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I’m 35. At 18, I was broke, kicked out of my own home, and wanted to end my life. Now, I've built multiple successful companies, work 4 hours per day, and get to travel the world doing what I love. Here are 9 harsh lessons from 15 years of entrepreneurship I wish I knew at 18: Before we dive in, remember: building a business is tough. My journey had many ups and downs. And I’ve thought about quitting countless times. But you need to stay in the game long enough to reap the rewards. Which brings me to lesson #1… 1. The Power of Compounding Entrepreneurship is about compounding growth, not linear progress. 1% better every day = 37x better in a year. This applies to skills, wealth, and every aspect of your life. Over time, your growth will be exponential. Let compounding work its magic. 2. The Power of Deep Work Deep work is sacred. I block out 4 hours every morning for uninterrupted work to tackle the things I laid out the night before. No phone, no email, just pure concentration on what matters most. Protect your deep work time like your life depends on it. 3. The Power of Learning There are two types of founders: those who learn and those who don't. The ones who learn, thrive. The others? They fade away. Read voraciously. Get coaches. Attend masterminds. Your business can only grow as much as you do. 4. The Power of Swift Action Action breeds momentum. Momentum breeds results. Use the 5-second rule: If you have an idea, act on it within 5 seconds. Procrastination is the disease of the 21st century. 5. The Power of Saying "No" Warren Buffett gets paid to sit on his hands and say no to 99% of things. Get clear on your criteria for opportunities. If it's not a 'Whole Body Yes,' it's a no. No is often the most powerful response. Master it. 6. The Power of Your Health Healthy founders build healthy businesses. I used to smoke daily and drink too often. It nearly killed me. Now, I prioritize meditation, exercise, and nature trips every 6 weeks. Your health isn't just for you. Your company relies on it. 7. The Power of Your Network Your network is your net worth. It's not just a cliché. Build a personal Board of Advisors for every area of your business. Give before you ask. Build real relationships, not transactional ones. Find your founder community. Don't go at it alone. 8. The Power of Storytelling Storytelling is the vehicle by which you can create a movement. Your story sells your product, attracts talent, and builds your brand. Be authentic. Share your journey, struggles, and wins. 9. The Power of Systems Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. To stay in the game long enough, you need sustainable systems to run a calm company. Create a company wiki and document every aspect of your business. Systems = freedom. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want more tips? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Steve Jobs once said: "The most powerful person in the world is the storyteller." But most people don’t know how to tell a good story. 10 storytelling techniques to make you unstoppable in business and life: 1. Highlight The Problem Jobs highlighted user frustrations with existing tech. Identify your audience's pain points. Address them directly to build excitement for your solution. Make your audience nod along, thinking "Yes, that's exactly my issue!" 2. Build Anticipation Jobs teased "3 revolutionary products" before revealing they were all one device - the iPhone. Create suspense. Make your audience crave what comes next. Don't give everything away at once. Leave them wanting more. 3. Show Don’t Tell Jobs didn't just describe iPhone features. He demoed them live. Use visuals, demos, and storytelling to make concepts tangible. Let your audience experience your solution. Bring your ideas to life. 4. Use Strategic Repetition "An iPod, a phone, and an internet communicator" - Jobs repeated this to drive home the iPhone's 3-in-1 value. Repeat your key message creatively, not robotically. Make it stick. Make it memorable. 5. Connect To A Larger Vision Jobs tied the iPhone to Apple's history of revolutionary products, changing its name from "Apple Computer" to "Apple." Your offer should serve a bigger vision and mission that you share with your customers. Show them the forest, not just the trees. 6. Make It Personal "I didn't sleep a wink last night, I was so excited," Jobs shared. Vulnerability creates connection. Let your audience see the human behind the product. Your authenticity is your secret sales weapon. 7. Close With Inspiration Jobs ended with Wayne Gretzky's quote: "I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been." Leave your audience inspired and motivated to take action. Give them a vision of the future they can't resist being part of. 8. Practice Relentlessly Jobs rehearsed for hours, perfecting every detail. Great storytelling looks effortless, but it's the result of deliberate practice. Treat your presentations like an athlete treats training. Repetition breeds excellence. 9. Simplify Complex Ideas Jobs made revolutionary tech accessible to everyone. Your audience shouldn't need a PhD to understand your value proposition. If you can’t explain your idea to a 5-year-old, simplify it until you can. 10. Create An Experience Jobs didn't just launch a product. He crafted an unforgettable moment. Turn your pitch into an immersive experience. Engage all senses. Make your audience feel like they're part of something special. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want more useful tips? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

The biggest fight of my entrepreneurial life wasn't with competitors. It was the war inside my own head. I spent years building a "successful" business on the outside while destroying myself on the inside. 15-hour days. Constant anxiety. Zero joy. A mind that wouldn't stop racing at 2 AM. Sound familiar? Here are the 6 internal battles I had to win to transform my life and build multiple 8-figure companies working just 4 hours a day: 1. The Achievement Addiction I was chasing "more" without knowing what "enough" looked like. The breakthrough came when I realized success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure. Now I measure progress by my peace, not just my profit. 2. The Control Complex I micromanaged everything, believing nobody could do it as well as me. The solution wasn't finding perfect people, it was creating perfect systems. When I documented every process, suddenly my "irreplaceable" skills became teachable. 3. The Identity Trap I wrapped my entire worth in my work. If the business failed, I failed as a human. Liberation came through separating my identity from my outcomes. Your business performance doesn't define your personal value. 4. The Energy Equation I ignored my natural rhythms, pushing through fatigue with caffeine and willpower. Everything changed when I started auditing my energy, not just my time. Now I build my days around energy peaks, not arbitrary hours. 5. The Systems Mindset I was a firefighter, constantly reacting to problems. The transformation happened when I became a fire-prevention specialist instead. Now I build systems that solve problems before they appear. 6. The Alignment Algorithm I forced myself to work on things that drained me, believing discipline was the answer. True power came when I aligned my work with my zone of genius. Flow beats force every single time. Since implementing these changes: • I travel 6 months of the year  • I only work during my peak energy hours (6-10 AM)  • My creativity and impact have multiplied exponentially • My businesses grow while I'm completely disconnected The battle isn't out there. It's in here. Win the war in your mind, and the marketplace will follow. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my complete 4-hour workday blueprint? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Something transformed my life completely. At 20, I had all the potential in the world but was missing the one thing that makes everything else possible. Vision isn't just a nice-to-have, it's the difference between drifting and direction. Here's what changed everything for me: 1. Magnetic Pull Your vision acts as a gravitational force that pulls you forward even when everything else falls apart. During my darkest moments building my first company, it was vision, not motivation or discipline, that gave me the strength to continue when logic said to quit. 2. Opportunity Filter Without vision, every opportunity looks good. With vision, you instantly know what deserves your time. I wasted years chasing projects that weren't aligned with my deepest purpose until I finally crafted a vision that became my decision-making compass. 3. People Magnet The caliber of people in your life directly correlates to the size of your vision. Small vision attracts small thinkers. Bold vision attracts legends. Every world-class person on my team joined because they were inspired by where we were going, not just what we were doing. 4. Decision Accelerator When your vision is crystal clear, decisions that paralyze others become simple for you. I've watched founders agonize over choices that took me seconds because my vision eliminated 99% of the options before they even reached my conscious mind. 5. Fear Destroyer "What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?" If your answer doesn't make your heart race, you're playing too small. The vision that finally unlocked my potential was so terrifying that I couldn't share it with anyone for months, and that's precisely how I knew it was the right one. 6. Reality Creator As Lincoln said: "The best way to predict your future is to create it." Your vision isn't just a dream, it's the blueprint your subconscious uses to build your reality. The most successful founders I know all treated their vision as already real long before any evidence existed in the physical world. 7. Exceptional Force Most people drift through life hoping for the best. Exceptional founders steer with vision, moving in a straight line while others zigzag aimlessly. The difference between a $1M business and a $100M business often isn't skill or resources, it's the clarity and ambition of the founder's vision. Start by sharing your vision. It's the most powerful way to attract the right people, opportunities, and energy into your life. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to create a clear vision? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Always trust your team's decisions. What idea changed how you view business? Here's mine: company culture. This is how you can build a great company culture in 2025: To Grow a Good Culture, Learn About Bad Ones There's something powerful about learning what NOT to do. Let's start by understanding two of the biggest offenders of bad cultures: • Toxic behavior • Micromanagement Let's break it down: 1. Toxic Behavior When toxicity runs rampant, resignations skyrocket. Your best talent jumps ship, leaving you with a subpar team and a damaged reputation. Nobody wants to work in a hostile environment. Address toxic behavior early or watch your company crumble. 2. Micromanagement Is Not Community Constantly hovering over your team's shoulders is a bad move. Micromanagement kills growth and creativity faster than you can say, "I need that report by EOD." Give your people the freedom to innovate and watch your business soar. These 2 behaviors are, in my opinion, the biggest killers of company culture. When you understand them, you can develop a new appreciation for good company culture. Let's talk about 5 easy action steps you can take to improve your company's culture: 1. Appreciate Team Efforts Recognize and celebrate wins, big and small. Make your people feel valued, and they'll go above and beyond. A simple "thank you" can make a struggling employee's day. 2. Encourage Open Dialogue Foster an environment where everyone feels heard. Regular check-ins and anonymous feedback channels work wonders. When your team feels safe to speak up, game-changing ideas emerge. 3. Promote Work-Life Balance Burnout is a productivity killer. Encourage your team to unplug and recharge. • No meetings before noon • Avoid daily meetings • Minimize weekend work Well-rested employees are more engaged and more productive. Happy People = Good Culture 4. Deal With Toxic Behavior ASAP Nip negativity in the bud before it spreads like wildfire. Address issues head-on with clear consequences. One bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. Protect your culture at all costs. 5. Empower Your People Give your team the tools and autonomy they need to succeed. Trust them to make decisions and learn from mistakes. Empowered employees are more invested in your company's success. In today's ultra-competitive world, a strong culture isn't nice to have. It's a must-have. Don't let culture killers sabotage your success. Take action today, and transform your company tomorrow. Your revenue growth depends on it. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want systems to scale fast? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Brutal truth: Most CEOs spend 80% of their time on things that generate 0% cash flow. Here's the system I built to flip that equation: 1. Stop Doing Low-Leverage Work   You're the CEO. Not an operator, admin, or project manager.   Your job is cash flow. Everything else gets delegated. 2. Build Your A-Team   • Tech Lead → to build systems   • Salesperson → to close deals   • Chief of Staff → to run operations   • Head of Content → to drive growth      A legendary team = legendary results. 3. Master Your Sales   Focus on converting your existing audience to sales.   Remember the 3 most important aspects of your sales rhythm:   • Morning meetings   • Weekly projections   • End of day reports 4. Create Contagious Content   • Videos that people actually want to share   • High-production storytelling that connects   • Behind-the-scenes content that builds trust   • Lifestyle b-roll that converts      Content is your ultimate leverage. The CEO success formula is simple: High-Performance Team + Irresistible Offers + Contagious Content + Optimized Content Funnel = Systemized Success Simple. But not easy. What's one area where you need to stop doing low-leverage work? Comment below. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want more leadership tips? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Stephen Hawking once said something that changed the way I interact with my team: “Quiet people have the loudest minds.” Why this is so important: Your Community Is Everything As a Founder Great teams win championships, while average teams get stuck. What I’ve learned over the years of building several successful teams and businesses, is that A-players come in many different forms. Not all winners are loud. Every Entrepreneur Is An Athlete Not everyone likes to be the center of attention – but that doesn’t mean that you don't have great ideas that can help you win big. Some of the most powerful in the world are those behind the scenes pulling the strings for the greats. Introverts Vs. Extroverts It’s important to know the people that you work with. If you want to build better systems, you need to know the kind of work that energizes them and drains them. Are they an introvert or extrovert? Here’s a breakdown from Simon Sinek: People Aren’t Made For Jobs, Jobs Are Made For People No matter how much you work on crafting the perfect job, you’ll never get it right. However, you can hire the perfect team member. Good team members fit right into your team like pieces to a puzzle. The Ideal Jobs For Introverts: Quiet people possess unique strengths: • Calmness • Keen observation • Independence • Focus • Deep Thinking Introverts need to do work that is tailored to their special gifts. Quiet People Also Make Great Leaders Here’s where it starts to get interesting. Although we mostly think of quiet people as being in the background, offering insight from afar, some introverts can also become thoughtful and powerful leaders. Here’s how: 1. Introverts Can Be Great Leaders Although you might not be interested in giving speeches as an introvert, you can still lead. • 1:1 conversations • Careful listening • Standing strong through tough times Every founder needs an introvert in their inner circle. 2. Quiet People Have Special Powers There have been studies that prove how effective introverted leaders are. Introversion you must remember, is not shyness. Introverts are not recluses or hermits. Introverts lead and work in their own way, and that way is deeply valuable today. 3. Never Underestimate the Power of an Introvert Whether to take on a leadership role at your company or start your own, introverts are core members of winning teams. However, the introverts who truly thrive are those who align with the day-to-day work that they love. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to Learn The Art of Consistent Lead Generation? Join my free live Workshop on April 30th (5 days away) to steal my homework: https://lnkd.in/erSRPsHw

The truth no one wants to admit: Obsession beats talent every single time. I've studied thousands of founders over the years, searching for the secret ingredient to extraordinary success. It wasn't funding. It wasn't intelligence. It wasn't connections. It wasn't natural talent. It was obsession. The most successful founders think about their craft 24/7, test relentlessly, never settle, and devour everything they can about their field. But healthy obsession follows 4 distinct phases: 1. Consumption Devour everything about your craft while building a foundation of knowledge so strong your intuition becomes your superpower. Study the masters, absorb their wisdom, and aim to become the most knowledgeable person in your space. Just remember that knowledge without action quickly becomes worthless, don't get stuck in this phase. 2. Experimentation Test everything methodically and document your results with obsessive detail to discover what works specifically for YOU, not just what worked for others. Challenge conventional wisdom and create your own playbook through rigorous testing. Most people quit here when immediate results don't appear, but pushing through this phase separates the elite from everyone else. 3. Systemization Transform your wins into processes and build repeatable frameworks that anyone can execute without your constant involvement. Document everything thoroughly so your success doesn't depend on your presence and create systems that continue working while you sleep. This critical step removes you from operations and is the true secret to scale that separates good from great. 4. Optimization Measure everything that truly matters and ruthlessly 10x what works while cutting anything that doesn't drive significant results. Focus your energy exclusively on the actions and processes that actually move the needle. This is where real wealth is built, not in the initial hustle, but in the disciplined refinement of proven success patterns. The path to extraordinary results requires moving through all four phases, not just stopping at one. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to Learn The Art of Consistent Lead Generation? Join my free live Workshop on April 30th (9 days away) to steal my homework: www.founderos.com/workshop

I'm 35. Looking back on my journey as a founder, I've collected these lessons through both triumph and struggle.  Each one has shaped my path: 1. Nature is Your Greatest Mentor Get outside. Find clarity on trails, not in office buildings. 2. Weird is Good Your uniqueness is your edge. Don't sand down your edges to fit in. 3. Make Something People Want The simplest startup advice is still the best. Solve real problems. 4. Kill Retrospective Regret Past decisions are in the past. Stop letting them rule your mind. 5. Attention is The New Oil Your personal brand is the pipeline. Build it with intention, not by accident. 6. Apply The 80/20 Rule to Everything Most results come from a small fraction of your efforts. Know what moves the needle. 7. Never Feel Sorry for Yourself Embrace the suck and use it as fuel to level up. 8. Practice Random Acts of Kindness The returns are immeasurable and compound over time. 9. Taste is The Ultimate Competitive Advantage In a world of copycats, having good taste sets you apart instantly. 10. Build a Business That Serves You. Not The Other Way Around Design freedom into the DNA of what you create. 11. Live Every Day Like It's Retirement Don't postpone joy. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Neither is your motivation. 12. Give Back Without Expectation Be authentic with your generosity. What goes around truly does come around. 13. Invest in Yourself Relentlessly You are your own best investment. Books, courses, coaching - the ROI is unmatched. 14. Vulnerability wins It's the birthplace of love, community, and connections. The walls you build for protection also block your blessings. 15. Your Network is Your Net Worth Never stop building it. Every relationship is a potential door to opportunity. 16. If It's Not a "Hell Yes," It's a No Trust your gut. Saying no to the good creates space for the great. 17. Travel is The Greatest Teacher It opens your eyes to new perspectives. Nothing expands your mind like exploring new places. 18. Get 1% Better Every Day Be 37x better by the end of the year. Small daily improvements create exponential results. 19. Write Daily It's my best form of therapy. Clear writing leads to clear thinking. 20. Done is Better Than Perfect Ship early, iterate often. Perfectionism is procrastination in disguise. 21. Control The 4 Ws in Life When you work, where you work, with whom you work, and what you work on. This is the essence of true freedom. 22. Create Instead of Consume Start your day with creation, not consumption. Build before you browse. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my complete life lessons checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

How to design your dream life in 2025. Take these steps: “Luxury is feeling unrushed. It is designing a life that allows you to do what you want with high leverage, with many options, all while feeling unrushed.” - Tim Ferriss The power of lifestyle design: • Intentional action • Unlocking your time  • Finding what you enjoy Step 1: Build a Habit of Reflection Learn to become keenly in tune with how your body feels. What words describe your feelings right now? • Flowing? • At ease? • Confused?  • Exhausted? Begin to track how you feel and analyze why you might feel that way. This builds a habit of constant reflection. You begin to understand: • What makes me feel good? bad?  • What are the nuances of my good moods? my bad ones? When I started, I learned I was in a negative mood 70% of the time! That completely shocked me. Step 2: Assume Control Repeat this message: "I am the root cause of my feelings." You are the one in control of your actions. You're never powerless to change how you feel. Sounds easy, but it's the most difficult step. We hate assuming responsibility for how we feel. Hate your job? Who's forcing you to stay in the current one? Feel frustrated with friends? Who's stopping you from communicating? It may seem impossible. But taking small steps creates instant relief. You reassume control and learn that you can fix any problems that come up. Step 3: Create Your Ideal Future Write answers to these prompts: • What does your ideal 24-hour-day look like?  • Do you prefer spontaneity or routine?  • What kind of diet is important to you?  • Where do friends and family play a role in your ideal life? More: • Do you want to experiment with philosophies like downshifting, slow living or minimalism?  • Are you pursuing FIRE?  • Do you want more hobbies/less? Which do you actually love?  • Can you combine hobbies with work?  • Where is your dream location? Get to a granular level: • What does waking up feel like on an ideal day?  • What does working out feel like?  • What does working my job feel like? Step 4: Take Action Synthesize all your answers to the past prompts. Instead of setting a written goal, create an image of your ideal future in your head. Whenever you need motivation, bring up that image to fill you with an unstoppable drive. Then begin to reverse-engineer your better lifestyle. • Make the purchases to improve your sleep stack  • Create a group of regular gym-goers  • Set up a budget to help you hit FIRE  • Begin to incorporate mindfulness practices weekly, then daily Small steps, big goals. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more.

I spent my 20s making every mistake in the book. Today, at 35, I've built systems that allow me to live a life beyond my wildest dreams. 7 habits I wish I'd adopted sooner: 1. Quit Procrastinating Your 20s aren't your "finding yourself" years, they're your "build something meaningful" years. Every day you wait is a day you'll never get back. The compound effect of daily action is unstoppable. 2. Cut Energy Vampires "Your network is your net worth" isn't just a saying. Find people who expand your vision of what's possible. The right circle will 10x your potential and pull you toward growth naturally. 3. Just Start Stop waiting for permission, the perfect moment, or someone to choose you. The only person holding you back is staring at you in the mirror each morning. Begin before you feel ready. 4. Take Swift Action Ship fast. Learn faster. Iterate daily. Don't lose yourself in the "preparation" phase. A month of action teaches more than a year of planning. Done is better than perfect every single time. 5. Prioritize Your Health I pushed my body to breaking point, thinking I was invincible. Now I lift weights daily, sleep 8 hours, and stay completely sober. The foundation of all success is a healthy body that can carry you there. 6. Choose Play I built my first business feeling completely miserable. Now I've designed work that feels like play. Find what lights you up; life's too short to build something you hate waking up for. 7. Build Systems Freedom requires bulletproof systems. To scale your business, work fewer hours, or travel whenever you want, you need systems that function without your constant attention. Nature has been my greatest teacher. On mountains and trails, I've found clarity that no business book could provide. The path is simple but not easy: start today, surround yourself with excellence, take care of your body, and systematize everything. Your future self is begging you not to wait. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my complete habits checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

I discovered something that saved my life. When I was 25, I wanted to kill myself. Burnout and depression had me in a death grip as I built my first company. Then, while stranded in a Banff hotel during a snowstorm, I found an ancient Japanese concept that changed everything. Building my journey in public has been the key to transforming this discovery into impact. I started journaling about my Ikigai - your "reason for being" - and immediately began sharing what I was learning. Your Ikigai exists at the intersection of four powerful forces: • What you LOVE  • What you're GOOD AT  • What the WORLD NEEDS  • What you can be PAID FOR When I completed this exercise publicly, everything became crystal clear - and something unexpected happened. Here's what building in public with your purpose does: 1. Creates An Uncopiable Advantage When I shared my mission to help 100 million founders through systems, it became my unique signature no competitor could replicate. Your story is the one thing others cannot steal or duplicate. 2. Attracts Your Perfect Audience The right founders naturally gravitate to someone who's honest about their struggles and transformation. I've never spent a dollar on ads, yet founders who need systems find me every day. 3. Fuels Unlimited Energy Working in your Ikigai while building in public creates a perpetual motivation engine. Even on my worst days, I'm energized by the founders implementing the systems I share. The feedback loop of seeing others succeed with your ideas creates a renewable energy source. 4. Makes Work Feel Like Play The transparency removes the performance pressure and lets you operate in flow. I wake up excited to build and share, not dragging myself to a job. 5. Converts Money Into A Byproduct When purpose leads and you share the journey openly, success follows naturally. The moment I stopped chasing revenue and started sharing authentic value was when everything changed. 6. Builds Community Through Authenticity My vulnerability about hitting rock bottom created deep connections with founders going through similar challenges. The strongest communities form around shared struggles, not just shared successes. When you build in public, you create a space where others feel safe to be authentic too, creating bonds that transcend typical business relationships. 7. Accelerates Feedback Loops Sharing my systems in real-time has allowed me to refine them based on immediate responses. Every post becomes a focus group for your ideas, shortening the path to mastery. The most valuable asset you have isn't your strategy or systems - it's your unique journey discovering them. The future belongs to founders who build with radical transparency. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want more tips for living a fulfilling life? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

I've tested 100+ tools over the last decade to build a business that runs itself. 70% were a waste of money. 20% were temporarily useful. But these 7 consistently transform how entrepreneurs work: 1. Ikigai The Japanese concept helps you find your "reason for being" at the perfect intersection of passion, skills, market needs, and profitability. When you align these four elements, your business becomes an extension of your purpose rather than just another job. 2. Personal Board Meeting This monthly ritual forces you to step back from daily operations and evaluate what truly matters. By reviewing your personal goals, business targets, mission alignment, and key learnings, you create a constant feedback loop that prevents drift from your core vision. 3. Goal Hierarchy System Start with your 10-year vision, then break it down into 3-year objectives, 1-year plans, and focused 90-day sprints. This cascading approach ensures every daily action connects directly to your biggest ambitions while maintaining clarity on immediate priorities. 4. The CEO Scoreboard Weekly financial and sales metrics don't lie. By tracking revenue, expenses, cash flow, call volumes, show rates, and close percentages, you objectively measure business health and make data-driven decisions instead of relying on gut feelings or wishful thinking. 5. Content Idea Machine Select three categories you genuinely want to help people with, choose your approach (expert or curator), and use proven frameworks to generate dozens of compelling content ideas in minutes. The structured process eliminates creative blocks and ensures consistent output. 6. Content Waterfall System Transform one piece of content into multiple formats across all platforms with minimal additional effort. Starting with a core idea like an X thread, cascade it down through LinkedIn, Instagram, podcasts, newsletters and more to maximize reach while minimizing work. 7. CTA System Strategic placement of calls-to-action across all your social channels converts passive followers into an audience you actually own. This system methodically moves people from external platforms to your email list or community where you control the relationship. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my complete tools checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Harsh truth I wish I knew at 18: Getting a degree is a complete waste of time. I've built different businesses without ever needing mine. Skip the degree and learn these 27 sentences instead: 1. A confused mind always says no. Clarity in your offer is non-negotiable. 2. The goal of marketing isn't to be clever; it's to be clear. 3. Your offer should be a painkiller, not a vitamin. 4. The riches are in the niches. Own your category. 5. The most powerful marketing tactic? Word of mouth. 6. Provide value with 0 expectations of anything in return. 7. Build your product after talking to customers, not before. 8. People buy with emotion, then justify with logic. 9. Your customer's story is more powerful than yours. 10. Your brand is a promise. Your customer experience is the fulfillment of that promise. 11. Your business is a reflection of you. Evolve yourself to evolve your business. 12. Systems beat goals every time. Build a business that runs without you. 13. Sell the transformation, not the product. 14. Automate, delegate, or eliminate to buy back your time. 15. Perfectionism is an illusion. Done is better than perfect. 16. Attention is the new oil, and your personal brand is the pipeline. 17. No agenda, no meeting. Eliminate pointless gatherings. 18. Implement the 80/20 rule to everything. Focus on what truly moves the needle. 19. Focus on being irreplaceable, not just profitable. 20. Build a business that serves you, not the other way around. 21. Embrace experimentation over perfectionism. Test, learn, iterate. 22. Listen more than you talk. 23. Know your customers better than they know themselves. 24. Make something people want. 25. Do things that are obvious. 26. Fall in love with the problem, not your solution. 27. Love the customer. Don’t build a business around people you hate. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my business lessons checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

I’ve hired 90+ high performers in the last 3 years. Here are 8 rare traits I see in every high performer: 1. Grit This one’s a non-negotiable. What is it? • Ability to persist through obstacles • Strength to bounce back from failure • Tenacity to keep pushing, no matter the challenge Hard work is common. Grit is rare. 2. Relentless Resourcefulness Some people find a way no matter how “impossible” it seems. They are innovative problem solvers. They have the conviction that there's always a solution. These are the people we want. They’re like water. They find a path around any obstacle. 3. Optimism Entrepreneurship is a roller coaster. Having optimistic people on your side is a massive mental boost. Optimistic people don't see roadblocks; they see stepping stones to success. Their energy is electrifying and infectious. A must-have when the going gets tough. 4. Constant Learning The ROI on constant learners compounds. In a fast-moving world, learning and adapting is essential. These hires: • Seek feedback • Expand their skills • Stay curious and hungry Train them well, and they'll give you an infinite return on your investment. 5. Not Being an Asshole It might sound simple, but it's vital. I don’t care how smart, hardworking, or optimistic you are. If you don’t: • Show empathy • Collaborate well • Treat others with respect I don’t want you on my team. Period. 6. Fun to Be Around I need people that I like spending time with. Work can be intense. Having people who bring: • Positive energy • A sense of humor • A lightness to the office Makes a world of difference. When we make work feel like play, we're unstoppable. 7. Growth Mindset This one is foundational. I need someone who: • Embraces challenges as growth opportunities • Believes abilities and intelligence can be developed People with a growth mindset get obsessed with the process. Not fixated on the outcome. 8. Enjoys Responsibility I need my team to take on responsibility. I don’t want to chase people down. If they: • Take ownership of their work • Care about doing a good job We'll perform better. And I’ll have way more breathing room and feel more at ease. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to become a high performer? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

YouTube is free education. 10 channels that will teach you more in 2025 than a Harvard MBA: 1. Huberman Lab Learn from the Professor of Neurobiology at Stanford, Andrew Huberman. He decodes the science of peak performance: • How to improve your brain health • Learn the "do's and don'ts" of behavioral tools • How to get better at sleeping, learning, and focus 2. Johnny Harris Johnny Harris is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever seen. He’s an independent journalist who breaks down global issues with stunning cinematography. Each video feels like a mini-documentary that could easily be on Netflix. Pure storytelling genius. 3. The Joe Rogan Experience Joe Rogan brings together the world's most fascinating minds for 3-hour deep dives. He's built the ultimate place for unfiltered dialogue from every perspective imaginable. Entertaining, educational, and one-of-a-kind. 4. David Perell He teaches people how to master the art of digital storytelling. Aside from his YouTube channel, he also breaks down how to write with personality on his website writingexamples(dot)com. He is the #1 source for anything writing-related. 5. Bryan Johnson Learn from Bryan Johnson, who successfully: • Achieved metabolic health equal to the top 1.5% of 18 y/o • Inflammation 66% lower than the average 10 y/o • Reduced his speed of aging by 31 years The go-to channel for health & longevity protocols. 6. David Rubenstein Hosted by David Rubenstein, the legendary investor and philanthropist. What you learn: • How world leaders achieved success through in-depth interviews • Key lessons on business, history, and global challenges The perfect channel for curious minds and lifelong learners. 7. Charisma on Command Charlie Houpert's channel will teach you how to build better relationships with those around you. Specifically, you’ll learn how to: • Make people laugh • Be more confident • Be more likable 8. All-In Podcast Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks & David Friedberg go into deep discussions on controversial and highly relevant topics with unfiltered debates. They talk about everything: • Tech • Poker • Politics • The Economy The ultimate podcast for bold opinions. 9. My First Million Sam Parr and Shaan Puri jam on new business ideas and dissect the ones that made millions. They share “stealable” business ideas and bring on impressive founders who share their playbook. Any entrepreneur should subscribe. 10. The Matt Gray Show Hosted by me - Matt. What can you expect from my channel? Proven systems to grow a profitable audience with organic content. __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want a free YouTube course checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

In the last 10 years, over 1,000 people have asked me how to start a business. The truth? They’re all paralyzed by limiting beliefs. What they are and how to break them today: Before we get into the How, let’s first unpack why people think they can’t start a business. Here are the biggest reasons I’ve found: Lack of Clarity It’s hard to believe if you have no idea what the hell you’re doing. You need some idea of what services to offer, what path to follow, and what goals to set. Stuck? Join communities, read books, and connect with weapons. Lack of clarity = lack of inspiration. Overcomplicate Getting Started The only thing you need to start a business? 1. Product/service solving a pain point 2. Paying customer Forget the LLC, tax return, website, and logo. Until you have your first customer, that’s nothing but procrastination. Perfectionism Paralysis The #1 thing I see holding wantrepreneurs back? Perfectionism. They need the perfect logo, perfect offer, perfect website, and perfect product. No wonder they never get anywhere. Get going, then get good. Done > perfect. Perceived Funding Requirements It’s crazy how many people think you need VC or a rich family to start a business — especially today. You can hire overseas, access an army of digital robots for free, and use AI. You don’t need funding. You need creativity. Picking a Hard Business Elon Musk said: “Running a start-up is like chewing glass and staring into the abyss.” Why make the journey any harder? Pick something you enjoy with low capital/labor requirements and high leverage. The journey is hard enough as it is. How to prove they can start a business: We’ve gone over the reasons people can’t start a business. Now, how do you actually prove you can do it? Let’s get into it (Hint: it doesn’t come from shouting affirmations in front of your mirror): Find Exciting Ideas I wouldn’t be where I am if I didn’t love what I did. I found my Ikigai - the intersection of what I love, what I’m good at, what the world needs, and what I can be paid for. I help founders reach $5M/year with proven systems and I love every second of it. Ship Fast and Iterate The best entrepreneurs ship FAST. They ship. Get feedback. Iterate. Relentlessly. Wantrepreneurs wait for the perfect idea, keep perfecting their product, and never ship. Result? They don’t prove anything to anyone. Don’t be a wantrepreneur. Leverage Systems Systems separate the great entrepreneurs from the mediocre ones. I have systems for everything - content creation, hiring, managing - you name it, I have a system for it. The result? $8M/year on autopilot. I don’t believe in hustle. I believe in systems. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my complete checklist? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

Being surrounded by the right people is the best hack for ultimate growth. Your circle determines your ceiling. Everything shifted when I found mentors who were 10x my level. Their "normal" became my new baseline. Their problems became my new targets.  Their thinking became my new standard. Environment is stronger than willpower. Here are 6 ways to upgrade your circle today: 1. Join Communities of High-Performers Seek environments where excellence is the minimum standard, not the exception. I've found that when you're the least accomplished person in the room, your growth accelerates exponentially. High-performance communities create natural accountability that no app or system can replicate. 2. Attend Events Where Your Heroes Gather The magic rarely happens during the presentations, it's in the lobby conversations, the dinners after, the unexpected connections. I met one of my most influential mentors not during his keynote, but while waiting for coffee at an event I almost didn't attend. Proximity creates possibility. 3. Create Value Before Asking The moment you shift from "what can I get?" to "what can I give?" everything changes. I spent six months helping others in my industry before ever asking for anything in return. This approach built a reservoir of goodwill that continues to overflow years later. 4. Share Your Work Publicly Building in public isn't just about transparency, it's about signaling. When you openly share your journey, values, and systems, you naturally attract aligned people while filtering out those who don't resonate. My most valuable relationships began when someone reached out after seeing something I'd shared. 5. Be Genuinely Curious Curiosity is the hidden superpower in relationship-building. I've found that asking thoughtful questions and truly listening creates deeper connections than any amount of impressive talking. People remember the person who made them feel understood, not the one who tried to sound intelligent. 6. Invest in Relationships The relationships that transformed my business weren't built over a single coffee meeting, they developed through consistent investment over time. I block time every week specifically for relationship nurturing, treating it with the same importance as any business-critical activity. I've seen this play out over and over with founders in our community. When they upgrade their circle, their business transforms almost automatically. Your network isn't just your net worth. It's your thinking, your standards, your opportunities, your energy, and ultimately, your future. Who are you surrounding yourself with? __ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want to become better at networking? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

I used to be depressed, broke, and anxious. Now, I only work 4 hours per day and travel the world. 10 habits that transformed my life: 1. Daily Deep Work Dedicate the first few hours of your day to deep, focused work on your needle-moving work. No phone, no social media, no distractions. This is when your mind is freshest and most creative. Protect this time at all costs. 2. The AED System Automate, Eliminate, Delegate Ruthlessly apply this system to every task. • Automate repetitive tasks • Eliminate unnecessary ones • Delegate what does not require your unique skills Your time is gold; start acting like it. 3. Quarterly Resets Every quarter, take a step back, take a break, and reassess your goals, strategies, and habits. What's working? What's not? Make adjustments. Regular resets ensure that I stay aligned with my long-term vision and core values. 4. Focus on the 4 W of Work Optimize the Who, What, Where, and When of your work: • Who: Surround yourself with high-performers • What: Focus on high-impact tasks • Where: Create an optimal environment • When: Leverage your natural energy Small tweaks yield huge gains. 5. Sobriety Eliminating alcohol was a game-changer for my productivity and clarity. No hangovers, brain fog, or wasted time. Sobriety allows you to operate at your peak consistently. You need to be sober to change your life for the better. 6. No Agenda, No Meeting With my team, if a meeting doesn't have a clear agenda and desired outcome, it doesn't happen. Period. This simple rule eliminates countless hours of pointless meetings. Work matters, but most of your meetings don’t. 7. No Meetings in the Morning Mornings are for deep work, not meetings. Protect your peak creative hours. Schedule meetings in the afternoon when your energy naturally dips. Systemize your life. 8. Hell Yes or No This is an extension of AED. If an opportunity or request isn't a "Hell Yes!", it's a no. Ruthlessly guard your time and attention. Saying no to the mediocre allows you to say yes to the exceptional. 9. Personal Time/Energy Audit Track how you spend your time for a week. Categorize activities as energizing or draining. Then, systematically eliminate or minimize the draining activities. The time audit raises your hourly rate by thousands of dollars. 10. Daily Exercise Those who prioritize fitness enjoy a life expectancy up to 7 years longer. Your quality and duration of life is determined by your fitness habits. Exercise is key to unlocking your full potential. I don’t care if it sounds corny: health is wealth. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want my checklist for lifestyle design? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy

I just read about a study I can’t stop thinking about… Introverts are more effective leaders (according to Harvard): Conventional wisdom says extroverts make the best leaders. They are: • Decisive • Outgoing • Dominant They’re favored in hiring decisions and are seen as more effective leadership figures. And 65% of corporate executives think introversion is a barrier to leadership. Look at the upper echelons of organizations and the bias is clear: 50% of the general population are extroverted - but 60% of top-level executives show high levels of extroversion. Is conventional wisdom correct? A study from Harvard says otherwise… Quiet power exists in introverted leaders. And in certain situations, introverts make the better boss. Here’s why: Extroverts have important strengths. But they also often want to be the center of attention and dominate discussions. By contrast, introverts listen more carefully and are more open to suggestions. This is especially true in dynamic, unpredictable environments. They’re more effective when the going gets tough. The science backs it up. Brain studies show physical differences between extroverts and introverts. Extroverts have a more active dopamine reward system, driving them towards external stimulation. Introverts are geared towards areas linked to internal thought and reflection. But societal understanding needs to catch up with our advancing scientific knowledge. It’s about time we bust these myths about quiet people: 1. Introversion ≠ Shyness Introverts crave rich 1-on-1 conversations. But they need to retreat to solo sanctuaries occasionally to recharge in peace. Understand this rhythm and help introverts find their flow state. 2. Introverts Are Always Quiet Just because they do not dominate the conversation does not mean they have nothing to contribute. Introverts speak when it’s meaningful. Quietness isn’t a lack of insight or opinions. 3. Introverts Can’t Lead Effectively 65% of executives overlook introverts’ immense leadership gifts: • Strategic thinking • 1-on-1 relationship building  • Fostering trust and psychological safety Many introverts are deep, strategic visionaries. If you are an introvert, embrace your strategic advantage. Here’s how: 1. Conduct An Energy Audit Look after your energy. You can't pour from an empty cup. Take the time to reflect on what gives you energy and what takes away from it. Balance social bursts with self-reflection. 2. Leverage Your Listening Use this superpower to understand others deeply and assess team dynamics. Your innate ability to focus can unlock hidden details and interpersonal truths. 3. Give Opportunities If you recognize introverts within your team, empower them. — Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Matt Gray for more. Want systems to scale peacefully? Join our community of 172,000+ subscribers today: https://lnkd.in/eMB4fWuy