In this heartfelt conversation,
shares his transformative journey from running nightclubs in New York City to becoming a respected land development coach and advisor in Costa Rica. With remarkable candor, he reveals how his early ambitions to create wellness retreat centers led to burnout and personal crisis—ultimately guiding him to his true calling as a coach for those looking to build conscious communities and retreat spaces.Through authentic storytelling, Ed illuminates how aligning his business with his natural gifts has created not just professional success, but deep fulfillment and genuine impact. His approach to honest communication, community building, and balancing vision with practical implementation offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs seeking to create businesses that honor both profit and purpose.
Show Notes:
[00:00] - Welcome and Introduction
Phil and Carolina introduce Ed Zaydelman
Background on Ed's influence on Phil's Costa Rica journey
[02:50] - Ed's Origin Story
Transition from fast-paced New York nightlife to seeking deeper purpose
Experience working with the Burning Man organization
Family health crisis leading to focus on wellness and lifestyle
[06:30] - The Costa Rica Journey
Moving to Costa Rica 20 years ago to create wellness communities
Building retreat centers through "blood, sweat and tears"
Reality of entrepreneurial burnout despite spiritual intentions
[13:20] - The Fragmented Approach
Lessons from corporate partnerships gone wrong
How COVID provided opportunity for sacred pause and redirection
Transformation from real estate developer to coach and advisor
[23:00] - The Power of Lived Experience
Creating a business based on personal journey and challenges
Value of lessons learned through mistakes
How struggle becomes the foundation for meaningful service
[30:00] - Working with Fear and Resistance
Overcoming pressure to build "something big" to feel worthy
Learning to tell clients hard truths from a place of service
Finding confidence in honest communication over people-pleasing
[39:00] - Authentic Connection and Communication
Writing from the heart rather than strategic marketing
Building trust through genuine sharing
The power of referrals from authentic relationships
Key Quotes:
"When you operate from this place of truth and service, that's the thing people remember more than anything, even if it's not what they wanted to hear." - Phil Powis
"This is true love. True love is not about saying 'you're doing well' when you see it's not exactly what it is. Sometimes those hard truths need to be said." - Carolina Wilke
"I think community is based on a set of shared values and principles. Friendship forms from shared values and things we care about." - Ed Zaydelman
Resources Mentioned:
Newsletter:
(livethepossibility.news)Community: Land Steward Alliance
Where to Find Ed:
Substack: Live the Possibility
Services: One-on-one consulting and Land Steward Alliance community
If Ed's approach to heart-centered business and community building resonates with you, we invite you to join us in the Sacred Business Network.
As Ed shared, finding others with aligned values can transform your entrepreneurial journey. Our network provides monthly Connection Circles, embodiment practices, and opportunities to form genuine relationships with other heart-centered business owners who understand that everything is connected.
Ready to find your Sacred Business tribe? Join the Sacred Business Network
Thank you
, , , , , , and many others for tuning in live to episode 02 of Sacred Business Stories with and your hosts, , and .P.S. You can read all previous editions of the newsletter here, and you can upgrade your subscription here.
What’s next?
Carolina and I are ready to support you in creating a business that aligns with your heart's calling. Here's how we can help:
Discover Your Sacred Business Alignment (Free): Take the Harmony Map Assessment and read our Sacred Business Manifesto to understand where you are on your path and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to understand how everything in their business connects.
Read the Sacred Business Manifesto (Free): Learn the core principles of building a Sacred Business through our founding story and framework. See how we transformed our approach to business by understanding that everything is connected.
Sacred Business Network: Connect with heart-centered entrepreneurs who understand that success comes from alignment. Monthly connection circles, community workshops, and ongoing support through our private community space. Get the encouragement and collaboration you need to grow.
Join Our Next Implementation Challenges: Action-focused programs like the Sacred Business Planning Rituals Challenge and Substack Growth Challenge help you create real momentum in specific areas of your business. Free for Club members, discounted for Network members. Be sure you are subscribed to be notified when the next one is offered live.
Sacred Growth Club: A complete support system with weekly embodiment classes, live coaching calls, writing circles, and expert workshops. Designed for entrepreneurs ready to build sustainable success through proven practices while staying connected to their purpose. Includes full access to the Network and all challenges.
Be The Flow Coaching (1:1): Personal guidance combining strategic business planning with energy alignment work. Weekly coaching sessions plus full access to Sacred Growth Club benefits. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking deep transformation and sustainable growth in their business.
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