In this bite-size episode, Paul speaks with Marc O’Dwyer, former CEO of Big Red Cloud, about the emotional reality of selling a business after more than three decades of ownership. Marc shares why he was determined to avoid an earn-out, how he held firm for a clean exit with 100% payment upfront, and the role that clarity, focus, and daily mental rehearsal played in making that outcome possible. He talks openly about the surprising emotional impact of stepping away — the relief, the sudden spaciousness, and the awareness that while the financial pressure is gone, a new question emerges: What now? Marc reflects on how identity is tied to business ownership, how freedom is often misunderstood, and why many business owners unintentionally swap one form of pressure for another. He also discusses the importance of not rushing into the next commitment after an exit, giving yourself time to adjust, and allowing space for purpose to naturally evolve. This is a grounded, honest look at the part of entrepreneurship that most people think they want — and what it actually feels like when it arrives.   Links to full episode: https://youtu.be/Sot6gCuUAYA?si=DEtcq790mZoRjrZ6 https://open.spotify.com/episode/1D0WHiD5lZ6XQMmFFyTEuf?si=I-lVe7c0QQG01iVIn7v8wQ   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.pauljryan.net/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/                              

In this episode of The Inner Entrepreneur,  Paul sits down with Niall O'Murchu , one of Ireland’s leading wellness and breathwork experts. With over 23 years’ experience in mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, Niall is a Level 3 Wim Hof Method Instructor and the first Irish person to teach at the Wim Hof Academy. We explore how modern life keeps our nervous systems stuck in stress mode — and how simple practices like coherent breathing and cold exposure can reset your body and mind in minutes. Niall explains: Why stress quietly rewires your breathing The “in for six, out for six” breathing pattern that instantly restores calm How kids learn to self-regulate through breathwork in schools Why short, 1–2-minute ice sessions are more powerful than long, punishing plunges How the cold becomes a teacher of resilience, focus, and emotional control This conversation is for founders, leaders, and anyone who wants more calm, clarity, and control — without slowing down their ambition. Quotes: “How you breathe is how you feel.”“You don’t have to win the cold — you have to respect it.”“The calm is already in you. You’re just remembering it.” #Breathwork #ColdExposure #WimHof #Mindfulness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #Calm #Focus #TheInnerEntrepreneur #PaulRyan   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

  Welcome to The Inner Entrepreneur Bite Size, where we pull the most powerful clips from some of our best conversations. You’ll find links to the full episodes below — and if you’re enjoying the show, please hit subscribe and join nearly 20,000 entrepreneurs on a journey to grow, lead, and live with purpose. If this episode resonates, please share it. It really helps us continue to grow and bring you great conversations. Thank you — now let’s jump in.   Brian Bosche: Purpose, Delusion & Financial Reality – Finding What You’re Truly Meant to Give the World In this powerful clip, we explore: What purpose really is: “The best of what I have, given in service to others.” Why true fulfilment is always tied to contribution. The difference between passion and proficiency (and why some people are passionately bad). The danger of defining purpose as a job title. The myth of overnight success. Why purpose must connect both fulfilment and financial sustainability. How rejection, often rooted in childhood experiences, stops us from claiming our purpose. People-pleasing, perfectionism, and procrastination as fear-based behaviours rooted in rejection.   Key Insight: “Look at fulfilled people — they are giving away the absolute best of who they are to help other people. Purpose is contribution—but contribution must also create value, or it won’t be sustainable.”  Full Episode: 👉 Link to full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/33uXSSqL4uvxlyPp9HYQtF?si=Npwv-i1OQpCpehvSUGygOg https://youtu.be/6YdH1NyhPAI?si=lXcLMnQKyzxPUAjl   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

Dr. Chris Winter is a neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with decades of Tools & References Mentioned • The Sleep Solution (book) • The Rested Child (book) • Sleep Unplugged (podcast) Connect with Dr. Chris Winter • Instagram: @instaDRChrisWinter • www.wchriswinters.com • Podcast: Sleep Unplugged • Books: The Sleep Solution; The Rested Child About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life. Connect with the host: https://www.theonehourceo.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

Episode Summary: In this weeks episode, Paul sits down with Dr. Michael Keane to explore how emotions arise before we are even aware of them, why our “gut feelings” often know more than our conscious minds, and how gratitude, meditation, and attention reshape our physiology. We explore whether free will truly exists, how cultural conditioning shapes who we become, and why emotional control is less about not feeling — and more about not reacting. From ice baths to intuition, from evolutionary social pressure to the neuroscience of sleep, this episode blends science, spirituality, and practical human behavior in a transformative way.   In This Episode, We Explore: How EEG sparked Dr. Keane’s fascination with the unconscious brain The neuroscience of REM sleep & psychophysiology Why emotions hit the body BEFORE we consciously feel them How free will might be an illusion — or at least, limited The gap between stimulus & response — and how to widen it “Red, Blue & Green Circles” — A powerful model for emotional regulation The truth about gratitude & why forced gratitude backfires Why two people in an ice bath can have opposite physiological responses Attention as modern humanity’s most valuable commodity The impact of cultural conditioning on life choices & success Intuition as pre-language intelligence Why meditation is not about stopping thoughts – but about breaking reaction loops   Guest: Michael Keane – MD, PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience, neurotechnology expert, co-founder of multiple startups and neurotechnology labs, specialist in psychophysiology and emotional regulation.   Connect with Dr. Michael Keane: Website: drmichaelkeane.com Neurotech Company: evolveneuro.ai  If this conversation reshaped how you think about your emotions or attention, share it with a friend who’s into peak performance, psychology, meditation or leadership.   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this bite sized episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul sits down with Brendan McGurgan, co-founder of Simple Scaling, creator of the ScaleX Accelerator, and former CEO who scaled a small engineering firm from 15 people to nearly 700, and from £3M to over £100M+ in global revenue — long before “scaling” became a buzzword. Brendan believes that if you have a great product or service, you don’t just have an opportunity to grow — you have an obligation to share it with the world. Yet less than 1% of SMEs ever achieve true scale.   Links to Episode:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Xsb1mJrjUX2T8sFZjzVIG?si=aLfYPXTYTVSUR94BboG1fA https://youtu.be/LAfqXnofcXk?si=V27Kpa2OCPW49t5e           We unpack:✅ What scaling really means (beyond revenue)✅ Why most SMEs never break past “stuck”✅ The cultural DNA required for exponential growth✅ How Brendan reverse-engineered scaling success into a proven 10-principle framework✅ Why scaling without purpose is dangerous✅ And how SMEs can impact millions — with the right mindset, vision, and leadership tools Whether you’re doing €1M or €50M in revenue — this is a masterclass in thinking and acting like a scale-ready leader.   👤 Guest Bio  Brendan McGurgan is the co-founder of Simple Scaling and co-author of Simple Scaling: 10 Proven Principles to 10X Your Business. A former CEO who scaled a Northern Irish engineering company from 15 employees to nearly 700 across six continents, he now coaches SME leaders through the ScaleX Accelerator, helping them scale with purpose, culture, and impact. His mission: to inspire and enable millions of SME leaders to scale consciously and change the world through entrepreneurship.   🔑 Key Themes & Topics Covered What scaling actually means (OECD definition vs Brendan’s philosophy) Why scaling is an obligation if your product creates real value How 28,000 scale-ups contribute over 50% of SME revenue in the UK The “forgotten middle” of entrepreneurship — why SMEs lack real scaling support The DNA of leadership teams that successfully scale The danger of growth for growth’s sake (scaling with purpose) Creating a shared vision that ignites people Why cultural alignment matters more than strategy How Brendan built a 40,000 sq. ft. HQ and scaled globally without a playbook The ScaleX 10 Principles for Exponential SME growth Why a £1M business is just the start — not the finish line   💬 Standout Quotes “If you’ve sold £1M worth of anything, you’ve already delivered significant value. The real question is: why not £10M… or £100M?” “Scaling with purpose means creating something that does good for people, for the planet, and for the team who builds it.” “The businesses that scale are led by teams with a shared vision, not just a hunger for bigger numbers.” “Revenue is just the echo of the value you’ve created.”   📈 Entrepreneurial Takeaways ✅ Scaling is not just revenue growth — it’s about increasing the impact your product has on the world.✅ If you’ve hit £1M, you’ve proven value — now it’s about leadership, process, and vision.✅ Culture is not hired — it’s created by leadership alignment.✅ Scaling without purpose becomes toxic; with purpose, it becomes transformational.✅ SMEs are the backbone of economies — scaling them changes lives beyond the P&L.     About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

Guest: Adie McGuiness — Co-Founder of Sigmar Recruitment Episode Summary In this  bite-size episode, Adie McGuiness shares the story of how his team came together during one of the toughest periods in business. Facing financial uncertainty, his staff personally contributed €200,000 to help save the company—an extraordinary act of loyalty that revealed the power of trust and genuine leadership. Adie and Paul discuss how real leaders show vulnerability, prioritize people over profit, and build cultures where employees feel valued, even in crisis. They also explore the deeper question of fulfilment—how Aie’s lifelong meditation practice and search for inner peace have shaped his outlook on success, purpose, and life after business. Key Themes: Leadership in crisis and the power of transparency Building loyalty through trust, humility, and shared purpose How sincerity and authenticity outcompete large corporations Why inner peace is the ultimate measure of success. Transitioning from achievement to fulfilment after business exit Memorable Quotes: “Nobody deserves a salary cut—but everyone deserves a stable job.”“People don’t work for me; they work for themselves and their families. My job is to make this the best place for them to do that.”“You can give me ten million, but if I lose inner peace, I have nothing.” Full Episode: https://youtu.be/8SAvKEdG0rA?si=mizwCSh3CT6jNdmr https://open.spotify.com/episode/1m7yXcJwuZMVX56hMIowbi?si=i4V3G7fHSxu63Kdk9tDBTw About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host: https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

The Intelligence Trap: Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions: David Robson #133 Episode Summary Award-winning science journalist David Robson joins Paul to explore the big ideas behind his three books — The Intelligence Trap, The Expectation Effect, and The Laws of Connection. We get practical about intellectual humility, how beliefs shape physiology and performance, and why most of us underestimate how much other people like us. From Nobel laureates falling for “earned dogmatism” to positive aging, placebos in sport, and the “Beautiful Mess Effect,” this episode is packed with evidence-based ways to think clearer, feel better, and connect deeper. What We Cover The trilogy thread: Challenging assumptions to make wiser choices, feel better, and build stronger relationships. Intelligence vs. wisdom: IQ is engine power; wisdom is steering, suspension, and navigation. Sternberg’s three intelligences: Analytical, creative (multiple perspectives), and practical (people & meta-skills). Intellectual humility: The keystone of wise thinking; why “earned dogmatism” traps high achievers. Real-world traps: Why brilliant doctors/dentists can be poor investors; “do you want to be right or rich?” Genes, environment & lifespan: How influence shifts from childhood to adulthood—and why lifestyle still wins. The Expectation Effect: Placebo & nocebo explained; beliefs measurably shape stress responses, inflammation, blood pressure, gas exchange, and muscle fiber recruitment. Sport & belief: Caffeine vs. decaf deception; the Tour de France “glucose syringe” story; accessing more of your strength. Positive aging: Mindset can add ~7.5 years of life; Patty Jones, the 80-something acrobatic salsa dancer. The Laws of Connection: The Liking Gap (we think others like us less than they do), the Beautiful Mess Effect (vulnerability increases warmth and trust), and why asking/offering help and apologizing work better than we expect. Key Takeaways Be actively open-minded. Ask, “How might I be wrong? What would change my mind?” Train wisdom, not just IQ. Practice perspective-taking, project planning, and metacognition. Mindset moves metrics. Your expectations can alter hormones, inflammation, pain, breath exchange, and perceived exertion. Confidence via evidence. Use small, repeated wins (like conquering one brutal hill) to reset your “possible.” Aging ≠ inevitable decline. Focus on abilities, stay social and physically active — mindset steers behavior. Connect by being human. Most people like you more than you think; vulnerability signals honesty and builds trust. Humility beats hubris. Past success doesn’t transfer by default; in new domains, act like a beginner. Resources & Mentions David’s books: The Intelligence Trap, The Expectation Effect, The Laws of Connection. Concepts: Earned Dogmatism, Active Open-Minded Thinking, Placebo/Nocebo, Liking Gap, Beautiful Mess Effect. Story highlights: PCR inventor case study; caffeine/placebo in sport; Patty Jones (acrobatic salsa dancer). Connect with David Robson Website: davidrobson.me Substack: Sixty-Second Psychology Instagram: @DavidARobson X/Twitter: @DavidARobson Connect with Paul Subscribe to The Inner Entrepreneur and leave a review. Share this episode with a friend who geeks out on psychology & performance. Explore Paul’s programs: The One-Hour CEO & The Life Code. About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

  Most people think “trauma” means war, abuse, or catastrophe. In this Inner Entrepreneur Bite-Size clip, Laurel Wiers (trauma therapist and creator of the MINT Method) explains why that’s incomplete — and how little-t experiences can quietly shape your personality, decisions, and success until you learn to reset back to your truest self. This isn’t just theory. We dig into Gabor Maté’s definition of trauma (“not the event, but the imprint”), how generational patterns live in the body, and why your gut rarely lies even when your mind does. Laurel shares a step-by-step way to trace reactions back to origin memories, metabolize them, and return to calm, choice, and clarity — without losing the lessons.   🔑 What you’ll learn Big-T vs little-t trauma: why everyday “aversive events” wire in the same way. Personality vs protection: the parts you call “me” might be old coping strategies (IFS lens). Trust your body: sensations tell the truth; the mind often rationalizes. A practical process: feel → locate in the body → allow images → find the first memory → integrate. Reset, don’t erase: keep the wisdom, release the hyper-vigilance. Inner work reality: most avoid it… until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.   🧭 Episode Highlights (bite-size) Redefining trauma: it’s the imprint, not the incident. How “little-t” moments (like a parent’s offhand comment) become lifelong patterns. Using body cues to uncover origin memories (and change reactions fast). The food example: one small childhood moment → decades of compulsion — then release. Firewalk insight: a temporary fear “dial-down” reveals what life can feel like on the other side. “Reset to who you were before the event” — while keeping your hard-won wisdom.   📌 Key Quote “If it’s distressing — and you wish it were different — it may not be your personality. It’s a stuck moment asking to be healed.”   🔗 Listen to the Full Conversation This clip comes from our full episode with Laurel Wiers. Dive deeper here:👉 YouTube: https://youtu.be/d6qPt0EWfX8?si=Jl6z4lR-a7yXd98t👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0caDBICWh3mJWj2SKy1jPt?si=v02kCznVT4GoxGGzGqHmcw   🙌 Support & Subscribe About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/  

Most of us picture a “matchmaker” as a village elder with a little black book. Amber Lee flips that script. As co-founder of Select Date Society, she runs a boutique, white-glove matchmaking firm for high achievers and ultra-high-net-worth clients — pairing deep psychology with ruthless vetting to protect time, energy, and hearts. In this conversation, Amber shares how a near-death cardiac arrest became the wake-up call to launch her own firm, why self-awareness is the #1 predictor of dating success, and how real compatibility goes far beyond a great photo or a perfect résumé. From attachment styles to the quiet biases of wealth and status, this is a masterclass in modern matchmaking — and building a relationship that lasts.   🔑 What you’ll learn Modern matchmaking, de-mythologized: why boutique > volume, and what “white glove” really means. Self-awareness as a superpower: the non-negotiable trait Amber screens for before taking any client. Attachment styles 101 (Attached, Gottman, IFS): secure vs. anxious vs. avoidant — and why “opposites” only work with skills and awareness. Attraction isn’t a headshot: how smell, voice, presence, safety and ease drive true chemistry. Protecting high-profile clients: filtering for intent, lifestyle alignment, and authenticity (beyond status and money). From boardroom to first date: softening your “operator mode” so connection can breathe. Resilience in love: the same trait that builds companies also sustains great relationships.   🧭 Episode Highlights The hospital-bed epiphany: turning a survival story into a purpose-built business. Why big agencies fail great clients — and how Amber’s team sometimes meets 50–100+ candidates for one match. Chemistry vs. checklists: when photos mislead and a great match needs a gentle push to say “yes.” How Amber vets for intent and integrity — especially with fame and wealth in the mix. Money can’t buy love, but lifestyle fit matters (values, time, travel, how you spend). Why many high-achieving women hire matchmakers (signal, safety, filtering, dignity). The “kite and string” metaphor: complementary differences that actually work — when you communicate.   🗣️ Key Quotes “We don’t want clients falling in love with potential. Our job is to find the person who really fits.”“Attraction happens in how someone makes you feel — safety, ease, presence — not a flat photo.”“You’re not in the boardroom on a first date. Bring the softer version of your best self.”   👤 About Amber Lee Amber Lee is the co-founder of Select Date Society, a boutique matchmaking firm serving high-achieving and high-profile clients with a 90% success rate. Trained by the Global Love Institute and the Gottman Institute, Amber blends rigorous vetting with relational science to create matches that last. Connect with Amber: Website: www.selectdatesociety.com/about Instagram: www.instagram.com/amberleematchmaker/?hl=en LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/amber-lee-matchmaker   🙌 Support & Subscribe If this episode sparked a few “aha” moments, share it with a friend who’s serious about love — and subscribe to The Inner Entrepreneur for more conversations at the intersection of life, business, and meaning.   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

We’re all born with extraordinary potential — but life tests us with obstacles that shape our character and reveal what we’re truly capable of. In this Inner Entrepreneur Bite-Size episode, Dan Metcalfe shares a remarkable journey: from youth footballer scouted by Crystal Palace to an unlikely leap into West End dance — then a devastating on-stage spinal injury in Las Vegas that forced a total reinvention. What followed wasn’t the end, but a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and redefining success.    In this conversation, we explore: Why there are no roadblocks, only obstacles — and how character is built in how you face them. The “Billy Elliot” pivot that changed everything. Turning paralysis and a broken system into purpose and service. The mindset shift from victim to your own hero. Why success isn’t crossing the finish line — it’s having the courage to step over the start line. The power of “You never lose if you learn.”    Episode Highlights (bite-size) Dream to detour: from county-team captain and Crystal Palace prospect to a surprise dance scholarship. The accident: paralyzed mid-performance; battling a system that preferred disability over recovery. Reclaiming agency: choosing the hero role; coaching from a chair to state-level success and Nike Coach of the Year. Ironman Canada: near-drowning → peace → comeback — and a new definition of “champion.” The lesson that sticks: learning > losing and “every level has its own devil.” Entrepreneurial parallel: stepping outside the box others build for you — and committing to the journey.    Key Quote “A champion isn’t the one who finishes first. It’s the one who has the courage to step over the start line, not knowing the journey ahead, but committing to give their best.”   🔗 Listen to the Full Conversation This clip comes from the full-length episode of The Inner Entrepreneur with [Guest Name]. Dive deeper here: YouTube: https://youtu.be/fU114oDg0yQ?si=8FscWRe7LFzigNbz Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3nfcKlomOj4qZfSjm8qOzZ?si=FmIevgo7Re2mvTsHvaJgwQ    Support & Subscribe If this story resonated, share it with a friend who needs a push — and subscribe to The Inner Entrepreneur for more bite-size wisdom on building a business (and life) by design.   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

Rushing through life isn’t the same as living it. In this conversation, Paul sits down with author and speaker Carl Honoré—often called the evangelist of the Slow Movement—to unpack how “doing things at the right speed” unlocks better work, deeper relationships, and a saner mind. They explore monotasking vs. multitasking, why walking is a superpower, simple rituals that calm a frantic nervous system, and the surprising link between slowing down and aging boldly. Key Takeaways Monotask to go faster: One thing at a time = fewer mistakes, better results. Set tech boundaries: Kill notifications; you choose when to engage. Adopt micro-rituals: 5 minutes of breath, walking, or sketching resets your day. Listen to the body: Fatigue, fog, and forgetfulness are red flags to slow. Nature heals speed addiction: Green time sharpens focus and reduces stress. If this resonated, listen, share, and subscribe for more conversations that build both success and a life you love.   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this bite-sized episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul sits down with Olympic medalist, pro football player, coach, entrepreneur, and author Bob Molle to explore the secret to living with energy and purpose. Bob shares why he’s always chased what excites him—from wrestling in the Olympics to coaching, business, writing, and speaking—and how this zest for life has kept him happy, fulfilled, and resilient. He reveals why doing what lights you up is more powerful than chasing money, and why strong relationships are the true measure of happiness. You’ll also hear Bob’s philosophy on: Why retirement should never mean boredom. The difference between “rusting out” and “wearing out.” How to nurture long-term relationships that bring joy and meaning. The power of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Lessons from competing and training with the best in the world. This episode is packed with wisdom on purpose, energy, and staying excited about life—no matter what stage you’re in. 👉 Listen now, and don’t forget to check the links below for the full conversation. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aifHBDQBffQrMFX23lW16?si=Ch2nOxkbTnaRneS5UftDsg https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aifHBDQBffQrMFX23lW16?si=Ch2nOxkbTnaRneS5UftDsg About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this episode Paul sits down former social worker turned performance pioneer Jack Black (MindStore). Jack has spent 35+ years training founders and leaders to use both sides of the brain — pairing vision and intuition with rigorous execution — to create outcomes (including multi-million exits) without sacrificing health, family, or soul. Jack is a renowned international speaker, corporate consultant, author and coach and has shared his unique MindStore courses in over 27 countries. We go deep on stress, the “gift & purpose” conversation, practical meditation/visualisation (for non-woo founders), attracting coincidences, and redefining success. In this episode: Stress is lethal: the wake-up that started MindStore Left brain vs right brain: why founders need both Vision > Why > How: the sequence that actually works “Coincidence” and attraction (minus the magical thinking) The Wheel of Life: money AND a life you want Finding your gift & purpose through real conversations Building teams: hire left-brain killers to serve a right-brain vision Exits without regret: health, marriage, kids, legacy Guest: Jack Black — Founder, MindStore. https://www.mindstore.com/   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this bite-sized episode, Paul sits down with entrepreneur Brian Keegan to unpack the wild swing from “Park Lane Paddy” highs to receivership lows—and the gritty rebuild that followed. Brian shares how a perfect storm (9/11, the dot-com crash, Enron/WorldCom) halved his business in months, pushed him to the High Court, and nearly into personal bankruptcy. He explains the turnaround: swapping ego for humility, refusing to “sign it all away,” assembling a circle of counsel, and rebuilding with proprietary software, global ops, and a shift from vanity growth to durable value—ultimately leading to a successful exit in 2018.   Highlights Tailwinds to turbulence: Late-90s hyper-growth meets the 2001–03 crash; revenue collapses and receivership follows. Humility unlocks help: A spouse’s truth bomb and a barrister-mentor change the path at the eleventh hour. Rebuild blueprint: .NET platform + India back office = faster cycle times and software-like margins. Upgrade your metrics: “Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, cash flow is king—and valuation is emperor.” Counsel > solo heroics: Monthly cadence with legal/financial strategist, business mentor, coach, and spiritual director. Mindset shift: Stop tripping over the past; invest beyond “your own dollars” to fund the future. Second act clarity: Focus on profitability, cash conversion, and enterprise value laid the groundwork for exit. Quotable “Every entrepreneur has a dark moment where they think, this might be it.” “Stop spending your own dollars—invest for the future in front of you.” “Don’t trip over what’s behind you.” Links to full episode: https://youtu.be/KJKR3KditoE?si=zFLEZfRP10NJaPG1 https://open.spotify.com/episode/3K1R285C3B4jyFABN4CFlt?si=el0i3OlFQAm3aqfsuYdwxw About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this episode Paul sits down with Liz Hartke—founder of Luminary Leadership, creator of the Overflow CEO Mastermind, and host of Your Big Next—to explore what it really means to build with integrity. Liz shares the moment a trusted mentor told her she was “drastically underperforming” her potential (despite major wins), how that wake-up shifted her from forcing growth to leading from overflow, and why how you build is as important as what you build. They dig into integrating family and business, leadership bottlenecks, the “Visionary Matrix” (hard/light vs easy/heavy), and the life-altering story that birthed her upcoming book. Quick Links Clarity Prompt Gift: DM Liz the word “clarity” on Instagram (handle in links) or visit /clarity on her Luminary Leadership site (we’ll link in the episode page). Liz’s podcast: Your Big Next (subscribe for deep-dive leadership episodes). Key Takeaways Family first isn’t a slogan—it’s a design choice. Integrate business with family values; don’t compartmentalize. How you build matters. If the journey costs your marriage, health, or presence with your kids, the “win” isn’t a win. Leadership is the ceiling. When growth plateaus, the founder—not the funnel—is usually the bottleneck. Visionary Matrix: Aim for hard but light (calling-aligned challenges) and cut easy but heavy (low-friction work that drains you). From force to overflow. Scale the person first; then strategy compounds. Intention ≠ impact. Your family experiences the impact of your choices, not the intention behind them. Courage over fear. Fear often hides under “strategy.” Ask: What’s the alternative if I don’t change? Bring your inner circle. Liz’s mastermind invites spouses and right-hands to keep growth aligned and executable. Chapter Guide 00:00–02:00 — Opening & why family moments beat business milestones 02:00–04:40 — Liz’s multigenerational family roots & entrepreneurship as a vehicle 04:40–08:10 — The mentor’s gut-punch: “You’re underperforming your potential” 08:10–10:40 — Numbers vs. becoming the leader you’re called to be 10:40–14:30 — Freedom, scale, and the cost of the journey 14:30–18:15 — From strategist to leadership scaler: unlocking the founder 18:15–21:10 — Awareness, patterns, and moving from force to overflow 21:10–24:35 — Living one integrated identity—at work and at home 24:35–27:05 — Book launch vs. baby due date: choosing alignment over optics 27:05–31:35 — Wake-up calls, fear, and shifting the ladder to the right wall 31:35–35:20 — Potential creates new mountains; climb with joy, not sacrifice 35:20–40:30 — Doing the right thing: intuition, moral code, and mentors 39:17–41:33 — Visionary Matrix: easy/heavy vs hard/light decisions 41:33–45:10 — Scheduling thinking time; getting off the treadmill 45:10–50:48 — The loss, the haemorrhage, and the genesis of Your Big Next 50:48–54:20 — Tools: Visionary CEO Schedule & living your legacy now 54:20–56:41 — Overflow CEO Mastermind (bring spouse + right-hand) & closing Notable Quotes “How you build the thing is as important as the thing you build.” — Liz “The business had outgrown their leadership.” “Hard but light beats easy but heavy. If it’s heavy, it’s a signal.” “Intention doesn’t matter—impact does. That’s what your family feels.” About Liz Hartke https://luminaryleadershipco.com/ Founder of Luminary Leadership, Liz mentors established entrepreneurs to shift from operator to visionary, scale from force to overflow, and build companies that honour family and values. She leads the Overflow CEO Mastermind, blending leadership work with practical business strategy, and hosts the podcast Your Big Next. Her forthcoming book distils these principles into actionable frameworks. Connect with Paul Ryan:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this bite-size episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, we dive deep into the hidden cost of hustle culture, the sacrifices many high achievers make, and the redefinition of what true success looks like. From the raw honesty of rushing back to work after childbirth to stories of children craving time over material success, this conversation explores the tension between ambition and presence. We discuss how society’s narrow definition of success—measured only in wealth and milestones—leaves even the most accomplished entrepreneurs feeling unfulfilled. You’ll learn why children spell love T-I-M-E, how to uncover your Unique Personal Drivers, and why fulfilment is always multi-dimensional. We unpack the role of balance, presence, meditation, and even simple breathing as tools for alignment and energy renewal. This is an invitation to rethink success—not as endless milestones—but as a life designed with purpose, joy, and connection at its core. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why hustle culture leaves even successful people unfulfilled The deeper cost of sacrificing family and presence for work How children define love, and what it teaches us about priorities The power of redefining success through your Unique Personal Drivers Why fulfilment is always multi-faceted & wealth alone will never be enough Practical tools to restore balance: meditation, breathwork, and “joy anchors”. How to rewire your brain for gratitude, energy, and presence   Links to full Episode: https://youtu.be/-IxolA_HDSU?si=b-GL5wIX0vTt9AwU https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mrG26gxsZu01TAGOn1tpP?si=ERIgIrMoRZOrTDvrn3N5tg   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host: https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

Guest: Joey Klein — author of The Inner Matrix and Relationship Alchemy; founder of Inner Matrix Systems. Topic: Rewiring your “inner matrix,” emotional mastery, and the fundamentals of thriving relationships.   Summary Paul and Joey dig into how unconscious emotional conditioning drives our thoughts, choices, and results—and how to retrain it. Joey outlines a practical path: awareness → nervous-system regulation → conditioning future-aligned emotions and beliefs. In the back half, they shift to Relationship Alchemy: taking responsibility for your feelings, managing attention, and creating a 20-year vision for your relationship. Key Takeaways Your “inner matrix” = emotional patterns + thought strategies + nervous system conditioning that run (mostly) outside awareness. Start with awareness & ownership: “How am I feeling right now?” (no story, no blame). Train the nervous system (e.g., gentle box breathing) to move from sympathetic to parasympathetic; then install new patterns. Emotions drive thoughts (not the other way around). Access and train future-aligned emotions first. Transformation can be fast; mastery takes repetition (immersion + daily reps). In relationships: 1) You’re responsible for your feelings. 2) Manage attention toward a shared future vision. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Intro & Paul’s context on The Inner Matrix 01:20 – Joey’s story: pain → mentors → 22 years of practice 05:28 – What is the Inner Matrix? Conditioning: emotion → mind → nervous system 10:18 – Awareness & ownership vs. blaming circumstances 14:30 – The simple daily check-in practice (3–4x/day) 16:14 – State setting before performance (breathing, intent) 18:10 – Mindfulness vs. emotional body; using stillness as a tool 19:00 – Train the mind to think for you (not quiet forever) 21:37 – Three pillars: intensity (immersion), consistency (daily), cadence (in-day) 24:48 – Parasympathetic access; conditioning while suggestible 26:29 – 60k thoughts/day, <3% conscious; why emotions come first 28:24 – Build emotions of your future self; align actions 31:38 – Natural emotions vs. trained reactions 39:07 – Transformation vs. mastery; immersion matters 41:18 – Ski-slope/neuronal-rut analogy 44:17 – Comfort = familiar; awkward = often correct (golf vs. baseball swing) 46:00 – Difficulty is a signal you’re changing the pattern 48:07 – Relationship Alchemy: why self-training still comes first 51:26 – Two big keys: responsibility for feelings; manage attention/vision 55:00 – Joey’s program structure (weekends + weekly + app) 58:30 – Links, contact, close   Guest information: https://joeyklein.com/ https://innermatrixsystems.com/   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

In this bite-size episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, we explore the psychology and practice of selling with Sean Weafer —and why it’s the foundation of every successful business. Sean breaks down complex ideas into practical steps, weaving together lessons from engineering, psychology, and spirituality. We discuss why being an expert isn’t enough, why most professionals struggle to sell themselves, and how rejection in childhood often shapes our adult fears of selling. You’ll also hear why sales is 95% emotional, how to reframe “no” into opportunity, and why selling is life itself.   Links to full Episode: https://youtu.be/iLWLEEXJxcY?si=tjMD92OsfqaRXduN   https://open.spotify.com/episode/3MRGJQhwlUXkleJvXdO3qP?si=qzrFDEMGQlWvoM4aGa6kQA About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/

What if the goal isn’t retirement—but living better now? Author Derek Coburn explains why extending your work horizon—or keeping a small, enjoyable income stream—can radically reduce savings pressure today and increase fulfillment. We cover post-exit blues, mini-retirements, the Two Tony's math, redefining success around family and freedom, and Derek’s “$50,000 moments” lens for presence. Derek joins The Inner Entrepreneur to challenge the traditional “work hard, retire at 65, then start living” script. We explore why many high achievers feel flat after an exit, how extending your working horizon (or earning a small later-life income) can slash today’s savings pressure, and why purpose and relationships—not a retirement number—are the real drivers of a rich life. Expect practical math, mini-retirements, post-exit realities, redefining success, and Derek’s $50,000 moments framework for being present with your kids.   Key themes Retire Retirement: design a life you don’t want to retire from. Math that frees you: planning to earn something into your 70s can reduce current savings pressure massively. Post-exit truth: money solves money problems, not purpose or connection. Happiness vs. meaning: pursue contribution; happiness follows. Life phases: work hard early, then rebalance—don’t stay stuck on the treadmill. Mini-retirements & sabbaticals: shake the snow globe, rewrite your script. Presence with family: “$50,000 moments” and flexing free time, not watches.   00:00 – Intro & “Retire Retirement” 01:13 – Why traditional retirement fails many high achievers 03:57 – The Tale of Two Tonys: small change, huge savings impact 06:28 – When “save 20%” backfires & what to do instead 08:16 – Where “65” came from & why it no longer fits 10:01 – Flexible work in later life: money and meaning 13:18 – The “unretirement” wave: connection & contribution 14:09 – Post-exit reality: losing purpose after the big check 15:56 – Happiness vs meaning: the body keeps score 17:23 – Reader stories: concrete lifestyle shifts 19:18 – €40k part-time vs €1M nest egg framing 21:01 – Work hard early; later, invite ease & flow 23:59 – Mindset: stop assuming it must be hard 25:33 – Rebalancing across life phases 26:40 – Sabbaticals, meditation & rewriting the “prove them wrong” script 29:39 – Bring future joys into today (date nights, travel, play) 31:29 – Redefining success: flex your free time 35:49 – “$50,000 moments” with your kids 37:03 – What are you really financial-planning for? 38:24 – Derek’s mantra & who this book is for 39:23 – Where to find Derek & replacing “retirement” with “living better” Guest links: derekcoburn.com If this helped, subscribe and share with a friend who needs a new script for work, wealth, and well-being.   About the host: Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code Program. As a CEO, Paul has a depth of 'real life' experience of what it takes to be successful in business and life.   Connect with the host:   https://www.theonehourceo.com/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/