From $0 to $419M: Leadership & the 9-Figure CEO Mindset

How do 9-figure CEOs think differently? Mike Fata built and sold Manitoba Harvest for $419M—today, he’s revealing the mindset shifts, toughest decisions, and biggest lessons that took him from startup founder to industry leader. Mike is the co-founder and former CEO of Manitoba Harvest, a best-selling author, investor, and mentor to entrepreneurs scaling their businesses. After exiting his company in a $419M deal, he now helps founders build and sell businesses successfully. Mike shares his journey from an overweight teenager to a health-conscious entrepreneur, how he scaled Manitoba Harvest into a 9-figure business, and the emotional rollercoaster of selling his life's work. This episode dives deep into leadership, decision-making, personal transformation, and the key mindset shifts required to go from 6 to 9 figures. 🚀 Scaling Founders, This is for You! I’m launching a private community for founders who want to scale, exit, and create real freedom. No more being stuck in the weeds—it's time to build a business that works without you. 🔥 If you're ready to think bigger and move faster, join the waitlist now! 👉 https://forms.gle/NVKtMmUEWbvAu3mh8 5 Takeaways from This Masterclass: Mindset Makes the Difference – Scaling from 6 to 9 figures requires shifting from a "doer" to a strategic leader who builds systems and empowers teams. The Hardest Leadership Decisions Involve People – Letting go of employees, co-founders, or making restructuring moves is the toughest part of being a CEO. Growth Cures Most Business Problems – Expanding strategically solves financial and operational challenges—but overexpansion without demand can kill a business. The Exit is Emotional – Selling a company isn’t just a financial transaction; it comes with identity shifts, loss, and personal reinvention. Success After the Exit – True wealth isn’t just money; it’s about aligning your purpose with your next venture, whether investing, mentoring, or creating impact. If you're an entrepreneur looking to scale, exit, or shift your mindset for massive growth, this episode is a must-listen! 🎧 Listen now and get inside the mind of a 9-figure CEO! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mike Fata's Journey 02:46 Health Transformation and Entrepreneurial Beginnings 05:41 Founding Manitoba Harvest: The Role of Nutrition 09:07 The Evolution of Health and Nutrition Understanding 12:03 Building a Business: From Idea to Execution 14:48 Leadership Lessons and Growth Challenges 17:56 Mentorship and Learning in Business 21:00 Difficult Leadership Decisions and Their Impact 23:49 Creating a Winning Company Culture 26:59 Reflections on Growth and Personal Development 36:17 Defining Mission and Values 38:03 Evolving Definition of Success 40:34 Navigating Life Transitions 44:52 The Grieving Process of Change 46:10 Mindset and Personal Growth 50:26 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 51:56 Acquisition Insights 57:09 Risk Management in Business 01:01:06 Learning from Mistakes 01:04:39 Legacy and Future Aspirations 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT THE GUEST Website: www.mikefata.ca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themikefata/ X: https://x.com/themikefata Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grow-Unconventional-Becoming-Unstoppable-Entrepreneur-ebook/dp/B0BX42FDK1?ref_=ast_author_dp ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Learn how to scale fast by taking the business growth Quiz: https://howtogrowabusiness.scoreapp.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices