What does it look like to live “svelte”—not just in business, but in life?

CPA, author, and entrepreneur Duane Deason joins Nathan Cook on More Than Before to share how global childhood experiences shaped his identity, how operational discipline can protect families (not just profits), and why becoming “more than before” starts with redefining success.

Duane grew up across South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Sweden, later biked across America with a Christian group, started a business at 27, and faced a fatherhood moment that changed everything. This episode is part leadership, part life audit—and a powerful reminder that how we operate reflects who we are.

Key Takeaways:

• Why many companies manage costs poorly—and why layoffs aren’t the first answer

• The difference between being “lean” and being svelte (lean + attractive + healthy)

• How global perspective builds resilience, empathy, and adaptability

• The fatherhood “crucible” that reshaped Duane’s priorities

• Applying operational wisdom to life: cut noise, protect what matters

• Beekeeping lessons that surprisingly translate to relationships and conflict

• Faith as a journey: conviction, presence, and seasons of growth

Timeline / Chapters:

00:00 – Redefining success + what “More Than Before” really means
00:33 – Intro: perspective, integrity, and stewardship
01:11 – Why Duane launched a podcast (teach people to fish)
02:28 – Growing up overseas: the lens it gave him
05:12 – Sweden vs. Saudi Arabia: two different worlds
06:44 – Culture shock coming back to the U.S.
08:18 – Parents, truth, honor, and work ethic
12:29 – Boarding school + broken leg turning point
15:22 – Choosing accounting (a fork-in-the-road moment)
17:22 – Biking across America + learning from small towns
22:55 – Starting a business at 27
25:07 – Fatherhood changes the definition of success
30:07 – Marriage, work priorities, and honesty
32:45 – Small business passion + big business waste
36:12 – Defining “Svelte” (lean + attractive)
38:16 – Cut costs to fuel growth, not just profit
40:07 – “Svelte for Life”: simplifying what steals time
44:56 – Beekeeping, nature, and living grounded
47:13 – The bee lesson on relationships
48:29 – Faith in phases
50:52 – Duane’s definition of “More Than Before”
52:32 – Outro + share this with someone who needs it

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more people find the show.
And DM Nathan on Instagram with your biggest takeaway: What do you need to “trim” to live more svelte?