How I’m Stepping Away from My Businesses – And Why You Should Do the Same

Are you trapped inside your own business, working 50, 60, even 70-hour weeks, dreaming of a truly independent life? Let me show you a proven path to freedom – and how it’s helping me save children’s lives, one barefoot step at a time.

As the Runpreneur, I’m on day 1,755 of my mission to run the equivalent of a lap of the world (that’s 40,075km!) and raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes. Along the way, I’ve learnt one vital entrepreneurial lesson: if you are the business, you’ll never be truly free. And if you’re reading this, you probably feel that pain too.

The Trap of the Business Owner

When I launched my first businesses, getting stuck in was normal – you have to do everything in those early days, right? But two years in, I found myself suffocating under never-ending tasks, burnt out, always on call. Sound familiar? If so, this post is for you.

My Next Level Challenge: Stepping Out to Step Up

My big goal for the next 12 months: step away from my businesses completely, so they run independently without me in the day-to-day. I’ve systemised before, but like many entrepreneurs, I let those systems grow outdated, tinkered a bit too much, and suddenly – chaos. Plus, I’m launching a new venture, Operations Director, designed for entrepreneurs who want out of the weeds and into true freedom.

Why Does This Matter?

I believe in Management by Numbers. When you’ve got the right people, robust systems, and real-time data, business becomes lighter. You can scale. You can take a day off (or 4,292 days, in my case!), and your team keeps thriving.

Doing this frees up my energy not just for new ventures, but for my higher mission: raising £1,000,000 to save children’s lives through the Runpreneur Challenge ultra-marathon. The more efficient my businesses become, the more I can focus on making a real difference. And I want you to have that freedom, too.

How We’re Doing It

• Review & Repair: My businesses were once fully systemised, but after changes and neglect, some processes need a fresh look. We’re using Operations Director to optimise, automate, and harness AI so nothing slips through the cracks.

• Rolling Out the Solution: We’re implementing our operating system across existing businesses—and in our clients’ companies, too. Sharing best practise means everyone wins.

• Clear Deadline: By March 2026, I’ll only be operating at the strategic level in all my ventures.

What Can You Do Right Now?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, and your company runs only when you’re there, start your journey towards independence today:

1. Audit Your Operations: Are your systems current, or are you propping them up manually?

2. Embrace Automation: High-impact tools, including AI-powered solutions, can transform how you work.

3. Build Your Team: Empower people to make decisions with real-time data.

4. Set a Deadline: Give yourself 12 months, like I have, and plan backwards. Where do you need to be at the finish line?

If you need help, my team at Operations Director do this for businesses like yours every day—so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Join Me on This Mission

The Runpreneur Challenge is about more than running. It’s about unlocking true freedom—for me, for you, and for vulnerable children around the world. Every business owner that steps back from their business is another child we can help.

Subscribe, share, like, and comment below if you’re ready to step away from your business and towards a bigger impact.

Together, we’ll run towards a brighter, freer future—one system, one step, and one saved life at a time.