In our latest From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Andrea Liebross, founder of Andrea Liebross Coaching about strategies for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Andrea believes that thinking big and achieving extraordinary results comes down to just two key ingredients: solid systems and a bold mindset.
The “messy middle,” according to Andrea Liebross, is an inevitable phase that business owners must navigate to reach higher levels of achievement. It’s a universal stage in the growth cycle of every business – a time when plans seem clear one moment, and suddenly everything feels chaotic or overwhelming.
Liebross has identified four driving forces that not only motivate her but are essential for any business owner.
The first is the “illumination of possibility.” Andrea describes herself as someone who can perceive potential and opportunities before others do, often sparking new ideas and encouraging clients to explore untapped avenues. The second force is the “intimacy of transformation.” She emphasizes that true change involves deep, often personal work—getting into the trenches and facing challenges head-on, rather than relying solely on dramatic gestures or superficial adjustments. Transformation, she notes, requires vulnerability and a willingness to engage with the process on a meaningful level.
The third driving force is the “courage to just believe.” Andrea Liebross challenges the conventional approach of always needing evidence or proof to move forward. Instead, she advocates for cultivating faith in one’s vision and abilities, trusting that results will follow even without constant validation. This mindset shift, she suggests, is critical for entrepreneurs who often face uncertain and unpredictable circumstances.
The fourth force is “committing to substance versus surface.” Andrea likens superficial discussions to “cupcake talk” – all sprinkles and frosting with little depth. For real progress to occur, she argues, individuals and organizations must move beyond surface-level conversations and dig deeper into the core issues, addressing the substance that drives meaningful change.
To hear more from Andrea Liebross, listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
