Back in 2008, Pat Flynn lost his dream job as an architect. Little did he know, it would lead him on an incredible journey into entrepreneurship. Today, he's not just a successful online business owner, best-selling author, and podcast host with over 80 million downloads—he’s also a dedicated family man who values impact over material success.
In this episode, Pat unpacks how his ethos of empathy and serving first shaped his business and parenting style. From battling bullies in his teens to finding himself in a college marching band, he shares how these experiences shaped his leadership skills and commitment to authenticity.
We also explore:
- Staying grounded amidst success, steering clear of ego and validation traps
- Lessons learned from writing his books 'Let Go,' 'Will It Fly?,' and 'Superfans'
- Managing his passion project, Deep Pocket Monster, alongside other ventures
- Unlocking YouTube success during the pandemic through storytelling and community
- The profound impact of community and the joy of embracing play in daily life
This conversation isn't just about business—it's about empathy, community, and finding joy in what you do.
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Pokemon Event Planning
03:42 Setting the Tone with Empathy
13:08 Raising Children with Empathy
16:37 Reflecting on Teenage Years and Bullying
23:20 Lessons in Leadership and Empathy
25:38 Rumble Strips: Creating Personal Checkpoints
29:18 Finding Fulfillment and Gratitude in 'Making It'
35:17 The Journey of Writing Books: Challenges and Lessons
47:04 Balancing Passion Projects with Other Business Ventures
53:53 YouTube Success
55:40 Profitability and Personal Experiences
59:01 Building a Story Bank
01:03:00 The Impact of Community
01:05:22 Rediscovering Play
01:09:26 Michal Szafranski's Story
This show is produced and presented by Circle, where creators turn pro.