Shows
The Journey : Podcast EditionSurvey Smarter : How to Turn Questions into GoldExceptional businesses don’t just ask for feedback—they embed it into their operations. In this episode, we dive deep into how to ask the right questions, align feedback with team purpose, and build a rhythmic Innovation Heartbeat that keeps fresh ideas flowing. Whether you run a startup or a scaling team, this guide will help you build smarter by listening better.The Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive | Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/survey-smarter-turn-questions-into-gold Get full access to The Journey...2025-07-2922 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionIn Conversation with Katelyn McArdleWhen nonprofits, small businesses, and startups hit moments of transition, Katelyn McArdle is the person they call. In this episode, she joins Paul to unpack how and why she built Functional Authority LLC, her solo consulting business helping teams make better marketing and systems decisions—without becoming dependent on external help.They dive into the business fundamentals no one talks about: the mindset needed to navigate layoffs, how to test-fit client relationships through free coaching, and the critical role of project-based pricing. Katelyn also reflects on her own early missteps, and shares advice for aspiring soloists on bu...2025-07-2241 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionAMA : I Want to Hire, But I Can’t Afford ItHiring too soon can break you. Waiting too long can burn you out. In this AMA, we explore when a solo founder should scale past one. We dive into Olivier’s real-world dilemma—balancing product work, SEO, and revenue constraints—and break it down across three essential lenses: organization, product, and finances. Whether you’re building an empire or a solo practice, this one’s packed with insight.The Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive | Companion post and downloads here : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/ama-i-want-to...2025-07-1514 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTwo Tin Cans and a String : Building a Scalable Feedback Engine from ScratchHow do you make sure your customers’ voices get heard as your company grows?In this episode of The Journey, we break down how to build a Scalable Feedback Engine—a structured way to collect, analyze, and activate customer insights using the right mix of tools, processes, and people. You’ll learn how to choose survey tools, how to segment communication lists ethically, how to avoid bias in your research questions, and how to design a system that actually delivers feedback to decision-makers inside your organization.Whether you’re a scrappy startup or scaling fast, this one...2025-07-0813 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionWorking ON the BusinessRunning your business ≠ building your business. This episode breaks down the difference between working in vs. on the business—and why the magic happens when you do both the right way. Includes practical tips like treating your business as a product, viewing employees as internal customers, and time-segmenting your weeks for higher leverage.Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/working-on-the-business-newThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive Get full access to The Journey at 6catalysts.substack.com/subscribe2025-07-0212 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTesting Ideas : The Market-Maker MethodThink your idea is too new, too risky, or too expensive to test? Think again. In this episode, we dive into the Market-Maker Method—your playbook for simulating a full product launch before you ever build the real thing. Discover how to test offers, pricing, and market interest with real data from real users. This is your roadmap to high-confidence decision-making.Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/testing-ideas-the-market-maker-method-newThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive Get full access to The Jo...2025-06-2315 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTariff Tantrums : Minimizing the Cashflow Smackdown from Uncle Sam’s New Import TaxTariffs just spiked—but your margin doesn’t have to suffer. In this episode, we explore the hidden financial risks of the new US import tax regime and show you how to warehouse smart across borders. Whether you’re considering US, Canadian, or Mexican distribution, we break down the pros, cons, and cashflow impact of each model—plus a hybrid option for complex logistics. Bonus: get a free modelling tool to forecast your own numbers.Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/tariff-tantrums-minimizing-the-cashflow-newThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive he...2025-06-1931 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTesting Ideas : The Customer-Centric MethodWhat happens when you take your idea to the streets—literally? In this episode, we unpack the hands-on customer validation method that has you pitch to strangers, gather direct feedback, and test your idea without building a thing. Yes, it’s uncomfortable—but it’s also deeply rewarding. If you’ve ever wanted raw, honest input before committing time or money, this one’s for you.Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/testing-ideas-the-customer-centric-newThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive Get full acc...2025-06-1012 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTesting Ideas : The Alignment MethodEver wish you could simulate the future to see if your idea has legs? That’s the core of The Alignment method—a collaborative exercise that imagines the world where your idea is the best option for the customer. Learn how to run it effectively with cross-functional teams, align leadership around strategic sparks, and avoid the pitfalls of groupthink. This one’s perfect for retreats, brainstorms, and early-stage product ideation.Companion Post : https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/testing-ideas-the-alignment-method-newThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archiv...2025-06-0709 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionTesting Ideas : The Contrarian MethodIn this episode of The Journey, we dive into a surprisingly effective idea validation tactic: The Contrarian Method. Learn how to play devil’s advocate—with yourself or others—to uncover flaws, refine assumptions, and stress-test your next big idea. Includes practical steps, caveats, and notes on using AI effectively in the process.Companion Post: https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/testing-ideas-the-contrarian-method-updatedThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive Get full access to The Journey at 6catalysts.substack.com/subscribe2025-06-0305 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionAMA : Cocktail Kits for the Sober CuriousIn this Ask-Me-Anything episode of The Journey, Paul tackles a real question from a DTC founder in Prague building a subscription box for non-alcoholic cocktail kits.The challenge?Plenty of early interest—newsletter signups, social follows—but low conversion to first purchase.We unpack what might be going wrong (and what’s probably not), how to diagnose issues with pricing vs. traffic vs. positioning, and what to look for before making a pivot.This one’s packed with actionable advice for anyone launching something new—and wondering why interest isn’t turning into...2025-06-0208 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionREADOUT : The Spark is Not the StrategyOriginal long-form post published on March 25, 2025. This is the introduction to a four-part series on how to validate ideas (sparks of inspiration).Companion Post: https://6catalysts.substack.com/p/the-spark-is-not-the-strategyThe Journey is your builder’s reference library. Crack open the full archive here → https://6catalysts.substack.com/archive Get full access to The Journey at 6catalysts.substack.com/subscribe2025-05-2807 min
The Journey : Podcast EditionComing Soon : Podcast EditionSometimes, there’s just no time for reading. The Journey : Podcast Edition is coming soon, so you can keep up while you’re on the go. Podcast episodes will feature readouts of our written posts, interviews with builders just like you, and sometimes I’ll even hop up on the soapbox for a minute or two. Get full access to The Journey at 6catalysts.substack.com/subscribe2025-05-2300 min