What if the biggest bottleneck in your business isn’t your strategy, your market, or even your team—but you? In this episode, we dive into the idea that true growth for entrepreneurs and small business owners starts from the inside out. High achievers often think scaling means doing more, but as Leila Lahbabi reveals, lasting success comes from personal development, conscious leadership, and aligning your business with who you are at your core.

In this episode, we talk about:

Why personal development is the secret ingredient to building a business that lasts

How high achievers often fall into burnout—and how to break the cycle

Why your business will never outgrow you (and what to do about it)

The balance between hustle, scaling, and actually enjoying your life as an entrepreneur

The “CLAP” methodology for leadership, teams, and scaling from the inside out

This one is packed with wisdom, stories, and practical strategies for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to build both profit and purpose.

👉 Connect with Leila:

LinkedIn: https://fr.linkedin.com/in/leilalahbabiimpactstrategy

Instagram: @leilalhb

Podcast: Billion Dollar Purpose

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leilalahbabi

Tax Services:

Squires Tax Planning is where we help high achievers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners pay the least amount of tax legally and ethically. My team and I have saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars through proactive strategies most tax preparers never bring up.

If you’re tired of just filing taxes and want to see what true tax planning looks like, head over to squirestaxplanning.com

Take the free assessment to find out if you’re overpaying and book a discovery call with our team.

What if the secret to building wealth, health, and freedom wasn’t in a quick fix, but in compounding small decisions over time? Today’s episode will light a fire under every small business owner and entrepreneur who wants to grow their business and their life at the same time.

In this conversation, I sit down with Mike Milligan, founder of Ideas by Mike and 1.oak Financial. Mike’s journey started at his grandmother’s dining room table, selling collared sandwiches at construction sites, and has grown into decades of helping entrepreneurs create purpose-driven wealth.

We dive into:

Mike’s personal health transformation—losing over 100 pounds by “planning his health like his money.”

The lessons he learned from his grandmother that shaped his entrepreneur mindset.

Why compounding small actions is the real way to grow your business and yourself.

The advantages and challenges of living and running a business in Puerto Rico (and the tax strategies behind it).

The critical difference between a tax preparer and a true tax planner.

Why entrepreneurs must pay themselves first and learn to own their business—instead of letting their business own them.

If you’re an entrepreneur chasing personal development while trying to grow your business, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical steps.

Connect with Mike:

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemilligancfp/

👉 www.1oakfinancial.com

Are you a small business owner tired of overpaying the IRS? Here’s the truth: most CPAs are historians—they file what already happened. But real money is saved through tax planning, not tax prep.

At Squires Tax Planning, we work with entrepreneurs and high-income earners to legally and ethically minimize taxes. We’ve saved clients hundreds of thousands of dollars through strategies their previous preparer never mentioned.

✅ Take our free tax assessment at squirestaxplanning.com

to see if you’re likely overpaying.

✅ Book a free discovery call and find out how much tax you can save this year.

If this episode brought you value, do me a favor: rate, review, and share the podcast. That’s how we keep helping entrepreneurs become healthier, wealthier, and wiser. And connect with me on social media or at where I share daily tips on entrepreneurship and personal development.

Ever hit big goals, only to feel… empty?

That’s what today’s conversation is all about. I sat down with Grace Najean — French-Korean leadership mentor, former Tony Robbins master coach, and founder of the SoulFluence Method. With 15+ years of experience and over 5,000 hours coaching high performers, Grace helps ambitious leaders go beyond achievement to create alignment, fulfillment, and influence that starts from the inside out.

We talk about:

• Why “achievement fatigue” leaves even the most successful entrepreneurs drained and unfulfilled.

• The knowledge trap: why more books, podcasts, and seminars don’t equal real transformation.

• Grace’s framework of 3D → 4D → 5D, and how entrepreneurs can move from survival mode into true alignment.

• How early life experiences and cultural conditioning keep high achievers stuck in the grind.

• Practical steps to start shifting out of the time-and-money matrix into a life of clarity, trust, and soulful influence.

Grace’s journey — from professional pianist, to corporate executive, to Tony Robbins platinum coach, to spiritual mentor — is a powerful example of integrating body, mind, and consciousness. If you’ve ever wondered why “success” doesn’t feel the way you thought it would, this episode will help you see the path to something deeper.

🎧 Tune in and discover how real fulfillment comes when achievement meets alignment.

Ever feel like you’re grinding in your business but not really growing it? Today’s episode is for you.

I sat down with Eric Brotman — Certified Financial Planner, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, author, and host of Don’t Retire...Graduate! With over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and families achieve financial freedom, Eric brings the kind of wisdom you can’t Google.

We talk about:

Why the first 5 years of entrepreneurship usually suck (and why that’s the entry fee).

How to work on your business, not just in it.

Playing to your strengths vs. fixing weaknesses — and why joy in your work matters more than money.

Redefining success: from survival → growth → impact.

The mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs for long-term business growth and personal development.

Eric’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial planning. Whether you’re just starting out, scaling your firm, or thinking about succession, you’ll walk away with practical insight and a renewed drive to keep building.

🎧 Tune in and hear why success isn’t just about wealth, it’s about creating freedom and impact — in business and in life.

Squires Tax Planning – Stop Overpaying the IRS

A quick reminder — most entrepreneurs aren’t working with a tax planner, they’re working with a tax preparer. There’s a huge difference.

At Squires Tax Planning, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and high-income earners pay the least amount of income taxes legally possible. Our clients have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by implementing proactive strategies their old preparer never mentioned.

If you’re serious about business growth, personal development, and building long-term wealth, you need to be intentional about your tax plan.

👉 Take our free assessment at squirestaxplanning.com

to see if you’re overpaying. You can also book a free discovery call with our team to learn how strategic tax planning can accelerate your financial freedom.

Connect with Eric Brotman:

Podcast: Don’t Retire, Graduate

Book: Don’t Retire...Graduate!

Website: BFG Financial Advisors

👉 If you found this episode valuable, do me a huge favor: rate, review, and share the podcast. That’s the best way to help us reach more entrepreneurs who are chasing growth and personal development.

Follow me, Paden Squires, for more tips on entrepreneurship, business growth, and tax planning strategies:

Website: squirestaxplanning.com

Instagram / LinkedIn: @padensquires

Let’s keep building healthy, wealthy, and wise entrepreneurs.

What does it really take to walk away from the security of a steady career and step into the unknown world of entrepreneurship? In this episode of Behind Their Success, I sit down with David Sauers, co-founder and CEO of Royal Restrooms, to unpack his journey from local banker to national franchise builder.

David shares how one frustrating porta-potty experience with his daughters sparked the idea for a business that would disrupt an entire industry. We dive into the realities of leaving behind a safe job, the mindset shifts every small business owner must face, and how personal development becomes just as important as business growth.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a business, David’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, family balance, and turning obstacles into opportunities.

We dive deep into:

-The origin story of Royal Restrooms and how frustration turned into innovation.

-What it really takes to leave behind the comfort of a paycheck to become a small business owner.

-Why failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process of growth and personal development.

-The sacrifices, lessons, and mindset shifts required to build a company that lasts.

-Balancing family, business, and the constant challenges of entrepreneurship.

David’s journey is a perfect reminder that success often comes from being willing to take one more step when most people would quit.

👉 Where to connect with David:

Website: royalrestrooms.com

LinkedIn: Search David Sauers

Follow Royal Restrooms on all major social platforms

If you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur tired of overpaying taxes, this is for you. I run Squires Tax Planning, where we help entrepreneurs and high-income earners save thousands through proactive tax strategies. Most accountants just file your taxes. We plan them—so you keep more of what you earn.

Take our free tax assessment and book a discovery call at 👉 squirestaxplanning.com

Avoiding mistakes is priceless. If you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or high achiever chasing personal development and growth, this conversation is going to hit home.

I sat down with William Holsten—a seasoned entrepreneur, inventor, bestselling author, and the “Business Mistake Prevention Specialist.” With nearly 40 years in global marketing and innovation plus his own entrepreneurial ventures (including a patented carnival game that’s still around today), William has seen it all—the wins, the setbacks, and the costly mistakes.

We dive into:

The biggest preventable mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to spot them early

How to “goof proof” your business with William’s 10 practical tools

Why self-awareness might be the #1 superpower for small business owners

The underrated role of structure and planning in fueling creativity and long-term success

How reframing your perspective (like Charlie Munger’s “invert” principle) can save your business from disaster

This episode is full of small business tips and strategies you can put into practice today. If you’re serious about growth, scaling, and protecting your business from “uh oh” moments, you’ll want to take notes.

Connect with William Holsten

👉 Visit williamholsten.com

to grab his free $10,000 Mistake Checklist and learn more about his work helping entrepreneurs avoid costly blunders.

Let’s Talk Taxes

And hey—if you’re an entrepreneur or high-income earner, here’s the deal: most business owners are overpaying in taxes because they’ve got a tax preparer, not a tax planner. That’s where I come in. At Squires Tax Planning, we work alongside small business owners and high achievers to proactively plan, legally minimize taxes, and keep more of your hard-earned money.

👉 Take our free assessment at squirestaxplanning.com

to see if you’re leaving money on the table. From there, you can book a free discovery call with my team and me.

After a near-fatal car accident, Alan came face to face with his own mortality—and it lit a fire that transformed his entire life. From abandonment issues to financial struggles, he turned his pain into purpose, building Next Level University, a top-ranked personal development podcast and thriving coaching business.

In this episode, Alan and I dive into:

How tragedy sparked his obsession with personal development

Why entrepreneurs and small business owners must master compounding habits to succeed

The mindset shift that took him from six figures in corporate to helping thousands of people reach their full potential

Why environment is everything—and how to create one that pulls you forward instead of dragging you back

The #1 meta-habit Alan swears by that keeps him and his clients growing every single day

This conversation is raw, real, and full of lessons that every entrepreneur needs to hear. If you’re chasing success but feel like something’s missing, Alan’s story will hit home.

👉 Connect with Alan directly on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook (he personally answers his DMs). Just search Alan Lazaros and you’ll find him. You can also check out Next Level University wherever you get your podcasts.

If you found value in this episode, please rate, review, and share the show. That’s how we reach more entrepreneurs and small business owners who are hungry to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Follow me on social media or visit padensquires.com for more tips, resources, and behind-the-scenes content.

👉 Ready to find out if you’re overpaying taxes? Take our free tax assessment at squirestaxplanning.com. From there, you can also book a free discovery call with our team and see what it looks like to have a true tax planner in your corner.

It's our 100th EPISODE! Today we are talking about six lessons every Entrepreneur needs to hear after interviewing 100 entrepreneurs.

After sitting down with over a hundred risk-takers, game-changers, and trailblazers, I’ve pulled together my top six lessons that will completely shift the way you think about business.

If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for real business tips that go beyond the Instagram fluff, this one’s for you.

In this milestone episode of Behind Their Success, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most powerful takeaways from our first 100 episodes—things I wish I knew when I was just starting out. We’re talking:

1️⃣ Think Bigger Than You Think is Possible – stop capping your dreams at your current abilities.

2️⃣ Build Systems, Not Just Skill – the real secret to scaling.

3️⃣ Purpose Over Profits – why alignment fuels longevity.

4️⃣ Become a Decision Maker, Not Just a Doer – escape the daily grind.

5️⃣ Embrace Continuous Learning & Humility – stay coachable to stay ahead.

6️⃣ Say Yes Early, Say No Later – the art of focus as you grow.

Whether you’re grinding from your living room or running a multi-million-dollar company, these lessons apply. And trust me—they’ve been tested by the best in the business.

If you’re tired of overpaying taxes and want a CPA who actually helps you strategically keep more of your money, head over to SquiresTaxPlanning.com. Take our free assessment, find out if you’re overpaying, and let’s put some money back in your pocket—legally and ethically.

📲 Follow me on Instagram @PadenSquires for more entrepreneur insights, small business tips, and behind-the-scenes of running a business.

🎧 Listen now and let’s make your next 100 moves count.

In this episode, host Paden Squires talks with Martin Salama, life and business coach and author of Worrier to Warrior. Martin shares how he rebuilt his life after the 2008 financial crisis, developing his Warrior’s Life Code—a framework for moving from self-doubt and scarcity to confidence and abundance. They explore the difference between self-consciousness and self-awareness, how to shift from reacting to responding, and practical tools like Stop–Think–Respond and the 5-3-1 point system to build better habits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The key difference between self-consciousness and self-awareness

• How to use the Stop–Think–Respond method to pause before reacting

• Why gratitude and humility fuel confidence

• Simple ways to train your “response muscle” in everyday life

• How mindset shifts can improve relationships and communication

In this episode, host Paden Squires sits down with Rick Turoczy, co-founder of the Portland Incubator Experiment and founder of the Silicon Florist blog. Known for shaping Portland’s startup culture, Rick shares how his own entrepreneurial missteps led him to focus on building strong, supportive communities for founders. They discuss the myths of “overnight success,” the realities of navigating yeses and nos, and why authentic relationships are the backbone of both business growth and personal fulfillment. After a technical glitch cuts Rick’s segment short, Paden expands on these themes—offering personal insights on authenticity, consistency, and overcoming fear in personal branding.

Key Takeaways:

1. Community is the foundation of entrepreneurship – Success rarely happens in isolation; supportive networks provide resources, emotional encouragement, and shared problem-solving.

2. A growth mindset means valuing all data points – Both wins and failures offer insight, and a fast “no” can be more useful than a drawn-out “maybe.”

3. Authenticity builds trust – Approaching relationships with genuine interest and adding value without expectation creates long-term opportunities.

4. Consistency compounds over time – Whether building a brand, audience, or business, daily disciplined actions lead to exponential growth, even if results aren’t immediately visible.

The conversation also touches on how Vicky’s business has grown through relationship-building and strategic networking, rather than traditional outbound sales. She offers practical advice on how business owners can set themselves up for success, including the importance of contracts, standard operating procedures, and having the courage to say “no” to clients who aren’t a good fit. With wit and clarity, Vicky breaks down myths around outsourcing HR and shares what she’s learned about scaling a service-based business with integrity and intention.

In this episode, Paden Squires welcomes Vicky Brown, an experienced entrepreneur and the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises, a firm specializing in HR outsourcing for small businesses. Vicky shares her journey from a corporate executive to business owner, emphasizing the value of trusting your instincts and building systems early. She discusses how the entrepreneurial leap was less about a grand vision and more about recognizing an opportunity during a career transition. Vicky explains how she went from being the “go-to” HR expert within her network to launching a business that now helps small companies navigate compliance, hiring, and employee relations. She and Paden explore how small business owners often avoid HR too long—and the consequences of doing so.

The conversation also touches on how Vicky’s business has grown through relationship-building and strategic networking, rather than traditional outbound sales. She offers practical advice on how business owners can set themselves up for success, including the importance of contracts, standard operating procedures, and having the courage to say “no” to clients who aren’t a good fit. With wit and clarity, Vicky breaks down myths around outsourcing HR and shares what she’s learned about scaling a service-based business with integrity and intention.

In this episode of Behind Their Success, host Paden Squires sits down with Salvatore “Sal” Tirabassi, a seasoned financial strategist and fractional CFO with over 25 years of experience. Sal shares how his firm, CFO Pro Plus Analytics, helps entrepreneurs and founders achieve financial clarity, especially those preparing for private equity investment or business exits. He explains the critical importance of accurate, investor-ready financials and due diligence preparedness, emphasizing how buttoned-up financials can significantly increase a company’s valuation. He outlines common mistakes business owners make—like relying on outdated books or failing to forecast cash flow—and how professional financial systems can unlock more value and keep more investors at the table.

The conversation also dives into how business owners can build confidence through tools like 13-week cash flow models and monthly forecasts. Sal shares insights on choosing the right investment partners, shifting founder mindsets, and even how he leverages AI tools to increase operational efficiency. He offers advice for both early-stage entrepreneurs and established businesses, underscoring the importance of repeatable revenue, customer stickiness, and strategic vision when scaling or preparing for a sale. Whether you're seeking capital, planning an exit, or just trying to better understand your numbers, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom.

In this episode of Behind Their Success, Tracey Noonan—an entrepreneurial powerhouse and co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes—shares her journey from a small baking business with her daughter to landing a life-changing deal with Kevin O’Leary. Tracey opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her success: embracing video marketing before it was mainstream, learning how to pitch under pressure, and understanding the importance of building trust in partnerships. Her pitch not only impressed the sharks with strong sales numbers and a compelling story but also highlighted her deep passion and commitment to scaling her brand authentically.

Reflecting on life after the tank, Tracey dives into the realities of entrepreneurship—what it really means to be a leader, how to navigate rapid growth, and why staying grounded matters. She talks about the responsibility that comes with being the face of a company and the importance of building a strong team. With humor and humility, Tracey shares what it felt like to close a deal on national TV, how her business exploded afterward, and why she'd do it all again—cupcakes, chaos, and all.

In this episode of Behind Their Success, host Paden Squires sits down with Jeremy Jenson, founder and CEO of Encore Search Partners—Houston’s largest executive search firm. Jeremy shares how he left behind a successful lead generation business to bet on himself and build something bigger. That bet paid off. Through strategic pivots, investing in the right people, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), he scaled Encore into a multi-million dollar recruiting powerhouse.

Jeremy talks candidly about the importance of systems, hiring A-players, and why leaders should always explain the “why” behind their decisions. He also shares insights on compensation, leadership, and how automation and AI are changing industries like recruiting. This episode is packed with real, tactical advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow beyond just being self-employed—and into building a business that truly scales.

The conversation also dives deep into the realities of multifamily real estate investing. Ken emphasizes that success in the field requires treating it like a business, fully understanding the numbers, and putting in the work before asking others to invest. He addresses common misconceptions—like needing a lot of money to start—and explains how partnerships and sweat equity often pave the way for new investors. With decades of experience, Ken now leads a blind pool fund and offers educational resources to help others enter the industry responsibly. His message is clear: if you're willing to dive into the details and do the work, multifamily real estate can be a powerful wealth-building vehicle.

Reuven shares insights on his “Untangling Complex Challenges” methodology, the importance of presence and stillness in a distracted world, and how practices like journaling, movement meditation, and habit stacking can enhance clarity and creativity. The conversation touches on practical spirituality, the danger of solving surface-level symptoms instead of root problems, and why cross-functional alignment is key to lasting success—whether in companies, families, or within ourselves.

In this episode of Behind Their Success, host Paden Squires sits down with Ken Gee, founder of KRI Partners, to explore Ken's journey from a CPA at Deloitte to a successful multifamily real estate investor and educator. Ken shares how the demands of corporate life and the desire to be present for his family pushed him to pursue a different path. His 3:00 a.m. feedings with his newborn daughter became a turning point, inspiring him to build a life of financial freedom and time autonomy through real estate. He describes how he bought his first few apartment buildings in Cleveland, made a half-million dollars, and never looked back—eventually building a real estate portfolio with over $2 billion in transactions.

The conversation also dives deep into the realities of multifamily real estate investing. Ken emphasizes that success in the field requires treating it like a business, fully understanding the numbers, and putting in the work before asking others to invest. He addresses common misconceptions—like needing a lot of money to start—and explains how partnerships and sweat equity often pave the way for new investors. With decades of experience, Ken now leads a blind pool fund and offers educational resources to help others enter the industry responsibly. His message is clear: if you're willing to dive into the details and do the work, multifamily real estate can be a powerful wealth-building vehicle.

Reuven shares insights on his “Untangling Complex Challenges” methodology, the importance of presence and stillness in a distracted world, and how practices like journaling, movement meditation, and habit stacking can enhance clarity and creativity. The conversation touches on practical spirituality, the danger of solving surface-level symptoms instead of root problems, and why cross-functional alignment is key to lasting success—whether in companies, families, or within ourselves.

This episode of Behind Their Success features guest Reuven Shelef, an executive coach, management consultant, and founder of Out of the Box Consulting. Host Paden Squires and Reuven explore the power of untangling complex personal and organizational challenges by externalizing thoughts, identifying root causes, and building alignment—both in business and personal life.

Reuven shares insights on his “Untangling Complex Challenges” methodology, the importance of presence and stillness in a distracted world, and how practices like journaling, movement meditation, and habit stacking can enhance clarity and creativity. The conversation touches on practical spirituality, the danger of solving surface-level symptoms instead of root problems, and why cross-functional alignment is key to lasting success—whether in companies, families, or within ourselves.

Think Bitcoin mining is just for tech geeks or crypto bros? Think again. 

In this episode, I sit down with Beau Turner—an ex–real estate investor turned Bitcoin mining entrepreneur—who breaks down how average entrepreneurs can tap into the power of Bitcoin, build sustainable cash flow, and actually help the environment doing it. He turned a $500,000 mistake into a mission-driven business, and his insights might just change the way you think about money, energy, and investing forever.

Are you running your business—or is your business running you?

Most entrepreneurs start off doing everything themselves… but if you never shift out of that mindset, you’ll stay stuck working in the business instead of leading it.

In this episode, I sit down with Erik Brenner, a 30-year entrepreneur and wealth firm CEO, to unpack what it really takes to act like a CEO—not just an overworked employee with a fancy title. We talk delegation, leadership evolution, team-building, and the mindset that separates operators from owners. If you're a founder looking to scale without losing your sanity, this one's a must-listen.

On today's epsidoe meet the guy who calls himself the “401(k) crime fighter” for entreprenuers—and for good reason.

We sit down with Paul Sippil, forensic 401(k) consultant, CPA, and founder of Community Dining. Paul’s on a mission to expose the hidden fees and misaligned incentives buried in retirement plans—and help entrepreneurs, founders, and small businesses get their house in order before it costs them or their team big time.

From tax law to truth-seeking to challenging the big boys of finance, Paul shares the real story behind how he uncovered the shady side of 401(k) plans, why so many employers are unknowingly getting fleeced, and how founders can avoid being the next victim of financial inefficiency.

Ever feel like you’re good at a lot of things—but not sure which one to double down on? Or maybe you're constantly chasing the next big thing, only to wonder if you're sabotaging your own success?

In this episode, we dive into that tension we all face as high-achievers: the pull between curiosity and mastery, hustle and stillness. 

My guest, Larry Easto, has been through it all—from law and consulting to authorship and spiritual growth—and he breaks down the mindset shifts that can take you from scattered effort to meaningful impact.