Episodes

4d ago

Jason Janz challenges the entire playbook of nonprofit work by showing how long haul commitment and leader backed philanthropy can actually move families out of poverty. His approach sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship, business, and wellbeing and offers a real-time look at how a for-purpose business model can fuel meaningful social impact through strong organizational culture and long-term vision. Jason explains why CrossPurpose prioritizes deep relational work over broad but shallow programming and how that choice shapes everything from team dynamics to fundraising strategy to the overall health of the communities they serve. He reflects on the influence of his own upbringing, the mentors who shifted his understanding of leadership, and the decision to grow a mission-driven organization that thinks like a high-performance company without losing sight of human dignity. The conversation raises essential questions for any founder: What happens when you commit to one person’s success with the same rigor you bring to your own enterprise? How do you build trust when donors want evidence and families want genuine care? What does wellbeing look like inside a team tasked with solving hard human problems? Jason also offers a candid perspective on fundraising through shared vision rather than transactions and explains why transformational partnerships outperform traditional tactics. He invites entrepreneurs to consider the power of leader backed philanthropy and the role they can play in shaping generational change. The episode becomes a thoughtful reflection on leadership, purpose, and the kind of steady commitment that strengthens families, organizations, and entire communities. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Conscious Entrepreneurship 03:14 The Mission and Model Behind CrossPurpose 06:00 Jason’s Personal Story and Leadership Philosophy 08:58 Deep vs Wide: A Different Approach to Social Impact 17:59 Transformational Fundraising and Donor Partnership 25:51 Advice for Future Nonprofit Founders Connect with Jason Janz: Visit CrossPurpose Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 8

Few moments expose a leader’s true confidence faster than the stare of a camera lens. Karin Reed, founder of Speaker Dynamics, brings forward a clear view of why virtual communication rattles even seasoned leaders and what presence actually requires when the usual cues disappear. She points to a familiar pattern: people become smaller, flatter, or overly polished once the lens becomes the audience, and those shifts quietly shape how trustworthy or grounded they appear. The conversation asks an important question for anyone leading through a screen: what builds credibility when connection feels harder to access? Karin’s insight centers on the qualities that make leaders feel real on camera. Authentic expression carries farther than perfect delivery. Natural movement brings energy back into the voice. Audio quality influences how intelligent and credible someone seems. Early interaction sets the tone for participation. These elements are less about technique and more about the leader’s willingness to show up with a steady, human presence that invites others in. The conversation ultimately challenges leaders to rethink executive presence for a virtual world. Confidence becomes easier to project when leaders stop performing and start communicating with the same clarity and ease they rely on in person. The screen changes the environment, but it doesn’t change what people want from a leader: someone they can hear, follow, and trust. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Leadership Communication in a Virtual World 01:55 Karin Reed’s Path to On-Camera Expertise 09:59 Eye Contact and Connection in Virtual Meetings 15:35 Body Language That Builds Executive Presence 24:10 The MVP Framework for Strong Virtual Communication 29:46 Why Production Quality Shapes Credibility 35:20 Authenticity and Executive Presence Connect with Karin Reed: Visit Speaker Dynamics Connect with Karin on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 1

If you are wondering if you should work with your husband or wife, or for tips and tricks to stay married when you work together, you are in the right place today! When married partners work together, the business is never “just business.” Working in a #familybusiness is a dynamic that impacts the partners at home and at work, and it impacts everyone in the company, too. Kaley Warner Klemp, co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and The 80/80 Marriage, discusses actionable tips to help partnerships thrive. She shares suggestions for aiming for generosity rather than fairness, why clear roles protect both the relationship and the business, and how spouses can repair after conflict when you are doing it in front of the whole company. They discuss the quieter questions leaders rarely ask out loud. How do power dynamics shift when work and home blend so closely? What do employees notice before the couple does? What helps a team feel steady when conflict between partners surfaces in real time? Kaley offers tools for conversations, visible repair, and the kind of leadership that supports long-term wellbeing for the couple and the company. It’s a grounded look at working with your partner in a way that strengthens both the business and the relationship behind it. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Marriage and Business Dynamics 03:00 Conscious Leadership in Action 06:12 The 80/80 Marriage Framework 12:10 How Couples Affect Team Culture 17:59 Power Dynamics at Work and at Home 29:52 Repairing Conflict in Front of Your Team Connect with Kaley Warner Klemp: Visit Kaley’s Website Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 24

Work–Life Integration, Conscious Leadership, and Values-Aligned Staffing are at the heart of this conversation with entrepreneur, Scott Britton. Scott shares how he went from Princeton, Forbes 30 Under 30, and a startup sold to Salesforce to realizing that no amount of achievement could fix the feeling of being reactive, stressed, and out of sync inside his own life. He talks about the moment he began treating his reactions as data instead of flaws, and how that simple shift helped him see the patterns driving his stress and decision-making. Scott walks through his “freedom log” practice that any conscious leader can start using immediately, the difference between emotions and long-running patterns, and how everyday triggers at work can become practical entry points for awareness instead of something to hide or power through. Work stops being separate from inner growth and starts to become one of the most honest places to see what is actually going on inside you. Scott also shares how this path led to his book Conscious Accomplishment and to Conscious Talent, a staffing company that connects talent with companies committed to both professional excellence and inner work. For founders and leaders who feel like they have “outgrown” the company they built, his story offers a grounded look at what it means to bring more of your inner life into how you hire, lead, and shape culture. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: The point where external success stopped working for Scott and what he noticed next How he uses the “freedom log” to track triggers and unpack the stories underneath them Why work can be one of the most powerful places for real inner growth Practical ways to bring more authenticity into leadership without blowing up your culture overnight How Conscious Talent supports values-aligned staffing for leaders who care about both results and inner development Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 05:09 Scott Britton’s Turning Point and Inner Shift 07:55 How Business Becomes a Spiritual Dojo 17:51 Emotional Awareness Tools for Leaders 18:45 Why Scott Created Conscious Talent 31:30 Values-Aligned Hiring and Modern Leadership Links Connect with Scott Britton: Scott’s book: Conscious Accomplishment Learn more about Scott's Projects: ConsciousTalent.com https://linktr.ee/scottbritton Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm.

Nov 17

Appreciation can lift a team or quietly erode it, and Sarah Lockwood breaks down why the difference often comes down to whether people feel genuinely seen. In this solo episode, she explains why the usual holiday scramble for company gifts rarely creates the connection leaders intend and why Thanksgiving offers a clearer moment for gratitude that feels personal instead of performative. Sarah shares how a simple note or a small, thoughtful gesture can shift how someone experiences their work, and she challenges leaders to consider what their gifts say about their culture. A day of rest signals care, a learning budget signals curiosity, and a mismatched gift signals a gap between stated values and lived values. She also covers the practical side of appreciation with tools like Goody that let teams choose their own gift while still giving leaders room to add a personal message. Sarah closes by reminding listeners that recognition works best as a steady habit. Even one specific thank you can strengthen trust, and she encourages leaders to pause, notice one meaningful contribution, and send a message that proves someone’s effort didn’t go unseen. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Art of Meaningful Employee Appreciation 01:25 Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Moment for Team Appreciation 04:05 The Power of Specific and Authentic Gratitude 06:10 Choose Gifts That Reflect Your Company Values 07:02 A Practical Tool for Personalized Corporate Gifting (Goody) 08:09 Make Recognition a Habit, Not a Holiday Task Links: Goody Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 10

The story you tell yourself as a leader becomes the culture your team lives in, and Nataly Kogan shows how to rewrite that story with agency, awareness, and action. Sarah sits down with Nataly Kogan for a grounded conversation about entrepreneurship, business, and wellbeing—how the way we think shapes the way we lead. Nataly shares how to “talk back to your brain,” a practice that helps quiet fear, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and create space for better choices. They discuss how mindset ripples through an organization, shaping how teams respond to uncertainty and whether they lean toward anxiety or possibility. Nataly offers simple tools to help leaders edit their thoughts and reframe challenges as creative prompts. What story are you telling your team right now—and is it one that invites courage, clarity, and connection? This episode is a reminder that leadership starts in the mind, but it comes to life through the stories we choose to share. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Nataly Kogan on Entrepreneurship and Wellbeing 04:15 Why Confidence Follows Action 07:06 The Power of Agency in Times of Change 09:07 How to Talk Back to Your Brain 14:24 Reframing Negativity and Building Constructive Beliefs 18:04 From Obstacles to Possibilities 26:01 The Edit Your Thoughts Practice 34:01 Creating a Culture of Possibility in Business 42:56 Leading with Clarity, Courage, and Humanity Connect with Nataly Kogan: Visit Nataly Kogan’s Website Connect with Nataly on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 3

When your business becomes your identity, resentment follows. Entrepreneur and author Debbie King shares how she rebuilt her company, and herself, by separating self-worth from success metrics. Her framework, “the model,” links circumstance, thought, feeling, action, and result, revealing how the stories we tell ourselves drive outcomes. Facts are neutral; meaning is optional. Which thoughts support the kind of results and wellbeing you actually want in your business? She explains how founders can interrupt unhelpful thinking through quick “thought downloads,” turning frustration into clarity instead of self-criticism. When results are viewed as data, not verdicts, entrepreneurship becomes a practice of learning and refinement. Debbie also connects mindset to enterprise value. Every recurring pain point signals a risk: “no time” often means founder dependence; “too many mistakes” signals missing systems; low pricing power points to weak differentiation. Simplifying offers and building repeatable structures creates freedom, for both the owner and the company. Her “future self” exercise ties mindset to strategy: put your goal in the result line, then ask what your future self believes and does to make it happen. Growth follows identity. When wellbeing and business align, entrepreneurship becomes sustainable, and success starts to feel like something worth keeping. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Identity Trap: When Business Becomes You 03:35 Rebuilding an Unsellable Business 05:38 The Model: Thoughts Create Results 17:46 Founder Mindset Shifts 25:27 Future Self Framework 32:06 Hidden Risks in Your Business 34:51 Systems That Scale 39:44 Data Over Drama Connect with Debbie King: Visit the Loving Your Business website Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Visit The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 27

“It can be difficult for people to know who they can speak to about it,” says Amy Lewin, of entrepreneurs who are unhappy in their own companies. Amy is the Editor at Sifted, a media platform focused on Europe’s startup ecosystem and she joins The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to discuss a survey Sifted recently posed to a number of entrepreneurs, the vast majority of whom reported experiencing poor mental health, high stress and even a strong desire to leave their businesses within the coming year. Though these figures may seem alarming, they merely shed light on common struggles and pressures felt by entrepreneurs which are so often swept under the rug for fear of looking weak or needing to maintain an ultra positive mindset in order to see their businesses succeed. On today’s episode Amy will reveal more of the survey’s findings as well as what venture capitalists (VCs) can do to support entrepreneurs, in whom they, after all, have a vested interest. The survey highlights the importance of a community in an entrepreneur’s life. Family and friends share the entrepreneur’s burden, while simultaneously being unable to relate. Professional networks of like-minded contemporaries can go a long way toward making isolated individuals feel heard and connected, as well as ease the mental health stigma. Today, Amy shares the common regret shared among most entrepreneurs and why quitting might be the best thing they could do for their careers. Quotes “It was just a real sign of the personal toll—and not just even on the founders, but on their family, on their friends, on their colleagues—just another reminder that building startups is really tough.” (4:48 | Amy Lewin) “Whenever we publish stories about that personal side of company building at Sifted, we get the most amazing response. People love knowing that they’re not the only ones. And I think sometimes, startup culture is so much that you’ve got to be optimistic. You’ve got to believe that your company can be the one in 100 that’s going to really make it. You hear from so many people that your idea is never going to work and you have to believe in it yourself and I think when times are really hard it can be difficult for people to know who they can speak to about it.” (6:27 | Amy Lewin) “That attitude that’s going to be out there from some corners that if you are struggling in any way then you are weak and that you’re not in it for the long term, which I obviously don’t believe, but is obviously what some people still think.” (13:04 | Amy Lewin) “Encourage founders to go on holiday. Encourage them to have a personal life. These things are important. We all need to recharge our batteries and ‘visionaries do,’ too. There’s that famous saying that comes from the VC world: “I’ve never seen a company go bust because the founder took a week off, but I have seen plenty of companies go bust because the founder didn’t.’” (18:26 | Amy Lewin and Alex Raymond) Links Connect with Amy Lewin: https://sifted.eu/articles/founder-mental-health-2024 Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 20

Traditional leadership models tend to choose between kindness and clarity. Zen teacher and executive coach Marc Lesser argues that’s a false dichotomy. In this episode, Sarah sits down with Marc to unpack the concept of compassionate accountability — or in Marc’s preferred language, alignment with caring. It’s the core of modern Entrepreneurship and Business leadership: setting clear expectations while staying deeply connected to the humans you work with. Instead of defaulting to micromanagement or passivity, leaders can choose high standards and high trust at the same time, the key to building high performing teams without sacrificing wellbeing. Marc shares why psychological safety isn’t just a cultural ideal, it’s a metric that correlates directly with business performance. Referencing Google’s Project Aristotle, he explains how teams perform better when leaders normalize mistakes, invite real feedback, and resist the urge to appear infallible. A strong team culture isn’t born from rigid systems or motivational slogans, it comes from leaders modeling vulnerability and follow-through. If you’ve ever wondered how to hold people accountable with compassion, this episode is your roadmap. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Marc Lesser & Compassionate Accountability 02:51 What Compassionate Accountability Looks Like in Leadership 07:19 Misconceptions About Accountability and Compassion 13:14 Vulnerability as a Leadership Strategy 15:02 Google’s Psychological Safety Study & Business Impact 20:01 Emotional Intelligence and Business Performance 24:51 Turning Breakdowns Into Breakthroughs 29:21 How to Hold People Accountable With Compassion 32:05 Leadership Lessons From the Zen Monastery Kitchen 34:06 Prioritizing Joy and Humanity in High-Performing Teams 36:21 Daily Habits to Build Clarity and Trust Connect with Marc Lesser: Visit Marc’s website Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur website Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 13

Entrepreneurship demands resilience, but too many founders rely on pressure and self-criticism as their fuel. Mike Robbins joins Sarah Lockwood to unpack why most business leaders treat self-worth as a scoreboard metric, praising achievement while ignoring wellbeing. He draws a clear line between recognition (results-based approval) and appreciation (inherent value), making the case that positive self-talk is foundational to sustainable leadership. Mike shares how losing his professional baseball career forced him to confront a brutal truth: he had spent years chasing success without ever appreciating himself along the way. His philosophy of self-compassion isn’t about lowering standards, it’s about upgrading your mindset from harsh critic to effective coach. Entrepreneurs don’t need more pressure; they need healthier internal leadership. The discussion then turns to feedback, another place where leaders misinterpret signals. Instead of defaulting to defense or shame, Mike suggests receiving feedback with curiosity rather than judgment. That small shift turns critique into growth material instead of evidence of failure. This conversation reframes business success as an inner game as much as an external one. When wellbeing and performance are treated as allies rather than opposites, leaders become both more effective and more human. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Entrepreneurs Struggle with Self-Talk 01:14 The Leadership Mindset Shift 05:41 Mike Robbins’ Baseball Story and the Cost of Self-Judgment 09:34 How to Build Self-Compassion Without Losing Your Edge 14:07 Receiving Feedback Without Crumbling or Getting Defensive 18:37 How to Ask for Better Feedback (and Actually Grow from It) 22:05 Balancing High Performance with Humanity in Leadership 24:10 Evolving as Entrepreneurs Beyond Grit Alone Links Connect with Mike Robbins: Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Visit Mike Robbin’s Website Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Visit HiveCast Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 6

Born on whitewater, built in an ammo can, Lavabox is Josh Thurmond’s proof that instinct and grit can power a bootstrapped business that gives back and keeps rivers wild. What does it take to move from a design patent invention built in your garage to a product company trusted by tens of thousands? How do entrepreneurs balance protecting profits with opportunities for scale? And why might wellbeing and values be just as important as growth when inventing a new product and leading a business? Josh shares how his background as a river guide shaped his entrepreneurship—reading the rapids, trusting instincts, and steering through uncertainty with purpose. He explains why he turned down multi-million-dollar deals, chose to stay 100% independent, and built Lavabox around authenticity, customer input, and community impact. This episode offers a candid look at the entrepreneurship of product companies, what it really takes to bootstrap from idea to invention while protecting both your business and your wellbeing. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Josh Thurmond and LavaBox 03:16 The Birth of a Design Patent Invention 06:19 Patent Challenges and Market Strategy 10:25 Turning Down Multi-Million Dollar Deals 14:10 Bootstrapping and Financing a Product Company 19:00 Building a Lifestyle Brand and Company Culture 26:11 Giving Back Through Protect Our Rivers 27:46 Resilience and Advice for Entrepreneurs Links Connect with Josh Thurmond: Connect with Josh on LinkedIn Visit LavaBox Portable Campfire Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 29

Employee recognition might sound obvious, but why do so many leaders miss it in practice? Dr. Bob Nelson joins Sarah Lockwood to explains why low-cost recognition ideas often matter more than paychecks or perks when it comes to real employee motivation. How do you create loyalty from day one with a new hire? What’s the difference between a generic end-of-year award and genuine recognition that lands in the moment? And how can asking employees for their ideas spark both engagement and business growth? Dr. Nelson brings decades of research and real-world examples to these questions, offering workplace culture tips that work whether you’re leading a small team or a global workforce. He shows that recognition doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to feel thoughtful and consistent if you want it to change company culture. This episode reminds us that company culture is built in the small choices leaders make each day to notice, acknowledge, and value the people doing the work. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Employee Recognition Matters 01:52 Common Misconceptions About Recognition 04:07 Onboarding Tips That Build Loyalty 05:52 How Employees Want to Be Recognized 07:45 Low-Cost Recognition Ideas That Work 09:07 Involving Employees in Decision-Making 10:02 Real Examples of Employee Ideas Driving Growth 14:06 The Role of Leadership in Company Culture 16:10 Recognition for Remote and Global Teams 21:28 Continuous Development and Retention Connect with Dr. Bob Nelson: Visit Dr. Bob Nelson’s Website Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 22

Alex Raymond, founder of Amplify and creator of the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit, returns to share what’s happened since he set a bold goal on stage: turning Amplify into a $3M business in two years. Inspired by Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s “10x Is Easier Than 2x” and “The Science of Scaling,” Alex explains how “pathways thinking” has shifted his focus from incremental tasks to operating as if the goal is already achieved. One of the biggest shifts? Writing his first book, “The Growth Department.” Alex opens up about the discipline, support, and courage it takes to codify his ideas into something meaningful, rather than just another business book. He also shares how building a mastermind after the summit has created accountability, momentum, and a community committed to thinking bigger together. This conversation raises questions every founder faces: Are you running your business from a place of scarcity or scale? What would change if you truly operated from your goal, not just toward it? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Big Goals 01:25 Pathways Thinking and 10X Growth 02:40 Writing The Growth Department 04:27 Book Timeline and Value Creation 09:58 Delegation and Building Scalable Structures 12:56 Mastermind Group and Accountability 14:53 Using AI as a Thinking Partner 16:28 Community, Momentum, and Entrepreneur Wellbeing 20:50 Lessons from Podcasting and Entrepreneurship Connect with Alex Raymond: Visit AMplify Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Visit HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 15

Sue Heilbronner, serial entrepreneur and conscious leadership executive coach, believes the strongest businesses are built when sales feel less like chasing and more like alignment. Joining Sarah Lockwood in this episode, she introduces the idea of “passionate ambivalence,” a values-based sales mindset that pairs genuine enthusiasm for your work with the ability to detach from any single outcome. How do you recognize when a client is the right fit? Sue points to conscious client qualification as the key. By asking clear, sometimes disqualifying questions, you invite the kind of honesty that builds trust from the very start. She also shares her perspective on pricing strategy, reminding entrepreneurs that protecting your time and holding your value are essential parts of sustainable growth. This episode invites you to reflect on your own sales mindset. Are you creating relationships rooted in clarity and confidence, or relying on pressure and persuasion? What would shift if you treated sales as a mutual process instead of a one-sided pitch? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Radical Mindset Shift in Sales 02:07 Passionate Ambivalence Explained 04:15 Contrarian Sales Mindset vs. Traditional Selling 06:04 Never Ask for the Sale: Practical Examples 10:12 Startup Fundraising and Playing Small 15:08 Pricing Strategy and Early Sales Lessons 19:22 Fit Calls and Client Qualification 27:08 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in Sales Connect with Sue Heilbronner: Hey Sue Connect with Sue on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 8

Philanthropy can change the way we think about business when it’s treated as part of the culture rather than an afterthought. How does a company grow stronger when it gives back to the community that supports it? And how can service outside of work shape the kind of leader someone becomes? Sarah Lockwood talks with Brianna Borin, Chief Operating Officer of Snooze A.M. Eatery, about the lessons she has learned from nearly two decades of weaving community impact into her work. Brianna shares how Snooze’s early days of volunteering at the Denver Rescue Mission set the tone for a company-wide approach that now includes programs like the Changemaker initiative and long-term partnerships with organizations such as Urban Peak. She also reflects on her own leadership development through board service, youth mentorship, and global volunteer experiences that have deepened her sense of personal satisfaction and purpose. Listeners can learn more about supporting youth experiencing homelessness through Urban Peak ’s Urban Nights Kicks & Culture Sneaker Ball at urbanpeak.org/urban-nights . Brianna also recommends Tommy Spaulding’s books, The Heart-Led Leader and The Gift of Influence , which have shaped her vision of philanthropy and leadership. Her story and these resources show how integrating service into business not only builds stronger communities but also creates deeper fulfillment for leaders and their teams. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Philanthropy and Service as a Business Value 02:03 Brianna Borin’s Journey with Snooze A.M. Eatery 06:57 Community Impact Through Grassroots Service 08:50 Partnering with Urban Peak to Support Youth 12:44 The Changemaker Program and Local Giving 18:36 Leadership Development Through Philanthropy 28:45 Lessons from the Global Youth Leadership Academy 34:03 Time, Treasures, and Talent as a Service Framework Connect with Brianna Borin: Snooze A.M. Eatery Connect with Brianna on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 1

True fulfillment as an entrepreneur often begins the moment you step outside yourself and give back. Sarah Lockwood shares a personal reflection on her uncle, Ralph Junker, who quietly gave blood every two weeks for nearly twenty years. It was never mentioned at his funeral or in his obituary, yet it may have been the most defining part of his legacy. What does it mean when the most meaningful acts of service in a life are the ones done quietly, without recognition? And how might those same choices shape who we become as leaders? This episode invites you to look at philanthropy not as a grand gesture but as a steady practice that creates life satisfaction, perspective, and connection. Inward work like meditation and journaling has its place, but service pulls us into the lives of others and reminds us that leadership is rooted in humanity. Sarah offers a challenge worth sitting with: what if giving back became a rhythm in your life and your business? It doesn’t have to start big. Maybe it’s a volunteer day, matching donations for your team, or simply stepping in when someone in your community needs help. However it looks, those choices ripple outward, shaping stronger leaders, more grounded teams, and a legacy that speaks louder than words. Connect with Sarah Lockwood: HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram Subscribe to The Conscious Entrepreneur on YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 25

Layoffs, furloughs, and rehiring after downsizing are decisions that press on both the head and the heart. Sarah Lockwood talks with Peggy Shell, the CEO of Creative Alignments, about the reality of leading a team through moments when survival means making choices no leader wants to make. Peggy shares how her company moved from furloughs to layoffs during an economic downturn and what it took to carry the weight of those decisions while still protecting the future of the business. How do you take care of the people who stay after you’ve had to let others go? How much truth should you share when your team is already anxious? Peggy explains how transparency and steady communication built trust, even in the midst of layoffs, and why she chose approaches like covering health insurance, offering transition periods, and helping people find new roles. She also reflects on the uneasy process of hiring again after downsizing and the challenge of moving forward with confidence when past decisions still weigh heavy. This episode encourages entrepreneurs to look closely at how layoffs, furloughs, and rehiring after downsizing affect more than just headcount. These moments test the culture of a company, the trust between leaders and their teams, and the resilience of a business when pressure hits. Peggy’s story shows how the choices a leader makes in these situations leave a lasting mark on both the people and the direction of the business. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Initial Layoffs 02:16 Fear of Rehiring and Economic Uncertainty 05:31 Conscious Leadership and Transparency in Layoffs 08:01 Furloughs vs. Layoffs 10:09 Handling Layoffs with Compassion and Support 11:14 Retaining A Players and Addressing Survivor Guilt 14:17 Lessons Learned and Building a Stronger Business 16:21 Innovation and Reimagining Company Culture 17:12 Final Takeaways for Leaders Connect with Peggy Shell: Creative Alignments Connect with Peggy on LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: HiveCast Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: The Conscious Entrepreneur Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on LinkedIn Follow The Conscious Entrepreneur on Instagram HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 18

Annual reviews are broken, and leadership coach Mike Goldman, author of “The Strength of Talent” has a different way to think about performance management that puts people growth at the heart of profit growth. Joining Sarah Lockwood in this episode, Mike questions why so many organizations still rely on outdated HR metrics and rigid systems like annual reviews or quarterly reviews when so few leaders believe they make a real impact. He introduces the idea of “talent density,” a measure of the gap between high and low performers, and explains why it’s a sharper way to understand organizational health. He walks through his five-step framework that calls for clear expectations, honest assessments done as a team, real leadership accountability, and a balance between productivity and culture fit. How often do we keep a top producer who quietly undermines the culture? Where is “good enough” quietly slowing the roles that drive a company forward? Mike shares strategies leaders can start using right away, even without company-wide adoption, and explains why a slow, thoughtful rollout builds trust and lasting results. This episode challenges the way performance management is typically done and offers a grounded approach to helping both people and the business grow stronger. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Talent Density Explained 01:51 People Growth Drives Profit 03:55 Assessing Performance Beyond Annual Reviews 06:25 Leadership Accountability for People Growth 08:01 Broken Performance Management System 09:17 Quarterly Talent Assessment Meeting (QTAM) 11:14 Talent Density Indicator (TDI) Overview 14:40 Culture Fit as a Performance Metric 18:45 Roles Where Good Enough Fails 23:06 Applying the System as a Middle Manager 29:01 Change Management and Rollout Strategy Connect with Mike Goldman: Website Book: “The Strength of Talent” LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Website LinkedIn Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Website LinkedIn Instagram YouTube HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 11

Burnout can take root fast when company culture overlooks early warning signs, and Cait Donovan offers insight into how leaders can spot and address it before it damages the entire organization. Sarah Lockwood speaks with Cait, the host of FRIED. The Burnout Podcast and the founder of BurnBOLD, about what burnout looks like in real time and why it often signals deeper issues inside a company. How can a leader tell when a team is just under pressure versus when something is fundamentally off? Which behaviors start small but slowly erode trust and workplace wellness until they create a toxic culture? Cait explains why leaders must deal with their own burnout first because when a leader is running on empty, the strain spreads. From there, she walks through ways to identify whether the problem lies in a single pocket of the organization or across the culture as a whole, and how to respond in each case. She shares approaches that shift the tone of a workplace, like starting “positive gossip” to strengthen psychological safety or aligning the company’s stated values with what actually happens day to day. This episode looks at personal habits such as perfectionism, people-pleasing, hyper-independence that often come from old patterns and quietly shape relationships and performance at work. Cait shows how becoming aware of these tendencies can help leaders change the environment for themselves and their teams. She offers a thoughtful and detailed look at how burnout develops, what fuels a toxic culture, and how workplace wellness can be protected through intentional choices in leadership and company culture. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Real Costs of Burnout 01:31 WHO Definition and Key Signs of Burnout 02:46 Individual Burnout vs. Cultural Problems 04:07 How Leaders Should Address Burnout 06:10 Four Indicators of a Toxic Workplace 08:42 Effective Interventions to Reduce Burnout 09:20 Building Trust Through Positive Gossip 11:30 Aligning Company Values With Culture 12:44 Burnout Risk Factors and Protection Factors 16:42 Why Leaders Must Address Their Own Burnout First 21:16 Hidden Patterns That Increase Burnout Risk 26:39 Case Study: Reducing Urgency to Boost Productivity Links Connect with Cait Donovan: Initial Call with Cait FRIED. The Burnout Podcast LinkedIn Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn HiveCast Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn Instagram The Conscious Entrepreneur HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 4

Telling yourself the truth might be the most radical leadership skill you’ll ever develop. In part three of the Emotional Self-Regulation for Leaders series, Sarah Lockwood is joined by Beck Sydow and Marina Suholutsky for a conversation about the power of radical self-honesty in leadership. They explore how self-awareness for leaders isn’t just about introspection but a foundational strategy for building resilient businesses, leading aligned teams, and navigating high-stakes decisions with integrity. Beck and Marina reveal how easy it is for entrepreneurs to hide from their own truths, especially when fear, ego, or pressure to perform take over. They unpack how avoidance and overcompensation often mask deeper insecurities and explain why facing those hidden parts with compassion is key to true emotional self-regulation. When leaders name what’s really going on without judgment, they create space for better decisions, stronger relationships, and more authentic leadership. This episode offers a powerful reframe: self-honesty isn’t weakness, but actually one of the most courageous and transformative skills you can build. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Radical Self-Honesty Is a Leadership Skill 02:56 How Your Relationship with Yourself Shapes Your Leadership 04:49 Embracing All Parts of Yourself to Build Self-Awareness 06:03 Coping Mechanisms That Lead to Dishonest Leadership 10:03 The Hidden Relief in Facing Hard Truths 14:07 Practicing Compassionate Accountability 17:59 Sovereignty, Self-Honesty, and Emotional Self-Regulation 21:32 Practical Tools to Strengthen Self-Honesty 25:02 Emotional Mastery for Leaders Links Connect with Beck Sydow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/ HumanKind Business Leaders: https://www.humankindbusinessleaders.com/ Connect with Marina Suholutsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-suho/ PurposeBuilt: www.purposebuilt.io Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 28

Curiosity is the leadership skill that helps you regulate your nervous system, interrupt fear loops, and make conscious choices in real time. This episode is part 2 of the Emotional Self-Regulation for Leaders series, where Sarah Lockwood is joined again by Marina Suholutsky, the founder of PurposeBuilt, and Beck Sydow, the founder of HumanKind Business Leaders, to discuss how curiosity plays an important role in nervous system regulation and managing emotions. They break down how fear contracts our experience and narrows our view, while curiosity invites expansion and presence. When leaders learn to pause and ask questions like “What else is true?” or “What story am I telling myself right now?”, they create access to agency, opening up space to shift out of reactivity and into conscious, grounded response. Marina and Beck offer tools that don’t require time away from work or structured rituals. These moments of emotional awareness can happen mid-meeting, mid-sentence, or mid-meltdown. Whether it’s noticing your peripheral vision, softening your tone, or naming what’s happening in the room, curiosity becomes a live practice that leaders can use to stay connected to themselves and others. The discussion also explores how modeling this curiosity builds team trust and strengthens leadership presence. For founders who want to lead with more ease and intention, this episode is an invitation and a toolkit. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Curiosity as a Tool for Emotional Mastery 01:24 Using Curiosity to Shift from Fear to Possibility 02:55 How Curiosity Regulates the Nervous System 04:32 Interrupting Autopilot Responses with Better Questions 06:12 Building Agency Through Conscious Choice 09:59 Real-Time Techniques for Managing Emotions 12:34 Somatic Practices for Curiosity and Expansion 15:23 Leading with Curiosity in High-Stakes Moments 16:48 Asking Open-Ended Questions That Invite Collaboration 19:31 Why Curiosity Reflects True Leadership Confidence Links Connect with Beck Sydow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/ HumanKind Business Leaders: https://www.humankindbusinessleaders.com/ Connect with Marina Suholutsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-suho/ PurposeBuilt: www.purposebuilt.io Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 21

Fear isn’t the enemy of great leadership. Ignoring it is. How often do you walk into a meeting already bracing for impact? Or catch yourself shrinking back in a moment where you meant to lead with clarity? Sarah Lockwood sits down with Beck Sydow, the founder of HumanKind Business Leaders, and Marina Suholutsky, the founder of PurposeBuilt, for a conversation on emotional self-regulation, fear in business, and the kind of inner work that makes better leadership possible. They explore how fear lives in the body, how it shows up in the boardroom, and why most founders are still operating from old survival patterns without realizing it. You’ll hear why simply pushing through isn’t a strategy and how learning to notice your internal state (tight shoulders, shallow breath, reactive thinking) can open the door to more aligned decisions. Beck and Marina walk through tools for getting out of autopilot, including body scans, self-inquiry, and what they call “active choice,” the skill of pausing just long enough to shift out of fear and back into presence. This doesn’t just explain why inner work matters. It shows you how to begin. Whether you’re leading a team, building a company, or trying to show up more fully for your own vision, this is the kind of episode that gets under the surface and invites you to lead from a deeper, steadier place. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Emotional Self-Regulation in Leadership 02:19 Why Fear and Suffering Matter for Founders 05:03 How the Amygdala Shapes Fear in Business 06:08 Welcoming Fear as a Tool, Not a Threat 10:08 Tools for Recognizing and Naming Fear 14:06 The Leadership Power of Softening and Owning Fear 18:13 Making Active Choices to Lead with Awareness Links Connect with Beck Sydow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/ Humankind Business Leaders: https://www.humankindbusinessleaders.com/ Connect with Marina Suholutsky: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-suho/ PurposeBuilt: www.purposebuilt.io Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 14

Where does your money sleep at night, and is it working for the kind of world you want to live in? Jennifer Kenning was managing the wealth of high-net-worth families by day and volunteering with unhoused communities in Los Angeles by night. That contrast raised a question that’s stuck with her ever since: What if capital could be a force for good, without giving up returns? Now the CEO and co-founder of Align Impact, Jennifer leads a registered investment advisory firm managing over $750 million. Jennifer joins Sarah Lockwood to talk about values-based investing, conscious capitalism, and how we can all, regardless of portfolio size, be more intentional about where and how our money is working. Jennifer explains why impact investing isn’t charity, how ESG works (and where it falls short), and the practical steps anyone can take to align their investments with their values. She shares examples of funding solutions in climate change, affordable housing, sustainable agriculture, and why investing in women and underrepresented founders creates ripple effects that go far beyond profit. She also reflects on her leadership as the outgoing president of EO Colorado, the power of servant leadership, and how Align’s commitment to being a B Corp shapes the way they do business. If you’re an entrepreneur rethinking how your capital is allocated, or simply curious about whether your investments align with your intentions, Sarah and Jennifer’s conversation will help you take a more conscious, empowered role in shaping your financial impact. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Jennifer Kenning’s Path to Impact Investing 03:15 Breaking the Myth: Do Values-Based Investments Sacrifice Returns? 07:34 How Align Measures Real-World Impact 10:29 Aligning Your 401(k) and Business Capital With Your Values 18:07 Why Align Impact Became a Certified B Corp 22:11 Bringing an Impact Lens to EO Colorado 25:15 Leading Peers and Evolving as a Servant Leader 30:05 Defining the Hopeful Pioneer and Investing for 2030 35:45 Staying Grounded: Purpose, Practice, and Long-Term Vision 38:06 Advice for Founders Committed to Conscious Capitalism 39:39 Empowerment Through Financial Awareness Links Connect with Jennifer Kenning: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennkenning/ Website: https://www.alignimpact.com/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 7

A carefully planned CEO exit unraveled and what came next reshaped how one founder leads for good. When Chris Schwalbach stepped away from the CEO seat at AVL Growth Partners, he had a clear plan, a strong successor, and years of preparation behind him. But even with all that in place, something didn’t sit right. The business started to wobble, and Chris found himself wondering if he’d made a mistake. What do you do when the leadership transition you spent years building starts to crack? How do you know when it’s time to step back in? Joining Sarah Lockwood, Chris shares the real story behind his succession planning journey, from the slow handoff to the unexpected return, and what he learned about himself in the process. He talks openly about the shame he felt stepping back in, the inner work that helped him move through it, and the version of leadership he brings to the table now. If you’re thinking about founder exit planning or wrestling with what it means to let go, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what happens when plans shift and perspective deepens. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Chris Schwalbach’s CEO Exit and Return 02:06 Founding AVL Growth Partners and the Original Vision 04:07 Hitting Growth Ceilings and Planning a Leadership Transition 10:05 The Inner Journey: Failure, Trust, and Self-Doubt 17:12 Becoming CEO 2.0: Leading with Clarity and Confidence 22:00 Managing Team Expectations During a Leadership Transition 28:10 Reflecting on Progress: Using the Gap and the Gain 30:07 Personal Habits That Support Founder Mental Health 37:47 Lessons in Succession Planning and Self-Trust Links Conscious Entrepreneur Previous Episode with Chris Schwalbach: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/chris-schwalbach-the-conscious-handover-embracing-change-at-the-top Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Connect with Chris Schwalbach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschwalbach/ Website: https://avlgrowth.com/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 30

Jesse Pujji reveals how he builds wildly successful companies from scratch by doubling down on talent, distribution, and the power of bootstrapping. In this episode, Sarah Lockwood sits down with the serial founder and investor behind Gateway X, a venture studio that launches and scales high-performing companies without venture capital. Jesse shares how he went from Goldman Sachs and McKinsey to building Ampush, one of Facebook’s earliest and most effective performance marketing agencies, which grew to manage over $1 billion in ad spend for top brands like Uber, Peloton, and Dollar Shave Club. That experience became the foundation for how he now builds high-performance teams and scalable businesses through bootstrapping. Jesse breaks down the core principles that drive his companies: hiring exceptional talent, obsessing over sales and distribution, and staying rooted in profitability from day one. He shares the origin stories of ventures like GrowthAssistant, which connects startups with offshore marketing talent, and explains how each business at Gateway X is shaped by a unique unfair advantage and the right operating partner, not a VC-funded roadmap. From his two-farm model for sourcing ideas and people to his frameworks for knowing when to walk away from a failing project, Jesse offers a rare look into what it really takes to scale without VC. This is a must-listen for founders ready to trade the unicorn myth for real traction, culture-driven leadership, and sustainable growth on their own terms. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Jesse Pujji’s Entrepreneurial Journey from Ampush to Gateway X 05:01 Core Principles for Bootstrapping and Scaling Without VC 08:48 How GrowthAssistant Scaled to $20M in Revenue 13:32 The Two-Farm Model: Matching Ideas with the Right People 15:00 Knowing When to Kill an Idea and Move On 16:02 Inside Aux: Translating Marketing for Private Equity 21:09 Why Sales and Distribution Matter More Than Product 22:14 The Power of High Performance Teams 27:02 Building Profitable Companies with Operational Rigor 34:30 Managing Attention, Energy, and Leadership Across Startups 38:48 Conscious Leadership and the Value of Coaching Links Dave Kashen - Startup CEO Coach Book - The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: https://a.co/d/j4uKz9A Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us Connect with Jesse Pujji: Website Gateway X: https://www.gateway.xyz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessepujji/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Jun 23

Most entrepreneurs aren’t drowning in work because they lack ambition. They’re stuck doing too much of the wrong kind of work. Sarah Lockwood talks with Julie Johnston, the founder of Rhino Squad, about what it looks like to operate from your zone of genius. They unpack the mindset traps that keep founders stuck in the weeds and walk through how small shifts in delegation can lead to major changes in time management and business growth. Julie shares what she’s learned helping leaders hire and work with virtual assistants, especially from the Philippines, and how a global workforce can unlock more freedom, better output, and stronger team culture. Are your top people doing high-value work? What could your business look like if they were? Julie encourages founders to think big and recognize where VAs can support every part of your organization from revenue driving activities to business operations - VAs can do much more than confirm appointments, reschedule meetings or manage your inbox (although that ‘s a great place to start if you haven’t yet)! If you’ve been hesitant to delegate or unsure where to start, Sarah and Julie’s conversation will help you rethink how you’re spending your time and what it’s really costing you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Julie Johnston and Rhino Squad 02:03 Mindset Shifts for Effective Delegation 06:53 Maximizing Time with Virtual Assistants 10:50 Building a Supportive Team Culture 14:01 10X Thinking and Global Workforce Strategy 24:17 Julie’s Conscious Entrepreneurial Journey 29:49 Core Values Behind Rhino Squad Links Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Connect with Julie Johnston: Website: www.rhinosquad.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhinosquad_virtualassistants/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhinojulie/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 16

Most teams aren’t drowning in work. They’re drowning in distractions. Sarah Lockwood is joined by Jenna Piché, the founder of First Light Time Management Coaching, for a timely conversation about team productivity, deep work, and sharpening your leadership focus. With the year halfway over, it’s a good moment to stop and ask: Are you making real progress on the goals you set in January or just staying busy? Jenna shares why so many leaders unintentionally build cultures where busyness is rewarded, and why that’s such a dangerous trap. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to lose sight of the work that actually moves the needle. What signals are you sending to your team about what matters? Are people clear on what to focus on or are they stuck reacting all day? They also discuss the psychology of productivity and procrastination, including what’s actually going on in your brain when you put off the hard stuff. And they talk through what it looks like to shift into a culture that values deep work and gives people the space to do their best thinking. If your team’s attention feels fractured (or maybe your own), Jenna offers a smart reset. The kind that helps you see where time is leaking out of your day, and how to fix it before the second half of the year slips by. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Reflecting on Goals and Productivity 02:53 Misaligned Priorities and the Myth of Busyness 06:14 Creating a Culture of Focus 09:00 Identifying Misalignment in Teams 14:55 Overcoming Procrastination and Fear 18:05 Shifting Mindsets for Deep Work 21:00 Building a Supportive Team Culture 23:56 Setting Seemingly Impossible Goals Links Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Connect with Jenna Piche: Fractured or Focused Attention Assessment: https://eencclvnukx.typeform.com/to/dMYQ67rp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennapiche/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstlightcoach/ Website: https://firstlighthealth.co/womens-health-and-focus-coaching Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivecast.fm/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 15

The Conscious Entrepreneur is the podcast where founders come to sharpen their edge from the inside out - building businesses that are sustainable, aligned, and actually work for their life. It’s about becoming the kind of leader your business needs you to be, and doing it with clarity, connection, and purpose. We don’t buy into hustle culture. And burnout? It’s not a badge of honor. Here, we believe thriving businesses are built by thriving people. Hosted by Sarah Lockwood, The Conscious Entrepreneur is where growth starts within.

Jun 9

Most entrepreneurs say they want to think bigger, but only a few actually build the systems, community, and habits that make those impossible goals inevitable. Fresh off the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit, Sarah Lockwood and Alex Raymond came home with more than just notes. They came home with decisions. In this episode, they talk through what shifted for them, what they’re already doing differently, and how the right kind of environment can shake you out of survival mode fast. Alex shares how Dr. Ben Hardy’s session pushed him to commit publicly to growing AMplify into a $3M business in two years. Sarah walks through the behind-the-scenes changes she’s making at HiveCast right away, from automating scattered processes to freeing up time for the kind of work that actually moves things forward. They both reflect on the deeper mindset work sparked by the event, including what it means to lead with intention and how to shrink the timeline between vision and execution. One of the biggest pieces of post-summit momentum is the launch of the 10X Implementation Circle, which is a year-long, founder-only group for serious entrepreneurs who want accountability, structure, and real community while working toward their boldest goals. Didn’t make it to the summit this year but want in on what’s next? Apply here 👉🏽 www.consciousentrepreneur.us Listen for: 00:00 Post-Summit Reflections and Key Takeaways 01:43 Dr. Ben Hardy on Impossible Goals and Time as a Tool 05:43 Alex Raymond’s $3M Business Commitment 07:06 Rethinking Priorities and Delegating for Impact 10:41 Nervous System Regulation with Marina and Beck 13:07 Entrepreneurial Mindset with Dr. Michael Freeman 17:33 Inside the 10X Implementation Circle Connect with The Conscious Entrepreneur: Website: http://www.consciousentrepreneur.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-entrepreneur/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious_entrepreneur_summit/ Connect with Alex Raymond: Website: https://amplifyam.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: Website: https://hivecast.fm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hivecast.fm/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 2

Most podcasts talk tactics, but The Conscious Entrepreneur turns the spotlight inward. This episode marks a new beginning for The Conscious Entrepreneur as Alex Raymond passes the mic to Sarah Lockwood, the show’s new host. They reflect on the recent summit in Boulder and the kind of conversations that matter most to this community, the ones that don’t just skim the surface. Sarah shares why she raised her hand to take on this role and what keeps her so invested in the work. As the CEO of HiveCast, she’s helped hundreds of founders launch and grow their podcasts. But here, she’s stepping into something more personal: creating space for honest conversations about the fears, habits, and thought patterns that shape the entrepreneurial journey. What happens when we stop comparing our beginnings to someone else’s highlight reel? How do we keep showing up when the pressure to hustle never really lets up? Sarah and Alex unpack these questions and more, with a shared belief that the real growth happens behind the scenes, in community, through vulnerability, and with a little less pretending. Alex isn’t disappearing; he’ll still be around. But with Sarah at the helm, the podcast enters a new season, one built around thoughtful interviews, lived experience, and ideas you’ll actually want to take back into your life and work. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome and Summit Recap 01:04 Meet the New Host: Sarah Lockwood 02:30 Sarah’s Entrepreneurial Journey 05:12 The Story Behind HiveCast 08:37 Why Podcasting Matters 17:52 Rethinking Hustle Culture 20:31 Habits and Inspiration for Entrepreneurs 23:40 What’s Next for the Show Links Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 26

Guarding your joy while leading high-stakes work is not optional. It is the only way to last. Dr. David Johns sits down with Alex Raymond for a conversation on what it means to lead without losing yourself. What keeps you grounded when the work feels endless? How do you stay in the fight without letting it consume you? Drawing from his journey, from growing up in Inglewood to serving in the Obama White House and now leading the National Black Justice Coalition, Dr. Johns shares how his leadership is shaped by purpose, community, and a deep sense of responsibility. He talks about centering the voices that are too often excluded, especially in education, and calls out the difference between performative gestures and true accountability. He reflects on the emotional cost of this work, the need for spaces that restore rather than drain, and why joy is something worth protecting at all costs. The episode also touches on his podcast, Teach the Babies, and his belief that love and dignity must be foundational in any conversation about democracy and schooling. For entrepreneurs trying to lead with both heart and backbone, Alex and Dr. Johns’ conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to choose between ambition and integrity, and that doing the hard thing doesn’t mean doing it alone. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Meet Dr. David Johns 01:58 Who Are You Beneath the Work? 05:14 Purpose, Passion, and Leadership Philosophy 07:10 Centering the Most Marginalized 11:13 Guarding Your Joy and Protecting Your Peace 14:44 The Power of Community 21:18 What It Means to Nourish Yourself 23:48 Why He Launched Teach the Babies 27:10 Education, Democracy, and the Fight for Equity 30:52 Real Allyship vs Performative Action 36:36 From Ally to Accomplice Links Connect with David Johns: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavidjohns/ Website: https://nbjc.org/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 19

Happiness isn’t a finish line; it’s the system you build every day to actually enjoy being alive. Brian Dubow had the career, the money, the validation, and none of it made him feel fulfilled. So he stepped off the path, studied the science of happiness, and rebuilt his life from the inside out. In this episode, he joins Alex Raymond to share what he learned along the way and how entrepreneurs can stop chasing success and start creating lives that feel good to live. Brian breaks down the “MAGIC” framework (mindfulness, activity, gratitude, inspiration, and connection), and explains how simple daily habits can have a bigger impact than any external win. Could feeling better have less to do with getting more, and more to do with doing less of what drains you? Is your energy, not your output, the real measure of progress? Alex and Brian’s conversation also touches on the role of discipline in happiness, why mood follows action, and how small systems can keep you aligned when the pressure ramps up. For anyone who’s ever looked successful on paper but felt off inside, this episode offers a reset and a practical way forward. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Brian’s Journey from Corporate to Happiness Coaching 08:23 The Science Behind Happiness 10:17 Happiness as a Choice and the Power of Discipline 13:32 Redefining Happiness: Enjoying the Passage of Time 18:00 Mood Follows Action and the Role of Systems 19:35 The MAGIC Framework Explained 21:00 Mindfulness and Managing Distractions 24:10 Movement and Physical Energy 29:03 Rewiring Your Mind with Gratitude 37:09 Finding Daily Inspiration 42:41 The Power of Meaningful Connection Links Connect with Brian Dubow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-dubow/ Website: https://hitofhappiness.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 12

Most entrepreneurs want exponential growth. Few pause long enough to ask what’s quietly getting in the way. In this episode, Alex Raymond shares what’s ahead for the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit, happening May 28th and 29th in Boulder, Colorado. This is the one event built entirely around the well-being of entrepreneurs, and it’s designed for those who are serious about scaling both their business and their inner capacity to lead. Sarah Lockwood, the founder of HiveCast and longtime member of the community, joins Alex to ask the questions many potential attendees are already thinking. Is it worth stepping away from the day-to-day? What’s different about this event? And how does a theme like “10x Growth” apply to someone who isn’t chasing vanity metrics? They walk through what to expect, from the small, curated outdoor workshop with Dr. Benjamin Hardy to the larger summit day packed with speakers like Michael Freeman, Brad Feld, and Rachel Romer. The lineup covers both the internal and external work of growth, with plenty of space for connection, reflection, and actual momentum. If you’re ready for clarity, challenge, and community, all in one place, this is why the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit belongs on your calendar: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/#tickets Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Conscious Entrepreneur Summit Overview 02:32 How the Agenda Is Personalized 04:04 Theme of the Year: 10x Growth 06:16 Dr. Benjamin Hardy Workshop and Keynote 12:06 Regulating the Nervous System for Growth 14:23 Michael Freeman on 10x Personal Growth 16:06 Fireside Chat with Brad Feld 18:13 Rachel Romer’s Story of Resilience 20:26 Jim Dieters on Building Boldly 22:58 Expressive Movement with Shine Living Community 26:31 Tickets, Community Dinners, and Integration Links The Conscious Entrepreneur Summit: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 5

Building a business is one thing; holding your vision steady through growth, pressure, and uncertainty is something else entirely. Alex Raymond sits down with John Sampogna, the co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, to talk about what the entrepreneurial journey really demands once the excitement wears off. John shares how he built a 100-person agency, why he created a “mental balance sheet” to manage the emotional costs of leadership, and what he learned from selling his company while staying true to its original vision. How do you scale without losing yourself in the process? How do you know when a business opportunity is truly right for you, not just financially but personally? John also digs into the realities of leadership that rarely get talked about: why bottlenecks are your best feedback loop, why approachability matters more than you think, and why a thriving business culture starts with making space for mistakes. He challenges entrepreneurs to rethink what scale really means in the age of AI and shares why lasting success depends on more than just growth metrics. If you are building a business and want to do it with intention, resilience, and clarity, this conversation will give you a much-needed shift in perspective. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 Holding a Long-Term Vision Through Growth and Uncertainty 03:49 Selling Wondersauce and Choosing the Right Partner 09:01 How the Founder Role Changes After Acquisition 10:02 Navigating Earn-Outs, COVID, and the Rise of AI 12:10 Building a Mental Balance Sheet for Emotional Resilience 15:00 Scaling a Business Without Burning Out 19:25 Bottlenecks as a Signal for Operational Change 22:05 Creating Psychological Safety and Strong Leadership 25:59 Smart Marketing and True Differentiation for Entrepreneurs 32:44 How AI Is Redefining the Idea of Scale Links Connect with John Sampogna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsampogna/ Website: https://www.wondersauce.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 28

Real leadership isn’t being the smartest person in the room. It’s creating the kind of culture where people feel safe enough to say, “I don’t know.” In this episode, Alex Raymond talks with Garry Ridge, the former CEO of WD-40 and the author of “Any Dumb-Ass Can Do It.” Garry shares how a moment of “jumping in to fix it” early in his career completely reshaped his approach to leadership. That shift, from problem-solver to coach, set the foundation for one of the most admired cultures in business, with 93% employee engagement and a company-wide commitment to learning and accountability. Garry explains why admitting what you don’t know isn’t weakness but the beginning of trust. He unpacks the idea of “dumbassery” as a leadership superpower, and why removing fear in the workplace creates room for growth, innovation, and genuine connection. What can happen when you stop calling things failures and start treating them as learning moments? What will change when your company values are more than just words on a wall? This episode offers ideas for leaders who want to build purpose-driven companies without losing their people, or themselves, in the process. From the power of clearly ranked values to the surprisingly effective “Maniac Pledge,” Garry provides a framework for creating a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and proud to contribute. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Learning Moments and Redefining Failure 05:25 “I Don’t Know” as a Leadership Superpower 07:28 Psychological Safety and People-First Cultures 14:16 Purpose, Values, and the Will of the People 21:44 Purpose Beyond Product and Real Accountability 33:19 Leading with Love Links Connect with Garry Ridge: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ Website: https://thelearningmoment.net/ Website Quiz: https://thelearningmoment.net/quiz/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 21

Building a business with purpose will push you to grow in ways you probably didn’t expect. What happens when your ambition outpaces your timing? Or when your team starts breaking down and you realize the real issue starts with you? In this episode, Alex Raymond talks with Brian Dally, the co-founder and CEO of Groundfloor, a fintech company that gives everyday investors access to real estate debt. Brian shares what he learned from starting too early, betting on the wrong timelines, and eventually paving the way for a market that wasn’t quite ready for him. Brian also opens up about a turning point in his leadership when a blowout between two teams during a family ski trip forced him to confront the culture he had helped create. That moment led to a reset, not just in how the company operated, but in how he saw himself as a leader. What do you do when your company hits a wall? How do you stay committed when the cost of building starts to feel personal? Brian reflects on his spiritual life, his leadership missteps, and the values that guide him today. He also shares the habits that keep him steady like hiking Colorado trails, practicing mindfulness, and checking in with the people who matter most. If you’re building something ambitious, this conversation will make you think more deeply about the kind of person you’re becoming in the process. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:07 Early Challenges of Launching Groundfloor 05:55 The Cost of Being Early 08:10 Lessons from Republic Wireless 12:09 Personal Growth Through Leadership 14:45 Faith, Vulnerability, and Inner Work 16:48 How Company Culture Broke and Got Rebuilt 23:05 Big Goals, Ambition, and Opportunity Cost 30:59 Real-World Impact on Customers 34:02 Habits That Keep Brian Grounded Links Connect with Brian Dally: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdally/ Website: https://groundfloor.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 14

Most entrepreneurs think they need a new growth strategy. What they actually need is a better relationship with themselves. In this episode, the tables turn as Sarah Lockwood, the founder of HiveCast, interviews Alex Raymond about the upcoming Conscious Entrepreneur Summit, happening May 28–29 in Boulder, Colorado. Now in its fourth year, the summit offers something most business events miss entirely: a chance to work on the person behind the company. Alex shares how the idea for the summit came from countless conversations where founders showed up to talk about strategy but ended up revealing stress, fear, and self-doubt. What if those internal struggles are actually the bottleneck in your business? And what would happen if you had space to name them, examine them, and move through them? This year’s summit features Dr. Benjamin Hardy, the author of 10x is Easier Than 2x, leading a small-group workshop on the psychology of exponential thinking. Dr. Michael Freeman, a leading voice in entrepreneur mental health research, will speak on how entrepreneurship can become a path for deep personal growth. Sarah and Alex also talk about what makes this event feel so different. The connections are real. The conversations go deep quickly. And the room is full of people who are serious about growth, not just in revenue, but in clarity, confidence, and capacity. If you’re the kind of founder who wants to scale your business without losing yourself in the process, The 2025 Conscious Entrepreneur Summit might be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Get your tickets now and don’t miss your chance to join the exclusive 10x Workshop with Dr. Benjamin Hardy . Seats are limited! Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Sarah Lockwood on the Conscious Entrepreneur Community 04:45 The Origin of the Summit and Why It Matters 08:20 Personal Growth as a Business Strategy 13:00 Big Ideas from Past Speakers 15:55 Ben Hardy and 10x Thinking 24:15 Why In-Person Connection Still Wins 26:50 Founder Well-Being with Dr. Michael Freeman 29:00 JV vs Varsity Thinking for Entrepreneurs 35:20 Who the Summit Is For Links: Dr. Srikumar Rao on The Conscious Entrepreneur: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-entrepreneur/id1708478000?i=1000641708365 Gay Hendricks on The Conscious Entrepreneur: ​​ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conscious-entrepreneur/id1708478000?i=1000630685954 Touched by Fire Publication: https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research_files/Are%20Entrepreneurs%20Touched%20with%20Fire%20(pre-pub%20n)%204-17-15.pdf The Conscious Entrepreneur Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ Benjamin Hardy Website: https://www.benjaminhardy.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ Connect with Sarah Lockwood: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lockwoodsarah/ Website: https://hivecast.fm HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 7

Most outbound sales strategies rely on volume and noise. Mark Kosoglow is betting on something different: relevance, proof, and actually caring about the people on the other end. Mark helped scale Outreach to over $230 million in revenue as its first sales hire. Now he’s a first-time founder and CEO at Operator, a startup built inside the GTM Fund, where he’s rethinking what outbound should look like and calling out what’s broken. What happens when you stop chasing reply rates and start focusing on provable business problems? How do you build a company without tying your self-worth to the outcome? In this episode, Mark sits down with Alex Raymond to talk through the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the decision to say yes to starting something new after being fired, and how “work hard and have fun” became the filter he uses to make decisions. He shares lessons from working alongside leaders like Manny Medina and the Chu Brothers, his take on building authentic company culture, and why he treats the CEO role like a sales role: listening first, solving second. If you’re tired of the spray-and-pray approach to sales or wondering how to stay grounded while building something ambitious, this conversation will land. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Mark Kosoglow: From Outreach to Operator 03:16 Lessons from Catalyst and Customer Success 06:56 Why Outbound Is Broken 13:46 The “Great Ignore” and Rethinking Sales Math 17:43 Starting Inside a Venture Fund 21:24 Hiring, Delegating, and Lessons from Past Leaders 27:36 Leading Through the Emotional Highs and Lows 35:20 Daily Habits, Book Recommendations Links Connect with Mark Kosoglow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkosoglow/ Website: https://www.operator.ai/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 31

Surviving a lawsuit, scaling a franchise, and losing 125 pounds all pointed Bennett Maxwell toward one surprising realization: his nervous system had more influence than he ever imagined. Bennett joins Alex Raymond to talk through the chaos and clarity that came with building Dirty Dough. When Crumble, a billion-dollar competitor, sued him over sprinkles and box shapes, he could have folded. Instead, he went bold. His response—cheeky billboards and viral content—caught fire and helped fuel the sale of 450 franchises in just two years. But what happens after the adrenaline fades? What if growth brings a whole new kind of pressure? Bennett shares how success forced him to confront his health, his identity, and his relationship to stress. He talks about selling his first company, hitting his financial goal, and realizing he still felt miserable. That moment led to a full-body reset from gastric sleeve surgery to daily meditation to red-light therapy and vagus nerve stimulation. He even carved out half his workweek to focus on his mental and physical state. This episode raises a bigger question: can you really lead well if your nervous system is fried? Bennett’s story is a reminder that personal growth and business growth aren’t separate, and that sometimes the most strategic move is stepping back. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 01:37 Mental Resilience and the Power of Detachment 03:37 Franchising Dirty Dough 05:52 The Cookie Wars with Crumble 08:06 Handling Stress During the Lawsuit 10:32 Decision-Making and Personal Mission Statement 14:52 Raising Capital During the Lawsuit 17:07 Importance of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 21:06 Consciousness and Physical Health 23:34 Focusing on the Nervous System 28:19 Using Tools to Optimize Mental Health 30:10 Importance of Regulating the Body 32:24 Experience with Ketamine and Psychedelics Links Connect with Bennett Maxwell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/ Website: https://bennettmaxwell.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 24

Most entrepreneurs think they’re chasing success. Could they actually be addicted to the struggle? Alex Raymond is joined by Dr. Nona Djavid, the founder of eLIVate Club, to discuss why so many business owners feel stuck in cycles of burnout, even when they seem to be thriving. Dr. Djavid built a successful business, but instead of feeling fulfilled, she found herself exhausted and trapped. That realization changed everything. She wasn’t chasing success; she was hooked on the struggle. Why does overwork feel normal? And how do you break free from it? Dr. Djavid explains how subconscious beliefs and nervous system patterns keep entrepreneurs locked in hustle mode, even when they know there’s a better way. She shares a four-step framework to shift from burnout to real, lasting success, starting with setting an unreasonable vision and ending with bold, aligned action. For anyone tired of grinding toward the next milestone, Alex and Dr. Djavid’s discussion offers a different path. Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of exhaustion. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:36 Entrepreneurs Addicted to Struggle 05:00 Personal Story: Nona’s Closet Breakdown 07:00 Realization: Scarcity and Worthiness 09:07 Identifying Scarcity in Life 11:22 The Role of the Nervous System 16:36 Four Steps to a Quantum Leap 33:09 Taking Unreasonable Actions 36:11 Addressing Common Objections 38:02 Areas Where People Get Stuck 40:24 Belief for Entrepreneurs: Worthiness and Enough-ness Links Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nonadjavid/ Website: https://www.elivate.me/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 17

Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely grind, but it doesn’t have to be. Dave Parker, the CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, knows firsthand what it takes to build, scale, and sometimes close a business. In this episode, he joins Alex Raymond to share what separates successful founders from those who get stuck—breaking down product-market fit, the power of timing, and why self-awareness matters more than most people think. A key takeaway? Forum, EO’s peer-driven support system, offers entrepreneurs a space to be real about the highs and lows without the noise of unsolicited advice. Dave opens up about his own mental health journey and why having the right people around you can make or break your ability to keep going. He also challenges the idea of failing fast, arguing that knowing when to walk away is just as important as knowing when to push through. For founders navigating uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about grinding harder, but about making better decisions, leaning on the right community, and staying clear-eyed about what actually works. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:31 Product-Market Fit 05:01 Five Components of Product-Market Fit 10:20 Timeless Advice from Mentors 15:09 Timing and Market Conditions 18:09 Importance of Clear Communication 20:09 Solving Complex Problems 25:00 EO’s Mission and Growth Goals 28:48 Personal Mission and Vision 30:30 Entrepreneurship is Lonely but Doesn’t Have to Be 34:20 Dealing with Burnout and Mental Health 38:00 Importance of Forum in EO 40:02 Self-Awareness as a Key Mindset Shift Links Connect with Dave Parker: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveparker/ Website: https://eonetwork.org/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 10

Most entrepreneurs play it safe with their goals, but Dr. Benjamin Hardy makes a bold case: setting “impossible” goals is the fastest way to scale. Is aiming for something that feels out of reach exactly what forces clarity, focus, and exponential growth? In this episode, Alex Raymond sits down with Dr. Hardy, an organizational psychologist and bestselling author, to discuss the mindset shift behind 10X growth. Why do so many entrepreneurs stay stuck in slow, incremental progress? According to Dr. Hardy, the problem isn’t effort. It’s the way we set goals. Most people aim for what feels achievable, which keeps them trapped in the same patterns. A true 10X goal demands a different way of thinking, working, and making decisions. The discussion touches on why scaling requires accountability and brutal honesty. Dr. Hardy introduces a game-changing concept called “raising the floor,” eliminating distractions, letting go of tasks that don’t drive results, and narrowing your focus to what truly moves the needle. He also explains why urgency matters. A distant, 10-year goal won’t push you to make bold moves today, but setting a 3-year deadline forces better decisions and a clearer path forward. Along the way, Dr. Hardy shares examples of entrepreneurs who made massive leaps by shifting their focus. He also previews his upcoming workshop at the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit in Boulder, Colorado, where he’ll break down the science of scaling and help attendees build a strategy for exponential success. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 03:33 Challenges in Scaling for Entrepreneurs 04:05 Systems Dynamics and Business Goals 06:13 Accountability and Economic Models 08:27 Raising the Floor Concept 09:20 Selective Attention and Goal Framing 11:05 Strategy and Eliminating Non-viable Options 12:45 Time as a Strategic Tool 14:52 Future-Driven Decision Making 17:54 Avoiding Distractions and Making Hard Decisions 19:03 Self-Honesty and Ambition to Scale 23:49 Personal Story: Overcoming Sunk Cost Fallacy 26:03 Letting the Future Drive the Present 28:42 Identity and Entrepreneurial Growth 30:13 Practical Steps to Create a Bigger Vision 35:44 Specializing and Focusing on a Niche 41:08 Preview of Conscious Entrepreneur Summit Links Connect with Benjamin Hardy: Website: https://www.benjaminhardy.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 3

Most entrepreneurs assume growth means doing more. More effort. More complexity. More stress. But what if scaling 10X was easier than doubling your efforts? Alex Raymond digs into the bold idea behind 10X Growth, inspired by 10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy. He challenges the trap of incremental thinking and explains why real success comes from eliminating distractions, simplifying decisions, and focusing on what truly moves the needle. If most of your results come from a small fraction of your efforts, what would happen if you let go of everything else? Alex also explores the psychology of growth, including the concept of “the gap and the gain.” Many entrepreneurs measure success by how far they have left to go instead of recognizing the progress they have already made. Before next week’s conversation with Ben Hardy, Alex shares a preview of the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit, where Hardy will lead a deep dive into the 10X mindset. If you’ve been grinding toward growth and feeling stuck, this episode offers a different path. One where doing less leads to far greater results. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 The Inner Game of 10x Growth 03:42 The Trap of Incremental Thinking 04:49 The 80/20 Rule and Eliminating Low-Impact Tasks 08:02 Unique Ability and Zone of Genius 09:04 Delegation and Focusing on High-Impact Activities 12:05 Case Studies and the Cumulative Effect of Focus 14:02 The Mindset Shift for 10x Growth 16:18 The Gap and the Gain Concept 18:05 Living in the Gain vs. Living in the Gap 21:37 Overcoming Scarcity Mindset 24:44 Physical and Mental Signs of Scarcity vs. Abundance 26:04 Summary of Key Themes: 10x vs. 2x 28:01 The Courage to Focus on Unique Ability 29:46 Implementing the Gap and the Gain 30:18 Scarcity vs. Abundance Thinking 31:00 Immediate Action Steps for 10x Thinking 36:38 Final Thoughts on 10x Growth Links Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 24

Pain and curiosity are two of the greatest forces for growth. Dr. Anna Yusim, a psychiatrist and spiritual teacher, shares how entrepreneurs can use both to tap into intuition, break free from limiting patterns, and build a more fulfilling path. Her journey from Stanford and Yale-trained psychiatry to a deeper exploration of spirituality and Kabbalah wasn’t planned. It started through unexplainable moments with patients and a dream that shifted everything. In this episode, she challenges the idea that success is purely external, showing how personal growth and self-awareness shape the way entrepreneurs lead, create, and navigate uncertainty. Are you growing because of past pain, or are you choosing growth before hardship forces your hand? Dr. Yusim breaks down the difference and offers insights on intuition, purpose, and the inner roadblocks that often hold entrepreneurs back. She also explores the importance of community in a world where loneliness is at an all-time high and explains how spirituality—and for some, even psychedelics—can be powerful tools for transformation. Alex Raymond and Dr. Yusim’s discussion is a reminder that business isn’t just strategy and execution. The inner work matters just as much. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Exploring the Intersection of Spirituality and Entrepreneurship 09:07 Embracing Growth: The Spiritual Path of Entrepreneurship 13:13 Challenges in Balancing Professional Success and Personal Relationships 15:06 Exploring Inner Emptiness and Its Impact on Relationships 17:06 Navigating the Human Condition: Addressing Inner Voids and Mindset Shifts 20:48 Transforming Mindset: A Holistic Approach 23:49 Holistic Approaches to Changing Thoughts: Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual 24:38 Shifting Perspectives: Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health in Entrepreneurship 28:56 Finding Purpose and Building Community in Entrepreneurship 33:23 Understanding and Addressing Burnout: A Medical Perspective 36:26 Psychedelics and Mental Health: Exploring Benefits and Spiritual Connections Links Connect with Anna Yusim MD: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annayusim/ Website: https://annayusim.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 17

Entrepreneurs chase optimization, but what happens when that’s not enough? Jamie Wheal joins Alex Raymond to talk about flow, resilience, and the deeper search for meaning in leadership. He challenges the idea that personal optimization is the ultimate goal, suggesting it’s only the first step. The real work is in navigating uncertainty, making an impact, and staying grounded through Hedonic Engineering—a way to keep motivation high even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Jamie shares how flow states unlock creativity and why great teams embrace dynamic subordination, letting the most capable person take the lead at any moment. He also reflects on the Bhagavad Gita’s lessons on purpose, reminding entrepreneurs that leadership isn’t about control, but about clarity, adaptability, and knowing when to step forward or step back. If the pressure to perform feels overwhelming, Alex and Jamie’s discussion offers a unique view on leading with purpose and keeping your footing when everything shifts around you. Quotes “I think it’s really important that we don’t end up in the kind of late stage neoliberal fetishization of infinite individual perfect ability for a price. And we actually just realized, Hey, Shaolin temple style, train your body and mind, right? Push it to its limits so that you can hone it and direct it to those things of most meaning and significance and impact. Otherwise, we’re all just trapped little monkeys in the machine.” (04:25 | Jamie Wheal) “Business leaders are in varying degrees and intensities themselves. It requires a very strong center for you to be able to enter the melee and not lose your own footing.” (07:51 | Jamie Wheal) “You don’t want to get stuck in a model or a mode simply because you think it’s groovier or more enlightened. And again, Silicon Valley leadership culture has kind of now permeated, has kind of become the default norms, which is, I’m a level five leader, a la Jim Collins. I’m a little Yoda behind the scenes. I want to make everyone feel empowered and heard, and our collective intelligence will win the day. Maybe, it depends.” (17:17 | Jamie Wheal) “Small is beautiful. It’s a timeless text, but I’d super encourage folks to just give themselves permission to do a beautiful thing in the world at a high quality or standard that is satisfying to you and the people you serve. And just have that as one other option, at least, versus just chasing the series.” (55:39 | Jamie Wheal) Links Connect with Jamie Wheal: https://www.flowgenomeproject.com/ https://jamiewheal.substack.com/ https://www.recapturetherapture.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 10

Success isn’t supposed to feel like a grind. The real challenge is knowing when to let go and step into what feels effortless. Alex Raymond sits down with Ret Taylor, the co-founder and former co-CEO of Ned, to talk about the moment he knew it was time to walk away. After years of building a wellness company with a mission he believed in, Ret found himself stuck in the day-to-day demands of running a business that no longer felt right. A banking crisis forced him to make a decision, but his real breakthrough came when he stopped pushing and started surrendering. Inspired by Michael Singer’s teachings, Ret learned to let go of fear and lean into what felt natural. That shift led him to Foria, a company that shared Ned’s values, and gave him the space to step fully into his zone of genius. Join Alex and Ret’s discussion to be reminded that the path forward isn’t always about working harder but about knowing when to trust the pull toward something better. Quotes “What if it’s not supposed to be hard? What if it’s supposed to be easy, like it was for me the last two retreats I did? And I had this big realization that I’ve been idolizing the wrong things. I should be idolizing, and I want to idolize those who don’t work so hard, those for whom it comes easy, and those that really surrender to their paths and move with confidence in them.” (13:08 | Ret Taylor) “I’m meant to be with people outdoors, sharing my passion for nature, sharing my expertise that I’ve gathered over the last 25 years, and helping people heal and thrive with them. Ned, my business, has done that for hundreds of thousands of people.” (17:21 | Ret Taylor) “My mantra has become: ‘Worry doesn’t serve me.’ It just doesn’t. It doesn’t help to worry. It’s this thing left over from prehistoric days when there actually were things to worry about.” (21:30 | Ret Taylor) “ I just feel much more fulfilled and very, very grateful. I’m grateful for those learnings, grateful to Josh, my best friend, for the opportunity, for Finian, and for you, for the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit. It all came together at the right time for me.” (31:22 | Ret Taylor) Links Connect with Ret Taylor: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rettaylor/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 3

Success won’t fix what you think it will—and Wil Schroter, founder of Startups.com, explains why so many entrepreneurs hit major milestones only to feel more lost than ever. Wil has built, sold, and acquired multiple companies, yet he’s seen countless entrepreneurs hit their biggest milestones only to feel more lost than ever. He sits down with Alex Raymond to talk about why financial wins don’t fix deeper struggles and how chasing an exit can leave founders grappling with purpose, identity, and unexpected disappointment. Wil shares what he’s learned from working with thousands of entrepreneurs—why they conflate success with happiness, why scaling too fast can backfire, and how to build something sustainable without losing yourself in the process. He also gets personal, talking about the non-negotiables that keep his life in balance. If you’re constantly pushing toward “someday,” this episode might change how you define real success. Quotes “Everything we thought was going to get cured, doesn’t change at all. In fact, it actually gets worse. Now, when people hear that, they’re like, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry that you made a million dollars. I’m so sorry your life is worse.’ It’s not that easy. Yes, it’s improved safety, but it hasn’t changed purpose.” (09:16 | Wil Schroter) “The value of anything is the fact that you don’t have it. And once you get it, once you get that success, you realize that it didn’t change any of the things you were expecting it to. And it’s really depressing, which is ironic.” (11:55 | Wil Schroter) “If you are unhappy on a canoe, you’re not gonna be happy on a yacht. You’re the same person just on a more expensive boat.” (14:13 | Wil Schroter) “It feels very lonely, and that is kind of the worst part about the founder journey. It is incredibly alienating. That’s something that we’ve tried to kind of unpack for a very long time—to tell founders we’re in the business of showing you you’re not alone.” (26:32 | Wil Schroter) Links Connect with Wil Schroter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilschroter/ Website: https://www.startups.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 27

Why do the most thoughtful leaders hesitate to share their stories online? Justin Nassiri, the founder and CEO of Executive Presence, believes those voices are exactly what the world needs. In this episode, Justin joins Alex Raymond to break down how leaders can use LinkedIn to build authentic personal brands that amplify trust and authority without losing their true selves. From navigating discomfort with social media to creating content that genuinely reflects your voice, Justin shares strategies for standing out in the noisy world of online platforms. He explains why personal branding should be more about creating meaningful connections and making your expertise visible to those who need it most. If you're an entrepreneur who’s looking to build a genuine presence on social media, join Alex and Justin as they share tips on creating and repurposing content, and staying consistent with your message. Quotes “The people listening who are least interested in [establishing a personal brand], the world probably needs to hear from them the most.” (03:29 | Justin Nassiri) “Authenticity sells. And I think that, when I work with a CEO, oftentimes they’re like, ‘Who do I need to be? I’m all of these things, but who do I need to be online?’ And my kind of biased reaction is, ‘We need to present you in the highest fidelity possible online.’” (08:25 | Justin Nassiri) “When that one person has the courage to be vulnerable, almost all the heads around the room nod like, ‘Oh yeah, I know that.’ It’s almost like this person having the courage to voice something has put a name on something everyone else is feeling, but now it’s out there, so it’s almost like a sense of relief, and then that person sharing realizes they’re not alone and it creates connection.” (10:03 | Justin Nassiri) “You can’t, in the long term, build a personal brand or reputation or executive brand that is in conflict with who you are. I think eventually the truth will come out.” (13:15 | Justin Nassiri) “If you reveal what’s important to you, if you talk about the things that you know and where you’re an authority, you actually have experience, or more importantly, you just share your own experience like, ‘Hey, I made a mistake in my first company with this. I really regret it but here’s what I learned, I hope you benefit as well.’ That’s just a way of giving visibility into why you do the things that you do and what you know about where your expertise is.” (13:46 | Justin Nassiri) Links Connect with Justin Nassiri: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinnassiri/ Website: https://executivepresence.io/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 20

Entrepreneurship throws constant challenges, but Ajay Prakash has mastered staying grounded through resilience, psychological safety, and a no-excuses approach to leadership. In this episode, Ajay, the co-founder and CEO of Rinse—a company transforming the laundry and dry cleaning industry with a tech-driven approach—joins Alex Raymond to reflect on how he’s built Rinse into a national brand over 11 years while navigating setbacks like revenue losses and the pressures of scaling. As a leader, how do you keep a team motivated when the stakes are high? Ajay believes transparency, trust, and a culture of openness are key to keeping people engaged and innovative. Ajay also touches on the importance of managing energy, avoiding burnout, and staying excited about your work. Tune in to this episode if you’re looking for real-world strategies to stay resilient and lead with purpose. Quotes “My mom always used to say, it’s not about the ‘what IF?’, it’s about the ‘what NOW?’ You can’t control these things that are happening to you, but you can control how you respond and how you react.” (08:50 | Ajay Prakash) “The number one mentality for the entrepreneur is this run-through-walls mentality—where there’s going to be a roadblock in front of you… You can sit there and say, ‘Oh, there’s a wall, I can’t do anything about it,’ or you can try to get through it, get around it, get over it.” (10:57 | Ajay Prakash) “As a CEO, you have to evolve for the needs of the business and for the scale and stage of the business. For me, it’s been encapsulated by shifting my focus over the years from execution to enablement and acceleration.” (12:33 | Ajay Prakash) “You have to be okay asking for help because a lot of times people will go on this journey and try to be alone… But there are a lot of people who have been through it who would be happy to just share the mistakes they made, because why should you make the same mistake I made if I can help you out?” (30:11 | Ajay Prakash) Links Connect with Ajay Prakash: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprakash03/ Website: https://www.rinse.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 13

Happiness isn’t a destination. For Peter Teuscher, it’s the feedback guiding your choices, beliefs, and the way you see the world. But what does that really mean, and how can we shift our understanding of happiness from something we chase to something we cultivate every day? Peter, an executive coach and the author of “Rethinking Happiness,” shares how his own journey—from outward entrepreneurial success to inner fulfillment—led him to redefine happiness as a deeply personal and practical state of being. Why do so many of us feel stuck in the cycle of “I’ll be happy when…”? And how can we break free from beliefs that no longer serve us? Through his insights, Peter offers a roadmap for creating more joy in life, from building small daily habits to challenging the stories we tell ourselves. If you’d like to learn more about how happiness fits into the entrepreneurial grind, this episode will leave you inspired to rethink what truly matters and how to align your choices with the life you want. Quotes “One of my coaching mottos is: awareness allows change. Happiness is a major component, and much of it comes down to changing the way we habitually believe and think.” (03:43 | Peter Teuscher) “Happiness is this feedback that either the way I’m thinking about the world or the actions and choices that I’m making are really not on track or not in alignment with my values or the needs that I have.” (06:33 | Peter Teuscher) “We have this inner emotional guidance system that will, whether you call it your intuition or your instincts, when you have certain outcomes, you’ll feel emotions, disappointment or happiness or joy or satisfaction.” (07:28 | Peter Teuscher) “Sometimes we’ll believe something despite the facts. But a lot of times our beliefs are those things that we can’t necessarily prove one way or another, or we don’t have enough information to, so we just develop this belief about something. And so instead of asking yourself, is this belief true? I ask people to consider if this belief is useful.” (15:50 | Peter Teuscher) “Happy people tend to make better decisions that tend to be better citizens, neighbors, partners in relationships, because that happiness is this feedback that they’re on the right track and that they’re making the right choices.” (36:50 | Peter Teuscher) Links Connect with Peter Teuscher: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-teuscher-7480257/ Website: https://www.peterteuscher.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 6

“Some would say they manage people. We like to think we lead hearts, and that if we tap into the power of the heart, then the mind and the hands and the effort comes much more powerfully thereafter,” shares Ryan Heckman, Olympic athlete turned private equity investor and co-founder of Rallyday Partners, a firm transforming private equity with a deeply human-centered approach. In this episode, Ryan joins Alex Raymond to discuss how Rallyday Partners is challenging the traditional stigma of private equity as a necessary evil. Ryan explains how his experiences as both a CEO and an investor shaped the firm’s mission to prioritize purpose and people over mere financial returns. Their approach includes building meaningful connections with founders, fostering personal and professional growth for employees, and redefining leadership to focus on hearts rather than assets. Ryan also shares insights into Rallyday Partner’s unique methodologies, including purpose-driven strategies, leadership development, and organizational culture tailored to the vision of each founder. As a proponent of Conscious Capitalism, Ryan introduces the Colorado chapter launch aimed at promoting stakeholder-centric business practices. This episode invites you to rethink private equity and consider a model where purpose and profit work hand in hand. How can businesses grow sustainably while creating fulfilling experiences for everyone involved? Ryan’s vision provides a compelling answer. Quotes "How could we make private equity a source of goodness and not a necessary evil? That was a very fundamental question that we asked." (04:04 | Ryan Heckman) “There's two problems with saying you manage assets for a living. First of all, management is a primitive form of leadership. It's as if to say that your role in the world is to manage something, not lead something. The difference is leadership is earned. Management is more of a compliance relationship.” (04:49 | Ryan Heckman) “Some would say they manage people. We like to think we lead hearts, and that if we tap into the power of the heart, then the mind and the hands and the effort comes much more powerfully thereafter.” (05:46 | Ryan Heckman) "We have an expression here that we use all the time, which is that the objective is professional, but the journey is personal." (20:18 | Ryan Heckman) “Purpose is what catalyzes discretionary effort. It's what attracts great talent. Meaningful work and being part of meaningful work is what really drives the human heart to do extraordinary things.” (21:46 | Ryan Heckman) "The first job in leadership development is to make sure that people feel the pride in themselves first, that they feel like they deserve to grow." (30:12 | Ryan Heckman) Links Connect with Ryan Heckman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-heckman-906a2530/ Website: https://rallydaypartners.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 30, 2024

“With an improved healthspan, cognitively, people are on their game. They’re in flow with their business. They’re able to be much more productive.” For Dr. Fred Grover Jr., the Chief Medical Officer of Phi Longevity, this is more than a vision—it is a measurable goal. By prioritizing proactive, integrative health strategies, Dr. Grover points out that optimizing physical and mental well-being goes beyond extending life; it’s about thriving in every area of work and life. Entrepreneurs, he explains, can unlock extraordinary creativity, leadership, and resilience when they prioritize their health as much as their business goals. In this episode, Alex Raymond is joined by Dr. Grover and Steve Pinedo, the co-founder and CEO of Phi Longevity, to discuss why health is an important foundation for effective leadership and sustainable business success. Together, they introduce the Foundational Five—a holistic wellness framework centered on nutrition, movement, sleep, regenerative self-healing, and cutting-edge therapies. By treating health like a business—tracking key metrics and focusing on impactful strategies—this episode reveals how to boost performance, extend longevity, and enhance mental clarity. It’s a call to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach to wellness, offering entrepreneurs practical steps to take control of their health and future-proof their lives. Quotes “In the allopathic traditional world, you’re looking at a 10-minute visit that just doesn’t provide an ample amount of time to address prevention other than say, ‘Okay, it’s time for your mammo, time for your PSA, time for your colonoscopy.’ And that’s about all they’re able to tackle.” (05:46 | Dr. Fred Grover Jr.) “With an improved healthspan, cognitively, people are on their game. They’re in flow with their business. They’re able to be much more productive.” (06:28 | Dr. Fred Grover Jr.) “Wellness is just critically important because medical science has delivered a number of great innovations that have allowed us to live longer and really long, potentially fulfilling lives. But because of a lot of our unhealthy lifestyles, we’re living a lot of our end of our years in a very debilitated state. And the only way we can really counteract that is through proactive medicine and proactively taking care of ourselves.” (03:02 | Steve Pinedo) “What are those numbers that you manage your health to? And what are those key performance indicators for your health, for cardiovascular health, for body composition? What is your percentage of muscle? What is your percentage of fat? How are they changing over time? So you have to sort of think about this more systematically about what those numbers are, and then work with a team to think about what are the modalities that you can employ and control to address those.” (11:30 | Steve Pinedo) Links Connect with Steve Pinedo and Dr. Fred Grover Jr., MD: https://www.philongevity.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 23, 2024

“I set up Oyster as a software platform to enable any company in the world to tap into the global talent pool without setting up entities, hiring lawyers, accountants, payroll providers, benefit providers. I established it as a mission-driven company, first and foremost, because what I realized was if I align what I do with what I believe in, I feel more fulfilled. I feel happier in my life,” shares Tony Jamous, the CEO and co-founder of Oyster, a company that’s shaping the future of work by embracing borderless, flexible, and human-centered principles. In this episode, Tony joins Alex Raymond to talk about the challenges and opportunities of building culture in a distributed workforce. How does one lead with trust in a world where connection often feels distant? Tony’s journey to creating a $1.2 billion company during the pandemic highlights how belonging and empathy can transform workplace culture. With a team spanning 80 countries, Oyster proves that diversity and flexibility can fuel both fulfillment and productivity. Tony shares how his personal experiences, including overcoming PTSD, shaped his leadership approach and commitment to creating workplaces where people truly thrive. This episode will challenge how you think about leadership and belonging in a post-pandemic world. Can culture evolve to meet the needs of a global workforce? Tony’s story suggests it must. Quotes “We are a talent magnet. We have diversity that is unheard of. We achieve a level of engagement and fulfillment for our employees that leads into productivity that is unheard of, because people feel cared for. They feel that we are designing a work model for them that makes them successful no matter where they live.” (05:36 | Tony Jamous) “We believe that democratizing access to global job opportunities has a massive potential in creating more equal worlds. The reason why emerging economies remain emerging is because they lose their best talent to the West, and they don’t come back.” (06:58 | Tony Jamous) “It’s really about having a clear and strong vision and strategy, and then assembling and empowering the best team to deliver on it. That’s been my formula.” (15:32 | Tony Jamous) “Leaders at the very top of their game have to learn how to recognize themselves and not expect recognition from the outside. You can even push it to the extreme and say they can thrive on neglect. They are here to build the systems on which a business can thrive in a healthy way, including fostering a healthy culture. That’s what I believe leaders should be striving toward.” (16:57 | Tony Jamous) “The reason we’re not moving as fast as we need to toward a better future is because leaders are caught in a cycle of meeting quotas and delivering results, such as hitting numbers. There’s immense pressure, and the ability to handle stress and pressure is diminishing as stress levels rapidly increase for leaders.” (18:21 | Tony Jamous) Links Connect with Tony Jamous: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teljamou/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 16, 2024

“How do we get organizations where everyone has the opportunity and the support to contribute to their fullest?” For Michele Zanini, the co-author of “Humanocracy: Creating Organizations as Amazing as the People Inside Them” with Gary Hamel, the answer lies in rethinking the way companies operate. In this episode, Michele explains how organizations can move beyond rigid bureaucratic systems to create environments that thrive on creativity, resilience, and accountability. He points out the power of a clear, shared purpose to align teams and the importance of nurturing small, autonomous groups that stay agile and entrepreneurial as companies grow. Michele also redefines leadership as a tool to multiply individual potential rather than manage from above, and challenges outdated performance systems by advocating for peer-driven accountability. Join Alex Raymond and Michele Zanini as they explore how leaders can rethink traditional approaches to organizational design and create workplaces that genuinely empower their people. Quotes “The idea of humanocracy is really about how to create organizations that are as capable as the people inside them, that are as daring, as courageous as people can be when they’re at their best. They’re as resilient, they’re able to bounce back from a crisis as we often are in our personal lives. As creative as millions of people who are on YouTube, sharing content that sometimes gets millions of people to engage with it. And are as passionate as we can be.” (02:54 | Michele Zanini) “People will still be part of organizations, but what if, instead of organizations viewing people as tools, we saw the organization as the instrument to better our lives and the lives of those we serve? The organization becomes the platform for impact.” (05:37 | Michele Zanini) “The other thing that a mission really does is that it provides a lot of motivation and alignment. So in a way, the mission is your boss. If everybody’s united by a particular purpose that is shared, you don’t need a lot of supervision.” (15:43 | Michele Zanini) “How do I give everyone in the team or the organization maximum autonomy and maximum accountability? And then how do I enable that? How do I create an organizational environment where that is encouraged and flourishes? You can specify some of that by wiring the organization in a particular way, but there are also things you need to do. For instance, how do you give everyone the competence to make the right decision for the business?” (47:39 | Michele Zanini) Links Connect with Michele Zanini: Website: https://www.michelezanini.com/ Humanocracy: https://www.humanocracy.com/course/BMI Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 9, 2024

Success on paper can hide a mountain of stress, as Andrew (Andy) Johns reveals in this episode how a seemingly perfect startup career left him barely holding it together, and what he learned about reclaiming resilience through nervous system mastery. Why do so many entrepreneurs push themselves to the brink without realizing the cost? Andy, a Silicon Valley veteran, joins Alex Raymond to open up about the burnout that forced him to reevaluate everything and shares the tools that helped him recover. From the power of breathwork as the “remote control to your nervous system” to the impact of routines, sunlight, and even thermogenesis, he explores practical ways to protect your body and mind. How can you create habits that prevent stress from becoming burnout? Andy’s insights offer simple yet transformative steps to help entrepreneurs build resilience, thrive under pressure, and take control of their well-being. Quotes “When the body activates those superpowers because part of the nervous system perceives a threat, it floods the body with stress hormones, like adrenaline. These hormones are meant to be temporary, helping us respond to immediate danger before the body returns to a rest-and-digest mode. But the body wasn’t designed to sustain that heightened state of activation. Increasingly, research shows a direct link between sustained psychological stress and chronic illness, both mental and physical.” (13:12 | Andrew Johns) “It’s not just that we might be eating unhealthy food—we are. And it’s not just that we’re less physically active than we used to be—we are. It’s also that we’re living under constant psychological stress.” (14:43 | Andrew Johns) “We need to be wise in understanding the complicated and nuanced nature of the pros and cons of the environment we’ve crafted for ourselves.” (16:48 | Andrew Johns) “Okay, your career is in tech. You may be asking yourself, well, is this good for me in the long run? Maybe, maybe not. Everyone’s different. Certain people have different resilience characteristics. I know some folks where, myself included, are very, very sensitive to the environment around me. And so, I would absorb all of these psychological stressors and the moods of my employees around me. Other people I know, they’re not like this, but to the question of like, what do we do about it?” (17:04 | Andrew Johns) “You have the mechanisms built into you to feel calm and clear and in a state of peace. Your body has evolved those mechanisms, and you may just need to experiment to find your way back to those things. You don’t need to spend thousands and thousands of dollars to search and discover the tools or the techniques or the experts. It’s the inherent wisdom of the vitality of the human body, and that’s really all we're encouraging. If you tap into its inherent vitality, your resilience will be remarkable.” (46:03 | Andrew Johns) Links Connect with Andrew Johns: Website: https://cluesdotlife.substack.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 2, 2024

“In the context of entrepreneurship, ADHD can be an advantage, but it surely can be a disadvantage in life,” says Dr. John Torrens, an accomplished entrepreneur, professor of entrepreneurial practice at Syracuse University, and author of “Lightning in a Bottle: How Entrepreneurs Can Harness Their ADHD to Win.” Joining Alex Raymond in this episode, he discusses how traits like impulsivity and hyperfocus often associated with ADHD can fuel entrepreneurial success but require careful management to avoid burnout and personal setbacks. Dr. Torrens shares his work on ADHD and its interesting connection to entrepreneurship. From his university course on entrepreneurial well-being to his research with the Young Presidents’ Organization, he uncovers how many high-performing CEOs share ADHD traits. Could this be a hidden “superpower” for innovation and decision-making in entrepreneurship? Join Alex and Dr. Torrens’ discussion to learn actionable strategies for maintaining health, building strong support networks, and achieving resilience. Dr. Torrens offers a fresh perspective on how prioritizing well-being can lead to sustainable success in both business and life. Quotes “Why work so hard for your company that you can’t even enjoy the fruits of your labor? I’ve seen it in myself and my peers—they push so hard that, in their final years, they can’t even enjoy what they’ve built. They’re dealing with chronic diseases that could’ve been prevented or struggling with mental health issues. Some focus everything on the business and acquiring things, only to find themselves spiritually bankrupt. What better place to address this than at an institute of higher education, where we’re teaching people about entrepreneurship?” (04:25 | John Torrens) “The reality is that stress is a real part of entrepreneurship, but you can manage it if you’re proactive.” (11:11 | John Torrens) “When you dive deeper and you start to look at impulsive and hyperactive ADHD and the traits that are associated with that, you see a pretty clear link with entrepreneurial success... It’s really two sides of the coin. On one side, it really works well for you, but on the other side, if you’re not managing it, it could be seriously detrimental... It’s the context. In the context of entrepreneurship, ADHD can be an advantage, but it surely can be a disadvantage in life.” (23:49 | John Torrens) “People with ADHD often don’t choose conventional paths. What we’ve figured out is that they choose entrepreneurship because other pathways don’t always feel accessible to them.” (25:23 | John Torrens) Links Connect with John Torrens: Website: https://whitman.syracuse.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-staff-directory/details/jtorrens Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 25, 2024

“Resting requires a stillness and a surrender that is uncomfortable.” Alex Raymond is joined by Tovi Scruggs-Hussein, a visionary leader and healer, to explore how meditation and emotional intelligence can reshape how we live and lead. Tovi shares her journey from a life of high achievement to one grounded in mindfulness and self-awareness. How can rest, ease, and intentionality bring flow into our lives, especially in a culture that glorifies hustle? Tovi discusses the role of “beingness” in leadership and challenges the constant drive to “do” with a more self-aware and compassionate approach. She also touches on the power of racial healing as she explains how a deeper connection to ourselves can create more inclusive spaces and interrupt ingrained biases. If you’re an entrepreneur trying to overcome the pressures of leadership, this episode offers an invitation to rethink success. What would it mean for us to embrace ease without guilt? Tovi’s insights remind us that real growth begins with stillness. Quotes “Sometimes, as leaders, we are the trigger for our staff. We’re the trigger for our teams. But if we don’t know how we’re triggering to others, if we’re not fully aware of what’s happening in us as we’re being engaged with others, then it limits us as leaders.” (11:57 | Tovi Scruggs-Hussein) “We absolutely act and behave from who we be. That’s what influences and impacts our doing. So, if we’re not conscious of who we be and say we want to be a more inclusive leader, if we’re not conscious of what needs to be healed and transformed within us—where we’re not inclusive—then how do our policies and practices create inclusion?” (14:52 | Tovi Scruggs-Hussein) “I believe that we burn out because we make our living and leading so difficult. It’s like going against the grain of who we are, almost like grinding a clutch or gears, instead of finding flow, smoothness, and alignment.” (16:06 | Tovi Scruggs-Hussein) “If we want to be a certain kind of leader, we have to invest in that beingness. We have to invest in ourselves as how we want to be experienced. And that can look different for a lot of different people. It can mean that you need some energy work for a while. It can mean that you need some consciousness work. It could mean that you need to meditate or go on a silent retreat. It can look like different things for different folks.” (44:34 | Tovi Scruggs-Hussein) Links Connect with Tovi Scruggs-Hussein: Website: https://www.ticiess.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 18, 2024

“Happiness is a choice, but also happiness is a skill set. And if we do certain things on a consistent basis—not once or twice, but on a daily basis—then I promise you and I guarantee you that you will live a happy and fulfilled life,” says Dr. Elia Gourgouris, known as the Happiness Doctor. In this episode, he joins Alex Raymond to discuss how happiness is an essential foundation for both personal and professional success. Dr. Gourgouris challenges the idea that happiness comes after success, pointing out that it’s something we build from the start. He shares simple, impactful strategies—like practicing self-care, gratitude, and forgiveness—to help listeners make happiness a daily habit. Self-forgiveness, Dr. Gourgouris explains, is a transformative act of self-compassion that quiets the inner critic and lightens the emotional burdens we carry. The episode also covers happiness in the workplace. What happens when happiness becomes part of organizational culture? Dr. Gourgouris makes the case that happy employees are more engaged, creative, and loyal, which directly benefits business outcomes. He encourages leaders to model honesty, openness, and transparency, creating an environment where teams can thrive. The takeaway? Don’t put off happiness. Dr. Gourgouris reminds us that by living joyfully today, we not only enrich our own lives but inspire others to do the same. So, how will you prioritize happiness in your journey? Quotes “Happiness is a choice, but also happiness is a skill set. And if we do certain things on a consistent basis—not once or twice, but on a daily basis—then I promise you and I guarantee you that you will live a happy and fulfilled life.” (05:01 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) “Happy leaders equal happy teams. If we want our business to grow and succeed, the benefits of having happy and engaged employees are so many.” (28:24 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) “Happy employees are the greatest marketing tool your company will ever have because they begin to recruit great talent simply by sharing their testimony of what a great culture the company has.” (30:01 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) “We live in a world right now—a post-pandemic world—where authenticity, with a capital ‘A,’ is a must for a leader.” (31:12 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) “Do not procrastinate your happiness… Forget all the ‘whens.’ There are no guarantees any of us will be alive tomorrow—none. We know that. People just go just like that. So live your best life now, and don’t procrastinate your happiness.” (39:45 | Dr. Elia Gourgouris) Links Connect with Elia Gourgouris: Website: https://www.dreliagourgouris.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 11, 2024

“Live authentically, as much as possible, and as soon as possible.” This is the advice from entrepreneur Travis Luther, who joins Alex Raymond in this episode to explore the weighty themes of mortality, regret, and pursuing a life true to oneself. Having spent the past year interviewing terminally ill entrepreneurs, Travis brings forward the moving insights he’s gathered on what truly matters when life’s timeline suddenly feels finite. Reflecting on his own personal loss, he contrasts the difference between a life driven by passion and one on autopilot—a common struggle for entrepreneurs who often trade present joy for future security. Travis and Alex dive into the regrets most commonly voiced by younger people unexpectedly confronted by mortality—health, personal fulfillment, and the need for real connections. What fears keep us from pursuing what we truly want? How much time are we willing to risk on things that don’t matter? Travis challenges listeners to live intentionally, guided by what truly drives them. By sharing a glimpse into his upcoming book, “What We Learn When We Learn We’re Dying,” he leaves us with a reminder: make choices today that you won’t regret tomorrow. Quotes “What is going on in your unlived life or on your unlived path? And if there’s something that you can take away that’s a universal truth that doesn’t have anything to do with personal regret, it’s this idea that the sooner we can bring our lived and unlived lives together, the sooner we can live as our authentic selves and in harmony, the happier we’re gonna be.” (23:56 | Travis Luther) “When we disconnect ourselves from our mortality, we lose that sense of urgency that’s necessary to also do the things that are going to be personally fulfilling to us, and to avoid the regret or the time spent not living as our authentic selves.” (27:07 | Travis Luther) “I think what people at the end of their lives realize is that the accomplishment itself is not the thing that releases that stress and anxiety and everything that’s boiling inside of you. It is the lack of trying.” (31:32 | Travis Luther) “If I tried to consolidate all this information into one simple saying… it would be: live authentically, as much as possible, and as soon as possible.” (39:44 | Travis Luther) Links Connect with Travis Luther: Website: https://travisluther.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 4, 2024

Effective leadership in times of uncertainty hinges on trust, especially when chaos is in play. Retired Brigadier General Tom Kolditz joins Alex Raymond to share leadership insights drawn from his military experience and his book, “In Extremis Leadership.” Tom explains how startup founders, like military leaders in crisis, often face overwhelming uncertainty. And for him, the key to guiding a team through it is trust. Tom urges entrepreneurs to focus outward and shift their attention from their own anxieties to the needs of their teams. He talks about the importance of both mentorship and coaching in leadership, and expounds that mentors offer advice from experience, while coaches are skilled in guiding leaders to grow. Tom warns that excessive self-interest can undermine trust within teams, especially in high-pressure moments. He encourages leaders to engage their teams, rather than pulling back, when the going gets tough. Building a culture of shared risk and accountability fosters resilience and trust. Tune in to learn how great leadership, especially in times of crisis, relies on emotional intelligence, personal growth, and a solid support system. Quotes “What makes dangerous circumstances truly dangerous is living with uncertainty… The principles and lessons we learn from leaders in dangerous contexts apply almost perfectly to the uncertain, chaotic set of circumstances that most startup CEOs go through.” (04:03 | Tom Kolditz) “If you’re living with uncertainty, you tend to not have the information that you might have in a more stabilized, older company. And what that means is that your influence as a leader is not through management. It’s through trust.” (05:46 | Tom Kolditz) “It’s very important that leaders not pour their emotions into their people when those emotions are negative like fear, anger, frustration.” (10:40 | Tom Kolditz) “It’s a very bad idea to think that crisis leadership is different from the leadership that you did the week before. You have to be in the same mode all the time because otherwise it’s too late. Crises come like that. And if you don’t have money in the bank, if you don’t have preparation for that, it’s going to be very difficult for you.” (46:09 | Tom Kolditz) “If professional baseball players who are at the top of their game still need coaches, then certainly those of us in leadership roles can benefit from having a good coach as well.” (47:18 | Tom Kolditz) Links Connect with Tom Kolditz: Website: https://tomkolditz.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 28, 2024

“Our fundamental belief is that what we currently understand as these conditions that are treatment-resistant or intractable, we will have ways to treat them such that people can not just get to their baseline, but actually ultimately flourish. And that’s really, I would say, a huge focus of ours,” says Greg Kubin, as he refers to conditions like depression and PTSD. He discusses the future of mental health solutions and the role PsyMed Ventures plays in driving this change. In this episode, Alex Raymond is joined by Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky, partners at PsyMed Ventures, to talk about the intersection of psychedelics and venture capital. What does it take to invest in breakthrough therapies that could transform mental health care? Greg and Matias walk us through their mission to fund startups that tackle mental illness, from psychedelic medicine to neurotechnology, and explain why they believe healing, ethics, and profitability can align. They also talk about the shifting landscape for psychedelics, especially with potential FDA approval for MDMA on the horizon, and how this could be a game-changer. How do these investors spot the right opportunities in such a complex and evolving field? And why is founder resilience so important in ventures like these? Tune in for an insightful discussion on how VC is driving real change in mental health. Quotes “For me, investing is a means to an end. It’s a vehicle through which we have a positive impact… How we think about it is that we don’t get to choose between great returns and great societal impact. Without great returns, there’s no chance to keep on doing this for many, many more decades. And without societal impact, it’s like, why are we even focusing on this? What’s the point?” (09:23 | Matias Serebrinsky) “Our fundamental belief is that what we currently understand as these conditions that are treatment-resistant or intractable, we will have ways to treat them such that people can not just get to their baseline, but actually ultimately flourish. And that’s really, I would say, a huge focus of ours.” (13:40 | Greg Kubin) “Psychedelics definitely helped, and it helped scientists and researchers understand better how our brain works and what are the receptors that elicit certain behavioral changes and feelings and emotions.” (18:38 | Matias Serebrinsky) “At the end of the day, I think if you're going to introduce a new technology or way of operating into the world, there’s just so much status quo that you need that larger-than-life individual.” (24:03 | Greg Kubin) “In order to be supportive in that capacity, I think you first need to really establish a relationship that's based in trust and transparency and vulnerability.” (30:40 | Greg Kubin) Links Connect with Greg Kubin and Matias Serebrinsky: Website: https://psymed.ventures/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 21, 2024

“For me, every time I fasted, the goal was to gain clarity on a specific aspect of the entrepreneurial journey—like the calling, who I understood God needed me to be,” says Samella Watson, tech entrepreneur and founder of BLCK. She joins Alex Raymond in this episode to share how faith and spirituality have been key to her growth, both personally and in business. Fasting, in particular, has been her way of quieting the external noise to gain focus and reaffirm her purpose as an entrepreneur. Samella opens up about how this practice helped guide her during pivotal moments, such as the decision to shift BLCK from a short-term rental model to a membership-based home exchange platform—an approach that reflects her belief in making travel more accessible. How can aligning a business with deeper values, grounded in faith, create lasting impact? Samella believes it’s essential and shares how building a community of like-minded entrepreneurs has been a core part of that journey. Her story encourages us to think about how our own spiritual practices can shape both personal and professional growth, connecting our work to a larger sense of purpose. Quotes “The reason I fast is to turn off the outside noise of the world because it’s loud—very loud. When you’re trying to do something that’s not physically in your face and you don’t know how to do it, it can be intimidating. For me, every time I fasted, the goal was to gain clarity on a specific aspect of the entrepreneurial journey—like the calling, who I understood God needed me to be. I needed clarity on that, and the best way to gain that clarity was to shut the world off as much as possible and be fully present, ready to receive insights.” (16:29 | Samella Watson) “I believe that because we’re in a climate where people are becoming more aware of the ‘bleasure’ lifestyle, it’s something that BLCK really wants to focus on. We don’t have to work our fingers to the bone or stay on this hamster wheel to be great, add value, and do awesome things.” (29:17 | Samella Watson) “Another area that I have focused on is mindset shifting. I had to dig through that with the spiritual part of it, but a lot of times, we don’t challenge our choices. We just assume we think a certain way for some reason. But once you start asking, ‘Why do I think that way? Where is this coming from?’ you can clarify things and become more authentically yourself. So, mindset shifting is huge.” (31:11 | Samella Watson) Links Connect with Samella Watson: Website: https://samellawatson.com/ Website: https://theblck.io/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 14, 2024

“Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us,” explains Zach Mercurio, an expert on mattering and its crucial role in creating meaningful and engaging workplaces. In his conversation with Alex Raymond, Zach stresses that mattering is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s a fundamental human need that can transform motivation, productivity, and overall well-being. When people feel like they don’t matter, it often leads to disengagement or even quiet quitting. Zach explains how crucial it is for leaders to make their teams feel noticed, affirmed, and needed. Why? Because when employees believe their work contributes to a larger purpose, they find deeper meaning in their roles. By fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and connected to the organization’s mission, leaders can inspire greater engagement and long-term success. Quotes “Mattering is our inherent need to feel significant and to feel significant to the people around us. And it’s three primary things. It’s a fundamental human instinct. So, for everyone listening, the first thing you did when you opened your eyes was tilt your head upward. You looked for a caretaker, then reached out your hands and grasped for significance. And so, your very survival as a human, depended on you procuring mattering to someone else, enough to keep you alive. It’s a basic survival instinct. It’s a fundamental need for motivation. When we look at motivation in life and work, it is almost impossible for anything to matter to a human being who doesn’t believe that they matter.” (02:47 | Zach Mercurio) “It’s hard for anything to matter to someone who doesn’t believe that they and what they’re doing matters.” (03:47 | Zach Mercurio) “Meaningful work is doing what matters to us and what matters to the world. It’s mattering by default.” (05:47 | Zach Mercurio) “Mattering is really at the core of these concepts: it’s I feel valued and I know how I add value.” (06:07 | Zach Mercurio) “Feelings of not mattering either result in acts of withdrawal or acts of desperation. What’s an act of desperation? I matter more than you think. Complaining, blaming, protesting. A lot of difficult employees are, in my practice, the most difficult employees are employees who feel the most unseen, unheard, unacknowledged, and misunderstood.” (08:16 | Zach Mercurio) Links Connect with Zach Mercurio: Website: https://www.zachmercurio.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 7, 2024

“The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements,” Robert Richman shares as he reflects on his research while writing his book The Culture Blueprint: A Guide to Building the High-Performance Workplace. As a former employee of Zappos, Robert shares insights into the company’s renowned culture under Tony Hsieh, where trust was built through clear agreements and a commitment to values. He introduces the concept of “culture hacking,” which refers to small but powerful changes that can significantly transform a workplace. How can businesses adopt this mindset to make meaningful improvements? Drawing from Zappos’ success, Robert points out the importance of hiring for values rather than just skills, and how a thoughtful onboarding process creates accountability and commitment. Is culture really just a luxury in challenging times, or is it essential to long-term success? Robert argues that by building explicit agreements and continuously gathering employee feedback, companies can create cultures that stand the test of time. Quotes “The main lesson I’ve learned is to distinguish what’s like the E=mc² of culture—simplifying something extremely complex. And what I see is that the simplification of culture rides on trust, but the currency of trust is really in agreements.” (07:02 | Robert Richman) “So how clear are our agreements and are agreements upheld? You don’t just say, ‘Yeah, I agree to uphold the values.’ You literally sign a contract and you swear an oath to uphold them. So that's a very, very clear agreement. Most companies' cultures suffer because they don’t articulate the agreements well, and don't get an opt in for those agreements, and then hold people accountable to those agreements. I think that, especially with corporate culture, that’s really the currency of a great culture.” (07:24 | Robert Richman) “I think what most companies need, and are missing, is some sort of Director of Communication, because that’s where culture lies. It’s all in the communication—how you’re relating these things, how you’re sharing them, and how you’re getting the message out. So I’m less about having a Head of Culture, because I believe the CEO really needs to own that role as the head of culture.” (21:28 | Robert Richman) “Engagement is how connected to the task somebody is, how much passion they have for it, how much energy they’re putting toward it, right? Whereas empowerment has to do with authority. What level of authority do I really have? That’s what people are actually talking about when they mean empower.” (25:03 | Robert Richman) Links Connect with Robert Richman: Website: https://robertrichman.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 30, 2024

“This is ancient knowledge and cutting-edge technology brought together into a product that is helping thousands of people all over the world,” says Anna Gudmundson, the CEO and co-founder of Sensate. She sits down with Alex Raymond in this episode to explore how Sensate is transforming stress management with its innovative technology. Sensate’s device combines sound and infrasonic therapy to help users regulate stress and anxiety, and Anna breaks down how it works on a physiological level, particularly its role in improving vagal nerve tone—a key factor in managing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Anna also talks about her current fundraising strategy, highlighting Sensate’s crowdfunding campaign on WeFunder. What makes crowdfunding such a powerful tool? It isn’t just about raising capital; it’s about building a community of engaged users and investors who are truly passionate about Sensate’s mission. By opening up investment opportunities to everyday people, Sensate is creating a supportive ecosystem that democratizes access to the company’s growth. Anna’s approach blends traditional venture capital with crowdfunding, showing how a diverse investor base can be built while driving the company forward. Anna reflects on her personal journey as a leader and the unique challenges of running a wellness startup. How can stress management be woven into the fabric of a company’s culture? Anna shares her strategy of fostering mindfulness and resilience within her team, ensuring that Sensate’s core mission is reflected not only in their product but also in their workplace. Quotes “I think stress is part of life, but many of us have a bit too much of it. So, it’s really important to have a way to self-regulate.” (04:56 | Anna Gudmundson) “The reason this is really helping so many people is that they are feeling calm and relieved. They actually enjoy the experience, which makes it accessible even when people are feeling quite wound up. I think that’s a really important part because then we begin to self-care, taking out our Sensate and using it when we need it. It’s so important in life to be able to self-regulate during stressful moments.” (05:58 | Anna Gudmundson) “We are accepting money from VCs. We have several VCs that are already in, but we have also tried to allow our customers to invest as well. So our customers, practitioners, partners, and people who really care about the product are able to invest via the SPV on WeFunder under exactly the same terms. That’s important, and it is very much part of our ethos.” (14:32 | Anna Gudmundson) “The nice thing about adding crowdfunding is that it democratizes around. Typically, at this stage, when we’re at an $18 million valuation, it’s usually larger investors who are able to participate. But this allows smaller investors to come in and really diversifies the cap table.” (15:02 | Anna Gudmundson) Links Connect with Anna Gudmundson: Website: https://www.getsensate.com/ Website: https://wefunder.com/sensate Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://amplifyam.com/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 23, 2024

“I love helping entrepreneurs shift into focusing on their ‘inner game,’ because then they get to both have a better experience—more joyful, less stressful, more enlivening, more playful—and more likely to succeed,” says Dave Kashen, a highly regarded leadership coach in Silicon Valley. He shares how embracing life as it unfolds, instead of clinging to rigid expectations, can help entrepreneurs tap into creativity and find peace, leading to more sustainable success. In this episode, Dave talks with Alex Raymond about the “inner game” and conscious leadership. When entrepreneurs stop chasing external validation and focus on internal awareness, they can lead from a place of resilience and authenticity. Dave believes that by practicing presence, responsibility, and vulnerability, leaders can build stronger connections with their teams, which not only enhances personal fulfillment but also drives business success. Could this shift in perspective change the way you approach leadership? Quotes “There are two primary games that people tend to play in life. One is, ‘Can I get life to match my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ The other is, ‘Can I just be with life as it is and relax my mind’s idea of how life should be?’ Most people are playing the first game and it’s a really challenging game. Even when you win, the joy, peace, and contentment don’t last very long. Because life is dynamic and our mind tends to be a bit more rigid, it’s really hard to get them to match.” (02:47 | Dave Kashen) “I realized at some point that the richer, more well-workable game—a game you could actually win—is the other game, where I can more and more relax my mind’s idea, or let go or disconnect from my mind’s idea of how things should be, so I can just be present with life as it is.” (03:31 | Dave Kashen) “The irony is that entrepreneurs are dreamers. So, we’re great at dreaming up some future, but then we collapse the desired future into the present, wishing we were already there, and just create suffering for ourselves and drain our energy.” (19:07 | Dave Kashen) “I believe the most successful entrepreneurs are the ones with the most conviction.” (45:58 | Dave Kashen) “I think a leader’s primary function is to serve… Leadership is the art of discernment. There’s never like a one way and one rule, but can you discern moment to moment what best serves—what best serves our vision, what best serves people? And I find the more you’re present, above the line, the clearer you are about what best serves.” (47:53 | Dave Kashen) Links Connect with Dave Kashen: Website: https://www.davekashen.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 16, 2024

“A lot of people are lonely and they don’t even really know it until they find a connection, until they find that sense of community and involvement,” says Sadie Lincoln, co-founder of barre3, a fitness franchise that blends strength, cardio, and mindfulness. In this episode, she joins Alex Raymond to share her personal journey—from feeling isolated as a new parent to building a global community that empowers women entrepreneurs and fosters real connection. Sadie delves into how barre3 challenges the fitness industry’s harmful messaging, which often promotes shame and an unhealthy relationship with exercise. By integrating mindfulness, barre3 encourages people to honor their bodies and stay present, transforming fitness into something life-affirming rather than just a means to an end. She explains how barre3’s inclusive community prioritizes relationships just as much as the workouts themselves. This sense of belonging became especially crucial during the pandemic when connection was needed more than ever. Sadie also highlights barre3’s unique business model—194 studios, all owned and operated by women. What drives its success? She credits collective wisdom, local ownership, and core principles like enlightened hospitality and creating workplaces where people truly thrive. As a leader, Sadie reflects on her growth and leadership style, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, maintaining high standards, and creating space for her team to learn and grow. Quotes “There is nothing like starting your own business and scaling it to learn about yourself. This has been the most humbling journey of my life. It continues to humble me.” (32:21 | Sadie Lincoln) “I’m in an environment wherein, within closed doors or in a more public setting, I can share when I failed or when things didn’t go well and what I learned from it because that’s the culture. The culture is just like in a barre3 class. If you choose to do a move that doesn’t serve you and it’s giving you pain in your joints, maybe on all fours you’ve got a knee injury and you’re hurting your knee on all fours waiting on the floor, recognize, ‘Oh, this isn’t working for me. I’m going to modify it. I’m going to stand up and do this at the barre instead to honor that pain in my knee but still move my fitness forward.’ That’s a real metaphor for being a leader.” (41:46 | Sadie Lincoln) “I think even in a team setting, what’s even more powerful is to have respect and understanding for other people, where they are, and where their strengths are. That way, we’re not projecting onto other people and expecting everybody to operate the same way we do as individuals.” (44:20 | Sadie Lincoln) Links Connect with Sadie Lincoln: Website: https://barre3.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 9, 2024

“Psychological safety is the belief that you can speak up without fear of humiliation or punishment. It’s essentially an environment where candor is expected. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, and it’s not an environment free from negative feedback. It’s a learning environment, and it’s being misused,” says Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor at Harvard Business School. This week, Amy joins Alex Raymond to discuss how creating psychological safety within a team enables risk-taking, learning from mistakes, and driving entrepreneurial success. What does it mean to foster psychological safety? Amy introduces the idea of intelligent failures—those critical moments where mistakes become opportunities for learning, especially in new ventures. She clarifies that psychological safety isn’t about making everyone comfortable; it’s about promoting honest communication and openness. Leaders can cultivate this environment by modeling vulnerability and encouraging a problem-solving approach, shifting the focus away from blame. This episode also covers how to sustain psychological safety in remote work settings. Amy discusses the importance of structure and intentional engagement to keep teams connected. She shares practical advice on resilience, reminding us that failures should be seen as valuable lessons rather than personal defeats. Quotes “Part of the discipline of getting this right, of failing well, is to truly pause and appreciate what you are up against. Be realistic, even scientific about it… Failing well looks like being very thoughtful about the next risk you take and having good reason to believe it will pan out, which I think most entrepreneurs can identify with. Then, graciously acknowledging when that turns out to be wrong—that’s okay. That’s valuable new knowledge that you simply couldn’t have gotten any other way.” (04:38 | Amy Edmondson) “Psychological safety is the belief that you can speak up without fear of humiliation or punishment. It’s essentially an environment where candor is expected. It’s not comfortable, it’s not easy, and it’s not an environment free from negative feedback. It’s a learning environment, and it’s being misused.” (18:06 | Amy Edmondson) “You must connect with the very real truth that the failure of a company doesn’t make you a failure; it means you had a company that failed. That means you are wiser than you were right before that. That means you have a new, little bucket of knowledge that you lacked before. That’s a treasure—value it. Value it enough to, in fact, share it with others.” (39:02 | Amy Edmondson) Links Connect with Amy Edmondson: Website: https://amycedmondson.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Sep 2, 2024

"DEI is often seen as something off to the side—something we can easily discard because people still don’t always see its benefits,” says Ericka Hines, founder of Black Women Thriving. This week, she joins Alex Raymond to shed light on the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Drawing on over 14 years of experience, Ericka shares insights from her Black Women Thriving Report, which explores the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace and provides actionable recommendations for creating environments where they can truly flourish. Ericka emphasizes the need to move beyond traditional DEI training to foster genuine cultural change. She introduces the concept of thriving—a state of vitality and learning at work—as the ultimate goal once diversity and inclusion are achieved. A striking finding from her report is that 88% of Black women experience burnout, often due to a lack of personal time and negative workplace environments. Ericka advocates for organizational policies that prioritize well-being, such as implementing rest periods between meetings and discouraging after-hours emails. For entrepreneurs, Ericka advises embedding DEI principles into their businesses from the outset by tailoring them to their industry and integrating them into daily strategies and practices. She cautions against relying solely on unconscious bias training and stresses the importance of a comprehensive approach to building an inclusive culture. Ericka urges entrepreneurs to lead the charge in evolving workplaces to meet the expectations of millennials and Gen Z, who place a high value on diversity and inclusion. Quotes “There are definitions of DEI, and you should have a shared language about those. But what I’m saying is, if we understand that diversity means we want different perspectives, lived experiences, and identities, right? What does that mean in the context of the business or industry I’m in? What does that mean to us? Once you have those operational definitions, I think the strategies and knowledge you need will flow from that.” (27:35 | Ericka Hines) “As an entrepreneur, I think DEI work should become one of the pillars of your business. In doing so, you want to embed it across operations, how you hire, how you conduct performance reviews, and how you choose vendors.” (29:24 | Ericka Hines) "DEI is often seen as something off to the side—something we can easily discard because people still don’t always see its benefits.” (40:20 | Ericka Hines) “People who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, trans, gay—we’re not going away in the workplace. So, yes, it’s still a good time to do this. To me, it doesn’t make sense not to be doing this. And this really isn’t from a place of, ‘Oh, this is my business.’ It’s more like, look at who’s in your workplace. Why would you not try to make it a place that people want to work in?” (41:25 | Ericka Hines) Links Connect with Ericka Hines: Website: https://everylevelleads.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 26, 2024

“I worked for people who have achieved a lot but didn’t seem all that happy in life,” shares Jim Barnett, a seasoned CEO with leadership roles at Wisq, Glint, and LinkedIn. This realization sparked a 35-year journey into happiness and consciousness, leading Jim to explore meditation and conscious leadership. Introduced to meditation by a monk in Los Angeles, Jim’s daily practice has since become a cornerstone of his personal and professional life. Through YPO and transformative retreats, he deepened his commitment to conscious living, eventually partnering with Diana Chapman of the Conscious Leadership Group. Her teachings on the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership impacted his approach to leadership. Jim discusses how shifting from a stress-driven mindset to one focused on awareness and intentionality transformed not just his well-being but also the culture within his organizations. He also highlights the potential of AI to fill gaps in traditional HR, offering accessible coaching and support to managers and employees. For entrepreneurs, Jim emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture from the outset. His advice? Prioritize actions that reflect thoughtfulness, inclusion, and collaboration to create a workplace where happiness and success can thrive. Quotes “I’m so dedicated to helping people be happy and successful at work that I see this as a way of being of service to humanity, rather than trying to achieve a specific business outcome.” (17:33 | Jim Barnett) “I think the role of a manager is to be a guide for the team and the people on the team in all areas. The challenge is that a lot of managers don’t have the skill set required to be a good manager. Typically, what we do is find the highest performer, and that performer then becomes the manager.” (25:53 | Jim Barnett) “I would say one cheat code for approaching anything consciously is to approach it with curiosity. If you come from a place of “I’m right, they’re wrong,” that’s not likely to lead to the best outcome.” (32:48 | Jim Barnett) “Don’t just talk about culture. Let your actions show how important culture is. Dedicate yourself to creating a culture of thoughtfulness, inclusion, empowerment, responsibility, communication, and collaboration. Be very thoughtful and purposeful about it. I think it’s super important.” (42:51 | Jim Barnett) Links Connect with Jim Barnett: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-barnett-a5312/ Website: https://www.wisq.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 19, 2024

“Leadership isn’t about doing certain things; it’s about being a certain type of person,” says Ryan Gottfredson, a professor and consultant specializing in leadership development. In this episode, Ryan, the author of “Success Mindsets” and “The Elevated Leader,” sits down with Alex Raymond to explore vertical development—a powerful approach to growth that goes beyond just acquiring new skills. Ryan’s journey into this field started back in high school when a sports psychology class ignited his passion for personal development. That passion eventually led him to pursue a Ph.D. in organizational behavior and human resources, where he noticed a gap in traditional leadership research. Most studies focused on what leaders should do, rather than who they need to become. This insight redirected his work toward helping leaders and entrepreneurs focus on their way of being, not just their actions. The three stages of vertical development are key to understanding this approach: the first stage focuses on safety and comfort, the second on standing out and advancing, and the third on contributing to the greater good. How do we shift from a mindset of self-protection to one of value creation? Ryan explains that while most people operate at the first level, true transformation happens when we move beyond it, advancing to stages where the focus shifts to making a meaningful impact. Courage plays a critical role in this journey. Transitioning from one level to the next means letting go of certain needs and embracing new ones, which requires significant bravery. Ryan shares practical tips for entrepreneurs to start this transformation, like daily affirmations, journaling, and adopting growth-oriented mindsets. This episode offers a deep dive into vertical development, providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs who want to move from survival mode to making meaningful contributions. By focusing on who they are, and not just what they do, listeners will learn strategies to overcome challenges, unlock their potential, and achieve transformative growth in both their personal and professional lives. Quotes “Leadership isn’t about doing certain things; it’s about being a certain type of person.” (04:19 | Ryan Gottfredson) “It’s one that’s very rare for people to take, but as I mentioned, it’s transformational. This path is what we call vertical development. Vertical development isn’t about adding apps to our iPad; it’s about upgrading our internal operating system so that we think and strategize at a higher level than we currently do.” (09:13 | Ryan Gottfredson) “Our mindsets are the most foundational aspect of everything that we do. How we see our world shapes how we think, how we learn, and how we behave. And we all have mindsets, and they are all driving our unconscious thoughts and processes. Most people think that they have good mindsets, but most people actually don’t even know the quality of their mindsets.” (33:47 | Ryan Gottfredson) Links Connect with Ryan Gottfredson: Website: https://ryangottfredson.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 12, 2024

Traditional corporate hierarchies are being replaced by dynamic, self-managing organizations that embrace wholeness and evolutionary purpose, as explained by Frederic Laloux in this week’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur. Frederic, the author of Reinventing Organizations, joins Alex Raymond to mark the 10th anniversary of his influential book and discuss its impact on modern organizational management. With an MBA from INSEAD and a successful career at McKinsey, Frederic was well-acquainted with conventional business paradigms. However, personal experiences and a transformative coaching session led him to question traditional corporate structures. Influenced by Ken Wilber’s developmental theories, Frederic introduced a color-coded framework showing the evolution from rigid hierarchies to adaptive, purpose-driven “teal” organizations. Frederic outlines three key principles of teal organizations: self-management, wholeness, and evolutionary purpose. Self-management eliminates traditional hierarchies, replacing them with flexible systems where decision-making is distributed based on competence and interest. Wholeness encourages individuals to bring their full selves to work, fostering creativity and authenticity. Evolutionary purpose shifts focus from profit maximization to a mission that aligns with stakeholders’ values and aspirations. This episode offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and leaders on the future of work. Frederic’s perspectives provide a compelling vision of how businesses can evolve to meet modern complexities while creating humane and fulfilling work environments, urging entrepreneurs to embrace these innovative paradigms. Quotes “When we redesign the organization, we create a blueprint. It’s all of that engineering language because fundamentally we view an organization as a machine. This was a very successful model… But now we’re reaching the limits of that model. The world has become so much more complex, but we’re still trying to run it in that way with the good old pyramid structure.” (13:20 | Frederic Laloux) “If I was really honest with myself, behind closed doors with leaders, I had these amazing conversations... The structures were so unhealthy that, once I left, the same thing happened during sessions with executive committees. We would finally discuss the taboos, the power relations, the politics, the lack of trust, and everyone would feel relieved that these issues were being addressed. However, once I left the room, the same behaviors would resurface. What I realized was that it wasn’t a lack of capacity on their part. It was the system, the structures, and the pyramid—how we’ve set up things—that naturally pushed people to behave in those ways.” (26:01 | Frederic Laloux) “The term self-management is both great and frustrating. As soon as you mention it, people often imagine it means no structure, that everyone can do whatever they want, and that decision-making is done by consensus, requiring everyone’s input on every decision. But it’s actually the opposite of that.” (35:51 | Frederic Laloux) Links Connect with Frederic Laloux: Book: https://www.reinventingorganizations.com/ Video Series: https://thejourney.reinventingorganizations.com/ The Week: https://www.theweek.ooo/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Aug 5, 2024

Can startups truly innovate by partnering with corporate giants, or as Dr. Shameen Prashantham puts it, “dancing with gorillas”? In this episode, Dr. Prashantham, professor of International Business & Strategy at the China Europe International Business School, joins Alex Raymond to share his research on corporate-startup partnerships. They explore how these collaborations have evolved, emphasizing the shift towards equity-based models and the critical role of non-equity partnerships in fostering innovation. Dr. Prashantham stresses the importance of startups balancing optimism and caution when engaging with large companies. He advises focusing on core expertise and being strategic about revealing information to maintain leverage. Success stories like Techstars-backed Sphero’s partnership with Disney to create the BB-8 droid and Microsoft’s rise in the startup ecosystem illustrate the power of these collaborations. The episode also delves into the democratization of partnerships, highlighting sustainability and positive impact initiatives. Dr. Prashantham underscores the necessity of complex arrangements involving city governments, NGOs, and United Nations agencies to tackle societal challenges. He showcases how startups can drive meaningful outcomes through innovative solutions, leveraging their unique strengths to create a global positive impact. Quotes “Essentially, the insight was that you could bring together managers from big companies and entrepreneurs from startups to achieve something beyond what either could do on their own. Having studied many companies in different parts of the world and different industries, I realized that, knowingly or unknowingly, they were addressing what I call the paradox of asymmetry. On one hand, you have a potential win-win situation between these two different sets of companies, each having something the other lacks. Startups, for example, have agility, while big companies have scale.” (09:51 | Dr. Shameen Prashantham) “The big advantage of working with a large company is leveraging economies of scope to build partnerships across different units and regions. By being proactive and seeking introductions, startups can gain champions within the corporation. Many have benefited, but it’s crucial to keep future options open.” (27:54 | Dr. Shameen Prashantham) “For me, the idea that very different, asymmetric actors and nontraditional partners can come together is key. In terms of startups, particularly those leveraging digital technology, this is making a huge difference in many areas, helping people who are not privileged enough to have access to real-time information.” (39:26 | Dr. Shameen Prashantham) Links Connect with Dr. Shameen Prashantham: Book: https://www.gorillascandance.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 29, 2024

Courage means choosing growth despite uncertainty. How can entrepreneurs adopt this mindset? Joshua Steinfeldt, a renowned coach and host of “The Courageous Life” podcast, joins Alex Raymond to discuss the psychology of courage, fear, and personal growth. Joshua’s coaching journey began during the 2008 economic downturn when he noticed fear as a prevalent challenge. This led him to explore courage deeply, culminating in his master’s thesis on its four key components: choice, fear, risk, and a worthwhile goal. He emphasizes aligning actions with core values and regularly reassessing motivations to stay true to oneself. Joshua’s research highlights that effective coaching requires courage—honest feedback, self-awareness, and empathy are essential. He distinguishes coaching from therapy, noting that coaching focuses on future goals without diagnosing clinical issues. Entrepreneurs must clarify their goals and approach coaching with openness and vulnerability. Community and support are also crucial. Joshua debunks the lone hero myth, stressing the importance of feeling connected and supported. Alex reinforces this, sharing feedback from the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit about the desire for deeper connections. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to navigate their journeys with courage, authenticity, and community. Joshua Steinfeldt’s insights provide a clear roadmap for overcoming fear, staying aligned with values, and leading with bravery. Quotes “So often, living well, leading well, or doing what we really want to do in life requires some degree of risk. There might be fear around it, and often there’s a sense of courage, whether small or big. This is the centerpiece of what I tend to focus on.” (07:19 | Joshua Steinfeldt) “As entrepreneurs, we want to provide value for customers and clients. That’s such a natural thing… And I think, to work through some of that, being able to continually ask for feedback from a client, and to be able to receive it—to be able to hold that, take it in, and learn, ask questions to get better—I think there’s courage in that, as there is in leaders asking their team for honest feedback. And not shaming your team members, but really making it safe, and taking those learnings and putting them into action to get better, to grow.” (25:10 | Joshua Steinfeldt) “I think coaching is more about working. It’s a very collaborative process, working more to kind of help the client find their own answers in many ways.” (31:43 | Joshua Steinfeldt) “To be a leader right now is so hard. You have to be with uncertainty, which is so human, but people like control too. There has to be a part of you that’s willing to let go and be willing to go with it to some degree, like relaxing into uncertainty. I think that is the superpower of our time—being able to deepen and relax into uncertainty, to be with it. That takes courage because the natural response for so many people is to want to control it.” (36:49 | Joshua Steinfeldt) Links Connect with Joshua Steinfeldt: https://www.practicingcourage.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 22, 2024

“A bit of a puzzle around finding the right piece to fit and being willing to say no to the pieces that don’t—that was what got me excited about the M&A process,” says Brenda Jacobsen, the managing director of STS Capital Partners. “The last piece is just creating a win for all because there’s nothing worse than making someone who’s given up or agreed to sell you their life’s work and feeling like they were cheated out of what they feel it was worth,” she adds, emphasizing that transparency and realistic valuations are crucial to prevent either party from feeling shortchanged, thus fostering trust and successful outcomes in M&A deals. In this episode, Brenda joins Alex Raymond to explore the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. Brenda shares her extensive experience in M&A, stressing the importance of transparency, realistic valuations, and building strategic partnerships. She attributes much of her professional success to mindfulness and conscious leadership principles, which she learned from the Conscious Leadership Group. These principles have helped her navigate her career with resilience and responsibility. The episode touches on Brenda’s experiences in the healthcare sector, where she led acquisitions of physician-owned practices, highlighting the importance of trust and transparency in these deals. She advises entrepreneurs to prepare for exits by focusing on profitability, growth, and reducing dependency on the founder. She also shares insights on raising capital and the significance of a supportive community, such as the Young Presidents’ Organization. Join Alex and Brenda for practical advice and insights on navigating the complexities of M&A, grounded in mindful and conscious leadership principles. Quotes “I have a very high threshold for staying uncomfortable for as long as I need to in order to make decisions. As an entrepreneur and a leader in any company, but especially in earlier stage companies, that is incredibly valuable.” (06:10 | Brenda Jacobsen) “One of the things that makes M&A scary, both for companies being acquired and for companies acquiring, is that no matter what you’re buying, you are also buying this talented group of people that make that company work. You may not have plans for all of them to continue on in the new entity, but you need them for a certain amount of time, even if it’s just for the transition. By really thinking people first through that process, it doesn’t have to be hard. It just has to be intentional.” (23:02 | Brenda Jacobsen) “I think bringing in outside capital can feel like market validation, but I see it as giving away what you’ve invested blood, sweat, tears, and sleepless nights into, often at a valuation that’s not favorable to you in the future. I try to encourage people to think about using the proceeds from the business to reinvest and grow, even if that means the pace is slower, because then the upside is yours instead of someone else’s.” (42:57 | Brenda Jacobsen) Links Connect with Brenda Jacobsen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendajacobsen/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 15, 2024

“Should I stay or should I go? Every founder asks themselves this question at one point or another,” says Alex Raymond, as he tackles the often taboo topic of CEO succession and transition with Evgeny Shadchnev, author of “Startup CEO Succession: A Founder’s Guide to Leadership Transition.” Evgeny shares his experience of stepping down as CEO of Makers, a software developing bootcamp he led for seven years, and discusses a nine-step roadmap for succession planning. In this episode, Alex and Evgeny emphasize the importance of early and open conversations about succession, addressing fears, and the need for careful planning. Evgeny highlights the emotional challenges founders face, like burnout and loss of identity, and underscores the necessity of recognizing and managing these issues. He also explores post-transition pathways for founders and stresses the importance of supporting the new CEO without undermining them. Join Alex and Evgeny in this episode to gain valuable insights for strategic and thoughtful planning to support a smooth succession and successful transition. Quotes “What I find really, really meaningful on a personal level is making a difference in someone’s life on a personal level.” (12:20 | Evgeny Shadchnev) “One thing I learned since stepping down is that nearly every founder CEO considers it at some point. I was absolutely not an exception. Not everyone chooses to. But everyone asks themselves the question: ‘Am I the right person for the next stage of the journey as the job inevitably changes?’” (21:50 | Evgeny Shadchnev) “The job of a founder or CEO really changes over time. And the more the founder reflects on what’s going to come next year or in two years’ time, and the more alignment there is with the board, the higher the chances that a win-win, successful, smooth transition is going to be found.” (24:34 | Evgeny Shadchnev) “No one leaves their startup they’ve been running for 10 years full of energy. Nearly everyone needs time to rest and recover, slow down, and just get in touch with what it is that they need deep inside. It’s also important to reflect because founders often quite literally don’t see opportunities ahead of them… So taking time to slow down and rest and reflect on your career options can be invaluable because this moment is truly precious.” (32:02 | Evgeny Shadchnev) “CEO succession takes time. The more time you have, the higher the chances that you will have a good succession.” (37:48 | Evgeny Shadchnev) Links Connect with Evgeny Shadchnev: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadchnev/ Website: https://www.evgeny.coach/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 8, 2024

“A pivot really is a second chance,” says Jason Shen, author of “Path to Pivot.” In this episode, Alex Raymond talks with Jason about the critical decision-making process of whether to continue, pivot, or close a business. Shen emphasizes leveraging assets and insights to create a market advantage, highlighting the rarity and value of a well-executed pivot. Jason recounts his shift from writing about resilience to focusing on pivots, inspired by his experiences with his Y Combinator-backed companies, Ridejoy and Headlight. While Ridejoy’s pivot failed, Headlight’s pivot led to a successful exit to Facebook, forming the foundation of his book. The episode delves into the mental and emotional facets of pivoting, introducing Jason’s “Align, Explore, Commit” framework for systematic pivoting. Jason and Alex also discuss “shooting the zombie,” the tough call to pivot or close a business that can’t meet venture capital expectations. Insightful anecdotes and practical advice make this episode a valuable guide for entrepreneurs facing pivotal decisions with resilience and strategic thinking. Jason is offering listeners of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast a discount code for 50% off any version of The Path to Pivot ebook. Just head over to https://jasonshen.gumroad.com/l/path-to-pivot and use code CONSCIOUS to get 50% off. Quotes “If you’re at your wit’s end, if you really have no idea where to go, if the walls start to close in, then maybe a dramatic shift may be more important. And that’s where a pivot comes into play. A pivot is to say ‘What if we change the fundamentals of this business?’ Keeping some parts the same, maybe the team is the same, maybe the product is the same, maybe the market is the same, but you make some other dramatic shift. You go from selling it one time to a lower monthly fee. A business model change is still a pretty meaningful change.” (14:43 | Jason Shen) “A good pivot is always based on some kind of new insight. It involves learning something from the world that you’ve already been operating in that certainly gives you a leg up, an advantage, and that’s what you have. You’re able to shift your product, but position it for a new problem, position it for a new market, but sort of retain a lot of the experiences that you’d built, which is super important.” (22:12 | Jason Shen) “You have to have insights based on what you’ve developed as a business and assets that you’ve developed that can create some kind of advantage for you so that you can actually win in this market and sort of earn the right to keep playing this game. And the reality is, it takes time to build anything. It takes time to even make an attempt at anything. And so, a pivot really is a second chance.” (32:55 | Jason Shen) Links Connect with Jason Shen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshen/ Website: https://www.jasonshen.com/ The Path to Pivot: https://jasonshen.gumroad.com/l/path-to-pivot Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jul 1, 2024

“I like to think of life as a trilogy,” says keynote speaker and entrepreneur Keith Roberts. Along with mentor Ryan Avery, Keith set a Guinness World Record for the longest public speaking marathon by a team of two, promoting their co-authored historical novel, “The Eternal Flame: Ancient Wisdom for Today’s Modern Leader.” Keith joins The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to share insights from his 30-year practice in Buddhism, founding and selling his company Zenman, and participating in the global nonprofit Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and MIT’s Entrepreneur Masters Program. He discusses the power of gratitude in creating your ideal life, building effective habits, and the importance of writing down your goals to achieve them faster. Keith co-created the OAK journal, a 90-day journaling framework with prompts, visualization techniques, and mantras to help keep you on track. He shares his experience of letting go of his first company and the dangers of linking your identity to your business. Learn about the “sunk equity fallacy” and why practicing gratitude is more than just compiling a checklist. Join Keith and host Alex Raymond as they discuss thought leaders like Joe Dispenza and Ryan Holiday, and explore what’s next in Keith’s journey. Quotes “I had this epiphany that I was trading my time for money and it was a really bad deal.” (11:55 | Keith Roberts) “Writing things down, doubles the probability of accomplishing them.” (12:29 | Keith Roberts) “Aligning the frequency in what you’re putting out in the world—what vibrations, what you’re attracting, what you’re manifesting, that abundance vs scarcity mindset—you’re doing that every single day by your gratitude and then journaling positive thoughts. Like you mentioned, every day has a prompt, and it’s not ‘What’s frustrating you today?’ Every single one of them is intentionally positive to help you have that right mindset and vibrating at the frequency that’s going to attract your best life.” (15:41 | Keith Roberts) “If you repeat something you’re grateful for, you’re getting diminishing returns. The more specific you can be with your gratitude, the better the ROI is going to get as far as the neurotransmitters.” (17:39 | Keith Roberts) “I’d built it to the point where it became my identity, and when I was trying to come up with my personal ‘why?’ I kept framing it through the lens of this agency that had become my identity. And my ‘why’ is not selling more Frontier Airlines tickets or houses for RE/MAX or Bijou—which is this Chinese moonshine, the biggest-selling liquor in the world, we did a site for them so—it didn’t have anything to with what I had built and I had to get over this concept of ‘sunk equity.’”(35:10 | Keith Roberts) Links Connect with Keith Roberts: Website: https://keithrobertsiii.com/ OAK Journal: https://oakjournal.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 24, 2024

“Ultimately, I decided I actually owe it to myself to not be in the kind of leadership situation where I’m unable to follow my intuition,” says Cristina Poindexter about the valuable realizations she gained from co-founding Parable, a CPG start-up dedicated to brain health nutrition. She ultimately stepped away from her role as co-CEO just before the company’s dissolution. At the time of founding, the market was eager for supplements focused on brain health and cognition. Cristina, open about her own mental health journey, was enthusiastic about moving from the tech space to offering more tangible products. However, challenges with fundraising as a female, toxic power dynamics, and her own intuition made her realize it wasn’t the right fit. In today’s episode, Cristina talks to host Alex Raymond about what she would do differently, how the experience has helped her prioritize, and why she continues to support the next person in the brain health space. She shares the physical and psychological toll of fundraising meetings, a common issue she discovered when she shared her experience on LinkedIn that remains relatively unaddressed. Cristina explains why new entrepreneurs should adopt a community-based approach to their businesses, the pressure on females in the startup space to “boss up,” and the importance of following your intuition. Quotes “The advice I give entrepreneurs now that are entering this space is really start with a community-based approach that decreases your reliance on ads and more the direct response and logical way to go to market. Do illogical things that don’t scale at the beginning.” (15:00 | Cristina Poindexter) “There are many people out there who will resonate with your mission, brands and colleagues in the business space. That is actually something that is really powerful in the beginning for startups—to talk to the folks that have a similar mission, that aren’t competing with you and work together to help each other get your products out.” (16:31 | Cristina Poindexter) “That was this huge learning for me that ultimately, I decided I actually owe it to myself to not be in the kind of leadership situation where I’m unable to follow my intuition that way because I could tell that that’s actually what the company needed from me to actually close the race. It needed me to go off script, it needed me to be intuitive, and go about it in a way that I could sense my way into the field. And no one around me was really telling me that’s OK, that’s right.” (25:46 | Cristina Poindexter) “What I couldn’t help but notice was my life felt much more exciting and alive and healthy and exciting for me if I was not in the CEO position. And I will say, as a woman, we are taught, in the startup world, to boss up, don’t bend to the guys, stand our own, defend ourselves, lean in. To actually come to the decision that I actually didn’t want it was so hard because I knew what it would look like from the outside.” (43:00 | Cristina Poindexter) Links Connect with Cristina Poindexter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinapoindexter/ Website: https://www.cristina-poindexter.com/ The Power of Parable: https://cristinapoindexter.substack.com/p/the-power-of-parable Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 17, 2024

“There’s a sense that our value as men is tied to what we produce in the world, and that’s a dangerous mentality,” explains Jordan Holmes, founder of How Men Cry. Through gatherings, retreats, and speaking engagements, Jordan creates spaces for men to open up about their mental health struggles and the pressures of traditional masculinity—pressures that often prevent them from opening up elsewhere. Under the performance name “Dxtr Spits,” he uses music, poetry, spoken word, and storytelling to challenge his own narratives about manhood. Jordan explains that our narratives are shaped by social conditioning and childhood experiences, often becoming so ingrained that we mistake them for our true personalities. By embracing self-curiosity, vulnerability, and neuroplasticity, we can discover who we are beneath our trauma. He shares the three questions that spark the most passionate discussions and how he models the vulnerability he aims to inspire. “How Men Cry” goes beyond just shedding tears. In today’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, Jordan shares the story behind his organization’s name and the subtle yet significant difference between “how” and “why.” Quotes “There’s a lot of social programming and other things that have been delivered to men where we have—the sense I said before that our value is tied to what we produce within the world. And it’s such a dangerous mentality to be caught up in because then in the moments where you aren’t producing, or something that you produce fails, or the business doesn’t grow as much as you need it to within a certain amount of time, then that becomes something that’s taken on personally.” (5:25 | Jordan Holmes) “So many of the traumas and narratives that we deal with in general—how we learn to be in a relationship, how we learn to be in friendship, how we learn to communicate, our self-talk—so many things are rooted in our childhood experiences.” (7:03 | Jordan Holmes) “I’m not really talking about physical tears, quite often, I’m talking about all the different ways that men—or people, for that matter—can cry out from unprocessed pains and traumas. And from a lot of the material, like my writing and performance material, I was finding through-lines in narratives of my own pain and the ways that I was crying out without necessarily dropping physical tears.” (14:21 | Jordan Holmes) “Individuals don’t really learn their best when you try to force answers on them, anyway. Part of why I think so many of the male narratives in the world are not landing well is because we’re doing a lot of prescription of “This is how someone needs to be” or criticizing this part of somebody or all these other things that don’t really allow for the space for people to learn and grow safely.” (19:21 | Jordan Holmes) Links Connect with Jordan Holmes: LinkedIn: https://howmencry.com/ Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dxtr-holmes/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 10, 2024

“Be cautious about taking the leap (into entrepreneurship) because it’s very difficult to undo,” says Guy Rubin, founder & CEO of Ebsta, a pioneering company in the CRM and sales tech space. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, Guy shares refreshing advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: take your time. He emphasizes that many young founders are drawn to overnight success stories or feel the need to build rapidly. Instead, Guy advises finding your steepest learning curve, acting as an apprentice, and staying the least knowledgeable person in the room for as long as possible. Even when you think you’re ready to start a business, he suggests waiting a bit longer. The learning and planning phase is crucial because once you start, especially with external investments, it’s much harder to reverse course. For those who have already founded their businesses, Guy talks about the importance of seeking mentors and building a strong network. He believes that your team should see you as a confident leader while also feeling they can teach you something. Guy shares his experience guiding Ebsta through multiple pivots and transformations since 2012. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, Guy asserts that it’s still better than being someone’s employee or, worse, a wage slave. Tune in to today’s discussion to learn how to set yourself up for success. Quotes “Doing your apprenticeship years and keeping that learning curve as steep as you can, especially in your 20s, I think it sets you up really well to then go into be an entrepreneur and setting up your own business, perhaps in your 30s.” (4:33 | Guy Rubin) “I don’t think you are running your own business if you’re on your own. I think you need at least a business partner, or a group of individuals who can really help you. Because suddenly you become a lot more than the sum of the parts.” (9:32 | Guy Rubin) “I would encourage people to think about trying to be single purpose vehicles. Focus achieves greatness, and as soon as that focus is gone, it’s very, very easy to be distracted, and it’s very easy to not achieve. So, having that discipline to back a horse and then get 110% behind it is so important.” (34:15 | Guy Rubin) “It doesn’t matter how unsure you are, you need to show yourself as a strong, focused, driven leader. And leaders give definitive answers.” (35:43 | Guy Rubin) Links Connect with Guy Rubin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubinguy/ Website: https://www.ebsta.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jun 3, 2024

“If you can create a ‘win-a-thon,’ where everyone wins, then ultimately it’s good for business,” says James Colquhoun, the filmmaker behind such films as “Food Matters” and “Hungry for Change” which were groundbreaking explorations of the Big Food industry and its exploitation of our habits. “Food Matters” was born out of a mission to heal his ailing father through the power of nutrition, and resulted in his connecting with the needs and interests of a larger audience. On today’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, James talks about the importance of finding your personal mission and how to align with it in your business, and how entrepreneurs can serve the dual gods of service and profit. He discusses merging his successful streaming service with media company Gaia Inc., where he now acts as CEO, a transition that was made harmonious because both parties had a shared vision. He offers the five points of a successful workplace culture, the importance of emotional intelligence and resilience, especially in our modern world, and why companies are less like a family and more like a sports team. And what is the one thing all the most successful sports teams have in common? The answer might surprise you, but it demonstrates the importance of alignment, serving others and working from love. Quotes “I feel like a huge wave of consciousness around eating clean, looking after your body, this ‘wellness revolution,’ That was a huge trend and we just happened to be at the very beginning of it because we listened to an issue that was pertinent in our personal lives which became a macro issue that people connected with.” (8:14 | James Colquhoun) “I like to categorize life in three ways: you sleep—and let’s all hope you do that well—you have waking hours with yourself, family, loved ones, play, outdoors, whatever, and then you have mission. I don’t really call it work, I only ever call it mission. You want to align those as much as you can to your core purpose.” (24:09 | James Colquhoun) “In business, I have this philosophy that if you can create what I call a ‘win-a-thon,’ where everyone wins, then ultimately it’s good for business. So, if I think about the consumer, if I think about the filmmaker, if I think about the shareholders, the environment, if you can create a win at every level, they’re the unique areas of focus that I love to invest more in or focus more of my time on.” (28:49 | James Colquhoun) “We’ve become less emotionally resilient and less emotionally intelligent and I think when you’re working with teams you want people to be emotionally intelligent. People that can handle feedback, that can have an ego hit, that can take something and say, ‘OK. Wash it off. Next. Go.’” (35:49 | James Colquhun) Links Connect with James Colquhoun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-colquhoun-/ Website: https://www.gaia.com/ Website: https://www.foodmatters.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 27, 2024

“This is totally counterintuitive to what everybody says to do on Twitter, and to what most of these well-known entrepreneurial influencers tell you to do,” says Erik Severinghaus, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bloomfilter. That kind of toxic, hustle culture advice, the kind that tells you to “do more, and go faster,” at the expense of your mental, physical and emotional well-being is like “psychological meth” he says. Stories about a handful of unicorn entrepreneurs tend to leave out the many variables of success, causing the vast majority of us to internalize messages of failure. Instead, Erik offers hard-earned advice gleaned from his successes as well as failures. He talks to host Alex Raymond about the danger zone new entrepreneurs fall into when they experience quick success, the pitfalls of overconfidence, and the Dunning Kruger effect. An avid mountaineer, the literal life-saving lessons he learned while climbing Mt. Everest proved equally beneficial to business. He compiled them in his book “Scale Your Everest,” and he shares some of them here today. On this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur he’ll explain the four important elements to any entrepreneurial—and any human—journey—and how to learn to forgive yourself from past mistakes. Quotes “I felt like I needed to figure out how to distill all this stuff into something that was relevant to entrepreneurship. That was juxtaposed with my experience climbing Mt. Everest, where I realized that what got me to the top of the mountain, and so many of the lessons that my guides were telling me, really was very different than what I heard in the hustle culture of entrepreneurship.” (16:37 | Erik Severinghaus) “I realized that the water that we’re swimming in as entrepreneurs is so toxic, from the perspective of the advice that we get, from ‘Hustle harder,’ to ‘Who cares if your friends and family hate you?’ ‘The only path to enlightenment effectively is material success and adding an extra zero to your bank account.’” (17:35 | Erik Severinghaus) “If I took the same approach to entrepreneurship that I took to climbing the mountain, my odds of success would be lower and my odds of physical death would be much higher. And what I realized is if I took the mountaineering approach to entrepreneurship, then the odds of success go up and the odds of personal success, well-being [go up].” (19:48 | Erik Severinghaus) “It’s not about working hard, necessarily, it’s about making sure that expenditure of energy is efficient in terms of what I’m trying to achieve. I don’t get any special points for staying at the office until two a.m.” (33:11 | Erik Severinghaus) Links Connect with Erik Severinghaus: Website: https://www.severinghaus.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikseveringhaus/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 20, 2024

“It changed my business, it saved my marriage, I have five kids and I use this every day.” Today’s guest Alexandra Jamieson, known for co-creating the documentary Supersize Me, recalls the words a friend said to her that encouraged Alexandra to write the book which eventually became “Radical Alignment.” Co-authored with her husband, Bob Gower, it is based on Alexandra’s four-step “all-in” method for approaching any personal and professional conversation so that everyone feels seen, heard and understood. On today’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, she breaks down the method’s four parts—Intentions, Concerns, Boundaries, and Dreams, and why they are crucial to creating effective communication, strong leadership, reduced conflict and a sense of psychological safety in the workplace. We should all be reevaluating our values as often as possible, Alexandra says, as they change as often as the seasons. She shares stories of clients she’s worked with in her coaching practice who were brave enough to make major life changes by listening to and honoring their own needs and deepest desires. She talks about the dangers of hustle culture, the prominence of imposter syndrome and how to best address them both. Alexandra’s own life is full of rich and diverse experiences, and her website reads “don’t be defined by one box.” Join today’s discussion to hear more of her story. Quotes “We change as we age. Life changes us and we discover new things about ourselves as we go through life. Our values, while they’re not going to change drastically, one value may become more important in your 40s, 50s and 60s than it was in your 20s. So, how can you get comfortable with shifting your identity? You’re not necessarily changing everything about who you are, you can still have great relationships with people you always loved, but how can you become fully yourself through the years?” (8:15 | Alexandra Jamieson) “I’ve gotta say, having worked with a lot of serial and successful entrepreneurs over the years, I think the hustle culture values that we have seen a lot in the last 20 years, man—it’s killing us. Quite literally.” (11:01 | Alexandra Jamieson) “I was very averse to conflict, in my earlier life, didn’t like it, avoided tough conversations. And then I realized, I can’t proceed through life like this, this is not how a leader leads their own life, and it causes other problems.” (14:51 | Alexandra Jamieson) “You might not come to an answer at the end of this, but it helps get all the cards on the table so that you can build empathy, be connected and then realize where the hidden landmines might be for a big conversation.” (16:26 | Alexandra Jamieson) “‘Boundaries’ is the hardest for most people. Depending on your age, your gender, how you were raised, you might not be used to having boundaries or being asked about them, or being allowed. And in a work scenario, it may not feel safe to say, ‘Oh, I don’t work past five.’ Boundaries can be the most challenging to bring up in a personal or professional setting.” (21:28 | Alexandra Jamieson) Links Connect with Alexandra Jamieson: Website: https://www.alexandrajamieson.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 13, 2024

“It’s about helping individuals, through the power of community, unlock and achieve the greatness within themselves,” says Sam Jacobs, of Pavilion, a community and platform for people who are trying to accelerate and improve their sales career and their performance in sales. On today’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, Sam talks to host Alex Raymond about what happens when a group of likeminded people—and a concrete set of curricula—align and operate to make the world better. In a world that believes in growth at any cost, Pavilion believes—and teaches its business owners—that growth comes from aligning the sales marketing customer success and money is inextricable from delivering value. Pavilion has recently, after a rocky period, rediscovered its center. In a continued effort to be genuine and vulnerable, Sam admits to having made some professional and personal mistakes recently that may have been the downfall of a lesser group. But, as Sam explains, challenges, which we all face, are just opportunities to learn the big ongoing lessons of life. Throughout today’s conversation, Sam reveals the difficulties of living a public life, the message at the heart of his book “Kind People Finish First” and his five criteria for having an objectively good day. Quotes “Community was the thing that I discovered, or stumbled upon, that was one of the solutions to how I was encountering challenges and obstacles in my day to day work and I needed some way of stress-testing the solutions. I needed some way of avoiding common errors and common pitfalls. And that’s where community rose up.” (4:36 | Sam Jacobs) “When we’ve been our strongest, when we’ve been the brightest beacon, it’s because we’re confident—or I am confident, or the company or whatever—the company has a point of view, the company has a language, the company has a vocabulary. And when we’ve lost our way, which has happened over the last couple of years, it’s when we’ve been led by financial motivations or talking about the world in terms of features and product sets, not in terms of common values and common vision.” (8:34 | Sam Jacobs) “That’s why I say, ‘back in the crucible,’ because it’s been a journey to get back to the point where, ‘Don’t worry about what it’s worth, don’t worry about anything but making sure you’re alive, that you’re profitable so that you can be alive, so that you keep helping people and keep fixing things and keep making the foundation better so that you can continue to be of service.” (26:10 | Sam Jacobs) “The lesson that I’ve learned over the last couple of months is, everything that’s happening is perfect, it’s not just OK. And that this is an opportunity. Every test, every challenge is an opportunity to rise to the occasion.” (27:38 | Sam Jacobs) “You don’t know how somebody hears something, or when they need to hear it, or from whom they need to hear it. Even when you think, ‘God, who am I to say these things?’ Well, you’re somebody that might touch somebody and you might impact somebody in a positive way.” (31:09 | Sam Jacobs) Links Connect with Sam Jacobs: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samfjacobs/ Website: https://www.joinpavilion.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

May 6, 2024

“I’ve had multiple founders say ‘I cry on the bathroom floor before my weekly stand up,’ and that same founder was at an event doing the ‘rah-rah’ spiel.” Such is the nature of business-founding, says today’s guest Brad Baum: the personal and professional stress and sacrifice is hidden by the (albeit necessary) public-facing hustle culture, which, in turn, creates yet another element of pressure. As common as mental health struggles are among entrepreneurs, they remain, nonetheless stigmatized. Brad is seeking to change that with the Founder Mental Health Pledge, which he founded and co-created to support founders’ mental health and promote a culture of mental health in the startup community. Signing the pledge—which many industry leaders already have in the short period of time since its founding—means promising to treat the direct cost of caring for founders’ mental health as a legitimate business expense and puts mental health as a priority. Brad talks to host Alex Raymond about the ability of such a pledge to build a bridge between the historically distant relationship between founder and investor, and the founders and VCs reporting that the pledge helped them win deals. They also discuss the changing attitudes toward mental health among Gen Z and on social media. The overwhelming consensus from the startup world has been one of compassion and a desire to help. Join today’s discussion to learn more about how the Mental Health Pledge is doing its part to change the way we treat founders and their well-being. Quotes “On the periphery, founders are sort of forced to run around to the Forbes Under 30 Summit and all these conferences and in board meetings and when they’re fundraising, everything’s ‘Up and to the right. We’re crushing it, man! Hustle-hustle, Grind,’ eighty-hour weeks, that whole spiel. And it’s not that that’s not true sometimes, it’s that, I think, the bulk of the time, you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off, trying to figure out what to do next, you don’t have guidance, and it’s a struggle.” (4:55 | Brad Baum) “We think the right signal to send is: treat mental health the same way you would treat accounting, legal, etc.— all these other expenses.” (12:59 | Brad Baum) “It’s been incredible to see—the ‘community’ word gets played out—but it’s more like this recognition of both the problem but then also recognition of the opportunity to change it.” (25:29 | Brad Baum) “There’s a social—not a moment in time, not fad—but a complete societal shift in how we think about our mental health, especially propagated by the rising generations and social media, where it’s no longer—actually, I can’t say it’s no longer—we’re getting to a place where it will no longer be, ‘Hey, I’m struggling. Hey, I think I might have anxiety or bipolar or depression.’ You go on TikTok these days, people 18 to 25 talk about it without batting an eye.” (26:13 | Brad Baum) “We’re not saying go to your investor and say, ‘Sit down, I need to tell you about all my anxiety and depression.’ We’re saying that conversation does not even need to happen because they’ve signed a pledge and/or have the clause…You should feel empowered to just go out and do it. No one needs to know if you don’t want them to. I think you’d be surprised with how much people can empathize and sympathize if you do, but that’s your prerogative.” (33:28 | Brad Baum) Links Connect with Brad Baum: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baumbrad/ Website: https://www.founderpledge.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 29, 2024

“The biggest mistake people make is that they’re not themselves,” says today’s guest authenticity expert Erin Weed. Using a process she created called “The Dig,” Erin helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders discover and cultivate their most authentic selves in order to most effectively communicate with their audiences. Through a series of questions, she helps her clients discover their message on both the macro and micro levels, the ‘why’ behind the ‘how,’ so that they can clearly, confidently and concisely deliver their singular message to the world in a way that makes audiences sit up, listen, engage and trust. On today’s episode of Conscious Entrepreneur, Erin talks to host Alex Raymond about getting to the head/heart core and the biggest mistakes most leaders make with their messaging. Drawing from her own experience in founding a personal safety and self-defense company Girls Fight Back, she’ll share how you can get started on your own process of discovering your true self and the unique story you have to share with the world. People are craving human connection beyond the facts and figures. We all have three core truths running within us at the same time, Erin says. She reveals what these truths are, what they mean, and how to plug into all three to begin expressing your fullest, most honest and most genuine self. The journey to the core isn’t an easy one, but where entrepreneurs lead, the rest of the world tends to follow. Quotes “Things started to shift over time, where audiences started appreciating the polish and the perfect less and they started craving the authenticity and the realness more.” (3:41 | Erin Weed) “I just think it’s our responsibility to be communicating our truth. It’s not up to other people to be mind readers or heart readers or gut readers. We have to, as conscious leaders, one of the things that I feel really passionate about is encouraging conscious leaders and entrepreneurs to be the ones to go first. To be willing to go into maybe the more uncomfortable of the three dimensions of your truth.” (9:32 | Erin Weed) “There are all these different bypasses to get to the truth, based on how a person is wired and what’s important to them.” (14:04 | Erin Weed) “I realized I would create the best talks of my life when I was simply telling a story, and then finding the bigger meaning in the story so that everyone else in the room could get something from what I just shared.” (16:16 | Erin Weed) “A lot of people don’t like their dig words because it’s your biggest life lesson, it is your path, and sometimes we can be very resentful of what we’ve been dealt. But I’d like to believe, on some spiritual level, that we picked it for ourselves for a very big reason.” (28:28 | Erin Weed) “One of the things that holds conscious entrepreneurs back is we do not know or accept the fact of how unique, special and needed our voices are.” (32:49 | Erin Weed) Links Connect with Erin Weed: Website: https://www.erinweed.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 22, 2024

“It can be difficult for people to know who they can speak to about it,” says Amy Lewin, of entrepreneurs who are unhappy in their own companies. Amy is the Editor at Sifted, a media platform focused on Europe’s startup ecosystem and she joins The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to discuss a survey Sifted recently posed to a number of entrepreneurs, the vast majority of whom reported experiencing poor mental health, high stress and even a strong desire to leave their businesses within the coming year. Though these figures may seem alarming, they merely shed light on common struggles and pressures felt by entrepreneurs which are so often swept under the rug for fear of looking weak or needing to maintain an ultra positive mindset in order to see their businesses succeed. On today’s episode Amy will reveal more of the survey’s findings as well as what venture capitalists (VCs) can do to support entrepreneurs, in whom they, after all, have a vested interest. The survey highlights the importance of a community in an entrepreneur’s life. Family and friends share the entrepreneur’s burden, while simultaneously being unable to relate. Professional networks of like-minded contemporaries can go a long way toward making isolated individuals feel heard and connected, as well as ease the mental health stigma. Today, Amy shares the common regret shared among most entrepreneurs and why quitting might be the best thing they could do for their careers. Quotes “It was just a real sign of the personal toll—and not just even on the founders, but on their family, on their friends, on their colleagues—just another reminder that building startups is really tough.” (4:48 | Amy Lewin) “Whenever we publish stories about that personal side of company building at Sifted, we get the most amazing response. People love knowing that they’re not the only ones. And I think sometimes, startup culture is so much that you’ve got to be optimistic. You’ve got to believe that your company can be the one in 100 that’s going to really make it. You hear from so many people that your idea is never going to work and you have to believe in it yourself and I think when times are really hard it can be difficult for people to know who they can speak to about it.” (6:27 | Amy Lewin) “That attitude that’s going to be out there from some corners that if you are struggling in any way then you are weak and that you’re not in it for the long term, which I obviously don’t believe, but is obviously what some people still think.” (13:04 | Amy Lewin) “Encourage founders to go on holiday. Encourage them to have a personal life. These things are important. We all need to recharge our batteries and ‘visionaries do,’ too. There’s that famous saying that comes from the VC world: “I’ve never seen a company go bust because the founder took a week off, but I have seen plenty of companies go bust because the founder didn’t.’” (18:26 | Amy Lewin and Alex Raymond) Links Connect with Amy Lewin: https://sifted.eu/articles/founder-mental-health-2024 Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 15, 2024

“Getting better at business and growing as a person are very dovetailed together. They’ve been very mutually beneficial.” Entrepreneur Matthew Bellows’ career is proof that professional and personal success work in tandem. Recognizing time as a person’s most precious commodity, he was drawn to entrepreneurship as a means of gaining asymmetric returns on that time. He was moved to co-found Bodeswell, a company which invented self-service financial planning software, after sorting through his late father’s estate and becoming frustrated with the state of the financial planning space. Matthew joins The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to discuss what he’s learned throughout his evolution from founder and CEO of WGR Media, to CEO and later Executive Chairman at Yesware, and now a General Partner at Grit Capital. He’ll explain what it was like to cede his CEO position at Yesware, and what it taught him about the true mission of business. He’ll share what it was like to have American Express acquire Bodeswell, and the best way other entrepreneurs can prepare their companies for a similar acquisition. Learn what the biggest mistakes and assumptions are that most entrepreneurs make and what they can be doing differently. Throughout his career, Matthew has maintained a seated meditation practice. Now a meditation teacher, he reveals on today’s episode how this practice has profoundly impacted both his professional and personal life. Quotes “I needed to find some activity, professional activity, that would have potential for asymmetric returns on my time. In other words, just working for what amounts to an hourly wage, even if it’s a very good hourly wage, it has linear returns on your time, and your time is the only thing you’ve actually got in your life. So, what would be the things that I could do that would potentially break that linear curve into an exponential curve.” (4:31 | Matthew Bellows) “Sitting meditation for me provided a foundation to weather the storms that came. The storms absolutely came; there was no dodging the difficulties of going through that kind of process. But at least I felt like, for the most part, I had a ground and when I lost my ground, when I lost my foundation, I had a place to come back to.” (14:07 | Matthew Bellows) “It was very difficult to let go and to turn over the reins, in a sense. But at the end of the day, you’re not building a company for yourself. This is not a personal aggrandizement project, this is not something that is for any one person or any one investor. You’re building a company to serve customers and in order to serve customers your company needs to keep growing.” (22:26 | Matthew Bellows) “The combination of getting better at business and growing as a person, I think, are very dovetailed together. They’ve been very mutually beneficial.” (35:36 | Matthew Bellows) “You need to be prepared—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and financially— to wander in the desert for a year or two years, just trying to figure out, ‘Is this even a thing?’ So many people think, ‘I’m going to go and it’s going to just click,’ or they think, ‘Oh my God, I need to raise outside capital, and then I can figure out if this is a thing.” Neither of those two paths are optimal.” (37:59 | Matthew Bellows) Links Connect with Matthew Bellows: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbellows/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 8, 2024

Most people, explains today’s guest Finnian Kelly, pursue outcomes—like success in business or making a certain amount of money—in hopes of creating a resulting feeling. In fact, Finnian, a former wealth manager and now a leading intentionality coach, explains that through breathwork and by tapping into the Universal Intelligence to whom we all have access, that the feeling produces the outcome, and with much more ease. Drawing from his forthcoming book “Intentionality: A Groundbreaking Guide to Breath, Consciousness and Radical Self-Transformation,” Finnian offers powerful antidotes to the social conditioning we commonly experience, to help bring us closer to the things we truly want. He’ll explain the five key principles of intentionality, as well as how to develop an expansive mindset. Learn why breath is the bridge between the conscious and the subconscious and why repetition is the key to re-coding that subconscious. Too many people, particularly entrepreneurs, make the mistake of thinking that success has to be hard. Instead, Finnian offers an approach to tap into the unlimited energy that’s available to all of us once we remove the limiting beliefs and old stories holding us back. Quotes “I thought that when I received all this I’d suddenly feel whole and happy and really fulfilled and peaceful, but instead the opposite happened. So, I had to go through the typical hero’s story of dismantling everything to discover what really matters to me.” (6:46 | Finnian Kelly) “We are born with everything we need to build the life we’re searching for. And when I mention that, it really comes down to our breath, which is something we all have, and access to the Universal Mind which is this field of energy that all intelligence comes from. And I really want people to focus on this because a lot of people have a bit of a victim mindset, and it’s true, there is a lot of inequality in the world. But the one equalizer is that we all have access to these two things.” (9:29 | Finnian Kelly) “What is bad? It’s a story? There’s no such thing as bad or good. It’s all our perspective.” (15:34 | Finnian Kelly) “Most people focus on the outcome, hoping it will give them a feeling, but if you have the feeling, it means you have to have the outcome. It just hasn’t materialized into the 3D, material realm yet.” (26:38 | Finnian Kelly) “Military organizations, sport organizations have been using this for a really long time but for some reason we don’t think it applies in the entrepreneurial world. We think, ‘No, business, it has to be hard work.’ And I’m telling you, there’s an easier way. Now, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to do work. You still have to do the activity, but it’s coming from a different place. It’s an intuitive place.” (27:56 | Finnian Kelly) Links Connect with Finnian Kelly: Website: https://www.finniankelly.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Apr 1, 2024

“Disseminate spiritual wisdom.” This is a message Tami Simon heard loud and clear when she was just 21 and unsure of what she wanted to do and how she wanted to invest the sum of money she had inherited from her father. It remains her life’s purpose and the driving mission at the heart of Sounds True, the multimedia publishing company she founded. Sounds True focuses on promoting spirituality, psychology, health and healing. She joins the Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to discuss the importance of being true to yourself, following your intuition, and why putting love ahead of money most often leads to money anyway. She compares founding and running a business to being in a long term relationship and, having recently passed on the CEO baton, what it feels like to let go. Just as important as being yourself is allowing others to be themselves. One of the key components of the Inner MBA, which Sounds True puts on with LinkedIn and the annual Wisdom 2.0 conference, is learning how to make space for people who have different views from your own, learning to communicate and collaborate in order to achieve the best outcome for all. Creating such a culture within a corporation inevitably impacts the world at large. Though she’s prone to a metaphor and a poetic line, Tami is committed to telling the truth, as it is one of the core principles, she says, of a spiritual entrepreneur. Join today’s discussion to hear more of Tami’s insights and initiatives which were well ahead of their time, and now, more timely than ever. Quotes “For me it feels like a sacred contract, that’s one term that might shake people a bit. Or it feels like a promise that I made before I incarnated. It has that level of heft to it, in terms of how I experience it inside myself, as my purpose in life. And I’m very inspired by it. I continue to be inspired by it, it’s taken a lot of different forms over the years, and quite honestly it’s a little mysterious even to me.” (6:37 | Tami Simon) “The interesting thing is, I tracked over time—every single love project ended up being financially successful. Every single one. And I think that part of it is if I loved it, it was for a reason. And maybe it hadn’t had the level of exposure yet, or whatever, but there was something very genuine there that was drawing me in.” (13:18 | Tami Simon) “Let die what needs to die so what can be born can be born.” (22:14 | Tami Simon) “Be someone who says, ‘I take responsibility for the culture that we are creating together here. Here are my ideas. Be a vocal participant. And if we can invite and create organizations that encourage and welcome and inspire citizenship, we’ll find people acting like citizens in the world. And this is a connection that organizations can actually foster, the same kind of citizenship we want to see in our communities.” (38:49 | Tami Simon) “If you don’t do it, people aren’t going to go to bat the next time. They’re not going to stand up and raise their hands if you just say, ’No, we’re going to make the economic decision, or what the professionals say.” (40:25 | Tami Simon) “Spiritual integrity, as a person, is non-negotiable. It’s non-negotiable. How much money I make is negotiable.” (41:54 | Tami Simon) Links Connect with Tami Simon: https://innermba.soundstrue.com/ https://www.soundstrue.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 25, 2024

“Going whichever way the wind blows, depending on what other people want, that’s driftwood in the ocean,” explains Dr. Neha Sangwan, CEO and Founder of Intuitive Intelligence Inc. and author of “Powered By Me.” “When I know who I am and make decisions based on my highest values, I become a sailboat with a rudder, charting my own course.” From an early age, Dr. Neha fulfilled her family’s needs and desires, leading her to become an internal medicine physician, a mechanical engineer at Motorola, as well as completely burnt out by age 31. On today’s episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, Neha talks to host Alex Raymond about the triad that comprises burnout, its alarm systems, and how to determine whether it’s acute or chronic. Part of serving both ourselves and others in a “me-we world,” as Dr. Neha describes it, is strengthening the bond with those around you through healthy conflict and communication. Drawing from her book “Talk RX,” she provides scenarios and techniques for taking in data from others’ reactions as well as from your own, how not to personalize or assume the worst. When difficult conversations arise, she says, get curious, not furious. The world is suffering silently from burnout and self-care culture isn’t cutting it. Join today’s conversation to hear Dr. Neha talk about the power of vulnerability in the workplace and why failure can be our greatest strength. Quotes “By 31, I had learned to push through my body, not partner with it. I was the master of knowing what the world wanted from me, and not knowing at all what the sound of my own heart was. I had surpassed my emotions, I had stopped communicating, because who needed to hear what I had to say, I just needed to know what you wanted from me.” (6:46 | Dr. Neha Sangwan) “What I think the world needs now more than ever, is us not only understanding who we are and picking up signals for ourselves, but when we miss them—because we have the passion of an entrepreneur, because we have the love of a doctor to serve—but the people around us, we are connected enough to them that we can trust them to say, ‘Hey, Neha, is everything OK?’” (8:17 | Neha Sangwan) “One thing I know, being an entrepreneur for about, I don’t know, 15 or 16 years now, is that I’ve gone to zero twice in this endeavor, and people say, ‘Oh, my God. Doesn’t that scare you? Isn’t that awful?’ And I say, ‘No. Now if I ever go to zero again, I know I have the confidence to rebuild. That needed to happen. It was necessary. It wasn’t a failure. It’s probably my greatest strength. It’s probably the reason I have conviction in my voice.” (41:35 | Dr. Neha Sangwan) “You can’t predict the world but that’s why we’re entrepreneurs, because we’re willing to go in the rough terrain, and we’re willing to figure it out. That’s our greatest gift.” (42:34 | Dr. Neha Sangwan) Links Connect with Neha Sangwan: https://intuitiveintelligenceinc.com/burnout-rx/ https://intuitiveintelligenceinc.com/ifive/ https://nehasangwan.com/events/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 18, 2024

“We know the anti-aging message, which is a lot of things get worse with age, and I really wanted to focus on what gets better with age and why,” says Chip Conley founder of the Modern Elder Academy and author of several books about the benefits of aging including “Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age.” There is a U-curve to aging and happiness hits a low at about age 47. After that, happiness increases. We begin to change our mindset from being concerned with what it says on our resume, money or status to leaving a legacy. Short term memory gets weaker while wisdom and Emotional Intelligence expand. Chip reveals major misconceptions about aging, the most crucial component to a healthy life in your 80s and 90s—and it isn’t diet, exercise or stress management—and why men tend to struggle more than women. Like many successful entrepreneurs, Chip realized around the age of 50 that he had wisdom he wanted to share and found himself as a “men-tern” (a combination of mentor and intern) at AirBnB. There he learned the imposter syndrome is overcome by developing explorer syndrome, the importance of trading a fixed mindset to a growth mindset and what mentors can learn from mentees. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, you will learn that your greatest years may just be ahead of you and that what once was considered a midlife crisis, is actually a midlife chrysalis. Quotes “The societal narrative on aging is ‘Just don’t do it,’ and once you hit your mid-life crisis around 45 or 50, it’s all downhill from there. But that’s the societal narrative. The personal narrative, based upon this research, is, actually, people get happier after 50.” (5:33 | Chip Conley) “One of the things we get wrong is that we think our body is the only playing field of life.” (7:53 | Chip Conley) “There are a lot of tech bros in Silicon Valley trying to help us live forever but they tend to be extremely focused on the scientific, physical side of longevity, and not the socio-emotional side of longevity which frankly, at this point, has a greater impact.” (12:54 | Chip Conley) “Believing you can learn, this is a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset has this belief that you have a fixed amount of knowledge, or a fixed amount of capacity or skill and you’re supposed to optimize it, and you want to prove yourself and you want to win. A growth mindset is less focused on proving yourself and more focused on improving yourself. It’s not about winning, it’s about learning.” (30:46 | Chip Conley) Links Connect with Chip Conley: Website: https://www.meawisdom.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 11, 2024

Eleanor Allen joins The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast to discuss the power of business to act as a force for good. It’s a culture, she says, that is formed from the top. Following her passion for environmentalism and entrepreneurship, she worked as CEO of clean water charity Water for People and while there, she attended an inner development program run by a non-profit out of Paris called the Well-Being Project. There, while gaining tools and learning skills to help prevent the pitfalls frequently experienced by those in the social impact space—high rates of burnout, divorce, and depression—she also learned to be vulnerable, unlock her heart and to deal with her biggest fears, worries and impediments. Believing similar strategies would make CEOs better and more aligned with their missions, she founded Catapult for Change, a public benefit corporation (PBC) where, through her coaching and consulting services, she helps entrepreneurs launch new ideas that are grounded in well-being. After Water for People, Eleanor worked as a lead executive for B Lab, a global nonprofit which works to transform the economy so that it benefits all people, communities, and the planet. She explains what it takes for for-profit corporations to become B Corps—certified by B Lab to meet vigorous standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. She explains the difference between working under a shareholder’s mindset versus a stakeholder’s mindset, and balancing a mission with the ever-present need to make a profit. She and host Alex Raymond discuss her plans for a future of conscious capitalism in which all businesses run as B Corps. They also discuss the issue of corporate greenwashing and the importance of diversity in the workplace. Quotes “I did have a very strong belief, and still do, of ‘Don’t stay too long in the seat.’ When you have a top job, don’t get too comfortable. And I had gotten to the point where I was super comfortable.” (6:56 | Eleanor Allen) “I truly believe, and this has a lot to do with my own personal journey—that unlocking the full potential of leaders, of their teams and then of the greater organization, can really bring out the best in people and help them prepare for their future success.” (10:28 | Eleanor Allen) “If you have a good, diverse mix of people with diversity of thought, diversity of experience, and diversity of where they are in the world, you’re going to get a stronger mix of ideas and almost certainly, better outcomes.” (31:40 | Eleanor Allen) “It is about organizational culture change, but we know it needs the tone at the top and the leadership to do these microshift and change their practices so that changes ripple through the organization.” (38:50 | Eleanor Allen) Links Connect with Eleanor Allen: Website: https://catapultforchange.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-allen/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Mar 4, 2024

“Entrepreneurs are in a very small category in this world, and as such, it might seem like you’re kind of nutty sometimes in your own head and that people don’t get you except for your peers.” Join us on The Conscious Entrepreneur as Rob Dube, co-founder of The 10 Disciplines, delves into the key insights of his latest book, “Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom,” co-authored with Gino Wickman. This episode explores how entrepreneurs can achieve genuine freedom by embracing self-discovery and creating the life they've always wanted. Rob emphasizes that entrepreneurs are unique, driven individuals who possess the power to change the world with their ideas and resilience. Yet, this drive often has its roots in past traumas, leading to challenges such as difficulty relaxing, delegating, and connecting with non-entrepreneurs. Despite these obstacles, Rob argues that the solution isn't to suppress this drive but to channel it more effectively through self-awareness. “Shine” encourages entrepreneurs to reflect on their motivations, whether they stem from love or ego, and offers a framework for using this awareness to make better decisions and align closer with their true desires. Rob assures listeners that true success and peace come from authenticity and self-understanding, leading to a life where one can operate at their highest potential. Tune in to discover how to navigate the journey of self-discovery, redefine success, and unlock your true potential as an entrepreneur. Quotes “Isn’t it funny, but not funny, how things just come together in life when you allow yourself to let go and follow what’s on the inside.” (4:31 | Rob Dube) “When we say ‘maximize your energy,’ we’re talking about vibrating high, every single day.” (28:02 | Rob Dube) “The resilience–when you keep getting knocked down over and over again–the resilience we have is unbelievable. Except for a momentary blip where we doubt ourselves, but then we just get right back up. It’s a super power.” (30: 21 | Rob Dube) “For me, I had these traumatic experiences, as I mentioned at the outset. So, what did I want to do? I wanted to control my life. How can I control my life in business? If I go get a job, I can’t control that. So, I decided being an entrepreneur was the way I was going to control things, even though I later found out I can’t control anything. But you think you can because you’re self-employed. I’m going to make my own way.” (32:32 | Rob Dube) “Your true self is the real you. It’s the most authentic version of who you are. It’s unshaped by societal expectations, professional roles or social masks. It’s the core identity that remains constant beneath the various hats that you wear in different areas of your life and it’s typically buried behind your ego, your personality and the suit of armor that you’ve developed over your lifetime, often due to some kind of pain, trauma, conditioning, imprints, things of that nature.” (40:56 | Rob Dube ) “One of the things that entrepreneurs fear is that driven nature that they have and that in some way they think that if they let go of that edge, for peace, they won’t be as they hoped. And what we’re saying is, you’re not going to have to let go of the driven nature, you’re actually going to use it better.” (47:26 | Rob Dube) Links Connect with Rob Dube: Book: https://the10disciplines.com/shine/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 26, 2024

“I really had to face off with myself,” says Dom Farnan, founder of DotConnect, about the courage, humility and work it took to admit that since 2019, when she transitioned from a solopreneur to leading a team of nearly 100 people, she had been acting as a toxic boss. She was controlling, deep in her ego, and helped foster a culture of drama and gossip. In 2020, however, after hiring a coach, attending the MasterMind personal growth summit, and reading books such as “The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership,” she began to create a conscious culture with her team, a “Dot 2.0,” as she calls it. And she chronicled the whole journey in a book entitled “Now Here: A Journey from Toxic Boss to Conscious Connector.” On this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, Dom explains how she dealt with the skepticism and eye rolling she received from certain team members when she explained the new direction in which she’d be taking the company. She discusses which of the 15 commitments she uses most often in her daily practice, the therapeutic modalities she incorporates into meetings and the deep digging she did to find the source of her toxicity. As Alex notes, of all the resources available to entrepreneurs, bosses, and CEOs, there are few that deal with the inner feelings involved with those positions. Dom describes the burnout that led her to create a team in the first place as well as her struggles with imposter syndrome and how she leaned on fellow women entrepreneurs when male counterparts rattled her confidence. Led by DotConnect’s Vivid Vision mission statement, Dom and her team are continuing to co-create a more conscious working environment. Quotes “I was really scared. I thought my clients wouldn’t want to still work with people who were not me. I was really big in my ego, ‘Oh, they’ll only work with me.’ Well, it turns out that they would work with my team, whoever I endorsed to bring in.” (5:20 | Dom Farnan) “I didn’t know that I was toxic, I wouldn’t have called myself that. That wasn’t a term that was even on my radar. But how that showed up in my company was there was drama, there was gossip, there was probably a sense of insecurity from the team. I was super emotionally reactive. I was a perfectionist and so if things didn’t go exactly perfect, my way, I would lose my mind over the small details and very much controlling of everything.” (9:54 | Dom Farnan) “I just really had to unlearn everything that I thought I knew, so it’s been an unbecoming-who-I-thought-I-was process, and now a kind of putting-myself-back-together process.” (10:58 | Dom Farnan) “I put that out into the world and I shared it with the team, and some people were excited and some people left. They just weren’t aligned and didn’t want to support the vision, which was totally acceptable. That’s exactly, actually, what I wanted to happen. I wanted it to weed out anybody who wasn’t game for it.” (22:02 | Dom Farnan) Links Connect with Dom Farnan: Website: https://www.domfarnan.com/ Vivid Vision: https://dotconnectllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/VIVID-VISION-X-DC-1-1.pdf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-farnan/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 19, 2024

“It’s not just outside in nature, it’s out of your comfort zone and outside of corporate norms, and doing things a little bit differently.” Shortly after moving to Boulder, CO, Bart Foster, founder and CEO of BusinessOutside, took a meeting with a fellow entrepreneur. Instead of meeting for lunch or coffee, they went for a walk. Hiking in nature, Bart found, imbued him with a sense of creativity, vulnerability, renewed energy and wellbeing, and allowed him to open up to his colleague about a recent professional trauma. Soon he began rethinking traditional workplace settings and culture, and how we can cut through mindless small talk and ask questions that “go deeper, faster” and generate more genuine and productive business relationships. Motion, he says, causes emotion. After all, time is precious. He explains how he used the “zip code strategy,” taught by Jim Sharpe of Harvard Business School to move his family from Atlanta to Boulder. Picking out where you want to live first, and figuring out the rest later is part of Bart’s goal to minimize regret. Bart’s story is one of personal growth, creativity, and self-discovery in entrepreneurship. He walks listeners through some questions they can ask themselves to determine their personal value set, outside of the values assigned by society, and how to create what he calls “a gratitude loop.” Quotes “I realized when I’m outside, I’m more creative, I’m more authentic, I’m more innovative. I feel happier, I feel more alive, I feel more energetic.” (4:12 | Bart Foster) “What I learned is if I can go deeper, quicker, it gives other people the permission.”(10:09 | Bart Foster) “It’s lonely. We often feel that we have to put up this mask, this veneer, ‘I’m raising capital,” and all these things. It’s hard. It’s really, really hard to be an entrepreneur and it’s lonely,” (11:50 | Bart Foster) “I got people to be vulnerable. I got them outside, we walked and all of a sudden, you could just feel it, the energy was different. And that just put me on this journey of, ‘Hey, I wonder if there’s a different way to do business?’” (23:40 | Bart Foster) “It’s not just outside in nature, it’s out of your comfort zone and outside of corporate norms, and doing things a little bit differently.” (24:52 | Bart Foster) “Health, money and time. How do we calibrate to maximize our life energy? That’s what I’m trying to do.” (33:40 | Bart Foster) “Shared experiences, not advice. We say to have empathy, not to judge. You want to have no judgment and just say, ‘Hey, this is what happened to me, here’s how I handled it.’ And then you get to make the decision.” (39:34 | Bart Foster) Links Connect with Bart Foster: Website: https://www.businessoutside.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fosterbart/ Connection Questions: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/658f0890ea656379d1a749a6/t/659db7683bf81b506ddc4a06/1704834920419/BusinessOutside+Connection+Questions.pdf Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 12, 2024

“The real source of why I’m starting this company is actually deep love–deep love for myself, deep love and a desire for connection for anybody that struggles with loneliness,” said Tracy Lawrence of founding her company Chewse. The company, which provides group format catering for offices, was founded as a response to the social isolation and bullying she experienced as a kid in school. Throughout the next decade she would have subsequent encounters with loneliness which she met with rigorous introspection, honesty, and courage. Each time she emerged with an understanding that while she was fully empowered on her own, we are all interconnected and can—and must—rely on each other in order to thrive. Her journey brought her into the world of psychedelics and after selling Chewse, she began to practice psychedelic integration work and now does healing coaching in Honolulu. She explains modalities that listeners can engage in to promote their own healing, including Peter Levine’s alternative therapy known as somatic experiencing, as well as helpful teachings from Richard Schwartz and Joe Dispenza. On today’s episode of the Conscious Entrepreneur, Tracy takes us through her experiences with burnout, and shares what she learned from and about her team each time she chose to be honest and vulnerable with them instead of hiding her emotions. Quotes “I built a company that was group format-style catering because I wanted to make sure nobody ever ate alone.” (5:42 | Tracy Lawrence) “I thought ‘No, no, no.’ Leaders do not express fear. We are always in control and we are always powerful.’ No fear. We’re courageous.” (9:19 | Tracy Lawrence) “And in the moment, I looked at the team, and I told them, I said, I love working with you. And genuinely, I would be so devastated if we didn't raise this round, and we didn't get a chance to work together. And there was not a dry eye in the room. And it was a huge moment for my personal leadership philosophy being developed.” (9:46 | Tracy Lawrence) “In the psychedelic world, and in that journey, what happens is that all of the defense systems, all your layers, what you might call the protectors, they all stand down. You’ll see them start to stand down in layers, so that you can really see what your pure, highest self looks like looking out at the world.” (21:14 | Tracy Lawrence) “There is no spiritual practice like being deathly ill and coming to terms with the fact that you might not wake up the next day.” (36:58 | Tracy Lawrence) “If the brain thinks, the heart knows.” (45:44 | Tracy Lawrence) Links Connect with Tracy Lawrence: Guide: https://tracy-lawrence.ck.page/banishburnout Website: https://goloveengine.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracylawrence/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Feb 5, 2024

Bryan Leach spent his school days and much of his early life “chasing a series of brass rings.” A self-described “anxious achiever,” he basked in the social cache of attending Harvard, Oxford University, and finally Yale Law and later clerking for U.S. Supreme Court justices and making partner at a major firm. Eventually, though, he found himself wanting to be more creative and to put something new into the world. He founded Ibotta, leading cashback rewards network in the United States and the first-ever performance-based marketing tool, one which powers large loyalty programs with major corporations like Kroger, Walmart, and Dollar General. This new venture required not only a new set of skills, but a whole new mindset from the one he developed as a lawyer. Being driven by praise and reward helped him to advance academically and professionally, but left him averse to taking risks–a trait essential to entrepreneurship. As a lawyer, he was used to boasting his credentials and “being paid to be right,” while as an entrepreneur, he had to stand on the strength of his ideas and the results he delivered. How could he change his perspective so that the same obsessiveness and passion that made him successful didn’t burn him out or drive him crazy? The answers are somewhat paradoxical. You have to be vulnerable enough to care deeply about your work, but also be OK if it never works out and you don’t get what you want. By asking more questions, showing you don’t have all the answers, sharing credit as well as pressure, you show yourself to be a more effective leader than if you act like you can do it all and have it all under control. The bigger the company grows, the more you must trust others to help control it. Though you must keep your identity from being too wrapped up in your company, your personal history and life events will show up in your work style. Bryan tauts the virtues of therapy and shares how he navigated the many instances of what Ben Horowitz calls WFIO (We’re F**ked, It’s Over). Everyone has WFIO moments, and their own unique path to success, despite our cultures insistence on sharing only superhero stories. In this episode, Bryan shares how, through mental and emotional resilience, we can successfully navigate our own course. Quotes “You have to figure out how to build the muscle of rebounding from emotional setbacks and failure at a much higher rate than you ever did when you were striving to be a lawyer.” (9:18 | Bryan Leach) “It’s very tempting to fall back on that storytelling trope that we have as a society which overemphasizes the contributions of the founder, hides all the struggles of the founder, and also leads everyone to kind of expect that.” (19:28 | Bryan Leach) “The more vulnerable you are, the more you admit you don’t know, the more you seek opportunities to apologize, take responsibility, the stronger you come across, the more authentic you are seen as a leader, the more effective you are.” (25:03 | Bryan Leach) “A lot of people who are successful are happy to share credit but when there’s blame they internalize all that blame within themselves. What you should be able to do is share credit and share ownership and responsibility for problem solving, so you’re not putting the weight of the Western world on your shoulders all the time.” (28:30 | Bryan Leach) “You have to create a world where if the company fails you’re still OK and proud of yourself, and you’re still happy and you learn things and you can go on and try something different. (29:26 | Bryan Leach) Links Connect with Bryan Leach: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEriFU1JEYM LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bwleach/ Website: https://home.ibotta.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 29, 2024

Entrepreneurship is more than a career or an identity; it's an emotional journey that demands resilience. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond invites Dr. Michael Freeman to explore the intricate relationship between mental health and entrepreneurial success. Dr. Freeman, a renowned psychiatrist and expert in entrepreneur mental health, sheds light on the unique challenges faced by those in the entrepreneurial world. Discussing the highs and lows inherent in entrepreneurship, Dr. Freeman emphasizes the critical role of mental health resources in sustaining growth and wellbeing. His research offers a surprising perspective: entrepreneurs with mental health conditions often have an edge in business, a testament to the complex interplay between personality traits and mental wellbeing. Dr. Freeman shares essential strategies for maintaining mental health, including prioritizing rest, exercise, and connecting with nature. He also highlights the value of building a support network of peers and engaging in authentic relationships within entrepreneurial communities. As the conversation draws to a close, Dr. Freeman calls for a shift in entrepreneurial culture – one where mental health is as prioritized as business strategy. He envisions a future where entrepreneurs openly embrace their mental health journey, integrating self-care into their roadmap to success. By redefining the entrepreneurial narrative to include mental wellness, Dr. Freeman believes we can foster a new generation of resilient, balanced, and successful entrepreneurs. Quotes: “The research over and over and over again demonstrates that entrepreneurs would have had more successful lives by a number of metrics had they pursued a career instead.” (4:46 | Michael Freeman) “My colleagues and I studied a thousand entrepreneurs and we found that there was a 3% suicide rate among these people. It's a very good sample that we did this with the Gallup organization and we got a national probability sample, a very good robust methodology, 3.3% suicidality, suicide attempts, 1.7% psychiatric hospitalization, and about 40% of this whole group had one or more diagnosable mental health conditions. So that's worth knowing because the symptoms from those mental health conditions can derail your personal life and your professional life, and they can mostly be prevented. That's part one. Part two is that they're also associated with superpowers, and you can make those superpowers work for you, and that's part of why entrepreneurs succeed.” (8:32 | Michael Freeman) “Personality traits are neither good nor bad. You just need to understand what they are and then have ways of managing them so they work for you, not against you.” (18:21 | Michael Freeman) “The entrepreneurs that I've worked with tend to feel like they are the hero in the action drama of their own startup. And that if the startup succeeds, that means they succeed. And if the startup fails, that means they're a failure. Not true. And so being able to get out of that mentality, I think, is a level of consciousness that allows you to be way less stressed out about building business.” (26:00 | Michael Freeman) Links Connect with Michael A. Freeman: Website: https://econa.net/ Are Entrepreneurs Touched with Fire? https://econa.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Are-Entrepreneurs-Touched-with-Fire.pdf Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 22, 2024

"There's a people revolution," says Kendra Prospero, founder and CEO of Turning the Corner, in this insightful episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast hosted by Alex Raymond. Kendra delves into the evolving dynamics between employees and employers, emphasizing the growing demand for workplaces that genuinely respect and value their staff. Kendra discusses how leaders must adapt to this shift, creating environments where employees don’t just show up for work but feel truly supported and appreciated. She shares strategies for developing an outstanding company culture, focusing on the importance of leaders addressing their own "head trash" to become more effective and empathetic. Regular pulse surveys and stay interviews are highlighted as key tools for measuring employee satisfaction and addressing concerns proactively. Kendra advocates for these practices as vital to maintaining a positive and responsive work culture. Flexibility stands out as a cornerstone of Turning the Corner's culture. Kendra talks about implementing flexible schedules, benefits, and compensation to meet the varied needs of their team, underlining the importance of adaptability in fostering a thriving workplace. A particularly challenging aspect of leadership, the decision to fire employees, is also addressed. Kendra emphasizes the importance of aligning these tough decisions with company values and maintaining authentic leadership throughout the process. This episode offers valuable insights into the "people revolution" in the modern workplace and practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build a culture that aligns with the needs and goals of today's workforce. Kendra Prospero's expertise provides a roadmap for nurturing a company environment that respects, supports, and grows with its people. Quotes: “We can no longer just have this command and control, I'm paying you, so do what I say, kind of environment. People are not going to stay in those types of companies.” (5:25 | Kendra Propsero) “When you're an entrepreneur, you are always, always, always, always, always on a roller coaster. It will be up and it will be down and it will be up and it will be down. You're never going to get off of it unless you go get a regular job. Like you will always be on this roller coaster. And the minute I just accepted that, I felt peace because it's like, okay, some days are going to be great and some days are just going to be awful. All right.” (15:41 | Kendra Propsero) “There will always be some spoilage. You will always have some customers who are unhappy. You will always have some staff that leaves you and you didn't want them to go. That's just inevitable. And it's so much easier to just embrace it. Now, you don't want a lot of it, obviously. You wouldn't survive if there's a lot. But there's always going to be a little bit.” (16:08 | Kendra Propsero) “My top three priorities are my family, my business and my health. And if you look at my calendar, that's where my time goes. So I spend time with my kids and my family. I work on the business and then I work out every day. I get good sleep. I eat well.” (1:38 | Kendra Propsero) Links Connect with Kendra Prospero: Website: https://turningthecornerllc.com/ Website: https://www.kendraprospero.com/ Podcast: https://turningthecornerllc.com/podcast/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 15, 2024

Is your definition of success conventional? This episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast features host Alex Raymond in conversation with Dr. Srikumar Rao, celebrated author, speaker, and coach. Dr. Rao’s shares what some may consider an unconventional definition of success. He encourages entrepreneurs to seek joy and fulfillment in their work, steering away from the pursuit of material gains and societal recognition. He guides clients to recognize their true nature as pure awareness, transcending ego-based goals. His focus is on personal development through business, cultivating gratitude and well-being. A key theme of the episode is the idea of a benevolent universe. Dr. Rao suggests entrepreneurs embrace life’s uncertainties, letting go of the need for control. This acceptance can lead to reduced stress and a more peaceful approach to the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Dr. Rao also offers strategies for reframing stress and adversity. He encourages viewing events without immediate judgment, opening the door to resilience and optimism. His perspective is supported by references to spiritual teachings and figures, enriching the conversation with profound insights. This episode provides practical advice and profound insights for entrepreneurs looking to align their professional journey with personal and spiritual growth. Dr. Rao's unique perspective offers valuable guidance for navigating the entrepreneurial path with a deeper sense of purpose and consciousness. Quotes: “You want to grow your business, you want to take care of your employees, you do it to the best extent you're capable of. But in the process of doing that, what you're really doing is you're working on yourself. You want to be the best parent you can if you have children, but in the process of doing that, you're really working on yourself. The only thing you ever do in life is you work on yourself.” (8:39 | Srikumar Rao) “Give up the sense of doership. And as you give up the sense of doership and allow the universe to unfold, you'll be pleasantly surprised at what it can do in your life. That's the message I have for entrepreneurs.” (26:33 | Srikumar Rao) “Whatever is your path in life, which is going to give you your spiritual growth is going to come into your life. Recognize that and be patient.” (38:16 | Srikumar Rao) “Ask yourself, is what happened necessarily a bad thing? And if not, is there anything I can do to make it good? This is how you move seamlessly from the realm of despair to the realm of possibility.” (51:12 | Srikumar Rao) Links Connect with Srikumar Rao: Website: https://theraoinstitute.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Wisdom-Ancient-Roots-Unstoppable/dp/1632995417 Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 8, 2024

"How are venture capital firms redefining their role to support both business performance and founder well-being?" This pertinent question sets the stage for a captivating episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, where host Alex Raymond, following up on a discussion from the Conscious Entrepreneur Summit in 2023, sits down with Lisa Mikkelsen, Global Head of Human Capital at Flourish Ventures. Lisa shares her insights on how venture capital is evolving to encompass not just business metrics but also the mental health and overall well-being of founders. In her role, Lisa focuses on various critical aspects like HR, recruiting, and building a nurturing company culture. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the pervasive issue of burnout in startups, advocating for building resilience, self-care practices, and a culture of psychological safety. The conversation also explores the nuanced dynamics between investors and founders, highlighting the need for empathy, trust, and transparent communication in these relationships. Under Lisa's guidance, Flourish Ventures implements several initiatives aimed at founder support, including CEO retreats for personal development, founder circles for peer coaching, and individualized coaching services. These programs reflect the firm's holistic approach to nurturing entrepreneurial talent. This episode not only delves into the strategic role of human capital in venture capital but also paints a broader picture of the evolving startup ecosystem. It underscores the necessity for venture capital firms to play a more active role in nurturing founder well-being. As the conversation with Lisa Mikkelsen concludes, it becomes evident that the future of successful entrepreneurship lies not just in financial metrics but in fostering environments where founders can thrive both professionally and personally. The call to action is clear: the venture capital industry must lead the way in creating a more empathetic, resilient, and transparent startup culture. Quotes: “As an entrepreneur, of course, you need to show that you're strong and things are going well and you have a plan and all of these things. But it's okay to be real. And we want to make sure that at the highest level, that's what we're striving towards.” (13:08 | Lisa Mikkelsen) “It's great if we're doing this work for founders and ensuring that they have outlets for building their well-being. But it's also important that everyone else is doing that too.” (15:19 | Lisa Mikkelsen) “Only 10% of founders feel comfortable sharing difficult or stressful or negative issues with their funders only 10%. That's a very small number. So I'm thinking about that, like, wow, I don't want to be the funder that is in the dark. That's not getting this information. Um, you know, we talk about power dynamics, but in some sense, the entrepreneur has the power because they have the power of information of what's going on. And their willingness to share that really depends on the relationship that they've built with the funder, that they're not going to be judged, that they're not going to be thrown out, that all of these bad things aren't going to happen, that we've been programmed to think are going to happen when we share unfortunate news. So having psychological safety is so important to improving that relationship, improving that dynamic.” (50:41 | Lisa Mikkelsen) Links Connect with Lisa Mikkelsen: Website: https://flourishventures.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Jan 1, 2024

Are psychedelics the next frontier for entrepreneurial growth and self-discovery? In this episode, Alex Raymond chats with Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia, a psychedelic church in Colorado. Austin recounts his journey from a successful entrepreneur in tech and real estate to embracing the healing power of psychedelics. At Ceremonia, Austin combines elements of psychology, spirituality, science, and shamanism to offer a holistic experience with substances like psilocybin mushrooms and ayahuasca. He discusses the significance of a religious context in their use, akin to traditional sacramental practices. Austin talks about setting up Ceremonia, emphasizing the importance of legal knowledge, creating a safe environment, and choosing substances like psilocybin for their therapeutic potential and cultural acceptance. Shifting focus to the healing aspect, Austin highlights how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy complements the psychedelic experience. He stresses that these journeys are not just for those with deep trauma but for anyone on a path of personal and professional growth. Austin also dives into his daily practices, which support his well-being and aid in his work at Ceremonia. He suggests insightful resources, including "Letting Go" by David Hawkins and "The Second Mountain" by David Brooks, for listeners on their own entrepreneurial journeys. There is growing interest among entrepreneurs in psychedelics, and this episode offers valuable insights for those who are curious about these substances and how they may offer new perspectives on personal development and business innovation. Quotes: “I don't invite founders to quit what they're doing and start having dreadlocks and lighting sage around their home. That's not the path. It's to actually get clarity around our gifts, get clarity around why we do what we do.” - Austin Mao (7:34) “One trait of founders is they look for that direct path, right? The most efficient way, the most accelerated way to scale. Well, here we're scaling consciousness. We're scaling ourselves, right? I equate this work to 10 years of therapy in 10 hours. And what people are able to experience in the course of just five days here is 96% say it's the most transformative experience of their lives.” - Austin Mao (13:15 ) "The impact here is on four levels: mental, physical, spiritual, and relational." - Austin Mao (14:14) “The furthest distance that you'll travel in your life is the 18 inches from your mind to your heart.” - Austin Mao (16:01) "The end point of psychology is the beginning of spirituality." - Austin Mao (55:32) Links Connect with Austin Mao: Website: https://www.ceremoniacircle.org/ Website: https://www.austinmao.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 25, 2023

The Enneagram helps us see ourselves at a deeper, more objective level, and can be of invaluable assistance on our path to self-knowledge. With this insight, host Alex Raymond of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast welcomes Rudir Krishtel, a former lawyer turned transformation coach. Rudir shares his journey from a demanding legal career to discovering his true calling in coaching, guided by the principles of the Enneagram. Rudir's transition was spurred by the challenges and burnout he faced as a litigator. Seeking a more fulfilling path, he found solace and direction in the Enneagram, a tool that deepens self-awareness and understanding. This framework helped Rudir not only in his personal evolution but also became a cornerstone of his coaching practice, where he emphasizes meaningful conversations and addresses crucial aspects of well-being, leadership, and diversity. In the episode, Rudir explains the Enneagram's role in categorizing individuals into nine types, each defined by unique fears and motivations. He highlights how this understanding is critical for entrepreneurs who wish to foster a work environment that is both compassionate and effective. By starting with self-awareness, leaders can extend their insights to their teams, enhancing connection and understanding. The conversation takes a personal turn as Rudir conducts an impromptu coaching session with Alex, delving into Alex's fears and motivations and illustrating the transformative power of the Enneagram in action! Quotes: “We have a value at the company which is go big with ease. We want to go big with ease. We want this company to do really well, and we're growing. And yet, at the same time, can we do it while we care for ourselves, while we care for each other, while we hear each other out, while we understand what's going on? And so there's a neat opportunity in this phase.” (10:48 | Rudhir Krishtel) “I mentioned the Enneagram and I find that to be the most valuable tool. And really, foundational for the work that I do and the work that we do, which is just giving people a real deep understanding of who they are so they can then come from a place of self-awareness and authenticity in any work that they do.” (24:52 | Rudhir Krishtel) “The Enneagram essentially, it's less of a personality assessment and a bit more of a spiritual assessment, which is what I really appreciate about it. It really gets to you at your core. And essentially, it says that there are nine different ways of being, nine different ways that people show up in the world. How we show up in the world connects and relates to and is an extension of our deepest fear.” (27:27 | Rudhir Krishtel) “Our increasing of our own depth allows us to have a deeper understanding and awareness of others.” (46:00 | Rudhir Krishtel) “If you want everyone to succeed at the organization, you can't treat them all the same. You actually have to engage with them differently as a leader. You understand that different people have different strengths, challenges, scenarios. And then when you are acknowledging and aware of that, then you can actually have a meaningful dialogue.” (50:29 | Rudhir Krishtel) Links Connect with Rudhir Krishtel: Website: https://www.krishtel.com/ Website: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 18, 2023

In this deeply personal episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond welcomes his friend Chris Schwalbach, founder of AVL Growth Partners. Chris shares his journey of self-discovery and the pivotal decision to replace himself as CEO of his company, a choice that significantly impacted both his professional and personal life. Chris's story is a compelling tale of introspection, personal development, and the transformative power of self-awareness. He discusses the challenges he encountered in realizing that relinquishing his CEO role was the best path forward for his company's future. This episode provides an intimate glimpse into how this decision transcended business strategy, marking a step towards personal alignment and growth. Central to Chris's journey is the influence of community, executive coaching, and the profound impact of journaling on his growth. He speaks openly about how his relationships with peers, mentors, and coaches, and own personal development practices have deepened his self-awareness and empathy, and how these skills manifest in his life. Chris's experiences underscore the importance of self-reflection in leadership and the value of understanding one's own journey to better lead and connect with others. His narrative is a testament to the belief that true leadership is about continuous learning and evolving, benefiting not just one's business but also personal fulfillment. Listeners will be inspired by Chris's candidness and the insights he offers. This episode is notable for its depth and the moving story of a leader embracing change, self-discovery, and the ongoing journey of becoming a more conscious entrepreneur. Quotes: “I'm like, I don't know what the next level of systems is. I don't know how to discipline the process. So, you know, that was almost like putting the shareholder hat on and saying, if I were a shareholder, are you the right CEO for the next five years? And I'm like, to me, probably not. Probably not.” (11:23 | Chris Schwalbach) “I think this awareness is just the work that I've done to understand what's actually happening right now, and how can I pick my head up and see what's going on around me?” (14:25 | Chris Schwalbach) “To me, the conscious entrepreneur is the one that's focused on bringing the awareness to the present in knowing what's happening around them.” (27:12 | Chris Schwalbach) “I think it's really hard for someone with an ego to figure out what their own values are because you do have a lot of imputed values or ‘should’ values when you write your values. I think when you really do a neutral values job, then you uncover behaviors and patterns.” (34:48 | Chris Schwalbach) Links Books & Movies mentioned: "Tiny Habits" by BJ Fogg "Atomic Habits" by James Clear "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz "The Values Factor" by John Demartini "What the Bleep Do We Know?" Connect with Chris Schwalbach: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cschwalbach/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 11, 2023

Every entrepreneur faces challenges, but what happens when those challenges become overwhelming? In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, host Alex Raymond dives deep into the world of entrepreneurship and mental health with guest Kristen Darga, Founder of Impact Founder. Kristen's journey from a simple photography exhibit to a beacon for entrepreneurs struggling with mental health issues is both inspiring and eye-opening. Through their conversation, they explore the surprises and challenges Kristen faced, the profound impact of her work, and how it has evolved in response to the pandemic. They discuss the importance of reshaping the narrative around entrepreneurship and mental health, and the need for open conversations and support systems. As a conscious entrepreneur, Kristen emphasizes the value of building connections, having a support network, and taking care of mind, body, and soul. She shares her personal experiences with imposter syndrome, panic attacks, and long COVID, and how she navigated through them with self-reflection, therapy, and a focus on overall well-being. This episode is a powerful reminder that being a conscious entrepreneur means prioritizing personal well-being while building a successful business. If you're an entrepreneur looking for tools and resources to thrive and succeed, this conversation will resonate with you. Key Takeaways: Building connections and having open conversations about mental health before it becomes a crisis is crucial for entrepreneurs. Giving yourself space and time to hear your own thoughts and desires is important for personal and professional growth. Engaging in fun adventures and surrounding yourself with a supportive community can contribute to overall well-being as an entrepreneur. Quotes: “In growing Impact Founder over the years, I was told many times people wouldn't want to talk about it or that it wasn't relevant. And it becomes relevant when someone takes their life. And that's not the kind of relevancy that I want to have, unfortunately. But it's very real and it's something that founders really do deal with. And luckily more people are talking about it.” (6:35 | Kristin Darga) “That committed listener, no matter what name we give it, coach, therapist, friend, partner, that is imperative to having someone to go to when you really do feel that way. And having that ahead of time allows you that if you are in that place, that you have someone or you have something there for you.” (10:15 | Kristin Darga) “I am alone in a bubble at home in my thoughts. I can hear things, but I really then need to actually be in conversation with someone to build it. The quiet allows me to hear it, and then the conversation allows me to create it.” (33:14 | Kristin Darga) Links Connect with Kristin Darga: Website: https://www.impactfounder.com/ Instagram: @kristindarga LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindarga/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Dec 4, 2023

Can a simple formula transform the culture of a company and the lives of its employees? In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond interviews Patty Condon, the innovative owner of FBC Remodel. Patty introduces his groundbreaking Joy Formula, a unique concept that redefines the essence of workplace satisfaction and success. Patty's Joy Formula, encapsulating the equation 'joy equals success plus wellbeing to the power of purpose,' has reshaped his company's culture. He explains how success is not just about business metrics but also includes wellbeing, measured through the seven F's: Family, Friends, Fitness, Finance, Faith, Fun, and Future. This comprehensive approach has turned his team into a community of passionate, fulfilled individuals, each aligned with their purpose. The discussion also ventures into the realms of finding and refining one's purpose. Patty shares an effective exercise from his company that assists individuals in uncovering their purpose, encouraging them to embrace it fully to see if it truly resonates with their life goals. A significant part of Patty's narrative is his personal evolution from a fear-based to a love-based leadership style. He talks about his journey towards consciousness, emphasizing the transformative power of gratitude and the importance of daily practices like meditation and exercise for a balanced mindset. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to infuse their businesses with joy, purpose, and a deeper sense of fulfillment, both for themselves and their teams. Patty Condon's journey and insights offer valuable lessons in creating a positive and supportive workplace culture. Key Takeaways: Patty's Joy Formula shows that combining business success with personal wellbeing and purpose leads to a more satisfying work environment. Finding and aligning with one’s purpose is key to both personal and professional growth. Transitioning from a fear-based to a love-based approach in leadership can significantly transform personal development and company culture. Quotes: "The joy formula is truly a formula. It is joy equals success plus wellbeing to the power of purpose." (02:25 | Patty Condon) “What we have found is that when people are aligned with their purpose, and they have success and well-being, then you have a whole team of people who are really maximizing their joy and they show up just in such an incredible way because they're lit up. They're passionate about what they're doing. They're passionate about life. And furthermore, they feel really well supported in their life and at the company and being at a company that really looks at them and says, hey, you're not just a project manager or a designer. You're not just an employee. You're a human being. ” (05:58 | Patty Condon) “It's only through intentional work that we become conscious. And that journey from fear to love, from running business in an unconscious state of fear to a conscious state of love, I believe is what conscious entrepreneurialism is all about.” (47:57 | Patty Condon) Links Connect with Paddy Condon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-condon-b037581/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 27, 2023

In the tech industry, where success is typically gauged by milestones and metrics, Miroo Kim introduces a wellness dimension to this conventional definition. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, host Alex Raymond explores Miroo's transition from her roles at leading tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook to establishing her own venture, People & Culture. This story is about redefining success to prioritize well-being and personal values in the entrepreneurial journey. Miroo shares the pivotal moment that shifted her perspective: a breakdown on a bus ride home, leading her to seek a support system that resonated with her personal struggles and values. She discusses her efforts to integrate mindfulness and compassion into the workplace, starting an employee-run Mindfulness Club at Facebook, and offering programs like Search Inside Yourself and Compassion Cultivation Training. This initiative revealed a hidden community of individuals silently seeking support and underscored the importance of a culture that nurtures individual well-being. Reflecting on her transition to solopreneurship, Miroo emphasizes redefining success based on personal values and the necessity of both internal and external support systems in navigating entrepreneurial challenges. She advocates for the creation of a personal board of directors for guidance and the formation of coaching circles with peers for shared learning and support. Listeners will find in this episode a wealth of insights into the challenges and rewards of being a conscious entrepreneur, with a strong emphasis on the importance of well-being, values alignment, and the power of a supportive community. Key Takeaways: Embracing mindfulness and compassion in the tech industry can enhance individual well-being and create a more supportive work environment. There is a need to expand the definition of success in entrepreneurship to incorporate alignment with personal values rather than traditional metrics. Creating a robust support system, including a personal board of directors and coaching circles, is a good technique for entrepreneurs who are trying to succeed in tech. Quotes: “If you expect people to bring their whole self to work then there's got to be a system that actually really can contain that whole self. The whole self contains all that suffering from the previous, the personal life and all that too, right?” (9:06 | Miroo Kim) “We know that the secret to success and happiness is a good relationship, a meaningful kind of work, and all that. But when you actually see people around, there are not many people who are actually practicing it. And why? It's because these measures of success feeling kind of a satisfaction that you have from the good relationship, things like that are not really measurable, so to speak, quantifiable. And then as a result, we kind of take that out from the evaluation. So I don't know if the answer is to quantify it necessarily. So I don't know if the answer is to quantify it necessarily. Maybe that's one way. But the other thing is that you really proactively think about how do I take that as part of my self-evaluation of the life or work and create our own kind of measure of success instead of kind of adopting what was given to us.” (19:34 | Miroo Kim) “What we are trying to do as conscious entrepreneurs might seem counterintuitive to what entrepreneurship is viewed in society. So it actually requires extra courage for us to be who we want to be and then really stay grounded.” (53:33 | Miroo Kim) Links Connect with Miroo Kim: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirookim/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 20, 2023

Are you tired of chasing happiness, always thinking it's just one step ahead? In this insightful episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, host Alex Raymond sits down with Ashish Kothari, founder of Happiness Squad and author of "Hardwired for Happiness." They delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurship: the integral role of happiness in achieving success and fulfillment. Ashish brings a fresh perspective, challenging the common notion that happiness is a distant goal. He argues that happiness is a key driver of human performance and an essential state for operating at one's best. This isn't about chasing external rewards; it's about nurturing an internal state of contentment and joy. The discussion pivots to Ashish's book, "Hardwired for Happiness," which presents nine practical strategies to combat stress and live a fulfilling life. These strategies range from developing self-awareness and defining personal purpose to embracing gratitude and investing in well-being. Ashish explains that these practices are grounded in comprehensive research across neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy. Ashish also shares his personal transformation from a high-achieving consultant to a happiness-focused entrepreneur. His journey underscores the importance of aligning one's career with their core values and purpose, a realization that came from confronting his own anxiety and lack of fulfillment. A key takeaway from the episode is the power of community in the pursuit of happiness. Ashish highlights how collective efforts can lead to transformative experiences, both personally and professionally. He encourages listeners to start with small, manageable practices like brief daily meditations to gradually build a more mindful and aware lifestyle. Key Takeaways: Happiness is linked to human performance. When we are happy, we operate at our best and are more successful, productive, and resilient. Happiness is an internal game. It is not something we can find externally or in future achievements. We need to cultivate happiness from within by practicing self-awareness and other key habits. Self-awareness is a foundational practice for happiness and conscious entrepreneurship. By understanding ourselves and our beliefs, we can better navigate challenges and make conscious choices. Mastering our emotions is a challenging practice but essential for happiness. By learning to sit with difficult emotions, witness them, and respond rather than react, we can increase our emotional resilience and well-being. Building a community is crucial for personal growth and transformation. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals who are also on a journey of self-discovery and personal development can provide support, inspiration, and accountability. Quotes: “The data is so clear from the science of happiness, right? That as individuals, if we can teach people to be happy, they are more successful, more productive, more creative, more innovative, are kinder, are more resilient. (3:48 | Ashish Kothari) "The hardest practice is mastering your emotions." (19:49 | Ashish Kothari) "The power of meditation is paying attention on purpose at the present moment without judgment." (41:44 | Ashish Kothari) Links Connect with Ashish Kothari: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/ Website: https://happinesssquad.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 13, 2023

Is it possible for your business to be a true reflection of your values? That's the question at the heart of this episode of "The Conscious Entrepreneur," where host Alex Raymond and Kayleigh O'Keefe, founder of Soul Excellence Ventures, delve into the intersection of personal growth and entrepreneurship. Kayleigh recounts her significant shift from a decade-long corporate career to launching her own venture—a move that resonates with many entrepreneurs seeking less hustle and more meaning in their work. In February 2020, Kayleigh took the leap into the entrepreneurial world, a space where a significant portion of startups struggle to find their footing. She shares how the concept of "soul excellence" became her guiding principle, steering her through the common challenges of self-doubt and the pressure to conform. Soul Excellence Ventures has been a tremendous success under her leadership, creating and publishing 17 books, with 450 people who have come together to express soulful excellence leadership. She candidly discusses the lessons learned in this experience, real challenges she faced with issues like pricing services and aligning and managing talent — key factors in the sustainability of any new business. Kayleigh also touches on the shift from a corporate to a creative mindset, a change that has helped her and many entrepreneurs find their authentic voice and vision. The episode wraps with Kayleigh's advice to entrepreneurs, which is grounded in the reality of running a business: trust your intuition, surround yourself with the right people, and prioritize your soul's work. This conversation offers listeners a blend of practical advice and inspiring personal insight. Key Takeaways: The shift from corporate to creative involves moving from a linear path to a spiraling path of growth and learning. The motivation in the corporate world is often external, driven by societal expectations, while in the creative world, the motivation is aligned with personal fulfillment and making the soul proud. Shifting from a focus on identity to essence and energy allows for greater self-expression and the exploration of different aspects of oneself. Building self-belief and finding one's voice through writing, reflection, and sharing can unlock potential and pave the way for a successful transition from corporate to creative. Surrounding oneself with a supportive tribe of like-minded individuals who understand and support the journey can provide the necessary encouragement and inspiration to make the leap. Quotes: "This episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur is all about awakening. Awakening to your purpose, living in your zone of genius, and finding your tribe." (1:00 | Alex Raymond) “I just like waited a really long time to even believe that I could attract someone to the vision or to the model, or that this is what I wanted to do. So that was another mistake of like, just like going it alone and having you know, advisors and constantly people who are helping me with stuff, but not to the level that's required to really push an idea or a movement forward.” (24:09 Kayleigh O’Keefe) "When I am reminded of the phrase, I approve of myself, it just makes life easier because so much of our self-talk can still be so negative, even when we're on this conscious path." (55:19 | Kayleigh O'Keefe) Links Connect with Kayleigh O'Keefe: Soul Excellence Ventures: https://soulexcellence.com/ Website: https://kayleighokeefe.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayleighokeefe/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Nov 6, 2023

Imagine building a successful tech company, selling it to GoDaddy, and still feeling like an imposter. That's exactly what Brian Nolan, founder and CEO of Book Outdoors, experienced. In this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast, Brian opens up about his journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges he faced, and how he manages imposter syndrome. He shares valuable insights on the importance of being gritty and resilient, combatting entrepreneurial loneliness by surrounding yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs, and taking care of your mental health. Brian's story is a reminder that success doesn't always eliminate self-doubt, but with the right mindset and support, you can thrive as an entrepreneur. Key Takeaways: The willingness to push harder, venture further, and take bold risks distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from the rest. Tenacity sets entrepreneurs apart. Knowing when to harness your energy for maximum productivity and when to step back for rejuvenation to prevent burnout is part of mastering your energy management. Brian's concept of a 'conscious entrepreneur' highlights the advantage of those who can tap into their emotional landscape, using self-awareness of strengths, weaknesses, and feelings to inform pivotal decisions. Entrepreneurs require more than business networks; they need authentic emotional backing. There is profound importance of such support in facing obstacles, confiding fears, and counteracting feelings of isolation and burnout. Quotes I've always thought this in my life and my career - I've always felt like if it doesn't work out, I know what my skill set is and my strengths, and I could just go back to getting a job. If I really need to, I could go back to getting a job. And so that's always given me the safety net and the comfort of taking these risks. (10:51 | Brian Nolan) "Imposter syndrome is a real thing, even now. Even now that I've built and sold and had some success at building a company. It creeps in all the time." (18:39 | Brian Nolan) “I actually gave a little talk on this back in the day about grit and about persistence and perseverance and passion. Those are sort of the things that go into grit. That's one of the things as an entrepreneur, you just have to have, you have to be able to go a step or more further than most people would. And so you have to find that energy and figure out how to push forward through burnout.” (26:19 | Brian Nolan) “This is what I think a conscious entrepreneur is actually, it’s that awareness of what your strengths and weaknesses are, and awareness of how you're feeling and your emotions so that you can use them to your advantage.” (49:22 | Brian Nolan) “Part of our employee perks are that we reimburse for any kind of mindfulness app that somebody wants to subscribe to, or gym membership, or Peloton or whatever it is, those are the perks that we offer since we don't have the office.” (53:39 | Brian Nolan) Links Connect with Brian Nolan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briancnolan/ Website: ​​ https://bookoutdoors.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 30, 2023

Modern entrepreneurship demands conscious leadership. In the latest episode of "The Conscious Entrepreneur," host Alex Raymond sits down with Julie Penner, a seasoned startup coach and investor who has worked with over a hundred early-stage companies. Together, they discuss the evolving role of founders and the new expectations they face. Julie shares her insights on a range of “startup killer” dysfunctions, from focusing on culture too late, failure to delegate responsibilities, to co-founder conflicts and more. She emphasizes the value of self-awareness for founders, noting its role in attracting and retaining top talent and building successful companies. Creating positive company culture is crucial for early-state companies, and it brings major benefits in the long run. Julie provides actionable advice based on real-world situations. She also provides great advice for start-up founders around accelerator programs - what to look out for and how they can accelerate your company. Key Takeaways: The role of the entrepreneur is evolving, and conscious leadership is becoming increasingly important for attracting top talent and building a successful company. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to do their own personal work and be aware of their impact on others in order to create a positive company culture. Many VCs are not actively evolving their behaviors and expectations, and often only recommend founders to get a coach without addressing deeper issues. Ineffective management of co-founder conflict can be a major obstacle for startups, and it is important to practice disagreement and have tools for effective communication and resolution. Building a strong co-founder relationship requires trust, open communication, and the ability to repair and learn from mistakes. Quotes: "I think our tolerance for leaders that aren't aware of how they're coming across and aren't aware of their impact on others is decreasing." (04:13| Julie Penner ) "If you want to build a great company, you have to attract great people. And if you want to have great people, you have to treat them well. And to treat them well, you have to understand how you're impacting them. And that starts with your own work." (04:54 | Julie Penner) "The worst thing that can happen is building a company that you end up hating that's successful." (07:23 | Julie Penner) "So you as a founder, who you are, your shadows - you are the limiting factor on the success of this business." (17:04 | Julie Penner) “My working definition of a conscious entrepreneur is someone who's aware of their own patterns of thought, actions, and behaviors, as well as at a minimum being curious, if not aware of how their impact is on others. And, this path of building companies, if you think about it for a while, can be a spiritual path.” (52:42 | Julie Penner) Links: Connect with Julie Penner: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliepenner/ Website: https://soulofstartups.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 23, 2023

Do you feel you are on a tightrope walk between ambition and anxiety? Jeff Benton and Brett Weinroth, the dynamic duo behind Paragon Performance Evolution, share the message we all need to hear: stress isn't dictated by what's happening around us but by our body's internal reactions. For entrepreneurs who may feel overwhelmed and dysregulated, it’s a welcome message. By mastering the art of shifting our body's chemicals and engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, we can foster clarity, enhance communication, and deepen empathy. The pair also spotlight the transformative power of self-awareness. By disrupting detrimental thought cycles and embracing techniques like deep breathing and heart-focused meditation, we can ignite positive emotions and foster internal harmony. Sharing wisdom taken from ancient texts, meditation, breath work and tools and insight from HeartMath Institute, Jeff & Brett explain the concept of Coherence and even lead Alex and our listeners on a quick coherence exercise! Key Takeaways: Stress is not caused by external circumstances, but rather by our body's physiological reaction to those circumstances. Being in a constant state of stress impairs key brain functions, such as problem-solving, communication, and empathy. We have the ability to shift our body's response to stress through tools and techniques that promote coherence and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. By slowing down our breath and focusing on the area of the heart, we can send signals to the brain that everything is okay and reduce the stress response. Developing awareness of our thoughts and emotions is crucial for making positive changes and breaking free from negative thought patterns. Quotes: "When we feel stressed, we limit key parts of the brain. In particular, our frontal cortex, which is the smart thinking part of the brain. So we're limited in our problem solving, in our communication, a number of other things, and also our ability to have empathy and see somebody else's point of view." (7:49 | Jeff Benton) "If we don't teach people how to get out of a stress response, they're going to be limited in how they can show up. And this is just science. And the beautiful thing is we've seen it with thousands and thousands and thousands of executives. As we teach them these tools and techniques, and they go from a stressed response to a more optimal state, which we call coherence, it literally enables them to think more clearly, communicate more effectively, and have deeper empathy." (8:27 | Jeff Benton) "I think a conscious entrepreneur is heart centered. They operate from a high level of emotional intelligence and awareness. And I would say a conscious entrepreneur is less concerned with maybe what others are thinking of them. And they're more focused on prioritizing how they're showing up in the moment. So their own state of being is important to them. I also think a conscious entrepreneur thinks of others in a more empathetic or compassionate way. And as a leader, they're seeking to empower others rather than dictate. (59:40 | Brett Weinroth) Links Connect with Jeff and Brett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bweinroth/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-robert-benton-51240a4/ https://www.performanceparagon.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 16, 2023

"Hustle culture is bullshit," says Dave Mayer. And he knows a thing or two about suffering through hustle culture. Alex Raymond sits down with Dave, the CEO and founder of Technical Integrity, to discuss his journey from burnout and exhaustion to building a successful business with a focus on cultural fit. Dave shares his personal struggle with burnout and how he overcame it by embracing a service-led, give-first approach. He emphasizes the power of slowing down, practicing breathwork, and giving yourself space to breathe and reflect so you can create the life and business you want. Key Takeaways: Prioritize self-care and well-being as an entrepreneur. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial for long-term success. Giving without expecting anything in return can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities. Take time to breathe, reflect, and avoid the pressure to solve all problems immediately. Foster a culture of curiosity and safe spaces for asking questions. Embrace co-elevation, where everyone holds each other accountable towards a common goal. Ensure you are well-rested to do your best work. Quotes: “Give everything space. Nothing needs to be solved right now. The immediacy of all of these problems in your head actually can afford space and can afford breath. And the more time you give them, the better. Slow replies to emails are actually a good thing. You don't need to solve all these problems on your own, right? You're a member of a team, you're a member of a community.” (08:11 | Dave Mayer) "The older you get, you know, the more you just, you slow down, you sort of appreciate and savor more." (08:50 | Dave Mayer) "Asking questions in a safe space means growth for you and growth for us." (32:30 | Dave Mayer) "Rest is a core component of becoming and really accessing your creativity, accessing your productivity, accessing your profitability." - Dave Mayer (35:19) "A conscious entrepreneur is somebody who shows up as their best selves to the best of their ability on an ongoing basis." (37:07 | Dave Mayer) Links Connect with Dave Mayer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveincolorado/ Website: https://technicalintegrity.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 9, 2023

Super fans of “The Big Leap” will love this week’s episode - it’s the conversation with Gay Hendricks you’ve dreamed of having. We are a lucky fly on the wall as our host, Alex Raymond, asks Gay Hendricks, the brilliant author behind "The Big Leap", the questions you’ve probably had after reading the book. Gay elaborates on key concepts, discussing how to navigate limiting beliefs, address the upper limit problem, and transition from working in your Zone of Excellence to your Zone of Genius. For enthusiasts seeking more, Gay also provides a glimpse into his exclusive, in-person half-day workshop that is coming up in November in Boulder. It’s a hands-on experience to further tap into one's unique potential, and tickets are available here . Listeners can anticipate a blend of actionable tools and perspectives from Gay, crafted to foster both personal and business growth. He shares insights on mastering time, urging listeners to harness it proactively. Additionally, Gay sheds light on recognizing personal barriers, integrating spirituality into entrepreneurship, and shares his own grounding practices, like meditation, which anchor him in his genius. Key Takeaways: The Zone of Genius is about spending more time on the things you love and are uniquely talented at, rather than getting stuck in the zones of competence or excellence. Upper limit problems, such as limiting beliefs and fears, can hold entrepreneurs back from reaching their full potential. It's important to cultivate emotional intelligence and be aware of how our emotions can impact our success and relationships. The fear of outshining others or feeling burdened by success can hinder entrepreneurs from fully embracing their genius. Time management is crucial for entrepreneurs, and adopting an Einstein time mindset can help shift from feeling like a victim of time to being the source of time. Quotes: "An upper limit problem is caused by limiting beliefs in ourselves, and one of the most common ones is that I have an old unconscious belief that I'm not worthwhile, that because of things that happened to me in my life, I don't deserve the good things of life." (03:20 | Gay Hendricks) "In Einstein time, you don't find time, you make time. You're where time comes from. I'm where time comes from, so I can make up exactly enough time, plenty of time to do everything I love to do." (23:47 | Gay Hendricks) "From working with a whole bunch of executives over the years, we found that the happiest ones are the ones that make that transition out of the excellence zone and spend some time every day in their genius zone." (26:47 | Gay Hendricks) "A conscious entrepreneur is one who goes about the execution of his or her vision also with a complete openness to learning." (45:16 | Gay Hendricks) "Your body is where your mind lives. It's not the other way around." (50:42 | Gay Hendricks) "We need to get ourselves in harmony with our spirit, our body, and our minds in order to make best use of ourselves." (51:03 | Gay Hendricks) Links Connect with Gay Hendricks Website: https://hendricks.com/ Workshop: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/zone-of-genius-workshop-with-gay-hendricks/ Learn More About The Workshop From Gay Hendricks: What can people expect from the Zone of Genius workshop with Gay Hendricks? Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 9, 2023

"Shame is this place that gets us into burnout and keeps us in burnout because we don't want to let people in on what's actually going on," says Jim Young. If you’ve ever felt burned out, embarrassed, and alone, this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur podcast is a must-listen. Host Alex Raymond interviews Jim Young, a men's burnout coach and author of the book "Expansive Intimacy." In this powerful conversation, Jim shares his personal journey of burnout and the moment he realized he wasn't okay. He delves into the one-two punch of burnout and shame, discussing the societal expectations placed on men and the impact it has on their well-being. Jim offers a fresh perspective on burnout recovery, debunking common fallacies and emphasizing the importance of social support and intimacy. Through his concept of "expansive intimacy," Jim encourages entrepreneurs to cultivate deep connections, both personally and professionally, to combat burnout. This episode will provide you with valuable tools and resources to navigate burnout, redefine success, and create a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Key Takeaways: Burnout is a chronic condition that requires a comprehensive approach to recovery, including addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Shame plays a significant role in burnout, as men often feel the need to hide their struggles and weaknesses, leading to increased stress and exhaustion. Expansive intimacy, which involves building deep and authentic connections with others, is a powerful tool for combating burnout and creating a support system. Burnout recovery fallacies, such as taking a vacation or implementing productivity hacks, are not effective solutions and do not address the underlying causes of burnout. Seeking support from trusted individuals, whether they are friends, colleagues, or professionals, is crucial in navigating burnout and finding the necessary resources for recovery. Quotes: “I think that the socialization that we get as men in Western culture has a set of rules, and they're pretty clear to any guy who's grown up in this culture, and that's we need to be strong, we need to be successful, we can't show our emotions, we can't ask for help. And when you put all that together, it's kind of an impossible puzzle. that it's going to lead to, well, I just got to be alone. I have to suffer in silence if anything is up for me because I can't share emotions. I can't ask for help. Well, that's not human. That's not a reasonable expectation.” (14:47 | Jim Young) "If you're having problems sleeping, if you're having more bouts of whether you want to call it moodiness, or depression, if you're feeling anxious, oftentimes anxiety and lack of sleep are going together." (21:19 | Jim Young) "Anything that you might find under an article that talks about life or productivity hacks is not going to be an effective strategy for burnout recovery." (29:12 | Jim Young) Links Connect with Jim Young: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecenteredcoach/ Website: https://www.thecenteredcoach.com/ Expansive Intimacy Podcast: https://www.thecenteredcoach.com/podcast Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast. Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 9, 2023

"How does mindfulness impact business?" In this episode, Beck Sydow delves into the heart of conscious entrepreneurship, discussing burnout, the role of emotions in business, shadow work's transformative potential and the inverse relationship between consumption and creativity. Sharing personal experiences with burnout, Alex and Beck highlight the critical need for self-awareness and timely self-care. They advocate for more than just resilience, emphasizing the importance of overall well-being. Beck presents a refreshing take on emotions in business, making a case for their vital role in successful leadership. They speak about the significance of creating environments that encourage genuine interactions and mutual respect, fostering a culture of psychological safety. Shadow work emerges as a crucial topic, with Beck illuminating the growth stemming from understanding our deeper selves. They point out the valuable lessons our inner complexities offer, suggesting that embracing them leads to a holistic sense of authenticity. Addressing self-care, Beck aspires to achieve more of a flow state mindset rather than adopting a rigid, disciplined routine. Time outdoors, walking & journaling are part of a regular morning. Reading and learning are daily priorities; however, Beck warns that overconsumption of content kills creativity and masks a lack of confidence to create and be seen. Key Takeaways: Burnout can affect anyone, regardless of privilege or access to resources. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout and take action before it becomes overwhelming. Building a conscious business requires integrating business acumen with leadership skills and a focus on understanding and serving customers. Creating intimate spaces for leaders to be vulnerable and authentic is crucial for personal and organizational growth. Taking radical care of ourselves involves not only physical self-care but also caring for our minds by cultivating awareness, embracing our shadows, and practicing self-acceptance. Quotes: "I knew I was burning out and I did what most of us do. I kept trying to convince myself that there would be, you know, just ‘in one more month’ or ‘in a couple weeks’ or ‘when we get this part of the business to a completion’ or just all of those ways that there's some someplace out in the future." (08:16 | Beck Sydow) “The reality is when we think we're going to be okay out there somewhere sometime in the future, we're missing the ways that we can be okay in the moment.” (10:09 | Beck Sydow) “I wish I could remember where I heard this, I heard someone say that consumption is the enemy of creativity. so and and it is the um expression of a lack of confidence so as you continue to consume you're consuming because you don't think that you could put something out and boy is that a big part of my story i mean you you follow me a little bit i'm starting to be more active on LinkedIn, I'm writing more. The journey to get to that was huge.” (49:20 | Beck Sydow) Links Connect with Beck Sydow: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becksydow/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Oct 9, 2023

"Entrepreneurship is a personal growth journey," says Lizelle van Vuuren. Lizelle is a force in the Denver Startup Community, she’s founded her own companies, is an advisor and an investor, and now she’s exploring her passion for soccer and her mission to bring professional women's soccer to Denver. On this episode of The Conscious Entrepreneur, Alex Raymond is in conversation with Lizelle about her journey as an entrepreneur and the resilience and inspiration needed to build a successful business. Through her own experiences and reflections, she shares valuable insights on the importance of self-discovery, community engineering, and mental health for entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: Being an entrepreneur is a long journey that requires resilience and self-awareness. Belonging is a fundamental human need, and creating communities that foster belonging is essential. The entrepreneur's journey is a path of self-discovery, where personal growth and self-awareness are key. Work can be a coping mechanism and an escape, but it's important to find a balance and not tie our self-worth solely to our work. A conscious entrepreneur is someone who has a heightened sense of self-awareness and connection to others, and strives to create impact while also being profitable. Quotes: “What wonderful things have you created, because you have not felt like you belong? And there's millions of people who feel the same. In fact, I think that is really quintessentially a part of the human experience and people want to belong in places and spaces. And I believe that when you belong, when you feel like you belong and you are welcomed into belonging somewhere. It untaps your full human potential. So now people who feel like they belong, whether it's in a tiny startup or a big community or in their school or adversity or in a club or whatever, now they can relax. Our nervous systems kind of take a breath and we can fully show up.” (23:06 | Lizelle van Vuuren) "Now I look at the entrepreneur's journey as an athlete's journey, which is to say, you cannot possibly think that you're going to be an exceptional athlete without training and stretching and eating well and doing the movement, doing the motion, doing the work, doing the exercise, whatever that might be. And it's true for an entrepreneur. You can't possibly imagine that you're going to be your best as an entrepreneur without quite literally sleeping well, eating well, exercising, training, walking, having friends, having a community, maybe going to therapy, unpacking some trauma, like all those kinds of things." (28:58 | Lizelle van Vuuren) "Entrepreneurship is a personal growth journey." (49:58 | Lizelle van Vuuren) "Being an entrepreneur is not a job title. It's not something you do. It's how you are. It's how you behave in the world, how you act in the world. And we need to broaden that conversation so that we're talking about all these things that really add up and that really matter." (55:45 | Alex Raymond) "A conscious entrepreneur is someone who with every fiber in them creates impact for people while attempting to be profitable." (57:21 | Lizelle van Vuuren) Links Connect with Lizelle van Vuuren: Website: https://lizellevanvuuren.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ HiveCast.fm is a proud sponsor of The Conscious Entrepreneur Podcast.

Oct 9, 2023

Are you tired of the adversarial relationship between entrepreneurs and investors? Matt McCall, a seasoned VC with 28 years of experience, offers a refreshing perspective on the traditional relationship dynamics we’ve come to expect. In this episode, Matt shares his unique approach to investing, where he not only provides funding but also coaching to help entrepreneurs thrive. He believes that the key to success lies in focusing on the human aspect of business, elevating entrepreneurs to be their best selves. By investing in personal growth and fostering authentic relationships, Matt has seen firsthand how this approach leads to greater resilience and success. Discover how Matt challenges the traditional VC model and why he believes that investing in the well-being of entrepreneurs is a competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: The relationship between entrepreneurs and investors doesn't have to be adversarial; it can be a partnership where both parties work together for success. Investing in personal growth and well-being supports the achievement of results in business. VCs can act as guides and safe harbors for entrepreneurs, providing support and resources to help them thrive. The concept of the Aristotelian ethic, focusing on curiosity, discipline, courage, and love, can lead to a more fulfilling and successful entrepreneurial journey. Taking care of one's well-being and addressing internal issues, such as unsaid conversations and energy drains, is crucial for long-term success and avoiding burnout. Quotes: "Everything that I would do as a traditional coach, I do as a VC, but I do it from the perspective of making them the highest version of themselves so we can have the best success with the company." (13:58 | Matt) "What launched this whole thing is we interviewed,10 years ago, a hundred entrepreneurs and said, 'How do you want your VC to show up to be most helpful?" And number one, by far, they said, I don't trust any of you guys. But if I could trust you, it was who can be there on a Sunday night when the demons are running through my head." (31:56 | Matt) "The way that I'm thinking about it is, you know, we're putting all these demands on an entrepreneur and he or she's got 30%, they're at 30% of their capacity because 70% of it is blocked by something else. And so the work of becoming more aware, doing personal work, becoming more mindful, learning to meditate, learning tools and frameworks for communication, and so on. Those are about increasing the amount of available energy that I have to do the things that I love. And if I'm not focused on it, then I'm just burning myself down, and that's what leads to burnout, collapse, companies going poof." (35:03 | Alex) Links Connect with Matt McCall: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmccall/ Website: https://somethingventured.com/ Connect with Alex Raymond: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afraymond/ Website: https://consciousentrepreneur.us/ Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm