CAUGHT BETWEEN LIVING YOUR DREAM AND YOUR JOB

·52 min·5 clips

Dr. C.J. Johnson says to risk credit reports and eat ramen noodles for two years to pursue your dreams.

The episode begins with host Dr. Renee Street-Thompson introducing the theme of being caught between a dream and a job, framing it as a common dilemma for aspiring entrepreneurs. She sets up a panel of guests, including Dr. C.J. Johnson, Dr. Cassandra Burrell, Dr. Gloria Bradley, and others, to discuss transitional challenges. The first segment poses a question about whether to quit a job to pursue a dream full-time, leading to a break. After commercials, Dr. C.J. Johnson responds emphatically, advocating for risking it all with a plan, using vivid examples like eating ramen noodles. Dr. Cassandra Burrell offers a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the need for a spouse to show a revenue blueprint within 30-60 days before support. The discussion shifts to whether everyone can be an entrepreneur, with Dr. Gloria Bradley stating it requires discipline and walking in one's assignment, while Dr. C.J. Johnson notes the extreme work hours involved. Another segment explores supporting children's entrepreneurial dreams instead of college, with panelists sharing personal stories, such as Dr. C.J. Johnson's son pursuing acting before returning to college. Dr. Renee Street-Thompson ties the conversation to Dr. James J.C. Cooley's dream of hosting the show. The panel then discusses financial risks, with Dr. Gloria Bradley sharing her experience of keeping a job while building a real estate business. Dr. James J.C. Cooley briefly joins, praising the discussion before handing back to the host. The final segment lists top qualities for entrepreneurs, including tenacity, conviction, a plan, customer obsession, and consistency, with personal anecdotes about early struggles like an $18 check. The episode concludes with thanks to viewers and promotional messages.

As heard by us

A grounded review of the work, risk, and family faith behind an entrepreneurial dream.

Entrepreneurship comes through as a tense bargain between the steady safety of a job and the pressure of a dream that asks for nearly everything.

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Why you'd press play

You are caught between a steady job and a dream that may ask for almost everything you have.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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