Ep. 238 - Working With Your Spouse Without Competing with Jason and Elizabeth Settle
Links
Biblical Counseling - https://www.settledco.com/counseling
Freedom Coaching - https://www.settledco.com/coaching
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What happens when two strong leaders try to work side-by-side—inside marriage and business? In this candid and refreshingly honest conversation, Robert and Kay Lee Fukui sit down with Jason and Elizabeth Settle, co-founders of Settled Co., to unpack what it really takes for married couples to collaborate without competing. From early power struggles and identity clashes to learning how to celebrate each other’s strengths, this episode speaks directly to high-achieving couples who want to win together, not against each other.
Jason and Elizabeth share their personal journey of moving from competition to partnership, highlighting how identity, self-esteem, and misplaced priorities can quietly sabotage both marriage and work. They explore why so many driven couples wrestle with power struggles, how healing individual identity creates a healthier “we,” and why trying to change your spouse rarely works. Their insights offer hope to couples who have tried—and failed—to work together before.
The conversation also dives into a topic many entrepreneurs neglect: fun. From separating business meetings from date nights to understanding how joy, laughter, and emotional safety directly impact performance, creativity, and connection, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. If you’re building a business while protecting your marriage, this episode will challenge how you think about identity, productivity, and the role of joy in thriving—together.
Key Takeaways
Power struggles are often identity struggles. Healthy collaboration starts when each spouse is secure in who they are—strong “me’s” create a strong “we.”
Competition kills partnership. Learning to celebrate each other’s strengths instead of resenting them transforms both marriage and work.
Your spouse is not your project. Real growth begins when you stop trying to change your partner and focus on personal responsibility and self-control.
Work can’t replace relationship. When affirmation, validation, or joy come solely from work, marriage inevitably suffers.
Fun is not optional—it’s strategic. Laughter, joy, and shared experiences build emotional connection, reduce pressure, and improve performance.
Separate business from romance. Dedicated business meetings and protected date nights help couples stay connected without blurring boundaries.
Joy fuels resilience. In seasons of uncertainty or financial pressure, intentionally choosing fun helps couples stay emotionally connected and grounded.
Love rejoices in truth. Focusing on what’s right about your spouse—not keeping score—puts wind in your sails as a couple.
Bio
Jason Settle
Jason is a highly respected educator, counselor, and consultant, recognized for his profound influence and dedication to empowering others. With a rich and diverse background in education and counseling, Jason delivers actionable guidance and strategic insights that enable individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.
A dynamic leader and compelling communicator, Jason believes that true success begins with a person’s self-perception. His approach, shaped by his studies in Dr. John Townsend’s Organizational Leadership Master’s program at Concordia University, emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and transformative leadership. Jason fosters an environment of innovation and continuous improvement, inspiring those he works with to push beyond their limits and discover new possibilities.
As a leader and Biblical counselor, Jason excels in both group and individual settings, offering powerful coaching that promotes freedom and personal development. His expertise enables clients to make meaningful changes in their daily lives and positively influence those around them.
Whether in the classroom, one-on-one counseling, or consulting roles, Jason remains committed to making a lasting impact. His unwavering support, paired with his wealth of experience, ensures that those he serves are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to thrive.
Elizabeth Settle
Elizabeth Settle is a dynamic speaker, dedicated community builder, pastor, and freedom counselor with a passion for helping individuals and communities embrace their true identity and live in freedom. With a heart for guiding others to hear God's voice and experience personal transformation, she blends practical wisdom with deep spiritual insight.
As a pastor, she nurtures vibrant, faith-filled communities, and as a freedom counselor, she walks alongside those seeking healing and wholeness. As a multilingual educator and writer,
Elizabeth has developed content in both English and Spanish, reaching wide audiences and contributing to organizations like Gateway Publishing, Docent Research Group, and Prestonwood Curriculums. Whether writing resources, speaking to large audiences, or working one-on-one, Elizabeth is committed to empowering others to thrive in their purpose and live authentically.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Texas State University and is recognized for her strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and collaborative leadership.
Elizabeth is currently serving as a Pastor of Christian Education and Discipleship at Gateway Church.
Want to live a better balanced life and win in marriage AND business at the same time? Purchase our (audio) book Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance. https://www.thetandembook.com/
Download the 5 Daily Habits to Thrive in Tandem https://marriedentrepreneur.co/5-daily-habits-download
Need some insight into how to balance it all? Schedule a free discovery call. https://marriedentrepreneur.co/lets-talk
