Podcasts about sol collective

What does it really take for a team to stay aligned and motivated when everything feels uncertain in the “messy middle” of scaling a business? As a founder, are you being transparent enough to make your team feel seen and valued, or are they navigating change in the dark? In this episode, we explore what it really means for teams to navigate the “messy middle” when a business is scaling. Sharing honest personal experiences, we talk about the challenges and growth that happen as teams work through transitions, shifting roles, and new goals. We highlight the importance of transparency and communication from leaders, so team members feel seen and valued, not left in the dark about the changes around them. We also discuss why ongoing investment in team development pays off, focusing on building trust, empowerment, and loyalty. Instead of holding back, we encourage founders to support ongoing learning so everyone grows together. When teams feel trusted and invested in, they bring even more dedication and creativity to the table.  If you're a founder or a team member finding yourself in a season of change, we invite you to connect and have those important check-ins. Take a moment to chat openly about where you are and what support would help most. Your team is your greatest asset, and by working together through the messy middle, you unlock new opportunities for everyone. Thanks for tuning in, and let's keep scaling the right way. In this episode, we explore: •    Understanding the Messy Middle •    Importance of Transparency from Founders •    Navigating Change and Growth Pains •    Investing in Team Development •    The Costs and Benefits of Team Empowerment •    Advice for Teams and Founders in the Messy Middle   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.    

Are you curious about how a true high performing team can help you break free from daily operations and focus on bigger business goals? What would change for your business if every team member took inspired ownership and worked together toward a shared vision? In this episode of Simplify to Scale, I take you behind the scenes of my CSOO certification program and share insights on building a high-performing, self-led team. I talk about the difference between having a group of talented individuals and creating a team that truly works together toward a shared vision and goals. You'll learn why hiring the right people is just one piece of a much bigger picture, and how team structure and collective ownership are essential to getting founders out of the day-to-day. During the episode, I walk through strategies and real examples from my training sessions, breaking down the ecosystem approach that allows teams to fully align, communicate, and take inspired ownership of outcomes. I highlight how a true high performing team doesn't just operate individually but works as a unit, with each member committed to the overall success of the business. I also share tips on empowering your team to self-organize and collaborate without constantly needing direction. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join me next week for more strategies to help your business thrive. In this episode, I discuss: •    Building a High Performing and Self-Led Team •    The Myth and Reality of Self-Led Teams •    The True Path to Founder Freedom •    CSOO Certification Program   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.  

What does mindful leadership look like in your day-to-day work? How do you stay connected to your team as your business grows?  In this episode of Simplify to Scale, Jessica Maine steps in to talk about mindful leadership and how it's especially helpful as your business continues to grow. She shares her perspective on leading with empathy, intentionality, and self-awareness, making it clear that leadership is about caring for both yourself and your team. Jessica explains how mindful leadership can enhance your business, boost team morale, and create a positive work environment. Throughout the conversation, Jessica offers practical ideas for staying connected with your team and maintaining your own well-being. By sharing personal stories and actionable tips, she encourages leaders to check in regularly, listen with compassion, and build trust with their teams. Her approach helps leaders create spaces where people feel comfortable sharing feedback and growing together. If this episode resonated with you, drop a comment or share it with a fellow leader. Follow Simplify to Scale for more tips on growing your business with intention. In this episode, Jessica breaks down: •    Setting the Stage: Mindful Leadership •    Defining Mindful Leadership When Scaling •    Positive Impact of Mindful Leadership on Teams •    Practical Implementation of Mindful Leadership     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.    

What if the root of your team's challenges isn't the people, but the system they're working in? Are you solving problems… or just putting out fires over and over again? In this episode, along with Jessica Maine, we talk about how using an “ecosystem” mindset can change the way businesses solve problems and build stronger teams. We share a clip from one of our live Soul Collective training sessions, where we explain why seeing a business as a connected system helps leaders find the real cause of ongoing issues. With tools like the five whys and the fishbone diagram, leaders can fix the root problems instead of just patching things up. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how these methods work in our community. We show how open conversations, teamwork, and creative thinking lead to better results. If you're a leader in strategy or operations, a coach, or someone helping teams grow, this episode is full of practical tips and real examples. If this episode gave you new ideas, we'd love for you to join the Soul Collective. Every month, we run live workshops, share helpful tools, and support you in streamlining your operations so you can grow with confidence.  In this episode, we explore •    Ecosystems Thinking in Business •    The Five Whys Method •    Fishbone Diagram •    Turning Root Cause Insights Into Action   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.  

How can brands maintain authenticity and a human touch while leveraging AI tools? What are some practical ways to simplify your content strategy and avoid "shiny object syndrome"? In this episode of Simplify to Scale, I sit down with Dawn Ferguson, a brand and marketing strategist with a passion for helping founder-led businesses shine. Together, we talk about how the marketing landscape is shifting with AI and what really makes a brand memorable in today's crowded digital space. Dawn shares how showing up authentically and putting a real face to your content can turn casual followers into devoted supporters. We also explore strategies that help businesses cut through noise, like focusing on your true audience, sharing aspirational results, and making your social profiles work harder for you. if you run a service or product-based business, Dawn's advice on making your brand relatable and inspiring is filled with practical tips! Also, we touch on letting go of cookie-cutter advice and finding a style that feels right for both you and your audience. If you're ready to make your marketing more impactful and authentic, tune in to this episode for ideas you can use right away. "People aren't buying your service—they're buying a new life, they're buying results, they're buying transformation." - Dawn Ferguson   In this episode, we discuss: •    The Changing Landscape and Future of Marketing •    Keys to High-Impact Branding in the Age of Noise •    Lessons from Big Brands •    What Turns Away Right-Fit Clients   Links https://sneakersandkale.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sneakersandkale     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.  

What unique challenges do you think each type of business faces when scaling? What does sustainable scaling mean to you, and what are some ways to avoid burnout as your business grows? In this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at my lean scaling system, developed from decades of experience working with founders and their right-hand leaders. I highlight the common pitfalls of scaling a business, especially when moving from multiple six figures to seven or beyond, and discuss how sustainable growth is all about making the right shifts in operations, leadership, and systems at the right time. Through personal stories and real client experiences, I talk about the unique challenges faced by both service and product-based businesses as they strive for higher levels of profit and impact. I introduce my certification programs designed for those looking to support founders as strategic, scaling-focused operations leaders—roles that go beyond SOPs and checklists to lead teams, manage systems holistically, and future-proof businesses. I emphasize the importance of investing in team members who can grow with your business and why having the right operations leader by your side is key for sustainable scale in today's fast-changing business landscape. If you want to learn more about my approach or are curious about strengthening the operations in your business, I invite you to join one of my upcoming open houses or workshops. It's a great way to discover how the lean scaling system and my certifications can help take your business to the next level. In this episode, I discuss: •    The Realities and Challenges of Scaling •    Business Cycles and Common Pitfalls •    Gaps in Existing Scaling Systems •    Scaling System and Its Unique Positioning •    My Certification Program     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.  

Is there really one “right” answer when it comes to pricing, hiring, or choosing the next tool for your business? What if the key to scaling your business isn't doing more—but thinking differently? In this episode of Simplify to Scale, I talk about how important it is to consider context when making business decisions. I explain that there isn't always one “right” answer—especially when it comes to things like pricing, building a team, or picking new tools.I share real examples from my consulting work to show how asking the right questions can help you find the best path for growth and long-term success. You'll see why I often say “it depends” and how that simple answer can lead to better, more thoughtful conversations. I walk through real situations where knowing a client's true goals and big-picture vision helped shape the right solution. This episode is packed with tips on how to build a profitable, scalable business without making things more complicated than they need to be. If you found this episode useful, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help more business owners learn how to grow in a sustainable way. In this episode, I discuss: •    The Critical Role of Context in Decision Making •    "It Depends" as a Consulting Mindset •    Real-World Examples Illustrating the Approach •    Dangers of Oversimplified Decisions   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.    

What should you focus on first when leaving a corporate job to start your own business? What are some of the identity shifts that entrepreneurs experience when transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship In this episode of Simplify to Scale show, I talk with Deb Boulanger, CEO of Life After Corporate, about moving from a corporate job to starting your own business. She is a sought-after speaker, business mentor, and thought leader helping high-achieving women leaders successfully transition from corporate careers to profitable coaching and consulting businesses. Deb shares her thoughts on how the market is changing and why more people are starting coaching and consulting businesses after leaving corporate roles. She talks about the need to solve real problems and clearly explain the value of your offer. We also talk about challenges that come up in the early stages of building a business. These include creating a business model that works and not spending too much on branding before getting clients. We share ideas on pricing, how to position your offer, and ways to shift your mindset to stay focused on what matters most. Deb also talks about getting support from experienced professionals and focusing on work that helps the business grow. This episode is full of practical tips you can use. If you're thinking about starting your own business or want to grow the one you have, you'll find helpful takeaways here. "The sky is never falling, and it's a matter of keeping your head in the game and leaving yourself open to creative solutions." - Deb Boulanger In this episode, we explore: •    Building a Profitable Coaching or Consulting Business •    Key Factors for Profitability and Standing Out •    The Concept of Return on Advantage (ROA) •    Pricing and Positioning Strategies •    Practical Strategies for Success •    Overcoming Challenges and Business Scaling Links: https://lifeaftercorporate.com/   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.    

Are you working harder but still feeling stuck in the cycle of never-ending tasks just to keep your business growing? What if scaling your business didn't mean adding more stress and resources but actually required doing less in a smarter way? In this episode of the Simplify to Scale show, I talk about how businesses can grow in a way that lasts. Growth often looks exciting but can bring challenges and confusion. Many businesses work harder to earn more, but this can require more resources and lead to exhaustion. I explain why it helps to simplify how a business runs to support growth without adding extra stress or stretching resources too thin. I share lessons from my own journey and explain how planning, focused offers, and strong systems help businesses grow. By reducing dependence on the founder and building systems that improve how things work, businesses can increase profits and create space for strong leadership. This approach supports both the founder and the business over time. For those looking to improve how they grow their business, this episode provides useful steps to make smart changes. Join me in building a business that works for you, and be sure to leave a review for a chance to win a free coaching session. In this episode, I discuss: •    Introduction to Scalable Growth •    Effort Driven Growth vs. Scalable Growth •    Strategies for Achieving Scalable Growth •    How to Scale Without Burning Out   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency? Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.  

Welcome to Simplify to Scale Show! I'm so excited to introduce this rebranded version of the podcast, where we're sharpening our focus on what truly matters for sustainable growth: simplification. How can a business ensure it is on the path toward simplifying before scaling? What are some examples of common pitfalls businesses face when they attempt to scale too quickly? Scaling a business isn't just about getting bigger—it's about doing so strategically without adding unnecessary complexity that slows you down. Businesses naturally evolve from the "emerge and grow" phase into "scale and sustain," but if you don't simplify along the way, you risk operational chaos and inefficiency. That's why I emphasize integrating simplification strategies early, so second-time and serial founders can sidestep the common pitfalls of scaling. In today's episode, I'm diving into the complexities of modern business and why so many founders find themselves overwhelmed as they grow. Simplifying isn't just something you do before scaling—it's an ongoing strategy that ensures sustainable success. This rebrand reflects my commitment to blending the Lean Out Method with powerful, strategic insights to help you streamline operations, reclaim your time, and scale with clarity. To celebrate, I'm offering exciting opportunities—you can win a 90-minute coaching session or a 90-day lean-out planner to help you put these strategies into action. I'd love for you to be part of this journey! If this episode resonates with you, rate and review the show—it helps shape future content and supports our mission to help more founders simplify to scale. Let's get started! In this episode, I discuss: •    Purpose of the Rebrand •    Sustainable Success and Simplification •    Life Cycle of an Offer in Business •    Consequences of Not Simplifying •    Celebration of the Rebrand and Giveaways Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective   Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday.    

Have you ever struggled to find the right people for your team? Are you wondering how to hire in a way that actually helps you scale instead of slowing you down?  In this last episode of Lean Out Your Business, I'm sharing a huge update—I am officially rebranding the podcast! But don't worry, my mission hasn't changed. I'm still here to help you simplify operations, scale sustainably, and create a business (and life) you love. This episode is all about hiring—a topic I'm incredibly passionate about, especially as I grow my own team. I walk you through my top hiring strategies, including why patience is key, how to get crystal clear on your business needs, and how to build a dream team that truly aligns with your culture. Plus, I'll share why skills alone aren't enough and how investing in the right onboarding process can make all the difference in scaling with ease. If you're excited about the new direction, hit subscribe and join me next week for episode 222! The same powerful content, a fresh new look, and so much more to come. And if you've been finding value in these episodes, I'd be so grateful if you could take a moment to rate and review—it truly helps me continue this journey with you! In this episode, I discuss: •    Introduction to Podcast Rebranding •    Team Building and Hiring Process •    Top Tips for Hiring •    Solid Onboarding Plan   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast  

What are some common mistakes businesses make when setting context for clients, and how can these be avoided? Wondering why some businesses effortlessly get glowing testimonials and referrals while others struggle to get noticed? In this episode, I dive into the critical importance of setting context for your clients in every business engagement. While it may seem like common sense, I've seen firsthand how gaps in communication can lead to dissatisfaction, lost referrals, and missed opportunities for testimonials. Even when you're delivering great work, a lack of clarity and visual representation can erode trust. I'll share real experiences from my own client engagements and break down the most common mistakes businesses make—like assuming clients always understand what's happening behind the scenes. I'll also give you actionable strategies to improve communication, provide consistent progress updates, and showcase results in a way that keeps clients engaged and builds lasting trust. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to turn your clients into enthusiastic advocates who naturally refer your services. Let's lean out and level up together—tune in now! In this episode, I discuss: •    Setting Context for Clients •    Building a Lean Dream Team •    Recommendations for Better Client Communication •    Necessity of Clear Plans   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast  

Could the way you talk about pricing be unintentionally limiting your business growth and client relationships? What if shifting your focus from self-worth to client transformation could unlock more sustainable success? In this episode, I dive deep into the commonly used phrases "charge what you're worth" and "get paid what you deserve," uncovering the hidden pitfalls they create in business communication. While these statements may sound empowering, they can actually be misleading and even harmful—both to your personal self-worth and your business brand. I challenge you to rethink how these phrases tie your worth to monetary value and why it's crucial to shift the focus to client-driven value instead. I'll share practical insights on positioning, messaging, and enhancing perceived value—helping you move away from pricing based on self-worth and toward pricing that reflects the real transformation and results you provide. If you're ready to refine your business language, create a stronger brand, and build a more sustainable and scalable business, this episode is for you. Join me as I break down how to communicate your value effectively and set pricing strategies that benefit both you and your clients in the long run. Let's dive in! In this episode, I discuss: •    The Problematic Language of Pricing •    Worth vs Pricing •    Misguided Advice and Pricing Strategy •    Actionable Advice and Shifting Perspectives   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Are you feeling stuck in the “messy middle” of scaling your business, unsure how to break past your current revenue plateau? What if the key to reaching seven figures isn't working harder or hiring more, but actually simplifying your business?  In this episode, I dive into the concept of scaling through the "messy middle"—the chaotic phase of growing a business from multi-six to multi-seven figures. This stage often comes with challenges like feeling trapped in daily operations, fluctuating profitability, and dealing with complex systems and team dynamics. I know this struggle firsthand, and it's what led me to develop the Lean Out Method and the Simplify to Scale system. I'll help you recognize when you're in the messy middle and debunk the common myths that keep business owners stuck—like the idea that more sales or a bigger team will solve everything. Instead, I'll show you why simplification is the key to scaling sustainably. I'll also introduce my SPSDI framework—focusing on Strategy, Planning, Systems, Team, and Insight—as the foundation of a scalable business. Ready to streamline your business and scale smarter? Join me for my free Scale Smarter Workshop at strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter and take the first step toward simplifying your journey to success! In this episode, I discuss: •    Characteristics of the Messy Middle •    Personal Experience with the Messy Middle •    Common Misconceptions and Traps •    Steps to Break Through the Messy Middle   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast      

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your business growth with tempting shortcuts that lead to long-term struggles? What simple, smart strategies can you implement today to build a sustainable business without constantly pivoting? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I'm diving into the hidden dangers of taking shortcuts in your business. While quick fixes and overnight success strategies may seem appealing, they often lead to short-term wins but long-term headaches, leaving you stuck in a cycle of inconsistency and constantly reacting to problems. I'll share real examples of businesses that got caught up in shortcut traps—whether it was falling for overhyped promises or relying too much on AI without understanding how to use it effectively. I'll also talk about why doing what you love is important, but giving your business what it truly needs is essential for sustainable growth. That means focusing on both short-term wins and long-term strategies, so you can keep improving instead of constantly shifting gears. If you want to scale your business in a simple, sustainable way and avoid these common pitfalls, tune in to this episode. I'm also inviting you to join my free Scale Smarter workshop, where we'll dive deeper into strategies that actually work. You can register at strategicopsinstitute.com/scalesmarter to set your business up for long-term success. Let's grow smarter together! In this episode, I discuss: •    The Hidden Costs of Shortcuts •    Major Areas of Concern with Shortcuts •    Examples and Real-Life Scenarios •    Consequences of Overhyped Promises •    Strategies for Sustainable Growth     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Have you ever found yourself second-guessing a decision?  What are the subtle signs your intuition gives you—and are you paying attention to them? How do you balance gut feelings with data when making big decisions in your business or life? In this episode, I dive into the power of intuition in decision-making. I share a personal story about a decision I kept going back and forth on—one that made me realize just how important it is to recognize and trust my intuition. When we learn to listen to those inner nudges, we can make choices that feel more aligned and ultimately lead to better outcomes. I also talk about how moments of reflection—especially during everyday activities like driving—help me process my thoughts and get to the root of what's really going on. If you find yourself constantly revisiting a decision, that might be your intuition trying to tell you something. While intuition is powerful, I also believe in the importance of data. The best decisions often come from a mix of both. There are times when intuition can see things that data can't—like when sensing market shifts or coming up with new, innovative ideas. Before we wrap up, I invite you to think about how your intuition shows up in your own decision-making. Try journaling about it or discussing it with someone you trust. You might be surprised at what you discover! In this episode, I discuss: •    Understanding Intuition in Decision Making •    External Recognition of Intuition •    Feelings Associated with Decision Making •    Blending Intuition with Data     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by your own goals at the start of the year?  Is your team aligned with the most important priorities, or are you stuck in busy work? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I talk about the common challenges business owners face at the start of the year. It's easy to get excited, set big goals, and then realize you've taken on too much. I share how to adjust your plans without guilt and refocus on what truly moves your business forward. I also touch on external challenges like economic changes and how they affect sales and growth. Instead of making quick, reactionary decisions, I explain why being strategic and intentional is key. Slow periods can actually be a great time to make smart changes that set you up for success. No matter how your year has started, this episode will help you reset, communicate clearly with your team, and stay focused on what really matters. Tune in for practical tips to keep your momentum strong and scale your business with confidence! In this episode, I discuss: - Handling Market and Economic Challenges - Actionable Strategies for a Successful Q1 and Year - Maintaining Mental and Emotional Balance in Business - Embracing New Beginnings and Energies   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Are you the face of your business, but wondering how to scale without being involved in everything? How do you transition from a one-person show to a thriving, team-driven business without losing your unique touch? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I dive into a big question many entrepreneurs face: should you build a personal brand or a business brand? I share my own journey, including how I'm shifting things at Strategic Ops Institute, and why moving from a one-person show to a team-driven business is so important for growth. We'll talk about how to systematize your business, showcase your team, and blend personal and business branding in a way that still feels authentic but also scalable. I'll also share examples—like Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages—to show how the right balance between personal touch and brand identity can help your business grow. If you're looking to scale and aren't sure how to make this transition, this episode is for you! I'll walk you through practical steps to help you shift your business model. In this episode I discuss: - Scaling a Personal Brand - Challenges of Scaling a Personal Brand - Mental and Personal Growth in Scaling - Personal vs. Business Brand Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast          

What are some strategies businesses can implement to minimize the time spent searching for information? How can visionary leaders balance their innovative ideas with the need for implementation and maintaining focus on current projects? In this insightful episode, I am joined by Jessica Maine to dive deep into the intricacies of achieving operational efficiency. We talk about the importance of identifying and eliminating waste within a business, especially in small service-based businesses. I explain the ten critical areas of waste such as unnecessary complexity, incomplete work, and searching, which can drain time, money, and energy if not addressed properly. Together, we discuss real-world examples and practical steps for managing resources better, reducing delays, and maintaining high-quality work. We share the importance of constant evaluation and optimization to preserve the effectiveness of a business. Throughout the episode, we emphasize understanding and minimizing knowledge depreciation, highlighting the significance of timely refreshes in your content and the importance of avoiding fragmentation within business elements. Tune in to learn how to create a streamlined, productive, and profitable business environment!   "Delays are expensive. Delays are costly. They delay value for your client. They delay revenue for your business."  -- Jessica Maine     In this episode, we explore: Operational Efficiency Ten Areas of Waste  Examples and Specific Cases  The impact of Delays       Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast        

Are your business goals for the year feeling realistic, or are you struggling to keep up with the momentum you started with? What would it look like if your business had a rock-solid framework that kept you ahead without the constant overwhelm? In this episode, I dive into how you can set realistic and sustainable goals for your business. With January already halfway through, it's the perfect time to check in on your progress and keep your momentum strong—especially with all the challenges happening in the world. I talk about how success isn't just about quick wins but creating a solid foundation for long-term growth. I share my SPS TI approach—strategy, planning, systems, team, and insight—that helps businesses thrive by focusing on the right things at the right time. We'll cover everything from reimagining your offers and improving your processes to using AI and tracking the right metrics to keep your business running smoothly. If this sounds like what you need, make sure to listen until the end. See you next week for more tips to keep to grow and scale your business! In this episode, I discuss: - How to Achieve Goals and Build Sustainable Success - Breaking Down SPSTI - Actionable Steps and Next Focus Areas - Balancing Measurement and Action, Based on Data   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast  

How can you create a vision for the new year that inspires and drives elite performance? How do you ensure your team stays aligned and motivated after a break or holiday season? In this episode, I'm sharing simple but powerful steps to set your team up for success as we kick off the new year. I'll walk you through how I align my team with our guiding principles, vision, and yearly theme, making sure everything we do fits together seamlessly. It's all about setting the tone for a productive and aligned year ahead.  I also talk about a game-changing tool I use called the "Right Fit Responsibilities Evaluation." This helps us get clear on everyone's roles and responsibilities, making sure tasks match each team member's strengths. When things aren't quite working, we adjust strategically to lighten the load and boost effectiveness and satisfaction across the team. This year, my team and I are focused on extraordinary excellence and delivering an elite client experience. These guiding principles keep us reaching for high performance and quality in everything we do. If you're ready to start the year strong, don't miss this episode! And if you enjoy it, I'd love for you to leave a review, give us a five-star rating, and share the podcast with other business owners who might find it helpful. Your support means the world to me and helps us grow. Wishing you a happy and successful new year! In this episode, I discuss: - How to Set Up for Success - Right Fit Responsibilities Evaluation - Insights and Practical Applications - Having a Clear Vision for the Business, Clients, and Personal Aspects Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Have you ever felt like you don't truly belong in your role, even when you're qualified and capable? What's holding women back in male-dominated industries, and how can they break through these barriers? How can confidence transform the way women lead and thrive in the workplace?   In this episode, I sit down with Jen Coken, an imposter syndrome expert, to explore how external factors like unconscious bias shape workplace dynamics. Jen specializes in empowering women leaders in male-dominated industries to step into their roles with greater authority, influence, and impact, earning the respect and recognition they deserve. We talk about the growing number of women in leadership and why companies must create better pathways for them to succeed. Jen highlights the importance of self-discovery and confidence, encouraging women to know their worth and tackle biased environments head-on. We share practical tips for overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, such as speaking up, setting personal goals, and balancing work and life. Jen also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book and her Executive Presence Accelerator program, designed to support women in STEM. This conversation is full of actionable advice for anyone wanting to grow in their career while maintaining their well-being. Tune in to learn how to overcome personal challenges, advocate for yourself, and build a fulfilling life! "Experiencing imposter syndrome could be a sign that you're playing big or taking risks in your career. Embrace it as a superpower." - Jen Coken     In this episode, we explore: Self-Discovery and Confidence Overcoming Doubt and Imposter Phenomenon Personal and Professional Boundaries External Influences Recognizing Bias   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Are you ready to uncover the strategies that will make your business thrive in 2025? What's holding your business back from creating unforgettable client experiences and how will AI shape the way you grow your business? In the last episode of the year, I break down key predictions for 2025 to help you grow your business. I cover why focusing on a niche, clearly showing how you solve problems, and being authentic and personal are more important than ever. Drawing from my experience working with businesses of all sizes, I share tips on creating a unique framework, building stability, and strengthening client relationships to stay ahead in an AI-driven market. I also talk about the shift from transactional to transformational business models and why personal connections and storytelling matter. By letting go of what doesn't align with your goals and using automation wisely, you can create exceptional client experiences that boost profits, loyalty, and referrals. With a focus on clarity and action, I provide a guide to rethinking your services to stand out in a changing market. As you prepare for 2025, don't miss these insights on mastering your niche, sticking to solid strategies, and connecting deeply with your clients. Tune in to learn how these predictions can help your business thrive!   In this episode, I discuss: Niching and Problem Solving Experience and Frameworks Authenticity and Connection Stability and Focus Investment in AI Business Efficiency     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast      

What are some personal or business challenges you faced this year, and what lessons have you taken away from them? How do you plan to apply the lessons learned from this year to make the next year more successful? In this episode of the Lean Out Your Business podcast, I reflect on the past year and analyze how to find the positives, even in tough situations. I share a personal story about a challenging time I faced and how using cards for introspection helped me uncover valuable lessons. I encourage you to reflect on any patterns in your lives that might need to change to avoid repeating negative experiences. I also highlight the importance of celebrating wins—big or small—and appreciating joyful moments from the year. To get into the right mindset, I offer simple tips like journaling, talking to a coach or mentor, or connecting with a trusted business friend. This episode is a gentle reminder to embrace both the good and the bad, as they all help us grow personally and professionally. As we move into the new year, take time to reflect, learn, and carry those lessons forward!   In this episode, I discuss: Personal Reflection and Tools Practical Reflection Methods Lessons Learned from Challenges   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast            

Are you tired of pushy sales tactics that don't feel right for you or your clients? What if selling could be about creating genuine connections instead of chasing numbers? And how can introverts use their natural strengths to excel in sales without feeling inauthentic? In this episode of Lean Out Your Business, I talk with Aleasha Bahr, a sales strategist speaker, best-selling author, and founder of the Black Sheep Sales Method™️. Aleasha shares her refreshing take on sales, focusing on being authentic and personal instead of using traditional, pushy tactics. She challenges common sales myths, like the idea that sales are just a numbers game or that rejection makes you stronger. We explore how to build meaningful connections with potential clients and avoid mistakes like overly aggressive outreach. Aleasha offers practical advice on her sales philosophy, highlighting the value of curiosity and empathy over manipulation. We also discuss how being genuine and transparent can make sales easier, especially for introverts who naturally thrive in these areas. Finally, we emphasize the importance of ensuring a good match between a client and the service, creating mutual benefits for long-term success. Don't miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable tips to align your sales approach with your values and build stronger client relationships! "Sales isn't about pushing people to say 'YES'. It's not a numbers game - it's a humans game."  - Aleasha Bahr In this episode, we explore: Sales Misconceptions Personalized Sales Approaches Sales Fit and Methodology Introverts in Sales Pre-Call Education Delegation and Training Sales Staff   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Is your current offer suite attracting the right clients and supporting your big goals? How can simplicity and efficiency transform your business success? In this episode of Lean Out Your Business, we explore how your offers shape who you attract, how scalable your business is, and your overall success. I share an interesting story about a competitor who copied my strategies but made critical mistakes that could hurt their long-term sustainability. We'll break down why aligning your offers with your audience's needs is essential, why simplicity is key for profitability, and how understanding your financial goals can create a better experience for your clients. Through practical tips and reflection, you'll learn to evaluate your offers, team capacity, and systems to ensure your business thrives without unnecessary complexity. In this episode, I discuss: Importance of Business Model and Offer Suite Aligning Offer Suite with Business Goals Identifying weak points System, team, and operational limitations The importance of Simplicity   Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast    

Are you a business leader looking to create balance and thrive in your role? Curious about how to bridge the gap between big ideas and smooth execution? In this episode of the 'Lean Out Your Business Podcast' we dive into how the SOL Collective is helping leaders connect, grow, and find their flow. Special guest, Jessica Maine, shares how this community supports fractional COOs, strategy advisors, and more with collaboration and learning. We chat about the powerful role of a “visionary whisperer”—the person who helps founders turn big dreams into clear action steps while speaking their language. You'll learn how to align strategies with founders' visions without overwhelming them and how tools like the Lean Strategic Planning Framework make goal-setting simple and effective! "Being a 'Visionary Whisperer' is about harmonizing the big dreams of founders with actionable strategies." -         Jessica Maine   In this episode, we discuss: SOL Collective Communication and Leadership Visionary Whisperer Concept Strategic Planning for Visionaries Community Engagement Certification and Training     Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business? A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren't dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol   Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably? OPS ALCHEMY will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/opsalchemy   Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?  Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let's start a conversation. If you loved this episode, please help us spread the word and reach more business owners like you by leaving a 5-star rating and review. Hit subscribe to be the first to listen to new episodes each Tuesday. For full show notes and more visit https://www.leanoutmethod.com/podcast  

On today's podcast, we're going to talk with birth doula and EBB's program team assistant, Rikki Jenkins about empowering expectant families through birth and lactation support. Rikki Jenkins, pronouns (she/her) is a certified birth doula and lactation counselor. Rikki holds a bachelor's of science degree in maternal child health with an emphasis in human lactation and social justice. Rikki is the co-creator of Heart and Sol Collective, an inclusive pregnancy support center, where she hosts support groups and teaches childbirth education and lactation classes to expectant parents. Rikki also serves as a board member for the Southern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition and provides all-inclusive services to expectant families and birth professionals virtually in the greater Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas.  We talk about how Rikki got started in birth work and how she transitioned into being an empowering support to the families in her community. We also talk about Rikki's passion to help her community wearing many “birth working hats” such as being an EBB instructor as well as pushing herself to further her goals in the professional world of lactation. Content Warning: We mention COVID and birth trauma. RESOURCES: Learn more about Rikki Jenkins and Heart and Sol Collective here. Follow Heart and Sol Collective on Facebook and Instagram.  Find an EBB Childbirth Class here:  https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/. For more information and news about Evidence Based Birth®, visit www.ebbirth.com. Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/EvidenceBasedBirth/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ebbirth/), and Pinterest (https://www.pinterest.com/ebbirth/). Ready to get involved? Check out our Professional membership (including scholarship options) (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/). Find an EBB Instructor here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/find-an-instructor-parents/), and click here (https://evidencebasedbirth.com/childbirth-class/) to learn more about the Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Class.

This week we talk to Nora Finch. Nora is a master networker whose connections span across multiple industries such as our First Responders, local creative arts activism centers like Sol Collective, survivors of domestic violence, and all women/teen projects that support positive self-image and inner beauty. We discuss the importance of First Responders Mentally being fit and holistic healing.A podcast and expert 1/1 personal coaching to equip you, by Mental Readiness Coach Nora Finch  you find find more information at  https://rockyourlifewithnorafinch.comConnect with Lorenzo Valdivia: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForceMultiplierForLawEnforcementEmail: forcemultiplierDS@gmail.comhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1822422Support the show (https://paypal.me/lxvaldivia?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US)

Founder of My Wealth Conscious Coach, AJ Bishop, holds many titles: CEO, Founder, Trailblazer, Powerhouse, and many more. She has held senior level positions as a Managing Director and Senior Vice President for major players like JPMorgan Securities and Wells Fargo Advisors and has worked side by side with executive leaders in Seattle, to startups in Silicon Valley, to celebrities in Beverly Hills. She is a self made millionaire who loves to be the source of inspiration for money empowerment for women. AJ enjoys spending her time with her partner Tim and her three stepsons. She also founded Sol Collective, a curated wellness experience company and is a Certified Power Yoga Educator. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater San Diego Boys & Girls Club. In this episode, AJ talks about financial mindset in shaping attitudes and behaviours created around money and what redefining financial wealth means in building a strong and impactful financial legacy. She further touches on feminine leadership, the five levels of wealth consciousness in creating impact and making sustainable financial decisions and some practical ways of wealth management.

The Chills at Will Podcast has the world premiere of The Philharmonik's “Writing on the Wall." The song is from The Philharmonik's album, dropping July 26, 2021.   You can hear Pete's conversation with The Philharmonik on Episode 52 of The Chills at Will Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Music, and by asking Alexa.    The Philharmonik is known for his electrifying live performances at Sol Collective, Harlow's, The Tree Tone Records, OnTheBlock Party and at various venues in the Northern California area. In 2019, he went on his first national tour, opening for Hobo Johnson and Lovemakers alongside Nate Curry and Mom Jeans.  He is a talented and reflective lyricist, and an incredible musician, and Pete enjoyed the heck out of the conversation.

The Philharmonik is an American hip hop, future soul R & B recording artist, and producer from Sacramento, California. The Philharmonik debuted in 2018 with the album “The Philharmonik.”  His album includes feature songs like “Neon Lights”, “Mama's House (feat. Hobo Johnson), “Pay me” and “Good Day” offer a variety of styles which appeal to a wide audience base. Hi album was released under Sol Collective's record label shortly after his winter 2016 video release of Mama's House.” The Philharmonik remains an independent artist. The Philharmonik's musical beginnings started in Cleveland, Ohio where he was born. He began taking classical piano at the age of 5 after he attended a concert with his mom. When he returned home from the concert he began to play songs he heard note for note. His family signed him up for piano lessons with a teacherwho played for the Cleveland Orchestra and thus his training began.  The Philharmonik was inspired by the great legends in music early on, as it was not uncommon to hear the likes of Bach, Beethoven, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan Michael Jackson, Lou Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Earth, Wind & Fire, Ozzy Osbourne, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Santana, The Beatles and a few hundred other artists playing around the house. Composers such as Hans Zimmer and James Horner and country music artists Willie Nelson & Johnny Cash, were on the list.  The Philharmonik even participated in a community choir and church choir. Cutting his mom's dreams short, The Philharmonik ended his participation when he could no longer hold back the rhythm in his soul set afire after he discovered hip-hop. His Hip-Hop and R&B Artist inspirations include Kanye West, The Roots, Outkast, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Alicia Keys, Common and Chance the Rapper just to name a few.      The Philharmonik is known for his electrifying live performances at Sol Collective, Harlow's, The Tree Tone Records, OnTheBlock Party and at various venues in the Northern California area. In 2019, he went on his first national tour, opening for Hobo Johnson and Lovemakers alongside Nate Curry and Mom Jeans.     Links to The Philharmonik's Work and Allusions/References Made in the Episode   At about 4:15, Christian/The Philharmonik discusses his early influences in music, including his first exposure to hip hop   At about 5:30, Christian talks about being “classically-trained”   At about 8:15, Christian talks about the formative power of Parliament in his life and music   At about 11:30, Christian talks about Cleveland and Sacramento's entertainment scenes and how they have influenced him and his music   At about 14:00, Christian talks about writers who inspired him in his music journey, especially hip hop artists and hip hop's lyrical influence on him   At about 16:25, Christian talks about his reading habits and educational philosophy in using his “mind [as a] weapon”   At about 17:10, Christian discusses the background and meaning of “The Philharmonik”   At about 18:30, Christian discusses her early performing practice and his first performance in 2015   At about 21:00, Christian talks about what current musicians inspire him   At about 23:10, Christian talks about non-musical inspirations, including philosophy that inspires reflection   At about 24:00, Christian talks about his writing process   At about 27:45, Christian talks about “ownership of songs” and collaboration and how it feels to have listeners react to his music in different ways   At about 29:40, Christian talks about his nationwide tour in 2019/2020   At about 32:00, Christian talks about his incredibly memorable-he describes it as “a magical moment”-performances with the legendary Sway (Calloway) and its lasting effects on him   At about 38:45, Christian talks about his self-titled 2018 album, including his hit song “Mamá's House” with Hobo Johnson, “Self Love,” and “Good Day”   At about 43:45, Christian talks about the powerful and moving song “20 Rounds,” talking about the police murder of Stephon Clark in 2018 in Sacramento   At about 53:05, Christian talks about the ugly repetitiveness of, and lack of learning from, American history and his thoughts on writing “political” songs   At about 58:55, Christian talks about the July 26, 2021, release date for his upcoming album!   You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow me on IG, where I'm @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where I'm @chillsatwillpo1. This is a passion project of mine, a DIY operation, and I'd love for your help in promoting what I'm convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form. The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com. The Chills at Will Podcast has the world premiere of The Philharmonik's “Writing on the Wall” tonight (Friday, April 9, at 8pm EST)! You can find the song on The Chills at Will Podcast Youtube Channel and at the podcast's hub on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The song is from The Philharmonik's July 26 album.

- BESCHREIBUNG - SOSA ist Urban DJ & Produzent aus Berlin. Nach Residentjobs im 2BE & in der Tube Station ist er schließlich im 808 Berlin gelandet, einem der angesagtesten Urban Clubs Berlin. Hier teilte er sich mit vielen prominenten Gästen aus der nationalen und auch internationalen Rapszene die Bühne, wie z.b. Sheck Wes, Gunna, Burna Boy und UFO361. Im Interview sprechen wir über seinen Werdegang, SOSA erzählt eine lustige Story über seinen Gig mit Sheck Wes, zudem sprechen wir über seine Produktionen und die Ziele dahinter sowie über das kürzlich gegründete SOL Collective und was es damit auf sich hat. Viel Spaß mit der neuen Folge!   Das Interview als Video auf Youtube: https://bit.ly/ALLIN181_SOSA   - SOSA auf Social Media - .SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/sosasolo .INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/sosa_bln/   ► Mein Equipment* (DJ, Youtube, Streaming): http://bit.ly/Urban-O ► Kanal abonnieren: http://bit.ly/2sDvIXj ► Social Media: http://bit.ly/UrbanOLinktree

Hello SolFlowers! I know life has been a little unpredictable here lately, but it’s giving us a chance to look inward and at where we are headed. As well as, what old habits are no longer serving us and what we can do to call in the new. Here’s a morning routine that I use personally to get energized and ready for whatever the day may throw at me. Morning routines are a great way to take charge of your day! I hope you take what you take and build from it! As always love and light Sol Collective.

Rendezvous (feat. Har Mar Superstar) 03:37 Lady Lark Making My Dreams Come True 04:47 Shakatak OMG (Oh My Gosh) 03:49 Lukas Setto Born To Love Ya (Born To Rise Remix) 04:26 Don E Love Talk (Re-Edit) 03:40 Jesse Graham Walking On The Outside (feat. Moses G) 01:59 Donnie Bosco Trippin' Over You 04:23 Mikael Keep It Up (DJ Spinna Galactic Funk Remix) 04:10 Reel People Coastal Breeze 03:37 iamalex & Bonus Points Love's Gonna Get You 02:17 iamalex & Bonus Points Not So Far Away 03:47 Enois Scroggins feat. Flamer Love Is 02:44 Toni Hill Flash Back Friday 05:02 Julian Vaughn Afternoon Delight 04:23 Julian Vaughn When I Get Back 03:39 Tre Williams I'm Your Lil' Secret 03:51 Tre Williams Go Crazy Go Stupid 03:30 Kie (When I) Think Of My Baby 04:48 Jesse Graham Good Love 03:33 Kyana The Best Is Yet To Come (feat. Jeff Murrell) 03:37 Fostina Dixon In Case 05:19 Isaiah Sharkey Accusing Me 03:01 Lyfe Jennings Miss The One You Love 04:35 A Different Sound Risk It All 03:07 Victoria Washington From The Heart (feat. K.O.) 05:41 Sunstone Fireplace 03:43 Whitney McClain She Be 04:43 No Lovely Thing & Melissa Jones Be About It 03:38 Scott Savol I Never Had It So Good (feat. Adrian Marcel) 03:02 Park Avenue Never In A Million Years 03:53 Candace Love I Want To Get Back (Mono Version) 03:30 Candace Love Twisted 03:29 Giadora Don't Let Him Get The Best Of You 04:45 Ronfo & Kindred Spirits Orchestra It's Because (Alex Di Ciò Smooth Mix) 04:46 Jus' Groove Experience The Tuxedo Way 03:13 Tuxedo Ooh Wee Baby (Wadz Remix) 03:58 Enois Scroggins feat. MNMsta Westcoast California, Pt. 2 (Wadz Remix) 03:02 Enois Scroggins feat. Don$etti How Long 03:20 Cleveland Parker aka Lee McDonald Something Real 05:39 Lou Mosley No Smoke 02:43 Josh Dean No One Can Replace You 03:31 Sargent Tucker Hey Lady 03:18 2 Smooth Cheated 05:18 Le Roy F. Barbour Let Me Come In 03:56 Le Roy F. Barbour Opposite 03:19 Kara Marni The Feels 03:39 Allison Balanc Samba Rocas 03:20 Jim Meyer C4 (feat. Devvon Terrell) 03:06 The Colleagues I’m In Love (BusCrates Remix) 04:31 Reel People I Love You 04:04 Arika Kane Set Me Free (Clean) 03:40 Jane Handcock Fell From Heaven 03:05 Victoria Washington Trading Places 03:43 3TOB Alone Tonight 04:53 Arnishia King Left Right 03:58 Shawn Stockman Eternal Flame 03:55 Isaiah Sharkey Morning Sunrise (feat. Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective) 06:14 Isaiah Sharkey

Don't You Know 04:02 Ourra feat. Alena Party Tonight 03:25 Lady Lark Magnetic 03:07 The Apx Deja Vu 03:01 The Apx Living It Up For The Week End (Main Version) 04:36 D-Train Let Go 03:23 Brian B-Flat Cook Step Into The Light 04:30 Soul Talk feat. Gary B. Poole That's The Way That I Feel You (feat. Gerald Albright) 03:44 Sol! You Walk Like It's Good 04:24 Jarvis Greene Love Is The Key 05:39 Isaiah Sharkey OMG 03:48 Lukas Setto You Didn't Give Up On Me (feat. Serena Young) 04:22 Darnell Davis Born To Love Ya (Rise Remix) 04:57 Don-E Keep Loving Me 03:54 Herb Middleton feat. Roz King Use Ta Be My Girl (Live) 04:03 The O'Jays Orbit 04:01 Saucy Lady Hey Lady 03:18 2 Smooth Say What's On Your Mind 03:30 Soul Talk feat. Gary B. Poole Feeling 04:01 LeToya Luckett Love Angel 03:39 Johnta Austin Cheated 05:18 Le Roy F. Barbour Let Me Know 03:53 Karen Linette Better 03:56 P. Rob Trading Places 03:43 3TOB Hard Times 05:37 Lou Mosley Just Because (GEO Bass Mix) 04:32 MS1 Project Stay 04:03 Sectiontoo Can I Get That Love Again 05:28 Lou Mosley We Cried Together (Cry Together) (Live) 03:57 The O'Jays I Believe (In The Power Of Love) (Radio Edit) 03:49 Brian Power, Mike Delgado, Hil St. Soul Can't Stop Us Now 02:16 The Apx A Certain Way (Gedi Re-Edit) 04:24 Moniquea The Soul Man Theme (Nigel Lowis Super-DiscoSoul 12'' Mix) 06:10 Tilly Grace Feels So Right 04:01 Rene Rose Hey Brother (Do Unto Others) 03:52 The Family Daptone I'm Feeling You 04:04 Lou Mosley Time (Gedi Re-Edit) 03:30 Free Nationals, Mac Miller & Kali Uchis Naturally 04:32 Gerald Richardson Cause You're Mine 06:09 Isaiah Sharkey Despite All The Bad Talk 04:57 Le Roy F. Barbour Give Back To Me 03:37 Brian B-Flat Cook Way Too Much (Remix) 03:36 JC feat. Eric Bellinger Wavy (feat. Toolbox) 02:27 Miki Rose Walk Out On Me 04:50 Choz1n Not My Woman No More (feat. K. Jefferson & M Holloway) 03:54 Adrian Bagher Feels So Good (feat. Jamecia Bennett) 04:20 Darnell Davis Outta My Life 05:09 Brian B-Flat Cook Morning Sunrise (feat. Aniba Hotep & The Sol Collective) 06:14 Isaiah Sharkey Forever Mine (Live) 02:48 The O'Jays

* This podcast was recorded on April 3, 2019 at Antiquite Midtown in Sacramento* We’re talking with some of Sacramento’s mightiest movers and shakers this year, people who are bringing changes, making waves and putting California’s capital on the map in bold font. This conversation is with two people who play big roles in shaping Sacramento’s arts scene, supporting and promoting local artists, and getting their efforts talked about in cultural circles around California and nationwide. Liv Moe, founding director of Verge Center for the Arts, and Estella Sanchez, founder and executive director of Sol Collective, do all this by providing vital resources to career and emerging artists, as well as offering arts education opportunities for youth and adults. They’re two major reasons why the Capitol City’s cultural scene is on fire, and why it has such a passionate community rooting it on. Join us as we talk with Moe and Sanchez about the state of the arts in Sacramento, what they’re working on now, and what they want to happen so that the city’s artists get the support they need and the recognition they deserve. PODCAST PLAY BY PLAY * O to 4:35 min - Intro to California Groundbreakers * 4:35 min - Sanchez and Moe introduce themselves, and describe the work of art that inspires them most (from Miguel Bounce Perez and Christian Marclay, respectively) * 8:05 min - From high school counselor and women's rights advocate to leaders in the arts: How each woman started down the path to the positions they hold today * 12:40 min - The specific things that make Sol Collective and Verge unique * 17:30 min - The blood, sweat and tears shed in buying the buildings these organizations are housed in -- and how that effort made both Sanchez and Moe stronger * 26 min - How strongly is Sacramento embracing its arts scene -- and its artists? * 33:20 min - The arts and gentrification: How they go together, for better and for worse * 41:50 min - Approaching art as activism, especially in these politically-charged times * 52 min - How Sacramento museums can better support the local arts scene * 1 hr - How Moe and Sanchez mentor their artists, and have helped them go on to bigger, better opportunities * 1 hr, 6:30 min - As a cultural leader in Sacramento, when do you know how loud to speak out, and how do you know when it's best to step back and stay silent? * 1 hr, 12:50 min - Next steps and future plans for Sol Collective and Verge

In this episode of Utopian Cartography, Neonn Felicity sat down with the guerrilla poet laureate of Sacramento, Andru Defeye, to discuss the role of art in perpetuating or disrupting toxic patterns of complacency with the injustices in the world.   Andru Defeye is a conscious existential emcee, founder of the guerrilla performance crew Zero Forbidden Goals, Communications Director for the community activist art space Sol Collective, & the vibrant host of a series of open mic events at Sol & on street corners around Sacramento.   Topics discussed include: popular culture as a narcissistic lullaby, art as a vehicle for collective consciousness, manifestation vs. privileged positivity culture, change as an inevitable process of unfolding, the different forms activism takes in different eras, creativity as a critical engagement with the world, how we can learn to listen to each other & why, how to prevent the robo-cops of the future from being racist too, informal 2-way intergenerational education, how to love your enemies, how culture evolves from one generation to the next, the intuitive wokeness of kids these days, how to hunt for joy in your life, despite any tragedy, how to respond effectively to a world in crisis, & a bunch of other fun stuffs too. ** Thanks for joining us on this expedition to discover the path to a better world. ❤️ #UpgradeYourGreyMatter #InstigateUtopia   ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ ♥∞▲ ♡∞Δ   UtopianCartography.com is an archive of evolutionary media, full of talks & music & books & movies (etc.), to shed light on the profound shift we're living through on this planet, and how we can best respond.   Follow Utopian Cartography everywhere: https://utopiancartography.podbean.com/ youtube.com/user/neonnfelicity facebook.com/utopiancartography soundcloud.com/utopiancartography twitter.com/neonnfelicity   Follow Andru Defeye's activism: https://www.facebook.com/andrudefeye https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQHTWhhaAzkS5qhGNfs7Nfg https://www.instagram.com/therealdefeye/ https://twitter.com/defeye?lang=en   intro music produced by: Of A Great Red Cypress  soundcloud.com/lfogreofficial   outro music written, rapped, & produced by: Andru Defeye https://andrudefeye.bandcamp.com https://soundcloud.com/defeye

THIS IS A FAMILY EVENT, JAAS! On the Last Day of the #SUMMEROFSMOKE, your alwayswiththesmokeassfriends did a live show from UnchARTed x Sol Collective’s Global Local event - promoting cultural awareness through art. During the episode, Jaas got a little risqué and almost got the crew booted before the Boyz could interview The Philharmonik, open up conversation about Spotify’s new policies, talk with Vinny about new SmartTech, and many other highly engagington topics. But, lucky for us all… The boyz were able to get her to slow down, and all of that content actually made the show. THE #FALLOFFRIENDSHIP IS UPON US. Good Company Radio is Hosts: Soosh*e! & Sean Lamarr Co-Host: BabyJaas Fact Cheque: Vinny Vredenburg DJs: Jon Reyes & DJ Druskee Episode 026: Playlist “Rock With You” - Seu Jorge & Almaz "Niña" - Reyna Tropical “Orbiting Uhura” - Kaidi “Boomerang” (DJ Baysik Remix) - Jidenna “Take It Slow” (feat. Jck. & Grace Kelly) - Smiles Davis “Hitman” - Anushka “Licky” (feat. Jenn Morel) - Claydee “Lay Her Down” - Skepta “The Vault Descends” - Kaidi “Set It Out” - Omar S “Days Like This” (Spinna & Ticklah Club Mix) - Shaun Escoffery “HELLAGOODSONG (JONREYESMIX)” - Jon Reyes “Pay Me” - The Philharmonik “Mama’s House (feat. Hobo Johnson)” - The Philharmonik “Ultra” - Peach Tree Rascals “It's About Time (feat. Tom Misch)” - Barney Artist “Pose” - JMSN “In My Feelings” - Brasstracks “Wildin’” - Berhana “Put You On (feat. DRAM)” - Amber Mark “See You Again ft. Kali Uchis (MH REMIX)” - Tyler, The Creator “Señoritaaaaa” - L0tso “Old Age (feat. SiR) - Masego “Next To You” - Mac Ayres & Chris Anderson “Tribe” - Bas & J. Cole

Host Ben Rice makes his second appearance at the Art of Beer Invitational. This will be either episode 43 of Barley & Me or Episode 1 of BarLeddy & Me, as Moonraker's Kyle Leddy takes over co-hosting duties midway through. Join us as we chat with Serious Talk Seriously's Johnny Flores (with Kyle and his wife Claire acting as co-guests!), then we speak with Elisia Gonzales and Delayna Fitzgerald of Eat Farm To Fork, before creating an impromptu beer roundtable with Kyle and Claire (again!), Jeff Broaddus of Karl Strauss, and Casey Carhart of Deschutes. Then we'll close out with some sage words from a few Art of Beer patrons. Plus Becky Lynn sneaks in some words of her own. We have an incredibly deep conversation about the recent brewery buy-outs, plus distribution talk, and we try to remember all the Wayans Brothers. Plus so much more! On Episode 1 of BarLeddy and Me. Enjoy! Follow Barley & Me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @barleyandmepod Learn more about Eat Farm To Fork at eatfarm2fork.com I forgot to give a shout-out to Sol Collective, for whom funds were being raised, so please donate if you can. They are doing wonderful things for art and art education. Solcollective.org Theme song: "JamRoc" by Breez (Twitter @4proaudio / Instagram @mr4proaudio) Logo by Jessica DiMesio Thank you so much to all of my guests. If you haven't had their beers yet, how is that even possible?

Host Ben Rice sits down with event directors Jennifer Land Irwin (Art of Beer, January 27) and Kate Whelan (Sacramento Beer Week, March 2-March 12) to discuss the ins and outs of planning major beer events, while sipping on Christmas ales at Sacramento's Hideaway Bar & Grill, a lovely dive bar on Franklin Blvd. We get into the nitty gritty of event planning, the triumphs and tribulations, plus the differences in a one-night only event at one location versus a week-and-a-half long excursion at dozens of venues. We'll also chat about the Women's March, Stranger Things, classic and new musicals, and how to add an exciting game show element to up the ante at beer events. Plus Gilmore Girls! And politics. Also, Kate's beer group, Hop Broads, and their Beer Week beer design. And everything under the sun, until we get forced to shut up because of inclement weather because I chose to record this outside. Thank you to Hideaway's owner Mariah York-Carr for giving us the space to do this. Enjoy! Find tickets to Art of Beer at artofbeerinvitational.com Learn more about Sol Collective on Twitter @solcollective_ Find out about Sacramento Beer Week events at sacramentobeerweek.com Follow Art of Beer on Twitter & Instagram @artofbeerca Follow Sacramento Beer Week on Twitter @sacbeerweek_ Follow Barley & Me everywhere @barleyandmepod Intro music: "JamRoc" by Breez (@mr4proaudio) Logo by Jessica DiMesio

The Canadian Tar Sands is the largest industrial project on earth. And the potential environmental consequences have brought together citizens from across borders, to fight its rippling effects.  On this two part special, we experience the growing resistance to the tarsands. Fighting Goliath… produced by Barbara Bernstein. Special thanks to Claire Schoen, Atava Garcia Swiecicki, Lauren Villa, Sandra Pacheco, and the members of the Sol Collective. Featuring: Kevin Lewis, Idaho Rivers United conservation director; Linwood Laughy, writer & historian; Borg Hendrickson, Clearwater Country co-author; Andrew Nikiforuk, Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent author; Bob Skinner, Canada School of Energy and the Environment interim director; Annick Smith, A River Runs Through It co-producer; Bob Gentry, environmental attorney; Steven Hawley, Recovering a Lost River author; David James Duncan, The Heart of the Monster co-author; Zack Porter All Against The Haul executive director; Steve Seninger, University of Montana economist; Spider McKnight, All Against the Haul communications specialist.     More information: The Rural People of Highway 12 Fighting Goliath, Kooskia ID  All Against the Haul, Missoula, Montana    Wild Idaho Rising Tide  The Common Sense Canadian  ForestEthics Advocacy, Vancouver, BC, and Bellingham, WA: Tar Sands SOS Sightline Institute, Seattle Andrew Nikiforuk Pacific Wild – Ian McAllister Tsleil-Waututh Sacred Trust Initative Coastal First Nations Recovering a Lost River   The post Making Contact – Fighting Goliath (Part 2) appeared first on KPFA.

The Canadian Tar Sands is the largest industrial project on earth. And the potential environmental consequences have brought together citizens from across borders, to fight its rippling effects.  On this two part special, we experience the growing resistance to the tarsands. Fighting Goliath… produced by Barbara Bernstein. Special thanks to Claire Schoen, Atava Garcia Swiecicki, Lauren Villa, Sandra Pacheco, and the members of the Sol Collective. Featuring: Kevin Lewis, Idaho Rivers United conservation director; Linwood Laughy, writer & historian; Borg Hendrickson, Clearwater Country co-author; Andrew Nikiforuk, Tar Sands: Dirty Oil and the Future of a Continent author; Bob Skinner, Canada School of Energy and the Environment interim director; Annick Smith, A River Runs Through It co-producer; Bob Gentry, environmental attorney; Steven Hawley, Recovering a Lost River author; David James Duncan, The Heart of the Monster co-author; Zack Porter All Against The Haul executive director; Steve Seninger, University of Montana economist; Spider McKnight, All Against the Haul communications specialist.     More information: The Rural People of Highway 12 Fighting Goliath, Kooskia ID  All Against the Haul, Missoula, Montana    Wild Idaho Rising Tide  The Common Sense Canadian  ForestEthics Advocacy, Vancouver, BC, and Bellingham, WA: Tar Sands SOS Sightline Institute, Seattle Andrew Nikiforuk Pacific Wild – Ian McAllister Tsleil-Waututh Sacred Trust Initative Coastal First Nations Recovering a Lost River   The post Making Contact – Fighting Goliath (Part 1) appeared first on KPFA.