The Inner Entrepreneur

Hosted by Paul Ryan

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Conversations about finding success in the world while creating a life of peace, prosperity, happiness and fulfillment.

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June 16, 2026Episode 22523 min

Bitesize | The Confidence Expert: Why You Don't Believe In Yourself # 221

In this bitesize episode, Paul sits down with entrepreneur and author Fred Joyal to challenge one of the biggest myths about confidence: that you need it before you act. Drawing on his journey from painful introversion to building and leading a nationwide business for nearly three decades, Fred explains why boldness isn’t a personality trait — it’s a learnable skill built through action, discomfort, and repetition. The conversation explores why so many people hesitate to speak up, put themselves forward, or fully express who they are — and how that hesitation quietly limits careers, relationships, and fulfilment. From the confidence crisis facing younger generations to the comfort-seeking traps adults fall into, Fred breaks down why bold action must come first, how small low-stakes courage rewires behaviour, and why the regret people carry later in life is rarely about what they did — but what they never tried. About the Guest Fred Joyal is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of Boldness: How to Go from Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days. He founded and led a nationwide advertising and referral business for dentists for nearly three decades, serving as CEO for 27 years before its successful exit. About the Host Paul Ryan is an eight-figure CEO, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. Work With Paul Paul works with seasoned entrepreneurs helping them clarify what’s next and align their life and business around what truly matters. 🔗 Book a discovery call with Paul: https://pauljryan.net

June 13, 2026Episode 2249 min

What People Pleasing Is Costing You | Inner Mentor 18 | #220

In this Inner Mentor episode, Paul reflects on a remarkable true story of courage and sacrifice. When skydiving instructor Dave Hartsock realised that a catastrophic parachute failure would end in disaster, he made a split-second decision to place himself between his student and the ground, absorbing the full impact and leaving himself paralysed. Years later, when asked if he would do it again, his answer was simple: "Absolutely." But this episode is not really about skydiving. It is about the quieter forms of self-sacrifice that many of us make every day. Paul explores how people often abandon their own dreams, intuition, values, and desires in order to gain approval, avoid disappointment, or live up to the expectations of others. While most of us will never be called upon to make a heroic life-or-death sacrifice, many spend years sacrificing themselves in far less visible ways. Drawing on lessons from philosophy, personal development, and his own life experience, Paul challenges the belief that putting yourself first is selfish. Instead, he explores the difference between selfishness and self-care, and argues that the greatest service we can offer the world is to become the fullest expression of who we truly are. This episode is a reminder to trust your own inner voice, honour your values, and have the courage to live your life according to your own truth. Key Takeaways The difference between self-sacrifice and self-abandonment. Why seeking approval often pulls us away from our authentic path. The distinction between selfishness and healthy self-care. How living according to your values serves both yourself and others. Why other people's opinions should not dictate the direction of your life. The courage required to trust your intuition and follow your own path. Dr. John Demartini's "Law of Lesser Pissers" and what it teaches about decision-making. Why becoming fully yourself may be the greatest contribution you can make. Memorable Quote "The greatest contribution you can make isn't becoming somebody else. It's becoming fully yourself." About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: https://www.pauljryan.net/

June 11, 2026Episode 22358 min

How to Build Relationships That Change Your Life | David Homan #219

In this episode of The Inner Entrepreneur, Paul chats with David Homan to explore what it really means to be a "super connector" and why relationships—not transactions—are often the hidden force behind opportunity, fulfilment, and success. Drawing from his own journey of arriving in New York with no influential network and building a global community spanning thousands of people across dozens of countries, David shares how generosity, curiosity, vulnerability, and trust can transform both business and life. About the Guest David Homan is a composer, classical pianist, entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Orchestrating Connection. He is the founder of a global community of connectors spanning multiple countries and industries, helping people build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, generosity, and service. About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/ Topics Discussed What a "Super Connector" really is Why networking often fails Building trust before asking for anything The difference between community and transactions How introverts can become powerful connectors Grief, vulnerability, and authentic leadership Why generosity creates opportunity The hidden value of introductions Parenting, legacy, and showing up for those who matter most How to build meaningful relationships in business and life

June 9, 2026Episode 22220 min

Bitesize: The Anxiety Epidemic: What's Really Going On? | Dr Colman Noctor #218

In this bitesize episode, Paul sits down with clinical psychotherapist and author Dr. Colman Noctor to explore what’s really happening beneath the surface of modern mental health—particularly for children, teenagers, and young adults. Drawing on nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Colman explains why anxiety has dominated the last decade, and why loneliness is now emerging as a serious and growing issue. They unpack how technology, the loss of unstructured play, and the erosion of community have left many young people without the foundational social skills previous generations absorbed naturally through everyday connection. About the Guest: Dr. Colman Noctor is a clinical psychotherapist who has worked extensively with children, adolescents, and young adults for almost three decades. http://colmannoctor.com/ About the Host: Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and podcaster. https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul: Paul works with seasoned entrepreneurs to clarify what’s next and align their life and business to what matters most. You can book a discovery call with Paul here: https://pauljryan.net/

June 6, 2026Episode 2219 min

The Conversation Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear (Inner Mentor 18) #217

In this Inner Mentor episode, Paul reflects on an unexpected conversation What began as a routine journey—headphones on, laptop open, focused on work—turned into a powerful reminder about life, ageing, success, and what truly matters. After striking up a conversation with an elderly gentleman and his wife, Paul found himself listening to stories of love, loss, friendship, adventure, and gratitude. The encounter prompted a deeper reflection on the reality that one day, if we're fortunate, we will all grow old and look back on the lives we've lived. Drawing on insights from Bronnie Ware’s The Five Regrets of the Dying, Paul explores the dangers of living according to other people's expectations and the cost of working too hard at the expense of relationships, health, and experiences. This episode is a reminder that while building a successful business is worthwhile, it should never come at the expense of building a meaningful life. About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/

June 4, 2026Episode 22052 min

What The Monks of Bhutan Know That Entrepreneurs Don't - Mike Brcic #216

In this episode Paul chats with entrepreneur, adventurer, and founder of Wayfinders, Mike Brcic. After building and scaling a successful adventure travel business, Mike found himself facing a question that many entrepreneurs eventually encounter: What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted and still feel something is missing? The conversation explores the tension between external success and inner fulfilment, why so many entrepreneurs continue chasing “more” long after they have enough, and how discomfort often becomes the doorway to transformation. Mike shares the lessons he learned from scaling a business that was no longer aligned with who he was becoming, and why he believes the most important question we can ask is not “What should I do?” but “Is this right for me?” About the Guest Mike Brcic is the founder of Wayfinders: https://www.mikebrcic.com/ About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast, helping high performers create true wealth—purpose, prosperity, and freedom—through mentorship and meaningful conversations. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/

June 2, 2026Episode 21819 min

Bitesize: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Freeze on Camera #215

In this bite size episode Paul chats with Danny DelVecchio, a video content strategist and founder who helps entrepreneurs turn simple conversations into powerful content. Why do so many capable, experienced entrepreneurs freeze the moment a camera is switched on? In this conversation, Danny explains that the problem isn't a lack of expertise or confidence—it's the mistaken belief that video requires a performance. Paul and Danny explore how trust is built in today's digital world, why authenticity beats perfection, and how content allows potential clients to feel like they already know you before ever speaking with you.. About the Guest Danny is a video content strategist who helps entrepreneurs, consultants, and business owners create authentic content that builds trust, credibility, and connection with their audience. About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/

May 30, 2026Episode 21910 min

Find Your Tribe - Ignore The Crowd - Inner Mentor (17) # 214

In this Inner Mentor episode, Paul reflects on an evening spent watching Christopher Cross perform live in Dublin and the unexpected lesson it revealed about success, authenticity, and finding your tribe. Once one of the biggest music stars on the planet, Cross disappeared from the mainstream spotlight decades ago—or so most people assumed. Yet at 75 years of age, he is still touring, still creating, and still performing to devoted audiences around the world. Using Cross’s story as a lens, Paul explores a challenge many entrepreneurs face: the exhausting pursuit of universal approval. Whether in business, social media, relationships, or life itself, the temptation to be everything to everyone often comes at the cost of losing your own voice. This episode is a reminder that lasting success is rarely built through popularity. It is built through authenticity, consistency, and the courage to serve the people who genuinely value what you have to offer. About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/

May 28, 2026Episode 21757 min

Why You Don't Have What You Want - Norman Wolfe #213

In this episode Paul chats with Norman Wolfe, founder of the Living Organization Framework and author of The Living Organization, about one of the deepest questions both leaders and individuals face: Why do we get the results we get — and how do we create more of what we truly want? Norman shares how his own curiosity around human behaviour led him to develop a framework built around three core forces — activity, relationships, and context — and explains why context is often the invisible driver behind both personal struggles and failed business strategies. Together, Paul and Norman explore ideas around unconscious habits, emotional states, awareness, culture, leadership maturity, and why most change initiatives fail because they focus on behaviour without changing the underlying story people are living inside. This is a thoughtful and deeply reflective conversation about consciousness, leadership, personal growth, and what it truly means to build a “living organization” rather than simply manage a machine. About Norman Wolfe Norman Wolfe is a business strategist, leadership consultant, and creator of the Living Organization Framework. He works with leaders and organizations to help them rethink culture, strategy execution, leadership, and organizational transformation through a more human-cantered lens. He is the author of The Living Organization: Transforming Business to Create Extraordinary Results and the upcoming Leading the Living Organization. About the Host: Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: https://www.pauljryan.net/

May 26, 2026Episode 21650 min

Bitesize: The Wealth Trap: Why More Money Doesn’t Create Freedom - Mike Brown #212

In this bitesize episode, Paul sits down with former Navy pilot and entrepreneur Mike Brown to redefine what “wealth” actually means—beyond money, status, and the endless chase for more. Mike shares how a wildly successful business exit didn’t deliver the happiness he expected, and how an “all-in” investment mistake later (losing $100k per month) forced him into a deep personal debrief: how did I get here, and what does a rich life really look like? Together, they explore the entrepreneur’s “never enough” story, the fear of losing your edge through inner healing, and why true wealth is ultimately about freedom—health, relationships, time, mind, and soul. The conversation also touches privilege with real honesty, including the stark contrast between visiting a prison and then stepping into a life of extraordinary abundance—and what that reveals about freedom, choices, and the starting hands we’re dealt. About the Guest — Mike Brown Mike Brown is a former Navy pilot and entrepreneur who now helps founders and high achievers build what he calls “unbreakable wealth”—a richer definition of success rooted in freedom, alignment, and inner wellbeing. Find Mike: unbreakablewealth.com Twitter/X & Instagram: @mbrownco Full Episode: https://youtu.be/hqjnjTdI7sg?si=_88LBcAvB6BcdtLW https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oQVL2XCHUTZ0GsmP66okY?si=yLQtMaQeTdGbGLtLmwyr3Q About the Host Paul Ryan is a CEO, 8-figure business owner, mentor, and host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast. 👉 https://pauljryan.net/ Work With Paul You can book a discovery call with Paul here: 👉 https://www.pauljryan.net/