On the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Evan Marks, the founder of M1 Performance, and let me just say, this one went deep.

Evan’s not your typical coach. He’s a mental performance specialist who’s disrupting the hustle-obsessed leadership culture by helping high-performing execs and founders rewire their mindset, literally. We talked about what it means to build a mental operating system that supports sustainable performance, longevity, and actual fulfillment. That hit hard.

I loved how he framed emotions as data, not drama, and how we can use that information to create intentional behavioral changes that support our goals. We dug into neuroplasticity, the myth of “positive thinking,” and why repetition and reps are everything. He said something that stuck with me: “Behavior changes before feelings.” That was a mic-drop moment. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll start when I feel ready,” this episode is your wake-up call.

And as much as we love tech and automation around here, Evan reminded me that the biggest system we need to optimize is ourselves. Our mind, our health, and how we show up every single day. We talked about default reactions, creating space between stimulus and response, and why slowing down is actually the fastest way to accelerate growth. Powerful stuff.

Connect with Evan Marks on LinkedIn or check out M1 Performance if you're ready to level up from the inside out. Trust me, this is not about motivation posters or morning routines. This is science-backed strategy for founders and leaders who want to actually perform at the level they're aiming for.