In this episode of The Queen of Automation, host Megan Donnelly welcomes Nathan from Kodiak Consulting, a fellow member of the Brand Built community and a powerhouse in helping entrepreneurs lay unshakable business foundations. They dig into the truth about building a business that doesn’t just grow, it thrives sustainably. Nathan unpacks how he partners with founders to clarify direction, simplify operations, and create systems rooted in intention, not overwhelm. Rather than talking at clients, he’s known for his ability to co-create with them, bringing warmth, clarity, and a deep sense of support to what can often feel like a chaotic journey.

The conversation smashes the outdated myth of "work-life balance," replacing it with a mindset focused on lifestyle design and time management. Nathan emphasizes building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. They also explore the psychology behind motivation vs. inspiration, reframing motivation as a strategic external force that sparks internal purpose. Megan and Nathan discuss how automation, technology, and even mindset work best when rooted in systems, and how systems aren’t about tools, they’re about repeatable habits built on clear processes. A business doesn’t need to run on 18-step automations to be successful, it needs clarity of outcome and alignment with how the owner actually wants to live.

Nathan introduces the idea of mind shift, a more powerful evolution of mindset, where instead of just “thinking bigger,” entrepreneurs shift their mental framework toward tangible goals and actionable systems. He also delivers an absolute masterclass in analogies (yes, the biscuit and gravy one is a gem), and shares practical wisdom around SOPs, over-processing, and why most business owners actually know their systems are broken but don’t know how to fix them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ready to simplify their tech, streamline their business habits, and finally design a business that doesn’t burn them out.

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn to learn more about his upcoming YouTube channel, foundational business strategy work, and how you can work with him one-on-one to design systems that actually serve your lifestyle.