Start-Up Circle Success Stories
Success Stories
Since 2021, Realize Bradenton has offered the Start-Up Circle program, a free cohort-style learning experience for aspiring and newly established entrepreneurs. The program helps participants build a strong foundation, gain confidence, and take meaningful steps toward owning and growing a business.
Five years later, Start-Up Circle graduates are putting their ideas into action across our community. This series celebrates their journeys and gives you a closer look at the people, passion, and purpose behind their businesses.
Meet G. Orlando Pickens, founder of GO Approach Life
GO Approach Life is dedicated to helping adults achieve greater emotional wellness, personal growth, and life satisfaction through individual therapy, group counseling, and transformational retreat experiences.
Serving individuals ages 18 and older, the practice combines clinical expertise with experiential learning opportunities that promote self-discovery, resilience, and meaningful change.
Services include evidence-based psychotherapy, psychoeducational groups, and wellness retreats designed to support clients in overcoming challenges, strengthening coping skills, and creating healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Through a holistic and client-centered approach, the practice fosters healing, connection, and sustainable personal growth.
We asked Orlando to share more about the story behind his business, what he learned in the Start-Up Circle, and what he’s up to today. Here’s what he had to say…
Is there a story behind your business name?
Go Approach Life was inspired by the founder’s initials, “GO,” and a mission to help individuals approach life with greater intention, awareness, and purpose. An unexpected discovery was that combining “GO” with the first letters of Approach and Life creates the word GOAL, reflecting the practice’s commitment to helping clients identify meaningful goals, overcome obstacles, and move toward personal growth and lasting well-being.
Tell us about the biggest "ah-ha" moment you had during the Start-Up Circle...
The program itself helped me clarify my vision and translate it into concrete, achievable business goals. But my biggest “aha!” moment during the Start-up Circle program came from connecting with another licensed clinician who shared alternative ways to structure and grow a therapy practice.
What's one piece of advice from the program that you find yourself using every day?
I would have to say it’s the importance of setting clear, actionable goals that create direction, accountability, and consistent progress.
Who is your ‘ideal customer’ and how do you want them to feel when they interact with your brand/business?
The ideal client is an adult navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, spiritual concerns, or feeling stuck, who is ready to engage in meaningful personal growth and self-exploration. When interacting with the practice, clients should feel seen, heard, understood, and supported in finding clarity, direction, and a path forward.
Where can people connect with you now?
You can currently connect with Go Approach Life through my website, GoApproachLife.com. This fall, in collaboration with The Zen Barn Bradenton, Go Approach Life will be hosting a special series called Journey Through the Senses, designed to promote mental wellness, self-exploration, and personal growth.