Grit Meets Growth

By: Grit Meets Growth Podcast
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  • Summary

  • Chris Cathers and John Gamades bring you Grit Meets Growth... The podcast where we explore the power of getting uncomfortable, making things happen, and creating a magnetic life. Are you ready?

    Chris Cathers is the co-founder and CEO of Octellient, an information security expert, advisor and coach, and a cancer survivor.

    John Gamades is a co-founder and partner at the marketing agency OrangeBall Creative and the author of the Depth Not Width blog.

    Both are proud husbands, dads, and leaders in all they do. Having experienced adversity, challenges, the pressure of being entrepreneurs, Grit Meets Growth is the authentic and raw sharing of their journeys.
    Copyright Grit Meets Growth Podcast
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Economics
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Episodes
  • Growth Without Purpose Is Just Movement - Episode 105

    Growth Without Purpose Is Just Movement - Episode 105
    May 7 2025
    Today we’re throwing down a challenge: growth without purpose is just movement. We’ve both lived seasons where we were grinding like hell—busy, burned out, and headed in the wrong direction. Titles, hustle, long days on the treadmill… all of it looked like success from the outside, but inside, we were drifting further from what actually mattered. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop chasing empty goals and start aligning your growth with your purpose. This isn’t about flashy success or highlight reels—it’s about getting honest, getting clear, and building a life that actually fuels you.

    If you’re stuck in the grind, this one’s for you. Let’s go.

    Five key takeaways from the episode:
    1. Busy doesn’t mean aligned – Just because you’re grinding doesn’t mean you’re growing in the right direction. Movement without purpose is just noise.
    2. Your purpose isn’t a job title – The most meaningful roles in life—dad, mom, friend, spouse—don’t show up on business cards, but they carry the most weight.
    3. Adversity often reveals purpose – For many, it takes hitting a wall—divorce, illness, burnout—to wake up and ask the deeper questions about what really matters.
    4. Growth with purpose fuels fulfillment – When your habits, mindset, and actions align with your purpose, everything starts to click—your energy returns, relationships deepen, and your life feels magnetic.
    5. You don’t need a massive purpose—just a real one – Forget chasing flashy dreams or someone else’s vision. Own your purpose. Make it personal. That’s where real impact begins.
    ONE TRUTH:
    Success without purpose will always leave you feeling empty. You can chase the titles, grind through the work, and check every box—but if it’s not aligned with your purpose, it won’t fulfill you.
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    33 mins
  • The Road Less Traveled Might Be the One You Need - Episode 104

    The Road Less Traveled Might Be the One You Need - Episode 104
    Apr 23 2025
    Welcome back to the Grit Meets Growth podcast. This week, we’re diving into part two of a conversation we kicked off last episode: removing distractions and getting clear on the path forward. But this time, we’re taking it further. Because knowing what to do is one thing… taking action is another. From unexpected clarity and hard decisions to owning both your wins and losses, we’re talking about the difference between standing still and stepping forward.

    This episode is all about tuning into the signs, embracing the hard things, and doing the work—especially when it doesn’t feel good in the moment. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between where you are and where you want to go, this conversation is for you. Let’s go.

    5 Key Takeaways from This Episode of Grit Meets Growth:
    Clarity + Action = Momentum
    Knowing what to do isn’t enough. The real growth happens when you take bold, intentional action—even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

    The Power of Presence
    Focusing too far ahead can cause you to miss the signs right in front of you. Tune in, stay present, and be willing to adjust your route as life gives you new direction.

    Own It All—Wins and Losses
    Extreme ownership isn’t just about taking responsibility for your failures—it’s also about owning your victories. Acknowledge your role in your success and use it to fuel your future.

    Decisions > Choices
    Choices keep you in limbo. Decisions create movement. Decide, commit, and act—because decisions demand action and lead to change.

    Joy Is a Choice
    Don’t wait for happiness to come from a title, achievement, or moment down the road. Bring it into the room. Choose it, carry it, and share it—because it’s contagious.

    One Truth from This Episode:
    You can’t control everything in life—but you are 100% responsible for how you respond, the mindset you bring, and the actions you take.
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    39 mins
  • Choosing Your Mission Over The Distractions: Reclaiming Your Focus - Episode 103

    Choosing Your Mission Over The Distractions: Reclaiming Your Focus - Episode 103
    Apr 10 2025
    Energy is everything. That simple bumper sticker lit the fuse for this conversation—and it couldn’t be more accurate. Because in a world drowning in noise, distractions are coming at us from every angle. News. Social media. Endless opinions. Even “good” things that quietly pull us off course. The mission gets blurry, the focus fades, and suddenly we’re just surviving the chaos. This episode is all about clearing the clutter, cutting the noise, and getting locked back in on what actually matters. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or sidetracked, it’s time to reset and get back to mission. Let’s go.

    Five Key Takeaways:

    Energy is Everything.
    Where you put your energy determines your focus, your progress, and ultimately your outcome. Protect it. Be intentional with it. Don’t waste it on distractions that don’t serve your mission.

    Mission and Purpose Must Align.
    Purpose is your why. Mission is how you live it out. If your daily actions aren’t aligned with your deeper purpose, you’ll feel internal friction, restlessness, and burnout. Alignment creates clarity—and momentum.

    Distractions Come Dressed as “Good” Things.
    Not every distraction looks like scrolling social media or watching the news. Sometimes it’s a networking event, a volunteer opportunity, or even work itself. If it pulls you off-mission, it’s a distraction—period.

    Mission Is a Team Sport.
    You weren’t meant to do this alone. Lone wolf mentality is a lie. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, encourage you, and keep you locked in. When you drift off mission, your circle should pull you back.

    It’s Either Day One or One Day.
    You have a choice. Start today. Write your mission down, identify your biggest distraction, and replace it with a habit that fuels your purpose. Stop waiting for “someday”—this is your day one.

    One Truth:
    If your purpose and your mission aren’t aligned, you will feel it—internally, emotionally, and spiritually. The further they drift apart, the more restlessness, frustration, and burnout you’ll experience. Alignment isn’t optional. It’s essential.

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    39 mins
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