Close your eyes...
Now imagine The Diary Of A CEO but without the interviews, without the production value, without editing and without any topics.
Imagine if the host was just sitting by himself, talking about... nothing really? What's the guy's name? Steven? Yeah, imagine him just sitting there rambling incoherently for like an hour.
Thats The Unscheduled CEO!!
This podcast is hosted by Jonathan Courtney, a hairy, Irish, Business Man. ENJOY!
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This episode features Jonathan Courtney and Jake Knapp exploring the complexities of being a creative entrepreneur. They candidly discuss their personal battles with ADHD symptoms, managing overwhelming workloads, and the challenge of nurturing creative projects amidst practical demands. The conversation also covers the "Practicality Offset" concept, the dilemma of going all-in on creative pursuits versus finding balance, and the universal struggle to feel true to oneself in their work.
This week I talk about my struggle finding balance between being too busy and too bored and not really finding a middle-ground. I also talk about a few other things: * Our huge collab with Pip Decks * Trying to simplify some of the mess i’ve created around me * A new drink is reviewed! You can also watch this weeks episode on Youtube if you don’t want to just listen. Cheers,Jonathan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes...
In this episode I revisit my chronic motivation issues and ADHD-related problems. I also talk about a few other things: * AJ&Smart turning 15 * My favourite non-alcoholic drinks (ranked!) * How i’m planning on dealing with my motivation issues You can also watch this weeks episode on Youtube if you don’t want to just listen. Cheers,Jonathan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
Hey! If you haven’t heard yet: The Unscheduled CEO podcast is now on an every Tuesday schedule…. till I get sick of doing it. This Tuesday is a special one because I’m chatting with someone who’s influenced my life in more ways than I can count: Sam Ovens.He’s the CEO of the inanely successful Skool.com, which has over 17 million users, and ran one of the first and most successful businesses in the online education space: Consulting.com. Sam is fascinating, he’s obsessive, he’s unconventional. T...
Let's get ESOTERIC. Also: I got food poisoning, it was super fun! Watch on Youtube: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com
Hey everyone! Some big news in this week’s episode: * The Unscheduled CEO is back on Youtube , so if you prefer to watch and listen, you can do it right here! * I’ll no longer email you about episodes, so please subscribe either on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube if you want to keep up with the show. * The show is going to a weekly format (for an experimental 6 weeks). Episodes will land Tuesdays at 7PM PT/10AM CET * I’ll experiment with recording LIVE on Mondays. Still figuring out when exac...
Hey, You need to design a Sacred Space to make work feel more special. Some weird audio issues in this episode… not sure why… :) * How to build a sacred workspace you actually love. Your environment shapes your creativity, your mood, and how seriously you take yourself. * I’ve always found that when you buy ahead of where you are . Whether it’s a bigger office, better tools, or just stuff that excites you, you naturally grow into it. * Being an entrepreneur is about taking leaps and committing —...
Host Jonathan Courtney delves into 'The Practicality Offset,' a concept advocating for intentionally incorporating non-practical, playful activities into daily life and entrepreneurship. He shares how adult responsibilities stifled his own creativity and discusses how embracing activities like gaming or art, and even his podcast, fuels innovation. The episode encourages listeners to overcome the guilt of unproductive time, asserting that such pursuits are vital for big-picture thinking and overall well-being.
Jonathan Courtney discusses his decision to take a break from LinkedIn, drawing parallels to his earlier exit from Instagram. He shares insights from a high-cost mastermind that challenged his views on social media for business, emphasizing the effectiveness of paid ads over organic reach. The episode delves into the mental health toll of social media, contrasting it with the benefits of a less online, more practical approach to life and business.
In this episode, Jonathan Courtney argues that using AI for social media content, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, is counterproductive for attracting paying clients despite potentially boosting engagement metrics. He explains how AI-generated content lacks the crucial personal touch and realness needed to differentiate oneself and build genuine connections. Instead, he advocates for integrating one's true personality, daily life, and interests into online content as a more effective strategy for standing out and converting attention into business results, drawing a parallel to how AI summaries miss the depth found in original works like books.
Inspired by Derek Sivers' book "Hell Yeah or No," Jonathan Courtney challenges the common tendency to view big life decisions as only having two options. He argues this binary thinking creates self-imposed dilemmas and resentment, sharing personal and anecdotal examples from business, career changes, moving, and family life. Courtney encourages exploring a wider range of options and having difficult conversations to find more enjoyable and less destructive paths.
Hey everyone, For the last 6 years i’ve spent millions on experiments in the pursuit of making AJ&Smart more “scalable” and “sellable”. 99% of them failed and we lost money and momentum. Here’s what I learned and why we’re growing again without scaling. Cheers,Jonathan P.S. I’m back. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
Jonathan Courtney shares the behind-the-scenes of AJ&Smart's massive new funnel launch for facilitator.com, which generated over 100 call bookings and significant revenue in its first few days. He discusses the funnel's purpose, the critical role of the marketing 'hook' or narrative, the technical complexity, and the strategy of a self-liquidating funnel to offset ad costs. Jonathan also touches on the challenges faced during the launch, like dealing with bugs and customer support, and reflects on his evolving role in the business.
HEY! Ok, I recorded another episode even though I keep saying i’m taking a break.It’s too exciting!!!! Today I had Alen, a business partner, on the podcast to talk about how we're actually using AI tools in our businesses. This was only the second time I've had a guest on the show, but I figured after my AI wake-up call episode, it made sense to dig deeper with someone who's been using this stuff way longer than me. Alen's been trying to get me interested in AI for months, and I kept ignoring hi...
Hey friends, I just got back from San Francisco, and holy s**t, I need to write this down before I forget the intensity of what I'm feeling right now. For the past year, I've been in the "AI is cool, but whatever" camp. I mean, I figured it would eventually matter, but not enough to reshape how I run my business today . That mindset is completely gone now. Like, completely. After a week of non-stop conversations with founders, watching demos, and seeing how businesses are actually using these to...
OOPSIE, i’m back early from my sabbatical… Imagine if you could pay for the life you wanted WITHOUT leaving it up to “let’s see how this year goes” or being constantly at the whims of the shaky economy? Well… listen to this! Summer Camp 2025 is SOLD OUT. Waiting list here: Join the Waitinglist. Cheers,Jonathan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
I didn’t really want to believe that ADHD was making my life worse. I thought ADHD was a superpower… that it wasn’t really a “real” problem. I’m starting to think I was very VERY wrong, and that’s what this week’s episode is about. Summer Camp 2025 Info: * Coming to Summer Camp? Tickets are here! * Book a call with Laura from my team to see if Summer Camp 2025 is for you! * Sales close Friday 28th of March Cheers and love,JonathanP.S. I’m not a doctor or a therapist. Do your own research. This i...
Jonathan Courtney speaks with Jason Fried about feeling burnt out and unmotivated in his business, AJ&Smart. Jason offers advice on reevaluating growth goals, taking a sabbatical to gain clarity, and the importance of separating oneself from constant business pressures. Jonathan also reveals a recent ADHD diagnosis and how medication has impacted his work life positively.
Jonathan discusses the crucial difference between proactively taking action and passively waiting for motivation or circumstances to align. Drawing from a recent therapy session and a conversation with his business coach, he emphasizes that taking action, even without knowing the exact outcome, often generates the momentum and excitement needed to move forward. He also shares personal examples and expresses gratitude to listeners for their support.
Hey friends! It’s been a while, I wanted to say hey and tell you what i’m changing in 2025.Lot’s of news and new stuff. Comments—→ www.unscheduledceo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com
Hey friends! Many of you have probably already seen and heard that last week we relaunched AJ&Smart.But what you don’t know is the process of getting there.It wasn’t easy. Comments—→ www.unscheduledceo.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
Hey friends! Just got back from a life-changing few weeks in California and wanted to update you all. This is a long episode, but I think it’s an important one. Cheers and love,Jonathan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com
This is the final episode of the podcast for the summer, the year, I don’t know! You’ll now find me occasionally co-hosting Greg Isenberg’s Startup Ideas Podcast, like here: Final call for the LA Mastermind here: https://forms.gle/NKPsKydaCfGFCdyZ8 Thanks everyone! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
It’s Tuesday - let’s do this! No Youtube this week. You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
Phew, it’s been busy! You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack Lemme know if you enjoy this mini format! You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
It’s Tuesday - let’s do this! This week’s episode is also available on YouTube if you want to watch some of the examples I talk about. (Just go to youtube and type in “Unscheduled CEO”) You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
The most important day of the year is here! You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack Lemme know if you enjoy this mini format! You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
It’s Tuesday - let’s do this! This week’s episode is also available on YouTube if you want to watch some of the examples I talk about. (Just go to youtube and type in “Unscheduled CEO”) You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
It’s Thursday, here’s a Voicenote! When something comes to mind that I just can’t wait to put out on a Tuesday, i’ll make a voicenote and upload it! I won’t email you about these episodes, even if you’re on the Substack mailing list (I want to avoid spamming you), so please make sure you’re subscribed to The Unscheduled CEO podcast in any of the podcast apps. You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack Lemme know if you enjoy this mini format! Y...
It’s Tuesday - let’s do this! This week’s episode is also available on YouTube if you want to watch some of the examples I talk about. (Just go to youtube and type in “Unscheduled CEO”) You can find the podcast in any of these places (and more!) Apple Podcasts Spotify On Substack You can comment by going to the How To Business Blog This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.unscheduledceo.com...
