THE SHOW
Elaine Pofeldt, former Fortune Small Business editor, uncovered a hidden economy of one-person businesses quietly earning 7 figures and spent years interviewing the entrepreneurs behind them. In this conversation, she reveals the surprising industries dominating this space, why professional services often outperform tech, and the frameworks that actually work for building sustainable solo wealth. From starting smart while keeping your day job to using AI as your secret weapon, Elaine breaks down the real strategies behind million-dollar one-person businesses. No hype, no hustle culture required. Plus: why health and boundaries aren’t “extras” but essential business infrastructure, and how to design a career that serves your life instead of consuming it. Essential listening for anyone who wants financial freedom without chasing passive income or playing the venture capital game.
Behind Her Brilliance: Family
Say hi to Elaine on X/Twitter: @ElainePofeldt
THE GUEST
ELAINE POFELDT | JOURNALIST + AUTHOR
Elaine Pofeldt is an independent journalist who specializes in small business, entrepreneurship and careers. She is the author of The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, a look at how entrepreneurs are hitting seven-figure revenue in businesses where they are the only employees, tapping automation and other technology to scale their efforts (Random House, Jan. 2, 2018). Her work has appeared in FORTUNE, Money, CNBC, Inc., Forbes, Crain’s New York Business and many other business publications and she is a contributor to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
As a senior editor at FORTUNE Small Business, where she worked for eight years, Elaine was twice nominated for the National Magazine Award for her features and ran the magazine’s annual business plan completion. During her time at FSB, she ran the magazine’s website, fsb.com, for four years, building its traffic to two to five million page views a month.
Elaine graduated from Yale University with a BA in English. In her free time, she enjoys taekwondo, yoga and running.
TOPICS COVERED
- Elaine’s journey from fiction writing to journalism
- The evolution of business journalism and rise of entrepreneurship in the public imagination
- How AI and automation empower solo business owners
- The origin story of The Million Dollar, One Person Business
- Why peer learning and relatable case studies matter
- Common traits among successful solo entrepreneurs
- The emotional and mental stamina required to succeed independently
- The role of physical health, boundaries, and self-awareness in entrepreneurial success
- How older professionals and people with disabilities are reshaping the business landscape
- Flexible business models that support life design
- Building walk-away money and choosing clients wisely
- The underestimated power of tools like planners, automation apps, and AI assistants
- Lifestyle design, digital nomadism, and work-from-anywhere strategies
- And much more!
THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
- Elaine Pofeldt
- Adding reddit to end of search
- The Story of My Wife by Milan Fust (Elaine book pick)
- Black Box by Amos Oz (Elaine book pick)
- The Four Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss (Elaine book pick)
- The Company of One by Paul Jarvis (Elaine book pick)
