How I Built a Business That Gave Me Time & Financial Freedom

Entrepreneurship is supposed to bring freedom—but too often, it does the opposite. In this episode, I dive into how I built a business that let me live on my terms. From learning to sail to getting my MBA and being fully present with my kids, I structured my company differently. I share the biggest mistake I made (not scaling fast enough) and the real reason most entrepreneurs get stuck. Plus, I break down the systems, mindset shifts, and strategies that helped me avoid the self-employed trap and truly own a business—not just a job. 📌 Key Takeaways ✅ Most entrepreneurs just trade a 9-to-5 for a 24/7 grind. Freedom requires intentional business design. ✅ Think like a business owner from day one. Structure your company to function without you. ✅ Premium customers = fewer headaches. Stop competing on price and attract buyers who value quality. ✅ Systemize everything. Email-based customer support, automated responses, and predefined contacts reduce friction. ✅ Don’t wait to scale. If your offer is working, double down—before someone else does. ✅ Know your numbers. Customer acquisition cost (CAC) vs. lifetime value (LTV) can make or break you. ✅ An abundance mindset wins. Collaboration is more powerful than competition. 📌 Chapters 00:02 – The freedom trap: Why entrepreneurs stay stuck 01:28 – How I built a business that worked for me 02:51 – The cashflow quadrant: From self-employed to business owner 03:42 – Designing a business for lifestyle freedom 05:51 – Why I set up my business to look bigger than it was 08:21 – The cha-ching moment: Celebrating wins with my family 10:38 – My biggest mistake: Not scaling fast enough 12:55 – Understanding CAC vs. LTV: Why I left money on the table 14:58 – The power of mentorship and networking 16:02 – What’s next: The biggest lessons I learned the hard way