What happens when everything you’ve built suddenly disappears? In this episode, Jay Papasan sits down with Rory Vaden—someone who knows what it’s like to lose everything and rebuild from scratch. After Rory and his wife, AJ, were forced out of the business they’d spent 12 years building, they had to start over with nothing but a non-compete, their expertise, and a lot of hard-won lessons.
That painful reset led to the creation of Brand Builders Group, a business built around the exact process Rory and AJ used to reinvent themselves—one that now serves some of the world’s top personal brands. But at its core, their conversation with Jay isn’t just about strategy. It’s about identity, focus, and service.
Rory explains why most people get stuck on the wrong side of what he calls “Sheehan’s Wall”—trying to emulate big names by doing too much, too soon, with scattered focus. True breakthrough comes from relentless focus on one thing: the unique problem you solve, in one word, for a specific “who.” Together, Jay and Rory break down the six key questions that define your brand DNA, explore how your past pain and setbacks can prepare you for your greatest impact, and discuss why the person you’re best positioned to serve is who you once were.
Challenge of the Week:
Get out your notebook and journal your answers to these questions: What challenges have I conquered? What setbacks have I survived? Who is the person I once was—and how could I serve that version of myself? Use this reflection as your first step toward clarity and breakthrough.
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To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: the1thing.com/pods.
We talk about:
- How to find your “one word” problem and the audience you’re meant to serve
- Why focus beats diversification—especially when building a personal brand
- The six questions behind Brand Builders Group’s brand DNA process
Links & Tools from This Episode:
- Read Wealthy and Well-Known by Rory & AJ Vaden
- Brand Builders Group: freebrandtraining.com/TOT
- Read Take the Stairs by Rory Vaden
- Listen to The School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes
- Free Resources
- Want to be a guest or share feedback? Email podcast@the1thing.com or send us an audio note at Speakpipe.com/the1thing.
Produced by NOVA
