Podcasts about business decisions

What do you do when something in your business is still making money, still getting attention, and still looks like a success from the outside… but deep down, you know it's no longer the right fit for where you're headed?In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of one of the hardest business decisions I've made recently: retiring the STR Virtual Summit for Women.On paper, it was working. But the more I looked at what my audience actually needed, the more I realized the summit wasn't the best vehicle to help women in this industry create real momentum. It was delivering a ton of information—but not enough implementation. And if you've ever bought a course, joined a summit, or downloaded the freebie only to never fully use it… you know exactly what I mean.In this episode, I'm sharing:why I chose to walk away from something that looked successful from the outsidehow I knew it was time to stop offering more information and start creating more implementationthe three questions I've been using to evaluate whether something in my business still deserves a placewhat it looks like to strategically prune offers, projects, or commitments that are pulling focus from your bigger goalshow I'm rebuilding the STR Sisterhood around a simpler, more actionable model with monthly challenges, focused trainings, and live supportI'm also sharing the thought process behind the new pricing model and why I intentionally wanted the most hands-on, implementation-focused option to be the easiest one to say yes to.If you've been holding onto a property, a service, a marketing strategy, or even a business model that technically “works” but doesn't feel aligned anymore, this episode is for you. We're talking about how to make smart pivots, clear out what's no longer serving your next level, and build a business that actually supports the life you want to live—not just one that looks good on paper.HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:[00:01] My decision to retire the STR Virtual Summit for Women and embrace a new direction for serving the community[01:21] Why courageous pivots require letting go of what no longer serves your mission[02:23] I share the real reason behind my decision to retire the STR Virtual Summit for Women, and it comes back to the women I created it for[03:31] The difficult realization that the biggest barrier was never a lack of information—it was the ability to actually implement what was being learned [04:22] The concept of Strategic Pruning as the lesson I want listeners to carry with them beyond this episode[05:34] My three questions for identifying what to eliminate and refocusing your business priorities [06:04] My vision for rebuilding the STR Sisterhood into a year-round community focused on action, connection, and meaningful growth [07:16] I share the boundary I'm putting in place as I reshape the STR Sisterhood and my commitment to creating a hands-on STR Sisterhood experience for women [08:49] My reassurance that the STR Sisterhood community remains open while my deeper support shifts toward women ready to take action Golden Nuggets:“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”“Having to pivot does not mean you have failed; it means you're paying attention. Real failure isn't changing course. Real failure is staying loyal to something that has quietly stopped working just because you're afraid of what people will think if you let it go.”“Letting go of something good, so something better has room to grow, has a name. It's called Strategic Pruning, and it's one of the hardest disciplines there is for a high achieving woman to practice.”“A good thing that pulls your focus is more dangerous than a bad thing you could easily walk away from.”“Pruning what you love is not failing, it is how you make room for what comes next.”Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything you're "supposed" to do in your business—creating content, growing your audience, chasing the algorithm—but something still feels off? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the biggest business decision she made this year and why it completely changed the direction of her business. Instead of focusing on creating more content, she made the intentional decision to build community—and it has led to more opportunities, stronger relationships, speaking engagements, partnerships, and meaningful business growth. Michelle takes you behind the scenes of why she's investing in local businesses, hosting Coffee & Connections, organizing intimate networking dinners, and creating Connected & Paid Live. She explains why relationships have become her most valuable marketing strategy and why building a community will always outperform chasing followers. If you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or business owner wondering how to build a brand that lasts, this episode will challenge the way you think about marketing, networking, and business growth. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why building community is more valuable than creating endless content The biggest business decision Michelle made this year How relationships create opportunities that algorithms never can Why local community building has become part of Michelle's business strategy The difference between building an audience and building a community How networking events can become relationship accelerators Why saying "no" creates space for bigger opportunities How to build a business that aligns with your values instead of trends DM Michelle the word "COMMUNITY" on Instagram if this episode resonated with you and share what you're building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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What if the biggest thing influencing your pricing, growth, and business decisions has nothing to do with strategy? In Episode 359 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with growth strategist, certified business coach, Trauma of Money Certified Practitioner, and Imposter Syndrome Coach Practitioner Brittney Ashley to explore the hidden ways money trauma, scarcity, self-worth, and imposter syndrome can quietly shape the way entrepreneurs lead and grow. From sitting on proposals out of fear of charging too much to the invisible financial beliefs we inherit from childhood, Brittney reveals why some of our most important business decisions may be driven by stories we do not even realize we are carrying.Brittney also shares her journey from toxic workplaces and personal loss to building Creative Dynamics Virtual Services, a business designed around the belief that work should support your life, not consume it. Together, Kelly and Brittney explore the psychology behind undercharging, the anxiety entrepreneurs can feel around money, the shift from selling hours to delivering outcomes, and why understanding your own money story may be one of the most important steps you can take as a business owner. This is an honest and deeply relatable conversation about the emotional side of entrepreneurship and the question every business owner should be asking: Is money trauma making your business decisions?Key Takeaways:Money trauma can quietly influence pricing, spending, saving, and major business decisions without you realizing it.The money stories you inherit from childhood and family can continue shaping your behaviour as an entrepreneur.Imposter syndrome often shows up as hesitation, undercharging, overthinking, and questioning whether you are truly worth your price.Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is create enough space to reflect instead of constantly reacting.Undercharging is not always a pricing problem; it can be connected to people pleasing, self-worth, and fear of rejection.You do not have to make massive changes overnight; small, consistent increases in confidence and pricing can compound over time.Entrepreneurs need to shift their mindset from selling hours to delivering valuable outcomes and transformations.Building a successful business requires working on yourself as much as working on your strategy, systems, and operations.A business should be designed to support your life, not consume it or require you to be involved in every decision.Growth begins when you become curious about your own patterns and ask what is really driving the decisions behind your business.Get in Touch with Brittney AshleyConnect with Brittney on LinkedInListen to Breaking Norms, Building Dreams on SoundCloudVisit Creative Dynamics Virtual Services

The 30-Minute CEO Meeting That Clears Business Decisions

In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley shares a practical decision-making framework for choosing between competing business opportunities. Drawing from his own dilemma of hiring either a Director of E-commerce or a Director of HR, Josh outlines six key questions across two categories: assessing revenue creation, business leverage, and risk protection, then evaluating downside risk, upside potential, and feedback speed. He emphasizes that true business faith means disciplined, strategic action rather than blind risk-taking, helping entrepreneurs confidently prioritize the best opportunities over merely good ones.Bullet Points:Decision-making framework for evaluating business opportunitiesImportance of prioritizing between competing good, better, and best optionsRole of faith in business decisions as disciplined and strategic actionDilemma of hiring between a director of e-commerce and a director of HRImmediate vs. long-term impact of hiring decisions on business growthCore questions for assessing business opportunities: revenue generation, leverage, and risk protectionRisk and reward analysis: capped downside, upside potential, and feedback speedPersonal examples illustrating the decision-making framework in actionEmphasis on informed decision-making and strategic focusEncouragement to share insights with others in the entrepreneurial communityTimestamps:00:00:00 Introduction to the Decision FrameworkThe host introduces the challenge of choosing between good, better, and best opportunities and presents his decision-making framework.00:00:58 Host's Background and ExperienceJosh Hadley shares his background as a man of faith, family man, and successful e-commerce entrepreneur across multiple platforms.00:01:54 The Current Business DilemmaJosh explains his current challenge: choosing between hiring a Director of E-commerce or a Director of HR for his business.00:04:16 The Principle of Faith in Life and BusinessThe host discusses faith as a core principle, using personal examples like marriage and children to illustrate taking calculated leaps.00:07:19 Business Examples of Faith-Based DecisionsJosh relates the principle of faith to common business decisions like product launches, influencer marketing, and choosing sales channels.00:09:08 Decision Framework Part 1: The First Three QuestionsThe first part of the framework is introduced: Does it create revenue, create leverage, or protect the business downside?00:11:08 Applying Part 1 to the Director of E-commerce RoleThe host analyzes the Director of E-commerce position using the first three questions, concluding it checks all three boxes.00:12:50 Applying Part 1 to the Director of HR RoleThe Director of HR role is evaluated against the first three questions, showing it meets fewer criteria immediately.00:15:05 Decision Framework Part 2: The Final Three QuestionsThe second part of the framework is revealed: Is the downside capped, what is the upside, and is feedback fast?00:15:40 Applying Part 2 to Both RolesBoth the Director of E-commerce and Director of HR roles are compared using the second set of three questions.00:20:45 The Importance of Studied DecisionsFaith is defined as disciplined strategy and planning, not impulsive action, which this framework helps facilitate for business decisions.00:22:15 Case Study: Launching a Hero ProductA past example of choosing a higher-risk, higher-reward product launch that led to exponential growth for the business.00:24:05 Case Study: Expanding to TikTok ShopHow the framework helped prioritize TikTok Shop over other sales channels, leading to rapid success and viral growth.00:26:08 Case Study: Prioritizing ShopifyThe decision to focus on Shopify over other marketplaces by calculating its massive upside potential, which was quickly validated.00:27:28 Summary of the Six-Question FrameworkThe host recaps the complete two-part, six-question decision framework for choosing the best business opportunities and encourages listeners to apply it.Links and Mentions:Tools and Frameworks"Decision Framework Questions": "00:09:08""Second Decision Framework Questions": "00:15:05"Websites and Sales Channels"Amazon": "00:01:00""TikTok Shop": "00:01:00""Shopify": "00:01:00""Walmart": "00:01:00""Etsy": "00:01:00""eBay": "00:01:00"Concepts and Principles"Recruiting and HR Management": "00:03:13""Faith in Business": "00:04:16"Personal Experiences and Examples"Hero SKUs Launch": "00:22:56""TikTok Shop Success": "00:25:13""Shopify Launch": "00:26:08"Transcript:Josh Hadley 00:00:00  The most difficult choices in life and business are rarely decisions between good or bad opportunities. Rather. The most difficult choices are between good, better and best opportunities. Faith is not just a principle of saying yes to something and moving forward rather most often. Faith is a principle of being able to know what you're saying yes to, while also saying no to maybe five other things at the exact same time. To ensure that you are prioritizing the true right opportunity that is meant for you. Today, I'm going to share with you the decision framework that I utilize to choose between those good, better, and best options that sit in front of us on a daily basis as business owners. Welcome to the E-com Breakthrough Podcast, I'm Josh Hadley. I've scaled my own e-commerce brand from 0 to 8 figures, and I'm actively building towards nine figures in sales. This podcast is where I document that journey and share the systems, the strategies and the lessons learned in real time so that you can learn what actually matters and scale your own business.Josh Hadley 00:00:58  My name is Josh Hadley. First and foremost, I'm a man of faith. I am a husband to a beautiful wife, and I am also the father of four children. I have been selling in the e-commerce space for over a decade, doing over $20 million in revenue and selling multi millions on three different sales channels such as Amazon, TikTok, Shop and Shopify. And I am also the host of the number ...

Josh Gershonowicz, Chief Advocate of ShortList, helps leaders cut through the noise, challenge assumptions, and define what they actually need before making expensive decisions on their next agency of record.Most teams lack alignment. Too many voices. Not enough clarity.Josh brings clarity to your meetings so you can make the right decision(s) --- Joshua Gershonowicz built and sold a marketing agency. He spent years inside pitches, retainers, staffing plans, and agency-client relationships — and saw firsthand how difficult it actually is for companies to choose the right agency. That experience led him to launch ShortList. ShortList independently runs the agency selection process for companies. They own the decision end to end — clarifying what's needed, managing the search, structuring evaluation, and helping leadership make a confident final choice — entirely client-side. The work is human-led and AI-supported, leveraging technology to increase speed, structure, and signal throughout the process — delivering decision clarity faster and at a lower cost than traditional agency search models, without losing judgment or chemistry. Josh works primarily with founder-led and mid-market companies, and also support larger, high-stakes or procurement-led searches. Outside of ShortList, Josh invests in value-add and distressed real estate. It's a long-standing passion and an active focus — centered on creating value for investors, uncovering overlooked opportunities, and executing projects with real upside. Connect with Jon Dwoskin: Twitter: @jdwoskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.dwoskin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejondwoskinexperience/ Website: https://jondwoskin.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwoskin/ Email: jon@jondwoskin.com Get Jon's Book: The Think Big Movement: Grow your business big. Very Big! Connect with Josh Gershonowicz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gershonowicz    *E - explicit language may be used in this podcast.

Most entrepreneurs treat business problems as money problems. In this episode, Brian Thompson makes the case that they are almost always alignment problems, and that better decision-making starts not with tactics, but with mission, vision, and values. Brian shares the alignment framework he uses with entrepreneurs across industries to help them make decisions with more clarity, confidence, and purpose. If you have ever felt like your business decisions are harder than they should be, this episode will help you understand why, and what to do about it.   In this episode you will learn: Why most business problems are alignment problems, not money problems How to use mission, vision, and values as a foundation for better decision-making Why tactics like pricing, hiring, and structure should come after the foundation is clear How to think about money, energy, and ethics as the three pillars of a sustainable business strategy Why profit protects your mission and allows meaningful work to continue How to evaluate any business decision using your values as a filter What to do before you raise your prices, hire someone, or launch something new Better decision-making in business starts with a clear foundation. When mission, vision, and values are in place, the tactical questions, what to charge, when to hire, how to structure the business, become much easier to answer with confidence and alignment. This episode is especially relevant for service-based entrepreneurs, therapists, coaches, consultants, and creatives who are building businesses around meaningful work and want a framework that reflects their values as much as their goals.   Resources + Links Newsletter Sign Up Follow Brian Thompson Online: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Forbes Follow & review the podcast: on Spotify and Apple Podcasts   About Brian and the Mission Driven Business Podcast Brian Thompson, JD/CFP®, is a tax attorney and Certified Financial Planner® who specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who run mission-driven businesses. The Mission Driven Business podcast was born out of his passion for helping social entrepreneurs create businesses with purpose and profit. On the podcast, Brian talks with diverse entrepreneurs and the people who support them. Listeners hear stories of experiences, strength, and hope and get practical advice to help them build businesses that might just change the world, too.

In this episode, I share one of the hardest business decisions God has ever asked me to make—and the lessons it taught me about hearing His voice. If you've ever wondered, "Is this God or is it me?" you'll learn practical biblical filters for discerning God's direction, making wise business decisions, and growing in confident obedience as a Christian entrepreneur. __________________________________________________________

Do you feel like your business has too many offers and not enough focus? If you are a VA, OBM, or Done-For-You service provider who keeps adding services to attract more clients, this episode might change how you think about growth. Last week I paused a group program I had already built, and instead of spiraling, it felt easy. Why does adding more offers actually push clients away? When is letting something go a strategic win instead of a failure? And how do you take the emotion out of a hard business decision? I am sharing the exact question I asked myself, and why editing your business, not adding to it, is what creates real growth. In this episode:✨ Why adding more offers repels clients instead of attracting them✨ How to tell the difference between quitting and editing✨ The one question to ask before you keep or cut an offer✨ Why passive income falls flat without a solid foundation first✨ How to take the emotion out of a hard business decision 

This week, Brad and Dave discuss one of the easiest traps for independent creators to fall into: Outsourcing important business or creative decisions to reader polls. Audience feedback can be useful, but when creators ask readers to steer decisions about Patreon tiers, Kickstarter rewards, publishing strategy, or creative direction, they often get noisy, contradictory advice that can lead them away from their own best judgment. Topics covered in this episode include: Why readers are experts in consumption, not creation The danger of asking your audience to make business decisions for you Brad's cautionary tale from his early days as a newspaper designer Why negative comments carry more psychological weight than positive ones The difference between listening to readers and asking readers to decide Why feedback should be treated as a compass, not a steering wheel How polling readers can create factions and resentment among backers Why creators should rely first on their own instincts, goals, and judgment The value of seeking advice from trusted peers and experienced professionals Why no single expert — including ComicLab — should be treated as the only authority Dave's hierarchy of advice: Heart and mind first, peers and pros second, passive reader feedback third Erika Moen's thoughtful counterpoint about social-media assistants How a social-media assistant can protect creators from harassment, criticism, and burnout The difference between a social-media assistant as a partner versus a replacement Plans and possibilities for future live ComicLab events Dave's San Diego Comic-Con appearance at Booth 1228, including free ComicLab pins for listeners A listener question about “boomer humor” and whether it should be taken as an insult The difference between old-fashioned joke structure and out-of-touch subject matter Why traditional setup-and-punchline comedy still works How Reddit comments often reflect meme culture more than thoughtful criticism When repeated criticism might be worth filtering for a useful grain of truth Why creators should protect their confidence while staying open to thoughtful feedback You get great rewards when you join the ComicLab Community on Patreon$2 — Early access to episodes$5 — Submit a question for possible use on the show AND get the exclusive ProTips podcast. Plus $2-tier rewards.If you'd like a one-on-one consultation about your comic, book it now!Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. He is available for personal consultations. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive. He is the co-director of the comics documentary, Stripped.

According to the ACLU, state lawmakers have introduced more than 500 bills targeting LGBTQ people in the 2026 legislative session. Those policies have economic consequences. Today, we explore what's at stake for states with anti-LGBTQ laws and how companies are navigating a climate unfriendly to DEI policies. But first, the dollar's recent strength is not about investors fleeing to safety, and hotter-than-hoped-for inflation means a higher chance of an interest rate hike.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

According to the ACLU, state lawmakers have introduced more than 500 bills targeting LGBTQ people in the 2026 legislative session. Those policies have economic consequences. Today, we explore what's at stake for states with anti-LGBTQ laws and how companies are navigating a climate unfriendly to DEI policies. But first, the dollar's recent strength is not about investors fleeing to safety, and hotter-than-hoped-for inflation means a higher chance of an interest rate hike.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace Morning Report is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Stories from this episode:Investors love the U.S. dollar right now — just not for the traditional crisis reasonsHow anti-LGBTQ policies can affect business

Send us Fan MailThe Future of Wireless Connectivity: Insights from Christian RouffaertIn this episode of The Wireless Way, Christian Rouffaert, CEO of Teragence, shares his deep expertise on the evolving wireless landscape, especially around indoor connectivity, data-driven insights, and emerging technologies like 5G and beyond. Whether you're a tech advisor or a business leader, understanding these trends is crucial for staying ahead.Key Topics: How wireless networks are transforming with 5G, IoT, edge computing, and AI The importance of actionable network intelligence versus proxies and projectionsChallenges and solutions for indoor wireless in warehouses, theaters, and retailBuilding owner and real estate perspectives on connectivity as a value driverTools and data services Terigence offers for network planning, fault diagnosis, and digital twinsThe role of storytelling to simplify complex wireless concepts for non-technical stakeholdersFuture outlook: The growing need for indoor coverage and 3D modeling of buildingsThe fragmentation of the wireless supply landscape with private networks and diverse providersIn this episode:Christian's career journey from data centers to wireless and his approach to translating massive network data into actionable insightsThe challenges of indoor mobile connectivity and innovative ways to address themHow real estate development and retail chains are increasingly prioritizing connectivityThe importance of clear storytelling in technology—what it really means to improve network performanceExciting prospects: The transition towards AI-enabled, low-latency 6G networks Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode and Christian Rouffaert background 02:12 - Christian's unexpected career pivot and the importance of storytelling in tech 05:07 - Turning network data into actionable insights and customer outcomes 10:18 - Challenges in indoor wireless connectivity and how to address them 13:40 - The language barrier between technical providers and real estate developers 15:35 - Decision matrices to choose the right wireless solution for buildings 19:43 - Trends in indoor connectivity and the impact on real estate economics 22:11 - What Teragence offers: data products, digital twins, and consulting 26:40 - Use cases: theaters, hotels, retail, and hospitality 29:40 - Planning for private cellular networks in underserved areas 42:41 - The future of indoor connectivity: 6G and evolving architecture 45:17 - The importance of agility and adapting to rapid technological change 48:33 - Final thoughts on security, device sprawl, and AI's role 49:28 - Wrapping up and staying connectedResources & Links: Teragence Christian Rouffaert - LinkedInDigital Twin conceptThis episode offers a comprehensive look at the converging worlds of wireless technology, data, and real estate development. Christian's insights clarify why understanding and simplifying network data is more critical than ever—and how the industry will evolve in the coming years. Whether you're planning new indoor deployments or thinking about future network standards, there's a wisdom here for every technology architect and business leader.“This is The Wireless Way—where mobility, IoT, and innovation drive real business outcomes.” Support the showCheck out my website https://thewirelessway.net/ use the contact button to send request and feedback. 

Every business decision is doing one of two things. It's either building authority or destroying it.  In this episode, Jake breaks down five business decisions that are silently ruining personal brand authority. From the way you position your pricing and package your offers to the way prospects experience your sales process, onboarding, and client journey, these hidden decisions shape whether people trust you, value your expertise, and see you as the obvious choice.  Because personal branding is about far more than logos, colors, and social media presence. True authority is built throughout the entire customer journey. Every touchpoint either reinforces confidence or creates doubt.   Whether you're a coach, consultant, service provider, or entrepreneur building something meaningful, this conversation will challenge the way you think about personal branding. Because authority isn't something you claim. It's something people experience. And when every part of your business is aligned to reinforce trust, growth becomes a whole lot easier.  What You'll Learn: The five business decisions that quietly destroy personal brand authority How to strategically design premium offers that elevate perceived value and strengthen credibility The hidden mistakes that attract the wrong clients and repel the right ones The overlooked touchpoints that either reinforce or erode trust throughout the customer journey Practical ways to strengthen authority at every stage of your business Timestamps: (00:43) - Why Personal Branding Is More Than Logos, Content, and Social Media (05:08) - Pricing & Positioning Mistakes That Destroy Authority (06:22) - Why Premium Offers Build More Trust Than Hourly Services (12:26) - Too Many Offers = Less Authority (14:26) - The Signature Offer Framework That Builds Trust Faster (24:15) - Sales & Conversion Mistakes That Cost You Clients (33:39) - Brand Positioning and the Danger of Being a Generalist (40:59) - Operations, Onboarding, and Client Experience (41:34) - The Hidden Trust Leaks Creating Buyer's Remorse (48:58) - Final Challenge: Which Business Decision Is Costing You Authority? Are You Seen as a True Crowned Authority™ With Your Personal Brand? Take the Crowned Authority™Assessment | https://www.fordivine.com/assessment/  Connect with Jake: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jakehavron     YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxG3bKqLK_M_HZpOgiVrtng  More from Emily & FORDIVINE: Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/itsemily         Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/itsemilymethod    YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/ITSEMILYFORD  Called & Crowned Podcast | https://www.instagram.com/calledandcrowned/  FORDIVINE | https://www.fordivine.com/discover   

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The Shifting Focus Experience - https://john-bunn.com/the-shifting-focus-experience  For Jack and Alyssa of Film & Fable, it led to shooting 57 weddings in a single year, traveling nonstop, building a destination wedding brand, and eventually discovering what kind of business they actually wanted to build. In this episode of Shifting Focus, we dive into the real story behind Film & Fable. We talk about the early hustle years, finding their ideal clients, refining their brand, navigating life as new parents, charging higher prices with confidence, and learning that success isn't about saying yes to everything. It's about building a business that aligns with the life you want to live. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for wedding filmmakers, photographers, and creative entrepreneurs who are trying to find clarity in their business and create a brand that feels intentional. Connect with Jack & Alyssa Website: https://www.filmandfable.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filmandfableco  Join The Exposure Triangle https://theexposuretriangle.com/ 

Next time you have a great idea for the business, ask yourself this question: What Problem Does It Solve?—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I solve problems in your business and make you more money.  Guaranteed. For over a decade, I've been working with gym owners (via one-on-one consulting) to help create tailored solutions to solve their business problems, engineer the game plan and empower them to execute the strategy.Stop wishing your business problems are going to magically go away.  Invest in your business and let me solve your problems and optimize your business fast and efficiently. We'll work together daily/weekly, with a monthly call until the problem is solved and then I want you to fire me.  Because this is YOUR business, I'm just here to solve a specific problem and then get out of your way.⁠Learn more about what it's like for us to work together.⁠—-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to increase your business IQ by 100x for only $50? Get enrolled in Microgym University - the only online business school that teaches you the best practices and business frameworks from some of the most successful brands in our industry, and then lets you decide which ones to install in your business.New courses are added every month. ⁠⁠www.microgymuniversity.com⁠⁠ —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Need help leasing or buying a building?I created the Gym Real Estate Company so that gym owners had someone who could go beyond the duties of a typical real estate broker and actually advise them on business aspects as they relate to site selection, market location fit, operational capacity, facility layout, pre-sell marketing, and more.If you're looking for help with your next lease or if you want us to help you along the journey of buying a building -⁠ ⁠⁠⁠head over to www.gymrealestate.co and book a Discovery Call.⁠—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this episode, I'm talking about the power of the people you surround yourself with and why your circle can make or break your personal and professional growth. I'm sharing lessons from my own experiences hosting events, masterminds, and intimate gatherings, and how being intentional about your connections can set the tone for what you believe is possible.We dive into the importance of being around women who challenge you, inspire you and push you to rise beyond what feels comfortable. I break down practical ways to create these spaces, whether in-person or online, and how leaning on others' belief in you can help when self-doubt or overwhelm hits.Tune in to hear more about: • How I intentionally curate my circle to reflect the version of myself I want to become • Why showing up and making the first move is key to building meaningful connections • The ways I create opportunities to connect in person or virtually • How consistent support, mentorship, and shared energy amplify growth in both life and businessThis is for anyone ready to invest in relationships that elevate their energy and potential. I hope it inspires you to be intentional with your circle, lean on those who lift you and see how your life and business can transform when you surround yourself with the right people. My DM are open! Let me know what your biggest takeaway @alliarruda on IG!There are a few spots left at the Mentor Collective Mastermind:https://chrisharder.me/mentorBENCHMARK FITNESSLet's Connect!• INSPIRE + MOVE EVENTS• Instagram• Private Coaching• Website• Facebook• TikTok

⬥EPISODE NOTES⬥ At Infosecurity Europe 2026, Sean Martin sits down with Rik Ferguson, Vice President of Security Intelligence at Forescout, a day before Rik Ferguson takes the keynote stage with a deliberately provocative title: "Post-Quantum Cryptography Is a Way Off. We Can Wait, Can't We?" The honest answer, he says, is that waiting is a choice, and it is the wrong one. The threat is neither theoretical nor distant. Rik Ferguson walks through why the infrastructure for harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks already exists, pointing to Salt Typhoon, to BGP rerouting by unfriendly nations, and to intelligence agencies stockpiling encrypted data they cannot read yet but expect to read later. With NIST placing Q Day around 2035, Google pointing at 2029, and IBM's fault-tolerant Starling system slated for 2029, the distance between "someday" and "the hardware you purchase this year" has effectively closed. Sean Martin keeps steering the conversation back to the business. The parallel both of them keep returning to is Y2K, which became a non-event precisely because people did the work. The quantum question, Rik Ferguson argues, is not only about security or resilience, it is a budget and procurement question: which data has a long enough shelf life to still matter when it is finally decrypted? Pharmaceutical R&D, merger and acquisition strategy, sovereign debt positions, and legal negotiations all live under an assumed umbrella of privacy that encryption may not hold. The most unsettling point is what a harvest-now attack does to incident response. There is no time-bounding. Adversaries could have been collecting for a decade, and the first sign of trouble arrives only when the data is weaponized or made public, leaving the investigation disabled by chronology alone. Rik Ferguson closes with a message that reaches past cryptography itself: as attacks move toward autonomy, defense has to as well, which is why he wants the industry to move past Assume Breach and into Assume Autonomy. ⬥HOST⬥ Sean Martin, CISSP -- Co-Founder, ITSPmagazine & Studio C60 | Host, Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast & Music Evolves Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.com/ ⬥GUEST⬥ Rik Ferguson, Vice President of Security Intelligence, Forescout | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikferguson/ ⬥RESOURCES⬥ Infosecurity Europe 2026 is taking place June 2-4, 2026 | ExCeL London -- Follow our coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/infosecurity-europe-2026-infosec-london-cybersecurity-event-coverage The Future of Cybersecurity Newsletter | https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7108625890296614912/ Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | https://www.seanmartin.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast On Location | https://www.itspmagazine.com/on-location ⬥KEYWORDS⬥ sean martin, rik ferguson, infosecurity europe, post-quantum cryptography, pqc, harvest now decrypt later, hndl, q day, quantum computing, encryption, salt typhoon, quantum agility, crypto agility, post-quantum migration, procurement, on location, itspmagazine Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Business has a way of making everything feel urgent. A challenging conversation, an unexpected opportunity, a frustrating week, or a disappointing result can leave you feeling like you need to make a decision right away. Before you know it, you're questioning your direction, changing your plans, or committing to something simply because you want relief from the uncertainty.   In this episode, Monique explores why some of the biggest business decisions deserve a little more time, a few more questions, and a lot less pressure. You'll learn how to recognize the difference between urgency and importance, avoid making decisions based on one isolated experience, and build a decision-making process that helps you lead your business with greater confidence and intention.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:  Why giving yourself a little space before making a major decision can lead to better outcomes How to tell the difference between something that feels urgent and something that's actually important Why one experience shouldn't determine your entire business strategy How to recognize when you're making a decision to escape discomfort instead of solving the real problem The questions to ask yourself before making your next big business decision How to make thoughtful decisions without waiting for perfect certainty   Thank you so much for listening! If you liked this episode, please subscribe to "The Black to Business Podcast" and rate and review on Apple Podcasts:   Don't miss out on the resources mentioned in this episode by checking out the show notes at blacktobusiness.com/309   Thank you so much for listening! Please support us by simply rating and reviewing our podcast!   Connect with us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/blacktobusiness/    Don't miss an update! Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://blacktobusiness.com/mailinglist  

Making Bold Business Decisions When the Future Is Uncertain is covered in this Podcast***************************************Entrepreneurs are constantly forced to make big moves with incomplete information—whether it's selling a business, pivoting to a new model, or doubling down on a risky opportunity. In this conversation, Andrew Frazier and guest Adam Roach unpack how to recognize a true calling vs. a distraction, manage fear and uncertainty, and make courageous decisions that align with your values and long-term vision. You'll hear real-world stories of bold pivots, practical decision frameworks, and how faith, community, and wise counsel can help you move forward confidently when the path ahead isn't clear.Adam Roach is a coach, community builder, and former real estate franchise owner based in Charleston, South Carolina. A native of Indiana and former collegiate and aspiring professional tennis player, Adam began his career in the tennis business in Southern California before transitioning into real estate, where he owned three Keller Williams Realty franchises. Inspired by the legacy of his late father, an Olympic swim coach and influential mentor, Adam sold his franchises to pursue a higher calling: empowering coaches. He is the founder of the I Love Coaching community, now active on four continents, which supports coaches in building impactful businesses—from one-on-one practices to scalable, seven-figure brands—using his REAL Coach Method (Relevant, Experiential, Authentic Leaders), an acronym developed with leadership expert John Maxwell. A devoted husband and father of two tennis-playing teens, Adam integrates his faith, leadership values, and passion for personal growth into his work helping coaches change and serve millions of people worldwide.LinkedIn:   / adamrroach  Website: https://ilovecoachingco.com/

Text a question to Victoria!Do you dread looking at your financial statements? This conversation with Danielle Hayden might be the bit of encouragement you need to change your perspective. Danielle is the founder of Kickstart Accounting Inc. and brings 15+ years of finance experience to help six and seven-figure founders understand their numbers, feel confident making financial decisions, and build sustainable wealth.In this episode, Victoria and Danielle cover the four money personality types she sees most often in entrepreneurs and how understanding your money mindset can change how you run your business. They dive into the impact childhood experiences have on your present-day view of money, money myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck, and why relying on AI tools for financial planning can be problematic.If you've ever told yourself, “I'm just not good with numbers”, spend from a place of fear or lack, or simply avoid looking at your finances altogether, this conversation will inspire you to approach your numbers with clarity and confidence. Whether you're deep cleaning your house or sipping on a latte from your favorite local coffee shop, you'll leave this episode feeling empowered to know your numbers.Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Work With Kickstart AccountingFollow Kickstart on InstagramFollow Danielle on InstagramListen to Business By the Books PodcastFor show notes, head to www.thebrandingbusinessschool.com/thepodcast/Show notes for episodes 1-91 can be found at www.brandwelldesigns.com/thepodcast/Follow BrandWell on Instagram. Follow The Branding Business School on Instagram.Save on your first year of Honeybook using this link! Save 50% off your first year of Flodesk using this link! Get $30 off your first month of Nuuly using this link!Get up to $150 off your first box of Factor Meals using this link!

Brand isn't meant to start the fire — it's the accelerant. And you can't accelerate something that isn't already moving.By the time Giga came to Focus Lab, the fire was already burning. They had traction, product-market fit, and a proven model. What they didn't have was a way to package, position, and communicate what they'd built.In this episode of The Debrief, Focus Lab CEO Bill Kenney sits down with Sam Burns, Head of Marketing at Giga Energy, to relive the rebrand that helped a fast-moving manufacturing company build trust, attract top-tier talent, and scale into new markets — all without losing who they are.Tune in to hear:Why founder buy-in means more than just signing off on a logoThe case for slowing down, and why it's the hardest sell at a fast-moving companyThe downstream business impact of getting your brand rightHow to build a brand system that scales across your organizationIf you're a founder or B2B marketing leader trying to figure out when (and how) to invest in brand, this one's for you.---Episode Resources:Check out Giga EnergyGiga Energy x Focus Lab Case Study---Focus Lab is an established B2B brand agency that believes, without question, that the most successful companies are the ones who invest in branding. Focus Lab creates transformative B2B brands that resonate with their customers and stand out as industry leaders. Through a proven process and a shared commitment to create unforgettable experiences, we develop true partnerships that help B2B brands become their boldest, most original selves.Subscribe to our newsletterConnect with us on LinkedInSubscribe to our YouTube channelFollow us on Instagram

In this episode, I'm sharing a moment from a recent VIP call with a multiple seven-figure CEO where the room was full of smart people and big ideas, and you could feel the overthinking setting in. So I paused everything and asked her one question that brought instant clarity and simplified a two-hour conversation into a single aligned decision. I'm breaking down why the answer to scaling is almost never more, why copying someone else's success backfires when it isn't aligned with you, and the simple practice I keep coming back to for tuning out the noise and trusting what you already know.

In this episode of the Industry Spotlight, joining host Sam D'Arc are Aaron Zeigler, President of Zeigler Auto Group, and Johnny McKellar, who leads NationsGuard for Hendrick Automotive Group, to discuss why Zeigler is leaving its third-party warranty provider to stand up its own dealer-owned program, Zeigler Guard, and what Rick Hendrick himself says has been the single best decision in his 50 years in the car business. Rick Hendrick joins the conversation to explain how his dealer-owned warranty company became the financial reserve that let him avoid layoffs through COVID, recessions, and 20% interest rate cycles. Aaron and Johnny break down what it actually takes to transition a 41-location group onto a new program, why two groups that compete on paper chose to partner instead, and why Hendrick is selective about who gets access to this platform at all. Topics: 02:45 The Defining Moment For Zeigler. 04:10 Why Hendrick Started AutoGuard. 05:35 The Secret Sauce To Growth. 07:40 Controlling Your Own Destiny. 09:50 Three Times More Likely To Buy. 12:20 It's Your Program, Not Ours. 14:20 Why Hendrick Opened The Door. 16:00 We Won't Do This With Just Anyone. 17:30 The Best Thing We Ever Did. 18:30 When Business Partners Are Friends. 20:15 The 3-To-1 ROI On NASCAR. 23:30 The War Chest That Saves Dealers. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cdgcircles.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dealership recruiting ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgrecruiting.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fix your dealership's social media ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.trynomad.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgpartner.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Industry job board ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jobs.dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Request to be a podcast guest ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.cdgguest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠x.com/GuyDealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/cardealershipguy/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@guydealership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Threads ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠threads.net/@cardealershipguy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Everything else ➤ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dealershipguy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you've ever walked away from a mastermind, a coaching call, or a well-meaning conversation with a colleague feeling more confused than when you started — this episode is going to name something you've probably been living with for a long time. It's not that there's too little advice out there. It's that most of us have never stopped to ask whether the advice we're taking is actually right for us, our business, and where we are right now.My guest today is Sandra Booker, founder of Sidekick COO and creator of Scale Society, a fractional COO who works with established online service providers to find the single constraint costing them the most time and money — and then designs the systems and team structures to solve it. Sandra is one of the most well-respected operators in the online business world, and this conversation is exactly as good as I knew it would be.What Sandra and I get into goes way beyond operations and systems. We talk about how to know when you actually need to hire someone versus when you need a better process, the art of pausing before reacting when urgency sets in, and Sandra's concept of "curating your room" — being intentional about whose voices you let influence your decisions, and why the most impressive person in the room isn't always the right one to listen to. Sandra also shares a super cool AI tool that she built and has been using in her own business that I cannot wait for you to hear about — and that I think is going to change how a lot of you are using AI.In this episode we talk about:Why the "self-made" entrepreneur is a myth — and what the business owners who actually build something have in common that nobody talks aboutHow to tell the difference between needing a team member, needing a system, or needing to pause and look at what's already in your businessThe real cost of making decisions from fear, urgency, or comparison — and what to do insteadSandra's concept of curating your room — why your business bestie might be exactly the wrong person to consult when you have a hard decision to makeThe AI tool Sandra built called “The Advisory Board” — and how you can do the same for yourselfWhy the right move in a revenue dip is almost always to look inside your existing business first — and what to look forHow to evaluate advice you're hearing — whether it's from a podcast, a mastermind, or someone making big revenue claims onlineYour next best business decision is probably not going to come from someone else's strategy. It's going to come from getting clearer on what's actually happening inside your own business — and this episode is going to help you do that!Design the room your decisions deserve with Sandra's AI Boardroom Blueprint.

Kishore Ravilla: How CTOs Influence Business DecisionsKishore Ravilla is a CTO with 25 years of leadership across healthcare, insurance, and financial services. In this episode, we explore how technology leaders can better communicate with business stakeholders, why storytelling matters in digital transformation, and how strong execution and operational excellence create lasting business value. To learn more about Kishore, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kishoreravilla/__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com) Prefer video? Visit http://youtube.teachthegeek.comGet Public Speaking Tips for STEM Professionals at http://teachthegeek.com/tips

You've taken the courses. You've hired the coaches. You've learned the strategies. So why are you still second-guessing every decision in your coaching business? In this episode, I'm digging into something that quietly sabotages even the smartest, most capable coaches: trust. Not the fluffy version of trust—but the real, lived experience of trusting your own decisions when it comes to your marketing, your pricing, and your next steps. I share how “being smart” can actually become a protection mechanism, why so many coaches default to external opinions, and how to start recognizing the difference between true intuition and avoidance. We also talk about how to actually practice trust in your business—because most of us were never taught how to listen to ourselves in the first place. Whether you're constantly tweaking your messaging, changing direction, or feeling stuck between “rest” and “push,” this episode will  If you're tired of second-guessing your decisions and want clarity on what's actually right for your business, take the Endotype Quiz: https://endotype.com/

When is it time to make the leap, or maybe actually say "no"? If you're feeling uncertain about making a call, this episode is for you.This week's topics:1. When to move from the full-time job 12:122. How to make your own program templates 22:473. When to say "no" to a business decision 30:014. What clients care about on social media 40:47Become a Standout PT:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Access⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our community: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Access⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to drop a comment or get in touch!

Your energy crashing during business conversations is not random. It is your body giving you crucial information about who and what belongs in your life. When you're managing chronic illness while building a business, learning to trust these signals can be the difference between sustainable growth and complete burnout.Alison Kero is a professional organizer who has spent over two decades helping people create calm, clarity, and balance in their lives. After being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in 2014, she had to completely rebuild her approach to work and life, ultimately discovering that organizing isn't just about physical spaces, it's about decluttering the guilt, shame, and emotional baggage that keeps us stuck in cycles that harm our health.In this episode, you will learn:How Alison's energy tanking during business calls became her decision-making systemWhy she kept guilt-inducing items for decades and what happened when she let them goThe daily systems that help her show up for herself without burning outHow decluttering physical space helps you recognize emotional patternsWhy decision fatigue is especially dangerous when you're managing chronic illnessThe connection between boundaries and physical healthSimple systems that make life easier instead of harderThis episode is for you if:Your business falls apart every time your health doesYou ignore your body's signals because you think that's what success requiresYou're tired of trying to fit your capacity into business models designed for unlimited energyYou want to understand how organization can be a tool for healingYou're ready to build systems that protect your energy instead of drain it

What does it really mean to operate from integrity and how do you know when a business relationship has crossed a values line? Are you making decisions based on strategy alone, or are you filtering them through what you actually stand for?In this episode, Kathryn shares two candid, real-world examples from her own business, leaving ActiveCampaign after five years and downgrading her Kajabi membership to illustrate how a personal value system shapes even the most practical business decisions. The core tension isn't about right or wrong; it's about recognizing when something feels off and having the clarity to act on it.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL DISCOVER:● Why Kathryn made the decision to leave ActiveCampaign after five years, moving to Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for roughly $300 a year instead of $3,000 and how the company's refusal to honor a publicly listed lower rate for an existing loyal customer revealed a fundamental values misalignment around client retention and people-first business practices.● How Kajabi's shift in their referral program, requiring three new referrals per year to maintain existing payout status felt deeply manufactured and integrity-compromising to Kathryn, ultimately leading her to downgrade her plan and begin migrating predominantly to ThriveCart, a one-time payment platform free from ongoing price increases.● Why the coming paradigm shift Kathryn describes as beginning around 2027 will make authenticity non-negotiable as people become increasingly attuned to energy and able to see through fabricated affiliate promotions, performative engagement, and brand personas that don't match the behind-the-scenes reality of how founders treat their teams and customers.● How your own intuition and gut responses are already your values filter in action and why you don't need a written framework or prescribed list to discern when something feels off, only the willingness to ask yourself why it doesn't feel right and trace it back to what truly matters to you.And while you're here, follow us on Instagram @creativelyowned for more daily inspiration on effortlessly attracting the most aligned clients without spending hours marketing your business or chasing clients. Also, make sure to tag me in your stories @creativelyowned.https://www.instagram.com/creativelyowned/Start using Wispr Flow, the crazy handy voice-to-text AI that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. Click here.https://ref.wisprflow.ai/kathryn-thompsonGet Blotato, the content engine I use that combines 8-apps-in-1 to streamline content creation across multiple platforms. Click here.https://blotato.com/?ref=kathrynGet n8n, a workflow automation platform that uniquely combines AI capabilities with business process automation.Find out how to own your unique edge, amplify who you truly are and get paid for it, take your business to cosmic proportions, and have fun doing it, grab it here!!https://www.creativelyowned.com/quizBuild your own quiz using Interact Quizzes, click here.https://get.tryinteract.com/n6e4h5axrophJoin The Selling the Invisible AI Lab, a curated membership for founders who want to discover how to use AI in their business.https://creativelyowned.com/ai-lab

On today's episode, Andy answers your questions on how to keep your momentum going, how to trust yourself to make the right decisions in business, and how to build the skill of urgency instead of putting things off.

Every business decision you make has three stakeholders, and most coaches only think about one or two of them. That's usually why the decisions feel so hard.Pricing, marketing, who to hire, what to say yes to, what to say no to. If you've been going back and forth on a decision for weeks (or months), the problem is rarely the decision itself. It's that you don't have a clear way to think about it.In this episode, I teach you the Three Lens Framework, the thinking tool I use for every business decision I make. I walk through why business decisions feel overwhelming when you're missing one of the lenses, break down what each lens is asking you to consider, and then show you how the whole thing works using a real question I get all the time from coaches: "Should I list my prices on my website?"There's no universal right answer to that question. But there is a right answer for you, and the framework will help you find it.The Three-Lens Framework is also the backbone of The Builder, a free course that walks you through eight foundational business decisions every coach has to make.Links & ResourcesThe Builder (free course)Episode 84: Interview with Haley and Justin Price of Avocado ToastFinancial Coaching Essentials

What happens when a successful med spa owner realizes the industry's biggest challenge isn't competition—it's education? In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder Alex Thiersch sits down with Tracy Olson, owner of Youthopia Med Spa and founder of Aesthetic Injector Academy, to discuss her unconventional journey from banking and finance into medical aesthetics—and why she chose to build an educational platform instead of expanding into multiple locations. Drawing from years of hiring, training, and managing injectors, Tracy shares the gaps she repeatedly saw in foundational education for new providers: limited anatomy training, inconsistent safety education, and a lack of standardized preparation before hands-on injecting. The conversation explores the realities of growing a med spa in an increasingly competitive market, why more locations don't always equal greater success, and how strong metrics—from utilization rates to retention and KPIs—can guide better business decisions. Discussion points include: Introduction and Background (0:40) Industry Growth and Challenges (2:33) Creation of Aesthetic Injector Academy (5:09) Business Decisions and Expansion (8:30) Educational Approach and Accreditation (10:17) Need for Basic Training in the Industry (17:37) Marketing and Outreach Efforts (24:14) Legal Challenges and Future Plans (29:54)

AI is changing legal marketing faster than most law firms realize. In episode 617 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Conrad Saam, founder of Mockingbird, about what law firms need to understand as AI begins reshaping marketing, reporting, decision making, and the business of running a firm.  Conrad shares why AI may give smaller, more entrepreneurial law firms a new way to compete against larger firms with bigger budgets and more data. He explains how firms can use AI to build smarter internal systems, improve reporting, and rethink the tools they rely on every day.  The conversation also explores leadership under pressure through Conrad's volunteer work in ski patrol and search and rescue. From staying calm in high stress situations to debriefing after things go wrong, he shares practical lessons law firm owners can apply when managing clients, teams, campaigns, and business decisions.  If you are trying to understand what AI really means for law firm growth, legal marketing, and the future of small firms, this episode offers a grounded look at what is changing, what is overhyped, and what law firm owners should pay attention to next.  Listen to our previous episodes on Legal Marketing, AI & Smarter Law Firm Growth.  #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative Apple | Spotify | LTN   #580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN   #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.   Subscribe to Lawyerist Podcast: https://play.megaphone.fm/xrm0mqp4tqwi0ozntiu41g   Chapters / Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  00:25 – Lawyer Mental Health and Well Being02:45 – Meet Legal Marketing Expert Conrad Saam03:35 – The Early Days of SEO for Lawyers04:00 – What Search and Rescue Teaches About Business06:40 – Why Law Firm Owners Struggle to Disconnect08:45 – Calm Leadership in Stressful Moments09:55 – How Leaders Shape Law Firm Culture12:05 – Using Checklists to Make Better Business Decisions13:00 – Preparing for Problems Before They Happen14:20 – Why Outcomes Don't Tell the Whole Story16:05 – The Value of Legal Marketing Content17:40 – AI and the Future of Legal Marketing18:25 – What ABA Tech Show Revealed About AI19:35 – Why Law Firms May Build Their Own AI Tools20:35 – Can AI Level the Playing Field for Small Firms?23:35 – Replacing Expensive Reporting Systems with AI26:25 – Why AI Rankings Can Be Misleading28:45 – Tactical Marketing for Law Firm Owners31:10 – Rethinking Leadership as a Law Firm CEO32:20 – Closing Thoughts  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is changing legal marketing faster than most law firms realize. In episode 617 of the Lawyerist Podcast, Stephanie Everett talks with Conrad Saam, founder of Mockingbird, about what law firms need to understand as AI begins reshaping marketing, reporting, decision making, and the business of running a firm.  Conrad shares why AI may give smaller, more entrepreneurial law firms a new way to compete against larger firms with bigger budgets and more data. He explains how firms can use AI to build smarter internal systems, improve reporting, and rethink the tools they rely on every day.  The conversation also explores leadership under pressure through Conrad's volunteer work in ski patrol and search and rescue. From staying calm in high stress situations to debriefing after things go wrong, he shares practical lessons law firm owners can apply when managing clients, teams, campaigns, and business decisions.  If you are trying to understand what AI really means for law firm growth, legal marketing, and the future of small firms, this episode offers a grounded look at what is changing, what is overhyped, and what law firm owners should pay attention to next.  Listen to our previous episodes on Legal Marketing, AI & Smarter Law Firm Growth.  #603: Turn Expertise into Clients: Building Authority That AI Recognizes, with Karin Conroy Apple | Spotify | LTN  #584: How to Stay Human in the Age of AI Driven Law Firm Marketing, with Conroy Creative Apple | Spotify | LTN   #580: Smarter Law Firm Marketing: AI Tools That Actually Work, with FirmPilot Apple | Spotify | LTN  #577: Rethinking Law Firm Growth in the Age of AI, with Sam Harden Apple | Spotify | LTN   #550: Beyond Content: How AI is Changing Law Firm Marketing, with Gyi Tsakalakis and Conrad Saam Apple | Spotify | LTN  Apple | Spotify | LTN  Have thoughts about today's episode? Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X!   If today's podcast resonates with you and you haven't read The Small Firm Roadmap Revisited yet, get the first chapter right now for free! Looking for help beyond the book? See if our coaching community is right for you.   Access more resources from Lawyerist at lawyerist.com.     Chapters / Timestamps:  00:00 – Introduction  00:25 – Lawyer Mental Health and Well Being02:45 – Meet Legal Marketing Expert Conrad Saam03:35 – The Early Days of SEO for Lawyers04:00 – What Search and Rescue Teaches About Business06:40 – Why Law Firm Owners Struggle to Disconnect08:45 – Calm Leadership in Stressful Moments09:55 – How Leaders Shape Law Firm Culture12:05 – Using Checklists to Make Better Business Decisions13:00 – Preparing for Problems Before They Happen14:20 – Why Outcomes Don't Tell the Whole Story16:05 – The Value of Legal Marketing Content17:40 – AI and the Future of Legal Marketing18:25 – What ABA Tech Show Revealed About AI19:35 – Why Law Firms May Build Their Own AI Tools20:35 – Can AI Level the Playing Field for Small Firms?23:35 – Replacing Expensive Reporting Systems with AI26:25 – Why AI Rankings Can Be Misleading28:45 – Tactical Marketing for Law Firm Owners31:10 – Rethinking Leadership as a Law Firm CEO32:20 – Closing Thoughts 

FP&A & AI Software Showcase: Explore Leading ToolsFP&A leaders are embracing AI, and we're here to help. On May 21st, I'll host the FP&A & AI Software Showcase, featuring FP&A planning and AI tools like Concourse, Sapien, Drivetrain, and Una AI. Join us for live demos, insights, and no sales pressure.Register today: www.thefpandaguy.com/fpa-software-showcaseIn this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst speaks with Gabrielle Dolan, a global expert in strategic storytelling, about the power of storytelling in business and how it can transform communication. Gabrielle shares her journey from senior leadership at the National Australia Bank to becoming a bestselling author and storytelling expert. She discusses how storytelling helps finance professionals influence decisions, engage teams, and communicate complex messages effectively.Gabrielle Dolan is a global expert in strategic storytelling and communication, having worked with leaders from companies like Amazon, EY, Uber, and the Obama Foundation. With over 20 years of experience in leadership roles and storytelling, Gabrielle is the bestselling author of eight books, including her latest Story Intelligence: The Craft of Authentic Storytelling Made Smarter with AI. She is also the co-host of the podcast Keeping It Real with Jack and Ral, which ranks in Spotify's top 3% most shared podcasts. Expect to Learn:Why storytelling is essential for influencing decisions in finance and business.The impact of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership communication.How AI can enhance storytelling without losing its human touch.Practical tips for finance professionals on how to use stories in presentations.Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:“Storytelling is not about manipulation, it's about authentic communication.” – Gabrielle Dolan“AI can be your creative partner, but don't lose your voice when telling your story.” – Gabrielle DolanGabrielle Dolan shared her invaluable insights on the power of storytelling in business, especially for finance professionals. She highlighted how storytelling is a vital tool for influencing decisions, building connections, and making complex messages more memorable. Gabrielle emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling and explained how AI can enhance the storytelling process without losing the human connection Follow Gabrielle:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielledolan/ Podcast Link - https://podfollow.com/keeping-it-real-with-jac-and-ral YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@KeepingItRealwithJacandRal Earn Your CPE Credit For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.In Today's Episode[00:00] – Trailer[03:18] – Gabrielle's Leadership to Storytelling Journey[06:00] – Challenges in Transitioning to Storytelling[10:00] – Storytelling's Role in Business Decisions[13:37] – Why Data Alone Won't Drive Action[17:44] – Finding the Right Story for Your Message[22:10] – Storytelling and Data in Finance[30:14] – The Power of Story Intelligence in Leadership[35:09] – AI's Role in Enhancing Storytelling[40:15] – Rapid Fire Questions[43:00] – Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Running one of the world's largest logistics networks requires managing fuel use, infrastructure constraints, customer expectations, and long‑term operational risk at scale. In this episode of Sustainability Leaders, Michael Torrance, Chief Sustainability Officer at BMO, speaks with Andreas Mündel, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at DHL Group, about how sustainability is shaping the company's strategy, operations, and competitive positioning. The conversation explores why sustainable aviation fuel is critical to DHL's future, how the company has built one of the world's largest electric delivery fleets, and why infrastructure availability—such as power and charging capacity—has become a key operational constraint. Listeners will also hear how customer demand for lower‑impact logistics services is driving new product offerings, how sustainability is embedded into governance and incentives, and why DHL views these efforts as essential to long‑term competitiveness rather than a compliance exercise. For more thought leadership from Michael Torrance, visit: https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/our-bankers/michael-torrance/ For more episodes of Sustainability Leaders, go to: https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/podcasts/sustainability-leaders/

The Small Business Decisions Quietly Costing Your Studio ThousandsAre hidden financial leaks costing your studio thousands each year? In this episode of the Female emPOWERED Podcast, Christa Gurka reveals the everyday business decisions that quietly reduce profits for boutique fitness studios, Pilates studios, physical therapy practices, and wellness businesses.From inefficient scheduling and outdated pricing to overused discounts, underperforming offers, and wasted prime-time hours, Christa explains how small choices made repeatedly can have a major impact on your bottom line.You'll learn how to audit your business operations, improve profitability, simplify your offers, and make smarter decisions based on data instead of emotion. If your business feels busy but profits still feel too tight, this episode is a must-listen.In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why small business decisions matter more than big dramatic changes  Scheduling mistakes that lower studio revenue  The hidden cost of outdated discounts and package pricing  How to maximize your most profitable hours  Why simplifying your services can increase profits  5 questions to ask before making any business decision This Episode Is Perfect For: Pilates studio owners  Boutique fitness studio owners  Physical therapy practice owners  Wellness entrepreneurs ready to improve profit margins  Business owners who feel busy but not profitable Listen NowIf you're ready to run a more profitable, efficient, and sustainable wellness business, this episode will help you uncover the leaks and start making smarter moves today.

Master Certified Wedding Planner Tish Clay joins CWP Society Senior Educator Krisy Thomas for a conversation that will feel uncomfortably familiar.If you've ever wrapped a wedding, sat down in the quiet, and told yourself this is the week you fix your pricing — then watched that promise disappear the moment the next inquiry landed, you already know what we're talking about. That pattern has a name: chronic postponement. And it's one of the most expensive habits in this industry.In this episode, we break down how it shows up differently depending on where you are in your business. For newer planners, it often looks like waiting to build structure until you've "proven yourself" first. For seasoned planners, it looks like not wanting to disrupt the momentum you've worked hard to build. The cost is the same either way — shaky boundaries, leaky systems, and confidence that never fully settles.Tish Clay of Simone Elise Events brings rare honesty to this conversation: what it felt like to invest in education that wasn't the right fit, keep pushing through it because of sunk cost, and quietly wonder if the problem was her. She shares how finding the right certification and a real professional community changed that — giving her repeatable processes, clearer pricing, and a business that stopped depending on her reinventing everything from scratch with every new client.If you're ready to stop waiting for the right season to do the work that actually builds stability, this one is for you.Subscribe, share this with a planner who needs to hear it, and leave a review — so more planners find their way here sooner.www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Anders Hansen about the role of perception, belief systems, and mental conditioning in shaping personal and professional outcomes. The conversation explores how the subconscious mind drives the majority of behavior, how assumptions influence decision-making, and why people often remain stuck in limiting patterns. They also discuss the importance of intuition, the impact of gratitude on mindset, and practical ways to shift perspective to create meaningful, lasting change.

One of the hardest parts of running your own business? The decisions. So many decisions.  When you work for yourself, the buck stops with you. There's no boss to ask, no one else to blame, and sometimes it feels like every decision lands on your desk. No wonder so many entrepreneurs get stuck in analysis paralysis. And this month we've been talking a lot about money sabotage, because second-guessing yourself and overthinking every step is one of the most common ways we hold ourselves back.  We tell ourselves we're being careful, or strategic, or responsible… but sometimes we're really just avoiding the discomfort of choosing. In this week's episode of Chill & Prosper, I'm sharing how I approach decision-making in my business - including ways to reduce decision fatigue, avoid overthinking, and trust yourself a little more.

In this episode, I'm getting real about the hidden mental load of being an ambitious woman, a business owner, and the breadwinner. It all started with me standing in my bathroom at 11pm realizing my partner might never fully understand what goes on inside my mind...In this vulnerable, personal share/solo chat, I talk about:The unique flavor of loneliness that comes with entrepreneurial growthThe honest bathroom conversation that started the spiralThe realization that even the closest people to me will never know how much I carryThe infinite open tabs always running in the background The best analogy for the mental load as a female founder (and why it made me cry)Am I changing my mind about working with my fiancé? What I'm doing to combat the loneliness

Send us Fan MailSalon owners make decisions every day.But not all decisions actually move the business forward.In this episode, we break down the types of decisions that truly create change inside a salon, from having hard conversations and defining standards to building systems and thinking long-term.We also share real examples from our own salon, including how small gaps in leadership can lead to bigger problems over time, and why avoiding certain decisions often creates more stress, not less.This isn't a “how-to” episode. It's a conversation about what actually works, based on real experience, the mistakes we've made, the lessons we've learned, and the decisions that have made the biggest difference.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And that starts with making decisions that actually matter.KEY TAKEAWAYSNot all decisions create meaningful change in a salon. Avoiding hard conversations leads to bigger problems over time. Hiring out of desperation often damages culture and morale. Standards must be clearly defined to be followed. Consistency from leadership creates consistency in the team. Systems reduce chaos and decision fatigue. Short-term thinking limits long-term growth. Leadership requires clarity, not just being “nice.” Protecting your culture is part of your responsibility as an owner. Small decisions compound into major business outcomes.TIME STAMPS00:00 — Intro + weather + episode setup 02:00 — Jen's opening take: real education vs being “too busy” 05:00 — Todd's opening take: staff meetings + expectations 07:30 — Why most decisions don't create real change 09:00 — Decision 1: Stop avoiding hard conversations 13:00 — How avoiding conversations creates bigger problems 15:00 — Decision 2: Stop hiring out of desperation 18:00 — Protecting your culture and existing team 20:00 — Decision 3: Define your standards clearly 23:00 — Why vague expectations cause frustration 24:30 — Decision 4: Enforce standards consistently 26:00 — Decision 5: Build systems (stop winging it) 29:00 — Client flow, structure, and consistency 30:00 — Decision 6: Think long-term 33:00 — Short-term stress vs long-term growth 35:00 — Decision 7: Lead clearly, not just nicely 37:30 — Final thoughts + where to startLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

What if the reason your business feels stuck isn't effort, but misdiagnosis? In this episode, John Jantsch talks with Kevin D. St. Clergy about blind blaming—the habit of fixing the wrong problems while real growth opportunities go unnoticed. They explore how cognitive bias in business decision making affects marketing results, leadership mindset, and team performance, and share practical ways to identify root causes instead of symptoms. Learn how shifting from transactional services to a trusted advisor approach can unlock better decisions and stronger business growth. 00:00 Blind Blaming Explained Through Baseball 03:03 Blind Blaming in Business Decisions 06:09 Time Blocking for Entrepreneurs 09:03 Cognitive Bias and Blind Blaming 12:29 From Vendor to Trusted Advisor 17:36 Transformational Growth Shift Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!

Another second, another minute, another hour, another day, more info on the Ciara, West, Amanda mess leaks and we are here to make sense of it all. More truths, timelines and receipts reveal themselves. Kyle Richards sends a stern warning to the fans, her cast mates and anyone and everyone else who will listen. Larsa Pippen's home was almost broken into. Schwartz and Lala join The Valley. Ladies of London reigns supreme, still. Last, but not least, Jen Shah has a lot to say as she breaks her silence post prison.  @behindvelvetrope @davidyontef BONUS & AD FREE EPISODES Available at - www.patreon.com/behindthevelvetrope  BROUGHT TO YOU BY: NOOM - noom.com (The Noom GLP-1 Microdose Program Starts At $99 and Is Delivered To Your Door In Seven Days) QUINCE - quince.com/velvetrope (Get Free Shipping and 365 Day Returns to As You Indulge In Affordable Luxury)  PEACE CORPS - peacecorps.gov/serve (The Toughest Job You'll Ever Love) ADVERTISING INQUIRIES - Please contact David@advertising-execs.com MERCH Available at - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/behind-the-velvet-rope?ref_id=13198 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I get real about what actually matters when you're building something from scratch in 2026. These are the 9 principles that I learned through a years of trial and error and hundreds of thousands of dollars I'll never get back, (money well spent).If you've been waiting for permission to go all in, this is it.We chat:Why "passive income" is a scamWhy you should almost NEVER go with the cheapest option The #1 thing that will open more doors than any skill, degree, or job title ever couldThe biggest difference between people who win & people who quitHow to power through the cringeA "soft life" is earned - usually through a hustle season. Let's talk about it.Why being agreeable is the fastest way to stay HIDDEN onlineOne of the highest-leverage skills you can master right now in 2026The one question to ask every time you create content, make an offer, or try to sell something

Kirsten is a business strategist and outsourcing expert with a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances and scale with confidence. She has guided countless business owners through the process of hiring and working with Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants, giving them the tools and systems they need to understand their numbers and make smarter financial decisions. Her work through the Love Your Profit program focuses on simplifying bookkeeping, reducing financial stress, and helping business owners build the support teams that allow them to thrive.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build confidence through financial clarity and strategic delegation to scale your business.Kirsten and I discuss:What is behind becoming a business strategist and outsourcing expert [01:50]Why understanding your numbers builds confidence [03:26]How to protect and build your confidence as an entrepreneur [05:35]Key things corporate refugees can do to make their business thrive [07:41]Examples of entrepreneurs who left corporate and succeeded [10:02]How to determine when it's time to pivot [12:22]Data versus intuition in business decisions [14:03]Working yourself out of your business as a growth strategy [15:51]What Kirsten helps people outsource and why [16:58]Stories of entrepreneurs who outsourced bookkeeping [18:27]The importance of community and peer support [21:56]Learn more about Kirsten at:YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sixfigurebusinesscoachingWebsite: https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SixFigureBusinessCoachingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.graham.3517LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfbizcoaching/Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@sfbizcoaching?_t=ZS-90tUPiAZqvl&_r=1______________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who've left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.______________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

Join Chad Hyams and Bob Stewart as they delve into leadership's nine false choices that often force unnecessary decisions. Explore how to balance growing a business with improving systems and hold team members accountable while being supportive. Discover insights into managing new versus old leads, and hiring new talent in productive cultures, while maintaining a balance between confidence and humility. Packed with practical insights and engaging dialogue, this episode encourages leaders to adopt an "and" approach, promoting growth and productivity across various business environments. ---------- Connect with the hosts: •    Ben Kinney: https://www.BenKinney.com/ •    Bob Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/activebob •    Chad Hyams: https://ChadHyams.com/ •    Book one of our co-hosts for your next event: https://WinMakeGive.com/speakers/   More ways to connect: •    Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/winmakegive •     Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://WinMakeGive.com/sign-up •     Explore the Win Make Give Podcast Network: https://WinMakeGive.com/   Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network 00:00 Balancing Business Growth and System Improvement Without False Choices 08:43 Balancing Accountability and Support in Leadership 12:11 Balancing New Leads and Database Management for Business Growth 20:12 Balancing Speed and Precision in Business Decisions 25:31 Balancing Culture and Performance in the Workplace 29:15 Balancing Confidence and Humility in Leadership