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The way we think shapes the way we spend, invest, and make decisions. 

Colin Hodge, founder and author of Outrageous Startup Growth joined me on this episode of the Get Ready Before Life Happens podcast to explore how psychology impacts financial decisions, why cognitive biases shape more of our lives than we realize, and how slowing down can help us make clearer and more intentional choices. Colin shares insights on growth mindset, entrepreneurship, AI, and the hidden forces that influence how we think, spend, and respond to risk.

Key Takeaways

• Cognitive biases influence how we make financial, business, and everyday decisions
• Slowing down important decisions creates space for clearer and more intentional thinking
• System 1 thinking helps us react quickly, while System 2 thinking supports deeper analysis
• Urgency and fear can push people toward reactive decisions and reduce critical thinking
• Adding friction to decisions can help reduce impulse spending and improve long-term outcomes
• Understanding your identity, emotions, and personal story improves self-awareness around money
• AI can become a powerful tool for learning, leverage, and expanding opportunity when used intentionally

🧠 Tony’s Take: Slowing down is a financial skill. The more aware we become of our biases, emotions, and decision-making patterns, the more clearly we can think before acting. That awareness helps turn reactions into intentional choices.

Connect with Colin Hodge:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckbhodge/
• Website: https://colinhodge.com
• Newsletter: https://colinhodge.substack.com

Books:

• Outrageous Startup Growth: Uncovering the Secrets of User Psychology to Scale Your Success (Amazon)

Resources mentioned:

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (Amazon) 
• Does It Make Sense Calculator - Gifting Sense (www.giftingsense.org)

Bio: 

Colin Hodge is a startup founder and national bestselling author who has led companies and growth teams responsible for over 100 million users.

He currently is co-owner of DOWN, a top 10 dating app in the US with millions in annual revenue – built on the growth principles and lessons shared in this book. He achieved a successful exit for DOWN (then later reacquiring it) and 17Live, the top live-streaming video company in Asia. While chief growth officer at 17Live, Colin led data-driven initiatives in growth, global expansion, and marketing, then launched the platform in the United States as the first US CEO.

Colin holds a BS in computer science from Cornell University and occasionally serves as a board member and keynote speaker for organizations around the world. 

👉 Start Your Financial Readiness Plan: A free, practical plan that helps you create your in-case-of-emergency Financial First Aid Kit, organize what matters, and prepare before life happens. Start Your Free Financial Readiness Plan  https://www.tonysteuer.com

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