A sudden diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare and potentially fatal immune disorder, changed everything. I went from boardrooms to hospital beds, from conference calls to critical care. The timing could not have been worse, as it came just four months after launching my latest venture, Legacy Leader. It was the hardest leadership lesson I’ve ever had to learn: You cannot be a great leader if you abandon your own health.

Health was never the priority, until it had to be

As leaders, we often push our well-being to the back burner. We’re taught to be resilient, to show up no matter what. We wear our exhaustion like a badge of honor. But here’s the truth: Leadership doesn’t mean sacrificing yourself for the mission. It means feeling good enough to sustain it.

In the months leading up to my diagnosis, the signs were there, but I brushed them off. Persistent fatigue, trouble focusing and digestive issues that just wouldn’t go away. I chalked it up to stress or “just a busy season.” I kept telling myself, “I’ll rest after this project,” or “I just need to push through a little longer.” But HLH doesn’t wait. And it doesn’t care about your to-do list.

That diagnosis forced me into a new kind of leadership. One that required listening to my body, honoring my limits and choosing recovery over performance. And, more than that, it forced me to confront something deeper: I had attached so much of my identity to my ability to perform that I didn’t know who I was without the hustle.

You can’t be indispensable, and that’s a good thing

One of the first fears that hit me in the hospital was, “What happens to the company if I’m not there?” Like many business leaders, I had built something that, in some ways, depended too heavily on me. That fear taught me to embrace a new truth: The best leaders build organizations that thrive in their absence.

I began putting systems in place so my team could make decisions without me. We mapped out contingency plans. I trained team leads to run key meetings, gave them real authority and practiced letting go. What I discovered surprised me: The more I empowered others, the more confident and capable they became.

That experience showed me that delegation isn’t just efficient. It’s an act of trust. And trust is one of the most powerful currencies in leadership. Your legacy isn’t what happens while you’re in the room. It’s what happens when you’re not.

Don’t come back too soon

After the worst had passed, I wanted to jump back into work. That was my default setting: show strength, bounce back, don’t miss a beat. But this time, I paused. I realized that rushing back wouldn’t help my team. It would only model unsustainable behavior. So, I chose to rest. And, when I did come back, I chose to take breaks often.

That choice wasn’t easy. I wrestled with guilt, fear and the nagging belief that I was falling behind. But I came to understand something I wish I’d known earlier: True leadership isn’t about always being “on.” It’s about making smart decisions, even when they’re uncomfortable. And, sometimes, the smartest choice is to heal.

Taking care of myself wasn’t selfish. It was strategic. It allowed me to come back stronger, clearer and more connected to my purpose. It also gave my team permission to care for themselves too.

A few things I wish I’d known earlier

If you’re a business leader reading this, let me offer a few practical things I’ve learned the hard way:

• Treat your annual checkups like board meetings. Put them on the calendar and make them nonnegotiable.
• Document how your company runs. Train someone to take over core responsibilities in case you’re out unexpectedly.
• Schedule recovery time, not just vacation. Plan actual days where you unplug, whether it’s time outdoors, time offline or time with no obligations.
• Pay close attention to physical signals. That recurring headache or chest tightness isn’t just “background noise.” Get curious.
• Set limits with intention. Saying no to one project might allow you to say yes to your long-term health.
• Create a written plan, both for your absence and for your return. Make resilience part of how you build your business.

We can no longer afford to see health as something we address only when it breaks down. Prevention isn’t a luxury. It’s leadership.

The real ROI

HLH changed my life. It stripped away the illusion that I could keep going forever and replaced it with clarity, purpose and peace. Today, I lead differently. I live differently. And I share my story in the hopes that others won’t have to learn the hard way.

In my book, Your Way Back to Happy: How to Turn the Pain of Your Past Into a Future of Freedom, Purpose, and Peace, I write about how to reevaluate what success truly means and a new way to live with intention, peace and joy.

Don’t wait for a diagnosis to start leading differently. Your health isn’t a distraction from your goals. It’s the foundation that makes everything else possible.

Photo courtesy of Janelle Bruland

The post What a Health Crisis Taught Me About Leadership appeared first on SUCCESS.

And while Dwyer looks forward to her regular hair appointment, it’s nothing compared to the joy and fulfillment she’s experienced as a health coach on a mission to help people with multiple sclerosis take charge of their health—and change their lives in the process. MS is an unpredictable autoimmune disease that causes the breakdown of nerves’ protective covering; it impacts nearly 3 million people worldwide.

While Dwyer doesn’t have an MD, RN or a PT after her name, she offers something many health care professionals don’t: lived experience with multiple sclerosis and its physical, mental and emotional toll. Though her diagnosis in 2011 hardly felt like a gift, navigating lifestyle changes, mindset shifts and daily challenges has become her greatest asset as a coach and founder.

When Dwyer learned that MS was responsible for the right-sided numbness she’d been experiencing, she had a 7-year-old, a brand-new baby and an inexplicable sense that everything was going to be OK. While she acknowledges it sounds strange, she was struck by an inner knowing that said, “You’re beating this.”

Though her instincts were right, there was no shortage of hurdles along the way. From optic neuritis to crushing fatigue, an episode of acute swelling in her brain and weekly injections of an immunosuppressant that forced her into bed for entire weekends, Dwyer struggled to handle her new diagnosis along with motherhood, a full-time marketing manager position and what she describes as a toxic relationship.

Within a few years, she’d withdrawn from most social activities, but when her illness forced her to step away from work, “I felt like I buried myself and my confidence 6 feet under,” she recalls. Things got worse when her partner left at Christmas about a decade ago.

Two weeks later, she attended a conference that would change her life. There, she was asked to reflect on what she was grateful for. Initially, she drew a blank. Until she realized she had not been responsible for herself and her own actions. Waking up to that reality, she describes, “was like a wet fish across the face.”

One year later, Dwyer’s energy had returned, she was off the immunosuppressants that gave her flu-like symptoms, and her doctor said her MS lesions had shrunk. Most importantly, she was finding joy and peace again. She remembers leaving the clinic that day and pausing to smell the flowers. Her doctor told her, “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

While she made many lifestyle changes that year, including experimenting with diet and movement, she also shifted her attitude. Instead of “white-knuckling the whole thing” and feeling desperate for each new supplement or lifestyle change to work, she took a more relaxed approach, viewing each treatment as an experiment.

Over time, she learned that, along with subtle changes to her routines including eating, moving and even breathing differently, gratitude played a significant role in her health. “It does prime and rewire your brain,” she explains. Inspired, she published a gratitude journal in hopes of giving others the chance to benefit from a gratitude practice.

But that was just the beginning. Dwyer started spending hours on the phone with strangers seeking MS support and advice. While she’s adamant that “I don’t have a cure for MS,” Dwyer was always happy to share her story in hopes that others could learn from it. “Then, I would start waking up at 4 a.m. being like, ‘I forgot to tell her this!’”

Eventually, Dwyer quit her corporate job to coach full time. “It was a really exciting time, but I had no idea how to run a health business program online,” Dwyer admits. So while she was busy helping people find holistic, personalized ways to improve their health and quality of life, building relationships and garnering testimonials without a sustainable business plan, her bank account rapidly shrank.

Dywer wasn’t about to let finances stop her, though. “We exist to bridge the gap between the medical model and everyday life,” she says, and given the breadth of that gap, walking away was not an option. Instead, she did something completely novel—she asked for help. First, she got a loan from her mom. Next, she engaged a business mentor.

With support, Dwyer has grown her business exponentially. Today, she says her team includes more than a dozen practitioners, including a neurologist, a naturopath and a habit coach, just to name a few, as well as administrative staff. Her clients, who hail from 27 countries, are offered as many as a dozen virtual group coaching sessions each week, where they can access the strategies, community and hope they need to envision a brighter future.

Though it’s evolved over the years, Dwyer’s business has always been true to its mission: Changing lives by giving individuals like her the tools to take charge of their health, one person at a time.

What sets Dwyer apart is her multifaceted, holistic approach. “We meet people where they are at,” Dwyer says. “It’s not a cookie-cutter program. It’s not like you have to go vegan or do these crazy workouts or meditate for three hours a day,” she explains. “It’s like your neighbor next door putting their arms around you and saying, ‘I’ve got you, and we’re gonna work with what you’re doing right now,’” Dwyer says.

Instead of attempting to make sweeping changes overnight, the focus is on small, sustainable adjustments. Dwyer’s approach empowers clients to make the right daily “micro decisions” in order to change the mindset and habits that may be holding them back.

After all, it was a series of micro decisions, beginning with adopting an attitude of gratitude, that started Dwyer on the healing journey that evolved into a coaching business that’s changing lives worldwide. 

This article originally appeared in the September/October 2025 issue of SUCCESS magazine.

EDITOR’S NOTE: CONSIDER CONSULTING WITH YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY MAJOR CHANGES TO YOUR CARE PLAN.

Photo of Karen Dwyer from ©Fiona Madden Photography

The post How MS Health Coach Karen Dwyer turned health around — and found a new business appeared first on SUCCESS.

That’s where the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) comes in. Since 2005, this nonprofit has been rewriting what’s possible for underserved amputees in Latin America and, in the process, redefining what it means to create impact.

Mobility is more than movement

ROMP’s philosophy is simple but profound, where mobility equals empowerment. And movement doesn’t just mean moving from point A to point B; it means freedom. Freedom to participate in life, to chase dreams, and to take control of the future.

“ROMP is a nonprofit organization working to make immobility a thing of the past,” says Jonathan Naber, the nonprofit’s Executive Director. “Our mission is to ensure access to high-quality prosthetic care for underserved people, improving their mobility and independence. Our locally staffed clinics in Guatemala and Ecuador provide life-changing care and rehabilitation to hundreds of patients each year.”

The organization has already delivered more than 6,000 prostheses, logged nearly 20,000 patient visits, and developed innovative community-based rehabilitation programs. “The moments that most stand out to me include opening our clinics in Guatemala and Ecuador, launching our Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, and beginning to use microprocessor (computerized) knees with patients,” says Naber.

Every prosthetic ROMP fits represents more than a device. It’s a second chance at life and a return to independence. And behind every number is a story. “We have seen thousands of patients over the years, each of whom have their own story of loss, determination, and achievement,” Naber explains. One such success story is about Cristóbal, who was referred to ROMP after losing his leg at the hip due to cancer. “He was wheelchair-bound and emotionally shut off from the world. He received prosthetic care at ROMP, and today he is a happy teenager who plays soccer and wants to be a doctor. The transformation is incredible, and it happens every day at ROMP,” beams Naber.

Tackling barriers 

In countries like Ecuador, challenges for amputees go far beyond access to a prosthetic limb. “The few clinics that provide care are often expensive and do not provide the full range of services a patient needs,” says Naber. “Without care, people with amputation cannot walk, and they struggle with the mental, economic, and social impacts of their immobility.” ROMP addresses these barriers through mobile clinics and local outreach to remote parts of these countries in order to reduce the geographic barrier patients face to receiving care. Their community health workers, or mobilizers as they are called, visit the most vulnerable patients in their homes before and after they receive their prostheses, helping improve their mental health, physical mobility and livelihood.

Education and awareness are equally important. “One of the biggest barriers people with disabilities face is simply knowing where they can get help,” Naber notes. “In both Guatemala and Ecuador, we are deeply involved in empowering people on a community level to identify disabling conditions—amputation as well as others—and referring people to the services they need.” This is part of ROMP’s approach to not only provide services, but develop the rehabilitation systems for more holistic care.

Innovation through recycling

One of ROMP’s most creative programs is Components for a Cause (C4C), which works to give already existing prosthetic parts a second life. Components that might otherwise sit in storage or go to waste in the U.S. are shipped to ROMP’s clinics, to be refurbished and fitted to patients in need.

“Around 95% of the prosthetic components our clinics use—like feet, knees, and liners—are recycled in high-income markets,” Naber notes. “Clinics and individuals donate new and gently used items and we sort, clean, check, and export them to our Guatemala and Ecuador operations. We tag each item with a QR code and inform the donor when it is deployed with a patient.”

This circular economy of prosthetics means donors can see first-hand the direct impact of their contributions, and patients gain access to world-class technology that might otherwise have been out of reach, a win-win for all.

Measuring success 

But for ROMP, success isn’t just about numbers. “Our patients are multifaceted people, and our definition of success goes far beyond simply delivering their prosthesis,” says Naber. “We measure our patients’ physical mobility, mental health, and productive activities, and we target their needs in these different areas through our wide-ranging clinical and community-based services.”

As patients regain independence, a ripple effect begins to take place. Families stabilize and communities benefit from increased productivity and mentorship. Receiving prosthetic rehabilitation helps a person with amputation to be physically mobile again. They can stand, walk, and move, which allows them to return to work, support their family, and contribute to their community. Many patients then become peer mentors to other patients, sharing their lived experience of amputation.

Partnerships and impact

ROMP’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Outdoor gear company Cotopaxi, known for its commitment to impact-driven initiatives, has been a key partner in expanding the nonprofit’s reach. “Our partnership with ROMP began in 2020, when we were looking for organizations addressing critical gaps in healthcare access in Latin America,” says Charlie Clark, Director of Philanthropy at the company. “We were drawn to ROMP because of their deep roots in Ecuador, their trusted relationships with local and federal governments, and their collaborative approach with medical practitioners on the ground.” Over the years, this has grown into something that goes far beyond funding as these two allies work toward amplifying their impact and sharing their story with a broader audience.

For the brand, this mission strikes at the heart of their values. “At Cotopaxi, we believe poverty alleviation and health equity are deeply connected,” Clark adds. “Lack of access to quality healthcare is one of the strongest indicators of poverty, and limb loss is a significant and often overlooked barrier to economic mobility and wellbeing.” Clark also notes that Ecuador has a disproportionately high number of people living with limb loss, often due to infrastructure challenges and limited access to prosthetic care. Hence, ROMP’s model of combining technical expertise, local partnerships, and holistic rehabilitation, is both highly effective and deeply human. 

This partnership underscores how mobility is not only a matter of individual transformation but also a collective responsibility. By bringing together nonprofits, corporate partners and communities, ROMP is creating change that extends far beyond a single prosthetic.

Looking ahead

ROMP’s ambitions are as bold as the impact it is already making. After 20 years in Guatemala and Ecuador, ROMP is looking to expand globally using a partnership model. The strategy for the next three years includes meeting the demand in Guatemala and Ecuador and sharing their Mobility Toolkit model with the rest of the world to make immobility a thing of the past. To that end, Naber calls upon anyone who wants to play a role to make a one-time donation or become a Monthly Mobility Member to their mission.

The vision is indeed bold: a world where mobility is not a privilege for the wealthy but a universally recognized right irrespective of economic status or geographic proximity. Or, as Naber puts it: “We don’t just build prosthetics. We build futures.”

Photo courtesy of Karthika Gupta

The post The Range of Motion Project Restores Mobility and Dignity to Amputees by Providing Access to Prosthetics appeared first on SUCCESS.

This daily ritual is more than a feel-good moment, though. Research shows regular affirmations can lower stress, boost well-being, increase academic performance and make people more likely to change their behavior. These are benefits any leader needs in today’s challenging business environment.

The power of positivity

Stevens learned the power of positive words from his parents, who asked their children to choose an affirmation each morning. “Their thing was [to] say a word in the morning that you want to live by for the day. And it had to be some kind of positive affirmation,” Stevens recalls.

Now, he’s passing this tradition to his daughters with a twist. Instead of changing daily, their family uses the same four affirmations consistently: Be smart, be strong, be kind and be you.

Each phrase carries a deeper meaning. “Be smart” isn’t just about mental smarts. “Certainly to be smart in school but the focus is talking about making smart decisions,” Stevens explains.

Being strong goes beyond physical strength to “being strong in character.” Being kind starts with others, but it also includes self-compassion because “true kindness and love comes from loving yourself and being kind to yourself.”

The final affirmation—be you—encourages authenticity. It means “coming to any space, any community, any environment, authentically you. And not having to compromise who you are, what you believe.”

His teenage daughters have embraced the practice, even reminding their parents when they forget. “They’ll be like, ‘Hey, what about our daily affirmations?’ That’s awesome,” Stevens says.

Leading with affirmation

This morning ritual has transformed Stevens’ leadership approach at Big Brothers Big Sisters. “The way I try to come into leading and being in the job or in any career has been… [to] create an environment where hopefully people feel safe.” He focuses on building what he calls a “village” culture. “Everybody has a role. Everybody plays a part, and everybody’s valued,” he says.

For leaders wanting to start their own affirmation practice, Stevens offers practical advice. “Everything starts with a step. And that step doesn’t have to be a leap,” he says. Stevens warns against society’s pressure to make dramatic changes. Instead, small, consistent steps build trust and connection over time.

“We’re going to take a step to start doing [affirmations] as a family. And then it would lead to other things,” Stevens explains. Those small beginnings evolved into family dinners, celebration rituals and moments of reflection. And it’s something he carries into his own work as a CEO.

Affirmations to start your practice

Whether you’re leading a family or a Fortune 500 company, these affirmations can help you start your day in the right way.

For Personal Growth:

• I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.
• I choose progress over perfection.
• My challenges help me grow stronger.

For Leadership:

• I create space for others to succeed.
• I lead with empathy and understanding.
• My team’s success is my success.
• Our differences make us stronger.

The key is consistency. Pick affirmations that resonate with your values and repeat them daily—even when you don’t feel like it.

Stevens’ morning ritual proves that sometimes the most powerful tools are the simplest ones, shared in the quiet moments before the day begins.

Photo from fizkes/Shutterstock.com

The post Transform Your Team With Daily Affirmations appeared first on SUCCESS.

Practitioners like her, she says, are often expected to “have it all together.”

“I certainly don’t,” Rippy admits. “I’m a human with my own experiences and stressors, just like my clients.”

It’s a tension many founders and professionals quietly wrestle with.

A 2024 New Zealand study of 1,678 suicides over five years found that about 12% of cases—meaning 1 out of 8 suicides—were linked to work-related stress. A 2021 study conducted in Canada revealed that 56% of entrepreneurs reported weekly mental health concerns, while 3 of 5 said depression disrupted their ability to work every week. 

The figures tell a dark story. There is a growing strain that endangers not only the well-being of entrepreneurs but also the stability of the economy they help sustain.  

This September, during National Suicide Prevention Month, we hope to shine a light on the challenges entrepreneurs face and the urgent need to address them.

Why entrepreneurship feeds stress

Financial stress is a recurring pain point for many entrepreneurs. 

A 2021 FreshBooks report found that 44% of participants identified financial stress as one of the biggest challenges of being self-employed. 

Dan Fabrizi experienced this firsthand, when he left the safety net of a salaried senior vice president role to set up his real estate company Burgh2Bay Partners.

The CEO recalls his early days: “I had to relearn how to manage my money and make sure that funds were available not only now but for months in advance because of how fluid the real estate market can be.” 

Financial strain rarely disappears, and the market can flip without warning. But over time, Fabrizi learned to manage anxiety by communicating candidly with his investors at every stage and showing he’s doing his utmost. 

For business owners wearing the legal hat themselves, regulatory hurdles can be a headache. 

Jennifer Street, founder of the ornament company Forged Flare, often finds herself grappling with cross-state regulations and fending off copycats.

“There are so many regulations that it makes it hard to stay compliant and meet all the various states’ demands and requirements,” she says. 

Street’s struggle reflects a broader trend. In a 2024 Small Business Index survey, 47% of small businesses said they spent too much time navigating legal requirements, while 51% reported that regulatory compliance hindered their growth.  

For Karen Hastie, who has weathered plenty as a founder with thriving ventures spanning fitness and tech, her heaviest burden is the one she says many downplay as manageable—identity.

Being a woman in male-dominated industries means facing constant stereotypes around gender and age and carrying extra weight just to stand on level ground, says the founder of the Chamber Perks app. As a single mom, Hastie also feels compelled to be a role model for her daughter and a trusted presence in her community. 

Hastie’s experience is shared by many others in the field. A 2025 study published in Small Business Economics showed that female entrepreneurs often face self-doubt, social pressure and even discrimination from investors.

In the startup world, pressures look different for different business owners, but their toll is the same: constant stressors put the mind and body in survival mode for long stretches. 

Therapist Shantalea Johns, Ed.D., explains that when the nervous system reads a situation as a threat, it activates the sympathetic response—fight, flight, freeze or fawn.

“In this state, your heart rate can increase, cortisol levels can elevate and alertness can heighten,” she explains. “When the nervous system stays dysregulated, the risk of developing anxiety disorders, depression and burnout increases.”

Stress is inevitable, says psychotherapist Nicole Issa from PVD Psychological Associates, and while we can’t remove all the triggers, we need to seek help when we’re stressed to the point that even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

But the hardest part isn’t always finding the help—it’s acknowledging we need it.

Confronting the image trap

That was the dilemma Jensen Savage faced in the early days of her startup. Fearing her honesty might undermine her professional standing, the CEO of business growth agency Savage Growth Partners decided to show only her best self—a “self-imposed narrative,” as she later realized.  

The award-winning marketer acknowledges: “That mindset can make it hard to admit when you’re stressed out, because you don’t want to be perceived as weak.” 

Her outlook wasn’t unique. Startup Snapshot’s April 2023 report showed 72% of founders report mental health issues—44% tied to high stress—yet 81% mostly keep their fears and struggles to themselves.

Also, few can afford to be seen as weak, especially in today’s algorithm-driven marketplace where the feed favors polished personas.

“Social media is a highlight reel, and for business owners, it’s also a storefront,” says Francheska Stone, creator of 9 to 5 Mom With a Pod, a coaching platform that helps working mothers build their own businesses. 

As a Latina mom in the public eye, the podcaster often feels compelled to share inspiring content to stay on-brand while feeling the opposite. Stone tries to balance professionalism and transparency by opening up about her struggles without oversharing. 

According to therapist Margaret Gaddis from Key Counseling Group, although it can be seen as a career and a worthy pursuit, performing success online isn’t healthy mentally, as it fuels a culture of living in performance gear. Lasting success, she says, depends on rest and recovery, and entrepreneurs need to start talking about the importance of dialing down the digital noise once in a while. 

Echoing the sentiment, biosocial scientist and Purdue University professor Scott Hutcheson, Ph.D., says projecting success nonstop is stress-inducing at the biological level. The brain reads the gap between outward image and inner state as a social danger and can trigger a stress response that erode motivation and resilience.

“My advice is to create intentional ‘offline’ zones in your week where you aren’t performing for an audience,” says Hutcheson. “Let those moments be about genuine connection, not content production.”

When burnout hits

Stressors are like bricks in a backpack—each adds weight until they break you. 

For Street, her breaking point last year was the culmination of years of work-related strain, compounded by a bumpy post-surgery recovery that collided with her company’s busiest time of year. “I couldn’t give it my all physically or emotionally, and that was crushing,” she recalls. Drained by a disappointing sales season, Street wrestled with staying the course.

What Street experienced is a typical case of burnout, which, Johns explains, sets in when you feel emotionally drained, fatigued and a loss of purpose. It can also show up as procrastination, disengagement and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Burnout can also show up in subtler biological signals.

Hutcheson observes that burnout often first appears in subtle shifts in everyday patterns, like disrupted sleep, appetite changes or social withdrawal.  

Noting that these signs can pass unnoticed and worsen over time, Hutcheson advises: “A helpful prevention tactic is what I call a ‘biological baseline.’ Keep a personal record of what normal feels like for you in energy, mood and focus, so you can spot deviations early.” 

“If things are trending downward,” he adds, “treat it as a signal to slow down and seek support before it becomes a crisis.”

Spotting burnout early is just step one; the real work is knowing how to manage the symptoms. 

Managing burnout

In a 2024 doctoral study, Shanna A. Jefferson identified five strategies that support mental health and boost business outcomes: self-care, boundaries, exercise, mentorship and personal development. Applying these strategies—according to the study—can help entrepreneurs achieve greater work-life balance.

For Street, who experienced a health scare amid business challenges, self-care became the turning point toward recovery. She learned to slow down and manage her medical conditions proactively, add mindfulness breaks and home-cooked meals to her daily routine, reduce screen distractions and record small daily wins.

She’s also exercising again. “My husband and I renewed our Peloton subscription and added a vibration platform to our routine,” says Street. “Even 20 minutes of cardio each morning has made a huge difference.” 

Street’s approach mirrors the very strategy Hutcheson highlights as essential for staying grounded in a stressful environment. That is: to build tiny daily rituals that foster a sense of safety and remind you that you’re not in immediate danger.

“Second, create a trusted circle where you can speak without self-censorship,” adds Hutcheson. “The nervous system calms when it feels socially anchored.”

Having a support system—in Issa’s view—is vital for founders’ well-being since entrepreneurship could be an immersive, often messy lifestyle. That has been incredibly true for Street and Stone, who credit their resilience to the enduring support of their husbands. 

Beyond immediate family, entrepreneurs can also turn to peers, business coaches or therapists for mentorship and guidance. Seeking therapy, for instance, allows entrepreneurs a safe setting to address their emotional struggles, says Johns. “True resilience is not about doing it all alone; it is about knowing when to bring in support so you can keep moving forward,” she says.   

Another key consideration is setting boundaries, which, according to research, are a frontline defense against burnout. Applied to Jensen’s lens, boundaries can look like maintaining a sense of self that isn’t tied to your business, but building routines and setting guardrails early on.

Healthy routines, in Hastie’s view, mean “building in breaks, delegating when possible, having honest conversations with your team and recognizing when you need help.” 

Building on this, Issa advises carving out time to rest properly, including occasional long weekends. Getting sufficient sleep daily, she notes, is essential for helping the mind reset and for the body to better handle stress.

In closing, it helps to step back and consider the bigger picture—entrepreneurship is a worthy pursuit, but it’s not a universal fit.

Hutcheson observes that some people thrive in high-stakes environments while, for others, the toll is biologically unsustainable. Your fit for entrepreneurship hinges on how you respond to prolonged uncertainty and irregularity, he notes, and it pays to be honest with yourself about your limitations. Remember: Your business will never outweigh your well-being. 

“I’ve seen owners choose to step away, not because they failed, but because the toll on their well-being was too great,” says Hutcheson. “That can be the healthiest choice they ever make.”

And choosing what’s best for your well-being also means knowing where to turn when you need help. Here’s a roundup of trusted hotlines and organizations offering mental health and professional support to entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Phone numbers for round-the-clock support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: text or call 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): offers a HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA

Support resources for business owners

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): a government agency offering support to small businesses, from affordable loan connections to business development training.

SCORE: a nonprofit that matches entrepreneurs with volunteer mentors for free, industry-specific advice. 

Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic: offers in-person free legal counseling sessions with volunteer attorneys for entrepreneurs with limited resources. 

IRS Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center: a centralized hub for small-business and self-employed tax guidance. 

National APEX Accelerator Alliance: connects small businesses with government contracts through 90+ programs and 300+ offices nationwide. 

Amazon Small Business Academy: offers free educational resources including on-demand classes, peer networks and step-by-step guides for starting or growing a business, including specific tools for selling on Amazon.

Photo by David Gyung/Shutterstock

The post Behind the Hustle: The Quiet Mental Health Crisis Among Small Business Owners appeared first on SUCCESS.

Here’s why the curve exists: When you’re young, you’re typically still under the care of your parents and or grandparents and have fewer responsibilities. As you finish schooling and enter “adult life,” the stresses and responsibilities build, especially as you’re responsible for yourself and maybe others. As you enter the older years, you’ve most likely figured a few things out and are in a more stable place.

The happiness curve remained predictable for years, until the addition of the latest generation of young people. Researchers in the Global Flourishing Study, in partnership with Harvard and Baylor universities, found that Gen Z is flattening the happiness curve.

The happiness curve data explained

The Global Flourishing Study analyzed data collected by Gallup from more than 200,000 people in 22 countries. The researchers found that people between the ages of 18 and 29 (usually called Gen Z), had their happiness dip earlier than has been typical. 

The study showed Gen Z is experiencing poor mental and physical health, negative perceptions of self, struggles to find meaning in life, challenges creating financial security and questioning their relationships.

Dominique Pritchett, Psy.D, is the founder of Speak to the Soul, a mental health and wellness consultancy. She’s also a licensed clinical social worker who says the data regarding Gen Z, happiness and mental health struggles is accurate and something she’s seen in her practice. She says Gen Z has experienced life events that are shaping their perspective on happiness and personal development.

“When we think about Gen Z [who] grew up in the middle of school shootings, climate emergencies, political division….,” says Pritchett. “I find that they struggle with just having a carefree sense of who they are.”

They [Gen Z] are rejecting traditional markers of success, of happiness, of enjoyment, and they’re not experiencing [them],” she adds.

But young people aren’t doomed to be unhappy. Here are five practical ways Gen Z can find satisfaction in their lives and work. 

1. Incorporate therapy as a regular part of your development

One way to achieve more satisfaction and better mental health is to get help. Incorporating therapy as a part of personal development allows you to vent, learn healthy coping mechanisms and not let negative thoughts spiral. 

By prioritizing your mental health and engaging in regular personal development, you can remain happy at any age. Therapy is practical and important.

Pritchett says therapy is a great way to help Gen Z redefine what hope looks like and can empower them to be true to who they are. She advises acknowledging what you’re experiencing is real and redefining what you want success and happiness markers to be.

2. Put in the work to get clear on your purpose

You can’t accomplish your life and career goals without clarity on your overall purpose for wanting to achieve those goals. Purpose, or a sense of meaning, is more important than pleasure when it comes to happiness, according to a study by the ESCP Business School. 

The research investigated how meaning impacted life satisfaction levels in 2,615 people across six continents and with different cultural contexts. 

Finding, understanding and accepting your purpose is not easy, but personal development work can bring clarity and, by extension, more happiness. 

Annie Cole, Ed.D. has worked with Gen Z in multiple capacities and says they’re burned out and trying to find purpose and work-life balance, which is what’s contributing overall to the happiness decline.

“They just don’t know what they’re working toward or what they’re working for. And even if they do put in all of their best efforts, it may not lead to success, like being able to buy a home or retire, that the previous generations had. So they’re really in a hard spot,” says Cole. 

Take the time to figure out what your purpose is. That can happen in therapy, through a supportive community of friends and colleagues, reading, consuming personal development content on YouTube and through deep thought about what you want for your life.

3. Find opportunities to earn more money

The things we want and need in life cost money. If you don’t have enough money, it creates stress and uncertainty. A survey by the American Psychological Association showed money is a significant stressor for 82% of 18–34 year olds. 

“There’s this… statement, or I would say, a myth that money doesn’t buy happiness, and I feel like while money doesn’t buy happiness, it does allow you to invest in or to purchase things that make you happy,” says Shameca Tankerson, founder and CEO of Shameca International, a business growth consultancy.

Tankerson helps people break through revenue ceilings faster and redefine what’s possible around money. She recently took a trip to Spain and rented an apartment for two months without worrying about money. 

“[I was] able to jump on a train one day and go to Rome… and [another day] to Venice….” she says. “I couldn’t do that without money. To be able to fly there first class and not have to think about it was an amazing feeling… And I just think we need to redefine what makes us happy and find something that you love to do.” 

Stress about finances leads to less satisfaction in life and is a factor in decreasing happiness. Today’s digital age means you can have side hustles and income streams online that complement a traditional career role without having to leave your home.

4. Cultivate relationships

According to the American Psychiatric Association, “30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, while 10% say they are lonely every day.” Loneliness is an epidemic, especially among Gen Z. Fifty-three percent reported feeling lonely in one survey.

Great relationships, community and involvement with people who care about you will help you feel good and contribute to life satisfaction. Elevate who’s allowed in your circle of relationships and connections and choose those who make you feel welcome and loved. 

Ron Douglas, a business owner, real estate investor and someone who’s created his own financial freedom, says comparison is the thief of joy and community is important. 

“Run your own race; stop looking at others. Look at compar[ing] yourself to yourself, like, are you better than you were yesterday?… Use that as a barometer to… making progress,” he says.

Douglas suggests surrounding yourself with positive people if you’re trying to succeed. Be around people who are doing the same things that you’re trying to do. He suggests joining groups (such as on social media or Meetup groups) and attending educational events. He contends that the “joy is in the journey,” and the destination is a bonus. 

5. Live an intentional life full of experiences

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life, focusing on what needs to be done and bills that need to be paid. Before you know it, you’ve accumulated things rather than experiences, which affects happiness. 

You’ll feel alive when you’re living. As your finances permit, travel more—even if it’s locally at first. Walk more and get to know your neighbors. Pick up hobbies and spend less time on a screen. Living intentionally and adding more experiences to your life will have a positive effect on happiness. 

The data may show that Gen Z is flattening the happiness curve, but that doesn’t have to be your experience or life. You can work on your personal and professional development and be the outlier in the data as you live a satisfied and happy life.

Photo courtesy of DavideAngelini/Shutterstock

The post 5 Ways Gen Z Can Find Happiness in Work and Life appeared first on SUCCESS.

In 2010 only 6,200 audiobooks were published, and a 2012 Pew Research report found that just 11% of Americans aged 16 and older had consumed at least one audiobook that year. By 2021, the number of published audiobooks had surged to roughly 74,000, and Edison Research reported in 2024 that 52% of U.S. adults have tried an audiobook—translating to 137 million Americans—with 38% saying they have listened to one in the past year. This significant growth is attributed to several factors, such as the appeal of multitasking and technology accessibility with smartphones and streaming services.

However, despite their widespread appeal, audiobooks are sometimes viewed as a lazy means to an end. Traditional reading is often celebrated for its cognitive advantages, but could audiobooks offer similar brain-boosting benefits?

To explore this, I spoke with neuroscientist Paul J. Zak, Ph.D., whose lab conducted extensive research on the effects of storytelling on the brain. Here are some of the benefits of audiobooks.

1. Audiobooks Can Release Feel-Good Chemicals

As social beings, the human brain is wired for storytelling. Our ancestors relied on stories for millennia to share culture, gain wisdom and build relationships. So it makes sense that an engaging, memorable narrative would have a positive effect on our brains, releasing dopamine and oxytocin, as Zak’s research shows. These neurochemicals, linked to pleasure, motivation and social connection, have what Zak calls a “high social-emotional value.” 

In his book, Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and the Source of Happiness, Zak explains that his lab’s research discovered audiobooks can have more value neurologically than reading a physical book because the brain will simulate “the emotions and actions in a narrative.” 

The NeuroLeadership Institute states that there’s a link between emotionally powerful stories and memory recall, thanks to the release of dopamine in our brains. This is similar to how we vividly recall significant personal events, such as weddings or graduations, while struggling to remember mundane information, such as what we ate for breakfast yesterday morning. 

But studies suggest for the listener to emotionally connect to an audiobook, the narrator must skillfully use tone, voice modulation and character portrayal.

In my listening experience, I’ve shelved audiobooks or opted to read the physical book instead due to a flat narrator or storyline. Yet when the plot and narrator align harmoniously, my mind creates vivid mental imagery and forms a stronger attachment to the characters.

2. They can help us feel less lonely

I play audiobooks most when I’m alone because I find another human’s voice comforting. Studies indicate that audiobooks can help us feel less lonely and that readers tend to avoid machine-generated recordings, preferring a human voice.

Zak says this preference is because of the human voice’s timbre and tone variations. 

And research shows that our brains are wired to recognize and respond to vocal signals, which is part of what makes human voices more compelling to us than that of a robot’s.

3. They can have cognitive benefits

Audiobooks have the potential to improve vocabulary and comprehension. Supporting this, a study in TheScientist determined that the brain’s neural activity reacts the same way whether a word is listened to or read. 

This has real-world implications, too. Researchers investigated whether audiobook technology could improve reading comprehension and enjoyment in adult learners with low-level reading skills. The study focused on 27 adult students working on their GED, with reading levels equivalent to grades 2-7. Participants were divided into two groups: one used an audiobook and text version of a Brothers Grimm fairytale, while the control group used only the text version. 

The findings indicated that audiobook technology helped adult learners improve their reading comprehension skills as well as their enjoyment of reading.  In this way, audiobooks, like Gutenberg’s printing press, can democratize access to the written word.

4. They’re good for multi-tasking and time optimization

The brain can simultaneously process auditory information and visual-motor tasks, according to multiple resource theory. This is why audiobooks can be well-suited to multitasking: They provide mental stimulation without requiring focused visual attention.

Charvi Agarwal, co-founder of Tales.so, an app that transforms bestselling books into podcast-style episodes, points out that audiobooks offer a way to “turn passive time into purposeful learning or inspiration,” transforming mundane activities into opportunities for cognitive engagement.

Downsides to audiobooks

One common complaint about audiobooks is the time commitment involved. It’s not always easy to dedicate eight or more hours to a single title, particularly with non-fiction, where repetition or often flat narrative structure can lead to disengagement.

After becoming a mother, Agarwal struggled to find time for audiobooks, so she used her data science and product strategy background to condense them into easily consumable 30-60-minute podcast-like episodes. 

“This reduces cognitive fatigue and helps listeners finish without needing multiple sessions or losing track of context,” she says. “Instead of page-by-page summaries, we focus on the most relevant and applicable insights from a book. Whether it’s a single-host narrative or a dynamic conversation between two hosts, each episode is crafted to be engaging, useful and easy to apply.” Currently, her Tales app boasts a library with thousands of titles. 

Another drawback is the tendency to tune out. Zak contends that engaging audiobooks can hold our attention due to the brain’s emotional responsiveness. Still, even as an avid audiobook consumer, he admits his own comprehension can sometimes be lower than with traditional reading. His solution is to rewind and re-listen to important sections or a book in its entirety, just as you might rewatch a movie to catch nuances missed the first time.

Where to access audiobooks

Audible is a popular audiobook source, but I recommend exploring the library apps Libby and Hoopla. These platforms offer access to thousands of free audiobooks (and ebooks) with a library card. Popular titles almost always have wait times, so this isn’t the system for those wanting instant gratification, but it’s still possible to rotate through a decent amount of content per year. (Here is a tutorial that teaches you how to use the Libby app.)

Spotify Premium also includes 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with a selection of over 250,000 titles.

For those interested in trying audiobooks in a shorter format, Tales.so offers 10 free books then $9.99/month or $69 for a lifetime subscription. (Agarwal kindly offered readers of this article six months of free access with the coupon code SUCCESS100.)

Ultimately, the goal is to find an audiobook format and platform that works for you. With so many available options, it really is the golden age of audio.

Photo courtesy of ViDI Studio/Shutterstock

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The smart ring that filters your notifications so you don’t have to

Spktrl is the brainchild of Katia de Lasteyrie, a former innovation lead at luxury brand LVMH. Her idea for Spktrl was simple: create a piece of smart tech that looks like high-end jewelry and also helps people spend less time glued to their phones. 

The Spktrl Light Ring is a sleek piece of wearable technology centered around a stunning 1.5-carat lab-grown diamond. It challenges traditional ideas of both tech gadgets and fine jewelry, blending minimalist design with architectural elegance.

But this diamond is far more than just a sparkling centerpiece. It serves as a functional interface, diffusing colored light to signal important smartphone notifications and transmitting Bluetooth radio frequencies. Like a secret kept close, the ring remains subtle, only revealing its smart features when you choose to bridge the gap between your physical and digital worlds.

Green, blue, purple—instantly decode your notifications with Spktrl

Using a system of color-coded lights—green for work, blue for family, and purple for social—the ring signifies the importance of incoming calls or messages at a glance. Instead of constantly checking your phone, you simply glance at your finger to decide if a notification warrants your attention in any given moment.

Spktrl embodies a harmonious fusion of masterful craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, symbolizing how our human stories now unfold seamlessly across both tangible and virtual landscapes, creating an experience that is as effortless as it is profound.

Spktrl builds on the early premise introduced by devices like the Apple Watch in streamlining the smartphone experience. But it takes a significant leap forward. By integrating AI, the ring filters out the digital noise that still clutters our attention, helping users stay focused on what truly matters. In a world overwhelmed by constant, often meaningless, alerts, Spktrl offers a quiet reprieve from the chaos.

Living in the notification economy, where screens are changing us all

If a teen’s phone were a CEO, it’d be running a Fortune 500 company—nonstop notifications, nonstop buzz. From texts to TikTok, hundreds of alerts hit them every day. 

Grown-ups call it overload; teens call it “just another day.” According to a 2023 study by Common Sense Media, teens get as many as 237 or more notifications on their smartphones every day. And, back in 2021, another study found that teens spend about eight and a half hours daily on screens. Tweens, who are between 8 and 12 years old, also spend quite a bit of time on screens—about five and a half hours daily.

It’s not just teenagers glued to their phones either. Adults, too, are becoming part of a mobile-first culture that can border on compulsion for many. Smartphone addiction is no longer just an abstract fear; it’s a documented and diagnosable issue. Known as nomophobia, this condition captures the modern anxiety of being disconnected, even momentarily, from our digital lives. 

Notifications, messages, and likes act as digital triggers for the brain’s dopamine system, which is responsible for processing reward and pleasure. This biochemical response not only provides a brief sense of satisfaction but also encourages repeated device engagement by strengthening neural pathways that associate smartphone use with a good time. 

Free your mind while AI filters your digital noise

But as screens claim more and more of our time, the next generation is growing up in a world where face-to-face connection is no longer the norm, but the exception—cut nearly in half. For many of us, half our waking lives now unfold in another universe entirely, one made of scrolling timelines, glowing notifications and endless digital noise. As AI rises, a deeper question surfaces: Can technology enrich our lives without replacing the ones we’re meant to live?

Spktrl offers an answer. Beautifully crafted as a piece of luxury jewelry, this smart ring doesn’t shout for your attention. Instead, it gently filters your notifications with soft, color-coded lights, helping you stay present and focused without losing touch. It’s technology designed not to overwhelm, but to harmonize with your life.

Photo from spktrl-paris.com

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Teens are finding comfort in AI companions for emotional support

No matter where the conversation goes, the bot sticks with you. That consistency has been surprisingly helpful for teens dealing with stress or mental health issues. When things get tough, these chatbots can feel like lifelines, offering advice, support or just someone (or something) to talk to. And unlike people, they don’t judge. It’s just you and the bot, in a private space where you can let it all out.

According to new research by Common Sense Media, over 70% of teens have interacted with AI companions, and half are doing so regularly. These tools, ranging from dedicated platforms like Character.AI and Replika to more general chatbots like ChatGPT or CoPilot, are often used as virtual friends. Whether designed to be emotionally supportive or simply chatty, teens are customizing them with unique personalities and leaning on them for conversation and connection. 

Chatbots are becoming a means to vent and reflect

Some teens use AI to talk about feeling isolated, targeted or left out at school or in everyday life. The chatbot offers a safe space to vent, practice responses or simply feel heard after a tough day. Sometimes, it even helps teens rehearse standing up for themselves or figure out their next moves.

These AI tools aren’t only useful for major problems—they’re equally good for daily advice on boosting your mood, sharpening your thoughts and caring for yourself. 

Sometimes, teens aren’t looking for anything extraordinary. A simple suggestion to breathe, take a warm bath or sip some tea can be exactly what they need, especially when it comes from a space that feels safe and nonjudgmental. They’re not bothered that it’s not a real person talking.

In fact, many teens may prefer it that way. There’s a unique comfort in knowing that everything they say essentially stays within the conversation, existing only between them and the bot, not instantly carried into their real-life world. 

The Common Sense Media study revealed that 31% of teens felt their interactions with AI companions were equally or more fulfilling than conversations with actual friends. Even though 50% of teens don’t fully trust AI guidance, about a third have chosen to discuss major personal issues with AI rather than with other humans.

Even with safe people, a sibling, a parent, a best friend or even a stranger in a quiet moment, there’s still a human instinct that once you speak your truth, it escapes into the world in a way that can feel emotionally counterproductive. 

AI can help teens see their life and struggles more clearly

Teens might not trust every word from a chatbot, but these AI tools help them put their life and struggles into perspective. As they explore their emotions and desires, the chatbots lay out their journey in a way that feels both real and refreshingly clear.

While AI continues to impress with its capabilities, it still can’t perform the kind of deep, critical thinking that can sustainably help young people make sense of their place in the social world. Human connection—the messy, multi-layered kind shaped by culture, family, environment and personality—is something AI can mimic but not truly embody. 

Teens should be aware that their private conversations aren’t ‘private’

Still, teens should be mindful of what they share. Even though conversations with ChatGPT may seem entirely anonymous, that doesn’t mean everything disappears into thin air. The data you enter isn’t instantly wiped away. In fact, chatbots often store your conversations.

Data shared with chatbots can be stored, reviewed and legally used to improve the system, according to OpenAI’s usage policies. Conversations are never entirely deleted, and users who share personal details, names or sensitive information may be unknowingly putting that data at risk. Interacting with a bot demands at least as much caution as typing into a search bar, if not more. 

Just this week, Open AI CEO Sam Altman made this warning all too clear to users. In an interview with Theo Von on This Past Weekend, Altman pointed out that chats with ChatGPT aren’t legally protected the way conversations with doctors or therapists are. “People talk about the most personal sh** in their lives to ChatGPT,” he said, “We haven’t figured that out yet for when you talk to ChatGPT.” 

Altman’s remarks follow an ongoing copyright lawsuit filed by The New York Times, in which a federal judge recently ordered OpenAI to preserve all ChatGPT user logs, with no timeline set for their deletion. This includes “temporary chats” and API activity, even from users who opted out of data sharing for training. While users can remove chats from their visible history, the underlying data must be retained to comply with legal requirements.

Teens find comfort in AI, but still need real support

A chatbot can reflect back our words, organize our thoughts, and offer practical suggestions. But it can’t really know us—at least not in the way that long-time friends, trusted adults or trained therapists can.

That’s not to say these tools are useless. On the contrary, they’re proving to be meaningful touchpoints for teens who might not have someone to talk to. But they are not replacements and they shouldn’t be. In a perfect world, every teen would have access to affordable, reliable mental health care. Until then, these digital companions are filling a gap. Even a simple chat with a bot can help ease the weight of a heavy day and offer a small sense of relief and calm. 

Photo by Samuel Borges Photography/Shutterstock

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Phillips is guided by an almost instinctual level of business acumen, enhanced and fueled by his relentless drive for happiness, profitability and desire to help others. And his story is rooted in the most unlikely of circumstances—a battle with anorexia.

Whole body health

The journey to well-being is anything but linear. For roughly 30 million Americans, that path can include an eating disorder detour, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. And Phillips was among them.

“I was a typical all-American, healthy kid. Then I developed an eating disorder and became fully anorexic,” Phillips recounts. “When I overcame that, I discovered that health and wellness saved my life, and I wanted to use that vehicle to pay it forward to help others.”

After graduating from Florida State University with a degree in exercise science and a concentration in fitness and nutrition, Phillips bounced from gig to gig. It wasn’t until that fateful November in 2014, when he was faced with his grim financial reality, that he recognized a crossroads—either get a conventional job or leverage his knowledge and passion to move forward.

Providence came that same week in the form of his first consultation call from a national championship weight lifter. After listening to her story, Phillips’ desire to help overrode his need for money.

“When it got time to pitch the price,” Phillips says, “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what if she says no? That’s not OK. She really needs my help.’ I was like, ‘You can’t pay me.’ Over the next week, she referred me to 12 people who did pay.”

Those 12 new clients sparked his coaching company, IN3. Named for nutrition in performance, aesthetics and life, IN3 quickly ramped up to help 3,000 people each year. Then in 2016, a friend challenged him to scale. If Phillips could shift to a business-to-business model through certifications, he could reach millions more.

Inspiration hit during a six-hour car ride. “I’ve never had more clarity in my life,” Phillips says. “I pulled into the driveway and didn’t even get the bags out of my car. I ran into my office, sat down and wrote the whole outline. And to this day, [in] 2025, it hasn’t changed.”

Round two

That outline sat in his notebook until April 2017. Phillips was home sick one day when, on a whim, he made a social media post floating the certification class before taking a nap. He woke up to 200 replies.

Phillips then sprang into action, booking a friend’s facility in Chicago to host the class. Four hours after posting the $1,000 payment link, all 40 spots were filled. Phillips organized two more dates and locations after that, and by the end of the next day, all seats were sold.

“We delivered the first-ever certification and never looked back,” he says.

During those early years, Phillips was juggling IN3 and NCI. Sensing that his brand identity was getting confused, he decided to sell IN3 even though it subsidized NCI’s payroll. The decision put him back into a financial conundrum.

“I was probably going to miss payroll by $70,000,” Phillips confesses.

In a stroke of genius, he developed a “rapid cash scholarship framework” and facilitated an injection of capital by opening applications to a full-ride scholarship to NCI’s program. One person earned the scholarship, and other applicants were offered an irresistible rate, thus generating a massive cash influx. The strategy proved so successful that other online businesses adopted it too.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Phillips warns. “You get a lot of money, but it takes the warmest leads out of your funnel. There’s definitely some nuance to it.”

Despite NCI’s rampant financial success, by 2023, Phillips decided to sell it too. Burnout played a role, but he also no longer felt aligned with the direction of the industry. He needed some space.

A little over a year later, though, Phillips bought NCI back.

Full circle

Selling a company to purchase it back may sound like an odd way to go all-in on profits and happiness, but Phillips’ internal compass always pointed to what felt morally right.

“I sold a company that was connection-driven, and they tried to turn it into an e-commerce company,” Phillips says. “It was never going to work as an e-comm company, and so we’re bringing connection back.”

Phillips, however, remembers why he sold in the first place. For this iteration of NCI, he is completely reimagining the certification model. Access to NCI’s material is now free, and instead of paying for information, clients can purchase a mentorship that supports their business development, execution and success. NCI, according to Phillips, is rolling out the red carpet.

The annual fee provides access to all of NCI’s resources, including specialty topic calls, business development calls and 24/7 support. A monthly membership fee lets clients stay at NCI’s home base, where they can film content in a studio and host events.

“NCI was always formed on the ‘billion-person mission,’” Phillips says. “We want to change a billion lives through the vehicle of health and fitness.”

Success and wisdom

Phillips is improving lives at scale. At a personal level, he’s identified four integrated dimensions of success: physical development, personal development, connection to loved ones, and business. Underpinning all of these is the idea of personal control.

At one point, Phillips found himself in a scary situation on an airplane. His inability to change the outcome came into sharp focus—and after a safe emergency landing, Phillips left the experience with a searing impression.

“I will never take control for granted in my life,” he says. “I am in control of how I move my body, what I feed my body, what I feed my mind, the connection I have with my daughter and the direction of my business. I promise anything that you’re envisioning, it can be done as long as you take charge and take control.” 

This article originally appeared in the July/August issue of SUCCESS® magazine.

Photo courtesy of Jason Phillips

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