I’m excited to share my interview with business coach, consultant and fractional COO, Jessica Lackey with you.  Since we talk about courage and authenticity in this episode, I think it’s important that I acknowledge something. When I was first introduced to Jessica Lackey by a mutual mentor, I expected to be a little bit intimidated because she has an MBA from Harvard, was a consultant for top-ranked McKinsey & Company and also had a successful corporate career at Nike.  I am certainly no slouch, with a master's degree from UCLA and a resume with plenty of high profile employers of my own, our culture teaches us to compare and compete, so those insecurity vibes were there.  What I experienced in getting to know her is that Jessica Lackey is like many high ability and high performing women I’ve known: approachable and down to earth, which is to say - warm, funny, and genuine.  After years of pushing herself to fit into the mold, she embarked on a journey of self-exploration, diving into alternative healing modalities and ancient teachings. Today, she is a business coach who empowers others to embrace their authentic selves and create lives that align with their values and potential.While our paths were not identical, Jessica and I internalized many of the same beliefs growing up.  When you are identified as gifted in elementary school, the message you get is that you have a lot of potential and you need to live up to all expectations placed on you.  While both of us remained on the overachiever path for quite some time, eventually each of us reached a point where we recognized that the success we had created did not feel fulfilling.   Here’s what we cover in this vulnerable conversation: - Toxic productivity which results in disconnection from awareness- Learning to trust oneself and recognizing the importance of being authentic- Alternative healing modalities and how they can facilitate growth and insight - Discovering our values and the concept of Dharma- Using our gifts to serve the broader good and not just maximizing wealth- The experience of Impostor syndrome and rejection sensitivity as gifted adults - The courage it takes to learn to trust yourself and building something authentic  Connect with Jessica Lackey beyond this episode:Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/What’s Your Stage of Business? Quiz: https://bit.ly/3XGqoBvLinked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/   If summer is a little slower in your business, it’s the perfect time to turn things around before the fall rush. My short term, Choose Your Own Adventure options are only available during July and August.  Kinda like summer camp, but without leaving home or S’Mores.  Find out more here: https://bit.ly/summer-strategy-form  then, schedule a free 30-minute consultation here:  https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultation My favorite place to connect online is Linked In, click here to subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter: https://bit.ly/TDWE-Newsletter For the time crunched, or impatient: go back (or skip)  to your favorite parts! 00:10:16 Breaking Free: Corporate Ladders and Crucible Moments00:14:44 Understanding the Limits of Adult-Defined Identity00:22:25 "Leaving Nike: Family Pushback and Pursuing Happiness"00:26:51 "Evolve Your Personal Values: A Painful Journey"00:33:16 "Life Coaching Journey Leads to Pandemic Resignation"00:39:56 "Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Trust and Authenticity"00:43:46 "Women Entrepreneurs Exploiting Each Other: Reality Check"00:47:38 "The Fascinating Path of Personal Evolution"

Whether you're a solopreneur or small business owner, we all tend to have a neverending to-do list that can leave us feeling overworked and overwhelmed. In this episode, I highlight the necessity of being aware of one's limitations and prioritizing high-quality tasks, especially as a creative problem solver.  I also cover the importance of integrating novelty into business strategies without disrupting oneself and understanding one's motivations and genuine capabilities. It’s time to let go of tasks that do not contribute to meaningful progress and cut your to-do list in half while staying aligned with your core values. Here's what you will hear:💡 Discover the true drivers behind your actions and avoid burnout 🚫💥 Learn how to make decisions that truly move your business forward. 📈🌟 Leverage the power of aligning your core values with your business decisions 🔑 Assess your energetic bandwidth to create priorities and boundaries. ⏰🗝️ Let go of tasks that don't contribute to your success & say YES to what truly matters.Mic Drop Moment"They hustle their way to burn out because they either don't know what their energetic bandwidth is or they are simply not making decisions that respect it and take it into account."  Diann Wingert Tools I use and Concepts I share in this episode: The Eisenhower Matrix, Core Values Exercise,  The Four Tendencies, Know Your Drivers, and The Default Yes Want to work with me, but don’t want (or need) a long-term commitment?  Summer is a great time to schedule a VIP Day or 4-week intensive with me, whether it’s a Strategy Date, an Accountability Date, or a Brainstorm to Breakthrough intensive, you will be amazed at fast we can move the needle in your business with focus & action!  Click here for more info and here to schedule a free consultation to see which of my Boss Up Bootcamps has YOUR name all over it! TLDL (time stamps) 00:03:18 Interest, challenge, novelty, and urgency  - know your drivers00:11:30 Don't solve other people's problems; prioritize yourself.00:14:50 "Time optimism leads to an overfilled list."00:20:54 "To achieve high-level goals, know your core values."00:24:43 Hustle culture, burnout, energy bandwidthAre we connected on Linked In?  What are we waiting for? https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannwingertcoaching/

On this episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, we dive deep into the value of membership models for business owners who have reached capacity with one-on-one work or want to scale and don’t want to run a group coaching program. Our guest, Lisa Princic, shares her insights into the flexibility of membership programs, which she has been specializing in helping coaches and consultants launch and grow for several years. We also discuss the key pillars for a successful membership program, including mentorship, education, and community, and how to align these with your pricing and value offerings.  Lisa and I are both analytical and didn’t hold anything back in this discussion, including talking about potential pitfalls and considerations when choosing a membership model, as not all models work for every business or audience. They delve into specifics like who the membership model is suited for, pricing, and promotion, but first, they discuss the speaker's journeys in choosing a membership model for their business.  We even talk about why some popular membership programs ended up closing and why. During our conversation, I share some of the misconceptions I had about the membership model and how learning from Lisa helped me to see the value in the different types of membership structures that can appeal to different people. Tune in for a thoughtful and informative discussion on how to create a membership program that aligns with your values and unique abilities, while delivering scalable value to your clients.  Bonus: To hear me get coached by Lisa on whether I should consider adding a membership to my business, check out our interview on Lisa’s podcast,  Scaling Deep by clicking here:  https://apple.co/45IU1Wj Lisa Princic is a business owner with a passion for growth and human development. She believes that humans are naturally driven to push themselves and make a greater impact, while still maintaining their values and connections to others. Lisa's podcast and business are both named "scaling deep" as a nod to the balance between personal growth and staying true to oneself, which has been well-received by those who appreciate a more relational approach to business.Connect with Lisa Princic beyond this episode:Lisa’s free training on memberships:  https://scalingdeep.com/freebie/Lisa’s podcast, Scaling Deep:  https://apple.co/45IRsUbFollow Lisa on Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaprincic/If summer is a little slower in your business, it’s the perfect time to turn things around before the fall rush. My short-term,  Boss Up Bootcamp options are only available during July and August.  Kinda like summer camp, but without leaving home or S’Mores.  Find out more here:  https://bit.ly/43XxovI  then, schedule a free 30-minute consultation here:  https://bit.ly/3qrJ9YQ My favorite place to connect online is Linked In, click here to subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter: https://bit.ly/3MAalSpFor the time crunched and impatient: go back (or skip)  to your favorite parts! [00:04:13] "The Benefits of a Versatile Membership Program"[00:08:53] "Membership Model: Choose Your Own Adventure"[00:19:30] "Creating a Successful Membership: Framework and Platform"[00:25:04] "Membership Misconceptions"[00:33:16] "Values-based Membership: Deep Work Pays Off"

On this episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast, just in time for Independence Day here in the US, I wanted to share my thoughts with you on the subject of social media sabbaticals and why you might want to consider one this summer.  Declaring your independence from social media can be a very effective way to gain clarity on your relationship with these platforms, reassess the value of your current social marketing strategy and help prevent burnout. By guiding listeners through a series of insightful questions, sharing the perspectives of other notable coaches and consultants and introducing a variety of options to customize a social media sabbatical to your goals,  this episode is full of actionable advice. In emphasizing the importance of mental health and healthy boundaries, and reminding them of the need to treat their sabbatical like an experiment, I encourage listeners to consider the prospect of taking a break from social media that in order to focus on other important aspects of their business, self care, relationships and personal growth.  Whether it is a one month break from all social platforms or a six month break from one platform that has become draining, straining, depleting, defeating or simply unsustainable, figuring out whether your investment of time, energy, effort and attention is worth the outcome or whether that energy might be better spent elsewhere.  I am not the first or the only business coach or consultant to suggest that a social media sabbatical might bring multiple benefits to your business and life.  During this episode, I  share how three of the women in my network and talking about creating more balance around their relationship with social media and how they are helping others do the same.  Mentioned in this episode are: Andrea Jones: https://onlinedrea.com/Meg Casebolt: https://loveatfirstsearch.com/Nicole Kalil: https://bit.ly/46lRba9Public podcasts are amazing, but they are still a one-way conversation.  If you are craving more, have you grabbed your copy of my free private podcast, “Show Up Like a Boss”? Click here to add it to your podcast feed today! https://bit.ly/show-up-like-a-bossIs Linked In becoming your social media platform of choice as a solopreneur or small business owner?  Me too!  Don’t forget to subscribe to my weekly Linked In newsletter here: https://bit.ly/TDWE-Newsletter so you don’t miss my latest thoughts and updates. And last but not least,  if you are a regular listener to The Driver Entrepreneur Podcast and have not left a reviews really do motivate me to keep creating this show & bringing you awesome guests and no-BS solo episodes, so if you are a regular listener and haven’t left one yet,  what are you waiting for?  Apple: https://apple.co/2BZDFzcAndroid: https://bit.ly/TDWE-podchaserTLDR  (time stamps) [00:01:09] Taking a social media sabbatical: options explained.[00:06:49] Communicate sabbatical intentions, decide what is owed.[00:11:15] Goals, exploration, feelings, time, change, analytics, burnout.[00:13:02] "Break from social media, screen time excessive."

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Driven Woman Entrepreneur Podcast.  If you are working with busy people (and let’s face it, who isn’t busy these days?)  then you are struggling with how to connect with them,  market to them,  sell to them, and serve them.  Our time, energy, focus, and attention are all limited and we need to invest them in the most efficient way possible, always keeping an eye on whether what we are choosing is helping us meet our goals, or is just a distraction.  Learning the best ways to be both effective and efficient is how we stay ahead of the competition and earn the loyalty of our clients.  Today’s guest, Lindsay Padilla is the co-founder of Hello Audio, an audio content creation tool for entrepreneurs. She is also a former college professor who turned to entrepreneurship after feeling unfulfilled in her long-standing position. Lindsay is passionate about simplifying content creation processes and making it easier to learn on the go, through audio.  In this episode, Lindsay and I talk about why audio is the ideal way to reach and serve busy people, and why private podcasts are the way to go for entrepreneurs to explore the benefits of audio in long-form learning, Lindsay provides invaluable insights that any entrepreneur can use to create high-quality content.  Because both Lindsay and I are female entrepreneurs with ADHD,  we also chat about why audio is the ideal medium if you have ADHD, both as a content creator and as a content consumer or client.  Here are just a few of the highlights you will hear in this episode: The power of audio for immersive learning, enhancing course content,  creating community, and improving completion rates.  Lindsay's personal journey- from academia to entrepreneurship and how her commitment to making learning more accessible and efficient is her mission.How Hello Audio made the podcast creation process simpler and more accessible to entrepreneurs.The innovations of Hello Audio in segmenting, tagging, and automation for private podcasts.The future of audio, especially now that AI has entered the arena Connect with Lindsay online:Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaypadilla/Hello Audio: https://helloaudio.fm/  (7-day free trial) I am not an affiliate for very many companies, but I am for Hello Audio. If you’re ready to start a private podcast with Hello Audio let them know I sent you!  https://bit.ly/3qNXEKVNow, I can’t just talk about the power of private podcasts without offering you a chance to grab my PRIVATE PODCAST, right? “Show Up Like a Boss” is like a behind-the-scenes look at working with me through the eyes and ears of 10 of my private clients.  Grab it for free here:  https://bit.ly/show-up-like-a-bossThinking about the Summer Boss Up Bootcamp options?  Get more Information: https://bit.ly/43XxovISign up for a free Consultation: https://bit.ly/466xVNWToo busy to hear the entire interview? [00:08:56] Audio's unique benefits for learning.[00:13:29] How podcasts engage creativity and form relationships.[00:23:35] Private podcast is exclusive and personalized content.[00:43:14] AI audio's shaky future, immersion important. 

As entrepreneurs, overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors is crucial to finding success in business. These behaviors can manifest in various ways, such as accepting too many commitments, avoiding creating systems and structures, or not taking responsibility for one's decisions. By recognizing and addressing these behaviors, entrepreneurs can improve their chances of achieving success and reaching their full potential. While everyone engages in self-sabotage at some point, being proactive in addressing these behaviors can facilitate personal and business growth. In this episode, in my typical No-BS style, I encourage you to be okay with stepping out of your comfort zones and to define your own benchmarks for success, instead of comparing yourself to others in your industry. In this episode, you will be able to:Discover the secrets to conquering self-sabotaging habits and transforming your entrepreneurial journey.Unlock the power to manage fear effectively and break free from the chains of self-sabotage.Learn the crucial role self-care plays in pushing your business to new heights.Master the art of organizing your time and tasks to ward off sneaky self-sabotaging traps.Dive into how invaluable mentorship and coaching can be for entrepreneurs to sidestep self-sabotage.Beware of Summer Sabotage During the summer months, entrepreneurs are faced with many distractions and might think they can just ignore their business and catch up in the fall. This can lead to a potential self-sabotaging trap unless a summer slowdown or sabbatical is built into their business plan. I decided to create the Boss Up Bootcamp summer coaching program designed to help entrepreneurs stay on track during the summer months. This program offers shorter engagements for those looking for support and guidance to keep moving their businesses forward during the summer season, by focusing on specific areas of their business that are being neglected and are holding them back. The Boss Up Bootcamp summer program has several options, from a VIP Day to a 4-week intensive.  The best part is that we identify the specific areas of your business that need to be updated, refreshed, or totally redesigned and get to work. The goal is not just to knock things off your To-Do List, but to rev up your engine for Q3 + Q4 so you finish the year strong.  Click here to take a look at the available options: https://bit.ly/43XxovIReady to talk about which adventure is right for you?   Schedule a free 30-minute consultation right here: https://bit.ly/466xVNWNot ready to work together but want to see more of my content? Subscribe to my weekly Linked In newsletter here: https://bit.ly/3MAalSpPodcast reviews really do motivate me to keep creating this show & bringing you awesome guests and no-BS solo episodes, so if you are a regular listener and haven’t left one yet,  what are you waiting for?  Apple: https://apple.co/2BZDFzcAndroid: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-driven-woman-119448

Bev Feldman, known as "Your Personal Tech Fairy," is an email marketing strategist who helps consultants build authentic relationships through tailored strategies. She discusses why a smaller, engaged email list can be more valuable than a large one, stressing the importance of personalized messaging. Bev emphasizes the need to choose the right email marketing platform that aligns with individual business goals. The conversation also highlights how aligning personal values with business practices can enhance connections and foster lasting client relationships.

Have you been told that clear communication is the key to improving client results, but are still struggling with client expectations? Don’t know why some clients become raving fans and others are never satisfied with your work?  Discover the secrets to clear  communication, effective decision-making, well-defined scope of work, and goodbye to the frustration of unmet expectations and hello to a thriving partnership with your clients.By discussing the scope of work, boundaries, and communication preferences, business owners can avoid misunderstandings that could lead to disappointment or negatively impact the client relationship. I strongly recommend establishing these expectations upfront to ensure that clients and business owners are aligned and understand their respective roles and responsibilities. But, I will also teach you how to assess a prospective client’s decision making style before you begin, insuring a better outcoming and eliminating unpleasant surprises altogether.  During the episode, I shares my insights on the importance of being explicit about what services will be provided and how these services can help clients achieve their goals. For consultants and coaches, being transparent about the limitations of their expertise is also essential, as it ensures clients have an accurate understanding of the services they provide, the outcomes they can expect, and the level of responsibility consultants hold for their results.In this episode, you will be able to:Enhance your expertise in managing client expectations with strategic communication.Uncover compatible decision-making methods, supported by tailored guidance.Develop and negotiate unambiguous work scopes to protect clear-cut boundaries.Break free from wishful thinking by asking the most important questions upfront.Employ screening techniques to attain mutual satisfaction in client partnerships.Decide on guarantees, refunds or even terminate a client agreement with certainty Want to hear more on the topic of client expectations based on your role? Check out this episode: Ep #135 Business Strategist, Consultant or Coach: Which One Do You Need? https://bit.ly/episode-blog-135The Boss Up Breakthrough  is my signature coaching framework and I am accepting a limited number of clients to work with me 1:1 this summer on clear, confident and compelling communication skills in your business.  I’m talking about communicating your value, setting boundaries, raising your prices, dealing with diffficult clients and team members, scope creep and more.  How you show up, stand up and speak up really matter, so let’s stuff your toolbox his summer. The first step is to schedule a free 30-minute consultation right here: https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultationSubscribe to my weekly Linked In newsletter here: https://bit.ly/TDWE-NewsletterDying to leave me a podcast review? Apple: https://apple.co/2BZDFzcAndroid: https://bit.ly/TDWE-podchaser

Expertise is often undervalued in today's online culture, especially when the coaching industry deems anyone an expert who is "two steps ahead" of their client, but Dr. Michelle Mazur is determined to change that. With a Ph.D. in communication, and a brilliant framework called "The Three Word Rebellion", author, speaker, podcaster, and messaging consultant, Michelle Mazur has a lot to say about expertise, the anti-expert bias that is flooding the internet with cookie-cutter programs, short-sighted advice and leaving people feeling duped. If you are a legitimate expert, chances are you think you suck at marketing and don't know how to stand out from the crowd without feeling like a sleazeball about how to help clients who value what you have to offer to find you and hire you. So, Michelle and I are here to break it down, like this: The importance of owning your expertise in your messaging and marketing.The rewards and benefits of working with experts to create tailor-made solutions.Face the marketing challenges experienced by experts and skilled professionals.Streamline your marketing efforts by doing more with less.Accelerate your success by forging alliances with fellow experts Meet Dr. Michelle MazurSay hello to Michelle Mazur, an accomplished expert in marketing and messaging for entrepreneurs. With a keen understanding of how to navigate the complex online world, Michelle has dedicated her career to empowering business owners to market their expertise effectively. She's also the founder of the Expert Up Club, a supportive community that encourages experts to embrace and showcase their skills and because I was already a fan, I jumped at the chance to become one of the club's founding members.Connect with Michelle Mazur beyond this episode:Visit Michelle's website to find her book, podcast, and more: https://drmichellemazur.com/Take Michelle's marketing assessment: https://bit.ly/3IygH1zFollow Michelle on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichellemazur/ If you remember one thing from this episode make it this: Gaining confidence and a sense of control when it comes to owning and marketing one's expertise can be challenging for many entrepreneurs, especially when they face insecurities and potential backlash from the anti-expert community. This ownership should not be confused with arrogance, but rather an opportunity to showcase unique skills and knowledge. During the interview, Michelle pointed out that claiming one's expertise is an identity issue. Many individuals struggle with accepting and truly embracing their expertise, even when they have amassed years of experience and impressive credentials. Taking pride in being an expert allows entrepreneurs to focus on their clients while building a solid foundation for marketing. Mic Drop Moment:  “The kind of people who sit around thinking about how to market themselves are not the type of people who develop these exquisite expertises.” Michael Lewis, author of Moneyball  & Host of the Against the Rules Podcast.   Are you an expert who is ready to take your business from one of many to stand out and sought-after?  Then it’s time to work with me on my 12-week 1:1 program, The Boss Up Breakthrough. Taking the first step is easy, just schedule a free 30-minute consultation right here: https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultation Podcast reviews really do motivate me to keep creating this show & bringing you awesome guests and no-BS solo episodes, so if you are a regular listener and haven’t left one yet,  what are you waiting for? Apple: https://apple.co/2BZDFzcAndroid: https://bit.ly/TDWE-podchaser My favorite place to connect online is Linked In, click here to subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter: https://bit.ly/TDWE-Newsletter Want to go back to the highlights? 00:00:01 - The Tricky Business of Online Marketing00:03:41 - The Gap between Traditional and Online Marketing00:07:02 - The Appeal of Quick and Easy Solutions00:09:45 - The Importance of Marketing to Seasoned Audiences00:15:47 - Owning Your Expertise00:17:36 - Impostor Syndrome and Expertise00:22:13 - Benefits of Working with an Expert00:27:05 - Overcoming Marketing Resistance00:32:16 - Do Less But Better Marketing Strategy00:36:25 - The Importance of Collaboration00:40:01 - The Value of Paid Advice00:43:17 - The Importance of Valuing Experts

From a licensed psychotherapist turned business coach perspective, the link between mental health and entrepreneurship seemed clear, but during Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to focus on the unique challenges female solopreneurs face. In this episode, you will be able to:Mental health trials faced by entrepreneurs, with a focus on female leaders.Factors associated with mental health challenges in the entrepreneurial realm.The value of self-care, nurturing relationships, and professional help Stress factors emerging from running enterprises in male-centric industries.Putting mental health first and being open to seeking assistance when in need.Prioritizing Mental HealthEntrepreneurs that focus on self-awareness and self-acceptance to better understand their mental health needs can identify the warning signs of declining mental health and take appropriate preventive measures. Mental Health and EntrepreneurshipThe high-stress lifestyle that often accompanies entrepreneurship can take a toll on one's mental well-being. Acknowledging the potential issues and taking preventive measures to ensure mental health remains strong can be key to overall success in business. There is no "Good Time" to Prioritize Mental HealthMental health deserves ongoing focus and attention, and there is no "good time" to start prioritizing it. Waiting for an opportune moment or certain revenue milestone may lead to dangerous delays or neglect of mental well-being, resulting in a mental health crisis. Next steps after listening to this episode:Reach out for help: If you are struggling with your mental health, do not hesitate to seek help from a licensed therapist or mental health professional. Take breaks: It is important to prioritize self-care and take breaks from work. Schedule time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Create a schedule and stick to it, and communicate your availability to clients or colleagues. This will help you avoid burnout and improve your overall mental health.Connect with others: Combat isolation by connecting with other entrepreneurs or business owners in your industry or community. Join networking groups or attend events to build relationships and find support.Utilize resources: Take advantage of resources specifically designed for entrepreneurs, such as business coaches, mentorship programs, or online communitiesSpeaking of Resources, here are the ones mentioned in this episode:Rose Hackman: www.emotionallaborbook.com/ Nicole Lewis-Keeber:  https://nicole.lewis-keeber.com/Shula Ber Levtov:  https://www.shula.ca/The Boss Up Breakthrough is my signature coaching framework and the one I use with both my 1:1 and group coaching clients.  At this time,  I am only accepting 1:1 clients and the first step is to schedule a free 30-minute consultation right here: https://bit.ly/calendly-free-consultationHave you heard?  I launched a PRIVATE PODCAST and you can listen to it from the same podcast player where you enjoy this one!  It’s called “Show Up Like a Boss” and you can grab it right here:  https://bit.ly/show-up-like-a-bossNot ready to work together but want to see more of my content? Subscribe to my weekly Linked In newsletter here: https://bit.ly/TDWE-NewsletterPodcast reviews really do motivate me to keep creating this show & bringing you awesome guests and no-BS solo episodes, so if you are a regular listener and haven’t left one yet,  what are you waiting for?  Apple: https://apple.co/2BZDFzcAndroid: https://bit.ly/TDWE-podchaser