I Let Go of the Hustle. Embraced Feminine Leadership. Built $10M. - Moneywise Recap

Podcast: Moneywise

Published: 2025-06-17

Duration: 44 min

Summary

Jess Chan shares her transformative journey from chasing revenue to embracing a balanced approach to leadership and business, leading to a more sustainable and fulfilling entrepreneurial life valued at $10 million.

What Happened

In this episode, Jess Chan reflects on her early days as an entrepreneur, emphasizing that her initial focus on revenue was driven by external validation. She reveals that achieving seven figures in revenue during her first year led to burnout and stress, as her priorities were misaligned. Jess highlights how the pressure to meet revenue goals took a toll on her well-being and the business's sustainability.

As Jess navigated her entrepreneurial journey, she realized the importance of shifting her mindset from purely chasing revenue to fostering a healthy business environment. With the help of her COO, Rachel, she began to rebuild the foundations of her company. This involved letting go of external markers of success and focusing on internal health and profitability. By years four to six, Jess found herself in a much better place, both personally and professionally, now valuing her worth at around $10 million, but spending less than ever before.

Key Insights

• The importance of internal validation over external metrics.
• Shifting from revenue focus to business health and sustainability.
• The role of feminine leadership in entrepreneurship.
• The journey of rebuilding a business after initial growth.

Key Questions Answered

What was Jess Chan's revenue strategy early in her career?

Jess initially believed that being a 'real entrepreneur' meant hitting specific revenue figures, particularly seven figures. Her first year of going full-time into her business, Longplay, was focused heavily on achieving this milestone, which ultimately led to her least profitable year as she prioritized revenue over sustainable growth.

How did Jess Chan's perspective on success change?

Jess's perspective shifted significantly as she realized that her pursuit of external validation through revenue was detrimental to her health and business. She began to focus on whether her business was healthy and sustainable in the long term, letting go of the need for immediate external markers of success.

What challenges did Jess face in her early entrepreneurial journey?

In her early entrepreneurial days, Jess faced significant challenges, including burnout and stress from misaligned priorities. She described the first year as the most stressful of her life, where she felt she was managing everything alone and struggling to keep up with the demands of her growing business.

What role did Rachel play in Jess Chan's business?

Rachel, Jess's COO and partner, played a crucial role in stabilizing the company during its early stages. Her arrival allowed Jess to focus on rebuilding the foundations of the business, creating a healthier work environment, and addressing internal turnover issues.

How has Jess Chan's relationship with money evolved?

Jess's relationship with money has evolved to focus less on ego-driven revenue figures and more on sustainable profitability. She acknowledges her worth at around $10 million but emphasizes that she spends less than ever, highlighting a shift towards valuing long-term financial health over short-term gains.