What if the secret to building a successful business isn't doing more—but being more present?

As entrepreneurs, we wear "busy" like a badge of honor. We fill every moment, chase every opportunity, and convince ourselves that constant motion equals progress. But what if this approach is actually holding us back? Ellen Williams, author of Creating Time: The Key to Productivity and Peace, challenges the hustle culture narrative and reveals why presence—not productivity—is the real competitive advantage for founders.

Ellen shares her journey from a verbally abusive marriage to building a thriving consulting practice, and how learning to be present transformed not just her business, but her entire life. We explore why founders resist rest, how identity shapes our relationship with work, and practical ways to create time (not just manage it) so you can build the business and life you actually want.

Highlights

• Why the biggest mistake founders make is believing they always have to be doing something

• The identity trap: How wearing yourself out becomes a false badge of honor

• Decision lists vs. to-do lists: A simple reframe that reduces overwhelm

• The power of being present: How it prevents burnout before you get there

• Why authenticity matters more than you think in building sustainable business relationships

• Small practices that cultivate presence: Starting with your phone and keys

• How to create time by making conscious choices in everyday moments

• The truth about entrepreneurship: You're going to make mistakes, and that's how you learn

Chapters

[0:00] Introduction to Ellen Williams

[1:04] The Importance of Presence and Self-Care

[3:16] Common Objections and Misconceptions

[6:14] The Role of Identity in Entrepreneurship

[8:17] Ellen's Personal Journey and Insights

[16:14] Practical Tips for Cultivating Presence

[24:31] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

• Creating Time: The Key to Productivity and Peace by Ellen Williams

• The Salient Strategist (Ellen Williams' firm)

Connect with Bryan Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-steele-ks/

Want to join with other like minded entrepreneurs? Visit the Good Humans Growth Network for connections and support (and sign up for the next conference): https://www.theghgn.com/

What if the content strategy you've been putting off could turn a seven-call sales cycle into a single conversation? Bryan Steele of Forge Podcast Company joins me to dismantle the myths holding micro business owners back from launching their podcasts. We explore why giving away your best content actually builds trust faster than any sales funnel, how to overcome the perfectionism that keeps you waiting for "someday," and why your very specific niche is actually your greatest advantage. Whether you're convinced podcasting is "too late" or you're paralyzed by imposter syndrome, this conversation will show you why consistency beats perfection, and how the right 50 listeners can be more powerful than 70,000 followers.

Highlights

• Why holding back your best content is the opposite of what you should do in podcasting

• The real story behind a one-call close that happened because a prospect listened to five podcast episodes

• How podcasting builds trust faster than blog posts, TikToks, or traditional sales meetings

• Why 70% of podcasts never make it past episode 10—and how that creates opportunity for you

• The two essential pillars every founder needs to understand before launching a podcast

• Why "done is better than perfect" applies to podcasting just like every other aspect of building a business

• How to get specific with your niche using at least three distinctives

• When in your business journey you should actually start considering a podcast

• The leading vs. lagging indicators that matter when you're just starting out

• Why authenticity and imperfection are actually what listeners want to hear

Chapters

0:00 - Introduction to Bryan Steele and Podcasting
1:30 - The Paradigm Shift: Give Away Your Best Stuff
4:22 - Success Story: The One-Call Close
7:47 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Imperfection
11:48 - Learning Through Practice: The Diary of a CEO Example
14:51 - Podcasting as a Metaphor for Business Growth
18:36 - Done is Better Than Perfect
21:40 - Leading vs. Lagging Indicators in Podcasting
28:25 - When to Start Considering a Podcast
31:51 - It's Not Too Late: The Numbers Behind Podcasting Opportunity
36:15 - Building Trust Through Consistency
40:49 - The Power of Authenticity Over Polish
42:33 - Bryan's Workshop Framework: Two Pillars of Podcasting
50:20 - Getting Specific with Your Niche
53:45 - Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Bryan

Resources

Forge Podcast Company
Website: forgepodcast.co

Connect with Bryan Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-steele-ks/

Want to join with other like minded entrepreneurs? Visit the Good Humans Growth Network for connections and support (and sign up for the next conference): https://www.theghgn.com/

What if the business you're building is actually your greatest financial asset—but you're treating it like just another job? Jason Lee, Vice President at Exponent Prosperity Advisors, challenges entrepreneurs to shift their mindset from survival mode to wealth-building mode. Whether you're grinding through your first few years or already generating serious revenue, Jason reveals why most founders accidentally sabotage their path to financial freedom—and exactly what to do about it. From the surprising income threshold that puts you in the top 1% to the delegation decisions that make or break your future exit strategy, this conversation will change how you think about money, time, and the true purpose of entrepreneurship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The paradigm shift: Your business isn't a job—it's your greatest financial asset

• Why most entrepreneurs leave corporate life but accidentally recreate the same limitations

• The delegation trap: How holding onto $60K tasks prevents you from building million-dollar value

• What it really takes to be in the top 1% of earners (the number might surprise you)

• The 18-24 month timeline: Why building wealth infrastructure takes longer than you think

• How guilt around money keeps good entrepreneurs from achieving the freedom they started their business for

• The "start with the answer" principle: Defining your exit before you're drowning in daily operations

• Why your first 2-5 years will be chaotic no matter how much advice you follow—and what to focus on anyway

CHAPTERS

[00:00] Introduction to Jason Lee and Exponent Prosperity Advisors

[01:38] The Paradigm Shift for Founders

[04:15] Understanding Wealth and Entrepreneurial Motivation

[08:00] The Importance of Delegation and Vision

[11:24] Challenges and Strategies for Wealth Accumulation

[15:43] Mindset and Identity in Wealth Building

[18:34] Setting the 1% Mindset

[18:58] Advanced Tax Strategies

[19:25] Leveraging Net Worth

[20:22] The Importance of Financial Independence

[21:52] Aspirational Goals and Planning

[25:49] The Entrepreneurial Journey

[27:19] Building a Comprehensive Plan

[30:35] Investing in People

[35:42] Overcoming Money Struggles

[36:47] Conclusion and Contact Information

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Exponent Prosperity Advisors - https://exponentx.net

• Jason Lee on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleeexponent/

• Email: jlee@exponentx.net

• C12 Group - Christian CEO peer advisory organization - https://www.joinc12.com/

• Katherine Pomerantz - Guest on Episode 2

Want to join with other like minded entrepreneurs? Visit the Good Humans Growth Network for connections and support: https://www.theghgn.com/