The Inner Entrepreneur

Success Isn't Enough - The Wake Up Call Every Entrepreneur Needs #99

What happens when you’ve built the business, earned the money, and achieved the success — but still feel unfulfilled?
In this powerful bite-size episode, science-based spiritual coach Gaia Ferreira joins Paul to explore the moment many entrepreneurs inevitably face: the wake-up call.
Whether triggered by burnout, a life crisis, or just the quiet voice inside saying, “this isn’t it”, this episode reveals why success without self-connection is never enough.
Gaia breaks down her Total Intelligence Method — integrating body, mind, heart, and purpose — and explains why entrepreneurs must stop chasing more and start living aligned.
 What You’ll Learn:
Why high-achieving entrepreneurs often feel empty at the top
The 4 D’s of crisis and how they trigger transformation (Death, Divorce, Disease, Disaster)
Why your body always knows the truth — even when your mind lies
The real reason you're stuck in “more mode”
The simple practice to reconnect with yourself in under 5 minutes
How to stop chasing significance and start living with meaning
Notable Quote:
“Your body never lies — but your mind will tell you all sorts of stories. Most of us are living from who we’re not.”
Connect with Gaia Ferreira:
Website: GaiaFerreira.com 
 
Links to Full Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-total-intelligence-method-7-steps-to-living-your/id1712661051?i=1000684380892
https://youtu.be/tVWzcMt5Ryo?si=QFuE3cMkeSsHN-XA
 
 

How Culture Built An Empire | Adie McGinnis on building Sigmar Recruitment # 98

In this episode, Adie McGinnis shares his remarkable entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings to building one of Ireland's most successful recruitment businesses, Sigmar Recruitment.
Adie opens up about leadership, company culture, building trust with his team, and navigating two major business collapses. He also reflects on the importance of humility, luck, and finding purpose beyond financial success.
This conversation is a masterclass in building lasting businesses while staying grounded.
Key Topics Covered:
The early days of Sigmar Recruitment
How to build company culture
Leadership through crisis: 9/11, 2008 crash, and COVID-19
The power of trust, loyalty, and goodwill in business
When (and when not) to take on external investors
Why most entrepreneurs ultimately crave freedom over money
Finding purpose and peace after financial success
The deeper conversation around aging, purpose, and giving back
Notable Quotes:
"Most entrepreneurs don’t actually chase money — they chase freedom."
"Culture isn't a mission statement. It's how you show up for your people every single day."
"Humility keeps you out of trouble. Arrogance leads you into it."
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adie-mcgennis-b28204/
 
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Why Leaders Burn Out (And How To Stop It) #97

Show Notes:
In this bite sized episode, Mike Kelly shares how his successful corporate career nearly cost him everything — his health, his marriage, and his peace of mind. Working 16–17 hour days, disconnected from his true self, Mike spiraled toward complete burnout. But what happened next became the catalyst for profound personal change.
If you're a business leader, entrepreneur, or high-performer, this conversation is a wake-up call.
 
Key Topics:
The real reason leaders burn out
How work addiction destroys personal leadership
The cost of ignoring your own well-being
Mike's personal breakdown story
Links to full Episode #70
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-what-the-best-leaders-know-in-conversation/id1712661051?i=1000682402041
 
 

Bite-size: Why Most People Never Change — And What It Really Takes #96

Show Notes:
In this Bite-Size episode, Steven Twohig and I unpack one of the most difficult parts of transformation: why most people never change, even after powerful breakthrough experiences.
We discuss:
The illusion of instant transformation.
Why breakthrough events (like UPW) often aren’t enough.
The brutal 2-year period I personally went through after my own wake-up moment.
The fear that keeps most people from facing the work.
Why real change requires going into the messiness — not avoiding it.
How identity plays a crucial role in whether we follow through.
This is the honest, unfiltered truth about the price of real change — and why so few ever pay it.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/steventwohig/
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Bite-size Episode: €25 Million Gone. Here’s What I Learned: Chris O'Connel's Strory #95

Chris O’Connell built a €25 million business. Then he lost it all—his company, his marriage, his home, and almost his life.
In this raw and powerful episode, Chris opens up about the pain behind the public success, the collapse that nearly broke him, and the long road back to purpose, mental health, and self-worth.
This isn’t just a story of business failure—it’s a story of rebuilding from the inside out.
 
 What You’ll Learn:
Why success can sometimes hide deep wounds
The emotional toll of losing everything—and how to survive it
How Chris transformed his pain into purpose
The mindset shift that changed everything
Why healing starts with honesty, not hustle
Full Episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-losing-my-%C2%A325m-business-was-one-of-the-best/id1712661051?i=1000680134298
https://youtu.be/t9x_ndawoIY?si=ql3Zno9K0pjpXh63
 
Host Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Bite-size Episode: You're Not Broken - Just Growing with Pia Leichter # 94

Summary:
In this soul-baring episode, Paul sits down with author and creative voice P. Lister to explore what it really means to grow through emotional pain. From the depths of Vipassana meditation to the vulnerability of writing a deeply personal book, P. shares how facing pain — instead of fleeing from it — became her path to healing and creative freedom.
This conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t always feel like progress — it often feels like breaking. But you’re not broken. You’re just growing.
Topics Covered:
Why emotional pain often signals transformation
The surprising lessons of 10-day silent meditation
How vulnerability fuels creativity
What it means to write the truth — and stand for it
How to stop seeing yourself as broken and start owning your journey
Power Quotes:
“You’re not broken — you’re just growing.”“I thought I was falling apart. I was really just unfolding.”“My mind created more suffering than the pain.”“The stories I feared most… became the doorway to healing.”
Host Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Why You Overreact — And How to Heal Emotional Triggers for Good with Laurel Wiers #93

Episode Summary:
In this transformative conversation, Paul Ryan is joined by trauma specialist Laurel Wiers to unpack why so many of us overreact — and how emotional triggers formed years ago may still be silently shaping our lives, relationships, and leadership.
Laurel shares her groundbreaking MINT Method, which blends neuroscience, somatic therapy, and memory integration to help entrepreneurs, high performers, and everyday individuals release stored trauma and reconnect with their truest selves.
If you've ever thought “Why did I just react like that?” — this episode offers both the answer and a pathway to lasting healing.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why emotional triggers often come from “small t” traumas — not just major life events
How overreactions are messages from your nervous system asking to be healed
The difference between your personality and your pain
How unresolved events silently shape confidence, decisions, and relationships
Why traditional talk therapy isn’t always enough — and what to do instead
What healing actually looks like (hint: it’s not as hard or scary as you think)
How to reset your emotional system and return to who you were before the wound
 
Key Quote:
“You’re not broken. You’re just carrying unprocessed pain. And it can be healed — for good.”— Laurel Wiers
 
About Laurel Wiers:
Laurel is a trauma specialist and the creator of the MINT Method — a powerful, integrative approach to healing emotional triggers and helping individuals reset their nervous systems. After years as a licensed therapist, Laurel now works with high performers and entrepreneurs ready to finally move beyond what’s been holding them back.
She is also the speaker behind the new TEDx talk:
TEDx: “Overreacting or Just Remembering?”Search for Laurel Wiers TED Talk on YouTube to watch it now.
 
Connect with Laurel:
Website: www.laurelwiers.comTEDx Talk: Overreacting or Just Remembering? — on YouTube now
 
Listener Reflection:
What triggers are showing up in your life right now — and what might they really be pointing to?Take 60 seconds today and ask: Is this who I am… or is this who I became to survive something?
Host Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Awaken Your Inner CEO: Shane Cradock on Mental Clarity, Purpose & Leadership #92

Awaken Your Inner CEO: Shane Cradock on Mental Clarity, Purpose & Leadership  #92
In this powerful follow-up episode, I reconnect with Shane Cradock — executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of The Inner CEO — to dive even deeper into the mental and emotional foundations of great leadership. Shane shares fresh insights on cultivating clarity, navigating stress, and unlocking your full potential by shifting how you think, lead, and live.
We explore the concept of the “Inner CEO,” why mindset matters more than ever in today’s world, and how entrepreneurs and leaders can align purpose, performance, and personal well-being.
If you’re ready to lead with more intention, authenticity, and impact, this conversation is for you.
 
👉 For the full conversation with Shane, go back to Episode #73.
https://youtu.be/vEHJqqWQ7vM
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-inner-ceo-transform-your-mental-health-and/id1712661051?i=1000685149512
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

From Brain Injury to SuperHuman: Dan Metcalfe’s Journey of Reinvention and Purpose #91

 
From Brain Injury to SuperHuman: Dan Metcalfe’s Journey of Reinvention and Purpose
 
In this episode of the Inner Entrepreneur Podcast, host Paul welcomes Dan Metcalf, a former professional footballer and lead actor in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express. Dan shares his incredible journey, which includes a life-altering accident that led him to re-evaluate his life and inspired him to write his book 'Superhuman.'
 
Dan discusses the concept that everyone is 'born superhuman' with the potential to exceed societal expectations. Dan recounts overcoming paralysis and re-establishing his life through character development, leading successful football teams from a wheelchair, and eventually launching a balanced training system for seniors. The conversation delves into key aspects like the determination to overcome obstacles, the importance of character in achieving success, and the seven pillars of health that Dan promotes for a thriving life. Listeners are encouraged to explore these insights and understand the profound impact of resilience and mindset on one's entrepreneurial journey.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:51 Dan Metcalf's Early Life and Football Career
02:08 Transition to Performing Arts
03:05 Life-Changing Accident and Recovery
04:19 Coaching and Overcoming Adversity
04:48 Mindset Shift and Ironman Journey
10:12 Lessons from Failure and Success
26:10 Character and Choices in Life
36:56 A Traumatic Accident and Its Aftermath
38:31 Rediscovering Human Potential
39:53 Childhood Dreams and Societal Expectations
43:01 Overcoming Business Challenges
46:04 A Near-Death Experience and a New Beginning
49:24 The Birth of a Successful Product
54:02 Lessons from Business School
01:10:07 The Seven Pillars of Health
01:16:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/

Bitesize - Discovering Your Inner Wisdom with Philip McKernan #90

Bitesize -  Discovering Your Inner Wisdom with Philip McKernan #90
 
In this Bite-size episode (links to full episode below), Philip McKernan recounts his personal journey of self-discovery and the pivotal moments that shaped his path. Sharing a humbling experience of being rejected for a car sales job despite his confidence in his skills, he reflects on life's way of leaving clues for those willing to listen. He narrates an unexpected meeting with Les Hewitt in Canada, which steered him towards a career in coaching.
 
The narrative underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing one's inherent abilities, drawing from a deeply personal revelation about a childhood aspiration to become a priest. Through poignant anecdotes and insights, the speaker emphasizes the significance of internal guidance over external validation, urging listeners to pay attention to the subtle messages life offers. The episode also features a compelling discussion on the necessity of personal accountability in overcoming victim-hood and fostering genuine growth.
 
00:00 A Terrifying Experience
01:18 Life's Unexpected Turns
02:04 The Power of Focus
03:56 Rediscovering Purpose
06:13 Listening to Inner Voices
08:57 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
09:44 The Importance of Self-Awareness
11:22 Trusting Your Intuition
15:17 Owning Your Narrative
Links to Full Episode #69:
 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlock-your-untapped-potential-with-phillip-mckernan-ep-69/id1712661051?i=1000681740315
 
https://youtu.be/hPhnoBwnEO0?si=O4ogaoPCzuyCi0o0
 
 
Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8 figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO Mastermind. 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/