Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mike Schindler, CEO of The Vuca Principle, LLC., located in Edmonds, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Future of Coaching. Based on a little-known military strategy, the groundbreaking film IT'S VUCA launched the international executive leaders and trainers neuroscience & military methodology-based coaching program that helps OVERCOME UNCERTAINTY, improve mental and emotional well-being, and achieve personal and professional success.

Tell us about yourself

When I transitioned out of the military, I lost a sense of mission, purpose, and identity. The military is really great at assigning missions, purposes, and identities. The purpose was to save the world from bad people, the mission was Commander's intent, and my identity was my rank and my skillset. That fell apart after I got out. After a couple of start-up successes and failures, we founded Operation Military Family (a 501c3 non-profit) and started coaching transitioning servicemembers on how to identify their post-service identity truly. We've successfully helped over 10,200 over the past decade gain employment, save their marriages, and live life on purpose. The film was a result of having to pivot because of COVID, and we wanted to inspire a nation - really a world - on how to live on purpose regardless of the crisis. What motivates me each day are my daughters. I want them to live in a far better world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is getting people to live on purpose. All the media appearances, the money, etc., are great - and I am grateful - but what drives me is knowing that we have a generational impact.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest things as a business owner are the continually increasing taxes, the complicated paperwork, and identifying the right people to be world changers.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a clear VISION. Why are you starting this business? If it is just to make money, you'll grow tired of it at some point. BUT...if you are starting this business to make an impact, you'll grit through the difficult times.
  2. Surround yourself with people who share your vision. Being a business owner can be lonely if you don't have the right people in your life. Build your boat crew. Build your team with people you trust and who share the vision.
  3. Train then trust. As you grow your company, adopt the philosophy that micromanagement is earned. What I mean by this is simply that when you build your people with those you trust, train them, then truly trust them. Let them make the decisions - empower them.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://itsvuca.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/itsvuca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsvuca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ITSVUCA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjschindler/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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