When Everything Breaks… Launch Anyway
Tue Nov 25 2025
Episode Summary:
In this raw and revealing episode of The Launch Button Podcast, Hugh takes you behind the curtain of what it really looks like to launch something new—especially when everything that can go wrong… does go wrong. From a laptop hard-drive failure two hours before kickoff, to a temporary replacement computer that crawled slower than dial-up, to a full website malware attack that shut down email attachments, Hugh shares the chaotic, unfiltered truth of running their first-ever AI Challenge.
Despite tech meltdowns, frozen screens, corrupted audio, and hacked links, the team stayed relentless. The message? Entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, adaptability, and solving one problem at a time. Hugh breaks down how he delivered an entire multi-day AI challenge using nothing but a phone, grit, backup systems, a supportive team, and a whole lot of patience.
Through every failure came a lesson: people don’t follow perfect—they follow real. And even in the middle of tech disasters, attendees aged 18 to 80 learned AI skills, built systems, improved storytelling, and took the actions that moved their businesses forward. The impact remained strong, lives were changed, and confidence in AI grew—even when the tech running the challenge was falling apart.
This episode is a powerful reminder that if you wait for perfect, you’ll never launch. If you move forward—especially when everything breaks—you create momentum, growth, and transformation for yourself and the people you serve.
Link in bio for the full episode.
About the Host:
Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.
Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.
Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience.
http://www.HughZaretsky.com
http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc.
Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook
Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want
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Episode Summary: In this raw and revealing episode of The Launch Button Podcast, Hugh takes you behind the curtain of what it really looks like to launch something new—especially when everything that can go wrong… does go wrong. From a laptop hard-drive failure two hours before kickoff, to a temporary replacement computer that crawled slower than dial-up, to a full website malware attack that shut down email attachments, Hugh shares the chaotic, unfiltered truth of running their first-ever AI Challenge. Despite tech meltdowns, frozen screens, corrupted audio, and hacked links, the team stayed relentless. The message? Entrepreneurship isn’t about perfection—it’s about commitment, adaptability, and solving one problem at a time. Hugh breaks down how he delivered an entire multi-day AI challenge using nothing but a phone, grit, backup systems, a supportive team, and a whole lot of patience. Through every failure came a lesson: people don’t follow perfect—they follow real. And even in the middle of tech disasters, attendees aged 18 to 80 learned AI skills, built systems, improved storytelling, and took the actions that moved their businesses forward. The impact remained strong, lives were changed, and confidence in AI grew—even when the tech running the challenge was falling apart. This episode is a powerful reminder that if you wait for perfect, you’ll never launch. If you move forward—especially when everything breaks—you create momentum, growth, and transformation for yourself and the people you serve. Link in bio for the full episode. About the Host: Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most. Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level. Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience. http://www.HughZaretsky.com http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc. Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want