Don’t Dig in the Desert: How to Find Flow, Take Smart Risks, and Lead Like a CEO

This Is Small Business

What if risk isn’t about jumping off a cliff — but learning how to build the bridge as you go? That’s exactly what Lauren Goldstein, the Founder and CEO of Golden Key Partnership, had to figure out after walking away from a decade in medicine with no backup plan.

Host Andrea Marquez explores how to take smaller, intentional risks that actually move you forward, how Lauren built a thriving business with no business background, and why letting go of control is essential for growth. Lauren also unpacks how redefining success helped her build a business that fits the life she actually wanted — instead of trapping her in one that didn’t.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin or unsure what your next move is — this episode will show you how to get unstuck and grow into the business (and life) you actually want.

Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at [email protected] – you might hear it in a future episode.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

(02:51) What makes someone walk away from their dream job after 10 years? Lauren shares the moment that changed everything.

(08:57) Can you build a business without knowing what you’re doing? Lauren opens up about learning on the fly, YouTubing her way through early client projects, and building confidence over time.

(11:00) What if the thing holding you back is actually your brain trying to “protect” you? Lauren explains how understanding the brain helps her reframe fear, spot self-sabotage, and take smarter risks.

(13:45) Can tiny habits really change the trajectory of your business? Lauren shares how “The Slight Edge” philosophy helped her build long-term momentum.

(18:31) How do you come back from failure and redefine success? Lauren helps founders reconnect to their deeper vision — and separate their worth from their business.

(24:06) Why do so many entrepreneurs stay stuck in businesses they’ve outgrown? Guilt, obligation, and fear of letting go — and how to move through them.

(25:27) What’s the smarter way to take risks without doing it alone? Lauren’s advice on finding flow, mentorship, and the right people to build with.

(28:10) What if you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop when things are going well? Lauren shares how she interrupts old patterns, rewires her mindset, and stays grounded in growth.