Most entrepreneurs dream of financial freedom, but too often end up stuck in endless hustle. How do you shift from grind to growth, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live?
In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris Beane sits down with Neil Twa — CEO of Voltage Holdings, Amazon brand builder, and co-author of the #1 new release Almost-Automated Income with FBA. After leaving a leadership role at IBM, Neil dedicated the past 15+ years to helping over 1,000 entrepreneurs design scalable e-commerce businesses, some reaching eight-figure success.
Together, they dig into how to leverage systems, automation, and proven frameworks to grow sustainable businesses — while reclaiming time, health, and personal freedom along the way. If you’re ready to stop letting your business run you and start structuring your work around the life you want, this conversation is for you.
Claim your free copies of his book by going to this link https://www.voltagedm.com/freebook and enter the discount code PRESTIGIOUS
Building Freedom Through Faith and Failure: Lessons from E-Commerce Visionary Neil Twa
In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, I sat down with Neil Twa, a man who has spent over 15 years redefining what it means to build and scale a business. As the CEO of Voltage Holdings, Neil has helped launch and grow private-label e-commerce brands into the eight-figure range, mentoring over a thousand entrepreneurs along the way.
But what really sets Neil apart isn’t just his business success — it’s his perspective on freedom, faith, and failure.
From corporate leadership at IBM to going all-in as an entrepreneur, Neil’s story is a masterclass in risk, redemption, and resilience. In this episode, we unpack how to create a business that doesn’t just give you profit — it gives you freedom.
From Corporate Life to Calling
When Neil first entered the corporate world, he was on a traditional track — a promising career at IBM, clear advancement opportunities, and the kind of stability that most people chase. But deep down, he knew something wasn’t right.
“I didn’t want to be in the corporate world,” Neil told me. “Let’s just call it what it was — I failed out of college, and I failed out of corporate life too. I was looking for any opportunity to get out.”
It wasn’t until the passing of his mentor — his uncle, who had taught him about abundance and independence — that Neil finally made the leap. “He always told me to start something, to take the risk. After he passed, I realized I hadn’t done it when he was there to help me. That’s when I knew it was time.”
That decision wasn’t easy. In fact, when IBM later announced they were moving his division overseas, Neil could have scrambled to stay safe. Instead, he burned the boats and committed to the uncertain road of entrepreneurship.
Why College Isn’t Always the Answer
One of the most striking parts of our conversation was Neil’s honest take on education in today’s world. He doesn’t see college as a scam — but he’s clear that it’s not for everyone.
“College is not necessarily a scam,” he said. “But if you’re not in a certification track — like medicine or law — then you might be wasting time. By the time you graduate, the job you trained for doesn’t even exist anymore.”
He went on to explain that with AI and technology changing the landscape faster than ever, the people who win are the ones who learn by doing. “If you wait two to four more years in school, you’re going to be so far behind the market that companies won’t even hire you,” Neil warned.
The Hustle Culture Trap
As we dove deeper, Neil tackled one of the biggest myths plaguing entrepreneurship today: hustle culture.
“We live in a soundbite culture,” he said. “Thirty seconds to success, three months to your seven-figure business — people buy into that hopium. But it’s a lie. The ones who succeed are those who treat business like a marathon, not a sprint.”
He made a point that really resonated with me: when the hustle becomes about you, you’ve already lost.
“The minute you start thinking, I can only do this myself, you turn abundance into scarcity,” he explained. “That’s when burnout happens.”
Neil’s advice is simple but profound — shift from serving yourself to serving others. That mindset doesn’t just change your outcomes; it changes who you become.
Failing Forward and Finding Freedom
Neil shared stories of early failures — including losing tens of thousands testing online campaigns before finally making his first $50 profit. But he framed every loss as a lesson.
“If you’re afraid to fail in the experience, you will ultimately fail overall,” he said. “Failure is the tuition you pay for wisdom.”
He’s been through bankruptcy, too — a humbling and painful process. But it’s also what led him to his deepest faith. “When we walked out of that courthouse with $567 to our name, I knew God was giving me a clean slate. That’s when I stopped trying to do it all myself.”
That experience became the foundation for his life philosophy — what he calls the Five F’s:
Faith
Family
Friends
Finances
Freedom
Without faith, Neil says, the rest crumbles. “Faith is what carried me through bankruptcy, through the dark nights, through everything. It gave me the clarity to start over — not just as a businessman, but as a husband, a father, and a man.”
The Real Definition of Freedom
For Neil, freedom isn’t just about money. It’s about having the mental and spiritual peace to live life on your terms.
“You can be free without finances,” he said. “Freedom starts in your mind. It starts when you realize that abundance already exists — you just have to align yourself with it.”
That freedom allows Neil and his wife to homeschool their four daughters — not just in academics, but in life and business. One of his daughters even runs her own eBay reselling business; another creates product videos for their Amazon brands.
It’s not just a family — it’s a team built on shared purpose, values, and faith.
From Hustle to Legacy
At the heart of Neil’s message is a call to build something that lasts beyond money — to create a legacy.
“Everyone wants to live in fulfillment of the best outcome,” he said. “But you can’t truly appreciate success without the struggle. You need the dark to value the light.”
That’s what makes his story so powerful. Neil isn’t chasing the next shiny thing. He’s building something far more meaningful — a life built around service, purpose, and intentional growth.
As he told me, “My legacy isn’t the business. It’s my children — that they grow up with faith, wisdom, and courage. After that, nothing else matters.”
Final Thoughts
Talking with Neil reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about systems, scaling, or exits. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can handle all of those things with humility and grace.
Neil’s story is a testament to the truth that freedom isn’t found in chasing more — it’s found in aligning your work, your purpose, and your faith.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn failure into freedom, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen to the full episode now to hear Neil Twa’s powerful insights on business, faith, and building a life of lasting freedom.
Join us weekly for deep, unfiltered conversations about personal development, leadership, productivity, and excellence. Each episode is crafted to help you take initiative and unlock your full potential — both personally and professionally
John Solleder has been building businesses—and people—for more than four decades. As a top earner in four network marketing companies and mentor to over 5,000 entrepreneurs, John knows the difference between chasing short-term wins and building a life of sustainable achievement. In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris and John dive deep into what it takes to stay relevant and effective for the long haul. They explore how mindset drives outcomes, why self-development is the non-negotiable investment, and how balance isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone working to align personal growth with professional goals, this conversation will give you a blueprint for building success that lasts decades, not just years.
What does it take to build a life where business, family, and mental health all matter — and actually find balance in the middle of it?
In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative, Chris Beane welcomes his friend Bri Haug — a mom, wife, and business owner who runs her own tattoo shop. Bri opens up about her journey of building a business with integrity, navigating equality in the industry, and prioritizing self-care in the face of life’s challenges.
Together, Chris and Bri discuss the importance of mental health, how to manage time as both a leader and parent, and why setting goals with intention helps keep both personal and professional life aligned. This candid conversation shines a light on resilience, creativity, and the real work of living with balance.
Website: www.electricladytattoo.com
Email: brihaugtattoo@gmail.com
Instagram: @brihaug and @electricladylounge
In this episode of The Prestigious Initiative Podcast, host Chris Beane sits down with Kyle Smith—leadership expert, HR consultant, and host of his own leadership podcast. With over 25 years of experience guiding professionals and executives to unlock their potential, Kyle shares actionable insights on what true leadership looks like today. Discover how to foster thriving teams, cultivate confidence as a leader, and create a culture that inspires growth and excellence. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership game, this episode is your blueprint. HRKyle.com
LinkedIn.com/in/theHRKyle
Facebook.com/theHRKyle
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