The 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 and Founder of the ACHIEVE Summit, 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.
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
Mindset & Neuroplasticity – how to retrain your brain, raise your self-worth, and reframe risk so you can actually move.
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.
Who Should Listen
This podcast is built for:
If you care about both returns and fulfilment, you’re in the right place.
Intrapreneurs & Leaders Inside Big Organizations
Community-minded Builders
People using property, land banks, and neighborhood deals to build wealth.
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.
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