Podcasts about she leads

In this week's Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila are giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their forthcoming book, Aligned CEO Method, and the framework they've used to help thousands of women build more profitable, scalable businesses.They break down why getting to your next level requires both strategy and mindset. Your offers, marketing, sales, operations, numbers, and time all matter, but so does the way you think, make decisions, recognize limiting beliefs, and expand into the next version of yourself.They also dive into one of the most important concepts in the book: creating your own method. Whether you're a coach, realtor, accountant, consultant, or service-based business owner, having a clear framework for how you get your clients results can make your business easier to market, sell, deliver, and scale.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why your current business results are often a reflection of the way you're currently running your business.How to identify the mindset, offer, marketing, sales, operations, or financial areas that may be creating your next ceiling.Why creating your own method, framework, or signature process can make it easier to explain, sell, and scale what you do.How mindset and strategy work together when you're ready to make your next big leap.Why understanding your numbers, including profit and lifetime customer value, is essential to building a truly profitable business.How to use data to make better business decisions instead of relying on guesswork.Why you don't need to be a “numbers person” to understand the financial side of your business.How the Aligned CEO Method book combines strategy, mindset, energy, and practical resources so you can actually implement what you learn.And because the book is designed to be something you use, not just read, Nicole and Kaila share how the accompanying book portal will give readers access to templates, visualizations, scripts, podcast episodes, and other resources to help bring the concepts to life.If you've been feeling like you know you're capable of more, but you're not quite sure how to get there, this episode will help you see what might need to change, and why your next level requires you to think and operate differently.Your business got you here. Now it's time to build the business that gets you there.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this final August 2026 TGIM episode, Nicole is skipping the strategy and giving you a permission slip to slow down, be present, and actually enjoy the season you're in.As summer comes to an end, Nicole reflects on some of her favourite summers, including the unforgettable summer of 2016, and the moments from this summer she wants to remember forever. She explores why the end of a season can make us pay closer attention to the life we're actually living.This episode is your reminder that you don't need to wait for the perfect vacation, the next season, or some imaginary “someday” to enjoy your life. You can choose to be present right now.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why the end of a season can help us appreciate what we might otherwise take for granted.How to stop rushing through your life and start paying attention to the moments happening right now.Why summer can remind you who you are outside of your business and how to bring more of that version of yourself into the rest of the year.A simple way to reflect on what this summer taught you and what you want to carry into fall.Why you don't need to have a perfectly planned day to create meaningful memories.How to stop saving the things you want to do for “someday” and actually go do them.Nicole's invitation to create a song, experience, or ritual that helps you remember the summer of 2026.If you've been feeling like summer flew by, this is your reminder: you're not too late. Go get a box of popsicles. Put on the sundress. Get in the water. Call your friend. Take the afternoon off.Don't have a someday summer. Have a summer you actually lived!And as you head into fall, ask yourself: What part of the version of me that showed up this summer do I want to bring with me?Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's Claude series episode, Kaila is sharing the five coolest things she's gotten Claude to do inside My Aligned Purpose. These are real workflows she's using to save time, reduce team burnout, improve SEO, and create more space for sales and strategic work. From creating client onboarding emails and turning podcast transcripts into SEO-optimized blog posts to auditing the My Aligned Purpose brand and helping shape their content strategy, Kaila shares exactly how she's using Claude as a thinking partner, operations assistant, SEO strategist, and brand strategist.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How Kaila uses Claude to create and improve client onboarding email sequences using existing content.How to use Claude to audit your website and identify opportunities to improve your SEO and Google visibility.How to automatically turn your podcast transcripts into SEO-friendly blog content.How Claude can analyze your existing brand across your website, podcast, and social media and help you identify opportunities for stronger positioning.How to use Claude for competitor research and building a more intentional brand and content strategy.Why Claude works best as a thinking partner and first-draft machine, rather than something you blindly hand your business over to.Why human judgment, client conversations, creativity, and relationships still matter enormously, even as AI takes over more repetitive work.How reducing operational busywork creates more capacity for sales, strategy, and the work that actually grows your business. If you have a list of things you've been meaning to do for months (or even years) this episode will show you how to stop staring at the blank page and start using Claude to get the work moving.Links & Resources:Grab your free Claude setup guide + prompts: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/claudeSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleTake our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila are getting real about what it looks like when your big dream takes WAY longer than you thought it would.Their book, Aligned CEO Method, is finally launching, but getting here was anything but linear. What started as a book idea in 2024 turned into multiple outlines, shifting launch dates, new coaching, a pregnancy, professional publishing advice, a growing business, and a whole lot of “okay… let's try this again.” They share the behind-the-scenes of the two-year journey and three big lessons: how to keep going when something doesn't work, how to know when you're ready, and why perfectionism can keep you tweaking instead of actually shipping.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why your big dream may take longer than you originally planned—and why that doesn't mean you're failing.How to know when it's time to keep going, pivot, or change the plan without abandoning the bigger vision.What Nicole and Kaila learned from multiple book deadlines and launch dates.Why iteration is a normal part of building a business, not proof that you got it wrong.How perfectionism can keep entrepreneurs stuck in endless edits, tweaks, and preparation.Why you eventually have to execute and ship instead of waiting for everything to be perfect.How outside mentorship, coaching, and expert advice helped them make better decisions along the way.Why your business and your vision are allowed to evolve as you evolve. If you've ever thought “I should be further along by now,” this episode is your reminder that your timeline doesn't determine whether your dream is worth pursuing.Sometimes the plan changes and life happens, but you don't have to give up on the dream just because you have to change the route.And after two years of iterations, Aligned CEO Method is finally launching September 18. You can grab your copy, join the Biz Besties Book Club, and join Nicole and Kaila at the book launch party to celebrate with the community that helped bring this book to life.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole is getting a little woo and diving into the root chakra and what it has to do with money, business, confidence, and belonging.If you've ever felt like you're working so hard but still feel exhausted, insecure about money, unsure if you belong at the next level, or constantly wondering whether there's really a seat at the table for you, this conversation is for you.Nicole explores the root chakra as the energetic foundation connected to safety, survival, security, and belonging, and how these themes can show up in the experience of being an entrepreneur. She also explores the connection she sees between the chakra system and the body's stress response, particularly around the adrenal system and cortisol. And because your foundation matters, Nicole shares simple ways to ground yourself, work with your energy, and create more safety and security around your money and business.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:What the root chakra represents and why Nicole believes it's foundational to alignment.How feelings of “Do I belong here?” and imposter syndrome can show up in business.Why money, security, belonging, and your sense of safety can be deeply connected.How chronic stress and feeling unsafe can influence the way you show up as a business owner.Why grounding can be a powerful practice before creating, selling, making decisions, or doing CEO work.Simple ways to work with your root chakra, from getting outside and grounding to money dates, mirror work, decluttering, and affirmations.The root chakra affirmation Nicole wants you to remember: “I am safe, and I belong.”A simple 7-day exercise to assess your sense of safety, belonging, and financial security - and see what shifts. If you've been feeling drained, insecure, stuck, or like you're constantly trying to prove that you belong, this episode invites you to come back to your foundation.Because before you can fully step into your next level, you have to believe that there is enough, that you are safe, and that you belong here.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's Claude series episode, Kaila is showing you how to build your own AI virtual assistant inside Claude, and how she's using it to save 20+ hours a week in her business.If you're a maxed-out founder who is managing your own emails, admin, operations, team, calendar, and approximately 7,000 tiny things that somehow always need your attention… this episode is a must-listenKaila walks you through how to create Skills in Claude that can perform repeatable workflows, connect with the software you already use, and run on a schedule. She shares exactly how she built a daily email and operations system that can organize emails, draft responses, forward receipts, flag calendar requests, and more.And the goal isn't to replace your team. It's to free your humans up from the repetitive work so they can spend their time on the strategic work that actually moves the business forward.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:What a Skill in Claude actually is and how it can become your AI assistant.How to connect Claude to the tools you already use in your business.How to create a scheduled workflow that runs automatically.The exact process Kaila uses to build and train her Claude VA.How to use Claude for email management, receipts, calendars, and recurring operations.Why you should start with one workflow, test it, and then train Claude on your specific rules.How AI can make your existing team more efficient rather than replacing them.Why your highest-value work should be focused on sales, delivery, strategy, and the activities that actually generate cash.If you're spending hours every week doing repetitive admin work, this episode will show you how to start getting some of that time back!Links & Resources:Grab your free Claude setup guide + prompts: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/claudeSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleTake our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila dive into one of the most empowering conversations for entrepreneurs: confidently showing up, sharing your offers, and enrolling clients without letting doubt, comparison, or judgment hold you back.They break down why perfectionism, trying to prove your qualifications, and listening to naysayers can silently drain your energy, and how to reclaim it so you can attract the clients and opportunities that align with your purpose.Whether you're a new entrepreneur or scaling your business, this episode will help you feel confident and magnetic while taking action to grow your income and impact.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How to confidently own your expertise and show up as the CEO, founder, or creator you already are.Why certifications, degrees, or outside validation don't define your ability to serve your clients.How to manage critical voices in your life and protect your energy while growing your business.Why comparison and scarcity thinking can silently block sales and momentum.The fastest way to get traction: asking for referrals, connecting with your network, and taking aligned action.How to create a system of repeated outreach that feels good and generates consistent results.Why your net worth grows alongside your network, and how to leverage relationships for growth.By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear mindset framework and actionable strategies to stop doubting yourself, stop overthinking, and start confidently enrolling clients who are the perfect fit for your business.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole is talking about something so many entrepreneurs experience every August: the moment your business gets quiet and your brain immediately decides something is wrong.Sales slow down, engagement drops, your inbox gets quiet, and suddenly you're wondering if your business is dying, whether you should pivot, or if you need to completely change what you're doing.Nicole shares the story of one particularly slow August early in her entrepreneurial journey and how it taught her that the real challenge was what the slowness was bringing up inside of her.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why a seasonal slowdown doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong with your business.How to recognize when your nervous system is turning a quiet season into a panic spiral.Why forcing sales, launching from scarcity, or constantly checking your numbers can actually make things worse.How to use August as a season for integration, rest, and preparation.The powerful question Nicole asks herself when things get quiet: “Who am I being right now as a business owner?”Why checking in with your body before checking your business metrics can change everything.How to trust the season you're in instead of constantly trying to force the next one.This episode is your reminder that your business has seasons, just like you do. You don't need to force sales or spend your summer glued to your laptop. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is regulate your nervous system, trust what you've built, and let yourself rest.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Try the Home Flow Method with Meg: https://wholesyum.ca/pages/wholesyum-services

In this special Claude episode, Kaila takes you inside the AI tool she's using to help run My Aligned Purpose more efficiently, and shows you how to get started with Claude in your own business.If you've ever opened Claude and thought, "Okay, but what the heck is an Artifact? What's a Connector? Where do I even start?" this episode is for you.Kaila walks you through the foundational Claude setup, from choosing your subscription and protecting your privacy to connecting the tools you already use in your business. She also explains how she uses Claude as a thinking partner, business assistant, and operational support, rather than as a replacement for human connection or decision-making.The goal is to let the machines be the machines and the humans be the humans, so you can spend less time in the weeds and more time doing the work that actually moves your business forward.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How to set up Claude for your business and choose the right subscriptionThe first privacy setting Kaila recommends changingWhy connecting your existing business tools is where Claude becomes truly powerfulWhat Claude Connectors, Projects, Artifacts, Skills, Scheduled Tasks, Chat, and Cowork actually meanHow Kaila uses Claude to manage emails, repurpose podcast content, create systems, and support business operationsWhy you should stop trying to solve every technical problem yourself and simply ask Claude to walk you through itHow to start thinking of Claude as a business thinking partner, not a replacement for peopleWhy having a "beginner's mind" is one of the most important skills when working with AIAnd this is only Episode 1! We're going much deeper into how to actually use Claude as your AI business assistant in the episodes ahead.Links & Resources:Grab your free Claude setup guide + prompts: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/claudeSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyPre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presaleTake our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

In this week's Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila share one of their most transformative manifestation practices: writing down everything you want as if it's already on its way to you. Inspired by journaling, Human Design, and real-world experiments, this practice helps you clarify your vision, collapse time, and step confidently into the version of yourself who already has what she desires.Whether you're an entrepreneur or someone craving more clarity and alignment in life, this episode will show you how to stop overthinking, trust your instincts, and co-create your next-level reality.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why clarity in your asks and intentions makes manifestation faster and more tangible.How to navigate the duality of your brain: excitement vs. fear, and why both voices matter.The 3-minute journaling exercise that can accelerate your business, health, relationships, and personal goals.How “compartmentalizing” your desires can make your goals feel achievable and organized.Why free-flowing desires work just as well as structured visioning - there's no one right way.Real-life stories of manifestation in action, including surprise encounters and unexpected opportunities.How this practice empowers you to collapse time between current reality and your future dreams.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to manifesting aligned abundance: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

Over the past several weeks, we've been delighted toshare the beginning of She Leads the Way—a series of short essays inspired by Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson's conversations with more than thirty women presidents and senior leaders featured on the IngenioUs Podcast.Each essay explores a leadership lesson that surfacedrepeatedly across these remarkable conversations.Today, we're pleased to share the second essay in theseries. Leadership journeys rarely unfold according to plan.In this essay, Melissa reflects on the stories of Isabelle Cherney,Krista Newkirk, Barbara Mistick, and Barbara Farley—fourwomen whose careers remind us that meaningful leadership is seldom the result of following a perfectly mapped path. Instead, their journeys were shaped by unexpected turns, personal challenges, courageous decisions, and a willingnessto grow through experiences they never could have anticipated.Rather than climbing a predetermined ladder, theycomposed their lives one experience at a time.The companion video brings their voices together, highlighting the wisdom behind these extraordinary journeys and inviting each of us to think differently about our own leadership path.

As part of our Women’s Month focus (She Leads), Bianca Flanders Balie, actor, voice artist & director spoke to Clarence Ford about the run of her most recent play Karamonk and reflecting on being in her element on the stage. Views and News with Clarence Ford is the mid-morning show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour-long programme shares and reflects a broad array of perspectives. It is inspirational, passionate and positive. Host Clarence Ford’s gentle curiosity and dapper demeanour leave listeners feeling motivated and empowered. Known for his love of jazz and golf, Clarrie covers a range of themes including relationships, heritage and philosophy. Popular segments include Barbs’ Wire at 9:30 am (Mon-Thurs) and The Naked Scientist at 9:30 on Fridays. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Views & News with Clarence Ford Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to Views and News with Clarence Ford broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/erjiQj2 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BdpaXRn Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this follow-up to last week's episode on permission, Nicole tackles a distinction most entrepreneurs never learn to make: the difference between actual burnout and simply outgrowing a version of yourself or your business. If you've taken the vacation, done the slow mornings, and still come back feeling the same low hum of dread, this episode explains why.Nicole walks through the real story behind My Aligned Purpose's big shifts this spring, including the sixth-birthday lunch that cracked open a conversation she and Kaila had been avoiding for over a year, and how naming the real problem (not burnout) led to a record revenue month.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:The key differences between burnout and outgrowing your business, and why they need completely different remedies.Three simple self-check questions to figure out which one you're actually experiencing.Why "I can't do this anymore" and "I can't do it this way anymore" are two very different complaints worth paying attention to.How to evolve your business without torching it and starting over from scratch.Why naming your secret desire to one trusted person is the first real step toward building it into a plan.If you've been dreading parts of your business that used to light you up, or you've caught yourself scrolling job postings and then feeling guilty about it, this episode will help you figure out what you're actually solving for, and what to do next.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

In this week's Biz Bestie episode, Nicole and Kaila dive deep into one of the most overlooked drivers of business success: your energy and presence. If you've ever felt frustrated that your offers aren't converting or that clients aren't showing up, it could be your energy.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How energy, presence, and enthusiasm influence sales more than audience size.The subtle ways you may be blocking clients without realizing it.Real-life examples of high-vibe versus low-vibe interactions and their outcomes.Practical ways to switch your energy in the moment to get better results.Why generosity, authenticity, and problem-solving are your secret sales tools.This episode is packed with the kind of candid, relatable advice only Biz Besties deliver, perfect for entrepreneurs who are ready to stop leaving money on the table and start executing on their dream with confidence.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizSave your seat to our Book Launch Party: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/partyGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

In this honest TGIM episode, Nicole unpacks one of the sneakiest blocks holding entrepreneurs back: permission-seeking. She breaks down what it actually looks like in disguise, from "let me run this by a few people first" to softening a bold Instagram caption before anyone even sees it.Nicole shares the exact moment it all changed for her: the spring of 2020, when her teacher's license came up for renewal and she chose not to renew it, letting go of the "plan B" that had quietly been keeping her one foot out of her own business. She gets real about what that decision cost her, including friendships and relationships that couldn't hold the new version of her, and why that price was worth paying.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:The difference between gathering wisdom from people in the arena and outsourcing a decision you're afraid to make.Why waiting for "readiness" is often just permission-seeking wearing a more respectable disguise.How to spot your own permission-seeking patterns in pricing, content, and the decisions you soften before anyone else weighs in.Why losing certain relationships is sometimes the cost of stepping into your next version, and why that's not a sign you're doing something wrong.Three simple steps to start giving yourself permission this week, including taking one unsanctioned action and telling people after, not before.If you've ever waited for a permission slip that was never coming, this episode is your reminder that the only approval you actually need is your own.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

What if your someday goals could happen this year instead? In this episode, Nicole sits down with executive coach, speaker, and creator of the Badass Planner, Janell Karst, to talk about turning "someday" into a start date. Janell shares her journey from survival mode to building a life and business she loves, why quiet time is the secret to your best ideas, and how she helps ambitious women own their time and energy by building an AI empire that works for them. If you have ever said "I do not have time," this conversation is your permission slip to take it back.What You Will LearnWhy quiet, reflective time (solo retreats, walks without podcasts, even the shower) is where your best creative ideas liveThe two things that stop most people from slowing down: permission and OPP (other people's priorities)How Janell went from rock bottom at 38 to smashing someday goal after someday goalWhy wanting a goal badly is not enough, and how to set up your environment, schedule, and mindset for bold movesThe weekly question that changes everything: "What can I delegate, outsource, or cancel to create more space in my week?"Why the right question is not "which AI tool should I use" but "what do you want your time for?"How Janell helps clients build a fully customized Claude AI empire in about a month, with no DIY YouTube rabbit holesReal client stories from her Bold program: 52 bold moves in 52 weeks, five-year goals achieved in 90 daysConnect with Janell KarstWebsite: janellkarst.comInstagram: @janellkarstBold Soul event: boldsoul.caThe Badass Planner: available on AmazonWant to work with Janell? Visit her website or send her a DM on Instagram and tell her your someday goalTake our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to manifesting aligned abundance: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

In this episode of Live Your Best Life, Liz Wright sits down with Helena Croft MBE — founder of StreetlightUK, Director of She Leads UK, and author of No Little Girl's Dream — for a conversation about faith, justice, and the God who rescues.Helena shares the founding story of StreetlightUK, the importance of collaboration with law enforcement, the Nordic model as a framework for ending prostitution, inspiring stories of transformation from the women she serves, and the spiritual strength that sustains this work. She also discusses her role in the She Leads movement and the power of prayer and community in advocacy.Connect with Helena Croft MBE: StreetlightUK: https://www.streetlight.uk.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StreetlightUK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/streetlightuk X: https://x.com/HelenaCroft No Little Girl's Dream: [Amazon link]She Leads UK: https://sheleadsthenations.com/she-leads-uk Related MaterialsJoin the International Mentoring Community IMC, to facilitate a safe environment where like-minded people at any stage of their walk can enter into a deeper experience of Jesus. Liz Wright will mentor you each week through revelatory teaching, powerful testimonies and the grace to step into life-changing encounters with Jesus.https://www.jointheimc.com/

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole explores one of the most powerful shifts entrepreneurs can make: embracing what feels “delusional” to others, but perfectly aligned with your big vision. She shares how stepping boldly into a life and business that feels bigger than your current proof can help you achieve opportunities, growth, and momentum that most entrepreneurs miss out on.Nicole also breaks down how fear of judgment and waiting for “proof” keeps so many women stuck at the same income level, in the same routines, or playing small in their businesses. Drawing from her own journey, she reveals how thinking big and taking delusional action can create the life and business you truly want.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why being “delusional” about your vision is actually a key strategy for executing your dreams.How comparison and waiting for proof silently block your business growth.The mindset shifts that allow you to hold a 7-figure vision when your current reality feels far from it.Why your next-level life requires changing your capacity, actions, and belief system first.How mentors, masterminds, and aligned communities help you take delusional action safely and effectively.Practical ways to take consistent action on your big vision before it's fully proven.How showing up fully in your business sets permission for others to do the same.If you've ever felt like your big goals are “too much," this episode is your permission slip to stop playing it safe, trust your instincts, and start executing on the life and business you've been imagining.Take our FREE quiz to discover your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

A miserable mammogram turned into a patented product, and the customer validation process behind it is a masterclass for any founder building a physical product from scratch. Debbie and Troy Sutton, the mother and son co-founders behind The Healing Bras, bootstrapped warming and cooling therapy pads for women's breast pain at every stage of life, from first cycles to breastfeeding to menopause.It started with one cranky drive home from a painful mammogram, when Troy asked his mom how it went and then did something most people never do: he went looking for a better solution, found only clunky, outdated ice packs, and invented one himself. What followed is a product development story every entrepreneur should hear.A biomedical engineer and former college catcher ended up designing an intimate product for women he could never use himself, and the approach was simple: ask, listen, and stay humble. Debbie and Troy donated over 500 pads to partner organizations to get real feedback on shape, size, and fit before selling a single unit. They brought a two-time breast cancer survivor onto their board to guide the design, partnered with an FDA-regulated manufacturer in New Jersey, and built the entire company self-funded from their garage.We also talk about the harder side of co-founding with family: how a mother and son learn when to be business partners and when to be family, why the relationship sometimes matters more than being right, and how they pivoted their original product based entirely on what their customers told them. They are now scaling toward hospitals, universities, female college athletes, and insurance approval.If you are building a product from a problem no one else has bothered to fix, this one is worth your time.Chapters:

What if artificial intelligence could help you become a more intentional leader - not only at work, but in every area of your life?In this episode of Queen Me!, Ashley sits down with T. Renee Smith, CEO and author of She Leads with AI, to discuss how women can use artificial intelligence as a strategic tool for leadership, career growth, health, relationships, and family.T. Renee shares her own experience navigating professional pivots and explains why starting a new chapter can challenge your identity, confidence, and expectations for success. She encourages women to approach periods of transition with authenticity, resilience, and the same compassion they would offer someone they love.Together, Ashley and T. Renee explore why many women feel uncertain or overwhelmed by AI, particularly when their identities are closely connected to their careers. This episode is for women navigating change, leaders curious about AI, professionals preparing for the future of work, and anyone ready to stop waiting for permission to build a fulfilling career and personal life.Share with a FriendKnow a woman navigating a career pivot, exploring artificial intelligence, building a business, or trying to create more freedom in her life? Share this episode. It is a practical and empowering conversation about using AI intentionally, overcoming fear, reclaiming time, and refusing to choose between professional success and personal fulfillment.Guest Appearing in This EpisodeT. Renee Smith: https://treneesmith.comCEO, leadership strategist, and author of She Leads with AI. T. Renee helps women understand and strategically use artificial intelligence to advance their careers, strengthen their leadership, improve their personal lives, and build success on their own terms.

In this week's Biz Bestie episode, Nicole and Kaila dive into the “Success Code," the four essential elements that help you show up, grow your business, and create a life that feels fully aligned. If you've ever struggled to break through your own limits, stay accountable, or surround yourself with the right people, this episode is for you.They share how accountability, social circles, structure, and skin in the game have helped them and their clients turn big dreams into tangible results. From doubling revenue to launching products with confidence, these strategies are less about tactics and more about creating the environment where your success is inevitable.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why accountability is a superpower for entrepreneurs and how it transforms your results.How surrounding yourself with people who dream bigger than you can push you to new levels.The role of structure in turning visionary ideas into actionable business wins.Why investing your own skin in the game changes everything about your mindset and outcomes.Stories of real clients who doubled revenue, launched new products, and scaled confidently by applying these four elements.How to start creating your own success code, and why it's about showing up, consistently.Whether you're tired of feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed, this episode will inspire you to take action, craft your own path, and finally see what's possible when you commit fully.Learn more about Aligned CEO Method: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/alignedceomethodTake our FREE quiz to discover your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

What happens when God calls a physical chemistry scientist to become a world-class soprano — and she says yes?In this episode of Live Your Best Life, Liz Wright sits down with Saira Peter — British-Pakistani soprano, world's first Sufi Opera singer, founder of NJ Arts London and the Saira Arts Academy, and recipient of the She Leads the Nations Award at the US Congress, February 2026.Saira shares her extraordinary journey from science to song, her experiences performing in conflict zones, her commitment to using music as a tool for peace and cultural understanding, and what it means to live in total obedience to God's call. She is currently working on a Sufi opera and New Testament songs in Punjabi with a vision to reach millions.Connect with Saira Peter: Website: https://www.njarts.co.uk Saira Arts Academy: https://www.sairaarts.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SairaPeterRelated MaterialsJoin the International Mentoring Community IMC, to facilitate a safe environment where like-minded people at any stage of their walk can enter into a deeper experience of Jesus. Liz Wright will mentor you each week through revelatory teaching, powerful testimonies and the grace to step into life-changing encounters with Jesus.https://www.jointheimc.com/

In this vulnerable TGIM episode, Nicole dives into one of the biggest mindset blocks entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders face: believing you need to have everything figured out before you're allowed to lead, teach, or pursue your dream.Nicole shares the story of launching My Aligned Purpose and teaching women about money while still carrying $86k of student loan debt, and why that experience didn't make her less qualified, it made her more connected to the women she was helping.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why you don't need to have reached the finish line to help someone who is a few steps behind you.The difference between teaching from lived experience versus pretending you have everything mastered.How perfectionism and the pressure to “have it all together” can keep entrepreneurs from showing up fully.Why your struggles, lessons, and growth can actually build deeper trust with your audience.How to execute on your dream while continuing to learn, evolve, and become the next version of yourself.If you've ever thought “I'm not ready yet" or “Who am I to teach this?," This episode is your reminder that your unfinished chapters are not proof you're failing, they're often the exact reason you're able to serve others so deeply.Take our FREE quiz to find your fastest path to making more money in your business: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

A student's zip code should not decide their future. Penelope Barton built a school in 70 countries to prove it.Penelope is the CEO of Crimson Global Academy and co-founder of Crimson Academies, a group of five schools serving students from age five through eighteen, online and in person. Last year her team ran 144,000 classes. Some of her students learn from boats, connected by satellite internet.She grew up in rural New Zealand before the internet, where one teacher covered English, math, and science, and you got whoever you got. That is the problem she has spent six years dismantling.We talk about how she scaled it: starting with two years of high school and one curriculum, then adding learning modes, ages, and countries as students asked for them. She places kids by ability, not age. Seven-year-olds are building apps. A venture capital firm is funding five of her seniors to launch real businesses before graduation. And she just opened a tuition-free school funded directly by the New Zealand government, which took three years of proving results first.She also says something most founders will recognize: the hardest thing she manages is not scale or regulation. It is her own impatience.Chapters:

This week on TGIM, Nicole dives into one of the most challenging and transformative experiences every founder and entrepreneur faces: outgrowing people.We explore the emotional journey of realizing that some friendships, family dynamics, or professional relationships no longer align with who you've become, and why that's proof of your growth.Nicole shares personal stories from her entrepreneurial journey, including the friendships she lost, the uncomfortable conversations she had to navigate, and how she eventually built a circle of peers and mentors who truly understand and celebrate her. If you're feeling isolated, unsupported, or like your current people don't “get” your ambition, this episode is a reminder that you're not alone, and the right people are on their way.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How to recognize when you're outgrowing people, places, or old patterns.Why grief and growth can coexist, and how to process both without guilt.How to keep your standards high while creating space for new, aligned relationships.Practical ways to find and connect with peers, mentors, and mastermind groups who celebrate your wins.Why distance in relationships is often a natural byproduct of growth, not a reflection of failure.If you've been feeling lonely in your growth or frustrated that the people around you don't fully get your vision, this episode will help you navigate the discomfort, honor your evolution, and build a circle that fuels your next-level life and business.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket to SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Learn more about Aligned CEO Method: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/alignedceomethod

You are great at what you do. Your clients love you. And almost nobody knows you exist. That gap between your skill and your visibility is where revenue disappears. Diane Strand of JDS Productions, has spent 23 years building businesses in one of the most competitive industries in the world: entertainment production. She has worked on sets for General Hospital, Friends, and Walt Disney. She built JDS Productions into a seven-figure media company, launched over 100 actors and producers through her studio, and wrote the book on turning creative passion into profit (literally, it is called Creative Preneur). In this episode, Diane breaks down why creativity is not a soft skill but a growth strategy, why action always comes before confidence, and how the same tools performers use on stage (improv, rehearsal, storytelling, stepping into the spotlight before you feel ready) are the exact tools that scale a business past the million dollar mark. She also challenges the money mindset that keeps women entrepreneurs stuck: stop building cash flow and start building wealth.Chapters:

In this Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila get honest about something most women entrepreneurs don't even realize is happening: you're losing sales before a client ever has the chance to say yes. And it's not your offer. It's your systems.They break down the three systems that are quietly costing you money, referrals, and repeat clients, and what you can do right now to fix them. This one is part strategy, part wake-up call, and completely practical.What you'll take away from this episode:Why a complicated booking process is the fastest way to lose a sale before it even starts.The real reason your happy clients aren't sending referrals your way (and it has nothing to do with your results).Why repeat clients disappear, and what "red carpet service" actually looks like in a real business.The tools (Calendly, Acuity, Stripe) that reduce friction and make it easy for clients to say yes.How to audit your entire client experience so your business runs like one.Why referrals are a trust asset, and how your systems either build or break that trust.If sales feel harder than they should right now, this episode is probably the answer you've been looking for.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

Feeling stuck because you don't know what's next? This week, Nicole dives deep into how uncertainty shows up in our lives, businesses, and motherhood, and why it's actually a signal of growth rather than a roadblock.Drawing from her own experiences and coaching hundreds of women entrepreneurs, Nicole shares how to navigate those uneasy, messy, “I-have-no-idea-what's-coming” moments with courage and confidence.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:Why feeling uncertain doesn't mean you're failing, it often means you're expanding.How to distinguish fear that protects vs. intuition that guides you.Practical tools to stay grounded when your brain wants all the answers.How past seasons of uncertainty can become your blueprint for moving forward.Ways to integrate gratitude, solo reflection, and action to move past analysis paralysis.Why clarity is built through action, not waiting for perfect conditions.Whether you're stepping into entrepreneurship, juggling motherhood, or leading a growing business, this episode will remind you that you've handled uncertainty before, and you can handle it again- better than ever.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

You want to build the business. You also cannot afford to quit your job. For most women, that tension kills the idea before it starts. Toni Toomey refused to let it. She is a second-time founder who sold her first company in her twenties, a full-time AI professional, the primary breadwinner in her family, and the CEO of Hone - a premium postpartum apparel brand made from hormone-safe natural fibers. She bootstrapped her startup without a single dollar of venture capital because, as she puts it, the VC model funds just 2.5% of women founders, so she built her own path. In this episode, Toni shares how she identified a product gap that a male founder would likely miss, why she uses AI to compress days of operational work into hours without ever using it to write her content, and why community is replacing paid ads as the most effective growth strategy for early-stage founders. Toni also breaks down what to look for (and what to avoid) in the fabrics you wear every day and why the apparel industry's impact on women's health is a problem hiding in plain sight. Chapters:

In this week's Biz Besties episode, Nicole and Kaila take a hard look at how the first half of 2026 has gone, and how to intentionally create momentum for the second half of the year. From managing time as a parent and business owner to maximizing offers and launches, this episode is all about honest reflection, planning with purpose, and making more money without losing your sanity.Whether you're juggling motherhood, a growing business, or seasonal offers, this episode will give you a framework to reflect, course-correct, and step confidently into the rest of your year.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:How to honestly assess your first half of the year and identify what's working, and what isn't.Why reviewing your calendar and your results together reveals your true priorities.How to set up your business and energy for a profitable second half of the year.The importance of aligning your offers, launches, and marketing with your audience and seasonal buying cycles.Why past experience is your best guide for designing offers your past-self would have loved.How to strategically test, iterate, and scale without burning out or feeling stuck.Insight into Cash Flow and “Six Figures in Six Months” strategies for ambitious entrepreneurs.Whether you're mid-year and feeling behind or already thriving, this episode helps you pause and create the next six months with purpose.Grab your VIP tickets to SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Take our FREE quiz to discover your fastest path to business growth: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quiz

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole dives into one of her favourite topics for entrepreneurs and moms alike: understanding your unique wiring so you can design your life and business around you. She gets real about postpartum, societal expectations, and why trying to fit into someone else's “perfect system” is holding you back.Using tools like Human Design, astrology, the Enneagram, and even personality frameworks like Myers-Briggs, Nicole breaks down how knowing your energy, decision-making style, and natural tendencies can help you stop overthinking, avoid burnout, and show up fully in your business and life.What you'll take away from this episode:Why you don't have to justify your choices (work, family, or personal priorities) to anyone.How understanding your wiring can help you navigate business, motherhood, and creativity without guilt.The difference between using frameworks as a tool vs. a crutch.Practical ways to align your workflow and decision-making with your energy type.Why you can't copy someone else's “perfect system” and why that's a good thing.How embracing your natural tendencies can actually make your business and life more fun.If you've ever felt like everyone else's way of working is better than yours, this episode is your permission slip to stop comparing and thrive in your own way.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

Leah Lykins thinks college isn't the only path to a good career, and she's built worker-first tools that prove it. Leah is the co-founder of Where We Go, a public benefit corporation connecting people who are ready to work with the programs ready to train them, and the co-founder of Camp Chateau, an adult women's sleepaway camp in a French château.In this episode, Leah explains why the infrastructure that keeps a country running, from clean energy to advanced manufacturing to the electrical grid, needs people desperately, and how the right framing turns a career nobody has heard of into one worth getting out of bed for. She also shares how she and her mother bought a château for the price of a San Francisco apartment, funded the first location with 150 women, and filled the second in seven days.If you are rethinking your next move, or want to build a business that actually fits your life, this one is worth your time.Chapters:

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole dives into a topic every busy entrepreneur and parent can relate to: mental clutter and emotional backlog. If you feel like your mind is constantly full, your thoughts are scattered, or you're carrying invisible stress, you need to listen in.Nicole unpacks how the constant input from social media, work, family, and life can leave you feeling foggy and stuck, and why a proper mind and soul detox is the key to clarity and real presence in your life.What you'll takeaway from this episode:Why “cluttered” isn't just about your physical space, it's your mental and emotional load weighing you down.How unresolved feelings and unprocessed emotions accumulate like sediment, clouding your decision-making and creativity.A practical approach to a real mind and soul detox without having to go off-grid or take extreme measures.Simple practices to start feeling your feelings intentionally, audit your thoughts, and consume information deliberately.How scheduling reflective time and protecting your energy inputs can help you reconnect to your intuition and your authentic self.Why clarity is the foundation for better decisions, more aligned actions, and a less reactive, more present life.If you've been feeling scattered, distracted, or just “off” lately, this episode will give you tools to clear the fog, reset your energy, and reconnect with your most focused, aligned self.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

Astute listeners will realize that the audio for this version is the same as the version that ran on WTJU this morning at 6 a.m. I've done this one or twice before and today I want to use my morning to get on to the next set of stories rather than record a new version.The switch to morning publication means there is a clock ticking the moment I wake up and motivation this morning has taken me in different directions and I want to get this finished and done.The vast majority of people who consume Charlottesville Community Engagement do so via the written version, but I encourage people to listen to the audio version so you can hear people's voices.This time I'm putting the copy from the public service announcements than ran on the WTJU version. Did you know we won an award? In this edition:* Charlottesville City Manager Sam Sanders provided an update on Monday on the encampment at Free Bridge as well as efforts to open a low-barrier emergency shelter (read the story)* Charlottesville appoints a member to the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board but one vacancy remains (read the story)* Charlottesville City Council favors Early Learning Center option that would build new gym (read the story)* Albemarle County Supervisors select an in-house candidate to lead the Community Development Department (read the story)* Local projects to receive revenue-sharing funds after Commonwealth Transportation Board vote (read the story)* VDOT installing mini-roundabout at Greenbrier / Hydraulic intersection (read the story)* The CEO of Jaunt talks to the Albemarle Supervisors about the future (read the story)* An archive story about regional transit priorities (read the story)PSA #1A coalition of five local nonprofits and community groups has formed The Grocery Card Campaign to help alleviate the food insecurity many immigrants are facing as a result of federal immigration enforcement activities. The Grocery Card Campaign puts grocery store gift cards immediately into the hands of our immigrant neighbors, and is an opportunity for community members to show their support by helping ensure that basic food needs are met. For more information, email grocerycardcampaign@gmail.com.PSA #2The 4th Annual Women's Empowerment Day is happening Saturday, June 27th from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Jefferson School City Center in Charlottesville. This free, family-friendly event - “She Leads. She Builds. She Thrives” - brings together women entrepreneurs, community leaders, wellness advocates, and local organizations for a morning of inspiration, educational breakout sessions, fitness activities, and community connections. Proceeds support the TQ Evans Young Women Entrepreneur Scholarship. Check out “Beyond Fitness with Sabrina” on Facebook for details. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Most women founders never sell the business they built. Alisha Pennington wants to change that, and she says the block is not financial literacy. It is identity.In this episode, I sit down with Alisha Pennington, founder of Exette and a consultant who scaled and sold her own multi-seven-figure staffing agency. Only about 1% of female founders ever exit, and Alisha breaks down why: a lack of women we can point to who have done it, and the emotional attachment that keeps us holding on long after the business stops serving us.We get into the idea that your business is an asset, not your baby. We talk about building for optionality from day one, what "be ready so you don't have to get ready" actually looks like, and her vision for women buying and selling businesses to each other instead of letting them quietly disappear.If you are building toward a million and wondering what comes after, this one is worth your time.Chapters:

This week on TGIM, Nicole gets real about the unseen price of entrepreneurship, AKA the moments you don't want to show up, the tasks that feel tedious, and the invisible work that builds freedom later. If you've ever struggled to start the work you know matters, procrastinated on big goals, or wondered why the freedom everyone promises feels just out of reach, this episode is for you.Nicole dives into how reframing “hard” work as the price of entry can shift your mindset, your energy, and your results - without burning out or hating the process. She shares the tools and strategies she uses to overcome resistance, make decisions without negotiation, gamify her work, and connect every task to her bigger vision.What you'll take away from this episode:How to reframe tasks you don't want to do as the price you pay for freedom, growth, and resultsWhy resistance is normal, and how to move through it without guilt or frustrationStrategies to "shrink the window" and tackle overwhelming tasks in manageable chunksHow to connect your work to your bigger vision so it feels energizing instead of tediousTips for building reward systems that motivate and sustain your focusHow committing to yourself and your priorities creates long-term time freedomWhether you're tackling admin, batch-recording content, or hustling toward your next launch, this episode will help you see the hard work as the investment it truly is, and finally enjoy the rewards of showing up consistently.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Pre-order our book: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/presale

Most real estate agents know nothing about the homes they sell. Jennifer DeVito built a woman-owned construction and real estate company to fix exactly that.In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer DeVito, founder of Evolution, a design-build general contracting and real estate company on Long Island. Jennifer grew up running equipment on her parents' excavation sites, became the only woman managing 400 home builds for a national developer, and turned that into a business that combines buying, renovating, and selling under one roof.We get into why she charges sellers a flat fee instead of a percentage, how she gives buyers the true cost of a home before they make an offer, and why she trains alongside her 23 employees every single day.Jennifer is proof that you do not have to build your business the way men built theirs. If you are growing something in an industry that was not designed for you, this one is worth your time.Chapters:

Hi Biz Besties! In this week's episode, Nicole and Kaila dive into the unpopular opinions of the coaching and entrepreneurial world. They share why breaking the rules and doing things your way (not following trends or copycat strategies) can actually help you grow a business that aligns with your values and your life.From client relationships to ads and launches, they unpack the mindset shifts and practical approaches that allow you to serve your clients deeply while staying authentic. Plus, they share predictions for the next six years in their business and the industry, including what they're excited to see evolve for women entrepreneurs.What you'll takeaway from this episode:Why you don't have to separate your personal life from your business to be professional. Being yourself can actually deepen client connections.How over-reliance on trends, influencer advice, or “magic strategies” can derail your business growth.The importance of thoughtful execution over impulsive action—especially when rolling out offers or ads.How promoting your work from a place of service (not pushiness) builds trust and lasting relationships.Why writing your own rules and trusting your instincts is essential to success as an entrepreneur.Predictions for the next six years: tiered offers, more in-person masterminds, and the evolving role of AI in business.If you've ever felt pressure to conform to trends, copy someone else's path, or hide your true self in business, this episode is your permission slip to do it your way and thrive.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizCheck out SHE LEADS 2027: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

In this week's TGIM episode, Nicole dives into a topic that hits close to home for so many of us: when your intentions, goals, and actions aren't actually lining up. This episode will help you uncover why and how to start taking aligned, effective action.We talk about common patterns that keep women entrepreneurs stuck:Someday thinking – waiting for the “perfect moment” to start instead of acting now.Preparation as procrastination – endlessly planning or learning instead of taking the steps that matter.Busywork avoidance – staying overwhelmed with low-priority tasks to avoid the scary, important ones.Nicole shares a simple but powerful daily practice to break these patterns: carving out a small space in your workspace and asking yourself “What are my top three actions I am taking today?”. She explains how starting small and consistently showing up can dramatically shift your results and your confidence.If you're tired of spinning your wheels and want to start seeing real progress in your business and life, this episode will give you practical ways to start today.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

Most business frameworks women are taught were designed for someone else. The playbook says pattern your company after proven models of success, but those models were built for a different kind of founder operating inside a different kind of system. Melissa McCann Tilton, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Criteria, has spent two decades scaling companies from $20M to $100M+ across automotive, logistics, and HR tech. She makes a case that stops you cold: AI does not create efficiency. AI creates amplification. If your decisions, your culture, and your hiring are strong, AI will multiply that strength. If they're broken, AI will multiply the damage. For women entrepreneurs stuck at the revenue ceiling, this is the episode that reframes everything: the old system is finally cracking, and the founders who understand what AI actually does, not automate but amplify, are the ones who will build what comes next.In this episode, Melissa McCann-Tilton, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Criteria and I talk about why she believes the next three to five years will be the most fascinating period in work history, and why women have a rare opening to rewrite the rules right now.Melissa is direct about AI in that it creates amplification vs. the efficiency most people tout. If judgment is bad, AI makes it worse. If your core is right, AI makes it stronger. Melissa and I get into why productivity is the wrong metric, why so many of us feel worthy only when we are producing, and how that harmful societal programming is one of the components that keeps so many women led businesses fighting so hard to break through the million-dollar revenue mark in our businesses.Listen to why breaking the rules might be the smartest business move women can make this year.

In this week's Biz Besties episode, we're celebrating 6 years (!!) of building My Aligned Purpose and reflecting on the lessons we've learned along the way through 6 questions. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure how to step into your next level as an entrepreneur, this episode is for you.We dive deep into the moments that shaped us, the mindset shifts that encouraged growth, and how investing in yourself can change everything about your business and life.What you'll take away from this episode:How asking yourself the right questions can reveal where you're outgrowing old patterns and identities.The role of self-investment in scaling your business, without burning out or losing sight of your values.Why celebrating milestones (even the small wins) can create momentum for your next level.How motherhood, partnerships, and life outside of business influence the way you lead.Lessons on overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and people-pleasing that keep you stuck.A framework for reflecting on your journey, clarifying your purpose, and stepping confidently into the version of you who succeeds.If you've been craving confidence and a reminder that growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels magical, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and move forward in alignment. Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizSign up for our newsletter: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/newsletterGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

In this TGIM episode, Nicole shares the books, quotes, and lessons that have carried her through some of the toughest and most transformative moments in her life. From leaving her teaching career to stepping fully into entrepreneurship, Nicole explores the mindset shifts, money lessons, and personal development tools that shaped the woman and business owner she is today.Whether you're navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, or simply a period of transition, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration to help you step into the next level of your life with courage and alignment.What You'll Take Away From This Episode:The books that helped Nicole leave a safe career and step into entrepreneurshipHow mindset, manifestation, and money energetics changed her relationship with abundanceLessons on self-worth, confidence, and stepping into your next-level selfQuotes and mantras to guide you through challenging momentsPractical ways to integrate lessons from books into everyday life and businessWhy faith and perspective can be more powerful than strategy aloneResources Mentioned:You Are a Badass by Jen SinceroWe Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel RodgersRich As Fuck by Amanda FrancesMoney: A Love Story by Kate NorthrupThe Source by Dr. Tara SwartAsk and It Is Given by Esther HicksTake our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027Join Make A Lot of Money, Have a Lot of Fun Free Week (June 1-5): https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/fun

Meghann Butcher built RepSpark, a B2B wholesale e-commerce platform now moving over a billion dollars a year, without a single line of tech on her resume.She grew up in her dad's apparel and footwear business, hanging around the warehouse at five years old. At 27, when her father's order-entry tool started catching on with independent sales reps, he asked if she wanted to run with it. She said yes, and bootstrapped it from there.In this conversation, Meghann and I get into how a psychology and communications major became the product visionary for a software company, why she still leans on empathy over technical skill to lead, and how staying close to customer pain points built a platform now used by nearly 100,000 retailers.We also talk about being a mom of three while running a growing company, building a drama-free culture, and what it actually takes to scale a bootstrapped business on your own terms.Tune in for a real look at building something durable without the usual playbook.

Most networking advice was built for men and tested on men. It tells you to work the room, collect contacts, and follow up fast. But research across four continents and fifteen years of longitudinal studies shows that women who network like men consistently underperform the women who don't. Networking strategist and two-time author J. Kelly Hoey shares the goods from the landmark study that launched her latest book, The Social Billionaire. Women who reach the top don't just stay plugged into information flows. They build a second, inner circle of like-minded women with diverse networks, and they use three high-impact strategies most women have never been taught: brokering, churn, and visibility. If you've been told to "just get out there and network" and it's never moved the needle for your business, this episode explains why, and gives you the research-backed formula that actually works.In this episode of the She Leads Podcast, Adrienne and Kelly unpack the central finding of her new book, The Social Billionaire: the women who get internships, land roles, and grow businesses past the million-dollar mark run two networks at once. One is the broader information flow everyone else is in. The other is a smaller, intentional inner circle of like-minded women with diverse networks who give real feedback, real introductions, and back-channel advice that moves careers and businesses forward.Adrienne and Kelly get into the three high-impact networking activities women consistently skip: brokering, churn, and visibility. They talk about why "I don't have time to network" usually means defaulting to transactional outreach, and why the kindest thing you can do for someone is to be specific about what you need.To build a strong, healthy business with longevity, you must build your network strategically. Kelly tells us why.Chapters:

In this episode of Biz Besties, we're diving into the importance of taking time off as business owners, and especially as mothers. Kaila shares her recent two-week vacation to France, the behind-the-scenes planning, and why stepping away from your business can be the difference-maker.From setting boundaries and ensuring your business can run without you, to taking the leap and trusting that everything will work out, this episode is all about creating sustainability, finding balance, and learning how to recharge without guilt.Here's what you'll learn in today's episode:Why it's non-negotiable for business owners (especially moms!) to step away from the grind and prioritize rest.How planning ahead with a strong team and setting clear boundaries ensures your business thrives, even when you're not working.The importance of transitioning from scarcity to abundance, and how taking time off actually fuels your business growth.Kaila's reflections on her trip to France, including the challenges of leaving her business for two weeks and why it was worth it.OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU: Take one week off between now and September and discover how you can still keep your business thriving while you rest. We challenge you to plan ahead and step away with confidence.Join us for this candid conversation and get inspired to prioritize your well-being while scaling your business.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quizGrab your ticket for SHE LEADS: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/she-leads-2027

The hardest shift in business is learning to lead your team without doing their jobs for them. Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, runs a 6,000-person, 24/7/365 operation where a communication breakdown is both costly and dangerous. She took a struggling, de-hubbed Pittsburgh International and turned it into one of the most celebrated airports in the world, and she did it by mastering how to communicate the WHY behind every decision. If you're a founder who has built your business on doing everything yourself and you're hitting the ceiling, this episode articulates why your ability to communicate a vision your team can execute without you in the room is the number one way to scale with excellence.In this episode of The She Leads Podcast, Adrienne Garland speaks with Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which operates Pittsburgh International and Allegheny County Airport. Under Christina's leadership, Pittsburgh International became the first major airport in the world powered entirely by a microgrid, an Air Transport World Airport of the Year, and one of Fast Company's most innovative companies.Christina makes the case that communication is not a soft skill. Rather, it is a core leadership skill. Her assertion is backed by her actions during COVID: all-hands calls every Wednesday across three shifts for fourteen months. She also explains what she calls her legacy-first leadership approach and why she has no plans to put AI bots in front of passengers.If you have ever wondered whether your team actually understands what you are trying to build and why you're building it, Christina has spent eleven years answering that question one Wednesday at a time.Chapters:

What happens when women stop just consuming information—and start applying it?In this episode, Andrea sits down with Jennifer Kornoely, founder of She Reads, She Leads, to explore the gap between learning and implementation. Together, they unpack why so many women are reading powerful books but still feel stuck, how community accelerates growth, and why conversations—not just content—are what create real change.They also dive into money mindset, business confidence, and the language women use that may be quietly holding them back. This conversation is both practical and eye-opening, especially for women building businesses or stepping into leadership.CHAPTERS00:00 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship05:08 Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs09:32 The Importance of Community and Conversation13:24 Building a Supportive Network17:58 Book Recommendations for Women Entrepreneurs21:47 Conclusion and Resources...RESOURCES ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Audit⁠⁠⁠Book RecommendationsFinancial Feminist by Tori DunlapRich AF by Vivian TuGet Good with Money by Tiffany AlicheJennifer KornoelyShe Reads, She Leads Book Club → https://shereadssheleads.comTAG ANDREA ON INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@andreadlc_coach⁠⁠⁠⁠CONNECT WITH KANDULA⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kandula Blogs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. . .ABOUT ANDREA DE LA CERDAAndrea De La Cerda is a highly accomplished communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of advertising, communications and marketing. Throughout her career, Andrea has held key positions in renowned advertising agencies, brand consultancies and in-house marketing departments before creating Kandula. She possesses a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends, allowing her to develop innovative communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Andrea received both her B.A. in Advertising and Business Administration and a M.A. in Education from Pepperdine. She is currently pursuing her Accreditation in Public Relations and is a member of PRSA.. . .WORK WITH USKandula works with nonprofits, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and established brands dedicated to expanding their influence and amplifying their impact through purpose-driven communication strategies. Reach out to work with us!

Hi Biz Besties! In this episode, Kaila and I are talking all about the behind-the-scenes effort of hosting an event, with lots of insights straight from our prep for SHE LEADS 2026. It's been a wild ride, and we're sharing all the details, from the planning stages to our biggest lessons learned.Here's what we're diving into today:What makes an event truly unforgettable: We're chatting about some of our favorite "surprise and delight" moments that make SHE LEADS stand outHow to create amazing content: The lighting, photography, and venue choices that are key for capturing the vibe of your event.Event pricing & budgeting tips: We talk about how we balance pricing to make the event accessible while also covering the costs and ensuring it's a valuable experience for everyone.Pre- & post-event prep: You'll hear about the importance of recharging before and after the event, and how making time for yourself can make all the difference in how you show up as a leader.We also share some personal stories from our experience of planning, and how we stay energized throughout it all. If you're planning an event or retreat, there are plenty of tips in here to help you make your event both successful and fulfilling.Whether you're hosting an event or attending one, we believe in the power of intentional planning and making sure you take care of yourself throughout the process.Planning your own event or retreat? Need some support? Reach out to us! We'd love to help you strategize and make it all come together seamlessly.Take our FREE quiz: https://www.myalignedpurpose.com/quiz

Women founders get 2.3% of VC funding. Not because they lack vision, grit, or ideas, but because the playbook they've been handed was built for men. In this episode, I sit down with Anna Mazarsky, founder of PinkX PowerCore, the first tactical platform built to close the funding gap from the inside out. Anna spent nearly two decades inside the fundraising world. When she pulled the data, she didn't find a confidence problem. She found a systems problem, a bias problem, and a pattern-matching problem no amount of mindset coaching was ever going to fix. So she stopped coaching and started building. We get into why female-led VC funds aren't moving the needle, why women consistently ask for less than they've earned the right to raise, and why 80% of something will always beat 100% of nothing. The system wasn't built for us. Anna is building the one that is. Chapters:

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Layla El Khadri about embracing feminine leadership in business.Layla El Khadri knows how to get you to access your awe-inspiring magnetism. She has over a decade of experience guiding women to express their absolute highest potential & embody their magic. Layla is the founder of She Leads, a business that guide women to tap into their feminine power, find their unique gifts & turn them into mission-driven business to create a positive impact in the world. With over ten years of experience as a mentor, a degree in Film making, & a master in Somatic Therapy, Layla's passion for personal transformation has taken her all over the world studying, mastering, and distilling the most potent tools and techniques for self-empowerment. The Art Layla has created has touched millions of women across the globe inspiring them to grow, to connect in sisterhood, and to grow their lives & businesses.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.