Ep15. Michael James Wong on The Power of Community

This week on EXPERTS we’re joined by Michael James Wong, Founder of Just Breathe.

In this episode, I’m speaking to Michael James Wong – who, having grown up in fast-paced Los Angeles, never imagined a career in meditation and yoga. In fact, even in the early days, it was just a chance to prove people wrong! As you’ll hear, this soon developed into a deep passion for community, transformation, and creating quiet spaces for everyday people to connect inwardly. We talk about crafting a business that enables a freedom-led lifestyle, building a team, and how to find that perfect balance between showcasing value for free, and charging for your expertise.

You can listen to the EXPERTS podcast above, or on popular platforms including:

Please subscribe, rate, review and share!

Episode highlights & key takeaways:

  • Building a powerful, and engaged community.
  • ‘Continuous gracious refinement’ – the more you refine what you do, the less you do, the more your business grows.
  • Striking the balance between free value, and paid services.
  • Setting business and personal goals.

Every week Lauren asks her guests 5 quick-fire questions…

  1. What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you started this journey?
    “I wish I knew, how much time I would be working because of how passionate I was about what I was working on.”

  2. What’s one thing you wish you’d done sooner in your business?
    “Took more risks. I think a lot of times when you’re starting a business you can play it safe, and just be kind of ‘ok I need to this, and this, and then when I get to this, I’ll do that’.

    Take more risks and fail more. I’ve had a lot of things that never worked out. A lot of projects you start… and then just bin them and you move on.”

  3. Why do you do what you do?
    “For me, it’s about being of service. It’s about supporting people…It’s ultimately how we can support each other and if it can be sustainable then great. If it’s not, then it wouldn’t stop me from being helpful and supportive as much as possible.”

  4. What’s the best part about your job?
    “The best part of my job is the dress code. I can literally wear whatever I want because of my work; yoga pants, stretch pants, sweat pants, they are all business attire.”

  5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
    “My mother used to say, ‘don’t pack a bag you can’t carry’. And so for me, that’s always been about, just be wise in what you take on, and if it gets too heavy, unpack some of the bags.”

Are you an expert or coach working in the wellness industry? Go ahead and join Lauren’s FREE online community of like-minded entrepreneurs here.