Entrepreneurship Simplified

Mike Michalowicz

When you run your own business, it can feel like your business is running you (ruining you?). Mike Michalowicz, coined the Patron Saint of Entrepreneurs by Simon Sinek, is offering up Entrepreneurship Simplified, making good on his personal promise to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty, one conversation at a time.

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20 episodes
Updated Nov 4, 2025

Episodes20

Newest first

How Profit First Transforms Bookkeeping: Insights from Billie Anne Grigg
In this insightful episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, host Mike Michalowicz sits down with Billie Anne Grigg at Profit First Professionals, to explore how the Profit First methodology reshaped her approach to business, bookkeeping, and client success. Before discovering Profit First, Billie Anne spent many years running a traditional bookkeeping firm—helping clients build budgets, analyze cash flow, and reconcile their books—only to watch them still struggle with profitability. Everything c
Nov 4, 2025 · 16 min
How to Fix Broken Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI — with Sara Nay
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to explore why traditional marketing models are failing—and how to fix them. Drawing from her new book, Unchained, Sara explains how small businesses can avoid AI-driven chaos, build strategy-first marketing plans, and stop blindly outsourcing without direction. Whether you're overwhelmed or just getting started, this conversation will help you simplify your marketing, reconnect
Oct 21, 2025 · 16 min
Behind the Books: The Personal Side of Mike Michalowicz
In this special episode, Mike Michalowicz gets personal. He opens up about life beyond business—sharing heartfelt stories about his family, the joy of watching his kids grow into kind, connected adults, and the ups and downs that shaped his journey. Mike also talks about how every book he writes starts with something he’s trying to figure out for himself—like overcoming fear of public speaking, learning to be a better leader, and escaping the trap of hustle culture. It’s honest, funny, and full
Aug 19, 2025 · 42 min
Visionaries & Integrators: The Hidden Dynamic That Builds Great Businesses
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz and co-host Amy dive deep into one of the most critical—yet underappreciated—business dynamics: the powerful partnership between visionaries and integrators. Through stories from Mike’s career and the surprising history of Henry Ford and James Couzens, you'll discover why operational excellence is just as important as innovation—and how both roles are essential for scalable, sustainable growth.
Aug 12, 2025 · 36 min
Stop Serving the Wrong Clients: The Pumpkin Plan Strategy with Donna Leyens
In this powerful second half of a two-part series, Mike Michalowicz is joined by Donna Leyens, President and Co-Founder of Pumpkin Plan Your Biz, to reveal the counterintuitive strategy that helps entrepreneurs grow profits by reducing their client base. Donna breaks down the “Top Client Assessment,” a practical method to identify and remove unprofitable, time-draining customers so you can scale by focusing on your most valuable clients. They explore real-life stories—including a bold business o
Jul 15, 2025 · 27 min
Coaching That Works: Donna Leyens on How the Pumpkin Plan Transforms Clients — and Coaches
In this powerful episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz sits down with Donna Leyens, President and co-founder of Pumpkin Plan Your Biz, to unpack what actually works for coaches and consultants who want to help small businesses grow — profitably and sustainably. Together, they explore how the Pumpkin Plan methodology has evolved over 12 years into a powerful, crowd-tested system that delivers repeatable success for business strategists and their clients. You’ll hear why applyin
Jul 1, 2025 · 32 min
Clockwork, Continuity & the Four-Week Vacation (Part 2 with Adrienne Dorison)
In this powerful continuation of Mike Michalowicz’s conversation with Adrienne Dorison, co-founder of Run Like Clockwork, they dive deep into what it truly takes to design a business that can run without you—literally. Mike and Adrienne unpack the transformational benefits of the "four-week vacation" challenge, not just for entrepreneurs, but for teams and clients too. They explore how empowering employees, building operational independence, and practicing regular “business fire drills” can turn
Jun 3, 2025 · 30 min
Designing a Business to Run Like Clockwork: Adrienne Dorison on Operational Efficiency and Freedom
In this episode of the Entrepreneurship Simplified Podcast, host Mike Michalowicz is joined by Adrienne Dorison, co-founder of Run Like Clockwork, a company dedicated to helping CEOs design businesses that run like clockwork. Based on Mike’s business book Clockwork, Adrienne shares valuable insights on how business owners can step away from the day-to-day operations and still ensure their companies thrive. Adrienne talks about the challenges of business owners who love their work but often strug
May 6, 2025 · 28 min
Beyond Hiring: Retaining 5-Star Employees & Upping Your Team’s Game with Danielle Mulvey (Part 2)
In part two of this compelling series, All In author and Entrepreneurship Simplified host Mike Michalowicz welcomes back Danielle Mulvey, founder of The All In Company. Together, they dive deeper into how business owners can raise the bar across their organization and retain exceptional employees by going "all in." Danielle shares innovative strategies—from calculating true employee benefits to out-of-the-box recruiting via industry workshops—that empower you to identify, attract, and keep five-
Apr 22, 2025 · 21 min
Revolutionizing Hiring with Danielle Mulvey: The 5-Star Employee Hiring System Approach to Building Your Dream Team
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Danielle Mulvey, founder of The All In Company, shares her groundbreaking approach to hiring and how businesses can transform their recruitment processes. Danielle discusses the five-star hiring system that allows you to find and hire candidates who are not only qualified but are the perfect cultural fit for your organization. Through customized assessments, benchmarks, and a deep understanding of what makes the ideal candidate, Danielle explains h
Apr 15, 2025 · 28 min
Introducing The Money Habit: Personal Finance Tips from Mike Michalowicz
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz introduces the core ideas behind his upcoming book, The Money Habit, which explores practical and impactful strategies for mastering personal finances based on Profit First's principles. Mike shares the importance of cultivating better money habits and reveals a sneak peek into some of the key topics the book will cover. From managing subscriptions to understanding the psychological effects of credit cards, Mike discusses how small
Mar 25, 2025 · 40 min
Identifying and Serving Your Ideal Customer: Building a Business That Truly Connects
In this episode of the Entrepreneurship Simplified Podcast, Mike Michalowicz and Amy Cartelli explore the importance of identifying and truly understanding your ideal customer. They discuss how to break free from biases, refine your audience, and build a brand that fosters genuine connections. The conversation highlights collaboration, values-driven marketing, and strategies to create lasting impact with the right audience. Tune in for practical insights on attracting, serving, and growing with
Mar 18, 2025 · 41 min
Fix This Next: Identifying the Next Right Step in Your Business
In this episode we dive into the challenge every entrepreneur faces—knowing what to fix next. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to solve everything at once, but true progress comes from identifying the one key issue that will move your business forward...the next right fix to make. We explore how ego can cloud decision-making, why outside perspectives are invaluable, and how data-driven insights can reveal your biggest bottleneck. Tune in for actionable advice on simplifying your entrepreneur
Feb 25, 2025 · 41 min
Small Business Stories: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Mike Michalowicz
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, Mike Michalowicz takes a deep dive into real small businesses, analyzing their models, strengths, and challenges. He breaks down what makes a business truly successful—whether it’s building customer loyalty, creating memorable experiences, or standing out in a crowded market. At the same time, he highlights common pitfalls that hold entrepreneurs back and offers insights on what they can do to grow smarter and stronger. He also shares lessons from
Feb 18, 2025 · 39 min
The Power of Masterminds: How Entrepreneurs Unlock Success Through Collaboration
In this episode, we explore the immense value of mastermind groups for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Mike shares his personal experience with masterminds, reflecting on how these collaborative groups have fueled his growth, innovation, and success. From legendary masterminds like the Vagabonds (Ford, Edison, Firestone) to modern groups such as YPO, EO, and Mike's own Edison Collective, Mike discusses the unique power of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who challenge and su
Feb 4, 2025 · 40 min
From Failure to Fortune: Lessons from Visionaries Who Redefined Success
In this episode, we explore the transformative power of failure through the lens of some of history’s most inspiring stories. From Thomas Edison’s perseverance in inventing the light bulb to Walt Disney’s journey from bankruptcy to becoming the epitome of creativity, we uncover the valuable lessons failure can teach us. This episode challenges you to embrace failure as a stepping stone, reframe rejection, and focus on persistence, creativity, and the power of constraints. Whether you’re an entr
Jan 21, 2025 · 39 min
Business Lessons from Taylor Swift: Data, Resilience, and Building a Loyal Community
In this episode of Entrepreneurship Simplified, hosts Mike Michalowicz and Amy Cartelli dive into invaluable business lessons inspired by Taylor Swift's meteoric success. From handling criticism and building a dedicated community to leveraging data for decision-making, this conversation explores how entrepreneurs can apply these strategies to their own ventures. Listen in!
Dec 24, 2024 · 52 min
Master the Mic: Proven Tips for Powerful Public Speaking
In this episode, we delve into the art and science of public speaking, sharing essential tips and techniques to help you captivate any audience. From finding opportunities to speak, to crafting impactful messages to managing nerves and delivering with confidence, this episode is packed with actionable advice for speakers of all levels. We discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of authentic connections, and strategies for turning fear into fuel. Whether you're preparing for your first
Dec 17, 2024 · 59 min
Mental Health Tools Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know
If you’re an entrepreneur, you know that the stress of it all can wreak havoc on your mental health. In this episode, Mike and Amy explore the profound impact of small, intentional actions on mental wellness and personal growth. From the reflective practice of journaling to the calming effects of mindfulness and meditation, learn how simple habits can help process emotions, quiet the mind, and foster a sense of clarity. The importance of seeking support when needed can’t be emphasized enough. Wh
Dec 10, 2024 · 49 min
The Power of Team Retreats: Unlocking Creativity, Connection, and Growth
In this episode, we dive into the invaluable benefits of team retreats for businesses. Whether in person or virtual, retreats offer more than just a break from the office – they create a space for creativity, collaboration, and personal connection. Mike and Amy share insights into how these retreats foster innovative brainstorming, expand team dynamics, and promote a sense of unity and shared purpose. From structured activities like silent brainstorming to casual downtime for personal reflection
Dec 3, 2024 · 36 min

Entrepreneurship Simplified

How Profit First Transforms Bookkeeping: Insights from Billie Anne Grigg

How to Fix Broken Marketing Strategies in the Age of AI — with Sara Nay

Behind the Books: The Personal Side of Mike Michalowicz

Visionaries & Integrators: The Hidden Dynamic That Builds Great Businesses

Stop Serving the Wrong Clients: The Pumpkin Plan Strategy with Donna Leyens

Coaching That Works: Donna Leyens on How the Pumpkin Plan Transforms Clients — and Coaches

Clockwork, Continuity & the Four-Week Vacation (Part 2 with Adrienne Dorison)

Designing a Business to Run Like Clockwork: Adrienne Dorison on Operational Efficiency and Freedom

Beyond Hiring: Retaining 5-Star Employees & Upping Your Team’s Game with Danielle Mulvey (Part 2)

Revolutionizing Hiring with Danielle Mulvey: The 5-Star Employee Hiring System Approach to Building Your Dream Team

Introducing The Money Habit: Personal Finance Tips from Mike Michalowicz

Identifying and Serving Your Ideal Customer: Building a Business That Truly Connects

Fix This Next: Identifying the Next Right Step in Your Business

Small Business Stories: Entrepreneurial Lessons from Mike Michalowicz

The Power of Masterminds: How Entrepreneurs Unlock Success Through Collaboration

From Failure to Fortune: Lessons from Visionaries Who Redefined Success

Business Lessons from Taylor Swift: Data, Resilience, and Building a Loyal Community

Master the Mic: Proven Tips for Powerful Public Speaking

Mental Health Tools Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

The Power of Team Retreats: Unlocking Creativity, Connection, and Growth