Podcast
The Nourished CEO Podcast
Hosted by Laura Schoenfeld · EN
The Nourished CEO is the podcast for ambitious coaches, wellness practitioners, and online business owners who are done choosing between success and self-care.
Hosted by business strategist and mentor Laura Schoenfeld, this show is your permission slip to build a wildly profitable business and a deeply nourishing life.
Each episode dives into the strategies, mindset shifts, and behind-the-scenes realities of what it takes to grow a thriving business while honoring your energy, your values, your family, and your life outside of work.
Through honest solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews with industry experts and real clients, you'll hear powerful stories and practical insights about what's actually working to create sustainable income and impact without burnout.
Whether you're in the messy middle of growth or refining a business that already supports your lifestyle, The Nourished CEO will help you design success on your own terms, and love the life you're living along the way.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Smart Entrepreneurs Get Stuck in Indecision (And How To Make Decisions Faster)
4d ago01:25:15Tap to summarizeAt a certain point, decisions stop feeling manageable. You're not short on intelligence or strategy — you're spinning. The same questions keep resurfacing, the same decisions stay unresolved, and the cost of that indecision is quietly compounding in ways most entrepreneurs never stop to calculate. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down why really smart business owners struggle most with making decisions, what it's actually costing you, and how to get out of indecision quickly. We're covering seven specific patterns that keep experienced entrepreneurs stuck, plus research-backed tools that actually work (and it's not just more journaling or sleeping on it.) I'm also sharing some of my own decision-making struggles this year and announcing something exciting that I've been thinking about for a long time. If you've ever felt like indecision is slowing your business down more than any strategy gap ever could, this episode is going to reframe the whole thing! Timeline Highlights [02:57] Why indecision shows up across every program I'm running right now [04:45] The real cost of indecision beyond just a delayed decision [10:25] Cost #1: The cognitive drain of unresolved decisions and the open tab analogy [13:09] Cost #2: How waiting closes opportunities you didn't realize were closing [14:50] Cost #3: What chronic indecision does to your nervous system [16:24] Cost #4: The self-trust recession and why this is the most expensive long-term cost [19:30] Why staying stuck in indecision is still a decision — just one made by default [20:11] The 7 reasons smart entrepreneurs get stuck [20:56] Reason #1: You're solving the wrong problem entirely [27:46] Reason #2: An unrelated emotion is running the show [33:00] Why somatic work and EMDR can be part of the decision-making process [34:28] Reason #3: The decision has become a verdict on your identity [41:16] Reason #4: Trying to solve for every possible future before taking the first step [46:12] Reason #5: The real constraint hasn't been identified yet [52:13] Reason #6: Waiting for certainty that only comes after the decision is made [58:30] Reason #7: The decision requires a bigger identity than you've stepped into yet [1:04:47] How to identify which block you're actually in before choosing a tool [1:05:30] Tool #1: Making the case for the option you've been avoiding [1:07:24] Tool #2: Running a pre-mortem (Gary Klein's research) [1:10:32] Tool #3: Self-distancing — what would you tell a client in your situation? [1:11:54] Tool #4: Turning your decision into an if-then plan [1:13:41] Tool #5: Writing down the decision and scheduling a 90-day review [1:17:20] Why making imperfect decisions is how decision-making capacity gets built [1:18:01] Announcing The Decision Room — my new six-month mastermind Top 5 Quotes "Indecision is not an intelligence issue. Honestly, the smarter you are, the more you deal with indecision — because you see so many different angles and you think so much." "The cost of indecision, whether short-term or long-term, is almost guaranteed to be higher than the cost of making a decision that did not turn out the way you wanted." "Certainty is not a prerequisite for a good decision. It's the byproduct of one. You will never have certainty about how a decision is going to work out until you've made it and actually given it a run for its money." "Every time you can't pull the trigger, your brain files that as a data point to build the belief that you are someone who doesn't trust yourself." "Being a person who makes decisions and trusts your ability to figure things out is literally the most important skill that you can build as an entrepreneur." Links & Resources The Decision Room Mastermind (launching July 2026): DM "mastermind" on Instagram to learn more and apply Take the CEO Type Quiz: lauraschoenfeld.com/quiz Connect with Laura on Instagram: @laura.schoenfeld Closing Thoughts If this episode gave you clarity on why you've been spinning — follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more business owners find conversations like this. And if you know someone who's been stuck on the same decision for months, send this their way.
Transcribe →The Smarter Way for Solopreneurs to Build a Team with Interns with Brittany Braswell
2w ago00:56:56Tap to summarizeAt a certain point in your business, it becomes obvious you cannot keep doing everything yourself and expect to keep growing. You need support. But what happens when hiring a team actually makes your business less profitable and more complicated? In this episode, I'm joined by Brittany Braswell to unpack a smarter, more sustainable way to delegate without immediately jumping into expensive hires. We're talking about how to leverage interns strategically so you can get out of the weeds, protect your profit margins, and build real systems that support long-term growth. If you've ever felt stuck between burnout and overhiring, this conversation will give you a completely new way to think about building a team. Timeline Highlights [03:19] Brittany shares how her early experience with interns shaped her entire business model [06:15] Why most people have a negative experience with interns and what usually goes wrong [09:07] The biggest mistake that turns internships into a time drain instead of a business asset [11:21] How defining clear roles and repeatable tasks changes everything [12:32] Why a simple training process eliminates constant hand holding [16:09] The mindset shift high-performing CEOs need to delegate effectively [20:05] How internships force you to build systems and stop doing everything yourself [21:16] Why you should not wait until things are perfect before delegating [23:38] The role of structure in protecting creativity and increasing efficiency [26:02] How to decide between hiring paid help or starting with interns [29:04] Why repetition helps interns become faster and better than you at certain tasks [30:39] Examples of tasks Brittany successfully delegates like blogging and research [33:24] Where to find high quality interns and how to attract the right people [35:15] What Brittany looks for in the application and hiring process [41:54] What motivates unpaid interns to do great work [50:20] How overhiring paid team members can destroy your profit margins [51:25] Using interns to support paid team members and increase efficiency Top 5 Quotes from Brittany "Interns become a really fantastic way to force you into some structure and force you into some systems and push you out of that mindset of 'it's faster for me to just do it myself.'" "Having really clear roles, a simple repeatable training process, and defined tasks removes the hand holding and protects your mental capacity as a CEO." "If you get stuck in the mindset of 'it's faster for me,' it's not actually faster if you have to do it forever. Delegation is what creates long term efficiency." "Most tasks in your business do not require a high level of expertise and when someone does them repeatedly, they often become faster and better at them than you." "People want to learn from you even if you are just a few steps ahead and that value exchange is what makes internships so powerful." Links & Resources Brittany's Free Limited Podcast Series: Learn how to start delegating and building a team of interns Intern Accelerator Program: Step by step support to launch your internship program in 8 to 10 weeks Connect with Brittany on Instagram: @brittanybraswellrd Take the CEO Type Quiz: lauraschoenfeld.com/quiz Closing Thoughts If this episode got your wheels turning, make sure to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more business owners find conversations like this. And if you know someone who is stuck doing everything themselves, share this episode with them.
Transcribe →The Ozempic Economy: Why It's Breaking Your Business (and How to Opt Out)
3w ago00:51:15Tap to summarizeWhat if the biggest thing holding your business back isn't a lack of strategy but the very system you've been taught to rely on? In this episode, I'm diving into the concept of the Ozempic economy, a cultural pattern where we're sold fast relief from discomfort instead of real, lasting solutions, and how it's shaping the online business world. From constant optimization to the promise of instant results, this model keeps entrepreneurs stuck in cycles of dependency, always chasing the next fix. I'm sharing how this dynamic played out in my own business, how I spent years investing in strategies, scaling systems, and chasing milestones that looked successful but felt completely misaligned. Plus, I'm sharing what changed when I stepped out of that cycle. If your business has been feeling heavier, more complicated, or less like you, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth and show you why your next level might come from doing less, not more. Timeline Highlights [00:00] – The real reason your business feels off and why it's not a strategy problem [00:01] – Introducing "the Ozempic economy" and how it shows up in business coaching [00:05] – The rise of instant results culture and emotional "quick fixes" [00:10] – How coaches sell relief instead of real transformation [00:18] – The cycle of dependency and why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck [00:23] – Why adding more strategies isn't solving the problem [00:30] – My personal story of chasing seven figures and building the wrong business [00:38] – The breaking point and realizing optimization wasn't the answer [00:45] – What aligned coaching should actually look like [00:46] – The question that will change how you approach your next move Top Quotes from the Episode "What if your business feels off not because you're missing a strategy, but because you've been stacking strategies on top of a model that was never built for you in the first place… and no amount of optimizing is going to fix that?" "You end up dependent on the thing you bought instead of actually solving the problem for the long term, which means you keep paying for relief instead of ever creating real results." "The pursuit of control through constant optimization is actually a loss of control, because you're being taught that the answer always lives outside of you." "I was chasing a seven-figure year that didn't even reflect the life I actually wanted, just the version of success I had been taught to want." "The default answer is always to add more, more strategies, more systems, more support, because that's what's easiest to sell, even when it's not what you actually need." "You cannot optimize your way out of building the wrong thing, and the longer you try, the more time, money, and energy you pour into something that was never a fit." "What if the answer to your discomfort isn't adding more, but having the courage to delete what was never a fit in the first place, even if you've already invested everything into it?" Links & Resources CEO Type Quiz: https://lauraschoenfeld.com/quiz Kyla Scanlon's Substack (mentioned in the episode) If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to build a business that actually fits their life.
Transcribe →Why So Many Smart Entrepreneurs Are Leaving Social Media for Substack with Julie Ciardi
4w ago01:02:05Tap to summarizeIf you've been feeling overwhelmed by all the "shoulds" in online business, what platform to use, how to show up, what strategy is "working right now," this conversation is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. In this episode, I sit down with Julie Ciardi to unpack what's actually happening in the online space right now, why so many entrepreneurs are feeling burned out by traditional social media, and what it looks like to build a business that's rooted in your voice instead of the algorithm. We also dive into the rise of Substack as a powerful alternative for creating real connection, long-form thought leadership, and sustainable growth without feeling like you're stuck on a content hamster wheel. We also explore how Human Design can help you stop second-guessing your messaging, trust your natural way of communicating, and finally feel confident in how you show up. If you've been craving a simpler, more aligned way to grow your business, this episode is for you. Timeline Highlights [00:04:36] – Julie's journey from IBM VP to entrepreneur and why she rejected the traditional social media path early on [00:07:14] – Why she refused to get on the "content hamster wheel" and chose a different growth strategy [00:10:24] – The moment Substack clicked and why she originally didn't want anything to do with it [00:12:14] – Why Substack is more than a newsletter platform and how it works as a full media hub [00:13:05] – The return of organic reach and why it's working differently here [00:14:30] – The hidden impact of ads and algorithm-driven feeds on your nervous system [00:16:44] – How Substack simplifies content creation and replaces multiple tools and workflows [00:19:30] – The reality of current content workflows and why they feel so overwhelming [00:21:01] – The culture shift on Substack and why collaboration and real connection matter [00:25:21] – Why your best buyers may be leaving traditional platforms and what that means for your strategy [00:29:15] – Why being early on emerging platforms creates massive opportunity [00:30:17] – Why repurposed content falls flat on Substack and what actually works instead [00:41:19] – How Human Design reveals your natural communication style and builds confidence [00:50:41] – Why most marketing advice only works for certain people and not others [00:53:32] – The danger of following the wrong strategy and how to come back to what works for you Top Quotes from Julie "I'm a seven-figure founder who did not build my business on organic social media. I made that decision early on because I wanted to spend my time creating thought leadership for my clients, not performing like an actor or comedian just to grow on Instagram." "When I discovered what Substack actually was, I felt like I struck gold because it's not just a newsletter platform. It's your media company, your publishing house, your podcast host, your video platform. It's everything in one place." "Organic reach is still possible on Substack, and in eight years of business I had never grown organically. So to show up there, just being myself and speaking long-form, and then see it explode, that was a completely different experience." "You don't pick a niche anymore. You pick a soapbox. When you speak from conviction and actually say what you believe, you naturally repel the wrong people and call in the right ones." "When someone has clarity and confidence in what they're here to say, they will say it. Your body will actually tell you the best way for you to communicate, whether that's writing, speaking, or video." Links & Resources Julie's Substack and main hub Substack by Design Podcast Take the CEO Type Quiz If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to build their business in a way that actually feels like them.
Transcribe →What Your Birthday Actually Tells You About How to Build Your Business
Apr 1401:17:54Tap to summarizeIt's my 39th birthday, and instead of just reflecting on the past year, I'm sharing something that has completely shifted how I think about business, decision-making, and personal alignment. In this episode, I'm diving into how your birth chart can offer powerful insights into how you're actually wired to operate, and what that means for building a business that truly works for you. We're unpacking why so many entrepreneurs feel stuck, burned out, or inconsistent (even when they're doing "all the right things"), and how misalignment, not lack of discipline, is often the real issue. I'm also sharing how this lens has transformed my own business decisions, from how I structure my offers to how I show up as a leader, and how you can start using it to build a business that feels as good as it performs. ⏱️ Timeline Highlights [00:00] – Why my birthday always sparks a deeper reset (and why Q2 is when things actually take off for me) [02:47] – The moment I realized birth chart data was scarily accurate and why I couldn't ignore it [07:16] – Why I trust this more than most personality tests I've ever used [10:01] – What a birth chart actually is (and how to use it without "spiritualizing" it) [16:09] – The decision-making mistake that was quietly sabotaging my business [19:57] – How outsourcing my decisions cost me time, money, and momentum [22:10] – Why my energy works in intense bursts (and why consistency-based models failed me) [24:05] – The real reason my revenue declined when I switched to an "evergreen" model [26:11] – The uncomfortable truth about likability and how it was hurting my business growth [31:21] – Why my business is designed for slow, sustainable authority, not fast growth [33:26] – How I knew popular marketing strategies weren't a fit (even when they "worked" for others) [39:16] – Why podcasting is my most powerful marketing tool and converts better than anything else [44:56] – Why relationship-based selling works better for me than cold audiences or ads [47:08] – The surprising way money is tied to my identity and how that shapes my pricing [54:34] – The intuitive skill I've been underestimating (and how this tool validated it) [58:53] – Why misalignment, not effort, is the real bottleneck in your business [01:04:01] – The costly mistake of copying other people's strategies and how it pulled me off track [01:05:01] – The key questions to ask yourself to uncover where your business is out of alignment 💬 Top Quotes from the Episode "The level of clarity and accuracy that I found [in analyzing birth charts] was just something that I couldn't ignore." "If I'm waiting and deliberating and seeking more input, this isn't something that actually makes my decisions better. If anything, it actually makes them worse." "Most standard business models are built with the assumption that you should be able to put consistent, steady, daily output into your business, and that model is not a fit for me." "If I want to kill my business and just run it into the ground, the goal is that I should try to be more likable." "When your business model doesn't fit your design, you often experience it as a personal failure, rather than a failure of the business model." 🔗 Links & Resources Apply for The Advisory Take the CEO Type Quiz Birth Chart Tools: https://astro-seek.com https://astro-charts.com ✨ Closing Thoughts If this episode got you thinking about how you're actually wired to run your business, take that as a sign to explore it further. And if you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to follow, rate, share, and leave a review! It helps more people discover the show and build businesses that truly fit who they are.
Transcribe →You Didn't Lose Your Instincts (You Just Outsourced Them)
Apr 700:59:32Tap to summarizeI'm unpacking a pattern I keep seeing with smart, successful entrepreneurs who are doing everything right, and still ending up burned out, stuck, or even making less money. I dive into what really happens when you commit to a business model that was never designed for you, and why following "proven" strategies can quietly pull you further away from your strengths. I also share a very personal behind-the-scenes look at my own business evolution: what I changed, what I got wrong, and the moment I realized I had built something that didn't actually fit me. If you've ever questioned your direction, your decisions, or your ability to grow, this episode will help you reframe what's really going on, and show you a way forward that actually works for you. Top Quotes from This Episode "They didn't end up worse because they were lazy or gave up. They ended up worse because they were good students of the wrong formula." "If you hired a coach, followed everything they said, and it didn't work… that's not a personal failure. It's a diagnostic failure." "You can be working harder than ever, putting in more time, more money, more effort, and still be going a hundred miles per hour in the wrong direction." "At some point, you stop trusting yourself… because you've outsourced your instincts and let someone else become the CEO of your business." "It's not that you're incapable of building a successful business. It's that you've been trying to force yourself into a model that was never designed for you." Timeline Highlights [00:00] – Why successful entrepreneurs can still end up worse off [03:06] – The hidden cost of implementing the wrong business model [05:18] – Why "success leaves clues" can actually mislead you [10:53] – The moment your business starts draining more than it gives [15:49] – My personal experience with an Evergreen model that didn't fit [28:25] – The trap of overbuilding teams too early [36:20] – Losing trust in yourself—and how to rebuild it [43:02] – Rebuilding your business around your natural strengths [49:08] – Why profit, energy, and alignment matter more than revenue Links & Resources CEO Type Quiz: https://lauraschoenfeld.com/quiz Apply for 1:1 Advisory DM "advisory" on Instagram for more details Closing Thoughts If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with someone who needs to hear this message. And if you enjoyed it, don't forget to follow, rate, and leave a review—it really helps more people find the show. See you next week! 🎙️
Transcribe →Why Sara Vezensek Walked Away from a High-Paying Life to Build Real Freedom As An Entrepreneur
Mar 3100:49:16Tap to summarizeWould you walk away from a life that looked like your dream on paper? In this episode, I'm joined by Sara Vezensek, and her story is one that I think so many high-achieving women are going to resonate with. Sara went from growing up in Slovenia, where the luxury world felt like something out of a movie, to living what most people would call the ultimate success story — working on superyachts, flying private, managing million-dollar deals, and earning incredible money at a young age. But behind all of it, she felt trapped, constantly on call, and disconnected from the freedom she thought success would bring. We dive into how she walked away from that life and built a business on her own terms — one rooted in freedom, ownership, and intentional growth. Sara breaks down how to create messaging that actually converts (without needing a massive audience), how to simplify your content strategy, and how to stop trading time for money by building scalable, high-impact offers. Timeline Summary [00:01:58] - Sara shares how growing up in Slovenia shaped her perspective on money, freedom, and what was possible for her life. [00:03:58] - She opens up about achieving "dream life" success on paper — and why it still left her feeling trapped and unfulfilled. [00:07:27] - We talk about building an online business when no one around you understands what you're doing — and how she borrowed belief from others. [00:11:10] - Sara explains why you don't need a massive audience to make sales and how specificity is the real key to conversion. [00:15:42] - She walks through her content strategy for creating "aha moments" that help your audience see themselves in your messaging. [00:23:24] - We discuss why vanity metrics can be misleading and how to use data to actually understand what's working in your marketing. [00:33:38] - Sara breaks down how to stop selling your time and start building leveraged offers that create both income and freedom. Top 5 Quotes from the Episode "Whatever limits that we think we have just do not exist, and we're our own boundary to what is possible." "I had it all on paper — I was super successful, making basically my yearly salary per month — but deep down I was so unhappy." "You do not need a huge audience to make sales. It's not about getting more views, it's about speaking to the right person in an aligned way." "If you're currently selling your time, you can't scale your time past what you already did — which is why your knowledge has to become the thing you sell, not just access to you." "Being busy does not make you money. Simplify it and focus on the money-making activities that actually grow your business." Links & Resources Sara Vezensek on Instagram Sara's Website Masterclass: 100K in Sales in 45 Days Take the CEO Type Quiz Subscribe and Share If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you're following the podcast, and I'd love if you took a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. It helps more people find the show, and I'm so grateful you're here.
Transcribe →Update: What We're Doing Inside The Foundry (and How You Can Still Get Support)
Mar 2400:11:42Tap to summarizeThis week's episode is a short update and a behind-the-scenes look at what we just kicked off inside The Foundry. If you've been following along—especially if you listened to the Own Your Authority masterclass—this is a peek into how that work is starting to come to life in a real-time container with clients. I'm sharing what we focused on in week one, why we're starting with deep personal alignment (not strategy), and how this process is designed to help experienced business owners build something that actually fits their life and capacity. I also talk about what to do if you missed enrollment, whether that's joining the waitlist for the next round or working with me one-on-one in the meantime. And if you haven't finished the last episode yet, consider this your reminder to go back and listen... it's a good one. Timeline Summary [00:00] – Why this week's episode is shorter (and what to listen to if you're behind) [00:00:55] – What The Foundry is and who it's designed for [00:02:10] – A behind-the-scenes look at week one: orientation + preparation [00:02:35] – Why we're starting with alignment, not strategy [00:03:54] – The role of real-life constraints (capacity, family, health) in business decisions [00:04:57] – Using personality and self-knowledge tools to guide alignment [00:07:38] – How we're using AI to identify patterns and build aligned decision frameworks [00:08:34] – What to do if you missed enrollment (1:1 support + waitlist) Links & Resources Own Your Authority Masterclass (previous episode) Apply for 1:1 Private Advisory The Foundry Waitlist If you enjoy listening, make sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast—and share it with someone who could use a more aligned approach to building their business. I'll see you next week!
Transcribe →Own Your Authority: How to Position Your Expertise, Attract Better Clients, and Convert More Sales in a Business That Feels as Good as It Performs
Mar 1602:22:02Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Nourished CEO Podcast, I'm sharing the full replay of a live masterclass that might completely change the way you think about your business. If you've built real expertise, delivered results for clients, and still feel like something isn't clicking the way it should, this conversation is for you. I break down why talented experts often hit frustrating plateaus—and why the solution isn't more content, better offers, or another marketing strategy. Instead, we explore a deeper root cause: authority misalignment. I introduce the Authority Effect Framework, walk through the four types of experts operating in today's market, and share the five-phase Authority Arc that moves you from plateaued and misaligned to fully sovereign in your business. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear lens to diagnose what's actually holding your business back—and what to focus on next to build a business that performs as well as it feels. And if you're ready to go deeper through this full guided process, The Foundry is now open for enrollment through March 19th, 2026. Click here to review the program details and enroll now. Top Quotes From This Episode "The gap between your expertise and the results that you have currently is not evidence of a fundamental deficit in how skilled you are." "This is not a "you" problem. This is a sequencing problem." "Your expertise is necessary for success, but it is not sufficient." "You might be executing perfectly—but in someone else's blueprint." "The sovereign expert builds a business that is fully theirs, aligned with who they are and how they're meant to serve." Episode Timeline Highlights [00:00] – The core struggle many experts face: knowing what you're capable of, but not seeing it reflected in your business results. [01:06] – Why this episode is different: a full replay of the live "Own Your Authority" masterclass. [02:12] – Why experienced experts still hit plateaus even when their strategies technically work. [05:26] – What it really means to own your authority in your business and your market. [08:18] – The signs something structural is off in your business—even if it looks successful on the surface. [10:20] – The real reason your expertise and results might not match yet: a sequencing problem. [16:24] – Why expertise alone isn't enough to build a thriving business. [19:20] – My personal story of realizing my own business had become misaligned. [26:31] – Closing a $2M+ signature program to rebuild my business from who I am today. [28:40] – Defining the two types of authority that shape your business: inner authority and outer authority. [41:38] – Introducing the Authority Effect Framework and the four types of experts in today's market. [42:16] – The Accommodating Expert: skilled but constantly undercharging and over-serving. [45:04] – The Hype Expert: high visibility without real expertise behind it. [47:37] – The Hesitant Expert: deeply skilled but not fully claiming their authority. [50:04] – The Sovereign Expert: where inner and outer authority finally align. [57:14] – The "Good Student Trap" and how it keeps experts stuck in someone else's blueprint. [01:00:34] – Introducing the Authority Arc Sequence that realigns your entire business. [01:03:23] – Clarifying who you truly are as a CEO and who you're meant to serve. [01:08:41] – Designing offers around your highest-value work. [01:11:19] – Selling from conviction instead of pressure. [01:16:10] – Creating authority-driven content that pulls in the right clients. [01:20:13] – Stepping into true thought leadership in your industry. [01:26:29] – How to diagnose which phase of your business needs attention first. [01:31:41] – Real client transformations after aligning their authority. [01:36:00] – The hidden costs of running a business that isn't fully aligned with who you are. [01:40:27] – Introducing The Foundry: the 10-week program designed to rebuild your business foundation. [01:57:01] – The Chief Alignment Officer AI tool and how it helps guide future business decisions. [02:05:00] – Why rebuilding your business from alignment creates lighter, more profitable growth. Links & Resources Enroll in The Foundry – 10-week business realignment experience (details mentioned in the episode) Take the "What's Your CEO Type?" Quiz If this episode sparked something for you, I'd love it if you followed the podcast, left a rating and review, and shared this episode with another entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Your support helps this show reach more leaders building businesses that feel as good as they perform.
Transcribe →The Good Student Trap: How Playing by Someone Else's Rules Built the Wrong Business For You
Mar 1000:30:10Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt like you're doing everything right in your business—following the strategies, hiring the coaches, implementing the frameworks...and yet something still feels off? In this episode, I dive into what I call the "Good Student Trap." It's the pattern I see in so many high-achieving entrepreneurs who built successful businesses by following someone else's rules… only to realize that the business they built may not actually fit who they are anymore. In this conversation, I unpack why so many smart, hardworking experts end up plateauing—not because they lack effort or strategy, but because they've been executing someone else's playbook for too long. I share my own experience of realizing I'd fallen into this trap, how life changes can create misalignment in your business, and why the real work isn't about trying harder... it's about stepping back and rebuilding a business that actually reflects who you are now. Timeline Highlights [00:00:00] – Why many established entrepreneurs hit a plateau, and the surprising reason it might not be about strategy at all. [00:03:29] – The moment entrepreneurs leave traditional jobs… and unintentionally recreate the same system inside their own businesses. [00:09:57] – The two major reasons business owners start feeling disconnected from the businesses they built. [00:12:13] – What the "Good Student Trap" really is and why high achievers are especially vulnerable to it. [00:17:01] – How constantly looking for the "right way" to run your business leads to building someone else's vision instead of your own. [00:19:34] – My personal experience investing over six figures in coaching, and realizing execution alone wasn't solving the problem. [00:23:13] – The turning point: stepping back to ask whether the business I built actually fits who I am today. Top Quotes from the Episode On the hidden cause of business plateaus: "What if the real problem is that you've been executing someone else's strategy so well for so long that you've completely lost track of whether that strategy was ever right for you in the first place?" On unintentionally recreating the system you tried to escape: "Instead of truly escaping that system, you literally just build the same system in your business. You're looking for someone else to tell you what to do." On the mindset many high-achievers bring into entrepreneurship: "You get so wrapped up in doing things the right way—saying things the right way, pricing things the right way—that you never stop to ask if what you're building is actually what you want." On the risk of blindly following expert advice: "If you're a good student, you're the one who actually takes action on everything you're told to do. And that's where the trap can happen." On the real work of evolving your business: "I needed to slow down and really think about what I'm doing here instead of just going nose to the grindstone and hoping I'll magically feel better about it." Links & Resources Free Masterclass: Own Your Authority https://lauraschoenfeld.com/masterclass CEO Type Quiz https://lauraschoenfeld.com/quiz Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another entrepreneur who might be stuck in the Good Student Trap. Your support helps more experts find the show and build businesses that truly fit who they are.
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