Starting a business rarely begins with certainty. More often, it starts with a pull you can’t ignore.
In this highlights episode of The Dean’s List, host Alison Dean curates powerful moments from founders, creatives, and operators who followed an instinct—sometimes obvious, sometimes practical—and chose to build before they felt ready. Together, these stories explore the leap from side idea to real thing, and the decisions that shape both the business and the person building it.
Across industries—from food and fitness to travel, technology, and creative work—these founders reflect on the tradeoffs that come with starting something new: learning in public, navigating uncertainty, and trusting momentum when the plan runs out.
Beyond origin stories, this conversation explores:
— How founders know when it’s time to commit
— Building without burning out
— Letting response, not perfection, guide growth
— Why alignment often matters more than timing
This episode blends ambition and care—and leaves us with a question worth sitting with:
When an idea keeps asking for more of you, what does it mean to say yes?If this conversation resonated, subscribe to The Dean’s List, share it with someone building thoughtfully, and leave a review with the moment that stayed with you.
Watch the full episode:
https://www.youtube.com/@itsofficialdeanslist/videos
Learn more: officialdeanslist.com
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