The Best Investment | Beyond The Grind #019

The Best Investment You Can Make Isn’t in Stocks or Crypto—It’s in You

What’s the smartest financial move you can make? Is it mastering the stock market? Getting into real estate early? Or maybe riding the wave of crypto? According to the hosts of Beyond The Grind, the answer is much closer to home. In our latest conversation, we explore why the best investment you can make is, without a doubt, in yourself.

It’s a simple but powerful idea: while external assets can be volatile, the knowledge and skills you accumulate are yours forever. They’re the foundation upon which every other opportunity is built.

Your Knowledge is Your Foundation

Think about it. The ability to understand and invest in stocks, real estate, or any other venture comes from the initial investment you make in your own education. As Korede points out, you are the one constant in your financial journey. Markets fluctuate, but your capacity to learn, adapt, and seize opportunities remains.

"The best investment you can ever make, it's not in stocks. It's not in real estate. It's not in crypto. It's in yourself... You are the one thing that's constant. That's reliable." — Korede Fanilola

Allen builds on this, highlighting the structured pursuit of knowledge through reading. It’s not just about scrolling through social media feeds; it’s about the deep, focused consumption of content that builds a framework for success. When you read a book, you’re not just absorbing information—you’re internalizing a vision that you can then apply to your work and personal life. This shared knowledge gets everyone on your team, in your family, or in your circle on the same wavelength.

Investing in yourself has to be non-negotiable. In an era where industries are constantly being reshaped by forces like AI, the people who thrive are those who commit to continuous learning. By educating yourself and staying current, you ensure you always have value to offer in the marketplace, regardless of how jobs or economies shift.

Mentorship, Reps, and Calculating Your ROI

Beyond books and courses, investing in yourself takes other powerful forms. Korede shared a personal story from his time as a co-founder at his startup, Zazu. Tasked with a COO role without a formal playbook, he felt overwhelmed. The solution? He sought out a mentor.

He found a seasoned professional on LinkedIn who could guide him through the complexities of his role. Those monthly meetings provided invaluable structure and perspective, transforming his leadership and, by extension, the company culture. It’s a testament to the fact that you can’t underestimate the power of mentorship. Finding someone who is where you want to be can accelerate your growth exponentially.

But how do you measure the return on these investments?

We break it down into two categories:

• Tangible ROI: This is the measurable stuff. For example, spending $700 on a PMP certification that allows you to command a salary $60,000 higher is a clear, tangible return. It’s a direct result of a specific investment in a skill.

• Intangible ROI: This is harder to quantify but just as important. It’s the confidence you gain, the quality of your decision-making, and the rooms you get access to through networking. You might not be able to put a dollar amount on it, but you can feel its impact. These are the compounding returns of showing up, building relationships, and honing your mindset.

Allen compares this process to an athlete’s training. The game itself is the performance, but the real work happens behind the scenes—studying the playbook, watching film, and staying physically conditioned. The same is true in our careers. The investment we make in ourselves when no one is watching is what prepares us to execute when it’s game time.

It’s Not Just About You

Ultimately, investing in yourself creates a ripple effect. The skills you build don’t just benefit you; they benefit your team, your clients, and your community. When you show up as a more knowledgeable, capable, and confident person, you elevate everyone around you.

It’s about more than just personal gain; it’s about impact. By continuously growing, you are better equipped to serve your purpose, whatever that may be. You’re not just building your own value—you’re building a legacy of integrity, competence, and leadership that others can learn from.

So, what are you doing to invest in yourself today? Whether it’s reading a book, finding a mentor, or learning a new skill, every step you take is a deposit in your most valuable asset.

For more honest conversations on career, business, and life, watch the full episode on YouTube and be sure to subscribe to our channel and newsletter so you never miss a beat.