The Everyday Millionaire

Mindset Matters - Episode #164 - From Rivals to Allies: Lessons in Communication and Leadership

Mindset Matters Podcast Summary
In this engaging episode of Mindset Matters, Patrick and Steffany Francey delve into the dynamics of collaboration, competition, and communication, using inspiration from Adam Kahane's book Collaborating with the Enemy. The conversation kicks off with Steffany sharing her exciting trip to the Grand Prix Final in France, where she supports world-class ice dance teams from the Ice Academy of Montreal. Patrick seamlessly transitions this into a broader discussion on the paradox of competition and collaboration.
The hosts reflect on the challenges of working in high-stakes environments where competitors train together, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture that elevates everyone’s performance. Patrick introduces the "champion's paradox"—the idea that while winning often means surpassing others, focusing solely on "beating" opponents lowers one’s energy and potential. Instead, staying committed to one’s own preparation, values, and vision leads to authentic success.
Steffany and Patrick explore critical aspects of collaboration, such as the necessity of dialog and trust. They stress the value of creating a safe environment for honest communication, setting "rules of engagement," and embracing active listening. The hosts also highlight the importance of context in difficult conversations, providing practical tools for framing discussions in ways that foster understanding and respect.
The episode unpacks topics like trust, perseverance, and diversity of thought while critiquing how modern narratives around inclusivity can dilute the true value of diverse perspectives. Steffany shares examples of helping clients navigate conflicts in environments that clash with their values, illustrating how alignment can be achieved even amidst disagreement.
The conversation concludes with reflections on leadership, the role of facilitation, and the power of staying aligned with shared goals. Packed with actionable insights, this episode offers listeners a roadmap to navigate complex relationships and foster growth through collaboration.

Mindset Matters - Episode #163 - Hope for the Future (TEDx and Other Stuff)

Podcast Summary: A Week of Reflection, Growth, and Inspiration
In this episode of Mindset Matters, Patrick and Steffany Francey reflect on an eventful week filled with milestones, meaningful connections, and valuable insights. From attending high-profile events to engaging with the next generation of leaders, they explore the lessons learned and how they continue to apply their philosophy of mindset, growth, and resilience.
The week started with Patrick speaking at the Institute of Futurization, addressing a sophisticated audience of investors and business leaders. He shared insights into the economy, real estate trends, and the importance of adapting to uncertain times. Steffany highlighted the joy of reconnecting with old friends and the inspiration drawn from the other speakers, including discussions on the future of banking and Central Bank Digital Currencies.
A standout experience was their participation in the TEDx Youth event at the University of Waterloo. Organized by an 18-year-old visionary, the event showcased the potential of young leaders under pressure. Both Patrick and Steffany were deeply moved by the dedication, teamwork, and wisdom of the youth, offering hope for the future. They emphasized the importance of supporting and inspiring the next generation, urging listeners to reflect on their roles in empowering young people.
The couple also recapped their encounter with a classic “Karen” personality, tying it into a broader discussion on authenticity and how stress reveals true character. Additionally, they shared insights from a talk by Ryan Holiday on Stoicism, underscoring the importance of staying grounded in the present and embracing the unpredictability of life.
Finally, Patrick had a revelation about worry and anxiety, inspired by Dr. Joe Dispenza: anxiety about future events makes us victims of circumstances that haven’t yet occurred. This insight reinforces the power of mindset and the need to focus on what we can control today.
Tune in to this episode for reflections, humor, and a wealth of inspiration to help you navigate life with intention and resilience.

TEDM – Gary Lipsky – Real Insights for the Business of Real Estate Investing (Episode 208)

Gary Lipsky is a real estate entrepreneur focused on Multifamily Syndications and has acquired 3200+ units with a total value of $280MM. He’s won the Best Real Estate Syndication Company by AAOA in 2022 and recognized as the 25th fastest growing Real Estate company by Inc Magazine.
Gary is the host of the Real Estate Investor Podcast, where he interviews experts to educate investors. He is also the best-selling author of “Best In Class” and has spoken at countless conferences. 
Gary has built several companies, co-produced 3 independent films and started a non-profit organization for underprivileged children. His vast experience serves as a great foundation for his multifamily business.
Listen in to this episode for some authentic guidance, real stories and nuggets of wisdom for real estate investing. Gary shares the opportunities he saw that got him started in 2002, and what he is up to currently in the space of multi-family syndication. With its ups, downs, challenges and rewards, Gary highlights the importance of building networks, seeking help and collaborating for confidence and success – something he admittedly didn’t always do. Gary operates within a values-driven team and emphasizes how important trust and relationships are in every aspect of the business. Gary and Patrick discuss raising capital, market focus, fundamentals, relationship building, and a word of caution about from whom and at what cost we take advice.

Mindset Matters - Episode #162 - Real Talk About Gender, Labels, and Finding Common Ground

In this episode of the Mindset Matters podcast, hosts Patrick and Steffany dive into a candid and thought-provoking discussion about equality, gender dynamics, and navigating societal divides. They begin with a quick acknowledgment of ad interruptions, emphasizing their commitment to improving the listener experience.
The core of the conversation explores the nuanced topic of equality, sparked by a rant Patrick encountered questioning traditional notions of "real men" and the demand for equality. The duo examines how differences in gender roles—whether physical, intellectual, or emotional—should be embraced rather than forced into a one-size-fits-all framework. Steffany shares her personal perspective as a woman thriving in male-dominated spaces, such as professional sports and real estate, without feeling the need to "be equal" but instead striving to be her best self.
The discussion evolves into the broader societal challenges of equality versus equity, particularly in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). They question whether meritocracy has been overshadowed by box-checking and whether society is losing sight of the value of individuality and shared humanity. Through their unique perspectives, they highlight the importance of honoring differences and fostering genuine connection, rather than focusing on labels or divisive ideologies.
The conversation also touches on the principles of stoicism, with insights on managing emotions, focusing on what can be controlled, and seeking understanding rather than escalating conflicts. Both Patrick and Steffany emphasize the importance of aligning with personal values, surrounding oneself with supportive communities, and staying curious about differing viewpoints.
Closing with humor and heartfelt reflections, the hosts remind listeners to step back, embrace common sense, and approach life with kindness, openness, and resilience. Feedback and continued dialogue are welcomed as they navigate these challenging but essential topics together.

Mindset Matters - Episode #161 - The Real Reasons Behind Every Fight: It’s Not What You Think

In this week’s episode of Mindset Matters, Patrick and Steffany explore the dynamics of conflict in relationships, asking the pivotal question: What are we fighting for? Instead of focusing on surface-level disagreements, they dive into the underlying needs, emotions, and assumptions that often drive conflicts. Whether it’s about missed calls, unacknowledged efforts, or unmet expectations, they reflect on how these issues are rarely about the specifics and more about the emotional undercurrents.
The hosts highlight three common reasons for conflict: the need for care and closeness, respect and recognition, and power and control. They candidly share examples from their own relationship, from text messages sparking misunderstandings to humorous anecdotes about dog poop duty and misplaced laundry baskets. These stories illustrate how seemingly trivial issues can represent deeper emotional needs, like trust, autonomy, and validation.
Patrick and Steffany also discuss how unspoken assumptions and unmet expectations can escalate conflicts. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and honest communication in navigating disagreements. For instance, a partner may feel frustrated over an unanswered text, but the real issue might be a desire for reassurance or connection. By shifting the focus from “What are we fighting about?” to “What are we fighting for?” couples can move beyond reactive arguments to meaningful conversations.
The episode underscores that conflict, when approached with curiosity and humility, can become an opportunity for growth. Patrick and Steffany encourage listeners to examine their own patterns, articulate their needs, and recognize the efforts of their partners. With humor and wisdom, they remind us that fighting for understanding and intimacy is far more rewarding than getting stuck in the details of what sparked the fight.

TEDM – Kashif Khan – Unlock the Secrets of Your Genes! (Episode 207)

Kashif Khan is a biotech disruptor, TEDx Speaker, and the bestselling author of, The DNA Way: Unlock the Secrets of Your Genes to Reverse Disease, Slow Aging, and Achieve Optimal Wellness.
Raised in an immigrant household from Vancouver, Canada, Kashif cultivated an enterprising spirit from an early age. As founder of an international biotech company, he uncovered his genetically predisposed entrepreneurial neural wiring.
Kashif Khan’s journey to functional genomics hit home while navigating his two sons’ homework challenges, each stemming from distinct genetic factors affecting their motivation and focus. With a few small, individual lifestyle tweaks, the issues were completely circumvented, highlighting the power of personalized approaches, and fueling Kashif’s passion to support more parents in decoding their childrens’ genetic blueprints.
Between genetic coaching which is revolutionizing “personalized parenting” through DNA testing, and The White Bottle Project, which leverages the latest advancement in functional genomics to offer personalized supplement solutions for children, Kash is pioneering the way for parents to feel empowered and equipped with a roadmap and tools to support their kids to thrive.
Kashif’s work has been featured in Foundr, ABC News, Well & Good, and on top podcasts like Ben Greenfield Life, Impact Theory Podcast with Tom Bilyeu, and Dave Aspery.
In this episode, you’ll hear about the fascinating work that Kashif and his team are undertaking, which in a simplistic form can be described as uncovering our instruction manual to better understand our personal software system. Kash talks about his drive behind the pursuit of this work to get underneath the diagnoses and prescriptions to discover the root cause of his illness and those of his family members, to prioritize a lifestyle of optimal health. Patrick and Kash discuss dopamine addiction, and the impact this work has on the early health and wellness of young kids. He explains how things like Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, depression and auto immune disease do not have to be our predetermined destiny. Listen in to find out where you can access these tools and put responsibility for your health into your own hands. Health is our habits and it is priority not prescription.

Mindset Matters - Episode #160 - Five Tools for Ascending the Mountain of Life

In this episode of "Mindset Matters," Patrick and Steffany discuss the election of Donald Trump as U.S. President and its potential impact on Canadians. While Trump doesn’t directly govern Canada, his policies may have significant effects on Canada’s economy and its relations with the U.S. Patrick voices his concern over the strong emotional responses he's observed, urging listeners not to be overly swayed by mainstream media narratives. Instead, he suggests adopting a critical mindset and looking at various sources for a well-rounded perspective. He highlights the Stoic approach, which encourages focusing on what one can control rather than dwelling on the uncontrollable aspects of global politics.
They transition into a broader discussion on personal growth, introducing curiosity as a foundational tool in overcoming life’s challenges. Curiosity, they argue, promotes exploration and an open-minded attitude, helping individuals stay adaptable in the face of change. Steffany draws from her experience in high-performance sports, emphasizing that curiosity fosters learning and innovation.
The hosts then touch on the importance of passion, noting that while it can fuel motivation, passion alone may not be sustainable over the long term. They stress the importance of purpose as a guiding force, as purpose can turn passion into a lasting commitment and provide direction through difficult times. Aligning one's life with a clear purpose, they believe, fosters resilience and helps individuals make a positive impact on others.
In closing, Patrick and Steffany encourage listeners to focus on personal goals and values, rather than letting external events drain their energy. By embracing curiosity, passion, and purpose, listeners can navigate challenges with resilience and create a meaningful life that transcends the influence of political or media-driven stress.

Mindset Matters - Episode #159 - The FAQs of Our Relationship: How We Handle Conflict and Growth

In this episode of Mindset Matters, hosts Patrick and Steffany dive into some of the most frequently asked questions from their listeners, revealing how they handle challenges in both their personal and professional lives.
One popular question centers around conflict: “What do you do when you disagree or feel triggered by each other?” Patrick and Steffany share that while they naturally have disagreements, especially given their different approaches to preparation, they make a point to keep their discussions constructive. Patrick’s detail-oriented style contrasts with Steffany’s more spontaneous approach, leading to occasional friction. However, they’ve set boundaries to avoid hurtful or personal comments, focusing instead on the issue at hand and staying respectful. For them, this commitment keeps the relationship healthy and ensures disagreements don't turn into personal conflicts.
Another common question is about handling setbacks. Patrick and Steffany openly share their approach: they don’t dwell on blame, instead focusing on how they can take responsibility for their reactions. They see setbacks as learning opportunities and practice resilience by shifting their perspectives to see challenges as growth experiences.
Listeners are also curious about jealousy, especially around Steffany’s high-energy work and travels. Patrick admits he sometimes wishes he could join her, but he feels proud and supportive of her achievements. This mutual respect helps them balance individual ambitions with their partnership.
Lastly, they address the challenge of differing beliefs within relationships, reflecting on how they navigated opposing views during the pandemic. They advise couples to communicate openly and seek alignment, even if that means involving a neutral third party to help guide the conversation.
Through candid answers and self-reflection, Patrick and Steffany provide insights on creating a resilient, loving relationship that thrives despite challenges.

TEDM – Kimberly Spencer – Claim Your Crown, Claim Your Sovereignty (Episode 206)

Kimberly Spencer is an award-winning high-performance coach, Amazon best-selling author, and the founder of CrownYourself.com, helping visionary leaders transform their self-limiting stories, build their empire, stand out fearlessly, and make the income and the impact they deserve.
From her 10+ year battle with bulimia to becoming a certified Pilates instructor, Miss Congeniality, 3X 6-Figure Business Owner, 5X Marathon runner, 6X WEGO Health Activist Award nominee, Kimberly is proof that it's better to make your own mold than to conform to someone else's. 
Her book "Rule Your Body: How to Dethrone Food Fears, Take Command of Your Health, and Crown Yourself" debuted in January 2022.
In this episode Kimberly and Patrick connect on some mutual favourite topics – entrepreneurship, values, integrity, and ownership. With many business and life experiences to draw from, Kimberly discusses some of the processes she works through with her coaching clients, an important part of which is personal branding. Finding congruence with our values and integrity is part of that process, and when they’re not aligned, that usually manifests in our physical body. Kimberly reflects on the trauma she has experienced in her life is crystal clear on the necessity for total ownership and commitment in her healing journey - both macro and micro - to build compassion, resilience and success. As a bonus, learn a quick breathing tip for regulating our nervous system and bringing us back to center!

Mindset Matters - Episode #158 - Who Am I If I’m Not That? Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Identity

In this episode of Mindset Matters, hosts Patrick and Steffany delve into the compelling topic of identity beyond professional and personal roles. They explore the question, “Who am I if I’m not that?” and discuss how deeply people’s identities are tied to what they do rather than who they truly are. Patrick and Steffany reflect on how common it is to introduce ourselves by our professions and roles, which creates a reliance on these roles for self-worth and value. This reliance, they explain, often leads to a crisis when those roles are no longer part of our lives, such as in career transitions, retirement, or the shift to becoming an empty nester.
The conversation turns to how societal expectations shape our identities, often leaving people unprepared when major life changes remove the titles they’ve depended on. Citing statistics, Patrick and Steffany discuss how the lifespan post-retirement has drastically reduced in recent years. This trend indicates a profound need for purpose, especially for individuals accustomed to busy careers. Many retirees struggle to find meaning outside of work, even experiencing health issues due to this loss of purpose. Patrick notes the recurring trend of public figures like rock stars returning to the stage not just for financial reasons, but to fulfill an inner drive for purpose.
They highlight the importance of people, purpose, and passion as fundamental elements that keep us engaged and inspired. Steffany emphasizes that without a meaningful contribution to make, individuals may experience melancholy or a sense of emptiness. She relates this to athletes she has worked with, particularly those transitioning out of professional sports, who often find it difficult to define their worth outside their athletic achievements. Steffany stresses that early conversations around these identity shifts can alleviate some of the struggles, allowing athletes, professionals, and anyone in a similar situation to embrace new chapters with confidence.
The episode closes with the parable of the Golden Buddha, a clay statue hiding a core of solid gold. Over centuries, the gold was concealed, much like how people cover their true selves with layers of societal expectations and roles. Steffany and Patrick use this metaphor to remind listeners of the value within each person—value that can only be discovered by “chipping away” at the external identity markers. They urge listeners to ask themselves, “Who am I beneath all these roles?” and to consider how self-discovery and authenticity contribute to a meaningful, passion-driven life.