If you've ever built something great and still felt like something was missing — this conversation was made for you.

We're revisiting this episode because Derek Champagne's story is one that doesn't lose its weight with time.

Derek grew up in a teepee, raised by former hippies turned Christians who opened their home to dozens of foster children. From that unconventional foundation, he built a life driven by hustle and heart — managing bands at 11, chasing success in Hollywood, then pivoting through window washing, cookie distribution, and marketing as the music industry shifted beneath his feet.

On paper, he was winning. Inside, he was unraveling.

Depression and a deep sense of isolation caught up with Derek in a corporate cubicle — a far cry from the freedom he'd always chased. What pulled him out wasn't another business breakthrough. It was brotherhood. It was purpose. It was Iron Sharpens Iron.

Derek opens up about one of his biggest fears along the way: that growing spiritually might cost him his edge as an entrepreneur. What he found instead was the opposite — that authentic community and a life aligned with meaning didn't quiet his drive. It sharpened it.

Now, alongside Aaron Walker, Derek helps other men walk the same road from achievement to something deeper.

If you're mid-career and quietly reassessing what it's all for — or just starting out and wanting to build with intention from day one — don't miss this one.

Ready to stop doing life and business alone? Join the brotherhood at isibrotherhood.com/community.

Connect:

• Connect with ISI Brothers: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/
• Join the ISI Community: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-community
• Big A's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/
• Derek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theartistevolution/