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Dear listeners,

This will be the last episode of this podcast for the time being. Other aspects of business have caught my attention, and I would not be myself if I were to focus solely on quantity instead of quality.

Since my time is limited, I will focus on the other project for the time being.

Thank you, as a listener, for the loyalty and to all the guests for their wisdom and humanity.

Remember to jump from your head to your heart, and listen to the beat within.

Stepping into leadership shouldn't be a default promotion for top performers – it requires intention, self-awareness, and a genuine desire to serve others. Nico Van de Venne, premium confidant for high-achieving CEOs and entrepreneurs, pulls back the curtain on what he calls "CEO disease" and "founder syndrome" in this eye-opening conversation.

Drawing from 25 years of experience across nuclear, legal, IT, telecom, and sales industries, Nico challenges conventional wisdom about career progression. "There's no logic in humanity," he reminds us, pushing back against the assumption that moving up the corporate ladder is always the right move. Instead, he advocates for honest self-reflection: Do you genuinely want to lead others, or would you thrive more as an expert individual contributor?

The most memorable moment comes when Nico describes true leadership using a powerful metaphor: imagine horses pulling a carriage. While managers sit atop giving orders and demonstrative leaders run ahead showing exactly how things should be done, the servant leader moves invisibly among the horses, listening to each one's motivations and gently aligning them toward a shared goal. This invisible leadership style turns the traditional organisational pyramid upside-down, positioning executives as supporters rather than directors.

Nico's approach as a confidant centres on creating absolute trust – a space where leaders can speak candidly about their challenges without fear of their stories being recycled. "Sometimes listening to your own voice is the key to finding solutions to all your problems," he sha

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

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"I don't do things that's only half done. Either we don't do it or we do it fully." These powerful words from entrepreneur Mads set the tone for a fascinating exploration of leadership, balance, and what it truly means to commit fully to your business vision.

Host Nico and Mads delve into the paradox many founders face: the all-consuming passion that drives success while potentially leading to "founder disease." Through candid conversation, Mads shares personal insights about the symptoms he's experienced - tunnel vision, overconfidence, and becoming so deeply involved that you can't see the forest for the trees.

The discussion takes surprising turns through management philosophy, with Mads revealing how a simple practice of acknowledging one team member daily transformed workplace performance. You'll discover why Denmark achieves one of the world's highest productivity rates despite shorter working hours, and how cultural differences dramatically impact leadership approaches.

Perhaps most compelling is his practical advice for leaders at any level: "Next time, just grab the mop, start mopping the floor." This symbolic action of joining your team in the trenches creates immediate respect and demonstrates the leadership principle that actions truly speak louder than words.

As founder of Intersect AI, Mads shares his strategy for building a sustainable AI agency focused on business automation, highlighting the importance of maintaining control over core technology rather than becoming dependent on platforms that might change pricing unexpectedly.

The conversation culminates in a powerful message for anyone facing entrepreneurial challenges: "Just try." Mads encourages people to reframe obstacles not as insurmountable walls but as "speed bumps along the journey" - noting that often the barriers in our minds are much larger than the actual challenges we face.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring founder, or leader seeking to improve your management approach, this episode offers valuable insights into building a business with both passion and sustainability.

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

The entrepreneurial journey can be perilous when you don't understand the hidden traps within legal and financial systems. Roy, a seasoned entrepreneur who's founded over 20 companies, shares his harrowing story of building a multi-million real estate empire only to lose everything during an economic crash - not because of market forces alone, but because of critical knowledge gaps about legal structures and personal liability.

What makes this conversation exceptional is Roy's candid revelation of the systemic issues entrepreneurs face that business schools never address. From discovering that being a company president in Poland made him personally liable for all debts despite operating under what he thought was limited liability, to witnessing courtroom procedures that seemed designed to favor financial institutions over business owners. His experience facing over 100 court cases transformed him from a typical entrepreneur into someone deeply knowledgeable about legal rights and financial protection strategies.

The episode delivers practical wisdom about tax optimization that most accountants won't volunteer. Roy discovered numerous deductions and strategies by educating himself through books written by former tax authority employees, ultimately receiving tax rebates where others faced heavy bills. He warns against the common mistake of purchasing unnecessary items simply "because they're tax-deductible" while providing insights into legitimate deduction strategies like pro-rating utilities for home offices.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway concerns the significance of signatures on legal documents. As Roy emphasizes, "Your signature is the most powerful thing you own," explaining how nothing legally binding can happen without it. This simple awareness has helped him avoid numerous legal and financial traps throughout his business career. Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or managing an established company, these insights could save you from devastating financial consequences that can emerge when economic conditions change or legal challenges arise.

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

Have you ever found yourself alone at your desk at 5 AM, feeling like you're already behind before the day has even begun? That gnawing sensation of being solely responsible for every aspect of your business with no safety net beneath you?

In this deeply honest conversation with personal brand strategist Hersh Rephun, we explore the rarely discussed emotional landscape of entrepreneurship - what he and I call "founder syndrome." It's that peculiar mix of isolation, pressure, and responsibility that comes when you realize that truly "no one's going to save you, no one's going to tell you what to do, because no one has as much invested in it as you."

Hersh shares his journey through entrepreneurial loneliness, including how he transformed this challenge into an opportunity for growth. "Don't think of yourself as a piece of the puzzle. Think of yourself as the puzzle," he advises, highlighting the mindset shift that helped him embrace the full scope of business ownership.

We dive into the liberating perspective that failure isn't just acceptable - it's often necessary. From Hersh's pandemic pivot when his agency work disappeared overnight to my own pre-COVID career leap, we discuss how entrepreneurial setbacks can become doorways to unexpected opportunities. The conversation reveals why planning too rigidly can sometimes block innovation, and how learning to trust your instincts becomes your greatest entrepreneurial superpower.

Perhaps most powerfully, Hersh reminds us that "when you're alone, you're the smartest person in the room," encouraging entrepreneurs to create space for inner wisdom among the constant noise of external advice. His parting insight about processing information through your unique personal filter might be exactly what you need to hear if you've been struggling to find clarity in your business journey.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial path or feeling the weight of founder syndrome after years at the helm, this episode offers both comfort and practical wisdom for the road ahead.

http://www.hershrephun.com/

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

Have you hit that frustrating plateau in your business where everything feels harder than it should? Derek Fredrickson from The COO Solution reveals the counterintuitive secret that unlocked growth for countless entrepreneurs: doing less, better.

This conversation tackles the entrepreneurial trap that keeps visionaries stuck - the belief that nobody can do things as well as you can. Derek shares wisdom from 17 years of helping business owners break through their glass ceilings by finding the right support at the right time. You'll discover the critical difference between what you could do versus what you should do, and learn a simple framework that instantly clarifies which tasks deserve your focus.

The discussion explores how support evolves as your business grows, from virtual assistants handling basic tasks to online business managers coordinating operations, and eventually to a trusted second-in-command who can truly run your business alongside you. Most importantly, Derek and Nico discuss the profound dual benefits of proper delegation: not just Return on Investment (ROI), but also "Fun on Investment" (FOI) - the renewed energy and passion you experience when focusing on your zone of genius.

For entrepreneurs feeling isolated or overwhelmed, this episode offers both practical strategies and emotional reassurance. Building the right team isn't just about growing your business - it's about reclaiming the joy and purpose that inspired you to become an entrepreneur in the first place.

Ready to break free from founder syndrome and scale your business without sacrificing your wellbeing? Take the next step by visiting thecoosolution.com to discover what level of support your business needs right now.

https://thecoosolution.com/

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

Have you ever wondered what happens when the worlds of Hollywood and business collide? Matt Drago, actor and real estate professional, reveals the surprisingly powerful connections between these seemingly different realms in this enlightening conversation.

When Matt stepped onto the set of his first lead role in a theatrical film "Somewhere in Montana," alongside veteran actors Graham McTavish and Michelle Hurd, he faced the universal experience of self-doubt. But rather than being paralyzed by it, he transformed those nerves into fuel for his performance. "Your nerves are a good thing because it shows that you care," Matt explains, offering a refreshing perspective that challenges how we typically view anxiety in professional settings.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Matt makes a compelling case for why everyone—especially business professionals—should take an acting class. Far from being just about performance, acting develops our capacity for empathy and human connection in ways that translate directly to leadership and client relationships. Matt's success in real estate stems directly from these skills, allowing him to support clients through emotionally charged transactions with genuine understanding and care.

What truly sets this episode apart is Matt's wisdom about the journey itself. Having dedicated his life to acting since childhood, he shares how the relationships built along the way matter more than any single achievement. "The journey is the destination," he reflects, encouraging listeners to reconnect with why they entered their profession and to appreciate both the struggles and triumphs that have shaped their path.

Whether you're navigating leadership challenges, building client relationships, or seeking more fulfillment in your work, Matt's insights from bridging artistic and business worlds offer a refreshingly human approach to success. Listen now to discover how embracing your authentic self might be the key to unlocking your next level of achievement and satisfaction.

http://www.dragorealestate.com/

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

Are you building a business or just creating a demanding job for yourself? This illuminating conversation with entrepreneur Alykhan Jetha tackles one of the most common challenges business owners face: founder syndrome.

When you're passionate about your business, it's easy to fall into the trap of believing no one else can match your standards or care as deeply about your work. This mindset creates a dangerous bottleneck where everything must flow through you, leaving you overwhelmed, isolated, and unable to take a break. AJ shares a simple yet powerful litmus test: if you can't take a vacation, what you've built isn't truly a business - it's just another job.

We explore multiple strategies for breaking free from this trap, from the ancient practice of journaling (which even Marcus Aurelius used to process leadership challenges) to finding peer support groups where you can openly discuss your challenges with fellow entrepreneurs who truly understand your position. AJ details his own journey from overworked founder to strategic leader after discovering a counterintuitive truth: there are people who can do 60-70% of your tasks better than you can, freeing your mental bandwidth for growth or personal time.

The conversation provides a fascinating look at Daylight app, a tool specifically designed to help small service-based businesses with 1-100 employees build effective systems. But beyond the technology, the most valuable insights center around the three pillars of entrepreneurial success: good people, peer support, and effective systems that let your business thrive even when you're not present.

Ready to transform your relationship with your business? Listen for practical wisdom on creating a company that serves your life, rather than consuming it. Connect with AJ on LinkedIn or visit dayliteapp.com to continue the conversation.

https://marketcircle.com

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...

Show some love or send your feedback

What if entrepreneurship isn't just about profits, but a profound journey of self-discovery? Mona Bavar joins us to explore how business challenges serve as catalysts for personal transformation, revealing that the true power of entrepreneurship lies in what it teaches us about ourselves.

When Mona faced her first customer rejection, it felt deeply personal - like she herself was being rejected. Later, when a vendor harshly criticized her abilities, she found herself temporarily paralyzed. These painful experiences, however, ultimately strengthened her foundation. "You come back into the lab just like a scientist and figure out a different way," she explains, highlighting how entrepreneurial setbacks force us to rebuild stronger.

One of the most compelling aspects of our conversation centers on redefining commonly feared terms. Failure becomes valuable experience. Fear simply represents the unknown. With these perspective shifts, vulnerability transforms from weakness into strength, and the shame associated with entrepreneurial struggles dissolves. Through this lens, building a business becomes less about avoiding missteps and more about embracing them as essential to creating something meaningful and lasting.

As technology increasingly shapes how businesses operate, Mona offers vital insights through her AI agency, helping entrepreneurs maintain authenticity while leveraging artificial intelligence tools. She emphasizes that these technologies should enhance rather than replace human creativity: "You are the boss. You have to guide it." This approach allows entrepreneurs to expand their capabilities while preserving their unique voice - making them irreplaceable rather than replaced.

Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to reconnect with your original purpose, this episode offers both practical wisdom and inspirational perspectives. Ready to transform how you view business challenges and technological tools? Join us for a conversation that might just change how you approach your entrepreneurial path.

https://dlish.us/

Sponsored by Nico Van de Venne CommV

Support the show

Host Linkedin: Nico Van de Venne
Host site: https://nicovandevenne.com/

Want to be a guest on The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast? Send Nico Van De Venne a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theeverlastingfulfilmentpodcast

Check-out one of my newest e-books: Beyond Success or Foundertitis exposed or CEO Disease

The content presented in this podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views, opinions, and insights expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Everlasting Fulfilment Podcast or its affiliates.

Please be aware that the discussions may cover various topics, including personal experiences, opinions, and advice, which are not a substitute for professional advice or guidance. We encourage you to seek the assistance of qualified professionals for any issues you may face.

Neither the host nor the guests claim responsibility for any outcomes or actions taken based on the content shared in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use their own judgment and disc...