Episode Details

On this Mind Over Masculinity episode, host Avik Chakraborty and guest Bradley Taylor (founder of The Donut Trap and community-driven business coach) break down what most founders miss: your company can only grow to the level of your emotional maturity. We cover ego death, self-audits, boundary-setting, hiring and firing with respect, and why therapy is a practical leadership tool. If you’re scaling, leading teams, or rebuilding after setbacks, this direct, no-fluff conversation shows how emotional intelligence (EQ) turns short-term hustle into sustainable leadership—especially for underrepresented founders.

About the guest  :

Bradley Taylor is an entrepreneur, coach, and founder of The Donut Trap. He builds community-rooted ventures and equips BIPOC and queer founders with practical business education grounded in empathy, accountability, and values-aligned growth.

Key takeaways:

• EQ scales companies. Bradley maps every major growth jump to investing in inner work—self-awareness, reflection, and therapy—not just strategy.

• Ego off, listening on. “Ego death” creates space to diagnose root causes (process, training, capacity) instead of blaming people.

• Accountability ≠ aggression. Hold standards and document specifics (dates, impacts) while keeping conversations calm, direct, and respectful.

• Fire with clarity, not cruelty. Sometimes you must make a cold call. Do it fact-based, boundary-clear, and without theatrics.

• Self-audit ritual. Daily/weekly reviews of highs, lows, and decisions keep actions aligned to mission, community, and brand values.

• Guard empathy with boundaries. Be empathetic, but design flags and limits so others can’t manipulate your goodwill.

• Environment matters. If your circle normalizes low EQ, you’ll cap your growth. Seek rooms with higher standards and better models.

• Therapy is a tool, not a trend. A qualified, neutral professional beats unvetted advice from well-meaning friends.

Connect with the guest  :

• Instagram: @TheDonutTrap 

• Website: https://www.thedonuttrap.com/

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Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

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