The Reluctant Entrepreneur: How Mike Konrad Built Success by Putting Purpose First

In this episode, Carly Pepin sits down with Mike Konrad, founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, to explore the unexpected lessons that come with entrepreneurship.   Once a self-described “reluctant entrepreneur,” Mike took a massive leap to create a product his former employer didn’t believe in. What began as an ego-fueled mission soon evolved into a profound journey of humility, leadership, and conscious marketing.   Through candid stories and powerful reflections, Mike shares how he transformed from a headstrong engineer into a purpose-driven leader who built his company on trust, education, and authenticity. His story is raw, relatable, and a must-listen for anyone who’s discovered that true growth requires more than grit — it requires transformation.   Key Themes:

• From Ego to Empathy: How letting go of pride and embracing humility reshaped Mike’s company and leadership.
• Conscious Marketing: Why teaching and transparency build deeper trust than traditional sales tactics.
• Evolving as a Leader: The inner transformation required to build a business that lasts.

Memorable Quotes:   “Selling doesn’t build trust. Teaching does.” “The turning point was when I stopped trying to prove I was right and started proving I cared.”   Connect with Mike Konrad:    Websites: http://www.mikekonrad.com  http://www.aqueoustech.com   LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/mtkonrad