As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Michelle Weger.
Michelle Weger is a bestselling author, international speaker, and the founder of Venture Creative Collective—a multimillion-dollar tech company that builds custom websites and automates businesses in a single day. Known for her bold efficiency, Michelle proves that you don’t have to hustle 24/7 to build something extraordinary—you just need systems, strategy, and the guts to start before you feel ready.
Michelle’s journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with narcolepsy, a neurological sleep disorder that could have easily derailed her dreams. Instead, it became her superpower. She built a business that works with her brain, not against it, and now uses her platform to help others do the same.
Her book, Don’t Snooze Your Dreams, shares the five-step DREAM method she developed to help people overcome fear, build resilience, and take action—no matter what life throws at them. It’s part memoir, part no-BS self-help, and all heart.
Michelle has spoken on stages across North America, been featured in national media, and is on a mission to speak on 100 stages in two years. She’s also a fierce advocate for invisible disabilities and service dog teams, always joined by her fawn Great Dane service dog, Quinn. Whether she’s building a website, giving a keynote, or guiding others in chasing their dreams, Michelle shows up with humor, honesty, and a deep belief that big dreams are worth chasing… especially the scary ones.
In this candid conversation, Michelle shares her journey, insights, and the strategies that have helped her build a results-driven business—and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.
What inspired you to become an entrepreneur, and what sparked the idea for your current business venture?
I didn’t dream of being an entrepreneur—I just couldn’t find a job that let me nap and be successful at work.
After getting diagnosed with narcolepsy, I knew I had to build a life that worked with my brain, not against it. That’s how Venture Creative Collective, my website development and automation company, was born: a business built on efficiency, results, and doing things in a day—because I don’t have time for slow.
What problem does your business solve, and how is it uniquely positioned in the market?
We solve the “I need a website or automation, but I don’t want it to drag on for months” problem. Most agencies take forever—we don’t. At Venture Creative Collective, we build custom websites and automate businesses in a single day. No fluff, no wasted time. It’s fast, high-impact, and perfect for people who want results yesterday.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
I was building a business while secretly falling asleep at my desk—literally. Narcolepsy was undiagnosed at the time, and I thought I was just lazy or broken. The biggest challenge wasn’t tech or strategy—it was self-doubt. I overcame it by getting curious instead of quitting, and by building systems that supported my energy, not someone else’s 9-to-5 fantasy. Instead of wallowing in what was harder for me than others, I put the focus on what I was better at than others.
How do you stay motivated during tough times or uncertain periods in your business journey?
I remember why I started. This business gave me back control when narcolepsy tried to take it away. Nothing that happens in the business will ever be worse than life without my business would be. When things get tough, I lean into small wins, take breaks with my Great Dane service dog, and remind myself: I’ve made it through 100% of my worst days so far. That’s a pretty good track record.
What daily habits or routines contribute most to your productivity and success as a founder?
I don’t do mornings. I structure my day around when my brain actually works—deep focus from 10 to 2, creative stuff later, and absolutely no meetings before 9 a.m. I also train like an athlete, take outside breaks with my service dog, and build systems so I don’t have to rely on willpower. Routine makes room for brilliance.
What’s been the most effective way for you to acquire new customers and grow your client base?
Being excellent and visible. Most of our clients come from referrals—because we deliver fast, high-quality work, and people love to talk about it. But visibility matters too, so I show up: on stages, in the media, and online. When people see you doing great work and living your values, they want in. Wouldn’t you?
How do you measure success—personally and professionally—in your business?
Let’s be real; making money matters. I bought my first house in cash in my 20s, running a business built from a laptop and a lot of grit. That’s success. But so is doing work where I am excited to work with clients I actually like, making an impact, and still having time for the people (and giant dog) I love.
What marketing or branding strategy has had the most impact on your business growth?
Owning my story; messy parts and all. I stopped pretending to be a “normal” entrepreneur and started showing up as a narcoleptic, dog-loving, fast-talking, systems-building CEO. That authenticity turned into a brand people remember—and trust. Because let’s be honest: perfectly polished is forgettable. Real gets results.
Can you share a mistake that taught you an important lesson in entrepreneurship?
I was scammed (twice!) for thousands of dollars in the early years of my business. I hired someone to make software that was outside of my skillset and they never finished the work. I was left with a useless shell. Trust your instincts, ask hard questions, and never confuse confidence with competence.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a first-time entrepreneur?
Perfection is a trap, and waiting until you “feel ready” is just fear in disguise. Take messy action, build systems early, and trust that clarity comes from doing… not just thinking. Oh, and sleep matters a lot for your long term health! (Says the girl with narcolepsy.)
How do you balance innovation and risk while making business decisions?
I take bold risks, but with backup plans. I’ll bet on big ideas, but I test fast, fail small, and always have systems to catch me. Innovation doesn’t mean chaos. It means being brave and prepared. That combo? It’s unstoppable. When trying something new, do not sacrifice the time or money needed to maintain the ‘cash cow’ you already have.
How do you build and maintain a strong team culture or work environment?
I don’t want a team I have to babysit. I hire smart, kind, take-ownership humans who get work done and make life easier—not harder. We move fast, we speak plainly, and we don’t do performative workplace nonsense.
What are the top 5 things you believe every entrepreneur needs to overcome self-doubt and build confidence?
I happened to write a book about exactly this: Don’t Snooze Your Dreams. Here are the Top 5 Things Every Entrepreneur Needs to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence — According to my DREAM Method:
D – Diagnose:
Self-doubt is often fear wearing a clever little disguise. Before you can overcome it, you have to figure out what’s really going on. Are you afraid of failing? Of being judged? Of actually succeeding? Get honest—clarity kills fear.
R – Role Model:
Find someone who’s done it their way—especially if their way looks a little like yours. Seeing someone else win makes your dream feel less impossible. And if they can do it? So can you.
E – Escalate:
Confidence isn’t something you find. It’s something you build. One small, brave step at a time. Make the call. Post the offer. Say the scary thing. Action silences the inner critic better than any pep talk.
A – Ally:
Don’t do this alone. You need people in your corner—friends, mentors, dog-shaped accountability buddies—who remind you who you are when you forget. Borrow their belief until yours kicks in.
M – Memorialize:
Track your wins. Every time you do something hard, write it down. Screenshot the testimonial. Celebrate out loud. Because when doubt creeps in (and it will), you need proof that you’re not just capable—you’re unstoppable.
If you could lead or inspire a global movement to make an impact, what would it be and why?
I’d lead a global movement to redefine what high performance really looks like; one that includes ambition and sustainability. I’ve built a multimillion-dollar business, written a bestselling book, and spoken on dozens of stages… all while living with narcolepsy. Not because I work 24/7, but because I work smart, systemize everything, and protect my energy like it’s my greatest asset—because it is. The world doesn’t need more hustle zombies. It needs more dreamers who actually finish what they start.
What’s a quote, motto, or philosophy that you live by as a business leader?
“Start before you feel ready. Confidence is a result, not a prerequisite.”
It’s the mindset that built my business, my book, and my brand. I’ve launched more things scared than I ever did certain—but action is what creates clarity, momentum, and trust in yourself. Waiting until you’re ready is just fear in a nicer outfit.
How can our readers or listeners connect with you and follow your journey online?
You can follow my journey (and my 140-pound service dog who steals the spotlight) on Instagram.
Or check out — you’ll find my book, more socials, speaking info, and maybe a few big dreams that’ll light a fire under yours.
