Climbing the 3 Mountains of Love and Partnership

In this episode, Cameron and Jamie introduce the Three Mountains Framework (partnership, purpose, and passion) as a way to understand the universal relationship challenges entrepreneurs and their spouses face across a lifetime. Drawing from personal stories, research, and therapeutic insights, they explore how couples can use these inevitable moments of strain to deepen intimacy, resilience, and connection.

Key takeaways

• The Three Mountains Framework: Relationships evolve through three recurring challenges—How do we make it work (partnership)? What comes next (purpose)? Who are we now (passion)?
• Zooming Out for Perspective: Stepping back to see challenges as part of a larger journey can reduce shame, resentment, and disconnection.
• Turning Points that Strengthen Relationships: Borrowing tools from business (clear roles, accountability), prioritizing rituals of quality time, and seeking outside perspective can help couples thrive under strain.
• Beyond Goal Achievement: Success doesn’t inoculate couples against disorientation; recalibration and open conversations about shifting identities and priorities are essential.
• Preparing for the Empty Nest: As career and parenting become less important, intentional planning for shared joy and individual meaning is essential so couples can grow together in their later years.

The Business of Us is brought to you by Jamie Born and Cameron Madill. Music is provided by our friends at Marmoset, and our theme song is “Kenton” by Dr Crosby.

We always love hearing from our audience what you’d like to listen to next; please drop us a line at BusinessofUsPodcast@gmail.com to share what’s on your mind.