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Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault - your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

As we wrap up 2025, the pressure to reflect, goal-set, and "hit the ground running" can feel like just another weight to carry. I’ll be honest - my brain and heart weren't ready for the traditional end-of-year checklist this time. So, I decided to ditch the preset questions for something slower and more real.

This is meant to be a pause in the middle of a busy season. I want you to know that for the next 10 minutes, you don't owe anything to anyone. Whether you're in your car or hiding in the pantry for a quiet moment, let this be a safe space to breathe and acknowledge exactly where you are - not where you think you should be.

In this episode, I share:

• Why I’m honoring my own deep-down exhaustion by skipping the typical year-end review.
• The reality of navigating the "ripple effects" of burnout and the heaviness of the world right now.
• My reflections on the big shift this year - not just the rebrand to For Real, but the realignment toward talking about the inner world behind our work.
• The one question I want you to sit with as we enter 2026.

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault - your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Today we welcome Sara Anderson, an executive coach and communication strategist who works with women leaders on presence, resonance, and personal power. Sara’s journey - from corporate tech to acting to coaching - gives her a unique perspective on the necessary, often uncomfortable work of stepping into a new identity.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The core limiting belief you need to unlearn: How to distinguish between authentic desire and what you think will make you look impressive.
• The power of reframing fear: Why feeling scared isn't "wrong," but a sign you are meeting your edge.
• The Jenga Game of Identity: How to approach major life transitions by making small shifts instead of forcing a full, disruptive overhaul.
• The importance of internal growth metrics over external praise (sales, likes, applause).
• Tactical ways to regulate your nervous system daily, even if you struggle with consistency or have ADHD.
• Why protecting your "baby ideas" from fear-based projections is critical for women leaders and recovering people-pleasers.
• The power of magnetism: How repelling the wrong opportunities and people is just as important as attracting the right ones.
• Why awareness without judgment is the key to escaping the perfectionist, all-or-nothing trap.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:00 – The initial belief you need to unlearn to step into your next version.
• 00:05:00 – The struggle to discern between fear and intuition.
• 00:08:00 – How to get out of your own way: Why the mindset that got you here won't get you there.
• 00:09:00 – Defining and using internal metrics of success.
• 00:11:00 – Simple, tactical ways to regulate your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed.
• 00:15:00 – How to approach major life transitions like a Jenga game (small shifts vs. overhaul).
• 00:18:00 – Navigating the friction when your network is accustomed to an old version of you.
• 00:22:00 – The shift from being polished and "good" to being authentic and magnetic.
• 00:25:00 – Final advice: Why the journey is forever, and why you should lead with compassion.

About Sara Anderson:
Website: https://saraanderson.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraanderson/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.anderson___/

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Today we welcome Rebecca Blankenship, owner of Snowdrop Bookkeeping Solutions, for a no-fluff Hot Takes conversation designed to move you from financial fear into confidence. We are tackling the outdated money myths and the costly avoidance strategies that are keeping your business small.

Get Ready For Hot Takes On:

• Why we feel so much shame when asking financial questions (and why your discomfort is valid).
• The worst money advice you hear women entrepreneurs being given.
• The myth that needs to disappear already: Why you are absolutely a "numbers person."
• The biggest mistake small business owners make: not understanding cash flow (and how to fix it).
• Why over-functioning with your books keeps your profits smaller (and how to outsource it).
• The critical difference between bookkeeping (looking backward) and CFO work (looking forward).
• The most overrated and most underrated business investments.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:00 – Why we feel so much shame when it comes to finances.
• 00:05:00 – The worst money advice you hear women entrepreneurs being given.
• 00:07:00 – The most common story women carry about money that holds them back.
• 00:10:00 – The biggest mistake small business owners make: not understanding cash flow.
• 00:16:00 – The most overrated business expense (and the hidden costs of easy buttons).
• 00:18:00 – The most underrated business investment (it’s not what you think).
• 00:22:00 – Why bookkeeping is more than taxes, and the value of having your finger on the pulse of your business.
• 00:26:00 – Bookkeeping vs. CFO work: Using data for a financial roadmap.
• 00:30:00 – Rebecca's money lesson learned the hard way (investing in insecurity).
• 00:31:00 – The final Hot Take: The distilled truth about women and money.

About Rebecca Blankenship & Snowdrop Bookkeeping Solutions:
Website: https://www.snowdropbookkeeping.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-blankenship/

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Part 1: https://www.megangillikin.com/podcast/329-social-media-hot-takes-what-works-now-whats-overrated-with-shannon-mckinstrie

Last week, we laid the foundation for content that truly connects. This week, we are moving from strategy to action, focusing on implementation, selling, and time-saving hacks that turn content into clients. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The Four H’s content breakdown: Helpful, Heard, Happenings, and Humor—and the ideal mix for service providers.
• Why Stories are the cash register and the most underrated way to sell on Instagram.
• Shannon's simple three-story daily strategy to drive engagement, connection, and conversion.
• The quickest way to kill engagement on Stories.
• A genius, game-changing profile name field hack that helps local clients find you instantly.
• The content type most people are sleeping on.
• The social media practice you need to stop doing immediately (it involves analysis paralysis and a fear of rejection).
• Time-saving hacks for creating B-Roll content and why you should hire someone to do it.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:00 – Why Stories are essential and Shannon's simple three-story daily strategy.
• 00:08:00 – The quickest way to kill engagement on Stories (and how much is too much selling).
• 00:10:00 – The most underrated way to sell on Instagram (and why DMs are your cash register).
• 00:12:00 – The biggest mistake you see on people's profiles (and the game-changing name field hack).
• 00:15:00 – The content type most people are sleeping on: Behind-the-scenes and skits.
• 00:23:00 – The social media practice you should stop immediately (it’s about overthinking).
• 00:27:00 – Time-saving hack: The once-a-month B-Roll content day.

About Shannon McKinstrie: 

• Website: https://shannonmckinstrie.com/
• Podcast: Good Content - https://shannonmckinstrie.com/good-content-podcast

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:05:00 – The most overused trend on Instagram (and why you should sometimes use it).
• 00:07:00 – The "random thought reel" idea that always works when you are stuck.
• 00:13:00 – The worst advice you see about growing on Instagram.
• 00:15:00 – When to take down content that tanks (and why).
• 00:18:00 – The key language shift: Moving from "How To" to "How I."

About Shannon McKinstrie: 

• Website: https://shannonmckinstrie.com/
• Podcast: Good Content - https://shannonmckinstrie.com/good-content-podcast

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

If I had to guess, I'd say that your caring too much has started to feel a lot like carrying too much. You're the one holding the emotional and operational weight of everyone - clients, team members, family, and friends. What started with the best intentions of leading has become the exhausting burden of managing everyone else's emotional load.

Megan shares the startling truth behind this pattern, including the data showing why women leaders report far more exhaustion than men. We unpack the true costs of this habit - physical, mental, and financial - and why over-functioning actually keeps your business small and your profits smaller.

This is an invitation to recognize the difference between caring (your superpower) and carrying (a burden). You'll learn how to lead with empathy without sacrificing your peace and how to manage the temporary discomfort of setting boundaries in exchange for long-term peace.

In this episode, you'll learn to ask:

• What is the cost of my emotional labor, and why is my body keeping score?
• Why does over-functioning keep my business small?
• How can I stop "fixing" everything and start developing my team?
• How can I handle the pushback when I finally put the weight down?

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:04:00 – The emotional load: Why we make ourselves uncomfortable to make others comfortable.
• 00:06:00 – The physical costs: What your body has been trying to tell you.
• 00:08:00 – The financial & career cost: Why over-functioning keeps your business small.
• 00:11:00 – Simple scripts to practice boundaries with your team and clients.
• 00:13:00 – The messy work: Dealing with the pushback that comes with change.
• 00:14:00 – The final invitation: What would it feel like to put some of that weight down?

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Today we welcome Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist, professor, and author of Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, to challenge and unlearn the outdated beliefs that keep us quiet, small, and overworked.

Alison uses behavioral science and practical strategies to show you how to be both authentic AND strategic. These two concepts are not mutually exclusive - they're actually powerful allies in your career. 

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The core formula for introducing your business that highlights your capabilities and proves you care (solving a problem).
• Why "hiding your successes" to appear humble actually kills connection and makes people question your relationship with them.
• How to use experimentation to practice assertiveness without being terrified (and the danger of socialized "good girl" beliefs).
• The skill of making people curious about you and the powerful difference between a monologue and a polite discourse.
• Why reciprocity rules relationships and how to use it to get people to naturally talk you up.
• Alison's framework for rewriting your story when you're in a "messy middle" or career transition.
• Why other promoters can brag on you in ways you can't brag on yourself, and how to motivate them to pick up the microphone.
• The simple, two-minute investments you can make daily to build your network (like providing easy, valuable help).
• The vital message: Authentic and strategic are not opposites.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:02:00 – Alison's work: Evolving to help women use behavioral science for confidence.
• 00:04:00 – The struggle of self-introduction: How to talk about accomplishments without sounding boastful.
• 00:07:00 – The common mistake: Hiding successes and why it damages relationships.
• 00:11:00 – Using experimentation to lean into assertiveness.
• 00:16:00 – Mastering the art of making people curious about you.
• 00:21:40 – Advice for rewriting your story during a "messy middle" career transition.
• 00:29:30 – The power of other promoters and the three ways to get them talking about you.
• 00:36:00 – Simple ways to add value to your network within a five-minute bandwidth.
• 00:48:20 – The final takeaway: Why "authentic and strategic" is your new mantra.

About Alison Fragale: 

• Website: https://alisonfragale.com/ 
• Book: Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve Newsletter: The Upper Hand: Behavioral Science to Help Women Excel: https://alisonfragale.com/book/
• In-Person Event: Both Alison and Megan are speaking at the Women Lead NC event on November 13th in Raleigh, North Carolina. Grab your ticket here: https://ncchamber.com/event/women-lead-nc-raleigh/

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Our guest today is Megan Lanford, founder of Points Too Paradise, and she's here to reveal how you can turn your everyday spending into incredible travel experiences. 

I've dabbled in this world herself, and let me tell you, after listening to Megan, I have to admit I've barely scratched the surface. 

It's time to stop leaving thousands of dollars in points on the table and start playing the game smarter.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make and how a simple switch can earn you thousands of points.
• The secret to getting 2-3x the value out of your points by transferring them to airline and hotel partners.
• Open up multiple credit cards?
• How to use the "Player 2 Method" to double your points with a spouse or partner.
• The difference between flexible point cards (like Chase) and co-branded cards (like Hyatt or Southwest).
• Does travel hacking increase or decrease your credit score?
• The best credit cards to start with and which ones to avoid

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:02:00 – A personal story of using credit card points to travel six times a year.
• 00:03:00 – The biggest mistake business owners make and how to fix it.
• 00:05:00 – The secret to 2-3x your point value and how to transfer points.
• 00:09:00 – Why one credit card may be holding you back and the strategy of opening new cards.
• 00:11:00 – How to keep track of multiple credit cards with the Travel Freely app.
• 00:19:00 – The Player 2 Method for doubling your points with a partner.
• 00:25:20 – Blackout dates, family travel, and the complexity of booking with points.
• 00:28:45 – Final advice for getting started and learning more.

About Megan Lanford & Points Too Paradise:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointstooparadise/
Travel Points Lounge - https://pointstooparadise.com/travel-points-lounge?am_id=megan5551

Card Concierge - https://pointstooparadise.com/card-concierge?am_id=megan1610

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

We're joined by The Planner's Vault COO Gina Johnston for a candid conversation about a lesson both Megan and Gina had to learn the hard way: the ROI of rest.

In a world that praises the hustle and a culture that makes us feel guilty for slowing down, Megan and Gina unpack why taking breaks isn't a luxury - it's a leadership strategy. They get real about what it's like to run on fumes, the toll that decision fatigue takes on high achievers, and how to build in more margin without losing momentum.

This is a much-needed reframe, offering powerful insights and actionable takeaways to help you reset your nervous system, protect your energy, and come back to your business and life as a better, more present leader.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• The profound impact of decision fatigue on your brain and body.
• Why "doing it all" and being constantly busy can actually limit your business's growth.
• The emotional toll of always being "on" and how it leads to burnout, resentment, and a depleted mental state.
• The importance of a pattern interrupt to break out of unhealthy habits and cycles.
• The surprising way your "hustle culture" can put pressure on your team and lead to their own burnout.
• A simple litmus test to know when you are in a low-battery state and in need of rest.
• The ROI (return on investment) of rest and why your next big idea won't show up in survival mode.
• Practical, bite-sized strategies for rest, like creating a Monday and Friday "buffer," and the power of getting out of your "natural habitat."

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:08:00 – The stat on daily decisions and the profound impact of "decision fatigue."
• 00:10:00 – How we use our phones to avoid rest and the cycle of doom-scrolling.
• 00:12:00 – The consequences of making big decisions when running on fumes.
• 00:15:00 – The human, shared experience of feeling stuck in "quicksand."
• 00:22:00 – The truth about why we're so anxious and depressed in today's fast-paced world.
• 00:26:00 – The "low battery mode" litmus test for knowing when to rest.
• 00:28:00 – How an intentional weekend away was the catalyst for Megan's second business.
• 00:30:00 – The power of a pattern interrupt and getting out of your normal environment.
• 00:32:00 – Modeling healthy boundaries for your team.
• 00:37:00 – Practical, rapid-fire examples of rest for different types of people.
• 00:41:00 – The challenge for you this week: finding a way to take an intentional break.

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

This conversation isn't just about business; it's about what happens behind the scenes. Sara gets candid about the identity shifts of being in the wrong role, the toll it takes when business and marriage collide, and the resilience it requires to step back, reimagine, and pursue joy again.

If you've ever questioned whether the version of success you built is actually what you want, this episode gives you both the permission and the perspective to redefine it.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Sara's journey from opera singer to restaurant owner and what it taught her about roles and identity.
• The painful reality of outgrowing a version of success you once chased.
• Why chasing "hard" as an entrepreneur can mask the ahas you need to hear.
• The surprising role that motherhood played in her "midlife awakening."
• Sara's rock-bottom moment and the powerful practice of asking, "What are we tolerating?"
• A step-by-step guide to "The Work" by Byron Katie, and how it helped Sara process resentment and find clarity in her relationship.
• How to pursue joy and delight in "tiny morsels" of your everyday life.
• The simple daily mantra that can help you find a sense of peace and pride in yourself.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Acknowledging that the life you built might not be what you want.
• 00:02:00 – Sara's journey: from performer to hospitalitarian and entrepreneurship.
• 00:05:00 – The identity shift from restaurant operator to CEO and the challenges it created.
• 00:09:00 – Hitting a breaking point and feeling like a "huge failure."
• 00:10:00 – How motherhood provided a necessary pause and led to an important realization.
• 00:15:00 – The struggle of constant ideas and discerning between joy and survival.
• 00:18:00 – A rock-bottom moment with her husband and facing the potential "fork in the road."
• 00:22:00 – Processing resentment and using "The Work" to find a path forward.
• 00:25:00 – Ascending to "founder land" and embracing the pursuit of joy.
• 00:27:00 – The power of "her seat at the table" and the vulnerability of shared stories.
• 00:36:00 – A final message: Why not everything you do has to be productive.
• 00:38:00 – What Sara is most proud of in this season of her life.

About Sara Abernethy:  

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sara.abernethy/ 
• Podcast: Her Seat at the Table (https://open.spotify.com/show/5rgHmPRjR3Nu8a4NcBdRR1) 
• Holiday Caroling Group, Sleigh Bells: https://www.instagram.com/sleighbellesnc/?hl=en

Local to North Carolina? Visit Sara's Restaurants: Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing & Glasshouse Kitchen

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

In this episode, Megan talks to Amber Rae, who shares her story of a profound unraveling that began with a single, eye-opening moment, leading her to confront the truth about her marriage, her career, and the beliefs she had held for years. 

If you've ever felt that quiet pull to make a change but has been too afraid to follow it, you'll want to tune in.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why we are conditioned to choose others' happiness over our own—and the deep-seated fear behind it.
• The dangerous trap of "self-abandonment" and how it masquerades as self-love.
• The difference between your intuition and the noisy voices of fear and expectation.
• A powerful journaling practice to help you discern which voice is speaking to you.
• Why we often try to fix our external circumstances (our jobs, our home) instead of facing the truth about what needs to shift internally.
• How to borrow courage from the categories in your life where you already feel confident.
• The crucial reframe: walking away from something you've outgrown is an act of leadership, not selfishness.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:00 – The pivotal moment that sparked Amber's unraveling.
• 00:05:00 – Why the unraveling is happening to so many women right now.
• 00:08:00 – The connection between Amber's personal journey and her new book, Lovable.
• 00:10:20 – The messy reality of healing and why it's not a linear process.
• 00:19:00 – The difficult question: Is it self-love or self-abandonment?
• 00:23:25 – The realization that we often "self-abandon" in one area of life but not others.
• 00:28:00 – How to discern the voice of intuition from the noise of fear.
• 00:31:30 – A powerful journaling practice for listening to your internal voices.

About Amber Rae: 

• Website: https://www.amberrae.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyamberrae/ 
• Book: Loveable by Amber Rae: https://www.amazon.com/Loveable-Womans-Path-Good-Free/dp/1250809339

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

This episode was edited and produced by Walk West and is brought to you by Megan's online membership site for wedding pros, The Planner’s Vault.

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

"What's next?"

You’ve built something you're proud of, but a shift is happening. Maybe you’re craving more ease, simplicity, impact, or space and rest. The conventional wisdom tells us growth equals success, but the truth is, success gets to look different in every season and for every person. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is pause and redefine what success means to you, right now.

This episode is for entrepreneurs who have poured their time, sweat, and tears into building something meaningful, and are now asking deeper questions. For the first time, maybe it’s less about proving and more about peace. Megan shares her own journey through this "in-between" space and why this crossroads isn't a failure—it's an invitation.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but a guide to help you get clear on what you truly want and choose a path that feels grounded, not forced.

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

From blood sugar and sleep to your environment and that annoying inner critic, this episode is about tuning in, clearing the noise, and finding your way back to feeling like yourself again.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Sarah Reilly's personal, years-long journey with undiagnosed Lyme disease and how it fueled her passion for functional medicine.
• The overwhelm of health information and how to find what's right for your unique body.
• The intricate web of factors (stress, infections, toxins, diet) that can trigger autoimmunity.
• Early warning signs of stress in your body, from insidious cravings and middle-of-the-night waking to brain fog and digestive issues.
• Why sleep is the foundational step for restoring your brain and body.
• The truth about "adrenal fatigue" and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction.
• A crucial perspective on intermittent fasting: why it's not for everyone, especially high achievers already battling high cortisol or hypoglycemia.
• Practical strategies for nutrient-dense meals to balance blood sugar and sustain energy throughout your day (including a specific smoothie recipe!).
• How to make healthy foods more appealing ("dress up your veggies!").
• Navigating the financial investment in functional medicine and why it's worth its weight in gold for customized, strategic support.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Is your body keeping up with your high-achieving mind?
• 00:02:48 – Sarah's personal journey: undiagnosed Lyme and the path to functional medicine.
• 00:06:51 – The overwhelm of conflicting health information for high achievers.
• 00:15:58 – Early warning signs of stress you might be overlooking in your body.
• 00:21:12 – The crucial first step to better health: mastering your sleep.
• 00:26:41 – Understanding "adrenal fatigue" and how stress impacts your hormones.
• 00:33:05 – The truth about intermittent fasting: is it right for you?
• 00:38:03 – Practical strategies for nutrient-dense meals and a go-to smoothie recipe.
• 00:44:48 – Investing in your health: navigating the costs of customized care.

About Sarah Reilly:

• Website: https://getnourished.net/
• Sarah Reilly's Free Guide: "15 TRIGGERS KEEPING YOU FEELING FAT, BLOATED, ACHY & BURNT OUT".
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getnourished.sarah/

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

This isn't theory; it's lived experience. Megan shares the raw truth about what changed, why it had to, and how these boundaries helped her reset, reclaim her energy, and build a more sustainable life and business.

Will you take action to help you slow down and course-correct before burnout forces your hand?

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Why Megan's late 2023/early 2024 burnout was a catalyst for radical change.
• The profound impact of treating yourself like a robot (and why it will eventually catch up).
• How setting boundaries can help you reclaim your energy and redefine success.

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:01:43 – Feeling stuck in overdrive
• 00:07:05 – How can you create space for repair and restoration in your busiest days?
• 00:13:30 – What happens when your helpfulness leads to deep exhaustion and resentment?
• 00:23:45 – How can you stay informed without being overwhelmed by the world's weight?
• 00:29:40 – What if your commitments are draining you instead of fulfilling you?
• 00:40:00 – A simple way to pause before saying "yes"

Let's Work Together:
Book a 90-Minute Clarity Call
Join Our In Person VIP CEO Day

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

This conversation is a must-listen if you're ready to untangle old patterns, create more ease, clarity, and alignment in your life, and finally trust yourself to navigate uncertainty.

Quick Note: This episode is part of an unintentional mini-series! If this topic resonates, be sure to check out Episode 317: Unlearning Overworking (solo episode on why rest feels uncomfortable for high achievers) and Episode 318: The Real Reason You’re Questioning Everything (with guest Laura Gassner Otting, on identity shifts and trusting intuition). Each offers a unique perspective on burnout, identity, and self-trust.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How anxiety and fear-based responses shrink our lives – and how to expand beyond them 
✅ The surprising truth about perfectionism in high achievers (it's not just about academics!)
✅ Why "just drop your standards" is an alienating message for people who deeply care 
✅ The subtle yet crucial difference between "doing your best" and "doing good enough" 
✅ Why your inner critic is paradoxically trying to protect you – and how to respond to it 
✅ The unhelpful cycle of responding to thinking with more thinking (and how to break it!) 
✅ Common psychological traps that keep us stuck in chronic indecision 
✅ The power of making "workable" choices instead of chasing "perfect" ones 
✅ Why self-trust doesn't mean the absence of self-doubt, but the willingness to act with it 
✅ The deepest fear for high achievers (and how to identify what's truly driving your actions) 
✅ How to tap into your innate wisdom amidst the noise of constant doing and hustling

About Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (Dr. Z):

Website: https://www.thisisdoctorz.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.z.passionatebehaviorist/

Episode Timestamps:

• 00:03:50 – Dr. Z's personal journey with anxiety and the pivotal panic attack
• 00:05:00 – How anxiety shrinks our lives and stops us from living authentically
• 00:06:10 – Megan's experience as a professional worrier turned wedding planner
• 00:08:36 – The hidden perfectionism of high achievers and why they can't "do mediocre work"
• 00:10:49 – Why "dropping your standards" creates resistance and an alienated message
• 00:12:07 – Dr. Z's story of being told to "stop working so hard" and its impact
• 00:13:22 – Navigating generational shifts: "Practice makes perfect" vs. "Practice makes progress"
• 00:14:57 – The radical acceptance of being an overachiever and learning to discriminate
• 00:17:37 – Preparing for the guilt and remorse that comes with "good enough"
• 00:18:11 – Distinguishing what's "good enough" in different life buckets (business, motherhood)
• 00:19:31 – The role of self-compassion and humility in making tough choices
• 00:23:15 – The value of pausing and processing (watching your mind)
• 00:24:34 – Responding to yourself with gentleness and kindness when guilt arrives
• 00:25:11 – The never-ending background noise of the inner critic
• 00:26:24 – Understanding the inner critic's purpose: It's trying to protect you
• 00:29:49 – Why you can't win a "mind chess game" with your inner critic
• 00:31:17 – Making decisions from values vs. fear (avoiding or gaining something)
• 00:32:28 – Navigating big life decisions without spiraling into overwhelm
• 00:33:53 – Why humans hate uncertainty and how it impacts decision-making
• 00:35:43 – The Buddhist parable of the monkey and the lotus (attachment to "how things are supposed to be")
• 00:37:03 – Thinking biases: black and white thinking, hypervigilance, fear of regret
• 00:37:55 – Our ability to adapt: every decision is a bet on the future
• 00:38:26 – Maximizers vs. Satisficers: Understanding your decision style
• 00:41:01 – Giving ourselves permission to make a workable, not perfect, choice
• 00:41:51 – The crucial role of self-trust in navigating what comes next
• 00:42:40 – Psychological flexibility: being flexible with the world inside and out
• 00:44:54 – Overthinking as a coping mechanism to avoid emotions
• 00:46:43 – The deepest fear of high achievers: the fear of failure
• 00:47:50 – Checking in: What is really driving your "go, go, go" mode?
• 00:48:40 – Cultivating your inner wisdom (it's soft and tender, not demanding)

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Laura Gassner Otting - bestselling author, keynote speaker, and all-around truth-teller - joins Megan to talk about identity shifts, outgrowing your former self, and the surprising power of trusting your intuition.

This conversation is for the high achievers who are secretly exhausted. For the people-pleasers who are learning to say “no.” For the women who are ready to stop playing small.

Because what got you here won’t get you there, and Laura’s here to help you figure out what comes next.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ What to do when you’ve built success that no longer fits you
✅ How to know when it’s time to walk away from a job, business, or relationship
✅ Why we cling to old versions of ourselves - and how to gently unravel them
✅ The subtle difference between imposter syndrome and growth
✅ Why comparison is the root of mediocrity
✅ How to use facts, not fear, to make bold decisions
✅ The importance of protecting your energy and curating your inner circle
✅ Laura’s “F you, pay me” mantra—and how to claim your worth without apology
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About Laura Gassner Otting (LGO):

• Website: https://lauragassnerotting.com/
• Books (Wonderhell and Limitless): https://lauragassnerotting.com/resources/#books
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heylgo/

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00:03:24 – From the White House to TEDx: Laura’s beautifully messy origin story
00:07:55 – Identity crisis: What it really looks like and why it’s so common
00:10:00 – Why the people who “know you best” might be holding you back
00:13:53 – Changing the voice in your head from a limitation to an invitation
00:18:28 – When to know you’ve stayed too long—and why success can lead to sabotage
00:22:59 – The myth of being “for everyone” and the gift of letting go
00:24:31 – Confidence through facts, not fluff
00:27:23 – You’re not out of your league—you’re just out of your lexicon
00:30:59 – Comparison vs. becoming a category of one
00:34:46 – How to train your brain to see opportunities (not just obstacles)
00:36:39 – Why too much advice might mean you already know the answer
00:39:11 – “F*ck you, pay me”: The mantra you didn’t know you needed

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @forrealwithmeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

"It doesn't feel safe to slow down."

I'd end my days feeling completely depleted mentally, physically, and emotionally. And yet I'd still push myself to do more. Sometimes it was work stuff, sometimes it was home stuff. 

But I had this constant, almost compulsive need to be doing something productive at all times. 

Rest felt elusive, like this thing other people could do, once they'd earned it. For me, rest basically just meant sleep. It was a quick reset so I could get up and do it all over again.

Sound familiar?  Let's figure out how we can unlearn that habit.
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Episode Mentioned: 314. The 3 Small Habit Shifts That Changed My Energy, Focus, and CEO Mindset

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault—your go-to resource for wedding pros who want to grow, connect, and thrive. If you're looking for expert education, a supportive community, and real-talk guidance to elevate your business, come join us inside The Vault. We’d love to have you!

For Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @forrealwithmeg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

It's a shift that's been a long time coming, one that mirrors the evolution that I've been going through behind the scenes for the last couple of years. It's part update, part story-time, and part love letter to you, to this podcast, and to what's coming next.

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Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

Anthony Lambatos, CEO of Footers Catering and founder of Make It Better Every Day, joins us today to prove that you can build a thriving business and a culture people actually want to be part of. He’s created a workplace where fun and productivity go hand in hand, and where culture isn’t a poster on the wall—it’s lived and breathed, every day.

Whether you lead a team now or dream of growing one someday, this episode will get you thinking about what’s possible when you lead with heart.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why fun and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive
✅ How to identify the biggest culture killer in your business (hint: it might be your “top performer”)
✅ A simple matrix to assess culture fit vs. job performance
✅ What it really takes to live your values, not just list them
✅ How to spark team buy-in and momentum when shifting culture
✅ Anthony’s favorite interview tactic to determine who’s truly aligned
✅ What “balance” really means in hospitality—and how to model it
✅ The one piece of advice he wishes he could give his younger self

Connect with Anthony Lambatos:

• Website and Weekly Leadership Newsletter: https://themibe.com
• Heart Leadership Workshop: August 18–19, 2025: https://themibe.com/mibeworkshop
• MIBE Summit: January 2026 (dates TBA): https://themibe.com/summit

00:00:00 – Burnout, chaos, and shifting toxic norms in hospitality
00:03:38 – Why bad leadership models persist—and how to break the cycle
00:05:24 – The culture boulder: how to build momentum (and know who’s pulling it back)
00:08:07 – The culture vs. performance matrix—and how to handle toxic high performers
00:13:25 – Values on the wall vs. values in practice
00:17:04 – Fab Tigers, Jimmy Bucks, and reinforcing behavior through story
00:19:15 – Why they all eat lunch together—and what happens during it
00:23:45 – How Anthony’s team handles feedback and vulnerability
00:25:41 – The 7-step hiring process (and the “deck of values” trick)
00:30:00 – 4 characteristics of top performers: perseverance, initiative, teamwork, positivity
00:33:48 – Where Anthony learned to lead—and how he learned what not to do
00:36:00 – Pom poms, productivity, and making work fun again
00:38:36 – The three foundations of culture: strengths, purpose, and people

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Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

You're not alone, and today's episode is for you.

After hitting a few of those "blah" moments myself, I found three small (but powerful) habit shifts that helped me recharge my energy, refocus my mind, and rebuild my CEO mindset — without needing a 17-step system, a new planner, or a $5K mastermind. 🙃

And the best part?

You can start them this week. They're free, they're simple, and they work.

Today, I'm sharing:

• A 30-Day Mini Habit Challenge to kickstart momentum (and how to actually stick with it)
• How to make the boring, soul-sucking tasks way more enjoyable
• The sneaky power of 10-minute "white space" breaks to reset your brain and boost creativity

If you’ve been running on fumes, stuck in hustle mode, or just craving a little more joy in your days, you're going to love these small but mighty shifts.

Your challenge: Pick one shift to start this week. DM me or tag me (@weddingsforreal) to let me know which one you’re trying — and don't forget to plan a reward for yourself when you nail it.

Episode Highlights:

• [1:15] – Why small shifts > big overhauls
• [4:09] – Habit Shift #1: The 30-Day Mini Habit Reset (and why it builds CEO confidence)
• [13:44] – Habit Shift #2: Making hard tasks feel lighter and more enjoyable
• [16:25] – Habit Shift #3: Why 10-minute white space breaks are your secret weapon
• [20:32] – Quick recap and your action step for this week

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

In this episode, Megan is joined by her longtime COO and teammate of 14 years, Gina Johnston, to unpack one of the trickiest leadership challenges: knowing when to coach…and when to cut ties.

Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just thinking about hiring your first assistant, this is the honest, behind-the-scenes conversation every business owner needs to hear.

Because sometimes, leadership isn’t about waving pom-poms. It’s about setting clear expectations, having hard conversations, and asking yourself the uncomfortable but necessary question:

Is this a coaching opportunity…or is it time to let them go?

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The 3 must-dos for onboarding a new team member
✅ What’s actually coachable—and what probably isn’t
✅ The leadership mistake Megan made that cost her time and energy (so you can avoid it)
✅ Why you shouldn’t hire in a moment of panic (and what to do if you already did)
✅ How to avoid getting stuck in the dreaded “gray zone” of mediocre team performance
✅ The one thing people pleasers need to hear when it’s time to let someone go
✅ A free resource to improve your team’s communication and event debriefs

Free Resource:
Post-Event Team Feedback Questionnaire
Get Megan & Gina’s go-to tool for checking in with your team after each event. It’s simple, practical, and a game-changer for team growth and accountability.
Download it here - https://learn.theplannersvault.com/teameventdebrief

Timestamps:

00:00 – The hiring gut check no one talks about
 02:27 – Meet Gina: 14 years, one unicorn hire
 04:11 – Why panic hiring is usually a mistake
 08:01 – The 3 non-negotiables for onboarding
 13:21 – How to give (and track) meaningful feedback
 16:10 – What you can coach (and how)
18:55 – What you can’t coach—no matter how nice they are
20:41 – People pleasing vs. leadership
24:24 – Boundaries when you’re also friends
28:15 – Using vendors as a feedback loop
29:21 – Let your team fail (seriously)
30:07 – How to navigate the gray zone with clarity
31:27 – Final takeaways + how to lead with intention

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

You’re not alone.

In today’s episode, Megan Gillikin sits down with award-winning photographer, educator, and content creator Vanessa Joy, whose two-decade career has evolved from darkrooms to YouTube stardom and now… clean water wells in Kenya.

This one’s about growth. But not the “scale at all costs” kind. We're talking about soulful evolution—the kind that happens when you realize you’ve built something great… but it’s time for something different.

Vanessa shares how to know when you’re scaling or spiraling, the not-so-glamorous reality of launching a passion project, and how to reconnect with what you actually want. (Oh, and she also talks about buying a seven-foot-tall printer—so buckle up.)

Whether you're in burnout, busy mode, or just feeling the pull to pivot, this episode is your reminder: you're allowed to grow beyond the box you built.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to recognize when you’ve outgrown your business
✅ The difference between shiny object syndrome and soul-led decisions
✅ Why fear doesn’t mean stop—it just means be brave
✅ What it really looks like to pursue a big, messy dream (like starting a nonprofit)
✅ How to create space for rest—even in the busiest seasons
✅ Why building long-term relationships is your best marketing strategy
✅ The beauty of attracting the right clients (and repelling the wrong ones)

Support Vanessa’s Clean Water Project
Vanessa is raising funds to build clean water wells in Kenya through her limited-edition photo print sales.

• DM https://www.instagram.com/vanessajoy, with the words prints for water
• Visit: safariwildlifeandlandscapes.com

Timestamps:
00:00 – When growth feels like a wall
03:19 – Overwhelm, marketing, and measuring what actually matters
07:59 – Gut checks vs shiny objects
10:07 – The messy middle of launching a nonprofit
16:44 – Pouring into yourself when you're pouring into everyone else
19:08 – Saying no and making your own schedule
22:24 – Relationships: the real business growth strategy
28:27 – Client red flags, repelling & attracting
30:21 – Growing beyond what used to work
31:40 – Final takeaway: “Be afraid—but do it anyway”

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

I mean the kind that shows up when you're about to raise your prices. Or finally launch that thing that you've been talking about for years.  Or the fear that comes up when you say no to a client that's not the right fit. Or that fear that pops up when there's an opportunity in front of you that takes you off the path of what you had expected or planned to do, and it leaves you questioning whether you should say yes. 

Fear is real. But the question is, how do you know if something isn't aligned? Or if you're just afraid to take that next step?

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Eventually, she reached a breaking point, realizing she was living for her employer instead of herself. In her book, Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career, Kristi shares the eye-opening realities of hustle culture, burnout, and redefining success on her own terms.

Have you felt the pressure to keep pushing, to say yes to every opportunity, and to measure success by constant achievement? 

Yeah me too.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How hustle culture shows up in both corporate and entrepreneurial life
✅ The hidden costs of always striving for the next big goal
✅ Why so many people stay in jobs (or businesses) that drain them—and how to know when it’s time to walk away
✅ The myth of “leap and the net will appear” and a more sustainable approach to career transitions
✅ How to redefine success in a way that actually aligns with your values
✅ The truth about imposter syndrome—and why it never fully goes away
✅ Why women, in particular, face unique pressures in the workplace (and how to push back against them)

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Connect with Kristi Coulter:

• Exit Interview: The Life and Death of My Ambitious Career: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374600907/exitinterview/
• Website: https://www.kristicoulter.com/

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00:00:00 - The reality of burnout and hitting a breaking point
 00:03:45 - Why success doesn’t always feel as fulfilling as we expect
 00:12:30 - The dangers of "all or nothing" thinking in careers and business
 00:18:50 - Should you really just "take the leap"? A smarter approach to transitions
00:27:15 - Imposter syndrome: Why we all have it (even the most successful people)
00:36:40 - The unique challenges women face in business and leadership
00:45:20 - How to step away from the hustle without losing yourself
00:54:30 - Redefining what success actually looks like for you

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

EQ is a topic that can completely transform the way you navigate relationships in business and in life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The four pillars of emotional intelligence (EQ) and how to apply them in business
✅ Why reading the room is your networking superpower
✅ How to move past surface-level small talk and spark meaningful conversations
✅ The role of self-awareness and social skills in making lasting connections
✅ Tips for introverts and those with social anxiety to ease into networking
✅ The do’s and don’ts of following up after an event (without being pushy!)

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Connect with Brian Green:

• Episode 208: https://www.theplannersvault.com/podcast/208-brian-green-unraveling
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bybriangreen
• Website: https://www.bybriangreen.com

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00:00:00 - Emotional Intelligence: More Than Just Being Good with People
00:02:25 - Are We Forgetting the Human Side of Networking?
00:04:20 - Reading the Room: Your Secret Networking Superpower
00:14:38 - Stop the Small Talk! How to Go Deeper
00:17:50 - How to Make People Feel Seen and Heard
00:25:24 - Introverts, This One’s for You
00:31:03 - The Right Way to Follow Up After Events
00:37:55 - Networking That Actually Feels Authentic

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Once a potential client fills out your inquiry form, the real work begins. Follow-up is where so many wedding pros lose leads—whether it's waiting too long to respond, overwhelming them with information, or blending into the sea of generic “Just checking in” emails.

So how do you keep potential clients engaged without feeling like you're chasing them down? How can you use texting strategically in your inquiry process without feeling glued to your phone 24/7?

That’s exactly what Ian Ramirez—co-founder of Venue Help Desk and managing partner at Madera Estates—is here to share. Ian has tested all of these strategies firsthand, and today he’s breaking down what actually works for converting leads into bookings.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The biggest mistakes wedding pros make with follow-up
✔️ Why “Just checking in” is the worst email closer ever
✔️ How to follow up without feeling pushy
✔️ The power of texting in your inquiry process (and how to set boundaries!)
✔️ The right number of times to follow up before moving on
✔️ How Ian keeps potential clients engaged—even if they won’t book for years

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Connect with Ian Ramirez:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venuehelpdesk
• Website: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com
• Wedding Venue: https://www.maderaestates.com

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00:02:24 – The “Just Looking” Generation
00:04:58 – Why Wedding Pros Lose Leads in Follow-Up
00:07:10 – Stop Sending 37-Page PDFs!
00:09:43 – The Best Question to Ask in Follow-Ups
00:12:27 – The Great Ignore vs. Ghosting
00:13:57 – How to Use Texting (Without Losing Boundaries)
00:20:15 – How Many Times Should You Follow Up?
00:25:39 – Why You Need a Long-Term Nurture Campaign
00:29:31 – The #1 Worst Way to End an Email

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked yet wildly important parts of your sales process—your contact form!

My guest, Ian Ramirez, is a total genius when it comes to helping wedding venues (and really, all wedding pros) optimize their business operations. As the co-founder of Venue Help Desk and managing partner of Madera Estates, Ian has spent years perfecting the process of attracting better leads, streamlining communication, and increasing bookings.

At the Venue Masterclass Conference, Ian's talk on small tweaks that make big differences in converting leads had me scribbling notes like crazy. And today, he’s sharing those exact strategies with YOU! 🎉

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💡 The small yet powerful change Ian borrowed from a Botox doctor that transformed his contact form strategy.
💡 Why the length of your contact form could be costing you bookings (and the ideal number of fields to include).
💡 The ONE question every wedding pro should add to their inquiry form to improve follow-ups and conversions.
💡 Should you ask for a couple’s budget upfront? (Spoiler: Probably not.)
💡 How to set up an automatic yet personal response to inquiries (without sounding like a robot).
💡 Why “Congratulations on your engagement!” is the most overused phrase in auto-replies—and what to say instead.

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Connect with Ian Ramirez:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venuehelpdesk
• Website: https://www.venuehelpdesk.com
• Wedding Venue: https://www.maderaestates.com

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00:03:03 – Meet Ian Ramirez
00:04:44 – The Problem with Contact Forms
00:06:22 – The Magic Question to Ask
00:10:48 – How Many Fields is Too Many?
00:13:36 – Should You Ask for Budget?
00:20:40 – How Fast Should You Respond?
00:24:16 – Making Auto-Replies Feel Personal
00:25:19 – Avoiding the “Sea of Sameness”
00:28:17 – Preview of Part Two

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

That was the scene at the Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, where we attended a wedding vendor showcase to talk to real couples about their planning experience.

We asked couples what they were looking for in vendors, what’s been the most surprising part of wedding planning so far, and what’s been an instant dealbreaker—and let’s just say, we got some real talk. From budget struggles to vendor ghosting to the sheer horror of discovering you have to pick out your own linens (yes, really), these couples didn’t hold back.

---
Resource Mentioned:

• Done-for-You Lead Magnet Template for Wedding Pros: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/done-for-you-lead-magnet-template-for-wedding-pros

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Don’s story is one of vulnerability, courage, and redefining identity. From facing decades of repression to embracing their true self and becoming a powerful advocate for authenticity, Don’s insights will leave you feeling inspired to explore your own journey and show up for others as an imperfect ally.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Don’s journey of self-discovery and the powerful moment they chose authenticity over societal expectations.
• How to create safer, more inclusive spaces for marginalized communities, including practical tips for allies.
• What it means to live outside the binary—and how this applies to everyone, not just those questioning gender norms.
• The concept of "imperfect allyship" and why intention matters more than perfection when supporting others.
• How unlearning outdated beliefs can lead to freedom, joy, and a deeper understanding of yourself and others.

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Connect with Don Mamone:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmamone
• Website: https://donmamone.com/
• Different Doesn't Mean Broken: Living Courageously Outside the Binary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646494385/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_44MQ8MNYCWFPDDRBKZFF

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[00:02:30] I knew there was something different.

[00:05:56] To be authentic is euphoric.

[00:14:25] Courage means taking steps into the unknown.

[00:21:14] What does living outside the binary mean?

[00:28:15] Allyship isn’t perfect—it’s about intention.

[00:36:09] Are your actions creating a safer space?

[00:45:52] Who you are is exactly enough.

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Maybe you’re working off a template you bought years ago or piecing together bits you’ve found online. Or perhaps the thought of reviewing your contract gives you a pit in your stomach, and you’re not quite sure what some of the legal jargon actually means.

If that’s you, this episode is here to help. From indemnity clauses to liability concerns to making your contracts work for you, Leah Weinberg’s expert advice will help you feel more confident and empowered to protect your business.

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Connect with Leah Weinberg at Weinberg Legal:

• Instagram: @weinberglegal
• Website: https://www.weinberglegal.com/

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[00:02:48] Meet Leah Weinberg
Leah shares her journey from commercial real estate attorney to wedding planner to legal expert for event pros.
[00:05:30] What is an Indemnity Clause?
Leah explains this essential contract provision, complete with real-life examples of how it protects wedding vendors.
[00:10:50] Liability Issues: Lessons from a Cake Disaster
Megan shares a story about a wedding mishap and how an indemnity clause could have saved the day.
[00:15:56] Signing Contracts with Venues
Leah discusses the risks of venue agreements and what to watch out for before signing.
[00:22:40] Retainer vs. Deposit: Why Words Matter
Leah clears up the confusion between these two terms and explains why using the right one can protect your business.
[00:29:37] The ABCs of Legalese
Leah introduces her new Instagram series breaking down legal jargon, one letter at a time.
[00:32:46] Building a Relationship with an Attorney
Leah’s top advice for wedding pros: Don’t wait until you’re in a bind to find a lawyer.
[00:34:55] Final Takeaways and Next Steps
Megan and Leah share actionable advice for wedding pros to feel more confident about contracts and legal protection.

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

Twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Except maybe you're frustrated because the marketing efforts you've been putting in aren't quite working, or maybe you're posting on socials hoping to stand out, but it feels like you're blending into that sea of sameness with wedding pros doing the exact same thing. 

Or, let's be real, maybe you're stuck in the analysis paralysis stage, where you're so overwhelmed with what to do from a marketing standpoint that you aren't doing much at all. 

Need some marketing help? You picked the right episode.

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Connect with Becca Pountney:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccapountney/
• Done is better than perfect: Building a profitable wedding business, by Becca Pountney: https://www.amazon.com/Done-better-than-perfect-profitable/dp/1399995847
• Wedding Pros Who are Ready to Grow Podcast: https://beccapountney.com/podcast/

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(00:00:00) Building emotional connections to market your wedding business

(00:04:30) Couples are overwhelmed with choice

(00:09:36) What can Coca Cola teach small businesses about marketing?

(00:12:08) How do our services go from "nice to have" to "must have"?

(00:25:23) Hot takes including, Should you have pricing on your website?

(00:28:50) Strategic Consistency in Marketing Messages

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Have you felt overwhelmed by all the AI things and tech tools out there? Maybe you've bought in on a few, signed up for a few free trials here and there, but you don't have the time and capacity to dig in and explore what's really going to help you in your business. 

It's a lot.

Well, today's episode is for anyone who's ready to simplify, streamline, and show up with more ease in their business and personal life by using AI tools more intentionally. 

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Connect with Tanisha Lee:

• Collectively Wed: https://soirees-by-lee-2.showit.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectivelywed/

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Tools Mentioned:

• Motion: https://www.usemotion.com/
• Honeybook: https://www.theplannersvault.com/honeybook-coupon-code
• Dubsado: https://dubsado.com/?c=vault
• Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/
• Claude: https://claude.ai/
• Cruise Control: https://www.cruisecontrol.ai/social-media/
• Whimsy: https://usewhimsy.com/
• Hearth: https://hearth.ai/
• Fathom: https://fathom.video/invite/RKiLfw

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(00:06:21) AI Tools as Virtual Team Members?

(00:16:23) Streamlining Payment Collection

(00:18:08) AI Tools for Task Automation

(00:21:15) ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity

(00:24:30) Whimsy for Your Inbox

(00:34:26) AI Integration for Your Business

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

But this year, I’m doing things differently. I’m recording this solo, and with that comes a new perspective. This year has been transformational, and I feel called to reflect on it from a deeply personal place. I invite you to join me in looking back at the growth—both messy and beautiful—that this year has brought.

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Well today's episode is all about how you can tap into your energy while avoiding a complete stop burnout.

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Connect with Erin King:

• Take the Energy Exam: https://info.theenergyexam.com/a/2147929576/eLXvc2XL
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.erin.king/
• Website: https://erinking.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrserinking/

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(00:02:47) Collapsing on a Zoom Meeting and Waking Up in the ER
(00:06:11) Study: "When you think about a leader that you think is successful, what is it about them that makes them so successful?"

(00:11:46) DUH Method to Maximize Energy

(00:15:44) What Happens When You Feel Like You Don't Have Control of Your Life

(00:19:33) The 5 Energy Types

(00:24:08) Energy Preservation through Processing and Recharging

(00:31:55) What We Can Learn from Big Energy Beings

(00:42:35) Energy DNA Report for Relationship Compatibility

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Maybe you’ve poured time, energy, and resources into something you were sure would be a game changer, only to realize it wasn’t going to make the money you hoped—or maybe it didn’t quite fit the life you want to build. 

Yeah… same.

But here’s the deal: it’s ok to stop. It’s ok to pivot. In fact, it’s necessary sometimes. And if you’re sitting there thinking, But pivoting feels like failure, trust me—you’re going to see things differently by the end of this episode.

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Connect with Jess Ekstrom:

• JessEkstrom.com
• Mic Drop Workshop: https://micdropworkshop.com/
• Amplify with Jess Ekstrom Podcast: https://micdropworkshop.com/amplify-podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_ekstrom/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-ekstrom-speaker-author/
• Text HYPE to 704-228-9495

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(00:03:10) NOT writing down ideas?
(00:06:52) I used to be heavy into journaling...
(00:09:40) What is your low stakes playground?
(00:15:00) The $300K investment that Jess gave back
(00:20:00) The partnership that Megan backed out of last minute
(00:23:50) Making decisions for tomorrow
(00:32:00) 5 year goals? 10 year goals? Nope. 100 year goals!

---

Feeling the pull to pause and realign? Join me October 27–30 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC for my Restore & Realign Retreat, only a few spots left! Reserve yours here: https://www.theplannersvault.com/restore-realign-retreat-application

For Real on Social Media: 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forrealwithmegan/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForRealPodcast

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, For Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Walk West.

In this special live-recorded episode, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look (and listen!) into the retreat as we answer questions straight from our members on everything from growing a team to tackling current challenges in the wedding industry, and even knowing when it might be time for a big pivot in your business.

So, grab a glass and listen along as we dive into an AMA that’s full of practical insights, candid conversations, and a few background wine clinks.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key strategies for growing and supporting your team
• How to own and thrive in your unique “zone of genius”
• Identifying and addressing common challenges from wedding clients
• Knowing when to make major shifts in your business

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(00:02:39) How can we be the best bosses ever so that our team loves being on our team forever?

(00:07:07) What are you seeing are the biggest challenges from couples getting married right now, and how can we as planners best serve those concerns and their pain points?

(00:09:14) At what point did you decide to sell your business and go into coaching full time? Was that something you always had as an eventual exit strategy or did something else happen that kind of prompted that for you?

(00:13:05)  What is the shift that needs to happen to take a business that has reached multiple six figures in revenue and has the team in place to scaling beyond that?

(00:16:52) When you were running your business as a wedding planner, what was your weakness and how did you lean into it and eventually grow from it?
(00:19:10) If you were to start your coaching business again, what is one thing you would do the same, and what is one thing that you would do differently?

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

So how can you create unforgettable experiences that your clients will rave about to their friends?

Today, Megan and Gina share some memorable experiences from the consumer side, and they share their tips on how it all relates to wedding pros.

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Links Mentioned:

• Time-Saving Client Questionnaire Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/time-saving-questionnaire-bundle
• The Planner's Vault Client Experience Bundle: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/client-experience-bundle
• What to Gift Your Couples and Vendors: https://www.theplannersvault.com/blog/what-should-a-wedding-planner-gift-to-couples
• The Planner's Vault Discovery Call Guide:  https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/effortless-consultations-a-6-step-framework-for-booking-dream-clients
• a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library: https://www.averdecary.com/
• Midtown Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.midtownkidsdentist.com/
• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect: https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/
• Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention: https://www.amazon.com/Giftology-Increase-Referrals-Strengthen-Retention/dp/1619614332

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(00:02:23) Elevating Client Experiences for Loyal Customers

(00:05:21) First Impressions at the New Vet

(00:13:55) Why Megan's daughter cried when she COULDN'T go to the Dentist!

(00:23:45)  Flaming Churros, Boomboxes, Orange Juice Spray, and SHOTS!

(00:27:58) Personalized Wedding Thank-You - One Easy but Special Gift

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It makes sense, right? If you have a business that's thriving in one area and you've already got an established brand, website and systems in place, it could probably work in another market, too, and everyone involved can make some more money.

Yet it's not quite that simple. You personally can't be in more than one location at once. More markets also mean more team members, which means more logistical issues to navigate.

So...should you do it anyway?

Let's find out from someone who plans weddings throughout the world and has locations in San Francisco, Charleston, Los Angeles, and Miami - Shannon Leahy.

-----
Shannon Leahy Events
@ShannonLeahyEvents
Wedded: The Wedding Planner Podcast

------
(00:01:30) Introducing Shannon Leahy
(00:05:37) How can event planning be improved through client feedback?
(00:07:30) Who's doing all the sales calls?
(00:10:00) Shannon's greatest fear when building a team
(00:14:00) Getting it out of her head to create SOPs
(00:19:00) If you were starting today, what would you do differently?
(00:24:00) How do you balance all the things including a personal life?

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

And I can tell you from experience that these strategies work. So let's take a moment to pause the chaos.

-----
Hannah Abad Coaching
@hannahabadcoaching
Resilience Restoration Membership:  

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

This summer, we shared several episodes on burnout, where I openly discussed my own experience from last year and hitting a wall at the beginning of 2024.  My train was moving 200 miles per hour, and I just couldn’t see a path to slowing down. 

Fortunately, the person who helped me find the brakes joins us today, and she’s sharing her advice to help you restore balance in your life.

-----
Hannah Abad Coaching
@hannahabadcoaching
Resilience Restoration Membership:  

------
(00:02:58) The Freeze Response in High-Achieving Leaders

(00:14:14) Survival Response Impact on Mental Health

(00:19:38) Survival State's Influence on Decision Making

(00:23:44) Interconnected Systems: Establishing Safety for Healing

(00:32:13) Transformative Shift Through Releasing Core Beliefs

(00:34:33) Transitioning from Survival Mechanisms to Healthy Identity

(00:43:09) Embracing Self-Value through Human Being Approach

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

What did they accomplish?
Was it worth it?
And was it amazing to wake up with much fewer responsibilities?

----

Links Mentioned:
291. How to Plan a Workcation That Recharges Your Focus and Energy
Workcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

They discuss the importance of curating workations that blend revenue-generating ideas with essential updates to team processes, plus goal setting and productivity tips.

And of course, they answer the question of how you find the right location!

----

Links Mentioned:
Workcation Ideas & Tips for Wedding Creatives

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(00:00:33) "A workation is an amazing way to blend relaxation with productivity and be able to tackle some of those big picture growth items on your list."

(00:06:30) "One of the reasons why we love our jobs is because it's not the same every single day. But..." 

(00:14:09) Finding the right team members for the workcation

(00:18:41) Organizing the agenda

(00:23:50) "The best ideas and the breakthroughs come from giving flexibility around what you'll get done and being open for the unexpected conversations that come." 

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

So how can we get to the execution of the big ideas, while taking care of the things that need to be done?

Let's find out as we chat with The Planner's Vault COO Gina Johnston!

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Links Mentioned:
119: Preventing Squirrel Brain: Time Blocking and Productivity Tips
The Planner's Vault Template Shop

-----

(00:04:52) How to keep your goals top of mind

(00:07:54) "Hello, my name is Megan, and I am a recovering people pleaser."
(00:11:40) Endless time management options

(00:16:08) Efficient team task management
(00:16:58) "I will get that piece of candy if I can do it."
(00:18:45) Paper or digital?

(00:23:22) Can you really stay focused on one task?

(00:30:10) Resting your brain

(00:37:47) What's an "Adulting Hour"?

---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

On part 1, she gave us an introduction to the four pillars of alignment - physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. And she talked about the importance of focusing on small changes to build momentum and avoid burnout. 

Today, we're digging into Colleen's philosophy on time blocking, time tracking, auditing your time (scary!), and recommended tools to use.

---
(00:02:13) Optimizing Time Management with White Space
(00:04:28) Task Grouping for Improved Productivity
(00:09:37) Optimizing Idea Generation for Business Efficiency
(00:18:38) "Energy-Driven Time Management Strategies"
(00:25:17) "Optimizing Productivity Through Time Tracking"
(00:27:55) Optimizing Productivity with Personalized Energy Rhythms
(00:34:18) "15-Minute Time Audit Transformation Challenge"
---
Resources Mentioned

• Time Freedom Challenge
• The Planner's Vault Shop
• Active Inbox
• Full Focus Planner
• Clockify
• Asana

---
Colleen Carswell is the Founder and CEO of Structured to Scale.  You can follow her on instagram @colleencarswell_
---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

So if you can relate, you're in the right place, because on today's episode, we're diving into some productivity, energetic alignment, and time management tips just for you.

---
00:02:21 Navigating Business Growth while Maintaining Well-being
00:04:10 Holistic Energy Optimization through Pillar Alignment
00:09:06 Focus on Small Wins for Lasting Change
00:12:30 Personalized Self-Care for Vitality and Fulfillment
00:16:37 Personalized Productivity Approach for Self-Improvement
---
Resources Mentioned

• Time Freedom Challenge
• The Planner's Vault Shop
• Active Inbox
• Full Focus Planner
• Clockify
• Asana

---
Colleen Carswell is the Founder and CEO of Structured to Scale.  You can follow her on instagram @colleencarswell_
---

Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

@JillianKnightPhotography #SaveYourMomHireaWeddingPlanner #AllWeddingsNeedPlanners

---

This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.

The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

And of course, how in the world do we balance (LOL) the demands of motherhood and working full time.
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Links Mentioned:
284. Ask Me Anything: Team Pay, Burnout, Tricky Vendor Situations & More!
Honeybook

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(00:03:38) How do I figure my way out of a cash flow crisis and feel like I'm on top of my finances again?

(00:12:57) What are the options for an exit strategy? And what does "exit" actually mean?
(00:19:30) What were some of the best investments you made in your company beyond the standard answers of courses and business coaching?

(00:25:30) What would you have done differently in each stage of your business? 
(00:33:55) What's your biggest piece of advice for juggling raising babies at home and growing your business at the same time?

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

You feel the pressure to be active and showing up regularly on several (all?) of the social media platforms. And you know there's a need to consistently put content out there in the form of blog post or on Instagram or maybe a newsletter. And then you need to think about word-of-mouth marketing and your brand identity. And then what about running ads on search engines or social media?

You could be doing all of these things, but you ask yourself, what truly moves the needle for you and is worth the money, energy, and your precious time?

Well, today Enji's Tayler Cusick Hollman brings the data to help us with the four biggest challenges that small business owners are facing right now in their marketing.

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Check out Enji

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(00:02:55) Are prospects even aware that I exist?

(00:13:03) Content Creation: More than a time suck
(00:21:39) How can you get leads?

(00:35:07) The BS "No Time for Marketing" excuse

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It's time for another AMA -  a candid, no holds barred, ask me anything episode where I'm going to be tackling your burning questions that were submitted inside our free Facebook group or through the call for questions over on our Instagram page. 

Whether you're managing challenging vendor relationships or trying to avoid the burnout hamster wheel, or perhaps you resonate with the balance of paying your team while trying to keep your business profitable and pay yourself, this episode is for you!

(00:02:55) The event manager is redoing all my work at the event. What should I do?

(00:07:45) After a pause in my business, how can I ramp back up?

(00:12:30) How can I pay my team well, yet still profit as a business?

(00:17:10) The vendor I recommended messed up. Now what??

(00:20:30) How can I break through my growth plateau?

Links Mentioned:

Waitlist: https://learn.theplannersvault.com/pvwaitlist

Template Shop: https://www.theplannersvault.com/shop/p/boundary-setting-toolkit

Recent burnout episodes:
272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story
274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next
275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy
279.  What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Here’s the link to our 25+ Helpful Email Template Bundle I mentioned in the episode from our shop!

This episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault, my online membership site for wedding planners who are hungry to grow, ready to hustle, and actively seeking community and education. In the vault, there are guest experts on many topics relevant to growing and cultivating a successful event planning business with new content added consistently, plus all of my templates that I have built out over the years, like How to Get on Preferred Vendor Lists, The Client Experience, and more. The mission with the vault is to elevate the industry (along with some amazing experts and fellow entrepreneurs) and I want it to be affordable so it's possible to stay invested in the community and yourself for the long haul.

The doors are currently closed for The Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Until she discovered a new passion that would completely transform her career and way of life.

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(00:03:21) Abha fell in love
(00:04:30) "If I wanted to make moves, I had to learn."
(00:13:18) "What are you afraid of? Failing."

(00:15:44) The power of mentorship and a support system

(00:17:49) What is eco-mapping?
(00:21:01) "There's no better advocate for yourself than yourself."

(00:23:55) "The timing of this transition was bananas."

(00:28:17) How to recharge

(00:29:38) Strategies for daily task management

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Today, ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler shares her story of losing her parents at 18.  Initially, she ran as fast as she could from the pain and shame associated with her parents' deaths, eventually finding the courage to confront and share her story. 

By owning her past and using it as a source of strength, Lauren has navigated the different stages of life with a newfound sense of purpose and intentionality.

And she's here to help us through our own adversity.

(00:03:00) Journey of Overcoming Parents' Prescription Overdoses

(00:06:36) Owning Your Story

(00:10:01) The Tough Love Approach?

(00:13:38) Transforming Challenges into Sources of Strength
(00:15:40) "Be where your feet are. Soak up this moment. Time is non refundable."

(00:20:34) The Case for Therapy

(00:31:43) Embracing Personal Narratives for Resilience and Connection

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Lauren Sisler (@laurensisler) is a keynote speaker and author of the book Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy).

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

It's not easy, but today we continue last week's conversation about burnout, and what it truly means to press the pause button.

Recent burnout episodes:
272. Burnout: My Old Habits Die Screaming Story
274. Burnout Red Flags: How to Spot Them and What to Do Next
275. How to Audit Your Life + Business to Reclaim Your Joy
279.  What You Need to Know About Growth + Burnout as a High-Achiever

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Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast.  She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).

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(00:03:24) Are you going to share your burnout story with your girls someday?

(00:06:50) Tools they will never forget

(00:08:20) Where's the certificate?

(00:10:15) Are women quitting their careers?

(00:12:45) What have you gained through this whole process?

(00:26:00) If you could write a letter to your future self about burnout

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

There's a lot to navigate, and there's a lack of conversations around what to do about it and what you can learn from seasons of overwhelm, burnout, and the hard lessons of awareness around your own internal wiring that might be hurting you. 

So I want you to know that I see you, I appreciate you, and these episodes are for you.

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Our guest host is Kinsey Roberts, host of the She Creates Business Podcast.  She's been on episode 67 (Opening a Wedding Venue 101) and episode 127 (Is Community Over Competition for Real?).

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(00:03:15) Why couldn't you stop?
(00:08:09) Unaddressed Past Wounds Impact on Burnout Recovery

(00:17:16) Evolving Nature of Burnout: Acknowledging Different Forms

(00:19:10) Transformation through Evolving Burnout Experiences

(00:24:35) Navigating Relationship Changes with Reflection and Growth

(00:27:32) The Power of Purposeful Reflection and Breaks

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Back then, we didn’t have wedding pros telling us what they had done to grow their businesses, which was a challenge because we had to learn from failing.

But now, you have sooooo many voices to choose from, and so many different opinions on how to grow your business the right way.  I’ve heard from you that it’s completely overwhelming.

So what can we do about it? And where should we be spending our time?

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Our guest is Steph Zakas, coach and photographer, and host of the Your Next Breakthrough Podcast.

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(00:00:00) Navigating Coaching Overload in Business

(00:06:06) Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Core Issue Coaching

(00:10:37) Entrepreneurial Impact of External Marketing Messages

(00:24:16) Client-Centered Sales Approach for Efficiency

(00:26:38) "Embracing Safety through Rest and Mindfulness"

(00:38:59) Personalized Morning Routines for Optimal Energy

(00:39:55) Personalized Daily Routines for Peak Productivity

(00:44:46) Maximizing High-Level Thinking Through Delegating

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

AMEX
My Favorite Things
Honeybook
Weddings For Real Episode 259 - 5 Tips So Taxes Don't Keep You Up at Night, with CPA Tatiana Podel
Weddings For Real Episode 241 - Double Your Revenue, Not Your Work: A Guide to Affiliate Income, with Kendra Swalls

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

And then, as women, I feel like the load is even greater. We strive to create opportunities that might not come as easily to us as our male counterparts. We're working to balance societal expectations, we're managing the mental load, and often we feel the heaviness and drive to prove our capabilities in almost every arena. 

And then as parents, the desire to be present in a true role model is incredibly strong and often challenging to measure up to. 

Something's gotta give.

So today, I'm sharing 6 ways (plus a bonus) to prioritize yourself.

(04:00) Tip 1 - "It's a slow process, but it's teaching me patience, and it's giving me a sense of accomplishment that's not tied to work or productivity."
(07:45) Tip 2 - The Inner Drill Sergeant
(10:30) Tip 3 - Rest with no agenda?!?
(12:15) Tip 4 - "One of the best decisions I've made..."
(14:10) Tip 5 - Turning the Hollywood yes into a real yes
(15:40) Tip 6 - Falling back in love with my childhood crush
(17:40) Bonus Tip - Deep Healing
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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

She brought a whirlwind of ideas, enough for a 30-day retreat, but along with the excitement and the ideas, she also brought lots of overwhelm, exhaustion, and panic to get it all done. 
 
She was in deep burnout, and Rachel saw right through her. And then, she made an offer to help.

Today, we dive into what happened next and how it transformed Megan's life and business, and how it can do the same for you.

(00:00) Burnout and what happened next

(04:04) Can you be completely honest with key members of your team?

(07:00) Audit your calendar, your time, your money, and your mind

(14:00) "It's a muscle to choose the life you want"

(18:15) Can your business be simplified?
(20:30) Are you having fun?

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Back in January, Megan went on a weekend retreat with her coach, friend, and business partner Rachel Sheerin.  It was there that Rachel realized this wouldn't be a normal workcation.

Today, Rachel and Megan share what happened, how Rachel identified the signs of burnout, and tips for what to do when burnout starts to set in next time.

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

So, let’s talk about making those intentional changes to get you out of personal and professional ruts.

Our guest is KT Merry, a global luxury destination wedding and editorial photographer who’s taken a bold step to change her path.

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

I’ve talked about burnout before on the podcast:

• 194: Ask Me Anything (About Burnout, Selling My Business, New Market, and More)
• 55: Rachel Sheerin on Preventing Burnout and the 80-20 Rule

But this episode will be different and approach burnout from a new angle.

As always, I want to keep it real with you about what you can expect in this episode.

I’ll be sharing my own recent experience with burnout and what had to change, what I learned, and what takeaways I think will be helpful to you in your own life and business.

If you're experiencing some burnout, you're not alone.

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Today's episode is brought to you by The Planner's Vault. The doors are currently closed for The Planner's Vault, but join the wait list now so you can be the first to know when the doors re-open.

Weddings for Real on Social Media:

Instagram: @weddingsforreal

Facebook: @weddingsforreal

twitter: @weddingsforreal

Hosted by Megan Gillikin, Weddings for Real is presented by The Planner's Vault, and is produced by Earfluence.

Lisa Lyons Events and Etiquette