Passionate & Prosperous with Stacey Brass-Russell

This episode is a special collab conversation with my friend and fellow business mentor, Amber Lilyestrom — business coach, speaker, host of the Homeward podcast, and author/poet behind little big beautiful things and Master Your Money Mind. We’re talking about what it really means to build a right-sized, human-centric business in an industry that’s constantly pushing “bigger, faster, more.”Amber and I dig into scrappy entrepreneurship, high-touch containers, and designing offers that honor both your clients’ transformation and the actual life you want to be living. She shares candidly about her journey from traditional online business models into something more intimate, sustainable, and values-aligned, and we unpack what it looks like to scale what matters most instead of chasing every version of “more.”We also explore multidimensionality in your brand—letting all of who you are come through in your work—and how that impacts congruence, magnetism, money, and the way clients experience you.In this episode, we talk about:What a right-sized, human-centric business looks like in real life (beyond the buzzwords)Why high-touch, intimate containers can be more sustainable and satisfying than large, low-touch programsThe realities behind “scaling,” low-ticket launches, memberships, and volume-based models—and what most people don’t see behind the scenesHow Amber thinks about scaling what matters most: her clients’ outcomes, her creativity, her time, and her energyHow both of our backgrounds (Broadway and yoga studios for me, early scrappy entrepreneurship and big launches for Amber) shaped the way we think about business, money, and impactLetting yourself be the heart of the business instead of trying to disappear behind systems, funnels, or “passive” everythingMultidimensionality in a personal brand—bringing your creativity, quirks, and other passions into your work instead of keeping everything compartmentalizedWhy the work of helping clients make money and grow their businesses goes far beyond strategy and into identity, mindset, and who you’re willing to be as the leader of your businessIf you’ve been craving real talk about business models, “scaling,” sustainability, and building something that actually feels like you, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale and a powerful reminder that you’re allowed to build a right-sized business that scales what matters most to you.Connect with Amber on Instagram at @amberlilyestrom, listen to her podcast Homeward, and check out her poetry collection little big beautiful things and her program ELEVATE.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

As we move toward the end of the year, many of us are in reflection and vision mode—looking back at what 2025 has been and thinking ahead to what we want 2026 to look and feel like in our businesses and lives. In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most important (and often misunderstood) pieces of that conversation: content creation.I break down what “content” really is for a transformational, service-based business—not just posts on social media, not just a reel here and there—and why, going into 2026, you’re going to need content that is deeper, more intentional, and more aligned with your genius than ever before. We look at content as the foundation of your marketing, business strategy, and client attraction, and get honest about the kind of content you actually need if you want to grow a sustainable, prosperous coaching business.I also talk about the difference between paying for leads with ads and building your business through organic visibility, and why—even if you love the idea of “using other people’s audiences”—you still need your own thought leadership, frameworks, and offers to stand on.You’ll hear me connect this to my Yellow Brick Road client attraction system (ATTRACT–SERVE–CONVERT) and to my Genius Edge framework, because at the end of the day, everything from your offers to your workshops, talks, podcast, and live events is content. If you want 2026 to be different from 2025 in terms of revenue, reach, and impact, you’re going to have to create different content to get you there.In this episode, we explore:The difference between paid lead generation (ads) and organic visibility—and what that actually looks like in a coaching / service-based businessWhy reels and social media posts alone are not a content or client attraction strategy, especially if you sell higher-ticket, high-touch servicesHow to think about offers as content, and why your offer needs to be a sexy, transformational journey (not just a list of sessions or modules)The role of high-value, longer-form content—talks, workshops, masterclasses, podcasts, live events—in building authority, trust, and real relationships with your ideal clientsHow your content strategy supports my Yellow Brick Road framework (ATTRACT–SERVE–CONVERT) at every step of your client pathway, from first touch to “yes”A simple reverse-engineering process to look at what you want in 2026 (income, visibility, lifestyle, impact) and identify the content you’ll need to create to make it possibleWhy 2026 will require you to “up-level” both your content game and your delivery skills—and how this connects to Your Genius Edge and my upcoming Serve & Deliver programThis episode is here to help you see your business through the lens of content: your offers, your message, your visibility, your thought leadership, your live experiences, and the way you invite people into your world. If you’re dreaming bigger for 2026, this conversation will help you get honest about what you’ll need to create—and how to start mapping that out now.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

We’re back with one of the most loved formats on Passionate & Prosperous: a real coaching session you get to listen in on and apply to your own business.In this episode, I’m coaching Caryn Bothman, a midlife coach and founder of Midlife Mama Co., who supports women navigating the transitions of midlife, empty nests, aging parents, and the “where did I go?” feeling that so many women have at this stage. Caryn is passionate about women’s empowerment, personal development, and creating community through workshops, retreats, and in-person connection, but like many newer entrepreneurs, she’s feeling the tension between all the things she could do and what will actually build a sustainable coaching business.We dig into where to focus first, how to think strategically about one-on-one coaching vs. group programs and workshops, and what it really takes to attract clients when you don’t have a big audience yet. We talk about audience growth, list-building, lead magnets, email marketing, social media, and personal outreach, and why repetition in your messaging is not only allowed, it’s required.If you’ve ever wondered, “Should I be doing more on social? A group program? A workshop? Where do clients even come from?” this conversation is going to feel like sitting in on a private business and marketing strategy session for your own coaching practice.In this coaching session, we dive into:How to reverse engineer your business by starting with what you actually want (income, lifestyle, and how you like to work) and building your offer strategy from thereWhy it’s usually smarter to focus on one-on-one coaching first before launching group programs, memberships, and paid workshopsThe real role of workshops, talks, and live events in a profitable coaching business (and why they often work best as visibility + client attraction tools more than primary revenue streams)How to think about audience growth, lead magnets, and email list growth so you have people to invite into your offersWhy only a small percentage of your social media followers ever see your posts—and what that means about being “redundant” with your content, invitations, and calls to actionThe power of personal outreach, DM voice notes, and actual conversations in signing clients (instead of hoping a post, funnel, or sales page does all the work)How to structure discovery calls, follow-ups, and intentional communication so you’re not accidentally coaching for free and then leaving people to talk themselves out of getting supportIf you’re a coach or service-based entrepreneur in the earlier stages of your business—especially if you love the idea of in-person workshops, retreats, and community experiences—this episode will help you see the order of operations that actually creates a steady, prosperous coaching business.You’ll also hear us talk about what it looks like to build your “yellow brick road” of offers and touchpoints over time, so that everything you do—social media, email, workshops, personal outreach, and discovery calls—works together to attract, nurture, and convert the right clients in a grounded, human way.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

We’re celebrating a major milestone on Passionate & Prosperous: 200 episodes and 4 years of conversations about what it really means to build a transformational, service-based business and a purposeful, prosperous life.I started this show during the pandemic, at a moment when everything in the world felt uncertain and unstable. And as I reflect back on these four years—through all the shifts in the industry, the economy, technology, visibility, marketing, and our personal lives—what stands out the most is how the core principles I believed on day one have remained completely true today.The ideas I’ve always taught about service, connection, leadership, visibility, mastery, and the long game of building a meaningful business have not changed. They aren’t tied to trends or algorithms. They are timeless foundations of sustainable, prosperous entrepreneurship—the kind that holds steady no matter what’s happening in the world around us. These philosophies are as relevant now, heading into 2026, as they were when this show began in 2020.To honor this milestone, I’m sharing 10 things I still believe deeply about business and service—concepts that have shaped this show from the beginning, supported my clients across every stage of growth, and continue to guide what it looks like to build a business that lasts. These aren’t tied to strategies or seasons; they’re the perspectives and principles that actually matter when you’re creating a sustainable, human-centered business that thrives through change.In this milestone episode, we explore:The enduring principles of transformational entrepreneurship that remain constant even as the world shiftsWhat continues to matter most in service, visibility, connection, relationship-building, and client attractionHow to stay grounded, focused, and resilient within a fast-moving, often noisy online landscapeWhy foundational philosophies always outlast tactics, trends, and algorithm-driven strategiesHow these 10 things have guided the show from its beginnings during the pandemic through every stage of evolutionThe mindset, energy, and leadership needed for long-term sustainability, growth, and prosperityWhat it really means to build a business anchored in mastery, purpose, values, and human transformationEpisode 200 is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a reaffirmation of the deeper principles behind building a Passionate & Prosperous business. These ideas have carried this show—and this community—through four years of change, and they continue to point us toward what’s possible now, in 2026, and for many years to come.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

In a world obsessed with quick fixes and viral marketing strategies, it's easy to overlook the foundational elements that truly create a sustainable, long-lasting business. Today, I'm pulling back the curtain on five key (and un-sexy!) practices that aren't getting enough attention - but should be at the top of your priority list.Join me as I share the insights I've gained from years of experience, both in my own business and in guiding countless entrepreneurs. These aren't just "nice-to-haves" - they're the backbone of creating a business with real staying power.In "5 Essential Things You Should Be Doing Right Now In Your Business” we're diving into what no one's telling you about creating true longevity in your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're just starting out or looking to solidify your existing business, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on what really matters for long-term success.Tune in to discover:✨ The often-ignored practice that keeps you grounded in your expertise✨ Why building your email list should start from day one✨ The underestimated power of being in the right community✨ How visual identity contributes to long-term brand recognition✨ Why face-to-face connections still matter in a digital world✨ How these practices contribute to a business that stands the test of time✨ Why these elements are crucial for sustainable growth, not just quick wins✨ Real examples of how I've implemented these practices in my own business✨ And so much more!By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear understanding of what it truly takes to build a business that doesn't just survive, but thrives for years to come. Because here's the truth: sustainable success isn't about the latest trend - it's about laying a foundation that supports you for the long haul.So grab your notebook, get ready for some honest insights, and let's dive into the practices that will set your business up for lasting success!Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

After wrapping Passionate & Prosperous LIVE 2025—our fourth annual event—I realized something that every entrepreneur and high achiever needs to hear: basking and celebrating aren’t luxuries, they’re strategy.This week’s episode of Passionate & Prosperous is about the part of entrepreneurship that doesn’t get talked about enough—the space after the big thing. The launch, the event, the win. The part where you stop, breathe, and let yourself feel what you created before rushing into what’s next.Because when you give yourself time to celebrate and integrate your accomplishments, you’re not losing momentum—you’re actually building it. Reflection and celebration are how you leverage your results into confidence, creativity, and sustainable business growth.In this episode, I’m sharing my reflections from this year’s event and what it taught me about:Why basking and celebrating are essential to long-term successHow to reframe stress as evidence of expansion rather than something to fixThe importance of creating space for recovery, reflection, and integration in businessWhy celebration and self-care are both leadership and growth strategiesHow to build a business model that honors your energy, not just your ambitionWhether you’ve just come off a big launch, hosted an event, or reached a personal milestone, this episode will remind you that integration is momentum—and that every accomplishment deserves to be received, celebrated, and remembered.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

What if your brand isn’t just your visuals or your message — but the energy you’re transmitting every time you show up?This week on Passionate & Prosperous, I’m talking with my dear friend and creative powerhouse Sarah Ashman — brand strategist, creative director, and founder of Public Persona Studio.Sarah has spent over two decades helping coaches, creatives, and entrepreneurs shape brands that are both stunning on the outside and deeply aligned on the inside. And in this conversation, we go way beyond logos and color palettes. We’re talking about energetic branding — how your energy, confidence, and alignment impact everything from your messaging to your client attraction to the way your business grows.We dig into what happens when your business starts to evolve and you feel that inner nudge to shift, realign, or even question everything you’ve built so far. Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to burn it all down to evolve — you just have to let yourself grow.You’ll hear us talk about:What energetic branding really means — and how your energy impacts every part of your businessHow to recognize imposter syndrome as a sign you’ve outgrown an old version of your brandWhy alignment between your inner and outer expression is the key to authentic client attractionThe difference between reinvention and realignment — and why you don’t have to burn it all down to evolveWhat to do when your business stops feeling like “you” (and how to reconnect with your purpose and confidence)The importance of self-enrollment — and why your first sale is always to yourselfHow AI tools can actually help you articulate your ideas more clearly and bring your energy to lifeWe also talk about the importance of regular self-reflection and energy management in business — because your outer success always reflects your inner alignment.Whether you’re early in your coaching or creative business or leading an established brand, this conversation is going to help you reconnect with your truth, your purpose, and the magnetic energy behind your work.If something feels off in your business or brand, grab Sarah’s free self-assessment guide to get clear on your best next steps.You can also connect with Sarah on Instagram.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

Let’s talk about something that every coach, creative, and entrepreneur secretly fears: critics and reviews.This episode was inspired by (who else?) Taylor Swift. When The Life of a Showgirl dropped last week, my feed exploded with reviews—some glowing, some downright vicious. And as I was sipping my coffee and scrolling through the noise, I found myself thinking a lot about what it means to show up, be visible, and share your work when you know not everyone’s going to like it.Because here’s the truth: they won’t.I’ve been dealing with critics since I was ten years old—starting on Broadway, where a single bad review could close a show. Then later as a yoga teacher and studio owner, reading someone’s nasty Yelp post about my class being “too alignment-based.” And now as a business and life coach, I see it every day: brilliant entrepreneurs holding themselves back because they’re scared of what someone might think.In this episode, I’m sharing:Why the fear of judgment and rejection keeps so many entrepreneurs from growing their businessWhat Taylor Swift and Billy Joel can teach us about resilience, artistry, and creative longevityThe difference between constructive critique and destructive criticism—and why most haters aren’t qualified to judge your workHow to build the mindset and self-trust that keep you grounded and confident in your businessWhy you can’t and shouldn’t be for everyone—and how niching down actually gives you more freedom and fulfillmentThe more passionate you are about your work, the scarier it can feel to put it out there. But this is me reminding you that your business will grow faster when you stop trying to please everyone and focus on the people who are truly for you.If you’ve ever struggled with visibility, rejection, or the fear of being judged, this episode will help you take a deep breath, stay in your lane, and keep showing up for the clients and community who get it.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

When most of us start our coaching or service-based business, we’re fired up to help people—not thinking about branding, messaging, or how to stand out online. But the truth is, you are a personal brand (whether you realize it or not) and the way you show up is shaping how people decide to work with you.In this week’s episode of Passionate & Prosperous, I’m talking with my friend Kristin Lawton—the marketing mixologist behind District Brand Bar and a sponsor of Passionate & Prosperous LIVE!—about what it really means to build a brand that’s 100% YOU (without flashy gimmicks or cookie-cutter formulas).Kristin has 20+ years in brand strategy and marketing, and she’s the creator of the Signature Brand Dossier. She blends creativity, clarity, and a dash of AI to help solopreneurs and small business owners craft brands that are unforgettable.You’ll hear us get real about:Why “brand” no longer just means logos, fonts and colors—and what it actually is in 2025 for coaches and experts.How to weave your lived experience, passions, and quirks into your business so you naturally stand out.Why values, trust, and customer experience are part of your brand (and how misalignment erodes credibility fast).How Kristin uses AI + her proprietary process to uncover your “signature brand” so marketing feels authentic, empowering, and human.The truth about social media and “being private in public”—and why sharing glimpses of your real life builds connection.Why creating unique, authentic offers and engaging with your audience is the key to building a strong community.Kristin also shares the story behind District Brand Bar, her “brand cocktail” approach, and the choose-your-own-adventure email experience she built so you can start exploring your own signature style. We dive into how branding intersects with trust, authenticity, and delivering on your promises—because your brand isn’t just what people see on the outside, it’s the experience they have with you every step of the way.Curious what your signature brand marketing style is? Take the quiz to answer 10 fun questions and discover your unique cocktail persona. Plus, receive instant tips on how to market your brand more effectively based on your personal style!You can also connect with Kristin on Instagram and LinkedIn.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast

Building a successful coaching business takes more than certifications, social media posts, or the “perfect” funnel. It takes confidence, resilience, and a willingness to face the messy truth of what it really means to be a coach and entrepreneur.In this week’s episode of Passionate & Prosperous, I’m joined by Carey Peters—six-time founder, multi-million-dollar business builder, and co-founder of the Health Coach Institute—for a deep dive into the realities of coaching, entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that new (and experienced) coaches need to succeed.Carey shares openly about the fears and doubts she faced early on, and gives us a glimpse into how she didn’t begin as the master coach who would go on to certify thousands of health and life coaches—but built her confidence, expertise, and businesses step by step. Together, we dig into the real journey—because building confidence in your coaching, your business, and yourself doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the mess.We talk about:✨ Why information isn’t transformation—and what actually makes coaching valuable✨ The visibility fears every coach faces (yes, even seasoned performers)✨ Why niche is non-negotiable (and why it evolves over time)✨ The messy but necessary “testing” phase of business growth✨ The difference between investing in your skills vs. investing in your business✨ How to know when resistance is fear—and when it’s misalignment✨ Why conversations—not funnels—are still the foundation of a thriving coaching business✨ The six things Carey believes every coach must master to succeed now and in the futureThis episode is part encouragement, part reality check, and part masterclass in what it really takes to grow a coaching business that lasts.If you’ve ever thought, “Am I cut out for this?” or worried you’re somehow behind, you need this episode. It’s going to remind you that you’re not broken, you’re not late, and you’re not alone. You’re simply in the process of building the confidence and resilience that every successful coach before you has had to build, too.You can connect with Carey on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.Get Full Show Notes, Event Sign Ups and More Information Here:http://www.staceybrassrussell.com/podcast