223: Building an authentic business that lasts (with George Kao)

Season 2, episode 23 is here!

In this episode, George Kao shares his journey from Silicon Valley to Mexico, why he calls himself an “authentic business coach,” and the practices that have kept him going as a solopreneur for more than 16 years.

We dive into what it means to create from the soul, how to stay productive without burning out, and why boundaries and longevity matter more than any quick tactic. George’s approach is thoughtful, practical, and refreshingly calm in a noisy online world.

What we covered:

- How moving to Mexico shifted George’s energy and perspective on work

- Why he chose the label “authentic business coach” and what authenticity means in practice

- The three levels of soul-aligned work, from chasing results to working with presence

- His daily “idea machine” practice and how it fuels a steady stream of content across platforms

- The role of experimentation and feedback in naturally shaping your brand

- Key principles from his book Joyful Productivity, including working lightly and the “energy reboot”

- Why boundaries, integrity, and a long-term mindset are the foundations of a sustainable solopreneur career

👉 Make sure to subscribe to Authentic Business for Soulpreneurs before you go!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thedavidmcilroy.substack.com/subscribe