Over the past 20+ years, EO has been one of the most transformative spaces in my life. The late-night Forum breakthroughs, the sweaty palms before a 5% share, the retreats where we go from business strategy to childhood pain in five minutes flat…
That’s the real stuff.
It’s also the heartbeat of my next book,
Traumapreneur: From Trauma to Triumph—The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Lasting Fulfillment
This book explores a hidden truth I’ve seen in EO rooms:
We didn’t just build businesses.
We built coping mechanisms, patterns, and protection.
And for many of us, that drive came from something deeper—trauma, loss, or pain we rarely talk about… outside the Forum room.
The Premise
Research shows that 75% of high-achieving entrepreneurs have experienced significant trauma.
We’re 2x more likely to experience depression, 6x more likely to live with ADHD, and 10x more likely to have bipolar symptoms. And yet, the entrepreneurial playbook still tells us to grind harder, isolate more, and earn our worth.
It’s time to change that.
What This Book Is About
Traumapreneur is not just another business book. It’s a roadmap to healing, fulfillment, and legacy—told through the lens of neuroscience, story, and the kind of emotional truth that EO has always held space for.
Each chapter pairs a powerful concept with a real entrepreneur’s story—and that’s where you come in.
Why I'm Reaching Out to EO Members
I’m looking for 15 EO members to courageously contribute their story—anonymously if preferred—to bring this book to life. These stories will reflect the messy, beautiful, raw truth we’ve shared in Forum… but now made accessible to others who feel alone in the same struggle.
You don’t need to be “fully healed” or have it all figured out.
You just need to be willing to answer a few reflection questions and speak your truth.
How It Works
You choose a chapter or theme that fits your experience
You’ll receive a guided questionnaire (10–20 minutes to complete)
You choose your level of anonymity and attribution
You get a full editorial review of your contribution before anything is published
These aren’t “war stories”—they’re growth stories.
Your vulnerability could become someone else’s mirror.
How to Say Yes
If you're open to sharing your 5% story in service of something bigger, just reply “I’m in” and I will send you the next steps.
Whether you’re an Accelerator grad, an incoming President, or someone who’s shared tears in Forum but never spoken publicly, this invitation is for you.
Let’s bring the real entrepreneur story to life—together.
With gratitude and respect,
EO Detroit Member (20+ years)
Facilitator | Coach | Author of From Suck to Success and Traumapreneur
