It’s been 10 years since I quit my job and started 5+8. I didn’t want to write a self-serving script about how we’ve made it through so many struggles and look at us now—even though that’s true and you’re more than welcome to look at us now. I’d prefer to write about simplifying the concept of starting a business and tell some truths that I feel are less often shared. I believe these truths are concealed because they may demystify the Awesomeness of the Entrepreneur. And, though I'd love for you to be mystified by my awesomeness, you shouldn't be. Please enjoy my observations on one way to start a business.

I coach my 8-year-old daughter’s softball team. I love it. Like any parent or coach, I am always straddling the line between pushing her to do her best while still ensuring that she's having fun. After all, she’s 8.

Mental health and toxic work cultures are the buzz words we hear all around us- and often for good reason. For far too long, bosses sat above it all, demanding, stealing and squeezing their people. Leaders in today’s world must do better. If you don’t already know this- know this.

Sales is overcoming fear. Sales is saying to the world, we built something that is so valuable, I believe you should give me your money for it. In many cases, large sums of it. Sales is freaking scary, because it means you’re on the hook to deliver on your promise. We don’t just hide from sales because we’re scared of rejection, we hide because we’re scared we have not brought value to the world. Worse, we confuse that value with our own value, and that can send you to a dark place in a hurry.

I was at a party, and LinkedIn came up in conversation. It’s more than likely I brought it up. I told the person I was talking with about how much I enjoy sharing on it and that I regularly share my philosophy on how employees should be treated better. She smiled knowingly and said something like, “I bet people eat that up.” She’s right. They do.