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• Why traditional methods are outdated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.

In today’s episode, I reflect on a powerful conversation I had with a friend—an Ivy League grad, top of her class, and a certified high achiever—who opened up about feeling overlooked by her own family.

She felt forgotten… while her brother, who wasn't as high-achieving, received constant check-ins and attention. Sound familiar?

This is the reality many high performers face: people assume we’re always okay.

I break down why this happens, how it’s not personal—but psychological—and why asking for help is one of the most powerful things a high performer can do.

• Being a high performer often means others assume you’re “fine.”

• People extend help to those they think need it most—and that’s often not you.

• You can be winning on the outside and still struggling inside.

• Speak up. Ask for help. You’re human, not a machine.

If this resonated with you:

• Share this episode with another high performer who might need to hear this reminder.

• Don’t suffer in silence. DM a friend, call someone, or say it out loud: “I need help today.”

• Subscribe to the show for more daily wisdom like this—and leave a review if this hit home.

You’re not alone. Even high performers need a hand sometimes.

— Bertrand

Today, I’m sharing a real moment from the early days of my project management career—a moment that changed everything.

I had just started at a Fortune 500 company. My director was unexpectedly absent during an important meeting. Instead of waiting or panicking, I stepped up. I reviewed past notes, led the meeting, and handled key questions. What happened next? That single move catapulted me into director-level leadership and set the tone for how I’ve moved ever since.

This episode is about one powerful idea: Stop waiting for permission.

• Leadership isn’t a title—it’s action.

• Most people are waiting for someone else to lead. Be the one.

• You don’t need to be “ready.” You need to be willing.

• Opportunities often show up disguised as chaos.

Today, don’t wait for a signal or an invitation.

️ Proactively step up. Take initiative.
Share this episode with someone who’s hesitating on their greatness.
Subscribe if this hit home—more leadership fire dropping tomorrow.

Your moment won’t always announce itself. Sometimes, you create it.

— Bertrand

Today I’m keeping it real with a reminder we all need: there will never be a perfect time to start.

Whether it’s:

• Taking your health seriously

• Going back to school

• Launching that business

• Writing your book

• Or studying for the LSAT like me…

You’re always going to be busy. Life doesn’t magically “clear up.” As a father of four, full-time worker, master’s student, LSAT prepper, and entrepreneur—I can tell you firsthand, waiting only delays your growth.

Key Points:

• “One day” is a lie we tell ourselves to avoid starting.

• Put it on your calendar or it won’t happen.

• Start where you are: self-study, free resources, YouTube, ChatGPT—just begin.

• Preparation before the “official” journey puts you way ahead.

I didn't wait to get into a formal LSAT program—I started studying early. I didn’t wait to become a data engineer—I started learning Python and SQL before joining a bootcamp. That mindset creates momentum.

Whatever it is you’ve been putting off—start today.

Take one small step. Buy the book. Watch the video. Block time on your calendar.

Share this with someone who needs the push.
Subscribe so you don’t miss tomorrow’s episode.

You don’t need perfect timing. You just need to start.

— Bertrand

In this episode, I share one of my recent quick wins—paying off a large credit card—and how that small victory created momentum on my journey to becoming debt-free in the next six months. More importantly, I break down a simple habit that fuels me on the days I feel drained or stuck:

The Win List – Every time I accomplish something meaningful—big or small—I write it down in my notes. Whether it’s running a mile, hitting a savings goal, or sticking to my daily podcast commitment, those entries become fuel when my motivation dips.

Key Takeaways:

• Momentum builds through consistent wins, not just major milestones.

• Record your wins daily, so you can revisit them when self-doubt creeps in.

• Even when a podcast (or anything) doesn’t feel like your best, the discipline of showing up matters most.

Whether you’re on a debt-free journey or building consistency in any area of your life—this episode will help you stay locked in.

If this episode helped you in any way, do me a favor:

✅ Subscribe so you don’t miss tomorrow’s episode.
Share this with a friend who’s grinding toward their goals.
Tag me when you start your own “Win List”—I want to see what you’re building.

Let’s stay consistent. Let’s win daily.

— Bertrand

Hey, what’s going on everyone — it’s Bertrand.

In this episode, I’m dropping a challenge that could shift your entire year:

Pick one thing you’re going to commit to every day for the next 365 days.

For me?
️ It’s recording and releasing one podcast episode every single day.

This isn’t just about content.
It’s about:

• Developing consistency

• Sharpening communication

• Building something bigger, one day at a time

And I want the same for you.

So ask yourself:
What’s one thing you’ll commit to daily?
Writing?
Journaling?
Workout?
Prayer?
Posting?
Reading?

Whatever it is—make it yours, make it daily, and watch who you become on the other side.

If this episode sparked something in you, here’s what to do:

1. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a day

2. Share this with one person who needs a push to commit

3. DM me what your “One Thing” will be for the year — let’s hold each other accountable

You’re one daily decision away from changing your life.
Let’s go.

— Bertrand