E159: Lessons from Success and Struggle: 8 Vital Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
ThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
Release Date: 11/26/2025
ThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
In this episode of the before the show goes on hiatus, Roger distills key lessons from 159 episodes and shares eight crucial takeaways for anyone thinking about starting or buying a business. He begins by debunking the myth that entrepreneurship equals freedom, highlighting that it actually means having options gained through hard work. Roger then emphasizes the critical nature of sales in any business and discusses the importance of shifting one’s identity from a struggling business owner to a successful one. The next key point involves acquiring customers profitably from the...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
This week, Roger sits down with , a thriving young entrepreneur based in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Seaton recounts his journey of growing up in an entrepreneurial family and how his father's wisdom shaped his career path. He delves into the challenges and triumphs of opening his two businesses— and , a recovery, sauna, and cold plunge studio. Seaton also discusses the grind of starting a business, the importance of relationship-building, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way. Roger and Seaton explore his passion for holistic wellness, his transition from collegiate...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
This week, Roger welcomes , a clinical psychologist with more than 40 years of experience in behavioral psychology, mindset, and emotional health. Lloyd explores the profound impact mindset has on happiness, purpose, and long-term fulfillment. Drawing from decades of research and his groundbreaking Hypno-Peripheral Processing (HPP) method, he also highlights the critical role of sleep in maintaining both cognitive function and physical vitality. The conversation delves into the challenges of habit change, the negative effects of poor sleep and social media on mental health, and how...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
In this episode, Roger sits down with , the founder of . Ryan completely redefined his life by leaving his job as a pharmacist and diving headfirst into real estate. By age 28, Ryan had become a millionaire, and just three years later, he retired from his day job — all through a niche strategy focused on student housing investments. Ryan opens up about his early influences, including lessons from his grandfather’s investment success, and how he applied those principles to create long-term wealth. He walks listeners through the pivotal moment when he realized his career in pharmacy...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
In this episode, Roger welcomes back Mike Arce, founder of and author of the new book . They begin by exploring the nuances between stress and pressure, while categorizing team members as tigers, horses, or dogs—and explaining how to manage each type effectively. Mike shares his personal journey and what inspired him to write his book, which is aimed primarily at employees to give them a deeper understanding of business dynamics. The conversation covers thought-provoking topics such as the importance of fair versus equal treatment in the workplace, the benefits of practicing wisdom...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
In this episode, Roger speaks with , the CEO and founder of , an AI-driven recruiting platform. Together, they explore the transformative impact of AI on hiring, along with real-world applications of AI, blockchain, and decentralized funding in modern business. Adam explains how Braintrust (AIR), the world’s first end-to-end AI recruiting platform, streamlines the recruitment process for Fortune 1000 companies by screening candidates and conducting initial interviews. He also shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, reflecting on past ventures—including a telemedicine company...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
This week, Roger sits down with , founder of , an AI-driven online course creation and community-building software. Brian shares his journey from graphic designer to tech entrepreneur, highlighting how AI can be a powerful ally for creative professionals such as designers, musicians, and actors. Together, they explore how AI can streamline repetitive tasks and enhance personalization while still preserving artistic authenticity. The conversation also covers the importance of giving AI proper context, using it as a creative multiplier, and protecting distinctive business processes to stay...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
This week, Roger sits down with , a 20-year veteran of the combat sports industry who has held pivotal roles at legendary mixed martial arts promotions EliteXC, Strikeforce, and Bellator. Rich traces his path from his early days in Hawaii and Guam through the underground beginnings of MMA, ultimately rising to become a key matchmaker and executive helping shape the sport’s evolution on national television. He shares the art and challenges of matchmaking, the business dynamics behind major fight promotions, and the importance of crafting compelling narratives for both athletes and fans....
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
Ever wonder how that toy made in China—or that bag of chips at your local store—actually makes its way into your hands? Behind every product is the complex, high-stakes world of the global supply chain. In this episode, Roger sits down with , President & CEO of , the host of , and bestselling author of . Kerim has guided companies of all sizes through major crises, from COVID-era shipping shutdowns to today’s tariff challenges. Together, they unpack the hidden mechanics of how products move from idea to prototype, through manufacturing, quality control, shipping, customs, and...
info_outlineThriveMore with Roger Martin: Business, Health, & Wealth
This week, Roger sits down with —a founder, investor, entrepreneur, , and author of —to share the rise and fall of Tessemae’s, his trailblazing salad dressing company that grew from kitchen experiments to shelves nationwide. Greg recalls the scrappy early days as “salad dressing gypsies” working in borrowed kitchens, and how grassroots demo strategies and partnerships with college athletes fueled explosive growth. He opens up about raising capital, navigating tricky investor relationships, and why corporate executives often struggle in the startup world. Greg also shares...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Thrive More Podcast before the show goes on hiatus, Roger distills key lessons from 159 episodes and shares eight crucial takeaways for anyone thinking about starting or buying a business. He begins by debunking the myth that entrepreneurship equals freedom, highlighting that it actually means having options gained through hard work.
Roger then emphasizes the critical nature of sales in any business and discusses the importance of shifting one’s identity from a struggling business owner to a successful one. The next key point involves acquiring customers profitably from the first purchase to ensure business growth. Roger also stresses the need to set strategic pricing that reflects the value provided to customers. He outlines a simplified business process focusing on lead generation, nurturing, and conversion. In terms of marketing, he underscores the necessity of continuous investment in brand awareness.
Finally, Roger wraps up by discussing the importance of building a self-sustaining business with robust systems and processes, ensuring that the business can operate independently of its founder. Listeners are encouraged to apply these insights to avoid common pitfalls, save time and money, and ultimately achieve greater business success.
Topics Include:
- The Reality of Entrepreneurship
- The Power of Identity in Business
- Acquiring Customers Profitably
- The Importance of Pricing Strategy
- Building a Self-Sustaining Business
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Produced By: Social Chameleon