Grill to Glam: Balancing BBQ Empire & Nightlife Scene
Manage episode 402469908 series 2848608
Have you ever landed on foreign soil with dreams bigger than your wallet? Natalia Badzjo did just that, and she joins us to recount her extraordinary journey from arriving in the U.S. with $400 to her name, to becoming a Las Vegas entrepreneur. Her story weaves through 15 years of shaping the customer service landscape at Wynn Resorts, to opening not one, but two thriving restaurants with her husband, Brian. Natalia's insights into setting lofty goals and the balancing act between a demanding job and chasing entrepreneurial dreams are beyond inspirational—they're a roadmap to turning ambition into achievement.
Succulent, smoky, and satisfyingly simple—Texas barbecue isn't just a meal, it's a way of life. This episode sizzles with the savory secrets behind Big B's Texas Barbecue, the family-owned haven where Natalia and Brian serve up more than just a plate of food; they dish out a cultural experience. Discover the meticulous magic behind authentic Texas barbecue, and how a background in finance and international marketing isn't just advantageous but essential in the world of wood-smoked wonders. You'll also get a taste of Big B's expansion plans, proving that even in the restaurant business, the right formula can lead to mouthwatering success.
To round off our conversation, we peel back the curtain on the crucial role of education, real-world know-how, and the art of making and nurturing connections. Whether you're a graduate grappling with the numbers or a corporate climber with a side hustle in mind, Natalia's narrative sheds light on the transformational power of networking and the necessity of a strong community. Learn how a strategic approach to social media and traditional word-of-mouth can elevate a business from good to legendary. For those teetering on the edge of entrepreneurship, let this episode be the nudge you need to leap into your own legacy.
Chapters
1. Grill to Glam: Balancing BBQ Empire & Nightlife Scene (00:00:00)
2. Natalia Balajevo (00:00:10)
3. Texas Barbecue (00:11:49)
4. Navigating College, Restaurant Business, and Management (00:14:57)
5. Entrepreneurship and Networking Advice (00:25:57)
148 episodes