The Find Your Influence Podcast with Anton Guinea

7 Mortgages, No Job, Baby on the Way — Then Everything Changed | Colin Lee

Have you ever wondered how some people turn hardship, rejection, and starting over into a life of financial freedom and purpose?
In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, we dive deep into the story of a Sydney-based property strategist and buyer’s advocate who went from a migrant kid watching his parents sacrifice everything, to a financially free investor who retired his mum and dad and built a business on genuine care. You’ll hear how he navigated cultural shock, career resets, redundancy at the worst possible time, and the pressure of seven mortgages and a baby on the way—then used property to create flexibility, security, and choice. We unpack what influence really means, why mindset matters more than tactics, and how treating every role like it’s your own business can 10x your results. If you’ve ever felt stuck, undervalued, or unsure how to turn your purpose into profit, this conversation will give you both inspiration and practical direction.
 
Summary:
 
Colin Lee shares his journey from migrating from Malaysia to Australia to becoming a leading property strategist and buyer’s advocate. He describes the culture shock his family faced, his father’s painful career reset, and how that experience became the driving force behind his promise at 21 to one day retire his parents. Colin explains how he ultimately did retire them, paying off their mortgage and funding their holidays, using equity built through a carefully constructed property portfolio. He reveals how property became not just an investment vehicle but a safety net that allowed him to start his own business after being made redundant while holding seven mortgages and expecting his first child. Colin walks through his shift from failed early business owner to junior property manager, then top sales agent, emphasizing the power of mindset, humility, and adding genuine value. Throughout, he frames influence as inspiring others through example, caring deeply about people’s stories, and helping them move from where they are to where they want to be.
 
Takeaways
 
Influence is being inspired by someone whose life you want to emulate and allowing their example to positively shape your own.
Profit must eventually follow purpose; if nothing changes in what you do, nothing changes in your financial reality.
Property, when built as a solid asset base, becomes both a safety net and a vehicle for freedom, giving you options when life throws you a curveball.
You’re only as good as the value you add to an organization, both in revenue growth and in the efficiencies you create.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and that starts with truly understanding their story, their dreams, and what matters most to them.
 
Quotes:
 
Influence is being inspired by someone whose life you want to emulate and allowing their example to positively shape your own.
Profit must eventually follow purpose; if nothing changes in what you do, nothing changes in your financial reality.
Property, when built as a solid asset base, becomes both a safety net and a vehicle for freedom, giving you options when life throws you a curveball.
You’re only as good as the value you add to an organization, both in revenue growth and in the efficiencies you create.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care, and that starts with truly understanding their story, their dreams, and what matters most to them.
 
Timestamp:
 
0:00 – What Influence Really Means
1:20 – Meet the Host and Guest
2:50 – Migrating from Malaysia to Australia
4:45 – Dad’s Career Struggles and Rejection
6:40 – A Son’s Promise to Retire His Parents
7:55 – How Colin Retired His Parents with Property
9:10 – Why Colin Chose Property as His Vehicle
11:45 – Redundancy, Seven Mortgages, and a Baby
13:10 – Using Property as a Safety Net for Business
15:00 – The Big Why: Freedom and Family
15:55 – Defining Influence: Impact and Inspiration
17:25 – Leaving Engineering and First Business Lessons
19:00 – When Purpose Lacks Profit
20:20 – Discovering Wealth Through Property Research
22:10 – Meeting Joseph and Entering Real Estate
23:30 – From CEO to Junior Property Manager
25:00 – Treating Every Role Like Your Own Business
27:00 – The Power of Genuinely Caring About Clients
28:30 – 10x Growth in Property Management Portfolio
31:10 – Transitioning into Top Sales Performer
33:20 – Helping Investors Consolidate and Retire
36:00 – Reinvesting Commissions into His Own Portfolio
37:00 – Discovering His Gift for Advising Buyers
38:45 – Becoming Principal and Partner in the Agency
40:10 – Adding Value Through Revenue and Efficiency
42:05 – You’re Only as Valuable as the Value You Add
43:40 – Why Passion-Only Businesses Fail
44:55 – Colin’s Leadership Philosophy: Inspire and Be Inspired
46:20 – The Real Purpose of Business: Happy Clients
48:00 – Inspiring the Host’s Vision on Leadership
50:00 – Wrap-Up, Intros, and Call to Subscribe
 
Conclusion:
 
This episode shows that influence is not about titles or status, but about the lives you impact and the legacy you consciously build. Colin Lee’s story demonstrates how a migrant family’s struggle, a son’s promise, and a series of humbling restarts can evolve into financial freedom, business ownership, and meaningful service to others. His journey through property management, sales, and ultimately buyer advocacy reveals the power of mindset, mentorship, and relentless focus on adding value. Listeners are reminded that if they clarify their “why,” commit to growth, and treat every opportunity as if it were their own business, they can turn adversity into advantage. As you finish this episode, you’re invited to reflect on how you can use your own influence, skills, and choices to design a life of purpose, profit, and genuine impact.

How Leaders Should Use AI Without Replacing Their Teams with Neo Aplin

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations operate, yet many leaders still struggle with how to adopt it effectively. In this episode, generative AI leader and technology advisor Neo Aplin explains why AI implementation isn’t really a technology problem—it’s a people problem. With more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership and digital transformation, Neo now leads AI capability at Inventium, helping organizations turn AI from a buzzword into measurable productivity, innovation, and customer experience improvements. He discusses the common mistakes people make when using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, why treating AI like a team member leads to better outcomes, and how leaders can normalize AI adoption within their organizations. Throughout the conversation, Neo shares practical insights on communication, curiosity, experimentation, and leadership influence, showing how businesses can confidently embrace AI while empowering their teams rather than replacing them.
 
Summary:
 
Neo Aplin shares powerful insights on how leadership, communication, and curiosity play a critical role in successfully adopting artificial intelligence in the workplace. Rather than seeing AI as a threat to jobs, Neo encourages leaders to view it as a people-augmentation tool that helps remove repetitive work and frees teams to focus on higher-value tasks. Drawing from his own career journey—from studying engineering and economics to teaching himself programming and eventually becoming a technology transformation leader—Neo emphasizes the importance of experimentation, clear communication, and logical thinking when working with AI systems. He also reflects on the influence of mentors and early leaders who shaped his mindset, including one leader who taught him the value of “gut-to-gut” collaboration—honest, face-to-face problem solving that prioritizes teamwork over competition. Ultimately, Neo believes the organizations that succeed with AI will be those whose leaders actively demonstrate its use, encourage shared learning, and guide their teams through ongoing technological change.
 
Takeaways
 
AI adoption is primarily a people challenge, not a technology challenge.
Treat AI tools like employees—clear instructions, context, and expectations produce better outcomes.
Leaders must normalize AI usage so employees feel comfortable using it openly.
AI works best as a people-augmentation tool, removing repetitive tasks rather than replacing employees.
Curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to test new tools are essential leadership skills in a rapidly evolving technological environment.
 
Quotes:
 
“AI isn’t a people replacement tool—it’s a people augmentation tool.”
“The clearer you are with AI, the better the result you’ll get.”
“AI is like a new employee—you have to tell it what good looks like.”
“Leaders influence AI adoption by demonstrating how they use it.”
“The AI you use today will be the worst AI you’ll ever use again.”
 
Timestamp:
 
0:00 – Introduction and discussion on AI in business
3:00 – Why people struggle to use AI effectively
6:00 – How AI can improve communication and leadership clarity
9:00 – Neo’s career journey into technology and programming
12:00 – The importance of logical thinking and workflow design
14:00 – Early exposure to computers and influence from Neo’s parents
18:00 – Why AI adoption is a people challenge, not a tech challenge
21:00 – Leaders normalizing AI use in organizations
24:00 – Real examples of companies saving time using AI
27:00 – A leadership lesson: “gut-to-gut” collaboration
30:00 – Advice for organizations starting their AI journey
33:00 – Mindfulness, leadership, and the recommendation of Mindful in May
 
Conclusion:
 
Neo Aplin’s perspective highlights that the real challenge of artificial intelligence in business isn’t the technology itself, but how leaders guide their teams through its adoption. Organizations that thrive with AI will be those where leaders normalize experimentation, openly share how they use the tools, and position AI as a partner rather than a replacement for human talent. By encouraging curiosity, continuous learning, and collaboration, leaders can help their teams unlock the true value of AI—saving time, improving communication, and focusing energy on the work that matters most. Neo’s message ultimately reminds us that the future of AI isn’t just about smarter machines, but about smarter leadership.

This is What Real Confidence Looks Like with Dannielle Haig

Dannielle Haig, an international business psychologist and executive coach, joins the Find Your Influence podcast to reveal how the dark triad, psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, shows up in real-life high performers, from CEOs to public figures. She explains that most dark-triad personalities aren’t criminals but highly functional, charming, fearless operators with no empathy, capable of driving explosive results and just as easily blowing up teams and businesses when challenged. Dannielle shows how psychopaths’ lack of fear and rejection makes them relentless risk-takers, why narcissists are fragile “Christmas baubles” obsessed with image and admiration, and how Machiavellians quietly play a long power game, keeping score and planning their moves years ahead. Drawing on tens of thousands of hours in research, psychotherapy, and executive coaching, she exposes why we’re so bad at spotting lies, how these people exploit our instinct to trust, and what boards actually want when they hire her to “keep the genius but stop the destruction.” Most importantly, she gives leaders a clear, practical lens to recognize manipulation early, set firm boundaries, and deliberately choose what to learn and what to reject, using practiced confidence, real psychological safety, and a definition of influence rooted in living, modeling, and relentlessly communicating a clear vision without ever dropping their integrity.
 
Summary:
Dannielle Haig explains that dark‑triad personalities aren’t movie villains but often successful leaders, politicians, and executives who are simply high in three traits: psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Psychopaths feel little or no fear and ignore consequences, narcissists are shiny but fragile “Christmas baubles” obsessed with image, and Machiavellians play a long game for power and control. With no empathy and a purely self‑centered focus, these people can be fearless, charismatic, and highly effective in business—yet also create burnout, addiction, toxic cultures, and even organizational collapse. Dannielle shares how she helps boards keep their brilliance while limiting damage, and what healthy leaders can borrow from them: resilience, long‑term focus, and practiced confidence. In the end, she defines real leadership and influence as living, modeling, and consistently communicating a clear vision while spotting manipulation, protecting yourself, and choosing carefully who you allow to shape your thinking.
 
Takeaways:
 
The dark triad = three overlapping traits: psychopathy (no fear, impulsive), narcissism (fragile, admiration‑hungry image), and Machiavellianism (long‑term, power‑seeking strategist).
Most dark‑triad leaders are subclinical and highly successful—they’re not criminals, but functional, charismatic people with zero empathy and extreme self‑focus, which makes them both effective and dangerous.
We’re terrible lie detectors, and dark‑triad personalities exploit our built‑in tendency to trust and our mental shortcuts, using gaslighting, long‑game revenge, and manipulation to secure their goals.
Confidence is not innate; it’s a practiced habit—acting confident changes how you feel and how others respond, and is central to building healthy influence rather than slipping into manipulation.
Great leadership mirrors healthy influence: understand dark‑triad patterns, protect yourself, and instead model clear values and vision—live it, communicate it repeatedly, and use difficult people as lessons in both how to lead and how not to.
 
Quotes:
 
“Machiavellians are playing 4D chess. They’ve been scratching backs since they were knee‑high to a grasshopper.”
“Narcissists are Christmas bauble personalities—shiny and perfect on the outside, but incredibly fragile. Tap them and they shatter.”
“The one common denominator in the dark triad is zero degrees of empathy. They do not care about other people. You are useful—or you’re gone.”
“Psychopaths don’t think, ‘If I do this, I might get caught or hurt someone.’ It’s thought, impulse, reaction—nothing in between.”
“Leadership is influence. You live it, you portray it, and you communicate it—again and again and again.”
 
Timestamps:
 
0:00 – Intro, lighting chat, Dannielle in London
1:02 – Podcast intro and Dannielle’s background
3:18 – What is the dark triad?
5:13 – Machiavellians and long‑term power plays
8:35 – Narcissists as “Christmas baubles”
10:11 – Psychopaths: no fear and impulsivity
11:55 – All three traits in one person
13:25 – Psychopath vs sociopath
15:57 – Fear, rejection, and social pain
19:24 – Lack of fear as a “success edge”
20:23 – Confidence as a trained habit
21:41 – Influence vs manipulation
24:06 – Coaching high dark‑triad leaders
27:31 – Private confessions and long‑term revenge
31:05 – Relationships, cheating, and multiple families
33:00 – Learning from terrible leaders
34:14 – Endurance, mindset, and long‑term goals
36:09 – Choosing your fear and focus
39:52 – Dannielle’s academic and career journey
42:48 – The teacher who said “you’re not fit to be a doctor”
47:22 – Are leaders born or made?
49:20 – Thriving in high‑stress environments
50:24 – Genetics, stress, and “career bio‑hacking”
52:11 – Famine, patterns, and intergenerational trauma
55:06 – People who “need” crisis
56:48 – Avoiding drama‑addicted personalities
57:20 – Wrap‑up and ideas for part two
 
Conclusion:
 
Dannielle Haig pulls back the curtain on a group of people most of us sense but rarely understand: charming, driven, captivating, and utterly self‑centered leaders who sit high on psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. Her message isn’t “run from them all,” but something more nuanced and useful: understand them, protect yourself, and then decide what to learn and what to leave behind. Dark‑triad individuals reveal the extreme edges of resilience, confidence, strategic thinking, and risk‑taking, as well as the cost of a life without empathy or genuine connection. By blending deep psychological insight with practical leadership wisdom, Dannielle shows how to recognize manipulation early, stop romanticizing charisma, and build your own influence through practiced confidence, clear vision, and consistent behavior. In a world that often rewards loud, fearless personalities, this episode offers a clear framework for staying awake, staying safe, and still stepping into your own powerful, ethical influence.

The One Thing Leaders Get Wrong About Influence with Alyce O'Brien

What does it really mean to influence people in business? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Alyce O'Brien, founder and managing director of Level Up, shares insights from more than a decade working across recruitment, HR strategy, and organizational culture. Alyce explains why trust and clear communication sit at the core of real influence.
Drawing from her experience working with global firms and growing businesses, she discusses how leaders can build stronger teams, create psychological safety in the workplace, and rethink how they approach hiring. Alyce also talks about the shift in employee expectations after COVID, highlighting why flexibility, purpose, and supportive leadership now matter more than ever.
Listeners will gain practical insights into leadership influence, recruitment psychology, and how businesses can build stronger cultures by focusing on people, not just positions.
Summary:
Alyce O'Brien shares her journey from working in professional services with global firms to founding Level Up, a talent and HR advisory business that helps companies align people, culture, and strategy. Influenced by strong mentors early in her career, Alyce developed a leadership philosophy built around trust, empathy, and clear communication.
The conversation explores how modern workplaces are evolving and why employees now prioritize flexibility, purpose, and supportive leadership over salary alone. Alyce also explains the psychology behind recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding both what candidates say and what they leave unsaid.
She highlights the risks of hiring only people who resemble existing leaders and argues that diversity in thinking strengthens teams. Through her experience advising companies at different growth stages, Alyce demonstrates how strong leadership, thoughtful hiring, and consistent communication create sustainable business success.
5 Takeaways:
Trust and clear communication are the foundation of influence in leadership.
Hiring the same type of person repeatedly can limit growth and diversity in a team.
Modern employees value flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance more than ever.
Recruitment success depends on understanding people beyond what is written on a résumé.
Strong leadership focuses on developing people, not simply filling positions.
5 Best Quotes:
Influence begins when you build trust and communicate clearly.
When communication breaks down, influence disappears quickly.
Businesses often try to replace like-for-like, but growth requires new thinking.
Recruitment is not about filling a seat. It is about unlocking someone’s potential.
The best leaders invest in people and help them grow.
Timestamps:
0:00:00 Introduction and What Influence Means
0:01:54 Alyce O'Brien  Background and Career Journey
0:06:06 Why Level Up Was Founded
0:09:35 Changing Employee Expectations After COVID
0:12:54 Defining Influence Through Trust and Communication
0:13:38 Leadership Influences and Mentors
0:18:56 The Psychology of Recruitment
0:23:48 How Leaders Should Evaluate Candidates
0:25:02 Using Influence to Challenge Hiring Decisions
0:29:20 Trust, Credibility, and Long-Term Leadership Impact
 
Conclusion:
Alyce O'Brien's perspective on influence shows that strong leadership starts with trust, honesty, and genuine care for people. Her experience across recruitment and HR strategy reveals how culture, communication, and thoughtful hiring decisions shape the long-term success of organizations.
As workplaces continue to evolve, leaders who listen carefully, challenge assumptions, and invest in their teams will stand out. Alyce's insights remind us that influence is not about authority. It is about building relationships, understanding people, and creating environments where individuals and businesses can grow together.

Why Great Leaders Don’t Seek Approval | Peter Holmes à Court

In this episode of the Find Your Influence podcast, Anton Guinea interviews Peter Holmes à Court about leadership and influence. The conversation centers on the tension between internal motivation and external validation. Peter reflects on redefining success beyond profit, status, and public approval. Drawing from business, sport, and humanitarian work, he explains how leaders shape impact over time. This discussion challenges you to define success from the inside out. 
Summary: 
Peter describes influence as a balance between inner conviction and outside pressure. He explains that true leadership requires humility, vulnerability, and clarity of self. Using a sporting metaphor, he frames leaders as coaches who cannot step onto the field but must enable others to perform. He emphasizes impact over recognition, focusing on helping many people improve incrementally. The episode reinforces that lasting influence comes from disciplined effort and strong internal standards. 
5 Takeaways: 
Define success internally before seeking external approval. 
The voices inside your head must outweigh outside opinions. 
Leaders are coaches, not players; they enable performance rather than execute it. 
Small improvements across many people create long-term impact. 
Passion has its place, but focus deeply on what truly matters. 
The visible result is only 1%; the unseen work is 99%. 
Influence becomes meaningful when it evolves into lasting impact. 
5 Best Quotes:  
“The voices from the outside are never stronger than the voices from the inside of a person.” 
“Leaders can’t touch the ball.” 
“A little bit of change to the most people possible.” 
“Why be good at one sport when you can be bad at three?” 
“Define what success looks like for you.” 
Timestamps: 
0:00:00 Introduction and Defining Influence 
0:04:23 Internal vs External Validation 
0:05:44 Early Influences: Mum and Dad 
0:07:29 Measuring Impact Across Thousands 
0:09:26 Leadership as Coaching, Not Playing 
0:11:13 Sport, Passion, and Perspective 
0:13:32 The 1% Outcome and 99% Work 
0:15:19 Cycling, Triathlon, and Mental Discipline 
0:18:14 Art, Science, and Performance Mindset 
0:21:02 Redefining Success and Lasting Impact 
 
Conclusion: 
This episode makes one principle clear: influence begins within. When you ground yourself in internal standards, you lead with strength and stability. Leadership is not about control; it is about enabling others to succeed. Impact compounds over time through consistent effort and integrity. If you want lasting influence, start by shaping your inner voice first. 

The Voice of Ironman: Mike Reilly on Influence, Discipline & Finishing Strong

What does influence really mean when you’ve stood at over 1,000 finish lines? On this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Anton Guinea speaks with Mike Reilly, the legendary “Voice of Ironman.” For decades, his words have marked one of the most powerful moments in endurance sport. But Mike doesn’t see himself as the influencer. He believes the real influence belongs to the athletes who choose to begin. This conversation breaks down why finishing what you start changes everything. 
Summary: 
Mike Reilly shares how a simple moment at a local 10K in San Diego led to a lifetime behind the microphone. He explains how the iconic phrase “You are an Ironman” was born organically at the Ironman World Championship in 1991. Mike reflects on witnessing thousands of personal battles from grief to addiction to physical adversity and how those stories shaped his understanding of influence. He discusses why Ironman represents the discipline of finishing what you start, not just physical endurance. The episode closes with his core belief: you are the cause of your own experience. 
5 Takeaways: 
Influence starts with self-leadership. The first person you must influence is yourself. 
Actions inspire more than words. You don’t need to preach; you need to show up. 
The phrase “You are an Ironman” became powerful because it was personal. 
Hard things build identity. Doing something difficult changes how you face life. 
You are responsible for your reactions, your standards, and your outcomes. 
5 Best Quotes:  
The number one influencer is the person who influences themselves.” 
“You inspire and influence others just by your actions.” 
“Finish what you start.” 
“If you do something hard every day, it changes you.” 
“You’re the cause of your own experience.” 
Timestamps: 
0:00 What influence means and why self-influence comes first 
1:41 Introduction to Mike Reilly and career highlights 
6:53 How he first picked up a microphone at a 10K race 
10:35 The origin of “You are an Ironman” (1991, Kona) 
18:20 Powerful athlete stories and unmatched “whys” 
22:49 What Ironman represents beyond sport 
26:28 Favorite Kona memories and historic races 
30:21 Final Kona in 2022 and legacy reflections 
32:19 Retirement, family, and perspective 
33:19 Life advice: Be the cause of your own experience 
35:10 Episode close 
 
Conclusion: 
Mike Reilly spent decades announcing finishers at the Ironman World Championship, but he never saw himself as the hero of the story. He believes the real heroes are the athletes who show up, endure, and finish. His message is direct: take responsibility for your life and your reactions. Do hard things. Finish what you start. When you do that, you won’t just cross finish lines you’ll build a life you’re proud of. 

Work Ethic Over Privilege: Andrew Baxter on Investing & Freedom

From eating discounted dinners off an ironing board in a freezing London terrace to leading Australian Investment Education (AIE), Andrew Baxter shows that financial freedom is built on work ethic, courage, and integrity—not privilege. In this episode, Andrew shares how his working‑class upbringing in a UK railway town and his parents’ relentless overtime taught him to outwork everyone and think differently about money. He reveals the real story behind his first over‑stretched property purchase in London and how that uncomfortable leap became the foundation of his wealth journey. You’ll hear how he went from professional trader to global financial educator, sharing stages with Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins, all while building a team culture grounded in transparency and psychological safety. If you’ve ever waited for the “perfect time” to invest or doubted that someone with a modest background could build real wealth, this conversation will challenge your excuses and give you a practical path forward.
 
Summary:
Andrew Baxter breaks down why the biggest edge in wealth creation isn’t a secret strategy, but the willingness to get in the market, stay in, and outwork everyone else. He explains how money, when used well, doesn’t buy happiness but buys back time and options, allowing you to spend your life on what actually matters. Andrew shares powerful client stories—like a hairdresser who replaced her salon income through trading—and shows how implementation beats information every time. He also dives into his leadership philosophy at AIE: hire for character, lead with transparency, reward ownership, and create psychological safety so people feel safe to innovate and fail. Throughout the episode, he returns to one core theme: when you combine work ethic, integrity, and long‑term thinking, you don’t just build income—you build freedom and a reputation that lasts.
 
Takeaways
Getting into the property and investment market early, even when it’s uncomfortable and imperfect, often matters more than timing it perfectly.
Work ethic, modeled by Andrew’s parents and lived in his own sacrifices, is a greater advantage than any “insider” tactic or shortcut.
Money doesn’t automatically create happiness, but it can buy back your time, which is where real fulfillment and freedom live.
Long-term success in financial education depends on integrity, honesty, and doing what you say you’ll do—even when that means telling someone “this isn’t right for you.”
Hiring and leading based on values, character, and psychological safety creates teams that take ownership, support each other, and deliver exceptional service to clients.
 
Quotes:
“If you’re prepared to outwork anyone, you’ll win the game. It’s as simple as that.”
“Money doesn’t buy happiness. What it does is buy your time back so you can spend your time doing things that make you happy.”
“Get in, stay in. People often wait till it’s a better time. The best time to invest was yesterday, and the better time was the day before.”
“You can train someone to do the job, but you can’t train them to be ethical. You either are or you’re not.”
“Do it right, and you get a client for life.”
 
Timestamp:
0:00 – Meet Andrew: six kids, life balance, and escaping a house full of kids
6:14 – What “influence” really means in leadership, parenting, and finance
8:24 – The most influential people in Andrew’s life and the work ethic they modeled
12:08 – From Rich Dad Poor Dad to sharing stages with Robert Kiyosaki and Tony Robbins
19:54 – The first London property: broken boiler, no furniture, and dinners on an ironing board
23:52 – Why you must “get in and stay in” the market instead of waiting for perfect timing
30:23 – Andrew’s leadership philosophy: never ask your team to do what you wouldn’t do
35:43 – Psychological safety and a commission-based team that cheers each other on
40:23 – Incentives, integrity, and why doing the right thing wins long term
 
Conclusion:
Andrew Baxter’s journey proves that you don’t need a perfect start or perfect timing to build serious wealth—you need the courage to begin, the discipline to keep going, and the integrity to do right by people along the way. By combining early, imperfect action in the market with relentless work ethic and a deep commitment to service, he’s turned a cold London terrace and an ironing board dinner table into a life of financial freedom, meaningful work, and long-term impact. His story shows that when you align your values, money strategy, and leadership, you don’t just grow a portfolio—you create time, trust, and legacy.

Love, Leadership & The Power of Co-Creator Couples with Hollywood Director Michele Kanan

Hollywood Director Michele Kanan reveals how love, leadership, and influence fuel high-performance partnerships, sharing behind-the-scenes insights from Body Man, the Emmy-recognized Studio City, and her real-life Co-Creator marriage with Sean Kanan, proving that trust, communication, and shared vision are the ultimate power move.
 
Summary:
In this powerful conversation, Michele Kanan breaks down how Co-Creator Couples build lasting love, lead with influence, and turn marriage into a strategic advantage in Hollywood and beyond.
 
Takeaways:
Co-Creator Couples align on mission, vision, and values.
Leadership at home shapes leadership in business.
Romance is a discipline—not an afterthought.
Trust, respect, and gratitude create unshakable partnerships.
Influence is earned through inspiration, not control.
 
Best Quotes:
“Romance begins in the morning.”
“You can be dead right, or you can be happy.”
“Catch him being good.”
“Leadership is inspiring people to follow.”
“Don’t fall asleep at the wheel in your relationship.”
 
Timestamp:
00:00 – From actress to director
08:45 – Building Body Man together
18:20 – The Co-Creator Couple philosophy
32:10 – Trust, respect & daily romance
44:30 – Leadership lessons from Hollywood
55:00 – Influence that lasts
 
Conclusion:
Michele Kanan demonstrates that when love and leadership align, influence multiplies, showing why Co-Creator Couples who communicate clearly, lead with gratitude, and build together don’t just succeed, they create legacy.

Sean Kanan on Turning Struggles Into Strength & Meaningful Relationships

What does it mean to truly influence others while staying authentic to who you are? In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, Emmy Award–winning actor, author, and speaker Sean Kanan joins Anton Guinea to explore influence, resilience, and the underdog spirit. Sean shares how, as a bullied kid, he found refuge and early “mentors” in movie characters like Rocky Balboa and Daniel LaRusso, inspiring his journey into acting and his desire to positively impact others. He opens up about hitting rock bottom at 50—struggling with alcohol, carrying extra weight, and nearly losing his marriage—before committing to big personal change, sobriety, and a new way of living. Drawing on his Way of the Cobra book series and his couples book co-written with his wife Michelle, Sean explains why authenticity is a “force multiplier,” how the law of vibration and an abundance mindset shape our reality, and why your choice of partner can make or break your potential. Along the way, he and Anton discuss “choosing your hard,” navigating conflict in long-term relationships, and leading by inspiring others rather than controlling them—offering a powerful roadmap for anyone who’s ever felt like the underdog and is ready to rewrite their story. 
 
Summary: 
Sean Kanan joins Anton Guinea on the Find Your Influence Podcast to share how he went from a bullied kid hiding in movie theaters to an Emmy Award–winning actor, author, and coach focused on helping others transform their lives. He explains that real influence comes from authenticity and the underdog’s relentless pursuit of improvement, not just “winning.” Sean details hitting rock bottom at 50—battling alcohol addiction, being 45 pounds overweight, and nearly losing his marriage—before choosing to change through sobriety, discipline, and a new mindset. Drawing on his Way of the Cobra series and his couples book co-written with his wife Michelle, he breaks down ideas like “choose your hard,” the law of vibration, abundance versus scarcity thinking, and why the right partner is the single biggest factor in long-term success. The conversation ties these lessons to leadership, relationships, and everyday choices, offering a clear, practical picture of what it looks like to become a force for good in your own life and in the lives of others. 
 
 
Takeaways: 
Authenticity is a “force multiplier” for influence—being your true self is the most powerful way to positively impact others.
Underdog stories resonate because growth comes from the struggle and pursuit, not just from winning the final battle.
Transformational change often begins at rock bottom; honest self-reflection and consistent action can turn mediocrity into momentum. 
An abundance mindset, supported by the law of vibration, attracts more opportunity, while scarcity thinking creates more of what you fear. 
The right partner elevates your life and potential—relationships built on equality, challenge, and support are critical to long-term success. 
 
Best Quotes: 
 
“For me, I find the greatest way to influence people… is to be the most authentic version of themselves. That is an absolute force multiplier.” 
“The point is, it doesn’t even matter if the underdog wins. It’s the dynamic and kinetic pursuit of winning… it’s that struggle to overcome that we all find so compelling.”
Life’s hard one way or the other. You’re going to deal with hard. I’d rather deal with the hard that I choose.”
“When you live in a world of scarcity… the universe says, ‘Oh, you’re living in scarcity. I’m going to match your vibration. You want more scarcity?’ And you get the very thing you don’t want.”
“The right one will make you, the wrong one will break you. Who you choose as your partner is either going to drag you down or allow you to become the individual you were meant to become.” 
 
Timestamps: 
0:00:00 – Defining Influence and the Power of Authenticity 
0:06:13 – Bullied Childhood, Movie Theaters, and On-Screen Mentors 
0:08:48 – Why Underdog Stories Move Us All 
0:12:57 – Discovering a Super Objective: Becoming a Force for Good 
0:16:01 – Rock Bottom at 50: Addiction, Weight, and Feeling Like a Fraud 
0:18:20 – Rebuilding Through Sobriety, Discipline, and New Habits 
0:21:41 – “Choose Your Hard”: A Framework for Life Decisions 
0:22:40 – Equal Partnership, Conflict, and Choosing Happiness Over Being Right 
0:25:37 – Introducing Way of the Cobra Couples and the COBRA Acronym 
0:32:35 – Real Leadership: Inspiring, Not Ordering, and Always Adding Value 
 
Conclusion: 
Sean Kanan’s conversation with Anton Guinea shows that real influence is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and intentional choices. Drawing on his journey from bullied underdog to Emmy Award–winning actor and author, Sean explains how hitting rock bottom with addiction, health issues, and marital strain became the catalyst for radical change. By embracing the law of vibration, shifting from scarcity to abundance, and “choosing his hard” in health, habits, and relationships, he rebuilt his life and aligned it with his purpose of being a force for good. His emphasis on the power of underdog stories, the critical importance of choosing the right life partner, and leading by inspiring rather than controlling offers a clear roadmap for anyone seeking deeper impact in their personal and professional life. Ultimately, Sean’s story demonstrates that lasting influence begins with brutally honest self-reflection, courageous action, and a commitment to becoming the most authentic version of yourself. 

AI, Influence, and the Future of Leadership: Erik Simons on Technology, Psychology, and Business

In this episode of the Find Your Influence Podcast, AI expert and entrepreneur Erik Simons shares how a background in business and psychology led him to become an early internet pioneer and co-author of Business Is War: AI Is the Secret Weapon in Business with JT Foxx. Erik explains why AI is a bigger shift than the early internet, why most people underestimate its impact, and how it will soon shape both our work and personal lives. He also offers practical advice for business owners on where to start with AI, plus his leadership philosophy of leading by example and understanding every role you manage. 
 
Erik Simons recounts building the first browser-based online casino and affiliate program in the early days of the internet and draws direct parallels to today’s AI wave. He argues that AI will soon be woven into everyday life, with people talking more to AI than to humans, and urges leaders to educate themselves and start using simple AI tools now. The conversation covers influence, role models like his father, uncle, and JT Foxx, and why effective leadership means doing the work yourself first, then guiding others. 
 
Takeaways: 
AI is a transformational technology on par with (and larger than) the early internet. 
Psychology helps explain both human behavior and how AI models are designed. 
Business owners should first learn about AI, then experiment with simple tools. 
Automating repetitive tasks (e.g., transcription) is an easy, high-value entry point. 
Real leadership is influence through example and firsthand understanding of every role. 
 
Best Quotes: 
“AI will become a better friend than any human can be… it can get to know you better than you know yourself, and it’ll always be there for you.” 
“This really reminds me of that time in the early internet… the world is about to adopt AI in a much bigger way than we adopted the internet.” 
“Number one is definitely understand it… you cannot just ignore this. Learn as much as you can about AI.” 
“Often it’s not the most complex, shiny object that creates value, but simple applications of the technology to repetitive tasks.” 
“It’s difficult to lead somebody if you don’t really understand the job they do. I always like to get my hands dirty and experience it myself first.” 
 
Timestamps: 
 
0:00 – Introduction and Erik’s background in business and psychology 
0:05 – Creating the first browser-based online casino and affiliate model 
0:08 – Why AI matters and why “Business Is War” was written 
0:09 – Prediction: talking to AI more than to humans 
0:12 – Ray Kurzweil, future forecasts, and AI adoption 
0:16 – Three steps for business owners to start with AI 
0:18 – Transcription and content as simple AI wins 
0:19 – Erik’s definition of influence and choosing influences 
0:20 – Family and JT Foxx as key influencers 
0:31 – Leadership by example and doing every role yourself 
0:33 – Psychology experiments: conformity, authority, and behavior 
0:36 – Final reflections on influence and the future 
 
Conclusion: 
 
Erik Simons combines psychology, early internet experience, and AI expertise to show why leaders can’t afford to ignore AI. His message is clear: understand the technology, start small, and apply it where it creates real value, while leading teams by example. This episode offers a concise playbook for anyone wanting to stay influential and effective in an AI-driven future.