The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Book Marketing & Business Marketing Specialist of Author Marketing Experts, Penny Sansevieri. Penny C. Sansevieri, founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, shared insightful strategies for effective book marketing. She emphasized the importance of targeting your core base - your dedicated followers. They can become 'superfans' and enhance your book's visibility by leveraging their loyalty. Penny also championed the benefits of podcasts and collaborations with influencers, underlining their roles in message refinement and audience diversification. However, she cautioned authors to focus on influencers who are relevant to their target readers rather than concentrating on celebrity status. She underlined the significance of micro-influencers with a smaller follower count but a highly engaged and relevant audience. Penny shared a case study of a pregnancy book, where a micro-influencer focusing on childbirth was more impactful than a celebrity influencer.   About Penny Sansevieri: Penny C. Sansevieri is an accomplished and internationally recognized figure in the publishing industry. As the Founder and CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc., she has made significant contributions to book marketing and media relations. With her expertise and experience, she has helped numerous authors achieve success in the competitive publishing world. In addition to her role as a CEO, Penny also serves as an Adjunct Professor at NYU, where she imparts her knowledge on self-publishing to aspiring authors. Her teachings provide invaluable insights into the intricacies of the publishing process. Penny's impressive literary accomplishments include authoring eighteen books, such as "From Book to Bestseller," "How to Sell Your Books by the Truckload on Amazon," "Revise and Re-Release Your Book," and "5 Minute Book Marketing." Her books have garnered widespread acclaim and have topped prestigious bestseller lists, including those of the New York Times, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. Penny's dedication to helping authors succeed, her innovative Amazon Optimization programs, and her recognition as one of the top influencers of 2019 by New York Metropolitan Magazine has solidified her position as a highly respected and influential figure in the publishing industry.   About Author Marketing Experts: Author Marketing Experts, Inc. was founded to provide authors with comprehensive support and understanding of the publishing industry. Penny C. Sansevieri, an author, established the company to offer services tailored to authors' specific needs and desires. Drawing from her own experiences as a writer, Penny recognized the importance of having a marketing and promotion partner who truly understands the challenges and aspirations of authors. Through Author Marketing Experts, Inc., she sought to create a company that would guide authors through the intricacies of the publishing journey. The company emphasizes the value of enjoying the process and journey of being an author while instilling the importance of persistence. Penny encourages authors to embrace and love their books, as that passion and belief are fundamental in capturing the attention and interest of readers. Author Marketing Experts, Inc. provides services and expertise to help authors achieve their goals. From book marketing and media relations to innovative Amazon Optimization programs, the company is dedicated to supporting authors in their pursuit of success. Combining Penny's firsthand knowledge as an author with a deep understanding of the publishing landscape, Author Marketing Experts, Inc. has become a trusted resource for authors seeking effective and personalized marketing strategies.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Author Marketing Experts, Inc website at https://www.amarketingexpert.com/ Check out Penny Sansevieri on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealbookgal/ Check out Penny Sansevieri on Instagram at https://instagram.com/therealbookgal Check out Penny Sansevieri on Twitter at https://twitter.com/bookgal Check out Penny Sansevieri on Facebook at https://facebook.com/therealbookgal Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Consultant, Coach & Speaker of Corene Phelps Coaching & Consulting, Corene Phelps. Corene Phelps, the founder of Corene Phelps Coaching and Consulting, a motivational speaker, and a hypnotherapist, delved into the world of hypnotherapy and its remarkable ability to help high performers and business owners overcome limitations and reach their highest potential. Corene clarified common misconceptions about hypnotherapy, emphasizing that it is not about mind control but rather a tool for relaxation and accessing our inner truth. She explained her approach of using therapeutic questioning and guided sessions to help clients identify and overcome mental barriers. Additionally, she highlighted the power of visualization and the creation of new neural pathways in the brain through hypnotherapy, showcasing the mind's capacity to reshape reality and unlock true potential. One particularly resonated topic was Corene's discussion on money blocks and people's emotional attachment to money. She stressed that improving our relationship with money is attainable for everyone, addressing issues such as self-worth, abundance, and the belief that earning money must be difficult. Individuals can transform their financial lives by upgrading old beliefs and patterns. Phelps shared inspiring success stories of individuals who have overcome mindset blocks and are now living up to their full potential on her "Super Expander Podcast." Witnessing others achieve what we aspire to do can serve as a powerful motivator for taking action.   About Corene Phelps: Corene Phelps is a Washingtonian entrepreneur and growth advisor who specializes in helping leaders and business owners achieve their full potential. Through her performance training methodology, Corene empowers both leaders and teams to drive strategic priorities and implement tactics in a coordinated and optimized manner. She offers a unique individual mastermind program that combines mindset training with Hypnobreathwork, a technique that combines hypnotherapy and breathwork to enhance personal development. With a diverse background, Corene has gained experience in various industries, including healthcare, wellness, fitness, real estate, and mobile/direct-to-consumer technology. Her expertise allows her to provide valuable insights and guidance to individuals and businesses operating in these sectors. By leveraging her extensive knowledge and practical methods, Corene Phelps supports her clients in maximizing their performance, improving their leadership skills, and unlocking their full potential. Her holistic approach blends mindset training, strategic thinking, and practical implementation, enabling individuals and teams to thrive in their respective fields.   About Corene Phelps Coaching & Consulting: Corene Phelps Coaching & Consulting is a professional service firm founded by Corene Phelps, an experienced entrepreneur and growth advisor. The company provides coaching and consulting services to leaders and business owners, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their goals. Corene Phelps Coaching & Consulting empowers individuals and teams to drive strategic priorities and implement tactical solutions in a coordinated and optimized manner through a performance training methodology. With a diverse background in industries such as healthcare, wellness, fitness, real estate, and mobile/direct-to-consumer technology, Corene Phelps brings valuable expertise to her coaching and consulting services. She combines her knowledge, practical experience, and strategic thinking to provide tailored guidance and support to clients, helping them maximize their performance, enhance their leadership skills, and achieve long-term success.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Corene Phelps Coaching & Consulting website at https://corene-phelps.com Check out Corene Phelps on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/corene-phelps/ Check out Corene Phelps on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/corene.phelps Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Consultant, Coach & Speaker, Shannon DeSouza. Shannon underscored the significance of delivering value and fostering trust among our target audience, alerting us to a prevalent mistake many make - having an obsessive focus on sales which results in overwhelming our audience with incessant, desperate promotional pitches. Instead, she encourages an approach that revolutionizes the approach to sales. She recommends that, while undeniably important, sales shouldn't be the sole focus. Tailoring messages to connect with the audience's issues, and demonstrating how your products or services can genuinely help them, is vital in forging a more profound relationship. Also, humanizing yourselves in content plays an instrumental role. It's all about showing your authentic self, allowing your audience to connect with you personally, and fostering genuine relationships built on trust. Storytelling is a potent tool in this strategy, a mechanism for creating strong bonds with your audience. Sharing narratives that your audience can relate to fosters empathy and understanding, setting the groundwork for lasting relationships.   About Shannon DeSouza: Shannon is an accomplished entrepreneur and sales expert who has made significant contributions to the software and digital marketing industries. With a master's degree, she began her career as an Account Manager and steadily climbed the corporate ladder to eventually become the VP of Sales & Marketing. Shannon's life took a transformative turn when her husband received a headhunting opportunity, prompting them to relocate from Toronto to Vancouver. During this time, she ventured into the online realm and established herself as a digital marketing strategist, founding her own successful digital marketing agency. Over the past eight years, Shannon has worked with a diverse portfolio of over 350 clients, ranging from startups to multimillion-dollar enterprises. As an online sales coach, she now specializes in helping her high-ticket clients achieve long-term financial success by aligning their target audience, offers, and messaging using her innovative "Consistent Client Super Funnel" method. Shannon's expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to helping others achieve generational wealth have positioned her as a respected figure in online sales and digital marketing.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Shannon DeSouza website at https://www.shannondesouza.com/ Check out Shannon DeSouza on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonadesouza/ Check out Shannon DeSouza on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.shannon.desouza/ Check out Shannon DeSouza on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shannon.desouza Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder of The Challenge Champion, Chris Colt. Chris Colt, reveals how challenges can revolutionize your business. By breaking down complex ideas into manageable steps, these challenges enable participants to achieve small daily victories and breakthroughs. The outcome? A surge in confidence and motivation to continue on the path to success. Here's the intriguing part: Chris offers his challenges at a fee of $100, granting participants access to valuable frameworks and tools. But wait, there's more! He also presents a VIP option for $300, which includes personalized one-on-one sessions with him. A truly premium experience, wouldn't you agree? However, it's important to note that the success of a challenge isn't solely dependent on the size of the audience. Even with a modest participation of 10-25 individuals, high conversion rates can be achieved by targeting the right audience. Quality triumphs over quantity in this case. Chris also imparts invaluable advice on maintaining momentum and flow during and after the challenge. By eliminating unnecessary fluff and condensing content into concise bursts, he ensures that participants derive maximum value from their time. This keeps them in an active state and facilitates more efficient goal achievement.   About Chris Colt: Chris Colt, a visionary in community-building, is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to create missions that make a tangible difference. As the founder of The Challenge Champion™ Accelerator, he has made it his mission to transform how service-based entrepreneurs engage their clients. By turning strangers into loyal customers, Chris' unique strategies have revolutionized the traditional business model. Drawing on his 25-year sales expertise, he knows how to foster mutually beneficial relationships. He has created proprietary frameworks to facilitate better audience service, simultaneously driving sales at a faster pace. Chris' strategies embody a win-win philosophy that aligns the interests of both businesses and their customers. Inspiration for his distinctive approach to community-building comes from an unusual source – his love for endurance cycling. His experience in the sport, particularly his successful completion of the Leadville 100, one of the most challenging mountain bike races globally, has gifted him the ability to design exciting and enjoyable challenges that resonate with clients. He has translated the tenacity, discipline, and motivation required in endurance cycling into business strategies that effectively engage and retain customers.   About The Challenge Champion: The Challenge Champion™ Academy is a transformative platform to bolster brand authority and community engagement. It equips entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and businesses with a proven framework to run successful challenges, create a consistent stream of new clients, and build stronger audience connections. The Academy's unique approach emphasizes experiential learning over traditional methods like webinars and content downloads. Instead of being taught, the audience gets a mini-coaching experience with a taste of working directly with you. This method fosters a deeper bond and allows potential clients to witness firsthand what it's like to collaborate before investing. Moreover, the Academy helps cultivate a vibrant community by bringing together like-minded individuals eager for change. You quickly ascend as a leader in your niche, generate predictable revenue, and effortlessly enhance your credibility.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out The Challenge Champion™ Academy website at https://www.thechallengechampion.com/ Check out The Challenge Champion™ Academy on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/thechallengechampion/ Check out Chris Colt on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscolt-thechallengechampion/ Check out Chris Colt on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chriscolt360/ Check out Chris Colt on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chris.colt.18/ Check out Chris Colt on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ChrisColt10 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Business Coach, Speaker & Founder of Jess Stewart LLC, Jess Stewart.   Jess Stewart, a strategic business guide based in Texas, talked about her mission to help leadership teams and companies achieve their full potential. Jess offers valuable insights and practical tips on scaling and executing business strategies. But Jess doesn't just identify the problem; she also offers a solution. She conducts intensive and engaging sessions with the leadership team when working with clients. These sessions involve breaking down the company, identifying gaps, and creating a customized approach based on best business practices. Jess also holds quarterly sessions to ensure accountability and progress toward the annual plan. In addition to her work with leadership teams, Jess has expanded her offers. She now provides a "climb" program, where she closely collaborates with leadership teams. She has also started mastermind programs for ascending leaders not part of her teams. These programs involve monthly Zoom meetings, where Jess leads content and facilitates discussions among participants across the United States.   About Jessica Stewart: Jess is a fearless and highly accomplished leadership team coach, strategic advisor, and business guide with a lifetime of hard-won successes under her belt. Raised by a Marine Corps pilot on a cattle operation in the mountains, Jess learned the keys to running an entrepreneurial company. Grit, hard work, and no complaining infused a work ethic in Jess that she lives and breathes today. After college, Jess became a teacher. After a relocation with her husband to a city with no teaching jobs, Jess decided to start a medical billing business from her kitchen table with two young children under her feet. Though she knew nothing about medical billing, the lessons learned from her dad “stuck.” Failure has never been an option for Jess. Jess worked every job inside her company, grew it to two US locations, and an international division. The story was not all roses. Hitting the ceiling was not an unfamiliar feeling for Jess. These painful times taught her to assemble a leadership team and company that operated on world-class systems and processes. When the unexpected opportunity for exit came, she could say yes! Today, Jess is devoted to helping other entrepreneurs, leadership teams and companies run better businesses and live better lives. Jess lives in Texas with her husband Murt, and two children Cora and Murt V.   About Jess Stewart LLC: Jess Stewart LLC is a firm that believes in the potential of companies to reach their biggest goals and focuses on equipping top leadership with the necessary guidance to steer growth. Leveraging first-hand experience, the firm provides professional consulting services designed to help navigate the complexities of business expansion. It acknowledges the importance of experienced leadership in company development and tailors its approach to ensure client success. Jess Stewart LLC embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to business excellence, making it a go-to resource for companies aiming to excel in their industry. The ultimate mission is to facilitate growth and transformation for its clients through strategic leadership support.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Jess Stewart LLC website at https://www.jess-stewart.com/ Check out Jess Stewart LLC on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/jess-stewart-llc/ Check out Jess Stewart LLC on Instagram at https://instagram.com/jessstewartllc Check out Jess Stewart LLC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jessstewartllc/ Check out Jessica Stewart on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-stewart-4088b416/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO & President of Doug Thorpe Group, Doug Thorpe.   In today's world, employees want to be recognized as more than just a number on a payroll. The pandemic has accelerated this mindset shift, and leaders need to embrace this change and recalibrate their thinking to have open dialogues with their teams. Doug has worked with large corporate and entrepreneurial clients and noticed a trend where employees want to be recognized as whole human beings. He believes recognizing employees as individuals with unique needs and desires is crucial for creating a positive workplace culture. As a business therapist, Doug emphasizes the importance of coaching to improve leadership capacity and abilities. He believes changing behavior takes time and effort and prefers longer engagements to help clients achieve their goals. His website, dougthorpe.com, offers much information, and he invites visitors to join him for a 30-minute discovery call. During the podcast, Doug also discussed his new book, "The Exit Strategy Handbook," which focuses on helping business owners plan for their exit from their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of beginning with the end in mind and engineering decisions accordingly. One of the biggest challenges for business owners is figuring out how to make the business run without them being there. Doug recommends delegating, automating, or outsourcing repetitive tasks and developing a solid team with problem-solving skills. Doug's book is especially relevant now, as data suggests that up to 80 million baby boomers are getting ready to exit businesses they've built over the last few decades. It is essential to plan for the future and consider the nine different scenarios of what an exit could be about to maximize the outcome of that transaction.   About Doug Thorpe: Doug is a seasoned executive coach and business advisor with over 20 years of experience. His expertise lies in assisting small business owners to scale their businesses and develop leadership skills. A former US Army Captain and Senior VP in the banking industry, Thorpe's diverse background also includes founding five successful businesses. Known for his podcast 'Leading Powered by Common Sense,' he interviews and learns from renowned leaders worldwide. Over his career, he has provided more than 19,000 hours of leadership coaching, including engagements with major oil companies and global brands, significantly enhancing their market value.   About Doug Thorpe Group: The Doug Thorpe Group provides coaching and consulting services for senior executives and leadership teams. Recognizing that the skills which propel individuals into leadership may be different skills needed for consistent long-term growth, the group aims to facilitate adaptive learning. Over three decades, they've helped hundreds of teams build new capabilities, create clarity, and foster individual leadership styles. Their ideal clients are mid-cap companies with 100+ staff and eight-figure market values, particularly those feeling stagnant, undergoing transitions, or experiencing challenges in scaling their businesses. Doug Thorpe, the certified executive coach and experienced business advisor at the helm, functions as a business therapist, enabling leaders to identify opportunities for improved effectiveness while growing their businesses.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Doug Thorpe Group website at https://www.revenuegrowthengine.com/ Check out Doug Thorpe Group on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/dougthorpe-com/ Check out Doug Thorpe on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougthorpe/ Check out Doug Thorpe on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dougthorpe_com  Check out Doug Thorpe on Facebook at https://facebook.com/headwayexec Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner, President, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur & Advocate for Healing of Pulse Marketing Inc., Serena Mastin.   Serena, a remarkable entrepreneur and advocate for healing, opened up about her past experiences leading to her success. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, filled with heartache and triumph. But what truly struck me was Serena's unwavering commitment to using her pain as a catalyst for positive change. In her book, "Exposed: You Can't Heal When You Hide," Serena fearlessly bares her soul, encouraging others to do the same. She highlights the importance of sharing our truth, whether uncomfortable or raw. Serena believes that healing can only occur when we remove our masks and bravely confront our inner demons. Serena's journey has transformed her into a compassionate leader who understands the power of vulnerability. She believes authentic leadership creates a safe space for others to share their truth without fear of judgment. Doing so can foster a sense of belonging and authenticity that empowers everyone to reach their full potential.   About Serena Mastin: A true driver of overcoming self-limiting beliefs as she humbly climbed the ladder of success, Serena has overcome extreme obstacles, personally and professionally. She started her life in witness protection and nine different foster homes, leading to teenage addiction and homelessness, and most recently walked through the devastation of her husband's suicide. Serena has faced unimaginable adversity. Yet, despite her challenges, she found a real sense of purpose along the way. The most inspiring part of her story is her strength, resilience, and authenticity. She brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from industries across the corporate landscape. With over twenty years of experience climbing the corporate ladder, Serena’s career has included being knocked down, and climbing back to executive leadership roles with Fortune 500 companies, before carving her path by founding Pulse Marketing Inc. in 2013. In addition to being a visionary entrepreneur, Serena recently published her first book, Exposed: You Can't Heal When You Hide, a memoir recounting her life story in harrowing detail. In the book, Serena discusses her experiences with assault, addiction, homelessness, infidelity, mental health, and profound healing. Her thought-provoking story inspires others to embrace challenges and do it with passion. Serena profoundly relates her unique experience to everyday challenges striking a nerve with every audience, and has dedicated her life to personally and professionally empowering others.   About Pulse Marketing Inc.: Pulse Marketing, led by Serena Mastin, is a full-service, award-winning marketing firm known for innovative strategies and creative services. They challenge conventional marketing norms and aim to catapult businesses into industry-leading positions. Their mission is to enhance companies' presence through comprehensive strategies spanning print, advertising, social media, internet marketing, video, and web design. With a unique blend of strategic planning and creative artistry, Pulse Marketing is committed to providing businesses with a competitive edge.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur:  https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Pulse Marketing Inc. website at https://pulsemarketingteam.com/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc. on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulse-marketing-team/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc. on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pulsemktgteam Check out Pulse Marketing Inc on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PulseMarketingTeam/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pulse_marketing/ Check out Serena Mastin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenamastin/ Check out Serena Mastin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltstories2023/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner, HR Strategist & Culture Creator of People-Powered Solutions, Lori-Ann Duguay. Lori highlighted employees' ten basic needs at work and how meeting these needs can attract and retain high-performing talent. She emphasized that while these needs have always been there, the pandemic has brought them to the forefront. In an increasingly remote and flexible work environment, work-life balance and positive employee experiences have become more critical than ever. Lori made an interesting point about the generational differences in the importance placed on these needs. While the needs don't change, how they are prioritized may vary across different generations. For example, younger generations are accustomed to instant feedback and require ongoing feedback to stay engaged, while older generations may prefer a different approach. Another key takeaway from the episode was the importance of clear communication and providing feedback. Lori stressed the need to avoid the notion that no news is good. Different personality styles and generations may require different types of feedback, so leaders must take the time to understand their team members' preferences and needs. Lori also shared some strategies for fostering a sense of purpose and impact within an organization. This includes aligning the work employees do with the broader meaning and effect of the company. Leaders can create a more meaningful and engaging workplace by highlighting how each employee's contribution contributes to the company's mission, vision, and values.   About Lori-Ann Duguay: With over two decades of valuable experience in a single organization, Lori-Ann is highly familiar with the dual-edged sword of stable pensions and benefits—referred to as 'golden handcuffs.' This experience fuels her commitment to assisting businesses in crafting stimulating workplaces that offer engaging and meaningful experiences to their employees. Lori-Ann specializes in aiding growth-focused companies to trigger organizational transformations by overhauling their workplace cultures. She is instrumental in constructing an all-encompassing employee experience and leadership framework necessary to attract and retain the workforce essential for thriving in the evolving world of work. Capitalizing on her career as an HR Strategist, Talent Development Expert, Professional Coach, and Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Lori-Ann merges her profound understanding of talent management and employee engagement. She guides organizations and leaders to implement a people-centric approach to leadership, talent development, and conflict resolution.   About People-Powered Solutions: People-Powered Solutions lead the way in workplace culture strategy and leadership development as the work landscape shifts. With 1 in 4 employees contemplating job changes, organizations must adapt to attract talent. The firm helps organizations shape work environments that draw and retain employees. Acknowledging that direct motivation isn't feasible, they focus on fostering highly motivating work environments. They help companies build compelling end-to-end employee experiences that decrease turnover, retain top talent, and enhance employee engagement. Meeting clients where they're at, they assist in crafting in-house capacity, infrastructure, and leadership essential for the new world of work. Using over 20 years of HR strategy experience in government and the potent Everything DISC Psychometric tools, they equip organizations with the necessary training, tools, and resources to unlock and sustain their team's potential.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur:  https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out People-Powered Solutions website at https://bepeoplepowered.com/ Check out People-Powered Solutions on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplepoweredsolutions/ Check out People-Powered Solutions on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BePeoplePowered Check out People-Powered Solutions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047389242657 Check out Lori-Ann Duguay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriannduguay/ Check out Lori-Ann Duguay on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lorithepeopleperson/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Chief Growth Officer of Brand You Media, Zach Day.   Zach, the founder of Brand You Media, a filmmaker, film director, and a contestant/trainer for Ninja Warriors, discussed the importance of storytelling. Zach highlighted the importance of going beyond surface-level content. He delves deep into his clients' lives, asking the tough questions to uncover their authentic stories. By showcasing the conflicts and obstacles they've overcome, he adds depth and emotional impact to their narratives. It's all about creating that genuine connection with the audience. He also emphasized the power of branding, from brand colors and logos to having a professional online presence. Consistent content creation on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is critical to building a solid personal brand. It's about putting yourself out there and sharing your story to captivate your audience.   About Zach Day: Zach is the Founder & Creative Director of Brand You Media, a video agency focused on helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs and coaches significantly impact the world. Brand You Media recognizes the challenges of running a business and building an engaged online audience. To address this, they have developed a unique three-step process that enables entrepreneurs to connect with their ideal audience and create a strong, engaged community around their message. Zach also hosts the Right Now Show Podcast. The podcast features conversations with successful entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders who have achieved seven-figure success. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and experiences that can inspire and support Gen Z entrepreneurs. Zach specializes in creating powerful brand stories through 2-5 minute videos for entrepreneurs and coaches who want to make a positive impact. These brand stories emotionally engage the audience and foster a deep connection. He also offers social media marketing services that focus on building credibility, authority, and brand awareness.   About Brand You Media: Brand You Media is a company dedicated to assisting purpose-driven entrepreneurs and coaches in significantly impacting the world. Recognizing the challenges of running a business and building an engaged online audience, Brand You Media has developed a unique three-step process to help individuals connect with their ideal audience and foster a robust and active community around their message. The company's primary goal is to empower entrepreneurs to share their powerful stories with the world. Brand You Media believes people are drawn to those they can relate to, like, and trust. By unlocking and sharing your personal story, you can establish a deeper connection with your community and inspire them to take meaningful action. Through their expertise, they help entrepreneurs effectively communicate their messages, build authentic connections, and inspire positive change. Their innovative approach enables individuals to make a lasting impact and fulfill their mission meaningfully.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Brand You Media website at https://mybrandyou.com/ Check out Brand You Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamzachday/ Check out Brand You Media on Facebook at http://facebook.com/brandyoumedia1 Check out Brand You Media on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamzachday Check out Zach Day on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-day-074902178/ Check out Zach Day on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iamzachday Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Chief Growth Officer of VSA Partners, Ariadna Navarro.   Ariadna Navarro, Chief Growth Officer of Partners, a renowned brand strategy and design consultancy, shared some invaluable wisdom about defining a brand's ethos and standing. Defining a brand can be challenging, especially in an era where cancel culture and fear of missteps prevail. However, Ariadna says that if a brand remains honest and consistent about who they are, it will continue to thrive. She even highlighted Bud Light and Nike as examples of brands that faced backlash for their decisions but stayed true to themselves and their values. She also spotlighted Patagonia as a prime example of authenticity. Despite potential skepticism regarding their fleece zip-ups and commitment to saving the world, this outdoor clothing company wholeheartedly embraces their mission. This unwavering dedication to their purpose resonates with consumers and sets them apart.   About Ariadna Navarro:  Ariadna, originally from Venezuela, is a trailblazer connecting business strategy to brand and experience strategy to foster growth. As the Chief Growth Officer, she spearheads design, client engagement, and business development, applying a unique perspective on market trends and brand differentiation. Her expansive portfolio includes projects with leading firms like IBM, AT&T, and Wayfair. She is genuinely interested in emerging technologies, corporate acquisitions, politics, and filmmaking, holding a postgraduate degree in the latter.  Before joining VSA, Ariadna led strategy at Interbrand. She currently resides in New York with her family.   About VSA Partners:  VSA Partners, a strategy and design agency, is committed to designing better human experiences. VSA creates impactful, measurable experiences in a busy world by merging consumer insights, data, and human-centered design. With fully integrated capabilities, including branding, advertising, data science, and technology, VSA operates from Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. As a part of 'Meet The People,' it leverages international collaborations. VSA's 40-year journey includes partnerships with renowned brands like Google, Nike, and IBM. Adapting to a hybrid working model, VSA encourages its team to define their workspaces - anywhere within the United States. This flexibility promotes solitude, collaboration, or small-group engagements, as needed. Geographic neutrality in hiring ensures diverse experiences and perspectives. Viewing their offices as flexible work hubs, VSA values human interaction, a change of scenery, and participation worldwide for employee wellbeing and organizational benefits.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out VSA Partners website at  https://vsapartners.com/ Check out VSA Partners on Linkedin at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsa-partners/ Check out VSA Partners on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vsapartners/ Check out VSA Partners on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/vsapartners/ Check out Ariadna Navarro on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadna-navarro-4426b54/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.