In this powerful and transparent episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my personal learning journey as I dive headfirst into SQL while transitioning from a project manager to a more technical role in data and cloud.

I talk about:

• Why I invested $20,000 into Data Engineer Academy

• How I overcame imposter syndrome and embraced being a beginner again

• The exact strategy I used to finally get it—from confusion to confidence

• Why writing by hand unlocked the patterns in SQL for me

• The power of self-education, even after paying for a program

This isn’t just about learning to query databases—it’s about reclaiming your confidence, your competence, and your future income potential.

• You are smart enough. You just need the right learning strategy that works for you.

• Don't outsource your growth. Even if you paid for a course, your progress is your responsibility.

• Use notebooks and hand-writing to create a body-mind connection and build memory muscle.

• SQL is a language, and like any language, you get better by practicing patterns consistently.

• You don’t need to be technical yet—but you must decide you want to become more technical.

• Notebook + Pen from CVS

• Daily practice with ChatGPT to drill SQL queries (beginner → intermediate → advanced)

• Manual repetition of SQL queries by hand to build deep understanding

• Committed to 365 days of learning and content creation

Whether you're transitioning into tech, trying to upskill, or doubting your ability to learn something new—stop waiting for permission.

Take the reins.

Teach yourself. Master your tools. Then show up like you belong—because you do.

This is just the beginning.

In today’s episode, I break down how every generation has had a different method to “make it” in life—and how the game has changed yet again.

From the "go to school, get a job, retire in 20 years" blueprint our parents followed, to today’s chaotic digital and AI-driven economy, the rules have shifted. Easy Apply doesn’t work. Loyalty to companies won’t save you. Waiting around gets you nothing.

I walk you through:

• Why traditional methods are outdated

• The rise of digital income (and the dangers of scams)

• Why job hunting now requires strategy not spam

• And how to build your own system in today’s world

• The old roadmap is dead. Don’t follow broken systems.

• Every 10 years, the game changes. Stay aware and evolve with it.

• AI, tech, and remote work have shifted the job and business landscape.

• Easy Apply isn’t working. Direct connection and branding are.

• Stop listening to people who don’t understand the current system.

Ask yourself: What system am I following? Is it still valid?

If not:

1. Take a step back.

2. Look at what's actually working today.

3. Build your new plan based on now, not nostalgia.

Learn. Iterate. Innovate.

The ones who win today are the ones willing to reinvent themselves—constantly.

Today’s episode dives into a hard truth—most people are playing defense with their money. I share a real conversation with a friend who only now feels financially protected because of decisions he made five years ago.

From legal fees to family emergencies, one wrong move can wipe you out if you're not financially prepared. I talk about how that fear used to paralyze me too—until I started budgeting, paying off debt, and building my emergency fund.

This is your wake-up call to get out of survival mode and start playing to win.

• Legal protection, emergencies, and peace of mind all require money.

• If you’re always on edge about your finances, you're playing defense.

• Offensive money means control—you walk taller, speak clearer, and live better.

• Set a goal to save your first $10K before making big investments.

• When you manage your money, everything else—relationships, work, confidence—gets better.

If you’re tired of feeling like one bill could break you:

• Make a budget today. Track everything.

• Eliminate debt like your life depends on it—because your freedom does.

• Save your first $10K. You’ll feel like a millionaire (I did).

If this episode hit home, subscribe for daily wisdom and share it with someone you care about. Let’s all get on offense. Let’s win.