You probably know Dave Gerhardt as a top B2B marketing pro. But there’s way more to him than LinkedIn posts, clever copy, and great advice.

On this episode of The Emma Stratton Show, I sit down with Dave to talk not about marketing — but about mindset, personal growth, and the real inner work required to run a successful business. What unfolds is a soul-nourishing conversation about journaling, spirituality, identity shifts, and building a business that supports a full life.

If you're an entrepreneur, creator, or human being trying to make work and life feel more aligned — this one’s for you.

Highlights:
– Why entrepreneurship is the ultimate personal growth program
– Letting go of a former identity to build something bigger
– Dave’s rituals for grounding, sanity, and creativity
– Why nature, journaling, and gratitude are his go-to tools

In this episode, we cover:
(00:00) Welcome to The Emma Stratton Show
(03:50) Emma shares how this conversation with Dave came to be
(05:15) Dave’s wandering phase—and what it taught him
(09:00) The identity crisis that came with leaving corporate
(13:45) The mistake he made going back to a “safe” role
(17:40) Personal growth through building a team and company
(24:00) Reclaiming meaning and freedom through work
(30:50) Dave’s go-to routines: exercise, journaling, reading, nature
(39:20) How spirituality and gratitude show up in his day
(45:30) Redefining success—and designing a life around it

Follow Dave on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegerhardt/) and Exit Five (https://www.exitfive.com)
Follow Emma on Substack (https://substack.com/@emmastratton) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-stratton-punchy/)