Today on the Mentors and Moguls Podcast I sit down with Stephen Scoggins, who went from homeless and hopeless to heartfelt industry leader, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Now, he’s dedicated himself to serving the person he used to be.

Stephen’s first hint that he would have to grow up fast was when he was just a young boy living with his Grandmother

Stephen’s first hint that he would have to grow up fast was when he was just a young boy living with his Grandmother, who had raised him up to this point. When she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, Stephen’s role quickly became that of a caretaker and the person who would ultimately spend time raising his little brother. When she passed, his parents returned to the picture, and Stephen went to live and work in construction with his father and his brother with their mother in Florida. It was in this transition that Stephen met his first mentor, Steve.

What’s the difference between a poor person and a rich person?

Steve was constantly putting Stephen in a position where he was being challenged. Coming from a family with a history of alcoholism, Steve presented him a choice. Pulling him aside, Steve asked him a simple question: What’s the difference between a poor person and a rich person? The answer isn’t just money. It’s the way they think. The idea of a poverty mindset was an ‘aha’ moment for him and sent him on a trajectory that forever changed his life. This piece of advice, coming from a man who would leave $1,000 tips just to make a difference in someone’s situation, was incredibly impactful. 

Fast forward, after a moment of realization and finding faith, Stephen found a second chance.

Then, Steve eventually gave Stephen the opportunity to build a business, covering the cost of many aspects and allowing him to make money. The problem then became how to be responsible for what he had earned. He found himself in a situation where he was questioning his worth, eventually leading him to walk off the job and ultimately homeless. Fast forward, after a moment of realization and finding faith, Stephen found a second chance. With some convincing, he was able to earn back his role. 

Stephen’s advice to people who find themselves in a similar stuck position is to find someone who you aspire to be. Think about the impact they have. He believes that principles dictate promises. No matter what promises you make, there are principles to get you there. As far as building a successful business, it’s about testing the market, seeing if it catches, then investing. We have a tendency to skip the testing and go straight to scaling, which won’t land. Surround yourself with the right people and keep moving forward.

Stephen’s advice: if you’re not constantly evaluating your perspective, it’s easy to slip back into becoming a taker.

In the end, there are givers and takers, and then there are those in transition from one or the other. Stephen’s advice: if you’re not constantly evaluating your perspective, it’s easy to slip back into becoming a taker. When you can do that, doors open for you–you don’t have to go around pushing them open. 

Learn more about Stephen Scoggins and follow him on Social Media:

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Check out Stephen’s Website stephenscoggins.com