In this Accomplishment Story episode, I sit down with Jonathan Miller, founder of Element Bars, for my first in-person interview on the podcast. This conversation took longer to bring to life than I expected, and in many ways reflects what this project is all about: accomplishment doesn’t always happen on a clean timeline.

Jonathan shares the early chapters of his entrepreneurial journey, from selling a self-programmed version of Tetris in middle school to building a profitable college startup and navigating the transition from corporate consulting into business ownership. What stands out most is how his path wasn’t driven by a desire to “be an entrepreneur,” but by a consistent instinct to solve problems and challenge the status quo.

We talk about the realities of starting something from scratch, including failed ideas, skill gaps, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who complement your weaknesses. Jonathan also walks through the origin of Element Bars, including the unexpected “raisin moment” that transformed a personal habit into a scalable business idea.

This is part one of a two-part conversation, where we focus on Jonathan’s early path before everything starts to scale in a much bigger way.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome Back + Why This Episode Took Time
02:28 – First In-Person Interview + Introducing Jonathan
03:32 – Early Entrepreneurial Roots (Tetris Business)
08:22 – College Startup: GetCheapBooks.com
11:31 – Not Seeing Himself as an Entrepreneur
12:03 – Consulting Career + Skill Building
13:27 – Side Hustle Growth + Early Financial Independence
15:11 – Selling the Business + Business School Decision
18:15 – True Yardage + Lessons from Failure
20:09 – The Power of Complementary Skill Sets
22:43 – The Origin of Element Bars
24:57 – The “Raisin Moment” Insight
27:13 – Testing the Idea Without Overbuilding
30:00 – “Ready, Fire, Aim” Mindset
39:07 – Challenges with Customization + Scaling
41:46 – Taking the Shot: Applying to Shark Tank

Connect with Jonathan

Element Bars: https://www.elementbars.com/

Reflection Prompts

• Where in your life might you be overthinking instead of testing something in real time?
• What’s one place where a “ready, fire, aim” approach could help you move forward?

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show
• Share this episode with someone considering starting something new
• Leave a quick rating, comment or review
• Visit ⁠The Accomplishment Project Website (Substack)

Resources

Accountability Success Circle⁠ (Incubator for The Accomplishment Project)

In this Accomplishment Project panel episode, we explore a better way to set goals — one that doesn’t rely on hustle, pressure, or forcing outcomes.

I’m joined by five members of the Accountability Success Circle, the long-running community that has served as the incubator for The Accomplishment Project. Each panelist brings a distinct lens shaped by leadership, creativity, parenting, entrepreneurship, and real-life seasons of change.

Together, we talk honestly about why traditional goal-setting often falls apart, how accountability can be supportive instead of harsh, and why small, sustainable habits tend to matter more than grand plans or perfect systems.

This conversation is grounded, human, and practical — focused on alignment, self-trust, and building goals that actually support your life.

Meet the Panel

This conversation features five members of the Accountability Success Circle, each bringing a different perspective on goals, habits, and accountability shaped by real life, work, and seasons of change:

• Terry Brown – Creative and social media professional whose art-forward goals emphasize sustainability and self-trust

• Mike Mackrory – Software engineer and endurance athlete navigating major life transitions through steady, habit-driven goals

• Alex Myers – Leadership development coach and former mental health professional focused on strengths-based, sustainable growth

• Annie Sisson – Multi-passionate entrepreneur and storyteller centered on intentional living, creativity, and alignment

• Gary Ware – Co-Founder of the Accountability Success Circle, facilitator, and author of Playful Rebellion, exploring goals through play, identity, and mindset.

All panelists have participated in GOAL30 challenges, annual planning retreats, or long-term accountability work within the community.

Episode Timestamps

00:01 – Welcome + why this is the first-ever panel (“No Hustle Required”)

01:49 – Meet the panel + one word describing each person’s relationship with goals

03:48 – What most people overlook when setting goals

07:05 – What we should do less of (all-or-nothing, unrealistic systems, constant output)

11:15 – Redefining accountability as support, not pressure

14:40 – What kind of accountability doesn’t work

18:45 – Comparison, metrics, and why chasing numbers can backfire

24:40 – Habits, structures, and practices that help goals stick (including GOAL30)

34:00 – Why community changes everything

40:36 – Final mindset shifts when you feel overwhelmed + closing

Reflection Prompts

What’s one goal you might be approaching with pressure instead of curiosity?

What small, sustainable habit could support that goal instead of overwhelming you?

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

Subscribe to the show⁠Visit The Accomplishment Project on Substack ⁠

Leave a quick comment or review

Share this episode with someone who wants a healthier relationship with goals

Resources

⁠Accountability Success Circle (Incubator for The Accomplishment Project)⁠

In this Accomplishment Story episode, we look back on the journey of executive coach and speaker Barb Wade, whose career spans Hollywood acting, studio leadership, and more than 25 years of transformational coaching.

From early achievement pressure and a breakout acting role on Saved by the Bell, to running a department at DreamWorks, to realizing that external success wasn’t delivering internal fulfillment, Barb shares what it looked like to give herself permission to change course without making herself wrong.

We dig into imposter syndrome, redefining success, the realities behind six- and seven-figure coaching businesses, and one of Barb’s most powerful frameworks: focusing on what’s on your side of the street and letting go of what isn’t. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about accomplishment from the inside out.

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + What Is an Accomplishment Story?
01:33 – Why Barb’s Story Matters
02:06 – Barb’s Work Today: Coaching, Leadership, and Empowerment
03:03 – Growing Up a High Achiever
04:46 – Theater Dreams, College, and Choosing a “Fallback”
06:02 – Moving to Hollywood and Going All In
06:36 – Landing a Breakout Acting Role
08:20 – Life as a Working Actor (Including Saved by the Bell)
09:27 – Leaving Acting for the Other Side of the Camera
10:59 – A Decade in the Studio System
11:30 – Imposter Syndrome and Anxiety Behind the Scenes
13:10 – Discovering Self-Worth Beyond Achievement
15:15 – Returning to School and Finding Coaching
17:16 – Leaving Hollywood for Good
18:41 – Early Coaching Challenges and Income Uncertainty
21:03 – Parenthood and Designing a Sustainable Career
22:23 – The 2008 Financial Crisis and a Major Pivot
26:43 – The Truth About Six- and Seven-Figure Coaching
30:16 – Burnout, Alignment, and Returning to Core Work
31:19 – Parenting, Special Needs, and Business Boundaries
33:14 – Looking Ahead Without Over-Planning
35:46 – Rethinking Prestige, Money, and Quality of Life
39:39 – Defining Accomplishment: “Your Side of the Street”
42:41 – Icing on the Cake vs. What Really Matters
43:52 – Where to Find Barb + Closing Reflections

Connect with Barb

Barb’s website: barbwade.com

Reflection Prompts

Where in your life might external success be masking what you actually need or want?
What’s one thing on your side of the street you can acknowledge yourself for today?

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Subscribe to the show

• Visit The Accomplishment Project Website (Substack)

• Leave a quick comment or review

• Share this episode with someone questioning what “success” really means

Resources

• 🎬 Saved by the Bell clip featuring Barb Wade (YouTube)
• Accountability Success Circle⁠ (Incubator for The Accomplishment Project)