Why entrepreneurs get stuck - Mike Malatesta | episode 39 recap

Join us in a insightful conversation with Mike Malatesta as we delve into the critical mindset shift needed to transition from starting a business to scaling one. From his beginnings in waste management with AWS to selling the company to Covanta Energy, Mike shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating challenges in business growth.

Mike Malatesta’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Explore Mike’s entrepreneurial journey, ignited by a job termination that led to the founding of AWS in 1993. Starting with two trucks and trailers, Mike secured a contract with WI DNR, marking the inception of his waste management venture. Fast forward to 2015, AWS, now led solely by Mike, achieved significant success with 150 employees and $45 million in sales, culminating in a strategic sale to Covanta Energy.

Mission to Empower Entrepreneurs

Discover Mike’s post-sale mission—to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges in their journey from business starters to builders. Drawing from his own experiences, Mike addresses the pitfalls hindering growth, emphasizing the importance of balance, resilience, and strategic thinking.

Unpacking Challenges and Solutions

Delve into the common reasons entrepreneurs face stagnation and learn how to overcome them. Mike shares insights on combating confirmation bias, balancing selflessness without resentment, and breaking free from the typical challenges that hinder growth.

Insights for Entrepreneurs at Every Stage

Whether you’re planning, commencing, building, or contemplating an exit, Mike’s wisdom provides actionable insights. Embrace the episode for a wealth of knowledge from a seasoned entrepreneur in the “pre-tech unicorn” era.

Notable Moments in the Episode

Entrepreneurial Stagnation (16:40): Explore the typical reasons entrepreneurs find themselves stuck and ways to break free.
Overcoming Ego (23:39): Learn strategies to remove confirmation bias and address the ego’s impact on business decisions.
Balancing Selflessness (43:07): Gain insights on being selfless without succumbing to resentment and maintaining a healthy approach.

Mike Malatesta’s journey from startup to successful business exit offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. Tune in for a deep dive into the mindset shift needed to scale beyond the startup phase, and glean wisdom from Mike’s wealth of experience.

Enjoy folks!

Listen / watch the episode

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Follow Mike’s Journey:

Book (Owner Shift): https://mikemalatesta.com/owner-shift-book-by-mike-malatesta/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mike.malatesta.92

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malatesta.mike/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemalatesta/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/howd-it-happen-podcast/id1441722417

Website: https://mikemalatesta.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeMalatesta

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1nMJV0LaxvRmJkGp20raUg