R394 – Just Begin! with Norman Crowley

R394 – Just Begin! with Norman Crowley

Author: Henry Lopez December 15, 2025 Duration: 45:59

Entrepreneur Norman Crowley shares his remarkable journey and explains why ideas matter far less than the courage to start and the discipline to execute. As Norman explains, "Just begin. The customer will fix your idea very quickly."

Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r394-norman-crowley-just-begin/

What does it really take to come up with a good business idea, and does the idea even matter?

In this compelling conversation, international entrepreneur Norman Crowley unpacks the truth behind entrepreneurial success, from his early welding business at age 12 to the billion-dollar gaming venture he nearly sold just hours before the 2008 financial crisis.

Norman shares the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to build meaningful companies, including why execution - not the idea - is what actually determines whether you'll succeed.

He also discusses the role of luck, navigating stress and health challenges, building world-class teams, and why big missions attract big allies.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Norman explains his "hot coals" framework for overcoming fear: "Filling your mind with happy thoughts, being clear on the destination, and just keeping walking."

Whether you're dreaming of your first business or wrestling with your next one, this episode offers rare honesty, inspiring insights, and practical wisdom from decades of entrepreneurial wins, losses, pivots, and reinventions.

Norman Crowley is an Irish serial entrepreneur and climate-tech leader, best known as the Founder and Chairman of CoolPlanet, a global decarbonization and energy-efficiency group helping major corporations reduce emissions and achieve net-zero goals. Before turning to climate innovation, he built and sold several successful technology companies including Trinity Commerce, Inspired Gaming Group, and The Cloud. He also founded AVA, which converts classic cars into high-performance electric vehicles. Today, Norman is recognized for combining deep entrepreneurial experience with a mission-driven approach to solving climate change through technology, data, and industrial systems.

This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com


Henry Lopez hosts The How of Business-How to start, run, grow and exit a small business. It’s a practical resource for anyone who wants to move beyond just the idea of entrepreneurship and into the actual work of building something. Each week, the focus is on the tangible steps and decisions involved in a business’s entire lifecycle, from that initial launch through to managing daily operations, scaling up, and even planning a future exit. You’ll hear straightforward conversations that dig into specific topics, breaking down complex challenges into manageable advice. Often, Henry sits down with a small business owner who shares their real-world experiences-the successes and the setbacks-offering a genuine look at what it takes. This podcast is built on the understanding that running a business is a series of learned skills, and it aims to provide those lessons without fluff. Whether you're sketching your first plan on a napkin or steering an established company toward growth, the discussions here are meant to be directly applicable to your own journey. Tune in for a regular dose of clarity and concrete strategies from someone who understands the day-to-day realities you face.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The How of Business - How to start, run, grow and exit a small business.
Podcast Episodes
R361 – Start and Grow Without Investors with Tyler King [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:44
How to start and grow a small business without investors. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r361-tyler-king-without-investors/ Bootstrapping a software business without venture capital or angel investors…
619 – Presentations That Close Deals with Dean Curtis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:27
Increase Close Rates with consistent, professional in-home sales presentations for home improvement and home services businesses, and Dean Curtis of Ingage shares the principles and tools that help small operators win mo…
618 - Buyer Due Diligence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:34
Buying a Business? Do Your Due Diligence! Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/618-buyer-due-diligence/ Buyer due diligence is your primary protection when purchasing a small business, and on this episode He…
617 - Remote, Hybrid, or In-Office? with Claudia St. John [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:49
Deciding between remote, hybrid, and in-office work is one of the toughest calls small business owners face today, and HR expert Claudia St. John shares how to choose the model that fits your team while staying legally c…
616 - Parkinson's Law for Small Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:28
Why work expands to fill the time available, and how small business owners can use deadlines, time blocking, and clear outcomes to get more done in less time. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/616-parkins…
615 - AI and Cybersecurity for Small Business with Mordy Hackel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:33
Technology expert explains how small business owners can leverage AI as a force multiplier while protecting their data, systems, and intellectual property from emerging cybersecurity risks. Show Notes Page: https://www.t…
614 - Growing a Family Business with Kaiden Routh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:34
How he earned his way into leadership, developed a capable management team, and transformed a hands-on family equipment dealership into a scalable business that no longer depends on him for every decision. Show Notes Pag…
R346 - The 6 Traits of Entrepreneurs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:41
Do you possess the innate characteristics, the 6 essential traits, required to become a true entrepreneur? Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/r346-6-traits-of-entrepreneurs/ How to honestly assess whether…
613 - Conflict Resolution Principles with Jeremy Pollack [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:03
How understanding the neuroscience behind conflict can help small business owners become more effective leaders, build healthier teams, and transform workplace conflict into collaboration. Show Notes Page: https://www.th…
612 - What a Waymo Ride Taught Us About Innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
A Waymo driverless vehicle ride sparks a discussion about AI, innovation, technology adoption, and why small business owners can't afford to wait for perfection before embracing emerging technologies like AI. Show Notes…