Gino Wickman’s Three Game-Changing Discoveries; Drive, Fear, and Inner Peace

September 19, 2024

We did it! We hooked 100 episodes of the Big Fish Cares podcast ! What a long journey this has been for a passion project that started as a way to help other business owners like me. To celebrate our centennial episode, we welcomed no other than Gino Wickman , founder of the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) and so much more. 
Gino came on to share some more insight into the revelations he had that prompted him to write his latest book,
Shine , and start the Shed and Shine podcast with Rob Dube. 
Episode 100- How to Balance Ambition and Inner Peace as an Entrepreneur

Understanding Your Shit 

Have you ever felt like you were “too much” for the people around you? Many entrepreneurs learn to fold in pieces of their personality, dim their light, or play small to better fit into school systems, workplaces, or social circles. Gino calls this the cocoon. While meant to protect us, we end up smashing down feelings while understanding the traumas weighing us down. 

Discovery 1: I am driven. 

I had boundless energy as a kid and young adult, and I still do. I move at a speed and with an endurance that most can’t match. Research says only 10% of the population has this genetic “blessing/curse.” And only 3-4% of the population are driven entrepreneurs. The rest are usually highly driven athletes, salespeople, Navy Seals, or stockbrokers. (Interestingly, only ~5% of the general population have adult ADHD …coincidence?) Are you one of the few?
Gino calls this a blessing and a curse. The blessing for people who are driven is that seemingly endless energy. The curse? People who are driven also do a lot of mental, physical, and emotional damage to themselves and others around them. 

Driven entrepreneurs don’t have the same dopamine hit as others from achieving a goal, which means they’re addicted to more and more endorphin hits. Addicts use different things to numb the pain. Driven entrepreneurs tend to be the hardest on themselves, especially when making decisions.

Homework: Read
Driven by Dr. Douglas Brackman and Rocket Fuel

Discovery 2: All decisions are made out of love or fear. 

After listening to Gino describe this discovery, I understood how many of us make decisions dozens of times a day by reacting out of fear. We fear the embarrassment of being discovered as a fraud or that people will judge us by whatever skeletons we hide in our closets. So we armor up and thicken the walls of those cocoons with alcohol, drugs, or whatever other addictions numb our pain and give us the illusion of feeling safe. 
Plus, driven entrepreneurs tend to be incredibly curious, risk-taking people. You know the old saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” Well, our curiosity may not have killed us, but it definitely got us into more trouble (read trauma) than the average person. 

But, if we make decisions based out of love, we shed those layers to reveal our true selves. Gino said that when we make decisions based out of love, we don’t feel the dread or excitement that the ego gives us. Instead, we feel nothing. For a driven entrepreneur, this can sound profoundly counterintuitive. 

Homework: Read
Untethered Soul by Michael Singer and Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday

Discovery 3: It is possible to be driven and have peace.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of guy. I go hard and do everything I can to have an impact on the world. But in the past that has been at my own expense to my health and well-being. I used to believe that the other side (the love, peace, and inner calm woo-woo shit) wasn’t for me. I was too driven. 
Gino found, though, that it is possible to create balance and have both. Obtaining an enlightened state with inner peace won’t dull your edge as an entrepreneur. Gino says it actually makes that edge stronger and helps people vibrate at a higher frequency. He coined the term FLOWt™ (a combination of flow and float) to label that sensation.

A poster that says the true self model balance and true self

Homework: Read Shine by Gino Wickman and Rob Dube and Letting Go: The Pathway to Surrender by David R Hawkings 

Enlightened Gino

Gino is someone I’ve looked up to since I first read Rocket Fuel during my own entrepreneurial journey. During our conversation, Gino talked about how climbing the mountain to reach the pinnacle of external success won’t bring you true happiness. He’s found that real joy comes from the peace and fulfillment that comes from inside by allowing your true self to shine. 
Part of finding that real joy means letting go of all the trauma in your life. You may be holding the trauma and pain of multiple generations inside you. 

Breaking that cycle by facing and embracing your pain can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. But the people in my life are worth it. I’m worth it. The world deserves a fully present, fully open Benny. 

The world deserves that much from you, too.

Whether you're driving, building, or reflecting — catch every episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast on your favorite platform.

Where Real Conversations Live

A button that says listen on apple podcasts on a white background.
A youtube logo that says watch and listen on youtube
A button that says listen on spotify on it

Looking for more? Start here.

Help Rewrite Claire’s Story With Hope
August 7, 2025
Claire is still in the hospital—but you can help. Donate, share, or pray. Every action brings healing and hope to her family.
The Art of Clay & Spirit: Brad Dalton’s Mission to Inspire Through Gifts BRAD DALTON
August 7, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Brad Dalton, the artist and founder behind Clay and Spirit and New Creation Pottery. Brad’s mission? To handcraft deeply personal, faith-filled gifts that speak to the soul using clay as his canvas and spirit as his guide. Inspired by a calling from God and the enduring encouragement of his late friend John Ruhlin, Brad creates “living artifacts” pottery pieces that celebrate love, legacy, and personal affirmation. Each creation begins with a story, shaped by heartfelt words from the giver, and ends as a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured reminder of connection. Brad opens up about his artistic journey, how he rediscovered clay in college, and how he turned a creative spark into a ministry of healing, encouragement, and faith. From his workshop to homes across the country, Brad’s gifts are transforming hearts one vessel at a time. Key Moments: 00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 03:03 Brad's Early Creative Memories 06:06 The Role of Faith in Life & Art 13:40 Meeting John Ruhlin & The Artifact Mug 21:32 John Ruhlin's Legacy and Spirit 27:33 The Creative Process of the Artifact Mug 31:46 Meaningful Gifting and Emotional Impact 37:35 Clay and Spirit: Integrating Faith & Art 41:41 Being a Pure Vessel & Recovering Wonder 45:44 The Spiritual Foundations 51:00 Advice for Artists & Meaningful Giving 56:06 Leaving a Legacy of Love 01:00:06 Dreams, Loss, and RC Street Racing 01:04:11 Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts 01:11:11 Closing Remarks & Podcast Wrap Up Connect with Brad Dalton: 🌐 Instagram: / clay_and_spirit 👉 Facebook: / brad.dalton.56 🌐 LinkedIn: / brad-dalton-421886197 🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com 📸 Instagram: / bigfish.benny 👉 Facebook: / fisherbenny 🌐 LinkedIn: / fisherbenny Watch the full episode now and subscribe to The Big Fish Cares Podcast for more conversations that matter!
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting
July 29, 2025
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting Benny Fisher, entrepreneur and Visionary Navigator, joins Eric McKenna on The Eric McKenna Project Podcast #386 for an in-depth conversation about the future of business, technology, and personal growth. In this episode, Benny shares his journey from building and exiting Big Fish Contracting , one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies, to guiding entrepreneurs toward alignment, creativity, and sustainable success. He and Eric dive into the big questions every business leader should be thinking about: What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI and automation will reshape the future of work and entrepreneurship Why real human connection is becoming the most valuable currency in a digital world The role of curiosity, creativity, and free will in unlocking your potential Lessons from scaling and successfully exiting Big Fish Contracting Why transparency, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the keys to future-ready businesses Why This Episode Matters As a founder or visionary leader, navigating the future means more than just keeping up with technology—it’s about creating space to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow without losing yourself . Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about where the world is heading, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think bigger, and embrace the changes coming your way.  📺 Watch the full conversation now and explore Benny’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work.
Show More
Help Rewrite Claire’s Story With Hope
August 7, 2025
Claire is still in the hospital—but you can help. Donate, share, or pray. Every action brings healing and hope to her family.
The Art of Clay & Spirit: Brad Dalton’s Mission to Inspire Through Gifts BRAD DALTON
August 7, 2025
In this heartfelt episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Brad Dalton, the artist and founder behind Clay and Spirit and New Creation Pottery. Brad’s mission? To handcraft deeply personal, faith-filled gifts that speak to the soul using clay as his canvas and spirit as his guide. Inspired by a calling from God and the enduring encouragement of his late friend John Ruhlin, Brad creates “living artifacts” pottery pieces that celebrate love, legacy, and personal affirmation. Each creation begins with a story, shaped by heartfelt words from the giver, and ends as a one-of-a-kind piece that becomes a treasured reminder of connection. Brad opens up about his artistic journey, how he rediscovered clay in college, and how he turned a creative spark into a ministry of healing, encouragement, and faith. From his workshop to homes across the country, Brad’s gifts are transforming hearts one vessel at a time. Key Moments: 00:00 The Big Fish Cares Intro 03:03 Brad's Early Creative Memories 06:06 The Role of Faith in Life & Art 13:40 Meeting John Ruhlin & The Artifact Mug 21:32 John Ruhlin's Legacy and Spirit 27:33 The Creative Process of the Artifact Mug 31:46 Meaningful Gifting and Emotional Impact 37:35 Clay and Spirit: Integrating Faith & Art 41:41 Being a Pure Vessel & Recovering Wonder 45:44 The Spiritual Foundations 51:00 Advice for Artists & Meaningful Giving 56:06 Leaving a Legacy of Love 01:00:06 Dreams, Loss, and RC Street Racing 01:04:11 Reflections, Gratitude, and Final Thoughts 01:11:11 Closing Remarks & Podcast Wrap Up Connect with Brad Dalton: 🌐 Instagram: / clay_and_spirit 👉 Facebook: / brad.dalton.56 🌐 LinkedIn: / brad-dalton-421886197 🎙️ Connect with Host Benny Fisher: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.bennyfisher.com 📸 Instagram: / bigfish.benny 👉 Facebook: / fisherbenny 🌐 LinkedIn: / fisherbenny Watch the full episode now and subscribe to The Big Fish Cares Podcast for more conversations that matter!
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting
July 29, 2025
Benny Fisher on Visionary Leadership, the Future of Work, and Building Big Fish Contracting Benny Fisher, entrepreneur and Visionary Navigator, joins Eric McKenna on The Eric McKenna Project Podcast #386 for an in-depth conversation about the future of business, technology, and personal growth. In this episode, Benny shares his journey from building and exiting Big Fish Contracting , one of Pittsburgh’s Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies, to guiding entrepreneurs toward alignment, creativity, and sustainable success. He and Eric dive into the big questions every business leader should be thinking about: What You’ll Learn in This Episode How AI and automation will reshape the future of work and entrepreneurship Why real human connection is becoming the most valuable currency in a digital world The role of curiosity, creativity, and free will in unlocking your potential Lessons from scaling and successfully exiting Big Fish Contracting Why transparency, emotional intelligence, and innovation are the keys to future-ready businesses Why This Episode Matters As a founder or visionary leader, navigating the future means more than just keeping up with technology—it’s about creating space to think differently, lead with purpose, and grow without losing yourself . Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone curious about where the world is heading, this episode will inspire you to slow down, think bigger, and embrace the changes coming your way.  📺 Watch the full conversation now and explore Benny’s insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of work.
Not a coach but  visionary navigator
July 24, 2025
Discover why Benny Fisher calls himself a Visionary Navigator—and how his journey with Gino Wickman helped him redefine leadership, alignment, and freedom.
Redefining Wealth: Joel Miller on Real Estate, Relationships & Faith
By Benny Fisher July 2, 2025
Redefining Wealth: Joel Miller on Real Estate, Relationships & Faith
Firm Feedback in a Fragile World-Jeff Hancher
By benny June 17, 2025
In this powerful episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast, host Benny Fisher sits down with Jeff Hancher: Army veteran, Fortune 500 leader, leadership coach, and author of the new book Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.
A group of people are standing in front of a large screen in a room.
June 17, 2025
I’m Nes, Benny’s Marketing Director, and usually the person behind the scenes helping bring all the brand content to life. But this week, I stepped out from behind the laptop and into the room. I flew into Pittsburgh to work with Benny in person for the first time since August. We had content to plan, creative to shape, and new ideas to bring to life. But what I didn’t expect was to walk into a moment that would stay with me long after the cameras stopped rolling. That afternoon, Jeff Hancher walked onto set to record an episode of The Big Fish Cares Podcast. I knew Jeff’s background. His leadership coaching, his military service, his Fortune 500 success. But I didn’t know the story behind all that. Not the way he told it. From the moment he sat down, something shifted in the room. He spoke with a depth and clarity that made everything else fade into the background. He talked about growing up in poverty. About watching his mom cut her medication in half just to make it last. About holding her during seizures. About wondering if he’d ever escape the weight of where he came from. And he didn’t just say it. He felt it. So did we. I’ve worked on podcasts before, but this was my first time in the room as one was being recorded. I thought I’d be focused on angles, lighting, social content. But instead, I found myself locked into every word. There were moments when I had actual goosebumps. You could hear it in the silence, in the weight of the pauses. It was real. And it was rare. But Jeff didn’t just speak about struggle. He spoke about leadership with a kind of intentionality that stuck with me. He talked about the power of culture. How the environment we create can either crush people or call them into something greater. He talked about feedback, mentorship, and what it means to show up for others with strength and softness. He told stories of mentors who taught him how to lead. Not just in theory, but in practice. Who helped him find his voice, carry himself with confidence, and rise without forgetting where he came from. And when he talked about losing his mother — the heartbreak, the timing, the unraveling that almost followed — it didn’t feel like a story. It felt like grief in real time. And then came the turning point. One leader stepped in and refused to let him quit. That moment hit me. Hard. It reminded me why I do this work. Why stories matter. Why leadership, when done right, isn’t just about strategy. It’s about people. Jeff’s new book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, goes even deeper into these lessons. It’s a book about leadership, yes. But also about healing, purpose, and what it means to lead from experience, not ego. If you’ve ever felt unseen, unsure, or like your story disqualifies you, listen to this episode. Then read Jeff’s book. Let it remind you that some of the most powerful leaders are the ones who had to fight their way forward and chose to bring others with them. �55356;�57241; Watch the full episode with Jeff Hancher on The Big Fish Cares Podcast Now available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. �55357;�56536; Grab Jeff’s book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, here → https://www.firmfeedbackbook.com/ And if you ever get the chance to be in the room—take it. Some stories deserve to be felt up close.
Why Pain Isn’t the Enemy: Manuj Aggarwal’s Story of Survival and Growth
June 5, 2025
After surviving a suicide attempt at 15, Manuj Aggarwal went on to become a leading tech entrepreneur. In this powerful episode, he shares how pain, purpose, and inner healing shaped his journey—and why success starts within.
Seeing Differently, Healing Deeply and Leading Creatively-Elayna Snyder
May 22, 2025
Elayna Snyder shares how embracing frustration led to creative breakthroughs and deeper self-alignment. Hosted by Benny Fisher, this episode explores the power of intuition, personal growth, and finding fulfillment in both business and life.
May 22, 2025
Discover how creative strategist Elayna Snyder uses “artistic noticing” to unlock creative flow and build confidence in business and life. This post explores simple daily practices for noticing inspiration, trusting your perspective, and turning your differences into strengths. Featuring insights from The Big Fish Cares Podcast, you’ll learn how to break old patterns and reconnect with your creative self. Listen to the full conversation and find more creative resources inside.
Show More