Podcast appearances and mentions of jason gillikin

For years, the events and hospitality industry has glorified burnout—long hours, nonstop chaos, toxic management—and called it passion. But what if there's a better way?Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He's created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn't a poster on the wall—it's lived and breathed, every day.Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what's possible when you lead with heart.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why fun and productivity aren't mutually exclusive✅ How to identify the biggest culture killer in your business (hint: it might be your “top performer”)✅ A simple matrix to assess culture fit vs. job performance✅ What it really takes to live your values, not just list them ✅ How to spark team buy-in and momentum when shifting culture ✅ Anthony's favorite interview tactic to determine who's truly aligned ✅ What “balance” really means in hospitality—and how to model it ✅ The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger selfConnect with Anthony Lambatos:Website and Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://themibe.comHeart Leadership Workshop: August 18–19, 2025: https://themibe.com/mibeworkshopMIBE Summit: January 2026 (dates TBA): https://themibe.com/summit00:00:00 – Burnout, chaos, and shifting toxic norms in hospitality00:03:38 – Why bad leadership models persist—and how to break the cycle00:05:24 – The culture boulder: how to build momentum (and know who's pulling it back)00:08:07 – The culture vs. performance matrix—and how to handle toxic high performers00:13:25 – Values on the wall vs. values in practice00:17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and reinforcing behavior through story00:19:15 – Why they all eat lunch together—and what happens during it00:23:45 – How Anthony's team handles feedback and vulnerability00:25:41 – The 7-step hiring process (and the “deck of values” trick)00:30:00 – 4 characteristics of top performers: perseverance, initiative, teamwork, positivity00:33:48 – Where Anthony learned to lead—and how he learned what not to do 00:36:00 – Pom poms, productivity, and making work fun again 00:38:36 – The three foundations of culture: strengths, purpose, and people----Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut — low on energy, scattered, or just... kinda over it all?You're not alone, and today's episode is for you.After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind.

If you've ever had that feeling about someone on your team—the subtle “something's off” whisper in your gut—you're not alone.In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.Whether you're leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.Because sometimes, leadership isn't about waving pom-poms. It's about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question:Is this a coaching opportunity…or is it time to let them go?What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The 3 must-dos for onboarding a new team member✅ What's actually coachable—and what probably isn't ✅ The leadership mistake Megan made that cost her time and energy (so you can avoid it) ✅ Why you shouldn't hire in a moment of panic (and what to do if you already did) ✅ How to avoid getting stuck in the dreaded “gray zone” of mediocre team performance ✅ The one thing people pleasers need to hear when it's time to let someone go ✅ A free resource to improve your team's communication and event debriefsFree Resource:Post-Event Team Feedback Questionnaire Get Megan & Gina's go-to tool for checking in with your team after each event. It's simple, practical, and a game-changer for team growth and accountability. Download it here - https://learn.theplannersvault.com/teameventdebriefTimestamps:00:00 – The hiring gut check no one talks about 02:27 – Meet Gina: 14 years, one unicorn hire 04:11 – Why panic hiring is usually a mistake 08:01 – The 3 non-negotiables for onboarding 13:21 – How to give (and track) meaningful feedback 16:10 – What you can coach (and how) 18:55 – What you can't coach—no matter how nice they are 20:41 – People pleasing vs. leadership 24:24 – Boundaries when you're also friends 28:15 – Using vendors as a feedback loop 29:21 – Let your team fail (seriously) 30:07 – How to navigate the gray zone with clarity 31:27 – Final takeaways + how to lead with intentionWeddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West. ---Webinar: From Overwhelmed to on Top of It - https://www.bigmarker.com/honeybook/from-overwhelmed-to-on-top-of-it-smarter-systems-for-wedding-pros?utm_bmcr_source=Megan.Pod

Pitching to investors isn't just about having the next billion-dollar idea. It's about energy, authenticity, preparation—and knowing your numbers.Today's episode of Deal Closers comes to you from recorded live at CED's Venture Connect, where host Jason Gillikin sits down with two seasoned investors:Zakiya Alta Lee-Hill, Principal at Idea Fund PartnersNikin Shah, General Partner at Front Porch VenturesTogether, they share exactly what makes founders stand out in a pitch meeting—and what makes investors quickly say no. If you're gearing up to raise capital or sell your company, this is essential listening.You'll learn:Why VC money is like rocket fuel—and how it can blow up your business if you're not readyHow much energy is too much energy in a pitchWhy authenticity and self-awareness beat hype every timeWhat to say when you don't know the answerHow to prep for questions about your numbers, your tech, and your teamThe importance of targeting the right investors—and how to make it easy for them to help youTimestamps:00:00:03 – What VC dollars really mean for your company00:01:15 – First impressions and the importance of energy00:04:00 – Why excitement looks different for every founder00:07:51 – Know enough about every part of your business00:11:00 – Investors expect you to know your numbers00:13:56 – Is your market size actually realistic?00:17:09 – What problem are you solving, and why you?00:22:31 – Walk in saying, “I'm the company you're looking for”Connect with the Guests:Nikin Shah – Front Porch VenturesZakiya Alta Lee-Hill, Idea Fund PartnersDeal Closers is brought to you by WebsiteClosers.com and produced by Walk West. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel like your business has taken on a life of its own—and you're not sure if it still fits the version of success you're chasing?You're not alone.In today's episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.This one's about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you've built something great… but it's time for something different.Vanessa shares how to know when you're scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to recognize when you've outgrown your business✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions✅ Why fear doesn't mean stop—it just means be brave✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones)Support Vanessa's Clean Water Project Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales.DM https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy, with the words prints for waterVisit: safariwildlifeandlandscapes.comTimestamps: 00:00 – When growth feels like a wall 03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters 07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects 10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit 16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else 19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule 22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy 28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting 30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work 31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway”Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West. ---Timeline Genius + Honeybook Discount: https://www.honeybook.com/lp/partners/timeline-genius?utm_initiative=planner_push&utm_medium=partner&utm_source=megan&utm_campaign=planner

Let's talk about fear. I don't mean the kind of fear you might feel when you're being chased by a giant bear, or fear of all those dang bees that hang around your house. I mean the kind that shows up when you're about to raise your prices. Or finally launch that thing that you've been talking about for years.  Or the fear that comes up when you say no to a client that's not the right fit. Or that fear that pops up when there's an opportunity in front of you that takes you off the path of what you had expected or planned to do, and it leaves you questioning whether you should say yes. Fear is real. But the question is, how do you know if something isn't aligned? Or if you're just afraid to take that next step?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

For years, Kristi Coulter climbed the corporate ladder at Amazon, working long hours, hitting major career milestones, and earning great money—but at what cost? Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms.Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement? Yeah me too.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ How hustle culture shows up in both corporate and entrepreneurial life✅ The hidden costs of always striving for the next big goal✅ Why so many people stay in jobs (or businesses) that drain them—and how to know when it's time to walk away✅ The myth of “leap and the net will appear” and a more sustainable approach to career transitions✅ How to redefine success in a way that actually aligns with your values✅ The truth about imposter syndrome—and why it never fully goes away✅ Why women, in particular, face unique pressures in the workplace (and how to push back against them)-----Connect with Kristi Coulter:Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374600907/exitinterview/Website: https://www.kristicoulter.com/------00:00:00 - The reality of burnout and hitting a breaking point 00:03:45 - Why success doesn't always feel as fulfilling as we expect 00:12:30 - The dangers of "all or nothing" thinking in careers and business 00:18:50 - Should you really just "take the leap"? A smarter approach to transitions 00:27:15 - Imposter syndrome: Why we all have it (even the most successful people) 00:36:40 - The unique challenges women face in business and leadership 00:45:20 - How to step away from the hustle without losing yourself 00:54:30 - Redefining what success actually looks like for you---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

 Today, I'm sharing three of the biggest, toughest, most game changing lessons I've learned in my 15 years of business. These are the things I want to share with you to help you realize and recognize them sooner than I did.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Emotional intelligence, also known as EQ, is so much more than just being good with people. It's about truly understanding yourself, reading the room, and fostering real, meaningful connections -  whether that's with your clients, vendor partners, or even at networking events.EQ is a topic that can completely transform the way you navigate relationships in business and in life.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ The four pillars of emotional intelligence (EQ) and how to apply them in business✅ Why reading the room is your networking superpower✅ How to move past surface-level small talk and spark meaningful conversations✅ The role of self-awareness and social skills in making lasting connections✅ Tips for introverts and those with social anxiety to ease into networking✅ The do's and don'ts of following up after an event (without being pushy!)-----Connect with Brian Green:Episode 208: https://www.theplannersvault.com/podcast/208-brian-green-unravelingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bybriangreenWebsite: https://www.bybriangreen.com------00:00:00 - Emotional Intelligence: More Than Just Being Good with People00:02:25 - Are We Forgetting the Human Side of Networking?00:04:20 - Reading the Room: Your Secret Networking Superpower00:14:38 - Stop the Small Talk! How to Go Deeper00:17:50 - How to Make People Feel Seen and Heard00:25:24 - Introverts, This One's for You00:31:03 - The Right Way to Follow Up After Events00:37:55 - Networking That Actually Feels Authentic---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

How many inquiries are slipping through the cracks because your contact form is actually pushing potential clients away instead of drawing them in?

Alright, picture this—you're newly engaged, stepping into a gorgeous venue, surrounded by wedding vendors, floral arrangements, cake samples, and a whole lot of decisions to make. Exciting? Absolutely. Overwhelming? Also yes.That was the scene at the Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, where we attended a wedding vendor showcase to talk to real couples about their planning experience.We asked couples what they were looking for in vendors, what's been the most surprising part of wedding planning so far, and what's been an instant dealbreaker—and let's just say, we got some real talk. From budget struggles to vendor ghosting to the sheer horror of discovering you have to pick out your own linens (yes, really), these couples didn't hold back.---Resource Mentioned:Done-for-You Lead Magnet Template for Wedding Pros: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/done-for-you-lead-magnet-template-for-wedding-pros---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

What does it truly mean to embrace your authentic self, even when it feels scary or uncertain? In this heartfelt episode, we welcome Don Mamone—photographer, speaker, author, and educator—to share their deeply personal journey of stepping away from societal expectations and living courageously outside the binary.Don's story is one of vulnerability, courage, and redefining identity. From facing decades of repression to embracing their true self and becoming a powerful advocate for authenticity, Don's insights will leave you feeling inspired to explore your own journey and show up for others as an imperfect ally.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Don's journey of self-discovery and the powerful moment they chose authenticity over societal expectations.How to create safer, more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, including practical tips for allies.What it means to live outside the binary—and how this applies to everyone, not just those questioning gender norms.The concept of "imperfect allyship" and why intention matters more than perfection when supporting others.How unlearning outdated beliefs can lead to freedom, joy, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.-----Connect with Don Mamone:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmamoneWebsite: https://donmamone.com/Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646494385/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_44MQ8MNYCWFPDDRBKZFF------[00:02:30] I knew there was something different.[00:05:56] To be authentic is euphoric.[00:14:25] Courage means taking steps into the unknown.[00:21:14] What does living outside the binary mean?[00:28:15] Allyship isn't perfect—it's about intention.[00:36:09] Are your actions creating a safer space?[00:45:52] Who you are is exactly enough.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Let's talk contracts, wedding pros! Are you confident that the clauses in your contracts truly protect your small business?Maybe you're working off a template you bought years ago or piecing together bits you've found online. Or perhaps the thought of reviewing your contract gives you a pit in your stomach, and you're not quite sure what some of the legal jargon actually means.If that's you, this episode is here to help. From indemnity clauses to liability concerns to making your contracts work for you, Leah Weinberg's expert advice will help you feel more confident and empowered to protect your business.-----Connect with Leah Weinberg:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleahweinberg------[00:02:48] Meet Leah WeinbergLeah shares her journey from commercial real estate attorney to wedding planner to legal expert for event pros.[00:05:30] What is an Indemnity Clause?Leah explains this essential contract provision, complete with real-life examples of how it protects wedding vendors.[00:10:50] Liability Issues: Lessons from a Cake DisasterMegan shares a story about a wedding mishap and how an indemnity clause could have saved the day.[00:15:56] Signing Contracts with VenuesLeah discusses the risks of venue agreements and what to watch out for before signing.[00:22:40] Retainer vs. Deposit: Why Words MatterLeah clears up the confusion between these two terms and explains why using the right one can protect your business.[00:29:37] The ABCs of LegaleseLeah introduces her new Instagram series breaking down legal jargon, one letter at a time.[00:32:46] Building a Relationship with an AttorneyLeah's top advice for wedding pros: Don't wait until you're in a bind to find a lawyer.[00:34:55] Final Takeaways and Next StepsMegan and Leah share actionable advice for wedding pros to feel more confident about contracts and legal protection.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It's that time of year where marketing is top of mind for small business owners!Except maybe you're frustrated because the marketing efforts you've been putting in aren't quite working, or maybe you're posting on socials hoping to stand out, but it feels like you're blending into that sea of sameness with wedding pros doing the exact same thing. Or, let's be real, maybe you're stuck in the analysis paralysis stage, where you're so overwhelmed with what to do from a marketing standpoint that you aren't doing much at all. Need some marketing help? You picked the right episode.-----Connect with Becca Pountney:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccapountney/Done is better than perfect: Building a profitable wedding business, by Becca Pountney: https://www.amazon.com/Done-better-than-perfect-profitable/dp/1399995847Wedding Pros Who are Ready to Grow Podcast: https://beccapountney.com/podcast/------(00:00:00) Building emotional connections to market your wedding business(00:04:30) Couples are overwhelmed with choice(00:09:36) What can Coca Cola teach small businesses about marketing?(00:12:08) How do our services go from "nice to have" to "must have"?(00:25:23) Hot takes including, Should you have pricing on your website?(00:28:50) Strategic Consistency in Marketing Messages---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

How are you currently using AI to lighten your daily load and your to do list? Have you felt overwhelmed by all the AI things and tech tools out there? Maybe you've bought in on a few, signed up for a few free trials here and there, but you don't have the time and capacity to dig in and explore what's really going to help you in your business. It's a lot.Well, today's episode is for anyone who's ready to simplify, streamline, and show up with more ease in their business and personal life by using AI tools more intentionally. -----Connect with Tanisha Lee:Collectively Wed: https://soirees-by-lee-2.showit.site/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivelywed/-----Tools Mentioned:Motion: https://www.usemotion.com/Honeybook: https://www.theplannersvault.com/honeybook-coupon-codeDubsado: https://dubsado.com/?c=vaultPerplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/Claude: https://claude.ai/Cruise Control: https://www.cruisecontrol.ai/social-media/Whimsy: https://usewhimsy.com/Hearth: https://hearth.ai/Fathom: https://fathom.video/invite/RKiLfw------(00:06:21) AI Tools as Virtual Team Members?(00:16:23) Streamlining Payment Collection(00:18:08) AI Tools for Task Automation(00:21:15) ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity(00:24:30) Whimsy for Your Inbox(00:34:26) AI Integration for Your Business---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

For the past five years, I've closed out each year with a special episode where I invite my husband to join me. Together, we've reflected on the learning lessons, wins, and everything in between. But this year, I'm doing things differently. I'm recording this solo, and with that comes a new perspective. This year has been transformational, and I feel called to reflect on it from a deeply personal place. I invite you to join me in looking back at the growth—both messy and beautiful—that this year has brought.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Have you ever hit a wall? And I don't mean just a bad day, but a full on stop, like your body and your mind are just done if you've been there? Well today's episode is all about how you can tap into your energy while avoiding a complete stop burnout.-----Connect with Erin King:Take the Energy Exam: https://info.theenergyexam.com/a/2147929576/eLXvc2XLInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.erin.king/Website: https://erinking.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrserinking/------(00:02:47) Collapsing on a Zoom Meeting and Waking Up in the ER(00:06:11) Study: "When you think about a leader that you think is successful, what is it about them that makes them so successful?"(00:11:46) DUH Method to Maximize Energy(00:15:44) What Happens When You Feel Like You Don't Have Control of Your Life(00:19:33) The 5 Energy Types(00:24:08) Energy Preservation through Processing and Recharging(00:31:55) What We Can Learn from Big Energy Beings(00:42:35) Energy DNA Report for Relationship Compatibility---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

As business owners, we've all been there—those million ideas a minute, right? Some of them make it through the "friends and family board of directors," and then we decide, let's go for it! But here's the thing: have you ever had an idea that felt amazing at first, only to later ask yourself, What the heck am I doing?Maybe you've poured time, energy, and resources into something you were sure would be a game changer, only to realize it wasn't going to make the money you hoped—or maybe it didn't quite fit the life you want to build. Yeah… same.But here's the deal: it's ok to stop. It's ok to pivot. In fact, it's necessary sometimes. And if you're sitting there thinking, But pivoting feels like failure, trust me—you're going to see things differently by the end of this episode.-----Connect with Jess Ekstrom:JessEkstrom.comMic Drop Workshop: https://micdropworkshop.com/Amplify with Jess Ekstrom Podcast: https://micdropworkshop.com/amplify-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/Text HYPE to 704-228-9495------(00:03:10) NOT writing down ideas?(00:06:52) I used to be heavy into journaling...(00:09:40) What is your low stakes playground?(00:15:00) The $300K investment that Jess gave back(00:20:00) The partnership that Megan backed out of last minute(00:23:50) Making decisions for tomorrow(00:32:00) 5 year goals? 10 year goals? Nope. 100 year goals!---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Chaos to Clarity: Two Days of Virtual Guided Coworking Sessions + Big Picture Action Planning Time for ALL Wedding Pros, LIVE November 19th & 20th: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/claritycoworking

Last week, we gathered with 14 incredible members of The Planner's Vault at our latest Workation retreat, held in a stunning lakeside home near Charlotte, North Carolina. As always, I was joined by my COO, confidante, and “work wife,” Gina, to lead our community through three transformative days of business-building, personal growth, and focus.In this special live-recorded episode, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look (and listen!) into the retreat as we answer questions straight from our members on everything from growing a team to tackling current challenges in the wedding industry, and even knowing when it might be time for a big pivot in your business.So, grab a glass and listen along as we dive into an AMA that's full of practical insights, candid conversations, and a few background wine clinks.In this episode, we discuss:Key strategies for growing and supporting your teamHow to own and thrive in your unique “zone of genius”Identifying and addressing common challenges from wedding clientsKnowing when to make major shifts in your business-----(00:02:39) How can we be the best bosses ever so that our team loves being on our team forever?(00:07:07) What are you seeing are the biggest challenges from couples getting married right now, and how can we as planners best serve those concerns and their pain points?(00:09:14) At what point did you decide to sell your business and go into coaching full time? Was that something you always had as an eventual exit strategy or did something else happen that kind of prompted that for you?(00:13:05)  What is the shift that needs to happen to take a business that has reached multiple six figures in revenue and has the team in place to scaling beyond that?(00:16:52) When you were running your business as a wedding planner, what was your weakness and how did you lean into it and eventually grow from it?(00:19:10) If you were to start your coaching business again, what is one thing you would do the same, and what is one thing that you would do differently?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Chaos to Clarity: Two Days of Virtual Guided Coworking Sessions + Big Picture Action Planning Time for ALL Wedding Pros, LIVE November 19th & 20th: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/claritycoworking

Clients don't just want great service. They value and prioritize experiences that stand out, that feel personalized, and that make them superfans of a brand or business.  So how can you create unforgettable experiences that your clients will rave about to their friends? Today, Megan and Gina share some memorable experiences from the consumer side, and they share their tips on how it all relates to wedding pros.----Links Mentioned:Time-Saving Client Questionnaire Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/time-saving-questionnaire-bundleThe Planner's Vault Client Experience Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/client-experience-bundleWhat to Gift Your Couples and Vendors: https://www.theplannersvault.com/blog/what-should-a-wedding-planner-gift-to-couplesThe Planner's Vault Discovery Call Guide:  https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/effortless-consultations-a-6-step-framework-for-booking-dream-clientsa'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library: https://www.averdecary.com/Midtown Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.midtownkidsdentist.com/Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect: https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention: https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332-----(00:02:23) Elevating Client Experiences for Loyal Customers(00:05:21) First Impressions at the New Vet(00:13:55) Why Megan's daughter cried when she COULDN'T go to the Dentist!(00:23:45)  Flaming Churros, Boomboxes, Orange Juice Spray, and SHOTS!(00:27:58) Personalized Wedding Thank-You - One Easy but Special Gift---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. --FREE Lead Magnet Workshop happening on Tuesday, October 22 @ 12:30 PM ET/9:30 AM PST - Replay Available: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/leadmagnet

Abha Bowers has a lot going on. As the CEO of Walk West, a fitness and nutrition coach, and mom to two young kids, she was feeling the pressure of doing all the things. So she made a choice - it was time to step down from Walk West.She scheduled a meeting with Chairman Donald Thompson and handed him her resignation letter.But he wouldn't accept it.Today, Donald and Abha talk about that interaction, lessons learned about empathetic leadership, and the reality of work/life balance.---(00:00:07) Embracing Challenges for Leadership Growth and Change(00:06:59) "I assumed that I had to resign one role to do another."(00:17:02) "Being a high performer is about the skills, the aptitude and attitudes that you take. And those things are mobile with you. So don't let your performance be dictated by your current environment."(00:24:04) Empathy-Driven Leadership for Team Success---Today's episode is hosted by Jason Gillikin, and produced by Earfluence.

Should you expand your business to service new locations? It makes sense, right? If you have a business that's thriving in one area and you've already got an established brand, website and systems in place, it could probably work in another market, too, and everyone involved can make some more money. Yet it's not quite that simple. You personally can't be in more than one location at once. More markets also mean more team members, which means more logistical issues to navigate. So...should you do it anyway?Let's find out from someone who plans weddings throughout the world and has locations in San Francisco, Charleston, Los Angeles, and Miami - Shannon Leahy. -----Shannon Leahy Events@ShannonLeahyEventsWedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast------(00:01:30) Introducing Shannon Leahy(00:05:37) How can event planning be improved through client feedback?(00:07:30) Who's doing all the sales calls?(00:10:00) Shannon's greatest fear when building a team(00:14:00) Getting it out of her head to create SOPs(00:19:00) If you were starting today, what would you do differently?(00:24:00) How do you balance all the things including a personal life?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. --FREE Lead Magnet Workshop happening on Tuesday, October 22 @ 12:30 PM ET/9:30 AM PST - Replay Available: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/leadmagnet

In part one of our conversation, Hannah Abad talked through the signs of burnout and how our nervous system reacts to stress. Today is a special mini-episode where she's giving you some actionable tips on what you can do when you're overwhelmed and sliding into panic mode. And I can tell you from experience that these strategies work. So let's take a moment to pause the chaos.-----Hannah Abad Coaching@hannahabadcoachingResilience Restoration Membership:  ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today we're diving into a topic that affects so many of us in the wedding industry: resilience and burnout.This summer, we shared several episodes on burnout, where I openly discussed my own experience from last year and hitting a wall at the beginning of 2024.  My train was moving 200 miles per hour, and I just couldn't see a path to slowing down.  Fortunately, the person who helped me find the brakes joins us today, and she's sharing her advice to help you restore balance in your life.-----Hannah Abad Coaching@hannahabadcoachingResilience Restoration Membership:  ------(00:02:58) The Freeze Response in High-Achieving Leaders(00:14:14) Survival Response Impact on Mental Health(00:19:38) Survival State's Influence on Decision Making(00:23:44) Interconnected Systems: Establishing Safety for Healing(00:32:13) Transformative Shift Through Releasing Core Beliefs(00:34:33) Transitioning from Survival Mechanisms to Healthy Identity(00:43:09) Embracing Self-Value through Human Being Approach---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Last week, Gina and Megan gave their insider tips on how to plan a workcation.  With the planning done, they went to the beach with a lot on their plates.  And today - recorded on the last night of their workcation - they share their reflections.What did they accomplish?Was it worth it?And was it amazing to wake up with much fewer responsibilities?----Links Mentioned:291. How to Plan a Workcation That Recharges Your Focus and EnergyWorkcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

How do you plan an effective workcation for your team? Today, Megan and Gina give us the inside scoop on orchestrating the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation!They discuss the importance of curating workations that blend revenue-generating ideas with essential updates to team processes, plus goal setting and productivity tips.And of course, they answer the question of how you find the right location!----Links Mentioned:Workcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives-----(00:00:33) "A workation is an amazing way to blend relaxation with productivity and be able to tackle some of those big picture growth items on your list."(00:06:30) "One of the reasons why we love our jobs is because it's not the same every single day. But..." (00:14:09) Finding the right team members for the workcation(00:18:41) Organizing the agenda(00:23:50) "The best ideas and the breakthroughs come from giving flexibility around what you'll get done and being open for the unexpected conversations that come." ---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

If you're anything like me, you've got all the ideas - to grow your business, to generate a viral social media post, or to wow your clients.  The problem is, we don't have time to stop whatever it is that we're doing and focus on the new shiny object every time.  We've got tasks and payroll and the next appointment and a to-do list that keeps piling up!So how can we get to the execution of the big ideas, while taking care of the things that need to be done?Let's find out as we chat with The Planner's Vault COO Gina Johnston!----Links Mentioned:119: Preventing Squirrel Brain: Time Blocking and Productivity TipsThe Planner's Vault Template Shop-----(00:04:52) How to keep your goals top of mind(00:07:54) "Hello, my name is Megan, and I am a recovering people pleaser."(00:11:40) Endless time management options(00:16:08) Efficient team task management(00:16:58) "I will get that piece of candy if I can do it."(00:18:45) Paper or digital?(00:23:22) Can you really stay focused on one task?(00:30:10) Resting your brain(00:37:47) What's an "Adulting Hour"?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Colleen Carswell is ridiculously busy, but she has all the amazing tips on time management, which she actually calls energetic alignment. On part 1, she gave us an introduction to the four pillars of alignment - physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. And she talked about the importance of focusing on small changes to build momentum and avoid burnout. Today, we're digging into Colleen's philosophy on time blocking, time tracking, auditing your time (scary!), and recommended tools to use.---(00:02:13) Optimizing Time Management with White Space(00:04:28) Task Grouping for Improved Productivity(00:09:37) Optimizing Idea Generation for Business Efficiency(00:18:38) "Energy-Driven Time Management Strategies"(00:25:17) "Optimizing Productivity Through Time Tracking"(00:27:55) Optimizing Productivity with Personalized Energy Rhythms(00:34:18) "15-Minute Time Audit Transformation Challenge"---Resources MentionedTime Freedom ChallengeThe Planner's Vault ShopActive InboxFull Focus PlannerClockifyAsana---Colleen Carswell is the Founder and CEO of Structured to Scale.  You can follow her on instagram @colleencarswell_---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

As busy professionals, it can be a never ending journey to try to figure out how to structure your day, tackle your never ending to-do list, and shake that constant feeling that everything is piling up. Oh, and let's not forget about wanting to actually have a life outside of work. So if you can relate, you're in the right place, because on today's episode, we're diving into some productivity, energetic alignment, and time management tips just for you.---00:02:21 Navigating Business Growth while Maintaining Well-being00:04:10 Holistic Energy Optimization through Pillar Alignment00:09:06 Focus on Small Wins for Lasting Change00:12:30 Personalized Self-Care for Vitality and Fulfillment00:16:37 Personalized Productivity Approach for Self-Improvement---Resources MentionedTime Freedom ChallengeThe Planner's Vault ShopActive InboxFull Focus PlannerClockifyAsana---Colleen Carswell is the Founder and CEO of Structured to Scale.  You can follow her on instagram @colleencarswell_---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Back in 2019, photographer Jillian Knight asked me to coffee to talk about an idea she had for her business - requiring a planner at ALL of her events. What this meant was that if couples didn't have a planner or want to hire a planner, she simply wouldn't work with them. As a planner, I absolutely loved it of course. And for the photographer, I thought it had a chance to be amazing for her and a way to stand out in our market…but there was also the reality that she'd literally be turning down business.  So what's happened since that meeting two and a half years ago?@JillianKnightPhotography #SaveYourMomHireaWeddingPlanner #AllWeddingsNeedPlanners---This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Actually, Ask US Anything, as Gina Johnston from The Planner's Vault joins the podcast today to tackle some big topics, like navigating a cash flow crisis, planning your exit strategy, making smart investments in your business, and reflecting on what we might have done differently at each stage of the journey. And of course, how in the world do we balance (LOL) the demands of motherhood and working full time. ----Links Mentioned:284. Ask Me Anything: Team Pay, Burnout, Tricky Vendor Situations & More!Honeybook-----(00:03:38) How do I figure my way out of a cash flow crisis and feel like I'm on top of my finances again?(00:12:57) What are the options for an exit strategy? And what does "exit" actually mean?(00:19:30) What were some of the best investments you made in your company beyond the standard answers of courses and business coaching?(00:25:30) What would you have done differently in each stage of your business? (00:33:55) What's your biggest piece of advice for juggling raising babies at home and growing your business at the same time?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Let me take a peek into your small business owner brain.  You feel the pressure to be active and showing up regularly on several (all?) of the social media platforms. And you know there's a need to consistently put content out there in the form of blog post or on Instagram or maybe a newsletter. And then you need to think about word-of-mouth marketing and your brand identity. And then what about running ads on search engines or social media? You could be doing all of these things, but you ask yourself, what truly moves the needle for you and is worth the money, energy, and your precious time? Well, today Enji's Tayler Cusick Hollman brings the data to help us with the four biggest challenges that small business owners are facing right now in their marketing. -----Check out Enji------(00:02:55) Are prospects even aware that I exist?(00:13:03) Content Creation: More than a time suck(00:21:39) How can you get leads?(00:35:07) The BS "No Time for Marketing" excuse---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

You asked the questions, and here are the answers!It's time for another AMA -  a candid, no holds barred, ask me anything episode where I'm going to be tackling your burning questions that were submitted inside our free Facebook group or through the call for questions over on our Instagram page. Whether you're managing challenging vendor relationships or trying to avoid the burnout hamster wheel, or perhaps you resonate with the balance of paying your team while trying to keep your business profitable and pay yourself, this episode is for you!(00:02:55) The event manager is redoing all my work at the event. What should I do?(00:07:45) After a pause in my business, how can I ramp back up?(00:12:30) How can I pay my team well, yet still profit as a business?(00:17:10) The vendor I recommended messed up. Now what??(00:20:30) How can I break through my growth plateau?Links Mentioned:Waitlist: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/pvwaitlistTemplate Shop: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/boundary-setting-toolkitRecent burnout episodes:272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy279.  What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.---(00:03:21) Abha fell in love(00:04:30) "If I wanted to make moves, I had to learn."(00:13:18) "What are you afraid of? Failing."(00:15:44) The power of mentorship and a support system(00:17:49) What is eco-mapping?(00:21:01) "There's no better advocate for yourself than yourself."(00:23:55) "The timing of this transition was bananas."(00:28:17) How to recharge(00:29:38) Strategies for daily task management---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Let's face it, this is one of the busiest seasons of your career.  It feels like you don't have time for anything other than your clients, but in this solo episode, I'm giving 9 tips for you to become a better wedding pro. Pick a couple to focus on now, then come back once it slows down to implement the rest!Here's the link to our 25+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop!This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

As the CEO of Walk West, a Triangle Business Journal 40 Under 40 award winner, wife, and mom of 2, Abha Bowers was seemingly on top of the world.  Until she discovered a new passion that would completely transform her career and way of life.---(00:03:21) Abha fell in love(00:04:30) "If I wanted to make moves, I had to learn."(00:13:18) "What are you afraid of? Failing."(00:15:44) The power of mentorship and a support system(00:17:49) What is eco-mapping?(00:21:01) "There's no better advocate for yourself than yourself."(00:23:55) "The timing of this transition was bananas."(00:28:17) How to recharge(00:29:38) Strategies for daily task management---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Nichole Lowe was happy enough at her corporate job, but then a life-threatening event happened where she decided it was time to reprioritize.  She realized life was short, and she wanted more.  Long before the coaching boom, she became a nutrition coach, and absolutely loved it.  But with coaching, she discovered a huge challenge - while anyone could be a coach, no one was helping these coaches run their businesses.So she founded Zoee.Today, Nichole talks about the growth of Zoee and the reasons WHY coaching in entrepreneurship is so valuable to growth.---(00:02:50) "In that moment, the hospital wanted to do open heart surgery."(00:08:14) "I'm excited. I've got this great training, but on graduation, I have no idea what to do. I don't know where to start. I've got to figure out billing and scheduling and CRM and et cetera, et cetera. And it's just chaotic out there. So that's when I thought, you know what? There's got to be a better way. I had my shark tank moment." (00:10:21) Finding the Streamlined Solution for Coach Business Management(00:29:18) Why the User Base Doubled(00:36:11) "A coach isn't going to provide advice to you. She's just going to help you find that answer within you."---Today's episode is hosted by Jason Gillikin, and produced by Earfluence.

Grieving is unfortunately a universal part of the human experience. Whether it's hit us yet or not, grief will bring us to our knees. So while we can't avoid it, how can we honor our grief without letting it define us?Today, ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler shares her story of losing her parents at 18.  Initially, she ran as fast as she could from the pain and shame associated with her parents' deaths, eventually finding the courage to confront and share her story. By owning her past and using it as a source of strength, Lauren has navigated the different stages of life with a newfound sense of purpose and intentionality.And she's here to help us through our own adversity.(00:03:00) Journey of Overcoming Parents' Prescription Overdoses(00:06:36) Owning Your Story(00:10:01) The Tough Love Approach?(00:13:38) Transforming Challenges into Sources of Strength(00:15:40) "Be where your feet are. Soak up this moment. Time is non refundable."(00:20:34) The Case for Therapy(00:31:43) Embracing Personal Narratives for Resilience and Connection---Lauren Sisler (@laurensisler) is a keynote speaker and author of the book Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy).---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Join the Coworking Session with Zola and The Planner's Vault - ZolaCoworking.com

How can we navigate burnout by recognizing survival brain, dismantling decades-old beliefs, and prioritizing self-awareness?It's not easy, but today we continue last week's conversation about burnout, and what it truly means to press the pause button.Recent burnout episodes:272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy279.  What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever-----Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast.  She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).-----(00:03:24) Are you going to share your burnout story with your girls someday?(00:06:50) Tools they will never forget(00:08:20) Where's the certificate?(00:10:15) Are women quitting their careers?(00:12:45) What have you gained through this whole process?(00:26:00) If you could write a letter to your future self about burnout---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. ----Podcast Production or Podcast Guesting Services - https://www.earfluence.com/wfr

Recently, I've been sharing my personal journey with burnout in episodes 272, 274, and 275, and I've heard from so many of you who resonated with these stories. We don't talk enough about the hardships of trying to do it all and be it all as entrepreneurs. There's a lot to navigate, and there's a lack of conversations around what to do about it and what you can learn from seasons of overwhelm, burnout, and the hard lessons of awareness around your own internal wiring that might be hurting you. So I want you to know that I see you, I appreciate you, and these episodes are for you.-----Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast.  She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).-----(00:03:15) Why couldn't you stop?(00:08:09) Unaddressed Past Wounds Impact on Burnout Recovery(00:17:16) Evolving Nature of Burnout: Acknowledging Different Forms(00:19:10) Transformation through Evolving Burnout Experiences(00:24:35) Navigating Relationship Changes with Reflection and Growth(00:27:32) The Power of Purposeful Reflection and Breaks---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. ----Podcast Production or Podcast Guesting Services - https://www.earfluence.com/wfr

Back when I was starting my planning business in 2010, things were a lot different than today.  Community over competition wasn't a thing. Instagram wasn't a thing yet. TikTok obviously wasn't around. Podcasts weren't around. And you know what else hadn't taken off yet? The coaching boom.Back then, we didn't have wedding pros telling us what they had done to grow their businesses, which was a challenge because we had to learn from failing.But now, you have sooooo many voices to choose from, and so many different opinions on how to grow your business the right way.  I've heard from you that it's completely overwhelming.So what can we do about it? And where should we be spending our time?-----Our guest is Steph Zakas, coach and photographer, and host of the Your Next Breakthrough Podcast.-----(00:00:00) Navigating Coaching Overload in Business(00:06:06) Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Core Issue Coaching(00:10:37) Entrepreneurial Impact of External Marketing Messages(00:24:16) Client-Centered Sales Approach for Efficiency(00:26:38) "Embracing Safety through Rest and Mindfulness"(00:38:59) Personalized Morning Routines for Optimal Energy(00:39:55) Personalized Daily Routines for Peak Productivity(00:44:46) Maximizing High-Level Thinking Through Delegating---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. ----Podcast Production or Podcast Guesting Services - https://www.earfluence.com/wfr

Today we're sharing some easy financial wins for you to be able to save more money, unlock some amazing perks, and gain greater control over your finances and your time.AMEX My Favorite Things Honeybook Weddings For Real Episode 259 - 5 Tips So Taxes Don't Keep You Up at Night, with CPA Tatiana PodelWeddings For Real Episode 241 - Double Your Revenue, Not Your Work: A Guide to Affiliate Income, with Kendra Swalls---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. ----Podcast Production or Podcast Guesting Services - https://www.earfluence.com/wfr

As entrepreneurs, we carry a heavy load. We're leading our teams, we're planning for more growth, we're handling setbacks, trying to build profitability, we're making sure we're serving our clients, we want to market to reach a wider audience.  It's exhausting.And then, as women, I feel like the load is even greater. We strive to create opportunities that might not come as easily to us as our male counterparts. We're working to balance societal expectations, we're managing the mental load, and often we feel the heaviness and drive to prove our capabilities in almost every arena. And then as parents, the desire to be present in a true role model is incredibly strong and often challenging to measure up to. Something's gotta give.So today, I'm sharing 6 ways (plus a bonus) to prioritize yourself.(04:00) Tip 1 - "It's a slow process, but it's teaching me patience, and it's giving me a sense of accomplishment that's not tied to work or productivity."(07:45) Tip 2 - The Inner Drill Sergeant(10:30) Tip 3 - Rest with no agenda?!?(12:15) Tip 4 - "One of the best decisions I've made..."(14:10) Tip 5 - Turning the Hollywood yes into a real yes(15:40) Tip 6 - Falling back in love with my childhood crush(17:40) Bonus Tip - Deep Healing---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

On last week's episode, Megan took you on a behind the scenes journey to the beginning of this year when she was on a two day workation retreat with her friend and business coach, Rachel Sheerin. She brought a whirlwind of ideas, enough for a 30-day retreat, but along with the excitement and the ideas, she also brought lots of overwhelm, exhaustion, and panic to get it all done.  She was in deep burnout, and Rachel saw right through her. And then, she made an offer to help.Today, we dive into what happened next and how it transformed Megan's life and business, and how it can do the same for you.(00:00) Burnout and what happened next(04:04) Can you be completely honest with key members of your team?(07:00) Audit your calendar, your time, your money, and your mind(14:00) "It's a muscle to choose the life you want"(18:15) Can your business be simplified?(20:30) Are you having fun?---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

If you listened to episode 272, you heard about Megan's burnout and why she took a pause from recording new episodes of the podcast.  But that's not quite the whole story.Back in January, Megan went on a weekend retreat with her coach, friend, and business partner Rachel Sheerin.  It was there that Rachel realized this wouldn't be a normal workcation.Today, Rachel and Megan share what happened, how Rachel identified the signs of burnout, and tips for what to do when burnout starts to set in next time.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

One of the quickest routes to burnout (see episode 272) is doing the same thing over and over, staying on that hamster wheel until you're running so fast, you're exhausted, and realize you're not even sure you like this hamster wheel anymore. Sometimes, we get so caught up in the routine that we forget to pause and reassess if it's still working for us.So, let's talk about making those intentional changes to get you out of personal and professional ruts.Our guest is KT Merry, a global luxury destination wedding and editorial photographer who's taken a bold step to change her path.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Megan here. I'm back, and I'm inviting you into a personal reflection and behind-the-scenes look at what burnout can look like—not just as a business owner, but as a human - a human who needs to stop fighting and pushing through burnout but instead heal the root cause.I've talked about burnout before on the podcast:194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)55: Rachel Sheerin on Preventing Burnout and the 80-20 RuleBut this episode will be different and approach burnout from a new angle.As always, I want to keep it real with you about what you can expect in this episode.I'll be sharing my own recent experience with burnout and what had to change, what I learned, and what takeaways I think will be helpful to you in your own life and business.If you're experiencing some burnout, you're not alone.---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Wedding Pro ChatGPT Bundle - https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/wedding-pro-chatgpt-bundle

Lisa Lyons has been in the wedding industry for 19 years, but she has been drawn to etiquette her entire life. And in 2020 she got the certification to help wedding pros take their etiquette to the next level. But in this modern era of traditions changing, what does wedding etiquette even mean?Lisa Lyons Events and Etiquette---This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Wedding Pro ChatGPT Bundle - https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/wedding-pro-chatgpt-bundle

Motivational speaker and award-winning storyteller Kelly Swanson advises wedding professionals (and all business owners who want more sales), "Don't sell the service. Sell the story."  But how do we do that when we're not sure what story to tell.Is it the story of me?Is it the brand story?Is it the couple's story?The thing is, if we can merge those 3 stories together, we're creating a powerful connection where couples will be drawn to work with us.Today, Kelly shares her expert storytelling tips, her 3-paragraph formula for telling a memorable and impactful story, and why she completely disagrees with the phrase, "Content is King."This episode is a must-listen for professionals looking to humanize their brand, build trust, and connect with clients on a deeper level.---Wedding and Event Planners Story Chat with Kelly Swanson - StoryStudio.Life Story Impact Academy - https://motivationalspeakerkellyswanson.com/story-impact-academy/Instagram - @Kelly_Swanson_SpeakerStoryImpactNetwork.com---Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealToday's episode is hosted by Rachel Sheerin.  Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence. Wedding Pro ChatGPT Bundle - https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/wedding-pro-chatgpt-bundle

Lindsay Lucas is THE wedding venue consultant.  She's a former wedding planner who now helps venue owners (and those aspiring to be) to create profitable and sustainable wedding venue businesses.  Lindsay had the idea for a complete shift in her business, but it wasn't easy convincing herself that this was the best way to go. Today, we talk about if YOUR idea is really something to go after, that feeling of imposter syndrome you are sure to have when you're doing something new, and how vendors can know when it's time to take the leap.   ---This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.Weddings for Real on Social Media:Instagram: @weddingsforrealFacebook: @weddingsforrealtwitter: @weddingsforrealHosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.