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Stuck In My Mind Podcast

Stuck In My Mind Podcast

Von: Wil ”Wize” Otero
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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 2026 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 301 Finding Purpose Beyond Transactions: Mark Steiner on Entrepreneurship, Adoption, and Emotional Intelligence

    EP 301 Finding Purpose Beyond Transactions: Mark Steiner on Entrepreneurship, Adoption, and Emotional Intelligence
    Jul 8 2026
    In this deeply engaging episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host W I Z E sits down with Mark Steiner—entrepreneur, storyteller, creative leader, and co-founder/CEO of GigSalad—for a raw and heartfelt conversation that transcends the boundaries of typical business podcasts. This episode explores the invisible but powerful threads that connect personal history, emotional resilience, and entrepreneurial vision, offering listeners a rare blend of practical insight and emotional inspiration. From the outset, Mark Steiner shares the formative experiences that shaped his worldview, beginning with his adoption at birth and the dual birthday/gotcha celebrations that became a cherished family tradition. Mark opens up about the psychological nuances of being adopted—the feelings of abandonment, the storytelling the mind does in the absence of facts, and the journey toward self-acceptance and healing. In a particularly moving segment, both Mark and the host reflect on their own experiences of parental separation and reconciliation, highlighting universal themes of loss, personal narrative, and the search for closure in adulthood 02:05. Mark traces his path through the entertainment industry, revealing how his early passion for acting and music was, in part, motivated by a desire to prove his worth—by striving for popularity or recognition as a surrogate for self-love. He candidly discusses his inclination toward masking and role-shifting throughout life, later realizing these were responses to both his adoption and, as discovered much later, undiagnosed ADHD 10:19. A pivotal point in the episode is Mark’s late diagnosis of ADHD, prompted by his daughter’s own journey. Mark describes the immense relief and self-forgiveness that came with the diagnosis, but also a sense of mourning for the years spent struggling without understanding the true nature of his challenges 25:10. He reflects on the impact ADHD had on his drive, his struggles with focus, and how it unwittingly steered him toward entrepreneurship, a path filled with creativity, flexibility, and opportunities to design systems that work for neurodivergent minds. Listeners are granted a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of GigSalad, Mark’s game-changing company that connects event planners with performers, speakers, and service providers. Mark recounts the original problem that inspired its creation: local entertainers and event planners kept reaching out to him for help, despite it not being his business focus. Rather than turning them away, Mark saw the opportunity for a platform that could democratize access to gigs, fostering community and enabling creatives to connect directly with those who need their talents. This ethos of service-over-transactions is reflected throughout the company’s growth, culture, and continued success 20:43. The conversation shifts into the concept of emotional intelligence (EQ) and its profound relevance for leaders, creatives, and anyone aspiring to make a positive difference in the world. Mark discusses learning about EQ years into his business journey, realizing that his instinctive focus on relationship-building, intention, kindness, and authenticity was not only legitimate but truly essential for building a company culture where people thrive 30:45. He emphasizes that leadership grounded in EQ, rather than titles or credentials, empowers teams to achieve exceptional results—and, perhaps even more importantly, to find joy in the process 32:11. This episode is not just about personal and professional growth, but about the ripple effect of courageous vulnerability. Listeners will hear about the power of finding one’s voice—whether through starting a podcast, publishing a book, or launching a new creative venture—and how, by sharing our stories and supporting others, we walk each other “home” through life’s uncertainties 39:33. The host and Mark bond over their mutual commitment to helping others fulfill their dreams, underlining the idea that the truest form of leadership and success comes from lifting others up. Mark also shares his excitement for the future: launching a new personal platform (thinkopon.com), returning to acting, expanding his podcast presence, and embracing a season of creativity with renewed purpose. His message to anyone feeling overlooked or different is empowering: start within, find your peace, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and remember you are valuable and capable of making a difference 51:43. Key Topics Explored: The hidden impact of adoption on identity and self-worth Adult ADHD diagnosis and its transformative effect The accidental, then intentional, journey into entrepreneurship Building a values-based, EQ-driven company culture at GigSalad The power of self-taught skills, street smarts, and lifelong learning The true meaning of leadership—connection, empathy, and helping others find their gig Resilience, creative reinvention, and the joy of second...
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    56 Min.
  • EP 300 Leading With Heart: Aligning Purpose, Performance, and People for Sustainable Success

    EP 300 Leading With Heart: Aligning Purpose, Performance, and People for Sustainable Success
    Jun 16 2026
    In this thought-provoking episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe is joined by leadership strategist and Heartnomics founder Hannah Bauer for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and system transformation. Drawing from her remarkable journey of surviving severe heart disease as a child and later pioneering a groundbreaking heart procedure, Hannah Bau shares how early lessons about rhythm and recovery in the human body shaped her enduring philosophy about organizational health, leadership, and purpose. Listeners are taken through Hannah Bauer’s deeply personal story: from formative years spent battling tachycardia and living within the painful uncertainty of chronic illness, to emerging as an industry leader and innovator. She reflects on the parallels between physiological disruption and dysfunctional organizational systems. Just as the heart must maintain steady rhythms for the body to thrive, organizations require well-aligned processes and clear communication to avoid chaos, burnout, and constant rework. Hannah Bauer details her unconventional path to leadership, which began not in a boardroom, but from a hospital bed, where service and observation became her best teachers. Inspired by the volunteers that impacted her life, she gravitated toward service, eventually understanding—through firsthand experience and mentorship—that leadership is service. Her community work in Georgia, involvement in university organizations, and eventual rise to positions such as CEO, board chair, and executive director are woven together by a commitment to purposeful service and systemic clarity. A significant portion of the episode focuses on organizational dynamics: Why do well-intentioned teams still get stuck? Hannah Bauer unpacks the difference between people-related issues and system misalignments, warning of the dangers of over-reliance on charismatic leaders and the stagnation that results when authority is not fully delegated through clear, actionable processes. She stresses the importance of access, communication, and shared understanding, and warns about the silent dangers of silos, where departments become disconnected and critical information fails to flow. Listeners gain insight into Lean Six Sigma, as Hannah Bauer, a certified Black Belt, explains how the methodology can identify hidden wastes in organizations, particularly the often-overlooked "loss of human potential." She shares real-world examples of how businesses—especially during disruptions or market shifts—must scrutinize their processes, question their assumptions, and focus not just on the adoption of new systems but on their purposeful integration. Throughout the episode, practical strategies are offered for leaders wanting to move from a reactive, survival mentality to achieving sustainable success. Hannah Bauer advises on how to uncover the root causes behind persistent symptoms (like high turnover, low productivity, or missed opportunities), emphasizing continual inquiry: How do you know that your team knows what you expect of them? She encourages leaders to see pressure and disruption as opportunities to reveal underlying issues and recommends periodic reflection—comparing the stress tests of medical diagnostics to stress-testing one’s organizational culture. Wize and Hannah Bauer also delve into the evolution of industries in the face of technological change, like the shift from print to digital publishing or the rise of AI, drawing lessons on adaptability and the dangers of losing organizational identity amid rapid change. Hannah Bau explains how clarity of purpose and a strong sense of mission help teams remain resilient when the external environment is volatile. The episode closes with inspiring, actionable advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed or burned out, whether at work or in life. Hannah Bauer urges listeners to breathe, reflect on what is actually within their control, and seek community—reminding us that excellence, not perfection, is the goal. She highlights the transformative power of coaching and supportive relationships, drawing from both her personal and professional experiences to remind leaders that pressure is not the enemy, but a catalyst for growth and innovation. Key Topics Discussed: How childhood illness shaped a holistic view of leadership and systems The journey from service to strategic leadership roles Differentiating between people problems and process problems The dangers of decision bottlenecks and organizational silos Importance of common language/culture in execution and delivery Lean Six Sigma and identifying the waste of human potential Navigating industry disruption and preserving organizational identity What to do when implementation of new systems falls flat The role of love, trust, and community in corporate culture Moving from survival mode to sustainable, purposeful growth Why excellence—not perfection—should be the target for ...
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    47 Min.
  • EP 299 Unlocking Freedom: Jeremy Shapiro’s Playbook for Scaling Your Business Without Burnout

    EP 299 Unlocking Freedom: Jeremy Shapiro’s Playbook for Scaling Your Business Without Burnout
    Jun 1 2026
    In this powerhouse episode of the Stuck In My Mind Podcast, host Wize El Jefe sits down with serial entrepreneur, business coach, and acclaimed author Jeremy Shapiro for a masterclass in transforming your business from a self-created job into a true asset that delivers freedom, not burnout. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your own company, confused busyness with progress, or wondered how to escape the endless hustle, this conversation brings actionable insights and eye-opening advice you won’t want to miss. About the Guest Jeremy Shapiro has spent nearly three decades helping entrepreneurs build scalable, sustainable, and sellable businesses. Featured on NPR, Fox News, and major outlets worldwide, he specializes in guiding founders through the transformational leap from solopreneur to true business owner—allowing them to reclaim their time, health, and creativity, while building assets that create generational wealth. Key Themes & Discussion Highlights The Solopreneur Trap: Are You Growing a Business or a Job? Early in the conversation, Wize and Jeremy break down the critical distinction between being "self-employed" and being a "business owner." Jeremy shares from experience that many enthusiastic founders unknowingly build businesses that trap them, taking on all the risk and workload but missing the freedom entrepreneurship promises. If the business can’t run without you, says Speaker B, it’s a job—one you could end up resenting (02:03). Builder or Grinder? Why Mindset Matters Reflecting on his own path, Jeremy identifies as a lifelong builder—someone who thrives on creating systems, solutions, and opportunities for others (03:01). This mindset, he explains, is key to scaling successfully. The pitfall? Confusing activity with progress. Entrepreneurs often wear busyness like a badge of honor, but as Jeremy reveals, tracking where your time actually goes often exposes unprofitable patterns (03:43). Systems, Delegation, and the Power of Marginal Gains Building a true business means learning to let go. For many, this is a massive mindset shift. Jeremy discusses why perfectionism (“nobody can do this as well as I can!”) is the enemy of growth (07:00). Instead, he urges founders to document and systematize repeatable tasks, define success clearly, and empower new team members to take ownership. This approach not only enables scale—it’s essential for sanity and sustainability. The episode takes a deep dive into the concept of "small hinges swing big doors." Through the story of the British cycling team’s transformation, listeners learn how stacking tiny, 1% improvements can completely change business outcomes (17:55). These marginal gains—whether it’s a tweak to onboarding, pricing, or lead generation—compound into massive wins. Finding (and Freeing) Hidden Profit Plateaus are normal in business, but they signal it’s time to work smarter, not harder. With his trademark clarity, Speaker B outlines the three levers that can reignite growth and profitability. Sometimes, he advises, it’s about refining the business model or optimizing pricing; other times, it’s about adopting new channels or outsourcing for leverage (14:28). A standout moment is his pricing masterclass. Speaker B challenges the common founder fallacy of undercharging for unique expertise—and shares a real-life story of helping a client 10x her consulting fees by shifting from time-based to value-based pricing (33:09). He explains how minor price increases can double profit margins, even if customer numbers stay flat. Building an Asset, Not Just a Paycheck One of the most profound insights arrives as Jeremy explains why every founder should design their business with an exit in mind—even if they never intend to sell. Businesses tend to follow one of three paths: shut down, pass to family, or become a sellable asset. Building with sale in mind forces owners to create systems, document roles, and make the company valuable to someone else (24:36). This not only maximizes future wealth—it also gives more freedom now. The story of a business owner forced to systematize after a health scare is a wake-up call about why founders must set their businesses up to run (and grow) without them (25:33). Ultimately, the goal is for founders to work on their business, not just in it—unlocking not just profit, but the optionality to travel, launch new projects, or simply take a real vacation. The Power of Niching & Specialization For those feeling "stuck" on a plateau, Jeremy recommends strategic niching. By narrowing focus and speaking directly to an ideal customer, businesses can increase pricing power, dominate specialist markets, and avoid the trap of being a replaceable commodity (39:39). The episode includes memorable stories of sub-niching (even among high-net-worth clients) and how hyper-specialization can actually expand total addressable markets. Actionable Takeaways Track Your Time: Perform a time diary to ...
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    46 Min.
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