How to Start Over and Come Back Stronger | The Scaling Podcast EP 27

When life completely falls apart, what do you do next?

In this powerful episode, Aaron Harper sits down with Brad Smith to talk about the accident that ended his thriving fitness business — and how he rebuilt his life, mindset, and mission from scratch. They cover the lessons hidden in loss, the importance of multiple income streams, and what it really takes to find purpose again when everything changes overnight.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or just someone trying to navigate a hard season, this conversation will remind you that resilience isn't about bouncing back — it's about building better.

00:00:00 – Opening & introductions Aaron introduces Brad, sets the tone for a conversation on resilience, rebuilding, and life pivots.

00:05:20 – The accident and everything changing overnight Brad shares the story of the car accident that derailed his fitness business and forced a complete reset.

00:15:30 – Navigating physical and emotional recovery Discussion on dealing with chronic pain, loss of purpose, and the identity crisis that comes after success collapses.

00:26:40 – Rebuilding from the ground up How Brad and his wife approached recovery by focusing on mindset, small wins, and redefining success.

00:37:50 – The business lessons hidden in loss Brad reflects on the dangers of single-income dependence and what diversification really means for entrepreneurs.

00:48:20 – Visibility, storytelling, and building trust Aaron and Brad talk about showing up publicly, using vulnerability to connect, and the business power of authenticity.

00:59:10 – Creating momentum again Brad explains how consistency and purpose gradually replaced burnout, leading to long-term stability.

01:10:15 – Lessons on leadership and legacy A look at how setbacks reshape leadership values — empathy, communication, and resilience through example.

01:17:30 – Closing reflections Aaron wraps the conversation by summarizing the key takeaways: rebuild, stay visible, and move forward with purpose.