Episode 214
Mental Health and Entrepreneurship: How Matt Gerlach Built a 7-Figure Business Without Burnout
Many high achievers push themselves to the limit, thinking success is about hustling harder—until they hit burnout. Matt Gerlach built a thriving consulting business but found himself overwhelmed, anxious, and physically breaking down. He was working non-stop, undercharging clients, and neglecting his well-being. His wake-up call? A near breakdown that forced him to reassess everything.
In this episode, Matt shares how he went from hitting rock bottom to creating a million-dollar business that only required 15–20 hours of work per week. He dives into the power of boundaries, healing from past trauma, and designing a work-optional lifestyle.
Key Takeaways:
• The Cost of Success Without Boundaries: Matt shares how his early business struggles led to severe stress, hospitalization, and anxiety—until he finally prioritized his health.
• Scaling Without Burnout: Learn how Matt built a million-dollar business while cutting his workload to just 15–20 hours per week.
• Healing from Trauma to Unlock Success: Discover how childhood experiences shaped Matt’s work habits and why addressing past wounds led to a breakthrough in his business and life.
• The Power of Saying No: Matt explains why setting boundaries with clients helped him attract better opportunities and boost his income.
• Designing a Purpose-Driven Business: Find out how Matt transitioned from consulting to coaching and mentoring entrepreneurs to create fulfilling, freedom-based businesses.
About the Guest:
Matt Gerlach is a transformational coach, entrepreneur, and storyteller redefining success beyond the hustle. After two decades of high-level corporate and consulting success—helping companies scale to 8, 9, and even 10 figures—he realized that external achievements alone weren’t enough. Walking away from a million-dollar-a-year business, Matt set out to create a life of true financial abundance, deep personal fulfillment, and absolute alignment.
His philosophy, At Home with Matt, is more than a mindset—it’s a lifestyle. Through immersive coaching experiences, intimate gatherings, and hands-on cooking in his Hancock Park home, he helps high achievers slow down, reconnect, and transform—not just through conversation, but through shared experiences. Whether cooking alongside him or simply enjoying a home-cooked meal, clients gain clarity on their vision, challenges, and the life they’re ready to step into.
Matt shares his journey on YouTube and Substack, blending personal transformation with the art of creating a home that feels as beautiful as it looks. Through coaching, storytelling, and culinary experiences, he leads a movement of high performers redefining success—not by chasing the next goal, but by cultivating a life that is rich, slow, and deeply aligned.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gerlach/
https://www.instagram.com/iammattgerlach/
Fast Five Questions:
1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Start coaching immediately, putting himself out there to build relationships and offer value.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not taking time to deeply understand himself early on, leading to misaligned career choices.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “10X Is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan & Benjamin Hardy—on thinking bigger and eliminating distractions.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Journaling—his go-to method for clarity, goal-setting, and problem-solving.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Spending time doing what he loves, while maintaining control over his schedule and priorities.”
About Jeff:
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation
Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/
Connect with Jeff:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/
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