We have the pleasure of hosting Kristin Taylor, Vice President of Legacy Retirement Group and co-host of "Winning Retirement Radio". Kristin joins us to discuss her multifaceted journey as a business leader, mother, wife, and part-time teacher to her youngest son.Kristin shares the importance of people in her life—her children, faith, husband, and clients—emphasizing how supporting her team is pivotal to achieving both business success and personal fulfillment. She opens up about discovering her purpose through gratitude, and finding joy in daily routines by embracing a higher purpose.Together with Empowering Entrepreneurs' co-host Julie Smith (no Glenn this week), they explore the ever-changing nature of work-life balance and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs, particularly women. Kristin highlights the critical importance of defining personal success and resisting societal pressures. Through personal anecdotes, they shed light on overcoming diverse life hurdles—from professional setbacks to deeply personal losses.Kristin discusses her philosophy on focus, innovation, and making tough decisions in business, all the while staying true to her values and evolving through various life stages. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or someone striving for balance in life, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to empower you on your journey.Empowering Moments03:54 Life reveals true allies amid ups and downs.07:37 Inconspicuous farmer inspired college innovation interest.11:03 Everyone's challenges differ; be transparent about difficulties.15:39 Success supports passion project through team effort.17:58 Instilling gratitude in everyday family life.22:29 Has the vision of success evolved over time?23:35 Long-time worker, values son's future success.26:40 Parent realizes values are reflected in children.30:42 Embrace uniqueness; see challenges as strengths.38:20 Focused strategy transformed Legacy Retirement over years.39:47 Theme: Take it to the next level, uncertain plans.42:45 Kristen encourages sharing personal aspects on podcast.48:59 Confidence in tough business decisions is superpower.49:33 Success includes learning from failures too.Running a bus

What strategies can entrepreneurs implement to support their nervous system amidst their busy schedules?We welcome back Dr. Indigo (Indie) Vasquez!We're thrilled to continue our conversation with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez in this highly anticipated Part 2 of our series. Dr. Vasquez, a board-certified Doctor of Natural Medicine and best-selling author of "Optimize Your Gut," brings her wealth of knowledge on gut health and holistic healing to our discussion.In this episode, we explore the vital interplay between entrepreneurship and self-care. Dr. Vasquez shares profound insights on why maintaining personal health is crucial for business success, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing proper nutrition, rest, and exercise, and confronting the often overlooked issue of self-worth among entrepreneurs. We'll also dive into practical strategies for stress management, healthier habits, and overcoming the fear of failure.We discuss everything from the simplicity of nutritional foundations to the unintended consequences of modern convenience foods, and the need for clear boundary-setting in a world driven by technology. Dr. Vasquez provides actionable advice for balancing professional passion with personal well-being, ensuring that entrepreneurs can thrive both in their business and their health. Learn about her latest book, "Optimize Your Gut," her tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her journey from personal trainer to a sought-after naturopathic doctor. Follow Dr. Indie on IGEmpowering Moments00:00 Doctor Indigo Vasquez: Root-cause health-focused natural medicine practitioner.05:16 Becoming an expert entrepreneur requires specialization.09:12 Learning is uncomfortable but can be rewarding.12:40 Who promotes your profession's importance and necessity?

What strategies can be employed to effectively identify potential key employees?We discuss the crucial process of identifying talent, setting guardrails, and effectively communicating your vision to elevate your business. Invest in the Right Person - Finding an employee who matches your dedication is challenging but possible. When you do find them, invest in their development. Recognize that your strengths may be their weaknesses and vice versa. This can create a balanced and cohesive team.Set Clear Expectations - Ensure you're not overwhelming the new talent with unrealistic expectations. Provide clear guidelines, and let them do their thing while you support their growth. Regularly reevaluate their progress and guide them effectively.Communicate Your Vision - As an entrepreneur, your vision is unique and valuable. Don’t keep it locked in your head. Share it openly with your team. Effective communication ensures everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals, leading to collective success.Understand that trust and delegation come with risks. Sometimes it may result in setbacks, but it often leads to significant high points and growth.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplifi

How does Dr. Vasquez’s approach blend entrepreneurial mindset with effective health management?We are thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Dr. Indigo Vasquez. Dr. Vasquez (or Dr. Indie, as she likes to be called) is a board-certified doctor of natural medicine with a wealth of expertise in hormone health, sports performance, and gut healing. She shares her lifelong commitment to patient care, emphasizing the importance of partnership and communication in the healing journey. We explore fundamental health habits like fresh air, sunlight, and movement, and how self-worth often becomes a barrier to adopting these practices. Indie sheds light on the self-discovery and empowerment aspects of healing, moving beyond mere scientific advice.We talk about how to transition from unhealthy to healthy food choices, gut-brain reconditioning, and how products are chemically designed to make us crave more. Dr. Indie also talks about her entrepreneurial journey, inspired by her military family's resilience and her father's business endeavors. We discuss her challenges and motivations in choosing naturopathy over traditional medicine, her impressive educational background, and her efforts in building a successful integrative health practice. Julie even shares her personal success story under Dr. Indie's care.Learn about her latest book, "Optimize Your Gut," her tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and her journey from personal trainer to a sought-after naturopathic doctor. Follow Dr. Indie on IGEmpowering Moments03:49 Entrepreneurial mindset inspired by dad and career.08:44 Initially challenging to convince others of ancient medicine.11:47 Transitioned from trainer to holistic health consultant.15:29 Doctor Indie's explanations and education are invaluable.19:39 Unique skills and personalized care ensure success.23:00 People w

How do personal and professional commitments impact an entrepreneur's ability to plan for the following year?It's time to talk about the importance of forward planning to make the most out of the upcoming year. Carve Out Time for Strategic PlanningMajor organizations set aside dedicated time for strategic meetings and retreats. As entrepreneurs, we too need to step back from day-to-day operations to focus on the big picture. Schedule these sessions now, earmark them on your calendar, and hold yourself accountable.Define Clear, Measurable GoalsIt’s not enough to just aim for growth; you need specific, attainable targets. Break down larger goals into actionable items—like acquiring a set number of new clients or implementing a new software. This helps your team understand their role in achieving the company’s success.Communicate and Get Buy-In From Your TeamYour team should be in sync with your plans and goals. By providing clear, understandable objectives and the "why" behind them, you ensure everyone is working towards a common goal. This collaborative approach can transform your business by getting everyone pulling in the same direction.An entrepreneur's success is heavily dependent on clear, well-communicated goals and team buy-in. Planning now, rather than waiting until January, sets a strong foundation for the upcoming year. Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureT

The Power of Listening to Your Gut: "I've always kept asking, like, what brings me joy? What do I like? And I've been willing to have the courage to pivot and do that."Welcome to another inspiring episode of *Empowering Entrepreneurs*! Today, your Glenn Harper and Julie Smith sit down with Amber De La Garza, a remarkable productivity specialist, coach, and host of the *Small Business Straight Talk* podcast. Amber shares her incredible journey—from quitting her job after starting a family and buying a new home, to building a thriving business by leveraging a loan off her whole life insurance. Amber spotlights the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the importance of setting goals, and the art of making tough decisions by trusting her gut. We explore her unique coaching approach, tailored to understanding individual personalities and motivations, and hear about her insights gained from personality tests like the Enneagram.Empowering Moments00:00 Amber De La Garza: Productivity Specialist and Coach05:38 Early work experience influences parenting of son.07:59 Selling real estate was challenging due to age.09:25 Coaching sales executives, then resigned after son's birth.14:46 Unexpectedly offered consultant role after quitting career.17:08 Entrepreneur's knowledge and courage in real estate.19:24 Entrepreneurs thrive in chaos, dig deep.24:17 Acknowledging faith, growth, and vision in business.29:14 Focused on coaching real estate agents, balanced motherhood.33:34 Mentors and peers provide vital business support.37:30 Emphasize simple business model to maximize value.42:21 Understanding clients and adaptability are key.44:46 Encouragement for entrepreneurs to embrace discomfort for confidence.Empowering TakeawaysFrom quitting her job to buying a home and taking a loan against her life insurance, Amber embraced high risks to pursue her dreams.Amber's story emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships, particularly with her husband, who made significant sacrifices by working on the road to enable her business growth and later quit his job to be there for her when she needed it most.Amber underscores that it's essential to have a roadmap to keep you focused and driven.Pri

What are the benefits of having "No! People" - individuals who challenge ideas, provide constructive criticism, and ultimately contribute to more refined and well-thought-out decisions - in your entrepreneurial team?Living Fast Forward - Building a Team that Challenges YouLiving Fast Forward TakeawaysSurround Yourself with Challengers: Build a team that isn't afraid to question and push back on your ideas.Create Safe Spaces: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to provide honest feedback without fear of repercussions.Focus on Execution: Avoid the trap of the "shiny object syndrome" by focusing on completing current projects before starting new ones.Consult Advisors: Make it a habit to consult your CPA and legal advisors early in the decision-making process to ensure sound strategies.Embrace Discomfort: Growth often comes from uncomfortable situations—get comfortable being uncomfortable.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for successOur clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing.

How do mentors contribute to an entrepreneur's journey, and what qualities should one look for in a mentor?Glenn Harper and Julie Smith welcome Aaron Marcum, who shares his incredible story filled with challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons. From his early days as a top sales rep to founding a successful home care agency and Home Care PULSE, Aaron's journey is one of resilience and creativity.You will learn more about the parallels between cycling and entrepreneurship, exploring how this passion has helped him improve business systems, delegate effectively, and achieve mental clarity. Plus, the vital pillars of building a successful company culture, fostering autonomy, high-quality connections, and competence among team members.Empowering TakeawaysDrafting in Business: Just like in cycling, find mentors who will guide you through the journey and share the load.Creativity as a Superpower: Harness your creativity to empower others and drive innovation within your business.Company Culture Essentials: Focus on autonomy, relatedness, and competence to build a motivated, resilient team.Work-Life Balance: Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial for sustained entrepreneurial success.Never-Ending Journey: As Aaron’s end game reveals, entrepreneurship is about constant reinvention and achieving the four freedoms of time, relationships, money, and purpose.Empowering Moments08:21 Delivered two newspaper routes for a couple years.12:34 Entrepreneurship, accounting, psychology: an unusual path.15:49 Researched Martin Seligman, positive psychology program at UPenn.19:40 Encouraging entrepreneurship, empowering team members to prosper.22:33 Building high-quality connection and rapport for retention.26:32 Overcame burnout through cycling, changed lifestyle.28:28 Entrepreneurs need balance beyond work for success.31:44 Cycling meditation sharpens focus, generates new ideas.36:43 Founder shares sacrifices and emotional challenges faced.38:10 Focus on yourself, not others' opinions or achievements.41:31 Creativity is my superpower; I empower others.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accoun

How do you balance entrepreneurial responsibilities with personal life, especially during the summer months when kids are back in school?Living Fast Forward, An Entrepreneur's JourneyWe're starting something a little different with this episode. We're exploring what's it like living in 'fast forward' mode—not just in business, but in real life. As the summer winds down and kids head back to school, we'll discuss how this annual transition impacts entrepreneurs, particularly those juggling the demanding roles of parenthood and business ownership. We share personal anecdotes, tips on maintaining routines, and strategies for balancing work, family, and personal growth. Living Fast Forward TakeawaysBalancing Personal and Professional Life - Entrepreneurs often struggle to balance their personal responsibilities with professional ones. Especially for parents, managing the diverse demands can be overwhelming but is crucial for sanity.Importance of Routine and Schedule - Routine and schedules can provide a sense of stability and organization, especially during the school year. Entrepreneurs can leverage this structure for better productivity.The Challenge of Summer for Working Parents - The summer months can present significant challenges for working parents. Without the structure of school, managing children’s schedules and maintaining work productivity can become difficult.Teaching Kids by Example - Immersing children in a parent's entrepreneurial world can be educational. It can inspire them and provide early lessons in business and work ethic.Effective Time Management - For entrepreneurs, effective time management is critical. Utilizing every available moment productively, even waiting times during kids' activities, can help in managing a busy schedule.Gender Differences in Parenting Roles - Traditional gender roles can influence the division of responsibilities between men and women in entrepreneurial families.Kids’ Extracurricular Activities - Engaging children in sports and other extracurricular activities can foster discipline, confidence, and reduce idle time that might lead to trouble.Seasonal Adjustments in Work-Life Balance - Different seasons (like the school year vs. summer) require different approaches to managing work and personal life. Flexibility and adaptability are essential traits for entrepreneurs.Self-Care and Stress Management - E

The Impact of Discipline on Personal Success**: "The discipline and kind of the consistency around my morning routine and my daily routines has stuck and I think contributed to a lot of the success that I've had as a, father and a husband and an entrepreneur." — Troy Lavinia Julie Smith and Glenn Harper sit down with Troy Lavinia, the visionary founder of Daily SOS and Mosaic Research Management.Troy shares his remarkable journey from the corporate hustle to successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical role of understanding one's subconscious mind and spirituality. Discover how a blend of business strategies, yoga, meditation, and visualization led Troy to unimaginable success, including the sale of his company for $50 million. Along the way, he realized the limitations of traditional business education and decided to help others tap into their inner potential through his 42-day program.Learn how his personal evolution has not only transformed his own life but also aims to bring peace, balance, and fulfillment to entrepreneurs everywhere. Stay tuned for a conversation that promises to enlighten and empower your entrepreneurial journey.Empowering Moments05:32 Broad business degree, little relevance to career.08:14 Team sports teach resilience, discipline, and perseverance.11:48 Gradual awareness, consistent acknowledgment, and productive approach.15:44 Struggling in employment, yearning to be entrepreneur.18:11 Struggles with work and personal life balance.20:33 Success linked to spirituality and subconscious mind.26:25 Intuition led to focus on spirituality and manifestation.29:03 Writing a book isn't a sustainable business.31:07 Teaching spirituality, inner success, and entrepreneurship daily.34:37 Prioritizing spirituality leads to sustained success and happiness.Empowering TakeawaysTroy Lavinia stresses that addressing subconscious beliefs and spiritual aspects is crucial for long-term entrepreneurial success, beyond simply focusing on strategies and tactics.Troy shares his transformation from a corporate employee to an entrepreneur, driven by the realization that he needed to work on his unconscious mind and spirituality.By blending business strategy, yo

How important is quick decision-making and confronting uncomfortable situations for personal and professional growth?From her beginnings in athletics at the University of Washington to earning a Ph.D. in adult learning and leadership development, Dr. Carrie Graham's journey is both inspiring and instructive. She opens up about her transition from a shy individual to an assertive professional in elite athletics, and how those experiences shaped her ability to make quick decisions and confront challenges head-on. Dr. Graham delves into the disconnect between company missions and practices, stressing the importance of validated research in training programs. She also shares her personal and professional growth, the empowering realization of not needing external validation, and her pivot to entrepreneurship amid the COVID pandemic. Plus, hear practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their training programs and employee onboarding. The Disconnect Between Mission Statements and Reality: "It's a business who, in their mission statement, they say that they value their employees, and they talk about how great their employees are to their business the success of their business. But when you look inside of that business, the employees don't feel that way." — Dr. Carrie Graham This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Empowering Moments05:44 University professor and Division 1 athletics experience.07:15 Education, athletics, family, teaching, motivation, PhD pursuit13:05 Enduring adversity shapes the strength to endure.17:48 Black woman asserts autonomy in professional decisions.25:19 Learned from many, put it together yourself.29:26 Business claims to value employees, but doesn't.33:30 Businesses lack knowledge of effective training practice

"Shaping an Industry and Advocating for Change": "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build and shape one of the largest industries in the country. And it has far-reaching aspects beyond just the plant and, you know, rescheduling the plant, de-scheduling the plant, but there's a social equity component tied to it."Today’s episode is going to be a blast because we’ve got the amazing Naomi Granger with us. Naomi is a total rockstar in the world of cannabis accounting and taxation. She’s the brains behind the National Association of Cannabis Accounting and Tax Professionals and Green Leaf CFO, and she’s super passionate about helping tax pros navigate the tricky waters of the cannabis industry.We’re diving deep into Naomi’s story—from growing up in the wild casino world of Las Vegas to crushing it as a top accountant. She’ll share her transition from the corporate grind to becoming a go-to expert in cannabis tax codes. Plus, she'll give us the lowdown on her game-changing training program, "Calculating Cannabis," and why mentorship and self-growth are key to making it big in your career.Naomi’s got some fascinating insights into the future of accounting, her push for social equity in the cannabis world, and how she wants to leave a legacy of financial literacy and successful businesses. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Empowering Moments00:00 Introducing Naomi Granger, a powerhouse in cannabis accounting.06:30 First job at Deloitte, dream come true.08:05 Internships, graduation, long career in public accounting.15:25 Initial struggle led to a successful breakthrough.23:32 Moved to Las Vegas, saw cannabis industry growing.30:31 Deciding to teach and share industry secrets.33:08 Program "Calculating Cannabis" trains professionals in industry.37:42 Conf

Staying Calm Under Pressure: "Because when you're able to stay calm, calm your mind, you see things, and you can counter, and you can do those things."We sit down with an inspiring guest, Steve Gavatorta. Steve, a certified behavior analyst, emotional intelligence coach, and author, shares his incredible journey from a hard-working childhood in Burgottstown, Pennsylvania, to becoming a successful entrepreneur.Steve dives into his early entrepreneurial ventures, academic struggles, and the pivotal role of mentors in shaping his career. He emphasizes the importance of understanding behavioral styles and emotional intelligence in building effective teams and achieving business success. Glenn, Julie, and Steve explore essential tools like DISC assessments and the significance of structured processes for sustainable growth. Steve also reveals his passion for training and development, leading him to leave a flourishing corporate career for empowerment and consulting.We discover Steve's insights on rational decision-making, his new book "Thrive in the Face of Adversity."PureTax, LLC Empowering Moments06:45 Parental reluctance, varied jobs, and entrepreneurial aptitude.10:25 Struggling with studies, but improved through writing.14:14 Experienced professional with 21 years in CPG.18:55 Spent $800 on DISC survey, led to business opportunity.21:46 Overcoming challenges through action and commitment.23:36 Passion for teaching skills for success.26:04 Helping smaller companies with structure and skills.29:57 Embracing chaos at work improves personal life.34:26 Improve leadership by understanding self and team.36:10 Inquiring about the effectiveness of the Enneagram personality test.43:44 Assessing team dynamics for better performance.47:02 Adding business structure and vision for entrepreneurs.49:43 Understanding limbic and rational thinking, advocating control.51:33 Book compiles responses to 6 questions.Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your

"My entrepreneurial spirit sort of got unleashed in my public accounting days. So as soon as I became, as I graduated, became a public accountant, I helped other entrepreneurs get started. And that was just a fabulous learning experience."Welcome back to Empowering Entrepreneurs! In today's episode, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith are joined by the dynamic Jim Buffington. They get into Jim's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings at a Texas agricultural land grant school to becoming a significant force in the world of public accounting and technology.This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.They talk with him about his transition from public accounting to leading a dotcom and eventually integrating technology into tax and accounting, making compliance more efficient and enabling richer client conversations. Throughout the episode, Jim emphasizes the importance of experimenting, embracing failure, and prioritizing customer empathy.The Real Reason New Businesses Fail: "And we know that about half of those, new businesses are gonna fail in the 1st 5 years oftentimes because they're not paying payroll taxes or sales taxes or things that need to be done."— Jim BuffingtonEmpowering TakeawaysJim's journey from public accounting to founding a dotcom and incorporating technology into tax and accounting illustrates the dynamic career paths available within and outside traditional accounting roles.The need for tax professionals to improve communication with clients about the value they provide, transcending beyond compliance work to emphasize planning and advisory services.The significance of experimenting and learning from failures, encouraging entrepreneurs and accountants alike to be bold, share ideas freely, and continually practice new offerings.Highlighting the ro

How do you juggle the demands of running a PR firm, writing children's books, and being a mother? Our guest shares her unique journey from practicing law to becoming a children’s book author and starting her own PR firm.We welcome Alysson Bourque—a multi-faceted entrepreneur who wears many hats as an author, publicist, attorney, and teacher. This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.Alysson, co-owner of Expound Publicity, a PR firm launched during the pandemic, has successfully helped over 500 authors market their books. Her firm provides comprehensive services, from publicity and customized campaigns to virtual book tours and awards submissions. Growing up in a small town in Louisiana, Alysson was inspired by her entrepreneurial parents who owned a pharmacy. Her journey took her from considering a career in pharmacy to becoming a lawyer, and eventually finding her true calling in storytelling. Her firsthand experience with government workings during Hurricane Katrina and her passion for writing both played pivotal roles in her professional evolution.A dedicated mom, Alysson involves her children in her literary pursuits to instill resilience and the value of hard work. Her book series, *Alley Cat*, aims to make reading fun for kids, with interactive author visits, engaging promotional materials, and a vision to become a household name in children's literature.Empowering TakeawaysAlysson Bourque and her partner started Expound Publicity, a PR firm for authors, during the pandemic. Expound Publicity offers comprehensive support including customized marketing campaigns, outreach to media and bookstores, award submissions, and even virtual book tours, providing a one-stop shop for authors' publicity needs.Bourque shares her approach to parenting by

Learning to delegate effectively can transform your business. It not only helps in managing workload but also empowers your team, making room for growth and innovation.In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gina Cotner, a remarkable entrepreneur and the founder of Athena Executive Services. Originally setting out to leave corporate America behind, Gina ventured into the world of business ownership with a Martini Lounge, a dream that quickly taught her the importance of selecting the right business partners and the necessity of financial advisement.After stepping back from the lounge project, Gina navigated through the economic turmoil of the real estate bubble burst, pivoting her career towards business and life coaching, and eventually founding Athena Executive Services. This company brilliantly pairs virtual executive assistants with executives needing robust support, allowing leaders like Gina to focus on strategic growth - demonstrating her superpower of raising leaders and developing people.Empowering Moments00:00 Gina Cotner: Founder of Athena Executive Services.06:02 Sports provided belonging, friendships, and love.07:33 Teenage girl leaves elite private school, thrives.12:31 Woman follows boyfriend to Boston, experiences change.15:28 Seeking advice led to career-enhancing opportunity.17:45 Balancing emotion and facts in business decisions.21:47 Uncertainty about future with good guy.25:43 Decided to be a business coach, struggled financially.30:00 Financial struggle, family tension, and declining mental health.33:04 Business declines, father's health deteriorates, employee leaves.34:39 Managing calendar and high-stakes projects from home.40:47 Belief and support drive entrepreneurial success.42:58 Overcoming obstacles, belief in yourself, finding inspiration.45:17 Challenges of leaving corporate America to pursue entrepreneurship.48:40 Gradually delegated tasks to relieve workload stress.52:02 Planning for future, passing on skills, mentoring.Empowering TakeawaysGina’s ability to pivot from an unsuccessful business venture to becoming a successful business and life coach illustrates the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrep

Our guest states that the success rate of franchisees from the companies he represents is around 90% after 5 years. What industry-specific challenges do these franchisees face, and how do they overcome them?In this episode, we chat with franchising guru Jon Ostenson and dive deep into the thriving world of non-food franchising. Jon shares his extraordinary journey from finance whiz to franchise expert, emphasizing the power of a franchise system’s support and success rates eclipsing independent startups. With insights on strategic investment choices, financing savvy, and the mastery of assembling 'A' teams, Jon illuminates pathways to profitable entrepreneurship. For everyone dreaming of business ownership, this episode offers a blueprint for success directly from a mastermind in franchising. If you're ready to level up your entrepreneurial game, Jon's wisdom is your launching pad. Exploring Alternative Investments in Real Estate: "90% of our clients end up purchasing something that was never on their radar. So it is so much fun when the slight bulb moments have. And I've had doctors buy installation businesses." — Jon OstensonTop Takeaways1. **Leverage Your Corporate Experience**: Utilize the skills and work ethic developed in the corporate world as they are valuable assets when transitioning to entrepreneurship or franchise ownership.2. **The Power of Franchising**: Franchises provide a systematic approach to business ownership with the support of a proven business model, substantially increasing the chances of success.3. **Diverse Opportunities in Franchising**: Franchising isn't just about food; there are vast opportunities in non-food industries, and these can sometimes offer quicker returns on investment and higher margins.4. **Success Rates and Pitfalls**: While franchisees boast a high success rate, common reasons for failure include not adhering to the system, overly entrepreneurial spirits causing disruptions, and resistance to coaching.5. **Value of Mastermind Groups**: Engaging with peer groups for support and shared learning can significantly enhance an entrepreneur's journey and lead to better decision-making.6. **The Significance of Mentorship**: Having mentors and seeking professional advice is crucial in navig

From her childhood leadership to claiming the title of Miss Kentucky, and now a successful business consultant, Maria Maldonado Smith's journey is a testament to dreaming big and taking risks. She shares invaluable insights on creating impactful vision boards, the power of mentorship for future visionaries, and the courage it takes to pivot from a secure corporate path to entrepreneurship. If you want to unleash your true potential and be inspired to create your own definition of success, she embodies what it means to connect, empower, and lead with integrity.Top TakeawaysCertainly, here are 10 takeaway concepts from the episode featuring Maria Maldonado Smith on "Empowering Entrepreneurs":1. Vision to Reality:Maria Maldonado Smith emphasizes the importance of a vision board in translating abstract goals into tangible objectives. Entrepreneurs can benefit from visualizing their aspirations and tracking their progress.2. Holistic Leadership:Leadership is a journey of understanding others' motivations and fostering individual growth. Maria's approach to leadership development underscores the value of empathy and connection in building effective teams.3. The Entrepreneurial Leap:Transitioning from a corporate job to starting one's own business is a calculated risk that requires planning and conviction. Maria's story provides insights into the importance of preparation and belief in one's entrepreneurial vision.4. Building Support Systems:Achieving a balance between entrepreneurship and family obligations is crucial. The support from a partner or network can be the backbone of success for entrepreneurial endeavors.5. Superpower Skills:Maria's ability to connect with, motivate, and help people identify core values is her superpower. Entrepreneurs should identify and leverage their unique skills to create value and differentiation in their businesses.6. Personal Revelations:Personal epiphanies often lead to monumental career shifts. Recognizing and acting upon these moments can set the foundation for a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.7. Start Young, Think Big:Early experiences in leadership and organization, such as running an environmental club, can plant the seeds for a future in entrepreneurship. Instilling ambition and leadership skills in

This episode is brought to you by PureTax, LLC. Tax preparation services without the pressure. When all you need is to get your tax return done, take the stress out of tax season by working with a firm that has simplified the process and the pricing. Find out more about how we started.We "dive" into the world of fishing and entrepreneurship with our special guest, Sena Wheeler, the passionate force behind the family-run business that provides top-quality Copper River salmon to seafood aficionados.Sena not only shares the lore behind the highly sought-after Copper River salmon, known for its rich omega threes, lush red color, and exceptional taste, but she also peels back the curtain on the logistics and timing that make this fish a seasonal spectacle. As these prized salmon make their challenging journey back for spawning, we discuss the bustling activity during the premium weeks of freshness in May alongside the strategic approach of offering high-quality frozen fish to sustain demand throughout the year.In true entrepreneurial spirit, Sena delves into how her background in fish science and nutrition led her down the captivating path of fishing alongside her husband, Rich. They've coupled their expertise in quality control and commitment to maintaining standards to grow a business that not only sells fish but also honors the generational art of fish handling taught by Sena's Norwegian ancestry.We talk about peaks, valleys, and the pivotal role of internet access in scaling their online business. With a clear vision for maintaining manageable growth, Sena remains grounded in efficiency and quality even as she dreams of the future, whether it involves scaling back or taking full advantage of ecotourism opportunities.Be sure to visit Sena Sea for the true taste of the Copper River and subscribe for insider updates. Personal Storytelling in Business: "A big part of what I do is I write these, email newsletters, and they're very very personal, very story based, and it's really about our journey and about us." — Sena WheelerTop Takeaways1. **Quality Through Adversi

In this episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs, Glenn Harper and Julie Smith discuss the birth of PureTax, LLC, a company that emerged from the need to serve clients who required simple tax returns. They share their journey of identifying a market need, finding the right talent, and leveraging their experience to create systems and processes that propel their new venture forward. Identifying Ideal Clients: "And I think it really came down to being able to see the need for it and almost feeling bad that you couldn't service them, feeling bad for saying no, but at the same time being so proud that we were able to really identify the ideal client at Harper and Company because I think businesses struggle with that as well." — Julie SmithTop Takeaways1. Recognizing Opportunity: The podcast highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities in the entrepreneurial journey. It encourages entrepreneurs to seize opportunities and tackle new ventures rather than shying away from them.2. Creating Solutions: Entrepreneurs are presented with the idea of identifying problems and creating solutions, such as the case of establishing PureTax to meet the specific needs of clients who require simple tax returns.3. Talent Acquisition: The podcast discusses the challenges entrepreneurs face in building a team and the significance of finding individuals who share the same vision, mission, and core values as the company.4. Embracing Change: It emphasizes the notion that change is constant in the entrepreneurial world and that successful entrepreneurs are those who adapt, pivot, and learn from every situation, whether it leads to success or failure.5. Process Implementation: Entrepreneurial success hinges on the implementation of effective systems and processes. The ability to refine and replicate these systems from previous ventures can expedite the launch and success of new initiatives.6. Client-Centric Approach: Entrepreneurs are encouraged to prioritize creating tailored solutions for their clients, as demonstrated by the establishment of PureTax, which aims to provide accessible and transparent tax services with year-round support.7. Learning from Peaks and Valleys: The podcast emphasizes the importance of learning from both successes and setbacks, embracing the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey, and leveraging these experiences for growth.8. Ready,