Elaine Pofeldt, former Fortune Small Business editor, uncovered a hidden economy of one-person businesses quietly earning 7 figures and spent years interviewing the entrepreneurs behind them. In this conversation, she reveals the surprising industries dominating this space, why professional services often outperform tech, and the frameworks that actually work for building sustainable solo wealth.

From starting smart while keeping your day job to using AI as your secret weapon, Elaine breaks down the real strategies behind million-dollar one-person businesses. No hype, no hustle culture required. Plus: why health and boundaries aren’t “extras” but essential business infrastructure, and how to design a career that serves your life instead of consuming it.

Essential listening for anyone who wants financial freedom without chasing passive income or playing the venture capital game.

Behind Her Brilliance: Family

 

TOPICS COVERED

Elaine’s journey from fiction writing to journalism

 

The evolution of business journalism and rise of entrepreneurship in the public imagination

 

How AI and automation empower solo business owners

 

The origin story of The Million Dollar, One Person Business

 

Why peer learning and relatable case studies matter

 

Common traits among successful solo entrepreneurs

 

The emotional and mental stamina required to succeed independently

 

The role of physical health, boundaries, and self-awareness in entrepreneurial success

 

How older professionals and people with disabilities are reshaping the business landscape

 

Flexible business models that support life design

 

Building walk-away money and choosing clients wisely

 

The underestimated power of tools like planners, automation apps, and AI assistants

 

Lifestyle design, digital nomadism, and work-from-anywhere strategies