We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cameron Ogden-Fung a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Cameron, thanks for joining us today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?
The question of whether I am happier as a business owner or if I’d be better off in a regular job is one that surfaces occasionally, especially during moments of uncertainty or significant life changes. One such moment occurred recently. My partner and I were discussing plans to start a family. As we delved into the practicalities of parenthood, the predictable stability of a regular job seemed momentarily appealing. I envisioned a life with set working hours, a steady paycheck, and less responsibility resting solely on my shoulders. It was a life where evenings and weekends were free from the worries of running a business, where paid leave and benefits were a given, not a luxury.
But then, I thought about the impact we’ve made through Groove with Gaia, how we’ve empowered individuals to find harmony in their lives, blending ancestral wisdom with modern technology. I remembered the countless messages of gratitude from our community, people whose lives we’ve touched in profound ways. This realization reignited my passion and reaffirmed why I embarked on this journey.
As a business owner, I have the privilege of living my dharma, my true purpose. I am not just running a business; I am fostering a movement towards holistic well-being and creative expression. The freedom to innovate, to make decisions that align with our values, and to see the direct impact of our work is immensely fulfilling. It’s a form of wealth that goes beyond financial gains.
I’ve been embracing the concept of the ‘new rich’. This philosophy isn’t about accumulating material wealth but about enriching life experiences, continual learning, and personal growth. It’s about having the autonomy to design our ideal day, to work from anywhere, and to master skills that lead to rapid outcomes. In our digital age, this approach allows us to build leverage, scale our impact, and evolve our offerings over time.
A regular job, while providing stability, comes with its limitations. There’s often a ceiling to how much one can earn and grow. The entrepreneurial path, in comparison, is limitless. Yes, it requires us to ‘crack the code’, to navigate the complexities of running a successful business. But the potential rewards are boundless, not just in terms of income but in personal fulfillment and societal impact.
The allure of a regular job lies primarily in its predictability and security. But the essence of my happiness and fulfillment as a business owner lies in the freedom, creativity, and impact that Groove with Gaia embodies. It’s a journey of constant learning, adapting, and growing. It’s about creating a legacy that aligns with my deepest values and aspirations.
So while the thought of a regular job occasionally offers a tempting simplicity, my heart and future are firmly rooted in my business. It’s a path that offers a richer, more holistic form of fulfillment, aligned with my values, and filled with possibilities to make a meaningful difference in the world. It’s not the easier path, but it is the one that resonates with my soul.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a unique fusion of wellness practitioner, scientist, and creative visionary. It began with profound experiences in monasteries across Tibet and Myanmar, where I delved deep into ancient practices. This journey was further enriched through my yoga teacher training and plant medicine apprentice in Costa Rica.
My academic background includes an M.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. This equipped me with scientific expertise that I applied in global conservation efforts, collaborating with renowned organizations like NOAA, Save the Waves Coalition, and Conservation International. Currently, as the Chief Science Officer and Investor at Orca Climate Fund, I am at the forefront of driving innovation in climate tech startups.
In 2019, a transformative encounter on the beaches of Bali with Elijah marked the birth of Groove with Gaia. What started as silent beachside discos blossomed into a thriving global community. Today, Elijah and I are life partners and co-founders behind a movement that harmonizes nature’s rhythm with human creativity.
Our core product, Yin Yang Livin, is designed to empower creative individuals to unlock their highest potential. It offers a 30-day quest that integrates morning Yang practices for energy and creativity, and evening Yin routines for relaxation and reflection. This framework facilitates a balance between vigor and calm, fostering clarity, presence, and enduring wellness habits.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach, blending art, science, and spirit. We believe in the synergy of these elements to create a sustainable and fulfilling relationship between humanity and our planet. I’m most proud of the global community we’ve nurtured – over 250,000 strong. This community is a testament to the impact of our philosophy and our commitment to promoting a harmonious creative life.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The story of how I met my co-founder and life partner, Elijah, feels like something out of a serendipitous screenplay. It unfolded on a vibrant night in 2019, at a skater bar in Bali, Indonesia. It was hip-hop night, a setting typically buzzing with energy and movement. But for some reason, the dance floor was empty, a rare sight for this spot.
My best friend and I started dancing by ourselves, creating our own little island of rhythm and movement amidst the stillness around us.
Enter Elijah. He arrived at the bar, noticed us, and didn’t hesitate to join us. And just like that, as we danced, something clicked. It wasn’t just the flow of our dance moves, but a deeper connection that seemed to effortlessly manifest.
The funny part is, our paths had almost crossed before. A mutual friend had cast both of us in a short film as the leads in a love story, but, as fate would have it, we never actually shot it. It was as if the universe had its own plans, saving our first meeting for the dance floor in Bali.
This meeting was not just a chance encounter; it felt like a destined intersection of paths. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful connections in our lives can begin in the most unexpected moments and places.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely, one book that has profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial thinking is “The Art of Focus” by Dan Koe. This book delves into the essence of focus, not just as a skill but as an art form that is essential for any entrepreneur.
Dan Koe approaches focus from a unique angle, emphasizing its importance in the chaotic and often overwhelming world of entrepreneurship. As someone navigating the complexities of running a business, the insights from this book have been invaluable. It taught me that focus isn’t just about narrowing down tasks or managing attention efficiently; it’s about aligning your mind with your goals and ensuring that every action contributes to your overarching vision.
The book highlights the importance of clarity in thought and purpose. In a field where ideas and opportunities abound, being able to discern which avenues align with our core mission at Groove with Gaia has been crucial. Koe’s perspectives have helped me in making strategic decisions that steer our efforts towards impactful and sustainable outcomes.
Perhaps the most impactful lesson from “The Art of Focus” is the concept of mindful entrepreneurship. It’s not just about relentless pursuit but also about understanding when to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. This resonates deeply with our ethos at Groove with Gaia, where we emphasize harmony and balance in all aspects of life.
“The Art of Focus” has been a guiding light in refining my approach to management and entrepreneurship. Its teachings are reflected in the way we lead, make decisions, and navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to enhance their focus and strategic thinking in business and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.groovewithgaia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/groovewithgaia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-ogden-fung/