The Conscious Entrepreneur | Leadership, Self-Awareness & Mindset

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

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

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

"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

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"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

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

"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.

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

"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