# From Selling in Divisoria at Age 7 to Running a Philippine AI Startup

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/small-talk-with-alec-cuenca-motivation-mindset-podcast-592045/from-selling-in-divisoria-at-age-7-to-running-a-philippine-ai-startup
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/small-talk-with-alec-cuenca-motivation-mindset-podcast-592045/from-selling-in-divisoria-at-age-7-to-running-a-philippine-ai-startup.md
Podcast: [Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/small-talk-with-alec-cuenca-motivation-mindset-podcast-592045)
Published: 2026-04-11T13:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/small-talk-with-alec-cuenca-motivation-amp-mindset-podcast/episodes/from-selling-in-divisoria-at-age-7-to-running-a-philippine-a
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/667c2127c5b4dedd89cff886/e/69d9da4179a641a1f35c8979/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/small-talk-with-alec-cuenca-motivation-mindset-podcast-592045/episodes/from-selling-in-divisoria-at-age-7-to-running-a-philippine-ai-startup
Duration seconds: 1867

## Resource

In this episode, @sophianicolesy shares the story most people don’t expect.. from being homeschooled and feeling behind in school, to giving up the one dream that defined her identity, and eventually building an AI startup. It’s a conversation about what happens when your life doesn’t go according to plan.. and how those moments shape who you become. This episode goes deeper into the foundations that quietly build successful people early.. the environment you grow up in, the people you surround yourself with, and the lessons you catch, not just what you’re taught. Sophie shares how exposure, stewardship, and curiosity became her advantage. We also talk about AI.. not as hype, but as a real tool solving real problems for businesses today. We discuss: * The power of growing up around the right people * How early exposure shapes confidence and skill * Why internships matter more than most people think * How curiosity led her into AI and tech * The real business problem AI is solving today * Why most people misunderstand AI’s practical use If you’re feeling lost, behind, or unsure of your path.. this episode will help you see your story differently. Follow Sophia Sy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiasy828 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOFI.AI.TECH.SOLUTION.INC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophianicolesy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofi_ai_tech/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophianicole828 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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## Transcript

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