The Conscious Edge Podcast: Redefining Wealth as a Whole Human Experience

Take the Conscious Business Alignment Assessment Discover what's holding your business back and where to focus next to grow with clarity and confidence.

Take the Conscious Business Alignment Assessment Discover what's holding your business back and where to focus next to grow with clarity and confidence.

Take the Conscious Business Alignment Assessment Discover what's holding your business back and where to focus next to grow with clarity and confidence.

Elevate your leadership, your impact, and your results. Begin with the Conscious Business Alignment Assessment: www.consciousedge.com/assessment Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/075 Did you know 65% of businesses fail within the first 10 years? I don't want you to be part of that statistic. In this episode, I'm talking about what it really takes to build a business that goes the distance. It's not just about making money.  It's about leadership, alignment, and the financial habits that keep your business sustainable and fulfilling for the long haul.

Running a brick-and-mortar business often means choosing between growth and survival.  Do you hire the team you need or expand into the space your business deserves?  In this episode, I sit down with my client Katie Kim, a visionary developer and educator who has made it her mission to change that story. Katie shares how she helps entrepreneurs leverage real estate not just as a place to operate, but as a powerful tool for adding income streams, unlocking hidden incentives, and creating long-term wealth—even beyond the day you exit your business. Having closed her first deal at just 15, she's spent decades making real estate development more accessible for business owners. Her work is deeply purpose-driven, answering her own calling to help others use real estate as a foundation for growth, stability, and legacy.

Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep070 Working with your partner can be incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. In this episode, I sit down with my client, coach, and fellow entrepreneur Amanda Rockrohr, who helps couples navigate the unique dynamics of running a business together. She shares not only what it takes to thrive in business with your partner, but also the powerful shifts she's made in the last year through coaching.

Strengthen your leadership skills and navigate tough conversations with confidence. Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep068 As entrepreneurs, one of the hardest leadership skills to master is holding people accountable, especially when you value kindness and worry about coming across as “mean.” In this episode, Jonathan Dugger and I unpack compassionate accountability and how to use it to improve team performance, build trust, and address conflict without burning bridges. You'll learn how to stay grounded in your values, manage your emotions before a tough conversation, and create a workplace culture where both kindness and results thrive.

Want to feel more confident in who you're lending your money to? Start with the right questions. Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep067 I'm Alecia St. Germain, founder of The Conscious Edge and host of this podcast. If you're using private lending to grow your wealth, you need to know this: even savvy investors can fall for a polished pitch. In this episode, I talk with Melissa Palmer, former federal agent and behavioral scientist, who now dedicates her work to protecting investors from fraud and fuzzy facts.  After losing a significant sum in a deal gone sideways, she used her investigative training and firsthand experience to build a safer system for evaluating lending opportunities. This is a must-listen if you're handing over cash and want to do it with confidence.

Want to create sustainable wealth without sacrificing peace of mind? Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep066 I'm Alecia St. Germain, founder of The Conscious Edge and host of this podcast. If you caught last week's episode on mid-year money check-ins, you know I've been thinking a lot about the mindset behind our financial decisions. So I invited Whitney Elkins-Hutten to join me and take that conversation even further. Whitney helps high-income earners and business owners transform their active income into long-term, passive wealth. In this episode, she shares how to shift from reactive decisions to a proactive, aligned investment strategy, especially in unpredictable markets. If you're a woman building wealth through business or real estate, this conversation will help you play smarter, not just harder.

Now's the time to pause, assess, and realign your financial goals for the second half of the year. Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep065 We're halfway through the year and if things aren't going the way you planned financially, this episode will be a breath of fresh clarity. Alecia walks you through her mid-year budget review, shares where mindset derailed revenue goals, and highlights why cutting costs isn't always the answer. You'll learn how your spending and earning patterns often mirror your beliefs and how to take back control without sacrificing your vision.

Secure Your Spot in the Next Masterclass - Financial Basics for Business Owners: What You Need to Know to Build a Healthy Financial Framework for Your Business with Jenn Baas  Get full show notes and the 7 Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty at www.consciousedge.com/ep054 Uncertainty. It's the thing nobody wants but every entrepreneur will face. In this episode, Jonathan Dugger and I cracked open what really happens when the ground shifts beneath our feet—and how to rise, not retreat. We talked about why freezing up (aka playing it safe) feels like the default, and how to flip the script so you can lead, grow, and invest with clarity—even when the future feels foggy. If the market feels shaky or life is throwing curveballs, take a breath. You were built for this. And there's so much growth waiting on the other side.

Secure Your Spot in the Next Masterclass - Financial Basics for Business Owners: What You Need to Know to Build a Healthy Financial Framework for Your Business with Jenn Baas  Get full show notes at www.consciousedge.com/ep053 In this episode, I sit down with the amazing Zen Jenn (aka Jenn Baas) to talk about the real stuff that doesn't get enough airtime—like how to actually manage your money as a real estate investor without flying blind or feeling stuck in feast-or-famine mode.

If you're feeling stuck, I invite you to reach out to me! Let's hop on a call. We'll go through what your vision is, what big assumptions you might be making that are holding you back, and how I can support you in moving forward.  You deserve to operate from a place of joy and fulfillment… place that's totally aligned with who you are and what you want in the world. I'm here to help, my love! Grab your Free Edge Strategy Session Here: www.consciousedge.com/schedule   Get full show notes at  www.consciousedge.com/ep052   If you've ever felt stuck waiting for the "perfect" moment to take action in your business or personal growth, this episode is for you. This is a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what a year of podcasting and business has taught Jonathan and me. Spoiler: growth doesn't come from planning—it comes from doing. We share the messy lessons, the wins, the pivots, and why finding the right people to walk with you changes everything.

If you're feeling stuck, I invite you to reach out to me! Let's hop on a Journey Mapping call. In this call, we'll go through what your vision is, what big assumptions you might be making that are holding you back, and how I can support you in moving forward.  You deserve to operate from a place of joy and fulfillment… place that's totally aligned with who you are and what you want in the world. I'm here to help, my love! www.consciousedge.com/schedule   Get full show notes at  www.consciousedge.com/ep050   In today's solo episode, Why Some People Build a Business and Create Wealth Reading Books While Others Can't, I'm diving deep into a pattern I see all the time. Why is it that some people can read a book, immediately take action, and build incredible success while others get stuck, frustrated, and never move forward? We'll talk about the real reason this happens, what role mindset and internal blocks play, and how you can finally break through and step fully into the success you're meant for. The summary:  Some people expect books and programs to deliver a “secret sauce” but success often depends on how you apply the information. Business fundamentals are simple; the "magic" is in how you act on them, not in constantly chasing new methods. Inner resistance, fear, and unconscious beliefs ("your big assumptions") often block you from taking action. It's not that the strategy or tool is broken, it's that fears of failure, rejection, judgment, or success itself can sabotage execution. Coaches and mentors share their methods openly, but it's up to individuals to overcome their personal mindset challenges. True success demands taking personal responsibility rather than blaming coaches, strategies, or external circumstances. Entrepreneurship requires becoming the kind of person who can hold bigger success, not just knowing the steps. Knowledge is easy to access. Real growth comes from doing the inner work to align your mindset with your goals. Looking for additional support?  Learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: This is a year-long coaching program for women business owners and real estate investors who don't need more strategy and suspect they themselves are the biggest obstacle in the way.    Disclaimer Connect with Us: Send questions and feedback to hello@consciousedge.com or DM @aleciastg on Instagram.

Secure Your Spot in the next Masterclass - Financial Basics for Business Owners: What You Need to Know to Build a Healthy Financial Framework for Your Business with Jenn Baas hosted by The Conscious Edge Get full show notes at  www.consciousedge.com/ep049  Resources: The Journey from Compliance-based Bookkeeping to Powerful Finance-driven Business Decisions with Accountant Jenn Baas If you've ever wondered whether you need a bookkeeper, an accountant, a CFO, or a CPA, or even what the difference is between all of them, this conversation is going to bring so much clarity. Jenn breaks it all down with such ease, and we even dive into the role you need to play as the CEO of your business when it comes to your numbers. Spoiler alert: it's not about doing it all yourself, it's about building the right team and knowing enough to make powerful, informed decisions. Financial Team Building Info:  Differences Between Financial Roles: Definitions and distinctions between bookkeepers, accountants, CPAs, and CFOs. What they do and when you need each one. When and How to Hire Financial Help: Hear how to know when it's the right time to bring in help and how to check if they're doing a good job. What a Business Owner's Role Really Is: Alecia and Jenn discuss how being the CEO means being connected to your numbers. You don't need to be doing it yourself, but not abdicating responsibility either. Common Mistakes and Fixes: Examples of miscategorized expenses, bad data transfers, and how to catch mistakes (like reviewing P&L detail reports). The Power of Understanding Your Financials: Shifting from a reactive to a proactive financial mindset, Hear how knowing your numbers supports intentional decision-making. Red Flags in Bookkeeping: What to look for when hiring and evaluating bookkeepers, including the importance of referrals and having some oversight. The Myth of the One-Person Financial Unicorn: Why it's unrealistic to expect one person to do everything well, and how assembling the right team is key.  Access to Jenn's Expertise: Announcement of a live workshop with Jenn on May 20th to help business owners better understand their financials and ask questions directly. Looking for additional support?  Learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: This is a year-long coaching program for women business owners and real estate investors who don't need more strategy and suspect they themselves are the biggest obstacle in the way.    Disclaimer Connect with Us: Send questions and feedback to hello@consciousedge.com or DM @aleciastg on Instagram.

In this episode I'm sharing the powerful story of how a 30-minute car ride in 2017 led to the birth of The Conscious Edge. It included flow, decision-making, and trusting the process when creating something meaningful. I'm sharing the exact moment I named my business, how everything effortlessly aligned, and the lessons I learned about making decisions with clarity and confidence. If you've ever struggled with overthinking or second-guessing, this episode is for you. Key Points of Emphasis: The Difference Between Struggle & Flow – Business decisions can feel like trudging through mud or they can fall into place effortlessly. Understanding why makes all the difference. The Power of Setting Time Limits – "You will take as much time as you give yourself" when making decisions. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, create it. How The Conscious Edge Was Named – On a 30-minute car ride, I asked for guidance and decided that before I pulled into my garage, I would have a name for my business. Trusting the Process – When we commit to moving forward, opportunities open up in ways we can't always explain, but we must take the next step when they do. Overcoming Roadblocks with Possibility Thinking – Instead of letting obstacles (like an unavailable domain name) stop you, ask, "What else is possible?" The Intersection of Science & Spirituality – The Conscious Edge is a place where modern science and ancient wisdom meet to create transformation. Taking Action on Inspired Ideas – If you don't act on an idea, it will find someone else who will. Move forward with confidence. Most People Quit Too Soon – Success isn't about never facing challenges; it's about tweaking your approach instead of starting over every time things get difficult.  Disclaimer Connect with Us: Send questions and feedback to hello@consciousedge.com or DM @aleciastg on Instagram.

Entrepreneurs tell me (over and over) they don't know how to market. With a bit more digging, together we realize that's not really the issue. They've built businesses, landed clients, and made money. What's really stopping them?  That's today's topic. I'm Alecia St. Germain and I'm joined by my co-host Jonathan Dubber and today we explore how marketing isn't about chasing the latest tactic but about alignment. It's connecting your values, your message, and your audience in a way that feels authentic.  Key Points Marketing isn't the problem. If you've successfully found clients, you already know how to market. The real issue is often about clarity, confidence, and consistency. The search for the “magic bullet” is a distraction. Entrepreneurs often chase the latest marketing trends when, in reality, timeless strategies like relationship-building and authentic messaging work best. Authenticity matters more than tactics. Aligning your marketing with your core values and beliefs builds trust and attracts the right audience. Consistency is key. Many business owners start marketing, get busy with clients, and then stop, leading to feast-or-famine cycles. Sustainable businesses keep marketing even when they're fully booked. Your messaging needs to resonate. It's not just about what you offer, it's about how you communicate the value in a way that connects with your audience's emotions and needs. Implement heart-aligned branding and marketing. Purpose drive intentions and your big picture why are the foundation of your messaging and everything expands from there.  Mindful marketing is the way forward. Rather than judging yourself when strategies don't work instantly, take a curious, data-driven approach and refine over time. What is your big assumption? What's stopping you from marketing is likely on the other side of your big assumption.  When you come to your work with a true desire to help organic marketing happens. People will share their results with others and market for you!  People feel supported. Heart-based marketing lets people know they are welcome and working with you is safe because you provide an encouraging and supportive space. Start with empathy and compassion. You can't market what you don't understand. Starting with your customers' needs and concerns first, will make all of your marketing efforts more effective. Busyness can keep you from being effective. Are you busy doing things that aren't sales producing? Are activities keeping you from making true connections that will lead to sales?

Sales. That word alone can bring discomfort, fear, even resistance. If you've ever felt uneasy about selling, worried about following up with potential clients, or struggled with the idea of sales feeling "pushy" or "sleazy," this episode is for you. I sat down with Jonathan Dugger to break down the biggest myths around selling and reframe it as aligned advocacy, a way to offer your services with integrity and confidence. We explore:  Why traditional sales tactics feel “icky” and how to shift your mindset The difference between buying which we like to do, and being sold which is usually uncomfortable How to sell in a way that feels aligned with your values and serves your clients The power of language and how small shifts can make selling easier and more natural The concept of advocacy related to sales and selling How to examine your big assumption about selling  Ways to eliminate the discomfort about sharing your offer hint: it's not about you The best way to end frustration in your sales process  How to attract the right customers instead of chasing leads that don't align The worthiness doubts about delivering what you sell and how it shows up when you are making an offer How to empower someone to make a good decision (for them) as part of your sales process If you have specific fears around selling, send me a DM on Instagram or email me and we will unpack those ideas for you on the podcast.

Hi, I'm Alecia St. Germain, joined by my co-host Jonathan Dugger. As the New Year approaches, we're diving into what makes resolutions stick or fall apart. If you've ever set a New Year's resolution only to watch it fizzle by February, you're not alone. If you are anti-resolution, or if you can't wait to make a fresh start to the year, this episode is for you. Here's to a mindful, intentional, and purpose-driven new year. Happy 2025! Resources:  Episode 6 - Why You Self-Sabotage Redefining Success Retreat 2025 (a couple of spots are still available!)  Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout. 

As the holiday season unfolds, we're diving into something we all experience but rarely discuss; those awkward moments when help is offered or gifts are exchanged, and we don't quite know how to respond. Welcome. I'm Alecia St. Germain and I'm joined by my co-host Jonathan Dugger and we're diving into why we can find it hard to receive with joy and what's actually behind the awkwardness.  Jonathan reminds us that giving and receiving isn't just related to gifts. We often relate the same types of responses when people offer help or even compliments. Receiving help or gifts can trigger unexpected discomfort.  We explore how societal conditioning often ties receiving to vulnerability or even weakness. Research reveals that being open to receiving can actually produce more joy than giving. It's about practicing receptiveness as a skill and reshaping how we perceive acts of generosity. It may seem awkward to work on your receiving muscles, but according to the research, the results are worth the effort.  Happy Holidays! Resources:  Episode 8: How to Know if You're Operating from Scarcity or Abundance  Episode 9: How Gratitude and Gratefulness Create Peacefulness  Join Us on the Retreat (a few spots left) Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout. 

Hi friends, Alecia St. Germain here, joined by my amazing co-host Jonathan Dugger. As the holiday season sweeps in with its dazzling lights and endless to-do lists, we wanted to share some heartfelt insights on navigating the season without losing yourself in the overwhelm.  One of the most powerful shifts we can make is being intentional about how we label our experiences. As Jonathan points out, we often misuse words like “overwhelmed” when what we're really feeling is stressed, inconvenienced, or even just busy. Recognizing this difference can help us stay grounded and avoid spiraling into emotional overload. We can set ourselves up to exaggerate our circumstances when we use charged language. The holidays can trigger a range of complex emotions. It can bring joy, nostalgia, grief, and even guilt. It's crucial to acknowledge these feelings without judgment. For many of us, it brings feelings of dissonance or disconnection from how we think we should feel.  We can set ourselves up for failure if we don't own how we're feeling in a positive way. Jonathan shares how losing his dad changed his family's holiday traditions and how embracing new ways of celebrating has helped ease that sense of loss. Sometimes, holiday traditions can feel more like obligations than sources of joy. There's often over-compensation to buy gifts, host parties, send out cards and more to make up for lost time or a lack of connection throughout the year.  Jonathan and I discussed how reevaluating and simplifying holiday customs can make space for genuine connection. My family decided to spread celebrations over several weekends, giving us time to relax and truly enjoy each gathering. It's okay to focus on what really matters today. What is an important part of your tradition that you can do in a new way? The ability to slow down and find what works for you and your family. Your holidays don't have to conform to someone else's idea or to an outdated tradition that isn't attainable anymore.  Jonathan shared a story about a friend who found comfort simply by visiting an ice-skating rink, soaking up the joy of strangers. Sometimes, when joy feels distant, borrowing it from the world around us can be a beautiful act of self-care. The holidays don't have to be picture-perfect. They can be imperfectly beautiful, filled with intentional moments of connection, gratitude, and even quiet reflection. Let's rewrite the narrative this season—letting go of outdated expectations and embracing what truly matters. We'd love to hear what resonated with you. Connect with me on Instagram and share your takeaways. We're sending you love and light this holiday season.  Resources:  Episode 3 - What to do When You're Feeling Overwhelmed  Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown Sending you love and be well! Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout. 

Welcome back to The Conscious Edge Podcast, where we dive deep into creating wealth and well-being from a whole human experience. I'm your host, Alecia St. Germain, joined by my incredible co-host, Jonathan Dugger. This week, we explored the transformative power of intention-setting, a practice that goes beyond goal setting to align your life and business with what truly matters to you. If you've been experiencing burnout from chasing rigid goals or disconnected from your purpose, this episode is for you. Together, Jonathan and I unpacked the benefits of setting intentions and actionable tips to help you harness this powerful practice. Sending you love and be well! Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout. 

Rethinking Goals: Finding Joy and Purpose Beyond the Checklist Hey love, Jonathan is back with me today and as we were getting ready to record, I couldn't help but reflect on how often goals—those shiny, specific, time-bound targets we're told to set—end up feeling like something that's holding us back instead of moving us forward.  Goals have value, but if you put so much weight on them that you judge yourself by their completion, they can be demotivating.  Jonathan shares that we've been told if it's not specific, measurable, and time-bound, it's useless. But that's not true. We also overlook our changing desires and focus as it relates to our goals. He shared that dreaming big has become outdated or is sometimes treated as a joke. Dreams and intentions are what drive us forward.  This struck a chord with me. How often do we box ourselves in, believing success means rigidly hitting targets, even when they don't feel aligned with who we are or what we want? We used the wellness wheel to talk about examples of a goal-setting process.  Jonathan shared a personal story about his journey with meditation, a perfect metaphor for how we can reframe our goals. During a graduate school workshop, he studied with Buddhist monks who taught traditional stillness meditation. It didn't take long for him to realize he was in big trouble.  Jonathan tried hard to clear his mind, sit perfectly still, and follow the rules. By the final exam—a 45-minute stillness practice—he thought he had finally succeeded. But when the monk tapped him on the forehead, signaling the end of the session, he grinned and said, “You were still, but not in here,” pointing to his mind. The lesson? Meditation doesn't have to look one way. For Jonathan, it's a walk among trees, the wind through an open car window, or savoring a good meal. “You have to find what works for you,” he said. That freedom, that permission to adapt, was life changing. It's a lesson we can all take into how we approach goals. Sending you so much love. Be well. Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout. 

Hi, I'm Alecia St. Germain, host of The Conscious Edge podcast, where we dive into the art of aligning purpose and prosperity while keeping joy at the forefront of the entrepreneurial journey. This week, I'm reflecting on powerful lessons from a recent retreat and how they relate to the challenges many of us face when stepping into the next level of our purpose. At the retreat, I witnessed a transformative breakthrough. A participant identified her “one thing” — the singular focus that could make all her other goals easier to achieve. The clarity she gained led her to take immediate action, and in no time, a huge opportunity landed in her lap. But here's the catch: big opportunities often come with a wave of imposter syndrome.   As I told her, “Opportunity doesn't come when you're ready. It calls you to get ready when it shows up”. This truth has been a constant in my life, and learning to embrace it has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.   Imposter syndrome can sneak in, especially when opportunities feel “too big” for us. But instead of succumbing to self-doubt, we can lean into preparation and trust in our character. For me, preparation isn't just about researching or practicing; it's about showing up as the person I need to be for the opportunity.   One of the most liberating lessons I've learned is to stop waiting for perfection before moving forward. The key is to say yes and trust yourself to prepare as you go. This mindset has unlocked my ability to create, innovate, and serve at a higher level.   As Jonathan and I prepare for our February retreat, we're embracing this approach fully. Instead of over-planning every detail, we're allowing flexibility to tailor the experience to the needs of our attendees.   Ultimately, every step of the journey shapes who we become. Whether it's identifying your next focus, overcoming self-doubt, or aligning with your deeper purpose, each moment prepares you for the opportunities ahead.   As you consider what's next for you, ask yourself:   What's the one thing that could accelerate your goals?   Who do you need to be to embrace your next opportunity?   How can you prepare while staying true to your purpose?   The answers may surprise you, but they'll undoubtedly lead to growth. If this resonates with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts. And if you're curious about the retreat we're hosting in February, you can get more info here.  Resources:  Retreat Waitlist Sending you love and be well! Connect with Us: If you have ideas for topics you'd like us to cover, please email them to hello@consciousedge.com. Follow Alecia on Instagram for Bits of Joyful Inspiration Connect with Alecia on LinkedIn Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn Check out Jonathan Wellness Advocacy  Disclaimer You can learn more about The Exponential Entrepreneur: my personal development group coaching program for established women entrepreneurs who deeply desire to confidently lead their businesses to increased impact and financial growth without burnout.