In today’s episode, I’m sharing a more honest look at something most business owners experience but rarely talk about: the “murky middle” of growth.

There are seasons in business where the data says things are working, but internally, it still feels messy. You’re learning new skills, pushing toward the next level, and suddenly the confidence you once had feels shaky.

In this episode, I talk about what it feels like when you’re trying to grow into a better leader, a better operator, and a better business owner, while also wrestling with ego, perfectionism, and the discomfort that real growth requires.

We talk about leadership, mistakes I made earlier this year around hiring and staffing, why ego can block progress, and the difference between being responsible to people versus being responsible for them.

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t showing up the way you wanted to as a leader, this episode is for you.

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Introduction and why this episode is different

0:39 – When you feel like you’re a bad boss

1:16 – The “murky middle” of growth

2:57 – The tension between accountability and being human

4:09 – Why business forces personal growth

5:52 – Let the data guide you through uncertainty

6:20 – Lesson #1: Give yourself space to learn

9:01 – Lesson #2: Ego and the fear of imperfection

11:21 – A leadership mistake I made this year

15:13 – Lesson #3: Responsible to people, not for them

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Why growth seasons often feel chaotic and disorienting

• What the “murky middle” of business development actually looks like

• How perfectionism and ego can slow your progress

• Why data should guide decisions during uncertain seasons

• The leadership tension between accountability and self-compassion

• Why nobody comes preloaded with leadership skills

• How vulnerability with your team can strengthen trust

• The importance of trusting data and forward planning in hiring decisions

• Why discomfort is often a signal of growth, not failure

• The difference between being responsible to your team versus responsible for them

🚀 Want a Real-World Example of What’s Possible?

If you want to see how clarity, systems, and leadership decisions can transform a pet care business, I’ve put together a case study showing how one company grew monthly revenue from $19,000 to over $73,000 in a single year.

It breaks down the decisions, structure, and leadership shifts behind that growth, not just the numbers.

👉 You can access the case study at dogcolaunch.com/casestudy and see how DogCo Launch supports pet care owners who are ready to grow with clarity and confidence.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another business owner who might be navigating their own “murky middle.”

-M