In today’s fast-changing world, success is no longer about playing it safe. It’s about getting uncomfortable, taking risks, and staying committed to the journey, both personally and professionally.
On a recent episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, I sat down with Chad Willardson, founder of Pacific Capital, Elevated Platinum, and author of five bestselling books, to explore what it truly means to be fully invested as an entrepreneur.
From rafting over an 18-foot waterfall in New Zealand to walking away from corporate stability, Chad shared how bold action, authentic connection, and the power of community have been the keys to unlocking exponential growth in his life and business.
The Power of Being Fully Invested
“Fully invested isn’t just a tagline, it’s a life motto,” Chad noted, explaining the philosophy that has guided his decisions for over two decades. “It means not sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect time to act. It’s being all in with your business, your marriage, your parenting—everything.”
"It’s better to try, fail, and learn than to stay still and wonder what could have been."
I also reflected on how this mindset pushed me to launch Level Up Business after years of hesitation. That’s because I had been thinking about this idea since 2021, starting and stopping, but not fully going all in.
Both Chad and I agreed: failure is not the enemy—inaction is. “You only learn when you’re doing things,” Chad emphasized. “It’s better to try, fail, and learn than to stay still and wonder what could have been.”
Real Growth Happens in Real Groups
Chad recalled taking his sons rafting down the world’s largest commercial waterfall and how that moment became a metaphor for his entrepreneurial journey. “We had a main guide, a second guide in the raft, and a safety guide waiting below. It reminded me that success is never a solo sport. You need experts and people who are going after the same big goals that you are.”
This idea resonated deeply with me as there’s an old African proverb that states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
One key theme that emerged in our conversation was the importance of mentorship and masterminds in accelerating personal and professional transformation.
"Success is never a solo sport. You need experts and people who are going after the same big goals as you are."
Authentic Intelligence in the Age of AI
As AI continues to reshape the business landscape, Chad sees a shift from the knowledge economy to what I call the “wisdom economy.”
“You can’t simulate real connection or energy with AI,” Chad noted. “AI can give you facts and data. But shared experiences? That can’t be automated.”
That’s why personal branding and authenticity matter more than ever. “I just decided I can't grow in obscurity,” Chad shared. “I’m going to be the real me everywhere… on LinkedIn, on stage, in my mastermind groups. That has attracted the right people and unlocked real impact.”
Take Action: Transform Your Past Experiences Into IP
Think of a recent business challenge that stretched you. Write it out without editing yourself. This is how you unlock your authentic voice—just like Chad did.
Identify 3 key lessons from your experience and how those lessons can help your prospects and clients level up.
Publish these 3 lessons through short video clips or LinkedIn posts you share with three prospects.
Why this matters: In a world full of AI-generated noise, real stories that share your unique perspective become your competitive advantage to connect with prospects.
