Episode: The Framework, the Flywheel, and What's Coming in 2026 (Part 1 of 3)

Episode Overview

In this first episode of a three-part series, Mark Aylward and Jim Gurulé lay out what's coming for Imperfect Men's Club in 2026 and revisit the core framework that has guided the podcast from the beginning.

This episode is about structure. Not the soul-crushing kind, but the kind that helps men organize the noise of life, identity, work, and relationships into something usable. Mark and Jim unpack their "Wheel of Life" framework, also called the flywheel, and explain why it matters more now than ever.

They also share updates on rebuilding the IMC website, working with AI as "amplified intelligence," and preparing to offer consulting and coaching services individually and together.

Why a Framework Matters

There's more information than ever and less clarity to go with it.

Mark and Jim argue that without a framework, life turns into mental hallucinations, reactive decisions, and identity confusion. The IMC framework acts as a container. A way to categorize experience, make sense of complexity, and have meaningful conversations without spinning out.

They describe the framework as:

• A wheel

• A flywheel

• A container

• A structure Different words. Same goal: clarity.

The Center of the Wheel: The Self

At the center of everything is Self.

Two key elements are emphasized:

1. Self-Awareness

The starting point for all growth. Especially difficult for men as they age and default to autopilot, career identity, or distraction.

2. Self-Identity

Newly emphasized heading into 2026. Who you believe you are, how that identity evolves, and how your personal brand shows up in the world. Identity isn't static. If it is, that's usually the problem.

Without awareness and identity, the rest of the wheel collapses.

The Five Areas of Life (The Wheel) 1. Profession

For men, work is often the backbone of identity.

The framework separates profession into two major paths:

• Employee

  • Corporate

  • Government / public service

• Entrepreneur

  • Business owner

  • Freelancer / owner-operator

They discuss how identity loss often happens when careers change, end, or no longer fit, and why this moment in history, especially with AI, creates massive opportunity if navigated intentionally.

2. Worldview

Your relationship with the world.

This area covers how beliefs are formed and reinforced, often without examination.

Two major influences:

• Politics

  • Framed intentionally as "red team" and "blue team" to avoid tribal trigger words

  • Emphasis on perspective over fanaticism

• Childhood

  • When and where you grew up

  • Family systems, spirituality, culture, and heritage

Worldview shapes how men interpret everything from success to conflict to purpose.

3. Relationships (People)

How you relate to others, especially men and women.

Mark and Jim emphasize that men and women are different and that understanding, not erasing, those differences is key to healthy relationships. This area explores how relational dynamics affect identity, purpose, and alignment across life.

(This section continues and deepens in future episodes.)

AI, Agents, and Accountability

AI is framed as a tool, not a replacement for humans.

Jim emphasizes the growing importance of agents. Human guides who help filter noise, provide perspective, hold accountability, and bring clarity to decision-making.

The future isn't AI alone. It's AI plus human judgment.

What's Coming Next

• A refreshed IMC website and visual framework

• Expanded content around the Wheel of Life

• Individual and joint consulting and coaching services

• Deeper dives into each area of the framework in upcoming episodes

• Personal episodes where Mark and Jim share their own lived experiences inside the wheel

Key Takeaways

• Structure creates freedom, not limitation

• Identity without reflection leads to drift

• Most problems aren't isolated. They're imbalance

• You don't need more information. You need better containers

• Nobody builds a meaningful life alone

Next 2 Episodes: Jim and Mark interview each other using the wheel as a frame for each interview

Because clarity is boring. But necessary.