

The Rooted Founder Show
Staci Gray
The Rooted Founder Show with Staci Gray shares the inspiring stories behind the entrepreneurs who are shaping the business landscape. Experience the highs and lows of entrepreneurship as you dig into the roots of success and the challenges leaders are overcoming to get there.
Join host, Staci Gray, as she sits down with visionary founders for candid and unfiltered conversations about their journey, struggles, and triumphs.
Discover the human side of entrepreneurship as Staci and her guests share the raw and authentic realities of building a business — and the pivotal moments that defined their paths. From startup stumbles to major victories, the Rooted Founder Show is your backstage pass to the untold stories of visionary business leaders.
Join host, Staci Gray, as she sits down with visionary founders for candid and unfiltered conversations about their journey, struggles, and triumphs.
Discover the human side of entrepreneurship as Staci and her guests share the raw and authentic realities of building a business — and the pivotal moments that defined their paths. From startup stumbles to major victories, the Rooted Founder Show is your backstage pass to the untold stories of visionary business leaders.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 17, 2025 • 55min
How Profit First Helped Scale a Custom Home Business from $4.5M to $8.5M with Jeremy Melancon
Hitting a ceiling in business is frustrating—more sales, more stress, and still no financial clarity. In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Melancon, founder of a thriving custom home business, to unpack how Profit First helped him break through, double his revenue, and build a business that supports his life instead of consuming it. If you're ready to scale with less chaos and more peace of mind, this episode is for you. CONNECT WITH JEREMY: 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 Cost of Mismanagement 01:50 Hitting the Ceiling: Growth Challenges 05:49 Navigating Advice Overload 09:58 Team Collaboration in Crisis 13:52 The Role of Profit First 20:04 Building Systems for Success 23:54 Managing Fear and Responsibility 27:39 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Education 30:18 Leadership and Management Challenges 33:11 Creating a Culture of Ownership 36:28 Compensation Models and Trust 39:45 Systems and Processes for Success 42:33 Defining Success and Peace of Mind 46:39 Legacy and Relationships 50:52 Character and Community in Business

Feb 3, 2025 • 52min
Why Letting Go Is the ULTIMATE Power Move in Business with Rosie Noel
Uncover the hidden emotional journey of entrepreneurship with Staci Gray and guest Rosie Noel. A seasoned corporate executive turned purpose-driven coach, Rosie Noel empowers leaders to transform defining moments into opportunities for authentic growth and intentional success. This powerful episode dives deep into how understanding your true self through Ikigai and emotional processing can transform your business success. If you're an entrepreneur seeking alignment, facing transitions, or wanting to break through personal barriers, this conversation will challenge your perspective and inspire courageous change—one vulnerable moment at a time. CONNECT WITH ROSIE: https://stacigray.com/listen/ 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 Navigating Grief and Business Dynamics 02:52 The Importance of Authenticity in Transitions 06:14 Understanding the Intersection of Freedom and Fulfillment 09:06 The Concept of Ikigai and Personal Alignment 11:54 Identity, Values, and the Role of Coaching 15:08 Grounding in Strengths and Values 17:57 The Journey to Alignment Before Action 26:22 Nervous System Regulation and Leadership 29:13 Letting Go for Entrepreneurial Success 32:00 The Pain of Letting Go 35:07 The Messy Journey of Self-Discovery 39:45 The Power of Subconscious Work 41:11 Moving Through the Work 44:28 The Weight of Self-Betrayal 47:20 The Importance of Community and Support

Jan 20, 2025 • 45min
How to Handle Success When You Feel Like You Don't Deserve It with Jen Rogers
Feel like an imposter in your business? In this powerful episode, host Staci Gray and podcast coach Jen Rogers reveal three surprising signs of imposter syndrome and how to transform them into opportunities for growth. Get actionable strategies to build authentic connections and overcome self-doubt while staying true to your mission. Perfect for entrepreneurs ready to embrace their journey, imperfections and all! CONNECT WITH JEN: https://stacigray.com/listen/ 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 Need for Humility and Help 02:53 Misplaced Expectations and Their Impact 06:12 The Role of Planning and Realistic Goals 08:59 Communication and Crafting Your Message 12:03 Navigating Relationships and Expectations 15:10 Momentum, Criticism, and Self-Talk 18:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 20:55T he Journey of Growth and Learning 24:03 Emotional Regulation and Community Support 26:58 Celebrating Small Wins 29:51 The Power of Humility and Vulnerability 32:48 The Importance of Prayer and Reflection 36:12 Encouragement and Moving Forward 38:51 Defining Success and Living in the Moment

Jan 6, 2025 • 48min
Why Most Female Entrepreneurs Burn Out (And How to Prevent It) with Laura Gisborne
Join host Staci Gray and Laura Gisborne, a seasoned entrepreneur of 35+ years, as she reveals her journey of mastering the art of being fully present - whether at the dinner table with family or in the boardroom leading her enterprise. After powerful wake-up calls, Laura transformed her approach to success, creating distinct spaces for business and personal life while staying deeply connected to each. She shares proven strategies for time management and self-care that allow her to thrive in both worlds, delivering essential wisdom for female entrepreneurs who want to create lasting impact while savoring life's precious moments. CONNECT WITH LAURA: https://stacigray.com/listen/ 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 Burden of Shame in Entrepreneurship 00:57 Legacy and Motherhood: The True Impact 04:47 Time as the Great Equalizer 10:11 Embodiment and Self-Care in Business 14:53 The Wake-Up Call: Recognizing Our Limits 20:11 The Dance of Giving and Receiving 24:01 Team Development and Individual Strengths 25:27 Self-Care Practices for Entrepreneurs 29:44 Navigating Relationships as High Achievers 34:25 Creating Space for Women to Thrive 39:05 The Importance of Boundaries and Time Management 45:08 Philanthropy and Empowering Women Globally

Dec 23, 2024 • 1h 59min
A Tale of Two Worlds: The Heartfelt Journey of a Russian and an American with Margarita Ross
In this extra exciting two-hour special of The Rooted Founder, Staci Gray and Margarita Ross unveil a powerful, intimate journey through the contrasts of being raised in Soviet vs American life. Margarita's remarkable story—from her childhood in the Soviet Union to her courageous immigration to the United States in 2007—offers an unprecedented exploration of personal freedom, resilience, and the transformative power of choice that will challenge and inspire listeners to reimagine their own potential. Tune in now for a conversation that will leave you inspired and transformed! CONNECT WITH MARGARITA: https://stacigray.com/listen/ 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 Growing Up in Different Worlds 04:41 Childhood in the Soviet Union 13:39 Transition from Soviet Union to New Government 22:11 Community and Individuality in Soviet Society 29:36 Religious Freedom and Free Speech 34:33 The Impact of the Soviet Union's Collapse 41:05 Navigating the Crazy Nineties 44:13 The Pursuit of Higher Education 51:01 The Shift from Predetermined Paths to Choices 56:24 The Brain Drain: Leaving for Opportunities 01:01:30 Courage to Choose a Different Life 01:17:45 Finding Success in Unpredictability 01:24:30 Margarita's Journey to the United States 01:32:08 Cultural Adjustments and Language Barriers 01:39:18 Perceptions of American Culture 01:40:44 Transitioning to an Entrepreneurial Mindset 01:52:02 The Power of Choice and Curiosity

Dec 9, 2024 • 51min
How to Trust Your Gut in a Male-Dominated Industry with Veena Jetti
On this episode of The Rooted Founder, Staci Gray sits down with Veena Jetti - entrepreneur, founder, storyteller, and community leader who brings her trademark humor and raw honesty to the conversation. Veena opens up about what it really takes to build something from scratch while staying true to your vision. From hilarious mishaps to hard-earned wisdom, this episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, seeking clarity, or just needing a good laugh along their entrepreneurial journey. CONNECT WITH VEENA: https://stacigray.com/listen/ 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 Challenging Gender Norms in Parenting 02:59 Empowering Women in Real Estate 06:11 The Importance of Representation 09:00 Shifting Beliefs About Girls and STEM 11:50 Instilling Financial Literacy in Children 15:09 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool 17:59 Overcoming Personal Ceilings 21:10 Defining Identity Beyond Achievements 25:50 The Evolution of Materialism and Identity 30:47 The Role of Intuition in Decision Making 35:38 Curiosity Over Stubbornness 40:37 Defining Success and Legacy 45:42 Integrating Ambition and Family Life

Nov 19, 2024 • 50min
Win Big in Real Estate Without Losing Your Soul with Whitney Elkins-Hutten
On this episode, Staci Gray interviews Whitney Elkins-Hutten about playing the game of business and real estate investing. Whitney shares her journey to building a vast portfolio and framework for achieving time, money, and location freedom while preserving joy and relationships. Prepare to be inspired by her personalized framework for generational wealth, unique perspectives on integrating business and life, and the transformative power of identity and boundaries. Don't miss this game-changing episode! CONNECT WITH WHITNEY: stacigray.com/listen 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 Unhooking Identity for Abundance 00:54 The Game of Business and Real Estate 01:50 Origin Story: Lessons from Early Investments 05:06 Developing a Winning Strategy 09:49 Defining Success and Enough 14:48 Integrating Business and Home Life 25:40 Unhooking Identity: The Key to Abundance Mindset 28:26 Creating Healthy Boundaries for Success 30:53 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity Shift 35:59 Strategies for Personal Wealth Creation 39:13 Teaching Financial Literacy to the Next Generation 43:42 Empowering Others to Create Their Desired Life 46:11 Celebrating Achievements and Embracing the Pause

Nov 12, 2024 • 56min
Is Your Success Destroying Your Family?! (And How to Fix It) with Tabatha Thorell
Join host Staci Gray as she interviews Tabatha Thorell, a real estate investor and mother of five who's built a seven-figure portfolio while challenging traditional views on wealth creation. Drawing from her experience as the founder of the Legacy Wealth Project, Tabatha reveals why knowledge and experience matter more than money itself. She explains that while money is essential like oxygen, understanding it as a tool rather than a ruler is key to financial success. Through practical insights on compound interest and asset building, Tabatha shows how anyone can transform their relationship with money and create lasting wealth. CONNECT WITH TABATHA: stacigray.com/listen 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 Becoming Your Best Self 01:52 The Importance of Knowledge Over Money 05:38 Principles of Wealth and Generational Legacy 11:07 Modeling Values for Future Generations 15:21 Navigating Work-Life Balance 21:01 Questioning the Status Quo 25:11 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Learning 27:54 Healing Through Personal Struggles 39:13 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Character Building 51:12 Defining True Success

Nov 4, 2024 • 52min
How to Beat Entrepreneurial Burnout Before It Beats You with Anna Kelley
In this powerful episode, real-estate powerhouse Anna Kelley joins Staci Gray to unpack Rushing Woman Syndrome and share strategies for ambitious women to succeed without sacrificing their wellbeing. Anna, a Multifamily Syndicator and 4X #1 Best-Selling Author, reveals her journey from burnout to balanced success, offering practical tips for time management, stress reduction, and purposeful living. Perfect for driven women ready to rewrite their success story. CONNECT WITH ANNA: stacigray.com/listen 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 Impact of Stress on Women Entrepreneurs 09:06 Rushing Woman Syndrome: A Deep Dive 17:50 Prioritizing Self-Care Over Business Growth 26:32 Understanding Cortisol and Stress Management 30:10 The Importance of Holistic Health 31:35 Creating Life by Design 36:39 Finding Space for Self-Care 41:27 Navigating Stress and Identity 46:09 Embracing Seasons of Life 49:19 Living with Purpose and Passion

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
How to Crush Limiting Beliefs That Are Killing Your Deals with Chris Schwagerl
Ever wonder why some real estate investors effortlessly scale while others stay stuck? On this Episode, performance psychologist Chris Schwagerl reveals the hidden force holding you back - and it's not what you think. With a breakthrough method that helps syndicators raise 86% more capital, Chris shares how your subconscious mind might be secretly sabotaging your goals. Join host Staci Gray for a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about achieving breakthrough results. CONNECT WITH CHRIS: stacigray.com/listen 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 Facing Fears and Embracing Change 03:03 The Intersection of Psychology and Capital Raising 05:50 Understanding the Subconscious Mind 08:46 Identifying and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 12:09 The STARS Method Explained 15:04 The Power of Identity and Legacy 17:52 Personal Journeys and Transformations 21:07 Integrating Life Experiences for Growth 30:22 Navigating Life's Crises and Growth Trajectories 32:43 The Role of Trauma in Entrepreneurship 35:31 Building Resilience Through Business Challenges 37:53 The Importance of Psychological Needs in Business 39:50 Separating Identity from Business Success 42:45 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection 45:34 Redefining Success Beyond Achievements 49:51 Creating Freedom Without Sacrificing Relationships 53:10 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Alignment 57:02 Exciting Future Projects and Community Building