Thriving in Tandem: The podcast for married entrepreneurs

Robert and Kay Lee Fukui: Business and Marriage Coaches
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Helping married entrepreneurs reach their business goals while living a better-balanced life with their spouse and family The biggest challenge for married entrepreneurs isn't simply succeeding in business, it's succeeding in all areas of life. This show will take you behind closed doors to share with you the real stories, conversations, and hard moments that happen in every married couple's life, especially when it's amplified by the stress of building a business. Join your hosts Robert and Kay Lee Fukui each week as they take you into the boardroom and bedroom where you will hear encouraging stories from married entrepreneurs thriving in tandem. Robert has over 25 years of working with Fortune 100 companies in marketing and sales before developing a consulting business to help privately held, family businesses become more profitable. Kay Lee grew up and worked in her family business and understands the power struggles that can bring. Together they spent two years in relationship counseling BEFORE they got married and have over 17 years of real-life marriage and business experience implementing what they've learned. Stay connected with them on Facebook and Instagram @thrivingintandem or visit them at https://www.marriedentrepreneur.co for some great resources for your marriage and business.

  1. Ep. 244 - 3 Common Reasons Business Struggle

    4D AGO

    Ep. 244 - 3 Common Reasons Business Struggle

    In this episode of Thriving in Tandem™, Robert and Kay Lee unpack three of the most common reasons businesses struggle — drawn from their own entrepreneurial journey, client experience, and research from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If you're a married entrepreneur feeling financial pressure or team tension, this conversation will hit home. 1. Cash Flow Problems (Not a Sales Problem) Contrary to popular belief, most struggling businesses don't fail because of poor marketing or low sales. They fail because of cash flow mismanagement. The Chamber of Commerce research highlights: Cash flow issues Lack of capital Poor management Human capital challenges Notice what's missing? Marketing and sales. Profit Doesn't Equal Cash Many business owners rely solely on their Profit & Loss statement. The problem? Most P&Ls are set up on an accrual basis, meaning revenue is recorded when invoiced — not when cash hits your bank account. You might show: $100,000 in revenue $15,000 in profit But still feel broke. Why? Because: Clients haven't paid yet (accounts receivable lag) You're paying down loans or credit cards (liabilities don't show on P&L) Merchant fees and interest are draining cash You're behind on invoicing The Danger of "Let's Just Increase Sales" Growing sales without fixing cash flow can actually accelerate failure. If: You must pay for materials upfront You don't get paid until delivery You rely on lines of credit to float expenses Then doubling sales can double your cash stress. Before scaling, make sure your cash systems can sustain growth. Action Step: Review your P&L, cash flow statement, and balance sheet together — not in isolation. If this isn't your strength, bring in a qualified financial advisor who understands small business cash flow, not just bookkeeping. 2. Lack of Capital (Often a Symptom, Not the Root Cause) Running out of money is usually the result of poor cash flow management. Many businesses don't collapse because demand disappears. They collapse because: They underestimated startup costs They overspent during growth They relied too heavily on debt They didn't manage receivables aggressively At the end of the day, businesses fail when they run out of cash — not necessarily customers. 3. Human Capital Challenges (Hiring, Training, Retention) The third major struggle? People. Common issues include: Difficulty finding quality team members High turnover Weak onboarding Lack of ongoing development Start with Smart Hiring Consider: Contract-to-hire models 90-day trial periods Clear role definitions and performance metrics This reduces risk and gives both sides time to evaluate fit. Training Is Not One-and-Done Initial onboarding isn't enough. The first year is critical.  Even experienced hires require: Clear expectations Regular feedback Continued development Intentional culture building Hiring and firing repeatedly is expensive — financially and emotionally. Investing in people development is not optional if you want sustainable growth. The Bigger Picture Most business struggles boil down to: Poor cash flow management Running out of capital Weak people systems And here's the reality for married entrepreneurs: When business stress rises, it spills into your marriage. That's why mastering financial systems and building a healthy team isn't just about profit — it's about protecting your home life. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another married entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

    32 min
  2. Ep. 243 - The Real Story Behind Matt Damon's The Informant: A Whistleblower, Prison, and a Marriage That Survived

    MAR 2

    Ep. 243 - The Real Story Behind Matt Damon's The Informant: A Whistleblower, Prison, and a Marriage That Survived

    Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with Mark Whitacre and Ginger Whitacre, the real-life couple behind one of the largest whistleblower cases in U.S. history—famously portrayed in the film The Informant!. But this episode goes far beyond headlines and Hollywood. It's a raw look at what happens to a marriage when secrecy, fear, ambition, and integrity collide—and how faith and perseverance can hold a family together when everything else falls apart. Ginger opens up about the hidden cost of Mark's three years undercover with the FBI—years she carried alone, unable to ask for prayer or support, living daily with the fear that her husband might not come home. Even prison, she shares, was easier than the silence and isolation of those years. For married entrepreneurs, her story is a sobering reminder: success at any cost eventually sends the bill home. Yet it's also a testimony to resilience, boundaries, and the power of shared purpose when life feels unmanageable. Mark reflects on his transformation—from a high-flying executive addicted to money, titles, and approval, to a man who redefined success as significance. Prison became the unlikely place where faith reshaped his identity, restored his marriage, and redirected his leadership. Today, he serves in marketplace ministry while working with Coca-Cola Consolidated, a company once directly impacted by the case. For couples building businesses together, this episode is a masterclass in integrity, redemption, and choosing what matters most—before the cost becomes too high. Key Takeaways for Married Entrepreneurs Success without integrity always charges interest. What looks like a "golden handcuff" can quietly imprison your marriage and values. You can't neglect the marriage and expect it to survive the mission. Ginger's role reminds us that teamwork and communication are non-negotiable. Redefine success early. Titles, money, and growth are empty if they cost connection, faith, and family. Hard seasons reveal true leadership. Mark's shift from achievement to service saved both his marriage and his future impact. There is life—and purpose—after failure. Redemption is possible in business, marriage, and calling when humility leads the way. 👉 Resources: Grab the book Against All Odds, watch the documentary, and share this episode with another married business owner who needs the reminder: it's not just about winning in business—it's about thriving in tandem. https://www.markwhitacre.com/index.html

    30 min
  3. Ep. 242 - How a Daughter's Question Changed A CEO's Life with Ford Taylor

    FEB 23

    Ep. 242 - How a Daughter's Question Changed A CEO's Life with Ford Taylor

    Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui sit down with Ford Taylor, chairman of the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce board and founder of FSH Consulting Group. Ford shares his remarkable journey from scaling a struggling two-employee screen-printing shop into a $300M, 2,000-employee enterprise to ultimately redefining success when business growth came at the cost of his marriage, family, and personal well-being. His story is a sobering reminder that external success can hide internal brokenness—and that unchecked ambition often extracts a hidden toll at home. At the heart of the conversation is a defining moment every busy entrepreneur needs to hear. Ford recounts the night his six-year-old daughter asked him, through tears and ice cream, an innocent question that became the wake-up call that saved his life, redirected his priorities, and forced a courageous decision to realign business leadership with family leadership. Ford candidly opens up about insecurity, burnout, infidelity, and the hard road of rebuilding trust—offering hope to couples who feel trapped between providing financially and being emotionally present. The episode closes with practical wisdom for married entrepreneurs who want to win at work and at home. Ford outlines the guardrails he and his wife put in place—clear communication, shared decision-making around travel and opportunities, season-based priorities, and values-driven clarity. He introduces a simple but profound framework for balancing family, income, health, and community, reminding listeners that success is not about doing everything, but about intentionally choosing what matters most. This conversation is both a warning and an invitation: you don't have to hit rock bottom to change course. Website: https://www.transformlead.com/  Podcast & Resources: https://fordtaylortalks.com/  Key Takeaways Success without alignment is dangerous: Business growth means little if it costs your marriage, health, or relationship with your children. Children often see what adults ignore: Honest feedback—even from a six-year-old—can reveal what success metrics miss. Clarity creates peace: Defining values, priorities, and boundaries before opportunities arise removes guilt, conflict, and indecision. Guardrails protect trust: Openly discussing travel, time, and commitments strengthens both marriage and business leadership. Seasons matter: There are times to lean into work and times to lean into family—agreement and communication make both possible. You don't have to break to rebuild: Learn from others' stories so change can happen proactively, not painfully. Bio Jerry "Ford" Taylor grew up in Paris, Texas before heading to Texas A&M, where he earned his BBA in Business Management—but his most unforgettable college credential wasn't academic. Ford and his soon-to-be wife, Sandra, became campus favorites by teaching disco and country western dance to thousands of students, a 16-year run that revealed an early gift for equipping people with confidence and connection. After graduation, Ford stepped into retail management, unaware that the entrepreneurial chapter ahead would redefine his career. In 1982, Ford and Sandra purchased a struggling two-employee screen-printing shop, C.C. Creations, and transformed it into a powerhouse. Through acquisitions and growth, Ford eventually became CEO of Brazos Sportswear, a 2,000-employee, $300-million leader in screen printing and embroidery. His business impact earned him recognition as Texas Small Businessperson of the Year and a top-10 finalist nationally. In 1998, after decades of building and leading high-growth companies, Ford pivoted toward leadership consulting—first as a Senior VP at Great American Insurance, then as an ordained minister committed to helping leaders remove constraints and build healthier cultures. Today, Ford is the founder of FSH Consulting Group and Transformational Leadership, training organizations across the U.S. and around the world. He has delivered leadership development and conflict-resolution training in more than a dozen nations, authored the best-selling Relactional Leadership, co-wrote The Hike, and hosts the podcast Ford Taylor Talks. A sought-after speaker and board member—including Chairman of the Board for the U.S. Christian Chamber—Ford continues to blend business excellence with servant-leadership influence. He and Sandra, married since 1981, have three daughters and a grandson, and their legacy continues to ripple through every leader, team, and city they serve.

    34 min
  4. Ep. 241 - How to Survive Major Life Transitions as a Married Entrepreneur

    FEB 16

    Ep. 241 - How to Survive Major Life Transitions as a Married Entrepreneur

    Big life transitions—leaving a corporate career, launching a business, moving across the country, selling property, or even shifting seasons in marriage—can either strengthen your relationship or slowly fracture it. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee share candidly about their own journey—from a 25-year corporate career to entrepreneurship, and now a major move from California to the East Coast. They unpack the emotional tension that naturally arises when one spouse is more risk-tolerant and the other prioritizes security—and how those differences don't have to divide you. For married entrepreneurs, transitions are rarely just "business decisions." They affect income, lifestyle, identity, and the sense of safety at home. When risk, timing, and money are on the table, it's easy to dig in your heels or rush forward out of fear or urgency. But thriving in tandem requires something deeper: unity. That means shifting from "my opinion vs. your opinion" to "what's best for us?" It means slowing down when necessary, creating shared vision, and giving up the need to be right in order to protect the relationship. Through real-life examples—corporate exits, investment decisions, rental strategy pivots, and long-term relocation plans—Robert and Kay Lee reveal how patience, small steps, and clear communication can open doors to creative solutions you'd never see if you rushed. If you're navigating a major transition right now, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace—together. Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk Key Takeaways 1. Two Become One—So Decide as One Transitions demand unity. If one spouse feels unheard or overridden, resentment will eventually surface. Major decisions must serve the marriage, not just the mission. 2. Start with Vision, Not Urgency When opportunity appears, it's easier to agree when you've already discussed long-term vision. Vision reduces conflict and creates alignment before pressure hits. 3. Security vs. Risk Is a Marriage Dynamic Most couples have one higher risk-taker and one more security-driven spouse. Neither is wrong. Together, they create balance—if they listen to each other. 4. Slow Down to Gain Clarity High-pressure decisions often hide missing information. Patience reveals truth, protects finances, and reduces emotional fallout at home. 5. Take Baby Steps During Big Changes Trial periods, short-term commitments, and phased transitions lower anxiety and increase buy-in from both spouses. 6. Start with Points of Agreement In conflict, remind each other where you already agree. Often the disagreement is smaller than it feels. 7. Let Go of the Need to Be Right Ego creates division. The goal isn't winning the argument—it's making the best decision for the marriage and the business. 8. Patience Creates Options Rushed transitions limit choices. Thoughtful transitions often create new opportunities and financial advantages.

    31 min
  5. Ep. 240 - Sex, Intimacy & Marriage: How Entrepreneur Couples Rebuild Connection Without Burning Out with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo

    FEB 9

    Ep. 240 - Sex, Intimacy & Marriage: How Entrepreneur Couples Rebuild Connection Without Burning Out with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo

    In this candid and timely conversation, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, co-hosts of the top-ranked One Extraordinary Marriage Show, to tackle a topic many couples think about—but few openly discuss: sex, intimacy, and connection in marriage. Drawing from nearly 30 years of marriage and over a decade of coaching couples worldwide, Tony and Alisa reframe intimacy as far more than a physical act. At its core, intimacy is about closeness, safety, and emotional connection—and when those are missing, sex often becomes the symptom, not the root issue. The conversation explores the "chicken and egg" tension many couples face: one spouse needs emotional intimacy before sex, while the other needs sex to feel emotionally connected. Rather than choosing sides, Tony and Alisa explain why both emotional and sexual intimacy must be strengthened together, a concept they outline in their best-selling book The Six Pillars of Intimacy. For entrepreneurial couples—especially those who work together—this dynamic can be further complicated by stress, blurred boundaries, exhaustion, and over-familiarity. The result? Desire fades, communication stalls, and intimacy becomes an afterthought. Throughout the episode, listeners receive practical, judgment-free strategies to rebuild connection: how to talk about sex without pressure or shame, why those conversations should not happen in the bedroom, and how tools like shared calendars, intentional planning, and even a "vision" for sexual intimacy can transform a marriage. From breaking taboos and starting small conversations to reigniting anticipation and creativity, this episode offers married entrepreneurs a refreshing, hopeful path toward deeper connection—without adding more strain to already full lives. Website: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneextraordinarymarriage [FREE] 6 Pillars Of Intimacy: https://6pillarsofintimacy.com Intimacy Mastery: http://intimacymastery.com/ Key Takeaways Intimacy ≠ sex alone: True intimacy is closeness and connection; sex thrives when emotional safety is present. It's not either/or: Emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy reinforce each other—and both must be nurtured. Normalize the conversation: Talking about sex is emotional intimacy and removes unnecessary tension and assumptions. Change the environment: Don't discuss sex in the bedroom—protect it as a sacred, pressure-free space. Start small: Short, low-pressure conversations build confidence and momentum over time. Entrepreneurial marriages need structure: Clear roles, shared calendars, and intentional boundaries reduce friction that kills desire. Anticipation matters: Surprise, creativity, and intentional planning reignite excitement—just like in business. Enhancement, not replacement: Tools and toys can support connection when used together, intentionally, and without shame. Vision creates momentum: Couples who plan and prioritize intimacy are far more likely to experience growth, not drift. Bio As co-hosts of the top marriage podcast in Apple Podcasts, the ONE Extraordinary Marriage Show, Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo speak to a worldwide audience about sex, love & commitment, and challenge every listener to make their relationship a priority. Their best-selling book, The 6 Pillars of Intimacy®, has transformed countless marriages around the world. This framework is simple, practical, and powerful. You'll be inspired to look at your marriage through a new lens and be encouraged by its commonsense approach. Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

    32 min
  6. Ep. 239 - This Kills Profits

    FEB 3

    Ep. 239 - This Kills Profits

    Take the Profit Booster Assessment and improve your bottom line https://profit-booster-assessment.scoreapp.com/  Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk The Fastest Way to Increase Profit (Without More Sales) In this episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui tackle one of the most misunderstood—and most powerful—levers in business: profitability. Many business owners assume the only way to improve the bottom line is to sell more, but this conversation flips that belief on its head. Drawing from real client stories, they reveal how growing revenue can actually shrink profits when pricing and expenses aren't managed intentionally. The heart of the episode centers on pricing—specifically why most entrepreneurs underprice their products and services. Robert walks through the most common pricing mistakes (cost-plus pricing, competitor-based pricing, and penetration pricing) and explains why none of them account for true value. Using everyday examples and a powerful auction story, they unpack the psychology of pricing and show how price communicates value, trust, and credibility to your customers. Finally, they connect profitability to what matters most at home. When margins are thin, stress goes up, hours increase, and marriage pays the price. Healthy profit margins create margin in life—allowing business owners to reinvest, reclaim time, and reduce pressure on the family. The episode ends with a simple, practical assignment to calculate whether your business is hitting the 15% net profit benchmark—and how small pricing adjustments can create immediate relief. Key Takeaways More sales don't guarantee more profit Revenue can increase while profit margins shrink if pricing and expenses aren't managed intentionally. Your price sends a psychological signal Pricing communicates value and credibility. Underpricing often creates skepticism—not loyalty. The most common pricing strategies are flawed Cost-plus, competitor-based, and penetration pricing ignore the true value you deliver. 15% net profit is the minimum target After paying yourself and all expenses, your business should retain at least 15% of revenue as net profit. Raising prices is the fastest way to grow profit Price increases go straight to the bottom line without adding marketing costs, staff, or hours. Underpricing creates stress at home Thin margins force longer hours and constant hustle—stealing time, energy, and peace from your marriage. Small price increases can have massive impact A 5–10% average price increase can be enough to restore healthy margins.

    33 min
  7. Ep. 238 - Working With Your Spouse Without Competing with Jason and Elizabeth Settle

    12/15/2025

    Ep. 238 - Working With Your Spouse Without Competing with Jason and Elizabeth Settle

    Links Biblical Counseling - https://www.settledco.com/counseling Freedom Coaching - https://www.settledco.com/coaching Free Gift: Reclaim What's Real FREE 5-Day Devotional What happens when two strong leaders try to work side-by-side—inside marriage and business? In this candid and refreshingly honest conversation, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui sit down with Jason and Elizabeth Settle, co-founders of Settled Co., to unpack what it really takes for married couples to collaborate without competing. From early power struggles and identity clashes to learning how to celebrate each other's strengths, this episode speaks directly to high-achieving couples who want to win together, not against each other. Jason and Elizabeth share their personal journey of moving from competition to partnership, highlighting how identity, self-esteem, and misplaced priorities can quietly sabotage both marriage and work. They explore why so many driven couples wrestle with power struggles, how healing individual identity creates a healthier "we," and why trying to change your spouse rarely works. Their insights offer hope to couples who have tried—and failed—to work together before. The conversation also dives into a topic many entrepreneurs neglect: fun. From separating business meetings from date nights to understanding how joy, laughter, and emotional safety directly impact performance, creativity, and connection, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. If you're building a business while protecting your marriage, this episode will challenge how you think about identity, productivity, and the role of joy in thriving—together. Key Takeaways Power struggles are often identity struggles. Healthy collaboration starts when each spouse is secure in who they are—strong "me's" create a strong "we." Competition kills partnership. Learning to celebrate each other's strengths instead of resenting them transforms both marriage and work. Your spouse is not your project. Real growth begins when you stop trying to change your partner and focus on personal responsibility and self-control. Work can't replace relationship. When affirmation, validation, or joy come solely from work, marriage inevitably suffers. Fun is not optional—it's strategic. Laughter, joy, and shared experiences build emotional connection, reduce pressure, and improve performance. Separate business from romance. Dedicated business meetings and protected date nights help couples stay connected without blurring boundaries. Joy fuels resilience. In seasons of uncertainty or financial pressure, intentionally choosing fun helps couples stay emotionally connected and grounded. Love rejoices in truth. Focusing on what's right about your spouse—not keeping score—puts wind in your sails as a couple. Bio Jason Settle Jason is a highly respected educator, counselor, and consultant, recognized for his profound influence and dedication to empowering others. With a rich and diverse background in education and counseling, Jason delivers actionable guidance and strategic insights that enable individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. A dynamic leader and compelling communicator, Jason believes that true success begins with a person's self-perception. His approach, shaped by his studies in Dr. John Townsend's Organizational Leadership Master's program at Concordia University, emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and transformative leadership. Jason fosters an environment of innovation and continuous improvement, inspiring those he works with to push beyond their limits and discover new possibilities. As a leader and Biblical counselor, Jason excels in both group and individual settings, offering powerful coaching that promotes freedom and personal development. His expertise enables clients to make meaningful changes in their daily lives and positively influence those around them. Whether in the classroom, one-on-one counseling, or consulting roles, Jason remains committed to making a lasting impact. His unwavering support, paired with his wealth of experience, ensures that those he serves are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to thrive. Elizabeth Settle Elizabeth Settle is a dynamic speaker, dedicated community builder, pastor, and freedom counselor with a passion for helping individuals and communities embrace their true identity and live in freedom. With a heart for guiding others to hear God's voice and experience personal transformation, she blends practical wisdom with deep spiritual insight. As a pastor, she nurtures vibrant, faith-filled communities, and as a freedom counselor, she walks alongside those seeking healing and wholeness. As a multilingual educator and writer,  Elizabeth has developed content in both English and Spanish, reaching wide audiences and contributing to organizations like Gateway Publishing, Docent Research Group, and Prestonwood Curriculums. Whether writing resources, speaking to large audiences, or working one-on-one, Elizabeth is committed to empowering others to thrive in their purpose and live authentically. She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Texas State University and is recognized for her strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaborative leadership. Elizabeth is currently serving as a Pastor of Christian Education and Discipleship at Gateway Church. Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

    32 min
  8. Ep. 237 - Legacy Starts Early: Money, Mindset & Meaning with Teen Founder Keira Chang

    12/09/2025

    Ep. 237 - Legacy Starts Early: Money, Mindset & Meaning with Teen Founder Keira Chang

    In this powerful episode, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with 17-year-old entrepreneur and leukemia survivor Keira Chang, founder of Heroko Shop and author of The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy, A Story About Money. Diagnosed with leukemia the week before her 13th birthday, Keira spent years in treatment and isolation—but emerged with a renewed appreciation for life, community, and the importance of using your gifts to help others. Her story is raw, inspiring, and a needed reset for entrepreneurs who get caught up in the grind. Keira shares how Heroko Shop was born at the end of her treatment as a way to give back to the pediatric cancer community that supported her. Designed for Gen Z, by Gen Z, her brand sells fun accessories while raising awareness and support for kids battling cancer. With guidance from mentors (including Robert and Kay Lee) through a local youth entrepreneur program, she transformed a simple idea into a profitable, impact-driven business—learning how to test, adapt, and lead a team along the way. She also unpacks the heart behind her children's book on saving and money, and why financial literacy needs to start younger—especially in a world of rising debt and easy spending. For married entrepreneurs, Keira's perspective is a refreshing reminder: your business is a tool, not just for income, but for impact; your support system matters; and your influence on the next generation—whether through parenting, mentoring, or leading by example—can shape how they view hardship, money, generosity, and purpose. Links Store: https://herokoshop.com/ Book: The Second Race: The turtle and the puppy: A story about money https://keirachanggogold.wixsite.com/book  IG: @keiragsbook IG: @herokoshop  Key Takeaways How a life-threatening diagnosis at 12 reshaped Keira's gratitude, priorities, and view of what truly matters. The origin of Heroko Shop and how a teen founder built a brand with a cause: Gen Z designs that support kids with cancer. Why support systems—family, friends, community, medical staff—are crucial, and how that parallels the importance of strong marriage and partnership in entrepreneurship. The inspiration behind The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy and why teaching kids about saving and stewardship early is so important. Practical lessons married entrepreneurs can draw from Keira's story: simplifying what you stress about, aligning your business with impact, and remembering that people always matter more than pressure and profit. A vision for legacy: how mentoring and modeling healthy leadership today can empower the next generation of values-driven entrepreneurs. Biography: Keira Chang is a 17-year-old high school student, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and author. After being diagnosed with leukemia at 13, she was inspired to give back and founded Heroko Shop, a clothing and accessories brand that donates all profits to childhood cancer organizations. This year, she became a published author with her children's book on financial literacy, which she used to launch a campaign donating around 250 books to schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers, hosting reading sessions and workshops to teach kids about saving. She also helped found her school's chapter of Therapicasso, a nonprofit that uses art to help kids process emotions and manage mental health.  Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/ Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download  Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

    23 min
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5
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20 Ratings

About

Helping married entrepreneurs reach their business goals while living a better-balanced life with their spouse and family The biggest challenge for married entrepreneurs isn't simply succeeding in business, it's succeeding in all areas of life. This show will take you behind closed doors to share with you the real stories, conversations, and hard moments that happen in every married couple's life, especially when it's amplified by the stress of building a business. Join your hosts Robert and Kay Lee Fukui each week as they take you into the boardroom and bedroom where you will hear encouraging stories from married entrepreneurs thriving in tandem. Robert has over 25 years of working with Fortune 100 companies in marketing and sales before developing a consulting business to help privately held, family businesses become more profitable. Kay Lee grew up and worked in her family business and understands the power struggles that can bring. Together they spent two years in relationship counseling BEFORE they got married and have over 17 years of real-life marriage and business experience implementing what they've learned. Stay connected with them on Facebook and Instagram @thrivingintandem or visit them at https://www.marriedentrepreneur.co for some great resources for your marriage and business.

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