Stuck in the Suck: Why Scaling Feels So Hard
Host: Sharrin Fuller, CEO of Glass Wallet Ventures
Guest: Sean Duncan, Founder of SMD Consulting & the Chief Proactive Advisor Program
Overview: Kicking off the Stuck to Scaling series, Sharrin sits down with long-time friend and advisor Sean Duncan for a raw, unfiltered look at the emotional chaos and business realities that make scaling feel so damn hard. From burnout and bad hires to working in the business instead of on it, this episode digs into the patterns that trap even the most seasoned entrepreneurs—and how to break free.
Whether you're buried in client deadlines or questioning your whole business model, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim control and scale with purpose. Expect brutal honesty, real-life screwups, and surprisingly actionable strategies.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why scaling feels like drowning (and what to do about it)
- How to spot when you’re stuck in "employee mode" as a founder
- The emotional cost of ignoring your own advice
- What it really means to work “on the business”
- Sharrin and Sean’s favorite unfiltered advice on hiring, outsourcing, and letting go
- The difference between “big P” and “small p” purpose—and why both matter
Takeaways:
- Step back—Intentionally work on the business, even in the busiest seasons.
- Set real, reachable goals—Avoid perfection paralysis by prioritizing progress over ideal outcomes.
- Get support—Be vulnerable with peers, mentors, or your community. You’re not meant to do this alone.
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Chief Proactive Advisor Program (Sean Duncan)
- Glass Wallet Ventures (Sharrin Fuller)
- Scalable to Saleable blueprint (now called From Startup 2 Seven Figures)
- AP Accounting Advisory Board
- Using outsourcing and tech strategically
