The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive deep with Mike Koenigs (@mikekoenigs) — a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author, and creator of The AI Accelerator. 🌍💡

Mike shares his powerful insights on:
✅ How AI is transforming entrepreneurship in 2025 and beyond
✅ The role of storytelling and branding in building “founder-led” businesses
✅ Why reinvention and resilience are critical for long-term success
✅ The superpowers every entrepreneur needs to thrive in today’s digital economy

From surviving stage 3 cancer to launching breakthrough companies, Mike’s journey is packed with lessons on mindset, innovation, and using AI...

⚔️ Competitors aren’t your enemies—they’re your best teachers.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals why studying your competition is one of the smartest moves you can make as an entrepreneur. Instead of wasting energy hating on competitors, Paul explains how to analyze their strengths, learn from their mistakes, and use their strategies as fuel to level up your own business.

From turning their success into a free blueprint, to using their wins to expose your weaknesses, to innovating by improving what’s already working—this episode shows you how to outplay...

🧘‍♂️ In business, the biggest wins—and the biggest losses—come down to decisions made under pressure.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals why mindfulness is the secret weapon of elite decision-makers. From slowing down when others panic, to stripping emotion out of critical choices, to building confidence through clarity, Paul shows you how to keep your cool when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of big business moves, this episode will teach you how to stay calm, focused, and calculated—so you can execute wit...

📊 Vanity metrics look good on paper—but they don’t build businesses.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why most entrepreneurs fail by obsessing over likes, followers, and views instead of tracking the numbers that actually matter. From focusing on revenue-driven metrics, to understanding customer lifetime value, to measuring efficiency over effort, Paul shares the framework for sustainable business growth.

If you’ve been chasing attention instead of results, this episode will show you how to shift your focus to the numbers that fuel scale and longevity.

🔑 Key takeaway...

🏆 Big goals are built on small victories—and ignoring them is the fastest path to burnout.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex highlights the power of celebrating small wins on your entrepreneurial journey. From fueling momentum, to building confidence, to staying motivated when progress feels slow, Paul breaks down why recognizing every step forward is essential to long-term success.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re not moving fast enough, this episode will help you reframe your progress and keep stacking wins until the big breakthrough comes.

🔑 Key takeaways:<...

🔑 New customers build momentum—but repeat customers build empires.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex dives into the real science of customer loyalty and retention. While most entrepreneurs obsess over chasing new leads, Paul explains why the real goldmine is in creating repeat buyers—and how to design your business so they keep coming back.

From overdelivering value, to staying visible, to giving customers reasons to return, Paul shares the practical steps that turn one-time buyers into lifelong supporters.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why overdelivering is the fastest way to build l...

📢 Most business owners dread customer complaints—but smart entrepreneurs know they’re opportunities in disguise.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explains how to flip negative feedback into growth. From listening instead of reacting, to fixing recurring problems, to turning accountability into loyalty, Paul reveals how handling complaints the right way can transform unhappy customers into raving fans.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by criticism, this episode will show you how to reframe it into your greatest advantage.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why listening to complaints reveals hidden gaps in your...

🤝 Too many entrepreneurs think giving value means losing—but the truth is, generosity is the ultimate growth hack.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex shares why generosity isn’t weakness—it’s leverage. From building trust through upfront value, to creating loyalty through reciprocity, to playing the long game of impact over transactions, Paul explains how serving first can transform your business into a long-term powerhouse.

If you’ve been stuck in a “take first” mindset, this episode will show you why giving is the most profitable strategy of all.

🔑 Key takeaways...

🔄 Sticking to a failing plan isn’t discipline—it’s disaster.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex dives into one of the most important skills every entrepreneur must master: knowing when to pivot. From recognizing when the data proves your idea isn’t working, to understanding that pivots aren’t failures but strategies, Paul breaks down how top entrepreneurs adapt and evolve before it’s too late.

If you’ve ever wondered whether to keep pushing or change direction, this episode will show you how to make the smart move without losing momentum.<...

🌟 The most powerful asset in business isn’t money or products—it’s your reputation.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to build a reputation that speaks for you before you ever enter the room. From delivering results consistently, to showing up with predictability, to letting others become your biggest advocates, Paul reveals the formula for becoming known, respected, and trusted in your industry.

If you want to create a name that carries weight and opens doors, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why results—...

💡 Success isn’t about fixing your weaknesses—it’s about doubling down on your strengths.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why most people stay stuck at average: they focus on becoming “well-rounded” instead of going all-in on what they do best. From ignoring natural gifts because they feel “too easy,” to wasting time trying to fix weaknesses, Paul shares how top performers achieve greatness by playing to their strengths.

If you’ve been spreading yourself thin instead of sharpening your edge, this episode will show you how to focus on what reall...

⚙️ If your business falls apart the moment you step away—you don’t have a business, you have a job.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals the secret to building true freedom in entrepreneurship: systems. From documenting processes, to automating repetitive tasks, to delegating with precision, Paul breaks down how to create businesses that run smoothly even when you’re not in the room.

Whether you’re scaling your first venture or managing multiple businesses, this episode will show you how to stop working in your business and start working on it.

In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Paul Hutchinson (@liberating.humanity), a billionaire entrepreneur turned undercover operative who left his $50B investment empire to fight child trafficking across the globe. Paul shares the real-life story behind the hit movie Sound of Freedom, detailing how he infiltrated trafficking rings, posed as a wealthy buyer, and helped rescue 124 children in a single day. This episode pulls back the curtain on the dark world of human trafficking, the emotional toll of undercover work, and the courage it takes to fight evil face to...

🚀 Most launches fail before they even start—not because the idea was bad, but because the strategy was missing.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals the proven strategies behind every successful launch—whether it’s a business, product, or new offer. From creating demand before launch day, to building momentum through systems, to crafting offers that feel impossible to ignore, Paul shares the step-by-step blueprint to launch like a pro.

If you’ve ever struggled with launches that fell flat, this episode will show you how to create the kind of buzz tha...

⚡ If your customers can’t understand what you do in under 10 seconds, you’ve already lost them.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explains why simplicity is the secret weapon of every successful business—and why complexity destroys growth faster than competition ever could. From crafting a clear message, to building trust through clarity, to avoiding analysis paralysis, Paul shares the exact mindset and strategies that keep winning entrepreneurs ahead.

If you’ve been overcomplicating your offers, processes, or execution, this episode will help you simplify—and scale.

🔑 Key takeaways:

💎 Customers don’t just want products—they want to feel appreciated. And if they don’t? They won’t stick around.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to transform your customers from one-time buyers into loyal advocates by making them feel genuinely valued. From shifting focus away from transactions, to using small but powerful gestures, to listening more than you sell—Paul shares the strategies that turn satisfied customers into lifelong supporters.

If you want to build long-term loyalty and grow a business that lasts, this episode is your playbook...

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Noor Faith, executive at Fan Basis, one of the fastest-growing payment processing companies for online entrepreneurs. Noor’s story is a powerful example of resilience—going from grinding out 300 cold calls a day for $300 a week to leading at a fintech startup that’s changing how coaches, consultants, and digital creators scale. 🚀 Inside this episode, you’ll discover: How Noor built his career from the ground up after dropping out of college The lessons learned from failure, payroll struggles, and bouncing back stronger Why culture and...

Most people have never even heard of surplus proceeds — the life-changing funds left over after a foreclosure auction. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Christopher Craig (@christophercraigofficial) breaks down exactly how this hidden market works and how YOU can tap into it. From knocking on doors the day of the sale to helping families move forward after losing their homes, Christopher reveals how surplus proceeds create a rare win-win: helping homeowners while building a powerful business model. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: What surplus proceeds are and how they’re created at foreclosure auctions ...

If people don’t feel urgency, they won’t take action—and in sales, hesitation kills deals. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals how to create real scarcity that drives buyers to move—without the fake hype that ruins trust. From using authentic deadlines, to tying scarcity directly to value, to leveraging social proof that creates FOMO, Paul shares the exact strategies that get people off the fence and into action. If you’ve ever struggled to close deals because prospects “needed more time,” this episode will show you how to position your offer so they act no...

📖 Facts tell, but stories sell.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why storytelling is the ultimate tool for sales, influence, and building long-term trust. From sharing his own journey—working 80-100 hour weeks in law enforcement to becoming a multi-million dollar entrepreneur—Paul reveals how stories create emotional connections that numbers alone never can.

If you’re relying only on data and features to sell, this episode will show you how to leverage stories to inspire action and close more deals.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why storytelling builds trust...

Why do some people achieve massive success while others give up? The difference isn't talent, luck, or intelligence—it's mindset. In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the essential mindset hacks that separate winners from quitters.

Learn how to shift from a victim mentality to one of full ownership, embrace the long game instead of seeking instant gratification, and harness the power of discipline over fleeting motivation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stop making excuses and start getting results.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Full Owner...

📞 Most sales aren’t lost on the first call—they’re lost in the follow-up.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals why the fortune is always in the follow-up and how mastering this skill can put you ahead of 90% of your competition. From staying top of mind with value-driven touchpoints to creating urgency the right way, Paul breaks down the strategies that turn prospects into paying clients.

If you’re struggling to close deals, this episode will show you how to stop leaving money on the table and start closing like a pro...

⏰ You can make back lost money—but you’ll never buy back lost time.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex delivers a powerful message every entrepreneur needs to hear: stop treating your time like it’s cheap. Just like you track revenue, expenses, and profits in your business, you need to audit your time to see where it’s really going.

Paul reveals how to cut out the wasted hours, eliminate distractions, and invest your time into the high-return activities that actually move the needle.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why most peop...

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with investor and entrepreneur Justin Freishtat (@justinfreishtat) to uncover how artificial intelligence is being used to make schools safer and potentially stop tragedies before they happen.

Justin shares his journey from door-to-door sales to becoming an investor in groundbreaking technologies like Safe Space Global, a company using AI cameras and smart detection systems to prevent violence, protect students, and create safer public spaces. He breaks down:

🔥 How AI can detect threats in real time and trigger lockdowns before danger escalates
🔥 Why in...

Schools teach you to get a degree and follow the system, but they don’t show you how to build wealth, launch a business, or access real funding. That’s where today’s guest comes in.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Benjetta Steele (@iambenjettatheboss)—CEO and founder of Mother Motivation—reveals how she helps entrepreneurs secure six figures in funding to grow, scale, and recession-proof their businesses. Her story of resilience as a single mother, guided by faith and determination, proves that your circumstances don’t define your success.

What you’ll...

🚀 Want to build trust, loyalty, and a reputation that sets you apart? Master the art of under-promising and over-delivering.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down one of the most powerful strategies for dominating in business—exceeding expectations. From setting realistic timelines to delivering results faster than promised, Paul shares how this approach creates credibility, drives customer loyalty, and turns your brand into a magnet for new opportunities.

If you’re tired of chasing clients and want them chasing you, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why over...

💪 Success isn’t about who’s the smartest or the luckiest—it’s about who refuses to quit.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex unpacks the secret weapon every entrepreneur needs: resilience. Business will test you with setbacks, failures, and unexpected challenges, but resilience is what separates those who fold from those who rise stronger.

Drawing from his own experiences of loss, adaptation, and growth, Paul shares practical strategies for staying grounded, pushing through, and turning obstacles into stepping stones.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why reconnecting with your “why” fuels persistence<...

🔥 Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why confidence is less about mindset and more about action. From taking the first step before you feel ready, to stacking small wins, to surrounding yourself with people who push you forward, Paul shares practical strategies to help you develop unstoppable confidence.

If you’ve ever held back because you “don’t feel confident enough,” this episode will show you how to flip the script and build it as a skill.

🔑 Key...

🏆 Winning once isn’t enough—the goal is to keep stacking wins and build unstoppable momentum.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals how to turn a single victory into long-term success by systematizing, leveraging, and evolving. From scaling his businesses to transitioning from law enforcement into entrepreneurship, Paul shares how he took one win and transformed it into multiple thriving ventures.

If you’ve ever wondered how top entrepreneurs keep winning over and over again, this episode is your blueprint.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why documenting and repeating success is t...

🚀 From arrests and setbacks to building multiple businesses and becoming an international speaker, Jay Awal’s story is one of resilience, faith, and massive transformation.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Jay opens up about his journey: growing up in a single-parent household, falling into the wrong crowd, hitting rock bottom in a jail cell — and making the decision to completely change his life.

Jay shares how self-education, imperfect action, and surrounding himself with the right people helped him go from living at his mom’s house to traveling the world, sp...

⏳ Want to close more deals without coming off as “salesy”? It’s all about creating urgency the right way.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to get people off the fence and into action—without pressure tactics that kill trust. From leading with real value, to using deadlines authentically, to showing prospects the true cost of waiting, Paul reveals the strategies top entrepreneurs and sales pros use to close strong while keeping integrity intact.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re forcing the sale, this episode will teach you...

Most entrepreneurs make the mistake of pouring money into ads before building real trust. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, I sit down with Carson Butler (@carsonrapscontent) to break down why your personal brand will always outperform paid ads in the long run.

Carson reveals his proven “3 Ps” framework: Prep, Produce, Perfect, and explains how he helps entrepreneurs cut cost per lead nearly in half while doubling deal flow. From his first clothing brand “Scars Make Stars” to founding Carson Wraps Content, Carson’s journey is a blueprint for creators and business owners who...

💰 Revenue looks sexy on social media—but it doesn’t mean you’re profitable.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex exposes one of the biggest reasons businesses fail: not knowing their numbers. From mistaking revenue for profit, to ignoring cash flow, to running a business on guesses instead of data, Paul breaks down why financial awareness is the difference between scaling up and crashing down.

If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to build a business that lasts, this episode will help you shift from guessing to tracking, and from flexing to winning...

🔑 In business, trust is everything—and transparency is how you earn it.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex dives deep into why honesty and openness are the ultimate tools for building long-term loyalty. From admitting mistakes to being upfront about processes and pricing, Paul shares how transparency has been the foundation of his entrepreneurial success.

If you want customers, clients, and partners to believe in you, this episode will show you how being real can set you apart in a world full of hype.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why honesty...

🧲 Want customers to come to you instead of you chasing them? Focus on value and trust, not sales pressure.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex shares his proven strategy for attracting loyal customers without using hard-sell tactics. By leading with value, telling authentic stories, and building true community, Paul shows how you can become the “go-to” expert that customers naturally want to buy from.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re always pitching, this episode will help you flip the script and start attracting customers effortlessly.

🔑 Key takeaways:

👑 Want to scale your business and build a high-performing team? Then stop micromanaging—and start leading.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explains why real leaders empower their people instead of hovering over every detail. Drawing from his own experience scaling multiple businesses, Paul shares how learning to delegate and trust his team unlocked massive growth and boosted morale across the board.

If you feel like you have to control everything, this episode will help you break that habit and lead with confidence.

🔑 Key takeaways:

How micromanaging kills gr...

🧠 Want to build products people actually want? Start by listening—really listening—to your market.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explains why successful entrepreneurs don’t just guess what their customers need—they ask, observe, and adapt. From customer surveys to behavior-driven insights, Paul breaks down practical strategies for understanding your audience and using that information to stay ahead of the competition.

If you're tired of launching products or offers that don’t convert, this episode will help you refine your approach and build with precision.

🔑 Key takeaways:

Why as...

Want to start a business but don’t have revenue (or even a product yet)? 💡 In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with funding expert Evan Rugen (@boweryboi) to reveal exactly how he secured $1.1M in business capital at 0% interest—without ever submitting a tax return or bank statement.

Evan breaks down his entire step-by-step playbook for securing funding even if:

You have no business revenue

You’ve never been on camera

You don’t have a following

You’ve been rejected by traditional lenders

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Scott Clary — a former SaaS executive who went from cold calling and scaling sales teams… to interviewing billionaires, Navy SEALs, and top entrepreneurs on one of the most respected business podcasts in the world.

Scott shares how he realized the traditional career path was broken, why “making what our parents made” no longer guarantees a quality life, and what it really takes to build wealth, freedom, and impact in 2025. He breaks down the mindset that helped him escape the “corporate matrix,” the role environment plays in you...

🚀 If you want to scale your business, you need more than employees—you need a team that thinks like owners.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down exactly how to create a culture where your team is just as invested in the vision as you are. From hiring people with the right mindset to giving them the autonomy to lead, Paul shares how to inspire innovation, accountability, and long-term commitment from your team.

If you’re tired of carrying the entire vision alone, this episode will show you how to build a...