Hustle Without Burnout with Amy Hager

In this lively episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon chats with Amy Hager, founder of the Joyful Business Revolution. Amy Hager shares her unique journey from childhood go-kart racer in Iowa to radio DJ and now entrepreneur, highlighting the hustler's spirit that shaped her career. The conversation dives deep into redefining "hustle", focusing on finding joy, building community, and personal alignment in life and business. Both Aaron Gordon and Amy Hager offer practical tips for overcoming burnout, setting meaningful goals, and celebrating wins, big or small. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking joy and fulfillment, whether you're an entrepreneur or working within an organization. Plus, Amy Hager closes with her favorite quote: "A rising tide lifts all boats," emphasizing the power of collective success. Get To Know Amy Hager Amy Hager, CAE, IOM, is an Organic Marketing and Messaging Mentor who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs, associations, chambers, coaches, and consultants turn purpose into profit. With a rare ability to connect high-level strategy with practical, revenue-generating implementation, Amy guides organizations away from scattered "busy work" and toward focused, community-centered engagement that delivers measurable impact. A passionate storyteller, speaker, and word smith, Amy has been crafting effective marketing and sales strategies for businesses and nonprofits across the country since 2005. Her expertise spans hospitality and tourism, membership organizations, technology, construction, and professional services. Whether working with small lodging properties, retail owners, community publications, or state and national associations, she excels at building alliances, deepening member engagement, and driving sustainable growth. Certified as a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and recognized by the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Institute for Organizational Management (IOM), Amy brings deep industry insight from her years as a member, volunteer, and staff leader in associations and chambers. She currently leads sales strategy, partnerships, and community for Joyful Business Revolution™, infusing every engagement with clarity, relationship, and results. When she's not speaking at conferences, coaching clients, or developing powerful strategies, you'll find Amy exploring the world through travel, wine, cider, and food—or creating new recipes in the kitchen surrounded by family and friends. Amy Hager Solutions LinkedIn Joyful Business Revolution 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Redefine Hustle with Joy: Amy Hager and Aaron Gordon challenge the negative connotations of "hustle culture" by emphasizing that true hustle isn't about burnout or relentless busyness, but about persistent, passionate pursuit of meaningful goals. Their discussion reframes hustling as aligning business and career choices with personal joy and resilience, rather than simply grinding for the sake of it. 2. Celebrate Progress, Not Just Numbers: Both speakers stress the importance of celebrating all wins, not just the quantifiable or monetary ones. Whether it's helping a single client, experimenting with new routines, or surviving a tough day, recognizing and rewarding small victories builds momentum, positivity, and a mindset that sustains long-term growth. 3. Choose Your Community and Environment: The episode highlights the value of surrounding yourself with a supportive, uplifting community—both as an entrepreneur and as an employee. Amy Hager encourages listeners to build networks that inspire forward-thinking and growth, advocating for self-awareness and proactive decision-making in crafting an environment that nurtures both professional success and personal fulfillment.
 Show Overview 00:00 Gratitude for Military Families 05:27 Teen Center Fundraiser Challenge 08:47 Never Quit, Keep Hustling 11:47 Mentorship, Joy, and Inspiration 14:51 Find Joy, Define Goals, Celebrate 18:10 Choose Joy, Question Routine 22:04 Celebrate Strengths, Shift Mindset 23:41 Choose Joy, Own Your Choices 26:51 Stay Curious, Hungry, Hustling