And She Spoke

Why We're Obsessed with Lilith

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:30:00 -0700

We're getting into some serious goddess energy today with Lilith. From Sarah McLachlan's game-changing Lilith Fair to ancient mythology spanning thousands of years, we unpack why this winged goddess who refused to submit to Adam has become our feminist icon. We explore where Black Moon Lilith shows up in our own birth charts and what those placements reveal about our repressed power and hidden rebellions. Plus we get into why the parts of ourselves we think are "selfish" might actually be our greatest gifts to the world. Trust us, you'll want to look up your own Lilith placement after this one.

The Book of Lilith by Barbara Black Koltuv
Find your own Black Moon Lilith at https://astrolibrary.org/black-moon-lilith-calculator/

We're Back After 20 Months of Radio Silence

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:33:28 -0700

After disappearing for nearly two years, we're finally ready to tell you where the hell we've been and why we needed to walk away from everything we built. We dive into the burnout we swore didn't exist, the inbox that nearly broke us, and how success became synonymous with trauma. Plus, we reveal what pulled us back from the brink and why we're doing this podcast purely for joy instead of strategy. Spoiler alert: TikTok may have saved our sanity, and we have zero plans except to talk about whatever makes us happy.

Our Thoughts on Burn-Out

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0800

What if the fear of burning out and overworking is actually causing the burnout? And what if working harder and smarter is the best way to avoid it? Today on the And She Spoke Podcast, we are diving deep into our thoughts on burnout. Listen in to hear all about the history of the term, its three stages, the dangers of wanting to be burnt out to prove your work ethic, and why it’s lost its meaning.

Often, we mistake dissatisfaction with our lives with burnout, and in today’s episode, we explore the culturally contagious and problematic term before discussing what true burnout is.

We even talk about the dangers of being fearful of burnout, why you should always be working hard, and much more! Finally, we challenge listeners to avoid using the word ‘burnout’ and to stop being fearful of overworking and even underworking.

Key Points From This Episode:

An overview of the history of burnout.
Three stages of burnout: exhaustion, depersonalization/cynicism, and sense of effectiveness.
Why ‘burnout’ has lost its meaning and can be mistaken for dissatisfaction with your life.
How being burnt out brings a sense of value to being hard-working and why that’s dangerous.
The phrase “I’m so burnt out” as culturally contagious and why it’s hurting us.
Why not working to the best of your ability out of fear of burning out is dangerous.
When true burnout happens and how to avoid it.
A challenge: don’t use the word ‘burnout’ and don’t be scared of hard work in 2024.

JOY: Hand Pan

Hustle: Diary of a ceo

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships, and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

How to Survive Cancel-Culture with Kelly Diels

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:06:00 -0800

There are far too many women today who won’t make themselves visible due to a fear of visibility itself — a fear of being targeted, trashed, and taken down.

Joining us today is return guest, Kelly Diels, who always brings new and insightful ideas to the conversation. Kelly is a business teacher for Culture Makers where she helps socially conscious entrepreneurs achieve, not just financial success, but critical gains for social justice.

Hear us unpack the intricacies of cancel-culture and public trashing, the fears that stop women from putting their work out into the world, and what can be done to address this.

You’ll hear personal insights from both Jeni & Kelly about their experiences, the key lessons they took from it, what this type of targeting demonstrates about society’s treatment of women, and why communal action is essential if we want to change these cultural trends.

To learn more about the forces behind these movements and the antidote to online trashing, be sure to tune in to the important conversation!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Detailing the fears Kelly’s clients have around being targeted online.
The cultural shift from being targeted by your ideological opponents to your peers.
Why being targeted by your peers is more harmful than being targeted by your opponents.
Mainstream culture’s expectation of women and what happens when they deviate from it.
Unpacking what incentivizes people to initiate trashing campaigns.
The impulse to level women who are considered to have too much power and resources.
Historical teachings on (and examples of) trashing and what we can learn from it.
Why it takes a community, not an individual, to stop the trashing trend.
Kelly’s experience of public shaming and her advice to others going through it.
How to put up boundaries when it comes to trashing and canceling.
Bearing people’s humanity in mind when you are being trashed.
Jeni’s experience with public shaming and the immense harm it does.

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Predictions for Coaching in 2024

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 06:09:00 -0800

Today on the And She Spoke podcast, we’re sharing our predictions for the coaching industry in 2024 with you so you can leverage the best techniques for success in your business this year.

Tune in to hear all about the changes we’ve seen in the coaching industry recently and what we think will happen throughout the year.

From the dangers of high-ticket sales to cohorts to one-on-one coaching, we even give you some tips to beat AI as a coach!

You don’t want to miss this one so press play now!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The kinds of changes we have been seeing in coaching.
A decrease in high-ticket sales in 2024.
Why one-on-one coaching will always be successful and the downsides of it.
The rise in cohorts and why they are so incredible.
Why you need to have a niche in 2024, even when you’re an influencer.
How AI is going to affect coaching in 2024.

JOY: Alltrails

HUSTLE: masterclass

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

What We're Leaving Behind in 2024

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 06:03:00 -0800

A lot has happened in 2023! Join us in today’s episode as we explore all that we intend to leave behind as we move into 2024 and what we envision for ourselves, And She Coaching and Hey Marvelous in the coming year.

We reflect on the events of the past year with a focus on what we would like to take with us and what we are ready to do differently. We get candid about the effect of the business on our internal worlds and vice versa, sharing our thoughts on where life really gets interesting, how to find confidence, and our business intentions for 2024. We touch on self-talk, shame, identity, and consider the source of our feelings of security as we look ahead. You won’t want to miss it!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Reflections on all that has happened in 2023 and why we consider it the final pandemic-affected year.
Feelings of lightness and positivity we are taking into 2024.
Sandy’s intention of witnessing self-talk and approaching it with positivity.
Jeni’s vision to confront deep shame and let go of finding her identity in her business.
The source of newfound confidence rooted in observation over the last two years.
Where growth and an interesting life actually happens.
Finding the confidence to make necessary decisions.
Our intention to move towards more audience-based work.
Why 2024 is also the year of letting go of jobs that we shouldn’t be doing.
What makes it so difficult to let go of tasks that shouldn’t fall to us.

JOY: Mymind app

HUSTLE: The Elements of eloquence

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Finding Your Voice in Virtual Spaces with Casey Erin Clark

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Many of us spend what felt like a lifetime on Zoom meetings, and perhaps you struggled to find your voice in this virtual space. This is completely normal because the rules of engagement are entirely different online than they are in the real world.

To wrap up our 'best-of' series, we're replaying an episode with guests Casey Erin Clark and Julie Fogh, the Founders of Vital Voice Training, a voice, and communication company that recognizes that your voice is a powerful tool for connection and expression. As trained actors and voice and speech coaches, Casey and Julie understand that real communication happens when your voice is grounded in who you are.

On this show, after hearing about their business aims, we dive into the disembodiment that many of us are experiencing, and Casey and Julie offer advice on how we might reconnect with our bodies once more. We touch on the importance of communicating and teaching rules of engagement, particularly in a virtual space where they aren’t so obvious. In-person meetings are not perfect either, so accepting these virtual spaces for what they are can help us feel okay in them.

Our conversation also touches on broadening our understanding of power and confidence in the world that deifies extroversion, Casey and Julie’s functional authenticity definition, and the difficulty that many of us have with being authentic on social media. Our voices are a marker of who we are. It is not about talking the loudest or the most, it is about using your voice in a way that is truest to you.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

What Vital Voice Training does and the impetus to start the company.
How the pandemic affected Vital Voice’s business and the meaningful pivot they made
Four ways of perceiving the body and the importance of cultivating a connection to our bodies.
There is so much room for creativity on Zoom with all the tools available.
The difficulty of not being able to easily switch roles when we work from home.
Our bodies and spirits are not meant to deal with this level of uncertainty.
Balancing the humility of listening and the power of sharing your voice.
Why we need to expand our definitions of power and confidence.
The difference between feedback that men and women receive in the workplace.
Defining functional authenticity and why it is important to have this expanded definition.
Why it is so difficult to be authentic on social media where we can curate what we share.
You can be authentic and intentional; it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

Resources:
Casey Erin Clark
Casey Erin Clark on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter
Julie Fogh
Julie Fogh on LinkedIn
Vital Voice Training
The Authenticity Code
Casey Erin Clark and Voice Positivity (And She Spoke Podcast Episode)
Brain.fm

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Marvelous was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

Pricing & the Patriarchy

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

We often define our limits by what we think we’re capable of. And for many women in business, structural barriers—both internal and external—play a big role in how we create these fences for ourselves. For centuries, we’ve been taught that we need to rely on other members of society to make financial decisions for us, and that our value comes from our bodies rather than our minds. This reflects in how much money we think we deserve in exchange for our services. But, that’s where the beauty of owning our own businesses lies. Why? Because we’re the ones in charge. We’re the ones making the calls, setting our prices, and running the show.

In this week’s 'best-of' episode, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of how the prevailing system dictates our money-mindsets as women, why the culture of undercharging is detrimental to the entrepreneurial landscape, and why we should rethink our capabilities with reference to money.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

The difference between your worth and the worth of your programs and offerings
4 subconscious patriarchal beliefs that affect the way we price things
How being a business owner helps you minimize the structural financial barriers
The undercharging-culture, and why it needs to change
Why many women don't even trust themselves with money
The need to understand what your service is worth
What happens when you quit playing the people-pleasing game
Why it’s important to charge honest rates even if you don’t “need” the money

Joy: Theposterclub.com

Hustle: Seth Godin’s Blog Post “Superfamous”

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform. Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Marvelous was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

Why Debt Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Show of hands: How many of you are afraid to start (or scale) your business because you’re afraid of going into debt?
If you have your hand up, we get it. After all, no one wants to put $5,000 on their credit cards to spend on bags, shoes, or clothing. So, why would we take that risk for our business?

In today’s 'best-of' episode, we break down why that train of thought is deeply flawed. As women, we’ve let ourselves believe that we must be overly responsible with our money. We can only invest in something if we already have the cash in the bank to back it up. Otherwise, we’ll be seen as frivolous and financially irresponsible. That fear has holds us back from investing in our futures, taking risks for our careers, and jumping into entrepreneurship headfirst. And that’s just doing a disservice to our communities. While not all of us have the financial security and privilege to take on debt, for those of us who can afford to take on debt, it can be a very effective way to jumpstart your business.

Here’s what else you can expect in the episode:

Our personal stories about the finances behind our first businesses
The ‘Death Valley’ analogy and how to apply it to your business
How debt can help you gain the resilience you need to be an entrepreneur
The J Curve and why you should be studying it ASAP
Why you need to surround yourself with people who believe in you

RESOURCES

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How to Get Coached

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0800

In this "best-of" episode, we talk about how to hear and implement advice. We believe there are things you can do to prepare ones-self to hear and successfully implement feedback about your business. Sandy shares about a mindset best suited when preparing to hear advice and those emotions that can hinder one’s willingness to receive guidance.

We also talk about why business owners need to focus on those things that can be controlled to be successful and how often-times, we need to reorganize our emotions, attitudes, and actions to find success.

Join us as we explore examples of behavior, attitudes, and actions that come out of different ways of thinking. If you find yourself in a place where you’re looking to take on a business coach or seeking out advice, today’s episode is for you.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

How emotions cause us to take action.
The best way to show up to hearing advice; give-it-to-me emotions.
Sandy shares the best emotions to bring along [when preparing to hear advice].
Jeni shares a strategy: emulate before you innovate.
Dead-end emotions and how they hinder your reception of advice.
Do you want to be right? Or do you want results?
Why you should take 24 hours to sit with the advice you’ve been given.
Why business owners need to focus on what they can control.
What to focus on when you want to be successful.
The importance of shifting from a passive to an active mindset.

JOY : When Less Become More by emily Ley

HUSTLE: Get Yourself a Business Coach & get eyes on your business!

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Power of One

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Oftentimes, when people are struggling to succeed in their business, they’ll give in to the
temptation to pile on new offers, instead of nurturing their existing offer. Our mission for this
episode is to dispel the myth that you need more than one offer in your business in order to
land success. You don’t want to be the dollar store of online business, but rather hone in on
one scalable online offering. This week, we break down the importance of resisting the
temptation to offer multiple SKUs and share the value of having a highly curated business with
just one offer. Tune in to find out where the majority of your attention should lie, how to iterate
and optimize your offer, and where to channel the urge to create new things. Simplicity breeds
success and this week, you’ll find out why!

Key Points From This Episode:
• Why it’s important to resist the temptation to offer multiple products/ services.
• The value of having a highly curated business with just one offer.
• Why people tend to add new offers, rather than grow their audience with an existing offer.
• How to iterate and optimize your single offering.
• Where to channel the urge to create new things.
• Your primary job as a thought leader, expert, and creator.
• How much time you should spend marketing your business and why.
• What our Visible program encompasses.
• The importance of consistently sticking to a single marketing strategy.
• How simplicity creates success.
• Our joy and hustle of the week!

100 True Fans

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0800

It’s becoming more and more difficult to build a huge online audience but, thankfully, success
isn’t always correlated with size. If you can create a high-ticket program that just 100 people
are willing to pay for, you already have a successful business! But those high-ticket programs
don’t materialize overnight and in this episode, we are going to be discussing the four key
components of a $1000+ offering that can sustain your business in the long term. These four
components are: premium content, tangible value, accountability, and access, recognition, and
status. This episode is based on a very influential thought piece in the creator economy, and
after listening to it, you will understand why you don’t need millions (or even thousands) of
people in your audience to thrive!

Key Points From This Episode:
• The benefits of having an expensive offer
• Debunking the common myth about cheaper offerings
• The challenges of building an audience online.
• How to ensure your content has no close substitutes (and why this is important).
• What it takes to deliver tangible value to your audience.
• How our program, The Luminaries, has evolved over time and what it is going to look like in
the future.
• Our thoughts on access, recognition, and status in high-ticket programs.
• The mindset you need to be able to successfully sell a high-ticket offering.
• Joys and hustles for the week.

This episode originally aired in April.

You Hate Marketing Because You're Bad At It

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

This has been one of our most popular episodes, so we're sharing it again!

Many solo-preneurs struggle to motivate themselves to spend time marketing their work but unfortunately, no company will succeed without it.

Today, we’re dishing out some tough love and hard-hitting truths: if you hate marketing, it might be because you’re bad at it!

Luckily, we’re also here to help you find a way to market in a way that is not only simple and effective but fun and feel-good too.

It’s difficult to enjoy something you’re not good at so listen in as we share some tips from our unique and systematic approach that will help you overcome the discomfort of promoting your work, find the essential things that you actually enjoy doing, and, ultimately, learn to love marketing.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Reasons that marketing is essential for any business.
Why marketing feels unnatural or uncomfortable; particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Finding a way to market in a way that is effective, authentic, and fun!
The value of establishing what it would look like to love the process of marketing your work.
Why taking a simple, step-by-step approach to marketing is key.
The importance of acknowledging that there are no quick wins in online business.

Joy: The Growing Floret

Hustle: Khlauss (on Twitter)

Resources:

Join our Luminaries Program: Learn how to launch your wellness business online
VISIBLE Coaching Program: Learn how to get your wellness business seen, loved and selling online

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Launching a Podcast with Carli Van Heerden

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Podcasts are a versatile and engaging way to share your message, connect with others, and potentially grow your brand or business.

In today's episode, we welcome Carli van Heerden, the CEO and Founder of We Edit Podcasts (WEP), a company that specializes in delivering top-tier podcast production services. They aim to empower podcasters by swiftly bringing their content to life through an expert support network and production services.

Carli is also the host of Business Beyond The Mic, where she engages in meaningful dialogues with entrepreneurs, brand builders, and thought leaders. Through insightful discussions, the show offers a treasure trove of strategies and advice for creating and sustaining successful podcasts.

In our conversation, Carli draws from her extensive experience and success in the industry, sharing invaluable insights and expert tips to guide both budding and seasoned podcasters on their podcasting journeys.

Listen in to hear about her company’s humble beginnings, how she was able to build a team from scratch, and how she was able to develop confidence as an entrepreneur.

We also delve into how her personal aspirations feed into her business and entrepreneurial mindset, and her motivation for launching the podcast.

Gain valuable insights into establishing yourself as a thought leader, the importance of engaging your community, the amount of work it takes to promote a podcast, and much more!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Background about Carli and her company, We Edit Podcasts.
Hear how she learned the basics of being an entrepreneur.
How she was able to grow her team of production professionals.
Building confidence as an entrepreneur by leveraging your strengths.
Engaging with your community and establishing yourself as a thought leader.
Business decisions for her personal brand vs We Edit Podcast
Get a sneak peek of the exciting revamped PodSummit.
Advice and insights for budding podcasters to help them get started.

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Closing Down Your Business with Brigitte Lyons

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In recent months, we've observed several high-profile women opt to shutter their businesses, yet the reasons behind such decisions often (still) remain unexplored.

On this episode of the And She Spoke podcast, we talk to Brigitte Lyons. She is the Founder of Podcast Ally, a podcast booking agency that she created and grew while traveling around the United States in a van with her husband: #vanlife.

She recently made the call to close her company and we were eager to have a conversation about this process.

Join the conversation as we chat with Brigitte about why she started Podcast Ally, how she successfully continued to run it while living a nomadic lifestyle, and the impact COVID-19 had on the business.

Finally, we explore how she factored her knowledge, ability, and willingness to ride out a potential recession and she gives us an inside peek into the complex deliberation she underwent that finally led to her decision to close down her business.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Building her business (Podcast Ally) to support a nomadic lifestyle: #vanlife.
A detailed explanation of running her company from the road, her team's role and how it operates within the company.
Her end game: the initial vision for Podcast Ally and what she originally aimed to achieve.
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on her business and decision-making.
Her thoughts on what sparked the growth of her business in July of 2020.
Riding out a recession: knowledge, ability, and willingness.
She underlines the complex deliberations that ultimately led her to close the business.
What it was like making the decision and breaking the news to her team.
The benefits of open dialogue with her team addressing the potential recession.
Life looked after closing down her company.
The way Brigitte conceptualizes the role of herself as a leader.

JOY: Reading for pleasure: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow

HUSTLE: Boomerang

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

10 Lessons from Millionaires

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we delve into the strategies and insights of millionaire business owners who have scaled to the heights of success.

A recent social media post by a prominent entrepreneur about what makes a successful business owner got a lot of attention, and we thought we would take the time to give our take.

From playing the long game to discovering the power of passion, we uncover the secrets to entrepreneurial success.

We discuss the art of balancing market knowledge with rapid problem-solving, the benefits of learning by doing rather than endlessly searching for market gaps, and how to enhance the value of your business.

We explore the significance of staying true to your business's core values and treating yourself as your very first customer.

Gain insights into how content creation can magnify your business's worth and why giving value leads to receiving it. We also offer advice on setting clear short-term objectives and long-term goals while avoiding the trap of perfectionism.

Join us as we unpack the essential lessons from millionaire business owners and uncover their secrets to success.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Playing the long game and not expecting short-term success.
Balancing knowledge of the market with fast-tracking solutions.
Learning by doing rather than obsessing over market gaps
Why a passion for what you are doing is vital for the long-term.
Leveraging content creation to increase the value of your business.
Why creating value to receive value is an effective strategy.
Staying authentic to your core business values.
Thinking of yourself as the first customer of your business.
Insights into the pitfalls of perfectionism.
Identifying clear short-term objectives and long-term goals.
Knowing your limits and being present for your family.
Learn the value of coaching for crafting a successful mindset.
Focusing your efforts and energy on the bigger picture.
Creating high-quality content and earning your audience.

JOY: The Poster Club

HUSTLE: JOIN VISIBLE

Resources:

The Luminaries Wait-list

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Growing a Podcast with Millions of Downloads with Abagail Pumphrey

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:19:00 -0700

Boss Project is an all-in-one digital agency designed to help grow your online revenue. CEO and Co-Founder Abagail Pumphrey is passionate about supporting her clients on their journey to financial freedom. She joins us to share what it’s like to transition from partnership to CEO, what it takes to have a growing, viral podcast, and what she does every week to ensure her show tops the charts. This episode is packed with plenty of tips and tricks Abagail has picked up along the way, from treating podcast titles as though they are SEO-rich titles and knowing your audience to listening to published episodes for improvement. We touch on whether or not there is a place for AI support in the world of podcasting, the role of show notes and transcripts, and catering to your specific audience. Abagail also dives into her preparation process and how it has changed since she became a solo host.

JOY: Opus Clip

HUSTLE: The Boss Project

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

A $14 Million Membership with Corinne Crabtree

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:33:45 -0700

As a business owner, falling in love with your product is a superpower.

Joining us in conversation today is Corinne Crabtree, founder of No B.S. Weight Loss, a $14 million membership that is truly passionate about helping people lose weight and change their lives.

Tune in to hear all about Corinne’s journey to becoming a Certified Life Coach, finally recognizing herself as an entrepreneur, and taking her business to the next level.

Corinne shares the story of her business and some key lessons she has learned along the way.

By offering a candid insight into her own journey and process, Corinne empowers listeners to navigate their own membership-based businesses with plenty of practical tips and truth bombs along the way.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Introducing Corinne Crabtree and her membership-based business.
Her journey to becoming a Certified Life Coach.
How Corinne’s extended team is structured to support what she is building.
Why she has chosen to build her own CRM.
The conversation that catapulted Corinne into seeing her endeavors as a business.
The meaningful goal that motivated her to take her business to the next level.
How her belief that what she was doing was truly helping people.
The power of falling in love with your product as a business owner.
Learning to be open as a business owner.
Understanding the brain’s resistance to change.
What motivated Corinne to add another membership option.
The smartest way to grow your business through memberships.
How to add value to promote growth.

JOY: Watching ‘guilt free’ t.v.

HUSTLE: Write down 3 Money-making things you’ll get done today (and do ‘em!)

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Will AI Take Over Coaching?

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the coaching industry. It can provide automated solutions that can augment or, arguably, even replace human coaches.

In today’s episode, we tackle some of these recent developments in AI and whether or not this well-debated emerging technology is poised to really take over coaching entirely.

While there are benefits- like the elimination of human bias and the ability to condense your offering into more accessible and affordable packages- there are also a number of potential implications for the future of the industry.

If anything, we believe that this kind of rapid innovation should serve as an incentive for creators and entrepreneurs to be more prolific, to boost the value for your clients, and ensure that you don’t get left behind.

Yes, change can be scary, but it’s also exciting! Join us today as we offer some interesting new perspectives on how AI is shifting the landscape of not only coaching but a lot of other industries too.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The implications of new voice capabilities for AI-powered language models.
Some of the benefits and potential challenges of utilizing AI in coaching.
Why you might get left behind if you don’t have enough content to train an AI model.
How these developments should incentivize you to elevate your standard of work.
Whether or not AI can model empathy.
Ways that humans are becoming more integrated with technology.
Reasons why we believe there will always be a need for human coaching.

JOY: Poppies & peonies

HUSTLE: The Platformer

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Your $30K Ceiling

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Most small businesses find themselves at a revenue ceiling that they simply cannot break out of.

Generally speaking, if you have an existing community and some basic business understanding, you can get to $30K fairly easily. Generating substantially more revenue? Well, that’s another story.

Today on the And She Spoke Podcast, we are delving into what you need to consider and do if you want to hit new and larger revenue goals.

You’ll hear about our experiences with hitting this revenue ceiling, why being more strategic is imperative and why scaling revenue means seeing the business as entirely different from before.

We also discuss when and why you may need to change your offer and make better use of your time if your goal is scaling your business.

Finally, we share candidly why massive, six-figure businesses won’t always bring you joy and be “fun” to run.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why you can’t surpass the $30k revenue ceiling.
The importance of being more strategic to solve this problem.
Why scaling a business’s revenue requires you to see it as an entirely different business.
Why you may need to change your offer to make it more scalable and protect your time.
The harsh truth that joyful and fun businesses cannot be more than hobbies/side hustles.

JOY: PACT Clothing

HUSTLE: The Power of One

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Why You Need to Solve a Burning Problem

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

To create an offer that sells it must solve an important enough problem for your audience in a large enough market. Typically, this means helping someone in one of three different categories: health, wealth, or relationships.

In today’s episode, we explore these categories and the many, nuanced ways that your offer can solve a problem for your target audience — and how to make sure they know that!

We talk about the crowded marketplace, how niching down can help you find your audience, and we discuss how to tailor your offer to fit the aspirations you have for your business.

You’ll also learn about developing your own intellectual property and how you can hone and refine it to make it something that you can scale.

There’s a lot to consider when building your offer and there are so many ways that you can use marketing and research to get it to the perfect place.

Join us as we examine what to consider when putting together your offer and how to make sure that it solves an important problem!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The ‘why’ behind your offer
How to determine whether something is going to sell.
What to consider for creating a sustainable business.
Why the quality of what you’re selling needs to be exceptional.
The trend of online businesses today.
The value in developing your own intellectual property and turning it into something that you can scale.
How to determine why it is that your offer isn’t selling.
Why working in health and wellness usually means you’re solving an essential problem.
The crowded market space and how to stand out.
Calculating how big you want your business to be and whether your offer will get you there.
Using marketing to place your product in a new category and make your offer essential.

JOY: The Rich Roll Podcast: Food Is Medicine with Christopher Gardner

HUSTLE: Pitch

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Our Take on Dope Shit

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Why is the world so saturated with generic creations and mediocrity? Today we’re delving deep into an article written by Cole Schafer entitled, ‘Dope Shit’ and our take on how this mindset can lead us to do extraordinary work.

You’ll hear what we believe it takes to be successful as an entrepreneur and creator nowadays, what not to do, why you need to self-promote and believe in yourself.

We discuss the importance of believing that you can do amazing work before exploring how to find ways to inspire yourself.

Finally, we caution you against generic social media content.

Press play now to hear all about ‘dope shit’ and be reminded to play a different game so that you can be exceptional!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The gist of Cole Schafer’s ‘Dope Shit’ article and what it takes to be successful nowadays.
Why playing things safe isn’t ‘dope shit’.
Who AI is replacing (mediocrity) and why doing work that a robot can’t, makes you stand out.
The importance of self-promotion and practicing being amazing.
The road to creating remarkable work and how to believe in it and yourself.
Why you have to operate outside of the value people place on you.
How imagining yourself creating ‘dope shit’ may inspire you to excel.
The dangers of creating generic social media content.
Why quality time spent is more important than the quantity of time spent working.

JOY: Tom Lake Novel

HUSTLE: Cole Schafer “Dope Shit” article

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Women & the Subtle Art of Bullshitting

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0700

When observing the world of business, it’s apparent that refining the art of bullshitting is a skill that radiates confidence.

But why are men seemingly innately good at it?

And why do women need to get better at it?

In today’s episode we dive into these questions and more.

We discuss what bullshitting is not, we share our thoughts on the intricate connection between humility, entrepreneurship + confidence and we also talk about the effectiveness of skilled bullshitters.

This topic has been brewing for a while, so don't miss out on tuning in.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The prowess of adept bullshitters and the difference between men and women.
Important generalizations to talk about and why we need to.
What the art of bullshitting is not.
The complex relationship between humility and entrepreneurship.
The self-fulfilling prophecy of confidence.
Leaning into the bullshit (and it’s not a negative!)
Where are you holding back because your bullshitting skills could use some polishing?
The importance of mindset in the art of bullshitting.
The impact of socialization on women in our culture.
How X (Twitter) has helped bolster our skill and confidence in the art of bullshitting.

JOY: The Retrievals podcast

HUSTLE: content chemistry: the illustrated handbook for content marketing

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Audience Audit: Kerry Hinds, Fertile Body Yoga

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

As an entrepreneur, it’s important that potential customers can easily find your services and that there’s no confusion about what you’re offering. But without an outside perspective, you may miss critical stumbling blocks that could drive customers away. That’s where business audits can be so useful.

In today’s episode, we walk listeners through a business audit for Kerry Hinds and her business, Fertile Body Yoga. Tuning in you’ll hear a step-by-step breakdown of her website and our suggestions for simple changes to improve both her site and her offerings that can lead to major improvements.

We also dig into some of the issues that Kerry is struggling with, like feelings of overwhelm, the pressure to attract new clients continually, and how creating a clear, simple, scalable offering will transform her experience of entrepreneurship.

Following along, you’ll get a sense of what it’s like to not only be coached by us but also, what it’s like being a part of our Luminaries program and how having the support of a cohort can supercharge your business. Be sure to tune in to hear all the details of today’s business audit!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

An overview of how we’ll be auditing Kerry’s website: Fertile Body Yoga.
Insight into the issues that Kerry is struggling with and how to address them.
Steps to help you continually attract new clients without becoming overwhelmed.
Some of the visibility habits we teach in our Luminaries Live program.
Advice on how Kerry can simplify her services and create a scalable offer.
How she can hone in on her messaging to attract the right clients.
Key tips for website layout and design.
Why quizzes are so effective for generating leads.
A closer look at the quiz on Kerry's site and how she can improve it.
How Kerry can simplify her offerings and the impact this has on visitors to her site.

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Christina Langdon: Lessons Learned After 19 Years with Martha Stewart

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Get your coffee or beverage of choice and prepare yourself for one of the most fascinating interviews we’ve done to date! Today we are joined on the show by Christina Langdon, a high-performance and success coach, here to share with us all about her 19 years of working with Martha Stewart.

She is an incredible storyteller, from start to finish, and shares the most interesting aspects of her journey working with Martha. Christina talks about the how, what, when, where, and why of her job(s) over the 19 years and recounts her very first (and lasting) encounter and impression of Martha.

She shares some anecdotal stories of her history with Martha and elaborates on why Martha really went to jail. Christina also describes the incredible comeback story of how the company managed to survive the charges, jail, and the mass advertising exodus. Our conversation then steers toward her decision to leave and ultimately founding her coaching business, along with some of the challenges she overcame in the journey toward where she is today.

Key Points From This Episode:

All things Martha Stewart: how, what, when, where, and why!
How she got the job working for Martha Stewart.
What it was about Martha’s magazine (Martha Stewart Living) that drew her in.
Marketing at Martha Stewart (the brand).
How she bought her brand back with $70 million.
Christina’s first encounter with Martha and learning about the brand.
Why Martha picked Christina: being in the right place at the right time.
Moving into management while Martha was brought up on insider trading.
Why she stayed during the upheaval with the brand: the mass exodus from advertising.
The real reason Martha went to jail.
Her handwritten letters to Martha and why she didn’t visit her in jail.
The plans for after Martha got out of jail.
A fascinating comeback story and how the company survived.
The biggest lessons Christina walked away with after working for Martha.
What it was like working on Martha’s TV show.
How she knew her time with Martha had come to an end.
Why she decided to never work for someone else again.
How being diagnosed with AML Leukemia rocked her world.

Joy: Mark Burnett on X

Hustle: HerMD

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Helping Farmers Make Money with Charlotte Smith

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:03:00 -0700

A life spent outdoors as a farmer can be deeply rewarding. But it can also be financially precarious. No one knows this better than today’s guest, Charlotte Smith, a marketing and mindset coach for farmers, who, at age 14, watched their fifth-generation family farm go bankrupt and lose everything.

After swearing off farming as a young adult, Charlotte found herself drawn back into a world of outdoor work upon having children. She realized that she wanted them to experience the same freedoms she did growing up on a farm in the Oregon countryside and that she was willing to do whatever it took to make that a reality.

In today’s conversation with Charlotte, we learn about the strategies she used to ensure her farm would be profitable and how her results attracted the attention of other farmers leading to her work as a marketing and mindset coach.

She reflects on how her background in communications and marketing gave her the skills she needed to succeed in farming before elaborating on the needs of her clients and how she is helping each of them turn their farms into profitable businesses.

We also learn about Charlotte’s book, Farm Marketing from the Heart, the effort that went into writing it, and why she is so grateful to her past self for producing it.

For all of Charlotte’s perceptive insights, be sure to tune in to this comprehensive conversation on coaching, marketing, and how to succeed as a farmer!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Hear about Charlotte’s pastoral upbringing on a beautiful farm in Oregon.
How her family’s farm tragically went bankrupt when she was a teen.
Her commitment to distancing herself from farming as a young adult.
How having kids inspired her to return to farming.
The strategy Charlotte used to prioritize profitability when she went back to farming.
How Charlotte became a marketing and mindset coach for farmers.
An overview of the diverse demographics that make up Charlotte’s clients.
Charlotte’s approach to finding the right people for her program.
What Charlotte charges for different coaching offerings and what they include.
Why her top priority is keeping her coaching accessible to all farmers.
How Charlotte helps her clients build their email list.
Charlotte’s second offering; a coach certification program.
An overview of her team and how they support her in her business.
Charlotte’s book, Farm Marketing from the Heart, and its impact as a marketing tool.

Joy: The luxury of creating pockets of time to do nothing

Hustle: ChatGPT

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Our Rebranding Confession

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

We’ve finally recorded the episode we have talked about doing for years. Today, we get raw and real with our listeners about the daunting process we underwent when deciding to rebrand our software company.

We dive into the general concept of rebranding, share the details behind what ultimately led to the decision to change our name, and tell you about why rebranding is simultaneously amazing, problematic, and well, complicated.

We share our perspectives on how not to go about a big change like this, how truly troublesome cancel culture can be and how it impacted our decision-making process. Your rebranding will almost always be faced with two sides; one rooting for you and one not and it’s imperative that you think about what you are willing to do to bring about change.

So, if you are on the precipice of taking on a rebranding of any sort, make sure you don’t skip this episode where you will hear about our experience and rebranding regrets.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

We talk about what happened in our DMs in 2020.
The complexity behind the changing of our name.
Why, in retrospect, we should not have rushed this process.
How we dealt with external pressures to change our rebranding.
A confession of our rebranding regrets.
How we decided on the name Marvelous.
Why we are all about calling in rather than calling out: the toxicity of cancel culture.
Why this was more than just a name change for us.
2023: how and why we decided to be honest now and tell our story.
How we would do things differently if we had the chance.

Joy: The Society of Shame

Hustle: Typeshare App

Resources:

You Hate Marketing Because You're Bad At It

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Many solo-preneurs struggle to motivate themselves to spend time marketing their work but unfortunately, no company will succeed without it.

Today, we’re dishing out some tough love and hard-hitting truths: if you hate marketing, it might be because you’re bad at it!

Luckily, we’re also here to help you find a way to market in a way that is not only simple and effective but fun and feel-good too.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Reasons that marketing is essential for any business.
Why marketing feels unnatural or uncomfortable; particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Finding a way to market in a way that is effective, authentic, and fun!
The value of establishing what it would look like to love the process of marketing your work.
Why taking a simple, step-by-step approach to marketing is key.
The importance of acknowledging that there are no quick wins in online business.

Joy: The Growing Floret

Hustle: Khlauss (on Twitter)

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Our Thoughts on Threads

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Social media has ingrained itself in our daily lives with various platforms that cater for almost every single personality type. It seems strange, then, that Instagram would add yet another platform to the mix. Add to the fact that it is yet another unoriginal concept from the social media juggernaut, Meta.

Today, we discuss our biggest concerns about Meta, how thought-provoking conversations seem to be mysteriously disappearing from Meta’s platforms, why Threads is not worth the extra workload, and how Twitter users make it a platform of superior content compared to what you’ll find on Threads.

Ultimately, Threads seems to be missing the point, and its lack of direction and purpose is evident in its bland and banal experience.

We’re not using Threads, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Before you do, however, ask yourself why you want to use the platform, and be very weary of diving into Threads if you can’t come up with an answer.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Our biggest concerns and problems with Meta.
Important conversations that have mysteriously disappeared from the Meta universe.
Exploring the implications of Threads’ followers-transfer option.
Why Threads appears to be a bland, empty wasteland.
How you can double your workload by trying to produce new content for yet another platform.
The way that varying user types influence the quality of content on a particular platform.
Why Threads is missing a point and purpose.
How every Meta asset is a rip-off of something else.
Why Twitter is superior in every way.
The importance of asking yourself why you want to be on Threads.

Joy: Koziol Trugs

Hustle: Loop Earplugs

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Nothing on the Internet is Free

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

It’s undeniable. The number of people taking to social media to vent their frustrations and complain to unsuspecting brands is on the rise. Even more interesting is the reason why! The topic of today’s discussion takes a deep dive into what’s really happening when someone complains on social; more specifically when they complain on a paid, sponsored ad on the internet.

Join us as we explore what’s going on in the human brain when people rant about a brand in the comment section of a social media post. We take into consideration the fact that the internet is not free; someone is paying for it, somewhere, somehow.

We also encourage listeners to think more carefully about the content they consume on the internet and explain why we should look behind the wall of technology and acknowledge that there are real people on the other side.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

How you’re paying to participate on social media.
What would have to happen for you to have an ad-free social media experience.
Why most people prefer not to look beyond the wall of technology.
Thoughts on the “invisibility” of the internet.
Problems that need to be solved so we can move forward as a society.
A reminder that there are people on the other side of every social media post.

Joy: nomad the label

Hustle: lamy

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Why We're Doing a Cohort for Luminaries LIVE

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 14:25:44 -0700

Learn why we've decided to run a LIVE cohort in fall 2023 for our signature program the Luminaries.
This will be a 10-week immersive program for female entrepreneurs who want to reach more people, lose the hustle and finally
hit that $100K goal.

Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Many elements of modern life encourage us to bifurcate and inhabit different versions of ourselves. This is especially evident in our online lives and on social media, but it also applies to how we show up in our careers and as entrepreneurs.

The self-censorship that results from this can be exhausting, not to mention psychologically harmful, especially in the long run. However, becoming a more fully embodied version of yourself, especially online, can seem terrifying, if not downright impossible.

We’ve been thinking about these challenges in how we show up for a long time, and in today’s episode, we reflect on our years of self-censorship and why we’ve finally decided to face our fears and find out what it feels like to say the quiet parts out loud.

Tune in as we discuss the many complicated motivations behind self-censorship, why speaking your truth can have a significant impact, and how we’re approaching the important work of showing up online as a fully embodied version of ourselves!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Reaching a point where you’re tired of complaining behind the scenes.
Being ready to come forward, share your ideas, and speak your truth.
Why we’re ready to show a different side to ourselves.
How the internet facilitates us bifurcating different parts of ourselves.
The harms that come with bifurcation and censoring yourself.
Being able to be a more holistic version of yourself and the benefits it brings.
Recognizing how each online platform rewards different skill sets.
The freedom that comes with using platforms that don’t prioritize visuals.
Why the best ideas for content come from conversation.
The role of discretion in business and how it can hold us back.
Unpacking the reasons behind our self-censorship.
The joy of figuring out what you believe through writing.
Our thoughts on showing up as a full person online.

Joy: Hunting for Treasure

Hustle: Missive

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Why We Left Instagram for Twitter

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -0700

We’re leaving Instagram from Twitter! This episode talks about why we’re making the switch and where we’re headed next with our social media. We’re challenging the perception that IG is where you need to be if you want to market your business.

This episode explores the trade-off that is often made between sharing ideas vs making them visually appealing and the discrepancies between operational tendencies of men versus women in online business.

We encourage you, listener, to consider where the important conversations to you and your business are happening online, to allocate your time accordingly, and to discuss some possible fears you may need to overcome before speaking your mind online.

More than anything, consider this episode an invitation to assess how Instagram is working for you in lieu of the effort you put into your work. Join us today to hear all this and more!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why each of us has become disinterested in using Instagram.
Comparing Twitter and Instagram and the gender politics of both.
The main reason it’s not working for us: it’s taking too much time and we’re not saying anything important there.
The trade-off between having ideas and making them aesthetically pleasing.
Observing how female business owners and men in the tech space operate differently.
An example of an audacious Instagram user: Lindsey Lockett.
An example of a recent experiment between Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
How Twitter is similar to early Facebook.
Choosing where to spend your time based on where important conversations are happening.
Jeni’s experience of overcoming her fear of getting doxxed.
Why it’s so much easier to comment on Twitter than on Instagram.
Adapting to the crowded space of the internet today.
How Twitter can facilitate seeing all sides of a conversation.
Assessing Twitter’s decision not to censor.

Joy: Seth godin’s interview with Time Ferris

Hustle: the courage to be disliked

Resources:

Audience Audit: "I'm Scattered & Don't Know Where to Focus"

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Welcome to another edition of our Audience Audit, featuring high-performance coach, Christina Langdon.

In the Audience Audit series, you’ll see us applying our business framework to our audience’s businesses and hear our best thinking on how to apply our teachings to your own marketing and offerings.

Christina has multiple revenue streams- she offers one-on-one and group coaching programs for both business owners and those seeking to strengthen their leadership skills. Her biggest challenge is getting clear on what to focus on next and how to know what program to “green-light” first.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Overview of Christina’s audit submission
Suggestions for focusing on one thing
How to best optimize blog posts, opt-ins ect
Strategizing for Christina

Joy: The Anna Delvey Show

Hustle: Whats’ Our Problem?: A Self-Help Book for Societies

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Building Runway in Your Business

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700

In the business world, “runway” is the amount of money or cash in hand that you have to cover future expenses. In this episode, we delve into this concept, why it’s absurd in a business that’s already generating an income, and why online businesses still need a buffer even though their overheads are low.
You’ll hear about how not having a buffer can negatively impact your decisions as a business owner, the importance of reinvesting in your business versus paying yourself out, and why you can’t expect to be profitable from day one.
We also discuss the benefits of keeping your job while building your business on the side and why you should think about your business as an entity separate from yourself with separate finances.

Having an online business is not for everyone but it can be the best and most wonderful way to live. So tune in today to find out how building runway into your business can help set you up for long-term success!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Definition of “runway” and why this concept is absurd in a business that’s already generating an income.
What a “burn rate” is and how this relates to your runway.
Why we need a buffer in online businesses even though our overheads are low.
How not having a buffer can negatively impact your decisions as a business owner.
The differences between a service-based business and an online business in terms of the buffer required.
Insight into the impact of COVID-19 on online businesses.
Thoughts on reinvesting in your business versus paying yourself out.
Why you can’t expect to be profitable from day one.
The need for another job to pay your bills while building your business.
Busting the myth that if you work on your business full-time, you’ll make more money.
The notion of Barista FIRE in the FIRE (Financial Independence Retire Early) movement and the benefits of a low-stress job.
Why you should think about your business as an entity separate from you with separate finances.

Joy & Hustle: The song of significance by seth godin

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Tempting & Trending Tactics (that don't work)

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:17:00 -0700

What’s the difference between strategies and tactics? This episode unpacks the difference between the two, the appropriate place for both and offers listeners a way forward to get the most out of marketing.

Learn to identify the business-dangers of jumping between tactics and the power of staying aware of which ones are working for you and your business.

We also discuss the simple marketing strategy we teach to all of our clients, with suggestions on how to implement it, how to figure out and commit to your goal-based strategy.

By the end of this episode you’ll understand that the tactics matter a heck-of-a-lot less when you have an overall strategy that you’re implementing.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Identify the difference between strategies and tactics.
Examples of tactics and what it’s like to run a business when you are jumping between them.
The first thing you want to decide when you are running a business.
How the ability to say no, based on a strategy, will mitigate overwhelm.
The appropriate approach to tactics.
The strategy we teach to all of our clients and why it’s the best fundamental strategy to have in place
Backing away from the belief that we have to fill every moment with marketing.
Why people overcomplicate business.
Understanding that when people start to sell you a tactic, they are probably on their way out.
Why many different strategies will do the job.

Joy: Ultra-Processed People

Hustle: VISIBLE Coaching Program

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How to Stop People-Pleasing with Sara Fisk

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Do you question every decision you make? Do you spend hours agonizing over what people will think of you or the actions you take in your business?
Do you replay situations in your mind, lose sleep over how you could have said or done things differently, or worry about disappointing others?
Luckily, today’s guest is an expert on people-pleasing who can help you learn to stop making other people comfortable at your own expense. Introducing Sara Fisk, the Stop People Pleasing Coach and host of the Ex-Good Girl Podcast.
In today’s episode, Sara defines people-pleasing and shares some of the steps you can take to train yourself to stop “perfectionating” and free yourself from the crippling fear of what others may think.
We also touch on the power of internal validation, how people-pleasing shows up differently for each of us, and how to create safe spaces for ourselves.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why Sara says that her work is 100% autobiographical.
How coaching offered her a “second-half-of-life career.”
People-pleasing as a defense mechanism and why women are more susceptible to it.
The power of internal versus external validation.
Defining people-pleasing
Ways that people-pleasing tendencies manifest as women build their businesses.
Three steps to stop people-pleasing: pause, forecast, and pick your discomfort.
What it means to study urgency and why it’s important.
How people-pleasing shows up differently for different people.
The relationship between people-pleasing and cancel culture.
Why it’s important to allow yourself to feel negative emotions.
How to create “safe spaces” for yourself by learning to recognize your brain bully.
Tips for coping with the discomfort of freeing yourself from people-pleasing.
How to reclaim your time and energy when you stop people-pleasing.
Practical advice for setting boundaries in your business.

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

When Lockdown Explodes Your Growth

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 30 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Today we’re airing an episode we did on the Get Paid podcast with Claire Pelletreu.
This interview is our entire story- from how we first met, to starting Namastream, to massive growth during COVID, to our bank collapsing last spring.
We’ve never told our story in this way- from end to end- and it’s kind of a good story and we should bring it to our listeners.
Claire is an excellent interviewer and she pulled out a lot of stories we wouldn’t necessarily tell on our own podcast.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

How we met through a live, software course
How Sandy joined the team as a co-founder
Discussion of the investor world and the challenges as female co-founders
Decision making in blue-berry fields + self-funding the business
How fast things changed when the first lockdown of COVID happened + the emotional tole it took
The early wave of COVID and Jeni’s struggle with long-COVID (which was not even named at the time)
The forward thinking for the next phase of business in 2022: splitting the company into two- software vs coaching
The unheard of reality in the tech world: a profitable SAAS company through boot-strapping
What And She Coaching is now all about: our two programs- Visible & Luminaries
How to grow with an organic marketing strategy + owning your thought leadership
A snapshot of how we use FB Ads in our strategy and the FB Ad shift over the years
The collapse of our bank: what happened and how we made it through
Our insight on Silicon Valley Bank as women-founders

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Our Unicorn Partnership

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Today on the And She Spoke podcast we’re finally sharing the story of how we met, connected, and became business partners. You’ll hear all about our previous business partnerships, how we started working together and the strange connection and level of trust between us.

We delve into the struggles we’ve faced together and how our shared commitment to the success of our business has never wavered.

We also share how the generosity and equality between us have made our partnership thrive. No doubt, finding a partnership like what we have is not easy and discuss how to seek out collaboration and connection in a multitude of ways before diving into a business partnership.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why we’ve never discussed our partnerships before and why we want to now.
We share our individual histories of partnerships and how we got to where we are now.
The importance of external feedback in order to process and sort through ideas.
How we first met, became friends, started working together, and the major trust between us.
Whether we have a feeling sense and why it can be scientific.
Why partnerships need to form and evolve naturally rather than be forced to solve problems.
Where you can find support and collaboration as an entrepreneur other than from a partner.
The struggles we have been through and how it’s never changed our shared commitment.
The importance of being generous with your partner and seeing them as an equal.
Why you should always work with other people without necessarily finding a partner.

Joy: Superfan

Hustle: how to get rich

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Audience Audit: "There's No Growth & I Can't Do More"

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 16 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

We’re switching things up and on today’s episode, we’re launching our Audience Audit series. One of our business goals is to help 50,000 people earn $100,00 in their online business and we realize we won’t be able to coach that many people individually.

In the Audience Audit series, you’ll see us applying our business framework to our audience’s businesses and hear our best thinking on how to apply our teachings to your own business efforts.

Today, we audit Krishna’s business: a prenatal and postnatal online course and membership. Her biggest challenge is showing up consistently and struggles to balance her online business and raising two small children. She finds it easier to get in-person clients but she wants to grow her online revenue.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Overview of Krish’s audit submission
Suggestions for creating consistency
Visibility strategy ideas
Suggestions for opt-in modifications
Strategizing around offers

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Three Most Common Pricing Mistakes

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 09 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Finding the ideal pricing for your offer can be a fraught process, riddled with stress and self-doubt. This is especially true for young entrepreneurs who don’t yet have the confidence that comes with repeatedly demonstrating the true value of their product. It also strongly applies to women, many of whom have been conditioned to undervalue themselves and prioritize the needs of others.

That is why today’s episode is all about cultivating the right mindset for pricing your offers. We break down how the wrong mindset can lead to key missteps in pricing, the consequences thereof, and what you can do to find your pricing sweet spot. We unpack the many pitfalls of undercharging, why overcharging usually comes down to confidence, and the reason why most of us can afford to be more strategic with our discounts. You’ll also hear us share details of our own pricing journey and the transformative power of confidence.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The anxiety that many entrepreneurs experience around pricing.
Learn about the classic pricing mistakes that most entrepreneurs make.
How needing to be liked and accepted can lead you to undercharge.
Some of the societal programming that prevents women from charging more.
An overview of the rhetoric around making money in the wellness space.
The negative consequences of undercharging your clients.
Why focusing on making money is much more productive than being frugal.
The subjective nature of pricing when it comes to overcharging or undercharging.
How well-meaning encouragement can lead to overpricing.
Why you need to be confident in what you’re selling and the amount that you’re charging.
How to find your pricing sweet spot and why coaching can help.
The preparation work you need to do before you increase your price.
Tactics and strategies that elevate your offer and give you added confidence.
When you should create discounts for your email list (and when you shouldn’t).
How to use alternative incentives to motivate customers to buy.

JOY: moon juice + magnesi-om

HUSTLE: chat-gpt

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Remind People You Exist

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700

During today’s conversation, we’re talking about reminding people that you exist. Why is this important? Most people online don’t talk about their offer enough.

Although you may feel like you’re taking up too much space or talking far too much about what you offer, the chances are that you need to send more emails. Entrepreneurship requires taking up space. Listen in and learn helpful ways of re-framing your thoughts about sales, reminders, and your role as a business owner.

We also consider how we can become more vocal with our audience about our programs, Visible and the Luminaries, commit to a new strategy, and invite listeners to join us in future episodes where we will evaluate the results.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why it is important: most people don’t talk enough about what they offer.
Misconceptions leading creators to think they are taking up too much space.
Why we all need to send more emails.
How entrepreneurship requires taking up (and demanding) space.
Consistency and specificity in messaging.
How complicating your offer can bring you right back to square one.
Reframing your role as someone who has a message to share with the world.
What may happen if we re-send mailers to our existing audience.
How separating our two companies has helped us to send more emails.
Clarity on your business and how this helps to set the stage for this kind of marketing.

JOY: Planterina

HUSTLE: readwise app

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

100 True Fans

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

You don’t have to have a huge audience to be successful in your online business. If you can create a high-ticket program that even just 100 people are willing to pay for, then you can potentially generate some good revenue for your business!

Those high-ticket programs don’t materialize overnight though and in this episode, we’re discussing the four key components of a $1000+ offering that can sustain your business in the long term.

These four components are: premium content + tangible value, accountability, access and recognition + status. This episode is based on a very influential thought piece in the creator economy, and after listening to it, you will understand why you don’t need millions (or even thousands) of people in your audience to thrive!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The benefits of having an expensive offer
Debunking the common myth about cheaper offerings
The challenges of building an audience online.
How to ensure your content has no close substitutes (and why this is important).
What it takes to deliver tangible value to your audience.
Our thoughts on access, recognition, and status in high-ticket programs.
The mindset you need to be able to successfully sell a high-ticket offering.

JOY: Curate Your style

HUSTLE: sony ZV-1

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Robots Are Here

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Generative AI tools are becoming increasingly prevalent and they are changing the way creators work. While fear and speculation about the impact of these tools on the creative economy are understandable, AI is here to stay whether we like it or not.

In today’s episode, we share our thoughts on how AI will disrupt the creator economy, address concerns that AI-generated content will eventually replace human creativity, and dive into what you should (and shouldn’t) ask AI to do for you.

This is a watershed moment for creative entrepreneurs and will ultimately play a significant part in shaping how the rest of the world uses artificial intelligence.

Listen in for a thought-provoking discussion into the impact of generative AI tools on the creator economy and raises important questions about the future of creativity in a world where machines are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Defining artificial intelligence and generative AI tools.
The kinds of complex functions that ChatGPT can perform for you.
How AI will impact junior to mid-level jobs in the creator economy.
Ways that AI tools can save online entrepreneurs time and money.
Tips for breaking through the noise: what you should (and shouldn’t) use AI for!
Advice for standing out from the crowd as everyone begins using AI.
What it looks like to train AI tools to replicate your brand’s tone.
A look at the Marvelous Magic Pages one-click sales pitch generator.
Why it’s important for women entrepreneurs to have a voice in the AI space.

JOY: The Last Beekeeper

HUSTLE: Marvelous MagiC Pages

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

What is an Audience?

Jeni + Sandy — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

As business owners, most of us are considerably more comfortable operating in our areas of expertise than anywhere else.

Oftentimes, we prefer to focus our energies on delivering exceptional services to clients rather than spending time and energy on growing our audience; even though growing an audience is essential for the longevity of your business!

In this conversation, we delve into why audiences are so important to you as a creator, why you need one in 2023, and what you can do to build yours today.

You’ll learn the differences between building an audience versus a community, why you shouldn’t use engagement as a measure of success, and what you can do to keep yourself motivated.

We also discuss the mindset shift that will get you excited about creating free content and why this is such an effective method for building a receptive audience in anticipation of your next paid product.

"But My Business is Different"

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700

You’re not a special snowflake, even though you might think you are.

Today on the show, we’re discussing exceptionalism and why this thought isn’t helpful for the growth of your business. You’ll hear how holding tightly to the “but, I’m different!” identity can hinder growth and why it doesn’t excuse or exempt you from the rules of business.

We talk about the different ways you can encounter the “exceptional” feeling and share a few key factors that you should be focusing on as you work toward business growth.

Let it be a relief that the rules of business apply to you too because now you can formulate a game plan to master them. Happy listening!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

How holding onto the “But, I’m different!” identity can prevent you from achieving your full potential.
Why being unique doesn’t excuse or exempt you from the rules of business.
Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?
Different ways people encounter the “exceptional” feeling in business.
What sets entrepreneurship aside from what our culture (currently) cultivates.
Training your brain to focus on developing the relationship with your audience (during the germination stage of business).
Why you should reward yourself for taking consistent steps.
A caveat for your growth strategy.
What happens when we feel uncomfortable with our business's growth.
The importance of focusing on growing your audience.
Why you need to be able to communicate well as a business owner.

JOY : The Sports Bra

HUSTLE: Marvelous Software

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Easy Strategy for Building an Audience

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Building an audience can be daunting and overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re serving your audience and doing some form of good with what you’re selling, then you’re already halfway there!

Today on the And She Spoke Podcast, we’re dissecting an interesting tweet we found about audience-building and simplifying the process for anyone who fears it. From building credibility to sharing your journey, this episode is jam-packed with nuggets of wisdom to help you grow your online presence.

You will hear all about the importance of having a step-by-step process, considering the mechanics of building an audience, sharing the mistakes you’ve made, and much more! We even delve into how AI can be used to your advantage and how you can set yourself apart from a robot.

Key Points From This Episode:

The tweet we want to talk about today and why we feel it’s interesting to discuss.
The importance of considering the mechanics of audience-building.
How you build credibility by sharing mistakes and wins with your audience.
Why a step-by-step audience-building process is useful especially when you’re starting out.
The three points to think about when trying to build an audience: wins, losses, and journey.
How humanizing your work can protect you against the AI uprising and make you unique.
The importance of serving your people and why doing that will grow your audience.
Why you need to read Kevin Kelly’s new book, Excellent Advice for Living.
How the Captions app can help you with your social media content and paid ads.
Why AI is becoming slightly terrifying and how we can use it to our advantage in business.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Rule of One

Sandy & Jeni — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Oftentimes, when people are struggling to succeed in their business, they’ll give in to the temptation to pile on new offers, instead of nurturing their existing offer.

Our mission for this episode is to dispel the myth that you need more than one offer in your business in order to land success.

You don’t want to be the dollar store of online business, but rather hone in on one scalable online offering. This week, we break down the importance of resisting the temptation to offer multiple offers and share the value of having a highly curated business with just one offer.

Tune in to find out where the majority of your attention should lie, how to iterate and optimize your offer, and where to channel the urge to create new things. Simplicity breeds success and this week, you’ll find out why!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why it’s important to resist the temptation to offer multiple products/ services.
The value of having a highly curated business with just one offer.
Why people tend to add new offers, rather than grow their audience with an existing offer.
How to iterate and optimize your single offering.
Where to channel the urge to create new things.
Your primary job as a thought leader, expert, and creator.
How much time you should spend marketing your business and why.
The importance of consistently sticking to a single marketing strategy.
How simplicity creates success.

JOY : Apple AirPods Max

HUSTLE: Free Training: The 11 Things You Must Stop Doing Today To Become a 6-Figure Creator

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

When Your Bank Collapses

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Today on the podcast, we discuss the collapse of the 16th largest bank in America, the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). And who do we bank with, you might ask? SPOILER ALERT: Silicon Valley Bank.

This was the second biggest bank failure in the world and in this exclusive episode, we discuss what happened to SVB and how it is- or was- at the center of the world of start-ups. The collapse of this bank doesn’t only affect the billionaires but also has a major impact on companies and their ability to do payroll.

Join in on our discussion on the SVB run and how it’s impacting the tech start-up world, and more.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

What happened to SVB: the second biggest bank failure in the world.
How Jeni found out about what was happening at SVB.
Why the 13th of March is a significant day for us.
Sandy shares her experience of finding out about what was going on with SVB.
Where we put or transfer our money and the complexity of opening a business account.
How the insurance payout worked (for us).
Mass panic: the shock of how quickly the collapse happened and the role social media played.
Why nothing is certain.
The reasons why SVB was attractive to businesses and [tech] startups.
Why we think the “let them fail” mentality is narrow-minded and naive.
The flip side: the kindness and support seen throughout.
How we are processing or navigating through this event.
The mental health aspect associated with events like this.
Why it is important that you spread your money out to different banks, and diversify!

JOY : Taliesin West

HUSTLE: Free Training: The 11 Things You Must Stop Doing Today To Become a 6-Figure Creator

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The 11 Things You Need to Stop Today to Become a 6-Figure Creator

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:11:00 -0700

Join us for our newest training "The 11 Things You Must Stop Doing Today to Become a Six-Figure Creator" on March 23, 2023 at 10am PDT.
Sign up at andshe.co/11things

Your Blog is Not Your Journal

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700

Blogging about your favorite books or what you did over the weekend is a useful exercise in a personal capacity, but it won’t do any good for your business! Blogging for business is a completely different ballgame and there is a lot of misunderstanding about how it works.

In this episode we are going to share our top pieces of advice on how to create a blog that will help you fulfill your business goals. We cover everything from content pillars and how often to post to how to find your voice and put yourself into the shoes of your readers.

Tune in today to understand why your blog is not your journal and how to use it to serve your business, your audience, and ultimately yourself to the best of your abilities!

Key Points From This Episode:

The difference between blogging about your life and blogging for your business.
What a helpful business blog consists of.
The number of content pillars that we recommend developing for your business.
How often you should (ideally) be producing blog content.
What a blog post is not!
The goal of blogging for business.
Value in adding relevant personal elements to your business blogs.
A reminder that it’s okay to be afraid of putting yourself out there, but it’s worth it.
Why content creation is an extremely important skill to develop regardless of your career.

JOY : Complexionsdance.org

HUSTLE: TESLA (& the ability to watch Youtube while you wait)

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Business is a Marathon (and why that's a good thing)

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Preparing for a marathon is all fun and games but as soon as you have to start training when you aren’t motivated, it can feel like a tedious chore.

In this episode of And She Spoke, we compare launching an online business to running a marathon to help you prepare for success!

Tune in and learn about all the different phases of running a marathon, how that relates to business, and why preparing and staying disciplined is imperative.

We break down what causes women to feel overwhelmed and why you need to maintain perspective in the work that you do. We even discuss how you can reframe your mindset to create the reality you want for yourself before delving into the most important aspects of creating a sustainable business. Finally, we encourage you to reach for your dreams through entrepreneurship.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Online business as non-linear and why it can be difficult to see it as a whole.
Preparing for the process rather than imagining the end result.
Why investment in your online business is necessary.
The power of discipline
How consistent content creation can help you avoid overwhelm.
Why anti-hustle culture isn’t helpful and how overwhelm is sometimes a mindset problem.
The value of maintaining perspective on the meaning of work and labor.
Ways that you can focus on selling while also maintaining your business.
How taking action can help you embody the identity you want to create for yourself.
The real trick to sustainability: do not entertain negative thoughts.

JOY : Mini-Laminating Machine

HUSTLE: Luminaries Coaching program

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Imposter Syndrome

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

For many women in the business and entrepreneurship world, being “diagnosed” with imposter syndrome is a very real and commonly-experienced phenomenon.

But is it something that needs to be diagnosed in the first place?

In this episode, we take a deep dive exploring an article published in the Harvard Business Review entitled, ‘Stop Telling Women They Have Imposter Syndrome.’

As you tune in, you’ll be part of a much larger discussion as we look at powerful (and relatable) excerpts from the article and we talk about why we believe it’s both an internal and external job to neutralize imposter syndrome.

Key Points From This Episode:

A look at the words ‘imposter’ and ‘syndrome.’
A powerful (and relatable) excerpt from the article.
Examples of what it’s like to experience imposter syndrome.
Why we believe it’s both an external and internal job to neutralize imposter syndrome.
Capitalism, based in patriarchy, and its influence on the concept of imposter syndrome.
The importance of understanding the struggle is not all you, society plays a big role too.
What happens, as a woman, when you attain a certain level of success in the business/entrepreneurship world.
Confidence and competence for men and women; they’re not the same.
Self-development, and then what?
Do I have imposter syndrome?
How we can raise our daughters to thrive as businesswomen and entrepreneurs.

JOY : Honomobo.com
HUSTLE: The Luminous Shop

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.
Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships, and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

What If Money Does Make You Happy?

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0800

You know that age-old saying, “Money can’t make you happy?” Well, we don’t think it's true.

During this episode, we delve into five reasons why money does in fact contribute a huge amount to increasing our happiness.

That’s not to say that you can’t be happy without money, or that you need an excessive amount of it, but there’s no doubt money affords us greater levels of choice, safety, influence, capacity, and freedom.

This is one of our all-time favorite topics because our dream is to see more money in the hands of more women so that we can make the world a better place.

Tune in today to hear a very passionate conversation about the correlation between money and happiness!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

We’re busting up the “money doesn’t make you happy” myth.
Examples of how money increases our safety levels.
The amount of money that research has shown enhances happiness.
Choices that money affords people.
The power and influence that comes from having money.
Understanding the concept of misplaced morality.
The benefits of getting money into the hands of more women.
The power of entrepreneurship.
How more money leads to greater capacity.
Types of freedom that are associated with having money.

JOY: Mindliner Markers

HUSTLE: Luminaries Program (Coming soon!)

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform. Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships, and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

How to Build a Burn-Out Free Business

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:58:46 -0800

This episode is intended to help you pause and question what ‘working’ means to you, why you feel like burnout is inevitable, how to define what being your own boss looks like, and the ways in which you can prioritize and maximize rest.

We also reflect on 2022: why it was a difficult year, what the listeners can learn from our experiences, and we’re emphasizing the juxtaposition between hustle and joy (now more than ever).

Plus, you will hear about building boundaries, setting expectations, and taking your power into your own hands. Burnout is not inevitable and it is not part of the ‘building your business’ deal, tune in to hear why!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why you need to define what ‘working’ means to you.
Burnout is not inevitable!
The importance of modeling client boundaries, mindset, and clear-set expectations.
Different types of rest and how they relate to burnout.
How Jeni and Sandy avoid burnout.
Why you should time block and make time for what fills your entrepreneurial/business cup.
Reasons why you need to take time off and prioritize your rest on weekends.
The process of defining what gives and takes away your energy.
How procrastinating is wasting your energy.
‘I don’t know what to do’: why this is an invalid and expired excuse.
Hard/focus work versus hustle work.

JOY : Fiona Franchimon | Haircare | No 1 Hairpin

HUSTLE: Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith- “The 7 Types of Rest That every person needs”

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How to Get Coached

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 06:15:00 -0800

In this week’s episode of And She Spoke, we talk about how to hear and implement advice. We believe there are things you can do to prepare ones-self to hear and successfully implement feedback about your business. Sandy shares about a mindset best suited when preparing to hear advice and those emotions that can hinder one’s willingness to receive guidance.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

How emotions cause us to take action.
The best way to show up to hearing advice; give-it-to-me emotions.
Sandy shares the best emotions to bring along [when preparing to hear advice].
Jeni shares a strategy: emulate before you innovate.
Dead-end emotions and how they hinder your reception of advice.
Do you want to be right? Or do you want results?
Why you should take 24 hours to sit with the advice you’ve been given.
Why business owners need to focus on what they can control.
What to focus on when you want to be successful.
The importance of shifting from a passive to an active mindset.

JOY : When Less Become More by emily Ley

HUSTLE: Get Yourself a business Coach & get eyes on your business!

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How to Green-Light Your Offer

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0800

Before launching your offer, you need to ascertain that it will, in fact, sell. In this episode, we share the five steps of our signature “sleuthing” process to prevent time-wasting and promote money-making. From market size and purchasing power to pain points and value propositions, we talk you through each essential part of the green lighting process.

You’ll hear our take on the value of competition, the distinction between competition and commodification, and the magic of the creator economy.

Tune in for all you need to know about green lighting your offer before taking it to market (and what to do once you’ve given yourself the go-ahead)!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

What it means to green light your offer
Our signature process: sleuthing
Why it’s important to consider the market size
How to approach hyper-specialized offers
The emotional weight of evaluating purchasing power
Clarifying whether your offer solves your quintessential client’s pain point
The value of competition
The distinction between competition and commodification
How to de-commodify your offer
An example of the value proposition in action
The magic of the creator economy
The next step once your offer has the green light

JOY : Paperlike

HUSTLE: Transistor.fm

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

What's Your Visibility Archetype?

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:26:00 -0800

In this episode, we fill you in on our brand new Visibility Archetype Quiz, designed to help you refine your marketing strategies according to your personal archetype.

You’ll learn all about the pros and cons of the six archetypes we’ve identified, and how to use your unique archetypal qualities to your advantage. We reveal our own archetypes and share insight and advice for how to incorporate your archetype into the ways that YOU show up online.

Tune in to learn about the defining qualities of all six archetypes and the best visibility strategies for each. You’ll be amazed at the accuracy of the quiz and the extent to which it will help you authentically extend your reach.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

The purpose of our Visibility Archetype Quiz.
How it will help you to market your business.
The six archetypes we identified.
The shadow side and advantages of the collector archetype.
The advantages of the creator archetype and the risks this archetype is prone to.
Defining qualities of the performer archetype and the best visibility strategies for this archetype.
Characteristics of the Luminary archetype.
Qualities of the rare Explorer archetype and how to use them to your advantage.
Sandy’s experience of the Maverick archetype.
Why picking a fight is a good way to grow an audience.

JOY : FELLOW Stagg EKG Gooseneck Kettle

HUSTLE: Take the Visibility archetype quiz here

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Navigating Long COVID as an Entrepreneur

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:59:21 -0800

Long Covid is a debilitating long-term illness that is affecting the lives of so many people. Today on the And She Spoke Podcast, Jeni shares how she navigated this chronic illness while running the business. She shares how she was medically gaslit, her symptoms, how walking helped her, what medication she used, and the crippling vertigo and vision problems she experienced.

We also discuss how the nature of Jeni’s job and how the flexibility and financial freedom of entrepreneurship saved her during this challenging time. You’ll also learn about some resources and medical professionals that helped her the most. Finally, Jeni leaves us with an important message: advocate for your own health!

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why we want to tell Jeni’s long Covid story.
Jeni tells us about how she got sick before the pandemic shut-down.
Sandy shares the anxiety and fear she felt when Jeni was so sick.
Jeni’s symptoms of Covid and long Covid.
How the long haul Covid community saved Jeni’s life.
Why Jeni has a phobia of being sick and how work distracted her.
The medical gaslighting that happened initially with long haulers.
How entrepreneurship saved Jeni (and her finances) with her long haul Covid.
The many resources that helped Jeni in her recovery.
The importance of advocating for your own health.

JOY & HUSTLE:

Resources:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Business Heresy + Why It Matters

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 06:36:00 -0800

Whenever you are doing something new, different, or unusual in the world, there will be people judging you. And that’s not your business.

When you’re creating something new in the world, rest assured that you’ll hear from your share of critics. Whether it’s about what you’re doing on social media, or with your actual products or services, a negative judgment will eventually come your way. It’s important to remember that the customer's perception is almost always a mirror of what they are personally going through. From doing the internal work to building entrepreneurial emotional intelligence, it is all about handling criticism in a proactive and empowering way. This episode is all about how to respond in a responsible, professional, but self-asserting manner.

Key Points From This Episode:

The importance of honest conversations in business.
Society's views and opinions about female founders.
Why our perception of what is free is flawed because of the ethos of modern capitalism.
Why being right and wrong is subjective.
Why your google search is not free. The price is your data. The price is your privacy.

Joy: Junebug and Darlin
Hustle: Listenbox

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Marketing Predictions for 2023

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 06:38:00 -0800

“Short form video content will continue to be a good way to get your ideas in front of people quickly, but I would not rely on those platforms to make you a dime. You have to fit that tactic into a content larger strategy, which establishes your expertise and is, ultimately, focused on getting people onto your email list.”

From Elon Musk’s disastrous Twitter acquisition to unnerving advancements in artificial intelligence technology, there has been no shortage of bizarre news stories vying for our attention over the past few months. And if there’s one thing 2022 taught us, it’s that we should be prepared for anything (no matter how weird it may be).

Despite not being blessed with the power of premonition, we wanted to spend this episode sharing our marketing predictions for 2023 (along with what we’ll be doing to adapt our marketing strategies for the coming year).

We kick things off by unpacking how the latest developments in AI writing tools are set to disrupt the internet; we examine its strengths and weaknesses before explaining why you’ll still need talented human minds to create copy that sells. Next, Twitter’s uncertain future gets teased apart before we discuss how Instagram Reels, TikToks, and other short-form content should factor into your overall marketing strategy. Finally, we share our thoughts on the influencer economy, why most of us are disillusioned by it, and how it needs to change.

If you’re feeling uncertain about 2023, you are not alone. Join us as we take the time to cover some of our most pressing marketing concerns and why we predict 2023 will be an excellent year for online businesses!

Key Points From This Episode:

Tune in to learn about our marketing predictions for 2023.
Why unique and memorable copywriting will be crucial for entrepreneurs.
How AI writing tools are expected to disrupt online writing.
Why AI writing tools are not (yet) equipped to create copy that connects with your audience.
The crowded nature of online marketing and how to create copy that stands out.
Why your content needs to have a distinct and recognizable point of view.
Why you shouldn’t expect Reels, TikTok, and short-form video content to earn you money.
How short-form video content should factor into your overall strategy.
The current state of the influencer economy and how we expect it to shift in the coming year.
Trends we’ve seen in webinars and why it’s time to shake up the medium.

Joy: Fifteen Ways to Share Your Joke After Twitter Implodes

Hustle: Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How Systems Prevent Burnout

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 27 Dec 2022 06:15:00 -0800

“I think our society and culture has evolved faster than our psychology has evolved, and our emotional capacity to deal with all of this complexity.”

Today on the And She Spoke Podcast, we are giving you our pro tips on what you can do to prevent burnout. In this episode, you’ll hear about how modern life is causing us to live unnaturally (and why that contributes to overwhelm).

We discuss what being overwhelmed feels like, how to remind yourself that the feeling is entirely internal, and how you can overcome it by limiting choices. Our conversation also covers the systems you can put in place to avoid the state of burnout that being overwhelmed can put you in, as well as how decision-making and action-taking can help you. You’ll even hear about some of our favorite practices for tackling and treating feelings of overwhelm.

You need to action your way out of your problems.

If you have ever felt like the feeling of being paralyzingly overwhelmed is going to make you shut down, then this episode is for you!

Key Points From This Episode:

Why overwhelm shows up in business.
How evolution is causing people to gravitate towards simple living.
How overwhelm can lead to decision-making paralysis.
The importance of knowing that overwhelm is internal and not due to external circumstances.
What makes technological advancement unhealthy
Why you need to combat overwhelm by limiting the number of choices you have around you.
How time constraints can bring relief and a reward system for the tasks you have to do.

Resources:

Joy: Bob Wells on YouTube
Hustle: Evernote

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

"List-Love" Launch Debrief

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 08:30:00 -0800

“We know that this list-building strategy works. Where things fall apart most of the time for people that don’t have the results we would expect is because they’re not implementing the strategies.”

Was it a hit or miss? Find out what happened when we launched our List Love Bootcamp experiment! Tune in today to get the full debrief of how this launch went from dreamy concept all the way to "that could have been better" completion, with valuable lessons learned along they way. You won't want to miss it so join us now and let's dive right into uncovering its successes and failures together!

Key Points From This Episode:

Motivation behind the launch of our List-Love program.
How the List-Love program differs from our other programs.
The importance of having a growth mindset when it comes to your business.
Our approach to marketing the List-Love program.
An overview of the structure of the program.
Elements of the program that we most enjoyed.
Responses that we have received since the program went live.
What we would change about the program.
Why we hate making slide decks (and a hilarious TikTok that really resonates with us on this point).

Helpful Links:
Inner Circle Coaching Program
And She Instagram

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Power of One Thriving Woman with Kris Plachy

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 07:34:50 -0800

“The masculine leadership models that all of us have lived under for thousands of years are not working.” - Kris

In this episode of And She Spoke, we talk with CEO coach Kris Plachy. Today’s conversation explores her belief that being able to build teams is a more vital asset today than ever before. You’ll learn why she emphasizes having sound management and leadership practices, and why masculine leadership models just aren’t working as well as they used to.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why being able to build teams is a bigger asset today than ever before.
The role of sound management and leadership practices in retaining a good team.
Why masculine leadership models don’t work as well as they used to.
Striking a balance between collaboration and directive leadership.
The importance of female allies.
Offering value to your team beyond compensation.
Why people-pleasing and people-controlling are two sides of the same coin.
Why Kris believes that emotional resilience is such a huge asset.

Resources

Joy: Women’s Soccer

Hustle: Your brain. The most underutilized performance tool…so take care of it!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Becoming Visible as a Female Creator

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:57:02 -0800

We believe that thriving women create a thriving world. But, toxic power structures, both internal and external, prevent most of us from achieving financial independence.

In this episode of And She Spoke, we talk about the importance of building an audience around your body of work (and not your body). Specifically, we share the values and ideas behind our brand new membership: Visible.

We created Visible for women with big, bold business dreams, but who are struggling with showing up consistently online and are feeling overwhelmed and confused by the process of building a public-facing online business.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why you need to forget everything you’ve been taught about marketing online to get visible
The benefit of not just following the trends in online marketing
Our signature visibility framework
Why we love Kevin Kelly’s 1000 True Fans blog post from a million years ago
Our new And She Co. branding (and how it was influenced by Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgeton-inspired NYC writing apartment)

Resources

Hustle: Following a trend that is relevant to our brand – the 9-grid Instagram feed. Take a look here.

Joy: The new And She Co. branding – check out our new site @ andshe.co

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Where the Hell Have We Been

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 08:03:54 -0800

Big life decisions take time, care, and a whole lot of energy! And as scary as they can be, the best way to overcome the fear of making the “wrong” decision is undoubtedly by taking action.

Back in June, we welcomed the idea of a summer break. What we didn’t anticipate is that it would lead us to take six months off from the podcast.

In this episode, we reveal exactly why our summer break took longer than expected, how big decisions need space and energy, and our relief and excitement for what’s next.

Here’s a sneak peek of what we discuss:

Why we took a break from the And She Spoke podcast for so long
Why making decisions about the future of your business is so challenging and how we got past the inertia
How the pandemic changed our business and the realities of reaching “success”
How we plan to help small businesses and creators build an audience, brand, and body of work in a public space that focuses on their thought leadership instead of what they’re eating for lunch

Resources

Subscribe to the new And She Spoke podcast feed
Join our Visible Membership

Hustle

Lumen – a tiny device you breathe into that helps to track if you’re getting the right amount of protein, fat, and carbs in your diet

Joy

Visualize Value – a clever IG account Jeni likes to follow because it displays visually complex ideas in a simple and clear manner

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

56 Lessons We’ve Learned from DudeBro™ Marketers, Startup-DudeBros™, and Assorted PowerfulMen™

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 02:29:21 -0700

Since starting our company, we’ve had some really interesting conversations about the vast difference between how men and women do things in the business space. Most female business owners we know (including ourselves), for example, actively work on their money mindset, struggle to trust their decisions, and have perfectionist tendencies…

…While the startup DudebrosTM of the world sail through business (and life) like it was made for them.

This obvious discrepancy arises from the way women have been socialized for generations. We’ve been trained to be hesitant about our offerings because the idea of pleasing everyone else, constantly asking for permission, and doubting our own skills and abilities has been reinforced throughout our lives. It’s no mystery that these blocks show up in our businesses too. And it shows in how little female-owned businesses make each year despite their abundance.

Our male counterparts are quite the opposite in their behavior, and after interacting with so many of them as well as paying close attention to business personalities in the media, we’ve come up with a list of “lessons” that we’ve picked up over the years. Some of these insights are extremely liberating, effective, and empowering. And it would actually do us a fair amount of good to be able to inculcate them in how we operate our businesses.

But for the ones we don’t agree with, well, a little bit of humor never hurt anyone.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

Why most women choose people-pleasing over doing what they really want
The importance of taking imperfect action
How women are socialized to believe that their approach is the wrong approach
Healthy humility vs. blind confidence
Believing in the value of your work and how that translates to the clients who need your services
Choosing yourself instead of asking for permission
The avenues available for learning in today’s world

We really enjoyed recording this one because it was a healthy dose of fun along with some truths that we deal with every day as female business owners. If you struggle with feeling confident about your actions and offerings (or are just in the mood for a laugh), this is the perfect episode for you to cozy up and tune in to!

And once you’re done listening, don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and share your thoughts!

This Week’s Joy:

Sandy is absolutely obsessed with her giant new Alocasia macrorrhiza (Giant Taro) plant and its massive leaves! It brings a lot of joy and positivity to her space, and it’s the first thing she checks on when she enters her condo.

This Week’s Hustle:

Our Visibility Crash Course is 8+ years of our online marketing lessons condensed into a 5-day program that will help you amplify your voice as an online creator, show up more authentically in your business, and communicate effectively with the clients who need you. Learn more here!

RESOURCES:

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Value of a Wife – Part II

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 08:54:00 -0700

You know the feeling when you come home, and it’s like you just clocked into your second job?

So many women feel the crushing weight of taking care of everything at home without asking for help from their partners or getting outside assistance.

Why?

Because that help is associated with guilt.

And because they find it difficult to delegate or leave space for other members of the home to contribute, they cultivate a constant feeling of resentment and irritability towards the unpaid domestic and emotional labor that they’re putting in.

But the truth is that these expectations are self-imposed.

And they’re yet another direct and unfair consequence of internalized patriarchy.

Today, we’re revisiting a conversation that we began about three years ago when we published episode 126: The Value Of A Wife. And in this one, we discuss Jeni’s recent step back from trying to take care of her home alone. We get into how opening a dialogue about the situation with her loved ones has made a difference and what she did when she realized that she just couldn’t fold everybody’s socks anymore.

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

An honest recap of Jenni’s thought process when she decided that something needed to change
Why asking for help feels so wrong (and why we need to stop thinking that way)
How treating your home like a second workplace can affect your mental health
Why + how we internalize patriarchal expectations
The domestic labor of decision making
The importance of being intentional with your time, energy, and money

If these feelings resonate with you, we hope that this episode helps you understand that they’re stemming from something large and systemic. You are not alone in your responsibilities, and the people who love you will be more than willing to share the load so that you can take the break you deserve.

And if you enjoyed this episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) so that we can continue the conversation!

This Week’s Joy

Jeni has her eyes glued to shop-tend.com, an online store that sells beautiful vintage nightgowns (albeit all currently sold out) that inspire the free wandering spirit in her.

RESOURCES:

Sofia Garcia and the World of Generative Art

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 31 May 2022 00:32:00 -0700

Web3 has revolutionized the digital art space.

But it’s also a difficult concept to master, especially with all the misinformation floating around.

However, with the right guidance and education, the world of Web3 is super easy to navigate.

That, my friend, is where we come in!

We’re giving you the best possible introduction to this world by roping in an expert who can be a safe, reliable, and knowledgeable guide – Sofia Garcia!

Sofia is a generative art dealer, art curator, and the founder of ARTXCODE and the nonprofit, CodeArt.

Her journey from her first computer class in Miami to her first NFT art show is fascinating. And what began with curiosity and a step in the right direction has evolved into an exciting career in digital art curation.

Sofia is amazing at simplifying the concept of generative art and breaking it down to help people understand how the gears turn.

And in this week’s episode, she’s sharing it all with us!

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

What generative art is, where it came from, and how it’s bought and sold today
NFTs explained like you’re five + how to incorporate them into your business
Sofia’s experience in the digital art world and how it led her to art curation
How selling art in the form of NFTs is more beneficial to artists than physical art
An understanding of how generative art is minted onto the blockchain
The future of generative art (and why it’s getting brighter)
Tons of resources to introduce you to the generative art world

We gained a wealth of knowledge from this conversation. But more than that, Sofia helped humanize the art NFT space with her warmth and genuine passion for the work that she’s doing.

We hope this episode ignites your curiosity and helps you learn more about this sphere of possibility. Get your pen and paper ready because there are some nuggets of gold in this one!

This Week’s Joy:

Sofia loves taking a workout break in the middle of the day with some Hot Yoga and she’s really been enjoying her current routine.

This Week’s Hustle:

The Superhuman email client is a lifesaver for anyone itching to hit inbox zero. It organizes your emails into folders, comes with premade snippets, and has gorgeous UI to top it all off!
Sofia’s big 2022 resolution was to be as organized as possible and she’s been using Monday.com to help her get there! It’s a super-effective way to keep track of the artists she’s working with, the orders she’s receiving, and those currently in progress.

What Creators Need to Know About Web3 and Crypto

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 24 May 2022 08:47:39 -0700

Web3 is upon us.

And if you struggle to understand it, you aren’t alone. In addition to being an extremely male-dominated space, it’s also stuffed to the brim with jargon, all sorts of things we never learned in school, and a heckuva lot of uncertainty. (And what’s up with the cryptobros and apes, really?)

But a few decades ago, people felt the same about the internet. And now, we can’t imagine life without it.

NFTs, cryptocurrency, the blockchain and are the result of the evolution of the internet into something more secure, integrated, and functional. And we can already see the effects on several industries like finance, online events, and digital art.

In this week’s episode, we’re talking more about Web3, cryptocurrency, and why we as creators and business owners need to learn more about this industry.

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

Why crypto will affect how you live, work, and buy in the future no matter what business you’re in
The importance of participating in the Web3 conversation as a female business owner or creator
A foundational understanding of Web3 terms that we hear all the time (blockchain, NFTs, smart contracts, and more!)
How NFT art sales work and why they’re revolutionary for the digital art world
Understanding the difference between hot wallets and cold wallets
Proof of work, proof of stake, and the environmental concerns around Web3 technology
Regulations in the NFT space and why you need to know what you’re getting into as a buyer

(If you’re thinking of clicking away from this episode because it’s not your speed, we’re going to urge you to explore that for a second!)

Since it exists online, the creator economy is going to witness massive waves of change as the influence of Web3 grows. So, as a creator or online business owner, you’ll be impacted either way, so you might as well get a head start.

So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, get your good stationery out, and get ready to take some serious notes as you tune into this episode!

This Week’s Joy:

Jenni has been loving spending her time growing microgreens with her family! It’s a super fun hobby, it’s extremely healthy, and it’s also a great way to cut down food costs because you literally get to eat what you sow.

This Week’s Hustle:

In her quest to learn more about the world of cryptocurrency, Sandy found the true-crime documentary Trust No One: The Hunt For The Crypto King. And in addition to being a very gripping story, it’s a great way to wrap your head around Web3 concepts and how they work.

RESOURCES:

Alexa Miller and the Merging of Art and Science

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 16 May 2022 20:01:00 -0700

Today’s guest has one of the most interesting, thought-provoking, fascinating jobs we’ve ever heard of.

All our lives, we’ve thought of art and medicine as two completely different pillars – one encourages us to think subjectively while the other is more objective and rational.

But, artist-turned-medical educator Alexa Miller proved us so wrong.

And we’re glad she did!

Most of us are in the business of movement. We help people figure out their bodies, improve their health, and even diagnose some basic physical conditions.

And for us to do our jobs in the most effective way possible, Alexa’s unique way of combining art with medicine and diagnosis is game-changing.

Alexa got started on this path over two decades ago, when she went to London to attend art school. She had always been passionate about understanding the human body and researching human resilience and her yearning to learn more about it led her to the Wellcome Trust, an incredible reserve of medical history and images in London.

As she was studying the images, she was struck by how the medical text directed people to look at patients.

As an artist, she was always encouraged to interpret, ponder upon her thoughts, and dissect the different emotions she felt about the works she created and studied.

On the other hand, the medical text encouraged her to make quick decisions. She wasn’t allowed to mull over, dissect, or think critically about what she was seeing.

The experience was so jarring, that it prompted her to consider something she’d never thought about before:

Is it possible to improve medical observation and diagnostic skills through art?

And that question changed her life.

It led her to work with some of the most reputed medical schools and museums in the country; teaching medical learners how to transcend some of the dehumanizing aspects of the hospital culture and use the tools of artists and great diagnosticians to observe, listen to, and co-create health with their patients.

In today’s episode, she’ll be sharing her knowledge so YOU can improve your own work with the human body through art.

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

How Alexa’s own family history prompted her interest in the human body
Why she teaches entire classes around the concept of uncertainty
How she hopes to bring teamwork back into clinical practice
The dire consequences if uncertainty is handled poorly
How she helps physicians speak to their patients each other by getting them to rigorously analyze art
Why it’s important for those who work with human bodies to stop, step back, and think about their diagnosis from different angles
The implications of her teachings on public health

And more!

If you want to experience the human body from a refreshingly new perspective, this episode is for you.

Once you’re done listening, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us the most important thing you learned from today’s episode!

RESOURCES

The Wellcome Trust

Power of Teamwork - Brian Goldman

Section 4

This Week’s Joy:

Alexa has been loving the process of building her garden, even getting 3,000 pounds of dirt delivered to her house for it!

This Week’s Hustle:

Jeni and Alexa met at a Section 4 class and both of them can’t recommend it enough! Section 4 is an online business school aiming to make top-tier business education accessible (and affordable!) to all. That means you feel like you’re sitting in a business class at Wharton with the best minds in the country.

The only difference?

It costs just $83 a month!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Peloton, Promises, and People Pleasing

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 20:01:00 -0700

People pleasing can feel necessary sometimes.

Especially when you’re in the early stages of running a business.

But, when does the urge to please ALL your clients become destructive?

It’s easy to keep your clients happy when you're starting out and your audience is small.

However, as your business grows, it gets trickier.

No matter what you do, there are going to be clients who don’t agree with you.

And sometimes, they won’t just be trolls on the internet.

They’ll be long-term, loyal, paying clients who decide to stop supporting you the minute you make a decision that doesn’t align with their beliefs.

Take Peloton, for instance.

Just a few weeks ago, Peloton announced that they were increasing the prices of their monthly subscription plan by $5 for the first time in seven years.

Now to us as business owners, this decision made perfect sense.

Peloton is struggling to maintain the massive momentum they gained as the pandemic hit in 2020. And higher prices is the most logical way for them to combat their financial struggles.

Plus, the $5 increase also came with a host of brand new features like 500 new monthly classes, 45 new instructors, and 4 new in-built products, just to name a few.

But long-time Peloton fans were NOT happy.

Reactions ranged from “I can’t believe we’re getting punished for buying the bike” to “your new sales strategy is just inconveniencing existing members”.

And suddenly, Peloton was being painted as some evil overlord looking to steal pennies off of their innocent clients.

And while the negative feedback you receive might not be at the same scale as Peloton, it’s important to think critically about client backlash.

How do you deal with long-term clients turning their back on you? How do you respond when constructive feedback crosses over to negativity? And why does this happen in the first place?

Those are just some of of the questions we’re looking to answer in today’s episode.

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

How to deal with criticism when you’re used to staying in the edges
The kind of feedback we’ve received in our own businesses
Why female founders are always judged harshly for ‘daring’ to grow
Our constant battle between leadership and humility
Why opinions should be taken as neutral

And more!

If you’ve been losing sleep over those comments on your latest Instagram post, or want to know how to deal with criticism as it comes, this is the episode for you!

Once you’re done listening, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and talk to us about a few comments that you’ve gotten from clients. How did you deal with them?

RESOURCES

Marvelous.bio

Peloton’s Price Increase Post

The Billion Dollar Loser - Reeves Wiedeman

Copina Tea

This Week’s Joy:

We’re both fans of tea (with Jeni even buying, no lies, 12 whole pounds of it recently) and Copina’s collagen-boosted ones are a godsend for our hair, skin, and nails!

This Week’s Hustle:

If you’ve been as fascinated by the insane rise and fall of WeWork’s Adam Neumann as we are, ‘The Billion Dollar Loser’ by Reeves Wiedeman is the perfect read to get all caught up.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Can You Grow Your Business Without Social Media?

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 11:39:08 -0700

Social media is an excellent (and inexpensive) way to connect with your audience online, share your expertise in your chosen niche, and get some valuable market research in while you’re at it.

So, why are we so reluctant to go all in?

Why do so many business owners have a knee-jerk negative reaction to social media, especially when they don’t mind spending time on it outside of work?

The answer isn’t simple.

Most of us struggle with a deep fear of rejection, judgment, and being dragged by trolls online.

And when we open up our business to them, we’re stepping away from the comfort of private accounts, hidden likes, and approved followers by allowing everyone to have a say on what we do.

As a result, we feel obligated to curate what we share on social media based on what they might like instead of being truthful to our own voices and experiences.

But here’s the thing: Your online presence isn’t meant to cater to everyone.

Instead, it needs to speak to who you are, what your business stands for, and who you serve. You can absolutely be successful by being your authentic self and creating what you want to see more of in the online space.

And if you prefer not using social media at all, you’re still very capable of growing exponentially through other channels!

In this week’s episode, we’re dissecting the relationship business owners have with social media, how to overcome the mindset blocks that stop you from sharing what you want online, and how to make sure negativity doesn’t sabotage the work you’re meant to do!

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

Understanding why so many business owners despise social media
The mindset work you need to do to build your relationship with social media
Dealing with trolling and negativity as a consequence of being provocative online
How to deal with the fear of rejection and judgment online
Growing your business effectively without social media
The importance of knowing your message and what you stand for as a business owner
Our exciting new Visibility Week Challenge!

If you struggle with putting yourself or your brand out there, this episode is perfect to help you gain some perspective on how you can grow your business online—with or without an Instagram account!

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

This week, we’ve been updating our Web3 knowledge with Line Goes Up, a 2 hours and 18 minutes long YouTube video that explains NFTs and crypto from a refreshingly new standpoint!

This Week’s Hustle:

If you’re ready to take charge of your visibility online, take your messaging to the next level, and boost your sales, our FREE 5-Day Visibility Week Challenge is just the thing you need! Sign up now to save your spot.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Elizabeth Holmes and Villainizing Female Ambition

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:01:00 -0700

There’s a thin line between ambition and crime.

But, is that line the same for everyone?

Case in point: men get to be ambitious, driven, even criminal in their pursuit of success and get praised for it. Movies and books that criticize them still have a hint of hero worship (Wolf of Wall Street, anyone?)

But when women dare to do the same? They instantly become the villains of the story.

And when their ambition crosses over to criminal territory, the fall from grace is much harder.

In today’s episode, we discuss Elizabeth Holmes, Anna Sorokin, and The Bad Vegan, and break down how society views women who ‘flew too close to the sun’.

While we don’t have all of the answers just yet, we try to make sense of the double standards in entrepreneurship, the complex relationship we have with women who just want to be successful, and if this kind of public humiliation is the reason we don’t see more openly ambitious female entrepreneurs.

This isn’t a conversation that should be limited to just the two of us! Once you listen to the episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us what you think about women in business and why the world is obsessed with making spectacles of their downfalls!

Here’s what else you can expect in the episode:

Why we’re especially invested in the Elizabeth Holmes’ case
The difference between WeWork and Holmes
The connection between success and needing to feel loved and understood
The relationship between beauty and success
Men’s reaction to Elizabeth Holmes (and what it tells us)

And more!

RESOURCES:

The Dropout (Podcast that covers the Elizabeth Holmes case from A to Z)
The Bad Vegan
Inventing Anna
“Anna Sorokin Talks About Making Art”
Hey Marvelous

This Week’s Joy:

Our joy for you is simple – go watch Inventing Anna and The Bad Vegan on Netflix and listen to The Dropout! Not only are they entertaining and easy to binge, they also give us invaluable insights into the minds of these interesting women.

This Week’s Hustle:

Our hustle this week is to be unapologetically ambitious and audacious. We need more women to act on their ambition than be too scared to take a step forward.

Oh, and read this New York Times article to get informed about Web3 and NFTs!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Why Debt Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 20:01:00 -0700

Show of hands:

How many of you are afraid to start (or scale) your business because you’re afraid of going into debt?

If you have your hand up, we get it.

After all, no one wants to put $5,000 on their credit cards to spend on bags, shoes, or clothing.

So, why would we take that risk for our business?

In today’s And She Spoke episode, we want to break down why that train of thought is deeply flawed.

As women, we’ve let ourselves believe that we must be overly responsible with our money. We can only invest in something if we already have the cash in the bank to back it up. Otherwise, we’ll be seen as frivolous and financially irresponsible.

That fear has holds us back from investing in our futures, taking risks for our careers, and jumping into entrepreneurship headfirst.

And that’s just doing a disservice to our communities.

While not all of us have the financial security and privilege to take on debt, for those of us who can afford to take on debt, it can be a very effective way to jumpstart your business.

Here’s what else you can expect in the episode:

Our personal stories about the finances behind our first businesses
The ‘Death Valley’ analogy and how to apply it to your business
How debt can help you gain the resilience you need to be an entrepreneur
The J Curve and why you should be studying it ASAP
Why you need to surround yourself with people who believe in you
And more!
This episode is here to tell you that if you manage your finances well, debt doesn’t have to be a dirty word.
RESOURCES:
Hey Marvelous
Color Hunt
Inner Circle

This Week’s Joy:

Both of us have been obsessed with Inventing Anna (Jenny even stayed up all night to binge it). In fact, we have so many thoughts about it that we’re going to be recording a special episode dedicated to breaking it down! Stay tuned.

This Week’s Hustle:

Our hustle is the perfect example of how small changes can yield HUGE results.

Both of us took some time out of our day to change the colors on our Google Calendar events page to a palette that we love. We spend our lives on Google Calendar, so to have the screen open up to a beautiful color palette really makes a difference.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Top Online Business Trends In 2022

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:01:00 -0800

Running an online business can be draining.

Especially in a global pandemic.

If you spent most of last year glued to the screen, working 13 hours a day, and wading through digital noise, you aren’t the only one.

2020 and 2021 were not kind to entrepreneurs.

But with a new year comes a fresh perspective.

And one big trend that we stand behind for 2022 is digital minimalism.

Digital minimalism means taking the time to look at how you’re running your business and think, “How can I best deliver to my clients/students?”

The “best” could look like rethinking your offers and seeing if they make sense in the context of your current clientele, clocking how much time you’re spending in front of a screen (and minimizing it), or simply ensuring that you’re making your processes cleaner, simpler, and more accessible for both you and your clients.

As female creators, our instinct is to add as much value as we can, create more and put as much out to the world as possible.

But today, the narrative is different.
Audiences now are all about quality over quantity.

And scaling back your digital elbow grease is one of the easiest ways to execute top-quality services daily!

So, if you want to hear our in-depth takes on the trend (and how you can apply it to your own business), as well as our input on several huge 2022 business trends, this episode is for you!

This is what we’re jumping into for this one:

4 Marvelous-approved trends that’ll make you rethink how you see your online business in 2022
The big content shift: working on creating better, not “more”
What the online teaching model is evolving into
The wonders that effective advertising + your organic content strategy can create
SLOs and how they can essentially save your ad cost
The audio trend (and why it’s not going anywhere)
Exploring the metaverse and Web 3.0
The great rise of the Female Creator Economy

We’re looking at a big year for online businesses (especially the creator economy) and we can’t wait to learn more and explore as we go.

If you’re interested in shaking things up in your own workflows and trying something new and different this year, this is the perfect episode to get started!

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

Jenni’s still enjoying her soothing matcha tea from a lovely Brooklyn-based brand called Kettl (all 4 pounds of it, believe it or not!)

This Week’s Hustle:

And Sandy’s current hustle is her beautiful, brand new Stendig Calendar by Massimo Villegni! She loves the classic monochromatic palette and how the dates always keep her on track.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Barracudas, Airstreams, and Burnout

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 12:03:24 -0800

It’s been a hot minute, hasn’t it?

We know we’ve been gone for a while. But, it’s for a good reason!

Last August, Jeni realized that she was burnt out.

And by burnt out, we don’t mean slightly warm — we mean full-on, Sahara Desert- level fried.

Her basement office was suffocating, she was working 18 hours a day, and to top it all off, had COVID for months.

So, she decided she needed a change.

Change which came in the form of a 25ft Airstream that allowed her to travel the length and breadth of the United States.

And that’s exactly what she did.

But, bouncing from one cellphone tower to another just didn’t guarantee good wifi, making it impossible to film weekly podcast episodes.

So, while our break might’ve been forced, we’re glad we took it. Not only did Jeni get to live out a dream she’s had for years, we also got the chance to take a step back and take life at a slower pace.

In this comeback episode, we’re sitting down for a little coffee-break chat and talking about all the exciting things we’ve been up to.

More importantly, we break down burnout, the side-effects of sprinting 24/7 and how you can cope with it (you don’t have to travel across the country in a van, promise) so you come back even stronger.

On that note, we hope you’re prepared for everything we have in store for And She Spoke! This break has given us some incredible ideas that we’re dying to implement.

Now that we’re back and better than ever, keep an eye out for everything that’s coming your way.

This is what we’re jumping into for this one:

Why Jeni has had a tough time recording the last few And She Spoke episodes
How business owners can set boundaries
The things Sandy and Jeni did to get over their burnout
Why your business should help you build your life instead of becoming your life
Our plans for 2022

And more!

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

Jeni’s joy is an exciting one - swimming with barracudas. She’s loved sharks for as long as she could remember, so this was a dream come true!

This Week’s Hustle:

Our hustle comes from Sandy who cannot recommend The Rode Wireless Mic enough. It’s the only one on the market that actually works!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Rebecca Tracey and Changing Business Models

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:01:00 -0800

If you’ve been following us for a while, you probably know that we’re obsessed with the concept of being a business nomad.

What’s not to love about getting to travel the world while still running your business?

And before Jeni took the plunge and invested in her own Airstream, she had a few entrepreneurs she would follow for travel inspo - people who were living the #campingcarlife and working while going on new adventures every day.

One such entrepreneur was Rebecca Tracey.

The founder of The Uncaged Life, Rebecca works with coaches and solopreneurs in the baby stages of their business to help them get clear on their brand messaging, create packages that sell, and attract lifetime clients.

Though she’s been in the business for a long time (in fact, 2021 is her 10th anniversary!), her model has had to go through some huge changes recently.

Before 2021, over 50% of Rebecca’s total revenue came from two live launches a year, which ran for weeks at a time. Once they wrapped up, she would take a step back and use the downtime to travel and unwind.

While this might seem like a stressful model for some, Rebecca loved it. She loved the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a live launch, and loved the free time she got afterwards.

However, due to several big life changes that happened to her this year (including moving from Toronto to Squamish, BC), Rebecca decided that her live-launch model didn’t make sense for her moving forward. So, she decided to focus on her evergreen programs and offering her clients year-round support.

Switching to such a drastically different model nearly 10 years into your business isn’t easy.

And Rebecca never makes it sound like it is.

In this episode, she candidly talks about WHY she switched models in the first place, how she doesn’t have everything figured out just yet, and why feeling scared in your business is 100% okay.

Here’s what else you can expect in the episode:
Why Rebecca is retiring from her nomad life
How she’s updating her programs for her new model
Her organic marketing tips that ANY business owner can implement
Her experiments with Facebook Ads
What Rebecca’s 2022 is going to look like

If you’ve had to change your business model in the pandemic and feel like you’re not quite sure where the future will take you, this episode might help quell some of those fears!

RESOURCES:

This Week’s Joy:
In memory of her late cattle dog Rhubarb, Rebecca has been obsessed with the Cattle Dog hashtag on Instagram!

This Week’s Hustle:
Rebecca’s hustle is someone you might remember from And She Spoke - Denise Duffield Thomas!
Denise is the epitome of a ‘chill-preneur’ and Rebecca listens to her podcast when her business gets complicated.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Roxanne Francis & Dealing With Burnout

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 19:01:00 -0800

Society is quick to call a high-achieving woman “superwoman”.

With that one word, the world defines your worth by your ability to take care of others.

And because we’ve been socialized to measure our own value according to these metrics, we forget that the superhero cape around our necks suffocates us.

Roxanne Francis, psychotherapist and co-owner of Francis Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, not only dealt with this, but made active steps to transform the narrative around her self worth.

She took herself on a transformative journey of recognizing her needs, choosing self-preservation, and battling burnout. And while it was difficult and guilt-inducing to leave her job in public service, choosing to take care of her own needs was the best decision she could’ve made for herself.

On this week’s episode, she’s chatting about the symptoms of burnout, the narrative around women and perfectionism, and how we need to change the narrative for the next generation of women after us.

This is what we’re jumping into for this one:
What it really means to feel burnt out
Roxanne’s transition from public service to running her own psychotherapy business
Her personal journey with burnout and stress
The symptoms of burnout and the questions you should be asking yourself when you feel it coming
Choosing self-preservation over conditioned altruism
The need for perfection, and the ability to care as metric of worth for women
Maintaining mental health around social media, and the effects of the metaverse
The right to disconnect discourse

If you’re looking for some inspiration, perspective, or just a quick moment to let yourself breathe a little easy, this is the episode for you!

RESOURCES
Roxanne’s Website
Roxanne’s Instagram
Voxer

This Week’s Joy:
Roxanne has been enjoying her share of rest and well-deserved QT with her family- whether that’s snuggling on the couch with her children or treating herself to a glass of wine in the evenings.

This Week’s Hustle:
Roxanne, like many of us, is a Voxer fan. Voxer is a walkie-talkie app that allows you to share your thoughts audibly or through text without a phone number, and keeps the continuity (and productivity) train running smoothly!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Gloria Chou & Making The Big Switch

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:01:00 -0800

Sometimes, you hear a calling you just can’t ignore.

And while it’s daunting to leave behind your life as you know it to follow your instincts, there’s also nothing quite as rewarding.

No one knows that better than this week’s guest Gloria Chou.

Gloria is a US diplomat-turned Public Relations expert whose mission is to help business owners take charge of their own PR, gain traction, and build brand credibility without the friction from go-between agencies.

Over the years, Gloria has helped thousands of businesses carve a space for themselves in premium outlets and publications.

But it wasn’t what she’d set out to do at the start of her career. And when she made the switch to PR , she had to leave a lot behind— her job in bureaucracy, her pension, and her security—just to start over in a completely different industry at the bottom rung of the ladder.

But Gloria believed in her zone of genius. So, she gave it her all. And in this episode, she’s telling us the fascinating story of how it all worked out!

Here’s what we’ve got in store for this one:

Gloria’s drastic transition from diplomat to PR expert
A glimpse at her three-step CPR pitching method and how it came to be
Changing your career and navigating a 0-experience zone
How rejection can quite literally make your career
The discrepancies in PR and cold-calling between men and women
How taking charge of your own PR gets the job done while minimizing friction
Gloria’s thoughts on content creation with relation to PR
Tips from an expert on following up pitches, reaching out to publications, and more!

Gloria’s drive, honesty, and tooth-and-nail attitude is what makes this episode so refreshing.

And if you’re looking to make a switch and follow your heart to do the thing that’s calling you, definitely tune in! This episode might just be the sign you need.

RESOURCES:

Gloria’s Website
Gloria’s Podcast
Gloria’s PR Secrets Masterclass
Gloria’s Instagram

This Week’s Joy:
Gloria is extremely delighted about launching and hosting her very own Small Business PR Podcast! She’s having a wonderful time talking to new guests, and learning how to turn the podcast gears as she goes along!

This Week’s Hustle:
Gloria’s very own PR Secrets Masterclass will up your business’ PR game in under an hour! This is a free 30-minute step-by-step class where she deconstructs a PR outreach email pitch right from the subject line!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Michelle Murphy and the A-Z of Filing Trademarks

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 19:01:00 -0800

In all our years of working with small business owners, we’ve been asked one question over and over again:

How do I get my trademarks in order?

And we 100% understand! Trademarking your intellectual property is important, especially if you want to avoid legal battles and intellectual theft.

Since this is such an important topic, we want to make sure we give you the most accurate and legally sound advice possible.

So, we’re enlisting the help of an expert!

Meet Michelle Murphy, the co-founder of Wilson Murphy Law and The CEO Legal Loft.

Michelle is a small business attorney with a specialization in trademarks. Since opening her own practice in 2019, she’s worked with hundreds of female entrepreneurs to help them file and manage their trademarks and protect themselves legally.

This episode is short, sweet, and chock full of useful information for any new entrepreneur. Michelle breaks down the legal nitty-gritties of running a business in easy-to-understand tid-bits so you can walk away with important knowledge on how to protect yourself for a rainy day!

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

The crazy story of how Michelle became a small business attorney
What every new business owner needs to do to cover their “legal backside”
Michelle’s advice on forming a legal entity before filing for a trademark
Why more and more businesses are filing for trademarks before they launch
The average investment you’d need to make to file a trademark
The difference between copyrights and trademarks
How to navigate the world of international trademarks
What she looks for when she performs legal audits
How TikTok has helped her business

And more!

Once you’re done with the episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us the steps you took to file for your own trademark. Who knows, it might just help a new business owner who’s looking to enter the world for the first time!

RESOURCES

Emilia Van Hauen and the Case for Unruliness

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 19:01:00 -0800

Unruly (adjective): Disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control.

The official dictionary definition of ‘unruly’ isn’t something women usually aspire to be.

All our lives, we’ve been conditioned to believe that being unruly was social suicide - the opposite of how we needed to act if we wanted to be loved by our peers, respected by our colleagues, and cared for by our partners.

But, what if we told you that the world needs unruly women now more than ever?

What if we told you that its balance depended on it?

If you’re confused, you won’t be after you listen to today’s guest, Emilia Van Hauen!

This is Emilia’s second visit to And She Spoke and the last time we chatted, she left us with a quote that we knew had to be explored further:

“I have something to say about unruly women…”

How could we not have her back after that?

According to Emilia, for society to find equilibrium, women need to stop suppressing themselves and start embracing their ‘unruly’ sides.

Now, her definition of unruliness isn’t what you’ll find in a dictionary.

To her, being unruly means not being constrained by the societal norms that dictate what an ‘ideal woman’ should be like.

And by refusing to constrain your creativity, lust, and physical/emotional strength, you can help the world find the balance that it so desperately needs.

After all, the only way we can grow newer, better, more inclusive communities is if we destroy the systems that aren’t working and lean into what makes each one of us unique.

And the best way to do that is to start with yourself.

If you feel like you’re done being told to stand in a corner, let this episode be your motivation to break the glass ceiling, believe in your creativity, and create a new world with your unruliness.

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

Why unruliness is the only cure to the “wicked” world we find ourselves in
How Emilia came to realize that being unruly was her creative calling
The three things women are actively judged on and how to break out of the cycle
How women can move past their fear of judgement and criticism
The importance of building a community of individuals who truly support your work
How unruliness is important if you want to make money in your business
Why you should stop looking for permission to feel what you want to feel

And more!

Once you’re done with the episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us how you’re living an unruly life!

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

Emilia’s biggest joy right now is her puppy Tintin! She’s so happy that she thinks everyone deserves a little furball in their lives, and we couldn’t agree more.

This Week’s Hustle:

Currently Emilia has been loving everything Brené Brown and regularly listens to Esther Perel’s ‘Where We Should Begin’ podcast to help her take her business (and unruliness!) to the next level.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Pricing & The Patriarchy

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 19:01:00 -0800

We often define our limits by what we think we’re capable of.

And for many women in business, structural barriers—both internal and external—play a big role in how we create these fences for ourselves.

For centuries, we’ve been taught that we need to rely on other members of society to make financial decisions for us, and that our value comes from our bodies rather than our minds. This reflects in how much money we think we deserve in exchange for our services.

But, that’s where the beauty of owning our own businesses lies.

Why?

Because we’re the ones in charge. We’re the ones making the calls, setting our prices, and running the show.

In this week’s episode, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of how the prevailing system dictates our money-mindsets as women, why the culture of undercharging is detrimental to the entrepreneurial landscape, and why we should rethink our capabilities with reference to money.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

The difference between your worth and the worth of your programs and offerings
4 subconscious patriarchal beliefs that affect the way we price things
How being a business owner helps you minimize the structural financial barriers
The undercharging-culture, and why it needs to change
Why many women don't even trust themselves with money
The need to understand what your service is worth
What happens when you quit playing the people-pleasing game
Why it’s important to charge honest rates even if you don’t “need” the money

We’ve got some real-talk and super staggering statistics in store for you with this one. And we’re also extremely excited to be unveiling our new project, 8333!

If you’re as interested in seeing a shift in the culture of pricing as we are, you’re going to love this talk. So get comfy, and tune in!

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

Sandy’s current joy is theposterclub.com! It’s a website that features beautiful, eclectic art pieces from artists in Denmark who take inspiration from Scandinavian and minimalist concepts.

This Week’s Hustle:

What’s fueling Jenni’s hustle these days is Seth Godin’s latest blog post,“Superfamous”. It dives into the true purpose of transformative work, and how it’s slowly being marred by the creator’s desire to achieve fame.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Women, Money, and Power

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 20:01:00 -0700

As women and business owners, our relationship with money is complex. We’re constantly challenged by our internalized scarcity mindset, the wage gap, and financial barriers in a system that wasn’t designed to benefit us.

But money, at the end of the day, is a resource at your disposal4. And if you choose to channel it as an agent of power, freedom, and equity, that’s exactly what it’ll bring you!

That’s just one of the exciting concepts we’re discussing in this week’s episode!

In September, a panel of five female founders got together for our annual Thrive Online fireside chat, Women, Money, and Power. We spoke candidly about the power of money and influence, feminist businesses, and finance. And this week’s episode is the complete and unadulterated discussion from that very panel!

We’re extremely proud to present Kelly Diels (Feminist marketing teacher), Emily Howe (Founder of The American Association of Corporate Gender Strategists, Claire Wasserman (Founder of Ladies Get Paid), Naomi Scott Clark (Feminist marketing coach), and Amina AlTai (Leadership and mindfulness coach) as our guests for this episode!

Here’s what you can expect from this one:

Money as an agent of freedom and power
Building an empire versus building power (and sharing it!)
What a “feminist business” really means
Why pushing past our internalized income ceilings is activism
Scarcity and abundance as gendered teachings
Origin stories of some of today’s most influential female-owned movement-building businesses
Defining “influence” and claiming it’s power
Acknowledging your inner power, cultivating a practice of self-trust, and knowing what you’re worth

What makes this episode so special is the honesty with which every panelist brings her own financial experiences to the table. No matter where you are in your own financial journey, you’ll find yourself feeling a little more motivated and well-informed once the headphones come off.

So cozy up, and tune in—this is the only girl-talk you need this week!

RESOURCES

Kelly Diels’

Emily Howe

Claire Wasserman

Naomi Clark

Amina AlTai

Condos, RVs, and Money Mindset

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 17:01:00 -0700

Online business is a blessing.

It’s not like we didn’t already know that (we’ve been in the industry for over a decade after all), but we’ve gained a newfound appreciation for it this past year.

Not only did we have the freedom to take vacations, but we were also able to leverage our online business to grow, earn consistent revenue, and help other incredible entrepreneurs do the same thing.

But on a more personal level, it’s allowed us to make some major purchases that have either brought us joy, made our lives easier, or both, which is exactly what we’ll be discussing in today’s episode (spoiler alert: get ready for conversations about a “work condo” and an airstream)

So, join us as we talk about how online business has helped us fulfill our money-based goals, how spending the big bucks in your personal life can be a fantastic side-hustle opportunity, and how you can reform your mindset around big purchases.

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

How a little money can solve a lot of problems
Why we’re super aware of what are brains are thinking and doing now as opposed to years ago
How online business has enabled us to do so much even in times of chaos
Why our purchases are solid, long-term investments too
Our contrasting money behaviors and why we’re starting to adopt the motto ‘just throw a little money at it!’

So, if you’re on the fence about getting into online business OR about that next big investment, this episode may just be what you need!

Resources:

Hey Marvelous
Hey Marvelous - Instagram
Hey Marvelous - Inner Circle

This Week’s Joys:
Since we’ve just been back from holiday, we thought it would only be fitting to have two joys this week!

Jeni’s joy is, of course, her Airstream. Not only does she love it, but she also loves the subculture around it, with its rallies, clubs, and secret messages.

Sandy’ joy is finally having a reason to purchase her favorite Hilma af Klint paintings! Klint was one of the first artists to do abstract work in the Western world and Sandy has wanted a space that she could furnish with her paintings for a long time.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Bonnie Koo and Defining Wealth For Women

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:01:00 -0700

As female entrepreneurs, we know the challenges that come with a weak money mindset. It takes a lot of trial and error before we can trust ourselves when it comes to our own wealth.

And this week’s guest used to feel no different. But, she managed to stand up, do the deep work and change her relationship with money.

And now, she’s committed to helping women make the same shifts that she did!

Bonnie Koo is a dermatologist-turned-fulltime wealth coach, the founder of Wealthy Mom MD, and author of her upcoming book Defining Wealth For Women: (n.) Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Cash. Her mission is to help female physicians grow and manage their money in a well-informed and confident way.

In this week’s episode, Bonnie gives us a candid take on what she has learned through her role as a wealth coach.

She breaks down why women don’t always have their own back while handling money, the social expectations surrounding wealth for practitioner-based careers, and the fear of judgement that bars many women from celebrating their successes with money.

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s fascinating episode:

Bonnie’s journey from medicine to full-time wealth coaching
A candid discussion on money in the practitioner’s sphere
The “arrival fallacy” concept
What happens when you bring a broke mindset to the table
The motivational triad (and how it applies to making money)
An honest conversation about the state of medical practitioners post-COVID
Women and the current internal narrative around handling wealth
A glimpse at what Bonnie’s book Defining Wealth For Women: (n.) Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Cash is all about!
The entrepreneur VS. practitioner money debate

Bonnie also touches upon her relationship with failure as someone with a Type A personality, discusses her attitude towards money growing up, and breaks down why having a high income doesn’t necessarily mean you have it all figured out.

We enjoyed recording this episode because of how transparent, uninhibited, and realistic Bonnie’s take on things is. She’s not afraid to drop numbers or give you the real picture, which is super refreshing when we’re talking about the $$$.

Tune in with a cup of tea and get ready to take charge of your money mindset!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Bonnie’s current joy makes sure she’s feeling healthy, hydrated, and glamorous at all times - it’s her special TOMO rose gold water bottle! (Those crystals would brighten up anyone’s day!)

This week’s Hustle:

Bonnie believes her book Defining Wealth For Women: (n.) Peace, Purpose, and Plenty of Cash (coming out October 2021!) is extremely helpful for any woman. It’s a fascinating look at the socialization of money, the psychology of women surrounding wealth, and some serious brain-rewiring that we all need today to change the financial narrative.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Katie Hunt and the Pros and Cons of Product-Based Business

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Confession time: we know close to nothing about product-based businesses.

We’ve been in the online space for years and our experience with product businesses has been so tiring that we don’t even have the energy to sell Hey Marvelous T-shirts.

But, as entrepreneurs who love to stay on top of industry trends, we couldn’t help but notice a huge influx of product-based businesses during the pandemic - especially with the rise of TikTok and the resurgence of spaces like DePop and Etsy.

So, it only made sense to dig deeper and dive into the world of physical products with an expert!

In today’s episode, we’re discussing the ins and outs of the business with the incredible Katie Hunt.

Katie is the founder of Proof to Product where she helps coach and mentor entrepreneurs who create physical products. She works with them on business strategy and helps sell their products wholesale so they can get on the shelves of both smaller, independent shops (like that local stationery store you adore), or larger chains (like Target or Walmart).

So, in today’s episode, Katie discusses her own journey from small stationery store owner to business strategist, how the landscape for product-based business has changed over the past ten years, what you need to know if you’re looking to enter the market, and more!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why stronger access to customer feedback is both a blessing and a curse
The one question that you should be asking before you start a product-based business
Comparisons between selling wholesale vs selling via marketing channels like Etsy
The kind of strain manufacturing and inventory has on your profit margins (and how to start paying yourself more)
How to continue to feel passionate about your business when you hit a plateau
The mysteries of TikTok marketing
Why online entrepreneurs shouldn’t jump into the retail space blind

Once you’re done listening to this episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us: do you own a product-based business (or do you sell retail as a part of your online business)? What challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Katie and her family recently returned from a 22-day road trip (ummm, jealous). They traveled to 8 states, went camping, spent time outdoors, and were able to have quality time together as a family without Katie having to worry about her business at all.

The high of the trip is Katie’s biggest joy right now!

This week’s Hustle:

Katie’s hustle is something we love in our business too, the criminally underrated Voxer.

Voxer is a walkie-talkie app that’s fantastic for client coaching calls, connecting with colleagues, and having back and forth, real-time conversations.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Gay Hendricks and Your Zone of Genius

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Today, we’re lucky to have access to the wisdom of several authors, teachers, and coaches who’ve created huge shifts to the entrepreneurial mindset.

But there’s no one quite like Gay Hendricks.

The founder of the Hendricks Institute and the Foundation for Conscious Living, Gay has written more than forty books, coached Wall Street wolves and Hollywood royalty alike.

He’s dedicated nearly 5 decades (!!!) of his life to making waves in the relationship and body-mind transformation sphere.

His journey from Future Teachers Of America workshop-attendee to guesting on Oprah is remarkable. And he’s here to dissect all of that and then some for this week’s episode!

Gay’s work is unprecedented, but he didn’t just have the answers handed to him. He did it all by celebrating his mistakes, asking good questions, and focusing on his sacred mission.

Here’s a gist of what you can expect from this week’s episode:

Acknowledging your zone of genius and investing in its growth
A peek into practical spirituality (ft. some great client experiences!)
The importance of learning how to get your message across in bite-sized chunks
A 2-minute breakdown of his bestseller, The Big Leap
The magic of listening well
A self-appreciation “homework” assignment that we all need to try out ASAP
Gay’s thoughts on balancing your preexisting zone of genius and building a new skillset
The psychology behind the fear of outshining other people
What you can expect from Gay’s exciting new book The Genius Zone
Where “loving your fear” can get you

If you’re ready to maximize your potential, this is your episode! Gay is a genuinely comforting presence with a warm sense of humour and a genuine eagerness to share his lessons with the world. We’re sure you’ll enjoy listening to him as much as we did!

So cozy up, tune in, and get ready to say yes to your genius!

Resources:

The Hendricks Institute Website
The Foundation For Conscious Living Website
The Genius Zone Book Website
Gay’s Instagram

This week’s Joy:

Gay is currently loving his British shorthair cats Greta and Allie who’ve kept him and his wife company throughout the pandemic.

This week’s Hustle:

What helps Gay hustle every day is a simple 10-second tip: asking yourself to experience more and more of your genius. It’s a gentle thought that encourages the universe to bring good things your way!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Jill Johnson and Helping Black-Owned Businesses

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:01:00 -0700

It’s no secret that the world of business is skewed to serve a certain group of people.

If you aren’t a cis white male with an Ivy League degree and an impressive resume, your chances of ‘making it’ in this industry are slim.

And if you’re a Black entrepreneur?

Those chances are close to nonexistent.

Systematic barriers of entry have kept Black entrepreneurs out of the conversation for decades. And while everyone knew of the problem, very few were actively making an effort to help solve it pre-2020.

Well, today’s guest, Jill Johnson, has been tirelessly working towards breaking down their barriers for decades.

Jill is the co-founder and CEO of the Institute for Entrepreneurship Leadership. When she started this business in 2002 with her father, her goal was simple - to help the economic development of minorities through entrepreneurship.

Jill’s parents ran a newspaper publishing business which meant she had several opportunities growing up to interact with small entrepreneurs and see exactly why they struggled to make payroll.

Then, when she got her first job at Goldman Sachs, she was able to come in close contact with people who created tremendous wealth.

That’s when she realized that they were not people who looked like her or anyone in her community.

So, she started her business because she saw that certain groups of people have to face barriers that just shouldn’t exist. She understood that there was infrastructure needed not only to help these groups financially but also to offer them hands-on support so they could succeed as entrepreneurs.

In today’s episode, Jill discusses the various ways she helps Black and minority entrepreneurs, what she feels the biggest barrier to entry really is for POC business owners, and the concept of wealth in the Black community.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How everyone can help minority businesses
The difference between a business owner and an entrepreneur
Why not everyone should start a business (and how it’s totally okay and fulfilling to be an employee!)
How she acknowledges her own privilege and uses it to help other entrepreneurs
The problem with angel investors and diversity

And more!

We could’ve spoken to Jill for hours. Our conversation with her was deep, rich, and entertaining. We’re thankful people like Jill exist and we want more of our And She Spoke community to help out! Check out the link in our Resources to learn more about what Jill does and how you can help.

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Outside of her family and kids, Jill has been finding great joy in walking. To her, there’s nothing better than some good weather, nice music, and a long walk for her to collect her thoughts and recharge.

This week’s Hustle:

Jill’s hustle is a tool we also recommend to everyone we meet - Calendly! Not only is it super easy to navigate, but it also has dramatically reduced the time it takes for us to book meetings. Jill says she can’t run her business(es) without it and we agree!

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Mridu Parikh and Waking Up With a Plan

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 00:01:00 -0700

This week’s guest quite literally puts the pro in productivity!

She’s an official productivity coach, a self-declared recovering perfectionist, and a calendaring enthusiast (more on that later!).

Mridu Parikh is the founder of Life Is Organized, an initiative that teaches women in business to “wake up with a plan”. Her mission is to help them fulfill their demands, set clear boundaries, and eliminate distractions — all while being in control of their intention and attention.

For anyone looking to exchange their burnout for ease, she’s the woman to turn to.

She’s all about using systemization as a tool to achieve the freedom you deserve — while making sure that you’re still getting everything done!

However, her journey from being a client services employee in New York to finally finding her calling as a full-time productivity coach was not without its bumps.

Like many of us, she experienced burnout, felt dissatisfied with the cards handed to her, and tried several career options before she found the path she was destined for (ALL while raising a family!).

In this week’s episode, she takes us through her journey, shares her coaching process, and discusses all things productivity for women.

We’ve got a powerhouse episode this week, and here’s what you can expect:

Mridu’s 4-step strategy to building a productive life
Finding (or customizing) an organization system that works for you
How setting necessary boundaries at work can set you free
Mridu’s take on Inbox Zero and (not) using your email as a to-do list
How calendaring can help register intentionality and give your mind a break
Incorporating the productivity ethos into business tools without constantly being on the job
The need to role-model rest for your kids as a working woman
A classic tip that’ll help you pull through when you’re so stressed that you “just don’t know what to do”

Mridu’s insights are so sharp and relatable that you’ll find yourself reaching for your nearest journal to take notes.

This episode will leave you feeling energetic, optimistic, and prepared to up your productivity game in a matter of minutes. So settle in, and let the inspiration wash over you!

Resources:

Mridu’s Website, Life Is Organized
Mridu’s Podcast, Productivity On Purpose
21 Killer Hacks To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed
Trader Joe’s Hold the Cone
Evernote

This week’s Joy:

Mridu’s sweet tooth led her to her current joy - Trader Joe’s Mini Hold the Cone. It’s her “efficient”, quick, and guilt-free night snack and makes for the perfect treat!

This week’s Hustle:

Mridu is celebrating her 10 year anniversary of using Evernote! It’s the perfect organizational tool and helps her stay on top of everything, from work to her travel plans.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Thrive Online Conference 2021

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:01:00 -0700

We received such amazing feedback for last year’s Thrive Online conference that we knew we had to host one this year too! Tickets are now for sale online for this one-day event on 29 September. We’ll be talking about how to build a lucrative membership model and create a signature offer, as well as hosting a talk by Sadie Nardini on how to stand out on social media, before diving into the topic of building businesses that you love but also feed your bank account. We have invited the same panel along for a talk on Women, Power, and Money: Claire Wasserman, Naomi Clark, and Kelly Diels. Join us for five sessions at 9 a.m. on 29 September, for $27, by booking your ticket today! www.thriveonlineconference.com

Decoding TikTok Marketing

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Social media is constantly evolving.

And keeping up with the trends is challenging for anyone, let alone those of us who actually have a business to run too...

For example, recently, Instagram announced that they wanted creators to focus more on reels than images.

The meaning of this is simple - videos posts will now receive a MUCH heavier algorithm than image-based ones.

When we first heard of this update, we were shocked. Instagram was always, first and foremost, a photo-sharing app, even when it introduced Stories to compete with Snapchat.

But now, it feels like the end of an era. We’re officially entering the zone where TikTok-style marketing is the cheapest and most powerful tool we can have in our arsenal.

But here’s the tiny problem: if you’re a millennial like us, TikTok probably gives you nightmares.

Let’s face it, there’s a lot to dislike about TikTok - most of it is cringy, confusing, and needlessly shallow.

But, we also can’t deny that TikTok is the place to be if you want to market smartly, without creating a huge dent in your bank account.

So, how can we use TikTok in a way that aligns with our values?

Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing in today’s episode!

If TikTok feels like a mangled mess, this episode is for you! We discuss how we feel about TikTok, how we’re planning on using it intentionally (so no pointing and dancing), why we think it’s so addictive, and more!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

What we love and hate about social media in general
The terrifying future of huge tech companies deciding how we should market our business
Why it’s easier than ever to be manipulated by what’s trending
How to be intentional about using TikTok
Why it’s important to put your big girl pants on as an entrepreneur (even if that means doing things you dislike

Once you’re done listening to this episode, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us how you’re planning to use TikTok moving forward!

Resources:

This week’s Joys:

Instead of a hustle this week, we’re bringing you two joys, one for each of us!

Our first joy is a cookbook. ‘Nothing Fancy’ by Alison Roman is exactly what it sounds like - a cookbook full of simple recipes that are super delicious!

Our second joy is underwear. Not just any underwear, but granny panties. ARQ’s high-rise underwear has been the most comfortable thing we’ve put on our bodies this year and we’re happily willing to shell out $300 to buy multiple pairs in every color (please and thank you).

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Christina Scalera and Creating a Great Digital Product

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 00:01:00 -0700

According to Shopify’s CEO, massive growth in the online retail space has arrived 10 years early.

We’ve seen thousands of people turn to the internet to supplement their income, create alternate livelihoods, and survive in this post-pandemic world.

But, going online isn’t easy, especially for those who’ve spent years working in offices, studios, and other brick-and-mortar spaces.

Which is why today, we’re chatting with someone who not only has a successful online shop herself, but who also coaches others on how they can achieve the same success with their own online endeavors - Christina Scalera!

Christina got her start as an in-house trademark lawyer for a private kid’s toy store. Though she dreamed of the job when she was in law school, she found the actual thing to be underwhelming and anti-climactic.

After experiencing a quarter-life crisis, she decided to quit her job to pursue more creative paths and tried everything from yoga to Etsy.

Though none of those paths really worked out, they left her with a lot of valuable experiences. She had to learn how to run a business, start a blog, and even understand how Photoshop worked in those pre-Canva days.

And in the process, she started a business that came full circle - connecting her legal expertise with fellow creative entrepreneurs.

Today, Christina’s The Contract Shop sells contract templates to coaches, designers, photographers, and small entrepreneurs.

And it’s a phenomenon.

In this episode, Christina takes us through how to create a great online shop, her opinion on selling digital downloads vs courses, how to price your services, how to turn your service-based business into an online store, and so much more!

If you’re new to the online space and want some serious inspiration on creating and developing your own store on the internet, this is the episode for you!

Once you’re done listening, find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and tell us: how has your online business changed over the past year?

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

Christina’s concept of ‘de-commerce’ training
How she handles money (and got out of $74,000 of credit card debt)
The biggest reasons why online shops don’t sell
Her advice on how to grow your audience online
How she creates boundaries in her business

And more!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Describing herself as a ‘horse girl’, Christina finds no greater joy than taking her 3 horses out to graze! To her, watching animals in their natural habitat is incredibly therapeutic.

This week’s Hustle:

Christina’s hustle advice always blows people’s minds when they first hear it - only follow 1 or 2 mentors at a time. So, if you’re listening to a business podcast, only listen to 1 or 2 and go ALL in on those. Listen to the podcast from the first episode, take notes, and interact with the hosts if possible.

According to Christina, following only 2 perspectives is much more helpful than the overload of information that comes with following 20.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

7 Reasons Why Your Business Isn’t Making Money

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Sometimes entrepreneurship feels like a constant uphill climb but it is an endeavor that pays off in the long-run: it’s just about staying the course and ensuring that you get the basics right.

In today’s episode, Sandy and Jeni talk about some of the most common reasons why your business is not making as much money as you would like.

You’ll learn more about the strategies and mindset shifts that are required to run a successful online business, starting with why focusing on one great offer (rather than trying to provide something for everyone on the planet) is key to success.

Sandy and Jeni also talk about transitioning from a brick-and-mortar business to the online space, how to determine what you offer, and how to price it.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How, after the excitement of a launch, many entrepreneurs don’t know what the next step is.
Accepting that entrepreneurship involves ups and downs and a long-term commitment.
The problem of getting the timing of your launch or relaunch wrong.
Why it is crucial to keep getting more people onto your email list and into your door.
Building the thing you feel like versus the one that solves a problem for a specific kind of person.
How you can go about figuring out where the need is to ensure product-market fit.
What to look out for when you are not successful in your transition from the off-line to online space.
Why the online world requires you to niche down and be even more specific about your quintessential client.
Determining your price according to the value you bring to your clients/customers.
Examples of the money mindset issues and limiting beliefs that can be holding you back.

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Bargello as a pandemic-friendly hobby.

This week’s Hustle:

How Basecamp can help you streamline project management in your business.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Beating Perfection Paralysis

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Remember when you’d work your tush off just so that you get handed a shiny gold star in front of the whole class?

Yeah, us too.

Our theory is that this behavior is why so many women in business identify as perfectionists today.

When we had a show of hands in our community, there were SO many of you who identified as loud and proud perfectionists.

And, we can definitely relate.

But, perfectionism has a dark side. And that’s what we’ll be exploring in today’s episode. Tune in to learn more about how to reign in your perfectionism and find the courage to fail (with pride).

Here’s what you can expect from this w:

Our own struggles with perfectionism
How the quest for perfection can damage your business
Baby-steps to help you get over wanting to be perfect 24/7
Why we embrace the ‘B minus’ Method
Why the perfectionism you picked up at school and uni might not work in business

Resources:

Seth Godin - Linchpin (and the concept of ‘Ship It’)

This week’s Joy:

It’s the Peloton Bike! (Tune in to hear about Jeni’s newfound love)

This week’s Hustle:

Two words - Inbox. Zero. This week, we finally cleared out our inboxes to zero and are actually surprised by how clean and visible our mailbox looks. Mental peace is an added bonus.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Value of a Wife

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 00:01:00 -0700

On this re-released episode, we talk about a slightly controversial topic, namely, the value of a wife. Lately we’ve read several articles about the benefits for husbands to have a wife at home or at least in a position where she is still primarily responsible for childcare and the emotional labor that takes place in families. As feminists and entrepreneurs, we felt that it was important to invite this conversation into our community because there still is not enough change happening in this area.

Don’t you also need a wife, someone to take care of all the details and homework so that you can focus on your career and on building your business? The first article we’re discussing is “70% of Top Male Earners in the US Have a Spouse Who Stays Home”. Another article we’d like to talk about is titled “What ‘Good’ Dads Get Away With”, which is the other side of the coin. You might have a husband who does a lot more than most husbands and fathers, yet you still find yourself being the primary caretaker and filling in all the gaps in your family’s day-to-day life.

Either way, women are still marginalized by gender roles and these seem to be emphasized when we become mothers. This conversation affects almost all of us and it has to be acknowledged that it is still largely an unequal playing field. Something’s got to change!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Examples of the silent labor we as women do that we’re not always aware of.
How men still have a higher earning capacity in the existing economic structures.
Women’s level of education and ambition take a back seat in modern-day society.
The unequal playing field where men have a different set of opportunities than women.
The double pressure on women to be home with the kids while also doing a job.
Why many women choose to hold back on their own ideals.
The gender pay gap as a root cause of women staying home with the kids.
Drop the Ball and what women can do to change the patterns of unequal burden.
Why women often don’t ask for help.
Buying your way out of these part-time family responsibilities as a possible solution.

And much more!

Resources

70% of Top Male Earners in the US Have a Spouse Who Stays Home
What ‘Good’ Dads Get Away With
Tiffany Dufu's Website
Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less by Tiffany Dufu
Soma System

This week’s Joy:

Soma System, a tool for stressed-out moms.

This week’s Hustle:

70% of Top Male Earners in the US Have a Spouse Who Stays Home and What ‘Good’ Dads Get Away With

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

How to Make Better Decisions

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 00:01:00 -0700

On an average day, we make 35,000 decisions. It can be as simple as deciding what to wear, or what to eat for breakfast, or something a little consequential like deciding to diversify your business revenue streams, or as tense as dealing with conflict.

As entrepreneurs, our power comes from being decisive. Making a decision, following through, and knowing when to pivot.

Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the mindset shifts to help you take the stress out of decision-making.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How decisions affect the way you live and feel
Learning to rely on your intuition
Why there is no such thing as a wrong decision
How to stop spinning out from a place of indecision
The elements of decision-making
Decisions, choice, and victim-mentality
Why grit’s a character-trait

Resources

‘5 ways to make tough decisions faster (and not regret them later)’ by Elizabeth Grace Saunders

This week’s Joy:

Cleo Wade

This week’s Hustle:

Bonnie Christine’s Flourish Planner

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Multiplier Mindset and What Happens When You Feel Confident

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Often, the only thing standing between us and where we want to be, is a crippling lack of confidence.

Now that might sound like a serious problem.

But here’s the good news - in situations like these, only one thing needs fixing.

Our mindset.

In business and in life, the fear of failure and the comfort of familiarity can lock us in, prevent us from facing new challenges and experiencing growth.

This creates a cycle where we never end up trying new things because we don’t have reason to believe that we’d be good at them.

And a mindset like that can quickly lead to stagnation.

On today’s episode, we try to turn this mindset problem around by using the 4 C’s of Dan Sullivan’s Multiplier Mindset framework:

Commitment to do whatever it takes
Courage to do it even when it feels awful and uncomfortable
Capability that comes from acquiring new skills
Confidence that’s the result of having succeeded at what you set out to do.

By changing your mindset, by embracing the discomfort, and by increasing your capability, you can get the job done.

And every time you win, your success automatically gives you the confidence to leap higher next time.

And before you know it,entrepreneurship might become your path to self-actualization.

If we’ve already got you thinking about how 4 steps could possibly turn someone into a different person (it sounds crazy!), tune into today’s podcast on how the Multiplier Mindset made us realize that discomfort is the price of growth.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How courage works in real life and how it’s different from grit
How confidence always stems from a past history of success
The difference between confidence and self-confidence
The importance of being kind and loving to yourself
Tools to unpack the tendency to view ourselves negatively
The need for friends who will call you out when you’re too harsh on yourself
How women use self-deprecation as a safety net in society

Resources

This week’s Joy:

Our joy is a mask from Rais Case that is shaped like a bandana, and has leather ties that take away the hassle of fussy elastic bands!

This week’s Hustle:

Our hustle is Cal Newport’s book titled ‘Digital Minimalism’ that examines how people spend time online and how online tech tools work to hijack people’s attention.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Brig Johnson and Being Your Own Hero

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 00:01:00 -0700

If there’s anyone on this planet who can teach you how to be your own hero, it’s undoubtedly this week’s guest.

She’s extremely candid, optimistic, and one of the most self-assured people we’ve ever met!

Brig Johnson is a full-time life and mindset coach with a mission: helping high-achieving Black women work through their internalized biases, manage their emotions, and unlock their full potential.

After spending 38 years (!!!) in nursing (a job she was extremely good at), Brig decided to pursue coaching full-time, and she’s wearing the entrepreneurial shoes with grace, confidence, and compassion.

But as you can imagine, convincing herself to take the plunge was quite the process.

In this week’s episode, Brig breaks down how she self-coached her way to her big career switch by practicing empathy, being confident in her capability to learn new skills, and creating self-sufficiency.

She also talks about the power that comes with acceptance, her ever-evolving business niche, and the philosophy that finally led her to pull the trigger and make that big, bold career change.

Here’s what you can expect from this week’s episode:

The problem with trying to find fulfillment outside of yourself
Brig’s “year and a half of crazy” as she navigated the idea of coaching full-time
How giving yourself a worrying window can prevent over-controlling
Brig’s refreshing definition of a “high achieving woman”
Combating microaggressions with control (personal change>systemic change)
The importance of managing your energy and why rest is a revolutionary act
Brig’s #1 marketing belief - and what we can take away from it!

Brig brings tons of fun to the table and we had a ball recording this episode! Her insights are super relatable, compel you to work towards having your own back, and urge you to hone the power in your hands.

If you’re looking to make a career switch yourself or just want a healthy dose of inspiration to take control of your narrative, this episode will feed your fire.

So sit back with a cup of tea, and get ready to feel invigorated!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Brig believes in the small wins, and her perpetual joy is her PM ritual - a relaxing bath at the end of the day. It’s her way of treating herself and unwinding.

This week’s Hustle:

Brig’s Oura ring is her favorite business tool right now! Using it to track her heart rate helps her understand her body’s needs and rest effectively.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Sarah K. Peck and Startup Parenting

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Today’s guest is someone we’ve wanted to speak to for years.

In fact, she was one of the first women we knew who not only worked in tech, but also had a thriving career in it. And this was long before we started Marvelous!

So, it goes without saying that Sarah K. Peck is a force of nature.

She’s the founder of Startup Parent — a company that focuses on the narratives we share (and more importantly, those we don’t) about work, parenting, and motherhood. She’s also the host of the award-winning Startup Parent podcast where she chats with incredible women about business and parenting.

And it’s her mission to make parenting easier in the Startup world.

Because here’s the deal: Silicon Valley cannot figure out kids.

Sarah says it herself, and we couldn’t agree more. In the world of startups where everything revolves around the new and cutting edge, children and paternity plans are still treated like unspeakables.

When Sarah first got pregnant years ago, she was the only pregnant female in her startup and things were incredibly tough for her to navigate — she even had to build her own maternity leave from scratch since her company had no infrastructure surrounding it.

All of that led her to the question - Where are the pregnant women in tech?

That’s when she started interviewing other women about their own experiences with startups and parenthood, which is how her podcast came about.

In today’s episode, Sarah talks about her employment history and how she transitioned to entrepreneurship, how she navigated parenting in an uber busy startup environment, the importance of representing diversity of experiences, and so much more!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How she worked with her CEO to build a viable maternity program
How she approaches money (and why she’s always had two jobs)
Why you earning money and resources is a part of activism
Why you should be raising your rates in your business frequently
The difference between bootstrapped companies vs. venture companies

And more!

As a society, we’ve been indoctrinated in a culture where hiding kids and women at home is normal. Which is why we believe talking about our unique challenges as working parents in startups is so important!

Resources

This week’s Joy:

We can relate to both of Sarah’s joys - chocolate and swimming pools. She has to eat chocolate everyday and loves getting into the swimming pool to recollect her thoughts and calm her mind.

This week’s Hustle:

Sarah’s hustle is simple and effective - the Control key on your keyboard. She specifically recommends the CTRL+F keys if you want to find something on a webpage and loves using text replacements as a way to save time.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Debt Mindset

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 00:01:00 -0700

Most of us have been in debt at some point in our lives.

Student loans, home loans, car loans, business loans - debt seems like a normal part of the 21st Century life.

Despite that, debt is still associated with shame.

We’ve been socialized to believe that our debt is something we need to be ashamed of, that there’s something inherently wrong with us if we have to pay off loans.

Which means we treat debt like a dirty secret. And it’s something we never talk about.

Today, we want to break free of those shackles and discuss, demystify, and unpack the concept of debt.

We got the idea for this episode when we were speaking with a client of ours who was in debt from a previous business. It was extremely hard for her to not only bring this up in the first place, but to also continue talking about it.

Why?

Because the mere mention of her debt made her feel inadequate. She was making her debt mean a lot of negative things about her and her capabilities as an entrepreneur.

This is why we want to say something loud and clear:

There is NOTHING wrong with you if you’re in debt.

In fact, you’re not alone.

When you genuinely accept this, you’ll find that your mindset towards debt begins to change.

You’ll start seeing debt for what it is - a neutral concept where you buy money to pay for something of value to you.

That’s all.

Once you make this mindset change, not only will you be happier, but you’ll also have the confidence to make some important decisions that involve parting with your money.

But, we know it isn’t easy to undergo this massive mindset shift.

Which is why in today’s episode, we’re sharing our own experiences with debt, what we learned from having to pay off 6 figures in student loans, why we think debt can be a good thing, and more!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Jeni'ss journey with educational debt and how it informed everything she did
Why you need to look beyond debt to make important decisions for yourself and your business
Why it’s so important for women to unpack their thinking around debt
How to consider value and opportunity cost when you decide if your debt is worth it
The connection between privilege and debt

And so much more!

We believe talking about money and debt is a crucial part of attempting to demystify it. So, we’re taking the first step, but we’d love to keep the conversation going! Find us on Instagram (@heymarvelous) and talk to us about your experiences with debt and what your mindset around it is currently.

Resources

This week’s Joy:

We love a good book, and Women À La Mode by Augustine Blaisdell is a great exploration of feminism in Paris, the conflict between feminism and falling in love, and the difference between American and French life. Reading about feminism through different perspectives is always a huge joy!

This week’s Hustle:

If you’ve been listening to us for long enough, you already know that our business grew exponentially in 2020. And as our business grew, we found that we had to do more high-level work, like managing systems or training employees to handle this new workload.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Sadie Nardini and Stepping Away From The Stereotype

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:01:00 -0700

This week’s guest is a powerhouse with a mohawk - and so much more!

She’s all about owning your creativity, stepping away from the stereotype, and above all else, being true to your authentic self.

Sadie Nardini is an absolute force. She’s the founder of Core Strength Vinyasa (CSV) Yoga and The Yoga Shred, both of which have brought big, beautiful changes to the contemporary yoga game. She was one of the first yogis to take training to YouTube, currently runs the Fit and Fierce Club, and just when you think she can’t get any cooler - she’s also the lead singer of her band Sadie & The Tribe.

But as audacious and spunky as she is, Sadie is no stranger to the world telling you who you should be. Too many female entrepreneurs have had to experience this, but the beauty lies in the way you fight back.

And you can do that by simply showing up to work as yourself.

In this week’s episode, Sadie gets into the nitty-gritty of how she kick-started her career as a fitness creator, her entry into the yoga scene of New York after moving from Seattle, and the exact moment she chose to embrace herself over what she was expected to be as a yogini.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Why you aren’t answerable to haters, and the importance of putting your voice out there
What joyful marketing looks like and how you can make it work for you
Sadie’s two-hour workday(!!!) and how she keeps her creativity intact
How having a lean team can be better than making it all an exhausting one-woman show
The power that comes with building an online empire
How Sadie navigated her business through the pandemic and came out shining
How you can approach social media with creativity and optimism

Sadie is as real as it gets, and that’s just one of the reasons we had such a blast recording this episode. Her honesty, incredible sense of humor, and the grace with which she carries her truth inspire you to “be the mohawk on the inside”, as she puts it.

If you’re feeling a little low on the creativity side and want to be jolted into action, you need this episode! So go grab a snack, and listen away.

Resources

This week’s Joy:

Sadie’s current joy (like many of us) is watching the world finally open up!. She’s looking forward to traveling to Sweden to make music, take a break from wellness, and to explore something new!

This week’s Hustle:

Sadie’s hustle these days is her perspective on digital creation. She urges business owners to refresh their attitude towards building an online presence to “I get to” and not “I have to”. She’s all about posting what you're truly passionate about.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Daisy Onubogu and Breaking Down Systematic Inequality

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0700

It isn’t often that we come across an article that’s eye-opening, mind-blowing, and has us agreeing with every single word.

But, that’s exactly what happened earlier this year.

Back in February, we discovered an amazing article on Medium titled ‘Underrepresented Founders are Merely Collateral Damage’.

After spending 13 minutes reading it (with our jaws hanging open), we immediately reached out to our podcast team.

We knew we HAD to have Daisy Onubogu, the author of the article, on And She Spoke.

And we’re so glad we did.

Daisy works at Backed, a seed-stage fund based in London, and specializes in helping high potential founders at early stages build things that will change the world (or at least make it a better place to live in).

She’s also responsible for Backed’s Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.

And she’s committed to change the unequal world of Venture Capital.

Here’s what she had to say about it in the article:

“I like solving problems, and I also really like the feeling of making people happy, or at least un-sad. So VC’s big old diversity problem was perfect bait; an issue so messy and tangled it had defied solving for so long, and one which if solved would make lots of people un-sad”

See why we had to have her on our show?

Tune into today’s episode to learn more about Daisy’s efforts in understanding, tackling, and changing the diversity issue in VC (aka, the business world’s giant elephant in the room).

She discusses everything from WHO benefits from the VC system (don’t we all know the answer to this one?), WHY our current methods of dealing with the diversity problem aren’t really yielding results, and HOW we can actually move forward.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

+ Why it’s hard to affect change in the VC-world despite best-intentions
+ How capitalism is the root cause of systematic oppression in business
+ What led Daisy to write the Medium Article (and the reaction of her team when she did)
+ The problem with a small group of people (*cough*white men*cough*) given absolute control over resources
+ How the VC system is simply not set up for scalable approaches to diversity

And so much more!

Speaking with Daisy was so incredible because not only is she smart and passionate, but she’s also vulnerable. She admits that she doesn’t have all the answers to this giant systematic problem (and that no one should be expected to), and how we can work towards change anyway.

This is something that affects everyone (even if you think it doesn’t!), which is why we think this is one of our most important episodes yet. So grab those airpods, settle down with a nice cup of tea and get listening!

Resources

This week’s Joy:

Reluctantly, Daisy admits her joy these days is TikTok (hey, it’s our guilty pleasure too!). She likens it to those rare parties where every room feels like its own universe. She learns a lot and laughs more than she expected to during these times.

This week’s Hustle:

One word - Zapier.

Daisy doesn’t particularly enjoy the mundane day-to-day tasks, which is why she gets excited about building automations that’ll take those off of her plate (and give her more time to go on TikTok).

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Tragedy of Future People Pleasing

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 00:01:00 -0700

A silly chat about overalls sparked an important discussion between Jeni and Sandy on the trap of “people pleasing” in work and life.

Women are conditioned to value the thoughts and opinions of others above their own, and this can have negative implications for their happiness, their business’s success, and their willingness to take risks, build wealth, and take on meaningful work.

The hosts know from experience that it is unrealistic to expect everyone to like you and the work you are doing all the time—so in this episode, Sandy and Jeni offer a healthier way to think about criticism, supporters, and success.

Also, if you want to wear overalls, wear them with joy!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

The focus of today’s episode: applying the concept of future people pleasing to your business.
An overview of the ways in which women have been socialized, and the negative impact that this can have on the way we conduct business.
A question to ask yourself, which will help you determine your reasons for doing (or not doing) something.
The tradeoffs that you have to accept as your business grows.
Why everyone should read—and reread—Kevin Kelly’s 1000 True Fans essay.
How you should be thinking about criticism.
You cannot control what other people think and feel about you and your work, so rather focus on what you think and feel.
Some of the tactics commonly used on social media that you should avoid.

Resources

"1000 True Fans" by Kevin Kelly
Marvelous
Marvelous on Instagram and Twitter

This week’s Joy:

Jeni and Sandy share how overalls bring them joy. It symbolizes the importance of letting yourself wear what you want to wear and do what you want to do!

This week’s Hustle:

Kevin Kelly’s essay, “1,000 True Fans” as a timeless guide that helps you think about your body of work.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Superpower of Self-Compassion with Kristin Neff

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 01:33:03 -0700

On today’s show, we have the pleasure of welcoming the woman who pioneered the field of self-compassion research over 20 years ago. Kristin Neff is an associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin’s Department of Educational Psychology.

Kristin explains how gender role socialization has led women to be self-sacrificing and men to suppress their tenderness, Kristin shares how it can benefit us, and everyone around us, to find a balance between the softer and more forceful sides of our nature, to treat ourselves with care, and to live our lives authentically.

She is not afraid of getting personal, and in this episode, Kristin opens up about some of the moments in her own life that have demonstrated the importance of self-compassion. We discuss how self-compassion relates to the MeToo movement, the value of anger, and how we can change the system while working within it.

We hope this episode is as enlightening and inspiring for you as it was for us. Your self-compassion is a superpower; don’t let it go to waste.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Self-compassion; the field of research that Kristin pioneered
Common perceptions of self-compassion, and why this isn’t the full picture.
How gender role socialization creates gender differences with regard to self-compassion.
How self-compassion helps us to be more compassionate towards others.
The link between mindfulness and self-compassion.
Constructive anger versus destructive anger.
Ways to offset society’s distaste for women’s anger.
Your goal should be about opening yourself up, not getting everything right.
What is a “self-compassion break” (and why we should take these regularly)?

Resources

Self Compassion by Kristin Neff
Self Compassion Website
Marvelous
Marvelous on Instagram and Twitter

This week’s Joy:

Kristin shares the joy of vaccination (and the bonus joy of having a teenager that can drive himself around).

This week’s Hustle:

Kristin’s hustle is a practice she developed called a “self-compassion break,” which involves calling in the three components of compassion in an intentional way. First is mindfulness — being aware of what’s happening, being aware that you are hurting, that you are struggling, and kind of validating what you’re going through, then asking yourself what you need. Second is common humanity — remembering that you aren’t alone, that nothing is wrong with you, and that this is part of being human. Finally, kindness — asking yourself, “What would I say to a good friend I care about who’s going through the exact same situation that I’m going through?” and then saying that to yourself.

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Combatting Tech’s Diversity Deficit with Melinda Briana Epler

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 02:00:00 -0700

As we are all aware, there is a vast lack of diversity in the tech industry.

Today’s guest, Melinda Briana Eppler, is trying to change this through her company Change Catalyst.

Melinda started her career as an award-winning documentary filmmaker with a passion for social change. She is now channeling her passion into solving the diversity issue in tech (and tech-adjacent fields) through her work as a strategic advisor to tech companies and startups, venture capital firms, innovation hubs, and governments around the world.

In this episode, you’ll hear about how Melinda left filmmaking for tech, how the tech industry came to be this way, and how we can change it. She explains the challenges and biases embedded within the venture capital model and how underrepresented identities are still being held to much higher standards.

Learn about the importance of hiring outside of your network, what solopreneurs can do to become allies, and practical advice for diversifying your team from the beginning while Melinda also weighs in on what happened at Basecamp.

More than ever, our world is shaped by technology, so it is crucial that technology is envisioned and built from more than one point of view.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

An introduction to Melinda and her business Change Catalyst.
Melinda explains why she chose the tech industry for her work in diversity and inclusion.
Practices and advice for building a diverse team.
How solopreneurs can be allies by incorporating diversity into their supply chains.
Melinda shares her view on the employee exodus that happened at Basecamp.
How the tech industry came to be this way: people hiring people who look like them.
The importance of looking outside of your network.
How these ideas are received in the venture capital and startup worlds.
Why VCs are more likely to diversify their portfolios than diversify within their own firms.
Why people with underrepresented identities are still being held to higher standards.
How the level of bias is more extreme in the tech industry than in other industries.
How Melinda’s passion for motorcycles fits into her brand.

This week’s Joy:
Melinda’s joys are motorcycle riding and nature. She believes getting out into nature is really important.

This week’s Hustle:

Melinda’s hustle is Evernote. She finds Evernote a more convenient and efficient way to write notes compared to paper notebooks.

Resources

Change Catalyst
Evernote
Melinda Briana Epler Podcast
Melinda Briana Epler on Instagram
Melinda Briana Epler on LinkedIn
Melinda Briana Epler on Twitter
Marvelous, our online teaching & coaching platform
Marvelous on Instagram
Marvelous on Twitter

This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Marvelous is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships, and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Marvelous was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Marvelous.

Living in the Space of “and” - Balanced Relationships with Naketa Thigpen

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:22:02 -0700

Selfish. It's a powerful word and a label that many women fear when we focus on our business success or self-care. But why is that?

With her new book, "Selfish," Naketa Thigpen wants to challenge that, "change the conversation, and redefine the terms used to make so many women play small."

Naketa is considered the number one balance and relationship advisor globally, a licensed clinical social worker whose expertise in trauma and psychotherapy has informed the basis of her professional career over the past 25 years. Her company, ThigPro, advises couples on having a happy marriage while also growing a business. One of the keys to success? Women need to work on their relationship with themselves before deepening their relationship with their partners.

In her work, Naketa noticed that when women entrepreneurs focus on their business and start to succeed, their relationship with their partner sometimes suffers.

We dive into why women always seem to be the ones addressing relationship issues and why Naketa only works with brave men who are willing to show up, take responsibility, and do the work.

We also explore how trauma can cause disembodiment and how that can hinder our relationship with ourselves and our partners.

Naketa shares her own experiences with trauma and how she had to build a business while simultaneously dealing with past trauma. She encourages listeners to acknowledge and accept their own trauma stories and to take responsibility for their healing, urging us not to compare and belittle our traumas.

Listen to this fascinating discussion on accepting ourselves as multifaceted individuals and “Living in the space of “And.”

This week’s Joy:
Naketa’s joy comes from those small, deeper connections with family, currently online via video communication. Zooming with her grandbabies brings her joy!

This week’s Hustle:
Naketa shares her formula for joy:

Balance + healthy relationships x intimacy(²).

Listen to the episode for her full formula breakdown!

Resources & Links:

Naketa Thigpen on LinkedIn
Naketa Thigpen on Instagram
Naketa Thigpen on Twitter
ThigPro
ThigPro on LinkedIn
ThigPro on Facebook
ThigPro on Youtube
Marvelous, our online teaching & coaching platform
Selfish

Your Path to Wealth: Is it Blocked?

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 25 May 2021 05:42:53 -0700

Does building wealth simply equate to frugal decision-making? Will foregoing that Starbucks latte really allow you to fully fund your retirement account? What began as an exasperated conversation about the rife scarcity mindset among those of us socialized as women, evolved into a conversation about the history of female oppression and how women are taught to save and shrink, while men are taught to expand, take risks, and make more money.

Why do we see so many conversations, workshops, and courses for women on budgeting and clipping coupons, but so few on building wealth and investing?

In this episode, we explore how the society we live in has shaped our mindsets around making money, saving money, and building wealth.

Women have typically been encouraged to scrimp and save, praised for knowing how to run a household on a shoestring. Being loud is not “good.” Even taking up space is a no-no. And building something big? How dare you.

At the same time, men receive their own limiting beliefs of ‘provider or failure’ (go big or go home).

Women get shamed for “splurging” while men are encouraged to show off that new car from that big deal or promotion.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How our cultures have shaped this behavior.
How through thousands of years of history, women have been financially incapacitated.
It’s not that long since women in the UK, US, and Ireland could not own property or even drink in a bar without a man! (seriously)
How women’s magazines have (even recently) taught us how to look pretty, buy soap, and clean house – not build wealth or businesses.
The cost of constantly being focussed on saving money in business.
How the time spent over-thinking your expenses could be better used to grow your business.
The importance of uncovering subconscious beliefs and normalizing conversations around women and money.
The pitfalls of an “everybody else first” mindset.
The importance of investing in yourself.

Resources

Guardian Article
You can hear our own money stories in episode 130 of our podcast
Flow Hive
Gotta Have That Cute Mug? Act Fast
Marvelous
Marvelous on Instagram

This week’s Joy:

Sandy’s joy is bee-keeping. She spent the last weekend reading what she possibly can about bee-keeping because she wants to have a hive in her yard, which they are allowed to do in Calgary. The usual process of harvesting honey is very messy and takes a lot of work but she found this company called “Flow-hive” which made the process so much easier and less stressful for the bee-keeper and the bees.

This week’s Hustle:

Jeni’s hustle (which could also be a joy) is an article in the New York Times, called “Gotta Have That Cute Mug? Act Fast.” It is all about the cult behavior around “dirt drops.” Basically, there are all these artisanal potters that, during the pandemic, have seen an explosion in their businesses because people became obsessed with hand-made things and pottery. The article showcases some of these potters that have been participating and have seen their business explode in the last year. Jeni thinks this is a hustle because the business model is so fascinating and it’s a really fun way to support artists and local and small businesses.

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This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

The Way of Integrity with Martha Beck

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 19 May 2021 02:19:23 -0700

In this episode, we’re delighted to be interviewing the phenomenal Martha Beck. For those of you who do not know Dr. Martha Beck, she is a New York Times bestselling author, a speaker, and a life coach, with an infectious humor. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey once called her the smartest woman she knows.

Martha is passionate and engaging, and she is well known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality.

Having a son with Downs syndrome caused Martha to really consider what human life was about and set her off on “a lifetime adventure of breaking the rules”.

To quote Martha Beck “Emmerson said Beauty is its own excuse for being, and I decided that joy is the felt equivalent and the only real reason to be here”.

In her new book, “The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self,” Martha explains why integrity, or being in harmony with ourselves is the key to a meaningful and joyful life, which is what we discuss in today’s episode.

Martha perfectly helped us understand integrity beyond a virtue to strive for: “the word Integrity comes from the Latin integer, which means whole or intact, undivided”. We need integrity to function as a whole being. In the same way that an airplane needs to be in structural integrity to fly, we need to be true to ourselves in all situations and with all people to be wholly intact, to be in integrity.

Possibly our favorite part is when Martha life coaches Jeni on navigating climate change activism, so make sure to listen out for that!

We also talk about how social pressure can be a benevolent problem for entrepreneurs – “it’s forcing us to find ourselves”. We delve into what we can learn about mentorship from the hero’s saga, and how committing to your integrity can be a force for social change. Finally, the vital importance of self-care, which Martha sees as radical action.

This is a remarkable interview with a world-renowned sociologist about what you need to do to find your integrity and, with it, a sense of purpose, emotional healing, and a life free of mental suffering, so make sure not to miss this episode!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

An introduction to Martha Beck, from her formal education to her pursuit of joy.
Learn about integrity, which Martha describes as a feeling of being whole or intact.
Hear what Martha has to say about overcoming self-doubt, finding your truth, and then walking your talk.
The idea of being at odds with culture for the sake of individuality rather than conformity.
The different social pressures that men and women experience and how they affect us.
Find out how entrepreneurs are affected by conflicting value systems and social pressure.
What the hero’s saga has to teach us about change and receiving a mentor.
How Martha found her way through conflict when she was pregnant with her son, Adam.
Whether or not integrity coincides with happiness; turning suffering into joy.
How going into your integrity relates to social activism; activating positive, not righteous anger.
Martha emphasizes the idea that self-care in and of itself is radical action.
Why self-help should not be about ‘fixing’ yourself but rather about letting the mess that culture has made of your mind fall away.

Resources

Martha Beck on Twitter
Martha Beck on Instagram
Martha Beck
The Way of Integrity by Martha Beck
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
Tao De Ching by Laozi
Jennifer Barcelos on LinkedIn
Sandy Connery on LinkedIn
Marvelous
Marvelous on Instagram

This week’s Joy:

Pretty much everything in Martha's life brings her joy and talking to other people is certainly a part of it.

This week’s Hustle:

Martha’s hustle is attention without effort - she goes towards what's pulling her and right now (she has no idea why) that's painting — she’s always been doing a lot of art. And she has noticed that “people who just go with their fascination end up creating things that sell well.” According to Martha, “When you are doing something you love in a place you love with the people you love in a way you love, love sells better than hate. So do whatever pulls on you, do it. See what happens.”

Know Your Numbers

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This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Inclusivity and Accessibility in Wellness with Veneé McGee

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 11 May 2021 00:22:44 -0700

On today’s episode, we get together with Veneé McGee to talk about her non-profit, Ebb and Flow Collective, a safe social wellness community whose mission focuses on inclusivity and accessibility for women and non-binary folks searching for spiritual empowerment.

Veneé is a true visionary thought leader in the areas of spirituality, holistic wellness, and mindset.

Veneé shares her difficult upbringing in the foster care system, and how being introduced to ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne gave her a sense of empowerment and agency over her life and decisions that she had never felt before.

We discuss how she grew Ebb and Flow from the ground up, starting with wellness retreats, after identifying a need for more inclusive wellness spaces based on her own experiences of being excluded. Veneé explains how they became a non-profit during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the move was successfully facilitated by ifundwomen. We also dive into how her company is structured; from workshops, meditations, and personal sessions to a thriving, curated marketplace of various practitioners, all to help her clients find and embrace their individual power from within.

We are exceptionally excited about what Veneé has created with Ebb and Flow Collective. We hope you’ll join us for an expansive conversation on the joy of diversity and the power of community!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

An introduction to Veneé McGee, founder of the non-profit Ebb and Flow Collective.
Veneé describes Ebb and Flow’s mission as a sacred and inclusive community that is accessible to all!
Veneé shares the painful challenges of growing up in the foster care system.
The story of Veneé losing her mom and becoming a seeking spirit.
Veneé talks about her Christian upbringing and the revelatory experience of being introduced to The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
How Veneé started her spiritual journey and the spaces and teachers she found along the way.
Why Veneé felt a need for a more inclusive and welcoming space for people like herself.
How Veneé grew a new community organically through wellness retreats.
How Ebb and Flow serves as a curated marketplace to find trusted practitioners who also remain autonomous.
How Veneé utilizes meditation to keep her grounded during the curation process.
The importance of having more diverse tarot readers due to the interpretive nature of the job.
Veneé talks about the structure of Ebb and Flow, how it was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the transition to a non-profit organization.
How becoming a non-profit affected their business structure and how ifundwomen was successfully able to assist in facilitating that transition.
Veneé shares how their memberships work and what is included when you sign up.
The biggest hurdles that Veneé currently faces as an entrepreneur.
Veneé shares what is giving her joy and helping her hustle!

Resources

This week’s Joy:

Veneé’s joy is exercising her privilege to have a choice. She thinks we really take choice for granted and believes she has been given choice. Whether it’s to fight for a black lives matter issue or not, she gets to have a choice on where she can get to spend her energy, which is super empowering to her. And this brings her joy because she has been on the other side of not knowing that she had a choice.

This week’s Hustle:

A hustle or tool that Veneé would like to share with everyone who’s listening is to get a mentor. She believes mentorship is so important, especially when you’re either just starting off or when you’re fixing your business. A mentor, hands down, is so powerful. Veneé has several mentors who give her advice on so many different things which is so helpful. Having mentors has been especially helpful during the times when she wanted to walk away and give up on Ebb and Flow. Because there were those times that, as much as she loves it, she is just human. She was able to call that mentor and share thoughts and things and not feel judged, and feel safe to share that with another human who can just listen and hold that pain for her and ask her what's next and keep her on that path. A good mentor is not just going to let you give up and walk away.

Know Your Numbers

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This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Marvelous Rebrand with Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 05 May 2021 05:00:12 -0700

What’s in a name? Actually, everything.

It’s been a while since you’ve heard just us by ourselves, and this episode is deeply personal to us – we have a big announcement!

We talk about the complexities of deciding a new name and what brought us here. The dizzying ten months navigating trademarks and words, and the sweet relief of making a decision! Plus, the joy of seeing our clients embracing wordplay.

We also talk about niching – we still believe it’s key, but you’ve gotta know when to niche up and out! At some point it’s time to ask yourself – have I got comfortable here?

Finally, we dive a little into our deeper mission of redistributing wealth, and how a new name just fits that vision better. We hope you enjoy it! We think it’s Marvelous.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Namastream is now called Marvelous.
Why rebranding is such a massive undertaking.
The challenge of finding a word to represent and summarize your company.
Why the idea of wonder is important for their company that facilitates online teaching and instruction.
Why the word “marvelous” resonates with Sandy and Jennifer.
Sandy and Jennifer discuss their reasons for rebranding.
How their name change was informed by a decision to grow bigger and be more inclu-sive.
Their name change was partially informed by concerns around cultural appropriation and referencing Sanskrit.
How they’ve wrestled with their mindset around serving a niche market.
How rebranding has helped make their core mission more explicit.
Marvelous’s core mission of redistributing wealth and changing lives.

Resources

WordHippo — https://www.wordhippo.com/
Jennifer Barcelos on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenibarcelos/
Sandy Connery on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-connery-b29b1a18/
Marvelous — https://www.heymarvelous.com/

This week’s Joy:

The joy that comes from making a decision. This idea of making a decision, trusting your intincts and go all in. Don’t doubt. Always know that, you can always make another decision, there is no such thing as a bad decision.

This week’s Hustle:

Go and check out Marvelous.

Know Your Numbers

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This podcast is brought to you by the Marvelous online teaching platform.

Stepping Into Her Power with Jamia Wilson

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:52:10 -0700

Known to many as the "next-generation feminist leader,” today we had the privilege of speaking to Jamia Wilson.

When Jamia was a child and she felt defeated, her mother would ask her what she could do to “step into her power.” By heeding this advice and sharing her mother’s passion for civil rights, Jamia has become renowned as an activist, feminist, storyteller, media maker, and natural-born thought leader.

Over the years she has been the Executive Director and Publisher of Feminist Press at the City University of New York, the Executive Director of Women, Action, and the Media, and the Vice President of Programs at the Women’s Media Centre.

As a storyteller and activist, she talks about how books shaped her views in her youth and the importance of being able to tell one’s story without persecution. As the author of several books for young readers, she speaks about her responsibility to write stories for the next generation, about her work in activism, and her friendship with fellow feminist and activist, Gloria Steinum.

We also discuss the global COVID-19 pandemic and how, in a way, we are all united in this shared experience of suffering, as well as some inspiring thoughts on hope, empathy, and the future. Tune in today!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Jamia talks about what led her to become an author.
The role of books in shaping the minds of the youth and the importance of representing the underrepresented.
Jamia speaks about the influence of her mother on her life and her passion for social justice.
The difference between a response and a reaction, both in activism and in life.
The lessons Jamia learned from investing in a law qualification that she never completed.
How she was influenced by feminist journalist, political activist, and friend, Gloria Steinem
Reflections on the global experience of suffering through COVID-19 and empathy.
She shares her plans for the future; to enjoy some of the simple pleasures she has missed.
Her new role as Vice President and Executive Director at Penguin Random House.
Jamia’s passion for the french language and culture; how this is helping her expand in the business world.

Resources:

This week’s Joy: Jamia’s joy is learning languages, but she stopped when she became busy with work. During the pandemic she started using the extra weekend time she had to start diving back into language and learning French. Shortly after that, she was asked to do a speaking engagement with a French feminist organization and she now has a couple of books that are in French and are getting translated into French.

This week’s Hustle: Jamia’s hustle is the same as her joy. Learning languages is helping her hustle because it's expanding how she’s thinking about her business in the world and allows her to work with people directly in French.

Know Your Numbers

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream online teaching platform.

Namastream is an easy-to-use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.

Finding Your Community and Discovering Where You Truly Belong with Emilia van Hauen

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 00:14:17 -0700

The event of the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way in which many of us interact with each other, including finding a sense of belonging in our communities. Many people are feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed.

Today’s guest is Emilia van Hauen, a Cultural Sociologist, Author, Marketing Expert, and International Keynote Speaker on modern ways of life and social trends.

During our conversation, Emilia sheds light on how communities have changed in modern times, and people now have the freedom to create their own identities and find specific communities where they belong. She also explains how, paradoxically, this freedom creates a sense of pressure for people to succeed, which can have negative consequences. She goes on to explain how COVID-19 has affected our ability to engage in healthy relationships, and how things may be different in the post-pandemic world.

This episode provides fascinating sociological insight for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider (which is apparently 99.5% of people), so don’t miss it!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

The prevalence of people feeling disconnected from their communities in today’s world.
How being an outsider can be a positive thing.
How society is moving away from the ‘bound communities’ that we are born into.
How COVID-19 and living life online has affected one’s sense of community.
The importance of good relationships in living a happy and healthy life.
How relationships have been affected by the physical distance created by COVID-19.
How relationships and communities may be different after the pandemic.
Thoughts on whether or not the trend of digital nomadism will affect one’s sense of community going forward.
How a sense of belonging, or being ‘owned’, is often more important than a glamorized sense of freedom.
Being in a relationship and being independent doesn’t have to be contradictory.

Resources:

Emilia van Hauen
Emilia van Hauen on LinkedIn
Emilia van Hauen on Twitter
Emilia van Hauen on Instagram
The Harvard Study of Adult Development, a Ted Talk
Jeni Barcelos on LinkedIn
Sandy Connery on LinkedIn
Namastream
Namastream on Instagram

This week’s Joy:

Emilia’s joy is a symbolic dragon sculpture which she bought not only because of “Game of Thrones” but also because of a conversation she had with a friend of hers about dragons — that they are free, creative, and strong. She shares that the normal story we hear about dragons is that they have to be killed by a prince in order to save the princess from the tower. But what we need to understand is that instead of killing the dragon, we have to tame it and then we take flight with it. Every time she meets a problem, she thinks about it as a dragon that she needs to tame and it can take her on a flight.

This week’s Hustle:

Emilia’s hustle is watching a lot of TV series because they tell a lot of stories about different people — about how we live and how we live together. By watching a lot of stories, she is able to understand all kinds and ways of living together, and it’s fun, too!

Know Your Numbers

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream online teaching platform.

When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes with Elizabeth Lesser

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 01:32:25 -0700

Speaking up is a superpower, and more women need to be heard. At least that is what today’s

guest, Elizabeth Lesser believes.

Elizabeth is a bestselling author and the CoFounder of Omega Institute, the renowned conference and retreat center located in Rhinebeck, New York.

Her latest book, “Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes,” reveals how humanity has outgrown its origin tales and hero myths, and empowers women to trust their instincts, find their voice, and tell new guiding stories.

Elizabeth’s work with the Omega Institute is recognized internationally for their workshops and conferences in wellness, business, spirituality, creativity, and social change. She has given two popular TED Talks and is one of Oprah’s Super Soul 100, a collection of 100 leaders who are using their voices and talent to elevate humanity.

In this episode, Elizabeth digs into women, voices, stories, and power. She also shares some personal stories, so make sure to stick around until the end to hear her hustle, where she shares a new technique for meditation. Tune in today!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Elizabeth provides an introduction to who she is and what she does.
Learn more about her book, Cassandra Speaks, the ancient Greek story of Cassandra.
How money and power are stacked against women, especially advocates.
While the most emotionally wrought stories wake you up, sometimes they make you feel as if your own story isn’t so bad.
The different superpower that Elizabeth wants women to uncover; to be heard.
The value of a cofounder relationship that both balances you and acts like a launchpad.
Why history told through the lens of men frames women as scapegoats for evil and tragedy.
What it would look like for humanity if women had contributed to our theories and stories.
Elizabeth’s opinion on the progress being made in electing diverse representation; how history looks forward, not backward.
The importance of finding your voice, using it, and knowing when to push and when to love.
Whether or not Elizabeth considers herself ambitious, and the shadow side of ambition.
Why women often don’t claim the words ‘ambition’ and ‘power’; it’s about redefining them!
Elizabeth shares a few words about imposter syndrome and how to work through it.
Hear how Elizabeth believes women are infiltrating the way the world does business.
The importance of staying open, soft, and kind, and having your own back.

Resources:

Elizabeth Lesser on Twitter
Elizabeth Lesser on Instagram
Elizabeth Lesser
Omega Institute
Cassandra Speaks by Elizabeth Lesser
Women & Power Conference 2021
The Tending Instinct
Jennifer Barcelos on LinkedIn
Sandy Connery on LinkedIn
And She Spoke Podcast
Namastream
Namastream on Instagram

This week’s Joy:

Elizabeth's joy is spending time with her grandchildren and says to make your joy free, simple, and available.

This week’s Hustle:
Elizabeth's Hustle is her new meditation that she came up with, it's called the 'Do No Harm, But Take No Shit' meditation and she explains the name behind it and how to do it.

At the Intersection of Personal Development and Personal Finance with Naomi Clark

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 02:33:45 -0700

In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Naomi Clark, who is a Feminist Financial Consultant and Coach.

Naomi partners with women to help them thrive financially by creating cashflow strategies that support their values and lifetime goals.

What stands out about this conversation is Naomi’s belief that the major reasons women struggle with making confident financial decisions are the patriarchy and debt-shaming culture, two oppressive systems designed to keep women feeling unprepared, doubtful, and distracted when it comes to their money.

Naomi likes to say that you can find her at the intersection of personal development and personal finance and, in this episode, she shares her passion for helping women truly tap into their internal sources of power.

Tuning in, you’ll find out why Naomi believes that the world is a better place when justice-informed women have more money and power, why money means nothing until you spend it, and how you can use debt as a tool to leverage.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Naomi shares what it means to be a Feminist Financial Consultant and Coach.
Why it’s important to focus on your internal power rather than just your external power.
Leveraging the resources at your disposal and learning how to spend your privilege.
Having the audacity to believe we’re deserving of wealth and power; Naomi’s experience as a woman of color in the US.
How Naomi helps women build confidence around their finances, starting with the numbers.
Money means nothing until you spend it; spending towards a life that you cherish.
Learn Naomi’s perspective on debt-shaming: there’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” debt.
The importance of looking at your financial picture in a holistic manner.
How to use debt as leverage; expenses can also be investments.
Understanding that debt is weaponized to the benefit of some and the detriment of others.

Resources:

Naomi Clark on Instagram
Naomi Clark
The Outspoken Girlfriend Podcast
Zapier
Jennifer Barcelos on LinkedIn
Sandy Connery on LinkedIn

This week’s Joy: Every day, Naomi finds something that will bring her joy but she loves to start her day by putting on her red lipstick and loves having a good hot cup of coffee, these simple pleasures, no matter what’s happening in the world, that’s what brings her joy.

This week’s Hustle: Naomi uses Zapier to help her with running her business as a solopreneur.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream online teaching software.

One Year Into the Pandemic

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 02:26:48 -0700

Officially one year into the coronavirus pandemic, we are reflecting on how it has impacted our personal lives and the business we are building.

Tuning in, you’ll find out how our team has grown and the challenges of scaling during a pandemic, what we have learned about navigating change, and what we are looking forward to in 2021.

We also share our approach to growing our business ethically and responsibly, the reasons behind restructuring our offerings and creating new programs, and why spending $100,000 on coaching was a worthwhile investment as well as our biggest takeaways from 2020—what we’d do again and what we’d do differently.

Listen in to find out more!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Before and after March 13, 2020; how the business and coaching platform has grown.
Learn more about bootstrapping versus building a company that is funded.
Hear about the successes of online format for the Thrive Online 2020 conference.
Find out about the timeline of the development of the And She Spoke Podcast website.
In addition to adding to our lives, we also went through a process of letting go; how it has allowed us to fully commit.
The importance of being humans and friends before being business partners.
Sandy’s big takeaway from 2020: the ability to do things when not fully trained or prepared.
Jeni’s lesson from 2020: the strength and perseverance of her team in the face of adversity.
The value of being willing to fail; if nothing else, you’ll have a great story to tell!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Sandy finds the book “The Art of Feminism: Images that Shaped the Fight for Equality 1815-2017 By Helena Reckitt” so gorgeously created which shows remarkable artworks and touching stories of women.

This week’s Hustle:

Jeni and Sandy are evangelists with paper notebooks but using the GoodNotes app on iPad which allows you to take notes, as well as search and share handwritten notes is ‘crazy and wild’.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream online teaching platform

Cathy O’Dowd: Climbing to the Top with Teamwork

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 02:12:00 -0800

Today’s guest is South African mountaineer Cathy O’Dowd, the first woman to climb Mount Everest from both sides.

Her many Himalayan expeditions have provided her with extensive experience with individuals and teams, facing stress, risk, and overwhelming challenge.

Pre-COVID, she shared insights with corporate audiences all over the world through story-driven expedition case studies.

Post-COVID, she has had to shift her business online like many of us and is grateful that she lives in Andorra in the Pyrenees Mountains, where she can hike every day and run her business from her phone on the side of a mountain.

In this candid interview, Cathy shares some of her silver linings from the pandemic, what led her to become a mountain climber, and some of the tragic circumstances of her first Everest expedition.

Tuning in, you’ll find out why she believes in teamwork over the competition, opportunities over achievements, and lifestyle over the business.

All this and more in today’s episode, so don’t miss it!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How Cathy's career as an inspirational speaker has been affected by COVID.
What led her to become a mountaineer after discovering rock climbing as a teenager.
How she came to climb Everest at 27-years-old and the circumstances of that expedition.
Cathy explains why she identifies as curious rather than strictly ambitious.
What she learned about teamwork and competition climbing Everest when so much of what happened was beyond her control.
A time when Cathy had to overcome a great deal of fear: working through public failure.
The value of building skills and confidence through experiences rather than building success through achievements.
Cathy’s advice for new entrepreneurs: be open to unexpected opportunities along the way.
Running a lifestyle, not a business; knowing her value and owning her definition of success.
Bringing her feminine energy to a goal-oriented and money-driven patriarchal world.

Resources:

Cathy O’Dowd on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube
Cathy O’Dowd
Just For the Love of It by Cathy O'Dowd
Namastream

This week’s Joy: The discovery of joy brought by walking just two kilometers outside the house and watching flowers bloom which she overlooked before because she was busy on the bigger picture.

This week’s Hustle: Setting up a whole home office that is fully accessible from her phone. She loves the fact that she can go to the mountains and still closely monitor her emails and clients using her phone.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform.

Finding Your Voice in Virtual Spaces with Casey Erin Clark and Julie Fogh

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 04:05:52 -0800

Today's guests are Casey Erin Clark and Julie Fogh, the Founders of Vital Voice Training, a voice, and communication company that recognizes that your voice is a powerful tool for connection and expression.

As trained actors and voice and speech coaches, Casey and Julie understand that real communication happens when your voice is grounded in who you are.

We touch on the importance of communicating and teaching rules of engagement, particularly in a virtual space where they aren’t so obvious. In-person meetings are not perfect either, so accepting these virtual spaces for what they are can help us feel okay in them.

Our voices are a marker of who we are.

It is not about talking the loudest or the most, it is about using your voice in a way that is truest to you.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

What Vital Voice Training does and the impetus to start the company.
How the pandemic affected Vital Voice’s business and the meaningful pivot they made
Four ways of perceiving the body and the importance of cultivating a connection to our bodies.
There is so much room for creativity on Zoom with all the tools available.
The difficulty of not being able to easily switch roles when we work from home.
Our bodies and spirits are not meant to deal with this level of uncertainty.
Balancing the humility of listening and the power of sharing your voice.
Why we need to expand our definitions of power and confidence.
The difference between feedback that men and women receive in the workplace.
Defining functional authenticity and why it is important to have this expanded definition.
Why it is so difficult to be authentic on social media where we can curate what we share.
You can be authentic and intentional; it doesn’t have to be one or the other.

This week’s Joy:

For Casey, Tuesday Night Happy Hours with her girlfriends is her weekly Therapy.

For Julie, her 13-mile walk once a week gives her a childlike feeling that brings so much Joy.

This week’s Hustle:

Taking Breaks For Casey, as a Type A perfectionist, intentionally builds in time for creativity and makes her outputs better.

Using the Pomodoro Technique for Julie is critical for her to do and has been very helpful in focusing and getting things done.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform.

Coming Together to Be Chronically You with Nitika Chopra

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 01:03:47 -0800

Those suffering from chronic conditions deserve normalcy, advocacy, and empowerment!

We had an illuminating conversation on this episode of "And She Spoke" with Nitika Chopra, the founder of Chronicon, a media and events company dedicated to elevating those who live with chronic illness.

There are so many misunderstandings around chronic health conditions. Through her journey with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, Nitika has found power and meaning without being defined by the work day's rules.

Since then, Nitika has expanded her business with a talk show, partnerships in the wellness space. Since COVID-19, she has successfully transitioned Chronicon into an online community experience filled with inspiration, advocacy, and support.

We talk about normalizing chronic pain in the workplace, overcoming uncertainty, and how she shifts the non-profit/for-profit paradigm.

We invite you to listen, learn, and join in the conversation!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Her main revenue streams, including brand partnerships and spokesperson work
How Nitika manages her time so efficiently as someone with a chronic illness
Nitika explains that she wants to normalize chronic pain; you are not alone!
Moments in Nitika's entrepreneurial journey where she has questioned her decisions
How to get comfortable with uncertainty in life and turning that into growth
What Nitika has learned from going digital with her business
Marketing her membership: How Nikita attracts new members to Chronicon
The challenges that come with building a model that helps people while profiting from it

Resources:

Nitika Chopra

Chronicon

Chronicon on Instagram

Resistance Revival Chorus on Instagram

This Joy

The Secrets of Successful Women by Nitika Chopra

This week’s Joy:

Music! From singing her whole life, and currently, with the Resistance Revival Chorus, Nikita engages with music as a healing modality throughout her day!

This week’s Hustle:

"The Secrets of Successful Women." For Nikita, listening to this audiobook has been eye-opening about overcoming imposter syndrome, especially as a woman of color.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform.

The Ways Visionary Leaders Can Play Bigger with Nancy Giordano

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:12:25 -0800

Described as endlessly optimistic, Nancy Giordano is a strategic futurist, global keynote speaker, corporate strategist, and gatherer, with a drive to help enterprise organizations and visionary leaders transform to meet the escalating expectations ahead.

Recognized as one of the top female futurists, Nancy is the co-founder of the Femme Futurists Society.

Concerned about applying an outdated, industrial approach to an exponential 21st Century world, she is currently launching her first book, titled Leadering: The Ways Visionary Leaders Play Bigger, which defines and encourages the dynamic, inclusive, and audacious mindset leaders must cultivate in order to build the safe, inclusive, and thriving future that we all want.

“Each of us, from [whatever] space we are [in], have a place that we can contribute and we can create for the future that we want to build.” — Nancy Giordano

In this episode, Nancy shares her vision for the future, and why each and every person has a role in creating it, from individual and solopreneuer to corporate CEO.

Tuning in, you’ll find out more about her career trajectory, what the term ‘leadering’ actually means, and how to prepare for what the future needs and expects of you.

You will also learn about the importance of shifting from a culture of winning to one of caring and why Nancy believes there is too much pressure on the youth to change the world. Tune in today!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

The role of ethicists in large companies and teams working with futurists like Nancy.
It’s not about building a utopia; Nancy explains the practical applications of a futurist vision.
How small businesses and solopreneurs can adopt this kind of thinking.
How to prepare for what the future needs and expects from us.
Why short-term thinking is the biggest enemy of long-term success.
The value of shifting from an orientation of winning to one of caring.
Nancy’s perspective on the climate and mental health crises.
How the narrative needs to shift in order to realize the opportunity we have to build the future we want to build.

Resources:

This week’s Joy: I have a ritual to watch the sunset for 30mins every day. A place of gratitude for all the things that are working well and thinking about the people in my life I love, and then as the sun goes down over the horizon I ask it to take whatever I’m holding as a negative with it as it sets. And that restores me for the next day. It’s a sanity saver and has worked really well.

This week’s Hustle: Constant learning. Invest into your own learning and curiosity so that it doesn’t feel so scary.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform.

A Money Mindset Makeover with Amina AlTai

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 03:26:11 -0800

Reimagining our relationship with money takes feeling WORTHY about ourselves, first.

Out of all the core limiting beliefs we face as wellness professionals and entrepreneurs, the relationship we have around money and success can be a BIG one…

...And yet, when our lives feel upended by burnout and overwhelm, it can be hard to capture that worth, and our health can suffer as a result. It takes a BOLD reimagining of ourselves and our business to show up authentically and find NEW solutions for our problems.

On this episode of "And She Spoke," we have a fantastic conversation with Amina AlTai — who you may recognize from our Thrive Online 2020 Conference panel: "Feminist Reimaginings of Money and Power." This enlightening chat reveals Amina's journey from burnout with two autoimmune conditions and battling imposter syndrome to discovering balance and mindfulness, and a new mission to help others achieve balance in career, body, and mind.

We explore topics of worthiness, analog solutions for digital problems, and how we can do what we love and make money doing it — without feeling like an imposter in our own spaces and bodies!

This is a great way to start your 2021 – financial success mindset! Listen in and join the conversation!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

We delve into Amina's background and work in corporate wellness
Where she developed her money mindset curriculum and the influence of Steven Cope
Addressing your core limiting beliefs and money mindset work
How doing what you love leads you to your best money-making ventures
Learn how Amina defines boundaries for herself by making a list of her "tolerations"
Feeling worthy of wealth or having a surplus of money
How to show up on social media authentically and avoid toxic positivity
Navigating the digital/analog world and creating boundaries around technology
How Amina has struggled with her imposter syndrome as a woman of color.
And so much more!

Resources:

This week’s Joy: Silent retreats at home. For 2 days, Amina remained utterly silent, reading spiritual texts and getting back in touch with herself. This is a great way to establish boundaries for ourselves and switch off for a little bit.

This week’s Hustle: Amina's new worksheet on Overcoming Overwhelm. Looking at a 3 step process on how to look at being overwhelmed and how to deal with those things: what we tolerate, what structures we need in place, and the support we need moving forward!

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Overcoming Doubts with Kara Goldin

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 01:13:01 -0800

Overcoming doubt (and the doubters) in our lives is difficult but necessary if we want to succeed.

When those conversations around what it takes to boldly push through difficulties are shrouded in mystery -- we can end up stopping our ambitions before they even start.

But through the power of telling OUR stories, we can find strength in one another and empower people to reconsider their doubts. Because for business owners, success is rarely a straight line.

On this episode of “And She Spoke,” we have a fantastic conversation with a true disruptor in the world of beverages, Kara Goldin, the founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for the award-winning Hint water. She’s also the author of a new book, “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubt and Doubters.”

Starting in the world of tech, Kara made a bold decision as a mother of three (and soon to be four!) to strike out on her own and found a consumer product brand dedicated to health and wellness. How and why she started Hint will surprise you, and we’ll discuss changing minds as a female entrepreneur, how overcoming doubt is possible, and entrepreneurship as social change.

This was very exciting to speak with someone outside the digital space of business, and we gained some incredible insights. Give it a listen, and join in the conversation!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Side-hustling (before that was even a thing) with 3 kids and 1 on the way!
How thinking about her health led her to start her business
The moment she adopted her entrepreneur mindset
How she gains strength from her customers and helping her overcome doubt
The phenomenon of female entrepreneurs as a social change element
Why social change became an organic part of what she does
How her leadership style was tested during a pandemic
And so much more!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:
The joy this week is Kara’s two labradors! She’s appreciated the care they bring her and all the fun, too.

This week’s Hustle:
People ask all the time how to find a mentor... But Kara believes you can find one through reading and listening to podcasts! For her, mentorship is not necessarily defined by a single person but within what brings you strength and insights every day.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Regaining Trust in our Bodies with Lauren Geertsen

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:46:21 -0800

So many women have a fraught relationship with their body… but there IS a way back!

Rebuilding that trust takes time and a unique guide to unpack the internalized beliefs that place us at war with ourselves and fighting the perceptions generated from the beauty industry and broader culture.

Even in an era of “self-care,” an important question lingers: Are we just buying into the same false story over and over again?

On this episode of “And She Spoke,” we speak with Lauren Geertsen, author of a new book, “The Invisible Corset,” a modern guide to empower women through regaining trust in their bodies. She believes that by healing themselves, women can heal their families and the world.

In this engrossing conversation, we frankly discuss how self-healing opened her eyes to the flaws of modern medicine. We also reflect on the systemic barriers that still exist in our world and how each of us can enable true change, no matter who we are!

Hear more of this powerful conversation and join us!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

• What leads women to hate and distrust their body: including fears from Western medicine and the beauty industry.

• How an abundant mindset and a sense of playfulness grew Lauren’s blog.

• Lauren’s book-writing journey and the long road it took to get it published.

• Why women are so distrustful of their bodies and try to fight and control them.

• Lauren’s experiences as a 9-year-old and how this shaped her body image.

• The need to de-link ourselves from beauty culture and place that energy elsewhere.

• Her belief that all women have it within them to overcome systemic hindrances.

• Our idea of self-care should not be attached to the products we buy.

And so much more!

Resources:

This week’s Joy:
Lauren is grateful for her 15-minute Kundalini yoga video class every morning. Especially since dance and yoga classes aren’t happening in person right now, it gives her that good, juicy Kundalini energy she needs!

This week’s Hustle:
Zoom writers groups! It’s a great way to show up, say hi to one another, keep one another accountable, but share a fun, collaborative energy to get things done.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Creating Joyful Belonging with Casper ter Kuile

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:14:19 -0800

How can we find the sacred in our own lives and rise as leaders in a community… even as the pillars we once used seem to shift all around us?

Perhaps the answer is within ourselves.

Joyful belonging – of living lives of greater connection, meaning, and depth – takes dedication and a new way of thinking around the spaces we create in our lives. But it is possible to create new sacred texts and spiritual ways, even as our world – and religion's role in it – continues to change.

On this episode of "And She Spoke," we speak with Casper ter Kuile, Ministry Innovation Fellow at Harvard Divinity School, and the founder of Sacred Design Lab, a research and design consultancy working to create a culture of belonging and becoming.

We go joyfully in-depth on how leaders can apply new lessons and research on spirituality to create communities that help all of us belong and become who we are. And we talk about how religion is NOT declining, just changing, how we find the sacred texts we need in unexpected places, and so much more.

Join us in this deep and meaningful reflection on community – and bring your thoughts to the conversation in the comments!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Climate activism and how Casper became involved in spirituality.
Casper's interest in connection and ritual and what inspired him to write about it.
How honoring ritual and rhythm can foster connection, community, and inspiration.
Casper's thoughts on the disturbance of COVID and the new essence of gatherings.
The evolution of pseudo-religious spaces, including those used in the workplace.
Preventing burnout through acknowledgment of responsibilities and intentions.
How the work inside Sacred Design Lab helps provide leaders the support they need.
Burning Man as a religious pilgrimage and spiritual/secular crossover space.

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

RuPaul's Drag Race. Casper loves watching people imagine characters and live into different ways of being. Culminating in a celebration of a new essence in the world in an inspiring and joyful way.

This week’s Hustle:

Creating the space to tell the truth. Sometimes we like to rush into things to get them done, but often, when we slow down to articulate the truth properly, we can really accelerate the work that we do. Casper recommends a book of modern blessings by John O'Donohue, "To Bless the Space Between Us."

Getting a Seat at the Table with Eleanor Beaton

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:34:38 -0800

Women getting a seat at the table takes ALL of us working together!

Smashing through those barriers asks us to honestly address the systemic problems that have led us to where we are today.

That means starting from the bottom up, and considering the best ways can help enhance the full diversity of female voices within the business world that are ready to be heard. And surprisingly, what needs to change in our lead generation, scaling, and social media strategies.

On this episode of “And She Spoke,” we speak with one of the women leading the charge, Eleanor Beaton – the founder of SAFI media and author of the upcoming book, Explicit Ambition: Why Women Don’t Want Power.

We address how to shift the narrative of gender equality in leadership positions, by challenging the limiting beliefs of male AND female founders and what resources are out there to make that change. We even dive into rethinking lead generation and the ethics of social media marketing.

This is an incredibly valuable and entertaining chat where we learned so much from Eleanor’s way of thinking, and hope you can join us in that conversation!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How Eleanor’s mission began to shift the narrative of scaling and success.
What internalized biases and systemic barriers are out there (and how to overcome them).
Rethinking lead generation in a post-COVID world.
Which creative marketing ideas Eleanor is excited about in the future.
How partnerships can act like a microeconomic mutually beneficial relationship.
Why she decided to shift her investment away from paid social media ads.
And how Schitt’s Creek is bringing Eleanor SO MUCH JOY right now!

Resources:

This week’s Joy: The Schitt's Creek series.

This week’s Hustle: Two tools that I use every single day to support me, number 1, to have one income-generating conversation per day. The other is to do one thing every day to set up another income-generating conversation (on the phone). With discipline, this practice has a lot of impact.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Championing the Financial Advancement of Women with Claire Wasserman

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 24 Nov 2020 07:19:01 -0800

To 'level up' our careers, we have to take ownership of our worth!

And that also means getting PAID what we're worth as well.

It takes a significant shift to start seeing and valuing ourselves… and takes determination to keep fighting for what we're worth despite the opposition. What kind of resources and communities are out there for women struggling to claim their worth? And what can we do about it?

On this episode of "And She Spoke," we speak with Claire Wasserman, an entrepreneur and passionate advocate for women's professional + financial advancement.

Claire shares her story of one seemingly minor interaction that changed the course of her life, and led to her founding Ladies Get Paid, a monumental organization assisting over 75,000 women in 120 countries in leveling up their careers.

She openly challenges the social norms that hold us back and is honest about how making money is the first step in improving the wage and leadership gap. Ultimately, we need to rethink our limiting beliefs by sharing our stories and getting paid what we're worth.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

The town hall that changed Claire's life
Normalizing the conversation around money
How to set the right value for your work
When we should take breaks to recharge
How Ladies Get Paid was founded
Achieving inclusivity in her organization
The impending release of Claire's new book: Ladies Get Paid!

Resources:

This week’s Joy: Her cat! Pheobe cat! She brings Claire joy and all those who see her via my Instagram.

This week’s Hustle: Taking naps! 30 mins, 45 mins, 10 mins, you have to take breaks. It will actually help yourself and others. Claire also really loves using Todoist which helps organize everything in a simple and straightforward way.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Healing is an Inside Job with Elizabeth Kendig

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 08:49:09 -0800

Healers can't fix us. Why? Because we're not broken!

But they can remind us that we're whole – and that our path to healing comes from within. Healing is an inside job. (Hence the title of this podcast episode 😉 ).

***

Plagued by decades of depression and a stubborn autoimmune disease, today's guest embarked on a self-care bender — immersing herself in every holistic treatment and spiritual practice she could get her hands on!

From shamanic journeys to chakra balancing, silk cocoons to sound baths… what she found along the way was a whole lotta love and peace.

Plus, she discovered that other people craved the same kind of time-honored wisdom from holistic practitioners but didn't know where to find them or who to trust. Soon, an online business idea flourished.

On today's episode of "And She Spoke," we talk about virtual healing with Elizabeth Kendig.

She is a popular beauty blogger turned podcaster turned founder of Healers Wanted — a community and marketplace platform offering spiritual guidance through different modalities using trusted practitioners. We discuss some things that led her to this online business transformation:

Transitioning from Top 20 Pinner on Pinterest into the wellness industry
How her Healers podcast grew to over 700k downloads
Paying attention to the signs on when to pivot

Spiritual and holistic practices enable us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level.

And it's at our core where our innermost desires live...

They can lead us to new businesses, relationships, and profound happiness!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

How starting over isn’t really ‘starting over’
Why she feels uneasy about selling something that she believes everyone needs
Finding purpose beyond the beauty industry
Shifting her identity in a big, public (and personal) way
The nitty-gritty about revenue share, pricing independent contractors, and the most popular modality on the site.
And soooooo much more!

Resources:

Visit Healers Wanted and receive 10% off your first booking. Use the coupon code NAMASTE at check out. Please note: This is for new users only.

This week’s Joy:

Our joy is getting back to the basics with self-care – falling in love with doing our nails at home.

This week’s Hustle:

Our hustle(s) are CBD – to calm the nervous system and keep anxiety at bay. + Journaling as a means of recognizing signs and synchronicities.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Transforming Self-Improvement with Devon Brooks

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 11:19:18 -0800

You are in charge of managing your own experience in the world!

It’s so refreshing to know that we can speak up to create a better experience for ourselves. Feeling stressed? Say so! Need more time to do something important for yourself or your kids? Say no to that other demand vying for your attention! Here’s the thing: how we maneuver through business/work can have a direct impact on how we show up in life.

Business coaching can reveal more of WHO we are outside of our professional careers than we initially thought possible.

On today’s episode of “And She Spoke,” we talk about leadership and shaking things up through business with Devon Brooks. She is an entrepreneur, coach, and the founder of Sphere —”her second venture”— a marketplace platform for personal and professional coaching. We discuss all the ideas she’s built her business around:

Dematerializing an industry
Being inherently more inclusive
Leadership as a vessel for impact
The accessibility and affordability of coaching

Female entrepreneurs are challenged every day —especially if you’re a single parent or struggling to find your own work-life balance.

Once we become better at managing our own experiences, we can discover more of what we need for ourselves.

If you’re ready to do that… you’re in the right place!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Running a Brick & Mortar business vs. a Software Platform
Being catapulted to leadership at 20 years old
How a pandemic affected moving forward in business
Benefits of a remote team
Stress management/sleep
Single parent responsibilities

Resources:

Sign up for a Sphere membership and receive 10% off your first 3 months. Use the coupon code SOULFUL at check out. Please note: This is for new users only and will be capped at 50 redemptions.

This week’s Joy:

Our joy is Mountain Biking (+ drumming) -- both provide the mental challenge of using and stimulating the brain in different ways.

This week’s Hustle:

Our hustle is Time-blocking… because fitting everything in at the cost of yourself is a hard no.

Know Your Numbers In our business, we're big fans of financial literacy and accountability. Knowing your numbers is an essential aspect of building a successful business and inherent responsibility for any entrepreneur.

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

How to Use Your Voice for Change with Erica Courdae

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:32:02 -0700

It’s okay to be an imperfect ally when navigating difficult times.

Wanting to participate in an emotionally charged conversation is important, even if we’re afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing. The beauty of it is… we don’t have to get it right or be perfect. We have to see where we can do more, be better, and expand.

Everything we do in life requires practice and co-creation... we learn in tandem with others. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about taking action that aligns with your values and then seeing where you want to be different.

When we keep the conversation moving forward, we can finally shift the narrative for the better.

On today’s episode of “And She Spoke,” we tackle how to address anti-racism as individuals and entrepreneurs through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with DEI Coach and Consultant Erica Courdae. She bases her work on these premises:

A shame & blame-free environment
It’s not about being perfect
Taking care of the WHOLE human
Being better in a way that makes sense for you
Imperfect allyship

To truly evolve, we must show up because we want to do the work... not because we think we’re supposed to!

Infusing everything we do with DEI allows us to show up and support what matters to us – even if we aren’t always perfect.

Every time we engage, we chip away at the barriers that hold us back.

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Tone-policing
Values
Reconnecting to what matters
Imperfect action
Privilege

Resources:

Erica Courdae - Website

Pause on the Play - Podcast

This week’s Joy:

Our joy is Conversation – the catalyst for everything and the cornerstone of hope.

This week’s Hustle:

Our hustle is Voxer… because sometimes context can be lost in text. This free app gives you a way to communicate effortlessly through instant voice memos. You can say what you need to say in the moment and send it when you’re ready.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

7 Reasons Why Your Business Isn’t Making Money

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Fri, 16 Oct 2020 10:16:24 -0700

Sometimes entrepreneurship feels like a constant uphill climb but it is an endeavor that pays off in the long-run: it’s just about staying the course and ensuring that you get the basics right.

In today’s episode, Sandy and Jeni talk about some of the most common reasons why your business is not making as much money as you would like.

Sandy and Jeni also talk about transitioning from a brick-and-mortar to the online space, how to determine what you offer, and how to price it.

Key points from this episode:

How, after the excitement of a launch, many entrepreneurs don’t know what the next step is.
Accepting that entrepreneurship involves ups and downs and a long-term commitment.
The problem of getting the timing of your launch or relaunch wrong.
Why it is crucial to keep getting more people onto your email list and into your door.
Building the thing you feel like versus the one that solves a problem for a specific kind of person.
How you can go about figuring out where the need is to ensure product-market fit.
What to look out for when you are not successful in your transition from the off-line to online space.
Why the online world requires you to niche down and be even more specific about your quintessential client.
Determining your price according to the value you bring to your clients/customers.
Examples of the money mindset issues and limiting beliefs that can be holding you back.

Resources:

Launch with Intention Program

Hello Bargello

Hello Bargello on Instagram

Basecamp

This week’s Joy:

Bargello as a pandemic-friendly hobby

This week’s Hustle:

How Basecamp can help you streamline project management in your business.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

A Smidge of Joy in the Chaos.

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:57:26 -0700

Joy is not always found in big, milestone events. Sometimes, especially during times of chaos, the greatest joys are found in small, everyday moments.

Today’s episode is a lighthearted take on some of the joys and hustles of this wild and crazy year, but predominantly the joys – things that we would like to celebrate, despite the fact that we’ve spent most of 2020 within the confines of our own homes!

As we enter fall, we’d like to share with you some recommendations for the things we have been grateful for during lockdown, things that have brought us peace, a sense of freedom, pause to reflect, or simple, unadulterated pleasure. Tune in to find out more!

Key Points From This Episode:

How the Aarke Sparkling Water Maker has helped Sandy drink more water each day.
Why Jeni bought herself a pickup truck that, to her, is the definition of freedom.
How Sandy discovered Planterina on YouTube and the value of Facebook Marketplace.
Why we all need to understand the impact of social media on our lives and the manipulation.
Our ability to create new technologies is surpassing our ability to solve ethical problems.
Sandy talks about her new favorite app, iNaturalist, which helps you identify flora and fauna.
Jeni’s new favorite app is one that is quite similar, and it’s a plant-identifier called PictureThis.
Sandy highly recommends Big Friendship and the Call Your Girlfriend Podcast by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman.
Jeni is reading Deep Creek by Pam Houston, that she relates to because she lives on a farm.

Resources (this week’s multiple Joy’s!)

Aarke
Planterina on YouTube
WallyGro
WallyGro on Instagram
The Social Dilemma on Netflix
iNautralist App
PictureThis App
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close
Call Your Girlfriend Podcast
Deep Creek: Finding Hope in the High Country

This week’s Hustle:

While most of the joy’s mentioned in this week’s episode could be a hustle, this week’s hustle is Jeni’s Uplift Desk.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

How to Negotiate with Alexandra Carter

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 06:11:40 -0700

When it comes to negotiation, many of us feel we don’t measure up.

Maybe our fears of rejection or conflict get us to clam up and go with the flow… or we just feel inadequate in our knowledge and choose other – harder – approaches in life.

But what if simply asking for what we NEED could benefit… everyone?

On today’s episode of “And She Spoke” we have a lively and informative discussion with Alexandra Carter, a Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Mediation Clinic at Columbia Law School. She is also the author of Ask for More, a book that posits a relatable and innovative approach to negotiation bound to help anyone out who struggles with asking for what they truly need – professionally or personally.

Whether you are struggling in your career or with family or friends, it is possible to overcome fears and create a place where you can IMPROVE your negotiation and listening skills! Don’t miss this vital conversation!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Unpacking the embarrassment around negotiation
How to get paid a fair price for your services
The basics – and complexity – of good listening
How a kayak taught Alexandra a foundational part of negotiation
Using curiosity to continually expand horizons and problem solve
Creating a path that others can follow in the future

Resources:

Alexandra Carter
Ask for More by Alexandra Carter
United Nations
The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts

This week’s Joy:

Checking in with her daughter every day using the Personal Weather Report she created at school.

This week’s Hustle:

Minda Harts’ book The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Break the Good Girl Myth + Unleash Your Power With Majo Molfino

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 08:54:53 -0700

For thousands of years, women have been taught to be good above all else.

You know... follow the rules, trust our logic over intuition, keep the peace, make everyone else happy, and sacrifice ourselves to achieve our goals.

Whew... glad those days are over... oh wait...they’re not.

Being the ‘good girl’ holds us back from our true potential. It keeps us from being POWERFUL.

On today’s episode of “And She Spoke” we get to the root of what’s really holding us back with the 5 good girl myths women believe and live by every day from Majo Molfino.

You have to follow the Rules

Strive for Perfection

Trust Logic over intuition

Maintain the Harmony

Sacrifice yourself for others

By examining the ways in which your beliefs and behaviors drive your life and cause you to self-sabotage, you open up space to create better habits.

Whether it’s fear of taking time and energy away from our spouse or kids, concern over everyone else’s contentment, or any other conditioned belief -- it takes a concerted effort to break free from those thought patterns.

And every time you choose yourself first, you reinforce your worth.

Let’s ditch ‘good’ and embrace ‘powerful’ because the world needs our voices now more than ever!

Here’s a peek at what else we discuss:

Why you’re still trying to prove yourself and fit in
Deconditioning prototypical good girl behaviors
How girlhood affects us as leaders, contributors and entrepreneurs
Learning to redefine our understanding about patriarchy
Making conscious sacrifices for our goals
Designing the life you want

Resources:

This week’s Joy:

Riding and sweating it out on the Peloton Bike with big guttural releases.

This week’s Hustle:

Majo Molfino’s book titled ‘Break the Good Girl Myth’ which reveals five self-sabotaging tendencies women must overcome in order to unleash their potential and power.

Know Your Numbers!

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

3 Ways to Reframe 2020 + Thrive in Uncertain Times

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 16:20:00 -0700

Apply to work with us in the Inner Circle: https://theinnercircle.works/

What if you decided, “No matter what, I’m going to be fine”?

Wouldn’t that be liberating?

For many of us (if not all of us), it feels like it’s just one thing after another this year. Crisis after crisis piling up and chipping away at our ability to be resilient.

We’ve heard from many of you who––after spending years on building your in-person following or your brick and mortar studios, clinics or gyms–– have had to stop teaching or close down due to COVID and are wondering “What next?”.

And that thought can be overwhelming ESPECIALLY when all your plans for 2020 are well and truly out the window.

But it doesn’t need to be this way.

In today’s episode of And She Spoke, we have an open and honest conversation about how to reframe 2020.

Reframing is a bit like an inversion pose, it helps you to see the situation from another point of view. Often, a refreshing one.

In this episode, we discuss:

The importance of focussing on the facts.
How to avoid creating stories that simply aren’t true.
The difference between goals and visions, and expectations.
How to take action to overcome fear.

Apply to work with us in the Inner Circle: https://theinnercircle.works/

The Multiplier Mindset and What Happens When You Feel Confident

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 08 Sep 2020 09:22:02 -0700

Often, the only thing standing between us and where we want to be, is a crippling lack of confidence.

Now that might sound like a serious problem.

But here’s the good news - in situations like these, only one thing needs fixing.

Our mindset.

In business and in life, the fear of failure and the comfort of familiarity can lock us in, prevent us from facing new challenges and experiencing growth.

This creates a cycle where we never end up trying new things because we don’t have reason to believe that we’d be good at them.

And a mindset like that can quickly lead to stagnation.

On today’s episode, we try to turn this mindset problem around by using the 4 C’s of Dan Sullivan’s Multiplier Mindset framework:

Commitment to do whatever it takes

Courage to do it even when it feels awful and uncomfortable

Capability that comes from acquiring new skills

Confidence that’s the result of having succeeded at what you set out to do.

By changing your mindset, by embracing the discomfort, and by increasing your capability, you can get the job done.

And every time you win, your success automatically gives you the confidence to leap higher next time.

And before you know it, entrepreneurship might become your path to self-actualization.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How courage works in real life and how it’s different from grit
How confidence always stems from a past history of success
The difference between confidence and self-confidence
The importance of being kind and loving to yourself
Tools to unpack the tendency to view ourselves negatively
The need for friends who will call you out when you’re too harsh on yourself
How women use self-deprecation as a safety net in society

RESOURCES

This week’s Joy:

Our joy is a mask from Rais Case that is shaped like a bandana, and has leather ties that take away the hassle of fussy elastic bands!

This week’s Hustle:

Our hustle is Cal Newport’s book titled ‘Digital Minimalism’ that examines how people spend time online and how online tech tools work to hijack people’s attention.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Dr. Natalia Wiechowski and Picking Yourself Back Up

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:18:47 -0700

What do you do when life hits a wall?

As the world is trying to pick itself back up, female entrepreneurs and business owners are trying hard to stabilize their businesses, remain optimistic, and move forward.

But, it’s not easy.

Which is why we need incredible role models to lift us up and give us the strength to keep on going.

And today’s guest, Dr. Natalia Wiechowski, is the role model we all need right now.

As the founder of Think Natalia, she helps other entrepreneurs perfect their personal branding to carve out a niche in competitive markets.

She knows that helping other people shine brings her joy and was able to mold her career out of doing something she loved.

But, 29-year old Natalia was very different.

With a PhD in Philosophy, Natalia was confused about what direction she wanted to take her career in, which led her to working many different jobs in her 20s.

After living her life in reactionary mode, she had a spiritual awakening (or an ‘early life crisis’ as she puts it) which prompted her to quit her corporate job, take a sabbatical, and really figure out what she wanted to do with her life and career.

While challenging and scary, that chapter in her life ended beautifully with the founding of Think Natalia. But she, like many of us, had to face an entirely different set of challenges with the advent of COVID-19.

Apart from her business, Natalia is also a keynote speaker who travels the globe and had some gigs lined up in different parts of the world that she was very excited about.

Of course, those couldn’t go forward.

And Natalia found herself having to pivot to cover those costs.

However, her mindset towards challenges is simple (something she credits to six years of constant meditation) - when life throws obstacles at you, give yourself some time to feel upset and overwhelmed.

And then get back up and take action.

In today’s episode, Natalia takes us through how she pivoted in COVID (and experienced one of her biggest sales months yet), her simple mindset to life’s challenges, and all her exciting future plans.

Natalia’s views on life and motivation are exactly what you might need to dust yourself off and find courage to keep going in these trying times!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why Natalia moved to Dubai
The growth of LinkedIn as a personal branding platform
Natalia’s view on the pressures of having to be present in every social media platform
How she’s pivoted during COVID-19
How she helps clients build their personal brand
How her ‘early life crisis’ at 29 pushed her to her true calling

RESOURCES
Think Natalia
Think Natalia Instagram
Natalia Wiechowski LinkedIn
Personal Branding with LinkedIn: The Think Natalia Method

This Week’s Joy:
Natalia’s joy right now is sitting in her balcony, cup of tea in hand, and listening to a podcast or reading a book.

This Week’s Hustle:
As someone who’s team members are scattered across the globe, Natalia relies on Calendly to keep track of her team’s schedules without having to send a million emails back and forth!
Know Your Numbers
In our business, we're big fans of financial literacy and accountability. Knowing your numbers is an essential aspect of building a successful business and inherent responsibility for any entrepreneur.
What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.
We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.
Each month our transactions are automatically imported into Bench and we get on-demand financial reports. We even enjoy opening up our profit and loss statement to review each month. When tax time comes around, we are up to date and ready to go. And this is what Financial Empowerment feels like.
Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Tracy Litt and Escaping the Pitfalls of the Past

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 01:30:42 -0700

Our past traps us.

It traps us into thinking that we’re inadequate, and can never become our fully actualized selves.

The worst part is, we listen.

And we never grow.

According to today’s guest Tracy Litt, the past has no business affecting our future.

And that it should only ever exist between our two ears.

Tracy is a spiritual advisor and mindset teacher to female leaders and entrepreneurs.

And her teachings stem from one crucial statement:

We are the root cause of everything we experience

So, all of us are only one choice away from changing our lives, altering it for the better, and feeling freer and happier.

Just like the choice Tracy made four years ago to walk away from a successful career in Human Resources to start her own coaching business.

Despite voices from her past telling her not to.

In today’s episode, Tracy takes us through how to dispel those discouraging voices from the past, how to become closer to your most actualized self, and unlock your true potential.

If you’re stuck in life - in a job you hate, running a business that’s on a standstill, or thinking about shifting careers, Tracy’s voice might just be the magic spell to get you out of your fix and achieve greatness!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why Tracy’s corporate career was so life-sucking
The concept of listening to you ‘actualized self’ above all else
When and why Tracy faltered in her business and how she came out the other side
The concept of the ‘fear talk track’
The importance of treating your business as unique to you
What the statement ‘the how is none of my business’ means
Why you should always take a step back and calm down

RESOURCES

The Litt Factor

The Litt Factor - Facebook

The Litt Factor - Instagram

The Litt Factor - Twitter

This Week’s Joy and Hustle:

Tracy’s Joy and Hustle is dancing! According to her, there’s no problem ‘a good shimmy can’t solve.’ On the work side, dancing and moving your body can refresh your mind and get you to that space where you’re actually excited to work rather than go about your day from a place of stress or pressure.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Tiffany Aliche and Bouncing Back from ‘Failure’

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 09:17:36 -0700

Today’s guest was love at first listen for us.

Some people are so warm, friendly, and inspiring, that it’s impossible not to light up in their presence too.

And Tiffany Aliche is all of that and more.

America’s favorite Financial Educator, Tiffany has built a career off of educating women on understanding their finances and nurturing a positive relationship with money.

The Tiffany we spoke to today was confident and self-assured.

But she wasn’t always that way.

In fact, back in 2009, Tiffany found herself in a downward spiral - she’d just lost her job as a preschool teacher amidst the recession, was cheated out of money by someone she considered a friend, needed to move back to her middle-school bedroom, and was elbows deep in debt.

However, Tiffany’s story of how she bounced back from those experiences and created a financial movement that’s helped over 1 million women around the world, isn’t just incredible, it’s also awe-inspiring.

And one all women need to hear.

Tune into today’s episode to hear an inspiring woman talk about how she learnt to forgive her mistakes, move forward, and monetize what she excelled at to create something wonderful.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

What prompted Tiffany to become a preschool teacher
How her parents instilled financial accountability in her from a young age
Her experiences with a friend who betrayed her trust (and stole her money)
The period in her life where she was extremely depressed (and who finally helped break her out of it)
The incredible story of her business and how she got on Queer Eye!
Tiffany’s tips for getting magazines and publications to notice you
The value of hard work and dedication

RESOURCES

The Budgetnista

The Live Richer Challenge

The Budgetnista - Instagram

The Budgetnista - Facebook

The Budgetnista - Twitter

‘Happy Birthday Mali Moore’ - Tiffany Aliche

This Week’s Joy:

Tiffany’s niece and nephew, who live just down the street from her, have been her happy place recently (even if they do tend to leave crumbs everywhere!).

This Week’s Hustle:

Tiffany considers her business coach one of the best investments in her life, even if she initially didn’t think about hiring one at all! What she loves about her coach is that on top of coaching her personally, their team also closely coaches Tiffany’s team, helping to create a much more efficient workspace!

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Brett Larkin and becoming a Yoga Icon on YouTube

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 03:09:11 -0700

Every entrepreneur has that ‘aha’ moment.

And for Brett Larkin, one of YouTube’s finest yoga teachers, it came on the drive back home from a YouTube creator conference in San Bruno, California.

Working in the video game and tech industry for years, Brett had always been a staunch believer in the power of the online space.

In fact, one of the most impactful yoga classes she’d ever taken was a virtual one she streamed from a tiny hotel room in India in 2012.

And though her first YouTube upload might’ve been an accident, her channel grew through other viewers who were already realizing the power and benefits of working out virtually in 2015.

Soon enough, YouTube took notice and invited her over for a Creator Conference in their HQ in San Bruno.

That’s when Brett’s eyes were opened to just how profitable YouTube could be.

She met people with millions of subscribers, who were doing YouTube full time, and were earning six-figures working out of their garages.

And most importantly, she met Jared Polin.

Jared is a popular YouTuber who makes videos on cameras and DSLRs. On hearing that Brett was looking to improve her channel’s video and photo quality, he offered her his DVD DSLR masterclass box set.

He then shared that he didn’t want to look at YouTube as his only source of income.

In fact, he made it a point to view YouTube as a lead generation tool for other endeavours.

Endeavours like the DVD box set that was making him thousands of dollars away from the platform.

That changed Brett’s world, and on her drive home from the conference, an entire business model formed in her head with her YouTube channel in the lead-generating centre.

Today, along with her channel, Brett runs some of the best online teacher training programs in the world. She also heads a 12-person business and is gearing up for the launch of a brand new 200-hour training program.

Brett is the perfect role model for today - a world in which the fitness industry is going digital and virtual classes are most definitely here to stay.

Tune in to hear Brett discuss everything you need to know on growing your digital studio, including how to get started, dealing with trolls, consistency in uploading and much more!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

WHY Brett believes in the power of digital
Brett’s educational background and how that ties into YouTube
How to face your fears and take that step forward
How to deal with the unique fears that come with going digital
How to handle haters and trolls
The importance of consistency in YouTube
Setting boundaries in your work-life balance

RESOURCES

Brett Larkin - Website

BrettLarkinYoga - YouTube

Jared Polin - YouTube

Elena Brower - Website

This Week’s Joy:

Brett’s joy right now is something that may seem trivial, but that goes a long way to bring her comfort and happiness on the daily - a towel warmer!

Brett highly recommends it if you want that spa experience at home.

This Week’s Hustle:

Brett’s hustle is simple and terrifying at the same time - she challenges us to reach out to that one person who can exponentially help your business.

Contacting people you admire, or those with a lot of influence, can be extremely difficult, but as Brett says, it can only help your business in the long run!

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Juju Hook and the Primetime Slot

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 05:57:09 -0700

In our society, women are treated like they have shelf lives.

Once we reach a certain age, we’re told that it’s time to wrap up, settle down, and start looking for more appropriate passions → like knitting and gardening.

All that’s really left for us to do is reflect on our lives, and quietly make our way to the end of our lives.

Nothing new, exciting, or groundbreaking can be expected of a woman past a certain age.

Not according to today’s guest, Juju Hook.

According to Juju, middle-aged women are in the absolute PRIME of their lives.

The most happening 8 - 11 AM news slot, if you will.

And that pressure to stay still and dream of youth? That just doesn't hold any weight anymore.

Juju owned a corporate branding firm for nearly two decades. Her business was doing well - she had a great team, great clients, and was able to achieve every career goal she’d ever set.

And she was bored stiff.

Turns out, while everyone talks about what a woman should be doing in her teens, 20s, and 30s (‘grow your career’, ‘get married’, and ‘start a family’), no one talks about what we’re supposed to do after we’ve achieved all those things.

Society just doesn’t account for women in their middle (or ‘primetime’) age.

So Juju decided to take things into her own hands. She made the tough decision to walk away from corporate branding and dip her toes into motivational speaking - a field that excited and challenged her.

And boy is she glad she did!

Juju now helps women in their primetime age with business, branding, and strategy decisions. She helps them figure out the essence of who they are without all the bells and whistles of career or family attached.

The world loves to invalidate older women so they can prey on (and profit off of) their insecurities, and Juju is leading the fight against it.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How Juju grew disillusioned with her job
How her boredom was impacting other parts of her life
Exactly why society likes to impose an age limit on women
The similarities between us and Juju
Why discovering your essence is so important

RESOURCES

Juju Hook - Website

Juju Hook - Essence of Influence

Strategic Juju - Blog

This Week’s Joy:

Juju believes that people can be two things - a flame, or the mirror that reflects it.

Juju’s joy right now is being that mirror for other women and helping them grow.

This Week’s Hustle:

It’s hard for women in business to show up on social media and play a role.

With Juju’s ‘Essence of Influence’ assessment, she aims to teach women about what kind of influence they really are (reporter, scientist, activist and so on) so it becomes easier for them to play that role.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Mary Shores and the Motivation of Trauma

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 07:54:48 -0700

Be prepared to have your mind blown and your perspective on the world changed.

Because that’s what happened to us.

Today’s guest, Mary Shores, is someone we’ve wanted to interview on And She Spoke for a long time.

Last year, Sandy was preparing to be a guest on Dr. Meghan Walker’s incredible Entrepology Podcast. While she was doing some research before her appearance, she stumbled across Mary’s episode, intriguingly titled ‘How to Get Comfortable Asking People for Money.’

She clicked on it and listened all the way through.

And promptly fell in love.

In huge part because of Mary’s story.

Very spiritual by nature, Mary also happens to own a multi-million dollar debt-collection business.

And those two are not mutually exclusive in her world.

Mary runs her business on the concept of ‘conscious communication’ - a groundbreaking system that she teaches businesses and individuals across the country.

She believes that the concept of debt-collection operates on fear and shame-mongering.

But her aim is to make people feel good about paying back their debt.

And through highly compassionate collections, Mary helps her clients free their debt burdens and thus reduce their karmic debt.

Which helps her feel lighter herself.

And a big part of how she does it is making sure she’s 100% aware of how she’s speaking to people, what words she’s using, and knowing exactly what kind of response they’ll elicit.

Mary also gets candid about some of the trauma she’s experienced: from being abandoned, to being out on her own at 16, to losing a child at 19.

She isn’t ashamed of her trauma nor does she try to hide it. On the contrary, she explains how it gave her the necessary perspective she needed for her business and how it lit that entrepreneurial fire in her.

Tune in to learn more about Mary’s life, her values regarding accountability, her tips for effective customer communication, and how every business needs to be thinking about their audience’s emotional needs and psychology in their operations.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How COVID-19 has amplified Mary’s insecurities
The words you should never use in your business
How to use neurobiology in your business
Why every business owner needs to extensively study financials
The problem with the ‘charge what you’re worth’ mantra
The highest converting phrase in online marketing
What businesses can learn from offering scholarships

RESOURCES

Mary Shores - Website

Mary Shores - Instagram

Conscious Communication - Mary Shores

Entrepology Podcast - Dr. Meghan Walker

This Week’s Joy:

Mary’s biggest joy working from home has been being able to catch up on sleep.

Every night, Mary goes to sleep around 9:30 PM, wakes up at 5:00 AM and spends 3 hours (!!!) writing.

This Week’s Hustle:

Mary’s hustle has something to do with working from home too!

To her, the ultimate hustle has been moving from a brick-and-mortar business to an online one, a process that, in her own words, has caused a lot of ‘brain sweat’ (a phrase we’re 100% stealing!).

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Kelly Diels and the Pastel Pink underbelly of the Patriarchy

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 01:53:17 -0700

Picture this.

Your life and business are both stuck in a rut and you know you need someone’s guidance to get out of it.

Someone who looks, talks, and acts like you and who’s been through similar struggles.

So, you decide to get the help of a female lifestyle coach and log onto their website.

And are immediately greeted by:

A website with a background of pastels
A slim, white woman in a sheath dress and with shiny white teeth at the centre of it
A background of a perfect, sunny, customized kitchen in a large, airy house

As you continue to browse, you see something odd - at every page you’re being sold empowerment and are being advised to ‘embrace who you are’.

But, all of that is coming from someone who is wealthy, attractive, and socially acceptable.

Someone who shows none of the physical or emotional flaws that they’re teaching you to embrace.

That is what Kelly Diels calls ‘The Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand.’

Kelly is a feminist marketing consultant and coach who helps people build businesses that break age-old oppressive cycles.

And defining ‘The Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand’ archetype is her life’s work.

Kelly clarifies that most women who embody the archetype aren’t always inherently misogynistic, or even aware of the conflicting messages their branding is putting out.

However, they are ultimately selling patriarchy in a pretty pink bow.

After all, the archetype involves wealthy, conventionally attractive women leveraging their white privilege to exert power over other women by making them feel inadequate or lesser than.

And buying into it isn’t going to do much to help other women (especially those from minorities).

We all need to check ourselves (and who we choose as role models), take a deeper look at how businesses operate, and analyze what kinds of messages we’re sending out into the world.

Especially right now.

And Kelly is more than happy to help us down that road!

In today’s episode Kelly goes deeper into the Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand, discusses how and WHY we should shun traditional ways of operating a business, the differences between business and capitalism and much more!

We always love having Kelly around because we walk away from our conversations with a different perspective on things we took for granted.

And we’re sure she’ll have that effect on you too!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why you always need to jump before you're ready
The financial benefits of adopting feminist practices to your business
How you can break the cycle of leveraging an oppressive system
What makes a business different from ruthless capitalism
How we can realize the power we hold to change the culture around us
How ‘business as usual’ is implicitly oppressive

RESOURCES

Kelly Diels - Website

Kelly Diels - Instagram

The Body is Not an Apology - Sonya Renee Taylor

Rachel Rodgers - Website

Christy Harrison - Website

Bookshop.org

This Week’s Joy:

Kelly’s joy this week is an answer to all our Amazon problems - bookshop.org. Much like Amazon, It’s a website where you can order books to be shipped to your doorstep.

The catch? A commission goes into supporting indie bookstores around you!

This Week’s Hustle:

Kelly isn’t a fan of the traditional business and copywriting formula of Problem - Aggravate - Solution. Instead, she proposes her ‘5 Step Messaging Model’ which initiates a shared vision or value with your customer and helps them make deliberate decisions to purchase your product, instead of being forced to do so from a place of shame.
Kelly is also working on an audit (or quiz!) which helps assess businesses and see if you’re either lining up with the Female Lifestyle Empowerment Brand, or if your coaches and teachers are. Watch her website to be the first to know when it drops!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform. Namastream is an easy to use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.com

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Claudia Chan and Lessons in Leadership

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 05:48:44 -0700

Who is a leader? What is leadership?

Can you only lead if you’re an owner, founder or a C-suite executive?

According to today’s guest, Claudia Chan, absolutely not.

And as a leadership and culture change expert, she’s made it her mission to provide the world with a more holistic, inclusive, and purpose-driven definition of leadership.

One that doesn’t discriminate against gender, race, economic background, or even your job title.

In the cut-throat world of business, entrepreneurs are taught to be ruthless, cold, and enigmatic to be successful. In the white male-dominated view of leadership, there’s no room for spirituality, empathy, or humility.

Clearly, in our present day, these definitions just don’t work. Businesses all over the world are learning the importance of inclusive workplaces and empathetic messaging.

And leaders simply cannot thrive by embracing outdated ideals and definitions of ‘effective’ leadership, taught by an overwhelmingly male and caucasian demographic through books, TV appearances, and conferences.

In today’s episode, listen in as Claudia describes how opportunities to lead are all around us, why women need to embrace their intuition in business, and why it’s so important to change the definition of what makes a good leader in our society.

Claudia’s message is an important one right now. We NEED new forms of leadership in a world that’s going through metamorphosis.

And we hope this episode might steer our listeners to it.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why 2020 is the year of innovation
How current definitions of leadership can be rectified
Why analyzing your past is important to be a good leader
How being aggressive in internal growth helps
The people who are most affected by the pandemic
Why intuition and ‘gut instincts’ aren’t poor business decisions
How to relabel mistakes

RESOURCES

This is How We Rise - Claudia Chan

She Globl - Website

Wayne Dyer Audiobooks

Claudia - Instagram

She Summit - Website

This Week’s Joy:

Like many during this time, Claudia has been finding joy in the small moments she spends with her husband and two kids, tickle monster and all!

This Week’s Hustle:

Claudia’s hustle comes from a Wayne Dyer audiobook - don’t sell a product, sell what you love.

The true hustle comes from doing what you love so it doesn’t feel like work at all!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform. Namastream is an easy to use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses, memberships, and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.com

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Femily and Ethical Allyship

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 05:25:36 -0700

Lately, we’ve been paying a lot more attention to bias around us - gender bias, wealth bias, and of course, racial bias.

As white women, we’ve never really had to face the burden of racial bias.

It’s on us to check our privilege, continue having these important conversations, and educate ourselves on how to dispel bias by being the best allies we can.

And do ALL of that in a way that goes beyond posting a black square on social media.

Today’s guest, Femily, has made it her mission to help businesses get allyship right.

A feminist thought leader, management consultant, and organizational change expert, Femily is familiar with teaching male-led and majority male organizations about gender equality, inclusiveness, and gender allyship.

And with her work studying whiteness and white privilege, it felt natural for her to also advise white-led businesses on how to do things right in the current racial climate.

In today’s episode, Femily talks about why silence is violence and the danger of thinking you’ve done your part by just posting a black square on social media.

She also breaks down how white businesses should make allyship a long-term process ingrained in the core fibre of their operations instead of simply trying to slap ‘anti-racist lipstick on a racist pig.’

The conversation we had with Femily, while empowering and inspiring, was not an easy one to have.

But these conversations rarely ever are.

While serious discourse around white allyship should’ve happened a long time ago, it’s better late than ever. The onus is on us to continue it.

And this episode is the perfect place to start.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Femily’s education and how it’s helped her
What changes she’s noticing in protests and activism now
How female and male white-led companies greatly differ in their response to #blacklivesmatter
The immediate business reaction female (especially WOC) entrepreneurs have to the pandemic
How to balance social media and real world activism
Femily’s anxieties despite all the positive changes in allyship right now

RESOURCES

Femily - Website

Femily - Instagram

Future Thought Leaders - Webinar

This Week’s Joy:

Like many of us, Femily has been loving the new season of Queer Eye and the commitment of our Fab Five to helping people and making the world the best it can be.

This Week’s Hustle:

Femily’s Hustle is a nugget of wisdom courtesy of her ‘Future Thought Leaders’ webinar:

Get people clapping.

Oftentimes, the most nerve wracking part of public speaking is those first two minutes where it’s maddeningly silent and everyone in the audience is just staring at you. So if you can get them to clap and put a smile on their faces in any way, public speaking becomes a lot easier!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months

Denise Duffield Thomas and Money Lessons from Rose Farms

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 05:14:45 -0700

Who would’ve thought rose farms could teach you important lessons about money.

But our guest, Denise Duffield Thomas, has us converted.

A money mindset mentor and author, Denise is passionate about teaching women about money, helping them charge the right amount for their work, and getting them over that dreaded income plateau.

Oh, and she also purchased a rose farm 18 months ago.

As one does.

And those money mindset and purchasing a rose farm have more to do with each other than you’d think.

Denise first had an urge to purchase a country home in sunny Australia while she was pregnant with her second daughter.

She then decided to go to open houses for the fun of it with her husband.

And then promptly proceeded to fall in love with the first rose farm she saw.

It wasn’t easy making that property hers.

The biggest problem wasn’t a mysterious 3-year curse (true story!) or that her brokers and advisors discouraged her from the purchase.

The biggest problem was herself.

She felt like she wasn’t allowed to have a home purely for rest and relaxation. She wasn’t allowed to buy a weekend getaway property when she already had her dream beach house. And she sure wasn’t allowed to have a space in the countryside as a female entrepreneur.

And it took a lot to get to a point where she was okay with taking the plunge.

This relates to the work Denise does with women where she gets them to stop thinking of money in strict boxes and start asking themselves questions like ‘how much joy am I allowed to have?’ and ‘how does the money I make fit into that.’

It also relates to Denise’s teachings about women charging what they’re worth and then getting to enjoy the benefits of having that money.

In today’s episode, Denise takes us through the lessons the farm taught her in setting goals, balancing them with excess desire, and how you ALWAYS need to jump before you’re ready.

Not bad for a simple rose farm!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why Denise operates as a mentor and not as a coach.
How Oprah was her biggest inspiration in her mission for helping people
Her early business experiments and what she learned from them
Her goals for her Money Bootcamp course
Her mother’s money mindset and how it still impacts her
The importance of paying taxes
Her current business struggles and hardships
Her concept of the ‘chustle’

RESOURCES

Denise’s Website

Denise’s Instagram

Her rose farm’s Instagram!

Lucky Bitch - Denise Duffield Thomas

Get Rich, Lucky Bitch! - Denise Duffield Thomas

Chillpreneur - Denise Dufflied Thomas

Money Bootcamp

This Week’s Joy and Hustle:

It comes as no surprise that this week’s joy and hustle are both about Denise’s rose farm!

She’s been finding joy, and hustling hard, partnering with people and creating micro-businesses in her farm. So far, she’s partnered with florists, beekeepers, cafe owners, and local wedding planners.

And she doesn’t plan to stop!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Joy Altimare and Corporate Struggles

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 03:04:10 -0700

‘Who is she to tell me what to do?’

‘Her tone is too abrasive’

‘Is she even qualified to say this?’

Being a woman in corporate is tough.

Especially if you’re working to challenge ideas and beliefs as old as the company you’re working for.

Meet Joy Altimare, Chief Engagement and Brand Officer at EHE Health, an NYC based healthcare company specializing in preventative employee health.

EHE partners with other businesses to help them understand how best to provide their employees with a holistic healthcare experience and make sure they’re the healthiest they can be.

That includes helping ALL employees, regardless of gender, age, or color, and catering to their unique needs. In fact, inclusivity and a life-stage approach to health is one of the pillars of EHE’s philosophy.

But it wasn’t always that way.

When the company was founded by a white male in 1907, it was designed to keep other white males healthy.

Yep, you read that right.

Needless to say, the organization had to evolve.

The men in the company’s old executive team weren’t too keen on the way Joy spoke, or the way she acted, and regularly questioned her expertise in her field.

Even earning her title was a constant battle with her CEO.

In today’s episode, listen in as Joy breaks down her struggles as a WOC in corporate, the innate conditioning in women to be ‘well-liked’, and why that needs to change.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Why working from home is hard for her
The Life Stage Approach to health
Her unconventional journey toward working in healthcare
Why men and women need to come together to change the environment in corporates for women
Why she chose not to start her own business
The most important part of any negotiation
Her female role models
The importance of mentorship

RESOURCES

EHE Health - Website

Tiffany DuFu (Drop The Ball) - Website

Joy Altimare - Instagram

Joy Altimare - Linkedin

This Week’s Joy:

Spending time with her family has helped Joy realize that she’s raising a smart, intuitive, and funny 5-year old! Her greatest joy right now is knowing that her daughter’s generation are already vessels for immense positive change.

All gleaned from listening in on her daughter’s Zoom classes when she wasn’t supposed to!

This Week’s Hustle:

Joy’s hustle is simple. 4 words only: get off your ass.

There’s a world of opportunity out there! And though things can seem bleak right now, there’s always something you can do to improve yourself. So get moving!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Allison Baggerly: Getting Honest About Money

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 18 May 2020 05:27:20 -0700

As business owners, we’ve spent a lot of time with finance coaches, gurus, and budget advisors.

And that’s why we can confidently say, we’ve never met someone quite like Allison Baggerly.

Allison is a blogger, influencer, and the founder of Inspired Budget where she combines her passion for teaching and finance to help other women learn about managing their money.

In our conversation with her, Allison was warm, funny, and seriously easy to talk to.

But what really stood out to us was her honesty and vulnerability.

Allison’s own struggle with debt as a young newlywed expecting her first child is front and centre on her website and it’s one of the first things she spoke about with us - no reservations and no holds barred.

She also got real about her tendency to overspend and how, like many women, she used to associate shopping and spending with happiness.

And how it’s a cycle she has yet to break out of completely.

This honesty means that whenever Allison does give you advice, it never feels patronizing, judgy, or holier than thou.

Allison’s financial advice comes from a place of ‘I’ve been there, I know what it feels like, and I got you.’

Which is exactly what people new to budgeting and financial planning need to hear, especially right now.

In our latest episode, Allison gets candid about her experiences with student loans, overspending, and how Inspired Budget came about. She also delves into her incredible (and beautiful!) ‘cash envelope system’, which trust us, will change the way your family thinks about money.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How Allison and her husband had the difficult conversation about debt
Allison’s experiences with debt growing up
The psychology behind overspending and retail therapy
How the cash envelope system changed her family’s finances
Why you shouldn’t be boxed in by the financial expectations of your industry
How Inspired Fitness has helped women deal with the COVID-19 crisis
How honoring your own budget rules makes you feel like a queen!

RESOURCES

Inspired Budget - Website

Inspired Budget - Instagram

Inspired Budget - Cash Envelope System

Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine - Mike Michalowicz

Full Focus Journals

This Week’s Joy:

Like many of us, Allison is spending the quarantine at home. So, she’s finding joy in spending time with her family in their backyard!

This Week’s Hustle:

There’s nothing we love more than a good planner and Allison is no different. She recommends the quarterly Full Focus planners by Michael Hyatt to organize your life (and have something pretty to look at!).

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant, and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Jenny Gaither: Building Momentum through Movemeant

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 05 May 2020 09:29:16 -0700

All around us, businesses are changing due to COVID-19.

The pandemic is forcing us to pivot, to really take a look at ourselves, reflect, and ask what can be a pretty scary question: ‘Why am I doing what I’m doing?’

Jenny Gaither, our guest for today, is no different. Like so many women we know and admire, Jenny wears many hats — she’s a business and life coach, a SoulCycle instructor, and the founder of ‘The Movemeant Foundation’ - a non-profit organization that uses the power of movement to teach young girls to be more comfortable in their own bodies.

And like many business owners, Jenny has had to move her business entirely online (she now works out of her small apartment in NYC’s Upper East Side) and restructure all her carefully planned goals.

Most of The Movemeant Foundation’s work was based in schools, because Jenny wanted to reach girls early. After COVID-19, The Movemeant Foundation has had to pivot to really focus on the backbone of the organization, its instructors.

Instructors have been struggling to pay rent and find the resources they need to fully digitize their offers.

Sounds familiar?

We spoke about what these pivots mean for the industry and whether digital is going to become the new normal. While business owners (and some of the newer members of our audience) are struggling, this week, our goal is to remind you that this struggle is temporary.

If you’re ready to hear Jenny’s insight into where the industry is headed and what this means for business owners, as well her own journey with body positivity and perspectives on movement, grab those AirPods, this is a good one.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How Jenny realized the power of movement at age 7
How she built her non-profit from the ground up
The impact SoulCycle has had in her life
Her relationship with dancing
The incredible female team that helped her build her non-profit
Her impulse lighting buys

RESOURCES

The Movemeant Foundation - Website

Jenny Gaither - Website

Jenny Gaither - Instagram

This Week’s Joy:

Jenny’s history with dancing is complicated. She fell in love with it at age 7 and fell away from it when the visual aspect of dance took a toll on her mentally, leading to a bad eating disorder and a fractured relationship with her body.

Now that she has learnt to fully embrace her body, one of her greatest joys has been embracing dance again!

This Week’s Hustle:

Studios are being set up in people’s bedrooms with enough lighting equipment to rival an indie film set. Jenny recommends a 10-foot adjustable selfie ring light from Amazon for those at-home workout livestreams!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Marlo Ellis and Exploring the Underbelly of Pain

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 02:45:59 -0700

When we re-launched The Soulful MBA as And She Spoke, we wanted to really lean in and dig deeper into the different paths female entrepreneurs take, and that meant sharing stories other than our own.

And that’s why we’re so excited to host Marlo Ellis, the founder and CEO of The Uncommon Woman with us this week.

After just having come out of an abusive relationship, Marlo decided to turn her passion for fitness into her very own brick-and-mortar gym. As she worked with her clients, she spotted a pattern:

One thing so many of these women had in common was pain.

Not a physical pain, not something she could fix in her studio. But something that went deeper than that.

Marlo’s gym became their safe space.

Wanting to help more women, Marlo decided to open an online business.

Thus, the Uncommon Woman was born.

Marlo’s is a story of perseverance, community, and confidence.

Tune in to learn more about her journey, the importance of community, and how Marlo tackles the underbelly of pain that often lies beneath shiny surfaces.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Marlo’s journey with pain and fitness
The two legs to The Uncommon Woman now
How live events and conferences are massively different from online ones
Setting boundaries on social media
Training women to be leaders
Why every woman’s story matters
The future of Marlo’s business
Her hunt for the Ideal Client

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:

This week’s Joy and Hustle are both from Marlo herself! Her joy is simple (and many of you are gonna agree with her here) - dogs!

On her many travels, she rescues dogs and finds them great homes when she gets back to Canada.

This Week’s Hustle:

A ‘Dump List’ was something nearly all of Marlo’s mentors and coaches recommended, so it has to work!

Whenever inspiration strikes, Marlo reaches for the ‘Dump List’ (aka a notebook) and puts it down on paper.

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform. Namastream is an easy to use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.com

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Casey Erin Clark and Voice Positivity

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 06:04:58 -0700

When you think of a leader, what voice immediately comes to mind?

A cisgender, white, male news anchor? A politician? Or a popular old- Hollywood actor?

Culturally, these male symbols have been associated with leadership and authority.

And that extends to their voices too.

So what does this mean for those whose voice varies greatly from this definition of authority?

In other words, what does it mean for women?

Actress and singer Casey Erin Clark started Vital Voice Training to help change the conversation around what women are supposed to sound like to be taken seriously.

In one of our most thought-provoking episodes yet, Casey takes us through voice types that women often get criticized for (like vocal fry or upspeak), how voice matters when telling your story, and makes a serious case for voice positivity!

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Casey’s background as a theatre artist
The importance of paying attention to your voice
The concept of ‘superpowers and evil twins’
How definitions of authority need to expand
What causes vocal fry and upspeak
Speech and Maslow’s 4 stages of learning
Where she sees her business in the next decade
Her wonderful partnership with co-founder Julie Fogg

RESOURCES

The Food Psych Podcast - Christy Harrison

Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness - Melissa Dahl

In a World - Lake Bell

Freedom Fries (The American Life podcast) - Ira Glass

Some Days, It’s Harder (Vital Voice Training Blog) - Casey Erin Clarke

The Age of Instagram Face - Jia Tolentino

Understanding the 4 stages of learning (Maslow)

The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia - Julia Sugarbaker

The Broadway Inspirational Voices

This Week’s Joy:

Casey’s background is in musical theatre - she went on an 18-month tour for Les Miserables!

So it makes complete sense that her joy is music and singing, be it belting in a Grammy-nominated and Tony-winning choir (the ‘Broadway Inspirational Voices’) or in a cabaret in her dad’s living room!

This Week’s Hustle:

Casey’s hustle is a powerful one - our wonderful community of female entrepreneurs.

Moving from theatre to business, Casey was in awe of how welcoming her fellow female entrepreneurs were and how open they still are to sharing their knowledge.

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Lydia Fenet on Becoming the Most Powerful Woman in the Room

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 07:12:54 -0700

Picture an auctioneer. If you’re like most people, you just pictured an elderly, bespectacled British gentleman, with a gavel in one hand and a glass of scotch in the other. Not a 20-something woman in a brightly colored dress with heels et al. That’s where Lydia Fenet comes in. Lydia is the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christie’s in New York by day and auctioneer extraordinaire by night. Lydia’s incredibly inspiring story began when she interned at Christie’s as a 21-year old. She quickly rose through the ranks creating her own brand of auctioneering, one that didn’t make her feel like she needed to fit into an old British man-shaped mold. She embraced her natural sense of humor, her femininity and learned to walk up on stage and command millions of dollars. All by the time she was 24. Tune in to today’s episode to get a behind the scenes look at the glamorous life of an auctioneer, her book, and her recent TV and film deal, but more importantly, to learn from Lydia’s journey of learning to draw her confidence from within.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How Lydia was introduced Christie’s Auction House
How her tenacity finally got her a job there Lydia’s advice for young women at their first jobs
The series of events that led to her TV and book deal
Her experiences being one of the few women in a male-dominated field
How humor and femininity became Lydia’s best friends
The importance of being authentic

RESOURCES

This Week’s Joy:
Lydia has three kids and nothing brings her more joy than spending time with them. Even if that means just falling asleep with them after a long day at work.
This Week’s Hustles:
Lydia believes every day is a hustle and that you are your own biggest tool to get things done.

Know Your Numbers
In our business, we're big fans of financial literacy and accountability. Knowing your numbers is an essential aspect of building a successful business and inherent responsibility for any entrepreneur.
What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.
We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.
Each month our transactions are automatically imported into Bench and we get on-demand financial reports. We even enjoy opening up our profit and loss statement to review each month. When tax time comes around, we are up to date and ready to go. And this is what Financial Empowerment feels like.
Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!
This podcast is brought to you by Namastream.
This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform. Namastream is an easy to use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.com

COVID-19 and the Online World

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:18:25 -0700

It’s been a long few weeks.

And full disclosure, they’ve been some of the worst for us and our business.

We’ve had to process the fact that our partnership with our work, our business’s core values, and our day-to-day operations have been shaken up, maybe even permanently.

All in the span of a few days.

Our business has always stood for sustainability, digital artisanship, and slow growth. It’s what we’re passionate about and we’ve worked very hard for over the years.

But, a few weeks ago, we had to scale our business incredibly fast. And that meant having to make some very difficult decisions - ones that sometimes went against our core values and caused us to have mini breakdowns at our desks.

Of course, we understand that in many ways, we’re hugely lucky. At a time of immense turbulence for so many businesses, the mere fact that we’re growing is nothing short of incredible. We’ve also had to hire people to meet our demand, and we’re glad we can provide our new employees with job security and a sense of stability.

But, this kind of quick scaling has never been what we’ve envisioned for our business, which was built on the idea of humane growth.

Our business was this beautiful, living, breathing, evolving experiment that the two of us were sharing with the world.

And it feels a little bit like we lost control of that.

The past few days, we’ve just focused on showing up, powering forward, and holding each other up through this. Of course, we’re aware that we’re a couple of weeks behind on releasing new episodes, only because we felt that the episodes we had in queue were a bit insensitive for right now and because we’re still trying to process everything around us.

Moving forward, we’ll be talking about some actionable strategies, tips, and industry trends we’ve been noticing to help stabilize your business and pivot if you need to.

But today, we just felt like sharing a very real conversation between two business partners and friends.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Our anxieties about the structure of our business moving forward
How we had expected these circumstances, but never this soon
The intensity and scarcity of these times
The beautiful ways businesses are pivoting to help out
How to start new conversations about the future of our planet

RESOURCES

Namastream - Instagram

Namastream - Website

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

Thinking about THINX: The Rise of Purplewashing

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 20:07:43 -0700

We’re a female-owned software company, and take a LOT pride in what we’ve built.

And we love supporting other woman-owned ventures, which is part of the reason we were both big fans of THINX. This was a product developed by women, for women, and it helped to change the public conversation about women’s bodies.

Good for women, and good for the environment? Consider us sold.

So when we heard about what went down with THINX and Miki Agrawal, we knew we needed to talk about it.

Investigative journalists did a little digging and found that both THINX underwear, and their work environment, were toxic.

As consumers, we felt duped. But as business owners, we were curious to see how this would pan out.

As female business owners, this sparked a lot of conversations about the ethics of branding, the reality of female-owned business, and why being female-owned doesn’t necessarily imply feminist.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

The strict standards for female business owners
Cancel culture and the space to fail
Our main takeaways from THINX
Taking ownership of our failures
The ripple effect of the failure of one female-owned business
Can you be a feminist company and still be aiming for rapid growth?

RESOURCES

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

This Week’s Joy: We’re big fans of Taylor Swift as a person (‘Shake it Off’ is still the best advice ever) which is why this week’s joy and hustle are all about her!

We recommend watching Taylor’s NPR Tiny Desk concert, especially with your little girl if you want to show her what a great role model looks like.

This Week’s Hustle: Seriously, we cannot get enough of Miss Americana, Taylor’s Netflix documentary. We love that we get to see Taylor evolve from this people-pleasing girl, to a woman who’s not afraid to speak her own mind.

Beating Perfection Paralysis

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 09:19:31 -0800

Remember when you’d work your tush off just so that you get handed a shiny gold star in front of the whole class?

Yeah, us too.

Our theory is that this behavior is why so many women in business identify as perfectionists today.

When we had a show of hands in our community, there were SO many of you who identified as loud and proud perfectionists.

And, we can definitely relate.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Our own struggles with perfectionism
How the quest for perfection can damage your business
Baby-steps to help you get over wanting to be perfect 24/7
Why we embrace the ‘B minus’ Method
Why the perfectionism you picked up at school and uni might not work in business

RESOURCES

Seth Godin - Linchpin (and the concept of ‘Ship It’)

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream

This Week’s Joy: It’s Peloton Bike! (Tune in to hear about Jeni’s newfound love)

This Week’s Hustle: Two words - Inbox. Zero. This week, we finally cleared out our inboxes to zero and are actually surprised by how clean and visible our mailbox looks. Mental peace is an added bonus.

Fighting Burnout with Boundaries

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 21:30:00 -0800

With more and more women getting into online business, we decided that it was time to have an honest conversation about what it means to grow an online business in 2020.

Running an online business has its advantages: you can work when you want, where you want, while wearing what you want. But...there’s a downside.

People who work a 9-5 can switch off at the end of the day, but as business owners that’s a habit we need to intentionally cultivate (and it isn’t easy!). When your entire business can be accessed on your iPhone, the urge to check-in can be almost impossible to resist. If you aren’t militant about safeguarding your boundaries, all of a sudden it can feel like you’re working all the time. Tune into this week’s episode to hear about setting boundaries and maintaining work-life balance as an entrepreneur.

Here’s a peek into what else you can expect:

How to spot the time-sucks in your day.
The importance of disconnecting and taking that vacation!
Seth Godin’s work-life philosophy.
The challenge of being truly anonymous in the age of Instagram.
The pressure to always promote your brand or voice a public opinion.

RESOURCES

‘What if surfing was your job?’ by Seth Godin

‘Workaholics’ by Seth Godin

This Week’s Joy:

Move towards a more sustainable lifestyle by thinking about your lifestyle and recycling by trying out zero-waste products from https://notoxlife.com/.

This Week’s Hustle:

Our upcoming retreat in Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Canada and all our photo and video content we’re planning to do there.

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream.

How to Make Better Decisions in Your Business

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 06:12:46 -0800

As entrepreneurs, our power comes from being decisive. Making a decision, following through, and knowing when to pivot.

Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about the mindset shifts to help you take the stress out of decision-making.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

How decisions affect the way you live and feel
Learning to rely on your intuition
Why there is no such thing as a wrong decision
How to stop spinning out from a place of indecision
The elements of decision-making
Decisions, choice, and victim-mentality
Why grit’s a character-trait

RESOURCES

‘5 ways to make tough decisions faster (and not regret them later)’ by Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Joy: Cleo Wade

Hustle: Bonnie Christine’s Flourish Planner

Know Your Numbers

What you focus on grows, so pay attention to your money.

We use Bench for our bookkeeping. It's simple, elegant and saves us so many hours that would otherwise be spent neck-deep in receipts on the other side of a spreadsheet.

Use this link to save 20% off your Bench Accounting plan for the first six months!

This podcast is brought to you by Namastream This podcast is brought to you by the Namastream software platform. Namastream is an easy to use platform that helps you build and sell your own courses memberships and live-streamed programs. Go from idea to open for business in just minutes. Unlike other startups, Namastream was created by women for women. If you're looking for a simple, streamlined way to build and grow an online business. You can learn more at Namastream.com

Our Story 2.0

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 21:15:00 -0800

Welcome to the first official episode of And She Spoke. This week, we’re diving into everything that’s changed in the three years since we first launched the Soulful MBA. Entrepreneurship has been a journey of personal transformation for both of us. It’s given us a sort of unshakeable sense of self and confidence, and with it comes the comfort of knowing that no matter what happens we’ll be okay.

Tune in to this week’s episode to learn more about why we believe that entrepreneurship offers an important path to self-actualization.

Here’s a peek at what else you can expect:

Looking at the biggest differences between now and three years ago.
The focus of the new show; business and entrepreneurship as the path to self-actualization.
Meeting adversity in life and the choices we have in entrepreneurship.
Changes we have experienced; confidence, competence and appreciation.
The most surprising events from our journey and how they fit into the broader picture.
Our hopes and dreams for starting a company together.
Cashing in on today's opportunities and online business real estate.
What life was like before we started our business and how it all changed.
Things that set us apart and allowed us to experience success in creating software.
Avoiding burnout and quitting; why this is so common and how it can be sidestepped.
This week's Joy and Hustle! Amazing bras and a must-see film on Netflix!
The future of our lives; data points, advertising and weaponizing of profiles.

RESOURCES

And She Spoke: An Introduction

Jennifer Barcelos and Sandy Connery — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 21:30:00 -0800

With a new decade, we wanted to take a second to say goodbye to the Soulful MBA, it’s brought us so far, and we’ve gained so many loyal listeners in the process, but we realized that we’re now at a point in our lives and our businesses where we want to go deeper.

For the last three years, we’ve been talking about all the different ways that you can grow and market your teaching platform, but now we’d like to start talking about what it takes to be the woman behind a successful business.

Presenting, ‘And She Spoke, our brand new show that peels back the different layers of entrepreneurship so we can dive into the messy, the chaotic, and the heartfelt stories and lessons that define the lives of the entrepreneurs we know.

You’ll hear from successful female entrepreneurs about how they’ve grown their businesses, how current events have affected, the role money, mindset, and philosophy play in shaping the kind of business you run.

Think of And She Spoke as an inner circle of successful women in business having honest conversations about how they got there, the road bumps in the way, and their big plans for the future.

We’re setting aside the tactics, and we’re stepping into our truth.

We hope you’ll join us.