

255 Elaine Pofeldt on Building Wealth Without a Team or a VC Check
Elaine Pofeldt, former Fortune Small Business editor, uncovered a hidden economy of one-person businesses quietly earning 7 figures and spent years interviewing the entrepreneurs behind them. In this conversation, she reveals the surprising industries dominating this space, why professional services often outperform tech, and the frameworks that actually work for building sustainable solo wealth.
From starting smart while keeping your day job to using AI as your secret weapon, Elaine breaks down the real strategies behind million-dollar one-person businesses. No hype, no hustle culture required. Plus: why health and boundaries aren’t “extras” but essential business infrastructure, and how to design a career that serves your life instead of consuming it.
Essential listening for anyone who wants financial freedom without chasing passive income or playing the venture capital game.
Behind Her Brilliance: Family
TOPICS COVERED
Elaine’s journey from fiction writing to journalism
The evolution of business journalism and rise of entrepreneurship in the public imagination
How AI and automation empower solo business owners
The origin story of The Million Dollar, One Person Business
Why peer learning and relatable case studies matter
Common traits among successful solo entrepreneurs
The emotional and mental stamina required to succeed independently
The role of physical health, boundaries, and self-awareness in entrepreneurial success
How older professionals and people with disabilities are reshaping the business landscape
Flexible business models that support life design
Building walk-away money and choosing clients wisely
The underestimated power of tools like planners, automation apps, and AI assistants
Lifestyle design, digital nomadism, and work-from-anywhere strategies