The Enneagram, Entrepreneurship, and the Fear We Don’t Talk About with Mike Pacchione

There’s something uniquely humbling about learning what drives you—especially when it’s not as flattering as you’d hoped.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Mike Pacchione, a seasoned public speaking coach whose journey with the Enneagram began not as a business strategy, but as a personal lifeline.  At a time when fear and anxiety were creeping into his life more than he’d like to admit, the Enneagram allowed him an approach for navigating fear, building empathy, and showing up more fully in every area of his life.

For Mike, the Enneagram wasn’t just another personality test—it was a mirror. One that helped him understand his anxiety, unpack what success really meant to him, and connect with others in a more authentic way.

Our conversation wasn’t just about personality types. It was about identity, fear, leadership, and what it really takes to thrive as an entrepreneur in a world that rewards hustle more than self-awareness.

Here are the takeaways that have stuck with me:

1. Self-awareness isn't a luxury—it's a leadership essential.
So many of us, especially creatives and entrepreneurs, feel the pressure to constantly perform, achieve, and prove. But if we're not aware of what's driving us, we risk building a life or business that doesn't actually serve us. Mike shared how the Enneagram helped him understand now just his strengths, but his shadow side—the habits and fears that were quietly sabotaging his peace and his presence.

When you know your patterns, you can catch them before they take over. That awareness changes everything—from how you show up for your clients to how you handle feedback, failure, and success.

2. You don't have to be a genius—just clear.
This line from Mike hit me hard: "Your job isn't to be a genius. It's to be clear." Especially for those of us who communicate for a living—whether on a stage, behind a camera, or in a sales call—clarity is more powerful than cleverness. The most impactful communications aren't the ones with the most impressive vocabulary. They're the ones who make their audience feel seen and understood. 

3. Your fear has a voice. Don't ignore it—listen to it.
As someone who's worked with high-level leaders and speakers, Mike sees this all the time: fear doesn't go away just because you've reached a certain level of success. It evolves. But instead of trying to silence it or push through it, he encourages us to get curious about it. What's it trying to protect you from? Where did it comes from? The more compassion you bring to your fear, the less power it has to derail you. 

4. Personality tools like the Enneagram aren't boxes—they're mirrors.
Mike was clear that the Enneagram isn't about labeling yourself and staying stuck there. It's about recognizing your tendencies and choosing how you want to respond. That's where the freedom is—not in being a "Type Whatever," but in understanding your story, your needs, and the way you show up under stress or in health. 

Whether you're an Enneagram skeptic or someone who already knows your type by heart, this episode is an invitation to pause and pay attention to what's going on under the surface. 

Because at the end of the day, our businesses only grow as much as we do. And that growth starts with understanding ourselves.

Want to listen to our entire conversation?
Check out this podcast episode on High, Low, and Unexpected 🎙️