The Optimistic American - Audio Edition

Apr 5, 2023

In this episode of The Optimistic American, Paul Johnson sits down with Dr. Emily Basha to discuss the public sector vs private and how they contribute to economic development in the U.S. They cover how the public sector boosts economic development, ways to be successful in business, why money should not be the primary motivator for going into business, and so much more.

• Paul and Emily start the conversation by describing how the public and private sectors of the U.S. economy work.
• According to Paul, the greatest thing the government has ever done is empower individuals over itself.
• Paul is convinced the private sector is where you can make a positive social impact.
• Emily explains why you should start a business if you want to make a lasting change in the world.
• Paul describes why the world needs more producers and consumers - and how this can help end world poverty.
• Paul reveals the common trait among America's wealthy class.
• Emily and Paul agree that the government's primary job in driving private business success is to stay out of the way.
• Emily and Paul go through what it takes to succeed in business.
• Paul believes great business success only comes from taking great risks.
• According to Paul, anyone can be in business, but not everyone should be. Some of us are better off employed.
• Paul explains why you should not quit your job immediately after starting a business.
• For Paul, spending less than you make is the number one rule of accumulating wealth.
• According to Emily, the first business you go into should be something you're an expert in.
• Emily and Paul describe why money should not be the primary motivator for going into business.
• Paul reveals that most of the billionaires he's met did not start with the goal of becoming billionaires - they all wanted to solve a need in the community.
• Paul explores why customers buy from you - it's not because they like you.
• Emily and Paul go through the common mistakes and failures business people face when launching and scaling their businesses.
• Paul believes the only thing standing between you and success is fear.
• Paul breaks down the top 5 things you must do to go from nothing to something.
• In business, credibility is all you have. Protect it with your life.

Mentioned in This Episode:

optamerican.com

Addictive Ideologies: Finding Meaning and Agency When Politics Fail You by Dr Emily Bashah and Hon Paul Johnson