I really appreciate the time. If anyone’s interested in contacting me, I’m on LinkedIn, reach out and say hi; I’d love to have a conversation.”Keith Johns [/spp-transcript] Connect with Keith JohnsLinkedInAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Nick Karadza and his brother Tom quit their jobs in the software industry to start Rock Star Real Estate. The company has over 60 people and works with thousands of clients who have purchased billions of dollars in income property across Ontario.STORY: Nick bought his first fixer-upper property when he was 21. What he thought would be a quick-fixing job turned out to be much more work than he had anticipated. After much hard work, he sold the property and made a negligible profit.LEARNING: Understand the real estate market before you invest in it. “Whoever handles the most crap wins.”Nick Karadza Guest profileNick Karadza was buying rental properties around the Greater Toronto Area. He couldn’t find anyone to help him find the data he needed to make educated decisions about local investment property. Together with his brother Tom, they quit their jobs in the software industry to start Rock Star Real Estate.What began as two brothers working out of a closet with zero clients has turned into a team of over 60 people, working with thousands of clients, who have now purchased billions of dollars in income property all across Ontario.They have authored three books, host a growing podcast, and run an educational membership program with over 1,000 clients, and 22 different instructors lead classes.The entire purpose of Rock Star Real Estate is to help Canadians build and buy assets that will help them live life on their own terms.Worst investment everNick bought his first property when he was 21. He believed it would be a straightforward process where he’d buy the property, fix it, sell and make his money. Well, it was a lot more work than Nick had anticipated.He was working full-time at the time, so he had to wake up early in the morning and work late at night fixing the property. Nick put in long hours fixing the property and then sold it and made a profit of $4,000. The overall return investment was negligible for the amount of work and time Nick put into that property.Lessons learnedHave a great understanding of the real estate market segments before you start investing.You’ll have bigger opportunities if you stop worrying about the little stuff and level yourself up to more significant problems.Hands-on investment experience allows you to grow as a person, and the skills you gain open new doors for you.People want to grow their network with people that can identify and solve problems.Andrew’s takeawaysYou’ll find many opportunities when you learn to identify problems and solve them.Actionable adviceLook for more information to get a little bit more of an understanding before you get into real estate.Nick’s recommended resourcesGrab Nick’s free books that cover Canadian real estate.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsNick’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to find bigger problems, turn them into opportunities and see where that takes his company.Parting words “Andrew, I think what you’re doing is great, and if anyone’s listening, opportunities are always out there. Just go grab them.”Nick Karadza [spp-transcript] Connect with Nick KaradzaFacebookPodcastYouTubeWebsiteBooksAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Miguel Rodriguez is the CEO of the US Presidential Service Center. He has retired from an outstanding US government career and is currently a facilitator with the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management Program.STORY: Miguel was actively involved in developing government contracting with companies. Some of these companies would take his ideas and start side projects without his knowledge. This led him to learn the importance of protecting his intellectual properties the hard way.LEARNING: Always have an NDA with you before pitching your ideas. Get compensated for your intellectual property. “Protect your intellectual property right from day one when entering any business transaction.”Miguel Rodriguez Guest profileMiguel Rodriguez is the CEO of the US Presidential Service Center. He has retired from an outstanding US government career and is currently with the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management Program as a facilitator.Worst investment everMiguel was actively involved in developing government contracting with companies. He didn’t realize for a very long time that in the course of this consulting, he was exposing his intellectual properties to the companies he was working with. Some of these companies would take his ideas and start their own projects on the side without acknowledging Miguel as the owner of these ideas. It wasn’t until he learned just how much he was losing that Miguel started copywriting his intellectual properties.Lessons learnedWhenever you engage in any business discussion where you’re presenting your ideas or works, ensure everyone involved signs an NDA that protects intellectual property from going beyond that discussion.If there’s a need for anyone to own your intellectual property, ensure that you receive a monetary return from that.Andrew’s takeawaysBe careful when bidding for a massive project. Don’t let the excitement make you do anything to get it because you may lose something in the process and still not land the project.Actionable adviceProtect your intellectual property right from day one when entering any business transaction. Before you give your pitch, let everyone know your deliverables and how you expect to be paid.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsMiguel’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to develop strong relationships with other companies worldwide that will work together to build jobs and address food shortages in Africa and Latin America.Parting words “Don’t be discouraged by failure because it’s in failure that we learn. So take that failure and keep moving forward.”Miguel Rodriguez [spp-transcript] Connect with Miguel RodriguezLinkedInWebsiteAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Sahil Vaidya co-founded The Minimalist in 2015, one of India’s fastest-growing creative solutions companies. In 2019, Sahil was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list.STORY: Sahil’s worst investment was investing too much time chasing dopamine hits.LEARNING: Incorporate gratitude in your life. Don’t be fooled by the shiny object syndrome. “Gratitude is really underrated.”Sahil Vaidya Guest profileSahil Vaidya is the co-founder of The Minimalist, one of India’s fastest-growing creative solutions companies. An engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, Sahil co-founded the company during his final year in 2015. Marshaling a crew of over 170+ creative minds, Sahil wakes up every day with a single-minded focus: to turn The Minimalist into India’s most inventive company in the creative business.In 2019, Sahil was featured in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list. He has also been the driving force behind the company’s growth, which resulted in The Minimalist being featured in LinkedIn India’s Top 25 Startups List (2018).In 2021, Sahil and Chirag launched their book Think Like The Minimalist, which is a short read on their unique IP of Minimalist Thinking. Filled with detailed techniques, examples, and anecdotes, the book is a potent tool for design, marketing, and branding students, practitioners as well as leaders to master the art and science of thought-provoking design.Worst investment everSahil’s worst investment was investing too much time chasing dopamine hits. When he started his business, it was an instant success. He received a lot of accolades, awards, and recognition. Sahil thoroughly enjoyed that attention and high.He desired to cultivate a bigger external image. Sahil started chasing things like better looks, more fame, better relationships, and a much bigger company. It took a lot of time for Sahil to realize that the stuff he was after wasn’t really important.Lessons learnedIncorporate gratitude in your life.Write down a list of all the things you’re grateful for every day.That external high you’re chasing will never be enough, so pursue meaningful things.Andrew’s takeawaysDon’t be fooled by the shiny object syndrome.Follow one course until successful.PR doesn’t generate revenue.Go over your financial statements monthly.Wear an attitude of gratitude.Actionable adviceStart meditating as soon as possible.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsSahil’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to do a lot of inventive work for his clients so that his company is known as the company that does unique, unconventional, innovative work.Parting words “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to be a guest here. I hope the audience constantly incorporates the learnings they get from these sessions and become better versions of themselves.”Sahil Vaidya [spp-transcript] Connect with Sahil VaidyaLinkedInTwitterWebsiteBookAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Tony Whatley is an entrepreneur, business mentor, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker.STORY: An unplanned pregnancy saw Tony stay in a bad relationship that worsened daily and threw him into depression.LEARNING: Don’t be afraid to walk away from a bad situation. Always know your self-worth. “Walking away is probably the hardest decision you’ll make. But it’s also probably the best decision.”Tony Whatley Guest profileTony Whatley is an entrepreneur, business mentor, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He is best known as Co-Founder of LS1Tech, an online automotive community that grew into the largest of its kind. This website grew to over 300,000 registered members and was later sold for millions in only 5 years. Amazingly… it was just his part-time business!Tony shares his mindset and business strategies within his book, Sidehustle Millionaire. He also teaches entrepreneurs how to start, scale, and sell their businesses within his podcast and consulting brand 365 Driven.Worst investment everTwo years out of college, Tony was working an entry-level engineering job. He decided to move closer to downtown Houston and just do what single dudes do—party and live the youth of their 20s. Tony met a woman during all the partying, and an unplanned pregnancy happened. They decided the right thing to do was to keep and raise the child together.Tony had an apartment lease that he couldn’t break, so he moved in with the woman and paid both rents. Soon enough, the two realized they weren’t meant to be in a relationship. The connection just wasn’t there. But they just stuck it out because they didn’t want to disappoint their parents.In no time, Tony started to spiral down and got into a depressive state, but he hung around for another six months after his son was born. The relationship kept getting toxic, and finally, one of the arguments escalated to the point where she told Tony to leave. He took that as a sign, packed up what little he had, got the cheapest place he could afford, and restarted his life.Lessons learnedKnow your self-worth.Never be afraid to walk away from a bad relationship.Don’t let the fear of being judged keep you in a bad relationship.Andrew’s takeawaysStop escalating your problems.Just walk away because the situation just gets worse.Be a role model to your kids.Actionable adviceIf you’re going to get in a relationship with somebody, ask yourself if this person will bring you energy or if they’ll just rob your energy.Tony’s recommended resourcesListen to Tony’s The 365 Driven Podcast, which features successful people doing incredible things worldwide. The guests share advice, strategies, and tips on how to improve your life daily.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsTony’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to finish writing his second book—a philosophical guide to living and excelling.Parting words “No matter how bad you think your situation is, focus on the things that are actually within your control, and release the stress and anxiety around things that are beyond your control because those are going to happen either way.”Tony Whatley [spp-transcript] Connect with Tony WhatleyLinkedInInstagramFacebookWebsiteBookPodcastAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Vitaliy has written two books on investing and is an award-winning writer. Known for his uncommon common sense, Forbes Magazine called him “The New Benjamin Graham.”STORY: Vitaliy bought stocks in a company that had been named the worst company ever. He bought the stock at $16, it went to $10, and then up to $26. Vitaliy sold, and this is a decision that he regrets. Today, the stock is at $120.LEARNING: Be willing to endure short-term pain for long-term gain. Don’t stop researching. Use stop losses to exit bad investments. “Don’t shrink your investment time horizon.”Vitaliy Katsenelson Guest profileVitaliy Katsenelson was born in Murmansk, USSR, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1991. After joining Denver-based value investment firm IMA in 1997, Vitaliy became Chief Investment Officer in 2007 and CEO in 2012. Vitaliy has written two books on investing and is an award-winning writer. Known for his uncommon common sense, Forbes Magazine called him “The New Benjamin Graham.”He’s written for publications including Financial Times, Barron’s, Institutional Investor and Foreign Policy. His articles are also published on his website, ContrarianEdge, and in audio format on his Intellectual Investor Podcast. Vitaliy lives in Denver with his wife and three kids, where he loves to read, listen to classical music, play chess, and write about life, investing, and music. Soul in the Game is his third book and first noninvesting book.Worst investment everTen years ago, Vitaliy invested in Electronic Arts (EA), a gaming company. At the time, the company had been named by Consumerist magazine as the worst company ever. The company spent 500 million dollars on a Star Wars game that flopped.When Vitaliy was buying the stock, a couple of things were happening. People were transitioning from purchasing games at the store to downloading games. Smartphones were becoming a significant market for video games. With this in mind, Vitaliy figured the gaming market was about to become much more extensive; therefore, EA’s profitability would skyrocket. So he bought the stock at $16 despite the negative valuation.The following year the stock went to $10. Vitaliy was frustrated. Then over the next year, the stock went up to $26. He was over the moon. He had just doubled his money. Vitaliy decided to sell because he was just so exhausted from owning the stock. This is a decision that he regrets. Today, the stock is at $120.Lessons learnedWhen investing, you have to be willing to endure short-term pain for long-term gain.Go in with your eyes open.Don’t shrink your investment time horizon.Precondition yourself through the negative realization that stocks can decline 30-50% so that it doesn’t hurt as much when it happens.Don’t stop doing research.Andrew’s takeawaysUse stop losses to exit a poorly performing stock, then reenter that position later when you feel the timing is better.Actionable adviceWhen picking a stock, consider the company’s earnings power for the next three, four, or five years.Vitaliy’s recommended resourcesDownload The Six Commandments of Value Investing for FREE to learn the principles behind the investing approach popularized by Warren Buffett and how you can apply them in the real world.Listen to his Intellectual Investor Podcast for the best investing tips.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsVitaliy’s number one goal in life is just to wake up every day and live every day as if it was his last day and simply have a healthy, happy day.Parting words “Let’s enjoy life and prosper.”Vitaliy Katsenelson [spp-transcript] Connect with Vitaliy KatsenelsonLinkedInTwitterFacebookYouTubeWebsiteBooksPodcastAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast

BIO: Marylen Ramos-Velasco is the Founder and CEO of Customized Training Solutions (CTS) Pte. Ltd. – “Asia’s Most Trusted Customized Solutions Provider.”STORY: Marylen spent her life doing too much for people who didn’t deserve her time and effort at the expense of her health. She started taking better care of herself and creating boundaries when she suffered several gastritis attacks.LEARNING: Strike a balance between taking care of yourself and others. Prioritize self-love and self-care. Always think about your value. “Every one of us needs balance.”Marylen Ramos-Velasco Guest profileMarylen Ramos-Velasco is the Founder and CEO of Customized Training Solutions (CTS) Pte. Ltd. – “Asia’s Most Trusted Customized Solutions Provider.” She has 15 years of experience in sales & marketing, customer service, events management, and operations in the hospitality industry. Since moving to Singapore, she has worked in event services focused on specialized training and summits.With her gift of leadership and strength in partnership to drive clarity and change, she is living her purpose to make life easier for others. Her solutions include but are not limited to training, coaching, and consulting for leaders and organizations. While she helps trainers, coaches, speakers, and consultants with personal branding, sales, and marketing services.Worst investment everMarylen’s worst investment ever was doing too much for people who didn’t deserve her time and effort. She also tended to forget about herself and was poor at setting boundaries, which caused her a lot of burnout, stress, and even depression. As a result, she suffered several gastritis attacks and had to get a hospital procedure done. This was when Marylen realized she had forgotten about self-love and self-care. She had failed to invest in her body and soul.Lessons learnedYou cannot serve from an empty vessel. So take time to replenish your spirit so that you’re able to help others.Strike a balance between taking care of yourself and others.Prioritize self-love and self-care.Invest in the right people, and be sure to set boundaries.Andrew’s takeawaysSelf-care means taking care of yourself first.Always think about your value.Always put money down when working with an accountability partner for motivation and accountability.Actionable adviceInvest in your mind, body, and soul.Marylen’s recommended resourcesVisit Customized Training Solutions for various resources, including blogs, online resources, and upcoming programs to help you handle or create balance in your private and professional life.No.1 goal for the next 12 monthsMarylen’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to create more win-win-win outcomes for herself, her clients, and partners through the work she does around education, empowerment, and inspiration.Parting words “Investing in yourself is the best investment you can ever make in your life. And continue to live with passion and purpose.”Marylen Ramos-Velasco [spp-transcript] Connect with Marylen Ramos-VelascoLinkedInTwitterFacebookYouTubeWebsiteAndrew’s booksHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketMy Worst Investment Ever9 Valuation Mistakes and How to Avoid ThemTransform Your Business with Dr.Deming’s 14 PointsAndrew’s online programsValuation Master ClassThe Become a Better Investor CommunityHow to Start Building Your Wealth Investing in the Stock MarketFinance Made Ridiculously SimpleBest Business Book ClubBecome a Great Presenter and Increase Your InfluenceTransform Your Business with Dr. Deming’s 14 PointsConnect with Andrew Stotz:astotz.comLinkedInFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTubeMy Worst Investment Ever Podcast