The Unlocking Milestones Podcast

In this part 2 conversation, the host, Deson, engages in a conversation with team members Princess, Angela, Ian, and Devin. They discuss their current milestones and future aspirations. Franz shares her desire to play video games without financial worries, Angela talks about surviving the challenges of being away from family and aiming for a fulfilling career in film, Ian hopes to work on projects aligned with his passion, while Devin expresses his struggles with finding direction in life and his gratitude for being a part of the podcast team. The conversation delves into their journey, teamwork, and the hope for a bright future, culminating in a sense of achievement and optimism. The team also encourages potential clients to explore their services.

In this episode, I share my transformative journey into the world of hiking. Initially resistant to the idea, I was propelled into this adventure by a friend's invitation to hike Lake Holon in 2019. Little did I know that this experience would profoundly change my perspective on life. Hiking became my refuge, offering me an escape from a hectic work schedule and a chance to reconnect with nature and my inner self. Through vivid storytelling, I recount the challenges and joys of various hikes, from the daunting Mount Makiling to the memorable but hangry-filled nights at Mount Dulang Dulang. This episode isn't just about trails and peaks; it's a testament to the power of hiking in fostering personal growth, self-discovery, and the importance of human connections in the great outdoors. So come, join me in reliving these adventures, and be inspired to embark on your own transformative journey.

In this special episode of the Unlocking Milestones Podcast, the YourPod team celebrates their fifth-year anniversary as full-time freelancers. The episode features heartfelt interviews with team members Barry, Devin, Franz, Angela, Ian, and Princess, who share their personal and professional milestones. Angela, a model and political science student, discusses her achievements in supporting her family and community as an indigenous person. Barry reflects on the challenges and rewards of transitioning from the corporate world to freelancing, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system. Franz, recently married, expresses his excitement for married life and dreams of owning a farm to support his future family, inspired by his mother's dedication. Ian, a diligent student, shares her aspiration of achieving Latin Honors in his academic journey. Throughout the episode, the team members' diverse milestones highlight their resilience, determination, and the support they offer one another in their respective pursuits.

Launching my first podcast production course has been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs. At first, the idea of creating a digital course seemed daunting, but I knew that if I didn't start, I would never progress. So, I took the plunge, using my trusty Sony camera and countless hours of dedication to record and edit the modules. It wasn't easy; there were moments of self-doubt and hesitancy, but I persevered. When the course finally went live on my website, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Sure, there were only 12 enrollees initially, but each sign-up felt like a victory. I meticulously organized the content, ensuring it was valuable yet not overwhelming. Setting up the payment gateway and marketing strategies added another layer of complexity, but I navigated through, utilizing platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to spread the word. Buoyed by the success, I am now venturing into my second course, sharing my expertise in graphic design. This entire process has taught me that taking that first step, no matter how daunting, is crucial. With each milestone, I find the confidence to dream bigger, and I'm excited about the many courses I plan to create in the future. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and here's to unlocking more milestones together.

In this heartfelt and candid conversation on the Unlocking Milestones Podcast, I engage with my High School Friends, exploring the complex challenges faced by Filipino families in their pursuit of success. We delve into the struggles of financial independence, the quest for personal worth, and the battle for independence. Together, we share stories of resilience, determination, and the power to overcome the monsters within us. Each of us brings our unique perspective, highlighting the diverse struggles we face in our journeys toward adulthood. Amidst the trials, we find solace in our shared optimism and the reminder that life is not a race; it's about kindness, trusting the process, and believing in our strength. As we navigate our distinct paths, we learn that love for ourselves and others is essential, and every challenge we face is an opportunity to grow. Join us in this empowering conversation, and remember, you hold the key to unlock your own milestones, so dream big and make a difference.

In this episode, I share my personal journey into the world of graphic design. Starting from my college days studying accounting and working as a student assistant, I stumbled upon graphic design when I was tasked with designing my university's tarpaulins. Armed with little knowledge of Photoshop, I self-taught myself the basics and gradually expanded my skills to include other Adobe software like Illustrator and InDesign. Through trials, errors, and numerous pro bono projects, I honed my craft, learning the intricacies of layout design, color modes, and vector elements. I emphasize the importance of moving beyond template-driven platforms like Canva to truly unlock one's creativity by designing from scratch. I also touch upon my recent venture into learning Procreate for illustration. Never stop learning and to continue dreaming big, as youl possesses the key to unlocking your own milestones.

In this part 1 special episode of the Unlocking Milestones podcast, I gathered my high school friends to have an open conversation about their biggest milestones and goals in life. Rhea Rose, a virtual assistant, expresses her desire to step out of her comfort zone and explore new opportunities in freelancing. Rhealyn, a teacher, shares her goal of achieving financial stability and dreams of teaching abroad, despite the challenges of leaving her family. Catherine, on the other hand, reflects on her current contentment in the present moment, not feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations. The conversation delves into the complexities of family responsibilities, cultural expectations, and the pursuit of personal dreams, providing a candid insight into the diverse perspectives of these young women navigating life's milestones.

I share my personal journey of purchasing and owning a car. I want to advise all the first-time buyers out there, based on my experience. Buying brand new cars might seem appealing, but I strongly recommend considering secondhand vehicles for personal use. I made this choice when I bought my 2019 Hyundai Tucson on October 2020, avoiding the weight of monthly payments that come with new cars. Learning to drive and obtaining my license opened up new experiences, including a memorable long drive to Sarangani. Despite minor challenges, having a car proved incredibly convenient, especially during the pandemic. Later, as a birthday gift to myself, I purchased a 2019 Ford Ranger on February 2023, managing the cost through a staggered payment plan. My story underscores the practicality and responsibility that accompany car ownership. I hope my experiences inspire and encourage you to pursue your dreams and milestones.

In today’s episode, as Rhea approaches her wedding day, the wedding jitters are real, but they're part of the excitement. Looking back on their journey, the biggest challenge was navigating their different religious backgrounds, as she required her partner to convert to their faith. It took four years, but it was a testament to their respect, trust, and love. Jealousy and maintaining the spark were hurdles they’ve overcome through open communication. While society may press them to have children, they prioritize time as a couple before expanding their family. Wedding preparations had their share of hurdles, but their dream wedding is coming together, financed without debt, with an estimated budget of 250 to 300,000 pesos. Episode highlights: Wedding Jitters: With their wedding just days away, the narrator is experiencing the typical pre-wedding jitters, filled with excitement and worries about the impending ceremony. Religious Challenge: The couple faced a significant challenge early in their relationship due to their differing religious backgrounds. The narrator required their partner to convert to their faith, which took four years to happen. Relationship Essentials: Respect, trust, and love are highlighted as the foundation of their enduring relationship. These elements helped them overcome challenges like jealousy and maintain the spark over the years. Family Planning: Despite societal pressures to have children immediately after marriage, the couple prioritizes spending quality time together as a married couple before considering expanding their family. Wedding Preparations: The wedding preparations encountered various obstacles, including bureaucratic challenges. Nevertheless, the couple is determined to have their dream wedding, with an estimated budget of 250 to 300,000 pesos, all financed without incurring debt. “Love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day." - Rhea

In this episode, I share my personal journey towards achieving a significant milestone – owning my very first home. I recount the decision-making process, from initially considering a single-detached house to ultimately choosing a townhouse in the Navona subdivision. I delve into the financial aspects, the joys and challenges of renovating and furnishing the house, and my newfound enthusiasm for property investments, including acquiring a two-bedroom condo unit. My story is one of perseverance, wise financial choices, and the realization that dreams can come true with hard work and determination. Key Highlights: Dreams to Reality: I share my journey from dreaming of owning a home to making it a reality through hard work and persistence. Choosing the Right Property: The decision-making process involved initially considering a detached four-decker home, but I eventually opted for a townhouse in the Nirvana subdivision due to various factors. Financial Insights: I discuss the financial aspects, including down payments, equity payments, and housing loans, providing insights into the process of buying property. Renovation and Furnishing: I talk about the joys and challenges of renovating and furnishing my first home, emphasizing the need for careful spending and wise investment in interior design. Property Investment: In addition to my first home, I share my excitement about acquiring a two-bedroom condo unit, highlighting my interest in property investment and future plans for a rental business. "Your dreams are a poetic reflection of your soul's wishes. Be courageous enough to follow them, for they have the power to turn your life's wildest fantasies into reality."  - Deson

In this episode, I engage in a conversation with High School friends Arejay, Jade, Hannah, John, Jhong, Jelovy, Ian, and Barry. They explore personal milestones and dreams. The discussion delves into various aspirations, including financial freedom, career success, and peace of mind. The friends reflect on the balance between achievement and contentment, with an emphasis on individual paths and the significance of solving life's challenges to find genuine happiness. The conversation touches on the notion that while achieving goals is important, it's also vital to continuously seek purpose and satisfaction to avoid stagnation and to maintain excitement and growth in life. Episode Highlights Exploration of Milestones: The podcast conversation revolves around the participants' personal milestones and dreams. They candidly share their aspirations, ranging from financial freedom and career success to peace of mind and personal growth. Balancing Achievement and Contentment: The participants discuss the delicate balance between achieving goals and finding contentment in the present. They highlight the importance of appreciating one's accomplishments while staying motivated to continue growing. Individual Paths and Significance: The conversation underscores that everyone's journey is unique. The friends reflect on the significance of each person's path and emphasize the importance of personal development and finding meaning in life. Solving Problems for Happiness: Drawing from insights shared in a book, the conversation touches on the concept that genuine happiness doesn't come solely from seeking pleasures, but from effectively solving life's challenges. This perspective suggests that growth and fulfillment come from addressing difficulties and obstacles. Continuous Pursuit of Purpose: While discussing their accomplishments, the participants emphasize the need for an element of surprise and novelty in life. They highlight the value of continually seeking purpose and growth, even after achieving initial milestones, to avoid complacency and foster ongoing excitement. "Real contentment or real happiness does not come from actually pursuing pleasures or fleeting things. It's more of actually solving the problems that apparently happen." - Mark Manson Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

The desire to travel while maintaining work commitments is a common aspiration, but achieving a harmonious balance can be challenging. This article discusses the ideal of working remotely while traveling and offers insights for a successful experience. It emphasizes the importance of traveling with fellow freelancers who understand the demands of remote work. Managing time effectively by setting work intervals interspersed with leisure breaks is highlighted, along with the need to stay vigilant about potential work opportunities even while enjoying a destination. The piece underscores the advantages of freelancing, including flexibility and mental well-being, compared to the corporate world's constraints. However, it also acknowledges the backend struggles of freelancing and suggests preparing through side projects while still employed. The author shares their personal journey of transitioning from corporate to freelance, outlining the sacrifices and dedication required to thrive. The narrative concludes by urging readers to seize even small online opportunities, underlining the transformative potential of venturing into freelancing. Key Highlights: Ideal of Remote Work While Traveling: The article explores the desire to work remotely while traveling as an ideal lifestyle. It acknowledges the allure of experiencing new places while maintaining work commitments, but also acknowledges the potential challenges and stresses associated with this setup. Choosing Compatible Travel Companions: One key point is the importance of traveling with fellow freelancers who understand the demands of remote work. This is essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a supportive environment where everyone can balance work and leisure effectively. Effective Time Management: The article suggests effective time management techniques for maintaining a productive work-travel balance. It emphasizes setting designated work hours and using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to alternate between focused work and leisure activities. Opportunity Awareness: Even while enjoying the travel experience, the article highlights the importance of staying vigilant about potential work opportunities. It stresses that in the freelance world, every opportunity matters and could lead to significant growth, so regularly checking emails for new offers is advised. Advantages and Challenges of Freelancing: The article contrasts the freedom and mental well-being advantages of freelancing with the constraints of the corporate world. While freelancing offers flexibility and the ability to focus on personal expertise, it also acknowledges that freelancing demands patience, hard work, and perseverance, making it not suitable for everyone. "Embrace the liberating rhythm of freelancing – where you weave work and wanderlust into a symphony of self-discovery, but remember, amidst the allure lies a symphony of sacrifices, patience, and persistent efforts." - Deson Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

In this podcast episode, Rey Jade, a former elementary school teacher from the Philippines, discusses his upcoming move to the United States to teach high school students with special educational needs. Rey Jade shares his excitement about this new opportunity and the challenges he anticipates, such as adjusting to a different culture and teaching environment. He talks about the process of applying for the job and the financial and emotional preparations he's had to make. Rey Jade also discusses the importance of family support and his desire to give back to his parents who have always been there for him. He touches on the difficulty of leaving familiar places and routines, especially spending time with family and friends, but emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and pursuing dreams. Rey Jade's strong dedication to his family and passion for teaching shine through in his words, offering advice to aspiring teachers looking to make a similar journey. Keypoints Ray, a former elementary teacher, is moving to the US to teach high school students with special needs. He's excited but expects challenges in adapting to a new culture and teaching environment. Ray navigated a demanding application process, preparing financially and emotionally for the transition. Grateful for family support, he aims to give back to them and acknowledges their sacrifices. Ray advises aspiring teachers to prepare thoroughly, emphasize family support, and be patient when pursuing opportunities abroad. “Leaving behind the familiar is daunting, but it's through sacrifice that we carve our path to fulfill our dreams and give back to those who believed in us." - Rey Jade Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

In August 2015, armed with a mere 5 pesos, I embarked on a mission to salvage my dire financial state. The search for hidden coins and a day of austerity made me confront past choices. This experience marked a turning point, leading me to reevaluate my life's trajectory from defying odds to secure education to plummeting due to reckless spending. This awakening prompted meticulous expense tracking and a recalibrated relationship with money, transforming into a lifelong commitment. I now emphasize seizing each day for personal growth and encourage others to make meaningful choices, aiming for success for themselves and their families. Key points: Financial Struggle: The story starts in August 2015 with the author having only 5 pesos left and their struggle to find more money for sustenance. Resourceful Search: The author searches their room, bag, drawer, and even their clothes for coins, hoping to find more money. Memorable Day: The author spends the day without food, surviving only on water, while watching movies and creating artwork. The memory of this day remains vivid. Personal History: The author reflects on their financial background, having worked hard to support themselves through college despite their family not being rich. They had to balance education with limited financial resources. Scholarships and Hard Work: The author obtained scholarships and worked as a student assistant and a layout artist to cover their tuition and miscellaneous expenses. "Life is hard, we are not born with a silver spoon, but we have to fight for it, make good decisions, try doing big things and continue to win the life our parents failed to win. Be the first successful person in your family and give your family the life you all want."- Deson Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

This is the second part of our conversation, if you haven’t listed to part 1, check back episode 18. In this episode, Mimi shares a story about getting fired by her first client and the challenges she faced in managing her time as a single mother. She discusses the skills she offers as a freelancer, including executive assistance, client management, email and calendar management, invoicing, and more. Mimi also talks about her love for hiking and how it has helped her find balance and adventure in her life. She advises aspiring freelancers to constantly learn and upscale their skills, stay active in communities, and strive to increase their value in the market. Lastly, she shares her desire to help and inspire others in their freelance journey. Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation about freelancing, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. Episode highlights: Mimi shares a traumatic experience of being fired by her first client and being cursed at. She reflects on the toxic micromanagement she experienced from the client and the impact it had on her. She discusses the challenges of freelancing, including the uncertainty of income and the need for backup clients. Mimi shares her discovery of hiking as a way to find adventure and escape from the confines of freelancing. Time management becomes a major struggle for her as she balances her work with being a single mother. Mimi emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and upskilling as a freelancer. She expresses her desire to help and inspire other freelancers and pay it forward in the industry. "Be sure of yourself. Take your time to teach yourself to do things as a freelancer. Learn a lot. Don't be stagnant even if you're a freelancer. You need to step up your game so that your hourly rate goes up. You need to upscale your level and make yourself worth more than what you are right now in the future.” - Mimi Connect with Mimi Facebook  Instagram Upwork Profile Online Jobs PH Profile Hubstaff Talent Profile Connect with Deson Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Upwork Profile

In this episode, the importance of self-promotion and effective entrepreneurship in the digital age is explored. The journey of thriving as an entrepreneur begins with a cycle of "Learn > Sell > Manage." Learning involves honing one's skills and even skill hopping to find a passion. Once confident in a skill, the focus shifts to selling it and oneself, emphasizing the creation of a positive client experience and leveraging freelance platforms. The first client can be challenging to secure, but referrals can multiply opportunities. The management phase entails maintaining high-quality service and considering outsourcing to manage increasing demands. With dedication and the right approach, individuals can not only survive but also thrive in the world of entrepreneurship. Keypoints Importance of Self-Promotion in Entrepreneurship: In the digital world, selling oneself is crucial for survival as an entrepreneur. Possessing skills is advantageous, but knowing how to market those skills effectively is equally important. Learn > Sell > Manage Cycle: The episode outlines a three-step cycle for entrepreneurial success: Learning and honing skills, Selling those skills effectively, and Managing clients and opportunities for long-term growth. Crafting a Positive Client Experience: When selling skills, it's not just about the expertise; it's also about offering a positive client experience. Being friendly, communicative, and delivering fast turnaround times contribute to creating a lasting impression. Leveraging Freelance Platforms and Referrals: Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are opportunities to showcase skills and attract clients. However, referrals from satisfied clients can be even more powerful in bringing in new business. Scaling Through Outsourcing: As demand increases, entrepreneurs should consider outsourcing tasks to manage their workload effectively. Outsourcing not only eases the burden but also allows for the expansion of the business and the leveraging of time and expertise. "Skills won’t matter if you don’t know how to sell them. Offering your skills with a price is the next challenge you have to deal with. Having skills alone will not help you thrive in the world of entrepreneurship because you can only use them if the opportunity comes in. If you have lots of opportunities coming your way, then there is no need to sell yourself, but bear in mind that if no one knows you yet, then opportunities might not come." - Deson Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

In this episode of the Unlocking Milestones podcast,I interviewed Brenda (aka Mimi), a single mother and freelancer. Brenda shares her journey of not completing her criminology degree due to unexpected motherhood, dashing her dream of joining the military. She discusses the challenges she faced, including working in a call center and later becoming an online English tutor. Brenda reflects on the difficulties of multitasking and the valuable skills she gained from these experiences. Despite the setbacks, she remains resilient and determined to create a better life for herself and her children. Highlights: Brenda (aka Mimi), a single mother and freelancer, shares her story Unexpected motherhood led Brenda to abandon her criminology degree and military dreams Challenges faced: working in a call center, becoming an online English tutor Reflections on multitasking and valuable skills gained Brenda remains resilient and determined to create a better life for herself and her child "I just needed to survive... I just needed to get a job because I don't want to go to school. I don't have any drive at all. So what I did was I applied... as an online English teacher." - Mimi Connect with Mimi Facebook  Instagram Upwork Profile Online Jobs PH Profile Hubstaff Talent Profile Connect with Deson Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Upwork Profile

In this episode, I reflected on the experience of losing clients and shared valuable insights on how to effectively deal with such situations. From understanding the reasons behind client departures to maintaining professionalism and fostering growth, this episode offers practical advice for freelancers and contractors in managing client relationships. Highlights: Appreciating the opportunity: Acknowledging the value of past clients and expressing gratitude for the experience gained. Reasons for client departures: Exploring common reasons behind clients choosing in-house resources, cost considerations, and control over projects. Dealing with quality concerns: Addressing challenges when the quality of work delivered falls short and understanding the impact on reputation. Balancing expectations with freelancers: Recognizing the imperfections of freelancers and the need for continuous quality monitoring. The ebb and flow of clients: Embracing the reality of client turnover and leveraging new opportunities that arise. The importance of not burning bridges: Encouraging a professional and respectful approach when clients decide to leave. Building a client portfolio: Emphasizing the significance of diversifying client base and continuously seeking new opportunities. Embracing growth through delegation: Recognizing the need to hire and delegate tasks to accommodate business expansion. Overcoming fear of competition: Encouraging the empowerment of freelancers and embracing the role of mentorship. Client loss as a sign of progress: Understanding that client turnover is a natural part of business growth and staying focused on personal growth and productivity. "Client loss is not the end, but a sign that you're on the right path. Embrace the challenges, keep grinding, and continue to unlock your milestones." - Deson Connect with Deson Instagram: @desoncunado Facebook: @desoncunado Linkedin: @desoncunado Website: www.desoncunado.com

This part 2 conversation with Renzo is about freelancing and building a team of virtual assistants (VAs). Renzo discusses how they pay their VAs, which is a fixed setup based on a percentage of their earnings. He emphasized the importance of providing support and being available to their VAs when needed. He also mentions the benefits they offer to their VAs, such as accompanying them on travels and treating them well. He talk about the learning process and knowledge sharing between themselves and their VAs. Renzo conducts free webinars and mentoring sessions to help others learn about freelancing and acquiring clients. He express their goal of helping others achieve financial stability. The conversation touches on Renzo's experience of facing a difficult period in his life but overcoming it through goal-setting and perseverance. He have been freelancing for three years and have achieved milestones such as building an agency, owning properties, and starting a water filling station business. His next goals include acquiring more properties, expanding their businesses, and helping more VAs. Renzo advises those struggling with managing their finances to focus on discipline, set goals, and have backup plans. He stress the importance of mindset and filtering advice from others. Episode Highlights Payment setup for the virtual assistant (VA) is a fixed percentage or a specific range. Open communication and transparency are crucial when discussing payment amounts with VAs. The host provides benefits, support, and knowledge sharing opportunities for VAs. Overcoming personal challenges and rock bottom moments led to the host's success. Setting goals, practicing discipline, and having backup plans are essential for financial management. "I always tell this to myself that it's not the whole year in my whole entire life. I can experience this. I know that there's something that I have to learn from this. I always ask myself and as an add piece of advice where necessary, I always ask him, what happened. Why is this happening? But of course, everything I've learned from it. So whenever there's always really struggle and challenges in life in every situation. That's why you get that success because of those struggles." - Renzo

In this episode of the Unlocking Milestones Podcast, I dive into a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery and embracing one's true identity. With the backdrop of Pride Month, I openly shares my personal journey as a member of the LGBT community. From coming out to my best friend, now my boyfriend, to publically revealing my sexuality to friends and family, I discuss the challenges, fears, and eventual triumphs I have experienced in accepting and expressing my authentic self. I emphasized the importance of self-acceptance, understanding, and taking one's time in the process. Join me as I celebrate the power of being true to oneself and encourages you to find your own path of self-expression. Episode Highlights: My late-blooming journey of self-discovery and coming out Navigating the challenges of self-acceptance while considering family and societal expectations The role of supportive friends and the empowering effect of seeing others embrace their identity My personal growth and newfound confidence after coming out The significance of self-love and accepting oneself before sharing with others A glimpse into my own relationship and the importance of being open and public with their love Celebrating Pride Month and embracing individuality and happiness "So if you're gay, then be gay. But if you're afraid to tell about it, then don't tell about it. You have your own time, your own pacing in life. You don't need to force yourself to come out now, to come out early to be gay. Now, if you are not comfortable, if you're still afraid of showing your own true identity, then give yourself time. You have the right to tell whenever you're ready." - Deson