On this episode of ADAPT or Die: Transformative Leadership Conversations, former tech-CEO-turned-executive-coach Andreas Pettersson sits down with Alex Kuhn, founder of Born to Lead®—one of the fastest-growing coaching companies in the world. From NCAA swim coach to serial entrepreneur, Alex shares why most business models crush true leaders—and how ditching $200K worth of “expert advice” helped him scale purpose-driven brands and a portfolio of impact, all while prioritizing dinner with his family.
Challenge → Leaving a successful coaching career to launch a business that earned just $4,225 in its first year, despite sinking $200,000+ into programs, masterminds, and systems that didn’t fit his leadership DNA.
Adaptation → Alex ditched the cookie-cutter formulas, trusted his instincts, and built Born to Lead® by aligning business models around the individual—not the other way around. He walked away from a booming agency when misaligned values poisoned his leadership and re-centered on people-first transformation.
Success → Global impact, thousands of leaders coached, features in Forbes and Entrepreneur, and a thriving coaching company that ends by 5 PM. Today, Alex helps leaders grow by knowing themselves—then building businesses that fit them.
🔥 60-Second Hot Seat: Why conversations matter more than spreadsheets, the "personal record" metric, and how every great day starts with asking: How am I really doing?
If you're tired of selling out for growth, Alex’s story proves that doing business your way isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
Visit www.leadersadapt.com/adaptordie for show notes, free resources, and coaching programs.
Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:
https://missionmatters.com/author/andreas-pettersson
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