

Beyond 8 Figures
A.J. Lawrence
At Beyond 8 Figures, we believe in DELIBERATE entrepreneurship. It means creating a solid foundational framework for your entrepreneurial journey, building from a place of passion, and intentionally aligning your actions with your goals so that you can create success on your terms.
Join A.J. Lawrence, the journeyman entrepreneur with several 7 figure exits, as he shares honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs about their experiences starting and scaling businesses to $10M and beyond, the realities of being a modern-day entrepreneur, advice for practicing deliberate entrepreneurship, and more!
Join A.J. Lawrence, the journeyman entrepreneur with several 7 figure exits, as he shares honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs about their experiences starting and scaling businesses to $10M and beyond, the realities of being a modern-day entrepreneur, advice for practicing deliberate entrepreneurship, and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 37min
How EOS Helped Steve Maly Break Through a Growth Plateau (After 20 Years in Business)
What happens when your agency hits a growth ceiling—and brute force stops working?In this episode, Steve Maly shares what finally pushed him to adopt EOS, how it changed his team’s rhythm and decision-making, and why hiring a $500 intern changed the trajectory of his business.Here’s what you’ll take away:How to spot the real reason your growth has stalledThe hidden value of weekly meetings (done right)Why structure matters more than toolsHow to think like a strategist—not just a founder🎯 Ready to get out of the weeds and think bigger about your business? 👉 Let’s talk.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Steve Maly: LinkedIn, Maly MarketingEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Baby Bathwater

Jul 16, 2025 • 45min
How to Train Your Brain for Entrepreneurial Resilience with Paola Telfer, Sens.ai
Your brain is your business’s most valuable asset—so why aren’t you training it?In this episode, I talk with Paola Telfer, founder of Sens.ai, about how she turned a personal brain injury into a mission to help entrepreneurs perform better mentally. We dig into the science of neurofeedback, how to stay sharp under pressure, and why brain optimization isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for high-stakes leadership.🔹 What you'll learn:How brain training works and why founders need itTools to manage stress and sharpen focusHow to bounce back from burnout and mental fogListen now & build a smarter brain for the business you’re leading.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Paola Telfer: LinkedIn, Sens.ai blog, Sens.ai InstagramGet Sens.ai: https://bit.ly/44VpVQ5

Jul 9, 2025 • 34min
How to Rebuild Purpose After Selling Your Company with Jess Stewart, Jess Stewart LLC
What comes after the big exit? For Jess Stewart, it wasn’t freedom—it was confusion.In this episode, we unpack how she rebuilt both her purpose and leadership rhythm after selling her company. If you’re feeling stuck in your business or unsure about what comes next, Jess’s story offers a practical path forward.Here’s what we cover:The emotional and operational void after exiting a businessHow to install structure without losing flexibilityWhat leadership rhythms look like in real companiesFeeling stuck in the chaos of what comes after your big milestone? Let’s figure out your next chapter. 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZnqyzR 🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Jess Stewart: Website, Activate Community

Jul 2, 2025 • 43min
How to Build Exit-Ready Growth with Philip Blackett
Success isn’t just surviving chaos—it’s building toward your exit.In this episode, I talk with Philip Blackett, founder of Dream Business Makeover and LifeAfter40.com. He’s been through the fire—literally rebuilding a cemetery business during COVID while pulling double shifts at Chick-fil-A to make payroll.We talk exit strategy, leadership, and what really works when you’ve got to grow through chaos.🎯 You’ll Learn:Why most “busy” CEOs miss the pointHow to plan your exit (even if it’s years away)The 4 levers that grow revenue and valueWhat it looks like to lead when everything’s on fireReady to grow your business with a future? Let’s build your exit-ready roadmap. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Philip Blackett: LinkedIn, LifeAfter40.comRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Jun 25, 2025 • 53min
The Truth About Buying a Business (Most People Won’t Tell You) — with Richard Parker, Diomo Corporation
In this discussion, Richard Parker, founder of Diomo Corporation, shares his expertise in guiding aspiring business owners through the maze of acquisitions. He emphasizes the common pitfalls in chasing the wrong deals and unveils his '4-4-4-1-1' strategy to maintain focus. Richard highlights five critical filters to avoid disastrous purchases and reveals how to discern whether a business is chaotic or primed for growth. He also discusses the essential mindset shift needed before approaching sellers. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone contemplating buying a business.

Jun 18, 2025 • 47min
How to Build a Personal Capital Stack with Mark Cecchini, Quadrant Capital
Mark Cecchini, a wealth advisor at Quadrant Capital, specializes in helping high-growth entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of personal finance. In this engaging discussion, he unpacks the concept of a personal capital stack, the pitfalls of basic investment strategies, and the importance of professional financial guidance. Mark also shares insights on managing cash flow, the role of AI in finance, and crafting tailored investment strategies that align with personal goals. A must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their wealth strategy!

Jun 11, 2025 • 27min
How to Stop Profit Leaks in a Growing Business with Kevin Bees, ProfitHive
Join Kevin Bees, the founder of ProfitHive, who specializes in identifying profit leaks for businesses. He unveils the seven hidden areas where companies lose money and shares a straightforward framework to streamline finances without needing an accounting degree. Kevin discusses the importance of refining business practices, understanding key metrics, and maximizing profitability through strategic mindset shifts. He also emphasizes the need for effective marketing and enhances customer experience to boost profit margins.

Jun 4, 2025 • 56min
How Simplifying Your Business Drives Real Growth with Mikael Dia, Funnelytics
Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics, shares insights on simplifying business operations for sustainable growth. He discusses the chaos that often follows venture capital investments and how to regain control through clarity. Key points include combating churn to maintain momentum and the four pillars for fulfillment while scaling. Mikael also reveals how Funnelytics helps businesses visualize customer journeys, enhancing decision-making without the guesswork, and emphasizes that success is about focus, not just scale.

May 28, 2025 • 32min
Reclaim Control of Your Business with John F. Kettley, Sales Masters Guild
In this discussion, John F. Kettley, founder of Sales Masters Guild, shares insights from his journey in helping entrepreneurs regain control over their businesses. He highlights the shift from working in the business to effectively leading it. Topics include overcoming the founder's plateau, the importance of aligning sales and delivery, and using strategic playbooks for success. Kettley emphasizes the significance of clarity in vision and the necessity for a reset when business feels overwhelming.

May 21, 2025 • 41min
Building a Purpose-Aligned Business with Amit Garg, Tau Ventures
Let’s be honest—most founders are chasing traction without stopping to ask: Is this still what I want to build?In this episode, I talk with Amit Garg, Managing Partner at Tau Ventures, about what it means to build a purpose-aligned business from the ground up. From launching a hospital in India to raising $86M for a venture fund, Amit shares what real alignment looks like.🎧 You’ll learn:How to know if your business is actually venture-backableWhat founders get wrong about raising capitalWhy your pitch deck could be building a business you don’t want to runHow to use purpose as your operating systemWhy public thinking is the new investor filterIf your business looks successful but doesn’t feel right, it’s time to reset. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Amit Garg: LinkedIn, XHospital For HopeTau VenturesData Driven