The Untold Story Behind 'Earn Your Leisure' | Michael MacDonald | A Stern Talk

💸 Fund Your Business, in 5 minutes - https://cardiff.co/business/apply/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_campaign=BehindTheBusinessMichael J. Macdonald joins the show to break down what it really takes to build a legacy brand—from staying behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight. Known as a brand architect and a key force behind Earn Your Leisure, InvestFest, and the broader EYL ecosystem, Michael explains why he kept his name off the brand early on, how he rebuilt his financial foundation, and what finally pushed him to become more visible.This conversation goes deep on sacrifice vs. “wanting to be rich,” how to pursue a dream while keeping stability, why your job is your first investor, and the uncomfortable truth about outgrowing people while still bringing your circle with you. Michael also shares what it means to earn access, how proximity creates power, why “business before friendship” matters in partnerships, and how EYL plans to evolve through 2026 and beyond—including reinvention, community growth, and the real advantage of AI.📣 Connect with us:William Stern: https://instagram.com/justwilliamsternMichael MacDonald: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljmacdonald/What You’ll Learn ✅ 🔥 Why “wanting to be rich” is easy—and sacrifice is the real separator🕶️ How to build a massive brand without being the face (and when to change that)💳 What to do when a partner’s credit/finances could slow the company down🎯 The “stay low, keep firing” approach for earning your position over time💼 Why your job is your first investor (and how to use it strategically)🧠 How to build skills in the dark before you step into the light🤝 The circle rule: give advice backward, get advice forward🔑 Why proximity creates access you can’t “buy”🧱 How partnerships survive conflict without breaking trust🤖 Why AI changed the game—and how to use it to build fasterA STERN TALK PODCAST - Presented by CardiffChapters0:00 — Sacrifice, faith, and “work in the dark”1:10 — Why Michael stayed behind the scenes3:20 — The “where were you?” moment that changed everything6:10 — When a partner’s bad credit can slow the brand8:25 — Stay low, keep firing, play your position10:15 — Your employer is your first investor12:40 — When to leap vs. build reps first20:25 — Proximity is power + getting advice forward29:20 — Business before friendship (no feelings)49:25 — InvestFest lessons, conflict, and 2026 goals💸 Fund your Business the fast and easy way - https://cardiff.co/business/apply/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_campaign=BehindTheBusiness🔔 Subscribe for insightful content on AI transformation, business strategy, and industry disruption. Don't forget to hit the bell icon for notifications on future episodes.KeywordsMichael J. Macdonald, Earn Your Leisure, EYL, InvestFest, EYL University, brand architect, brand building, personal brand, legacy brand, entrepreneurship, business partners, partnership conflict, business before friendship,