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    <title>Can We Not? Business Is Hard Enough. </title>
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    <description>Can We Not? Business Is Hard Enough. A Podcasts for Working Founders (previously Strategies, Solutions, and Sanity). 

Running a business is hard enough. The advice you've been given shouldn't make it harder.
Can We Not? is the podcast for founder-led businesses that are done overcomplicating the work. No eight-figure frameworks. No systems that require a full-time project manager to maintain. Just the real, behind-the-scenes decisions that shape how a business actually runs.
I'm Sam Prestidge, founder of Auxo Business Services, and I work with visionary doers, the people who want to stay in the work but want that effort to actually build something instead of just keeping up. We talk about delegation, operations, team support, and the unsexy stuff that makes the difference between a business that grows and one that just stays busy.
If you're running a small team, or no team at all, and you're tired of chasing strategies that sound smart but don't fit how you work, you're in the right place.
Let's uncomplicate this thing.</description>
    <copyright>2025</copyright>
    <podcast:guid>964bccbc-0ffe-57cc-898a-f2f2913af4c0</podcast:guid>
    <podcast:locked owner="info@auxosvs.com">no</podcast:locked>
    <language>en</language>
    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:11 -0600</pubDate>
    <lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:02:22 -0600</lastBuildDate>
    <link>http://canwenotpodcast.com</link>
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      <title>Can We Not? Business Is Hard Enough. </title>
      <link>http://canwenotpodcast.com</link>
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    <itunes:category text="Business">
      <itunes:category text="Entrepreneurship"/>
    </itunes:category>
    <itunes:category text="Business">
      <itunes:category text="Management"/>
    </itunes:category>
    <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
    <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
    <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/rKGSQ7wKTM530gAXY5mNXSfAGmSjmuUzBYkv-kDGqZs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8wYmU1/ZDYxYzVhYjc4YWMw/NTE1MTg1Mzg0MTEx/MDk4Zi5wbmc.jpg"/>
    <itunes:summary>Can We Not? Business Is Hard Enough. A Podcasts for Working Founders (previously Strategies, Solutions, and Sanity). 

Running a business is hard enough. The advice you've been given shouldn't make it harder.
Can We Not? is the podcast for founder-led businesses that are done overcomplicating the work. No eight-figure frameworks. No systems that require a full-time project manager to maintain. Just the real, behind-the-scenes decisions that shape how a business actually runs.
I'm Sam Prestidge, founder of Auxo Business Services, and I work with visionary doers, the people who want to stay in the work but want that effort to actually build something instead of just keeping up. We talk about delegation, operations, team support, and the unsexy stuff that makes the difference between a business that grows and one that just stays busy.
If you're running a small team, or no team at all, and you're tired of chasing strategies that sound smart but don't fit how you work, you're in the right place.
Let's uncomplicate this thing.</itunes:summary>
    <itunes:subtitle>Can We Not.</itunes:subtitle>
    <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:owner>
      <itunes:name>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:name>
    </itunes:owner>
    <itunes:complete>No</itunes:complete>
    <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    <item>
      <title>40. Can We Not People-Please Our Way Through a Growing Business? | Conference Growth with Megan Shapiro</title>
      <itunes:episode>40</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>40</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>40. Can We Not People-Please Our Way Through a Growing Business? | Conference Growth with Megan Shapiro</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Growing community, conference, or business without losing your original vision — and your sanity — can be a picasso painting that easily gets distorted.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Megan Shapiro, construction attorney and founder of the Converge Construction Summit, about strategic community growth, what sustainable business building actually looks like, and how to stop people-pleasing your way into something you didn't mean to create.</p><p><br>Megan grew Converge from 13 people in Savannah to 55 in Chicago — and her most important work wasn't any of that growth. It was the months she spent figuring out why her best-reviewed event left her completely drained.</p><p><strong><br>In this episode:<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><br>How to grow a community or event without losing what made it work</li><li>Why strategic growth beats fast growth — and how to tell the difference</li><li>What people-pleasing in business actually costs you, even when things look successful</li><li>How to hear what your audience wants and identify what they actually need</li><li>Why sustainable business growth requires knowing your vision before you scale it</li><li>What months of business coaching, therapy, and a mastermind finally unlocked that a successful event couldn't<p></p></li></ul>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Growing community, conference, or business without losing your original vision — and your sanity — can be a picasso painting that easily gets distorted.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Megan Shapiro, construction attorney and founder of the Converge Construction Summit, about strategic community growth, what sustainable business building actually looks like, and how to stop people-pleasing your way into something you didn't mean to create.</p><p><br>Megan grew Converge from 13 people in Savannah to 55 in Chicago — and her most important work wasn't any of that growth. It was the months she spent figuring out why her best-reviewed event left her completely drained.</p><p><strong><br>In this episode:<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><br>How to grow a community or event without losing what made it work</li><li>Why strategic growth beats fast growth — and how to tell the difference</li><li>What people-pleasing in business actually costs you, even when things look successful</li><li>How to hear what your audience wants and identify what they actually need</li><li>Why sustainable business growth requires knowing your vision before you scale it</li><li>What months of business coaching, therapy, and a mastermind finally unlocked that a successful event couldn't<p></p></li></ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/80428fb9/d333f14f.mp3" length="48306815" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
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      <itunes:duration>3016</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Growing community, conference, or business without losing your original vision — and your sanity — can be a picasso painting that easily gets distorted.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Megan Shapiro, construction attorney and founder of the Converge Construction Summit, about strategic community growth, what sustainable business building actually looks like, and how to stop people-pleasing your way into something you didn't mean to create.</p><p><br>Megan grew Converge from 13 people in Savannah to 55 in Chicago — and her most important work wasn't any of that growth. It was the months she spent figuring out why her best-reviewed event left her completely drained.</p><p><strong><br>In this episode:<br></strong><br></p><ul><li><br>How to grow a community or event without losing what made it work</li><li>Why strategic growth beats fast growth — and how to tell the difference</li><li>What people-pleasing in business actually costs you, even when things look successful</li><li>How to hear what your audience wants and identify what they actually need</li><li>Why sustainable business growth requires knowing your vision before you scale it</li><li>What months of business coaching, therapy, and a mastermind finally unlocked that a successful event couldn't<p></p></li></ul>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/80428fb9/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>39. Can We Not Be the Reason Our Assistant Fails? Three Crucial Calls for Clarity </title>
      <itunes:episode>39</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>39</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>39. Can We Not Be the Reason Our Assistant Fails? Three Crucial Calls for Clarity </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">c8e31f83-e876-4338-8197-7150b2a21e02</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/50a16f94</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve hired an assistant before. It didn’t stick. And if you’re honest, you’re not totally sure why.</p><p><br></p><p>Host Samantha C. Prestidge of Auxo Business Services breaks down the three areas of clarity founders need to have in place before they bring on an assistant — and why skipping them is almost always what tanks the working relationship.</p><p><br></p><p>This solo episode gets into why even strong assistants fail when founders aren’t ready, the difference between delegating tasks and delegating outcomes, and the Map It → Keep It → Delegate It framework Sam uses with her own clients.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Topic Bullets<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>Why building SOPs before you hire is the wrong starting point — and what to do instead<p></p></li><li>The “cart before the horse” pattern that ends most assistant relationships early<p></p></li><li>What “how you want to play in your business” actually means — and why founders who skip it become micromanagers<p></p></li><li>How to write a value statement that ties your assistant’s work to real business outcomes, not just your to-do list<p></p></li><li>When “I can’t grow because I’m at capacity” is actually a clarity problem, not a bandwidth one<p></p></li><li>The Map It, Keep It, Delegate It framework</li><li>Book a delegation strategy session: auxosvs.com/strategy</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Timestamps<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>00:00 Hidden Expectations<br>00:21 Podcast Mission<br>01:49 Delegation Failures<br>03:31 Skip The SOP Trap<br>04:52 Three Clarity Areas<br>05:08 Map What Youre Building<br>07:18 Keep Your Founder Role<br>09:13 Delegate Outcomes Not Tasks<br>11:49 Map Keep Delegate Framework<br>12:27 Book A Strategy Session</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve hired an assistant before. It didn’t stick. And if you’re honest, you’re not totally sure why.</p><p><br></p><p>Host Samantha C. Prestidge of Auxo Business Services breaks down the three areas of clarity founders need to have in place before they bring on an assistant — and why skipping them is almost always what tanks the working relationship.</p><p><br></p><p>This solo episode gets into why even strong assistants fail when founders aren’t ready, the difference between delegating tasks and delegating outcomes, and the Map It → Keep It → Delegate It framework Sam uses with her own clients.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Topic Bullets<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>Why building SOPs before you hire is the wrong starting point — and what to do instead<p></p></li><li>The “cart before the horse” pattern that ends most assistant relationships early<p></p></li><li>What “how you want to play in your business” actually means — and why founders who skip it become micromanagers<p></p></li><li>How to write a value statement that ties your assistant’s work to real business outcomes, not just your to-do list<p></p></li><li>When “I can’t grow because I’m at capacity” is actually a clarity problem, not a bandwidth one<p></p></li><li>The Map It, Keep It, Delegate It framework</li><li>Book a delegation strategy session: auxosvs.com/strategy</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Timestamps<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>00:00 Hidden Expectations<br>00:21 Podcast Mission<br>01:49 Delegation Failures<br>03:31 Skip The SOP Trap<br>04:52 Three Clarity Areas<br>05:08 Map What Youre Building<br>07:18 Keep Your Founder Role<br>09:13 Delegate Outcomes Not Tasks<br>11:49 Map Keep Delegate Framework<br>12:27 Book A Strategy Session</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:45:30 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/50a16f94/b851790a.mp3" length="12726015" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/TfcHvJHDaBHtjkFJOjwbJzyEV8hAGz_hFgrmR6hPqr4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hYzNj/NGM2YzFkYzVlMWRh/YWJmMzJmYWZhOTlm/MGI5Yi5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>793</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve hired an assistant before. It didn’t stick. And if you’re honest, you’re not totally sure why.</p><p><br></p><p>Host Samantha C. Prestidge of Auxo Business Services breaks down the three areas of clarity founders need to have in place before they bring on an assistant — and why skipping them is almost always what tanks the working relationship.</p><p><br></p><p>This solo episode gets into why even strong assistants fail when founders aren’t ready, the difference between delegating tasks and delegating outcomes, and the Map It → Keep It → Delegate It framework Sam uses with her own clients.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Topic Bullets<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>Why building SOPs before you hire is the wrong starting point — and what to do instead<p></p></li><li>The “cart before the horse” pattern that ends most assistant relationships early<p></p></li><li>What “how you want to play in your business” actually means — and why founders who skip it become micromanagers<p></p></li><li>How to write a value statement that ties your assistant’s work to real business outcomes, not just your to-do list<p></p></li><li>When “I can’t grow because I’m at capacity” is actually a clarity problem, not a bandwidth one<p></p></li><li>The Map It, Keep It, Delegate It framework</li><li>Book a delegation strategy session: auxosvs.com/strategy</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong><br>Timestamps<br></strong><br></p><ul><li>00:00 Hidden Expectations<br>00:21 Podcast Mission<br>01:49 Delegation Failures<br>03:31 Skip The SOP Trap<br>04:52 Three Clarity Areas<br>05:08 Map What Youre Building<br>07:18 Keep Your Founder Role<br>09:13 Delegate Outcomes Not Tasks<br>11:49 Map Keep Delegate Framework<br>12:27 Book A Strategy Session</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/50a16f94/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>38.  Can We Not Keep Marketing to Everyone and Serving No One? | Finding the Right Operations Partner with Ashley Connell</title>
      <itunes:episode>38</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>38</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>38.  Can We Not Keep Marketing to Everyone and Serving No One? | Finding the Right Operations Partner with Ashley Connell</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">6c23ece3-061b-4fae-8748-29ff85356803</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ecb27293</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring operations help for your small business is harder than it should be — and most founders are looking at the wrong things when they do it.</p><p>Ashley Connell, CEO of Prowess Project, has spent seven years matching small business owners with operations partners. She's learned that the skills on a resume tell you almost nothing about whether someone can actually run your business alongside you.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Why hiring for tech stack and job titles fails service-based business owners</li><li>How to find the right operations partner for your small business</li><li>The four-step framework Ashley's ops partners use from day one</li><li>Why delegating outcomes doesn't work — and what to communicate instead</li><li>How to know if you need an operations partner or if your processes need fixing first</li><li>What a two-week time study reveals that no hiring process can</li></ul><p>00:00 The Need for Management</p><p>00:41 Welcome to Can We Not</p><p>01:41 Meet Ashley Connell</p><p>02:22 What is an Ops Partner</p><p>04:46 Meeting Leah</p><p>05:42 Flexible and Fulfilling Careers</p><p>06:59 The 97 Percent Statistic</p><p>07:38 The Matching Algorithm</p><p>10:47 Proven Results and Success Stories</p><p>13:14 Overcomplicating the Journey</p><p>15:38 Niching Down to Accounting Firms</p><p>17:22 Testing and Experimentation</p><p>19:22 Naming the Ops Partner</p><p>21:20 Experimentation With Intent</p><p>22:35 Accountability and Feedback</p><p>26:06 Four Step Delivery Method</p><p>29:03 Setting Clear Expectations</p><p>32:24 Behaviors Over Outcomes</p><p>34:28 Practical AI Integration</p><p>36:29 Time Study to Simplify</p><p>38:40 Closing Thoughts</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring operations help for your small business is harder than it should be — and most founders are looking at the wrong things when they do it.</p><p>Ashley Connell, CEO of Prowess Project, has spent seven years matching small business owners with operations partners. She's learned that the skills on a resume tell you almost nothing about whether someone can actually run your business alongside you.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Why hiring for tech stack and job titles fails service-based business owners</li><li>How to find the right operations partner for your small business</li><li>The four-step framework Ashley's ops partners use from day one</li><li>Why delegating outcomes doesn't work — and what to communicate instead</li><li>How to know if you need an operations partner or if your processes need fixing first</li><li>What a two-week time study reveals that no hiring process can</li></ul><p>00:00 The Need for Management</p><p>00:41 Welcome to Can We Not</p><p>01:41 Meet Ashley Connell</p><p>02:22 What is an Ops Partner</p><p>04:46 Meeting Leah</p><p>05:42 Flexible and Fulfilling Careers</p><p>06:59 The 97 Percent Statistic</p><p>07:38 The Matching Algorithm</p><p>10:47 Proven Results and Success Stories</p><p>13:14 Overcomplicating the Journey</p><p>15:38 Niching Down to Accounting Firms</p><p>17:22 Testing and Experimentation</p><p>19:22 Naming the Ops Partner</p><p>21:20 Experimentation With Intent</p><p>22:35 Accountability and Feedback</p><p>26:06 Four Step Delivery Method</p><p>29:03 Setting Clear Expectations</p><p>32:24 Behaviors Over Outcomes</p><p>34:28 Practical AI Integration</p><p>36:29 Time Study to Simplify</p><p>38:40 Closing Thoughts</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ecb27293/abfdaa1e.mp3" length="37389393" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/lDI087uZ6lO_0CdPajv-FpkOudPtVZg-aQ8W4WA14Mo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kMTY4/NTk1NDE3N2UwMjVh/MTZlMTM0YjYwYTVj/NDNlNy5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2334</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Hiring operations help for your small business is harder than it should be — and most founders are looking at the wrong things when they do it.</p><p>Ashley Connell, CEO of Prowess Project, has spent seven years matching small business owners with operations partners. She's learned that the skills on a resume tell you almost nothing about whether someone can actually run your business alongside you.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Why hiring for tech stack and job titles fails service-based business owners</li><li>How to find the right operations partner for your small business</li><li>The four-step framework Ashley's ops partners use from day one</li><li>Why delegating outcomes doesn't work — and what to communicate instead</li><li>How to know if you need an operations partner or if your processes need fixing first</li><li>What a two-week time study reveals that no hiring process can</li></ul><p>00:00 The Need for Management</p><p>00:41 Welcome to Can We Not</p><p>01:41 Meet Ashley Connell</p><p>02:22 What is an Ops Partner</p><p>04:46 Meeting Leah</p><p>05:42 Flexible and Fulfilling Careers</p><p>06:59 The 97 Percent Statistic</p><p>07:38 The Matching Algorithm</p><p>10:47 Proven Results and Success Stories</p><p>13:14 Overcomplicating the Journey</p><p>15:38 Niching Down to Accounting Firms</p><p>17:22 Testing and Experimentation</p><p>19:22 Naming the Ops Partner</p><p>21:20 Experimentation With Intent</p><p>22:35 Accountability and Feedback</p><p>26:06 Four Step Delivery Method</p><p>29:03 Setting Clear Expectations</p><p>32:24 Behaviors Over Outcomes</p><p>34:28 Practical AI Integration</p><p>36:29 Time Study to Simplify</p><p>38:40 Closing Thoughts</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/ecb27293/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>37. Can We Not Sell Like We're Trying to Win an Argument?</title>
      <itunes:episode>37</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>37</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>37. Can We Not Sell Like We're Trying to Win an Argument?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2dd5055b-c044-4ba1-ab88-832c9bf96d24</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/9374a967</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Most sales training teaches you to push harder when a prospect hesitates. Aleasha Bahr teaches you to get curious instead — and the results are hard to argue with.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Aleasha Bahr, author of Black Sheep Sales and founder of a sales coaching practice that helps service business owners build strategies designed around how they actually think and communicate — not a pushy script that never fit them in the first place.</p><p><br></p><p><br>They dig into what it looks like to simplify your message down to outcomes people actually want (hint: it's not your list of deliverables), why defining your anti-audience is as important as defining your ICP, and how knowing when to walk away from a sale is the thing that actually brings clients chasing you.</p><p><strong><br>LINKS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr">Aleasha Bahr on LinkedIn</a> </li><li><a href="https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/">Black Sheep Sales book</a></li><li><a href="https://aleashabahr.com/">Aleasha's website</a></li><li>Catch more episodes: canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam as a guest on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Most sales training teaches you to push harder when a prospect hesitates. Aleasha Bahr teaches you to get curious instead — and the results are hard to argue with.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Aleasha Bahr, author of Black Sheep Sales and founder of a sales coaching practice that helps service business owners build strategies designed around how they actually think and communicate — not a pushy script that never fit them in the first place.</p><p><br></p><p><br>They dig into what it looks like to simplify your message down to outcomes people actually want (hint: it's not your list of deliverables), why defining your anti-audience is as important as defining your ICP, and how knowing when to walk away from a sale is the thing that actually brings clients chasing you.</p><p><strong><br>LINKS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr">Aleasha Bahr on LinkedIn</a> </li><li><a href="https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/">Black Sheep Sales book</a></li><li><a href="https://aleashabahr.com/">Aleasha's website</a></li><li>Catch more episodes: canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam as a guest on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9374a967/fd8415d1.mp3" length="38259059" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/vN_SA7E1AF-9MVfC_7E0ap_yMJ90Gg0XOoTVBz03mXQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hZGNk/N2YwMTNkZDQ2NjJk/NzRmMzIxZmU3NWJm/MTBmYS5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>2388</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><br>Most sales training teaches you to push harder when a prospect hesitates. Aleasha Bahr teaches you to get curious instead — and the results are hard to argue with.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Aleasha Bahr, author of Black Sheep Sales and founder of a sales coaching practice that helps service business owners build strategies designed around how they actually think and communicate — not a pushy script that never fit them in the first place.</p><p><br></p><p><br>They dig into what it looks like to simplify your message down to outcomes people actually want (hint: it's not your list of deliverables), why defining your anti-audience is as important as defining your ICP, and how knowing when to walk away from a sale is the thing that actually brings clients chasing you.</p><p><strong><br>LINKS</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr">Aleasha Bahr on LinkedIn</a> </li><li><a href="https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/">Black Sheep Sales book</a></li><li><a href="https://aleashabahr.com/">Aleasha's website</a></li><li>Catch more episodes: canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam as a guest on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/9374a967/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>36. Can We Not Duct-Tape Seven Apps Together? | Construction Tech &amp; Quickbooks Alternatives with Bryant Solomon ?</title>
      <itunes:episode>36</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>36</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>36. Can We Not Duct-Tape Seven Apps Together? | Construction Tech &amp; Quickbooks Alternatives with Bryant Solomon ?</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">e60edb23-b03f-4d14-b43b-db593ff73c80</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/8aa2e1b5</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>You're not running seven apps because you're disorganized. You're running seven apps because each one solved a real problem at the time and nobody ever stopped to ask if the pile still made sense.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Bryant Solomon, co-founder of ControlQore, who did something most founders skip — he went and worked inside his customer's business before building anything. What he found was a back office held together with workarounds, and a team trained on tools that were never designed for them.</p><p>They get into how chasing the wrong kind of growth poisons an entire industry's relationship with technology, and why the founders who build slow and stay profitable are the ones still standing when the VC-fueled competitors burn out.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryant-solomon-cq-ceo/">Bryant Solomon on LinkedIn </a></li><li><a href="https://www.controlqore.com/">ControlQore website </a></li><li><a href="https://convergeconstructionsummit.com/">Converge Summit </a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo">Josh Luebker (fractional CFO mentioned) on LinkedIn</a></li><li>More episodes at canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>You're not running seven apps because you're disorganized. You're running seven apps because each one solved a real problem at the time and nobody ever stopped to ask if the pile still made sense.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Bryant Solomon, co-founder of ControlQore, who did something most founders skip — he went and worked inside his customer's business before building anything. What he found was a back office held together with workarounds, and a team trained on tools that were never designed for them.</p><p>They get into how chasing the wrong kind of growth poisons an entire industry's relationship with technology, and why the founders who build slow and stay profitable are the ones still standing when the VC-fueled competitors burn out.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryant-solomon-cq-ceo/">Bryant Solomon on LinkedIn </a></li><li><a href="https://www.controlqore.com/">ControlQore website </a></li><li><a href="https://convergeconstructionsummit.com/">Converge Summit </a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo">Josh Luebker (fractional CFO mentioned) on LinkedIn</a></li><li>More episodes at canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8aa2e1b5/3155a378.mp3" length="53561620" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:image href="https://img.transistorcdn.com/jQkaTVwUYE842lPELnrGS2OeswEItWpxSWoHLAH1Dak/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jNjdl/MDFmZmEyY2YxZGI3/Zjc3MTdiZjlmZWY5/NDU2OC5wbmc.jpg"/>
      <itunes:duration>3345</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>You're not running seven apps because you're disorganized. You're running seven apps because each one solved a real problem at the time and nobody ever stopped to ask if the pile still made sense.</p><p><br>Host Samantha C. Prestidge chats with Bryant Solomon, co-founder of ControlQore, who did something most founders skip — he went and worked inside his customer's business before building anything. What he found was a back office held together with workarounds, and a team trained on tools that were never designed for them.</p><p>They get into how chasing the wrong kind of growth poisons an entire industry's relationship with technology, and why the founders who build slow and stay profitable are the ones still standing when the VC-fueled competitors burn out.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryant-solomon-cq-ceo/">Bryant Solomon on LinkedIn </a></li><li><a href="https://www.controlqore.com/">ControlQore website </a></li><li><a href="https://convergeconstructionsummit.com/">Converge Summit </a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-construction-cfo">Josh Luebker (fractional CFO mentioned) on LinkedIn</a></li><li>More episodes at canwenotpodcast.com</li><li><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdW-Fai45ZC1pNAD956IEPe0EzMigFLSC6pKfihC8_GVqXRLA/viewform?usp=header">Apply to be a guest</a></li><li>Have Sam on your podcast: info@auxosvs.com</li></ul>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/8aa2e1b5/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The #1 Mindset Shift to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Business</title>
      <itunes:episode>35</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>35</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The #1 Mindset Shift to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Business</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2879eda7-87c3-424f-9444-20fcc7444df0</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1ea8c13</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling overworked, overloaded, or like you’re the only one holding everything together in your business?<br>You might be stuck in the trap that catches so many founders and high performers: confusing self-sufficiency with strength.</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Samantha shares the one mindset shift that helps founders stop being the bottleneck in their own business. Through personal stories, real-life examples, and practical delegation insights, you’ll learn:</p><p>why asking for help feels uncomfortable</p><p>how over-functioning secretly drains your time and energy</p><p>the difference between being capable and overcompensating</p><p>how to make delegation simple (and not feel like letting go of control)</p><p>why receiving support is the unlock for scaling without burnout</p><p>If you’re an overwhelmed founder or small business owner trying to grow without losing your sanity, this episode gives you the clarity and permission you didn’t know you needed.</p><p><br>00:00 Mom’s lesson that sparked the mindset shift<br>00:58 Why asking for help feels so hard<br>02:32 What happened when Samantha tested “helping”<br>04:15 The hidden plague of over-self-sufficiency<br>07:17 How to stop being the bottleneck in your business<br>09:52 The mindset shift that makes delegation simple</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling overworked, overloaded, or like you’re the only one holding everything together in your business?<br>You might be stuck in the trap that catches so many founders and high performers: confusing self-sufficiency with strength.</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Samantha shares the one mindset shift that helps founders stop being the bottleneck in their own business. Through personal stories, real-life examples, and practical delegation insights, you’ll learn:</p><p>why asking for help feels uncomfortable</p><p>how over-functioning secretly drains your time and energy</p><p>the difference between being capable and overcompensating</p><p>how to make delegation simple (and not feel like letting go of control)</p><p>why receiving support is the unlock for scaling without burnout</p><p>If you’re an overwhelmed founder or small business owner trying to grow without losing your sanity, this episode gives you the clarity and permission you didn’t know you needed.</p><p><br>00:00 Mom’s lesson that sparked the mindset shift<br>00:58 Why asking for help feels so hard<br>02:32 What happened when Samantha tested “helping”<br>04:15 The hidden plague of over-self-sufficiency<br>07:17 How to stop being the bottleneck in your business<br>09:52 The mindset shift that makes delegation simple</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a1ea8c13/f6ef204d.mp3" length="11309567" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>704</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling overworked, overloaded, or like you’re the only one holding everything together in your business?<br>You might be stuck in the trap that catches so many founders and high performers: confusing self-sufficiency with strength.</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Samantha shares the one mindset shift that helps founders stop being the bottleneck in their own business. Through personal stories, real-life examples, and practical delegation insights, you’ll learn:</p><p>why asking for help feels uncomfortable</p><p>how over-functioning secretly drains your time and energy</p><p>the difference between being capable and overcompensating</p><p>how to make delegation simple (and not feel like letting go of control)</p><p>why receiving support is the unlock for scaling without burnout</p><p>If you’re an overwhelmed founder or small business owner trying to grow without losing your sanity, this episode gives you the clarity and permission you didn’t know you needed.</p><p><br>00:00 Mom’s lesson that sparked the mindset shift<br>00:58 Why asking for help feels so hard<br>02:32 What happened when Samantha tested “helping”<br>04:15 The hidden plague of over-self-sufficiency<br>07:17 How to stop being the bottleneck in your business<br>09:52 The mindset shift that makes delegation simple</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Creative Hiring: How to Find Great Admin or Executive Assistant Talent (When Job Boards Fail You)</title>
      <itunes:episode>34</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>34</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Creative Hiring: How to Find Great Admin or Executive Assistant Talent (When Job Boards Fail You)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d9119dc5-7ebd-4c0a-a085-63a35f88499a</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/8974eb1d</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Creative hiring for executive assistants and office managers: learn how to define day-to-day tasks, map soft skills, and find great candidates in unexpected places. We cover transferable skills, small-town recruiting, and why PTA leaders, teachers, and restaurant team leads can shine in admin and EA roles. If job boards are failing you, this will help you think outside the resume.</p><p>What you’ll learn</p><p>How clarity in tasks reveals the right soft skills</p><p>Where to look beyond resumes: PTA, education, and hospitality</p><p>When “hire for character, train the tech” makes sense</p><p>Cost trade-offs and how to train new hires well</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Intro: creative interviewing and recruiting<br>01:02 Why job clarity matters<br>02:04 Unconventional places to find talent<br>03:32 Leveraging non-traditional candidates<br>05:53 Cost benefits and training<br>06:43 Wrap + how to get help</p><p>Need help? Comment with the role you’re hiring. Connect with Samantha C. Prestidge on LinkedIn or email info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Creative hiring for executive assistants and office managers: learn how to define day-to-day tasks, map soft skills, and find great candidates in unexpected places. We cover transferable skills, small-town recruiting, and why PTA leaders, teachers, and restaurant team leads can shine in admin and EA roles. If job boards are failing you, this will help you think outside the resume.</p><p>What you’ll learn</p><p>How clarity in tasks reveals the right soft skills</p><p>Where to look beyond resumes: PTA, education, and hospitality</p><p>When “hire for character, train the tech” makes sense</p><p>Cost trade-offs and how to train new hires well</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Intro: creative interviewing and recruiting<br>01:02 Why job clarity matters<br>02:04 Unconventional places to find talent<br>03:32 Leveraging non-traditional candidates<br>05:53 Cost benefits and training<br>06:43 Wrap + how to get help</p><p>Need help? Comment with the role you’re hiring. Connect with Samantha C. Prestidge on LinkedIn or email info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8974eb1d/e22a3b18.mp3" length="7433058" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>462</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Creative hiring for executive assistants and office managers: learn how to define day-to-day tasks, map soft skills, and find great candidates in unexpected places. We cover transferable skills, small-town recruiting, and why PTA leaders, teachers, and restaurant team leads can shine in admin and EA roles. If job boards are failing you, this will help you think outside the resume.</p><p>What you’ll learn</p><p>How clarity in tasks reveals the right soft skills</p><p>Where to look beyond resumes: PTA, education, and hospitality</p><p>When “hire for character, train the tech” makes sense</p><p>Cost trade-offs and how to train new hires well</p><p>Chapters<br>00:00 Intro: creative interviewing and recruiting<br>01:02 Why job clarity matters<br>02:04 Unconventional places to find talent<br>03:32 Leveraging non-traditional candidates<br>05:53 Cost benefits and training<br>06:43 Wrap + how to get help</p><p>Need help? Comment with the role you’re hiring. Connect with Samantha C. Prestidge on LinkedIn or email info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Be a Healthy Skeptic in a World Selling You “More</title>
      <itunes:episode>33</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>33</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>How to Be a Healthy Skeptic in a World Selling You “More</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5541a0f1-81b5-4d4a-a802-273e7e9a377d</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1afceb86</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we diverge from the scheduled content plan to address a critical business principle: simplicity. Spurred by early Christmas setups in stores, I discuss the importance of simplicity in both business and personal life. You'll learn three practical strategies to maintain simplicity: 1) Stop being oversubscribed with information, 2) Get to the root cause of problems, and 3) Embrace the boring but profitable tasks. These steps will help you stay aligned with your business goals and avoid unnecessary complications. Tune in next week for some creative tips on interviewing and recruiting.<br>00:00 Introduction and Content Overview<br>00:39 Holiday Decorations and Business Insights<br>02:22 Embracing Simplicity in Business<br>03:44 Strategy 1: Avoid Being Oversubscribed<br>05:26 Strategy 2: Identify the Root Cause<br>06:56 Strategy 3: Embrace the Boring<br>09:22 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we diverge from the scheduled content plan to address a critical business principle: simplicity. Spurred by early Christmas setups in stores, I discuss the importance of simplicity in both business and personal life. You'll learn three practical strategies to maintain simplicity: 1) Stop being oversubscribed with information, 2) Get to the root cause of problems, and 3) Embrace the boring but profitable tasks. These steps will help you stay aligned with your business goals and avoid unnecessary complications. Tune in next week for some creative tips on interviewing and recruiting.<br>00:00 Introduction and Content Overview<br>00:39 Holiday Decorations and Business Insights<br>02:22 Embracing Simplicity in Business<br>03:44 Strategy 1: Avoid Being Oversubscribed<br>05:26 Strategy 2: Identify the Root Cause<br>06:56 Strategy 3: Embrace the Boring<br>09:22 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1afceb86/ea644770.mp3" length="9776891" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>608</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we diverge from the scheduled content plan to address a critical business principle: simplicity. Spurred by early Christmas setups in stores, I discuss the importance of simplicity in both business and personal life. You'll learn three practical strategies to maintain simplicity: 1) Stop being oversubscribed with information, 2) Get to the root cause of problems, and 3) Embrace the boring but profitable tasks. These steps will help you stay aligned with your business goals and avoid unnecessary complications. Tune in next week for some creative tips on interviewing and recruiting.<br>00:00 Introduction and Content Overview<br>00:39 Holiday Decorations and Business Insights<br>02:22 Embracing Simplicity in Business<br>03:44 Strategy 1: Avoid Being Oversubscribed<br>05:26 Strategy 2: Identify the Root Cause<br>06:56 Strategy 3: Embrace the Boring<br>09:22 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>3 Interview Questions That Reveal the Real Person Behind the Resume</title>
      <itunes:episode>32</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>32</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>3 Interview Questions That Reveal the Real Person Behind the Resume</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">078660ec-10ea-4266-846c-40bdd3a1d70d</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab2d7a65</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into four essential interview questions designed for the final round of our four-stage hiring process, specifically targeting virtual administrative, executive, and operations assistant roles. The goal is to assess soft skills, character traits, and personality beyond technical competencies. I explain the rationale behind each question and the insights they provide into a candidate’s ability to navigate client relationships, self-reflect, take initiative, and balance confidence with humility. If you're looking to hire an assistant without the hassle of interviewing, visit our website and book a call with us. Learn how to uncover the real potential of your next team member!<br>00:00 Introduction to Interview Questions<br>00:19 Understanding the Interview Process<br>01:10 The Importance of Conversational Interviews<br>01:41 Favorite Interview Questions<br>04:22 Evaluating Initiative and Confidence<br>07:30 Conclusion and Next Steps</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into four essential interview questions designed for the final round of our four-stage hiring process, specifically targeting virtual administrative, executive, and operations assistant roles. The goal is to assess soft skills, character traits, and personality beyond technical competencies. I explain the rationale behind each question and the insights they provide into a candidate’s ability to navigate client relationships, self-reflect, take initiative, and balance confidence with humility. If you're looking to hire an assistant without the hassle of interviewing, visit our website and book a call with us. Learn how to uncover the real potential of your next team member!<br>00:00 Introduction to Interview Questions<br>00:19 Understanding the Interview Process<br>01:10 The Importance of Conversational Interviews<br>01:41 Favorite Interview Questions<br>04:22 Evaluating Initiative and Confidence<br>07:30 Conclusion and Next Steps</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ab2d7a65/482baeb7.mp3" length="8393050" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>522</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into four essential interview questions designed for the final round of our four-stage hiring process, specifically targeting virtual administrative, executive, and operations assistant roles. The goal is to assess soft skills, character traits, and personality beyond technical competencies. I explain the rationale behind each question and the insights they provide into a candidate’s ability to navigate client relationships, self-reflect, take initiative, and balance confidence with humility. If you're looking to hire an assistant without the hassle of interviewing, visit our website and book a call with us. Learn how to uncover the real potential of your next team member!<br>00:00 Introduction to Interview Questions<br>00:19 Understanding the Interview Process<br>01:10 The Importance of Conversational Interviews<br>01:41 Favorite Interview Questions<br>04:22 Evaluating Initiative and Confidence<br>07:30 Conclusion and Next Steps</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why ‘Just Hire a VA’ Is Terrible Advice</title>
      <itunes:episode>31</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>31</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Why ‘Just Hire a VA’ Is Terrible Advice</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">dadead72-417b-494d-a66e-3bfbb63633af</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/424fc312</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we tackle a common piece of advice given to business owners: 'Just hire an assistant.' While it sounds great on the surface, many find that hiring without a clear plan often leads to frustration and wasted resources. </p><p>Learn why it's essential to understand your business functions and desired involvement before bringing an assistant on board. We share practical insights on how to define your role, identify tasks to delegate, and ensure a seamless integration of a virtual assistant. </p><p>Need personalized help? Consider a delegation strategy session with us to streamline this process. Visit AUXOSVS.COM/BOOK to schedule a call.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Common Advice on Hiring Assistants<br>00:27 The Flaws in 'Just Hire an Assistant' Advice<br>01:37 A Better Approach: Defining Your Role and Tasks<br>01:54 Practical Steps for Effective Delegation<br>02:40 Conclusion and Further Assistance</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we tackle a common piece of advice given to business owners: 'Just hire an assistant.' While it sounds great on the surface, many find that hiring without a clear plan often leads to frustration and wasted resources. </p><p>Learn why it's essential to understand your business functions and desired involvement before bringing an assistant on board. We share practical insights on how to define your role, identify tasks to delegate, and ensure a seamless integration of a virtual assistant. </p><p>Need personalized help? Consider a delegation strategy session with us to streamline this process. Visit AUXOSVS.COM/BOOK to schedule a call.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Common Advice on Hiring Assistants<br>00:27 The Flaws in 'Just Hire an Assistant' Advice<br>01:37 A Better Approach: Defining Your Role and Tasks<br>01:54 Practical Steps for Effective Delegation<br>02:40 Conclusion and Further Assistance</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/424fc312/992beda6.mp3" length="4118943" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>255</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we tackle a common piece of advice given to business owners: 'Just hire an assistant.' While it sounds great on the surface, many find that hiring without a clear plan often leads to frustration and wasted resources. </p><p>Learn why it's essential to understand your business functions and desired involvement before bringing an assistant on board. We share practical insights on how to define your role, identify tasks to delegate, and ensure a seamless integration of a virtual assistant. </p><p>Need personalized help? Consider a delegation strategy session with us to streamline this process. Visit AUXOSVS.COM/BOOK to schedule a call.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Common Advice on Hiring Assistants<br>00:27 The Flaws in 'Just Hire an Assistant' Advice<br>01:37 A Better Approach: Defining Your Role and Tasks<br>01:54 Practical Steps for Effective Delegation<br>02:40 Conclusion and Further Assistance</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How Delegation Helps You Zoom Out and Think Like a CEO</title>
      <itunes:episode>30</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>30</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>How Delegation Helps You Zoom Out and Think Like a CEO</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2bab5dd4-7470-46c2-a0fc-bac18f043eed</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/9cf9a305</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions, Sam explains the importance of delegation for business owners and consultants. By effectively delegating tasks, you can reduce chaos, improve processes, and free up mental space, allowing you to focus on creative and strategic thinking. Sam also offers resources and personalized strategies to help you begin the delegation process and reclaim your role as a confident, visionary CEO.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Seeing the Forest for the Trees</p><p>00:15 Welcome to Strategy Solutions</p><p>01:37 The Importance of Delegation</p><p>02:47 Benefits of Delegation</p><p>04:41 Getting Started with Delegation</p><p>05:25 Conclusion: Book Your Call</p><p>Book your call at auxosvs.com/book</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions, Sam explains the importance of delegation for business owners and consultants. By effectively delegating tasks, you can reduce chaos, improve processes, and free up mental space, allowing you to focus on creative and strategic thinking. Sam also offers resources and personalized strategies to help you begin the delegation process and reclaim your role as a confident, visionary CEO.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Seeing the Forest for the Trees</p><p>00:15 Welcome to Strategy Solutions</p><p>01:37 The Importance of Delegation</p><p>02:47 Benefits of Delegation</p><p>04:41 Getting Started with Delegation</p><p>05:25 Conclusion: Book Your Call</p><p>Book your call at auxosvs.com/book</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9cf9a305/c5be04aa.mp3" length="5904913" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>366</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions, Sam explains the importance of delegation for business owners and consultants. By effectively delegating tasks, you can reduce chaos, improve processes, and free up mental space, allowing you to focus on creative and strategic thinking. Sam also offers resources and personalized strategies to help you begin the delegation process and reclaim your role as a confident, visionary CEO.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Seeing the Forest for the Trees</p><p>00:15 Welcome to Strategy Solutions</p><p>01:37 The Importance of Delegation</p><p>02:47 Benefits of Delegation</p><p>04:41 Getting Started with Delegation</p><p>05:25 Conclusion: Book Your Call</p><p>Book your call at auxosvs.com/book</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Know If You Can Trust an Assistant (and Start Handing Work Off)</title>
      <itunes:episode>29</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>29</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>How to Know If You Can Trust an Assistant (and Start Handing Work Off)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d25d169f-be8d-4299-b091-e6585ed1682a</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f2956bb</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into what it takes to trust someone enough to hire them as an assistant. We'll explore past discussions on delegation strategy and the essentials for onboarding an assistant. The focus will be on overcoming trust issues—fear of poor performance or exposing personal work details—and what to look for during the hiring process. Key points include establishing initial trust, solidifying it in the first two months by assessing competence and chemistry, and nurturing it through assigning more challenging tasks and observing proactive, adaptive behavior. Join us to learn how to confidently trust your assistant and effectively delegate tasks.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Trusting an Assistant</p><p>00:07 Delegation Strategy and Hiring Essentials</p><p>00:34 Overcoming the Trust Hang-Up</p><p>01:09 Building Chemistry and Competence</p><p>02:15 The Growth Journey to Trust</p><p>03:38 Challenging Tasks and Proactive Support</p><p>04:23 Adapting and Innovating for Success</p><p>05:17 Conclusion: Flourishing Trust with Your Assistant</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into what it takes to trust someone enough to hire them as an assistant. We'll explore past discussions on delegation strategy and the essentials for onboarding an assistant. The focus will be on overcoming trust issues—fear of poor performance or exposing personal work details—and what to look for during the hiring process. Key points include establishing initial trust, solidifying it in the first two months by assessing competence and chemistry, and nurturing it through assigning more challenging tasks and observing proactive, adaptive behavior. Join us to learn how to confidently trust your assistant and effectively delegate tasks.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Trusting an Assistant</p><p>00:07 Delegation Strategy and Hiring Essentials</p><p>00:34 Overcoming the Trust Hang-Up</p><p>01:09 Building Chemistry and Competence</p><p>02:15 The Growth Journey to Trust</p><p>03:38 Challenging Tasks and Proactive Support</p><p>04:23 Adapting and Innovating for Success</p><p>05:17 Conclusion: Flourishing Trust with Your Assistant</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/6f2956bb/46a5b492.mp3" length="5548008" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>344</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we delve into what it takes to trust someone enough to hire them as an assistant. We'll explore past discussions on delegation strategy and the essentials for onboarding an assistant. The focus will be on overcoming trust issues—fear of poor performance or exposing personal work details—and what to look for during the hiring process. Key points include establishing initial trust, solidifying it in the first two months by assessing competence and chemistry, and nurturing it through assigning more challenging tasks and observing proactive, adaptive behavior. Join us to learn how to confidently trust your assistant and effectively delegate tasks.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Trusting an Assistant</p><p>00:07 Delegation Strategy and Hiring Essentials</p><p>00:34 Overcoming the Trust Hang-Up</p><p>01:09 Building Chemistry and Competence</p><p>02:15 The Growth Journey to Trust</p><p>03:38 Challenging Tasks and Proactive Support</p><p>04:23 Adapting and Innovating for Success</p><p>05:17 Conclusion: Flourishing Trust with Your Assistant</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Create Clear Roles and Accountability in Your Business</title>
      <itunes:episode>28</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>28</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>How to Create Clear Roles and Accountability in Your Business</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">38275da5-a013-43b7-8d9f-356cbe4a1890</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/b2057a93</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Quick Cast, we discuss how to create better clarity and ownership within your team. We'll tackle common issues like unclear job descriptions and undefined processes. Learn the simple, actionable steps to visualize your team's tasks and responsibilities using a process flowchart and swim lanes. This method helps you map out tasks, assign ownership, and ensure accountability. Perfect for small business owners and team leaders looking to improve efficiency and team dynamics.<br>00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Ownership<br>00:08 Identifying the Problem<br>01:06 Creating a Process Flow Chart<br>02:19 Using Swim Lanes for Clarity<br>04:04 Assigning Ownership and Accountability<br>04:48 Addressing Concerns and Encouraging Implementation<br>06:10 Conclusion and Practical Steps</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Quick Cast, we discuss how to create better clarity and ownership within your team. We'll tackle common issues like unclear job descriptions and undefined processes. Learn the simple, actionable steps to visualize your team's tasks and responsibilities using a process flowchart and swim lanes. This method helps you map out tasks, assign ownership, and ensure accountability. Perfect for small business owners and team leaders looking to improve efficiency and team dynamics.<br>00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Ownership<br>00:08 Identifying the Problem<br>01:06 Creating a Process Flow Chart<br>02:19 Using Swim Lanes for Clarity<br>04:04 Assigning Ownership and Accountability<br>04:48 Addressing Concerns and Encouraging Implementation<br>06:10 Conclusion and Practical Steps</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2025 15:09:33 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/b2057a93/2b0cedc0.mp3" length="6089665" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>378</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this week's Quick Cast, we discuss how to create better clarity and ownership within your team. We'll tackle common issues like unclear job descriptions and undefined processes. Learn the simple, actionable steps to visualize your team's tasks and responsibilities using a process flowchart and swim lanes. This method helps you map out tasks, assign ownership, and ensure accountability. Perfect for small business owners and team leaders looking to improve efficiency and team dynamics.<br>00:00 Introduction to Clarity and Ownership<br>00:08 Identifying the Problem<br>01:06 Creating a Process Flow Chart<br>02:19 Using Swim Lanes for Clarity<br>04:04 Assigning Ownership and Accountability<br>04:48 Addressing Concerns and Encouraging Implementation<br>06:10 Conclusion and Practical Steps</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>From ER Nurse to Conflict Coach: Boundaries, Feedback, and Courage at Work Why: Clear arc + human story (“ER Nurse to Conflict Coach”) with concrete topics (bou</title>
      <itunes:episode>27</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>27</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>From ER Nurse to Conflict Coach: Boundaries, Feedback, and Courage at Work Why: Clear arc + human story (“ER Nurse to Conflict Coach”) with concrete topics (bou</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">8ce48b22-87aa-49a5-8ae5-56029a96c27e</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e8f973a</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity Today, we dive deep into the journey and insights of Adriana, an ER nurse turned public speaker and leadership coach. Adriana shares her evolution from a healthcare career to coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and integrating personal passions into professional life. We discuss her unique events like Boundaries and Bubbly, the challenge of networking, and practical advice for maintaining work-life balance. Get inspired by Adriana's authentic approach to business growth and her commitment to meaningful connections.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome</p><p>00:28 Adriana's Journey: From Nursing to Entrepreneurship</p><p>01:37 The Evolution of Adriana's Coaching Career</p><p>03:24 Balancing Nursing and Coaching</p><p>04:31 The Art of Humor in Public Speaking</p><p>06:16 The Importance of Feedback and Boundaries</p><p>16:43 Integrating Fun and Work-Life Balance</p><p>26:45 Networking Insights and Personal Boundaries</p><p>27:40 Authenticity in Networking</p><p>30:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life</p><p>32:39 Challenges in Leadership and Entrepreneurship</p><p>38:17 The Importance of Vulnerability</p><p>49:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity Today, we dive deep into the journey and insights of Adriana, an ER nurse turned public speaker and leadership coach. Adriana shares her evolution from a healthcare career to coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and integrating personal passions into professional life. We discuss her unique events like Boundaries and Bubbly, the challenge of networking, and practical advice for maintaining work-life balance. Get inspired by Adriana's authentic approach to business growth and her commitment to meaningful connections.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome</p><p>00:28 Adriana's Journey: From Nursing to Entrepreneurship</p><p>01:37 The Evolution of Adriana's Coaching Career</p><p>03:24 Balancing Nursing and Coaching</p><p>04:31 The Art of Humor in Public Speaking</p><p>06:16 The Importance of Feedback and Boundaries</p><p>16:43 Integrating Fun and Work-Life Balance</p><p>26:45 Networking Insights and Personal Boundaries</p><p>27:40 Authenticity in Networking</p><p>30:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life</p><p>32:39 Challenges in Leadership and Entrepreneurship</p><p>38:17 The Importance of Vulnerability</p><p>49:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:53:33 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/2e8f973a/320ad3e1.mp3" length="49710591" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3104</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity Today, we dive deep into the journey and insights of Adriana, an ER nurse turned public speaker and leadership coach. Adriana shares her evolution from a healthcare career to coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, setting boundaries, and integrating personal passions into professional life. We discuss her unique events like Boundaries and Bubbly, the challenge of networking, and practical advice for maintaining work-life balance. Get inspired by Adriana's authentic approach to business growth and her commitment to meaningful connections.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome</p><p>00:28 Adriana's Journey: From Nursing to Entrepreneurship</p><p>01:37 The Evolution of Adriana's Coaching Career</p><p>03:24 Balancing Nursing and Coaching</p><p>04:31 The Art of Humor in Public Speaking</p><p>06:16 The Importance of Feedback and Boundaries</p><p>16:43 Integrating Fun and Work-Life Balance</p><p>26:45 Networking Insights and Personal Boundaries</p><p>27:40 Authenticity in Networking</p><p>30:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life</p><p>32:39 Challenges in Leadership and Entrepreneurship</p><p>38:17 The Importance of Vulnerability</p><p>49:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>5 Red Flags You’re Losing Motivation in Your Business (Before Burnout Hits)</title>
      <itunes:episode>26</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>26</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>5 Red Flags You’re Losing Motivation in Your Business (Before Burnout Hits)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">dc80ec39-f4ae-42af-9f8b-01202bb2f3c8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad4c365c</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Feeling like every task in your business is heavier than it should be?</strong> You might not be burned out in the way people typically imagine — but for high achievers, burnout looks different. It shows up as procrastination, losing motivation, brushing off wins, or even resenting small parts of your business.</p><p>In this QuickCast, I’m breaking down <strong>5 subtle red flags</strong> that signal you’re starting to lose motivation in your business — and how to address them before burnout steals your creativity, vision, and momentum.</p><p>👉 You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>The everyday frustrations that reveal deeper cracks in your business</li><li>Why “just pushing through” actually stalls growth</li><li>How resentment and comparison creep in quietly</li><li>What to shift so you can get back to enjoying your role as CEO</li></ul><p>If you’re starting to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or less excited by your business, this episode is for you.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Feeling like every task in your business is heavier than it should be?</strong> You might not be burned out in the way people typically imagine — but for high achievers, burnout looks different. It shows up as procrastination, losing motivation, brushing off wins, or even resenting small parts of your business.</p><p>In this QuickCast, I’m breaking down <strong>5 subtle red flags</strong> that signal you’re starting to lose motivation in your business — and how to address them before burnout steals your creativity, vision, and momentum.</p><p>👉 You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>The everyday frustrations that reveal deeper cracks in your business</li><li>Why “just pushing through” actually stalls growth</li><li>How resentment and comparison creep in quietly</li><li>What to shift so you can get back to enjoying your role as CEO</li></ul><p>If you’re starting to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or less excited by your business, this episode is for you.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:30:19 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ad4c365c/ba33d0ce.mp3" length="9104432" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>566</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>Feeling like every task in your business is heavier than it should be?</strong> You might not be burned out in the way people typically imagine — but for high achievers, burnout looks different. It shows up as procrastination, losing motivation, brushing off wins, or even resenting small parts of your business.</p><p>In this QuickCast, I’m breaking down <strong>5 subtle red flags</strong> that signal you’re starting to lose motivation in your business — and how to address them before burnout steals your creativity, vision, and momentum.</p><p>👉 You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>The everyday frustrations that reveal deeper cracks in your business</li><li>Why “just pushing through” actually stalls growth</li><li>How resentment and comparison creep in quietly</li><li>What to shift so you can get back to enjoying your role as CEO</li></ul><p>If you’re starting to feel stuck, overwhelmed, or less excited by your business, this episode is for you.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Profit First, Cash Flow, &amp; Calculated Risk for Small Businesses with Megan Schwan</title>
      <itunes:episode>25</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>25</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Profit First, Cash Flow, &amp; Calculated Risk for Small Businesses with Megan Schwan</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">a84b95d6-86f7-4268-97f0-4734660020bf</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/be7a5e02</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha welcomes financial expert Megan Schwan. Megan shares her inspiring journey from being a teen mom to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the importance of fostering a supportive culture, embracing calculated risks, and using the Profit First method to manage business finances effectively. Megan also highlights her personal experiences, including overcoming challenges like divorce and moving across the country, all while maintaining a growing business and raising four children. Tune in for valuable insights on resilience, business strategy, and financial empowerment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Show Overview</p><p>00:16 Meet Megan Schwan</p><p>02:22 Megan's Journey: From Teen Mom to Business Owner</p><p>05:20 Balancing Family and Business</p><p>10:31 The Importance of Calculated Risks</p><p>16:13 Trusting Intuition in Business</p><p>20:41 The Drive Behind Determination</p><p>22:15 Major Life Changes and Business Flexibility</p><p>22:56 The Importance of Grit and Determination</p><p>24:12 Navigating a Saturated Market</p><p>30:36 The Concept of Profit First</p><p>40:09 Implementing Profit First: A Personal Journey</p><p>44:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha welcomes financial expert Megan Schwan. Megan shares her inspiring journey from being a teen mom to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the importance of fostering a supportive culture, embracing calculated risks, and using the Profit First method to manage business finances effectively. Megan also highlights her personal experiences, including overcoming challenges like divorce and moving across the country, all while maintaining a growing business and raising four children. Tune in for valuable insights on resilience, business strategy, and financial empowerment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Show Overview</p><p>00:16 Meet Megan Schwan</p><p>02:22 Megan's Journey: From Teen Mom to Business Owner</p><p>05:20 Balancing Family and Business</p><p>10:31 The Importance of Calculated Risks</p><p>16:13 Trusting Intuition in Business</p><p>20:41 The Drive Behind Determination</p><p>22:15 Major Life Changes and Business Flexibility</p><p>22:56 The Importance of Grit and Determination</p><p>24:12 Navigating a Saturated Market</p><p>30:36 The Concept of Profit First</p><p>40:09 Implementing Profit First: A Personal Journey</p><p>44:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:58:04 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/be7a5e02/c970ea9e.mp3" length="43594436" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2722</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha welcomes financial expert Megan Schwan. Megan shares her inspiring journey from being a teen mom to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the importance of fostering a supportive culture, embracing calculated risks, and using the Profit First method to manage business finances effectively. Megan also highlights her personal experiences, including overcoming challenges like divorce and moving across the country, all while maintaining a growing business and raising four children. Tune in for valuable insights on resilience, business strategy, and financial empowerment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Show Overview</p><p>00:16 Meet Megan Schwan</p><p>02:22 Megan's Journey: From Teen Mom to Business Owner</p><p>05:20 Balancing Family and Business</p><p>10:31 The Importance of Calculated Risks</p><p>16:13 Trusting Intuition in Business</p><p>20:41 The Drive Behind Determination</p><p>22:15 Major Life Changes and Business Flexibility</p><p>22:56 The Importance of Grit and Determination</p><p>24:12 Navigating a Saturated Market</p><p>30:36 The Concept of Profit First</p><p>40:09 Implementing Profit First: A Personal Journey</p><p>44:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/be7a5e02/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>How to Stop Working 80+ Hours a Week as a Business Owner</title>
      <itunes:episode>24</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>24</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>How to Stop Working 80+ Hours a Week as a Business Owner</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">0c383d07-1db5-421b-99fa-5d4f8b5d2d1a</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba748e16</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quickcast, we explore the two primary reasons clients seek consulting help: proactive preparation for growth and being overwhelmed by unsustainable workloads. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and improve business operations. Key points include the necessity of recognizing and changing non-productive behaviors, understanding that hustling harder isn't the solution, and the benefits of maintaining healthy communication and respect with clients. The video also mentions a follow-up episode focusing on effective delegation to prevent becoming a bottleneck in the business.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Two Camps of Clients</p><p>00:55 Recognizing the Need for Change</p><p>01:46 The Importance of Setting Boundaries</p><p>02:38 Overcoming Fear and Ego</p><p>03:17 Shifting to a CEO Mindset</p><p>04:33 Building a Stronger Team and Processes</p><p>05:53 Conclusion: Maintaining Sanity and Growth</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quickcast, we explore the two primary reasons clients seek consulting help: proactive preparation for growth and being overwhelmed by unsustainable workloads. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and improve business operations. Key points include the necessity of recognizing and changing non-productive behaviors, understanding that hustling harder isn't the solution, and the benefits of maintaining healthy communication and respect with clients. The video also mentions a follow-up episode focusing on effective delegation to prevent becoming a bottleneck in the business.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Two Camps of Clients</p><p>00:55 Recognizing the Need for Change</p><p>01:46 The Importance of Setting Boundaries</p><p>02:38 Overcoming Fear and Ego</p><p>03:17 Shifting to a CEO Mindset</p><p>04:33 Building a Stronger Team and Processes</p><p>05:53 Conclusion: Maintaining Sanity and Growth</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:22:05 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/ba748e16/829ff09d.mp3" length="6572816" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>408</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quickcast, we explore the two primary reasons clients seek consulting help: proactive preparation for growth and being overwhelmed by unsustainable workloads. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and improve business operations. Key points include the necessity of recognizing and changing non-productive behaviors, understanding that hustling harder isn't the solution, and the benefits of maintaining healthy communication and respect with clients. The video also mentions a follow-up episode focusing on effective delegation to prevent becoming a bottleneck in the business.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Two Camps of Clients</p><p>00:55 Recognizing the Need for Change</p><p>01:46 The Importance of Setting Boundaries</p><p>02:38 Overcoming Fear and Ego</p><p>03:17 Shifting to a CEO Mindset</p><p>04:33 Building a Stronger Team and Processes</p><p>05:53 Conclusion: Maintaining Sanity and Growth</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba748e16/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Spotting Buying Signals &amp; Closing with Confidence with Nikki Rausch</title>
      <itunes:episode>23</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>23</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Spotting Buying Signals &amp; Closing with Confidence with Nikki Rausch</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">326d1687-43b9-462c-bad2-b76bf3621f63</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/66b2781d</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of 'Strategy Solutions and Sanity' featuring Nikki, The Sales Maven! Nikki shares her fascinating journey from working in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a renowned sales expert. Discover how she navigated her way using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to enhance her communication skills and build meaningful client relationships. Learn actionable sales strategies, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to manage sales conversations effectively. Perfect for business owners and sales professionals looking to improve their sales tactics and build stronger client relationships. Don't miss Nikki's exclusive offer of a free training on sealing the deal with effective questions!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:59 Nikki's Journey to Becoming the Sales Maven</p><p>02:31 Understanding Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)</p><p>06:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>07:31 Building Relationships and Rapport in Sales</p><p>20:19 The Selling Staircase Framework</p><p>27:44 Rant on Referral Partners and Sales Process</p><p>28:59 The Importance of Giving Price Ranges</p><p>30:21 Personal Experience with a Sales Process</p><p>32:56 The Value of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>34:44 Using AI Note Takers for Sales Conversations</p><p>36:19 Overcoming Shyness in Business</p><p>40:13 Finding Inspiration from Others</p><p>45:31 Adapting Coaching Styles to Client Needs</p><p>52:39 The Power of Asking Questions in Sales</p><p>55:01 Special Offer for Listeners</p><p>-<br>Free Gift: salesmaven.com/sanity</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of 'Strategy Solutions and Sanity' featuring Nikki, The Sales Maven! Nikki shares her fascinating journey from working in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a renowned sales expert. Discover how she navigated her way using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to enhance her communication skills and build meaningful client relationships. Learn actionable sales strategies, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to manage sales conversations effectively. Perfect for business owners and sales professionals looking to improve their sales tactics and build stronger client relationships. Don't miss Nikki's exclusive offer of a free training on sealing the deal with effective questions!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:59 Nikki's Journey to Becoming the Sales Maven</p><p>02:31 Understanding Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)</p><p>06:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>07:31 Building Relationships and Rapport in Sales</p><p>20:19 The Selling Staircase Framework</p><p>27:44 Rant on Referral Partners and Sales Process</p><p>28:59 The Importance of Giving Price Ranges</p><p>30:21 Personal Experience with a Sales Process</p><p>32:56 The Value of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>34:44 Using AI Note Takers for Sales Conversations</p><p>36:19 Overcoming Shyness in Business</p><p>40:13 Finding Inspiration from Others</p><p>45:31 Adapting Coaching Styles to Client Needs</p><p>52:39 The Power of Asking Questions in Sales</p><p>55:01 Special Offer for Listeners</p><p>-<br>Free Gift: salesmaven.com/sanity</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Sat, 30 Aug 2025 12:00:03 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/66b2781d/860f9de4.mp3" length="54005354" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3373</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of 'Strategy Solutions and Sanity' featuring Nikki, The Sales Maven! Nikki shares her fascinating journey from working in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a renowned sales expert. Discover how she navigated her way using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to enhance her communication skills and build meaningful client relationships. Learn actionable sales strategies, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to manage sales conversations effectively. Perfect for business owners and sales professionals looking to improve their sales tactics and build stronger client relationships. Don't miss Nikki's exclusive offer of a free training on sealing the deal with effective questions!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome</p><p>00:59 Nikki's Journey to Becoming the Sales Maven</p><p>02:31 Understanding Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP)</p><p>06:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>07:31 Building Relationships and Rapport in Sales</p><p>20:19 The Selling Staircase Framework</p><p>27:44 Rant on Referral Partners and Sales Process</p><p>28:59 The Importance of Giving Price Ranges</p><p>30:21 Personal Experience with a Sales Process</p><p>32:56 The Value of Flexibility in Sales</p><p>34:44 Using AI Note Takers for Sales Conversations</p><p>36:19 Overcoming Shyness in Business</p><p>40:13 Finding Inspiration from Others</p><p>45:31 Adapting Coaching Styles to Client Needs</p><p>52:39 The Power of Asking Questions in Sales</p><p>55:01 Special Offer for Listeners</p><p>-<br>Free Gift: salesmaven.com/sanity</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/66b2781d/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>5 Simple Ways Your VA Can Use AI to Help You Sell More (Without Losing the Human Touch)</title>
      <itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>5 Simple Ways Your VA Can Use AI to Help You Sell More (Without Losing the Human Touch)</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">cbb5eb70-0cbd-42a7-adee-9d6139c358cc</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a202cd9</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quick episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Sam, a business and team strategist, outlines how delegating high-impact tasks to virtual assistants (VAs) who leverage AI can significantly enhance your sales process. The episode covers five strategies: filtering high-quality leads, providing follow-up support, preparing for sales calls, turning sales conversations into marketing content, and improving the client experience. These strategies aim to help business owners and small teams offload critical yet time-consuming tasks, ensuring they can focus on building relationships and driving sales growth. Sam emphasizes the importance of combining AI's efficiency with a VA's human judgment to maximize sales effectiveness.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Wearing Too Many Hats</p><p>00:15 The Power of Delegation: Leveraging Virtual Assistants</p><p>00:55 Combining AI and VAs for Sales Success</p><p>02:31 Five Strategies to Boost Sales with AI-Powered VAs</p><p>02:36 Strategy 1: Filtering High-Quality Leads</p><p>03:59 Strategy 2: Follow-Up Support to Avoid Dropping the Ball</p><p>05:01 Strategy 3: Sales Prep for Sharp Client Interactions</p><p>05:50 Strategy 4: Turning Sales Conversations into Marketing Content</p><p>06:48 Strategy 5: Enhancing Client Experience for Repeat Business</p><p>07:25 Conclusion: Elevate Your Sales Game with AI and VAs</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quick episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Sam, a business and team strategist, outlines how delegating high-impact tasks to virtual assistants (VAs) who leverage AI can significantly enhance your sales process. The episode covers five strategies: filtering high-quality leads, providing follow-up support, preparing for sales calls, turning sales conversations into marketing content, and improving the client experience. These strategies aim to help business owners and small teams offload critical yet time-consuming tasks, ensuring they can focus on building relationships and driving sales growth. Sam emphasizes the importance of combining AI's efficiency with a VA's human judgment to maximize sales effectiveness.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Wearing Too Many Hats</p><p>00:15 The Power of Delegation: Leveraging Virtual Assistants</p><p>00:55 Combining AI and VAs for Sales Success</p><p>02:31 Five Strategies to Boost Sales with AI-Powered VAs</p><p>02:36 Strategy 1: Filtering High-Quality Leads</p><p>03:59 Strategy 2: Follow-Up Support to Avoid Dropping the Ball</p><p>05:01 Strategy 3: Sales Prep for Sharp Client Interactions</p><p>05:50 Strategy 4: Turning Sales Conversations into Marketing Content</p><p>06:48 Strategy 5: Enhancing Client Experience for Repeat Business</p><p>07:25 Conclusion: Elevate Your Sales Game with AI and VAs</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/1a202cd9/51fec69e.mp3" length="7764897" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>483</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this quick episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Sam, a business and team strategist, outlines how delegating high-impact tasks to virtual assistants (VAs) who leverage AI can significantly enhance your sales process. The episode covers five strategies: filtering high-quality leads, providing follow-up support, preparing for sales calls, turning sales conversations into marketing content, and improving the client experience. These strategies aim to help business owners and small teams offload critical yet time-consuming tasks, ensuring they can focus on building relationships and driving sales growth. Sam emphasizes the importance of combining AI's efficiency with a VA's human judgment to maximize sales effectiveness.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Wearing Too Many Hats</p><p>00:15 The Power of Delegation: Leveraging Virtual Assistants</p><p>00:55 Combining AI and VAs for Sales Success</p><p>02:31 Five Strategies to Boost Sales with AI-Powered VAs</p><p>02:36 Strategy 1: Filtering High-Quality Leads</p><p>03:59 Strategy 2: Follow-Up Support to Avoid Dropping the Ball</p><p>05:01 Strategy 3: Sales Prep for Sharp Client Interactions</p><p>05:50 Strategy 4: Turning Sales Conversations into Marketing Content</p><p>06:48 Strategy 5: Enhancing Client Experience for Repeat Business</p><p>07:25 Conclusion: Elevate Your Sales Game with AI and VAs</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Precision, Adaptability, and the Art of Leading with Sarah Gonnella</title>
      <itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Precision, Adaptability, and the Art of Leading with Sarah Gonnella</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d6e37d84-0fe4-4669-abc3-0e752108c419</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/8b41c819</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Catch this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity as we dive into the messy and often overlooked aspects of growing a business. Our special guest, Sarah Gonnella from Full Sail Partners, shares her journey and insights into effective leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how embracing technology can simplify business processes. Sarah discusses practical strategies for building a collaborative and fun company culture while maintaining high standards of excellence. Learn how to reframe challenges, leverage AI for better efficiency, and the crucial steps for meaningful automation. Whether you're struggling with sales, trying to improve client satisfaction, or looking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable insights.</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Sarah Gonnella</p><p>01:20 Sarah's Professional Journey and Personal Insights</p><p>02:57 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth</p><p>05:10 The Importance of Reflection and Self-Awareness</p><p>07:05 Leadership Lessons and Overcoming Mistakes</p><p>16:59 Navigating Sales and Embracing Vulnerability</p><p>21:33 Balancing Logic and Emotional Intelligence</p><p>27:23 The Role of KPIs and Unintended Consequences</p><p>28:02 Balancing Utilization and Collaboration</p><p>28:57 Setting Clear Goals and KPIs</p><p>29:47 Learning from Mistakes in Management</p><p>30:56 The Importance of Guardrails in Management</p><p>36:09 Building a Fun and Productive Work Environment</p><p>37:32 The Role of Branding in Business Success</p><p>39:34 Effective Onboarding and Training</p><p>49:44 Embracing AI and Automation</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Catch this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity as we dive into the messy and often overlooked aspects of growing a business. Our special guest, Sarah Gonnella from Full Sail Partners, shares her journey and insights into effective leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how embracing technology can simplify business processes. Sarah discusses practical strategies for building a collaborative and fun company culture while maintaining high standards of excellence. Learn how to reframe challenges, leverage AI for better efficiency, and the crucial steps for meaningful automation. Whether you're struggling with sales, trying to improve client satisfaction, or looking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable insights.</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Sarah Gonnella</p><p>01:20 Sarah's Professional Journey and Personal Insights</p><p>02:57 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth</p><p>05:10 The Importance of Reflection and Self-Awareness</p><p>07:05 Leadership Lessons and Overcoming Mistakes</p><p>16:59 Navigating Sales and Embracing Vulnerability</p><p>21:33 Balancing Logic and Emotional Intelligence</p><p>27:23 The Role of KPIs and Unintended Consequences</p><p>28:02 Balancing Utilization and Collaboration</p><p>28:57 Setting Clear Goals and KPIs</p><p>29:47 Learning from Mistakes in Management</p><p>30:56 The Importance of Guardrails in Management</p><p>36:09 Building a Fun and Productive Work Environment</p><p>37:32 The Role of Branding in Business Success</p><p>39:34 Effective Onboarding and Training</p><p>49:44 Embracing AI and Automation</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:57:12 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/8b41c819/821d1947.mp3" length="51674395" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3227</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Catch this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity as we dive into the messy and often overlooked aspects of growing a business. Our special guest, Sarah Gonnella from Full Sail Partners, shares her journey and insights into effective leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how embracing technology can simplify business processes. Sarah discusses practical strategies for building a collaborative and fun company culture while maintaining high standards of excellence. Learn how to reframe challenges, leverage AI for better efficiency, and the crucial steps for meaningful automation. Whether you're struggling with sales, trying to improve client satisfaction, or looking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable insights.</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Sarah Gonnella</p><p>01:20 Sarah's Professional Journey and Personal Insights</p><p>02:57 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth</p><p>05:10 The Importance of Reflection and Self-Awareness</p><p>07:05 Leadership Lessons and Overcoming Mistakes</p><p>16:59 Navigating Sales and Embracing Vulnerability</p><p>21:33 Balancing Logic and Emotional Intelligence</p><p>27:23 The Role of KPIs and Unintended Consequences</p><p>28:02 Balancing Utilization and Collaboration</p><p>28:57 Setting Clear Goals and KPIs</p><p>29:47 Learning from Mistakes in Management</p><p>30:56 The Importance of Guardrails in Management</p><p>36:09 Building a Fun and Productive Work Environment</p><p>37:32 The Role of Branding in Business Success</p><p>39:34 Effective Onboarding and Training</p><p>49:44 Embracing AI and Automation</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Your Open-Door Policy Sucks — Here’s What Actually Works</title>
      <itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Your Open-Door Policy Sucks — Here’s What Actually Works</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">5bd2c1b4-42d8-4c54-a204-527d4c340f60</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a4d7a68</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam Cordero Prestidge explains why open door policies often fail to achieve their intended purpose. Despite being a well-intentioned concept aimed at creating an accessible and supportive environment, these policies fall short because employees may hesitate to seek help due to a desire to appear competent. Sam highlights the importance of leaders actively reaching out to their team members to offer support, building trust, and ensuring that their employees feel seen and understood. She shares personal experiences to emphasize the need for proactive leadership and offers actionable strategies for fostering better communication and support within teams.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Open Door Policies</p><p>00:25 The Concept and Its Shortcomings</p><p>02:32 Real-World Examples and Challenges</p><p><br></p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam Cordero Prestidge explains why open door policies often fail to achieve their intended purpose. Despite being a well-intentioned concept aimed at creating an accessible and supportive environment, these policies fall short because employees may hesitate to seek help due to a desire to appear competent. Sam highlights the importance of leaders actively reaching out to their team members to offer support, building trust, and ensuring that their employees feel seen and understood. She shares personal experiences to emphasize the need for proactive leadership and offers actionable strategies for fostering better communication and support within teams.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Open Door Policies</p><p>00:25 The Concept and Its Shortcomings</p><p>02:32 Real-World Examples and Challenges</p><p><br></p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/9a4d7a68/4f20a4a1.mp3" length="5948385" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>369</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam Cordero Prestidge explains why open door policies often fail to achieve their intended purpose. Despite being a well-intentioned concept aimed at creating an accessible and supportive environment, these policies fall short because employees may hesitate to seek help due to a desire to appear competent. Sam highlights the importance of leaders actively reaching out to their team members to offer support, building trust, and ensuring that their employees feel seen and understood. She shares personal experiences to emphasize the need for proactive leadership and offers actionable strategies for fostering better communication and support within teams.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Open Door Policies</p><p>00:25 The Concept and Its Shortcomings</p><p>02:32 Real-World Examples and Challenges</p><p><br></p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tiered Pricing, Real Talk, and People-Centered Ops – with Jesse Hernandez</title>
      <itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Tiered Pricing, Real Talk, and People-Centered Ops – with Jesse Hernandez</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">eef28d73-a8e8-40d9-8637-0b22fcb67e6b</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/e363def6</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha speaks with the dynamic Jesse Hernandez about navigating the complexities of business, leadership, and personal development. Jesse shares his rich journey from starting as an apprentice in the construction industry to becoming a renowned consultant who emphasizes human-centric operational strategies. He provides insights into his approach to overcoming failure, optimizing work execution, and scaling improvements while keeping a focus on emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Discover how Jesse's adventurous, non-conformist approach—paired with a robust understanding of business metrics—helps him maintain sanity and achieve remarkable success in his ventures. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to balance ambition with human-centric leadership. Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop with both Samantha and Jesse on people-centered operations for managers!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Welcome</p><p>00:36 Meet Jessie Hernandez</p><p>00:46 Jessie's Career Journey</p><p>02:29 Emotional Intelligence and People-Centered Leadership</p><p>03:08 Challenges and Insights on Serving Others</p><p>06:46 Scaling and Business Strategies</p><p>12:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Engagement</p><p>21:20 Execution and Experimentation in Business</p><p>21:47 Personal Reflections and Non-Conformity</p><p>24:22 Balancing Risks and Rewards</p><p>25:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles</p><p>25:38 Investing in Personal Growth</p><p>27:33 The Importance of Context and Perspective</p><p>28:21 Navigating Business Challenges</p><p>29:25 The Value of a Good Assistant</p><p>34:44 Challenging the Status Quo</p><p>45:59 Experimenting and Evaluating</p><p>48:47 Upcoming Workshop Announcement</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha speaks with the dynamic Jesse Hernandez about navigating the complexities of business, leadership, and personal development. Jesse shares his rich journey from starting as an apprentice in the construction industry to becoming a renowned consultant who emphasizes human-centric operational strategies. He provides insights into his approach to overcoming failure, optimizing work execution, and scaling improvements while keeping a focus on emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Discover how Jesse's adventurous, non-conformist approach—paired with a robust understanding of business metrics—helps him maintain sanity and achieve remarkable success in his ventures. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to balance ambition with human-centric leadership. Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop with both Samantha and Jesse on people-centered operations for managers!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Welcome</p><p>00:36 Meet Jessie Hernandez</p><p>00:46 Jessie's Career Journey</p><p>02:29 Emotional Intelligence and People-Centered Leadership</p><p>03:08 Challenges and Insights on Serving Others</p><p>06:46 Scaling and Business Strategies</p><p>12:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Engagement</p><p>21:20 Execution and Experimentation in Business</p><p>21:47 Personal Reflections and Non-Conformity</p><p>24:22 Balancing Risks and Rewards</p><p>25:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles</p><p>25:38 Investing in Personal Growth</p><p>27:33 The Importance of Context and Perspective</p><p>28:21 Navigating Business Challenges</p><p>29:25 The Value of a Good Assistant</p><p>34:44 Challenging the Status Quo</p><p>45:59 Experimenting and Evaluating</p><p>48:47 Upcoming Workshop Announcement</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:01:19 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/e363def6/8c321606.mp3" length="47797836" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2985</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha speaks with the dynamic Jesse Hernandez about navigating the complexities of business, leadership, and personal development. Jesse shares his rich journey from starting as an apprentice in the construction industry to becoming a renowned consultant who emphasizes human-centric operational strategies. He provides insights into his approach to overcoming failure, optimizing work execution, and scaling improvements while keeping a focus on emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Discover how Jesse's adventurous, non-conformist approach—paired with a robust understanding of business metrics—helps him maintain sanity and achieve remarkable success in his ventures. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to balance ambition with human-centric leadership. Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop with both Samantha and Jesse on people-centered operations for managers!</p><p>00:00 Introduction and Welcome</p><p>00:36 Meet Jessie Hernandez</p><p>00:46 Jessie's Career Journey</p><p>02:29 Emotional Intelligence and People-Centered Leadership</p><p>03:08 Challenges and Insights on Serving Others</p><p>06:46 Scaling and Business Strategies</p><p>12:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Engagement</p><p>21:20 Execution and Experimentation in Business</p><p>21:47 Personal Reflections and Non-Conformity</p><p>24:22 Balancing Risks and Rewards</p><p>25:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles</p><p>25:38 Investing in Personal Growth</p><p>27:33 The Importance of Context and Perspective</p><p>28:21 Navigating Business Challenges</p><p>29:25 The Value of a Good Assistant</p><p>34:44 Challenging the Status Quo</p><p>45:59 Experimenting and Evaluating</p><p>48:47 Upcoming Workshop Announcement</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>4 Fixes If You Hired Help But Still Feel Overwhelmed</title>
      <itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>4 Fixes If You Hired Help But Still Feel Overwhelmed</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">fb3feac5-24d7-490a-a3e9-fc035e032708</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/0402a271</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam discusses the common pitfalls and solutions related to delegation in business. She emphasizes that true delegation should provide relief, freeing up both time and mental space. Sam identifies three warning signs indicating ineffective delegation and offers four key points to determine whether the problem lies with the assistant or the delegator. By addressing these issues, entrepreneurs can leverage their assistants more effectively, fostering a more strategic and productive work environment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Delegation</p><p>01:19 Understanding the Relief of Delegation</p><p>01:55 Warning Signs of Ineffective Delegation</p><p>03:34 Is It a You Problem or a Them Problem?</p><p>03:56 Four Signs of Delegation Issues</p><p>04:42 Building Context and Setting Expectations</p><p>06:07 Realistic Expectations for Delegation</p><p>06:52 Conclusion and Self-Reflection</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam discusses the common pitfalls and solutions related to delegation in business. She emphasizes that true delegation should provide relief, freeing up both time and mental space. Sam identifies three warning signs indicating ineffective delegation and offers four key points to determine whether the problem lies with the assistant or the delegator. By addressing these issues, entrepreneurs can leverage their assistants more effectively, fostering a more strategic and productive work environment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Delegation</p><p>01:19 Understanding the Relief of Delegation</p><p>01:55 Warning Signs of Ineffective Delegation</p><p>03:34 Is It a You Problem or a Them Problem?</p><p>03:56 Four Signs of Delegation Issues</p><p>04:42 Building Context and Setting Expectations</p><p>06:07 Realistic Expectations for Delegation</p><p>06:52 Conclusion and Self-Reflection</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0402a271/735243e1.mp3" length="7083136" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>440</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam discusses the common pitfalls and solutions related to delegation in business. She emphasizes that true delegation should provide relief, freeing up both time and mental space. Sam identifies three warning signs indicating ineffective delegation and offers four key points to determine whether the problem lies with the assistant or the delegator. By addressing these issues, entrepreneurs can leverage their assistants more effectively, fostering a more strategic and productive work environment.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Delegation</p><p>01:19 Understanding the Relief of Delegation</p><p>01:55 Warning Signs of Ineffective Delegation</p><p>03:34 Is It a You Problem or a Them Problem?</p><p>03:56 Four Signs of Delegation Issues</p><p>04:42 Building Context and Setting Expectations</p><p>06:07 Realistic Expectations for Delegation</p><p>06:52 Conclusion and Self-Reflection</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/0402a271/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Imposter Syndrome, Resistance, and Radical Listening: A Conversation with Jennifer Lacy</title>
      <itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Imposter Syndrome, Resistance, and Radical Listening: A Conversation with Jennifer Lacy</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">da22becb-00fa-4ab1-9096-275433e11151</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/aabb2695</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do you lead when you feel like an outsider? What if your superpower isn’t technical skill, but the ability to bring people together?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Strategy, Solutions, &amp; Sanity,</em> I sit down with <strong>Jennifer Lacy</strong>—facilitator, coach, people collector, and culture builder in the construction industry. We talk about what it really takes to navigate resistance, lead change, and step into your value (even when you feel like an imposter).</p><p>Jen shares what it was like coming into construction with zero technical background, how her roots in teaching made her a stronger facilitator, and why <em>facilitation is an underrated leadership superpower.</em> If you’ve ever felt overlooked, questioned your seat at the table, or struggled to engage the “hard-to-reach” people on your team—this one’s for you.</p><p>What We Talk About:</p><ul><li>Why facilitation is one of the most underrated skills in leadership</li><li>How Jen overcame imposter syndrome (even with 20+ years of experience!)</li><li>What to do when team members resist change</li><li>How to build a personal advisory board (and why it matters)</li><li>The power of asking <em>curious questions</em> that shift the room</li><li>What “collisions” really mean—and how they shape your leadership legacy</li><li>How to show up fully <em>without</em> expecting anything in return</li></ul>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do you lead when you feel like an outsider? What if your superpower isn’t technical skill, but the ability to bring people together?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Strategy, Solutions, &amp; Sanity,</em> I sit down with <strong>Jennifer Lacy</strong>—facilitator, coach, people collector, and culture builder in the construction industry. We talk about what it really takes to navigate resistance, lead change, and step into your value (even when you feel like an imposter).</p><p>Jen shares what it was like coming into construction with zero technical background, how her roots in teaching made her a stronger facilitator, and why <em>facilitation is an underrated leadership superpower.</em> If you’ve ever felt overlooked, questioned your seat at the table, or struggled to engage the “hard-to-reach” people on your team—this one’s for you.</p><p>What We Talk About:</p><ul><li>Why facilitation is one of the most underrated skills in leadership</li><li>How Jen overcame imposter syndrome (even with 20+ years of experience!)</li><li>What to do when team members resist change</li><li>How to build a personal advisory board (and why it matters)</li><li>The power of asking <em>curious questions</em> that shift the room</li><li>What “collisions” really mean—and how they shape your leadership legacy</li><li>How to show up fully <em>without</em> expecting anything in return</li></ul>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/aabb2695/c995bf09.mp3" length="52079856" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3252</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>How do you lead when you feel like an outsider? What if your superpower isn’t technical skill, but the ability to bring people together?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Strategy, Solutions, &amp; Sanity,</em> I sit down with <strong>Jennifer Lacy</strong>—facilitator, coach, people collector, and culture builder in the construction industry. We talk about what it really takes to navigate resistance, lead change, and step into your value (even when you feel like an imposter).</p><p>Jen shares what it was like coming into construction with zero technical background, how her roots in teaching made her a stronger facilitator, and why <em>facilitation is an underrated leadership superpower.</em> If you’ve ever felt overlooked, questioned your seat at the table, or struggled to engage the “hard-to-reach” people on your team—this one’s for you.</p><p>What We Talk About:</p><ul><li>Why facilitation is one of the most underrated skills in leadership</li><li>How Jen overcame imposter syndrome (even with 20+ years of experience!)</li><li>What to do when team members resist change</li><li>How to build a personal advisory board (and why it matters)</li><li>The power of asking <em>curious questions</em> that shift the room</li><li>What “collisions” really mean—and how they shape your leadership legacy</li><li>How to show up fully <em>without</em> expecting anything in return</li></ul>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What I Audit First When a Business Owner Feels Overwhelmed</title>
      <itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>What I Audit First When a Business Owner Feels Overwhelmed</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">f0073130-bb14-438c-b689-d20be449bb69</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/3913abf2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, or like your team just isn't performing the way it should?</p><p>In this AMA Quickcast, I’m breaking down the <strong>first thing I audit</strong> when a business owner comes to me feeling maxed out — whether they’re solo or leading a team of 50. This isn’t a full operational overhaul. It’s a laser-focused check on one critical issue: <strong>goal-task alignment</strong>.</p><p>If you're constantly busy but not making real progress, this is where I’d start. Because more often than not, the problem isn’t a lack of effort — it’s misaligned execution.</p><p>🎯 In this episode, I cover:</p><ul><li>The real definition of <em>productive</em> (and why “busy” isn’t it)</li><li>What goal-task alignment looks like in practice</li><li>Why this is the fastest way to identify performance gaps</li><li>How to run a mini audit on your own calendar, inbox, and task list</li><li>What misalignment symptoms really point to</li></ul><p>Whether you’re the only one running the show or leading a growing team, this quickcast will help you start untangling the overwhelm and focus your energy on what actually moves the needle.</p><p>📩 Got a question for a future AMA?<br> Connect with me on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacorderoprestidge">Samantha Cordero Prestidge</a><br> Or email: info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, or like your team just isn't performing the way it should?</p><p>In this AMA Quickcast, I’m breaking down the <strong>first thing I audit</strong> when a business owner comes to me feeling maxed out — whether they’re solo or leading a team of 50. This isn’t a full operational overhaul. It’s a laser-focused check on one critical issue: <strong>goal-task alignment</strong>.</p><p>If you're constantly busy but not making real progress, this is where I’d start. Because more often than not, the problem isn’t a lack of effort — it’s misaligned execution.</p><p>🎯 In this episode, I cover:</p><ul><li>The real definition of <em>productive</em> (and why “busy” isn’t it)</li><li>What goal-task alignment looks like in practice</li><li>Why this is the fastest way to identify performance gaps</li><li>How to run a mini audit on your own calendar, inbox, and task list</li><li>What misalignment symptoms really point to</li></ul><p>Whether you’re the only one running the show or leading a growing team, this quickcast will help you start untangling the overwhelm and focus your energy on what actually moves the needle.</p><p>📩 Got a question for a future AMA?<br> Connect with me on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacorderoprestidge">Samantha Cordero Prestidge</a><br> Or email: info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/3913abf2/86dd5cb8.mp3" length="4323363" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>268</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, or like your team just isn't performing the way it should?</p><p>In this AMA Quickcast, I’m breaking down the <strong>first thing I audit</strong> when a business owner comes to me feeling maxed out — whether they’re solo or leading a team of 50. This isn’t a full operational overhaul. It’s a laser-focused check on one critical issue: <strong>goal-task alignment</strong>.</p><p>If you're constantly busy but not making real progress, this is where I’d start. Because more often than not, the problem isn’t a lack of effort — it’s misaligned execution.</p><p>🎯 In this episode, I cover:</p><ul><li>The real definition of <em>productive</em> (and why “busy” isn’t it)</li><li>What goal-task alignment looks like in practice</li><li>Why this is the fastest way to identify performance gaps</li><li>How to run a mini audit on your own calendar, inbox, and task list</li><li>What misalignment symptoms really point to</li></ul><p>Whether you’re the only one running the show or leading a growing team, this quickcast will help you start untangling the overwhelm and focus your energy on what actually moves the needle.</p><p>📩 Got a question for a future AMA?<br> Connect with me on LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacorderoprestidge">Samantha Cordero Prestidge</a><br> Or email: info@auxosvs.com</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/3913abf2/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>My Rules for Networking That Actually Pay Off</title>
      <itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>My Rules for Networking That Actually Pay Off</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">0f76a74b-c69c-4735-a5bd-19434b7bcdd8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/40209626</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam shares her two essential rules and one habit for effective networking. She emphasizes the importance of mutual value and enjoying the company of networking partners to avoid burnout and ensure that time spent on networking is worthwhile. Sam also discusses how she organizes and categorizes her connections in HubSpot to keep her networking strategies practical, fun, and profitable. She encourages listeners to share their own networking strategies and offers to answer questions on business and team strategy.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Networking Strategies</p><p>00:41 The Networking Burnout Experience</p><p>01:50 Reassessing Networking Groups</p><p>02:14 Rule #1: The Two-Way Street</p><p>04:55 Rule #2: Enjoy the Conversation</p><p>06:03 The Habit: Ranking Your Network</p><p>07:16 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam shares her two essential rules and one habit for effective networking. She emphasizes the importance of mutual value and enjoying the company of networking partners to avoid burnout and ensure that time spent on networking is worthwhile. Sam also discusses how she organizes and categorizes her connections in HubSpot to keep her networking strategies practical, fun, and profitable. She encourages listeners to share their own networking strategies and offers to answer questions on business and team strategy.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Networking Strategies</p><p>00:41 The Networking Burnout Experience</p><p>01:50 Reassessing Networking Groups</p><p>02:14 Rule #1: The Two-Way Street</p><p>04:55 Rule #2: Enjoy the Conversation</p><p>06:03 The Habit: Ranking Your Network</p><p>07:16 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/40209626/fe513930.mp3" length="7870977" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>489</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam shares her two essential rules and one habit for effective networking. She emphasizes the importance of mutual value and enjoying the company of networking partners to avoid burnout and ensure that time spent on networking is worthwhile. Sam also discusses how she organizes and categorizes her connections in HubSpot to keep her networking strategies practical, fun, and profitable. She encourages listeners to share their own networking strategies and offers to answer questions on business and team strategy.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Networking Strategies</p><p>00:41 The Networking Burnout Experience</p><p>01:50 Reassessing Networking Groups</p><p>02:14 Rule #1: The Two-Way Street</p><p>04:55 Rule #2: Enjoy the Conversation</p><p>06:03 The Habit: Ranking Your Network</p><p>07:16 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/40209626/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>From Scarcity to Sanity: Real Talk on Mental Health and Business Leadership with Dr. Colleen Saringer</title>
      <itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>From Scarcity to Sanity: Real Talk on Mental Health and Business Leadership with Dr. Colleen Saringer</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">da0a9154-3d49-46b7-897a-03c3e2537c01</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd1e6e1b</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive aspects of being 'selfishly' productive. We dive deep into maintaining mental health at work, the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of consultative sales, and strategies to avoid people-pleasing traps. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to inspire and guide you in both business and life. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive aspects of being 'selfishly' productive. We dive deep into maintaining mental health at work, the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of consultative sales, and strategies to avoid people-pleasing traps. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to inspire and guide you in both business and life. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:32:27 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/cd1e6e1b/f554f7fa.mp3" length="41220468" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2574</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive aspects of being 'selfishly' productive. We dive deep into maintaining mental health at work, the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of consultative sales, and strategies to avoid people-pleasing traps. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to inspire and guide you in both business and life. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd1e6e1b/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Cool Boss Trap: Stop People-Pleasing, Start Leading</title>
      <itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Cool Boss Trap: Stop People-Pleasing, Start Leading</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">23e361e4-f51b-491f-885e-e0bbde2ad174</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/48129484</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the <em>cool boss</em>? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive?</p><p>In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing between people-pleasing and micromanaging.</p><p>You'll learn:<br> ✅ How trying too hard to be liked quietly erodes your team’s performance<br> ✅ The role of clear expectations in keeping things fun <em>and</em> high performing<br> ✅ How to handle tough conversations without turning into a jerk</p><p>If you’ve been struggling with slipping standards, second-guessing your leadership, or just want to finally build a team that respects you <em>and</em> enjoys working with you, this one’s for you.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the <em>cool boss</em>? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive?</p><p>In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing between people-pleasing and micromanaging.</p><p>You'll learn:<br> ✅ How trying too hard to be liked quietly erodes your team’s performance<br> ✅ The role of clear expectations in keeping things fun <em>and</em> high performing<br> ✅ How to handle tough conversations without turning into a jerk</p><p>If you’ve been struggling with slipping standards, second-guessing your leadership, or just want to finally build a team that respects you <em>and</em> enjoys working with you, this one’s for you.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/48129484/a55dca6b.mp3" length="7138730" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>443</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the <em>cool boss</em>? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive?</p><p>In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing between people-pleasing and micromanaging.</p><p>You'll learn:<br> ✅ How trying too hard to be liked quietly erodes your team’s performance<br> ✅ The role of clear expectations in keeping things fun <em>and</em> high performing<br> ✅ How to handle tough conversations without turning into a jerk</p><p>If you’ve been struggling with slipping standards, second-guessing your leadership, or just want to finally build a team that respects you <em>and</em> enjoys working with you, this one’s for you.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/48129484/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Building a No-BS Marketing Agency with Paige Weiss: Leadership, Client Chaos &amp; Real Growth</title>
      <itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Building a No-BS Marketing Agency with Paige Weiss: Leadership, Client Chaos &amp; Real Growth</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">532fbb4d-fbc7-4ff8-863f-8acbc6b68b08</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/17b4b1b0</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of relationship building. Paige also delves into the evolution of her company, from a solo operation to a team of 15, and the importance of proactive digital asset management. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on maintaining sanity in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of relationship building. Paige also delves into the evolution of her company, from a solo operation to a team of 15, and the importance of proactive digital asset management. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on maintaining sanity in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/17b4b1b0/402e89f9.mp3" length="45207777" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2823</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of relationship building. Paige also delves into the evolution of her company, from a solo operation to a team of 15, and the importance of proactive digital asset management. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on maintaining sanity in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/17b4b1b0/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Can a VA Help With Content? Yes—But Only If You Have This First</title>
      <itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Can a VA Help With Content? Yes—But Only If You Have This First</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">08e3608a-b868-4a25-ab37-a5f8c295f0a7</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e40073d</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here!</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content vision is crucial before involving a VA. We also share experiences and advice on why high-level strategy should come first and what roles VAs can effectively fill. Tune in to discover the best approach to optimizing your marketing efforts with the right support.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Can a VA Help with Content and Social Media?</p><p>00:11 Determining Your Needs: Strategist or Executor?</p><p>00:40 When a VA Can Execute Your Content Strategy</p><p>01:06 The Importance of Clarity Before Execution</p><p>01:25 Personal Experience: The Pitfalls of Skipping Strategy</p><p>02:10 Deciding Between a Strategist and a VA</p><p>02:48 Conclusion: Finding the Right Support for Your Team</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here!</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content vision is crucial before involving a VA. We also share experiences and advice on why high-level strategy should come first and what roles VAs can effectively fill. Tune in to discover the best approach to optimizing your marketing efforts with the right support.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Can a VA Help with Content and Social Media?</p><p>00:11 Determining Your Needs: Strategist or Executor?</p><p>00:40 When a VA Can Execute Your Content Strategy</p><p>01:06 The Importance of Clarity Before Execution</p><p>01:25 Personal Experience: The Pitfalls of Skipping Strategy</p><p>02:10 Deciding Between a Strategist and a VA</p><p>02:48 Conclusion: Finding the Right Support for Your Team</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/2e40073d/89870749.mp3" length="4280323" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>265</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here!</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content vision is crucial before involving a VA. We also share experiences and advice on why high-level strategy should come first and what roles VAs can effectively fill. Tune in to discover the best approach to optimizing your marketing efforts with the right support.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Can a VA Help with Content and Social Media?</p><p>00:11 Determining Your Needs: Strategist or Executor?</p><p>00:40 When a VA Can Execute Your Content Strategy</p><p>01:06 The Importance of Clarity Before Execution</p><p>01:25 Personal Experience: The Pitfalls of Skipping Strategy</p><p>02:10 Deciding Between a Strategist and a VA</p><p>02:48 Conclusion: Finding the Right Support for Your Team</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e40073d/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Build It While You Fly: Finding Alignment &amp; AI Sanity in Business with Stephanie Sidebottom </title>
      <itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Build It While You Fly: Finding Alignment &amp; AI Sanity in Business with Stephanie Sidebottom </itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">d4b1f5dd-3d0c-4db0-aa95-b6536ea2dedc</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/76692975</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizing the importance of making processes simple and fun. If you’re curious about integrating AI into your business and maintaining sanity in the process, this episode is a must-watch!</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:42 Introducing Stephanie Sidebottom</p><p>01:35 The Philosophy of Imperfect Action</p><p>03:12 The Struggle with Perfectionism</p><p>07:26 Finding Alignment in Business</p><p>15:03 Embracing AI for Business Growth</p><p>26:43 Using AI for Personal Tasks</p><p>27:53 Exploring AI Platforms and Custom Bots</p><p>30:48 Staying Updated with AI</p><p>32:42 Balancing Learning and Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome</p><p>36:07 AI Tools and Software Recommendations</p><p>42:30 Building Custom AI Solutions for Businesses</p><p>50:00 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizing the importance of making processes simple and fun. If you’re curious about integrating AI into your business and maintaining sanity in the process, this episode is a must-watch!</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:42 Introducing Stephanie Sidebottom</p><p>01:35 The Philosophy of Imperfect Action</p><p>03:12 The Struggle with Perfectionism</p><p>07:26 Finding Alignment in Business</p><p>15:03 Embracing AI for Business Growth</p><p>26:43 Using AI for Personal Tasks</p><p>27:53 Exploring AI Platforms and Custom Bots</p><p>30:48 Staying Updated with AI</p><p>32:42 Balancing Learning and Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome</p><p>36:07 AI Tools and Software Recommendations</p><p>42:30 Building Custom AI Solutions for Businesses</p><p>50:00 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:48:14 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/76692975/f7327317.mp3" length="49685377" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>3103</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizing the importance of making processes simple and fun. If you’re curious about integrating AI into your business and maintaining sanity in the process, this episode is a must-watch!</p><p>00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:42 Introducing Stephanie Sidebottom</p><p>01:35 The Philosophy of Imperfect Action</p><p>03:12 The Struggle with Perfectionism</p><p>07:26 Finding Alignment in Business</p><p>15:03 Embracing AI for Business Growth</p><p>26:43 Using AI for Personal Tasks</p><p>27:53 Exploring AI Platforms and Custom Bots</p><p>30:48 Staying Updated with AI</p><p>32:42 Balancing Learning and Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome</p><p>36:07 AI Tools and Software Recommendations</p><p>42:30 Building Custom AI Solutions for Businesses</p><p>50:00 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/76692975/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>What Is a System, Really? Breaking Down the Basics So Your Business Can Scale</title>
      <itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>What Is a System, Really? Breaking Down the Basics So Your Business Can Scale</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2b2fdc5a-0ddb-4ed8-9670-c85c0ac77459</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/251517f2</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what <em>is</em> a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask “what does that even mean?”—this one’s for you.</p><p>🎯 Why systems aren’t just tech tools or SOPs<br> 🧠 The key traits of a system that actually works<br> 📈 How to build systems that grow <em>with</em> you</p><p>Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make business easier—one simple system at a time.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.<br> 🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam</strong> in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what <em>is</em> a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask “what does that even mean?”—this one’s for you.</p><p>🎯 Why systems aren’t just tech tools or SOPs<br> 🧠 The key traits of a system that actually works<br> 📈 How to build systems that grow <em>with</em> you</p><p>Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make business easier—one simple system at a time.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.<br> 🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam</strong> in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/251517f2/32d26430.mp3" length="3775456" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>233</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what <em>is</em> a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask “what does that even mean?”—this one’s for you.</p><p>🎯 Why systems aren’t just tech tools or SOPs<br> 🧠 The key traits of a system that actually works<br> 📈 How to build systems that grow <em>with</em> you</p><p>Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make business easier—one simple system at a time.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.<br> 🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam</strong> in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/251517f2/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Boundaries, Bold Moves, and Business Mama Vibes with Bonnie Schutz</title>
      <itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Boundaries, Bold Moves, and Business Mama Vibes with Bonnie Schutz</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">e7ae5cdb-6cc5-4edd-ad1c-698b0b0d326b</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/c08528b3</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being brave and open to opportunities, and the transformative power of networking and delegating. This episode is packed with insights on maintaining sanity in business, balancing personal and professional life, and continuously evolving as a leader. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons designed to help entrepreneurs thrive!</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:43 First Live Show and Special Guest Introduction</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Collaboration</p><p>03:55 A Story of Lost Sanity in Business</p><p>09:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations</p><p>15:33 Investing in Yourself and Your Business</p><p>24:54 Wearing a Suit and Zoom Calls</p><p>25:09 Identifying and Overcoming Business Weaknesses</p><p>25:52 Mastermind Groups and Sales Skills</p><p>26:39 Delegating Tasks and Social Media</p><p>29:39 Imposter Syndrome and CEO Role</p><p>31:04 Embracing White Space and Personal Time</p><p>35:19 New Ventures and Podcasting</p><p>39:41 Writing Books and Overcoming Self-Doubt</p><p>43:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being brave and open to opportunities, and the transformative power of networking and delegating. This episode is packed with insights on maintaining sanity in business, balancing personal and professional life, and continuously evolving as a leader. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons designed to help entrepreneurs thrive!</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:43 First Live Show and Special Guest Introduction</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Collaboration</p><p>03:55 A Story of Lost Sanity in Business</p><p>09:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations</p><p>15:33 Investing in Yourself and Your Business</p><p>24:54 Wearing a Suit and Zoom Calls</p><p>25:09 Identifying and Overcoming Business Weaknesses</p><p>25:52 Mastermind Groups and Sales Skills</p><p>26:39 Delegating Tasks and Social Media</p><p>29:39 Imposter Syndrome and CEO Role</p><p>31:04 Embracing White Space and Personal Time</p><p>35:19 New Ventures and Podcasting</p><p>39:41 Writing Books and Overcoming Self-Doubt</p><p>43:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:10:50 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/c08528b3/e543e070.mp3" length="45188503" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>2822</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being brave and open to opportunities, and the transformative power of networking and delegating. This episode is packed with insights on maintaining sanity in business, balancing personal and professional life, and continuously evolving as a leader. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons designed to help entrepreneurs thrive!</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:43 First Live Show and Special Guest Introduction</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Collaboration</p><p>03:55 A Story of Lost Sanity in Business</p><p>09:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations</p><p>15:33 Investing in Yourself and Your Business</p><p>24:54 Wearing a Suit and Zoom Calls</p><p>25:09 Identifying and Overcoming Business Weaknesses</p><p>25:52 Mastermind Groups and Sales Skills</p><p>26:39 Delegating Tasks and Social Media</p><p>29:39 Imposter Syndrome and CEO Role</p><p>31:04 Embracing White Space and Personal Time</p><p>35:19 New Ventures and Podcasting</p><p>39:41 Writing Books and Overcoming Self-Doubt</p><p>43:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/c08528b3/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>You Don’t Need It All Figured Out to Hire an Assistant</title>
      <itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>You Don’t Need It All Figured Out to Hire an Assistant</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">a904c613-1a8c-43a8-9619-c69f1a15bbe5</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0a1b49e</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again.</p><p>In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the <em>real</em> things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover:</p><ul><li>The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed</li><li>What a “good enough” starting point looks like</li><li>Why waiting until you're “ready” is just a fancy form of procrastination</li></ul><p>Whether you’re drowning in admin work or just tired of doing everything yourself, this is your permission slip to move forward—even if it’s messy.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.</p><p>🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam in the subject line</strong> and I’ll tackle it in a future episode! </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again.</p><p>In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the <em>real</em> things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover:</p><ul><li>The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed</li><li>What a “good enough” starting point looks like</li><li>Why waiting until you're “ready” is just a fancy form of procrastination</li></ul><p>Whether you’re drowning in admin work or just tired of doing everything yourself, this is your permission slip to move forward—even if it’s messy.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.</p><p>🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam in the subject line</strong> and I’ll tackle it in a future episode! </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a0a1b49e/385f8fcf.mp3" length="4350104" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>269</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again.</p><p>In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the <em>real</em> things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover:</p><ul><li>The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed</li><li>What a “good enough” starting point looks like</li><li>Why waiting until you're “ready” is just a fancy form of procrastination</li></ul><p>Whether you’re drowning in admin work or just tired of doing everything yourself, this is your permission slip to move forward—even if it’s messy.</p><p>🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to <a href="https://auxosvs.com">auxosvs.com</a> to learn more.</p><p>🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with <strong>#AskSam in the subject line</strong> and I’ll tackle it in a future episode! </p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/a0a1b49e/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The 90-Day Turnaround Strategy To Get Your Business Thriving Again</title>
      <itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The 90-Day Turnaround Strategy To Get Your Business Thriving Again</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">f5055b0e-7531-4dd0-97da-1ca3feaccb4c</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/a41c3d09</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam guides small business owners and team leaders on how to regain control and confidence in their businesses using a strategic 90-day plan divided into three phases: Getting the Lay of the Land, Simplification, and Getting into a Growth Rhythm. Sam emphasizes the importance of clarity, simplifying processes, and fostering operational efficiency to turn things around. Listeners will learn how to achieve both short-term wins and long-term goals, transforming their roles and setting up their teams for sustainable success.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Taking Control of Your Business</p><p>00:58 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>02:48 Phase 1: Getting the Lay of the Land</p><p>07:35 Phase 2: Simplification</p><p>12:16 Phase 3: Rhythm for Growth</p><p>16:07 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p><br>For help implementing this in your business, reach out to info@auxosvs.com </p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam guides small business owners and team leaders on how to regain control and confidence in their businesses using a strategic 90-day plan divided into three phases: Getting the Lay of the Land, Simplification, and Getting into a Growth Rhythm. Sam emphasizes the importance of clarity, simplifying processes, and fostering operational efficiency to turn things around. Listeners will learn how to achieve both short-term wins and long-term goals, transforming their roles and setting up their teams for sustainable success.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Taking Control of Your Business</p><p>00:58 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>02:48 Phase 1: Getting the Lay of the Land</p><p>07:35 Phase 2: Simplification</p><p>12:16 Phase 3: Rhythm for Growth</p><p>16:07 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p><br>For help implementing this in your business, reach out to info@auxosvs.com </p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/a41c3d09/08fc82e7.mp3" length="16650666" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1038</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam guides small business owners and team leaders on how to regain control and confidence in their businesses using a strategic 90-day plan divided into three phases: Getting the Lay of the Land, Simplification, and Getting into a Growth Rhythm. Sam emphasizes the importance of clarity, simplifying processes, and fostering operational efficiency to turn things around. Listeners will learn how to achieve both short-term wins and long-term goals, transforming their roles and setting up their teams for sustainable success.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Taking Control of Your Business</p><p>00:58 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>02:48 Phase 1: Getting the Lay of the Land</p><p>07:35 Phase 2: Simplification</p><p>12:16 Phase 3: Rhythm for Growth</p><p>16:07 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p><br>For help implementing this in your business, reach out to info@auxosvs.com </p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/a41c3d09/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Interview Mistakes That Lead to Bad Hires</title>
      <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Interview Mistakes That Lead to Bad Hires</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">2d0895a3-20a4-4071-9c44-7f3bb45920e8</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/83026d0e</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam delves into effective interview strategies essential for making sound hiring decisions. Discover the three key aspects to evaluate in candidates: character, competence, and culture fit. Learn to ask better questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries, and avoid common pitfalls that small team and family-run business managers often encounter. Sam also emphasizes the importance of entering the hiring process with a clear job description and setting expectations upfront. </p><p>For more detailed insights and a hiring playbook, visit auxosvs.com/resource-hub</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Interviewing</p><p>00:29 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>01:20 The Three Key Insights for Interviews</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Clarity in Job Descriptions</p><p>03:55 Evaluating Character, Competence, and Culture Fit</p><p>04:32 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid</p><p>07:22 Crafting Better Interview Questions</p><p>10:24 Identifying Red Flags and Green Flags</p><p>13:19 Conclusion and Additional Resources</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam delves into effective interview strategies essential for making sound hiring decisions. Discover the three key aspects to evaluate in candidates: character, competence, and culture fit. Learn to ask better questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries, and avoid common pitfalls that small team and family-run business managers often encounter. Sam also emphasizes the importance of entering the hiring process with a clear job description and setting expectations upfront. </p><p>For more detailed insights and a hiring playbook, visit auxosvs.com/resource-hub</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Interviewing</p><p>00:29 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>01:20 The Three Key Insights for Interviews</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Clarity in Job Descriptions</p><p>03:55 Evaluating Character, Competence, and Culture Fit</p><p>04:32 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid</p><p>07:22 Crafting Better Interview Questions</p><p>10:24 Identifying Red Flags and Green Flags</p><p>13:19 Conclusion and Additional Resources</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2025 06:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/83026d0e/f2922f30.mp3" length="14072234" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>877</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam delves into effective interview strategies essential for making sound hiring decisions. Discover the three key aspects to evaluate in candidates: character, competence, and culture fit. Learn to ask better questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries, and avoid common pitfalls that small team and family-run business managers often encounter. Sam also emphasizes the importance of entering the hiring process with a clear job description and setting expectations upfront. </p><p>For more detailed insights and a hiring playbook, visit auxosvs.com/resource-hub</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Effective Interviewing</p><p>00:29 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>01:20 The Three Key Insights for Interviews</p><p>02:09 The Importance of Clarity in Job Descriptions</p><p>03:55 Evaluating Character, Competence, and Culture Fit</p><p>04:32 Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid</p><p>07:22 Crafting Better Interview Questions</p><p>10:24 Identifying Red Flags and Green Flags</p><p>13:19 Conclusion and Additional Resources</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership</title>
      <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">ac0a2779-6e3c-438d-8ec9-8977bbc60d7c</guid>
      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/be38b626</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam discusses the importance of transferring ownership when delegating tasks to ensure accountability and responsibility within a team. She provides practical examples from both personal and professional settings to illustrate how speaking in terms of ownership can lead to better outcomes and more engaged team members. Sam explains how to phrase delegations in a way that encourages team members to take full responsibility for their tasks and outcomes. If you're struggling with team accountability, this episode offers actionable strategies to start implementing today.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Delegation and Ownership</p><p>00:12 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:41 Speaking in Terms of Ownership</p><p>01:15 Examples of Effective Delegation</p><p>02:27 Accountability and Responsibility</p><p>03:22 Encouraging Ownership in Your Team</p><p>03:50 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam discusses the importance of transferring ownership when delegating tasks to ensure accountability and responsibility within a team. She provides practical examples from both personal and professional settings to illustrate how speaking in terms of ownership can lead to better outcomes and more engaged team members. Sam explains how to phrase delegations in a way that encourages team members to take full responsibility for their tasks and outcomes. If you're struggling with team accountability, this episode offers actionable strategies to start implementing today.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Delegation and Ownership</p><p>00:12 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:41 Speaking in Terms of Ownership</p><p>01:15 Examples of Effective Delegation</p><p>02:27 Accountability and Responsibility</p><p>03:22 Encouraging Ownership in Your Team</p><p>03:50 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2025 00:03:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/be38b626/aad3bc3e.mp3" length="4086753" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>253</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam discusses the importance of transferring ownership when delegating tasks to ensure accountability and responsibility within a team. She provides practical examples from both personal and professional settings to illustrate how speaking in terms of ownership can lead to better outcomes and more engaged team members. Sam explains how to phrase delegations in a way that encourages team members to take full responsibility for their tasks and outcomes. If you're struggling with team accountability, this episode offers actionable strategies to start implementing today.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Delegation and Ownership</p><p>00:12 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:41 Speaking in Terms of Ownership</p><p>01:15 Examples of Effective Delegation</p><p>02:27 Accountability and Responsibility</p><p>03:22 Encouraging Ownership in Your Team</p><p>03:50 Conclusion and Contact Information</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/be38b626/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos</title>
      <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' Sam dives into the myth that scaling a business will solve existing chaos. Instead, scaling often amplifies existing issues, making them more expensive, exhausting, and messy. Through real-life anecdotes, Sam highlights the red flags that indicate a shaky business foundation and offers both quick wins and long-term strategies to manage and reduce chaos. Key areas discussed include creating clear roles in your team, simplifying processes, focusing on needle-moving tasks, and building around non-negotiable standards for client experience, personal engagement, and team culture.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:54 The Myth of Scaling: More Revenue, More Problems</p><p>04:40 Identifying Red Flags in Your Business</p><p>10:30 Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief</p><p>16:04 Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable Growth</p><p>20:31 Conclusion: Achieving Sustainable Growth</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' Sam dives into the myth that scaling a business will solve existing chaos. Instead, scaling often amplifies existing issues, making them more expensive, exhausting, and messy. Through real-life anecdotes, Sam highlights the red flags that indicate a shaky business foundation and offers both quick wins and long-term strategies to manage and reduce chaos. Key areas discussed include creating clear roles in your team, simplifying processes, focusing on needle-moving tasks, and building around non-negotiable standards for client experience, personal engagement, and team culture.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:54 The Myth of Scaling: More Revenue, More Problems</p><p>04:40 Identifying Red Flags in Your Business</p><p>10:30 Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief</p><p>16:04 Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable Growth</p><p>20:31 Conclusion: Achieving Sustainable Growth</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2025 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/0445a227/807fb6ba.mp3" length="20489194" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>1278</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' Sam dives into the myth that scaling a business will solve existing chaos. Instead, scaling often amplifies existing issues, making them more expensive, exhausting, and messy. Through real-life anecdotes, Sam highlights the red flags that indicate a shaky business foundation and offers both quick wins and long-term strategies to manage and reduce chaos. Key areas discussed include creating clear roles in your team, simplifying processes, focusing on needle-moving tasks, and building around non-negotiable standards for client experience, personal engagement, and team culture.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:54 The Myth of Scaling: More Revenue, More Problems</p><p>04:40 Identifying Red Flags in Your Business</p><p>10:30 Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief</p><p>16:04 Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable Growth</p><p>20:31 Conclusion: Achieving Sustainable Growth</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/0445a227/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Before You Hire: Define Your Job and What to Hand Off</title>
      <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>Before You Hire: Define Your Job and What to Hand Off</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType>
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      <link>https://share.transistor.fm/s/355b1875</link>
      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business and team strategist Sam tackles the common challenge of being the bottleneck in your business. Sam outlines a clear, step-by-step delegation strategy to help small teams and family-run businesses identify tasks for delegation, create a job description for the business owner, and prioritize activities that can be passed on to others. By breaking down business functions into marketing and sales, service delivery, and cash management, Sam provides actionable insights for achieving clarity and efficiency, enabling you to build a supportive team that moves the needle forward. Tune in for this short, sharp dose of strategy designed to restore your sanity and keep chaos in check.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Overcoming the Bottleneck</p><p>00:17 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:45 Step 1: Clarity Around Your Business Model</p><p>01:46 Step 2: Highlight Your Involvements</p><p>01:59 Step 3: Define Your CEO Role</p><p>02:29 Compare and Contrast Tasks</p><p>02:42 Delegation Strategy and Team Building</p><p>03:08 Applicability Across Business Types</p><p>03:27 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p>03:38 Connect and Subscribe</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business and team strategist Sam tackles the common challenge of being the bottleneck in your business. Sam outlines a clear, step-by-step delegation strategy to help small teams and family-run businesses identify tasks for delegation, create a job description for the business owner, and prioritize activities that can be passed on to others. By breaking down business functions into marketing and sales, service delivery, and cash management, Sam provides actionable insights for achieving clarity and efficiency, enabling you to build a supportive team that moves the needle forward. Tune in for this short, sharp dose of strategy designed to restore your sanity and keep chaos in check.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Overcoming the Bottleneck</p><p>00:17 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:45 Step 1: Clarity Around Your Business Model</p><p>01:46 Step 2: Highlight Your Involvements</p><p>01:59 Step 3: Define Your CEO Role</p><p>02:29 Compare and Contrast Tasks</p><p>02:42 Delegation Strategy and Team Building</p><p>03:08 Applicability Across Business Types</p><p>03:27 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p>03:38 Connect and Subscribe</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2025 00:05:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/355b1875/64e233f7.mp3" length="3940920" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>244</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business and team strategist Sam tackles the common challenge of being the bottleneck in your business. Sam outlines a clear, step-by-step delegation strategy to help small teams and family-run businesses identify tasks for delegation, create a job description for the business owner, and prioritize activities that can be passed on to others. By breaking down business functions into marketing and sales, service delivery, and cash management, Sam provides actionable insights for achieving clarity and efficiency, enabling you to build a supportive team that moves the needle forward. Tune in for this short, sharp dose of strategy designed to restore your sanity and keep chaos in check.</p><p>00:00 Introduction: Overcoming the Bottleneck</p><p>00:17 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity</p><p>00:45 Step 1: Clarity Around Your Business Model</p><p>01:46 Step 2: Highlight Your Involvements</p><p>01:59 Step 3: Define Your CEO Role</p><p>02:29 Compare and Contrast Tasks</p><p>02:42 Delegation Strategy and Team Building</p><p>03:08 Applicability Across Business Types</p><p>03:27 Conclusion and Next Steps</p><p>03:38 Connect and Subscribe</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/355b1875/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
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    <item>
      <title>The Real Reason Your Team Keeps Coming to You for Every Little Thing</title>
      <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
      <podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode>
      <itunes:title>The Real Reason Your Team Keeps Coming to You for Every Little Thing</itunes:title>
      <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
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      <description>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stuck in Every Decision? Here’s Why Your Team Keeps Coming to You |  Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Sam tackles a common issue faced by business owners—having to make every little decision in the team. Designed for second-time entrepreneurs and small family-run businesses, this video provides practical strategies to create a more autonomous team. Sam covers why team members might constantly seek your input, from creating a fear-based work environment to lacking clarity in expectations. Learn actionable steps to empower your team, delegate decision-making, and ultimately free yourself from daily micromanagement. Tune in for quick, no-nonsense tips to bring strategy, solutions, and, most importantly, sanity to your day.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity<br>01:21 Understanding the Root Cause of Team Dependency<br>02:07 Creating a Safe Environment for Mistakes<br>04:28 Providing Clarity and Setting Expectations<br>08:47 Empowering Your Team Through Coaching<br>10:11 Conclusion and Key Takeaways</p>]]>
      </description>
      <content:encoded>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stuck in Every Decision? Here’s Why Your Team Keeps Coming to You |  Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Sam tackles a common issue faced by business owners—having to make every little decision in the team. Designed for second-time entrepreneurs and small family-run businesses, this video provides practical strategies to create a more autonomous team. Sam covers why team members might constantly seek your input, from creating a fear-based work environment to lacking clarity in expectations. Learn actionable steps to empower your team, delegate decision-making, and ultimately free yourself from daily micromanagement. Tune in for quick, no-nonsense tips to bring strategy, solutions, and, most importantly, sanity to your day.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity<br>01:21 Understanding the Root Cause of Team Dependency<br>02:07 Creating a Safe Environment for Mistakes<br>04:28 Providing Clarity and Setting Expectations<br>08:47 Empowering Your Team Through Coaching<br>10:11 Conclusion and Key Takeaways</p>]]>
      </content:encoded>
      <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2025 00:15:00 -0600</pubDate>
      <author>Samantha C. Prestidge</author>
      <enclosure url="https://media.transistor.fm/fe248e71/978486b8.mp3" length="417972" type="audio/mpeg"/>
      <itunes:author>Samantha C. Prestidge</itunes:author>
      <itunes:duration>23</itunes:duration>
      <itunes:summary>
        <![CDATA[<p>Stuck in Every Decision? Here’s Why Your Team Keeps Coming to You |  Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity</p><p>In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Sam tackles a common issue faced by business owners—having to make every little decision in the team. Designed for second-time entrepreneurs and small family-run businesses, this video provides practical strategies to create a more autonomous team. Sam covers why team members might constantly seek your input, from creating a fear-based work environment to lacking clarity in expectations. Learn actionable steps to empower your team, delegate decision-making, and ultimately free yourself from daily micromanagement. Tune in for quick, no-nonsense tips to bring strategy, solutions, and, most importantly, sanity to your day.</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity<br>01:21 Understanding the Root Cause of Team Dependency<br>02:07 Creating a Safe Environment for Mistakes<br>04:28 Providing Clarity and Setting Expectations<br>08:47 Empowering Your Team Through Coaching<br>10:11 Conclusion and Key Takeaways</p>]]>
      </itunes:summary>
      <itunes:keywords>business operations, small business management, team leadership, business growth strategies, delegation strategies, hiring and team building, process improvement, consultant business tips, leadership development, scaling a business, managing a team, business owner tips, growing pains in business, systems and processes, time management for business owners, high-performing teams, virtual assistants and outsourcing, business strategy for consultants, service-based business tips, managing growth, business operations coaching, real-world leadership advice, practical business advice, managing client work and teams, work-life balance for business owners, systems for scaling, operations strategies, professional development for business owners, managing a small team, leadership for small business owners, consultant growth strategies, business bottlenecks, process efficiency, business sanity, building better teams, new manager training</itunes:keywords>
      <itunes:explicit>No</itunes:explicit>
      <podcast:transcript url="https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe248e71/transcript.txt" type="text/plain"/>
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