Ready, Set, Grow: Your Guide to a Life-Changing, High-Momentum Business

Own Your Empire: 7 Rules for Unstoppable Growth

I’ve spent the last two decades building and investing in businesses, and my journey has been all about empowering myself and others through self-investment- in our minds, bodies, and businesses. I’ve learned a ton from both my triumphs and my mistakes. Today, I want to share some of those hard-won lessons to help you on your path.

I'm here to talk about the common missteps I’ve seen countless times. By sharing my story, I hope I can give you the insights you need to get into your own "growth mode."

1. Freedom > Fun

We’ve all seen the highlight reel of entrepreneurship on social media, right? The freedom, the flexibility, the "be your own boss" mantra. But let me tell you, leaving a 9-to-5 doesn't always lead to that freedom. You become the CEO, the head of HR, the accountant, and the marketing team all in one. There's no "clocking out." Before you take the leap, sit with yourself and ask: Is this a true calling, or are you running from a less-than-ideal situation?

From a neuroscience perspective, our brains are wired to avoid pain. So if your current job is stressful, your brain might tell you to "just quit!" and chase the perceived reward of being your own boss. But real self-investment is about knowing yourself deeply- understanding your true motivations and building a business that aligns with your core values, not just an escape plan.

2. Start with the End in Mind

It's easy to get lost in the day-to-day chaos of a new business. Without a clear, long-term vision, you'll feel like you're being pulled in a million different directions. I've seen this with so many startups I've advised. Without a clear goal, it's impossible to stay focused and resilient when things get tough.

I wouldn’t be the expert (and behavioral scientist I am) if I didn’t add a little brain science to this! Neuroscience calls this goal-setting an act of "prospective memory." When you define a clear outcome, you’re creating a roadmap for your brain, making it easier to stay on track and find solutions to problems. Your brain loves a clear path forward, and having that vision gives you the clarity you need to push through.

3. Choose Your Partners Wisely

A business can crumble under the wrong partnership. A 50/50 split might seem fair, but it can lead to a stalemate when you and your partner can't agree on a critical decision. I learned this early on, and it’s why Lauren and I made sure to define our roles from the start. She’s the creative visionary, and I’m the one who handles the finance and structure.

Working with friends and family can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be incredibly challenging. The dynamic changes forever, so be thoughtful and intentional about who you bring into your inner circle. Remember, the people you surround yourself with shape your reality and your success.

4. Just Launch It!

This is a lesson I’ve lived by for a decade. The truth is, your idea will never be perfect on day one. You just have to launch it and adjust as you go. Waiting for perfection is a surefire way to get left behind. When Lauren and I started our show, the early episodes were not great. But we put them out there anyway, listened to your feedback, and made constant improvements.

The neuroscience of habit formation tells us that the hardest part is always getting started. Once you take that first step, your brain begins to form new neural pathways that make it easier to continue. So don’t let the fear of failure stop you. Embrace it as a learning opportunity and a chance to get into your momentum.

5. Be The Master of Your Finances

I know, I know- finance can sound boring. But mastering your business’s finances is crucial for survival. I've advised countless companies that failed because they ignored their money. In the early days of Dear Media, I didn't take a salary for two years. We left every single dollar in the company to hire great people and weather tough times.

This financial discipline isn't just about business; it’s a form of self-care. When you know your numbers, you feel empowered and in control. A deep understanding of your finances reduces stress, allowing you to focus your energy on what you do best.

6. Hire People You Believe in

You can't scale a business if you're the only expert. It's a huge pitfall for entrepreneurs to be afraid of hiring people who are smarter or more skilled than they are. I know my strengths, and I also know where I need help. I'm not the best at talent management or video editing, so I empower people like Carson and Paige to own those areas. When you bring on people who are better than you, you're not a threat; you're a force multiplier.

Empower your team by giving them ownership and trust. This not only builds a stronger business but also activates your team's inner reward system, motivating them to do their best work.

7. Build an Intentional Culture

This might be the most important point of all. A strong culture isn't about office perks; it's about building an environment based on trust, respect, and empowerment. When you create a phenomenal culture, you attract and retain amazing talent. This is also where you must be willing to let go of toxic high-performers. One negative person can poison the entire team dynamic.

From a leadership standpoint, I believe everything that goes wrong is my fault. This accountability shifts the focus from blame to problem-solving, creating a culture where people feel safe and empowered to work together. The health of your business is a reflection of its culture, so invest in it.

I've made almost all of these mistakes, but I’ve also learned that business is one of the most rewarding journeys there is. My journey is about more than just business; it's about constant growth and empowerment. I hope these lessons help you on your own path to success and self-investment.

Let’s Talk! At Generational Growth, we're building the premier content, support, and resources for ambitious women ready to invest in, acquire, own, and grow businesses!  We aim to equip them with the tools and knowledge to cultivate cash-flowing ownership, forging a legacy of abundant wealth and far-reaching influence that transcends the present and emPOWERs generations to come. We directly address the critical gaps in mentorship, education, and resources that have historically held women back, emPOWERing you to build a lasting legacy through #ownership. You can build or buy - our focus is on helping you grow everything you own! Book my calendar for a free consultation to discuss your goals and how we can help you achieve them.

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