Aaron Ryan has published 51 books, voices campaigns for UnitedHealthcare, Amazon, Uber, Microsoft and Cadillac, and has been self-employed since 2007. He also recently went back through his entire catalog and rewrote it by hand to match his convictions — knowing it would cost him readers.

Aaron is a bestselling author, speaker and full-time voice actor, and this conversation is for anyone sitting in a job with something they want to build on the side.

We get into how to leave a 9-to-5 without jumping off a cliff — his "look for the X" framework — and why the day job that funds the dream isn't a failure. The moment a boss accused him of something he didn't do and changed how he saw job security forever. Why every job he ever held was training for self-employment. How having his hours cut turned out to be the opening he needed.

Then the harder stuff: running a business on Christian conviction, putting "Christian author" on his website knowing exactly what it would cost, keeping a "Leave work at work" sign on the door when you're your own boss, and what it actually takes to write a six-book saga.

CHAPTERS

0:00 - 51 Books, and "I Have to Create or I'll Detonate"

1:48 - Wait — Is It 51 Books or 35?

4:02 - The Boss Who Accused Him, and June 2007

5:09 - Every Job You've Ever Had Is Training

7:39 - Don't Quit Your Day Job

9:22 - Look for the X

14:35 - Balancing Family When You're the Boss

17:22 - Leave Work at Work

17:49 - Faith, and the Day He Was Told to Choose a Side

21:22 - He Went Back and Rewrote All 51 Books

22:33 - Putting "Christian Author" on the Website

27:05 - The Books He Was Called to Write Are the Ones That Sell

31:14 - Planner or Pantser: Building a Six-Book Saga

35:38 - Children's Books, a Bedtime Story, and Why He's Anti-AI

39:32 - Is Christianity Making a Comeback or Under Attack?

45:03 - Stop Marketing. Be an Enthusiast.

50:49 - From Telemarketer to UnitedHealthcare

56:47 - Gratitude, a Mantra, and Be Yourself

FIND AARON RYAN

Website & books: https://authoraaronryan.com

Blog: https://authoraaronryan.com/blog

Private reader group: https://authoraaronryangroup.com

Store: https://authoraaronryanstore.com

Email: aaron@authoraaronryan.com

BOOKS MENTIONED

The End — Christian dystopian saga, his top seller (especially on audio)

Dissonance — six-book alien invasion saga, adapted for screen and being pitched to streaming

You Are My Whole Earth: A Daddy's Love For His Sons

God Is Not Santa — a referendum on prayer

As the World Burns — the standalone he's writing now

Carbon — his next Christian dystopian trilogy

The Ring of Truth / The Sword of Joy / The Book of Power — children's trilogy

Super Ordinary Heroes — children's series

Step Into Success takes you in the trenches with real entrepreneurs who are currently building their business, from every industry and every corner of the globe. Watch the video version on YouTube.

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In this episode of Step Into Success, Darion sits down with Gabe Dawson to talk about entrepreneurship, e-commerce, corporate sales, mentorship, leadership, communication, and mindset.

Gabe shares his background, how he got started in business, and what led him from working in the corporate world to building success in direct sales and e-commerce while still maintaining a full-time career.

They also discuss what it really takes to become an entrepreneur, whether everyone is cut out for business ownership, and why so many people underestimate the power of resilience, consistency, mentorship, and strong communication skills.

Throughout the conversation, Gabe breaks down the realities of building something on the side, how to think long-term, how to find the right leaders and mentors, and what younger professionals should focus on if they want to grow in business and life. He also shares lessons on public speaking, leadership, personal development, sales, and overcoming fear.

If you are interested in starting a side hustle, growing in sales, building an e-commerce business, improving your communication, or becoming a stronger entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insight and real perspective.

In this episode, we cover:

Gabe Dawson’s background and entrepreneurial journey

corporate sales vs entrepreneurship

how to build a side hustle while working full-time

e-commerce and direct sales insights

the importance of mentorship and leadership

communication skills, public speaking, and influence

long-term thinking, discipline, and consistency

advice for young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners

Connect with Gabe:

Email - dawnsonfamilylegacy33@gmail.com

Instagram - @masterkeytomorefaith

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Dive into the heart of entrepreneurship with our latest episode featuring Sara Merry, the mastermind behind West End Hair Studio. This conversation is more than a story about succeeding in the beauty industry; it's a roadmap for anyone with a vision to create, innovate, and lead in their field. Join us as we unravel the threads of Sara's entrepreneurial journey, offering insights and inspiration for dreamers and doers alike.

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• From Passion to Business: How transforming personal passion into a viable business model can lead to success.
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• Building a Brand Around Community: The importance of cultivating strong relationships and a supportive community for your business.
• Staying Ahead in a Competitive Industry: Tips on maintaining relevance and competitive edge through innovation and adaptation.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Universal wisdom for those on the path from concept to commercial success.

Sara's journey exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurship: vision, resilience, and the art of relationship building. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone aiming to make an impact–from innovators in technology to creatives carving out their niche, or entrepreneurs steering through the dynamics of traditional sectors. This episode is not just a testament to Sara's achievements but a call to action for every aspiring entrepreneur to dream big, persevere, and craft their own legacy.

Follow West End Hair Studio

Website: westendhairstudio.com

Instagram: @west_end_hair_studio

TikTok: @west.end.hair.studio

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