Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Gottfredson, Leadership Development Consultant, located in Anaheim Hills, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a leadership development consultant that helps leaders & executive teams who feel stalled, stuck, and/or struggling to operate dramatically at a higher level so that they catapult their organization to operate higher, faster, and further. My customers are cutting-edge organizations that want to take their leadership development efforts to the next level.

Tell us about yourself

It is my mission to transform and elevate the leadership development space. From my academic research, I have learned that the majority of leadership research and practice focuses on answering the question, "What do leaders need to do?" But, to me, leadership is not about what we DO. It is about who we are, our BEING. I am motivated to help leaders elevate their BEING, believing that when they do this, their DOINGS will naturally improve.

Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?

Most people wake up at a time that requires them to fulfill their commitments to others (e.g., kids, employers). I am a big believer that we need to wake up at a time when we have the ability to fill our tanks before we work on others' tanks. 

I have developed a morning ritual that helps me to bring the best version of myself every day. It goes as follows:

  • I meditate for 10-15 minutes using the Insight Timer app.
  • I read a Note from the Universe. You can sign up for these at www.tut.com
  • I fill out my Five Minute Journal.
  • I write for 90-120 minutes (I am doing my most important task here. For me, this is writing my next book)
  • Exercise for 30-60 minutes. 

It is only after I do this work that I start focusing on what others need from me.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Writing a Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-seller (Success Mindsets: Your Keys to Unlocking Greater Success in Your Life, Work, and Leadership).

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Taking the uncomfortable steps to elevate one's business. I feel like the growth of a small business involves having to take risks that feel heavy at the moment but will hopefully lead to growth in the future. I try to see these risks as investments. But, making these investments is easier said than done, psychologically (at least for me).

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Tackle big problems.
  2. Don't be afraid to play big.
  3. See every action and decision as a learning opportunity (some of my greatest growth came from my failures).

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Check out my new book, "The Elevated Leader: Level Up Your Leadership Through Vertical Development." To get a taste of this book, check out my new TED talk:

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ryangottfredson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanGottfredsonPhD/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryangottfredson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RyanGottfredson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangottfredson/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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