Sarah grew up in Tasmania. And after finishing school, she knew she wanted to go into business. She studied HR and Business Psychology. She took the standard path, got a good job, and started to climb the corporate ladder. She had some great success. She had a family, a good job, etc. She realized that everything she had done in work had really stemmed from her head and not her heart and this put her on the path to open a new chapter for herself which lead to everything she has done and helping other people find their purpose in life. Steve had the exact opposite journey.
Steve grew up in New Zealand and moved early to the Cook Islands. Steve’s parents pushed him to be an academic, but he was more content climbing trees. He was always intrigued with what was possible and at 15 had a goal to one day write himself a million dollar check. He also was a star athlete and even go to compete for his country. He had 4 successful exits before 30 years old. He had a family, 3 kids, but, he was not fulfilled at all and at one point, he hit rock bottom. Picking himself up and getting out of this was how he and Sarah realized what it truly means to wonder and wander in life.
Steve, you went through a time or burnout in your entrepreneur and athletic journey that you overcame. What was your biggest lesson that you took from the experience?
- We all try and push through it vs. taking the time to go through and even grieve.
- Most people never sit with it and process it – spending time to learn and move forward in a healthier way.
- The 4 F’s – Fear Failure, Forgiveness, Freedom. Forgiveness being the most important and the one needed to gain freedom. You will have to forgive yourself to grow.
- Sarah experienced burnout in her corporate days. Learning from that and taking it to when she went into being an entrepreneur has helped her to create a better path as an entrepreneur.
- Focus on the little wins – they add up. Make them daily priorities.
How do you put the practice of little wins into your daily life? Is there a system or set of principles you’ve developed?
- We get too focused on the big milestones.
- The little wins do add up and you need to celebrate them.
- Every day, Steve and Sarah start the day with 5 deep breaths face to face or over the phone.
- Meditation is important.
- Every day, they set intention – it is not always the same, but the intentions are sent.
- Do a “to done” list and when it is accomplished – don’t go looking for more. Find a way to stop.
- Don’t forget about the other people in your life. Your time is shared, if you realize it or not – and it is important to not lose sight of that.
What have you learned about how to work well together as a couple in business?
- Marriage comes before work
- You must built boundaries between what is work and what is play
- Planning is very important.
- Clear communication is important.
- You have to learn to work through things together.
- You must also take the time to really understand each other using tools like DISC, the Love Languages, etc.
- Be willing to have conscious, courageous, conversations.
At the 23 min mark, we talk in depth about self-awareness…
- Self-awareness is the most powerful frontier that most have not explored.
- When you are aware and can take responsibility, you are in the pilot seat.
- You go from things happening to you, to things happening for you and with you – and through you and by you.
- Asking “why” in your life, your conversations helps lead to self-discovery and better understanding. Go 10 levels deep on why…
- The real work is, once you’ve asked why and learned why you do what you do, to make the changes to go to your next level.
- As humans, we have the ability to upgrade ourselves, but also help others upgrade themselves.
What are the keys to building a great a business?
- Understanding your superpower.
- Finding the best people to compliment your superpower.
- Great partnerships are important to success.
- Infect people with your vision.
What is one thing that you believe every entrepreneur should know, but most don’t?
- Lean into curiosity. Beware of having fixed mindset.
- Take time to wonder and wander.
- Every business should be innovating every day.
- The numbers are one thing, but the energy is another. Make sure you have the energy and fortitude to go forward and the numbers will come.
At the 38 min mark, we have a great discussion on what happens when you play the long game… What should people know about how to create an amazing event?
- Listen to the calling if you have one.
- Try not to make it commercial too quickly.
- Start small. Host a gathering and go from there.
- Give yourself extra runway to account for any issues or mistakes.
- Understand what type of business you are in.
Tips to get the word out?
- Create sizzle with videos and imagery.
- Your event needs an identity.
- Make sure people know what they will get out of it.
- You need a good intention for the event.
- Share it with 10 or so others early on and infect them with the vision.
Sarah, can you explain what a Mompreneur is?
- Entrepreneurship is a way or working and way of life.
- The mom piece has to come first
- Mompreneurs involve their loved ones and make them part of the journey.
Steve, what is your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
- The journey to the destination is the favorite part. Not the destination.
Best Quote: "Don't forget about the other people in your life. Your time is shared, if you realize it or not - and it is important to not lose sight of that.
Steve and Sarah's Misfit 3:
Steve
- Fear – Understand if you are living in a state of being fearless or fearful
- Failure – Failure is inevitable and part of the journey. Hold a space for it to learn and grow with it.
- Forgiveness and Freedom – Forgive yourself and others. On the other side of forgiveness is freedom
Sarah
- When to comes to work, life, love – do all the stuff you love. Don’t wait for dessert.
- Wonder. If you live with wonder, you will find more
- If there is only one thing you can focus on in your day, every day – choose love. It is one of the most powerful energies that you can bring