Join us for an unflinchingly honest conversation with Peter Rahal, founder of RXBAR (sold to Kellogg's for $600M) and David Protein. Once labeled "disabled" by the school system, Peter reveals how his dyslexia fueled his contrarian mindset, relentless hustle, and ability to spot market gaps others missed. Learn how childhood humiliation became his rocket fuel, why he refuses to celebrate wins, and how his "anti-authority" approach built two category-defining brands.

This episode is for entrepreneurs, neurodivergent thinkers, and anyone who’s been told they don’t fit the mold.

Key Takeaways and Topics:

• Peter Rahal's background in the food industry and how this influenced his entrepreneurial journey.
• The idea for RX Bar emerged from a gap in the market for paleo-friendly protein bars.
• Early partnerships can significantly impact the success of a startup.
• Scaling production requires understanding supply chains and manufacturing processes.
• Product market fit is crucial for the success of any consumer product.
• Rebranding helped RX Bar reach a broader audience and clarify the product's value proposition.
• Rahal's childhood experiences shaped his resilience and contrarian nature.
• The importance of teamwork and aligned values in partnerships cannot be overstated.
• His success in business came from organic growth and word-of-mouth marketing.
• Be very, very efficient with your time.
• Seek criticism, seek feedback.
• The positive feedback loop of being doing something you're good at is motivating.
• Your 20s are the time to go all in and take risks.

The Failure Factor Podcast was brought to you by Off The Field Coaching. Explore working with one of our coaches at http://offthefieldcoaching.com

Hosted by Megan Bruneau: therapist, executive coach, speaker, Forbes contributor and host of The Failure Factor. For more info visit https://meganbruneau.com

Follow Peter and his ventures:

His Ig: https://www.instagram.com/peterrahal 
David Protein: https://www.instagram.com/davidprotein 

Follow Megan
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/meganjbruneau/
In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-j-bruneau-m-a-rcc

Subscribe to the podcast newsletter at https://thefailurefactorpodcast.com

Themes: RX Bar, entrepreneurship, protein bars, startup culture, product market fit, rebranding, personal growth, childhood experiences, resilience, business challenges, David Protein, dyslexia, work ethic, fatherhood, humility, business lessons, nutrition, leadership

Gara Post—serial entrepreneur, franchise mogul, and self-proclaimed “hyper-emotional” leader—joins Megan Bruneau to unpack the realities of building The Now Massage and Bowie Barker. From her early days as a jewelry designer to franchising during a pandemic, Gara reveals how she balances perfectionism with scalability, why she leans into therapy, and the painful lessons she learned from business partnerships gone wrong.

Key Takeaways and Topics:

• Gara's journey in the corporate world before transitioning to entrepreneurship.
• Her jewelry design venture while working as an executive assistant.
• How the support from her husband was crucial in her entrepreneurial journey.
• The Now, born out of a need for affordable luxury wellness experiences.
• How Gara's family life influenced her business decisions and priorities.
• The Now has grown to 77 locations and continues to expand.
• Authenticity and passion are key to successful business ventures. 
• Franchising can be risky but offers opportunities for growth.
• Challenges often present opportunities for innovation.
• Quality control is essential in maintaining brand integrity.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership.
• How therapy has played a significant role in her personal and professional growth.
• Flexibility within a framework is key to managing a franchise.
• Empathy and compassion enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Understanding trauma can improve interpersonal relationships in business.
• Partnership dynamics can significantly impact business success.
• Hard conversations are essential in business.
• Compartmentalization is crucial for personal and professional balance.
• Integrity and authenticity are vital in navigating challenges.
• Surround yourself with supportive and honest people.
• Recognizing triggers can help manage emotional responses.
• It's important to take risks and move forward.
• Learning from past mistakes is key to growth.
• Finding passion and purpose drives success.

The Failure Factor Podcast was brought to you by Off The Field Coaching. Explore working with one of our coaches at http://offthefieldcoaching.com

Hosted by Megan Bruneau: therapist, executive coach, speaker, Forbes contributor and host of The Failure Factor. For more info visit https://meganbruneau.com

Follow Gara and her ventures:

Ig: https://www.instagram.com/garadanielle
The Now: https://www.instagram.com/thenowmassage
Bowie Barker: https://www.instagram.com/bowiebarkerbath

Follow Megan
Ig: https://www.instagram.com/meganjbruneau/
In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-j-bruneau-m-a-rcc

Subscribe to the podcast newsletter at https://thefailurefactorpodcast.com

Themes: entrepreneurship, wellness, business growth, investment, self-care, personal journey, franchising, business expansion, COVID challenges, emotional intelligence, leadership, therapy, quality control, wellness industry, partnership dynamics, business challenges, co-founding, communication, integrity, entrepreneurship,