Play as Work: Finding Joy in the Everyday with Lauren Burgess
In this episode of Finding Fearless, host Madeline interviews Lauren Burgess, a serial social entrepreneur and nomad who lives and works out of a van. The conversation covers Lauren's journey from building and exiting several successful businesses to embracing a more balanced and authentic lifestyle. Lauren shares her experiences with burnout, discovering her queerness, and redefining success based on her values of health, wellness, and fun. The episode dives into her unique perspective on entrepreneurship, living in a van, and the importance of creating a supportive community. Additionally, Lauren discusses her recent ventures, including a digital daily planner for people with ADHD and an upcoming mastermind for women entrepreneurs.
Listen in as we speak about:
The Evolution of a Fearless Founder
Breaking Away from Conventional Success
Redefining Success and Finding Balance
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Van Life
Aspirations and Future Endeavors
And much, much, more!
The Evolution of a Fearless Founder
Lauren Burgess made a name for herself as a socially conscious entrepreneur, recognized by Forbes in 2021 for her groundbreaking business models. With over a decade of business experience and a master’s degree in educational psychology, Lauren has continually redefined success on her own terms. Beyond her entrepreneurial ventures, she now dedicates her life to mentoring women to build ethically aligned businesses while living out of a van with her partner and dog.
Breaking Away from Conventional Success
Lauren's journey into entrepreneurship started with a leap of faith, transitioning from traditional work to founding a community-based therapy center for autistic youth and adults. Over time, this venture blossomed into several other businesses, each reflecting Lauren's commitment to solving real-world problems in innovative ways.
However, this path was not without its challenges. Lauren candidly shares the toll that hustle culture took on her – from physical health issues to burnout. This experience led her to radically shift her life’s focus. Stepping away from the relentless pursuit of growth for growth’s sake, Lauren chose a more balanced life that prioritizes health, fun, and alignment with personal values.
Redefining Success and Finding Balance
A significant highlight of Lauren's story is her conscious decision to retire from her previous businesses and turn to a life on the road. Purchasing a van marked a dramatic shift, allowing her to discover a new kind of freedom and joy. This phase brought about a deep personal reflection, a reconnection with her identity, and an honest assessment of what truly mattered.
In her conversation with Madeline, Lauren underscores the importance of identifying one’s core values as a compass for making decisions. For her, health and wellness come first, followed by the necessity of fun in her life. It’s a refreshing perspective in a world that often equates busyness with worth.
Navigating the Highs and Lows of Van Life
Lauren delves into the highs and lows of van life, from the exhilarating freedom to the practical challenges such as dealing with vehicle breakdowns and finding safe places to park. Despite the difficulties, she has found a unique and supportive community among fellow van lifers. This sense of camaraderie, built on mutual aid and shared experiences, is something Lauren deeply cherishes and hadn’t found in conventional living.
Aspirations and Future Endeavors
As she continues to explore and evolve, Lauren hasn’t lost her entrepreneurial spirit. She's now channeling her experiences into coaching, helping other women entrepreneurs build sustainable and fulfilling businesses. She remains ambitious about creating impactful ventures, but on her terms – where balance and personal well-being are prioritized.
Lauren's story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship doesn't have to look one way. With the right mindset and values, it’s possible to build a life that’s both successful and fulfilling.
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