Paul Conley

Start a Side Business Not a Side Hustle

I was doing fine.

Good actually. About 71 out of 100.

I lived in a great city, had just gotten married, bought a house, and had a good career. On paper, everything worked.

But I kept asking myself, is this it?
Go to work. Come home. Eat dinner. Do it again. Nothing was wrong, but something was missing.

So I started exploring. I hired a coach. We focused on my career because surely that was the problem.

It wasn’t.

What I wanted was freedom. To do what I wanted, when I wanted to do it.

So I started building on the side using the skills I already had, working with clients. It stayed small because I was scared, so I played small.

Then my son was born. January 23rd 2024. 

I knew one day I would tell him to live up to his potential. I also knew the question he’d ask me back:

"Why didn’t you?"

So we made real decisions. We chose the life first and then figured out the revenue.

Now almost daily the version of me from 4 years ago reaches out to me. 
Successful dads. Comfortable. Doing well. Knowing and wanting more.

⚡️ Here’s what I know

71% isn’t failure. It’s postponement.

The work you actually want.
The business you keep thinking about.
The time you want back.
The dad your kid grows up watching.

I help high-achieving dads stop postponing, ask the real questions, and take action on the thing they’ve been putting off.

🔥 I’d love for you to join High Achievers, our community but I’d rather you start for free.
Check out the featured section and see what happens.

People usually message me a week or two later and say,
“I didn't know I was the only one and that this is possible"

Paul

P.S. If something here hit, DM me, the stories are the reason I show up on LinkedIn everyday

District Executive Director

Effectively lead a diverse team of 130+ associates and 100+ volunteers in leading a $2.8M operation. 
•	Led the Tampa market in sales in 2019 and improved sales by 15% YTD.
•	Fundraising of $300K cumulatively and highest fundraising year in 2021. 
•	Increased revenue by 10% in 2019 and improved net margin position by 8% YTD.

Hours worked do not matter.

Curt Cignetti is leading Indiana to unprecedented success.

And they practice 6 hours a week.
The maximum is 20.

Because no one cares if you win practice.

There are no parades for working the hardest.

Did you succeed or did you fail?

His job is to get his team ready to win games.

That’s how every role is measured in the end.

And he does it.

Executive Coach | Founder, The Conley Group

I want to lose followers in February.

Dude who connects just to raise his connections---Bye.
Cold pitch as soon as we connect? Cya.
Bots from some random country — Hasta La Vista, Baby.

When I started on LinkedIn, I truly cared about the follower and connection metrics.

I accepted every invitation.

I worried that if I said something that pissed someone off, or if someone disagreed with me, I’d look dumb.

So I didn’t do much.
I said vanilla things.

My feed got bigger.
It didn’t get better.

We’re doing something cool all of February.

If you’re here to actually connect as humans, with humans, build, and think bigger, stick around.

If not, peace out, you won’t like February.

You’re Successful. You’re Comfortable. You’re at 71%. Building Community for High Achieving Dads Who Want More

“Why? Because our name is Indiana?”

That was Cignetti’s response when asked if the moment would be too big.

Defined.
Judged.
Limited by history.

But we do the same thing to ourselves.

People from my town aren’t successful.
People like me don’t get lucky.
People like me can’t do that.

We inherit a story and treat it like a truth.
 
Your past explains you.
It doesn’t decide you.

My son will ask me one day if I chased my dreams.

I need to have an answer.

Cooper turns 2 today. 
When he was born, I made myself a promise:

I'd never tell him to go after the life he wants while I played it safe.

For 34 years, I thought wanting more was selfish. Irresponsible. Something to grow out of.

So I aimed for security. Comfort. The responsible path.

Then I held my son for the first time and thought: What am I going to say when he asks why I settled?

I didn't have an answer.

So I stopped building a life I could defend and started building one I wanted.

For me, that looks like: Training for HYROX with Jenna on a Monday. Golf on a Friday. Saying yes to a last-minute trip. Being there every day after school. Coaching Leaders. Writing books. Speaking to rooms full of people. Building a community around people who refuse to settle.

Are there days I have no idea what I'm doing? Absolutely.

Days I wonder what would've happened if I'd played it safer? Yep.

But when Cooper's old enough to watch how I live, I don't want him to see comfort.

I want him to see courage.

Happy birthday, Coop. This is for you.

I talked to 103 new people in 2025. 

Here’s what actually happened: 

– 47 conversations went nowhere.
– 30 were good conversations, and that was it.
– 11 turned into clients.
– 3 helped me enough that I became a client of theirs.
– 2 became real friends.

In 2026, we have a real opportunity.

In a world that keeps getting more digital,
we can choose to be connectors.

Because every positive relationship in your life
started the same way.

Someone initiated the conversation.
Let it be you in 2026.

This might be my least engaged post ever.

The haters will call it cringey.

But it’s meant to serve as a reminder to you. 

So here we go.

 I’m probably in the top 1% in the world at:
• Ice cream consumed
• Paid coaching clients
• LinkedIn conversations
• Dollars fundraised
• Dad communities built
• Miami Dolphins games watched
• Miles run
• Petty debates had
• Businesses Built
• Losing and gaining the same 10 lbs.
• Big questions asked
• Goals set

The list of things I’m bad at is way longer.

But here’s the truth

It’s not arrogant to admit what you’re good at.

It’s useful.

Because if you’re in the top 1% at anything
someone else is trying to figure out how to get there.

So I’ll ask you. 

You. 
Yes, you.

What are you in the top 1% at?

I lied yesterday.

Colin Weatherwax even politely corrected me. 

I said I want to lose followers in February, that's not true. 

I want to gain the right followers, the human ones. 

The High Achieving Dads at about 71% of their potential.

The ones who, 29 minutes into conversation, finally say:

“Actually, you know what I really want…”

Thinking they’re the only ones who feel this way.

They’re not.

That’s who I want to be here. 

That’s who February is for.

If you’re that High Achieving Dad

The one who feels selfish for even wanting more.

Join us in February.

PS. I do still really really want to get rid of the cold pitches from randos--is there a setting for that?

This is one of the worst pieces of advice we got as kids.

“Don’t brag.”

I took that advice seriously.

Get an A in middle school. Keep it to yourself.
Graduate college with honors. Anyone can do that. 
Become an executive at 25. They’ll say you got lucky. 

It didn’t make me more humble.

It made me quiet.
It made me think everything I was good at was easy.
It made me think I couldn’t impact lives on a large scale.

Bragging to make others feel bad makes you a jerk.

But being honest about your wins and  talents matters.

Because everyone has top 1% talents. 

And hiding those is the most selfish thing we can do.

We are connected to people we don’t know.

Thousands of “connections.”
And we aren’t actually connected to half.

Almost every meaningful problem we face
is solvable. 

By a person. 

Not a post.
Not a comment.
Not a like.

A real conversation.

That’s how jobs change.
That’s how businesses grow.
That’s how ideas get unstuck.

Not through boring networking events.

Through actual, intentional connection.

Am I alone in this?
Or are you trying to actually connect in 2026?

The Surgeon General says loneliness is an epidemic.

If you work for yourself, you already know this.

No watercooler.
No team lunch.
No one who gets what you're building.

Just you, your laptop, and a growing list of problems you can't talk through with anyone.

I've felt it. I'm tired of it.

So I'm starting something called High Achievers Connected.

It's simple:

People with big goals get matched 1:1.
You talk honestly. Share challenges. Share wins.
Actually connect with someone who gets it.

Not a networking group.
Not a community with 47 people.
Just two people helping each other.

We start Monday.

If you're one of the 97% who reads LinkedIn but never comments, never reaches out, never asks for help:

This is me inviting you.

DM me or drop a comment. I'll send you the details

7 Steps to Solve Almost Any Challenge You Face:

1. Talk to a friend.
2. Talk to a mentor or coach.
3. Talk to a potential new friend.
4. Talk to someone you can help.
5. Talk to someone who can help you.
6. Talk to a professional.
7. Talk to literally any human.

Replace overthinking and overanalyzing
with conversation and connection.

Because people solve problems.
For people.

Who pushes you?

I have a goal this week.
Pilot High Achievers Connected with 20 people.

Last night, I told Jenna Conley I was at 14.

I was happy with the group.
It’s a great group of people.

She could’ve said “great job.”

Instead, she said:
“I thought your goal was 20?”

“Yeah, but it starts Monday. This is good.”

She paused.

“Sounds like you’ve got more work to do.”

She was right.
I was being comfortable.

Instead of connecting six more people, I was ready to stop.

Not because I couldn’t do it.
Because I had decided this was good enough.

Thankfully, I got pushed.

Who’s your Jenna,  the person in your life that won’t let you settle?

Brian Rella

EverNext

You're talented, driven, and ambitious. You've worked hard to climb the ladder, and you’re grateful for what you have. But lately, it feels like you're stuck on a career dreadmill.

Whether you’re an aspiring executive feeling undervalued and unclear about your next steps or in the C-suite navigating high-pressure demands and critical career moves, your path forward doesn't have to feel overwhelming or uncertain.

Here's How I Can Help:

▶︎ Off the Dreadmill
My foundational program, "Off the Dreadmill," is designed specifically for aspiring executives committed to long-term career success. You'll gain access to a proven playbook—complete with actionable strategies, frameworks, and community support—that lays out a clear, intentional path toward meaningful career growth.

▶︎ Executive Career Coaching
For established leaders and C-suite executives, I offer highly personalized coaching that goes deeper, addressing strategic career growth, navigating transitions, and optimizing your performance at the highest levels. Using my proven frameworks and signature CASE method (Context, Assess, Strategize, Execute), you'll achieve measurable breakthroughs in your career trajectory and leadership impact.

This Isn’t Just About Your Career—It’s About Your Legacy.

When you perform at your highest level professionally, the benefits ripple through every area of your life. Improved career clarity and performance naturally lead to reduced stress, greater fulfillment, and deeper connections at home. While we lead with career excellence, the personal and family benefits inevitably follow.

What You Can Expect:

▶︎ Clear strategies for impactful career advancement.
▶︎ Personalized guidance for high-stakes transitions.
▶︎ Actionable tools for sustainable growth and peak performance.

Ready to step off the dreadmill and into meaningful, strategic career growth?

Let’s talk.

Book your strategy session here:

https://www.brianrella.me/

Founder / Head Coach

Wells Fargo

CIB Agile Transformation Coach

Partnering with executive leadership across the Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Bank to transition all lines of business from Program Management to an Agile Operating Model.

Executive Director

Head of Business Execution Services for Electronic Trading. 

Serve as a trusted advisor and change management leader to the COO, Head of FICC, and Head of Equities. Lead planning and execution of strategic transformation initiatives across asset classes.

BGC Partners

Partnered with business and technology executive management to develop and lead strategic programs focused on revenue growth and operational efficiency. Measurables include customer satisfaction, productivity, stakeholder transparency, cost variance, and schedule variance.

•	Led 5 product teams to deliver a new D2C RFQ platform for Fixed Income. Year 1 revenue forecast of $1.2 million.
•	Led 3 product teams to redesign the Fixed Income API offering by consolidating 4 APIs. Collaborated with sales as an SME to establish a multi-quarter pipeline of 13 clients and $1.7 million in revenue.
•	Coached global integration team leads to overhaul onboarding processes resulting in a drastic reduction in client integration time, increased client satisfaction, and greater transparency across the company.

Director

Bloomberg LP

Revitalized the Bloomberg Tradebook offering for Futures, Options, and FI. Launched a new IaaS product.

•	Conceived and launched Tradebook Market Access Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) offering. Generated $450,000+ in recurring annual revenue in the first 7 months of going to market.

Senior Product Manager

HSBC Global Banking and Markets

Led a cross-functional, cross-business team to deliver strategic digital transformation projects.

•	Executed portfolio of algorithmic trading and UX redesign projects for fixed-income trading resulting in improved Fixed Income industry ranking from #18 to #5. 
•	Conceptualized futures and options electronic trading platform strategy. Proposed and delivered a 2-year roadmap resulting in technical debt reduction of 8 trading systems to 3. Shrank run costs $1.7 million (14%) over 2 years.

Vice President

J.P. Morgan

Directed a global team of project managers and business analysts to create and execute global electronic trading programs for Futures and Options. 

•	Increased e-trading revenues by repurposing equities algorithmic trading and analytics engine for futures & options. Increased algorithmic trading volumes by 40% YOY (2011-2012).
•	Improved straight-through processing for Futures trade allocations 200% YOY

Reval

Professional services lead for Reval’s hedge accounting software.

Senior Consultant

UBS Investment Bank

Co-head of Futures and Options Client Solutions Team.

SAC Capital Advisors

Senior Trade Floor Support

CS Technology

Staff Consultant

Get off the DREADMILL and into a Career that inspires you | Executive Career Coaching | Career Development | Job Search Strategies

This isn’t just about your career. It’s about your legacy.

I help high‑achieving leaders excel in their careers and thrive at home through my Dual Impact Leadership system. 

Whether you’re an up‑and‑coming exec feeling undervalued and unsure of your next move or a C‑suite leader under relentless pressure, you don’t have to navigate complexity alone.

We start with pinpointing your highest‑impact actions at work. When your clarity and performance improve, the effects spill over into every area of your life. As you gain momentum professionally, you’ll notice the benefits ripple out, resulting in less stress, deeper fulfillment, and a more present, connected family life.

That’s the power of Dual Impact Leadership. Strategic growth at work that naturally elevates your life at home. 

What You Can Expect Working With Me:

▶︎ Clear strategies for impactful career advancement.
▶︎ Personalized guidance for high-stakes transitions.
▶︎ Actionable tools for sustainable growth and peak performance.

Ready to step off the dreadmill and into meaningful, strategic career growth?

Let’s talk.

Book your strategy session here:

https://www.brianrella.me/

CEO and Head Coach

Career coach and job search strategist helping executives get the career they want 🎯

There’s a difference between being trusted to execute
and being trusted to decide.

Many senior leaders are heavily relied on,
but only to carry out what others have already decided.

Execution builds credibility.
Decision authority builds influence.

The frustration sets in when you’re accountable for outcomes
without being part of the decision that shaped them.

Next week’s Executive Strategy Session is for senior leaders reassessing where they sit in that gap.

Details are on my profile.

Trusted Advisor to Senior Leaders at Career & Leadership Inflection Points

Career transitions don’t announce themselves loudly.

They show up as small signals.

A role that no longer stretches you.
Decisions happening without you in the room.
Responsibility that grows faster than authority.

Most leaders sense this long before they act on it.

The question isn’t whether something is shifting.
It’s whether you’re taking the time to assess it deliberately.

I’m hosting a private Executive Strategy Session on Executive Transitions this Thursday for leaders who want to think clearly before the window narrows.

Details are on my profile.

Senior roles don’t get easier.
They get quieter.

Fewer obvious moves.
Fewer clear signals.
More decisions that shape months, not weeks.

At that level, success isn’t about speed.
It’s about decision quality.

The leaders who advance aren’t the most active.
They’re the most deliberate.

Next week, I’m hosting a private Executive Strategy Session for senior leaders navigating these quieter, higher-stakes decisions.
Details are on my profile.

At senior levels, waiting feels safe.

Nothing breaks.
Nothing forces a decision.

But while you wait:
• scope gets redefined
• expectations shift
• the narrative around your role hardens

Not because you did anything wrong.
Because organizations keep moving.

Strategic leaders don’t rush decisions.
But they don’t drift either.

Thursday’s Executive Strategy Session is for leaders who want to assess where they stand before momentum decides for them.

Details are on my profile.

The fastest way to stall your career isn’t failure.

It’s tolerating things you shouldn’t.

Tolerating:
• being accountable for outcomes you don’t control
• scope that keeps expanding without real authority
• compensation that’s “close enough for now”

Strong leaders don’t wait for permission to raise standards.

They decide what no longer fits, and stop normalizing it.

If this resonates, I’m hosting a private Executive Strategy Session next week for senior leaders reassessing scope, leverage, and positioning.

Details are on my profile.

Most leaders are over-working the wrong problems.

They spend months optimizing execution
while avoiding the harder question of leverage.

Leverage isn’t effort.
It’s where your judgment changes the outcome.

When leverage is clear:
• fewer meetings matter
• fewer decisions matter
• fewer people need convincing

I’m covering how to identify real leverage in a private Executive Strategy Session next week.

Details are on my profile.

Clarity isn’t motivational.
It’s operational.

When things are clear:
• decisions accelerate
• energy stops leaking
• trade-offs become obvious

Most leaders don’t need more ideas.
They need fewer open loops.

Precision isn’t intensity.
It’s restraint.

That’s exactly what we’ll work through in next week’s Executive Strategy Session.

Details are on my profile.

Most career transitions don’t arrive during moments of stress.

They surface during moments of comfort.

When things are “fine.”
When the role still works on paper.
When there’s no forcing function to decide.

That’s when decisions quietly get made for you:
· by the company
· by shifting priorities
· by the market

Nothing goes wrong.
But your range of options narrows.

If you’re using this weekend to think more carefully about where you stand, I’m hosting a private Executive Strategy Session next week for leaders navigating career transitions.

Details are on my profile.

Some decisions don’t surface during the workweek.

They emerge in quieter moments when there’s space to think without reacting.

Knowing:
• when to stay and recalibrate
• when to push for expanded scope
• when a role has reached its natural limit

Those aren’t emotional decisions.
They’re strategic ones.

That’s exactly what we’ll work through in next week’s Executive Strategy Session for leaders navigating career transitions.

Details are on my profile.

Most leaders don’t need advice.

They need space to think without reacting.

Space to step back from:
• the weekly noise
• the internal politics
• the pressure to “just keep executing”

That space is rare.
Which is why it has to be created intentionally.

Tomorrow I’m hosting a private Executive Strategy Session on Executive Transitions.

Registration closes shortly.

If you’ve been meaning to step back and assess your next move, details are on my profile.

taplio

The Battle

Paul Conley

Brian Rella

Followers

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Performance ScorePaul Conley's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBrian Rella's LinkedIn Performance

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taplio

The Battle

Paul Conley

Brian Rella

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Paul Conley's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreBrian Rella's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScorePaul Conley's LinkedIn Performance