Guest: Graham Youtsey
WHY.os: Simplify – Challenge – Contribute
Graham Youtsey is a former commercial banker turned business coach who helps entrepreneurs simplify their lives and run better companies. With years of leadership experience, a passion for endurance racing, and a straight-shooting attitude, Graham now co-leads Legacy Leader with his wife, Janelle. Together, they coach business owners on how to build strong companies and live meaningful personal lives. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just talk about hard things—he actually does them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How simplifying your approach can help you lead with clarity and confidence
- Why working on your personal life at the same time as your business matters more than you think
- What it means to challenge the status quo without losing your integrity
Listen now to hear how Graham went from burnt-out banker to purpose-driven coach—and how his mindset might be exactly what you need to hear today.
Connect with Graham!
www.legacy-leader.com
LinkedIn
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Watch Full Episode Here!
00:00 – Introduction to the WHY of Simplify
01:26 – Meet Graham Youtsey: Leader, Athlete, Coach
03:12 – Natural Born Leader with a Unifying Presence
06:25 – How: Challenge the Status Quo
10:16 – Pushing Limits Through Endurance and Adventure
15:36 – From Banker to Business Builder
19:24 – Reinventing Through Real Estate and Janitorial Work
22:54 – Coaching Entrepreneurs with a Holistic Approach
26:09 – Why Business and Personal Life Are Interconnected
30:49 – Legacy Leader: Building Impact That Lasts
Listen to the Podcast
From Banker to Legacy Builder: How Graham Youtsey Helps Entrepreneurs Simplify, Lead, and Actually Enjoy Life Again
Let’s be honest—business ownership can be messy. Some days you feel like a boss. Other days you wonder if anyone noticed you ate chips for dinner… again. That’s exactly why this episode of Beyond Your WHY with guest Graham Youtsey hits home. Graham isn’t just another coach with a shiny framework—he’s a guy who spent almost 20 years in commercial banking, got called out by his wife for being crabby (relatable), and decided to completely flip the script on how he lived and led.
Now, Graham co-runs Legacy Leader, a coaching company that helps entrepreneurs build businesses they’re proud of without burning out. Alongside his wife Janelle (who, by the way, ran a facilities company across six states—so she knows her stuff), Graham coaches founders who’ve seen success but feel like something’s still off. If you’ve ever built the dream business only to feel totally drained at home, this episode will speak to you louder than your inbox at 8am on a Monday.
Simplify to Amplify: Why Less Really Is More
Graham’s “why” is simplify—and you feel it in every story he shares. Whether it’s questioning why bankers need to wear suits on fishing boats (because, yeah… fish guts), or choosing to coach through clarity instead of complexity, Graham believes that reducing the noise is what makes people actually move forward.
“Let’s simplify this,” he said. “If there’s a complicated way to do it and a straight line—I’m going to find the straight line.”
And he’s not just talking about spreadsheets. Simplifying applies to leadership, team building, and even relationships. In fact, Graham shared that when people finally break down the personal walls they’ve built—especially in business masterminds—the results are way bigger than anything a new strategy could offer. He doesn’t just teach business owners how to grow revenue. He helps them figure out how to show up as the kind of leader their team wants to follow.
Challenge the Rules (Even If It Gets You in Trouble)
Graham’s “how” is challenge—and not in a burn-it-all-down kind of way. It’s more like: “Wait, why are we doing it this way?” He’s the kind of leader who isn’t afraid to break with tradition if the tradition makes zero sense. Like the time he wore boots and polos instead of suits at the bank—and then got the entire dress code changed because it made more sense for the job. Practical rebellion? Yes, please.
“You give Graham a box,” he joked, “and I’m going to look at it, tilt my head, and walk the other way.”
This same mindset is why Graham’s obsessed with endurance sports and Spartan races. They give him a challenge to chase, something to train for, and a reason to stay consistent. But it’s more than physical grit. The discipline and mindset from those races carry over into business and life. He talks openly about how signing up for a race keeps him on track with workouts, quiet time, and routines—something a lot of leaders struggle to maintain when life gets chaotic.
Business Isn’t Separate from Life—It Is Your Life
This might be the heart of the entire episode: Graham’s belief that business and personal life aren’t two separate things. They’re deeply connected. At his masterminds, most of the “business owners” bring personal challenges to the table. Like strained relationships with their spouse or kids. Or loneliness. Or a quiet feeling of being stuck even though things look successful from the outside.
“If we can solve some of those personal problems, the business will take care of itself,” he said.
And he means it. He and Janelle create spaces where leaders can stop pretending they’ve got it all figured out. Where crying at a mastermind isn’t just okay—it’s part of the process. Graham’s also big on legacy—what leaders are really leaving behind. For some, it’s wealth. For others, it’s impact. Either way, the goal isn’t just more money—it’s meaning. And he helps people define what that looks like without trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
Graham Youtsey is the real deal. He’s not flashy. He’s not trying to sell a magic formula. He just believes that leading well starts with living well—and that too many business owners are suffering in silence while chasing numbers. If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a better way to do this,” this episode proves that there is.
Want to hear how Graham made the leap, how he handles challenges, and how he helps others build something that actually feels good to run?
Learn more about Graham!

Graham is an energetic leader whose success extends beyond business to the finish line as an endurance athlete. Passionate about health and fitness, Graham helps entrepreneurs achieve their best health and incorporate fun back into their lives. A reformed commercial banker, Graham jumped at the rare opportunity to be part of the very 1st Ziglar global certified coaches. He uses his experience in finance, strong personal communication, and the Birkman Assessment to help entrepreneurs build successful lives. Graham is an expert at building teams and guiding business owners through successful business transitions.
Janelle and Graham are a dynamic duo in both life and business, blending decades of entrepreneurial wisdom and life experiences with a profound commitment to help others foster significant, balanced, and joy-filled lives.
Together they founded Legacy Leader – a leadership development company, to help you build lasting influence, align your life with your true calling, and achieve success without compromising your personal happiness. Tune into their YouTube channel for inspiration and actionable strategies to take your leadership and life to the next level.
Dr. Donese Worden is a trailblazing physician and researcher who bridges conventional and integrative medicine. With decades of experience, she specializes in innovative cancer treatments, metabolic therapies, and patient advocacy. Known for her no-nonsense approach and passion for educating others, Dr. Worden is changing the way people think about health and healing. In this episode, she shares her practical advice and groundbreaking insights into modern medicine. What you can expect when you tune in:
If you want straight answers and real solutions for better health, don’t miss this episode. Listen now!
Connect with Donese!