Jonathan Kaylor

Starting a business is exhilarating. You’re driven by passion, fueled by talent, and ready to make your mark. But somewhere along the line you realize being good at your craft is not the same as being good at business. That’s where the Reality Check begins. In this talk, I uncover the 10 Hard Truths of Business Ownership and walk through how to become a better business owner, so they don't have to be learned the hard way. I explore topics such as the importance of building your business beyond just your passion, how to lean into failure, and developing the mindset you need to sustain a successful business. But this talk isn’t about discouragement. It’s about calling things what they are and then showing you what to do about it. You'll leave this session with practical tools, a stronger mindset, and the clarity to approach the rest of the conference—and your business—with intention, openness, and a renewed sense of control.