E02: Mindset, Relationships, and Resilience: Lessons from Steffen van Doesburg

Lessons Around with JP Albano

Time to take your entrepreneurial mindset to new heights. Joining us today is Steffen van Doesburg, a prime example of a successful transition from a corporate career to real estate entrepreneurship. With 17 years of experience in consulting for the offshore oil and gas sector, Steffen began investing in real estate to generate additional income and build wealth. Steffen's passion for real estate led him to focus on industrial properties, where he is currently developing a private equity platform. Today, Steffen is going to talk about entrepreneurship, business, mindset, and the winning attitude, especially when life gives you lemons.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

[03:15] - How Steffan and I met and became business partners

[06:56] - How they ended up renting out their property and moving to Singapore

[12:42] - The transition into multifamily property investing

[16:30] - How COVID impacted the real estate market

[17:33] - How he stumbled into the niche area of industrial real estate

[22:19] - The decision to leave his corporate career and how it affected his marriage

[30:22] - Going through depression and the inflection point

[33:55] - Hiding behind the comfort of being a victim and how he got back up

[42:28] - How his entrepreneurial journey strengthened his marriage

[45:31] - The importance of controlling your thought narrative

Episode Highlights:

[12:42] The Transition Into Multifamily Property Investing

Steffen's real estate journey began with single-family rentals and condos, but he soon realized the slow progress of acquiring properties one by one. In 2018 and 2019, he ventured into the multifamily sector and successfully acquired three properties with 215 units. Despite his demanding full-time job, Steffen's passion for real estate grew, and he saw its financial potential. As he delved deeper into the industry, his motivation intensified, leading him to explore different sectors like shopping plazas and hotel conversions. Eventually, he discovered industrial outdoor storage, an underappreciated niche with untapped potential. Seeing the investment community's oversight in this area, Steffen became curious and decided to further explore its possibilities.

[36:51] Setbacks to Success: Steffen's Journey of Resilience and Growth

Steffen's journey in real estate hasn't been without its challenges. After experiencing a major blow to his business with his partners, he battled to overcome lows that he’s never seen before. However, his determination to bounce back never wavered. In early 2023, an opportunity arose when he was introduced to a potential capital partner. Through this partnership, all the necessary funding was secured, marking a turning point in Steffen's entrepreneurial path. Despite the obstacles and difficult times he faced, Steffen persevered, and now, just a year after leaving his previous company, he is in the process of building another successful investment platform.

[45:31] The Importance of Controlling Your Thought Narrative

Take charge of your thoughts starting today. Identify and replace negative thoughts with positive ones to enhance the fullness of your life. Notice your internal narrative, particularly during long drives, and be surprised by the prevalence of negativity. While our brains are wired to protect us, if left uncontrolled, negative thoughts can consume our every moment. Become aware of this pattern and consciously redirect your thoughts towards positivity. Once you realize the power of using your brain space for positive self-talk, you can transform your mindset and overcome negative emotions. You have to control your thought narrative, and you have to fill it with positive thoughts and ideas because they will shape what your future life becomes.

Resources Mentioned:

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