Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast

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.

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.

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  !

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.

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?

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.

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

In this new episode with Alec, Rajiv breaks down the painful truth behind why so many aspiring entrepreneurs never make it past the first stage. Rajiv shares how he became an “entrepreneur by force, not by choice,” and why early praise and empty encouragement almost destroyed his career. Instead of shortcuts and motivational hype, he reveals the real foundations every business owner needs — clarity, leadership, systems, and the willingness to outgrow who you used to be.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated because your business doesn’t seem to grow no matter how hard you work, Rajiv explains the precise blind spots holding most founders back. From mistaking passion for a plan, to building a job instead of a real business, to chasing success before building competence — this episode exposes the patterns that quietly kill 9 out of 10 startups.This conversation will challenge your assumptions, confront your excuses, and push you to finally evolve into the entrepreneur your future needs.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @rajivtalreja

In this special episode of Small Talk, we break down 30 years of financial lessons into a clear, practical, and honest conversation. No jargon. No hype. Just real wisdom you can apply today.This episode goes beyond earning and saving — it’s about understanding how money affects identity, family, confidence, and the way you move through life. We talk about the mistakes most people don’t realize they’re making, how to build systems that protect your future, and why stability is more important than speed.If you’ve ever felt behind financially, unsure of where to start, or overwhelmed by the pressure to “have it all figured out,” this episode is made for you. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to begin.Start with what you have. Do what you can. Your future self will thank you.