The Journey with Morgan DeBaun

It’s time for some real talk with Morgan DeBaun. In this episode, Morgan DeBaun answers YOUR questions on everything from startup funding to navigating layoffs. Plus, she shares what’s going on behind the scenes with her book launch, pregnancy news, and business shifts.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Updates 00:15 Impact of Executive Orders on Business 00:59 AfroTech Community Growth 02:14 Book Tour and Reader Feedback 05:35 Exciting Personal News 09:47 Fundraising Tips for Startups 14:05 Finding Co-Founders and Team Members 18:24 First Hires and Business Growth 20:47 Work-Life Balance and Company Culture 26:30 Advice for Laid-Off Workers 31:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts     In the episode, Morgan covers everything from navigating pregnancy and scaling AfroTech to reflections on her book, Rewrite Your Rules. She also answers audience-submitted questions, giving her opinions on VC funding in today’s climate, building a team, balancing “soft life” with startup demands, and shifting through motherhood and entrepreneurship.   Whether you’re building a business, pivoting careers, or just trying to figure it all out in this wild time, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and strategy. Tune in and don’t forget to leave a rating and review!   Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050 Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan’s journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

This episode originally aired in July 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode help you get unstuck and moving forward in your business and life!   Morgan DeBaun is spilling the tea on 7 habits that just might be holding you back from achieving your highest levels of success in business and life.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:20 YouTube Channel Updates 00:59 Habit 1: Over-Reliance on One-Hour Meetings 04:41 Habit 2: Failure to Delegate 09:03 Habit 3: Neglecting Self-Care 10:25 Habit 4: Overthinking Decisions 12:18 Habit 5: Obsession with Setting Goals 16:00 Habit 6: Overemphasis on Boundaries 18:58 Habit 7: Fear of Mediocrity and Failure 22:07 Conclusion and Call to Action   Morgan breaks down the bad habits that many entrepreneurs get caught up in, from defaulting to one-hour meetings and not delegating enough, to overthinking and relying too heavily on goals. Plus she's talking self-care, boundaries, and why failure doesn't need to be avoided at all costs.   Take this episode as an opportunity to reflect on your own habits and find new levels of success in your business! Let Morgan know which habits you want to break by responding to the newsletter or commenting in her entrepreneurship channel on Instagram. And make sure you are subscribed to Morgan's YouTube channel to catch exclusive content coming soon!  Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050 Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.com

This episode originally aired in April 2024 and quickly became one of the most popular episodes of The Journey. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, this episode will get you thinking about healing in a toxic culture.   In this episode, Morgan DeBaun sits down with renowned physician, author, and trauma expert, Dr. Gabor Maté, for a thought-provoking conversation about childhood trauma and attachment, the impact of societal norms on parenting, and the healing potential of psychedelics.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:30 Dr. Gabor Maté's Early Life and Trauma 04:08 Impact of Early Trauma on Adult Behavior 04:56 The Struggles of a Medical Professional 08:22 Parenting Challenges in Modern Society 13:21 The Importance of Attachment in Child Development 21:30 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenting 24:03 Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships 24:38 The Impact of Technology on Children 25:36 Balancing Work and Parenting 28:51 The Importance of Secure Attachment 29:49 Understanding Individuation and Socialization 36:40 The Role of Psychedelics in Healing 45:16 Resources and Final Thoughts   Dr. Maté opens up about his own childhood experiences as a Jewish infant in occupied Hungary, where abandonment and trauma shaped his early years and later influenced his relationships with his children and career. Through personal reflection, Morgan shares her own experiences of growing up with a father whose demanding career kept him often away, and her tendency towards workaholism. She shares how she intends to do things differently with her own child.   As the discussion unfolds, Dr. Maté dives into his belief that we are living in a toxic culture, where stress and societal pressures take a toll on our mental and physical health. He highlights the direct link between our minds and bodies, particularly evident in marginalized groups facing systemic racism. Dr. Maté and Morgan discuss how it is in this context that parents are expected to raise children, and how cultural parenting norms often contradict intuitive caregiving practices, driven by economic necessities rather than emotional well-being.   The episode wraps up with an eye-opening discussion on the potential of psychedelics in healing trauma, with Dr. Maté sharing the emerging research and the need for better access to these powerful tools in mental health care.   To learn more about Dr. Gabor Maté's work discussed in this episode, check out his books The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing In A Toxic Culture and Hold On to Your Kids: Why Parents Need To Matter More Than Peers.   Tune in to this insightful episode, and make sure to leave a rating and review to show your support for these incredibly powerful conversations being had week after week!   More from Dr. Gabor Maté: https://drgabormate.com/ https://www.instagram.com/gabormatemd?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==   Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live coaching session using powerful frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules.   In this episode, she advises two dynamic entrepreneurs at different life stages: Flo, a corporate professional building a virtual assistant business while balancing family life, and Patrick, an HR leader stepping into screenwriting and consulting during semi-retirement.   Morgan helps them clarify their priorities, develop marketing strategies, and map out a path toward financial freedom and personal fulfillment. Together, they dive deep into scaling businesses, embracing creative passions, and setting up a prosperous future on your own terms.   In this episode:  00:00 – Introduction and Session Overview  01:20 – Meet Flo: Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Life  05:38 – Flo's Virtual Assistant Business Journey  08:34 – Challenges and Strategies for Scaling Up  10:27 – Enhancing Online Presence and Networking  15:52 – Operational Smoothness and Future Plans  21:03 – Pitching and Perception in the Business World  24:32 – Defining Your Priorities and Pillars  24:54 – Entrepreneurial Stability and Success  25:31 – Focusing on Future Customers  26:20 – Patrick's Career Crossroads  27:24 – Balancing Passion and Career  30:43 – Planning for Retirement  32:00 – Embracing Your Wealthy Vision  39:31 – Breaking Free from Corporate Constraints  45:58 – Taking Action Towards Your Goals  48:22 – Final Thoughts and Reflections   Flo opens up about the challenges of scaling while juggling a full-time career and family, while Patrick shares his journey navigating a pivot into creative work and consulting. Morgan offers real-time strategies to get clear on your goals, build your dream future, and create wealth on your own terms.   Whether you’re growing a business or reimagining your next chapter, this episode will inspire you to rewrite your own rules—and equip you with the practical steps to get there.   Order Rewrite Your Rules by Morgan DeBaun:  https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050 Join the Newsletter for Exclusive Content:  https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Follow Morgan on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun Follow The Journey on Instagram:  https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb    Produced by MicMoguls. 

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live coaching session using frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules. This time, she’s joined by Rachael, a newly engaged recent college grad working a full-time accounting job, building a business, and planning a wedding—all at once.   Morgan helps Rachael navigate the pressure of overachievement, cultural expectations, and the chaos of managing multiple life transitions. Together, they dive into practical strategies like theming your weeks, setting clearer priorities, and creating space to actually enjoy the journey.   In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview 00:05 – Meet Rachael: Recent Grad and Bride-to-Be 01:11 – Navigating Life Transitions 02:33 – Defining Priorities and Pacing Life 05:34 – Wedding Planning Challenges 08:58 – Balancing Work, Life, and Faith 12:17 – Structuring Your Week for Success 21:19 – Struggles with Social Media and Self-Comparison 21:51 – Pressure to Achieve and Future Plans 23:12 – Cultural Expectations and Overachievement 25:24 – Reflecting on Life Goals and Success 26:51 – Starting a Business and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 29:43 – Balancing Life, Work, and Personal Goals 38:33 – Commitments and Moving Forward 42:34 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Rachael opens up about the struggles of doing “all the things”—working, building, loving, and still feeling behind. Morgan challenges her to get clear on what she really wants, separate from society’s timeline, and embrace daily joy instead of constant striving.   Whether you're newly graduated or knee-deep in transitions of your own, this episode will speak to your soul—and give you the practical tools to reset.   Order Rewrite Your Rules by Morgan DeBaun: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050 Join the Newsletter for Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Follow Morgan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun Follow The Journey on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb   Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun is back with another live advising session featuring frameworks from her new book, Rewrite Your Rules. In this episode, she sits down with Lane, a branding and marketing agency founder who’s entering into the world of startups.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Studio Setup 00:46 Guest Introduction and Background 01:10 Business Overview and Services 04:28 Team Structure and Client Management 08:36 Challenges and Growth Strategies 17:09 Transitioning from Operator to Owner 24:29 Targeting Executive Clients 25:34 Understanding Retainer Packages 26:06 Tailoring Services for Executives 28:10 Creating a Personal Branding Framework 29:59 Launching a Tech Startup 32:31 Overcoming Startup Challenges 36:18 Focusing on Product Development 41:49 Final Advice and Encouragement   In the episode, Lane opens up about the challenges of juggling corporate clients and small businesses and maintaining her own brand’s visibility, despite building brands for others. Morgan advises Lane on the transition from being in the weeds of operations to taking on a more strategic CEO role. She also helps her make time for her dream of launching a tech startup.   Through the conversation, Morgan helps Lane rewrite her rules, from deciding to forgo social media to focusing on product development before funding. Tune in and be inspired to rewrite your own rules and do entrepreneurship your way. Don't forget to order your copy of Rewrite Your Rules, out now!   Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

In this live coaching session, Morgan DeBaun sits down with Grant, who outside of his career with a big tech company is a nonprofit leader passionate about social impact. Together, they discuss hiring, systems, and time management to help Grant scale his business as a social impact strategist on his own terms.   In this episode: 00:07 Grant's Nonprofit Journey 00:40 The Decision to Join the Show 01:01 Balancing a Day Job and Nonprofit Work 01:29 Exploring Consulting Opportunities 01:57 Social Impact and Community Work 02:49 Challenges and Future Plans 02:59 Support Systems and Team Building 05:23 Scaling and Strategic Planning 28:29 Content Creation and Personal Branding 31:27 Letting Go of Company Identity 31:42 Building a Personal Framework 32:07 Motivation and Helping Others 32:23 Financial Realities and Privilege 33:27 Content Creation Strategy 42:10 Balancing Non-Profit and For-Profit Work 59:44 Future Goals and Vision 01:01:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   In the episode, Grant shares his journey of starting a nonprofit as a way to give back to his community and the challenges he's faced in balancing his day job with his business. Morgan helps Grant realize the importance of hiring administrative support, and provides guidance on leveraging his discretionary income to build sustainable impact. They also discuss the potential for creating content to inspire others and why Grant's goal doesn't have to be to leave his 9-to-5.   Tune in to see the frameworks from Morgan's new book, Rewrite Your Rules, in action! And don't forget to order your copy!   Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

Morgan DeBaun’s new book, Rewrite Your Rules, is all about challenging the status quo and designing a life on your own terms. In this live coaching session, she puts those principles into action, helping Simbi gain clarity and make time for wealth-building as she navigates motherhood and big business decisions.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Simbi's Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:42 Balancing Motherhood and Business 05:15 Current Business Ventures 08:51 Challenges and Strategies for Growth 13:05 Personal Reflections and Future Plans 25:49 Balancing Personal Freedom and Responsibilities 26:32 Outsourcing and Automating Tasks 27:31 Daily Routine and Time Management 29:46 Finding Time for Self-Care 32:24 Planning for the Future 41:44 Growing the Business 45:53 Final Thoughts and Next Steps   In the episode, Morgan and Simbi discuss the complexities of integrating motherhood into entrepreneurship, and Morgan helps Simbi figure out her CEO tasks vs. operating tasks to determine where she wants to spend her time and energy. They also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of acquiring an agency versus scaling a new business. Morgan coaches Simbi on creating a clear vision for her business and life, and how to make that a reality in the day-to-day.   This episode gives a taste of the frameworks discussed in Morgan's new book, Rewrite Your Rules, so make sure to order your copy to start applying these strategies and mindsets in your own life and business!   Order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/Rewrite-Your-Rules-Achieve-Freedom/dp/0593725050   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb Produced by MicMoguls.

This episode is a special preview from my upcoming book, Rewrite Your Rules, dropping April 1st. I’m reading a raw, honest excerpt from Chapter Nine: “Be the Rough Draft: A Better Relationship With Fear.” In it, I share what it really looked like behind the scenes during one of the most pivotal—and fear-inducing—moments of my career: acquiring Travel Noire. We’re talking investor calls, operational landmines, war rooms, and leading through uncertainty while keeping the bigger vision alive. This isn’t just a story about business—this is about choosing courage over comfort, strategy over panic, and innovation over fear. Thank you to everyone who’s already pre-ordered. You’re not just supporting me—you’re helping signal to the marketplace that this is a book that matters. And if you haven’t yet, head to wherever you buy books—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, your local indie—and get your copy in. This episode is for the entrepreneurs, the career pivoters, the side-hustlers, and the everyday leaders navigating uncertainty. Remember: success favors those who rewrite the rules. Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593725050?tag=randohouseinc7986-20

Are you stuck in incremental growth, making slow progress toward your business goals? In this special episode of The Journey, Morgan shares the Step Change Growth framework, a powerful strategy for making bold leaps in business and income. Pulled from her WorkSmart program, this behind-the-scenes lesson breaks down how to escape the hamster wheel, optimize your time, and scale smarter.   In this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Episode 01:08 Understanding the Step Change Growth Framework 03:17 Incremental Mindset vs. Step Change Growth 04:14 Implementing Step Change Growth Strategies 07:15 Creating Your Step Change Growth Statement 12:20 Running Sprints for Business Growth 16:21 Examples of Effective Sprints   In the episode, Morgan shares the concept of step change growth, explaining why small, steady gains keep you trapped and how to shift into a mindset that fuels rapid growth. She lays out how to write a step change growth statement, and explores how to run effective sprints in your business.   Ready to think bigger and take action for your level-up? Listen now and start setting step change growth goals that push you to new heights! If you love this episode, be sure to leave a review and share your biggest takeaway.   Pre-order Rewrite Your Rules: https://worksmartprogram.com/book/   Join the Newsletter for More Exclusive Content: https://worksmartprogram.ac-page.com/thejourneypodcast Make sure you are following Morgan's journey on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@morgandebaun?_ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejourneybymdb   Produced by MicMoguls.