Big Brave Business: Revolutionary Leadership and Entrepreneurship for Millennials with Sarah Heeter

Sara Hollander joins me on the podcast this week to talk about getting outside of your comfort zone and learning from people outside of your industry. It can be easy to get stuck in learning only from other people who do the same kind of business you do, and who have come before you or achieved what you are dreaming of. But the real magic, and the real innovation, comes from getting out of the echo chamber and building relationships with people in completely different industries and learning from them. Meet Sara: Sara Hollander is the owner of Paradise Road Travel, a boutique travel agency focused on creating meaningful and personalized travel experiences. Her journey as an entrepreneur began with a vision to make travel planning easy or busy professionals, helping them truly enjoy travel without the stress of organizing the details. Connect with Sara: https://www.paradiseroadtravel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/paradise.road.travel/ Come to Be You Brand Live and hear me speak again this fall! https://skheeter--atigbranding.thrivecart.com/be-you-brand-2025/ This is an affiliate link :) About Sarah: Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership. Launch Your Own Podcast: Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast. ⁠⁠https://launchmyshow.com/⁠⁠ Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

When was the last time you paused to ask, "Why am I doing this?" This week on the Big Brave Business podcast, I spoke with Deb Podlogar (The Mocktail Mom) about something we all struggle with as entrepreneurs: questioning our current direction while fighting the pull of shiny object syndrome. Deb's journey represents a powerful business transformation. What began as simply "taking a break from alcohol" in 2021 evolved into what she calls a "mocktail empire" – complete with a book, membership, summit, podcast, and thriving social media community. Yet despite this success, Deb found herself at a crossroads, questioning whether her current business offerings still aligned with her evolving self. This conversation challenges one of entrepreneurship's most persistent myths: that consistency above all else equals success. While there's value in staying focused, rigid adherence to initial business plans can become a limitation rather than a strength. Meet Deb: Deb Podlogar, widely known as Mocktail Mom®️, embarked on a transformative journey when she chose to part ways with Chardonnay. This decision led her to discover a variety of delicious, alcohol-free beverages. Deb resides near Louisville, KY, is married, and is the proud mother of two daughters, Hannah (22) and Lily (17). Throughout her 40s, Deb faced a series of significant challenges, including her eldest daughter's critical illness, a divorce, breast cancer, a double mastectomy, and the loss of both parents to dementia. During these tumultuous years, wine became a comforting companion. However, she realized that while alcohol was numbing her pain, it was also diminishing the joy in her life. Approaching her 50th birthday, Deb decided it was time for a change and stopped drinking on December 31, 2020. Initially aiming to moderate her intake, she discovered that she felt remarkably better without alcohol and embraced sobriety. Just ten days into her alcohol-free journey, Deb launched her Instagram account to inspire others to seek alternatives to alcohol. Breaking up with booze has proven to be one of her best decisions ever. Deb hosts the "Thriving Alcohol-Free with Mocktail Mom" podcast and runs a membership program for women looking to connect online over mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. She also organizes The Mocktail Summit, a global online event in January designed to educate and support those interested in alcohol-free options. Deb's recipe book, The Happiest Hour: Delicious Mocktails for a Fabulous Moms' Night In, is out now and has been enjoyed by thousands of people looking for easy recipes to make at home.  Follow Deb on Instagram for recipes, tips, tricks, and menopause-related fun: @Mocktail.Mom. For more information, visit her website at MocktailMom.com. About Sarah: Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership. Launch Your Own Podcast: Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast. ⁠https://launchmyshow.com/⁠ Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/⁠ ⁠https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter ⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

This week, I welcome back my friend Hady Mendez to discuss how we navigate uncertain times while staying true to our missions. As DEI programs face backlash and many organizations retreat from their commitments, Hady shares how she's responding with renewed purpose and determination through writing a book focused on helping underestimated employees reclaim their power.Our conversation explores how resilience isn't just a skillset but a gift passed down through generations. Hady opens up about her journey from experiencing workplace microaggressions to becoming an advocate for others, illustrating how personal experiences can transform into powerful tools for change in a system that won't be fixed overnight.Key Takeaways: Community matters now more than ever—surrounding yourself with like-minded people creates sanctuary when external environments become hostile Self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic and essential for long-term advocacy work Ancestral wisdom and resilience are gifts we can tap into during difficult times Individual action still matters, even when systemic change feels impossible Representation in business literature creates powerful "me too" moments that help others feel less alone Creating boundaries around news consumption and social media is a survival mechanism, not avoidance Whether you're feeling the weight of recent cultural shifts or looking for courage to continue your own advocacy work, this conversation reminds me that joy itself is an act of resistance and that finding your people might be the most revolutionary act of all.Connect with Hady:Hady is a Latina speaker and ERG coach based in NYC that works with ERGs looking to take their efforts to the next level. She is the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, a company that is transforming the professional experiences of women and people of color by empowering underrepresented employees with the skills to self-advocate, self-promote, and capitalize on leadership roles within Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and throughout organizations.With a diverse career spanning over 25 years, Hady has served as Head of Equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader and advisor across various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), volunteered as an international champion for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, and served as Community School Director at an elementary school in the South Bronx.In her free time, Hady is an amateur street art photographer and an avid podcast listener.https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadymendezhttps://www.boldlyspeakingllc.comAbout Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

In 2020, corporations couldn't post their black squares fast enough. DEI statements flowed like wine. Budgets materialized overnight. Promises were made with the conviction of zealots. And now? Those same companies are scrubbing DEI language from their websites faster than you can say "political backlash." In this week's episode with DEI and Learning & Development leader Noelle Johnson, we confronted this disturbing reality head-on: the rapid dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts happening across American business.Meet Noelle JohnsonNoelle Johnson is a DEI and Learning & Development leader with over a decade of experience helping organizations build truly inclusive workplaces. As a consultant, speaker, and advocate, she specializes in embedding DEI into company culture, leadership development, and equitable talent strategies that go beyond performative initiatives. Noelle has worked with global organizations, HR leaders, and tech companies to create mentorship programs, sponsorship initiatives, and leadership training that drive real impact. She’s passionate about advocacy, systemic change, and making workplaces places where everyone can thrive.Connect with Noelle: https://heynoelle.comhttps://tiktok.com/@yourdeiguideAbout Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

One thing I've always been adamant about (and will *literally never stop talking about*) is that when you first start a business, your priority should be making money—not building an audience. Building an audience is a long game. It takes time to see significant returns. Meanwhile, rent is due. Big influencer business coaches always give advice about what they would do if they were starting over today, but it's so out of touch to anyone who hasn't been making $100,000+/month! But... eventually... you reach a point where you have no choice but to prioritize audience building in order to grow. Aaand if I'm being really honest? That's where I am in my business. And my guest this week, AnnMarie, feels that way, too! Meet AnnMarie:AnnMarie Rose is an Life-Proof Business Scaling Strategist with nearly a decade of experience helping coaches, consultants and service providers leverage their zone of genius to scale their businesses with clarity, confidence and strategic intention.She and her team have helped hundreds of business owners navigate growth mode with ease by aligning their business model to their vision, refining their offer suite and positioning, streamlining their marketing and sales systems, and dialing in an a-player team so they can elevate their impact and income without overwhelm, chaos or burnout.Connect with AnnMarie:annmarierose.com/everythinginstagram.com/askannmarieroseAbout Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

In this week's Big Brave Business episode, Alison Smith completely flips the script on what resilience actually means—and it's not about constantly bouncing back from hardship. Resilience isn't about recovery from challenges. It's about "springing back into the shape of ourselves." Alison shares the etymology of "thrive," which actually means "to grasp to oneself." Most of us have been sold this narrative that thriving means achievement, hustling, and end-goal success. But what if thriving simply means holding onto your sturdy center, especially when the world is trying to knock you off balance?Meet Alison:Alison Smith is an author, speaker, and coach dedicated to empowering leaders to build unshakeable resilience, foster deep-rooted confidence, and create meaningful impact by aligning their actions with their core vision and values. She helps her clients to leverage the power of small acts of resilience to design thriving personal and professional lives. Her work has been featured in various publications, and her book, “Drawing Your Line: Setting Boundaries Step by Step”, guides many to healthier living. Outside of work, she enjoys a good book with a glass of wine and spending time with her husband and two kids.Connect with Alison: https://thethrivedesigner.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-thrive-designer/About Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

Alejandra Pereyra, a business coach from Buenos Aires, helps women transition from employees to confident entrepreneurs. In this conversation, she explores emotional intelligence as a vital tool for self-acceptance, discussing the shift from people-pleasing to valuing oneself. They delve into imposter syndrome, normalizing it as part of growth, and emphasize the need for joyful 'puppy energy' in entrepreneurship. Alejandra advocates for nurturing behaviors and celebrating small wins, inviting listeners to embrace their journey with bravery and playfulness.

If you've listened to this podcast since season 1 with my co-host and biz bestie Amanda, you probably already know that both Amanda and I are a more than a little skeptical when it comes to all things "woo." But in this week's episode, I got to meet a mutual friend Regyna Curtis, who leans all the way in on "woo." And, you might be as shocked as I was to find out that Regyna and I clicked immediately and had a really meaningful conversation about intuition and alignment. No matter where you fall on the scale of skepticism about 'woo,' you are going to get a lot from this episode. Meet Regyna: Regyna Curtis is a soul rhythm activator and business mentor, dedicated to helping heart-centered, multi-passionate entrepreneurs create fulfilling, sustainable paths to success. With over 15 years of corporate experience in business development and a deep knowledge of energetics, she brings together practical insights and intuitive wisdom. Regyna’s unique approach empowers clients to build holistic ecosystems where their work supports their well-being—something often overlooked by traditional business strategies.Through her signature system for holistic entrepreneurship Charting Your Course, and 1:1 mentorship program, Flow and Prosper, Regyna guides entrepreneurs to align their business rhythms with their personal energy cycles, moving beyond conditioned strategies to empower intuition, and create joyful sustainability.Connect with Regyna:https://www.atmaitri.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/regyna-curtis/About Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

My friend from NAWBO, Joanna Horton McPherson, is back on the podcast this week. Joanna and I love being friends because every conversation we have seems to turn into something big and brave. I hope you love this behind the scenes peek at what it's like in our friendship, and by the way... if these are the kinds of friends you want in your life, you can sit with us :) Come hang out with us on social media and in real life! Anyway, this week, Joanna and I are digging into this concept (and content pillar for BBB) of "Institutional Interrogation" and for Joanna, that brings up a lot of conversation around leading with core values. I talk about this a lot on this podcast, but in this episode, we are deep diving into all the ways it works in our favor to run our entire business based on our core values.About Joanna:Joanna Horton McPherson is a leader, serial entrepreneur, and speaker who specializes in the deeper aspects of leadership and personal fulfillment. Joanna helps mission-driven public figures develop their transformative message for audiences. An advanced practitioner of Buddhist meditation and poet. Joanna focuses on inspiring the next generation of global leadership. She has founded several nonprofits and schools, one of which is near her home in Costa Rica. Joanna obtained her Master’s in Education from Harvard University and serves as President-Elect for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Phoenix chapter. Connect with Joanna: https://joannahortonmcpherson.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-horton-mcpherson/@joannahortonmcpherson on all socials :) About Sarah:Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.Launch Your Own Podcast:Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.https://launchmyshow.com/Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusinesshttps://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness

Diem Koole, a vibrant mompreneur and blogger at The Koole Mom, dives deep into her journey of overcoming a layoff and embracing creativity through blogging and podcasting. She shares her unique blend of Vietnamese heritage with American parenting, tackling imposter syndrome and the pressures of family expectations along the way. Diem also discusses the importance of addressing low-income family needs in business and expresses her passion for public speaking and networking at conferences, emphasizing the value of community and support in entrepreneurship.