Freedom First: Designing a Business That Serves Your Life (Not the Other Way Around) with Eelco de Boer and Joe Polish

In this episode of the Joe Polish Show, Eelco de Boer shares his journey from pioneering online business in the Netherlands to embracing a global, freedom-first lifestyle. With insights on culture, Entrepreneurship, and conscious decision-making, Eelco challenges what it really means to be successful.

Here’s a glance at what you’ll discover in this episode: 

•  Why “freedom” is the real reason most people become Entrepreneurs — and how to reclaim it once your business becomes your prison
• Eelco’s radical formula for designing a life-first business (and the surprising definition of freedom that changed everything for him)
• “I felt More American than Dutch”: How one infomercial in a New York hotel room sparked a global SaaS empire in Europe
• The Truth About European Markets: Why being “average” in America gets you ignored — but in the Netherlands, it can make you a millionaire
• The single decision that changed Eelco’s business life forever
• What most Americans get wrong about Entrepreneurship (and what Europeans can teach us about balance, relationships, and “doing nothing”)
• Why Eelco built his entire business around "white space"—and how this counterintuitive strategy made him more creative, connected, and calm
• The overlooked ROI of decision fatigue — and how wearing the same $10 shirt helped Eelco run a cleaner, freer, more profitable life
• “Carry On Living”: The minimalist mindset shift that let Eelco trade clutter for clarity—and made the world his home
• How a Genius Network event and Joel Weldon’s story inspired Eelco’s 9-year-old son to give up sugar cold turkey — and change his life
• Want your kid to thrive? Eelco’s unexpected parenting philosophy that changed everything for his family (and why your business events might be the best school)
• From Selling $7 PDFs to Running a 20-Year Payment Platform: The underground history of Dutch direct marketing (as written by one man)
• The hidden cost of calling something your “purpose” — and the liberating truth Eelco learned by walking away from what once defined him
• How to Scale WITHOUT Sacrificing Your Soul: The European strategy for growing 10X while living in full alignment
• How committing to 10 years of Genius Network (instead of chasing quick wins) transformed Eelco’s mindset, friendships, and future
• Why “making the tough decisions” is the ultimate shortcut to a simpler, better, more scalable life
• The most important question Eelco asks before saying yes to any opportunity (and why it will save you years of regret)
• Why the people who appear most certain are often the most lost — and the quote that keeps Eelco grounded in a world gone mad
• How Eelco helps Entrepreneurs avoid the trap of “becoming what they do” — and return to who they really are

If you’d like to join world-renowned Entrepreneurs at the next Genius Network® Event – then apply today for your invitation to attend at https://geniusnetwork.com.

Global Perception vs. Local Reality

• Media vs. experience: Eelco shares how most people around the world are warm and kind—regardless of how their countries are portrayed.
• Branding gone wrong: A small number of corrupt leaders and media-driven narratives often distort public perception.
• Cultural myth-busting: The stereotype that Americans are “kind but fake” is challenged by Eelco’s 20 years of experience with open, authentic Americans.

Entrepreneurs: Inspired or Insane?

• Two camps: International Entrepreneurs either see America as “batshit crazy” or deeply inspiring.
• White House mindset: The Entrepreneurial spirit in U.S. leadership is energizing for some, alarming for others.
• Eelco’s view: With an eye on innovation, he sees opportunity—despite the chaos.

Freedom as the Ultimate Goal

• Business vs. life: Most Entrepreneurs start for freedom—but lose it in the grind.
• Eelco’s mission: Help Entrepreneurs realign their business around who they are, not just what they do.
• Defining freedom: Time, finances, relationships—all come back to authenticity and alignment.

America’s Marketing Superpower

• 2005 wake-up call: Eelco’s first U.S. trip introduced him to infomercials and direct response marketing—nonexistent in the Netherlands.
• Market opportunity: He replicated ClickBank with PayPro, then launched Enormail as Europe’s answer to autoresponders.
• First-mover advantage: For nearly a decade, Eelco had no competition in the Dutch digital product space.

Living a “Carry-On Lifestyle”

• Minimalism in action: Eelco owns very little—same shirts, few books, light travel.
• Global citizen mindset: He doesn’t go “home”—he goes to wherever he is next.
• Mental clarity: Fewer possessions = fewer distractions = more presence and freedom.

Cultural Contrasts: U.S. vs. Netherlands

• Social interaction: Americans greet with openness (“How are you?”); Dutch culture tends to be more reserved.
• Communication style: Dutch people often see U.S. politeness as fake—Eelco sees it as opportunity.
• Simple exchanges (like in elevators) open doors that wouldn’t exist in Amsterdam.

Legalization, Drugs & Social Impact

• Controlled freedom: Legalized drugs and sex work in the Netherlands reduce harm and criminal activity.
• Contrast with U.S.: America’s drug laws exacerbate incarceration and addiction—especially among vulnerable populations.
• Decriminalization lesson: Removing taboos often decreases demand and risk.

The Power of Environment: Eelco’s Son’s Story

• Health transformation: After attending Genius Network, Eelco’s 9-year-old son decided to quit sugar—on his own.
• Role model effect: A brief encounter with Joel Marion’s sugar-free lifestyle sparked massive behavioral change.
• Long-term impact: Weeks later, his energy, mindset, and outlook have completely shifted.

The Decision-Making Advantage

• Thinking time: Inspired by Keith Cunningham, Eelco advocates for scheduled time to reflect and decide.
• Decision fatigue: Simplifying routines frees up mental space for better choices.
• Action tip: 20 minutes, 3x per week of device-free thinking time can radically shift your life.

Real Wealth = Lifestyle by Design

• Not just travel: Eelco isn’t chasing “passive income” for leisure—he’s building intentionally.
• Business alignment: The more a business reflects who you truly are, the greater your impact.
• Legacy mindset: Freedom isn’t about escape—it’s about creation.

Resources

Genius Network
Join the most connected group of high-level entrepreneurs in the world.
👉 geniusnetwork.com

PayPro
Eelco’s Dutch-based platform for digital payments (like ClickBank for Europe).
👉 paypro.nl (in Dutch)

Eelco de Boer – Official Website
For more on Eelco’s work, mindset, and mentorship.
👉 eelcodeboer.com

The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
A must-read for making smarter business decisions.
👉 Buy on Amazon

The Culture Code by Clotaire Rapaille
A fascinating look at how cultural values shape behavior and branding.
👉 Buy on Amazon

Dopamine Nation by Dr. Anna Lembke
Understand the science of addiction, cravings, and digital overwhelm.
👉 Buy on Amazon

How to Decide by Annie Duke
Decision-making frameworks from a professional poker player turned strategist.
👉 Buy on Amazon

The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Dr. Nasha Winters
A holistic guide for anyone facing illness or interested in prevention.
👉 Buy on Amazon