In this episode of the Balanced Warrior Podcast, hosts Michael Mertens and Coach Paul Melella interview Mike Epstein, CEO of Next Gen Agency, a leading provider of VIP outsourced business solutions. Mike shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Shrub Oak, NY, to building a multi-million-dollar company while pursuing his passions as a musician and Harley Davidson enthusiast. He emphasizes the importance of creating a positive workplace culture, hiring the right people, and fostering employee engagement through meaningful incentives, team-building events, and personalized appreciation.

Mike delves into his practices of visualization, meditation, and gratitude, which have been instrumental in his success. He explains how visualizing his goals and maintaining a positive mindset have helped him overcome challenges and achieve a fulfilling life. His nightly routine of affirmations keeps him focused and aligned with his vision. For entrepreneurs, Mike stresses the value of intentional culture, clear goals, and commitment to action. His message serves as a reminder that success is not just about financial achievement but also about happiness, balance, and giving back.

This episode offers actionable insights for anyone striving for multi-dimensional success. Whether you're an entrepreneur or seeking personal growth, Mike’s story highlights the transformative power of mindset and intentionality.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery

In this episode, Coaches Paul, Chris, and Mike are back to dive into how to live a balanced, fulfilled life across health, wealth, and personal growth. We start off with a laugh about Halloween candy temptations and how each of us managed to (mostly) stick to our health commitments by setting some non-negotiables.

Then we get into the main focus of today’s talk: the power of introversion—and why balancing both introverted and extroverted traits can actually help you be more successful and grounded. Paul shares how he evolved from a high-energy, attention-loving kid to a coach who’s learned the value of listening and recharging. Chris talks about his need for solitude, finding his best insights when he’s off in the mountains on a hike. Mike underscores the impact of active listening and asking the right questions, explaining how it helps us connect more deeply and get to the heart of what clients really need.

We talk about the idea of "calm confidence," a mix of humility and grounded self-assurance. Building both listening and communication skills, we believe, can really level up your relationships, your leadership, and your coaching. And of course, we bring it back to martial arts: it’s a powerful way to develop confidence, discipline, and life skills—especially for kids—like eye contact, respect, and composure that carry over to everything else in life.

To wrap things up, we encourage everyone to work on both sides of the spectrum—embracing both introverted and extroverted skills to grow personally and professionally. Thanks for joining us, and tune in for more tips and strategies to find balance in all areas of your life on the next episode of The Balanced Warrior Podcast.

In this episode, Balanced Warrior coaches Chris Berlow and Paul Melella explore the five Rules of Il Il Shin to develop personal growth, self-mastery, and mindfulness. In the discussion, they emphasize the need for continuous improvement, self-awareness, and the establishment of individual rules and highlight the importance of balanced states, mental breaks, and meditation for maintaining productivity. They also stress the importance of humility, accountability, and having accountability partners in leadership. Key takeaways from the podcast…

• Practice the 10 Rules of Ill Shin: Focus on eliminating anger and adhering to principles even without external expectations.
• Daily Tea Ceremonies: Maintain rituals with family for quality time and self-reflection.
• Regular Meditation: Implement morning, midday, and evening practices for balance and clarity.
• Mentorship: Continue guiding proteges and passing on specialized knowledge to the next generation.
• Accountability Practice: Take ownership of mistakes, ask for forgiveness, and engage in service recovery when necessary.

If you enjoyed this podcast, please don’t be shy and share it with anyone who would benefit from its content. Visit empoweredmastery.com for more information, or contact us at info@empoweredmastery.com should you have any questions about Balanced Warrior and Empowered Mastery.