International Entrepreneur, Author And TEDx Speaker Rick Yvanovich Reveals How To Build Your Castle With Lessons From The Trenches

Jeffrey Feldberg
6 min readAug 6, 2024

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Rick Yvanovich, brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences from around the globe. With over four decades in diverse industries, Rick’s insights are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in business and life. The host of The Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg does a deep dive with Rick on how to welcome success in business and life.

Rick is a true veteran entrepreneur who has been successfully navigating the world of business for over four decades. From his time stacking shelves in a supermarket to running his own company for 30 years, Rick has built a legacy of transformation and continuous learning. Here’s a breakdown of his key insights and lessons that any entrepreneur can benefit from.

Rick Yvanovich has worn many hats in his career, from supermarkets to tech, and from breweries to property development. He brings over forty years of insights from places like the UK, China, Singapore, Switzerland, and Vietnam. Rick’s journey is inspiring, especially for entrepreneurs who want to keep their passion alive with age.

Rick’s adventure started when he first landed in China as a finance manager for BP and then in Vietnam in 1990. Today, he is one of the most seasoned expats in Vietnam. Rick holds numerous prestigious roles, such as being a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and CPA Australia.

“From stacking shelves and learning the ropes of people management in a supermarket to immersing myself in the precise world of accounting, my story demonstrates the power of transformation and continuous improvement.”

Rick’s approach to life and business is about actively shaping the path forward rather than just keeping up with changes.

Hard Work Pays Off, But Blending is Key

Growing up, Rick learned the mantra of working hard. He believed working harder would yield better results. But, as he shared, it is about more than just hard work. Finding balance and enjoying life are equally important. Rick discovered this balance through his experiences, especially during the COVID pandemic.

“I’ve realized, especially during COVID, that my career isn’t everything. Relationships with family, spending quality time in nature, and having hobbies are what actually fulfill me.”

Rick highlights that balance is not just about work and life but about everything that fulfills you. It’s about health, energy, rest, balance, and stress.

Change is inevitable, and Rick believes that we mustn’t just adapt to it but define it. “Our task isn’t just to keep up but to actively shape the path forward,” says Rick. This mindset is crucial for entrepreneurs facing unprecedented challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the pandemic, Rick dealt with long COVID, which impaired his ability to work relentlessly as he used to. This life-altering experience made him re-evaluate his priorities, focusing on what truly matters — family, relationships, and enjoying life.

Rick emphasizes the importance of not just adapting to change but defining it. He says that each person has the potential to impact the world. During the pandemic, Rick noticed many businesses and individuals were in denial about the changes happening around them. This inspired him to write his book, “Business as Unusual,” which acts as a roadmap for those navigating the new normal.

“We need to be the architects of our own lives. Treat life and business like building a castle, placing one brick at a time. It’s your castle; shape it the way you want.”

Rick’s newfound perspective on life highlights the importance of fulfillment over mere achievement. As Jeffrey Feldberg, the host, states, “Success without fulfillment is failure.” Rick realized that working nonstop was no longer viable or fulfilling for him. He now finds fulfillment in helping others achieve growth and success, which has become his life purpose.

“My life has a limited meaning. So I said my life purpose was to inspire and transform each of us for consistently higher fulfillment,” Rick explains.

One of Rick’s core beliefs is the concept of Kaizen, which means constant improvement. He encourages lifelong learning, both personally and professionally. “So it’s about balancing achieving things, running your company, and finding time to enjoy your life,” Rick emphasizes. Continuous learning and seeking new experiences are essential for personal growth and business success.

Rick’s struggle with long COVID also taught him the vital importance of health and balance, which he encapsulates in his concept of life force, or “herbs.” Here’s what each letter stands for:

  • H: Health
  • E: Energy
  • R: Rest
  • B: Balance
  • S: Stress Management

“I’ve always been super healthy, but suddenly, falling sick made me realize that health is the most important thing. If you don’t have your health, you can’t do anything else,” Rick shares.

Asking for Help is Not a Sign of Weakness

Rick’s journey also taught him the value of asking for help. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to feel lonely at the top. But reaching out to coaches, joining masterminds, and engaging in safe communities can provide support and different perspectives.

“No single entrepreneur has all the answers. Being smart enough to ask for help and surround yourself with the right people can make a significant difference.”

Rick also learned to let go of things that do not serve him, including unhealthy habits, negative people, and even some aspects of his business.

Rick emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to let go of something that isn’t working, whether it’s a business, a project, or even people in your life. “It’s not admitting failure; it’s understanding that some things just don’t serve you anymore,” Rick advises.

Finding Fulfillment

Success without fulfillment means nothing. Rick discovered that helping others find fulfillment makes him feel fulfilled. He believes in the importance of lifelong learning, evolving, and experiencing life’s joys.

“My life purpose is to inspire and transform each of us for consistently higher fulfillment. If I can help others achieve that, then I feel I’m living a meaningful life.”

Rick compares life and career to building a castle. “You’re the architect. It can be any shape or form that you want, laying that brick each day. It’s your castle,” Rick encourages. His message is all about taking control and designing your life and business according to your own vision and values.

## Finding Fulfillment in Helping Others

Helping others achieve fulfillment is what gives Rick joy. He believes in the power of community and mentorship. “I feel fulfilled when I can help others reach fulfillment. That gives me a huge feel-good factor and a sense of purpose,” Rick states.

Building Your Own Castle

Rick’s parting advice is for everyone to embrace their journey and shape their lives like building a castle, brick by brick. It’s about finding joy in the little moments, being open to new experiences, and continually learning and growing.

Rick’s advice for everyone is to embrace every moment and not delay happiness or fulfillment. “Life is too short to put off things you think you have time for. Embrace the journey and enjoy it,” Rick insists.

“Enjoy the journey, live your life in a way that brings you fulfillment, not just for today but for years to come. Remember that life is short, and it’s important to seize the moments that bring you happiness.”

Rick’s key takeaways are:

  • Embrace and Define Change: Don’t just react to change; shape it.
  • Seek Fulfillment: Success is meaningless without fulfillment.
  • Lifelong Learning: Always strive to improve yourself.
  • Health is Wealth: Take care of your health and balance your life.
  • Know When to Let Go: Recognize when it’s time to move on.
  • Be the Architect: Design your life and career your way.
  • Help Others: Find joy in helping others achieve fulfillment.
  • Enjoy the Journey: Life is short — embrace and enjoy it.

Rick Yvanovich’s insights and life lessons remind us that while hard work is essential, finding balance and fulfillment is equally important. Embrace change, ask for help, and always strive for personal growth. As you build your castle in life and business, remember that you are the architect, and every decision you make shapes your unique story.

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Jeffrey Feldberg

Helping you capture the best deal on your exit through the Deep Wealth 9-step roadmap. Leverage the same strategies I created for my 9-figure liquidity event.