In this episode, we break down why authenticity is one of the most overlooked advantages in business and life. Justin Pates, the youngest regional sales manager at AE Landscape Borders, explains how most people stay stuck in competition because they’re copying others instead of leaning into what makes them different.

The conversation explores why authenticity isn’t a tactic, but a state of being—one that removes comparison, builds confidence, and creates long-term fulfillment. We discuss the role of self-reflection, the danger of running the wrong race, and how using “this is just who I am” can sometimes become an excuse to avoid growth.

If you’ve ever felt stuck competing, unsure of your direction, or hesitant to fully be yourself because of what others might think, this episode offers a practical mindset shift: stop chasing people and start evolving into who you actually are.

This episode centers on the idea that having a Plan B—or safety net—can limit personal growth and commitment. Sean and Kade argue that true progress comes from fully committing to one path without keeping alternatives in the back of your mind. They believe that when failure isn’t an option, you’re forced to show up every day, work harder, and solve problems instead of escaping to an easier fallback.

Sean shares how his mindset, shaped by a message from his dad to “face everything head on,” pushed him to go all-in when the opportunity to start a business arose—even while playing Division I football. Both hosts emphasize evaluating risk realistically, especially when young, noting that time lost is often the biggest risk, not money. They argue that being young makes failure more recoverable and that overestimating risk often prevents people from taking meaningful action.

A key practical insight is reducing business risk by using customer money instead of loans—selling first, collecting deposits, and only then investing in materials and labor. This approach minimizes financial exposure and avoids high-interest debt.

The conversation also explores mindset: safety nets and “what if” thinking can subconsciously pull people toward the negative. Challenges and setbacks are reframed as opportunities for growth, problem-solving, and upward momentum. Rather than fearing lows, the hosts stress staying consistent, limiting emotional highs and lows, and continuing to move forward.

The episode concludes with a clear message: if something keeps coming back to your mind, it likely matters. Stop standing on the fence, go all in, and commit fully—whether in business, relationships, or life. Instead of looking at greener grass elsewhere, put in the work to make your own grass thrive.

In this episode of the Next Play Podcast, we sit down with George, the Illinois regional sales manager for AE, to explore why winners often lose more than losers. George shares insights on embracing failure as an essential part of growth, maintaining mental resilience through setbacks, and the importance of having short-term memory when facing adversity. We discuss how winners stay calm under pressure, leverage their losses for future wins, and surround themselves with positive influences. Tune in for practical tips on staying confident and level-headed, even during tough times, and learn how to transform your mindset to consistently push forward.