Big life transitions—leaving a corporate career, launching a business, moving across the country, selling property, or even shifting seasons in marriage—can either strengthen your relationship or slowly fracture it. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee share candidly about their own journey—from a 25-year corporate career to entrepreneurship, and now a major move from California to the East Coast. They unpack the emotional tension that naturally arises when one spouse is more risk-tolerant and the other prioritizes security—and how those differences don't have to divide you.

For married entrepreneurs, transitions are rarely just "business decisions." They affect income, lifestyle, identity, and the sense of safety at home. When risk, timing, and money are on the table, it's easy to dig in your heels or rush forward out of fear or urgency. But thriving in tandem requires something deeper: unity. That means shifting from "my opinion vs. your opinion" to "what's best for us?" It means slowing down when necessary, creating shared vision, and giving up the need to be right in order to protect the relationship.

Through real-life examples—corporate exits, investment decisions, rental strategy pivots, and long-term relocation plans—Robert and Kay Lee reveal how patience, small steps, and clear communication can open doors to creative solutions you'd never see if you rushed. If you're navigating a major transition right now, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and peace—together.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

1. Two Become One—So Decide as One
Transitions demand unity. If one spouse feels unheard or overridden, resentment will eventually surface. Major decisions must serve the marriage, not just the mission.

2. Start with Vision, Not Urgency
When opportunity appears, it's easier to agree when you've already discussed long-term vision. Vision reduces conflict and creates alignment before pressure hits.

3. Security vs. Risk Is a Marriage Dynamic
Most couples have one higher risk-taker and one more security-driven spouse. Neither is wrong. Together, they create balance—if they listen to each other.

4. Slow Down to Gain Clarity
High-pressure decisions often hide missing information. Patience reveals truth, protects finances, and reduces emotional fallout at home.

5. Take Baby Steps During Big Changes
Trial periods, short-term commitments, and phased transitions lower anxiety and increase buy-in from both spouses.

6. Start with Points of Agreement
In conflict, remind each other where you already agree. Often the disagreement is smaller than it feels.

7. Let Go of the Need to Be Right
Ego creates division. The goal isn't winning the argument—it's making the best decision for the marriage and the business.

8. Patience Creates Options
Rushed transitions limit choices. Thoughtful transitions often create new opportunities and financial advantages.

In this candid and timely conversation, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo, co-hosts of the top-ranked One Extraordinary Marriage Show, to tackle a topic many couples think about—but few openly discuss: sex, intimacy, and connection in marriage. Drawing from nearly 30 years of marriage and over a decade of coaching couples worldwide, Tony and Alisa reframe intimacy as far more than a physical act. At its core, intimacy is about closeness, safety, and emotional connection—and when those are missing, sex often becomes the symptom, not the root issue.

The conversation explores the "chicken and egg" tension many couples face: one spouse needs emotional intimacy before sex, while the other needs sex to feel emotionally connected. Rather than choosing sides, Tony and Alisa explain why both emotional and sexual intimacy must be strengthened together, a concept they outline in their best-selling book The Six Pillars of Intimacy. For entrepreneurial couples—especially those who work together—this dynamic can be further complicated by stress, blurred boundaries, exhaustion, and over-familiarity. The result? Desire fades, communication stalls, and intimacy becomes an afterthought.

Throughout the episode, listeners receive practical, judgment-free strategies to rebuild connection: how to talk about sex without pressure or shame, why those conversations should not happen in the bedroom, and how tools like shared calendars, intentional planning, and even a "vision" for sexual intimacy can transform a marriage. From breaking taboos and starting small conversations to reigniting anticipation and creativity, this episode offers married entrepreneurs a refreshing, hopeful path toward deeper connection—without adding more strain to already full lives.

Website: https://oneextraordinarymarriage.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneextraordinarymarriage

[FREE] 6 Pillars Of Intimacy: https://6pillarsofintimacy.com

Intimacy Mastery: http://intimacymastery.com/

• Intimacy ≠ sex alone: True intimacy is closeness and connection; sex thrives when emotional safety is present.

• It's not either/or: Emotional intimacy and sexual intimacy reinforce each other—and both must be nurtured.

• Normalize the conversation: Talking about sex is emotional intimacy and removes unnecessary tension and assumptions.

• Change the environment: Don't discuss sex in the bedroom—protect it as a sacred, pressure-free space.

• Start small: Short, low-pressure conversations build confidence and momentum over time.

• Entrepreneurial marriages need structure: Clear roles, shared calendars, and intentional boundaries reduce friction that kills desire.

• Anticipation matters: Surprise, creativity, and intentional planning reignite excitement—just like in business.

• Enhancement, not replacement: Tools and toys can support connection when used together, intentionally, and without shame.

• Vision creates momentum: Couples who plan and prioritize intimacy are far more likely to experience growth, not drift.

Bio

As co-hosts of the top marriage podcast in Apple Podcasts, the ONE Extraordinary Marriage Show, Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo speak to a worldwide audience about sex, love & commitment, and challenge every listener to make their relationship a priority. Their best-selling book, The 6 Pillars of Intimacy®, has transformed countless marriages around the world. This framework is simple, practical, and powerful. You'll be inspired to look at your marriage through a new lens and be encouraged by its commonsense approach.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Take the Profit Booster Assessment and improve your bottom line https://profit-booster-assessment.scoreapp.com/

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

The Fastest Way to Increase Profit (Without More Sales)

In this episode of Thriving in Tandem, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui tackle one of the most misunderstood—and most powerful—levers in business: profitability. Many business owners assume the only way to improve the bottom line is to sell more, but this conversation flips that belief on its head. Drawing from real client stories, they reveal how growing revenue can actually shrink profits when pricing and expenses aren't managed intentionally.

The heart of the episode centers on pricing—specifically why most entrepreneurs underprice their products and services. Robert walks through the most common pricing mistakes (cost-plus pricing, competitor-based pricing, and penetration pricing) and explains why none of them account for true value. Using everyday examples and a powerful auction story, they unpack the psychology of pricing and show how price communicates value, trust, and credibility to your customers.

Finally, they connect profitability to what matters most at home. When margins are thin, stress goes up, hours increase, and marriage pays the price. Healthy profit margins create margin in life—allowing business owners to reinvest, reclaim time, and reduce pressure on the family. The episode ends with a simple, practical assignment to calculate whether your business is hitting the 15% net profit benchmark—and how small pricing adjustments can create immediate relief.

• More sales don't guarantee more profit
  Revenue can increase while profit margins shrink if pricing and expenses aren't managed intentionally.

• Your price sends a psychological signal
  Pricing communicates value and credibility. Underpricing often creates skepticism—not loyalty.

• The most common pricing strategies are flawed
  Cost-plus, competitor-based, and penetration pricing ignore the true value you deliver.

• 15% net profit is the minimum target
  After paying yourself and all expenses, your business should retain at least 15% of revenue as net profit.

• Raising prices is the fastest way to grow profit
  Price increases go straight to the bottom line without adding marketing costs, staff, or hours.
  Underpricing creates stress at home
  Thin margins force longer hours and constant hustle—stealing time, energy, and peace from your marriage.

• Small price increases can have massive impact
  A 5–10% average price increase can be enough to restore healthy margins.

In this powerful episode, Robert and Kay Lee sit down with 17-year-old entrepreneur and leukemia survivor Keira Chang, founder of Heroko Shop and author of The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy, A Story About Money. Diagnosed with leukemia the week before her 13th birthday, Keira spent years in treatment and isolation—but emerged with a renewed appreciation for life, community, and the importance of using your gifts to help others. Her story is raw, inspiring, and a needed reset for entrepreneurs who get caught up in the grind.

Keira shares how Heroko Shop was born at the end of her treatment as a way to give back to the pediatric cancer community that supported her. Designed for Gen Z, by Gen Z, her brand sells fun accessories while raising awareness and support for kids battling cancer. With guidance from mentors (including Robert and Kay Lee) through a local youth entrepreneur program, she transformed a simple idea into a profitable, impact-driven business—learning how to test, adapt, and lead a team along the way.

She also unpacks the heart behind her children's book on saving and money, and why financial literacy needs to start younger—especially in a world of rising debt and easy spending. For married entrepreneurs, Keira's perspective is a refreshing reminder: your business is a tool, not just for income, but for impact; your support system matters; and your influence on the next generation—whether through parenting, mentoring, or leading by example—can shape how they view hardship, money, generosity, and purpose.

Links

Store: https://herokoshop.com/

Book: The Second Race: The turtle and the puppy: A story about money https://keirachanggogold.wixsite.com/book

IG: @keiragsbook

IG: @herokoshop

Key Takeaways

• How a life-threatening diagnosis at 12 reshaped Keira's gratitude, priorities, and view of what truly matters.

• The origin of Heroko Shop and how a teen founder built a brand with a cause: Gen Z designs that support kids with cancer.

• Why support systems—family, friends, community, medical staff—are crucial, and how that parallels the importance of strong marriage and partnership in entrepreneurship.

• The inspiration behind The Second Race: The Turtle and the Puppy and why teaching kids about saving and stewardship early is so important.

• Practical lessons married entrepreneurs can draw from Keira's story: simplifying what you stress about, aligning your business with impact, and remembering that people always matter more than pressure and profit.

• A vision for legacy: how mentoring and modeling healthy leadership today can empower the next generation of values-driven entrepreneurs.

Biography:

Keira Chang is a 17-year-old high school student, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and author. After being diagnosed with leukemia at 13, she was inspired to give back and founded Heroko Shop, a clothing and accessories brand that donates all profits to childhood cancer organizations. This year, she became a published author with her children's book on financial literacy, which she used to launch a campaign donating around 250 books to schools, libraries, hospitals, and community centers, hosting reading sessions and workshops to teach kids about saving. She also helped found her school's chapter of Therapicasso, a nonprofit that uses art to help kids process emotions and manage mental health.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

As the year winds down (or whenever you're listening), Robert and Kay Lee invite married entrepreneurs to pause and audit what's working—and what's quietly piling onto your calendar "just because." The danger isn't always failure… it's drift. When you never stop to evaluate, your schedule fills up, your energy gets spent on habits instead of priorities, and both marriage and business can slowly erode under nonstop momentum.

They walk through a powerful set of reflection questions designed to help you celebrate progress (not just critique problems), gain clarity on your goals, and make smarter decisions with your time. Kay Lee shares personal growth around emotional triggers and learning not to take everything personally—especially in family relationships. Robert opens up about loosening perfectionism, taking more chances, and using "small steps" to reduce overwhelm—like their decision to test a possible move to Lake Norman one step at a time instead of forcing a massive all-or-nothing decision.

The episode also highlights practical business lessons like testing demand safely (hello, waitlists) and learning to ask for what you want—whether it's closing a deal, requesting introductions, or opening doors through relationships. They wrap with meaningful experiences from the past 90 days: building local community through fun gatherings for married business owners, and serving local businesses impacted by the devastating Southern California fires—offering clarity, encouragement, and simple marketing direction when life feels foggy.

• If you don't audit your life, your calendar will audit you. Reflection helps you remove what's no longer serving you—before "busy" becomes your default.

• Celebrate small wins, not just big milestones. Most entrepreneurs can spot failures instantly—this episode helps you build balance and sanity by naming what's working.

• Small steps reduce big fear. Especially for perfectionists, progress comes easier when you create a "safe" next step instead of trying to solve everything at once.

• Test demand before you invest. A waitlist is a simple way to validate interest before you commit time, money, or a big launch.

• Ask for what you want. Whether in business, relationships, or networking—doors open faster when you stop hoping and start asking.

• Community is a strategy, not a luxury. Fun, face-to-face connection isn't optional for thriving—it's fuel for married entrepreneurs.

• Encouragement is leadership. When people are overwhelmed or recovering from loss, clarity + reassurance can be the most meaningful "next step."

1. How have I grown as a person over the past three years?

2. What are the biggest things that I've learned in the past 12 months?

3. What are 10 important things I've accomplished in the past 12 months?

4. What meaningful experiences have I had in the past 90 days?

5. How am I clearer on my goals and vision than I was 90 days ago?

6. In what ways is my life different and better than 30 days ago?

7. What important progress have I made in the past seven days?

8. What progress have I made in the past 24 hours?

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

What happens when a career shake-up, a calling to entrepreneurship, and a surprise pregnancy all collide at once? In this episode, Robert sits down with Robbie and Nicole Harper—co-founders of Blue Ridge PR—to talk about what it really looks like to build a business while protecting your marriage and family. Robbie shares how leaving an unhealthy work situation became the catalyst for launching their PR firm, while Nicole reflects on the early season of keeping the "home fires burning" so the business could get off the ground.

You'll hear how they navigated financial uncertainty, parenting stress, and the emotional ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship—especially when one spouse processes internally and the other needs to talk it out. Their secret? Honest communication, giving each other space to process, and learning how to "carry the baton" when the other spouse is spiraling. They even share practical tools they use in real life (including one surprising app that helps them process emotions and stay connected).

The Harpers also unpack what it takes to protect your relationship long-term—especially as kids grow up and empty nest seasons approach. From beach walks and "broke date nights" to ice cream runs and dog walks, they remind us that connection doesn't require a big budget—just intentionality. If you're a married entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful without losing each other in the process, this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a roadmap.

• Don't let life stack up without a pause. Regularly audit what's working and what's adding unnecessary stress.

• Start-up seasons are intense—support is everything. A spouse being genuinely "on board" can be the difference between breaking and building.

• Communication is the real safety net. When money is tight or clients are slow to pay, staying connected keeps fear from taking over.

• Only one meltdown at a time is a win. Learn how to stabilize each other when one spouse is spiraling.

• Give each other space to process differently. Some need silence and a walk; others need to talk it out to find clarity.

• Connection doesn't need to be fancy. Ice cream runs, dog walks, beach subs—small moments can be the most impactful.

• Protect the marriage before the empty nest arrives. Keep investing now so you don't wake up later wondering, "Who are you?"

• Intertwined lives require extra intentionality. When work, church, and family overlap, boundaries and check-ins matter even more.

Bio:

Robbie Harper, MBA, and Nicole Harper are the co-founders of Blue Bridge PR, a public relations firm focused on building reputation for faith-driven and values-based organizations. Robbie serves on the boards of both the U.S. Christian Chamber of Commerce and the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce. Nicole is also the Children's Minister at Stetson Baptist Church. They live in DeLand, Florida, with their three children. Connect with them at https://www.bluebridgepr.com.

Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs' guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/

FREE Marriage and Business Assessment https://marriageandbusiness.scoreapp.com/

Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk

As married entrepreneurs, it's easy to fall into traps that seem harmless but quietly eat away at your profits, your time, and even your marriage. In this episode, Robert and Kay Lee uncover five hidden growth traps that keep business owners stuck working harder instead of smarter. These aren't your typical sales or marketing issues—they're deeper mindset and leadership challenges that directly impact your ability to scale while still having time and energy for your spouse and family.

From chasing sales without focusing on profit margins, to micromanaging instead of delegating, to ignoring outside counsel (including your spouse's wisdom!), these traps are more common than you might think. You'll also hear how holding onto "sacred cows" or letting the words "I can't" dominate your thinking can prevent you from making necessary changes that create both freedom and financial stability. With practical stories and client examples, Robert and Kay Lee show how to shift your mindset and avoid sabotaging your own growth.

This episode is about more than building a bigger business—it's about building a healthier business and marriage at the same time. When you stop focusing on the wrong things and start creating systems, margins, and open communication, you'll reclaim time, reduce stress, and grow profitably in tandem.

Key Takeaways:

• Sales don't guarantee profits—healthy margins do.

• Micromanaging drains your energy and limits your team's potential.

• Every entrepreneur needs trusted outside counsel (yes, even your spouse).

• Holding onto "sacred cows" keeps you stuck in outdated practices.

• Saying "I can't" closes the door on innovation and healthy growth.