The Inner Entrepreneur
Conversations about finding success in the world while creating a life of peace, prosperity, happiness and fulfillment.
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Episodes
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
Thursday Aug 21, 2025
In this episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul Ryan sits down with Seamus Fox — speaker, coach, and mentor to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high achievers. This is a story of transformation: from growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, to hitting rock bottom after a near-fatal car crash, to rebuilding his life through fitness, values-based living, and coaching.
Through his journey, Seamus has discovered that the key to lasting change isn’t motivation or willpower — it’s aligning your life with your highest values. He shares how crisis can become a blessing, why burnout is really a sign of misalignment, and how entrepreneurs can find renewed purpose and energy by living authentically.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The Power of Environment: How growing up in conflict and scarcity shaped Seamus
Rock Bottom as a Turning Point: The car crash that became the wake-up call for change.
Fitness as a Path to Purpose: How bodybuilding and training gave Seamus focus, discipline, and direction.
Values Over Motivation: Why most people fail to stick with habits and how linking goals to core values creates lasting change.
Burnout & Misalignment: How doing low-value work drains us, and how to shift towards what energizes us.
The Wisdom in Crisis: Seeing challenges as blessings that redirect us to our true path.
Energy as a Compass: How to tell if you’re living in alignment with your values by how you feel.
Practical Tools: How to uncover your values, re-frame your perspective, and start living more authentically.
Memorable Quotes
“Wisdom is the instantaneous recognition that a crisis is a blessing.”
“Not everybody values health and fitness — we all have a unique fingerprint of values.”
“Burnout doesn’t come from doing too much. It comes from doing what’s low in your values.”
“When you’re aligned with your highest values, your energy goes up. When you’re not, it drops.”
“Stop forcing habits. Start linking them to what you truly care about.”
Links & Resources
Connect with Seamus Fox: seamusfox.com
Recommended Book: The Breakthrough Experience by Dr. John DeMartini
Learn more about Paul Ryan and The Inner Entrepreneur: The Onehourceo.com
Episode Takeaways
Your environment shapes you — but you can re-frame even difficult beginnings into sources of strength.
Rock bottom moments often carry the seeds of transformation — if you’re willing to ask the right questions.
Motivation fades; values last — align your goals with what truly matters to you.
Burnout is misalignment — not doing too much, but doing what drains your energy.
Energy never lies — use it as your compass to know when you’re living authentically.
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/
Monday Aug 18, 2025
Monday Aug 18, 2025
In this bitesize episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, we dive into a game-changing approach to leadership and execution with renowned business leader and COO expert Cameron Herold.
Cameron shares how a lesson from Olympic sports psychology transformed the way he—and countless entrepreneurs—approach vision setting in business. From the "vivid vision" process to the crucial role of the COO, he explains why most entrepreneurs fail to realize their goals and how to fix it.
You’ll learn:
The Vivid Vision framework: why clarity is the CEO’s most important job.
Why great ideas fail without the right people in the right seats.
The difference between being the visionary and being the blueprint maker.
How to stop micromanaging and start freeing yourself as an entrepreneur.
The mindset shift that turns business into a tool for freedom and purpose.
Packed with practical analogies and hard-won insights, this conversation is a masterclass for entrepreneurs ready to build a thriving business—and a fulfilling life—without burning out.
Links to full episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1PgPrUGvRaorKU0sTvgA9z?si=c57ede964f3f44e1
https://youtu.be/RlB7fAJoPHI?si=H4VcmwROkEjQ5z_K
https://cameronherold.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/
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
Thursday Aug 14, 2025
In this episode, Paul sits down with serial entrepreneur Damion Lupo — founder of nearly 80 companies, author of 12 books, and co-founder/CIO of FrameTec, closing in on a $1B valuation.
Damien shares the raw truth about starting (and ending) dozens of businesses, losing $20 million in 12 months, going homeless, and rebuilding from scratch. Together, we explore:
Why “failure” is just feedback and how redefining it will change your entrepreneurial game
The mindset shift from chasing money to building lasting impact
How to decide when to quit a venture vs. push through
The dangers of over-leverage — and how to use debt wisely
Why resilience, vision, and environment are more important than IQ
The 10-minute, 10-step plan to reach $10M in 10 years (and why that number matters more than $1M or $100M)
How to find your calling — even if you think you don’t have one yet
Why surrounding yourself with the right people is the ultimate wealth hack
The three relationships every entrepreneur should maintain: mentors, peers, and mentees
Whether you’re scaling, starting over, or simply trying to think bigger, Damion’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, strategic thinking, and self-awareness.
Download Damion’s free resource: TurnkeyRetirement.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/
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
Tuesday Aug 12, 2025
In this episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul sits down with legendary entrepreneur, speaker, and Life by Design author Jack Daly — a man who’s proving that age is no barrier to passion, performance, or purpose. At 76 years old, Jack is buzzing with the energy of someone decades younger, driven by a clear life vision, an unwavering growth mindset, and a bucket list over 400 items long (80% complete!).
Jack shares powerful insights on:
Designing Your Life — why you should never leave your best years to chance.
Pushing Beyond Limits — from marathons on all seven continents to hiking Machu Picchu at 70+.
Overcoming Loss & Finding New Joy — how he rebuilt life after losing his wife of 52 years.
Discipline with Purpose — the “bumper guards” that keep him aligned with his goal of living to 125.
Why CEOs Must Focus on Culture — and how that frees you from 80-hour workweeks.
Living Without Regret — the importance of acting on your dreams now, not “someday.”
This is an inspiring, high-energy conversation about living big, staying disciplined, and making sure your business fuels — not consumes — the life you truly want.
Books Mentioned:
Life by Design by Jack Daly
Hyper Sales Growth by Jack Daly
Takeaways:
Your business is a tool to fund your ideal life — not the other way around.
Put health, relationships, and personal growth first — they’re the real measures of wealth.
Discipline isn’t about restriction — it’s about protecting your bigger goals.
Design your life now; don’t wait for “retirement” to start living it
Links to Full Episode:
https://youtu.be/r67UTGso01c?si=9dnivnEKfUOeB5rS
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4XbjYP6k92X5ffUrfC8XkP?si=hFy8zzzXR_-RTzLz-Y-gUQ
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/
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Thursday Aug 07, 2025
Rethinking Leadership & Wisdom In Your Team with Kevin Fahey #112
What is true leadership — and how do we grow into it?
In this conversation, Paul sits down with Kevin Fahey, founder of The Essence of Leadership, to explore a radical but deeply human approach to leadership, culture, and emotional maturity in business.
From leadership polarities and self-awareness to peer-to-peer coaching and distributed decision-making, Kevin shares decades of lived experience — drawing on psychology, quantum mechanics, and his own journey through business and inner development.
This isn’t just a conversation about leadership — it’s about becoming whole, embracing our shadow, and trusting the wisdom in the room.
What You’ll Learn:
Why every value (like honesty) has a hidden polarity
How to balance sensitivity with directness as a leader
The power of peer-to-peer coaching and collective wisdom
What “the dreaming” is — and how themes emerge in every team
Why emotionally mature teams make the best business decisions
How self-awareness shapes culture, decision-making, and leadership evolution
Why the future of leadership is distributed, not hierarchical
Quote from the Episode:
“The strongest decisions aren't about being right or wrong — they're forged in the space where two people see the world differently and choose to listen.”
https://www.essenceofleadership.ie
About the 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/
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
What if the strongest move you can make... is to yield?
In this conversation, Jeff Patterson — martial artist, meditation teacher, and author of The Yielding Warrior — shares the path to mastering calm under pressure. From the training mat to the boardroom, Jeff explains why yielding is not weakness, but the highest form of strategic power.
We explore the intersection of martial arts and meditation, and how practices like Qi Gong and Tai Chi can reshape how we show up in conflict, in leadership, and in life.
If you’ve ever been triggered, tense, or reactive — this episode offers the tools to pause, re-centre, and respond from your power.
What You’ll Learn:
The 3 pillars of yielding: physical, mental, emotional
How to stay calm when you’re under attack — physically or verbally
Why reaction spirals cause damage, and how to stop them
The 5 meditative regulations: body, breath, mind, energy, spirit
The difference between a lifetime practice and a short-term hack
How martial arts and meditation merge into a path of inner mastery
Why stillness is a superpower in business, leadership, and life
Links to Full Episode:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7tuMfCWWVdPdTiAkPb95zL?si=54c0f7a7c1314711
https://youtu.be/rGsoGvqxGq4?si=4aO6r90WQEVaQm9j
About the 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/
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
In this conversation, Garrett Gunderson joins The Inner Entrepreneur to unpack From the traps of new money thinking to the legacy-killing danger of entitlement, Garrett shares hard-earned lessons from a life spent bridging the gap between financial prosperity and true freedom.
We talk about the mindset behind building wealth, the myths we inherit about retirement and investing, and how to raise kids who carry forward values—not just money. If you’ve ever made money and still felt poor—or feared you’d pass on financial baggage to your family—this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
The difference between new money and old money (and why it matters)
Common money mistakes that cost time, peace, and opportunity
Why peace, time, and freedom are better returns than percentages
The sacred cows of finance: beliefs that hold you back
How to invest consciously, not just conventionally
What wealthy families do differently to sustain legacy
The story of the Vanderbilts vs. the Rockefellers
How to raise wealth-conscious kids without spoiling them
Top Quotes:
“Desperation repels wealth. Alignment attracts it.”
“The greatest gift money gives me is waking up and asking, ‘What do I want to do today?’”
“If your kids don’t contribute, they’ll crumble under privilege.”
Themes Explored:
Financial education without ego
Wealth-building vs. wealth-preserving mindsets
Investing with intention
Redefining success beyond numbers
Contribution and self-worth in family wealth
Entrepreneurial fulfilment and personal peace
Connect with Garrett Gunderson: https://garrettgunderson.com/
Enjoyed the Episode?
Please share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag us on social. Every share helps spread the message of building a rich life—inside and out.
About the 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/
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this bite-sized episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, we dive into one of the most honest, powerful conversations we’ve had—unpacking the hidden cost of high achievement, scaling addiction, ego-driven business growth, and the wake-up call that changed everything.
Our guest shares her deeply personal story of entrepreneurial burnout, medical crisis, and transformation. From growing a business 50% year over year to hearing the words, “You’re going to die if you don’t slow down,” this is a raw and revealing look at what happens when the drive for success overshadows life itself.
We also break down:
Why many entrepreneurs are addicted to achievement without realizing it
How revenue growth can mask deeper business (and life) imbalances
The myth of "scaling at all costs" and the rise of what she calls ego debt
The real cost of chasing validation over values
How to build a business that actually supports the life you want
If you've ever felt the pressure to keep growing, pushing, achieving—this episode is a must-listen.
What You’ll Learn:
The warning signs of burnout even during “success”
When growth becomes unsustainable — and what to do instead
The danger of comparing your journey to revenue-driven LinkedIn posts
Why profitability often matters more than top-line revenue
A better way to scale: sustainable, intentional, and life-aligned
Powerful Quotes:
“I had the heart of a 60-year-old woman in my 30s — and I thought I was just tired.”
“Scaling a business without strategy is just ego wearing a business suit.”
“The achievement drug is real — and it’s just as dangerous as any other addiction.”
“At 5 to 7 million, they were making more profit than at 10 or 20 million. But ego told them to push.”
“Let your business serve your life — not the other way around.”
🎧 Full Episode:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0QYciABE5yHcCCdB0DJuWz?si=a3a97720f6514b7a
https://youtu.be/_E16JiV6B7c?si=vi0Vl9kZfcRfP8ux
If this episode hits home, please take a moment to share it. Tag a friend, leave a review, or post your biggest insight. Let’s build businesses that build lives — not break them.
About the 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/
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
In this episode, we hear the true story of how a melanoma diagnosis changed everything. What began as a health crisis turned into a journey to uncover the secrets of wealth—and ultimately create a movement that’s helped thousands of people achieve financial freedom through passive income and real estate.
Our guest shares:
How she went from news anchor to founder of Real Wealth
The terrifying moment her husband was given six months to live
Why she shifted from reporting news to teaching passive income
The deep fears and limiting beliefs she uncovered around money
What truly wealthy people think and do differently
The importance of investing not just in money—but in what matters most
How religious and cultural conditioning can keep us poor
The real definition of “Real Wealth”: time, freedom, and love
You’ll learn:
Why mindset is more important than money when it comes to building wealth
How to identify and rewire subconscious beliefs that block abundance
Practical ways to begin your journey toward passive income and freedom
The truth about money, meaning, and living life on your terms
Key Themes:
Abundance vs. Poverty Mindset
Financial Freedom Through Real Estate
Personal Growth & Healing
Family, Time, and the True Meaning of Wealth
Faith, Fear, and Breaking Generational Beliefs
From Struggle to Service: Teaching Others to Prosper
Guest info: https://realwealth.com/about/kathy-fettke/
Listen / watch the full episode here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-wealth-overcoming-adversity-and-designing/id1712661051?i=1000696519915
https://youtu.be/PzepA0Io0lE?si=R2CldPzEl3Ce0gp1
About the 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/
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Finding True Success: The Power of Energy, Love, and Inner Purpose with Doug Gordon
In this episode, host Paul chats with Doug Gordon about the deeper meaning of success and the importance of aligning one's career with inner passion and purpose.
They explore the stark contrast in energy levels when engaging in activities you love versus those you don't, emphasizing the significance of connecting to your 'heart self' rather than your 'head self.'
Doug shares personal anecdotes and lessons, from his own career highs and lows in the financial services industry to his transformative experience with healing and mindfulness. They discuss the impact of positive and negative energy, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical steps for self-improvement and finding fulfilment.
Doug also highlights stories from his book and how combining external strategies with internal well-being can lead to true success, all while sharing insights on managing stress, fostering empathy, and sustaining vibrant energy.
00:00 The Energy of Passion and Purpose
00:48 Defining True Success
01:00 Connecting to Your Heart and Soul
01:50 The Midlife Awakening
03:13 Living in the Moment
04:25 The Power of Family and Simple Joys
05:16 Helping Others and Finding Fulfilment
08:16 Responsibility for Happiness
09:16 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Regulation
17:58 The Impact of Meditation
20:12 The Journey to Healing
22:44 The Energy Around Us
31:24 The Power of Projected Energy in Business
33:34 Navigating Economic Downturns with Optimism
36:24 The Importance of Leadership Presence
39:02 Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
43:37 Balancing Inner and Outer Success
45:50 The Role of Energy in Achieving Success
47:48 Doug's Coaching Experiences and Insights
56:51 Writing the Book on Success
01:00:22 Conclusion and Contact Information
https://dougdgordon.com/
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:
Website: Pauljryan.net
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ryan-9a98774/
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Millionaire
CEO
Financial Freedom
Wealth
Business MSTERMIND
Rich life
Purpose
Decision making
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
Tuesday Jul 22, 2025
What if AI isn’t just changing how we work — but who we are?
In this compelling episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul sits down with Dr. Lollie Mancey — anthropologist, AI ethicist, educator, and champion of human-centered innovation — to explore the real conversation we need to be having about artificial intelligence: not just how it makes us faster, but how it shapes our future.
From humorous stories of AI boyfriends to sobering concerns about job loss, cultural fragmentation, and critical thinking, Dr. Mancey offers an eye-opening lens on:
• Why AI is a cognitive revolution, not just a digital one• How technology is reshaping culture, memory, and identity• The risk of creating a two-tier society — and what to do about it• Critical thinking and why it’s more urgent than ever• What every entrepreneur needs to know about designing for humanity• The unexpected truth about universal basic income and loneliness• Lessons from her own unconventional journey through academia, activism, and entrepreneurship
If you want to future-proof your business and your life — and stay human in the age of machines — this conversation is a must.
________________________________________ What Listeners Will Learn
• The hidden costs of technological efficiency• What AI companions are really teaching us about connection and ethics• How entrepreneurs can lead the shift toward conscious, inclusive tech• Why literacy in AI must begin with primary school students• How to protect your data, mind, and soul in a hyperconnected world• What Ireland can teach the world about redesigning for wellbeing and equity
About the 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/