Recently, I came across a video from the show, Undercover Billionaires. Many of you are unaware of this, but I rarely watch television, and I am hopelessly ignorant to the shows that are currently being aired. That being said, I had to research when this show originally aired (2021) to see just how long these episodes have been available. The show takes current millionaires, and puts them into situations where they have to rebuild their wealth without the help of their current assets or network. The show attempts to create a “from scratch” scenario that allows current millionaires to demonstrate how to build wealth without the advantages that come from already having money. I guess the goal is to show that anyone can do it (American bootstrapping fantasies abound: more about that later) so long as you’re creative and persistent.

Anyway, I found this great edit of the show, focusing exclusively on the clips featuring Monique Idlett, ex-wife and business partner of Timbaland (music producer and songwriter). The show follows Idlett as she goes from having $100, no home, no job, and no connections in a new city (she was sent to Takoma, Washington). The goal was to have Idlett go from $100 to a $1 million business in 90 days. It’s fascinating to watch how she rebuilds in three months and ends up launching a business that she hopes will be valuated at $1 mil.

This video is LONG (nearly 6 hours!) but these first 30 minutes had so much value that I committed to watching the whole thing.

I enjoy shows like this, but I have some critiques as well. What I found really inspirational about the show is how many of us are starting with more than $100, have homes, networks, and many other things that can help us launch successfully, but we don’t tap into the power of what we already have. *Most* of us in the US have enough resources to start on the path of wealth. This doesn’t mean we will all succeed in creating a million-dollar business in 90 days, but increasing our income through entrepreneurship and dedication is a strong possibility.

However, I must point out the problems with the notions presented in this show. This show has to be taken with a grain of salt, of course: there is no easy, cookie cutter formula to financial success in 90 days. Anyone thinking that this is an easily duplicated process is in for quite a shock. I actually think Idlett’s story highlights that fact: she has to start working to rebuild her wealth just 3 days into this challenge. And she initially gets quite a few “nos” as she’s trying to build. Take the advice that works, try it, and don’t punish yourself if the results vary a bit, or if it takes a little longer than 90 days.

Also, this show heavily relies on the cult-like obsession with “bootstrapping” in America. The idea that anyone can become massively wealthy through hard work has been fetishized in the US, to the detriment of people who have legitimate challenges and difficulties on their entrepreneurial paths. The US media loves telling stories of highly exceptional people (which are always great stories and worth sharing and telling!) and then using those stories to say, “What’s your excuse for being ordinary?” The cult of “bootstrapping” is notorious for dismissing the efforts and contributions of those who opt out of entrepreneurship and decide to work for businesses instead of creating one. It’s this fanatical reverence for massive wealth at the cost of recognizing legitimate challenges that I dislike. That’s the reason why I chose to highlight Idlett’s story: she does not fetishize “bootstrapping”, and her approach is very realistic for anyone interested in growing a business, or even someone just recreating their life after experiencing setbacks. From what I’ve seen so far, she navigates her way through Takoma with kindness, grace and a realistic understanding of how genuine connections are made. I enjoy her way of interacting with others and how she builds her business through putting people first.

Overall, I recommend watching the show and seeing what tips you can glean. It’s inspirational to see what’s possible, and applying the ideas presented into our own businesses can result in improved business processes and incredible growth.

Have you watched the show? Tell me your thoughts below!