Entrepreneur Conundrum

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia welcomes Becky Freemal, Emmy Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, and founder of The Market Exec. Becky shares her journey from broadcast journalism to fractional CMO, and why effective storytelling is the key to sustainable business growth.What you’ll hear in this episode:Becky’s transition from journalism to entrepreneurship How evidence-based storytelling drives results Why brand voice is essential for consistency and trust The role of curiosity in leadership and business growth Becky’s vision for speaking, leadership, and helping entrepreneurs 📖 Learn more about Becky:Website: beckyfreemal.comCompany: themarketexec.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemalInstagram: @beckyfreemalFacebook: @Beckyfreemal🎧 Listen now → entrepreneurconundrum.com/beckyfreemalBecky Freemalhttps://www.beckyfreemal.com/https://themarketexec.com/https://www.instagram.com/beckyfreemalhttps://www.facebook.com/@Beckyfreemalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyfreemal/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

Episode: SEO Without the Mystery: Nick Musica’s Straightforward Approach to Getting Found OnlineGuest: Nick Musica, Founder of Optics In SEO AgencyWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Nick transitioned from publishing to SEO — before even knowing what SEO wasLessons learned from early SEO vendor experiencesThe “3+1” formula that drives sustainable search rankingsWhy multiple versions of your site could be killing your SEOCommon pitfalls that businesses face and how to dig out of the “funk”The role of networking, referrals, and in-person connections in finding clientsBalancing technical SEO with content strategy and off-page authority Connect with Nick:Website: https://opticsin.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmusica/Listen to the episode here: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/nickmusicaKey Questions (01:01) How did you get to where you are today?(05:52) So now, how do you fulfill your following your interest aspect?(10:49) Who are your ideal clients?(12:11) How do you get in front of said client?(12:44) Are you part of the local chamber or BNI group?(14:31) Do you do posts on social media and use that very often as well?(15:10) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(17:25) Do you feel like you have a roadblock for reaching that goal?(17:39) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(20:11) What's the best advice you've ever given?(21:42) Do you focus on like, backlinks and different stuff like that?(22:47) Is there something that you wanted to talk about, but we haven't covered yet?(25:15) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Nick Musicahttps://opticsin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmusica/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.com

In this episode, Virginia talks with Diane Wyzga, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts and creator of the Stories from Women Who Walk podcast. Diane helps women clarify their vision and amplify their voices through storytelling, coaching them to uncover words they didn’t know they had.What you'll hear in this episode:Diane’s journey from Navy nurse to lawyer, litigation consultant, and storytelling coach.How she helps women find their authentic voices and share their stories with courage.Why consequences are fact-neutral and how reframing them can set you free.The power of resilience: “Fall down seven, get up eight.”Tips on building confidence through self-expression and storytelling.Connect with Diane:Website: quartermoonstoryarts.netLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diane-f-wyzga-qmsaPodcast: Stories from Women Who WalkSubstack: Wyzga on WordsConnect with Virginia:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedInentrepreneurconundrum.com/dianewyzga

Guest: Andy Seeley, CEO of Creatively DisruptiveHost: Virginia PurnellDuration: ~43 minutesWhat You’ll Learn:How Andy transitioned from sales into strategic marketingThe biggest marketing mistakes small business owners makeWhy consistency beats quantity every timeWhich platforms work best for local engagementHow to dip your toes into paid ads without wasting moneyThe easiest way to build online trust (hint: Google Business profile!)Connect with Andy:Website: creativelydisruptive.comInstagram: @ashworthstrategyFacebook: @creativelydisruptive 

Episode NotesGuest: Siew Ting Foo, author of Building Brands with Soul25+ years as a global marketing leader (HP, Unilever, Diageo, etc.)What “brands with soul” means and how it creates emotional impactCoaching the next generation of “Leaders with Soul”Consulting, board directorship, and thought leadershipEmbracing AI and empowering teams through “AI Fridays”Overcoming imposter syndrome and experimenting with purpose6 traits of soul-led leadership: authenticity, empathy, disruption, etc.Book, podcast, and ways to connect: soulforprofit.org 🎧 Listen now: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/SiewTingFooKey Questions(01:14) How did you get to where you are today?(02:11) So when you say that you help brands market with soul or build businesses of brands with soul, what does that mean to you?(04:34) Who do you work with these days? Who's your ideal client?(05:58) Are you doing anything on social media to help get the awareness out there?(07:02) What channels of social media are you using?(07:34) What are some big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(08:35) What do you feel is your number one roadblock for achieving that?(09:23) Can you talk to us a little bit about how, or that purpose and profit can actually exist together in a marketing strategy?(10:30) What do you feel it takes to build high-performing teams by humanizing the brand and business?(12:38) I guess that leads into how to lead with Soul for business and the brands. Is it anything else, collaborator?(15:02) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(15:45) What's the best advice you've ever given?(16:02) Can you give an example?(17:18) Is there anything that we haven't covered that you would like to talk about?(17:54) And what's your website?Siew Ting Foo www.soulforprofit.orgwww.linkedin.com/in/siewtingfoo instagram - siewtingxVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Episode Title: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Building Better Engineering Teams with Thanos DiacakisGuest: Thanos DiacakisHost: Virginia PurnellPodcast: Entrepreneur ConundrumLinks & Resources:Website: https://www.cosmicteacups.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Download: 7 Mental Models for Software DevelopmentWhat You’ll Hear in This Episode:How Thanos turned early startup experience into a career of helping software teams scaleCommon misconceptions about engineering productivityThe four types of work all software teams should balanceWhy going “faster” often starts with doing lessThanos’ ABCD framework: Iteration, Quality, Complexity, PlanningThe truth about burnout, identity, and finding joy in software againBest advice Thanos has ever received—and givenHis favorite book (Changing on the Job) and favorite movie (A Few Good Men)Ideal For:Startup founders with growing engineering teamsCTOs and engineering managers facing team burnout or delivery delaysAnyone curious about the intersection of software development and team healthSubscribe & Review:Love what you hear? Subscribe to Entrepreneur Conundrum and leave a review to help more founders find their flow.Key Questions(01:12) How did you end up on this journey and where you are today?(02:32) Who's your ideal client today?(04:00) How do you get in front of these people?(08:12) What are a couple of big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(09:00) How would that affect your business?(09:41) So I think you've already touched on all of the questions about how to deliver software faster by doing less. I think we talked about that with time allocation, right? Is there anything else that you wanted to touch on?(15:36) Is working with you an ongoing long term aspect, or is it for a certain time It will usually start with some engagement to the tune of six months.(17:52) Is it hard to find where the bottleneck is in the software?(20:16) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(21:30) What's the best advice you've ever given?(23:35) I have that question, too, because you've done quite a few startups, and you have a family and stuff like So do you have any tips on how you were able to try to have that balance?(25:57) Is there anything else that you would like to talk about that we haven't yet?(26:10) What is your favorite book and movie?(29:21) Where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Thanos Diacakishttps://www.cosmicteacups.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosd/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

In this episode, we discuss:Kash's entrepreneurial journey from cutting lawns to building an $11M insurance agencyHow Transcendental Meditation and spiritual practices shaped his business successThe difference between intellect and intelligence in decision-makingWhy emotional and energetic alignment are crucial for scalingHow Kash defines success beyond just moneyBuilding systems to “fade out” of the daily grind and elevate leadershipThe power of customer experience and spiritual alignment in client attractionRisk-taking from an intuitive, whole-brain approachKash’s philosophy: “Water the root, enjoy the fruit.” Connect with Kash Fadaie:🌐 Website: https://fadaieinsurance.com🔗 LinkedIn: Kash Fadaie📧 Email: kash@fadaieinsurance.comKey Questions(01:00) Can you give us a little bit of a backstory about how you got to where you are today?(02:35) What insurance do you sell?(04:05) Do you do travel insurance, too?(12:37) So today, who would you say are your ideal clients?(15:38) How do you get in front of those people?(21:15) How have you found merging spirituality and business together?(28:55) What are some big goals that you have next year or two?(36:53) I think you've already touched on it, but is there something that you can share with us about the art of risk? Is there risk-taking and how to evaluate and embrace opportunities?(43:07) What is the best advice that you have ever received?(50:28) What's the best advice you've ever given?(53:14) We've covered a bunch of things. Is there something that we haven't touched on yet that you would like to?Kash Fadaiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/khashayar-kash-fadaie-95488434/https://fadaieinsurance.com/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56eMgEck0UVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Mel McSherryLinkedIn: @melmcsherryInstagram: @mel_mcsherryEpisode Highlights:Mel’s entrepreneurial origin story and the transition from fitness to business coachingWhy honoring your energy is essential for sustainable successHow human design can validate your instincts and simplify decision-makingThe biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to follow copy-paste business adviceThe difference between “coach” and “guide”—and why Mel prefers the latterHer dream of hosting or joining more in-person retreatsSimple energy management tips you can start using todayWant a safe, no-pressure chat with Mel?👉 Book a complimentary virtual coffee: virtualcaffeewithmel.com🔗 Listen to the full episodeKey Questions(00:54) Can you share with us how you ended up where you (10:09) So who do you serve now?(11:43) How do you get in front of those people?(13:04) You had mentioned LinkedIn earlier. Do you still use that platform today?(15:28) What are some common mistakes that people tend to be doing when they first come to work?(20:06) You had mentioned the readings in the charts a couple of times. What are some of the areas that get covered.(25:28) Do I fill out a questionnaire? Is that how we would do it?(27:20) So what are some big goals that you are looking to achieve in the next year?(28:44) How would that affect your business?(31:39) Do you have any tips or things that you can share with us in regards to being profitable, mentally, emotionally, and financially every day?(33:21) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(34:27) What about the best advice you've ever given(34:53) Is there something that we haven't touched on that you would like to talk about?(35:19) Sounds good. Speaking of which, where can we go to learn more about you and what you do?Mel McSherryhttps://www.melmcsherry.comLinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/melmcsherry/Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/mel_mcsherryVirginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Guest: Jhana LiCompany: Spyglass OpsPlatforms:📸 Instagram📘 Facebook💼 LinkedIn📺 YouTubeTopics Discussed:The real reason most entrepreneurs stall out How operations can make or break your ability to scale When to hire operations help (hint: not when the house is already on fire) The three pillars of intrinsic leadership What founders get wrong about delegation Why Jhana loves operations (and why you don’t have to) Her system to resist shiny object syndrome How to build A-player teams—remotely 📩 DM “entrepreneur conundrum podcast” to @thejhanali on IG for free training and supportKey Questions(00:58) Can you tell us a little bit about how you got to where you are?(02:17) Who would you say are your ideal clients these days?(02:43) When you say operations side, what are you meaning?(04:03) How do you get in front of these people?(04:52) Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls that clients tend to have when they start working with you?(06:45) So in an ideal situation then, when would I know that right now it's a really good time to come and see you?(08:07) Are some of those people, or a lot of those people, scared to, let's say, give up the power?(09:34) What are some big goals that you're looking to achieve in the next year or two?(10:34) Can you share with us a little bit about building A teams, especially ones that are remote?(12:51) Do you think that they don't hire up because they have that subconscious fear, or could it be like a money thing? Oh, they're too expensive.(15:03) Intrinsic leadership. How can we lead even if we're not the smartest one in the party?(20:44) Don't just set goals, hit them. What can you tell us about that?(23:08) How do you go down the track with blinders on and not get distracted by the shiny?(25:01) So then you just make a list of them all, and then when the next quarter comes up, you reevaluate that list and see if there's any that are still interesting?(26:11) What is some of the best advice that you have ever received?(28:29) So did it happen just because of conversations you had with them with like, I'm expecting this to be different, or was it just the energy that you brought to the table?(29:42) What's the best advice you've ever given?(33:30) We did cover a variety of things, but is there something that we didn't touch on that you would like to?(35:02) Where can we reach you at and learn more about what you do?Jhana Lihttps://spyglassops.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejhanaliInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejhanali/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theJhanaLi/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co

Show NotesIn this episode, you’ll learn:How Colleen’s caregiving journey led to her business The biggest planning mistakes solopreneurs make The four pillars of business safety: Money, Insurance, Succession, and Legal Prep What a “Knock Box” is—and why you need one The real cost of not planning for emergencies Her tips on getting in front of the right clients Why LinkedIn is her platform of choice Links & Resources:Website: www.centuryplantbusinessservices.com LinkedIn: Colleen Watson Book a session with Colleen: calendly.com/centuryplant Follow Virginia:Website: entrepreneurconundrum.com Instagram: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Facebook: @entrepreneurconundrumpodcast Twitter: @EnConundrumPod Key Questions(00:53) Can you tell us a little bit about your entrepreneurial journey?(04:23) Who are your ideal clients?(06:34) How do you get in front of those people?(08:28) Do you do you social media as well to help get in front of those people to have those conversations?(10:56) Is there someone that you refer them to or just help them find their own person to help them.(14:10) Do you help people just in the US or do you go other places as well?(16:05) What are some of the safety So it's the safety net or the four pillars that people should have.(20:57) So do you have all your ducks in a row?(24:03) What are some big goals that you have in the next year or two?(30:03) What's the best advice that you have ever received?(31:58) What's the best advice you've ever given?(33:34) Is there anything that we haven't talked about yet that you would like to touch on?Colleen Watsonhttps://www.centuryplantbusinessservices.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-watson/Virginia PurnellFunnel & Visibility SpecialistDistinct Digital Marketing(833) 762-5336virginia@distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.comwww.distinctdigitalmarketing.co