Ever find yourself trying to be someone you're not because you think that's what success demands? After a challenging year filled with unexpected setbacks and profound self-doubt, I'm breaking my silence to share what happens when you abandon your authentic self in pursuit of others' definitions of success.

This raw, unfiltered conversation explores the identity crisis that paralyzed both my content creation and leadership effectiveness. I reveal how attempting to follow mentors' advice to "stop being reckless" and "get more leverage" led me to abandon the very activities that had previously driven my success – coaching team members, creating content, and building a distinctive culture.

The truth hit me like a ton of bricks during a recent leadership meeting: what I considered my greatest strengths had become our company's most glaring weaknesses. Why? Because I'd been trying to operate as a $100 million CEO when my business and leadership weren't ready for that level. In trying to skip ahead, I'd created gaps that undermined everything we'd built.

This episode marks a return to authenticity – a recommitment to the leadership approach that feels natural rather than forced. I share how taking extreme ownership means acknowledging that the failures in my business reflected my own shortcomings as a leader, but it also means accepting that the path forward isn't about transformation into someone else.

For any entrepreneur feeling pressured to abandon their natural strengths and leadership style to "level up," this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the most valuable thing you can do is get really good at being YOU before trying to become someone else. The dragons you slay along your journey become evidence of who you're becoming – but only if you face them as your authentic self.

Thank you for listening to The Reckless CEO Podcast

The Reckless Group- https://www.skool.com/therecklessgroup/about

You can tweet us @ https://twitter.com/TheRecklessCEO
Follow Michael on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/therecklessceo/?hl=en
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Email brittany@columbusroofingco.com
for all inquiries including speaking engagements, and to be a guest on the show

From selling candy as a child to becoming the owner of a luxury car empire, Shawn Cunix's entrepreneurial journey captivates with its raw emotion and powerful lessons. The Columbus native reveals how he turned a childhood Jolly Rancher hustle into tens of thousands of dollars before transforming one cell phone store into a network of 100 Verizon locations worth $100 million.

Shawn doesn't shy away from the dark side of success, sharing how the stress of rapid business growth literally attacked his body, driving his white blood cell count dangerously low and prompting doctors to test him for leukemia. Yet through it all, his resilience and determination never wavered.

Nine years ago, Shawn's lifelong passion for cars led him to purchase Toy Barn, the luxury car dealership he's now expanded into a $100 million business with plans for locations in Tampa and Nashville. What sets his approach apart is both refreshing and inspiring – unlike typical luxury dealerships, Toy Barn welcomes customers to sit in vehicles and even hosts children's birthday parties, embodying Sean's personal mission to "inspire happiness."

The conversation takes a powerful turn as Shawn discusses faith, purpose, and the personal setbacks that shaped him, including a divorce that challenged him emotionally and financially. He speaks candidly about losing and then rekindling his relationship with God, and how he's now committed to building a "kingdom business" that gives back generously.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking guidance, a car enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates an authentic story of triumph over adversity, Sean's insights about leadership, knowing your "why," and finding purpose beyond profit will leave you motivated to pursue your own path with renewed passion and perspective.

Thank you for listening to The Reckless CEO Podcast

The Reckless Group- https://www.skool.com/therecklessgroup/about

You can tweet us @ https://twitter.com/TheRecklessCEO
Follow Michael on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/therecklessceo/?hl=en
Reckless CEO Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/@therecklessceo
Go follow our parent company on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/recklessmediacompany/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Email brittany@columbusroofingco.com
for all inquiries including speaking engagements, and to be a guest on the show

Ryan Stewman never dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. Yet his remarkable 15-year journey from reluctant business owner to financial strategist offers a raw, unfiltered look at what it truly takes to build a multimillion-dollar enterprise without venture capital or industry connections.

After losing his mortgage industry position due to regulatory changes, Stewman found himself pioneering what would become the podcast and social media influencer space. Rather than pursuing celebrity status, he focused on building legitimate businesses that have collectively generated over $100 million in verifiable sales. His authentic approach stands in stark contrast to the carefully curated success stories that dominate entrepreneurial content.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Stewman reveals the financial strategies that major corporations use to optimize their positions. He explains how borrowing capital can actually provide more usable funds than earning the same amount due to tax implications – a concept many business owners fail to grasp until it's too late. Through his company Closer Capital, he's not just providing funding but educating entrepreneurs on how to use financing as a strategic tool rather than a last resort.

For seasonal business owners, particularly in industries like roofing and construction, Stewman offers invaluable insights into managing cash flow challenges. He details how securing lines of credit during peak revenue periods can provide the flexibility needed to pursue larger projects and weather slower seasons. His practical advice on timing loan applications and understanding interest rate structures provides a roadmap for business owners looking to leverage financial tools effectively.

Perhaps most compelling is Stewman's candid comparison between employee and owner perspectives. Having experienced both sides, he highlights how salespeople often fail to appreciate the immense pressures facing business owners – from unexpected tax bills to navigating sudden changes in payment terms from major clients. His stories serve as a sobering reminder that behind every successful company stands an entrepreneur who has weathered countless financial storms.

Ready to transform how you view business financing? This episode will challenge your thinking and provide actionable strategies for using capital to accelerate your growth rather than just keeping the lights on.

Thank you for listening to The Reckless CEO Podcast

The Reckless Group- https://www.skool.com/therecklessgroup/about

You can tweet us @ https://twitter.com/TheRecklessCEO
Follow Michael on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/therecklessceo/?hl=en
Reckless CEO Youtube @ https://www.youtube.com/@therecklessceo
Go follow our parent company on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/recklessmediacompany/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Email brittany@columbusroofingco.com
for all inquiries including speaking engagements, and to be a guest on the show