The Spirit of Buffalo: Finding Balance in Business and Life with Waska Finkelstein

0:02Hi, and welcome to this week's episode of the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast where we are all about helping business owners just like you achieve success. So we don't do fancy smancy. We don't do flashing lights. We don't do a lot of things that a lot of podcasts will do. These are just real stories about real people and their entrepreneurial and business experiences. We go into their wins, their challenges, and their learnings. So we hope you enjoy it.

0:36hey there welcome to this week's episode of epic entrepreneurs and i'm here with my friend waska and he is one of the more interesting people in the world his main business is pro video productions but i can't i'll let him tell you all the stuff that he does it's unbelievable so welcome to the show waska tell us what you do yeah well hey bill thanks for having me on i really appreciate that i appreciate you and uh well it's interesting you say what do i what do I do. So my business and my career has been in professional video and television production for over 40 years now. So I used to do a lot of networking and marketing and all that stuff throughout the years.

1:12I'm a little bit more seasoned now. You could see from, my kids tell me it's gray. I used to say, no, it's blonde. But anyway, I've been around the block a few times. And so I find it interesting, especially coming from New York, where it was all about marketing down here in our beautiful Asheville area. It's more about connecting and community, which I love. So I like, when I get into conversations, it's more about who are you? Who I be rather than what I do. But we're talking about what we do, so I will incorporate who I am into what I do. So I'd like to start off with a quote that Arthur Ashe said.

1:52So I was fortunate enough to work as a producing cameraman at the U.S. Open for 16 years. And there's a statue of Arthur Ashe there. And on it, it is inscribed, his quote that reads, from what we get, we can make a living, and what we give, however, makes a life. And I saw that quote and that statue so many times. It always sat with me. I thought that was such a beautiful thing, because especially as men, we're taught to, you know, to work and make money and get things and accumulate, and nothing wrong with that, but that's kind of like the demand paradigm. And I just thought it was so important, you know, to give back and be a service.

2:30So I really resonate with that quote and the importance of being in service, which I do incorporate into my business and really in whatever aspects, you know, I can in my life. So. Yeah, I want to dig into that a little bit. You said we're talking about doing, we have a formula called B times do equals have. And you can only do so much. At some point, you have to become more. So I'm super – it's interesting. Being of service obviously helps you do more and helps you have more, in this case, life is the way you've put it. So that's a beautiful – thanks for bringing that in. Yeah. So, well, tell us a little bit more.

3:22I know you did more than just the video, but yeah. Sure, sure. So that's been the mainstay of my career. And then I got into a spiritual community, just not even by design, on Long Island in New York where I lived. And I was – it's interesting because people say, like, Waska, is that Polish? What does that mean? My birth name is Perry Wayne Finkelstein, a nice Jewish boy from Brooklyn. And in 2015, I was gifted this name Waska Wabuse, which is in the Shishindi or the people better known as the Apache tradition. So the vision keeper of our community dreamt this name for me. She had to have the same dream three times.

4:04And then she told me the name. And it was interesting because there was people in the community like Dancing Flower and Silent Wind and Two Feathers. So I thought I'd be like Crouching Eagle Boy or Wolfman or something. so she's like it's waska wabus I'm like what does that mean you know and it's you know I take out my journal I start writing it she's like no no no you know it's oral tradition so I had to listen and remember it so this is the short version because because native people typically they're they're pretty verbose and I like that that even in gatherings I've gone through the kids you know small kids will sit there and listen to the elders which you know in my life and the way I grew up Kids are fidgety, and we can't sit for very long.

4:47So I found that very inspiring. So anyway, Waska is of the people of the South, like the Cordoniero people, the energy medicine of the South. And Waboos is the way they say buffalo of the North. So you have the complementary opposites, the North and the South, the balance. And the buffalo is all about abundance and being in service to the people. So Waska Wabus means, with the generosity of spirit of the buffalo's heart, he remembers the healing medicine of humor and laughter as the sacred clown and shares that lightness of spirit and service to the people. So I've said that a few times. I've had to memorize it.

5:25So anyway, I go with Waska. I don't want to say it. Yeah. I got the spirit of the buffalo. Yeah, yeah. It's a mouthful. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, yeah. It's pretty much about being in service, and I use lightness and humor. So I incorporate that into pretty much everything I do. So when I moved down here, anyway, I decided to go with Waska instead of Perry. Just to—and people still call me Perry. It's fine. That's my name as well. I like to think that Waska is my higher vibrational self and that I incorporate that spirituality into my video production and everything that I do. And I think for the most part it works.

6:01You know, that traumatized, dysfunctional, obnoxious A-beep from New York. Perry comes out once in a while, but I do my best to keep it balanced. Yeah. Yeah, that's awesome. Let's shift gears here and talk a little bit about business. Sure. If you had to start over and do business again, what would you do differently? Wow, that's a great question. Um, so I was very, very fortunate when I got into video production, you know, I just, I mentored under a few people. I got right into, into, um, you know, network television and TV shows. New York's very replete with everything, sports, entertainment, um, politics, a bit of everything.

6:43Um, so what I would say, you know, again, incorporating everything in together, uh, the, the business aspect, as well as my personal being, um, is, is, and this holds true. I think you could probably relate to this is the stress part and the fear part, you know, fear, am I going to have enough money? Fear, am I doing it right? Fear, am I pleasing? So I think if I would do things differently, I would do my best not to be so fearful of any of those things. And just really kind of like go with the flow more and have more confidence in my abilities and in my intuition as well. So that would be my advice to myself.

7:23Confidence and intuition. I love that. Yeah. Yeah. I think if people would set out with confidence, I mean, usually good things happen. Most times things work out. I mean, we look back on it and you're like, man, why was I so stressed about that? Yeah. You know, I mean, it's a bit crazy. So what have been some of your learnings along the way? Some of my learnings. Well, I was very, very focused on, I guess in hindsight, maybe on success, but I don't think I was very cognizant of that. So I worked, you know, sometimes 12, 14-hour days on production. I was younger at the time when I first started, and I loved it.

8:02So I've told my kids, I've raised three young boys into wonderful human beings now to be autonomous, to always give 100%, to have integrity and grace and forgiveness. And so those are things I learned along the way. So what I might do differently, you know, again, is to follow that intuition, to give that 100 percent, not be so focused on pleasing other people, which is, you know, something that I think a lot of us do growing up. So those are things that were helpful to me and helpful for my kids also. I'm not sure if I answered your question. No, a hundred percent. I mean, I think it's great.

8:45I mean, leaning into integrity, grace, the things you want your, I think the things you want your kids to be, the legacy you want to leave is, is super important or maybe the most important thing that we do as people. I mean, well, you know, you can, you can work your a hundred hours a week or whatever, but you know, they don't, they don't remember that, you know, or they may remember it negatively, but they, you know, that's, that's the thing. So what do you think some of the misconceptions are in the world about running a business? I think one thing I found that was really important is you can't do everything yourself.

9:24And I used to be a perfectionist, so it was hard for me to delegate. And I've had a lot of people work for me and with me over the years. So I think a misconception is I got to do everything myself. And being like, you know, again, a past perfectionist, you know, you want it done a certain way. So directing and delegating and sharing, because it really is all about teamwork, you know, because you could only go so far doing things yourself. that's probably the most important thing that I learned is you're only going to get so far being a solo entity and then sharing in having feedback from people, like having little meetings where you're brainstorming and sharing ideas.

10:09There's a lot of value in that. And I know you guys do that with Action Coach and all the lunch meetings and all people getting together and sharing ideas and talking about their businesses and how they can help one another, there's tremendous value in that. Yeah. Yeah, I think so. So I have a question for you that just came up in what you said. How does one become a past perfectionist? Well, it's first acknowledging that you, you know, first acknowledging like, hey, my name is Bill W., you know, from the media. Yeah, of course. Yeah, it's making the acknowledgement, hey, you know, this is this is something that does not serve me anymore.

10:47And, you know, looking at that and saying, OK, it's OK. You know, there could be a little mistake in that paint line in the ceiling. You know, you're the only one that's going to notice it. And other people really don't tend to judge us as harshly as we judge ourselves. You know, and that's I think that's very, very true. And I also do men's work and coaching and guys in particular. And this may be true of women also, but guys tend to like, you want to do it perfectly and want to fix things and want to make sure it's like, you know, done the correct way. And and that's great. But there's also a certain grace we need to give ourselves so we don't wind up, you know, beating ourselves up.

11:25And because that's that's, you know, it's it's not productive at all. Not healthy either. Tell us about the men's work. What's that about? Sure. So part of that community I was involved with, I was, interesting enough, it was a women's mystery school that I was invited into, but there was a lot of other things going on with that. So I was part of a men's group there also. And so I was facilitating, co-facilitating a men's talking stick circle, which is it's a it's a native tradition where whoever has the stick is the one who gets to speak. And everybody else, instead of being in your head, just listens and sharing ideas and things like that.

12:04So, you know, so I'm starting to rant. So tell me your question again, because my mind's going in 10 different. I'm just trying to the men's work. I mean, you were talking about how you got in. I was just trying to understand, like, what is, who are you helping? Sure, sure. I think it organically started raising two boys. And then I was in a relationship where I raised Ed. I call him my bonus son from 10 years on. So I think it was just a natural progression of, it wasn't even designed, what can I do to be a better dad, a better son, a better brother? And then this men's group just developed, just really being open to talking about men's feelings.

12:50And men's work is very, very popular now. Yeah, 100%. Yeah. So anyway, this group started called The Way of the Illuminated Warrior that came from inspiration and a vision I had back in 2011. So I've been doing that ever since. We do telecircles now. I've facilitated a few retreats, and it's basically just having a safe and sacred space for men to be able to speak from the heart, not judge each other. There's nothing to fix. We just get together and we talk about stresses, wins, losses, issues. It's kind of like a business model to a degree, how we could be successful in our personal lives, and that translates into business, into relationships, into pretty much everything.

13:34Yeah, I mean, Jim Rohn said the harder you work on yourself is the key. So work harder on yourself than you do on your job. So I think, yeah, I've always found that when I was working on myself that the business did better. Yeah, I'm sure. And so, yeah, I mean, if you want to be better in business, work on yourself, whatever that looks like for you. So, yeah, it's a good thing. And so, I mean, you've learned some stuff about balance along the way, obviously, because we've talked a lot about it. So what are some tips or tricks or some things that you've learned about balancing personal and business demands?

14:14Yeah, another great question. I think in the beginning, I looked at it as strictly business, you know, and it's not that I'm not still professional. I am. But I found that like building relationships and being part of a community really translates into doing successful work. A lot of the clients that I've worked for over the years, I became became friends with or at least, you know, keep in touch with. And it kind of translated over even into personal relationships also, which which I love, because to me, I've found that I'm most effective when I could sit down with somebody and say, hey, like, what's your vision?

14:55Like, what are you looking to accomplish here? And talking about that and figuring out ways to make that happen rather than a strict edict of, okay, we're doing business and we have to stick to certain paradigms of what business is supposed to look like. So for me, combining, like, again, the relationships and community-minded approach into how the business works is really, really proved to be very successful, you know, for everybody, because it takes out that paradigm, like we have to be, you know, a certain way rather than being ourselves and sharing what the vision really is. Yeah, we don't have to be straight laced in suits and ties and hard charging and all that stuff.

15:41Yeah. Well, I find very interesting enough, like in New York, it was very much like networking meetings. You go out there. There was a lot of financial guys. So they'd be like, hey, you know, you know, I could help you with your portfolio. I'm like, well, my brother in law does that. OK, bye. Next. You know, and they want to have no no further conversation. And then coming down here and go into some business networking meetings, it was it was wonderful because it's like the first, you know, whatever, 15, 20, half hour or maybe the whole conversation was about, hey, what are you into? Oh, you like hiking?

16:11And then we'd say, hey, well, what is your business? And that, to me, is so much more natural, organic, and a way to build a relationship. It's not like, well, what am I going to get out of you? What can I get from you? No, that's just that paradigm I don't believe works. Yeah, I was talking to somebody the other day, and they were talking about a normal process should work more towards intimacy. Yeah. I mean, that's a big word. I'm not talking about like, you know, physical intimacy. But if you, if you start out, I mean, you have a conversation over coffee, you get to know each other and then you can talk about like, what do you want?

16:48And then there, maybe I can help. Maybe I can't, or at least I probably know somebody who can help you as opposed to, Hey, you're no good to me. I'm out. I'm going to find somebody who is good to me. Yeah. It's, it's an, it's an interesting change. It's good. Hey, I've got some, you know, EPIC is a acronym. And so I, So just sort of quick fire, maybe a word or a sentence or two about each letter. So the E is education. Education. What are your thoughts on that? Education. I feel like, especially the older I get, I want to learn from those who have been what I consider successful and more so wise.

17:27You know, I get a lot from from reading and just watching podcasts, people who have shared wisdom from their experiences that I can relate to and that I get taken to my own mindset. And so I think, you know, further further gaining wisdom and knowledge is is it's an endless journey. Yeah. Lifelong learning. I like it. Yeah. How about planning? Planning? I forget who said it, but I do believe like those who fail to plan can plan to fail. So, you know, in my business, you know, pre-production is so important. It's like having a blueprint, a script, or even a storyboard for a production, like really translates into a successful end product.

18:12So I think planning is very, very key. Yeah. So the I is inspiration. What are your thoughts around inspiration? Well, the first thing that comes up is because I'm very inspired by music. So allow me this. Let my inspiration flow in token rhyme, suggesting rhythm that will not forsake you till my tale is told and done. Won't sing anymore. Anyway, that's a song written by Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. But it's about inspiration. So I take inspiration, again, from music, from experiences, from educating myself, the wisdom of others, and starting my day with gratitude and positive affirmations and all.

18:56So that's really what inspires me for the most part. I love that. And then the C is commitment. Commitment. Commitment to me, I believe it's hard to be successful, whether it's in business, relationships, or really probably just about any aspects of life without a commitment. I find where there's a lack of commitment is usually a lack of trust. And when there's a lack of trust, things typically fall apart. So I think commitment is really one of the first things we need in any relationship to be successful. Wow. Lack of commitment is a lack of trust. And if there's a lack of trust, things fall apart.

19:34Wow. You believe that also? I think that's true. Yeah, yeah, 100%. It's an interesting one. I never have thought about the lack of trust piece of it. If you can't commit, then you don't trust. It's an interesting one. I mean, I think it applies to everything. I mean, it could apply to a tennis stroke. I mean, if you don't trust your tennis stroke, you're not going to commit. It's so interesting that you brought that up. That's really entertaining. So what do you wish somebody had told you that they didn't, that you know now? In business, in life, in whatever you want to take it. Yeah. I would say because I believe this is true in business as well as like growing up again, doing the men's work to probably the most important thing is to stop beating myself up.

20:33And I say the same thing to guys like that negative self-talk is so defeating. And again, whether it's in our personal lives or in business, like have some faith, have some confidence. I know for a lot of guys, this is not true for everybody. I grew up in an alcoholic family. My dad was not a good role model. He loved me. I loved him. But this is true of a lot of guys. So finding role models that not necessarily sports figures or nothing wrong with that either, but people of integrity that could help us grow, that could help us feel good about ourselves as men. And I'm speaking, this could be for women or any gender.

21:11But having faith in our own abilities and not beating up ourselves and having that negative self-talk, I think, is really the most important thing for me. Because positivity has always been a win-win in my book. And that's probably the most important thing that I tell my kids and I tell the guys I work with and I tell myself on a regular basis. That's awesome, Waska. Well, I consider myself a very positive person, but I love the positivity that comes from you, Waska. That's awesome. So if people want to get a hold of you, what's the best way? Come on over. I'm serving tea at noon. I love that.

21:53Yeah. Well, my website is provideoprods.com. That's P-R-O-V-I-D-E-O, prods, P-R-O-D-S.com. That's probably the easiest way. If you look up Waska, there's not too many Waskas around here either. But yeah, or contact you. I will say this, whoever sees this podcast, I'm happy to whatever service you are interested in. I will offer 15 % off, whatever the service is, if you mention seeing this conversation with me and Epic Bill G. Yeah, thanks, Waska. Well, I really appreciate you being here. Thanks for taking time. I'm well, I appreciate you, Bill. Thanks for all the stuff that you do with a action coach and, uh, and the wonderful event that you put on and, uh, and Asheville, Asheville business summit.

22:39So I'm looking forward to that also. Yeah. And by the way, uh, Waska helped us out with the video production on the, uh, Asheville business summit, which is, we'll be having another one coming up in September. Stay tuned for that. And, uh, we'll look forward to seeing you there. And until next time, all the best. Be epic.

22:59Hey, thanks for listening to the Epic Entrepreneurs podcast. Here's three things that you can do. Number one, remember to subscribe to the podcast. It takes very little effort on your part. It's going to help you and your fellow entrepreneurs. Plus, you guys know how it works. The more subscribers we get, the more cool things we can offer to you. Second, to learn more about growing your business, just download my book, The Coach Approach. It's free for you at giftfrombill.com. That's giftfrombill.com. Hey, and if you'd like more info about growing your business and what we can do to help you grow your business, send me an email directly.

23:47Just send it to williamgilliland at actioncoach.com. That's my personal email that I read. No one else reads it first. It's not screened. It's my real email. Just send it to me. I can't wait to talk to you. Hey, and until then, all the best.