Episode 489: #Tashmas Day 4: Why does Ryan give me so much motivation? Podcarpet

Today, I’m sitting on the carpet for a super personal and intimate episode — it’s a Podcarpet episode here on the Heart-Centred Business Podcast. For these special episodes, I quite literally sit on the carpet in my craft room. Imagine us together, surrounded by yarn and crochet, just chatting like business besties. And not only is it a Podcarpet episode, it’s also a part of #Tashmas (yes, there’s a gift for you too!).

So, why am I on the carpet today? I want to talk about Ryan. Ryan started as a real person but is now more of a fictional character — a symbol for a particular kind of entrepreneur. Today, I’m opening up about why thinking about Ryan actually motivates me these days.

Plus, your day 4 #Tashmas gift is my Skyrocket Sales course for just $50 AUD!

Wait… What is #Tashmas?

I do it for both my birthday (1-12 March) and pre-Christmas (1-12 December) every year! Every day up to the 12th of December, there will be a new daily podcast episode, with a hot tip or practical strategy as per usual… but you ALSO get a gift! The daily gift could be a freebie, a special offer, a competition… but there will be something for YOU every single day.

Let’s dive in…

EPISODE 489: Listen using the player below, or click the links to your fave platform to subscribe and listen over there:

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The “Ryan” Archetype: Where He Came From

First, let me be clear: Ryan is now a fictional creation. He’s become a mashup of men I’ve encountered in the online business and marketing space — especially those “hustle bros” you see everywhere. Back in 2013 and 2014, there was a real Ryan in my business circles, but I haven’t heard anything about him since 2015, maybe 2016. So now, “Ryan” has become shorthand for the marketers and coaches (usually men) who have that “it’s so easy, why aren’t you making a million already?” attitude.

These hustle bros fall into a few clear stereotypes. They tend to overpromise and underdeliver, focus solely on numbers and dollars, and never talk about what happens after the sale — like, is the buyer actually getting the outcome they were promised? Usually, everything’s about self-gain.

And while I’m definitely not anti-men (hello, male fiancé!), it’s just that this group in business is particularly memorable because of their style and approach. If someone doesn’t fit the stereotype, it’s obviously not about them!

The Problem With Hustle Culture

This Ryan subculture in online business frustrates and disappoints me. I wish it wasn’t such a strong force in the industry, but it is — and it’s given the rest of us (especially those teaching honest marketing and business strategy) a tough time. So many people get lured in, spend big money, and end up disappointed. Often, their very first experiences in online business are with a “Ryan,” and it’s easy to assume, “Everyone must be like that.”

Well, I’ve heard plenty of horror stories — my own, my business besties’ experiences, and the stories clients bring me. That can make you question if you even want to be part of this industry.

Swimming Upstream…But Persisting

Honestly, at times I felt like I was swimming upstream against this powerful hustle culture. It was wiping out potential-filled businesses, especially those run by women and marginalised people. These folks weren’t just getting bad advice — some were barely getting any strategy at all. Things like: “Just give away fifty free coaching sessions a month and use this sales script. The more you go, the more you’ll sell.” Not so helpful.

Many internalised those failures, thinking, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for business.” That stung because MY mission is all about getting money and economic power into the hands of women and marginalised people. Yet the “Ryan’s” most successful clients were usually other Ryan-types — those who could stomach and use those aggressive sales tactics.

From Doubt to Motivation: A Major Shift

For a while, these horror stories drained me. I felt like, “Why bother?” How could I compete? But over time, things changed. Instead of letting it zap my energy or make me question my place, I started using it as motivation.

When I hear those stories now, they actually fire me up! Here’s the truth: the more I show up and offer a real alternative, the less these disappointing experiences will happen for others. Every client I work with learns about consent-based marketing, and their clients see that difference. This ripple effect starts changing the whole industry.

And here’s something amazing — people are becoming more discerning. I hear from folks who push back in sales calls, who unsubscribe quickly from spammy mailing lists. Someone even told me, “If you need to use emotional and psychological trickery to make a sale, you’re not actually good at sales!” YES. The tide is truly starting to turn, and that motivates me to keep showing up.

The Myth of Overnight Success

Another big thing that used to trip me up? Those supposedly spectacular client success stories. The Ryans are always showing off overnight successes and massive launches. I really wanted those results for my own clients, so I started doubting myself. Should my clients be working with Ryan instead?

But with time — and more inside info — I realised most of those stories aren’t the full picture. I’ve heard of “poster child” clients spending $155,000 on ads for a $100,000 launch, just to get featured and grow their own audience. Some even fake their testimonials to get platformed by these big-name coaches.

Now, I share client results in context. I break down the actual strategies that got those outcomes. Sure, someone quadrupled their income after working with me, but I’m careful not to claim everyone will magically do the same. Transparency matters.

The Reality Behind Testimonials

Here’s a wild one: A coach claimed their client had a million-dollar month after working together — but it turned out the client had sold their house, not made the money from their business! Or stories of AI tools teaching people to fake Stripe dashboards for testimonials — it’s wild out there.

That’s why I’m much less swayed by flashy results and far more motivated to show up authentically and serve my audience the best I know how. If you ever feel wobbly in your own delivery because of these “best of the best” results, remember: those are cherry-picked top 1-2% stories, not the average.

Your Motivation To Show Up

If seeing Ryan-types flaunting shiny results makes you lose confidence, bring that reaction into consciousness! You don’t know what resources those clients had, or what went into achieving those results. Instead, focus on serving more clients, building your own experience, and delivering real outcomes. That’s how you strengthen your confidence — not by endlessly comparing yourself or thinking you’re missing something.

Changing The Industry, Together

One of my biggest motivations is wanting to change how this industry feels and operates — making consent-based marketing the norm. Showing up consistently and role modelling this approach will transform things for everyone. So now, horror stories aren’t reasons to hide; they’re fuel for showing up with more energy and impact.

For years, I had a post-it on my desk: “If you don’t show up, Ryan will.” That’s my core motivation now. By refusing to shrink in response to these negative experiences, I’m making things better, teaching better, and helping others do the same.

Your Day 4 #Tashmas Gift!

If you know your sales skills need some work, and you’d like to attract and convert more clients with consent-based marketing and sales strategies, you’re going to want to grab my Skyrocket Sales course.  

If you comment SALES in the comments of my Day 4 #Tashmas post over on my page, you’ll get it for just $50 AUD, saving yourself a tidy 66% off the regular price.  

Find out more about the course and see if it’s for you at: tashcorbin.com/skyrocket 
If you’re keen, get your discount coupon by commenting SALES on the Day 4 #Tashmas post on my page: facebook.com/tashcorbincoaching 
Offer closes on 31st December 2025.

Until next time, I cannot WAIT to see you SHINE.