I’ve always believed that the best lessons in business come from the tough spots—the moments when things don’t go as planned. In this episode of Never Been Promoted, I sat down with Jason Duncan, a guy who’s been through it all. He went from being a pastor to running a successful business, and now he helps other men figure out how to step back from their companies without giving up control—what he calls “exiting without exiting.”
His story is raw and real, and it hit home for me because it’s not just about building a business—it’s about knowing when to let go when to get out of your own way, and how to learn from the punches life throws at you.
The Trap of Hero Syndrome
Jason opened up about something so many entrepreneurs struggle with: trying to be the hero of their own business. In the early stages, it’s all on your shoulders—every decision, every fire to put out, every sale to close. We’ve all been there. But as Jason pointed out, staying in that “hero” role is a recipe for burnout.
“For the first six months, maybe even the first year, being the hero is okay. But beyond that, if you’re still the hero, you’re not growing—you’re stuck.” That hit me. As founders, we often convince ourselves that if we aren’t the ones handling every detail, things will fall apart. But the truth? That mentality keeps you trapped in your business, unable to scale or take a step back.
I’ve felt that same pressure—feeling like if I’m not involved in every single thing, it’s not going to be done right. Jason’s words were a reminder that holding onto that mindset holds us back. It keeps the business tied to us when, in reality, the goal is to build something that runs without us.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Letting go doesn’t mean losing control: Delegating isn’t about giving up control. It’s about empowering your team to take the reins so you can focus on growth.
- Don’t let your business become your prison: If you don’t break free of the hero mindset, your business ends up owning you, instead of the other way around.
- Trust your team: The sooner you trust others to handle the day-to-day, the sooner you can step back and think about the bigger picture.
Failing Forward: Embracing the Hard Lessons
One of the most powerful moments in our conversation was when Jason talked about failure. Now, I’m not talking about a minor setback—I’m talking about the kind of failure that shakes your confidence to the core. For Jason, this came when he was essentially forced out of his teaching job after the financial crisis of 2008. He could’ve gone back to what he knew. Instead, he took the leap and started a business in an industry he knew nothing about.
“We learn more from our failures, even the ones we didn’t cause, than we do from our successes.” And that’s the truth. When everything is going right, you’re cruising—you don’t stop to think about what could go wrong. But when you’re in the middle of a storm, you’re forced to reevaluate and pivot. That’s when the real growth happens.
Jason shared a story that really drove this home. He mentioned Tony Robbins and how he’d heard him say, “Success teaches you nothing.” It’s easy to look at someone who’s built an empire and think, “Wow, they’ve got it all figured out.” But the reality? It’s the tough times that shape you.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Failure is part of the process: You’re going to stumble—sometimes hard—but that’s where the lessons are. Success is built on those moments of trial and error.
- Resilience is key: When Jason lost his job, he didn’t wallow. He moved forward, started his business, and made it work. That’s resilience.
- Jump in, even if you’re not ready: Jason didn’t wait to feel “prepared.” He jumped into an industry he knew nothing about and figured it out along the way. Sometimes, you just have to start.
Reflections from the Interview
As Jason and I talked more, something that really struck me was how tied we get to our businesses. It becomes part of who we are—our identity. When Jason finally stepped away from his business, he found himself in this strange limbo of not knowing who he was without that CEO title. And I think that’s something a lot of us can relate to.
“For a decade, I was introduced as the president and CEO of my company,” he said. “All of a sudden, I wasn’t that guy anymore. And it was tough.” That kind of shift can feel like the rug is being pulled out from under you, but it also opens the door to rediscovering what really drives you. For Jason, it was teaching and helping other entrepreneurs. For the rest of us? It’s something we all have to figure out in our own time.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Your business isn’t your identity: You are more than just the title on your LinkedIn profile. Separating yourself from your business allows you to grow.
- Coaching is invaluable: Having someone in your corner to guide you through these transitions is a game-changer (okay, maybe not that word, but you get the point).
- Reinvention is possible: When one chapter closes, it opens up space for you to explore what you’re really passionate about.
- Passion drives purpose: For Jason, rediscovering his love for teaching gave him new energy and focus.
- It’s okay to step back: You don’t have to be involved in every decision. Trust your team, step back, and focus on the bigger picture.
Final Thoughts
Talking to Jason reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t about the big wins—it’s about the journey. It’s about failing, learning, letting go, and finding ways to keep growing, even when things don’t go as planned. If you’re feeling stuck or like your business is running you into the ground, take a page out of Jason’s book. Step back. Delegate. And remember, failure isn’t the end—it’s just part of the process.
If you’re curious to learn more about Jason’s journey and how he helps entrepreneurs like us exit without giving up control, make sure to check out his full episode. There’s a lot more to learn from a guy who’s been through the highs and lows and come out stronger on the other side: STOP Running Your Business Like a Job: Jason Duncan’s Advice
CONNECT WITH JASON DUNCAN:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjasonduncan/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan/
Website: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/