Today is a special day.

My podcast, You’re a Natural, presented by Pop.Store, is officially out in the world with two conversations featuring leaders I admire deeply. A very special thank you to Josephine (Jo) Wong and Andrew Jevin, my debut guests, for trusting me with their stories and inspiring everyone who listens.

This milestone matters to me for many reasons.

First, it's one thing to dream about creating something. It's another to actually bring it to life. Alongside Pop.Store and an incredibly dedicated team, we turned an idea into something real. Now this passion project belongs to the world, and I'm excited to watch it find its audience. My hope is that You're a Natural becomes a lasting voice in the leadership space, not for recognition, but because of the impact I know it can have on people navigating their careers, ambitions, and defining moments.

That brings me to the second reason this means so much.

I wouldn't be here without the leaders and mentors who believed in me before I believed in myself. I was a kid with debilitating ADHD and a lot of self-doubt; I barely passed the fifth grade. Yet, I took a chance, left home, moved to Los Angeles without a plan or college degree, and built my career one opportunity at a time.

I was a radio host for The Walt Disney Company, a speaker and master of ceremonies at countless events, a Justin Bieber impersonator, a signed model, the manager of a Santa House, and a VIP events and sales coordinator at the famous Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Eventually, I joined Caruso, where I spent seven years learning from some of the very best in business.

That journey ultimately led me to Compass nine years ago, where I now serve as Head of National Agent Programming. During the pandemic, I made another decision that once felt entirely out of reach: to pursue higher education, earning my Bachelor’s in Communications from San Diego State University, where I graduated with honors…not bad for the same kid who almost failed out of middle school! Today, I'm proud to be an MBA candidate at Boston University.

With all of that, I hear so often from people who meet me today, “Wow, you’re such a natural at what you do.”

The point is simple. There was nothing "natural" about my path. Every chapter was built through curiosity, grit, resilience, and the instinctual awareness to pay attention to those ahead of me on their journey. That's exactly why this podcast exists.

I will continue to share my own story which I’m excited to do, but even more than that, I can't wait to share the stories of the remarkable leaders who will join me in the studio. My hope is that somewhere in each conversation, you'll find the perspective, encouragement, or push you need to write the next chapter of your own story.

I hope you'll join me as we grow together, learn together, and become naturals together. New episodes will launch every other Tuesday, wherever you watch or listen to podcasts.

This is You're a Natural.

I'm Nick Belardo.

Episodes Here.