Grit Meets Growth

Grit Meets Growth

Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready? Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor. John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog. Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.

Episodes

July 2, 2025 32 mins
In this episode, we dive headfirst into one of the most important (but often overlooked) ingredients of growth: taking action. From gut-level realignment to stepping out of your comfort zone, we unpack what it looks like to stop thinking and start moving. 
 
Whether it’s your health, your relationships, your work, or the dreams you’ve kept on the shelf for too long, this conversation challenges you to stop waiting until you “feel rea...
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On today’s episode, we’re hitting record on a Friday—our favorite day to sit down and reflect—and we’ve got a lot to unpack. With June being Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation goes deep into what it really means to be strong, to wear the mask, and more importantly, what it looks like to take it off. We’re talking about the internal battles men face daily, the lies we tell ourselves, and the need for real convers...
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In the last episode, we talked about the importance of betting on yourself — showing up with boldness, taking risks, and owning your story. But after we wrapped, something kept tugging at us. There’s a shadow side to betting on yourself: going it alone. 
 
This episode is all about the lone wolf mindset — the belief that strength means isolation, that you have to carry the weight on your own to earn respect. It’s a lie we’ve been sol...
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This episode comes straight from the heart. No filters—just real conversation about what it means to show up. We talk about the power of giving without expecting anything in return… and the humbling experience of learning how to receive. We explore purpose, faith, taking bold steps into the unknown, and the kind of seeds we all plant with the way we treat people. If you’ve ever wrestled with what it looks like to bet on yourself, l...
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Today we’re throwing down a challenge: growth without purpose is just movement. We’ve both lived seasons where we were grinding like hell—busy, burned out, and headed in the wrong direction. Titles, hustle, long days on the treadmill… all of it looked like success from the outside, but inside, we were drifting further from what actually mattered. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop chasing empty goals and star...
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Welcome back to the Grit Meets Growth podcast. This week, we’re diving into part two of a conversation we kicked off last episode: removing distractions and getting clear on the path forward. But this time, we’re taking it further. Because knowing what to do is one thing… taking action is another. From unexpected clarity and hard decisions to owning both your wins and losses, we’re talking about the difference between standing stil...
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Energy is everything. That simple bumper sticker lit the fuse for this conversation—and it couldn’t be more accurate. Because in a world drowning in noise, distractions are coming at us from every angle. News. Social media. Endless opinions. Even “good” things that quietly pull us off course. The mission gets blurry, the focus fades, and suddenly we’re just surviving the chaos. This episode is all about clearing the clutter, cuttin...
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Let’s be real—life isn’t getting any easier. If anything, it’s getting louder, more chaotic, and more uncertain by the day. You can’t open your news feed without being hit with fear, frustration, and negativity. And the noise? It’s deafening. In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we’re talking about building mental resilience when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control. Because the truth is, uncertainty isn’t new—it’s al...
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Who’s in your corner?

The people you surround yourself with shape your mindset, habits, and growth. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of tribe—the people who challenge you, push you, and make you better. We’ll share personal stories, lessons learned, and the importance of both adding the right people and subtracting the wrong ones. If you’ve ever questioned who’s in your tribe—or if you even have one—this conversatio...
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Episode 100. Here we are. A hundred episodes deep into this journey—one built on resilience, consistency, and a commitment to showing up no matter what. When we kicked off Episode 1, we didn’t know exactly where this would go. We just knew we wanted to have real, unfiltered conversations about growth, purpose, and pushing through the hard stuff. Now, looking back on the last four years, we’ve built something bigger than just a podc...
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Sometimes, we build invisible walls around ourselves—barriers that keep us stuck, playing small, and feeling like we’re not capable of more. But here’s the truth: everything in life was created by people no smarter than you, no more talented than you, and if they built it, so can you.

In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we’re tackling limiting beliefs—the stories we tell ourselves that hold us back. We’re unpacking where they come...
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In this episode of the Grit Meets Growth podcast, we dive deep into the art of setting and achieving goals effectively. We explore the challenges of staying focused and motivated, the importance of aligning activities with priorities, and the value of evaluating relationships and habits to ensure they support personal growth.

From cutting out distractions to embracing change and discipline, this conversation is packed with practical...
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As we kick off 2025, we’re diving into something that matters now more than ever—building deep, meaningful connections. In a world that’s increasingly digital, true connection can feel elusive, but it’s also never been more vital.

Today, we’re talking about nurturing your network, investing in relationships, and surrounding yourself with the right people who challenge, support, and push you to grow. Whether it’s about being that per...
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As we dive into the new year, we’re talking about stepping into it with purpose, with grit, and with a mindset ready to grow. It’s not about setting resolutions we’ll forget in a month. It’s about building habits, pushing past comfort zones, and choosing to show up better every single day.
 
Let’s make this year the one where we stop playing small, stop holding back, and lean fully into the life we’re meant to live. So, settle in, an...
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In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we’re exploring the transformative power of pausing, especially during the busy holiday season. You’ll hear about the risks of burnout caused by constant busyness and how intentional rest can enhance clarity, creativity, and decision-making. We share personal stories and practical strategies like incorporating micro-pauses into your day, reconnecting with nature, and setting boundaries between ...
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As we approach a new year, how can you show up stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle your goals?

In this episode of Grit Meets Growth, we explore what it takes to step into the new year with purpose and determination. From overcoming excuses to building consistent habits that drive big results, this conversation is packed with practical insights to help you reflect on the past year and set the tone for an incredible year ahead...
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As we reflect on our recent experiences with clients, community, and the challenges that come with navigating life, we explore how hope can be the anchor we need, but only if it’s tethered to something deeper—faith. We’ll also talk about how real connections, empathy, and showing up authentically for others can fuel our growth, especially when things feel tough.

From personal struggles to the power of community, we’re unpacking how ...
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It's the day after in a country that is divided, split, and left with a whirlwind of emotion. In times like these, it's easy to get swept up in the noise and negativity. But what if, instead of getting pulled down, we could use this as fuel to rise higher? What if we could shift our focus from what’s out of our control to what we can influence in our own lives, families, and communities?

Whether you’re feeling empowered or frustrate...
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In this episode, we're going to unpack how purpose shows up in different places—whether you're a farmer in Nepal or an entrepreneur in the U.S.—and how being aligned with your purpose can guide you through the toughest moments, both personally and professionally. Because at the end of the day, purpose isn’t just about achieving goals. It’s about making an impact on those around us and showing up in a way that matters. Let’s get int...
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Here are the top five takeaways from the episode:
  1. Resilience and Innovation Are Inseparable
    Resilience isn’t just about surviving tough times—it’s about using those moments to innovate and come out stronger. The ability to get punched in the face and keep going is essential for anyone aiming to grow, both personally and professionally.
  2. Surround Yourself with the Right People
    The people in your circle—whether they are teammates, cli...
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