
The Hard Truth: Love Is Easy, Relationships Are Hard (with Tressa Yonekawa)
Love is easy. Relationships are hard. In this episode of the Business Builders Intensive, hosts Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Swaluk sit down with cognitive science expert and relationship strategist Tressa Yonekawa to unpack why our closest relationships — with a spouse, a business partner, a child, even ourselves — are often the hardest work we'll ever do. Tressa spent 30 years working with top leaders around the world before discovering that the same cognitive tools that transform boardrooms also transform marriages. In this conversation, she explains why our core beliefs about self-worth form between ages 3 and 9, why up to 84% of Americans are walking around with unresolved trauma, and why fixing your relationships might be the single biggest lever for growing your business — clients report income increases of 38% to over 300%. Jerry also shares the hard truth that's kept him and Dr. Laura together for nearly 30 years: relationships aren't 50/50 — they're 100/100, built on putting the needs of the "we" ahead of the needs of the "me." In this episode: - Why the stories we tell ourselves about "who we are" form before age 9 — and how they secretly run our adult relationships - The real difference between falling in love and staying in love - Jerry's "needs of the we vs. needs of the me" philosophy after 30 years of marriage - How to "turn toward" your partner instead of shutting down or lashing out - When relationship friction is actually an abuse or addiction issue — and who to call - The one sentence that instantly changes the dynamic of any conflict - Why fixing your relationships can directly grow your revenue and leadership - Tressa's recommended resource for healing trauma: A Dose of Hope by Dr. Dan Engel Connect with Tressa Yonekawa: Website: https://tressayonekawa.com/ Socials: @TressaYonekawa Recommended program mentioned: sensinglife.us Book mentioned: A Dose of Hope by Dr. Dan Engel Connect with Jerry & Dr. Laura / BBMMUSA: Website: https://bbmmusa.com/ Submit your business or investment questions: https://bbmmusa.com/ About Business Builders Intensive: The Business Builders Intensive dives into what business owners are really doing to double revenue, build more cash flow, work fewer hours, and create a better lifestyle for their family. Hosts Dr. Laura Swaluk and Jerry Kezhaya go get answers to your business and investment questions — providing clarity, moving you forward, and inspiring you to reach your goals.














