Entrepreneurs often have more at stake than the average couple when their marriage falters—financially, emotionally, and even in terms of their business’s survival1. That’s what might have happened to Marie Forleo—dubbed the “thought leader for the next generation” by Oprah Winfrey—had she not invested in her relationship.
Forleo, founder of MarieTV and the MarieForleo.com brand, chose to attend a Getting the Love You Want workshop, created by Imago Therapy founders Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt, with her husband Josh. She credits this experience as pivotal—not just for their marriage, but for their shared success.
What the Imago Weekend Workshop Is Like
Marie admits they might not be where they are today had they not gone through the workshop—twice. In her interview with Dr. Hendrix and Dr. Hunt, she described being “blown away” by the Imago Intentional Dialogue, a structured communication process where one partner shares while the other listens and mirrors back, without interruption, excuses, or interpretation2.
“Why don’t they teach this in schools?!” Forleo exclaimed.
Helen LaKelly Hunt responded with an insight: society rewards speaking, debating, and asserting ideas—but undervalues listening3. Imago’s intentional listening process teaches couples to slow down, listen deeply, and create safety before problem-solving. Research shows that this skill reduces conflict escalation and increases empathy between partners4.
Why Communication Skills Matter More for Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurial couples often face:
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High stress from unpredictable income, business risks, and long work hours
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Blurred work-life boundaries, leading to less quality time together
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Public pressure, where personal brand and partnership are intertwined5
When communication breaks down, these pressures can amplify marital dissatisfaction and even spill into business performance6. The ability to address relationship strain quickly isn’t just good for love—it can protect the business itself.
Marriage and Communication Success
Studies on Imago Therapy show that its structured, empathy-focused dialogues can improve marital satisfaction and emotional regulation7. For high-pressure couples like Marie and Josh, these skills likely helped them navigate challenges without the emotional spillover that can derail both marriage and mission.
Key Takeaways
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Entrepreneurs have more at stake—marital breakdown can harm both love and livelihood.
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Marie Forleo credits Imago Therapy with helping her marriage thrive, even under business pressures.
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Listening is as important as speaking—structured dialogues foster empathy and reduce defensiveness.
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Imago Therapy has research support for increasing marital satisfaction and emotional connection.
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Action matters—relationship skills can be learned and applied immediately, with lasting results.
Sources
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Foley, S., & Powell, G. N. (1997). Reconceptualizing Work–Family Conflict for Business/Professional Women. Academy of Management Review, 22(2), 428–456. ↩
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Hendrix, H., & Hunt, H. L. (2008). Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples. St. Martin’s Griffin. ↩
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LaKelly Hunt, H., & Hendrix, H. (2013). Making Marriage Simple: Ten Truths for Changing the Relationship You Have into the One You Want. Crown Publishing Group. ↩
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Ripoll-Núñez, K. J., & Rodríguez, M. S. (2018). Communication Patterns in Conflict and Relationship Satisfaction: A Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(8), 1093–1116. ↩
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Fitzgerald, M. A., Winter, M., Miller, N. J., & Paul, J. (2001). Adjustment Strategies in the Family Business: Implications of Gender and Management Role. Journal of Family and Economic Issues, 22, 265–291. ↩
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Powell, G. N., & Eddleston, K. A. (2013). Linking Family-to-Business Enrichment and Support to Entrepreneurial Success: Do Female and Male Entrepreneurs Experience Equal Benefits? Journal of Business Venturing, 28(2), 261–280. ↩
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Negash, S., & Morgan, M. L. (2016). Couple Therapy With Intercultural Couples: A Case Study Using Imago Relationship Therapy. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 15(1), 34–50. ↩
