Episode Summary:

In this raw and revealing episode of The Launch Button Podcast, Hugh takes you behind the curtain of what it really looks like to launch something new—especially when everything that can go wrong… does go wrong. From a laptop hard-drive failure two hours before kickoff, to a temporary replacement computer that crawled slower than dial-up, to a full website malware attack that shut down email attachments, Hugh shares the chaotic, unfiltered truth of running their first-ever AI Challenge.

Despite tech meltdowns, frozen screens, corrupted audio, and hacked links, the team stayed relentless. The message? Entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, adaptability, and solving one problem at a time. Hugh breaks down how he delivered an entire multi-day AI challenge using nothing but a phone, grit, backup systems, a supportive team, and a whole lot of patience.

Through every failure came a lesson: people don’t follow perfect—they follow real. And even in the middle of tech disasters, attendees aged 18 to 80 learned AI skills, built systems, improved storytelling, and took the actions that moved their businesses forward. The impact remained strong, lives were changed, and confidence in AI grew—even when the tech running the challenge was falling apart.

This episode is a powerful reminder that if you wait for perfect, you’ll never launch. If you move forward—especially when everything breaks—you create momentum, growth, and transformation for yourself and the people you serve.

Link in bio for the full episode.

About the Host:

Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.

Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.

Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience.

http://www.HughZaretsky.com

http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc.

Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook

Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want

Episode Summary:

In this deep-dive episode of The Launch Button Podcast, @hughzwealth explores what true leadership really means by drawing lessons from some of the greatest figures in sports history. From Jackie Robinson’s resilience in breaking the color barrier, to Hank Aaron’s quiet strength, Willie Mays’ charisma, and the captain-level discipline of Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr.—each athlete reveals a different path to leading with purpose. Hugh also breaks down why being a superstar, like Michael Jordan, doesn’t always translate into being an effective coach or executive, and why leaders like Steve Kerr thrive because they learned success through struggle and repetition.

This episode challenges you to identify your own leadership style, understand your strengths, and learn how to guide your team through adversity with clarity, simplicity, and intent.

Watch the full episode — link in bio.

About the Host:

Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.

Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.

Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience.

http://www.HughZaretsky.com

http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc.

Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook

Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want to work, train, or get coached by Hugh?

IG - @hughzwealth

FB - @hughzWealth

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Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of The Launch Button Podcast, host @hughzwealth sits down with @janekbeeson, a remarkable woman from Spokane, Washington—entrepreneur, pageant queen, philanthropist, and mental health advocate. Jane opens up about her life as a triplet, her unexpected journey into pageantry, and the profound transformation that came after nearly losing her son to suicide.

Through courage and resilience, Jane turned her pain into purpose—winning Mrs. Washington, competing at Mrs. America, walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, and becoming Vice President of Light A Lamp, a suicide prevention nonprofit helping students across Washington.

Jane also shares how mentorship, community, and saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities—like joining @ChrisWhiteman’s gym—completely reshaped her life. This episode dives deep into authenticity, purpose, and how personal growth can come from the most challenging moments.

🎙️ Watch the full episode — link in bio.

About the Guest

My name is Jane and I am far from plain! I am a former Mrs. Washington American 2023. Gracing the stage at Mrs. America was a dream come true! Currently, I am running for USOA’s Mrs. Washington in December with hopes to take the stage once again. 23 years ago I married my husband, Sean. We met while attending Eastern Washington University. Sean was on the golf team and I was a cheerleader. I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Dental Hygiene and currently work full-time. Sean and I have two incredible teenagers that keep us busy. Our oldest child is Autistic and makes us laugh with his unique humor. Our next chapter will be sending our youngest off to college. We look forward to more golf and travel. My passion currently is focused on raising money for my Non-Profit called “light-A-Lamp. We mainly supports children who have lost hope by providing life saving resources. I am proud to say we are in 25 schools in Eastern Washington and counting! To learn more go to: lightalamp.org

About the Host:

Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.

Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.

Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to...