Podcast Summary: Courage & Clarity - Episode 126: Stop Running from the Roller Coaster

Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host: Steph Crowder

Introduction

In Episode 126 of Courage & Clarity, host Steph Crowder delves into the turbulent phase often termed the "messy middle" of entrepreneurship. This episode, titled "Stop Running from the Roller Coaster," offers a candid exploration of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs who have achieved initial success but find themselves grappling with overwhelming complexities as their business scales. Crowder combines personal anecdotes with actionable strategies, emphasizing the importance of support systems and mental resilience.

Understanding the Messy Middle of Entrepreneurship

Steph Crowder begins by identifying the "messy middle" as a stage where entrepreneurs, despite having some success, feel a significant distance from their envisioned business goals. This phase is characterized by:

• Increased Overwhelm: As revenue grows, so does the to-do list, leading to feelings of being unmanageable.
• Perception vs. Reality: Initially, success was expected to simplify business operations, but instead, complexity often magnifies.
• Emotional Turmoil: Entrepreneurs may question their capabilities, leading to doubts like, "Why do I keep getting so overwhelmed? Shouldn't I know what I'm supposed to be doing?" (05:30).

Crowder emphasizes that this stage is a common aspect of scaling a business and not an indicator of personal failure.

Steph’s Personal Journey: The Roller Coaster Experience

Crowder shares her own experience navigating the messy middle in 2021, illustrating the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurial growth through the metaphor of a roller coaster. Key highlights include:

• Initial Success: Launching her Mastermind program, securing her first clients through personal outreach, and achieving multiple six-figure revenues (10:15).
• Escalating Challenges: Despite success, Crowder felt increasing stress and fear, likening her business state to an out-of-control elevator—a recurring nightmare symbolizing her anxiety (22:45).
• Decision to Step Back: Overwhelmed by unmanageable complexity, she made the drastic decision to shut down her business and seek employment elsewhere in the fall of 2021 (30:00).

A pivotal moment occurred during this hiatus when Crowder realized that escaping the roller coaster wasn't the solution; instead, learning to navigate its ups and downs was essential (45:20).

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Support and Coaching

Upon returning to entrepreneurship, Crowder identifies the critical factors that transformed her experience:

1. Seeking Help: Realizing the necessity of external support, she invested in business coaches and mentors who provided strategic guidance and emotional resilience (50:10).

   "When you have a coach, you're not alone in figuring things out. They’ve been there and can guide you through." – Steph Crowder (52:30)

2. Expanding Mental and Emotional Capacity: Beyond strategic skills like Facebook ads or email marketing, Crowder emphasizes developing emotional intelligence and leadership qualities necessary for managing a growing business (65:00).

3. Embracing the Roller Coaster: Instead of fleeing the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship, Crowder learned to embrace it, preparing herself to handle unexpected challenges with confidence.

   "The roller coaster is here to teach you something. It's there because you're ready for it." – Steph Crowder (70:45)

Crowder advocates for a balanced approach where strategic business growth is matched with personal development and support systems.

Client Testimonial: The Power of Support

To illustrate the effectiveness of her approach, Crowder shares an anonymous testimonial from a Mastermind participant:

"I'm so glad I joined your Mastermind. It hasn't even started yet, but listening to the Zoom calls and hearing you coach others has already made my business feel more manageable. I feel like I'm going to figure it out, and I can't wait for May 12th." (90:15)

This testimonial underscores the immediate benefits of having access to experienced coaching and a supportive community, even before active participation begins.

Call to Action: Joining the Mastermind Program

Wrapping up the episode, Crowder invites listeners to apply for her Mastermind program, highlighting:

• Limited Enrollment: Only a small number of spots are available, promoting an intimate and effective coaching environment.
• Exclusive Bonuses: Early applicants receive unique bonuses, including access to a vault of past coaching calls and comprehensive business resources.
• Investment in Growth: At $8,000 for a 12-month commitment, the program is positioned as a significant investment in both business and personal development.

Crowder emphasizes that seeking professional support is crucial for overcoming the messy middle, urging entrepreneurs not to face challenges alone.

"Don't try to do the messy middle by yourself. Help is available and will change everything." – Steph Crowder (115:50)

Conclusion

Episode 126 of Courage & Clarity provides a profound exploration of the messy middle in entrepreneurship, blending personal narrative with strategic advice. Steph Crowder effectively communicates that while the journey is fraught with challenges, the right support systems and mindset shifts can transform overwhelming obstacles into manageable growth opportunities. This episode serves as both a reflection for those in similar circumstances and a motivational guide to embracing the roller coaster of business growth with courage and clarity.

Notable Quotes

• On Overwhelm in Growth:

  "Why do I keep getting so overwhelmed? Shouldn't I know what I'm supposed to be doing?" – Steph Crowder (07:15)

• On Embracing the Roller Coaster:

  "The roller coaster is here to teach you something. It's there because you're ready for it." – Steph Crowder (70:45)

• On Seeking Support:

  "When you have a coach, you're not alone in figuring things out. They’ve been there and can guide you through." – Steph Crowder (52:30)

• On Investment and Growth:

  "Don't try to do the messy middle by yourself. Help is available and will change everything." – Steph Crowder (115:50)

Timestamp References

• 05:30 Understanding Overwhelm in the Messy Middle
• 10:15 Initial Success and Challenges
• 22:45 The Elevator Nightmare Metaphor
• 30:00 Decision to Step Back
• 45:20 Realization to Embrace the Roller Coaster
• 50:10 Seeking Help and Support
• 52:30 Importance of Coaching
• 65:00 Expanding Mental and Emotional Capacity
• 70:45 Embracing the Roller Coaster
• 90:15 Client Testimonial
• 115:50 Final Call to Action

Note: The timestamp references are illustrative and correspond to the sections where quotes and key points are discussed.

End of Summary