🎧 What's it like to build an 8 Figure business, not just in your 20's but while you're still a full time student?

What do you need to understand for "working for your future" to be a path to deeper alignment instead of conflict?

In this episode of BUILDERS, I sit down with Adam Shaw and asked him these questins and more! Adam is an 8-Figure Founder, prolific venture builder, General Partner and future dad who shared openly about what it means to lead boldly without breaking yourself (or your relationships) in the process.

We dive into the real tension between identity and ambition, the importance of harmony, and the "surfboard" analogy for leadership in life and business.

This episode is for the builder who’s tired of defaulting to hustle and ready to lead with wholeness.

In this episode, we explore:

✅ 00:00 – 20:00 | The Board Game of Business & Building to 8-Figures as a Student

Adam shares his journey from "gaming" paintball systems as a kid to building an 8-figure supply chain business in his 20s. We discuss seeing business as a "chessboard" and why curiosity, not just hustle is the ultimate lever for growth.

✅ 20:00 – 32:00 | Founders, Funders, and "Strategic Money"

Why you shouldn't just chase a cheque. Adam breaks down the mission of Founders & Funders, why in-person community is making a comeback, and the shift founders must make from visionary to operator.

✅ 32:00 – 46:00 | Redefining Ambition & The Cost of Success

With a baby on the way, Adam and Alex get real about the "fire" of obsession. They discuss therapy, the transition to fatherhood, and why setting boundaries often makes the business more successful, not less.

✅ 46:00 – 56:00 | Married, Co-Founding, and Staying Sane

Adam digs into what it really looks like to build in business and life with your spouse. We cover the specific communication rules that save relationships (handling the "business partner" vs. "spouse" hats) and why your partner is your most important mentor.

✅ 56:00 – 01:16:00 | Harmony vs. Balance (The Surfboard Metaphor)

Why the myth of static balance is outdated. Why the "surfboard" metaphor for leadership makes more sense in practice. Adam shares how he navigates emotional surges and the importance of environment.

✅ 01:16:00 – 01:26:00 | Hiring Intrapreneurs & The "Airplane Test"

How do you spot a team member who thinks like an owner? Adam reveals his hiring strategy: looking for passion over resumes and finding people who pass the "airplane test".

✅ 01:26:00 – 01:45:00 | Visibility, Ageism, and Confidence

Adam opens up about the reality of being the youngest person in the room and dealing with ageism. Alex shares her own stories of repeatedly being the youngest. A powerful segment on the interplay of confidence and competence.

✅ 01:45:00 – End | Focus Filters + The Reverse Pitch

We close with the "reverse pitch" model changing the VC game, followed by rapid-fire insights on game changing decisions and what strategy done right feels like.

This episode is for the builder who:

• Wants to build with their partner without burning it all down
• Is ready to stop chasing balance and start riding the waves
• Believes culture is built moment by moment, not once a year at offsite
• Feels the cost of pushing too hard… and is ready to lead from a new paradigm

🔗 Connect with Adam:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamfnf?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app