The Inner Entrepreneur

How €200K From Staff Saved Our Company - Adie McGuiness 134

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

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/

The Hidden Trauma That Runs Your Life with Laurel Wiers#132

 
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/
 

The Million Dollar Matchmaker: How the Ultra-Successful Really Find Love: Amber Lee #131

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/

Born Superhuman – The Truth About Overcoming Impossible Odds with Dan Metcalfe #130

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/

Slow down to go faster: the power of pause with Carl Honore #129

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/

Olympian Lessons: Growth, Grit & Purpose with Bob Molle #128

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/

Unlock the Power Of Your Mind with Jack Black #127

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/

Receivership, Humility & the Joy of Rebuilding with Brian Keegan #126

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/

Redefining Success: How to Build Without Sacrifice with Liz Hartke #125

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/