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October 3-7 | Starting at $500The First Million Is Always The Hardest
Money. Business. Mindset.
The First Million Is Always The Hardest is your introduction to the mindset and mechanics behind real success. Hosted by Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority, the show breaks down why that first million—in dollars, impact, or purpose—is always the hardest milestone to hit, and what it truly takes to get there. Buzzsprout
Each week, Bo sits down with entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and community builders from the Southland and beyond to unpack their journey: the late nights, the risks, the breakthroughs—and how they keep going after crossing that first big line.
Why “The First Million” Matters
Most business podcasts talk about tactics. We go deeper.
On The First Million Is Always The Hardest, we explore:
Money & Wealth Foundations – from childhood beliefs, fears, and traumas to new habits and financial literacy
Real Stories, Not Theory – founders, operators, and intrapreneurs sharing what really happened between “idea” and “it worked.”
Because you can’t raise your net worth until you raise your self-worth.
Mindset & Neuroplasticity – how to retrain your brain, raise your self-worth, and reframe risk so you can actually move.
First Million Is The Hardest Po…
Who Should Listen
This podcast is built for:
If you care about both returns and fulfilment, you’re in the right place.
Have a story that fits one of these paths?
Intrapreneurs & Leaders Inside Big Organizations
Community-minded Builders
People using property, land banks, and neighborhood deals to build wealth.
First Million Is The Hardest Po…
Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
Growing or turning around a company and looking for real talk, not fluff.
Real Estate & Main Street Investors
Builders who have chosen to lead transformation from within instead of starting from scratch.
Anyone who wants their first million to mean more than just a bank balance.
Meet Your Host: Bo Kemp
Bo Kemp is the CEO of the Southland Development Authority, a nonprofit economic development organization focused on helping businesses and communities in Chicago’s South Suburbs grow, scale, and thrive, and the Founder of the ACHIEVE Summit, a premier entrepreneurship and economic innovation event that brings together founders, investors, policymakers, and community leaders to accelerate growth across Chicago’s South Suburbs and beyond.
He’s led in government, finance, and development—now he’s bringing those lessons to the mic. Through The First Million Is Always The Hardest, Bo connects the dots between capital, community, and personal purpose, shining a light on the builders who are changing the trajectory of families and neighborhoods for generations.
Interested in partnering with the podcast or the ACHIEVE Summit? → Explore sponsorship opportunities.
Start Listening
This section lists latest episodes with their graphics and description with links to watch from Buzzsprout
Bitcoin & The Future of Money
This episode is for entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and forward-thinking leaders who want to understand where money is headed — and how to harness Bitcoin and stablecoins to build smarter, faster, and more resilient businesses. Joe’s insights reveal why digital currencies aren’t just the future — they’re a present-day competitive edge.
Building Tomorrow: Workforce, Innovation & the Industries Shaping Our Future
This episode is for leaders, builders, and problem-solvers who know the future won’t be created by technology alone — but by the people prepared to operate, maintain, and innovate within it.
At a moment when breakthrough industries are accelerating faster than our talent pipelines, this candid discussion offers clarity, urgency, and a path forward.
The Power Behind the Future: Dr. Francis Wang on Energy Storage, Innovation & Legacy
In this electrifying episode, host Bo Kemp sits down with Dr. Francis Wang, former Chair of Nano Graf, a Graf’s silicon oxide anode manufacturer, to explore the unseen but essential force powering our technological future: energy storage. With a career rooted in battery chemistry, advanced materials, and manufacturing innovation, Dr. Wang shares his journey from the lab bench to the executive suite — and what it means to build at the frontier of science and entrepreneurship in Illinois and beyond.
Join the First Million Circle (Free)
If you’re serious about building something that lasts—your business, your portfolio, your legacy—join the First Million Circle, our free email community.
You’ll get:
First dibs on ACHIEVE Summit tickets and special pricing
Invitations to private masterminds, workshops, and pop-up events
Bonus resources like playbooks, and “First Million Minute” recaps