Building a life together is one thing; building an empire is another. In this episode of the Date Your Wife podcast, hosts Garrett J and Danielle K. White, welcome Chris and Aleyna from Grove Capital, a powerhouse couple whose journey from humble beginnings to significant business success is inspiring and profoundly revealing. Chris and Aleyna share a candid look into their life, business, and the personal challenges of balancing ambition and family. Their story is a testament to the grit, resilience, and intense commitment it takes to grow as partners and business co-founders. They've faced industry pivots, economic downturns, and personal sacrifices—all while staying connected as a couple.
Chris and Aleyna's insights will inspire you if you've ever wondered how power couples build empires and stay strong through chaos. Their story reveals that a thriving partnership doesn't just happen by accident; it's built through intentionality, teamwork, and a willingness to confront the dark and light moments.
The Drive and Determination Behind Power Couples
Chris and Aleyna's relationship started differently than most. They were clear about what they wanted from day one, bringing a no-nonsense approach to their ambitions and partnership. When they first met, Chris recalls laying it all on the line: "I'm a workaholic… if you don't want that, then I'm not the guy for you." Looking for a partner who could match her drive, Aleyna was drawn to this level of clarity and commitment. Both had faced financial hardships in their backgrounds—Chris coming from a small Midwestern town where his family struggled with credit card debt, and Aleyna raised by a single mother who emigrated to the U.S. Their shared experiences with adversity became the foundation of their relationship, and their drive to never go back to that life.
Their journey from ambitious individuals to a powerful, unified force is a lesson in intentionality. They knew they wanted more than a marriage; they wanted a true partnership. Chris describes this vision as something they manifested early on: "We said power couple from day one. I'm not joking." This commitment to building an empire together became the core of their relationship and continues to drive them forward, even through the darker moments. Chris and Aleyna's story underscores that it starts with clear, aligned goals for anyone wondering how power couples build empires and stay strong.
The Dark Side of Building an Empire
Success rarely comes without struggle, and Chris and Aleyna are no exception. The last few years have tested their business in ways they never anticipated. Shifting from residential to commercial real estate, they faced an industry downturn that saw 80% of their competitors lose everything. "We pivot like no other," Chris explains. But their story isn't just about economic survival—it's also about the emotional cost of constant change and high stakes. Power couples building empires often confront external and internal challenges; Chris and Aleyna's journey is a clear example.
Their decision to diversify wasn't just a business move; it was a lifeline. Chris acknowledges the darker side of this process: "There's a dark power you have to have to pull that off." It's a power built on facing fears of failure, managing the responsibility of their team's livelihood, and continually finding the energy to reinvent themselves and their company.
For Chris, this means having the kind of resilience that doesn't allow quitting as an option. When faced with adversity, his immediate response is, "Get out. I don't quit." But that relentless drive comes with challenges. Chris describes the grueling internal battles, the pressure, and the need to show up as a leader even when things feel uncertain. He acknowledges that how power couples build empires and stay intense demands a sharp business mind and a willingness to confront and adapt to the dark, difficult moments that come with creating something substantial.
Balancing Love, Family, and Ambition
One of the most compelling aspects of Chris and Aleyna's story is how they balance the intensity of their professional lives with the intimacy of their marriage. They emphasize the importance of drawing boundaries between work and personal roles, a lesson they learned through trial and error. Aleyna recounts times when she had to remind Chris, "I'm your wife, not your business partner right now." This distinction is crucial, especially as they navigate the high-stakes world of finance.
Outside the office, Chris and Aleyna prioritize family above all. They make time for school drop-offs, attend their kids' events, and build intentional moments of connection. "Even that 15-minute drive to school is just time to connect," Chris shares. These small, consistent efforts help bridge the gap between their hectic work schedules and maintain their bond as a couple and as parents. For anyone curious about how power couples build empires and stay strong through chaos, Chris and Aleyna's focus on balance and boundaries is a lesson in keeping love alive amid ambition.
Mindset and Morning Routines: The Foundation of Their Success
Discipline and routine play a significant role in how power couples build empires. Chris and Aleyna's mornings are a structured blend of workouts, gratitude practices, and what they call "frequencies." For them, mindset isn't just a practice; it's a way of life. Chris describes it as "who we are… we don't need to flip into it anymore." Every day starts with gratitude and a conscious focus on self-improvement, which grounds them for whatever challenges the day may bring.
This commitment to mental and physical well-being is crucial for maintaining the energy and resilience required to lead a high-stakes business. Aleyna explains that her gratitude helps her stay grounded, while Chris focuses on building resilience through physical workouts and meditation. Together, they have created a foundation supporting their personal and professional lives. It's a testament to how power couples build empires and stay strong by grounding themselves in daily practices, reinforcing their vision and strength.
Constant Growth and Mutual Accountability
Perhaps the most unique element of Chris and Aleyna's relationship is their commitment to pushing each other toward growth. From calling each other out on their fitness routines to holding each other accountable in business, they refuse to let one another slack off. Chris believes that "if you don't push your partner, you grow apart." This mindset keeps them focused and united in their vision, ensuring that they stay aligned as they move forward.
Beyond holding each other accountable, Chris and Aleyna are deeply committed to raising their children with the same values. They teach their kids to respect the things they have and emphasize the importance of hard work. Their family philosophy is one of gratitude, mutual respect, and constant growth—a testament to their journey from humble beginnings to building an empire and staying strong through chaos.
Chris and Aleyna's story reveals that behind every successful couple is a foundation built on shared values, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to each other. Building an empire as a power couple isn't for the faint of heart. It's a journey filled with sacrifices, dark moments, and hard decisions. However, Chris and Aleyna's openness to these struggles offers a refreshing perspective on a world that often highlights only the glossy parts of success.
If there's one thing to take away from their story, it's that actual power couples don't just happen. They're made through adversity, intentional growth, and a deep commitment to building something greater than themselves. Their journey showcases how power couples build empires and stay strong through chaos, turning their relationship into a powerful force for growth, resilience, and shared vision.
Want to learn more about how power couples build empires and stay strong through chaos? Listen to the entire conversation with Chris and Aleyna on the Date Your Wife podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or watch the episode on YouTube. And make sure to check out last week's blog post, How Radical Honesty Saved Our Marriage: From Breaking Point to Breakthrough, to explore how Garrett and Danielle navigated their transformation journey.
Building a successful life together is challenging, but anything is possible with the right mindset and partner. Don't miss this episode—it might inspire you to take your relationship to the next level. Listen now!
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