#025: When Growth Doesn't Feel Like Growth

Growth That Feels Good

You know that moment when you hit a goal—and still feel off?

Chris Vaughan has advised Fortune 500s. Matt Edmundson has built multiple 7-figure businesses and a content machine. But in both conversations, a similar thread came through:

Growth without purpose feels hollow.
Success without alignment wears thin.

These episodes pull back the curtain on what it means to lead, grow, and not lose yourself in the process.

Let’s get into it.

Spotlight #1: Conversations That Grow
What Real Strategy Sounds Like

Chris Vaughan, Chief Strategy Officer at Sequence Consulting, helps major organizations grow—but he’s not interested in vanity metrics. He believes strategy only works when it aligns with identity, purpose, and mission.

One moment stuck with me: when Chris shared how his dad’s quiet reminder—“Happiness is the goal”—shook up everything. It made him realize that real growth isn't just about revenue. It's about resonance.

🎤 Mic-Drop Moment:
"Growth that forgets people isn’t worth having.”

💡 Try This:
In your next planning session, ask: Does this help us become more of who we say we are?

🎙️ Why He’d Slay a Podcast:
Deep questions, clear frameworks, and zero fluff - Chris would make strategy feel human..

Spotlight #2: Podjunction
How Podcasting Builds Real-World Value

Matt Edmundson runs multiple podcasts, agencies, and eCom brands. But here’s what he really uses podcasting for: building relationships, authority, and trust—with customers, clients, and collaborators.

His best-performing episode? A raw solo story.
Why? Because people don’t want perfect. They want real.

Matt’s strategy is simple: treat podcasting like a conversation that creates content, community, and long-term credibility.

🎤 Mic-Drop Moment:
"You can’t outsource personal connection”

💡 Pro Tip:
Invite clients onto your show. Not to pitch but to connect.

🚀 Steal This Move:
Repurpose your podcast into shorts, articles, and carousels because consistency creates authority

Sadaf’s Playbook: Your Growth Nugget

What hit home this week?

Chris reminded me that when you pursue goals that aren’t aligned, you end up out of breath—and out of sync. It’s not just about hitting targets; it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be as you grow.

Matt? He’s proof that podcasting isn’t just about audience reach but it’s also about relationship depth. It’s a long game, but one that builds something solid.

This week, I’m gut-checking my to-do list: Am I building the right kind of growth?

🎧 Your Turn: One Word Takeaway

What’s your biggest takeaway from Chris and Matt’s stories?

Reply with just one word that sums up what real, aligned growth means to you.

I’ll feature the most popular word in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks for reading,
Sadaf