Ann Brooks, a seasoned expert with nearly 40 years in sales and leadership, shares invaluable insights on navigating the corporate world. She discusses building high-performing teams and the balance between support and accountability. Ann reflects on her early career at Xerox and the challenges of being a primary breadwinner in a male-dominated environment. Personal stories filled with humor and resilience emphasize the importance of cultural identity, hard work, and leading with integrity in both life and business.

Join Justin Moore, founder of Creator Wizard and a seasoned YouTuber, as he shares his journey through the highs and lows of the creator economy. He candidly discusses the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with family life, especially after facing a setback when his agency collapsed during the pandemic. Justin elaborates on his transformative experiences, from launching a YouTube channel to navigating online negativity. His story is a testament to resilience, the importance of family time, and the ever-evolving dynamics of modern parenthood.

Kieran Snyder, co-founder and former CEO of Textio, dives deep into her transformative journey from academia to tech leadership. She shares insights on raising over $40 million in funding while building equitable teams. Kieran candidly discusses her experience with burnout and the difficult decision to step down as CEO. Passionate about mentoring women, she highlights her efforts in coaching girls' basketball and her unique storytelling approach in her newsletter, Nerd Processor. This conversation offers both inspiration and practical advice for aspiring leaders.

This week’s guest is Pat Flynn, the founder of Smart Passive Income, renowned for his genuine approach in the creator economy. He discusses the pivotal moment of being laid off as an architect, which led him to online success. Pat shares his passion for kayak bass fishing and how it fosters connection with nature and community. He emphasizes the importance of open communication with his children, blending family with business. With insights on navigating negativity and embracing uniqueness, Pat inspires entrepreneurs to stay true to their values while building meaningful careers.

Ankur Nagpal, founder of Teachable and Carry, shares his inspiring journey from immigrant student to entrepreneur. He discusses the hurdles of navigating the US immigration system and the lessons learned from his early Facebook app success. Ankur reflects on the evolution of the creator economy and the challenges of scaling Teachable. He emphasizes the importance of family and meaningful work after selling his company for $250 million, while also exploring the future of content creation and his mission to democratize investment strategies for business owners.

Reflecting on essential business strategies, joy in entrepreneurship, and personal growth, the host shares insightful lessons gleaned from past guests. They tackle the unique challenges faced by $1M+ creators and highlight the transformative power of meaningful conversations. With humor, they recount youthful entrepreneurial adventures and discuss the intricate journey of podcasting, from production to distribution. Emphasizing resilience, authenticity, and the lasting impact of relationships, the episode inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys.

Ruthie Ackerman, an accomplished author and journalist, specializes in empowering others to tell their own stories. In this insightful conversation, Ruthie shares her transformative journey from journalism to teaching creative writing. She discusses the importance of memoir in understanding personal pain and resilience, and how storytelling can foster connection and healing. Ruthie also reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood and professional aspirations, offering valuable lessons on self-discovery and growth.

Andy Crissinger, a world-class coach and facilitator, shares his remarkable journey from ministry to startup leadership and ultimately coaching. He emphasizes the importance of asking better questions for personal and professional growth. The conversation delves into the impact of literature on coaching practices, particularly focusing on five transformative books. Andy also reflects on the emotional journey of infertility and the joy of fatherhood, touching on themes of growth, resilience, and building trust in relationships.

Patrick McKenzie, known online as "patio11," is a software engineer and writer with a wealth of insights on tech and culture. He shares captivating lessons from his 20-year experience in Japan and how it shaped his view on work-life balance and autonomy. Patrick discusses the underrated learning potential of gaming, dives into the complexities of property crime, and emphasizes the importance of writing in building a career. His thoughts on transitioning from a salaryman to an entrepreneur offer both inspiration and practical advice for navigating career uncertainty.

Tim Grahl, CEO of StoryGrid and author of "The Shithead," is a book marketing guru who has helped numerous authors achieve bestseller status. In this engaging conversation, Tim reveals the moment he realized his business was broken and the secrets behind his success. He discusses the transformative power of therapy and its role in his personal and professional growth. Additionally, Tim shares insights on effective storytelling, the pitfalls of online courses, and the importance of embracing authenticity to foster deeper connections.