223: Building an authentic business that lasts (with George Kao)

How to Write for a Living

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223: Building an authentic business that lasts (with George Kao)

George Kao on soul-aligned work, joyful productivity, and what it really takes to grow online with integrity.

David McIlroy

and

George Kao

Aug 24, 2025

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Season 2, episode 23 is here!

In this episode,

George Kao

shares his journey from Silicon Valley to Mexico, why he calls himself an “authentic business coach,” and the practices that have kept him going as a solopreneur for more than 16 years.

We dive into what it means to create from the soul, how to stay productive without burning out, and why boundaries and longevity matter more than any quick tactic. George’s approach is thoughtful, practical, and refreshingly calm in a noisy online world.

What we covered:

How moving to Mexico shifted George’s energy and perspective on work
Why he chose the label “authentic business coach” and what authenticity means in practice
The three levels of soul-aligned work, from chasing results to working with presence
His daily “idea machine” practice and how it fuels a steady stream of content across platforms
The role of experimentation and feedback in naturally shaping your brand
Key principles from his book Joyful Productivity, including working lightly and the “energy reboot”
Why boundaries, integrity, and a long-term mindset are the foundations of a sustainable solopreneur career

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Authentic Business for Soulpreneurs

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Go deeper:

What’s next?

I’m ready and waiting to support you in the next stages of your creator journey. Here’s a reminder of how I can help:

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