Meet Matt Gerlach

We were lucky to catch up with Matt Gerlach recently and have shared our conversation below.

Matt, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I think our purpose may change over time, or at least, that’s been my story. To me, purpose is more about finding what I’m called to be doing and right now, I’m called to be helping people with what I’ve overcome. I spent the first 35 years of my life chasing the money and success, thinking that would make me happy. I still think money is great and I want a lot of it, but success looks a lot different for me now—success is the main thing that matters… I need to feel good on the inside and right now, it’s helping others learn this too. I had a traumatic childhood that I hadn’t dealt with and since healing from it, I’ve been able to live in authenticity and come closer to finding my calling, or purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Matt Gerlach, and I specialize in helping high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives break free from the internal barriers—like anxiety, burnout, and unresolved trauma—that keep them from reaching their full potential. My work is a blend of coaching and business growth consulting, focused on aligning personal fulfillment with professional success. I believe that true success isn’t just about profits; it’s about living a life that’s deeply connected to your values, your purpose, and your well-being.

What excites me most about my work is the transformative journey my clients go through. Many of them are already outwardly successful, but they’re struggling privately with the weight of their success. Watching them move from feeling overwhelmed and anxious to thriving both personally and professionally is incredibly rewarding. I don’t just help them make more money—I help them live fuller, more aligned lives.

Recently, I’ve expanded my offerings to include Fractional CRO services, helping businesses scale while maintaining balance and well-being. I’m also continuing to work on my book, which shares my personal story of overcoming adversity and my approach to leading a fulfilled, authentic life. In addition, my podcast, MATTers of the Mind: Rise to Your Worth, has been gaining a lot of momentum, and I’m excited to keep sharing insights on how leaders can thrive emotionally and financially.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that you can have it all—success, fulfillment, and peace of mind—without sacrificing your mental or emotional well-being.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, emotional intelligence, and the willingness to invest in my own growth.

Resilience: There were many moments where I faced intense challenges—whether it was battling anxiety, feeling burned out, or starting my own business without any guarantees. What kept me moving forward was resilience. I had to learn that setbacks weren’t the end of the road, just opportunities to grow and adapt. My advice for those early in their journey is to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. It’s in those moments that you build the muscle of resilience, and that’s what will carry you through the hardest parts of your path.

Emotional Intelligence: Understanding my own emotions and the emotions of those around me has been crucial in my personal and professional growth. I spent years ignoring my feelings, which led to anxiety and burnout. It wasn’t until I developed emotional intelligence—learning to identify and process my emotions, and having empathy for others—that I was able to lead with authenticity. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend working on your self-awareness and empathy. These skills will help you navigate complex relationships, both in life and business, and make you a more effective leader.

Willingness to Invest in Personal Growth: I spent over $200k and thousands of hours in therapy, coaching, and self-development, and it was worth every penny. The willingness to invest in yourself—whether through time, money, or effort—is the key to unlocking your potential. My advice here is simple: Don’t shy away from investing in your own growth. Whether it’s a coach, a mentor, or personal development tools, you are your greatest asset. The more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll be able to give back to your business, your clients, and the world.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

It might sound funny, but Untamed by Glennon Doyle has been the most impactful book on my journey—she showed me HOW to break free from the life I was living to go after what would make me happy. More than that, that the journey would be messy and that I would be okay regardless of how messy it is. And that I didn’t have to be so perfect.

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