Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast

In this episode, @cleoloque shares the real story behind building Hiraya Pilipina from just borrowing ₱20,000 from her parents to becoming a 9-figure brand. What looks like overnight success was actually built through trial and error, expensive mistakes, and moments of doubt that most people never see. From failed product launches to a multi-million peso event that didn’t go as planned, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch.This episode also dives into the lessons most entrepreneurs learn the hard way. Cleo talks about the importance of starting small, building systems before scaling, and why growth doesn’t come from doing more but from fixing what already exists. Beyond business, she opens up about choosing freedom over money, setting boundaries even with family, and breaking generational expectations to live life on her own terms.We discuss:* How ₱20,000 turned into a 9-figure brand* The expensive mistake that changed how she makes decisions* Why starting small leads to bigger wins* The importance of systems before scaling* Why having a “no” person in your team matters* Setting boundaries and breaking generational expectationsIf you’re building something of your own or figuring out your next step, this episode will give you clarity on what actually matters.Join our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Cleo Loque:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleoloqueInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleoloque/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CleoLoqueTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleoloqueSuccess Tips for Young & Aspiring Entrepreneurs W/ Cleo Loque | Ep. 141https://youtu.be/UlazTLqycJI?si=_NvQ6KP557M96roG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @aynbernos talks about one of the hardest lessons in content creation.. you have to stop forcing a style that was never meant for you. She shares how easy it is to look at other creators and think, “Why am I not like that?” but explains why growth really starts when you stop copying what works for others and start leaning into what feels natural for you.The conversation also dives into the business side of content creation and what it actually takes to grow. She breaks down why content is a real business, the different ways creators make money, why posting consistently matters more than obsessing over numbers, and why talking on camera is one of the fastest ways to build real connection. If you’ve been wanting to start creating but feel overwhelmed, this episode will help you simplify it and finally begin.We discuss:* How to find your natural style and “zone of genius”* The real business opportunities inside content creation* Different income streams like views, brand deals, and affiliates* The importance of posting daily when you’re starting* How your name, profile, and identity affect your creator brand* How to choose the right topic or niche based on what you can talk about for hoursFollow Ayn Bernos:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAynBernosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aynbernos/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AynBernosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aynbernos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @aynbernos talks about the full circle conversation about content creation, growth, and identity online. From teaching English, travel vlogging, beauty, fitness, and now creator education, Ayn shares how every version of her online journey led her back to one clear truth.. you are the niche. Not the trend. Not the format. Your perspective is what people stay for.This episode also talks about the fear many creators quietly carry.. what happens when you evolve, but your audience followed you for an older version of you? Ayn opens up about the pressure of virality, what massive visibility can cost, and why content creation only works long term if it still feels honest, sustainable, and aligned with who you are now.We talk about:* Why anyone can become a creator if they really want it* Why people are afraid to be perceived online* What virality gives you.. and what it quietly takes from you* Why evolving online can feel scary when your income depends on attentionFollow Ayn Bernos:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAynBernosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aynbernos/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AynBernosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aynbernos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @giannehinolan talks about the part of singlehood that most people don’t say out loud.. the frustration, the waiting, the loneliness, and the pressure to rush into the next season. But instead of treating singlehood like a punishment, she shares why it can actually become a season of preparation, healing, and deep joy.. if you learn how to live it well.This conversation also goes into why answered prayers can become burdens when you’re not ready for them, why love should never come from lack, and why “waiting” is not wasted when God is building something in you first. Gianne shares practical ways to enjoy singlehood, how to deal with longing honestly, and why love is already available in more places than people think.We discuss:* Why singlehood is not a punishment* Why entering love hungry leads to the wrong choices* Practical ways to enjoy your single season* Why love is already available around you, even now* How to wait well without wasting your lifeFollow Gianne Hinolan:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giannehinolanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannehinolan/Medyo Seryosong Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/medyoseryosongpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GianneHinolanTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giannehinolan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @giannehinolan shares how she went from creating content for brands to finally building her own platform and how "Medyo Seryosong Podcast" started after years of “waiting for the perfect time.” The conversation goes deeper into what creatives need to grow.. a safe space, supportive people, and the grace to “suck at something.” Gianne also explains how faith became personal for her and why surrender matters when control just makes you anxious.We discuss:* How Medyo Seryosong Podcast started after sitting as an idea for years* Why singlehood content came naturally and why “comedy became her coping”* Why creatives need a safe space to explore and fail without shame* The role of honesty and self-forgiveness in personal growth* Why Christianity is not branding, but a relationship* Why trying to control everything only creates anxietyFollow Gianne Hinolan:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giannehinolanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannehinolan/Medyo Seryosong Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/medyoseryosongpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GianneHinolanTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giannehinolan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @angelydub talked about evolution. Not the glamorous kind. The uncomfortable kind. The kind where you wake up one day and realize the life you built no longer feels like you.She opens up about learning to feel every emotion in her 30s. Fear. Nervousness. Grief. Excitement. She shares how she used to cope by traveling constantly, how it became part of her identity, and what it felt like to let that version of herself go.We talk about:• Why you need to feel every emotion to grow• Grieving the version of yourself you’ve outgrown• Why your purpose will evolve over time• Choosing joy even on hard days• Making mistakes in your 20s to build your guidebook for your 30s• Rebranding without fear of losing peopleFollow Angely DubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubangelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelydub/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angelydub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angely Dub is a dynamic and successful entrepreneur, content creator, and influencer known for her authenticity and bold personality. She talks about the evolution of her identity, from a fearless 20-year-old who wasn’t scared to try, to the version of her now that’s calmer, clearer, and more grounded. And the reason is simple: self-awareness.This episode also goes into the part most people skip: the foundation. Angely shares how being deeply loved at home gave them freedom to choose, take risks, and still feel safe. That kind of love changes how you show up in the world, because you stop chasing approval from strangers when you already have security inside your own life. We discuss:- Why fearlessness in your 20s changes everything- Why being disliked is part of life, and why it sets you free- Therapy as a tool for self-mastery and pattern-breaking- How to define “good life” for you, not for the internetFollow Angely DubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubangelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelydub/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angelydub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dating in 2026 feels different because people are not dating to survive anymore.Standards have shifted. Expectations are louder. Options are endless. And love has become less about “can we make it through” and more about “do you actually add peace to my life.”In this episode, we unpack why more women are choosing to stay single, why success increases temptation for men, and why cheating is rarely an accident but a pattern. We also dive deep into masculinity, femininity, and what both sides are actually looking for today.We discussed:• Why successful men face higher temptation and access• Masculine responsibility vs feminine safety and peace• Why respect matters more than attraction• The real reason ghosting is so common on dating apps• Why positivity and openness still matter in finding loveIf dating has been confusing lately, this episode will give you language for what you’ve been feeling.Follow Coach Vee:Website: www.MatchmakingManila.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/datingcoachveeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakerphilippines/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@datingcoachvee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with the No.1 Dating Coach, Coach Vee, to discuss how to stop sabotaging your love life. She reveals why chasing that “spark” may be the reason you’re attracting all the wrong people.She explains how to date smarter and why that simple shift in mindset could change the way you approach relationships for good. Plus, discover the REAL reason you keep choosing the wrong person and how to break free from toxic patterns that are hard to see.In this episode, we discuss:- Why "chemistry" may be making you choose the wrong partners- The truth about emotional safety and why it's key to lasting love- The REAL reason you keep attracting toxic relationships- How to break old patterns and find love that truly aligns with youFollow Coach Vee:Website: www.MatchmakingManila.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/datingcoachveeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakerphilippines/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@datingcoachvee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manifestation isn’t just about wishing for something. It’s about staying excited, happy, and inspired.When you stay in a high vibration, that’s when everything starts aligning faster.In this episode, a very special guest, one who's very dear to my heart, my wife, Yani Moya-Cuenca. Yani and I sit down to talk about how to truly manifest your dreams and the importance of staying high vibrational, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Come join us as we explore the power of staying positive, grateful, and excited, and how our love has evolved since we said "I do." We talked about:- How staying in a high vibration helps manifest your desires- The power of gratitude and excitement in challenging situations- Why what you speak about, you bring about- The evolution of love in marriage and how it impacts manifestationFollow Yani:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanimcuencaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanimcuencaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YaniMoyaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yanimcuenca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally had the opportunity to guest the love of my life on my podcast again but this time we're talking about manifestation and how we manifested our dream wedding. If you're looking for a podcast that you and your partner or your future partner would love to listen to, check out our newest episode of @smalltalkpodcasts.Credit: @yanimcuenca x @smalltalkpodcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people ask, “How do I grow my money?”But the deeper question is who you are being in the process.Money moves like air. It flows toward the person who can hold it with a steady nervous system and a clean relationship with giving and receiving.The reframe here is simple. You are not just earning money, you are the money-making machine. And the way you treat money often mirrors the way you treat yourself.Spend from panic and control, and money feels heavy. Spend with intention and trust, and it starts to flow.Then comes the real test of faith. How faithful are you with your tithing?Credits: @russjuson x @smalltalkpodcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” but still feel stuck, anxious, or secretly exhausted.. this episode is for you.I’m joined again by Coach Russ, my mentor and one of the biggest reasons I started taking transformation seriously. We went deep.. not just into mindset, but into the things people don’t talk about enough: suffering, letting go of approval, money wounds, and why “hard work” is not always the answer.If you’re open to a different way of living.. one built on peace, purpose, and inner alignment.. I hope this conversation meets you where you are.In this episode, we discuss:- Why transformation isn’t about forcing new habits.. it’s about going back to who you truly are.- Why he believes struggle is often an illusion.. and how mindset shifts your entire experience of life.- The framework that changed everything: language (7%).. emotion (38%).. embodiment (55%) and why mindset alone doesn’t stick.- People-pleasing, insecurity, and survival mode.. and how it quietly follows you into adulthood.- Why the people you spend time with determine whether you expand or contract.. including the “33% below, 33% beside, 34% above” rule.- Money as energy.. why money flows out to flow in.. and how money wounds can make money come in but not stay.- Why “self-care” without growth, experience, and contribution can still leave you empty.If this conversation helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most businesses don’t fail because they’re unprofitable.They fail because they run out of cash.In Part 2 of this conversation, Steve Sy breaks down the business principles most entrepreneurs overlook.. from why cash flow is the true lifeline of a company, to why chasing revenue without structure leads to collapse.He explains the difference between profit, sales, and cash flow, why many “successful” businesses still shut down, and how entrepreneurs should really think about growth versus scale. Steve also shares his Four P’s framework.. Profit, Purpose, People, and Planet.. and why profit is not the goal, but the fuel.Beyond numbers, this episode dives into leadership, hiring, and culture. From recruiting people who complement your weaknesses, to building teams that operate with ownership and purpose, Steve challenges the way most founders think about business.This is not a hype conversation.It’s a reality check for anyone building a company.If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring founder who wants to build something sustainable.. this episode will change how you think about business.In this episode, we discuss:- Why cash flow kills more businesses than losses- The difference between sales, profit, and cash flow- The Four P’s framework for decision-making- Growth vs scaling.. and why they’re not the same- Hiring people who complement your weaknesses- Building ownership, culture, and long-term teams- Why entrepreneurship is a calling, not just a careerIf this conversation helped you, share it with someone building a business who needs to hear this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Sy is one of the most respected names in Philippine e-commerce today. But his success wasn’t built on shortcuts, hype, or overnight wins.In this episode, Steve breaks down why chasing profit alone can actually destroy a business, how most entrepreneurs scale before they’re ready, and why capacity, systems, and purpose matter more than opportunity.He opens up about being ₱32,000,000 in debt at 28, spending 12 years paying it all back, and rebuilding from zero before creating a billion-peso e-commerce company. Along the way, he shares the lessons that only come from long-term pressure, painful mistakes, and staying faithful to the process when quitting feels easier.This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about patience in a world obsessed with speed, faith in seasons of uncertainty, and building businesses that last.If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or business owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to rush growth.. this episode will challenge how you think about success.In this episode, we talk about:- Why profit without purpose can break a business- The real reason most companies fail when they scale- The bamboo tree principle and long-term growth- Paying off massive debt without shortcuts- Building capacity before chasing opportunity- Faith, resilience, and responsibility in business- Why success takes years, not monthsIf this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part with Carlo Ople, we go beyond business success and talk about purpose, advocacy, faith, and the responsibility that comes with influence.Carlo shares why real impact doesn’t always require running for office.. and how lobbying, content, and entrepreneurship can be powerful tools for national change. From co-founding Creators Against Corruption to building businesses that create jobs and empower creators, this conversation is about using your platform for something bigger than yourself.This episode is especially for anyone asking:“What am I building.. and why does it matter?”In this conversation, we talk about:• Why advocacy and policy work can exist without personal gain or political ambition• How content creation can create livelihoods and social impact• The mindset of a relentless optimist and why growth never really ends• Building teams and scaling impact in the creator economy• The importance of having people who balance your strengths.. not just agree with you• Why defining your “why” is the key to focus and long-term clarity• How trying new environments helps you discover your purpose• Advice for young professionals about optimism, failure, and resilience• Carlo’s journey from college dropout to corporate executive and entrepreneur• How faith and community became his anchor through growth and pressureSmall conversations.. huge impact.If this episode helped you reflect, share it with someone who needs clarity today.. and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations like this.Check out Carlo Ople's YouTube channel  @CarloOple  ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carlo Ople has built one of the most influential careers in the Philippine digital space.. but his journey didn’t start with success. It started in an internet cafe, a life-or-death moment, and a decision that changed everything.In this episode, Carlo opens up about the night he was held at gunpoint, why he spent 18 years building his business after working 9–5, and how he finally walked away from corporate life to build an empire. He shares his principles, the mistakes he made along the way, and what creators and entrepreneurs need to understand if they want to survive in 2026 and beyond.This is a conversation about resilience, discipline, fear, and the cost of building something meaningful. If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, leaving your job, or becoming a creator.. this episode will challenge you.In this episode we discuss:The near-death moment that changed his entire lifeBuilding a side hustle for 18 yearsWhy he left corporate despite having a high-paying roleThe 7 to 1 principle and the power of consistencyWhy most people stay stuck in jobs they hateHow to prepare for leaving corporate safelyWhy digital is our generation’s biggest advantageThe future of the creator economyAffiliate marketing, TikTok Shop, and emerging income streamsThe fear of politics, corruption, and the responsibility of creatorsLosing clients, losing people, and how to deal with painful setbacksIdentity, burnout, and learning to detachWhat happiness and success really meanIf you found this meaningful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into why formal education on business management, working with brands, and understanding contracts is critical for your success. You might be a content creator, but without this knowledge, you're setting yourself up for failure.Icy shares his insights on the creator economy, how data, AI, and community building will shape the future, and why nurturing a loyal community is more important than just gaining followers. If you’re serious about growing your creator business, you’ll want to hear this.In this episode, you'll learn:The missing piece creators need to understand to succeed in business.Why data and AI are crucial for the next wave of creators.How building a genuine community will outperform simply chasing followers.Practical advice on how to approach business partnerships and manage your brand collaborations.It’s time to stop guessing and start building with purpose. Watch now to learn what you need to know to stay ahead in 2026.Let me know in the comments: What’s been your biggest challenge in building your creator business? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Alec sits down with IC Mendoza, a digital marketing entrepreneur and the co-founder of InCircle Inc., the leading talent management agency in the Philippines. IC shares his incredible journey from showbiz to entrepreneurship, offering insights into building a successful business, staying ahead in the influencer world, and finding success through authentic connections.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to build an effective network without a huge one to start with.The red flags to watch out for when trying to grow your network.IC's journey from being a talk show host to transitioning into the influencer marketing world.The importance of adaptability, innovation, and staying relevant in an ever-evolving industry.IC's personal story of turning heartbreak into a catalyst for entrepreneurial success.How social capital and family connections played a role in his rise.This episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, content creators, and anyone looking to grow their influence and network.If you’re ready to take your career and network to the next level, don’t miss out on this conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new episode, Rajiv Talreja breaks down the simple, obvious, and painfully common mistake that quietly destroys most businesses.It’s not the economy.It’s not the competition.It’s not even the lack of skill.It’s the business owner.Rajiv explains why many entrepreneurs unknowingly sabotage their own success—by hiring the wrong people, avoiding uncomfortable decisions, and leading without clarity. He also reveals why growth always comes with a cost, why not everyone can grow with you, and how your identity as a leader shapes the entire culture of your company.If you’re a business owner, a team leader, or someone dreaming of starting a business someday, this episode will open your eyes to the one shift that could save your business before it collapses.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @rajivtalreja Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.