Slow Down To Speed Up

Hosted by Brian Wang

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Latest episode

Jul 2025

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About the show

Slow Down To Speed Up is where executive coach Brian Wang conducts real-life coaching sessions with startup founders. These are deep, sometimes raw conversations where founders explore and confront their blindspots in order to feel empowered in finding new solutions to their challenges. If you're a founder interested in coming on the show or in working with Brian, email brian@dashingleadership.com.

Listen to episodes

23 recent

July 17, 2025Episode 2216 min

#022: The Connection Between Early Trauma and Leadership [Brian Wang]

Have you ever wondered why certain types of people trigger you? Or why you keep attracting the same challenging dynamics with your team? In this deeply personal episode, I share my experience at an Art of Accomplishment retreat that revealed how childhood projections have been unconsciously shaping my life for decades.What You'll Learn:The concept of psychological projections and how they influence our inner stateHow childhood beliefs become self-fulfilling prophecies in business Why emotional release work is more effective than trying to "think" your way through limiting beliefsThe way "comparative mind" that keeps leaders isolatedPractical steps for identifying your own projections and triggersKey Concepts Explored:How projections create the very conditions that prove them "right"The relationship between childhood survival strategies and adult leadership patternsWhy belonging and physical connection matter for authentic leadershipThe role of vulnerability in building trust with your teamResources Mentioned:Art of Accomplishment (artofaccomplishment.com)Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

May 6, 202542 min

#021: How To Prevent Success From Killing Creativity [Ryan Estes]

When does structure become a cage?In this coaching session, entrepreneur Ryan Estes explores:The tension between productivity systems and creative spontaneityHow success can disconnect us from original passionsThe walls we build that eventually imprison usFinding harmony between responsibility and authentic expressionFor founders feeling successful but unfulfilled, this episode offers a framework for reconnection with what once sparked your entrepreneurial journey.Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

April 14, 202549 min

#020: The Discomfort of Stability [Will Pearson]

"Am I failing as a founder if I'm not constantly pushing for more growth?"After achieving stability in his 5-year-old business, Will Pearson brings this question to our coaching session. With a 4-year-old daughter and 7-month-old son at home, Will has found a balance between work and family, but feels guilty about it.This episode explores:The identity crisis that comes with business stabilityHow founder narratives create unnecessary pressureWhy rest periods are essential for sustainable growthFinding confidence in your own definition of successFor anyone who's ever wondered if they're "hungry enough" as an entrepreneur or felt guilty for prioritizing life outside their business, this episode will help!Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

March 31, 2025Episode 1946 min

#019: Saying No When Everyone Needs You [Jason Shafton]

Jason Shafton, founder and CEO of Winston Francois, wrestles with the challenge every entrepreneur-parent knows too well: how to build a thriving business while being fully present for family. After experiencing a profound personal loss, Jason's perspective on work transformed, yet he still struggles with the "always on" mentality. In this coaching session, we explore how perfectionism and the need to be needed keep notifications perpetually active, preventing true presence anywhere. Discover practical steps toward becoming "dad by default" instead of "working by default."Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

January 7, 2025Episode 1850 min

#018: Why This Founder Won't Raise VC [Anonymous]

When is your protective instinct trying to tell you something important? In this coaching session, an experienced founder shares their internal struggle with fundraising - not because they can't raise money, but because something deeper is holding them back.We uncover how past experiences of loss and betrayal shape our present choices, and how what feels like resistance might actually be wisdom. This conversation opens up crucial questions about control, growth, and staying true to your vision while building a venture-scale company.Whether you're currently fundraising or not, this episode offers valuable insights about how to interpret and work with your protective instincts as a founder.Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

December 23, 202454 min

#017: Confessions of an Exhausted Environmental Leader [Dom Francks]

When climate guide and leadership coach Dom Francks steps into the coaching seat himself, he confronts a question that haunts many mission-driven leaders: what if all our work isn't enough? Through raw honesty about his own struggles with helplessness, self-doubt, and the unbearable gap between what he dreams of doing and what feels possible, Dom discovers an unexpected truth about impact.In this session, we explore:The tension between personal impact and planetary challengesWhy self-doubt might be a signal you're on the right trackMoving beyond the "not doing enough" trapFinding peace with imperfect action while staying committedThe surprising power of living in uncomfortable questionsWhat real courage looks like in mission-driven workWhether you're fighting for environmental justice, building something meaningful, or simply trying to do good work in a world that feels like it's burning, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on what it means to make real change. It challenges conventional wisdom about impact and invites us to consider that the very tension we're trying to resolve might be exactly what we need.Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

December 9, 2024Episode 1649 min

#016: The Hidden Cost of Playing Nice in Business [David Spinks]

When is the last time you felt completely stuck growing your business, knowing what you "should" do but feeling unable to do it? In this coaching session, successful founder David Spinks opens up about his struggle with traditional marketing after his startup exit. What starts as a conversation about business development quickly reveals deeper truths about money, authenticity, and the fears that hold us back.David sold his company CMX and stepped into coaching, only to find himself hitting an internal ceiling around $300K - exactly what his family needs to thrive. Through our exploration, we discover how childhood experiences with abandonment and conflict show up in surprising ways in our business decisions.Themes we explore:The hidden psychology behind marketing resistanceHow childhood money stories impact adult business decisionsBreaking through internal income ceilingsFinding authentic ways to grow without compromising valuesThe relationship between fear of abandonment and business growthEnjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

November 25, 2024Episode 1550 min

#015: Escaping Analysis Paralysis [Nina Iordanova]

Does every decision feel like it needs a spreadsheet? In this coaching session, startup leader Nina Iordanova explores the hidden reasons behind her compulsive need to analyze and justify every choice.Together we uncover how her drive for achievement masks a deeper fear - one that many high performers share but rarely discuss. Nina discovers that her analytical habits aren't just about making good decisions; they're a shield against vulnerability and potential rejection.Key themes:• The relationship between perfectionism and fear• How over-analysis can mask deeper emotional needs• Finding balance between achievement and self-trust• Transforming your relationship with uncertainty• Making decisions from a place of clarity rather than anxietyEnjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

June 10, 2024Episode 1420 min

#014: What's Next For The Podcast? [Brian Wang]

Today is a solo episode where I get meta with the show and reflect on its origins, share some lessons learned, and process a bit about what might be next. Enjoy! Watch this episode on YouTube Enjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter

May 28, 2024Episode 1351 min

#013: How Do I Stay True To Myself In My Next Chapter? [Cristina Poindexter]

Cristina Poindexter is a serial entrepreneur who finds herself wondering how to make a new move in her career without burning out. She's no stranger to ambition - she's founded 2 companies and has worked at places like Google and Headspace. After leaving her last venture, she fears not being able to achieve her potential while being her authentic self.Watch as we explore what happens when we allow her fear to show up and express itself right in the session. Chapters7:10 Navigating Time and Alignment in Work10:51 Exploring Authenticity and Meaningful Connections20:21 Navigating Expectations and Authenticity in Business39:50 Allowing Fear and Anger46:57 The Power of Language and Self-CompassionEnjoyed this episode? Ready to take your leadership and personal growth to the next level? Please visit my website to learn more about coaching with me.Subscribe on iTunesVisit my websiteEmail Brian at brian@dashingleadership.comFollow Brian on YouTubeConnect with Brian on LinkedinFollow Brian on InstagramFollow Brian on Twitter