The Power of Deceleration: How to Create Clarity As A High Performer (with Steve Schlafman) | Ep. 27

The SaaS Academy Podcast

“Who are you beyond your professional identity?”

Join Johnny (@johnnypage13) and Matt (@mattverlaque) as they sit down with Steve Schlafman, a former VC who traded the boardroom for the coaching couch. Steve now guides high-achievers, especially founders, through major life pivots and career crossroads.

In this episode, Steve opens up about his own winding path from venture capitalist to life coach, sharing the "aha" moment that sparked his career shift. He goes deep into the fascinating world of "founders in transition," revealing the unique hurdles and unexpected opportunities that emerge when driven individuals decide to hit the brakes

Tune in to hear Steve's unique perspective on the intersection of high performance and intentional living.

(01:17) - Steve's background

(04:15) - The concept of "founders in transition"

(07:50) - Embracing slowing down

(11:48) - Transitioning concepts that also apply to builders

(15:19) - Habits of founders behind successful transitions

(19:31) - The power of internal monologues in high-performing founders

(27:52) - The eventual necessity of slowing down

(31:09) - How Steve helps shape new identities for founders

(37:23) - The connection between a diversified identity and resilience

(43:53) - Steve's "journey inventory" exercise

(48:48) - The moment Steve realized his passion for helping founders transition

(55:39) - Everyone is always going through micro cycles

(58:23) - The concept of being above the line/below the line

(01:05:55) - Living the undivided life

(01:09:44) - The differences between transitioning and deceleration

(01:16:42) - Building appreciation for deceleration

(01:21:27) - VC-backed founders and the integrated life

Check out Steve on:

➤ Personal website: https://www.schlaf.co/

➤ Downshift: https://www.downshift.me/

➤ Twitter: [](https://www.instagram.com/danielpriestley)https://x.com/schlaf

➤ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schlaf/

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success - [](https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B00R3MHWUE)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3MHWUE

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