Most self-employed people never set out to become CEOs — it just happens. One day you’re working for yourself, the next you’re responsible for everything, everywhere, all at once. That shift creates a ceiling: you’re stuck as the bottleneck in your own business, trading freedom for frustration. On Be the CEO, Adam Hurd and Tom Marino open the curtain on what it really takes to cross the bridge from being “accidental CEOs” to becoming intentional CEOs — at work and at home. This is not a highlight-reel podcast. It’s raw conversations about our origins, our dogmas, our flaws, and the very ideas we fight against. You’ll hear about the enemies we’ve had to confront — not just people, but behaviors, beliefs, and blind spots that keep entrepreneurs small. Instead of theory, we use the world’s most popular business and personal growth ideas as a launching pad. We’ll bring you content from voices like Alex Hormozi, Dan Martell, Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and others. Sometimes we’ll double down and connect their ideas to our core dogmas. Other times we’ll push back with a contrarian view, exposing why a common piece of advice may not work for the self-employed striving to become true CEOs. And often we’ll reveal where we learned the lesson the hard way — through our own flaws, missteps, and lived experience. Each episode is designed for one audience: the self-employed individual who knows there’s more on the table. The freelancer who wants to build a company. The solo business owner who wants to lead a team. The person who’s been grinding for years and realizes they don’t just want to “own a job” — they want to be the CEO. What makes this podcast different? We’re not interested in puffing up your confidence. We’re here to help you develop agency — the power to make intentional choices that shape your business and your life. And we’ll help you build certainty — the clarity to know exactly why you’re making those choices. That combination eliminates doubt, speeds up decisions, and creates momentum toward the future you actually want. You’ll walk away from each conversation with real perspective on: - How to spot the beliefs and behaviors holding you back. - Why the self-employed mindset will only get you so far — and what it takes to upgrade to the CEO mindset. - Where your flaws can be reframed into fuel for growth. - How to build a business that gives you both profit and freedom. If you’re ready to move beyond the self-employed ceiling and step fully into the role of CEO — in your company and in your home — this podcast is for you. Stop being an accidental CEO. Start being the CEO.