Have you ever achieved what you thought was "success" only to realize it felt... empty?

Being a business owner can be incredibly rewarding. It can also be incredibly humbling.

I just did a podcast with Lucas and Miguel on Life of Flow that was different for me. More vulnerable than I usually get publicly. But if my story can help even one person avoid some of the pain I went through, it's worth it.

I scaled Woom Bikes from 13 bikes in year one to $100M globally. On paper, I made it.

But here's what nobody tells you about "making it."

The Hard Truths:

In January 2020, I filed for divorce. My son was 9, my daughter was 6. The divorce finalized in 2021—during COVID, while running a global business, trying to be present for my kids.

Then in 2022, at a meditation retreat, I had an epiphany that honestly broke me:

I was building for the wrong reasons. Chasing validation. Accolades. Trying to prove to others that I deserved recognition.

The success felt empty.

I remember back in 2015, walking into my therapist's office and asking, "Lindsay, what's wrong with me?"

That's where it started.

What I Learned (The Expensive Way):

I spent more money on coaching than I want to admit. Therapy. Relationship coaching. Intimacy coaching. Dating coaching. Speaking coaching. Business coaching.

Here's what those investments taught me:

→ Asking for help isn't weakness—it's the smartest thing you can do

→ Success without alignment is hollow. You can win in business and lose in life.

→ Vulnerability accelerates growth. Pretending you have it together keeps you stuck.

→ You can't pour from an empty cup. I lost myself. Lost my marriage. Almost lost my relationship with my kids.

→ The courage to walk away matters. In 2023, I stepped away from operations. Brought in a CEO. Started over.

→ Coaches hold you accountable. When you invest and commit, you show up differently.

What Others Can Take Away:

If you're a business owner in the grind:

• Check your why. Are you building for validation or fulfillment?
• Your business will only grow as much as you do
• Get help before you think you need it
• Being vulnerable—that's where real leadership starts

If you're going through divorce or a major transition:

• It took me 2.5 years to find myself again. It doesn't have to take that long.
• The pain is real, but there's a path through it
• You're not broken. You're rebuilding.
• You can become a better parent, partner, and human on the other side

What I'm Doing Now:

My mission: Inspire others to become the best version of themselves.

I coach entrepreneurs at every stage:

• Startups and early revenue businesses getting started and finding product-market fit
• Growing companies navigating their first scale-up challenges
• Established businesses ($5M+ revenue) through my "Birthing of Giants" program—a 2-year cohort meeting quarterly to create value, improve profitability, and build leadership teams

And I help divorced men—especially founders and executives—navigate one of life's most painful transitions and come out stronger.

Because I know what it's like to:

• Have success feel empty
• Lose your marriage while everyone thinks you're winning
• Question everything about who you are
• Wonder if you'll ever find love again

And I know what it's like on the other side.

If I can help someone get clarity sooner, rebuild faster, become a better parent, stay focused on their business, and find their dream partner—that's worth more than any business exit.

Youtube Podcast:
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In this episode of the Life of Flow Podcast, we talk with Mathias Ihlenfeld, an Austin-based entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Woom Bikes USA.

Mathias shares how he went from landing in the U.S. with a tennis racket and a dream to building one of the country’s leading children’s bike brands. He reflects on what it takes to start over, listen to change when it calls, and channel energy into building something that lasts.

Spotify Podcast:
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95. The Secrets to Building... Nov 26 · Life of Flow 67:24   ​

🎧 This episode dives into the work behind reinvention. How clarity, conviction, and persistence can turn a single idea into a purpose-driven business that grows with heart.

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02:00 From Frankfurt to Louisiana: finding home in a new country

04:55 How moving between U.S. states felt like crossing countries

08:30 The power of reinvention and why resilience matters

11:20 From corporate consulting to founding Woom

14:35 The subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs it’s time to change course

16:50 The “hero’s journey” and how it shows up in real life

22:05 From selling 13 bikes to leading a multimillion-dollar company

23:40 Creating a brand that connects with families everywhere

25:10 Energy, focus, and passion: what drives sustainable growth

28:38 Balancing two careers, family, and the long view of success

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💡 Who Should Listen

For founders, builders, and anyone standing at a crossroads. This episode speaks to those who want to grow with purpose and are ready to rebuild their next chapter with intention.

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