The Rooted Founder Show

Ever wonder how lessons from nature can transform the way we build businesses—and live our lives? In this episode of The Rooted Founder, Staci Gray talks with Amanda Bustillos—entrepreneur, nature lover, and family business leader—about the connections between nature, health, and entrepreneurship. Amanda shares how building a family business centered around bird feeding taught her the value of tenacity, resilience, and trust. From navigating health challenges to practicing gratitude and giving grace, her story shows that success is measured by peace, purpose, and positive impact. If you’re ready to see business through a lens of connection and grounded growth, this conversation is for you. CONNECT WITH AMANDA: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Journey to a Family Business 05:56 Tenacity in Business and Health 12:03 Nature as a Healing Force 18:08 Navigating Relationships in Business 23:47 The Power of Gratitude and Love 29:50 Defining Success and Community Impact

Ever feel like you're living someone else's version of your life... but don't know how to find your way back to yourself? In this deeply moving and transformative episode of The Rooted Founder, I sit down with Carol Elizabeth — a fitness professional turned life coach — to explore what it really means to reclaim your identity and step into authentic personal power. If you've ever felt disconnected from your true self, or like life's challenges have knocked you off course, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are — and gently guide you toward the courage to become who you're meant to be. Carol shares profound insights from her own journey of radical transformation, including how a cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for her most authentic life, and why embracing the messy process of growth is where real magic happens. We explore: ✅ How unexpected challenges can become your greatest teachers ✅ The power of taking radical responsibility for your life experience ✅ Why self-acceptance is the foundation of all lasting change ✅ The importance of forgiving your past selves to heal forward ✅ How to trust your internal compass when the world feels chaotic ✅ The difference between success and fulfillment, and why it matters This isn't just about personal growth. It's about coming home to yourself and discovering that your greatest transformation often lies on the other side of your deepest challenges. If you're ready to shed old identities, embrace your authentic self, and find empowerment in your own story — this episode is your invitation to step into the life you're truly meant to live. CONNECT WITH CAROL ELIZABETH: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Journey of Growth and Transformation 01:34 Identity Death: The Catalyst for Change 04:56 The Gift of Desperation and Courage 12:52 Reorienting to Your Internal Compass 19:10 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges 23:33 Integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit 26:17 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity 29:34 The Journey of Self-Acceptance 35:17 Forgiveness and Self-Compassion 39:07 Radical Responsibility and Identity Shifts 45:14 The Expedition of Life and Soul Alignment

For the solopreneur drowning in day-to-day operations and dreaming of true freedom… Today I'm sitting down with Joe Casabona, a systems and automation coach with 20 years in web development, to unpack his journey from panic attacks to building sustainable business systems that support his family life. Joe's framework mirrors what we teach at Organize To Scale, but from a dad's perspective—and our conversation brings it all together. We cover: ✅ How panic became his catalyst for change ✅ Breaking free from the "do it all yourself" trap ✅ Creating systems that support your family, not compete with it ✅ Redefining success beyond hustle culture If you're tired of choosing between business success and being present for your family, this episode is your wake-up call. CONNECT WITH JOE: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Importance of integration in Life and Work 02:55 The Journey of a Solopreneur Parent 05:44 Delegation and Automation: Key to Freedom 08:56 Understanding Your Audience: Who Do You Serve? 11:53 Framework for Delegation and Implementation 14:47 Communication and Collaboration with Your VA 18:02 Defining Success Beyond Money 20:53 The Shift in Priorities and Values 23:47 Navigating the Transition to Self-Employment 26:37 The Role of Support in Entrepreneurship 29:58 Creating a Legacy: Being a Good Parent 32:52 Integrating Work and Family Life 35:39 Future Projects and Embracing Change

Okay friend… this one’s for the women building from the inside out. I got to sit down with Liz Faircloth on The Rooted Founder, and we went deep — not just into business strategy, but the emotional intelligence it takes to build something meaningful without losing yourself. Liz has built a multi-million dollar real estate company — but what really struck me was her honesty about the inner work. The triggers in partnerships. The identity shifts. The moments where you want to run — and the choice to stay rooted instead. We talked about what it means to lead with a mirror, not a mask… to build spaces where women feel safe, seen, and supported… and to create success that actually feels like freedom on the inside, not just the outside. She also shares what’s next — including how she’s building a new kind of investing space for women that prioritizes connection over competition, community over ego. It’s not just about what we build. It’s about how we build — and who we become along the way. If you’re in a season of growth that requires both courage and self-compassion… this one’s going to land deep. 🌱 Let me know what resonates. I’d love to hear what you’re walking through too. CONNECT WITH LIZ: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 00:00 Embracing Unconventional Paths 00:58 The Journey of a Rooted Founder 02:26 Personal Growth and Pivotal Moments 04:47 Lessons from Hardships 08:02 Navigating Emotions in Business 11:24 Understanding Triggers and Communication 14:16 The Power of Brain Scans 19:03 Strategic Planning and Metrics 23:53 Celebrating Achievements and Continuous Improvement 26:40 Waking Up in Your Dream Life 27:58 Navigating Career Changes and Family Life 30:49 Finding Purpose Through Community 32:37 Authenticity and Connection 34:34 Integrating Ambition and Motherhood 36:34 Taking Action and Accountability 38:59 The Importance of Trust in Growth 41:44 Self-Trust and Taking the Shot 42:55 Creating Safe Spaces for Women 45:50 Exciting Future Projects and Community Impact

What if success isn’t about building more… but becoming more present? In this heartfelt episode of The Rooted Founder, powerhouse entrepreneur and devoted mom Jamie-Lee Bongard joins us to explore the dance between ambition and mindfulness. From running three Keller Williams brokerages to raising a family, she shares how faith, family, and love shape her version of success. We talk: ✅ Presence vs. hustle ✅ Childhood seeds of entrepreneurship ✅ Health crises and miracles ✅ Building something bigger than ourselves Let’s talk legacy. Let’s talk love. Let’s get rooted. 🌱✨ CONNECT WITH JAMIE-LEE: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Purpose of Impact 05:03 Business Journey and Achievements 10:05 Parenting and Legacy 14:57 Cultural Influences on Presence 20:00 Navigating Modern Life and Technology 24:59 The Call to Adventure 26:06 Awakening to Dreams and Divine Intervention 28:14 A Journey of Love and Family 30:37 Facing Adversity: A Mother's Nightmare 34:44 The Power of Faith and Miracles 36:44 The Mission of Love and Awareness 41:10 Faith, Action, and Co-Creation 43:43 Redefining Success and Stewardship  

Kim Butler, a bestselling author and prosperity pioneer, joins the conversation to redefine wealth beyond mere financial accumulation. She challenges outdated beliefs on chasing financial freedom, emphasizing personal growth and alignment of money with one's mission. Kim reveals the hidden traps of a scarcity mindset and encourages daily practices that foster abundance. Her insights aim to shift perspectives from hustle to peace, helping listeners remember that true freedom is about creating value and serving from a place of overflow.

You built the thing. You chased the dream. You hit the milestones. But deep down… something’s still missing. In this conversation, I sit down with my friend George Bryant to talk about the space between doing well and feeling whole. George opens up about his shift from chasing achievement to living from radical acceptance—and how it changed everything. We unpack how emotional triggers can become turning points, how real community is built (especially in an online world), and why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the doorway to deeper relationships and real peace. If you're the kind of person who's done “all the right things” but still feels the tug for something more—this one’s for you. Because what got us here... won’t get us there. CONNECT WITH GEORGE: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:  00:00 Embracing Authenticity and Grace 03:00 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery 05:56 The Illusion of Success and the Search for Meaning 09:04 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 11:54 The Dance of Faith and High Achievement 14:50 Understanding Codependency in Business and Life 17:46 The Power of Presence and Radical Acceptance 20:56 The Importance of Nurturing Relationships 24:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity 26:55 The Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance 30:07 Facing Fears and Embracing Vulnerability 33:00 The Transformative Power of Honesty 43:39 The Power of Vulnerability 46:05 Unmasking and Authenticity 49:20 Navigating Personal Struggles 52:41 Embracing Emotions 56:58 Community and Connection 01:01:45 Building a Supportive Environment 01:06:39 Creating Space for Self-Discovery 01:10:34T he Role of Discipline in Freedom 01:14:52 Collaboration Over Competition 01:18:34 The Importance of Self-Reflection  

Feeling stuck in your entrepreneurial journey? Join me, Staci Gray, and Jeanne Omlor as we break down the mental barriers holding you back.  From overcoming debt to building a $4 million business, Jeanne shares raw insights on emotional intelligence, resilience, and redefining success. Discover how to break free from perfectionism, embrace your messy journey, and unlock your true potential.  This episode is your blueprint for transformative personal and professional growth. CONNECT WITH JEANNE: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: 

Join me, Staci Gray, on The Rooted Founder as I sit down with entrepreneurial coach Christa Tuttle for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to grow and scale a business—without losing yourself in the process. We’re diving deep into how self-discovery fuels business growth, why joy should be your definition of success, and the game-changing impact of finding your perfect right-hand person. Christa also shares hard-earned wisdom on operational systems, leadership development, and staying present in both business and life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just wondered how to create a business that supports your life (instead of the other way around), this episode is for you. Because every step forward—no matter how small—counts. Hit play, and let’s grow CONNECT WITH CHRISTA: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:  00:00 The Essence of Leadership 01:50 Self-Discovery in Entrepreneurship 06:03 Understanding Business Growth 11:46 Defining Success and Personal Goals 18:03 The Journey of Leadership Development 23:45 Operationalizing Your Business 30:12 Future Projects and Coaching Ventures

In this episode, Staci Gray welcomes Dominiece Clifton to explore how female entrepreneurs are shifting away from constant hustle and burnout toward a more aligned, sustainable, and fulfilling way of building businesses. Dominiece shares her powerful journey of leaving the 9-to-5 grind, facing the inner work entrepreneurship demands, and integrating somatic practices, breathwork, and mindfulness to navigate fear, self-doubt, and overwhelm. She also reveals how motherhood shaped her entrepreneurial path and why she believes "you can be somebody completely different in just 90 days." What you’ll learn in this episode: ✅ How unresolved trauma shows up in business—and how to heal it ✅ The power of movement, breathwork, and emotional awareness for success ✅ Why freedom—not just financial gain—should define success ✅ How to trust yourself, your vision, and the process while scaling ✅ The role of mentorship, faith, and gratitude in sustainable business growth If you’re ready to ditch burnout, embrace alignment, and scale with ease, this episode is packed with practical strategies and deep insights to help you build a business that honors your whole self. Hit play and step into the next level of your success. CONNECT WITH DOM: https://stacigray.com/listen/ FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:  00:00 The Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:58 Embracing the Divine Feminine in Business 05:47 Facing Trauma and Limiting Beliefs 09:05 The Becoming Process 12:01 Anchors of Support: Motherhood and Mindfulness 15:02 Trusting the Process: Integrating Action and Rest 17:51 Finding Harmony in Business and Life 26:54 Embracing Joy and Co-Creation 30:11 The Power of Movement and Mindfulness 33:46 Navigating Emotions and Releasing Attachments 37:35 The Role of Prayer and Surrender 40:47 Redefining Success and Inner Freedom 52:54 Building Consistency and Transformation University