Slow Down To Speed Up Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:28:31 -0400 http://www.dashingleadership.com en-us © 2026 Slow Down To Speed Up yes 142eb0f9-7e91-5b4e-a2ef-0dd37a18f842 brian@dashingleadership.com Brian Wang episodic false Slow Down To Speed Up is where executive coach Brian Wang conducts real-life coaching sessions with startup founders. These are deep, sometimes raw conversations where founders explore and confront their blindspots in order to feel empowered in finding new solutions to their challenges.

If you're a founder interested in coming on the show or in working with Brian, email brian@dashingleadership.com.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) leadership, coaching, business, entrepreneurship, psychology, self-awareness, emotions, personal development Brian Wang brian@dashingleadership.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/q9s65x0p0s2ttqtp49unispnesqx?.jpg Slow Down To Speed Up http://www.dashingleadership.com Brian Wang #022: The Connection Between Early Trauma and Leadership [Brian Wang] #022: The Connection Between Early Trauma and Leadership [Brian Wang] Have you ever wondered why certain types of people trigger you? Or why you keep attracting the same challenging dynamics with your team? In this deeply personal episode, I share my experience at an Art of Accomplishment retreat that revealed how childhood projections have been unconsciously shaping my life for decades.

What You'll Learn:

  • The concept of psychological projections and how they influence our inner state
  • How childhood beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in business 
  • Why emotional release work is more effective than trying to "think" your way through limiting beliefs
  • The way "comparative mind" that keeps leaders isolated
  • Practical steps for identifying your own projections and triggers

Key Concepts Explored:

  • How projections create the very conditions that prove them "right"
  • The relationship between childhood survival strategies and adult leadership patterns
  • Why belonging and physical connection matter for authentic leadership
  • The role of vulnerability in building trust with your team

Resources Mentioned:

  • Art of Accomplishment (artofaccomplishment.com)

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Have you ever wondered why certain types of people trigger you? Or why you keep attracting the same challenging dynamics with your team? In this deeply personal episode, I share my experience at an Art of Accomplishment retreat that revealed how childhood projections have been unconsciously shaping my life for decades.

What You'll Learn:

  • The concept of psychological projections and how they influence our inner state
  • How childhood beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in business 
  • Why emotional release work is more effective than trying to "think" your way through limiting beliefs
  • The way "comparative mind" that keeps leaders isolated
  • Practical steps for identifying your own projections and triggers

Key Concepts Explored:

  • How projections create the very conditions that prove them "right"
  • The relationship between childhood survival strategies and adult leadership patterns
  • Why belonging and physical connection matter for authentic leadership
  • The role of vulnerability in building trust with your team

Resources Mentioned:

  • Art of Accomplishment (artofaccomplishment.com)

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-17491233 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1008 22 full false #021: How To Prevent Success From Killing Creativity [Ryan Estes] #021: How To Prevent Success From Killing Creativity [Ryan Estes] When does structure become a cage?

In this coaching session, entrepreneur Ryan Estes explores:

  • The tension between productivity systems and creative spontaneity
  • How success can disconnect us from original passions
  • The walls we build that eventually imprison us
  • Finding harmony between responsibility and authentic expression

For founders feeling successful but unfulfilled, this episode offers a framework for reconnection with what once sparked your entrepreneurial journey.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> When does structure become a cage?

In this coaching session, entrepreneur Ryan Estes explores:

  • The tension between productivity systems and creative spontaneity
  • How success can disconnect us from original passions
  • The walls we build that eventually imprison us
  • Finding harmony between responsibility and authentic expression

For founders feeling successful but unfulfilled, this episode offers a framework for reconnection with what once sparked your entrepreneurial journey.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-17082204 Tue, 06 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2579 full false #020: The Discomfort of Stability [Will Pearson] #020: The Discomfort of Stability [Will Pearson] "Am I failing as a founder if I'm not constantly pushing for more growth?"

After achieving stability in his 5-year-old business, Will Pearson brings this question to our coaching session. With a 4-year-old daughter and 7-month-old son at home, Will has found a balance between work and family, but feels guilty about it.

This episode explores:

  • The identity crisis that comes with business stability
  • How founder narratives create unnecessary pressure
  • Why rest periods are essential for sustainable growth
  • Finding confidence in your own definition of success

For anyone who's ever wondered if they're "hungry enough" as an entrepreneur or felt guilty for prioritizing life outside their business, this episode will help!

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> "Am I failing as a founder if I'm not constantly pushing for more growth?"

After achieving stability in his 5-year-old business, Will Pearson brings this question to our coaching session. With a 4-year-old daughter and 7-month-old son at home, Will has found a balance between work and family, but feels guilty about it.

This episode explores:

  • The identity crisis that comes with business stability
  • How founder narratives create unnecessary pressure
  • Why rest periods are essential for sustainable growth
  • Finding confidence in your own definition of success

For anyone who's ever wondered if they're "hungry enough" as an entrepreneur or felt guilty for prioritizing life outside their business, this episode will help!

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-16947544 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2977 full false #019: Saying No When Everyone Needs You [Jason Shafton] #019: Saying No When Everyone Needs You [Jason Shafton] Jason Shafton, founder and CEO of Winston Francois, wrestles with the challenge every entrepreneur-parent knows too well: how to build a thriving business while being fully present for family. 

After experiencing a profound personal loss, Jason's perspective on work transformed, yet he still struggles with the "always on" mentality. In this coaching session, we explore how perfectionism and the need to be needed keep notifications perpetually active, preventing true presence anywhere. Discover practical steps toward becoming "dad by default" instead of "working by default."

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Jason Shafton, founder and CEO of Winston Francois, wrestles with the challenge every entrepreneur-parent knows too well: how to build a thriving business while being fully present for family. 

After experiencing a profound personal loss, Jason's perspective on work transformed, yet he still struggles with the "always on" mentality. In this coaching session, we explore how perfectionism and the need to be needed keep notifications perpetually active, preventing true presence anywhere. Discover practical steps toward becoming "dad by default" instead of "working by default."

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-16859467 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2804 19 full false #018: Why This Founder Won't Raise VC [Anonymous] #018: Why This Founder Won't Raise VC [Anonymous] When is your protective instinct trying to tell you something important? In this coaching session, an experienced founder shares their internal struggle with fundraising - not because they can't raise money, but because something deeper is holding them back.

We uncover how past experiences of loss and betrayal shape our present choices, and how what feels like resistance might actually be wisdom. This conversation opens up crucial questions about control, growth, and staying true to your vision while building a venture-scale company.

Whether you're currently fundraising or not, this episode offers valuable insights about how to interpret and work with your protective instincts as a founder.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> When is your protective instinct trying to tell you something important? In this coaching session, an experienced founder shares their internal struggle with fundraising - not because they can't raise money, but because something deeper is holding them back.

We uncover how past experiences of loss and betrayal shape our present choices, and how what feels like resistance might actually be wisdom. This conversation opens up crucial questions about control, growth, and staying true to your vision while building a venture-scale company.

Whether you're currently fundraising or not, this episode offers valuable insights about how to interpret and work with your protective instincts as a founder.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-16274839 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500 3044 18 full false #017: Confessions of an Exhausted Environmental Leader [Dom Francks] #017: Confessions of an Exhausted Environmental Leader [Dom Francks] When climate guide and leadership coach Dom Francks steps into the coaching seat himself, he confronts a question that haunts many mission-driven leaders: what if all our work isn't enough? Through raw honesty about his own struggles with helplessness, self-doubt, and the unbearable gap between what he dreams of doing and what feels possible, Dom discovers an unexpected truth about impact.

In this session, we explore:

  • The tension between personal impact and planetary challenges
  • Why self-doubt might be a signal you're on the right track
  • Moving beyond the "not doing enough" trap
  • Finding peace with imperfect action while staying committed
  • The surprising power of living in uncomfortable questions
  • What real courage looks like in mission-driven work

Whether you're fighting for environmental justice, building something meaningful, or simply trying to do good work in a world that feels like it's burning, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on what it means to make real change. It challenges conventional wisdom about impact and invites us to consider that the very tension we're trying to resolve might be exactly what we need.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> When climate guide and leadership coach Dom Francks steps into the coaching seat himself, he confronts a question that haunts many mission-driven leaders: what if all our work isn't enough? Through raw honesty about his own struggles with helplessness, self-doubt, and the unbearable gap between what he dreams of doing and what feels possible, Dom discovers an unexpected truth about impact.

In this session, we explore:

  • The tension between personal impact and planetary challenges
  • Why self-doubt might be a signal you're on the right track
  • Moving beyond the "not doing enough" trap
  • Finding peace with imperfect action while staying committed
  • The surprising power of living in uncomfortable questions
  • What real courage looks like in mission-driven work

Whether you're fighting for environmental justice, building something meaningful, or simply trying to do good work in a world that feels like it's burning, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on what it means to make real change. It challenges conventional wisdom about impact and invites us to consider that the very tension we're trying to resolve might be exactly what we need.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-16108288 Mon, 23 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3278 full false #016: The Hidden Cost of Playing Nice in Business [David Spinks] #016: The Hidden Cost of Playing Nice in Business [David Spinks] When is the last time you felt completely stuck growing your business, knowing what you "should" do but feeling unable to do it? In this coaching session, successful founder David Spinks opens up about his struggle with traditional marketing after his startup exit. What starts as a conversation about business development quickly reveals deeper truths about money, authenticity, and the fears that hold us back.

David sold his company CMX and stepped into coaching, only to find himself hitting an internal ceiling around $300K - exactly what his family needs to thrive. Through our exploration, we discover how childhood experiences with abandonment and conflict show up in surprising ways in our business decisions.

Themes we explore:

  • The hidden psychology behind marketing resistance
  • How childhood money stories impact adult business decisions
  • Breaking through internal income ceilings
  • Finding authentic ways to grow without compromising values
  • The relationship between fear of abandonment and business growth

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> When is the last time you felt completely stuck growing your business, knowing what you "should" do but feeling unable to do it? In this coaching session, successful founder David Spinks opens up about his struggle with traditional marketing after his startup exit. What starts as a conversation about business development quickly reveals deeper truths about money, authenticity, and the fears that hold us back.

David sold his company CMX and stepped into coaching, only to find himself hitting an internal ceiling around $300K - exactly what his family needs to thrive. Through our exploration, we discover how childhood experiences with abandonment and conflict show up in surprising ways in our business decisions.

Themes we explore:

  • The hidden psychology behind marketing resistance
  • How childhood money stories impact adult business decisions
  • Breaking through internal income ceilings
  • Finding authentic ways to grow without compromising values
  • The relationship between fear of abandonment and business growth

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-16087233 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500 2987 16 full false #015: Escaping Analysis Paralysis [Nina Iordanova] #015: Escaping Analysis Paralysis [Nina Iordanova] Does every decision feel like it needs a spreadsheet? In this coaching session, startup leader Nina Iordanova explores the hidden reasons behind her compulsive need to analyze and justify every choice.

Together we uncover how her drive for achievement masks a deeper fear - one that many high performers share but rarely discuss. Nina discovers that her analytical habits aren't just about making good decisions; they're a shield against vulnerability and potential rejection.

Key themes:
• The relationship between perfectionism and fear
• How over-analysis can mask deeper emotional needs
• Finding balance between achievement and self-trust
• Transforming your relationship with uncertainty
• Making decisions from a place of clarity rather than anxiety

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Does every decision feel like it needs a spreadsheet? In this coaching session, startup leader Nina Iordanova explores the hidden reasons behind her compulsive need to analyze and justify every choice.

Together we uncover how her drive for achievement masks a deeper fear - one that many high performers share but rarely discuss. Nina discovers that her analytical habits aren't just about making good decisions; they're a shield against vulnerability and potential rejection.

Key themes:
• The relationship between perfectionism and fear
• How over-analysis can mask deeper emotional needs
• Finding balance between achievement and self-trust
• Transforming your relationship with uncertainty
• Making decisions from a place of clarity rather than anxiety

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-15972936 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3051 15 full false #014: What's Next For The Podcast? [Brian Wang] #014: What's Next For The Podcast? [Brian Wang] Today is a solo episode where I get meta with the show and reflect on its origins, share some lessons learned, and process a bit about what might be next. Enjoy!

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Today is a solo episode where I get meta with the show and reflect on its origins, share some lessons learned, and process a bit about what might be next. Enjoy!

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-15218950 Mon, 10 Jun 2024 08:00:00 -0400 1218 14 full false #013: How Do I Stay True To Myself In My Next Chapter? [Cristina Poindexter] #013: How Do I Stay True To Myself In My Next Chapter? [Cristina Poindexter] Cristina Poindexter is a serial entrepreneur who finds herself wondering how to make a new move in her career without burning out. She's no stranger to ambition - she's founded 2 companies and has worked at places like Google and Headspace. After leaving her last venture, she fears not being able to achieve her potential while being her authentic self.

Watch as we explore what happens when we allow her fear to show up and express itself right in the session. 

Chapters
7:10 Navigating Time and Alignment in Work
10:51 Exploring Authenticity and Meaningful Connections
20:21 Navigating Expectations and Authenticity in Business
39:50 Allowing Fear and Anger
46:57 The Power of Language and Self-Compassion

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Cristina Poindexter is a serial entrepreneur who finds herself wondering how to make a new move in her career without burning out. She's no stranger to ambition - she's founded 2 companies and has worked at places like Google and Headspace. After leaving her last venture, she fears not being able to achieve her potential while being her authentic self.

Watch as we explore what happens when we allow her fear to show up and express itself right in the session. 

Chapters
7:10 Navigating Time and Alignment in Work
10:51 Exploring Authenticity and Meaningful Connections
20:21 Navigating Expectations and Authenticity in Business
39:50 Allowing Fear and Anger
46:57 The Power of Language and Self-Compassion

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-15086683 Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400 3096 13 full false #012: How Much Room For Doubt Is Allowed For A Founder? [Troy Sultan] #012: How Much Room For Doubt Is Allowed For A Founder? [Troy Sultan] Troy Sultan is the CEO of Guide and he's been leading startups for a decade. This far into the journey, he finds he's been losing motivation and he came for a session to figure out why.  Is it a temporary blip or is there something deeper going on?

Confronting this question is no easy feat - no founder wants to admit that they feel disconnected from their company. But as the saying goes, the only way out is through. Together, we explore what happens how we can embrace doubt and uncertainty to our benefit.

Watch this session on YouTube
 
Find Troy on Linkedin 
Troy's company Guide

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Troy Sultan is the CEO of Guide and he's been leading startups for a decade. This far into the journey, he finds he's been losing motivation and he came for a session to figure out why.  Is it a temporary blip or is there something deeper going on?

Confronting this question is no easy feat - no founder wants to admit that they feel disconnected from their company. But as the saying goes, the only way out is through. Together, we explore what happens how we can embrace doubt and uncertainty to our benefit.

Watch this session on YouTube
 
Find Troy on Linkedin 
Troy's company Guide

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-15047513 Mon, 13 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2883 12 full false #011: Why Founders Struggle with Their Mental Health [Laura Shook Guzman] #011: Why Founders Struggle with Their Mental Health [Laura Shook Guzman] In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I speak with Laura Shook Guzman, a seasoned therapist and leadership coach, to explore prevalent mental health issues among entrepreneurs. This episode delves into the pressures founders face, discussing the balance between business demands and personal well-being, and highlighting strategies for managing mental health effectively.

Key Points
- The Most Common Mental Health Challenges Among Founders
- The Importance of Self-Care
- Nature vs. Nurture in Entrepreneurship
- Managing Impressions and Internal Pressures
- Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Coping Strategies
- The Role of Early Family Dynamics

You can watch the episode on YouTube here

Where to find Laura:

Resources Mentioned:

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I speak with Laura Shook Guzman, a seasoned therapist and leadership coach, to explore prevalent mental health issues among entrepreneurs. This episode delves into the pressures founders face, discussing the balance between business demands and personal well-being, and highlighting strategies for managing mental health effectively.

Key Points
- The Most Common Mental Health Challenges Among Founders
- The Importance of Self-Care
- Nature vs. Nurture in Entrepreneurship
- Managing Impressions and Internal Pressures
- Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Coping Strategies
- The Role of Early Family Dynamics

You can watch the episode on YouTube here

Where to find Laura:

Resources Mentioned:

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14980454 Wed, 01 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2630 11 full false #010: How Do I Trust Myself After Betrayal? [Lauren Tracy] #010: How Do I Trust Myself After Betrayal? [Lauren Tracy] Part of a founder’s job is to recruit the right people to your team. But how do you handle a situation where someone seems great on paper, but triggers a gut feeling that something is off? How do you stay authentic in a way that fosters trust with others?  And what does a past experience of betrayal have to do with all this? These are the questions that Lauren Tracy brings to our coaching session. Together, we explore how her self-doubt is impacting her current venture and her ability to trust potential teammates. And we discover how success doesn't have to come at the expense of authenticity but in fact, relies on it.

Watch this session on YouTube

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Part of a founder’s job is to recruit the right people to your team. But how do you handle a situation where someone seems great on paper, but triggers a gut feeling that something is off? How do you stay authentic in a way that fosters trust with others?  And what does a past experience of betrayal have to do with all this? These are the questions that Lauren Tracy brings to our coaching session. Together, we explore how her self-doubt is impacting her current venture and her ability to trust potential teammates. And we discover how success doesn't have to come at the expense of authenticity but in fact, relies on it.

Watch this session on YouTube

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14873469 Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400 3016 10 full false #009: How Do I Avoid Burning Out My Team? [Olga Chin] #009: How Do I Avoid Burning Out My Team? [Olga Chin] Part of a founder's job is to care more about the business than anybody else. That alone can bring a lot of intensity to work. But when you're an ex-banker to boot, things can get into overdrive. How do you make sure you don't burn out your employees that way, especially if they're not used to the pace? How do you trust your team to regulate their own work while maintaining a rapid pace? And how can a leader harness the power of "why" to resolve all this?

These are the questions we get into in this coaching session with Olga Chin, founder and CEO of Interprice Technologies. Enjoy!

Watch this entire session on YouTube. 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Part of a founder's job is to care more about the business than anybody else. That alone can bring a lot of intensity to work. But when you're an ex-banker to boot, things can get into overdrive. How do you make sure you don't burn out your employees that way, especially if they're not used to the pace? How do you trust your team to regulate their own work while maintaining a rapid pace? And how can a leader harness the power of "why" to resolve all this?

These are the questions we get into in this coaching session with Olga Chin, founder and CEO of Interprice Technologies. Enjoy!

Watch this entire session on YouTube. 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14790346 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2532 9 full false #008: Can We Chase Both Passion and Profit? [Scott Britton] #008: Can We Chase Both Passion and Profit? [Scott Britton] Scott Britton founded and sold his company to Salesforce in 2022. Nowadays he spends much of his time exploring the nature of human consciousness through writing and podcasting. And while he'd like to make a living from this some day, he's not sure that he can.

Our session goes straight to the tension that many people face: whether one can support themselves through their passion. The tension brings up all sorts of questions of confidence, authentic desire, and self-trust in uncertainty. We touch all this in a space that feels more like a meditation than a conventional coaching conversation. Enjoy! 

You can watch the full video on YouTube.

Find Scott on:

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Scott Britton founded and sold his company to Salesforce in 2022. Nowadays he spends much of his time exploring the nature of human consciousness through writing and podcasting. And while he'd like to make a living from this some day, he's not sure that he can.

Our session goes straight to the tension that many people face: whether one can support themselves through their passion. The tension brings up all sorts of questions of confidence, authentic desire, and self-trust in uncertainty. We touch all this in a space that feels more like a meditation than a conventional coaching conversation. Enjoy! 

You can watch the full video on YouTube.

Find Scott on:

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14692918 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2616 8 full false #007: Why We Struggle to Switch Off From Work with Eric Bahn #007: Why We Struggle to Switch Off From Work with Eric Bahn Ever found yourself glued to your phone, oblivious to a loved one's story about their day? Or felt guilty for focusing on work when you just want to enjoy time with family? Eric Bahn, co-founder of Hustle Fund, joined me to explore the struggle many of us face: turning off our work brains and being fully present with loved ones. 

We explore questions like...

  • What prevents us from putting work aside?
  • What does it mean to be a good parent?
  • How do we escape unsatisfying feedback loops?

Watch the session on YouTube

Find Eric on X/Twitter and Linkedin.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Ever found yourself glued to your phone, oblivious to a loved one's story about their day? Or felt guilty for focusing on work when you just want to enjoy time with family? Eric Bahn, co-founder of Hustle Fund, joined me to explore the struggle many of us face: turning off our work brains and being fully present with loved ones. 

We explore questions like...

  • What prevents us from putting work aside?
  • What does it mean to be a good parent?
  • How do we escape unsatisfying feedback loops?

Watch the session on YouTube

Find Eric on X/Twitter and Linkedin.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14601818 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0500 2870 7 full false #006: Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Fundraising w/ Nestor Solari #006: Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster of Fundraising w/ Nestor Solari Founders that embark on a fundraise are often met with a mix of electrifying hope and gnawing doubts. In my coaching session with Nestor Solari, CEO of Sigo Seguros, we tap into that dichotomy, revealing the raw emotional journey founders undergo while chasing startup funding.

When you're in full on pitch mode, skepticism and pushback can throw you off your game. The negative emotions and stories that turn up are to be expected, but how we relate to them is what makes all the difference in our performance.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

We cover... 

  • What happens when an investor pushes back
  • How we typically respond internally
  • How our reaction can backfire
  • How to escape the trap of emotional defensiveness


Timestamps
00:50 Nestor's Intro
03:30 Losing Energy in An Investor Pitch
06:30 Negative Spiraling During The Fundraising Process
13:33 Navigating Adversarial Dynamics in Fundraising
20:04 Confronting Insecurities 
31:52 Building Presence and Welcoming Emotions
44:00 Key Lessons

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Founders that embark on a fundraise are often met with a mix of electrifying hope and gnawing doubts. In my coaching session with Nestor Solari, CEO of Sigo Seguros, we tap into that dichotomy, revealing the raw emotional journey founders undergo while chasing startup funding.

When you're in full on pitch mode, skepticism and pushback can throw you off your game. The negative emotions and stories that turn up are to be expected, but how we relate to them is what makes all the difference in our performance.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

We cover... 

  • What happens when an investor pushes back
  • How we typically respond internally
  • How our reaction can backfire
  • How to escape the trap of emotional defensiveness


Timestamps
00:50 Nestor's Intro
03:30 Losing Energy in An Investor Pitch
06:30 Negative Spiraling During The Fundraising Process
13:33 Navigating Adversarial Dynamics in Fundraising
20:04 Confronting Insecurities 
31:52 Building Presence and Welcoming Emotions
44:00 Key Lessons

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14508872 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500 2738 6 full false #005: Wielding Authority Without Being A Jerk w/ Erik Dunteman #005: Wielding Authority Without Being A Jerk w/ Erik Dunteman Are you grappling with how to drive your team forward without coming off as a jerk? How do you balance accountability with empathy? In this coaching session, I go deep with Erik Dunteman, CEO and co-founder of Banana, as we tackle these burning questions. The journey into leadership isn’t just about strategies; it’s an invitation to confront our fears, embrace vulnerability, and overcome the inner barriers that hold us back.

Erik opens up about his struggle to shift from doing to leading, his fear of negative perception, and the quest for authentic leadership. Our conversation arrives at an unexpected breakthrough for Erik that allows him to show up in a more authentic and empowered way to his team.

Watch the entire video on YouTube.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Are you grappling with how to drive your team forward without coming off as a jerk? How do you balance accountability with empathy? In this coaching session, I go deep with Erik Dunteman, CEO and co-founder of Banana, as we tackle these burning questions. The journey into leadership isn’t just about strategies; it’s an invitation to confront our fears, embrace vulnerability, and overcome the inner barriers that hold us back.

Erik opens up about his struggle to shift from doing to leading, his fear of negative perception, and the quest for authentic leadership. Our conversation arrives at an unexpected breakthrough for Erik that allows him to show up in a more authentic and empowered way to his team.

Watch the entire video on YouTube.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14412846 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3915 5 full false #004: The Inner Game of Productivity with Jordan Taylor #004: The Inner Game of Productivity with Jordan Taylor In this episode, Brian coaches Jordan Taylor, CEO of Medley, as she navigates a pervasive leadership challenge: how to effectively manage her time amidst an endless sea of urgent tasks. The heart of this session lies in Jordan's moment of self-discovery, where she confronts the inner narratives that influence her leadership, offering a moment of clarity that could resonate with your own leadership journey.

If you're a leader who finds yourself juggling between immediate needs and strategic goals, this episode is a must listen. You'll learn valuable strategies for shaping your internal dialogue, an essential move for effective leadership and personal transformation.

Timestamps
04:19 Linking Organizational Change to Personal Change
11:54 Frustration With Recurring Challenges
17:06 Role of the Critical Inner Voice
22:35 Positive Intent of the Inner Critic
23:15 How Self-Perception Impacts Motivation
37:00 Shifting Perspective on Productivity and Value

Watch the whole session on YouTube.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> In this episode, Brian coaches Jordan Taylor, CEO of Medley, as she navigates a pervasive leadership challenge: how to effectively manage her time amidst an endless sea of urgent tasks. The heart of this session lies in Jordan's moment of self-discovery, where she confronts the inner narratives that influence her leadership, offering a moment of clarity that could resonate with your own leadership journey.

If you're a leader who finds yourself juggling between immediate needs and strategic goals, this episode is a must listen. You'll learn valuable strategies for shaping your internal dialogue, an essential move for effective leadership and personal transformation.

Timestamps
04:19 Linking Organizational Change to Personal Change
11:54 Frustration With Recurring Challenges
17:06 Role of the Critical Inner Voice
22:35 Positive Intent of the Inner Critic
23:15 How Self-Perception Impacts Motivation
37:00 Shifting Perspective on Productivity and Value

Watch the whole session on YouTube.

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14335938 Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0500 3165 4 full false #003: Embracing Risk to Unlock Our Full Authenticity with Andy Mauro #003: Embracing Risk to Unlock Our Full Authenticity with Andy Mauro In this episode of Slow Down, to Speed Up, we explore the journey of Andy Mauro, a serial entrepreneur who sold his last company in 2021 and is now embarking on a new venture with Storycraft. Andy's challenge is to balance a grand vision with effective risk management. We get a unique glimpse into Andy's internal fears and how they potentially act as a bottleneck in building the audience and impact he envisions for his company. Deeper into the session, we uncover the importance of authenticity in leadership and the power of turning personal expression into a collaborative conversation. As Andy confronts his fears of not being 'enough' or his interests being too 'niche,' he realizes the significance of inviting others into his vision, transforming leadership from a quest for approval into an opportunity for collective creativity.

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> In this episode of Slow Down, to Speed Up, we explore the journey of Andy Mauro, a serial entrepreneur who sold his last company in 2021 and is now embarking on a new venture with Storycraft. Andy's challenge is to balance a grand vision with effective risk management. We get a unique glimpse into Andy's internal fears and how they potentially act as a bottleneck in building the audience and impact he envisions for his company. Deeper into the session, we uncover the importance of authenticity in leadership and the power of turning personal expression into a collaborative conversation. As Andy confronts his fears of not being 'enough' or his interests being too 'niche,' he realizes the significance of inviting others into his vision, transforming leadership from a quest for approval into an opportunity for collective creativity.

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14263098 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500 3087 3 full false #002: Reinventing Yourself After Startup Failure with Danielle Lumetta #002: Reinventing Yourself After Startup Failure with Danielle Lumetta In this episode, we delve into the emotional and professional crossroads faced by Danielle Lumetta, a founder grappling with the painful decision to shut down her company. Our session offers a rare window into the internal struggles and realizations that come with such a pivotal moment in an entrepreneur's journey. Danielle candidly shares her anxieties about disentangling her self-worth from her business success and the fear of repeating past mistakes in future endeavors. We explore the themes of grief, identity, and the balancing life between personal fulfillment with professional achievement.

This episode is not just a story about shutting down a company; it's a deeper exploration about reinventing oneself amidst uncertainty and finding true contentment beyond the metrics of conventional success.

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> In this episode, we delve into the emotional and professional crossroads faced by Danielle Lumetta, a founder grappling with the painful decision to shut down her company. Our session offers a rare window into the internal struggles and realizations that come with such a pivotal moment in an entrepreneur's journey. Danielle candidly shares her anxieties about disentangling her self-worth from her business success and the fear of repeating past mistakes in future endeavors. We explore the themes of grief, identity, and the balancing life between personal fulfillment with professional achievement.

This episode is not just a story about shutting down a company; it's a deeper exploration about reinventing oneself amidst uncertainty and finding true contentment beyond the metrics of conventional success.

Watch this episode on YouTube 

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14262940 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500 2990 2 full false #001: From Self-doubt to Self-leadership with Kevin Lee #001: From Self-doubt to Self-leadership with Kevin Lee Have you ever felt the tension of transitioning from individual contributor to leader? Faced the uncertainty of how to lead effectively? Maybe even felt guilty that you weren't doing the work you used to? In this episode, I coach Kevin Lee, CEO of immi, and we dive into this topic head on.

Deeper into the session, I help Kevin confront the emotional core of his troubles. And from there, he works through some deep insecurities, which helps him make the surprising connection between his inner world and his outer leadership.

 Watch this session on YouTube  

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Have you ever felt the tension of transitioning from individual contributor to leader? Faced the uncertainty of how to lead effectively? Maybe even felt guilty that you weren't doing the work you used to? In this episode, I coach Kevin Lee, CEO of immi, and we dive into this topic head on.

Deeper into the session, I help Kevin confront the emotional core of his troubles. And from there, he works through some deep insecurities, which helps him make the surprising connection between his inner world and his outer leadership.

 Watch this session on YouTube  

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14255683 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500 3021 1 full false #000: Trailer #000: Trailer As a startup founder, your limits will be tested every day. In order to break through those limits, you need to identify the patterns that are holding you back.  That's where a skilled coach can make a big difference. Because we can't see our blindspots on our own.

I’m Brian Wang, a former founder turned executive coach who helps other founders work through their biggest challenges. Join me on Slow Down To Speed Up to hear founders work on themselves in real-life coaching sessions. Each story is unique but you might hear yourself in them too. 

The first 3 episodes come out on January 8, 2024.  

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> As a startup founder, your limits will be tested every day. In order to break through those limits, you need to identify the patterns that are holding you back.  That's where a skilled coach can make a big difference. Because we can't see our blindspots on our own.

I’m Brian Wang, a former founder turned executive coach who helps other founders work through their biggest challenges. Join me on Slow Down To Speed Up to hear founders work on themselves in real-life coaching sessions. Each story is unique but you might hear yourself in them too. 

The first 3 episodes come out on January 8, 2024.  

Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.

]]> Brian Wang Buzzsprout-14154305 Sun, 31 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 90 trailer false