If you don’t have haters, you’re playing too small. In this episode we dig into why criticism shows up the moment you raise your standards, how to handle online trolls and quiet “grapevine haters,” and the leadership moves that turn negativity into traction—without getting dragged into the mud.

We cover clap-backs (with class), why competitors hate from insecurity, how to read team “dissent” (love vs. frustration vs. misinformation), and why leaders must sell the vision so the org isn’t run by rumor mills. Plus: using facts (not shade) to win business, letting results speak, and building an industry that raises all boats.

Grind culture is not cool—success culture is. In this episode we get real about entrepreneur/CEO burnout: how it sneaks up (brain fog, irritability, “movement without progress,” random emotion), why social media makes it worse, and the practical systems we use to prevent, spot, and recover—without taking our foot off the growth pedal.

We cover signs of burnout, how to build a team you can actually step away from, using time-zone arbitrage (working abroad) for a forced daily reset, the “1 hour for me” rule, cold plunges vs. unplugging, and how leaders can stay available without disempowering their people.

How to recognize burnout early (before the crash)

The difference between grind and progress (and why words matter)

Trusting your team: stepping out of the business to work on the business

Time-boxed recovery tactics: 60-minute daily non-negotiable, cold plunge, zone-2 runs, true unplugging

How to use travel/remote work for mental space and better leadership

Why your customers don’t care that you’re tired (and how to show up anyway)

If you run a business, you know the daily battles are real. In this episode of Obsession Required, we dig into the day-to-day challenges founders face—unexpected shocks (tariffs, COVID shutdowns), broken lead-gen systems, over-engineered tech, team dependency, customer churn, and the leadership traps that quietly stall growth. We share what actually worked: getting back to basics, building independent problem-solvers, installing chain-of-command, and using AI and systems (when they help—not when they hurt).

How to spot (and fix) business blind spots before they become crises

Real stories: a gym owner rebuilding after shutdowns, an auto auction staying open, and a publisher modernizing with AI

The “131” decision framework (1 problem, 3 options, 1 recommendation) for faster, better calls

When to pivot vs. double down and how to keep your brand relevant when budgets get cut

Why leadership access is a superpower—and how to use it without disempowering your team

Five core principles for growth: Never quit, be relentlessly resilient, stay disciplined, obsess over growth, and choose your circle wisely