#291. No Bullsh*t Business #2 - Dodge & Jay Lawrence

In this episode of the Eventful Lives Podcast, host Dodge Woodall shares stories from his 27-year entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing his role as a creator rather than an operator within his businesses. Dodge mentions that his strengths lie in developing ideas and customer experiences while assembling talented teams to execute those ideas. He advocates for direct communication, stating that he rarely uses email but prefers face-to-face or phone interactions to build relationships in the business world. This approach has allowed him to navigate the business landscape without traditional networking methods or formal contracts, relying instead on trust and personal connections.

Dodge discusses the significance of saying 'no' and encourages listeners, particularly younger entrepreneurs, to persist in the face of rejection, viewing 'no' as a sign of 'not yet' rather than failure. He emphasizes building a dedicated team by empowering them, giving them ownership in the business, and fostering a culture of creativity and loyalty.

The conversation highlights Dodge's commitment to staying excited about his projects and tweaking them to meet market demands. He reflects on his journey, including the risks he took launching a sports and music festival and how external challenges, such as the pandemic's impact on businesses, have shaped his current ventures.

Dodge stresses the importance of adapting to a rapidly changing world, particularly with the rise of AI and the shifting landscape of employment. He calls on aspiring entrepreneurs to take action, start crafting their ideas, and create something meaningful rather than getting stuck in corporate monotony. The episode concludes with reflections on personal legacy and the motivation to create an impact while also remaining mindful of the challenges that younger generations face in today’s economy.