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Stuck In My Mind Podcast

Stuck In My Mind Podcast

Von: Wize_el_jefe
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🎙️ Stuck In My Mind Podcast – Hosted by Wil “Wize” Otero

Real conversations. Real people. Real growth.

From the heart of the Poconos, Wil “Wize” Otero podcaster, life coach, and CEO of Real Wize Global Media dives deep into the minds of creators, entrepreneurs, and everyday visionaries who turned their struggles into success stories.

Raw. Unfiltered. Empowering.
Stuck In My Mind isn’t just a podcast it’s a movement for those ready to break mental barriers and live with purpose.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and remember: you’re not stuck you’re just getting started.

Copyright 2025 Real Wize Global Media LLC All rights reserved. Hygiene & gesundes Leben Management & Leadership Persönliche Entwicklung Persönlicher Erfolg Seelische & Geistige Gesundheit Ökonomie
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  • EP 289 Building Culture, Resilience, and Brands: Lessons from XSET CEO Greg Selkoe

    EP 289 Building Culture, Resilience, and Brands: Lessons from XSET CEO Greg Selkoe
    Jan 20 2026
    In this powerful episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe welcomes visionary entrepreneur Greg Selkoe, best known for founding the influential streetwear brand Karma Loop, leading the esports powerhouse Faze Clan, and now steering the cutting-edge gaming lifestyle brand XSET as CEO and co-founder. This honest, inspiring conversation is a masterclass for creators, culture builders, and anyone pursuing a dream against the odds. From the jump, Wize El Jefe sets the stage, giving listeners a glimpse into Greg Selkoe’s cultural impact—from collaborations with icons like Lil Wayne, Osuna, and Pharrell’s camp, to partnerships with brands like the Boston Red Sox and HyperX. But as the episode unfolds, it’s clear this story goes much deeper than flashy names and million-dollar deals—it’s about authentic passion, grit, resilience, and growth. The Roots of Culture Building The episode kicks off as Greg Selkoe traces his journey from Boston’s vibrant street culture to global entrepreneurship. He reveals how an early obsession with breakdancing, graffiti art, skateboarding, punk rock, and hip hop influenced his worldview. Rather than seeing these movements as separate lanes, he felt at home in all of them—setting the stage for Karma Loop, which wasn’t just about selling clothes, but celebrating the energy and diversity of urban culture. Greg Selkoe describes how this merged into his approach at XSET, aiming to build “a media company” that puts culture first, amplifies creators, and tells compelling brand stories. Resilience Through Setbacks One of the episode’s major themes is resilience. Both Greg Selkoe and Wize El Jefe reflect on their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing that setbacks and failures are inevitable. Greg Selkoe shares candidly about Karma Loop’s highs and lows—from its $150 million peak to private equity challenges that forced him to rebuild from scratch. He offers hard-earned lessons: “Don't think someone's going to come along and save you if you're having trouble in your business, you got to rely on yourself.” The best way not to fail? Keep going. Wize El Jefe reciprocates, sharing his own risk-taking path in podcasting, internet radio, and launching a media company. The key takeaway is treating each setback as a learning experience—a stepping stone rather than an endpoint. Business Lessons That Transcend Formal Education Unlike many entrepreneurs, Greg Selkoe didn’t start with a business degree—he studied urban planning at Harvard, inspired by his mother’s work. But he credits this background for shaping his community-first approach. “Passion for what I was doing came from another part of me than what normally would be... I think that authenticity came through everything we did.” Rather than targeting a market, he built organically around what he loved—and learned the other business skills on the job and through mentorship. This authenticity, he believes, gave his brands a unique edge and fostered community. Building XSET and Shifting Strategies When it came to launching XSET, Greg Selkoe and team faced fresh challenges: securing investment, building a fanbase, and educating skeptical investors about the true scale of gaming and streaming culture. Greg Selkoe recognized a major opportunity—gaming needed a lifestyle brand that felt as dynamic as Overtime, Complex, or Barstool. The vision from day one: XSET would be a lifestyle media company at the crossroads of gaming, music, fashion, entertainment, and traditional sports. However, this path wasn’t linear. Initially, XSET tried to replicate Karma Loop’s retail-first model, but the lack of an established fanbase made traction difficult. After two years, they made a pivotal shift—refocusing on media, content, and creator empowerment. This willingness to pivot, rather than stubbornly sticking to a plan, is a recurring lesson for entrepreneurs highlighted in the episode. Collaboration, Community, and Advice for Creators Both host and guest agree: entrepreneurship is not a solo sport. Greg Selkoe stresses the importance of asking for help, seeking mentorship, and learning from those who have traveled similar paths: “If you don't know something... that's power to say you don't know it.” He shares stories of leaning on collaborators and mentors—even in public adversity—while cautioning against burning bridges or stepping on others to succeed. Public Challenges, Private Pain, and the Power of Community The episode delves into the emotional toll of public failure. Greg Selkoe recounts the fallout from Karma Loop’s bankruptcy, facing media scrutiny and industry criticism. Yet, a pivotal moment at a high-powered Silicon Valley barbecue hosted by Steve Stout and Ben Horowitz transformed his outlook. Instead of derision, he found encouragement and solidarity from fellow entrepreneurs—reminding him that to build is to stumble, but also to rise again. This network of support ...
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    52 Min.
  • EP 288 Building Confidence and Purpose in Kids: Lessons from Dorian Stewart’s Journey

    EP 288 Building Confidence and Purpose in Kids: Lessons from Dorian Stewart’s Journey
    Jan 3 2026
    In this inspiring episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe welcomes his longtime friend and special guest, Dorian Stewart, for an uplifting and honest conversation about purpose, self-confidence, and making a difference for the next generation. With a bond stretching back to their high school days in Brooklyn, the two share laughs, wisdom, and real-life stories that resonate with anyone seeking purpose—whether as a parent, educator, or someone just trying to figure out their own calling. Right from the start, Wize El Jefe paints a picture of Dorian Stewart’s accomplishments: entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author of 19 books (many for children and parents), and the founder of Dorian Inspires, LLC. But what truly sets her apart is not just her professional resume, but her deep dedication to building confidence, character, and clarity in children, parents, and educators. A 20-year veteran in healthcare, leadership, and HR, Dorian Stewart has unique insights into what it takes to prepare people not just for success, but for life itself. The conversation starts in Dorian Stewart’s childhood, where she grew up surrounded by a loving, multi-generational family in Brooklyn. She reflects on how being the oldest among her cousins and participating in youth activities at church naturally fostered her love for mentoring children and sharing the timeless wisdom passed down by her elders. This early responsibility planted the seeds for her passion for empowerment and guiding others. As the episode unfolds, Dorian Stewart reveals how her career in healthcare management and HR opened her eyes to the ways people—especially young people—lack preparation and confidence for adult life. Her humorous (and occasionally exasperating) experiences as an interviewer, from outlandish resumes to ill-prepared job seekers, inspired her to start writing practical, empowering books for teens and young adults entering the work world. Instead of mocking those who simply didn’t know the right steps, she chose to become a guide, sharing the “how not to get hired” pitfalls and offering real solutions to succeed. Yet Dorian Stewart’s journey extends far beyond career advice. She candidly shares how her calling evolved through personal stress, faith, and the life-changing experience of adopting her daughter. What began as daily devotionals for friends ballooned into a movement as her messages of encouragement reached hundreds. Through the adoption journey and required trainings, Dorian Stewart discovered gaps in how children’s emotional needs—especially for adoptees—are met. This prompted her to write children’s books that emphasize being chosen, cherished, and unstoppable. She passionately describes her mission to arm both kids and their families with the confidence they need to handle life’s ups and downs. A critical part of this episode centers on affirmations and self-talk, both for children and adults. Wize El Jefe and Dorian Stewart swap personal stories of overcoming self-doubt, the importance of not “locking the door” on one’s dreams, and how negative self-talk can limit potential. Their honesty is refreshing: neither imagined themselves as authors, and both openly struggled with English in school. Yet, they chose not to let those early setbacks define them—proving that your past does not have to dictate your future. The discussion delves into the unique confidence crises facing today’s youth. Dorian Stewart points out that children confront overwhelming external pressures, from unrealistic portrayals in media to the devastation of relentless cyberbullying. She speaks vulnerably about building her daughter’s self-worth through morning affirmations, affirmation jars, and real conversations about individual gifts—methods that go far beyond empty praise and instead focus on cultivating and supporting authentic strengths. A powerful thread running through the episode is the idea that adults often protect children so much that they don’t give them space to learn resilience. Both speakers question the culture of participation trophies, emphasizing that it’s okay, even essential, for children to experience both wins and losses. These lessons build character, adaptability, and a realistic view of life. The episode also explores: The role of faith in finding and teaching purpose, with Dorian Stewart sharing her journey to a faith that’s truly her own, and how it anchors her teaching, parenting, and writing. The significance of grief in children’s lives and the importance of giving language to their big feelings—especially when facing loss. Dorian Stewart ’s book on grief illustrates the crucial role adults play in guiding kids through these complex emotions. How helping others, whether through publishing, podcasting, or daily encouragement, is a form of living out one’s purpose and leaving a meaningful legacy. Throughout the episode, Wize El Jefe reflects on ...
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    1 Std. und 1 Min.
  • EP 287 The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments

    EP 287 The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments
    Dec 19 2025
    On this thought-provoking episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast titled “The CFO Whisperer on Authentic Leadership and Navigating Change in High Stakes Environments,” host Wize El Jefe sits down with renowned leadership advisor Kenneth Merritt, a figure known for guiding CFOs and financial executives through the complexities of transformation, growth, and leadership for nearly three decades. The conversation takes listeners far beyond the usual leadership buzzwords, tackling the realities of authentic connection, adaptability, and the evolving demands placed on executives in today’s business climate. From the first moments, listeners are invited to think deeply about what it truly means to lead—not just in theory, but in the kinetic, unpredictable markets that define our era. Kenneth Merritt shares candidly about the pivotal moments in his career that shattered his early notions about traditional leadership playbooks. He recounts witnessing layoffs early in his career, serving as a wake-up call about the volatility of the corporate world and the importance of agility. Further, mergers, acquisitions, and shifting economic conditions taught him that leadership is less about static rules and more about reading and meeting the moment, no matter the cost. As the conversation unfolds, Wize El Jefe draws out Kenneth Merritt’s insights on what truly shapes a leader. It’s not just technical prowess or knowing the right answer; it’s about understanding people, building trust, and fostering authentic relationships. Especially for financial leaders, this means going beyond the spreadsheets and transactions to become a trusted advisor and a catalyst for change. Kenneth Merritt emphasizes that trust and relationship-building only become more critical the higher one rises on the corporate ladder. The ability to guide others depends heavily on interpersonal skills, transparency, and the readiness to bring people along—even when decisions are tough or unpopular. Listeners will appreciate Kenneth Merritt’s vulnerability as he shares mistakes he made early on. He admits to once believing that having the “right answer” was enough, only to later realize the necessity of persuasion, empathy, and selling a vision. Leadership requires buy-in, not just intellectual correctness. In practical terms, Kenneth Merritt describes his leadership identity as embodying “gravitas”—the balance between confidence, capability, and understanding of expectations. He shares that gravitas isn’t innate or automatic; it’s developed through self-awareness, continual learning, and alignment between what a situation demands and what a leader can deliver. The episode dives deeply into the realities of the AI-driven world and the future of work. Kenneth Merritt and Wize El Jefe discuss how executives often remain behind the curve, not because of technology itself but due to a disconnect between AI providers, decision makers, and those who use the technology daily. The lesson: leaders must continually ask questions, demand real-world utility, and integrate AI as a tool—rather than as a buzzword or afterthought. Offering a blueprint for transformational leadership, Kenneth Merritt outlines three essential behaviors: acceptance of necessary change, clear definition of target outcomes, and the assembling of high-caliber teams, tools, and processes. In his view, change isn’t incremental, but quantum—requiring leaders to genuinely step outside comfort zones. Authenticity, particularly in finance, is examined in a fresh light. Kenneth Merritt breaks down relationship-building into three types of conversations: sharing the story of performance, candidly communicating risks and failures, and, most importantly, forging real, everyday connections that promote a sense of partnership well beyond financial analysis. These subtle, human actions form the bedrock of trust in environments where skepticism and caution typically reign. The episode also tackles the future of finance and executive leadership. Kenneth Merritt predicts volatility and rapid change will only escalate in coming years, requiring finance professionals to develop agile teams and systems capable of handling shifting economies, competitive pressures, and constant disruption. The wisdom here is clear—resilience and adaptation are no longer optional, but essential parts of an executive’s toolkit. Personal growth and wellness get heartfelt attention in the latter half of the conversation. Both Wize El Jefe and Kenneth Merritt share their own journeys of health, mindset, and spirituality, underlining how well-being and professional success are irrevocably intertwined. The advice is straightforward: personal alignment, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, empowers leaders to show up at their best, at work and in life. For those aspiring to executive leadership, Kenneth Merritt shares concrete guidance. Performance is paramount, but so is a commitment to ...
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    37 Min.
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