In this episode, Dustin talks with James Johnson, CEO and founder of Peer Effect in the UK. James coaches other founders and CEOs on how to navigate and manage pivotal shifts in their business and personal life. James also runs his own podcast, Future Fit Founder, where he sits down with founders and CEOs as they discuss situations which would normally stay confidential so that others can learn from their mistakes and successes. If you’re a founder who’s reached that pivotal moment in your business where you’re extremely burnt out but still overflowing with big ideas and not sure what your next step is, this episode is for you! 

3 POWs of this episode: 

It’s not selfish to put yourself first as a founder/CEO.

‘Work life integration’ is a better approach than ‘work life balance’.

You can work less, while making more money. 

Time Stamps

2:45 - James explains what drove him to become a founder coach. 

4:20 - James and Dustin discuss the fallacy that the only way to succeed is to work harder and harder. 

5:10 - A founder who’s stressed is not making good decisions—why founders need to put themselves first.

8:00 - The importance of knowing when it’s time to bring in a coach. 

11:00 - Work Life Integration Vs. Work Life Balance: What’s the difference?

14:00 - The value in planning backwards in business.

16:10 - Successful businesses all start with a clear vision. 

17:10 - James outlines the top things he hears from founders after they’ve worked with him.

19:55 - James opens up about what makes him the happiest as a coach. 

20:40 - How James is managing fatherhood and running a new business after a 5-year struggle with infertility.

25:25-  Dustin talks about him and his wife’s own struggles with infertility. 

27:00 - It’s not about running faster, it’s about running smarter.

32:55 - How James was able to increase his income while working fewer hours. 

33:30 - James illustrates how his definition of success has changed over the years. 

36:55 - What training for a triathlon taught James about business and life. 

40:10 - Why James quit drinking alcohol. 

42:50 - James leaves us with a powerful message to reflect on.

Want to connect with James?

Follow him on LinkedIn.

Check out the Peer Effect Website.

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