Love is easy. Relationships are hard. In this episode of the Business Builders Intensive, hosts Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Swaluk sit down with cognitive science expert and relationship strategist Tressa Yonekawa to unpack why our closest relationships — with a spouse, a business partner, a child, even ourselves — are often the hardest work we'll ever do.

Tressa spent 30 years working with top leaders around the world before discovering that the same cognitive tools that transform boardrooms also transform marriages. In this conversation, she explains why our core beliefs about self-worth form between ages 3 and 9, why up to 84% of Americans are walking around with unresolved trauma, and why fixing your relationships might be the single biggest lever for growing your business — clients report income increases of 38% to over 300%.

Jerry also shares the hard truth that's kept him and Dr. Laura together for nearly 30 years: relationships aren't 50/50 — they're 100/100, built on putting the needs of the "we" ahead of the needs of the "me."

In this episode:
- Why the stories we tell ourselves about "who we are" form before age 9 — and how they secretly run our adult relationships
- The real difference between falling in love and staying in love
- Jerry's "needs of the we vs. needs of the me" philosophy after 30 years of marriage
- How to "turn toward" your partner instead of shutting down or lashing out
- When relationship friction is actually an abuse or addiction issue — and who to call
- The one sentence that instantly changes the dynamic of any conflict
- Why fixing your relationships can directly grow your revenue and leadership
- Tressa's recommended resource for healing trauma: A Dose of Hope by Dr. Dan Engel

Connect with Tressa Yonekawa:
Website: https://tressayonekawa.com/
Socials: @TressaYonekawa
Recommended program mentioned: sensinglife.us
Book mentioned: A Dose of Hope by Dr. Dan Engel

Connect with Jerry & Dr. Laura / BBMMUSA:
Website: https://bbmmusa.com/
Submit your business or investment questions: https://bbmmusa.com/

About Business Builders Intensive:
The Business Builders Intensive dives into what business owners are really doing to double revenue, build more cash flow, work fewer hours, and create a better lifestyle for their family. Hosts Dr. Laura Swaluk and Jerry Kezhaya go get answers to your business and investment questions — providing clarity, moving you forward, and inspiring you to reach your goals.

Skipping the legal setup when launching a business is one of the most expensive mistakes entrepreneurs make — and most don't find out until it's too late. In this episode of Business Builders Intensive, business law attorney Matthew Fornaro shares what proper business formation really looks like, and what can go wrong without it.

Matthew walks through the differences between LLCs, S-Corps, and C-Corps, why your first step should be a written business plan, and the documents every business needs to stay protected, run smoothly, and eventually sell. Jerry shares his own costly story of being set up in the wrong entity — a C-Corp instead of an S-Corp — that led to double taxation over decades.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, this is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants to build a business that lasts.

Hosted by Dr. Laura Shwalak & Jerry Kezaya https://www.bbmmusa.com/ Guest: Matthew Fornaro, Business Law Attorney (Florida) https://fornarolegal.com/

The hard truth this week? Your doctor doesn't always know what's best for you — and your health may depend on accepting that.

Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk welcome Dr. Don Wood, founder of the Inspired Performance Institute, for a raw and eye-opening conversation about trauma, the nervous system, and why so many high performers and everyday people are stuck in cycles of illness and stress that conventional medicine simply doesn't address.

Dr. Wood breaks down how unprocessed trauma lives in the body, disrupts the nervous system, and silently drives everything from chronic pain to burnout — and how his TIPP therapy approach is helping people finally break free and heal at the root level.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt unheard by the medical system, struggled to find real answers, or is ready to take true ownership of their health and performance.

You'll walk away knowing:

• How trauma and nervous system dysregulation affect your health and performance
• What TIPP therapy is and why it's changing lives
• How to advocate for yourself when the system fails you

Visit the Inspired Performance Institute: www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com

Visit BBMMUSA at www.bbmmusa.com

In this episode of Business Builders Mastermind, Stephan Poschik shares how entrepreneurs can build scalable businesses that create both profit and lifestyle freedom.

From AI-driven digitalization to KPI-based leadership systems, Stephan explains how clarity and structure eliminate chaos and enable sustainable growth.

If you're ready to build a business that works for you — not the other way around — this episode delivers strategic insight for founders and CEOs.

Learn more:
https://BBMMUSA.com

https://www.corporate-health-consulting.com

Free CHC Check:
http://check.corporate-health-consulting.com

In this episode of Business Builders Mastermind, George Rivera shares the emotional and practical journey behind his book, The Buy Back Time Formula.

After decades of business success, George realized he was missing irreplaceable moments with his family. This led to a powerful shift in priorities and a mission to help other entrepreneurs escape the trap of "Founder Prison."

Through delegation, operational leadership, and clear boundaries, founders can reclaim time while still building successful businesses.

This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking both financial success and meaningful family presence.

https://buybacktimeformula.com

https://BBMMUSA.com

In this episode of Business Builders Mastermind, Brandon Welch of Frank & Maven shares why marketing often fails — even when businesses are visible.

The hard truth: It's not that people aren't seeing you. They just don't care.

Brandon explains the importance of resonance, memorability, and brand clarity. From the psychology of jingles to the confidence gap many business owners feel, this episode challenges conventional marketing thinking.

If your business struggles with marketing consistency or connection, this episode delivers practical insight.

https://frankandmaven.com

https://BBMMUSA.com

In this episode of Business Builders Mastermind, Jerry Kezhaya and Dr. Laura Shwaluk speak with Jhana Li of SpyGlassOps.com about the operational realities of scaling a business.

The hard truth: The team and systems that get you to $1 million often won't get you to $3 million — and the same applies as companies grow toward $10 million.

Founders must shift from reactive problem-solving to installing processes, delegating authority, and building operational leadership structures that allow sustainable growth.

This episode is essential listening for scaling entrepreneurs ready to move beyond founder dependency.

Learn more at:
https://spyglassops.com/scale-code-2026-v3

Learn more at:
https://BBMMUSA.com

In this episode of Business Builders Mastermind, Kris O'Connor shares how local business owners can leverage Google Business Profile as one of the most powerful — and underutilized — marketing tools available.

From local rankings to review strategy and ongoing engagement, Kris explains how consistent optimization of GBP can drive organic traffic, increase calls, and build authority in your local market.

Jerry Kezhaya closes the episode with a reminder of the entrepreneurial mindset required for growth:

• Always be marketing
• Always be training
• Always be hiring

This episode is essential listening for local service businesses and entrepreneurs serious about sustainable growth.

Get a Free GBP Audit at: https://Lobura.com

https://BBMMUSA.com