The Passion and Grit Myth: Why Hard Work Isn’t Always Enough

by Jonathan Brake | Aug 18, 2025 | 60 Second Question, Monday Myth Check, People, Processes, Purpose, Signature Experience

We’ve all heard it before: “Follow your passion, work hard, and you’ll succeed at anything.” While this sounds inspiring, the reality is more complex. Passion and perseverance are valuable, but they’re not magic bullets that guarantee...

The Unexpected Business Connection I Made on a Gravel Climb

by Jonathan Brake | Jul 23, 2025 | Monday Myth Check

Ever notice how some of your best conversations happen in the most unexpected places? Yesterday, what started as a routine bike ride turned into a reminder about the power of staying open to possibilities. A Chance Encounter on Fresh Gravel I was grinding up a newly...

Myth Check: A Great Product Sells Itself

by Jonathan Brake | Jul 14, 2025 | Monday Myth Check

Ever heard someone say “build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door”? After 30+ years in marketing and product development, I’m here to tell you that’s complete nonsense. This Monday Myth Check tackles one of the most...

The Real Journey: What 15 Years of Building a Business Has Taught Me

by Jonathan Brake | Jul 8, 2025 | People, Processes, Purpose

G’day! I’m Jonathan Brake, and I want to take you back ten years to a moment at Niagara Falls with my Bride, Rebecca. After 15 years of grinding it out in business, we had finally reached a position where we could travel together and enjoy moments like...

First Mover Advantage: The Startup Myth That Could Cost You

by Jonathan Brake | Jun 30, 2025 | Monday Myth Check

Picture this: You’re sitting in a boardroom, palms sweaty, pitching your revolutionary idea. Someone inevitably asks, “But what about first mover advantage? Shouldn’t we rush to market?” Sound familiar? After 25-30 years in the startup world,...