The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber dispels the myths about starting your own business, highlighting that most small business owners are not true entrepreneurs but rather technicians skilled in their trade. Gerber introduces the concept of the 'E-Myth' and explains that business owners must embody three key roles: the Entrepreneur (the visionary), the Manager (the organizer), and the Technician (the doer). The book emphasizes the distinction between working 'on' your business and working 'in' your business, and provides practical advice on building systems and processes to ensure a business can run independently of its owner.
In this book, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend provide biblically-based answers to help readers set healthy boundaries with their spouses, children, friends, parents, co-workers, and even themselves. The authors discuss how to establish clear personal property lines, manage digital life, and address common questions about setting boundaries. The book aims to help readers achieve a balanced lifestyle by understanding and implementing healthy boundaries in all areas of life.
In this episode of the Mind Shift Podcast, Aaron and Erwin McManus reflect on Erwin’s recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended the Leadership Factor Conference. Despite a whirlwind of travel from Los Angeles to Houston to Birmingham and back, Erwin shares his excitement about connecting with influential leaders like Chris Hodges, Dave Ramsey, Henry Cloud, and Patrick Lencioni. He emphasizes the power of systems in leadership and entrepreneurship, pointing to Chris Hodges’ approach as a model of clarity and effectiveness. Drawing from the principles of "The E-Myth," Erwin highlights how structure and systems are key to scaling vision with excellence.
Their conversation turns personal as Erwin recounts his interactions with leaders like Dave Ramsey and reflects on the impact of his own writing and work. He shares moments of recognition from fans at the airport and talks about the global reach of his books, such as The Seven Frequencies of Communication and Mind Shift. Aaron recalls seeing John Maxwell promote books during his youth, sparking memories of the long journey they’ve both taken through leadership spaces. These reflections underscore the influence of consistent work over time and the power of meaningful connections.
Erwin and Aaron also touch on current religious and cultural events, including the appointment of the new Pope with American roots and a love for the Chicago White Sox. This leads to Erwin’s own story and his early draw to the story of Jesus. He recounts his hunger for spiritual truth and his fond experiences within the Catholic Church, recognizing how those early moments helped shape his open-hearted search for faith. The segment paints a fuller picture of Erwin’s spiritual journey and openness to diverse expressions of belief.
The episode deepens with Erwin’s retelling of Henry Cloud’s insights about the pervasive cultural narrative of victim, persecutor, and rescuer. They explore how this psychological triangle plays out in movements like Me Too or immigration debates and discuss the danger of being trapped in any of those roles. Erwin stresses the importance of refusing to see oneself as a victim or aggressor, instead championing a mindset rooted in ownership, personal responsibility, and mutual empowerment. This philosophy extends to his broader leadership approach, particularly in coaching and ministry.
The episode wraps with several forward-looking discussions, including Mosaic Church’s evolving future, Erwin’s leadership during high-pressure transitions, and the launch of Ghost Artifacts. Aaron and Erwin describe the uniqueness of the hoodie’s Japanese fabric and what makes a product costly versus expensive, tying in themes of quality and intention. Aaron shares excitement for upcoming releases and the ethos behind their creative projects. They close the episode with gratitude for their community, a call to engage with the new Ghost Artifacts collection, and a reminder about the upcoming Mosaic Conference—a celebration of vision, creativity, and the next chapter ahead.