Sacred Business Stories with Ed Zaydelman

In this heartfelt conversation,

Edward Zaydelman

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:

  Live the Possibility
  (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

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Thank you

Sue Reid

,

Rachel Connor, PhD

,

Josh Woll

,

Maria Gehrke

,

Josh Woll

,

Sonja Alina den Elzen R.Ac

, and many others for tuning in live to episode 02 of Sacred Business Stories with

Edward Zaydelman

and your hosts,

Phil Powis ❤️⚡️

, and

Carolina Wilke

.

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P.S. You can read all previous editions of the newsletter here, and you can upgrade your subscription here.

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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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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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Table of Contents: Your Complete Guide To The Sacred Business Ecosystem

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