Social Proof Podcast

In this episode, David Shands and Donni Wiggins break down the decisions, habits, and mindset shifts that helped them grow as entrepreneurs. They share moments when they realized they were thinking too small, why staying busy doesn’t always mean you’re moving forward, and how focusing on the right activities can completely change the trajectory of your business.
They also discuss creating content that actually drives revenue, knowing when to raise your prices, building an offer people truly want, hiring the right people, leveraging your network, and learning how to make your money work strategically.
If you’re working hard but still wondering why your business isn’t growing consistently, this conversation will help you take a closer look at what you’re doing, what you should stop doing, and where your attention needs to go next.
Subscribe to Social Proof Podcast for more conversations about entrepreneurship, business growth, money, and building something that lasts.
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What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your talent, your pricing, or your customers, but the way you see yourself?

In this Hot Seat conversation, David Shands sits down with interior designer Brandy Lee for a powerful conversation about business, confidence, pricing, and understanding the true value of what you provide.

Brandy has built a growing interior design business while balancing a full time career, but David quickly identifies a mindset that could be keeping her from reaching the next level. From protecting her customers’ budgets and giving discounts to viewing her own service as a luxury instead of a necessity, they unpack how your beliefs can directly affect how you sell, price, and show up in business.

The conversation eventually goes much deeper than business. Brandy opens up about divorce, betrayal, rebuilding her life, discovering interior design, and the experiences that shaped how she sees herself today.

Sometimes the next level doesn’t require more talent. It requires finally recognizing the value that was already there.

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Connect with Deija here:
https://deijatheceo.com

Connect with Dion here:
https://dtduniversity.com

When is it actually time to quit your job and bet on yourself?
In this episode of Finance Fridays, we break down the financial reality of transitioning from a 9 to 5 into full time entrepreneurship. It’s not just about having faith in your business. You need a plan, a number, and the discipline to prove that your income can support the move.
We talk about finding your “quit number,” preparing for months when the money may not come in, turning your skills into income, finding the right mentor, creating recurring revenue, and treating your business with the same discipline you gave your job.
We also get into the fear that keeps people stuck. Fear of failing. Fear of losing security. Fear of what other people will think if it doesn’t work.
If you know you’re capable of more but you’re trying to figure out how to make the transition without putting yourself in a financial hole, this conversation is for you.
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What does it really take to go from making $500K to building a $5.5 million business?
In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Weston to break down the journey behind building a multimillion dollar tax software business that has processed over 50,000 tax returns.
Weston shares how years of consistency, failed webinars, discipline, and staying focused on one industry eventually created massive growth. They also talk about building a business using existing software, creating additional value through training and support, marriage and family, staying committed when nobody is watching, and why becoming successful starts with becoming the right person first.
This conversation is a reminder that what looks like overnight success usually has years of work behind it.
If you're building a business, trying to reach your next level, or wondering whether the work you're putting in today will eventually pay off, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs who are building real businesses and creating real results.

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Social Proof family, we’ve got special access for you to CultureCon 2026!
$75 Off GA Weekend Passes
Use promo code SOCIALPROOF to receive $75 off your GA Weekend Pass.
Limited Complimentary VIP Weekend Passes
A limited number of complimentary VIP Weekend Passes are also available while supplies last. Use promo code SOCIALPROOF26 at checkout.
Please note: Complimentary VIP passes are extremely limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all available passes have been claimed, the code will no longer be valid.
How to Redeem:
    1    Visit the CultureCon website and select Buy Tickets.
    2    Choose the appropriate ticket tier:
    ◦    GA Weekend for the $75 discount
    ◦    VIP Weekend for a complimentary VIP pass, while available
    3    Complete the registration questions and select Continue.
    4    Enter the appropriate promo code:
    ◦    SOCIALPROOF — $75 off GA Weekend Passes
    ◦    SOCIALPROOF26 — Complimentary VIP Weekend Pass, while supplies last
    5    Review your order and select RSVP.
    6    You’ll receive a confirmation by text and email with your ticket QR code.
For easy ticket access during the event, we recommend downloading the Posh app in advance.

What does it really take to turn an idea in your living room into a movement that brings thousands of people together?
In this episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands sits down with Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon, to unpack how she built one of the most influential spaces for Black creatives.
Imani shares how CultureCon grew from just 10 people in a living room into a massive experience attracting thousands of attendees, major brands, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.
They break down the real business behind large scale events, building relationships with sponsors, attracting major talent, transitioning from a successful career at NBC into entrepreneurship, and why she chose to grow CultureCon without outside investors.
Imani also opens up about burnout, learning to delegate, protecting her time as a CEO, taking calculated risks, and realizing that money isn't the only currency you spend while building a business.
If you're building a brand, community, event, or business while still working your 9 to 5, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply to your own journey.
Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast for more conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders building something bigger than themselves.

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