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Beyond Just Business

Beyond Just Business is a podcast for people who know there’s more to life – and work – than just ticking boxes. Hosted by Paul and Andrew, it dives into the deeper questions behind success, fulfilment, and what it really means to thrive.

Through honest, thought-provoking conversations, they explore the mindsets, habits, and turning points that shape both our personal and professional lives. It’s about rethinking the rules, challenging assumptions, and discovering what matters most – beyond just business.

This isn’t about hustle culture or corporate clichés. It’s about the messy, meaningful space where real growth happens. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or simply figuring out your next step, you’ll find stories, insights, and ideas that speak to the heart of modern life.

Expect deep dives into the psychology of growth, the changing world of work, and how to live with more clarity, courage, and purpose. No fluff. No jargon. Just real talk – for real people, building real lives.

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Beyond Just Business

Expectations: Whose Life Are You Actually Living?

November 04, 2025 • Paul Davis & Andrew Rhatigan • Season 2 • Episode 4

From birth to boardroom, expectations shape us – parents, school, career, money, body image, “success.” In this episode, we unpack the quiet pressure to live by other people’s maps, how it shows up in business and relationships, and what it looks like to set your own standards without burning everything down.

In this episode:

· Expectations from childhood to career – and why they stick

· The hidden tax of expecting others to share your drive

· Self-expectations: perfectionism, performance, and the moving goalposts

· Signals & status – cars, titles, postcodes, and what they really communicate

· Legacy paths vs your path – breaking pattern without breaking relationships

· A simple audit to see where you’re living their rules instead of yours

Try this (quick audit):
Make two columns for any recurring activity or goal: “Driver – Me” and “Driver – They.” Note which voice is setting the standard (you, family, peers, industry, “society”). Adjust one small behaviour this week to align with Me.

Chapters
0:00 Cold open & why “expectations” matters
2:10 Expectations start earlier than you think
7:45 Expecting employees to think like owners
12:30 Self-expectations, perfection, and the 89% problem
18:20 Status signals – suits, cars, postcodes
24:40 Legacy business vs your calling
31:10 A practical expectations audit
36:50 Final takeaway & next step

If this resonated:

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· Comment: Where are you living someone else’s expectations—and what’s your next micro-shift?

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