Ever wonder why some entrepreneurs seem to hit their stride effortlessly—while others feel like they’re running in circles, no matter how many strategies they try?
Here’s the truth: business success isn’t just about what you do. It’s about who you are.
In this episode of Rebel CEO Podcast, Bree sits down with performance psychology expert Marina O’Connor to unpack the real reason some businesses thrive while others burn out. Spoiler: it has everything to do with your mindset, self-awareness, and emotional wiring.
Your Inner World Shapes Your Outer Results
Bree puts it perfectly: “The business you’re building is literally a reflection of your own inner world and your own psychology.”
So often, entrepreneurs chase goals for external validation—wanting to prove something to family, society, or themselves. Marina explains that many founders unknowingly use their businesses to fill emotional gaps left from childhood. Maybe it’s the need to feel “enough,” seen, or worthy.
But here’s the problem: when your success depends on external validation, it’s never enough. You hit one milestone, and instead of celebrating, you’re already chasing the next.
Instead, this episode challenges you to look within. Ask yourself—what’s really driving me? When your business becomes an extension of your healed, grounded self, the results don’t just grow—they sustain.
Balancing Independence and Connection
Entrepreneurs often pride themselves on independence—and rightfully so. But as Marina reminds us, the drive for autonomy can sometimes go too far.
Bree admits she’s felt it too: “There’s this strong drive toward autonomy… and sometimes the significance of relationships gets dismissed.”
The truth? Success doesn’t happen in isolation. While freedom might have drawn you into entrepreneurship, connection keeps you grounded in it. Building a business that thrives means allowing collaboration, mentorship, and genuine relationships to play a role.
When you let others in, you build something bigger than yourself—and that’s where sustainable growth really begins.
Redefining What Success Actually Means
If you’ve ever achieved something big and still felt strangely unsatisfied, you’re not alone.
Marina shares how her definition of success shifted over time—from collecting titles to creating impact. Bree echoes that sentiment, explaining that her own version of freedom has evolved as she’s grown.
This is such an important reminder: success isn’t static. It changes as you do. And that’s not a bad thing—it’s a sign of expansion.
So, if what used to excite you now feels flat, take it as an invitation to redefine what success looks like for this next era of your life.
Freedom as the Ultimate Driver
Let’s be real—freedom is the heartbeat of entrepreneurship. But as Bree shares, “Freedom has changed for me. It used to mean time and money. Now it’s more about peace and alignment.”
True freedom isn’t about escaping structure—it’s about building a life that supports your values, energy, and purpose. When you shift your focus from doing more to being more, your business naturally starts working for you, not against you.
The Mindset Behind Sustainable Success
Here’s where it all ties together: your mindset is either your biggest accelerator or your biggest roadblock.
As Marina says, “Understanding yourself—and how you can screw it up for yourself—matters.” Self-awareness is the foundation for breaking cycles of self-sabotage.
Instead of focusing only on new marketing tactics or scaling strategies, the most successful entrepreneurs also focus on healing, introspection, and emotional mastery. Because when your inner world expands, your business follows.
Rooted in Authenticity
Authenticity is more than a buzzword—it’s a business strategy. Bree sums it up beautifully:
“This space where you can finally connect with your purpose… define success on your own terms and create a life that excites you to wake up.”
When you build your business around your truth—not trends—you create something timeless.
The Takeaway
Success isn’t a formula. It’s a reflection of your inner evolution.
As you grow, your business grows. And when you align your strategy with your psychology, you stop chasing success and start embodying it.
So, if you’re ready to uncover what’s really driving your results, this episode of Rebel CEO Podcast will hit home.
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