Startup HR expert Megan Pawlak joins Eye Openers to share how early-stage companies can build people-first cultures, hire smart (even on a budget), and avoid the pitfalls that sink great ideas. A must-listen for founders and future leaders. What happens when you bring heart into HR and humanity into the startup hustle? Megan Pawlak shares the kind of career pivots, people strategies, and spicy coffee tips that wake you up—literally and professionally.

It's my birthday, and instead of just celebrating with cake and a nice dinner, I'm taking a moment to reflect on my past year—the wins, the challenges, and the growth. This episode is a candid look at the lessons I've learned, the shifts I've made in my business and personal life, and what I'm carrying forward into the year ahead.

Whether you're navigating your own big transitions or just need a reminder to celebrate your wins, I hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired.

🎧 Key Takeaways:

1. Trust Your Gut & Make the Change (07:32)

• When something no longer feels aligned, it's okay to pivot.
• I left a tennis team with toxic dynamics and found a new, welcoming community.
• The effort it takes to make a shift is worth the reward.

2. Expanding Accessibility at Lucid Therapeutics (15:45)

• Adding insurance-based services was challenging, but it made our treatments accessible to so many more people.
• Sometimes the hardest changes are the most impactful.
• Always return to your core values when making business decisions.

3. Overcoming Setbacks in Business (28:10)

• I lost a huge client that made up half of my revenue, with almost no notice.
• Instead of panicking, I diversified my income streams and built back stronger.
• The biggest lessons come from the toughest moments—your resilience is your superpower.

Find the show notes and more here: brittanydrozd.com/podcast

🎙 Welcome to Eye Openers!

In this episode, Brittany sits down with Jason Mejeur, CEO of Coya Health, to discuss becoming the CEO of your health, how wellness impacts business performance, and the transformative power of small, sustainable changes.

Eye-Opening Insights with Time Stamps:

☕️ [00:00:00] Taking Charge of Your Health: Jason explains the importance of becoming the CEO of your own health and creating a strategic wellness plan.

💡 [00:06:10] Tracking Your Way to Better Health: Discover how wearables like Oura Rings and Whoop Straps can measure key health metrics such as HRV, sleep quality, and movement.

🌍 [00:12:00] Building Sustainable Habits: Jason shares his personal journey of losing 30 pounds over three years and how small, consistent actions lead to big results.

🔍 [00:18:10] Wellness for Teams and Culture: Learn how Coya Health customizes wellness programs for organizations, creating healthier, happier teams and improving retention.

🏆 [00:22:45] From Data to Action: Jason discusses how data-driven insights empower people to make impactful, personalized health changes.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Coya Health Website

2. Oura Ring

3. Whoop Strap

Catch you next time on Eye Openers!

Feeling inspired? Listen to the full episode and explore the show notes here: brittanydrozd.com/84

🎙 Welcome to Eye Openers!

In this episode, Brittany welcomes Brian, a seasoned MSP entrepreneur turned coach, to share his journey of entrepreneurship through acquisition, building intentional company culture, and leading with purpose. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with practical insights to elevate your leadership and business strategies.

Eye Opening Insights:

☕️ Coffee & Routines:

• [00:00:25] Brittany shares her love for coffee, specifically a simple pour-over, as a cornerstone of her daily routine.

• [00:01:01] Brian reveals his go-to French press routine and how he keeps his coffee warm with an Ember mug.

• [00:02:19] Discussion on different coffee styles and additives, from almond milk to bulletproof coffee, and their impact on productivity.

💡 Networking Pays Off:

• [00:03:47] Brittany and Brian highlight the power of mutual connections in fostering professional growth and creating impactful collaborations.

🛠 Building and Scaling MSPs:

• [00:04:58] Brian discusses his journey from tech work to leadership roles, leading to his decision to acquire and grow MSPs instead of starting from scratch.

🎯 Culture Fit in M&A:

• [00:12:42] Brian explains the challenges and importance of assessing cultural alignment during acquisitions.

👥 Coaching for CEOs:

• [00:20:13] Brian shares how he transitioned to coaching MSP owners and the top pain points he helps them address, including clarifying business goals and leveraging their zone of genius.

Hi everyone, Brittany Drozd here! You know I can't start my day without caffeine, and that's just one reason we call this show 'Eye Openers.' The other? I'm all about bringing you those 'aha' moments through my interviews.

Today, I'm beyond excited to welcome Scott Reib, America's Legal Coach. With over 20 years of experience, Scott shares powerful insights on how to build a 'shatterproof' business. We also dive into our morning rituals and the pivotal role fitness plays in driving entrepreneurial success.

Eye Opening Insights:

Building a Shatterproof Business: Scott emphasizes the importance of treating your lawyer like a primary care doctor, not just an emergency room visit. Regular legal checkups can prevent costly mistakes. [00:13:00]

The Power of Fitness for Entrepreneurs: Scott shares how his commitment to fitness has given him mental clarity and energy, allowing him to perform at his best as an entrepreneur. [00:07:00]

The Importance of Vision in Leadership: After a challenging period in his business, Scott learned the hard way that casting a clear and compelling vision is crucial for team alignment and success. [00:29:00]

Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

[00:00:00] - Brittany and Scott discuss their morning caffeine routines and how these small rituals contribute to their daily success.

[00:03:00] - Scott talks about his commitment to fitness and how it impacts his mental clarity and work performance.

[00:13:00] - Introduction to Scott's "Shatterproof Entrepreneur" concept—why it's essential to treat your lawyer like a primary care doctor.

[00:19:00] - Scott dives into common legal missteps entrepreneurs make, from vague contracts to not securing their brand properly.

[00:26:00] - Scott shares a pivotal moment in his entrepreneurial journey when he lost most of his team and how he rebuilt his business by casting a clearer vision.

[00:30:00] - Scott discusses how he now shares his vision with his team to ensure alignment and engagement.

[00:33:30] - How to get in touch with Scott Reib and access special resources for Eye Openers listeners.

Resources Mentioned:

• Books:

• Outlive by Dr. Peter Attia

• The Shatterproof Entrepreneur by Scott Reib

Thanks for joining us for this eye-opening episode! Remember, asking the right questions can prevent a lot of mistakes, so don't hesitate to reach out to Scott with your legal concerns.

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/80

Today, I'm joined by Stephen Stowe, a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning multiple industries who also happens to be the owner of my gym, Bond Fitness, and my workout buddy.

Stephen's approach to business success is all about community and culture.

In this episode, we explore how Stephen leverages these elements, along with the power of coaching, to build thriving businesses.

Important Takeaways:

1. The Power of Mental Resilience

Stephen shares how mental resilience has been crucial to his success. When faced with overwhelming challenges, he stays open to feedback and asks for help, which has been pivotal in navigating tough times. He shares that having a coach or mentor can provide the necessary support and guidance to overcome obstacles and achieve greater success. (I swear I didn't pay him to say that!)

2. Building a Strong Community and Culture

Stephen discusses the importance of creating a strong community and culture, both within his gym, Bond Fitness, and beyond. He highlights the value of hiring individuals who align with the company's values and the significance of making customers feel welcome and supported. This intentional focus on community building has been key to Bond Fitness's success.

3. Humility and Continuous Learning

Stephen's journey illustrates the importance of humility and a continuous learning mindset. He believes that staying humble, asking questions, and being open to learning from others are critical for personal and professional growth. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and openness, businesses can stay ahead and maintain long-term success.

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/79

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Eye Openers! Stephen's insights on mental resilience, community building, and continuous learning are truly inspiring. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends.

Eye Opening Insights:

[00:10:47] The Power of Mental Resilience

[00:21:00] Building a Strong Community and Culture

[00:29:01] The Role of Humility and Continuous Learning

Today on Eye Openers, we're discussing a sensitive yet vital topic: "Cutting Out the Cancer in Your Culture." We explore how to handle problematic employees, why timely intervention is essential, and the steps you can take to foster a positive work environment.

Key Takeaways:

🔑 Timely Intervention is Key

🗣️The Importance of Private Feedback

💼 Document Everything

If you're struggling with managing performance issues in your organization and would like professional guidance, I have one coaching spot available for September.

This is a great opportunity for a company looking to enhance its culture and performance management practices. Reach out via our website at brittanydrozd.com or reach out to me at [email protected].

Let's work together to build a thriving, positive workplace culture.

Thank you for tuning in, and I look forward to hearing your feedback and experiences!

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/78

Eye Opening Insights:

[00:02:34] Addressing performance issues as soon as they arise is critical. Delaying intervention can allow the problem to spread, affecting the overall team morale and productivity. It's important to tackle these issues immediately to prevent further damage.

[00:03:49] Always provide performance feedback in private. This approach ensures a safe space for open dialogue and allows the employee to understand and respond to the feedback without the pressure of public scrutiny. It's about fostering a constructive conversation aimed at improvement.

[00:06:00] Documentation is crucial when managing performance issues. Keeping a detailed record of observations, interventions, and outcomes protects both the organization and the employee. It ensures clarity and accountability throughout the process.

More From Brittany Here:

Website: https://brittanydrozd.com

Today, I'm reintroducing myself and sharing my story of transitioning from a psychotherapist and psychologist to a business coaching consultant. My passion for understanding and influencing behavior has led me to empower leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and executives to elevate their leadership skills and drive success in their businesses.

Key Takeaways:

🌟 From Psychotherapy to Coaching: Discover how my background in psychology shapes my approach to business coaching, enhancing leadership and team dynamics.

💼 Empowering Leadership: Learn how the principles of behavioral psychology can transform your leadership style and improve both your business and personal life.

🚀 Unlocking Potential: Explore the importance of culture, motivation, and embracing discomfort to achieve the next level of success in your organization.

Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential and drive meaningful change in your business? Join me in this episode, and let's embark on this transformative journey together.

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/77

Eye Opening Insights:

[00:40] - My Transition to Business Coaching I dive into the catalysts behind my career shift and how my background in psychology has been instrumental in my approach to business coaching.

[02:46] - Enhancing Team Dynamics and Leadership I explore how I've expanded my impact from focusing on individual behaviors to transforming entire teams and organizations. I detail the strategies we use to improve leadership effectiveness and team cooperation.

[04:20] - The Power of Culture and Strategic Retreats I emphasize the critical role of organizational culture in business success and how strategic retreats and data tools can unlock tremendous growth. I also discuss the importance of embracing discomfort for leadership development in a post-COVID world.

More From Brittany Drozd:

Find Out How to Work With Me Here

Find More Episodes of Eye Openers Here

In today's episode of "Eye Openers," I had the profound pleasure of sitting down with Ryan, an entrepreneur whose journey is both a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a compelling narrative on the transformative power of confronting our deepest struggles.

Ryan's story, much like the stories I've been privileged to witness and support through my coaching practice, underscores a fundamental truth: that our greatest trials often pave the way for our most significant triumphs.

Moments that marked me:

🔑The Pivot Point: Ryan's recount of a near-catastrophic financial challenge wasn't just a story of loss and recovery; it was a profound lesson in the power of surrender and the unexpected pathways that open up when we shift from control to trust. This moment resonated deeply with me, as it mirrors the journeys many of my clients embark on—moving from a place of fear and scarcity to one of abundance and opportunity.

💡 Mindset Mastery: Our discussion on mindset illuminated the critical role our beliefs play in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Ryan's transformation from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance wasn't just a strategy for business success; it was a fundamental shift in how he approached life. This insight is central to my coaching philosophy: that by changing our inner narrative, we can dramatically alter our external reality.

❤️Healing as a Foundation for Success: Perhaps the most moving part of our conversation was Ryan's openness about his battle with PTSD and depression. His journey from despair to founding Hope Guide is a powerful reminder that personal healing is not just about recovery; it's about uncovering a deeper sense of purpose and using our pain as a catalyst for impact. This aligns with my deepest belief that our greatest contributions arise from our most profound struggles.

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/76

Eye Opening Insights:

[00:03:15] Ryan's recounting of the crucial moment he decided to make a significant change in his approach to business, highlighting the spiritual awakening that guided him back from the brink of financial ruin.

[00:10:23] Brittany asks Ryan about navigating burnout and finding balance, sparking a discussion that sheds light on the often overlooked aspect of entrepreneurial life: the mental and emotional toll of constant high-stakes decision-making and the critical importance of self-care and mindset management.

[00:22:46] A pivotal point in the conversation where Ryan delves into his personal struggles with mental health, the journey to healing, and how this experience fueled his passion for making trauma therapy more accessible through Hope Guide.

In this episode of Eye Openers, we dive deep into the heart of what drives my work - organizational culture.

As both my work and this podcast evolve, it's crucial to step back and define what organizational culture truly means. It's not always obvious, even to those of us who eat, sleep, and breathe this topic!

Takeaways from this episode:

🌟Organizational Culture is Rooted in Shared Values and Beliefs: Every organization operates on underlying principles that shape decisions and interactions.

🔄 Cultural Norms Shape Behavior: Norms and behaviors within a workplace guide employees and create a sense of belonging and purpose.

👥 Impact on Recruitment and Retention: Authentic organizational culture attracts and retains talent aligned with company values.

Share your thoughts on how organizational culture shapes your work life - let's discuss and learn together!

Check Out The Full Episode and Show Notes: brittanydrozd.com/75

More From Brittany Drozd:

Find Out How to Work With Me Here

Find More Episodes of Eye Openers Here