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© 2023 A.J. Lawrence
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At Beyond 8 Figures, we believe in DELIBERATE entrepreneurship. It means creating a solid foundational framework for your entrepreneurial journey, building from a place of passion, and intentionally aligning your actions with your goals so that you can create success on your terms.
Join A.J. Lawrence, the journeyman entrepreneur with several 7 figure exits, as he shares honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs about their experiences starting and scaling businesses to $10M and beyond, the realities of being a modern-day entrepreneur, advice for practicing deliberate entrepreneurship, and more!
Join A.J. Lawrence, the journeyman entrepreneur with several 7 figure exits, as he shares honest conversations with successful entrepreneurs about their experiences starting and scaling businesses to $10M and beyond, the realities of being a modern-day entrepreneur, advice for practicing deliberate entrepreneurship, and more!
314 Episodes
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Thinking about selling your company someday? Most founders wait until it’s too late to prepare their business for a clean, valuable exit.In this episode, I chat with Niraj Shah, M&A Advisor and 5x Founder, about what really makes a company exit-ready. We dig into mindset traps, deal-killers, and the simple actions you can take right now to set up your business for maximum value, whether you sell this year or ten years from now.🔍 What we cover:Why “exit readiness” starts years before you sellThe biggest founder blind spots during M&AHow to identify red flags buyers will uncoverThe emotional side of letting go📣 Want to turn your business into a valuable asset—on your terms? Let’s talk.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Niraj Shah: Website, LinkedIn, NewsletterThe Messy Marketplace by Brent BeshoreExit Strategy by Sherry Walling & Rob Walling
Success isn’t just about hustle—it’s about surviving the chaos of growth.Jason Long knows this better than most. After building a 30-person agency, he lost it all in the 2008 crash, nearly died in a horrific car accident, and spent years rebuilding both his businesses and himself.In this episode, Jason and I get real about what scaling actually takes—the mistakes most entrepreneurs make, and the systems that separate struggling founders from professional CEOs.Here’s what you’ll hear:Why 80-hour work weeks are a badge of failure, not successThe accident that forced Jason to rebuild his brain—and his businessesHow private equity taught him the power of financial literacyThe frameworks he blends (EOS, OKRs, forecasting) to actually scale companiesThe mindset shift that frees entrepreneurs from burnoutThis one’s raw, practical, and packed with lessons you can apply today.👉 Looking for a roadmap to scale with less stress? Let's talk.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Jason Long: Website, Ascendance, Tangent Solutions, JH Media Group
What if stepping back from your business didn’t mean losing control—but gaining clarity?In this episode, I talk with Margo Crawford, founder of Business Sherpa Group, about the five-year succession plan that helped her shift from CEO to Chair—and the deep mental work it took to let go without giving up.You’ll learn:When to start planning your exit (spoiler: not when you're ready to leave)How to prepare your team to lead without youWhy most founder burnout is rooted in back-office frictionHow to measure success in more than revenueIf you're overwhelmed by complexity or craving more freedom, this one’s worth a listen.🎯 Listen now + explore what's next for your business. 👉 Chat with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Margo Crawford: LinkedInBusiness Sherpa Group Resources
Success doesn’t come from working harder, it comes from thinking differently.In this episode, I talk with Bruce Eckfeldt, strategic coach and 5x Inc. 500 founder, about how to shift from founder mode to CEO-level thinking. If you’re feeling the strain of growth and wondering why your business feels harder at $7M than it did at $1M, Bruce breaks down how to restructure your team, planning, and priorities to build something sustainable.What we cover:What separates founders from strategic CEOsThe building blocks of scalable, sellable businessesWhy a 3-day strategy sprint can reveal your biggest blind spotsHow to start thinking—and acting—for your business’s long game🎯 Want to lead like a real CEO, not just the person putting out fires? Let’s talk. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Bruce Eckfeldt: Website, LinkedIn, Instagram
When your business is growing fast and AI is changing the game every week… how do you keep your head clear and your strategy sharp?In this episode, I sit down with Hamza Mudassir—lecturer at Cambridge and founder of Strategize—to talk about mental clarity, digital twins, and how to make smarter decisions in an age of overload.Here’s what we dig into:How strategic thinking is evolving in real timeWhat digital twins really are (and how they work)The mental toll of reactive leadership—and how to fix it🎧 Listen to the full episode and let’s talk about what comes next. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Hamza Mudassir: LinkedIn, StrategizeHarvard Business Review article: "AI Can (Mostly) Outperform Human CEOs
What happens when your agency hits a growth ceiling—and brute force stops working?In this episode, Steve Maly shares what finally pushed him to adopt EOS, how it changed his team’s rhythm and decision-making, and why hiring a $500 intern changed the trajectory of his business.Here’s what you’ll take away:How to spot the real reason your growth has stalledThe hidden value of weekly meetings (done right)Why structure matters more than toolsHow to think like a strategist—not just a founder🎯 Ready to get out of the weeds and think bigger about your business? 👉 Let’s talk.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Steve Maly: LinkedIn, Maly MarketingEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Baby Bathwater
Your brain is your business’s most valuable asset—so why aren’t you training it?In this episode, I talk with Paola Telfer, founder of Sens.ai, about how she turned a personal brain injury into a mission to help entrepreneurs perform better mentally. We dig into the science of neurofeedback, how to stay sharp under pressure, and why brain optimization isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for high-stakes leadership.🔹 What you'll learn:How brain training works and why founders need itTools to manage stress and sharpen focusHow to bounce back from burnout and mental fogListen now & build a smarter brain for the business you’re leading.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Paola Telfer: LinkedIn, Sens.ai blog, Sens.ai InstagramGet Sens.ai: https://bit.ly/44VpVQ5
What comes after the big exit? For Jess Stewart, it wasn’t freedom—it was confusion.In this episode, we unpack how she rebuilt both her purpose and leadership rhythm after selling her company. If you’re feeling stuck in your business or unsure about what comes next, Jess’s story offers a practical path forward.Here’s what we cover:The emotional and operational void after exiting a businessHow to install structure without losing flexibilityWhat leadership rhythms look like in real companiesFeeling stuck in the chaos of what comes after your big milestone? Let’s figure out your next chapter. 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZnqyzR 🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Jess Stewart: Website, Activate Community
Success isn’t just surviving chaos—it’s building toward your exit.In this episode, I talk with Philip Blackett, founder of Dream Business Makeover and LifeAfter40.com. He’s been through the fire—literally rebuilding a cemetery business during COVID while pulling double shifts at Chick-fil-A to make payroll.We talk exit strategy, leadership, and what really works when you’ve got to grow through chaos.🎯 You’ll Learn:Why most “busy” CEOs miss the pointHow to plan your exit (even if it’s years away)The 4 levers that grow revenue and valueWhat it looks like to lead when everything’s on fireReady to grow your business with a future? Let’s build your exit-ready roadmap. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Philip Blackett: LinkedIn, LifeAfter40.comRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
Buying a business sounds like a shortcut—but most people never make it to the finish line. Why? Because they chase the wrong deals.In this episode, I talk with Richard Parker, founder of Diomo Corporation, about what really works when you're looking to acquire a business that fits you—and what most people get completely wrong.🎯 You’ll Learn:Richard’s “4-4-4-1-1” process for staying focused during your searchWhy experience doesn’t always translate to ownership successThe 5 filters that’ll save you from a bad acquisitionHow to tell if a business is a spaghetti mess—or ready to scaleThe one shift you must make before even reaching out to a sellerIf you’re even thinking about buying a business, start with this episode.🔗 Guest Links:Richard Parker: https://richardparker.com/
Your business is growing—but is your personal wealth strategy keeping up?In this episode, I sit down with Mark Cecchini, a wealth advisor who works with high-growth founders, to break down what it really means to build a personal capital stack.🎧 We cover:Why “just invest in Vanguard” isn’t a real planHow to make decisions when income’s unevenWhat to do with cash that’s sitting idleWhen to stop DIY’ing and bring in a proIf you’ve ever felt behind on your own wealth strategy, this one’s a must-listen. Want help finding clarity, control, and momentum in your business? Let's grow beyond the plateau together. ⟶ Chat with A.J. 🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Mark Cecchini: X, LinkedInQuadrant Capital
Growth doesn’t always mean profit.In this episode, I’m joined by ProfitHive founder Kevin Bees to talk about how growing businesses leak money—and how to stop it. Kevin shares the 7 hidden areas where founders lose margin, plus a tactical framework for getting your financial house in order without becoming an accountant.🎧 What you’ll learn:How to spot and fix your biggest profit leaksWhy scaling doesn’t fix your financial blind spotsThe mental shift that separates busy founders from wealthy onesThe simplest way to improve profit this quarter—no new clients requiredLet’s make sure your growth is actually profitable. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Kevin Bees: LinkedIn, TwitterProfitHive
Success isn’t just about scale—it’s about control. And sometimes that means cutting through the chaos you created.In this episode, I sit down with Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics, to talk about how simplifying your operations, offers, and mindset can unlock the growth you’ve been chasing. We get into the real stuff: what happens after the VC check clears, how complexity creeps in, and how to rebuild with clarity.🎧 You’ll Learn:How to simplify your business at any stageWhat entrepreneurs get wrong about growthWhy churn was killing Mikael’s momentum—and how he fought backThe 4 pillars that keep you fulfilled while scalingHow Funnelytics can help you fix your funnel without the guessworkWant to scale with more control? 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Mikael Dia: LinkedIn, Facebook, Funnelytics
Ever feel like the business you built is running you?In this episode, I sit down with John F. Kettley, founder of Sales Masters Guild, to talk about how entrepreneurs lose their way as their company grows—and what it really takes to regain control of your business.We talk mindset, sales systems, burnout, and the moment most founders realize they’re not leading anymore—they’re just reacting.🎧 Inside this episode:How to shift from doing the work to leading the companyWhy most founders plateau at six figuresHow to reconnect with your original business visionThe “helicopter view” strategy for finding clarityWhy sales + delivery alignment matters more than you thinkIf your business feels heavier than it should, it’s time for a reset. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:John F. Kettley: Website, LinkedInSales Masters Guild
Let’s be honest—most founders are chasing traction without stopping to ask: Is this still what I want to build?In this episode, I talk with Amit Garg, Managing Partner at Tau Ventures, about what it means to build a purpose-aligned business from the ground up. From launching a hospital in India to raising $86M for a venture fund, Amit shares what real alignment looks like.🎧 You’ll learn:How to know if your business is actually venture-backableWhat founders get wrong about raising capitalWhy your pitch deck could be building a business you don’t want to runHow to use purpose as your operating systemWhy public thinking is the new investor filterIf your business looks successful but doesn’t feel right, it’s time to reset. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Amit Garg: LinkedIn, XHospital For HopeTau VenturesData Driven
Success isn’t always what it looks like on the outside.In this episode, I talk with Justin Breen about what it really means to lead a visionary business—with clarity, intention, and zero fluff. We unpack Kolbe scores, mindset patterns, and the four traits that set true visionaries apart from the pack.🔥 Inside this episode:How to measure your life with two daily questionsWhy “more” often leads to misery—not meaningHow Justin uses pattern recognition to build rituals that scaleThe flywheel every founder needs: Mindset → Network → OpportunityWhat most founders get dead wrong about leadershipLet’s build better, not just bigger. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Justin Breen: LinkedIn, X, InstagramJoin BrEpic NetworkJustin’s Map of EQ and IQKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusRead Epic Life by Justin BreenGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
What if everything you know about “value-driven copy” is wrong?In this episode, I talk to Will Green, Founder of Copy Road, about what actually makes copy convert. We dive into the difference between trust and tricks, and why the best copy doesn’t need a sales funnel—it needs a promise, proof, and process.🔥 What you’ll learn:Why most copywriting fails (and what to do instead)The dead-simple rule that drives Will’s 7-figure campaignsHow his offshore team is helping founders scale video at 80% less costWhy he thinks “free value” is overrated—and what to do insteadWhat founders get wrong when hiring copywritersWant to grow with less noise and more clarity? 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Will Green: Website, LinkedIn, X
Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you communicate it. And when the message isn’t landing, it’s probably not your offer. It’s your story.In this episode, storytelling expert Karen Eber joins A.J. to explore how to build trust with storytelling—whether you're pitching, leading, or aligning your team. You’ll learn how to craft stories that connect, convert, and evolve with your business.🎧 Inside this episode:Why origin stories can actually hold you backHow to find your customer’s pain—and tell the story they needThe storytelling structure that works across leadership, sales, and cultureHow to plan a full year of strategic story contentWhy systems beat charisma every timeIf you're tired of messaging that doesn’t stick or storytelling that never quite clicks, let’s change that. 👉Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Karen Eber: Website, LinkedIn, XBook mentioned: The Perfect Story by Karen Eber
Success isn’t just about hustle—it’s about smart ownership. In this episode, I sit down with Ben Kelly, an acquisition entrepreneur who’s scaled five businesses with little to no upfront cash. We talk about how you can skip the startup chaos and buy a business that’s already thriving.🔥 You’ll learn:The “aha” moment that made Ben leave JPMorganWhy you don’t need to be an expert to scale a companyHow to spot the right business to buy—and actually fund the dealWhat mindset separates great acquisition entrepreneurs from wannabesHow Ben built real wealth while staying present for his familyThis one’s for the builders who want more control, faster success, and a business that doesn’t burn them out.🔗 Connect with Ben: LinkedInXYouTubeBook a call
Growth doesn’t come from hustle. It comes from clarity.Sean Si hit the wall most founders do — trying to do everything, lead everyone, and fix all the things. Then he blew it up and started fresh.In this episode, he walks us through how he scaled SEO Hacker by simplifying, delegating, and focusing on what actually matters. ✅ What burnout taught him about leadership ✅ Why most marketing teams misfire — and how to fix it ✅ How to rebuild culture without being the bottleneckIf you’ve ever said "I don’t know what’s working anymore," this one’s for you.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Sean Si: LinkedIn, Twitter, SEO HackerBook mentioned: Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell
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