“I Woke Up in a Hotel Room and Didn’t Know Where I Was” — What Do You See When You Look in the Mirror?

Hire Yourself Podcast with Pete Gilfillan

When you look in the mirror, do you see someone truly happy? Someone in control of their life, time, and destiny?

In this powerful episode, Pete Gilfillan shares a deeply personal story about his own mirror moment—the night he realized his high-paying corporate career was costing him everything that mattered. From endless travel to missing family milestones, Pete faced the truth: success on paper meant nothing without control, balance, and fulfillment. That realization pushed him to walk away from corporate life and build a business—and a life—on his own terms.

Now, he helps other executives do the same through franchise ownership.

In this episode, Pete discusses:

1. The Mirror Test
How asking yourself hard questions about happiness, time, and control can reveal if you’re truly fulfilled—or just surviving.

2. The Wake-Up Moment
Pete’s personal story of sitting in a hotel room, lost in the grind, and realizing he wasn’t living the life he wanted.

3. The Cost of Corporate Success
The hidden price executives pay in health, family time, and personal freedom when they chase the next promotion instead of purpose.

4. The Power of Ownership
Why entrepreneurship—especially through franchising—gives you control over your destiny, schedule, and income.

5. Life on Your Terms
How franchise ownership can help you reclaim your time, your family, and your sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Climbing the corporate ladder can come at the cost of your freedom and happiness.
• Real success starts when you take control of your time, wealth, and life direction.
• Your “mirror moment” can be the start of your transformation.
• Franchising offers a proven path to entrepreneurship—with structure and support.
• The best time to take back your life is now.

“Your mirror doesn’t lie. If you don’t like what you see—it’s time to change the reflection.” — Pete Gilfillan

CONNECT WITH PETE GILFILLAN:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petegilfillan/
🌐 Website: https://www.hireyourself.com/

CONNECT WITH HIRE YOURSELF PODCAST:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hire-yourself-podcast/id1472038217
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eTKOLjuUWbf7BRtGtp6dP?si=eb2f7b38bd884804
▶️ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@hireyourself7642
📅 Meet with Pete: https://go.hireyourself.com/gilfillan?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=IR