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Craig Filek: Why Building Your Legacy & Authentic Self Starts Now

The Collective Genius Podcast

Release Date: 01/30/2026

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In this CG Live episode from Oceanside, California, I sit down with Craig Filek, founder of Purpose Mapping, for a powerful conversation about identity, burnout, and what lies beyond business success. If you’re at that stage of life where you’ve hit your revenue goals, built the systems, and delegated the day-to-day—but still feel restless or stuck—this one’s for you.

 

Craig breaks down his “Two Mountains” framework and explains why so many high-achieving entrepreneurs find themselves burned out, drifting, or trapped in the golden hamster wheel. We explore what it really takes to transition from building a business to building a legacy, and how reclaiming your authentic self can reignite fulfillment in both work and life.

 

 

Timeline Summary

[0:00] – Live from CG Oceanside—introducing Craig Filek and Purpose Mapping

[1:06] – Burnout, midlife, and why high achievers can’t power down

[2:16] – Cortisol, coffee, and workaholism—the hidden addiction behind hustle

[3:52] – The 3-to-5 year itch and why dopamine keeps entrepreneurs chasing

[4:34] – Craig’s “Two Mountains” framework—success vs. fulfillment

[5:45] – Midlife pitfalls: the golden hamster wheel, the retirement drift, and the Vegas spiral

[6:54] – The dark forest between mountains—what happens when purpose dissolves

[7:52] – Reclaiming authenticity from childhood to ignite the second mountain

[8:33] – Why legacy isn’t built in your 80s—and how to start now

[9:11] – Facing the “unlived life” and the cave you fear to enter

[10:06] – What happens when the business runs without you—identity crisis at the top

[11:20] – The power (and fear) of asking: what do I do when I don’t have to do anything?

[13:19] – Building paths for your second-in-command to avoid the same burnout

[14:24] – Where to find Craig and how to access his free Purpose AI tool for CG members

 

 

Key Takeaways

  1. Success Is Only the First Mountain
  2. True fulfillment—and legacy—start when you descend from the peak of achievement and climb with purpose.
  3. Workaholism Is a Hell of a Drug
  4. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Learning how to rest and reclaim identity is key to sustainable leadership.
  5. You Have to Go Into the Cave
  6. Facing the parts of yourself you’ve sidelined is often the path to deeper impact and peace.

 

 

 

Links & Resources

 

 

Closing Remark

If Craig’s message hit you in the gut—or gave you a glimpse of the next chapter—you’re not alone. Rate, follow, and review the Collective Genius Podcast, and visit https://www.explorecg.com to get in the room with purpose-driven leaders scaling more than just businesses.