The Solo 2 Entrepreneur Show

#87 What Filmmaking Teaches Us About Business Grit

In this episode, I have with me actor, director, and producer Michael Manasseri to explore the highs and lows of his multifaceted film career. Michael shares candid insights on transitioning from acting to producing, drawing striking parallels between filmmaking and entrepreneurship. From navigating intense production cycles to overcoming financial setbacks, he reveals what it really takes to persevere and thrive in a challenging industry.
Listeners will learn about Michael’s passion for mentorship and collaboration, the vital distinction between directors and producers, and his philosophy on embracing failure as fuel for growth. Michael also shares practical advice for entrepreneurs on storytelling, networking, and balancing ambition with family life.
Don’t miss his recommendation to check out the film Give Me Liberty - an inspiring example of maintaining creative vision while managing budget constraints. This conversation offers rich lessons on resilience and risk-taking for creatives and business leaders alike.

#86 Your Comfort Zone Is the Most Dangerous Place for a Business Owners

In today’s episode, we tackle a subtle but critical risk for any business owner: the comfort zone. It doesn’t feel like danger, but staying comfortable in your business can silently stall growth, dull leadership, and leave you vulnerable to disruption.
I share insights from a recent talk with a diverse group of professionals where I uncovered the hidden truth: comfort doesn’t just protect you, it keeps you stuck.
You’ll learn:
Why comfort leads to stagnation, complacency, and missed opportunities
How competitors who refuse to stay still will overtake you
The key business areas you must constantly review for growth and agility
Pragmatic, strategic steps to escape your comfort zone without reckless risk
How to reframe failure as a tool for rapid learning and leadership evolution
If you want to move beyond safe, slow business and step into growth with clarity and confidence, this episode is for you.
Tune in - it’s time to get uncomfortably strategic.

#85 From Dishwashing to Multi-business Empire

In this episode, Zsolt shares how he Scaled 40+ Companies Across 14 Sectors - uncover the real journey behind building and scaling multiple successful businesses globally. Starting from washing dishes and working his way up in hospitality, Zsolt shares the grit, failures, and relentless focus that fueled his rise-from running one of Slovakia’s top agriculture companies to co-owning car dealerships, specialty coffee shops, and property investments across continents.
Discover Zsolt’s proven strategy on how to juggle multiple businesses without dropping the plates, why deep understanding and passion in your business matter more than being an expert, and how hiring the right experts is key to scaling effectively. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, Zsolt’s candid insights on managing time, learning continuously, and embracing failure as a critical step will reshape how you approach entrepreneurship.
Plus, get insider advice on turning your business into a bulletproof franchise model, why asking for help shows strength, and how personal discipline with routines like meditation fuels unstoppable momentum. Don’t miss this masterclass in entrepreneurial endurance and smart scaling - actionable wisdom for anyone ready to take their business to the next level.

#84 Don’t Build a Business That Shuts Down at the First Sign of Disruption

In this episode, Lorraine draws a powerful parallel between a recent state-wide lockdown triggered by just a light dusting of snow and how businesses react to disruption. While some places weather feet of snow and keep moving, others pause at the slightest challenge - and so do many businesses when disruption hits.
Discover why the difference isn’t about grit, but preparation, mindset, systems, and resilience. Lorraine shares vivid client stories illustrating how some businesses freeze under pressure while others pivot and thrive.
You’ll learn the four core questions every business owner must ask to assess resilience: preparedness, mindset, adaptability, and delivering value amidst chaos.
Plus, practical strategies to build storm-ready systems, foster a resilient mindset, run scenario planning, and communicate with agility - all without fearing disruption but expecting and moving through it.
If you’re ready to lead your business through uncertainty instead of shutting down, this episode is your wake-up call.
Tune in and start building a business that keeps going - no matter the storm.

#83 No Excuses, No Limits: Commit to a New Standard

Let's level up.

#82 Branding Beyond Logos: Unlock Your Personal Power Through Color

Today’s episode goes beyond traditional branding - it’s about the power of color and personal presentation in building your authentic brand and presence.
Lorraine sits down with Gretchen, a color expert and founder of Color Me Beautiful, to reveal how the right colors can:
Make you look healthier, more vibrant, and confident
Boost your authority and approachability in business and social settings
Help you attract the right kind of attention - without distraction
Save you money by avoiding colors that don’t suit your unique palette
Enhance your personal branding so clients focus on your message, not your outfit
Together, they explore why the fashion industry’s “one-size-fits-all” colors don’t really serve individual personalities, how color harmony works like interior design for your appearance, and the secrets of warm vs. cool palettes, contrast, and universal colors like teal.
This episode is packed with practical advice for entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals who want to elevate their presence visually - and strategically - for deeper client connection and credibility.
Why watch on YouTube? Because color is visual! See live demonstrations, before/after comparisons, and get a real sense of color’s impact that Spotify audio alone can’t capture.
Connect with Gretchen:Website & Classes: colorme-beautiful.comInstagram: @ColorMeBeautiful_Raleigh & @colormatchmethodEmail: contact@colorme-beautiful.com
Youtube: @ColorMatchMethod

#81 A Strong New Year means so much more

Happy New Year 2026.
As we review our previous years, this year is the year to double down and moving forward and upward.
Listen to this episode to hear what else will be in place for the rest of the year...

#80 AI: Fear, Future, and Opportunity - A Deep Dive with Damon Davis

Is AI really a threat to jobs or just the next evolution in technology? How has AI quietly been part of our lives for decades? What should entrepreneurs and business owners know to embrace AI for growth instead of fear?
In this episode, Damon shares expert insights on the practical applications of AI, the challenges of privacy and data, and how developing AI skills can make you indispensable in your career.
 
Here is what is covered...
-The history and evolution of AI in industries like healthcare and insurance
-The real impact of AI on employment and how to future-proof your career
-The privacy challenges of AI and data tracking in today’s world
-How to start integrating AI strategically into your business pain points
-Tips for identifying the right AI specialist to partner with
-Damon’s daily habits for productivity and goal execution
-The power of mindset: “I am” vs. “I want to be” in business and life
-If you’re ready to demystify AI and learn how to turn it into a tool for success, this episode is for you.
 
If you like this episode, follow, like, and subscribe.
Here are the links to Damon's channel.
Website: https://www.adaptiveintel.ai
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonldavis.ai
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/who-am-i-really/id1223841587
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@whoamireallypodcast

#79 Merry Christmas and thank you

Merry Christmas and thank you for all the love. You all are amazing for being a part of this journey with me. I'm looking forward to more....

#78 Give More Builds Reputation and Unlock Long-Term Success

Join Lorraine Chai on The Solo Entrepreneur Show as she sits down with Gates, a Canadian general contractor who has successfully expanded his luxury home development business across the US. In this episode, Gates shares his entrepreneurial journey, from starting door-to-door sales at age 18 to scaling his business to contracts worth over a billion dollars.
Discover why Gates chose to keep his headquarters in Canada while building projects in the US, how strategic coaching transformed his company’s growth, and the importance of building a strong, knowledgeable team. He discusses overcoming common challenges, including balancing client demands, learning to say no, and leveraging technology to manage his business while traveling to global events.
Whether you’re in construction, real estate, or any business looking to scale, Gates shares valuable lessons on leadership, mindset shifts, and the power of being the “dumbest guy in the room” to keep learning and growing.
Tune in to gain inspiration from a driven entrepreneur who turned a small business into a multi-million, soon-to-be billion-dollar empire — and the strategies that can help you grow your own business.
 
Interested in learning more about Gates and connecting with him, follow him on these channels.
www.arisluxuryliving.com
Instagram: Grivest76
Facebook: Gaetan Rivest