#001 The Reluctant Entrepreneur: How Mike Konrad Built Success by Putting Purpose First

Built For This Podcast Episode 1

April 17, 2026 by

Carly Pepin

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Listen On

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRrnMY7x5aU

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4WczNJx3yOXHmXV9Oiog51?si=rw5dWd8qSjmIt-12uMJnIQ

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-reluctant-entrepreneur-how-mike-konrad-built/id1835497020?i=1000735222172

Key Themes:

From Ego to Empathy: How letting go of pride and embracing humility reshaped Mike’s company and leadership.
Conscious Marketing: Why teaching and transparency build deeper trust than traditional sales tactics.
Evolving as a Leader: The inner transformation required to build a business that lasts.

In this episode, Carly Pepin sits down with Mike Konrad, founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, to explore the unexpected lessons that come with entrepreneurship.

Once a self-described “reluctant entrepreneur,” Mike took a massive leap to create a product his former employer didn’t believe in. What began as an ego-fueled mission soon evolved into a profound journey of humility, leadership, and conscious marketing.

Through candid stories and powerful reflections, Mike shares how he transformed from a headstrong engineer into a purpose-driven leader who built his company on trust, education, and authenticity. His story is raw, relatable, and a must-listen for anyone who’s discovered that true growth requires more than grit — it requires transformation.