Many founders stay stuck in the space between yes and no, not because of timing, money, or strategy, but because of resistance disguised as logic. In this powerful solo episode, Jerome Myers speaks directly to high performers who feel called to their next chapter yet hesitate to move. He breaks down the most common objections founders use to delay meaningful growth and reveals the deeper fears beneath them—from the discomfort of pausing long enough to feel, to the fear of being truly seen without the armor of achievement.
Jerome also opens up about his own experience with the Founder’s Exit Paradox and the identity unraveling that happens once success goes quiet. This episode serves as a mirror, a challenge, and an invitation to stop circling the life you want and begin stepping into it with clarity, alignment, and courage.
[00:00–02:18] Sitting in the Gray Space
Founders hesitate not because of time or money but because of quiet resistance
Resistance dresses itself up as logic, busyness, and “reasonable” excuses
The episode frames the work ahead: naming the fear so it stops running the show
[02:19–04:45] The Five Surface Objections (and Their Real Meaning)
“It’s not the right time” really means, “I’m scared to slow down and feel”
Busyness becomes a shield protecting founders from their inner truth
Pretending everything is fine becomes exhausting — and unsustainable
[04:46–07:02] The High Performer’s Dilemma: “Will This Work for Me?”
Strategy solves business problems, but it doesn’t heal identity problems
Founders fear inner work because it requires vulnerability
The Intensive works differently than a playbook — it goes to the root
[07:03–09:28] Trust, Fatigue, and the Fear of Hope
“I need to talk to my advisor” often signals lack of self-trust
“I need a break” reveals survival mode, not true rest
The deeper fear is hoping for change and being disappointed again
[09:29–12:32] The Founder’s Exit Paradox
Founders fear being seen without their achievements as armor
Jerome shares his own unraveling after leaving his $20M division
Success becomes identity — titles, applause, income, roles
The question underneath everything: “Who am I without what I built?”
[12:33–17:32] Choosing Your Next: The Real Invitation
Speaking desires out loud dissolves guilt and activates clarityRemoving the founder mask leads to alignment, wholeness, and freedom
Staying stuck is a decision — so is choosing your next chapter
The Next Intensive becomes a turning point where founders finally feel alive again
Key Quotes:
“Vulnerability is not exposure. It’s access. It’s how you access clarity, connection, meaning, and fulfillment.” — Jerome Myers
“Staying Stuck Is a Decision”— Jerome Myers
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