Atomic CEO

In this episode of the Be The CEO Podcast, hosts Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive into two powerful ideas shaping business and mindset today: 

1. Loving the process more than the destination 
2. Why confidence is a decision backed by action 

Drawing inspiration from Alex Hormozi’s philosophy and a thought-provoking post by Yousef L. Alame, Tom and Adam break down how business owners can simplify success, stay present, and overcome the paralysis of overthinking. 

Key Takeaways 

1. The Work Is the Goal 

Inspired by Alex Hormozi’s quote: 

“The man who walks because he loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.” 

Success isn’t about chasing an endpoint; it’s about loving the process. 

When you focus on doing the work, the byproducts such as money, success, and freedom naturally follow. 

Tom and Adam share personal insights on how business owners often create anxiety by obsessing over outcomes instead of breaking work into manageable steps. 

2. The Destination Isn’t the Purpose 

Reaching a goal can sometimes feel empty if you’ve tied all your purpose to it. 

The key is realizing you’re not just climbing a single mountain; you’re a mountain climber. 

True satisfaction comes from continuous growth and embracing the journey itself. 

3. Thinkers vs. Doers 

Based on Yousef L. Alame’s post: “Confidence isn’t a feeling, it’s a decision you back with action.” 

Overthinking breeds doubt, while action builds evidence and confidence. 

Adam and Tom discuss how thinking without doing turns people into statues: stuck, unmoving, and paralyzed by fear. 

The cure for overthinking is one small action. Motion destroys doubt. 

4. Real Coaching Insights 

The hosts share a behind-the-scenes story of how taking one imperfect action reignited progress on a stalled course project. 

They also discuss real client examples showing that massive action equals momentum, while inaction keeps you stuck. 

The biggest lesson: Overthinkers are simply under-doers. 

Favorite Quotes 

“The work is the goal.”–Adam Hurd 

“Confidence is a decision you back with action.”–Yousef L. Alame 

“The destination represents the end of purpose. Doing the work gives you certainty.”–Tom Marino 

“Overthinkers are simply under-doers.” –Adam Hurd 

Next Move Session 

Feeling stuck or unsure of your next move? 

Book a Next Move Session with Tom and Adam at bethe.ceo 

For only $97, you’ll get 45 minutes of expert coaching valued at $10,000 in insight. 

Whether you build, install, clean, film, write, or produce, this is your chance to gain clarity and create momentum. 

Tune In For 

• Real talk about entrepreneurship mindset 
• Practical ways to shift from anxiety to action 
• Proven principles from The Atomic Game Changer 
• How to simplify success and fall in love with the process 

Connect with Atomic Business Coaching 

• Website: bethe.ceo  
• Book: The Atomic Game Changer 
• Podcast: Be The CEO Podcast /Atomic Business Coaching Podcast 
• Instagram & LinkedIn: @atomicbusinesscoaching 
• LinkedIn: Adam Thomas Hurd and Tom Marino 

In this insightful episode of Be the CEO, hosts Adam Hurd and Tom Marino dive deep into what it really means to “be the CEO” — not as a title, but as a mindset. They redefine CEO as Commitment, Effort, and Obsession, exploring how these three traits are essential for leading both your life and your business with purpose and passion. 

 Key Topics Covered 

The True Meaning of CEO 

Adam and Tom clarify what Be the CEO stands for: 

• Commitment: Going all in on your goals. 
• Effort: Consistently taking the actions required for success. 
• Obsession: Caring so deeply about what you do that quitting isn’t an option. 

They emphasize that leadership starts with being obsessed enough to stay committed, even when things get tough. 

📈 The Power of Commitment: Lessons from MrBeast 

The hosts discuss the journey of Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), who predicted his YouTube growth 10 years ago — and surpassed it beyond belief, growing from 8,000 subscribers to over 444 million. 

Adam uses MrBeast’s story to highlight the difference between being interested in success and being committed to it. 

“When you eliminate all other options, you eliminate the ability to fail.” 

🧠 Interest vs. Commitment 

Adam and Tom explore why so many people stay “interested” instead of “committed.” 

• Interest fades when things get hard. 
• Commitment pushes you through uncertainty and failure. 
• Tom adds that wisdom comes from learning what not to do — often the most valuable lessons come from mistakes. 

🚫 Breaking Through Limiting Beliefs 

Tom introduces a powerful post that inspires reflection: 

“Don’t limit your challenges — challenge your limits.” 

They discuss how limiting beliefs can make people feel stuck, even when they’re actually just entering a new level of growth. 

Tom shares how external voices once told him he couldn’t succeed — and how challenging those beliefs became the foundation of his success. 

🔍 Learning, Growth & Self-Disruption 

Adam and Tom connect the dots between learning and growth: 

• Learning is the antidote to uncertainty. 
• Challenging beliefs is how you evolve. 
• “It’s better to have self-disruption than self-destruction.” 

Adam emphasizes that by intentionally challenging yourself, you prevent sabotaging behaviors that hold you back. 

❤️ No Limiting Beliefs? 

Adam reveals something surprising — he’s never had limiting beliefs. He shares how optimism, curiosity, and problem-solving have guided his success. 

Tom reflects on how different upbringings shape beliefs, and how exposure to the real world challenges the beliefs we inherit. Together, they explore how awareness and reflection turn limitations into learning opportunities. 

💬 Final Takeaway 

Tom and Adam remind listeners: 

“You’re not stuck. You’re just entering a new phase of life or business that you haven’t experienced yet.” 

Being the CEO of your life means constantly evolving — through commitment, effort, and obsession — and challenging every belief that stands in your way. 

Resources & Connect 

• 🌐 Visit bethe.ceo 
• 🔗 Follow on LinkedIn: Adam Thomas Hurd and Tom Marino  
• 🎧 Produced by Connor & Sam at Precision Edits — UK-based podcast editors who make your audio shine. 

Quote of the Episode 

“It’s better to have self-disruption than self-destruction.” – Adam Hurd 

In this episode of Be the CEO, Adam Thomas Hurd and Tom Marino dive deep into two powerful ideas that define what it really means to be the CEO of your business, your time, and your life. 

They tackle the long-debated concept of work-life balance versus work-life harmony, revealing why striving for balance can actually hold entrepreneurs back. The conversation then flows into embracing failure, why “failing faster” accelerates success, and how ego often stands in the way of growth. 

Packed with humor, insight, and personal stories, this episode is a reminder that being the CEO isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, leadership, and courage to evolve. 

🧠 Key Takeaways 

1. Be the CEO — Don’t Just Do, Lead. 

Starting a business takes courage, but sustaining one requires stepping out of constant “doing” mode and stepping into leadership. CEOs direct their focus and energy intentionally rather than reacting to every demand. 

2. Work-Life Balance Is a Myth. 

Tom explains why balance implies a rigid, equal division that doesn’t work for entrepreneurs. Instead, aim for work-life harmony — a fluid rhythm where attention and intention shift throughout the day based on priorities and energy. 

3. The Employee vs. Entrepreneur Mindset. 

Employees strive for balance through strict boundaries — clocking in and out. Entrepreneurs must instead orchestrate harmony through flexibility, discipline, and conscious time management. 

4. Fail Faster, Learn Faster. 

Adam shares a post from Brad Lea that sparks a conversation about missed opportunities and the power of failure. Growth happens when you take risks, fail forward, and apply lessons quickly. 

5. Ego Blocks Evolution. 

Many entrepreneurs stay stuck because they refuse to fail or take advice. True CEOs embrace feedback, detach from ego, and stay open to change — even when it’s uncomfortable. 

💬 Memorable Quotes 

“It’s not about balancing work and life — it’s about directing your attention with intention.” – Tom Marino 

“You have to be willing to fail. The faster you fail, the faster you learn.” – Adam Hurd 

“Harmony enhances your life — balance restricts it.” – Tom Marino 

 🛠️ Resources & Links 

• Connect with Adam Thomas Hurd on LinkedIn 
• Connect with Tom Marino on LinkedIn 
• Explore the Be the CEO community: bethe.ceo 

❤️ Support the Show 

If this episode inspired you to be the CEO of your business and your life, leave a review, share it with your network, or message Adam and Tom on LinkedIn to tell them what resonated most. 

In this episode of Be the CEO, Tom Marino and Adam Hurd explore two of the most overlooked yet powerful drivers of success for self-employed people: fear and listening. Whether you’re running your own business, trying to scale, or just struggling to get unstuck, this episode dives into how to transform the very things that scare or hold you back into tools for growth. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• Fear is not the enemy – staying stuck is. 
• Tom shares a post from Dan Sullivan on how fear signals growth, not danger, and why entrepreneurs should view it as a guide instead of a roadblock. 
• Uncertainty & self-employment. 
• Why self-employed people often misinterpret fear as a sign to retreat—and how to use it to push forward into your next level of success. 
• Adam’s parenting story. 
• A powerful anecdote about letting his son do “dangerous things carefully” (inspired by Jordan Peterson) and how that applies to taking risks in business. 
• The secret weapon: honest listening. 
• Adam highlights a Simon Sinek post on listening and explains how his Sandler training transformed his ability to hear clients, not just talk at them. 
• Why Atomic’s dual-coach model works. 
• Tom and Adam explain how having two coaches in the room gives clients “four ears” instead of two, enabling deeper listening, multiple perspectives, and faster breakthroughs. 
• Healthy disagreement as a growth tool. 
• How modeling disagreement and differing perspectives helps clients build confidence, set boundaries, and communicate effectively. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Fear shows up when something matters—use it as proof you’re on the right path. 
• Uncertainty is a cue to learn, not a reason to retreat. 
• True listening requires reflection, patience, and curiosity—skills you can develop. 
• Multiple perspectives accelerate growth. Don’t fear disagreement; embrace it. 
• Boundaries and honest communication are assets, not liabilities. 

Links & Resources: 

• Register for upcoming free events: bethe.ceo 
• Connect with Tom & Adam at Atomic Business Coaching 

In this episode, Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive deep into what it really means to step out of self-employment and into true CEO leadership—at work and at home. 

What We Cover in This Episode: 

• The trap of self-employment: Why so many business owners simply create a new prison for themselves instead of finding freedom. 
• Gary Vee’s challenge: “If you want it so bad, how are you not doing everything you can?” Adam and Tom unpack the meaning behind this mindset and how it applies to entrepreneurs. 
• All in or in the way: The philosophy that has fueled Atomic Business Coaching and why commitment is non-negotiable. 
• The power of clarity: Tom shares a Tony Robbins insight—“Clarity creates power”—and explains how values, beliefs, and behaviors shape both life and business success. 
• Beliefs vs. values: Why unexamined beliefs create frustration and misalignment, and how choosing your beliefs leads to intentional values and sustainable growth. 
• Certainty and decision-making: Adam stresses the importance of not just having clarity but pairing it with certainty and agency to take decisive action. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Commitment means doing everything you can—but it doesn’t mean doing it alone. Getting help is part of being all in. 
• Obsession fuels commitment. If you’re not obsessed, it’s going to be hard to stay consistent. 
• Your beliefs dictate your values, and your values dictate your behaviors. Examine them regularly. 
• Clarity without action is useless. You need certainty and agency to translate clarity into growth. 
• Sustainable business success comes from alignment, consistency, and purpose—not just one big win. 

Resources & Next Steps: 

• Learn more and register for free events and sessions: bethe.ceo 
• Explore ways to work with Tom & Adam through Atomic Business Coaching 

In this episode of the Be the CEO Podcast, Tom and Adam dive into two powerful ideas that every business owner needs to hear: working less but more effectively, and the importance of small beginnings. Drawing inspiration from Gary Vaynerchuk and Justin Welsh, they share personal stories, client examples, and practical insights on shifting from being “busy” to being truly impactful. 

Whether you’re self-employed or leading a growing team, this conversation will challenge the way you think about productivity, attention, and momentum in both business and life. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Do Less, But Better – Why eliminating distractions and narrowing your focus leads to excellence and deeper impact. 
• Busy Is Not Better – How to stop wearing the “busy badge” and instead prioritize meaningful, high-impact work. 
• Work-Life Harmony – Why balance is a myth and how to create harmony between work, family, and personal growth. 
• The Power of Small Beginnings – How one small LinkedIn post launched an $11M business for Justin Welsh, and why momentum always beats waiting for the “perfect time.” 
• Attention Management – Using your energy and focus strategically to make progress without burnout. 
• From Fear to Flow – How shifting away from perfectionism and procrastination opens the door to confidence and success. 

Key Quotes 

• “You’re either all in, or you’re in the way.” – Adam 
• “Clarity doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from small actions.” – Tom 
• “Momentum loves small beginnings.” – Justin Welsh 

Resources & Mentions 

• Essentialism by Greg McKeown 
• Gary Vaynerchuk 
• Justin Welsh 

Join the Conversation 

👉 Visit bethe.ceo for opportunities to meet with Tom and Adam. 

In this episode, Tom and Adam take a new direction with Be the CEO Podcast. Each week they’ll bring you content from top voices in entrepreneurship and leadership—posts they love, disagree with, or find thought-provoking—and break it down through the lens of their own experience. 

This week’s discussion highlights two powerful posts from Dan Martell and Alex Hormozi, sparking conversation about the real challenges of moving from self-employed to CEO. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode 

The Money Ladder (Dan Martell): 

• Why your first $100K comes from skills. 
• Why your first million requires hiring support. 
• How systems, leaders, and brand fuel growth beyond $1M. 
• Why the “solopreneur dream” is a myth for most entrepreneurs. 

The Decision Dilemma (Alex Hormozi): 

• Why you’re not slow—you’re just not moving. 
• How indecision keeps entrepreneurs stuck. 
• The role of intuition in cutting through doubt. 
• Why making decisions from certainty (your why, values, and vision) matters more than confidence. 

Real Talk from Tom & Adam: 

• The pitfalls of trying to “prove yourself” by doing it all alone. 
• How hiring—even a few hours of support—creates the leverage you need to grow. 
• Why waiting to make decisions keeps you stagnant. 
• Stories from their own coaching clients about aligning values with action. 

Why This Matters 

The journey from self-employed to CEO isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about shifting your mindset, building the right support, and making decisions with clarity. Dan Martell’s “money ladder” and Hormozi’s call to action both highlight the key truth: growth demands both people and perspective. 

Resources & Mentions 

• Dan Martell – Buy Back Your Time 
• Alex Hormozi – Entrepreneur & Author 
• Learn more about Tom & Adam’s coaching at bethe.ceo 

Call to Action 

Are you ready to stop being just self-employed and start being the CEO of your business and your life? 

👉 Visit bethe.ceo and start your journey today. 

In this episode of Be The CEO, Adam and Tom dive into the mindset shifts required to go from simply growing a business to truly leading one. They answer questions posed by their assistant, Gary, based on real conversations with clients, challenges in their own business, and lessons learned through years of coaching entrepreneurs.

From tackling limiting beliefs and sabotaging habits to mastering focus, scaling strategically, and protecting your energy, this episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners who want to evolve into intentional CEOs.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in practitioner mode, or unsure how to scale without burning out, this episode will help you identify the changes you need to make—not just in your business, but in yourself.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The difference between growing a business and leading one — and when that shift happens.
• How to identify and overcome limiting beliefs that hold you back.
• Why certainty beats confidence when making decisions as a CEO.
• The crucial difference between growth and scaling — and how to avoid common pitfalls.
• Practical strategies for staying focused and managing distractions.
• How to redefine your identity when building a business versus staying self-employed.
• Simple steps to protect your energy and stay present as a leader.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

• 00:48 – Growing vs. leading a business: what changes when you become a CEO
• 02:52 – Tom’s biggest limiting belief and how it shows up in his business
• 04:45 – The power of certainty over confidence in decision-making
• 06:24 – Managing attention and avoiding distractions
• 08:20 – Why founders struggle to scale and what scaling really means
• 10:19 – Sabotaging habits and how to keep them in check
• 13:14 – The "One Plan" for building a million-dollar coaching business
• 15:46 – Head trash: letting go of outdated beliefs about leadership
• 17:38 – Helping clients navigate overwhelm and create lasting change
• 19:36 – The shift from grinding to leading: management vs. leadership
• 21:37 – Why you can't build a new business with an old identity
• 24:01 – Staying present and protecting your energy as a leader
• 25:34 – Why networking is the most authentic way to build relationships

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• 🌐Visit us at Atomic Business Coaching
• 🚀Join our free networking events at BeThe.CEO
• 📘Read our book The Atomic Game Changer for practical strategies to grow your business intentionally

Join the Conversation

We want to hear from you!

What’s one limiting belief or sabotaging habit you’ve had to overcome in your business?

Share it with us on LinkedIn or during one of our live networking events.

In this first episode of the Intentional CEO Podcast, Tom and Adam reintroduce their mission: helping entrepreneurs move from being accidental CEOs—overworked and reactive—to intentional CEOs who lead with clarity, agency, and purpose.

Drawing on four decades of combined experience and four years of partnership, they dive into the real challenges business owners face and share practical stories, insights, and tools to help you take control of both your business and your life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Accidental vs. Intentional CEO: Why many entrepreneurs start out doing everything themselves, and what it takes to shift into intentional leadership.
• Agency + Belief = Confidence: The secret sauce of making empowered decisions and executing them with certainty.
• Overcoming Bottlenecks: How trying to “do it all” keeps you stuck—and the smarter ways to delegate, systemize, and scale.
• Confidence vs. Certainty: Why confidence gets you started, but certainty keeps you moving forward.
• Chaos to Clarity: How structure transforms overwhelming situations into focused progress—whether in business or personal life.
• Evolving Your Mindset: Why the same thinking that got you started won’t take you to the next level.
• Intentional Leadership: The power of listening, developing others, and leading by example instead of reaction.
• Work-Life Harmony: Why balance is a myth—and how to create true harmony by aligning priorities with flexibility.
• Breaking Perfectionism: How letting go of “perfect” creates momentum and growth.
• The Intentional CEO System: Why Tom and Adam built it, and how it simplifies success for entrepreneurs.

Memorable Quotes

• “Confidence is great, but certainty is what drives you forward.”
• “Structure isn’t restrictive—it creates clarity.”
• “Business is simple. It’s just not easy.”
• “Work-life balance is a myth. Harmony is the goal.”
• “Success always, in all ways. How you do one thing is how you’ll do everything.”

Resources & Links

• Visit bethe.ceo for free resources to help you become an Intentional CEO.
• Connect with Tom and Adam directly on LinkedIn.

👉 Tune in to learn how to stop leading by accident and start leading with intention—in business and in

life.

In this episode, Tom and Adam dive deep into one of the biggest challenges new and accidental CEOs face—confusing burnout with boredom. They unpack why hustle isn’t a badge of honor but a warning sign, how being the bottleneck stunts growth, and why systems—not endless motivation—are the true foundation of sustainable success.

From decision-making with certainty to reframing your identity as a CEO, this conversation highlights the mindset and structural shifts every founder must embrace. You’ll learn how to delegate effectively, manage attention like a leader, and avoid the pitfalls of chaos-driven growth.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels, gain clarity in your role, and build the freedom you envisioned when you started your business, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Burnout vs. Boredom: Most entrepreneurs aren’t burned out—they’re bored because their business has stopped challenging them.
• Hustle is a Warning Sign: Hustle often signals disorganization and panic, not progress.
• Don’t Be the Bottleneck: Growth stalls when CEOs refuse to delegate or trust others.
• Inbox ≠ To-Do List: Protect your focus; don’t let emails dictate your priorities.
• Decisions Need Certainty: Think in terms of consequences, not just costs—certainty drives freedom and growth.
• Systems Build Confidence: Confidence isn’t a vibe, it’s a result of evidence produced by repeatable systems.
• Identity Evolution: Every new level of business requires a new version of you. Believe, behave, and become the CEO.
• Clarity in Communication: Your next client may be one clear sentence away—make it easy for your network to refer you.
• Motivation ≠ Structure: Growth isn’t about daily “rah-rah” energy; it’s about predictable systems that allow freedom and scale.

Resources & Links

Register for the Free Simple CEO Workshop → atomic.coach

A 90-minute live session with Tom and Adam to help you gain clarity, certainty, and the next step for your business.

Call to Action

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• Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
• Share it with a fellow entrepreneur who might be stuck in hustle mode.
• Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway from this conversation.