In this powerful and no-fluff conversation, George welcomes data-driven entrepreneur and Air Force veteran Collin Graves to unpack the truth about why “Data Over Drama” is the lifeblood of any successful business. 

With nearly two decades of experience and a portfolio of companies under his belt, Collin breaks down what data really is, why it matters, and how entrepreneurs can (and must) build a relationship with it—before they’re forced to.

This episode is a masterclass in how to think like a visionary while operating with intention, precision, and sustainability. If you’re serious about scaling without losing your sanity (or shirt), this is your blueprint.
 

What You’ll Learn In This Episode

• Why drama-based decisions kill businesses—and how data can be your safety net.
• The real reason most entrepreneurs fail (and how to avoid it).
• How to start building a healthy, actionable relationship with your business data—even if you hate spreadsheets.
• How AI tools can be leveraged to delegate smarter, not harder.
• The difference between busy work and deliberate work (and why one builds empires).
• How understanding your numbers can unlock true creative and operational freedom.
   

Key Takeaways
✔️Every business problem is a data problem. You already have the answers—you just need to uncover them.
✔️The grind is not about busy work—it’s about deliberate work. Knowing your data allows you to make smarter, faster, more sustainable decisions.
✔️Entrepreneurship is about capital allocation. Time, money, energy—it’s your job to invest these wisely.
✔️You can love the grind AND be smart about it. Use tools like AI and outsourcing to stay in your zone of genius.
✔️Track the flow of your dollars. From sales to customer service to fulfillment—data tells the full story.
✔️Don’t build a business blind. Start looking at your numbers weekly or daily, even for just a few minutes.
 

Timestamps
[00:00] – Meet Collin Graves—data expert, Air Force vet, entrepreneur since 2007
[04:00] – Why data is the new oil (or gold) in the age of AI
[07:00] – Every business problem is a data problem
[11:00] – The cruise ship analogy: small inputs > big overcorrections
[15:00] – Knowing your numbers: what matters and why
[19:00] – Learning data the hard way vs. by choice
[24:00] – Building a relationship with data—what that looks like
[30:00] – Two types of entrepreneurs—and who survives
[35:00] – What the military teaches you about business (and life)
[41:00] – Delegate or die: capital allocation and burnout
[46:00] – Micro-decisions and unexpected breakthroughs
[52:00] – Why now is the best time to start a business
[58:00] – Final words of wisdom and how to connect with Collin
 

Your Challenge This Week
Look at your data.

• Spend 5 minutes every day this week reviewing one dashboard: your bank account, email open rates, social media insights, or CRM. Start building a relationship with your data—so you’re not making decisions in the dark.

Connect with Collin
On LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/collingraves
Check out North Labs: northlabs.io
 

Join The Alliance – Surround yourself with data-driven, heart-centered entrepreneurs who scale with clarity and intention inside the Relationship Beats Algorithms™ community.

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Live Events – Learn how to lead with both your heart and your numbers. Get in the room where lasting impact (and powerful decisions) are built: mindofgeorge.com/event