How can the mistakes we make as entrepreneurs become our most valuable lessons for growth and success?

In this special episode of The Savvy Session, Kirsten and Paula are joined by fellow entrepreneurs Marianna Swallow and Kristine Givens to reflect on the missteps that shaped their entrepreneurial journeys. From vendor mishaps to ignoring intuition, we dive deep into the lessons learned from our mistakes and how they’ve made us stronger, more resilient leaders. This candid conversation offers valuable insights for women entrepreneurs navigating the highs and lows of business ownership.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avoiding Vendor Pitfalls: Marianna shares a story about working with a vendor to implement a CRM system that didn’t deliver. The lesson? Take time to vet vendors thoroughly and test before committing.
2. Trusting Your Intuition: Kristine emphasizes the importance of listening to your gut, especially when red flags appear during big business decisions.
3. Delegating for Success: Paula discusses how trying to do everything herself in her early days led to burnout and how learning to automate & micro-outsource allowed her to thrive in managing the podcast.
4. The Importance of Due Diligence: Kirsten reflects on her costly experience with a PR consultant who failed to deliver. She learned the importance of research, seeking references, and trusting her instincts before big investments.

Join us as we share the lessons we’ve learned the hard way, empowering you to navigate your entrepreneurial journey with confidence, resilience, and wisdom!

Marianna Swallow is The Speak Easy Coach. Her mission is to make presentations easy and enjoyable for everyone – one speech at a time. Her expertise lies in helping clients share their story in a way that creates audience connection. She works with individuals, executives, and teams to help them develop and deliver clear and confident presentations, all while making the process fun.

Kristine Givens began her career as a tax consultant with Ernst & Whinney before founding and selling a boutique accounting firm. Transitioning to franchise ownership, she gained hands-on expertise and a deep understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities. Combining entrepreneurial experience, financial expertise, and a results-driven approach, she is passionate about empowering franchisors and franchisees to navigate the complexities of the franchise model and achieve sustainable success.

You can connect with Marianna here:
Website: https://www.mariannaswallow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannas/

You can connect with Kristine here:
Website: https://www.kristinegivens.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinemartzgivens

How can you navigate the complexities of guardianship while balancing the emotional and practical challenges of caring for aging parents?

In this episode of The Savvy Session, we’re thrilled to welcome guardianship expert Jenny Jeltes, an attorney with over 15 years of experience specializing in guardianship law. Jenny shares her invaluable insights on the legal and emotional aspects of guardianship, offering guidance on understanding guardianship roles, managing family dynamics, and balancing personal responsibilities. Whether you're a woman, a business owner, or both, Jenny’s expertise will empower you to make informed, compassionate decisions for your loved ones.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Guardianship Types – Jenny explains the distinctions between guardianship of the person (health decisions) and guardianship of the estate (financial decisions) and provides advice on how these roles can be shared or divided effectively.
2. Facing Emotional and Practical Challenges – Discover strategies from Jenny for managing the emotional strain of seeing a parent lose independence, balancing time, and making difficult decisions while fulfilling your own responsibilities.
3. Family Communication and Mediation – Jenny emphasizes the importance of open communication and, when necessary, mediation to maintain family harmony during the guardianship process.
4. Self-Care and Support Resources – Jenny highlights the importance of connecting with caregiver networks and prioritizing your own well-being as you navigate this challenging journey.

Join us as Jenny provides expert guidance on navigating guardianship, empowering you to approach this responsibility with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Jenny R. Jeltes is the founder and managing partner of the Law Offices of J. Jeltes, Ltd., practicing law since 2007. Recognized as a top attorney in client satisfaction and an “Emerging Lawyer,” Jenny is known for her integrity, assertiveness, and commitment to her clients. Having experienced the challenges of divorce firsthand, she brings empathy and dedication to helping clients navigate the legal and emotional complexities of family law.

You can connect with Jenny Jeltes here:
Website: https://jelteslaw.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeltesfamilylaw/

How can embracing authenticity and investing in yourself unlock your true potential as a business owner?

In this episode of The Savvy Session, join us for an insightful conversation with Meka Hemmons, founder of SpiderMeka Portraits. Meka shares her incredible journey from working at Harpo Studios to building her own personal branding photography business. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of authenticity, finding your passion, and helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera. Meka's story is a testament to investing in yourself and aligning your work with your purpose, all while bringing joy and fun into the process.

Key Takeaways:

1. Finding Your Authentic Purpose – Meka explains how her transition from retouching celebrity photos to capturing authentic portraits allowed her to align her values with her work.
2. Building Confidence Behind the Lens – Meka’s approach focuses on making her clients feel seen, celebrated, and comfortable during their portrait sessions.
3. Investing in Your Passion – Meka shares how taking the leap to start her own business has brought her joy and fulfillment, proving the value of following your purpose.
4. Empowering Clients – Meka's unique style helps entrepreneurs and professionals showcase their personal brands through genuine, empowering photography.

Tune in to hear Meka's inspiring journey and learn how to embrace authenticity and passion to elevate your business and life!

Portrait Photographer “Spider” Meka Hemmons wields her camera like a heart surgeon’s scalpel, revealing deep truths and inner light. With 25 years’ experience in communication, branding, and human studies, she moved from celebrity retouching at Harpo Studios and The Oprah Winfrey Network to building a platform of artistry, consulting, and speaking to help everyday people celebrate their natural attributes and break myths within toxic cultural industries, proving that beauty is more than skin-deep.

You can connect with Meka Hemmons here:
Website: https://www.spidermeka.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spidermeka/

How can harnessing your inner power unlock your true potential as an entrepreneur?

In this episode of The Savvy Session, join us as we sit down with Bertina Power, an author, speaker, and success strategist. Bertina shares her incredible journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and discusses how she helps others harness their inner power both personally and professionally. Through her diverse experiences in industries like real estate, construction, media, and consulting, Bertina provides invaluable insights on overcoming obstacles, aligning with purpose, and taking actionable steps toward success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace Career Pivots – Bertina's journey highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in navigating different industries, allowing for growth and resilience.
2. Unlock Hidden Potential – Bertina shares strategies to help clients recognize their strengths, overcome limiting beliefs, and step into their authentic selves.
3. Prioritize Self-Care and Support – The discussion emphasizes the value of self-care and seeking help when needed to maintain balance and sustain success.
4. Align Purpose, Passion, and Gifts – Bertina explains how aligning personal values with professional pursuits leads to fulfillment and empowerment.

Tune in to discover how to unlock your unique power and embrace your entrepreneurial journey with authenticity and purpose, guided by the inspiring wisdom from Bertina.

Bertina Power is the Founder and President of Queen B Consulting, LLC and CEO of Queen B Construction & Rehab, Inc. She is a professional Real Estate consultant with over 20 years of real estate experience and new construction sales experience. Bertina is a trusted advisor in the urban real estate markets. She also coaches business professionals as a Success Specialist and is a highly sought-after coach.

You can connect with Bertina Power here:
Website: https://www.bertinapower.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertina-m-power-59847511
The Power of You: https://www.shepublishingllc.com/store

How can organizations effectively navigate change to foster growth and empower their teams?

Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation with Cathy Ach, founder of Learning Paradigms. In this episode, Cathy shares her expertise in leadership, strategy, and change management, offering invaluable insights for women entrepreneurs and business leaders. Learn how to align your team, overcome resistance to change, and lead with authenticity as Cathy provides actionable strategies for navigating organizational transformations.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Strategic Planning – Cathy emphasizes the importance of having a clear vision and strategy to unify teams and guide decision-making, enabling organizations to thrive during times of change.
2. Communicate the “Why” – Successful change starts with explaining the rationale behind it. Cathy discusses how understanding the purpose of change fosters buy-in from employees and reduces resistance.
3. Overcoming Resistance with Empathy – Cathy shares how addressing skepticism and resistance with empathy and clear communication can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
4. Leverage External Expertise – Cathy highlights the value of bringing in outside consultants to provide fresh perspectives and guide organizations through complex change initiatives.

Tune in to this insightful discussion and discover how to embrace change and lead your organization to success with practical strategies from Cathy Ach!

Cathy is the founder and President of Learning Paradigms, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in strategy, leadership development, and organizational change. She is recognized for her ability to work visually with clients in mapping out
complex business problems and in developing customized solutions to drive growth. With nearly 20 years of corporate leadership experience at BankBoston, Andersen Consulting, and Baxter Healthcare, she launched her business in 2000.

Cathy provides high-impact consulting and coaching services across diverse industries, including health care, pharmaceuticals/ life sciences, aviation, media, retail, and professional services, to clarify strategic direction, drive leadership growth, and enhance team alignment. LPI’s clients over the past ten years have included Baxter International, Walgreens, W.W. Grainger, Horizon Therapeutics, Starcom Worldwide, Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Takeda Pharmaceuticals and United Airlines.

Cathy holds a BA in Social Psychology from Amherst College and an MS in Learning & Organizational Change from Northwestern University. She is a Professionally Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation. Additionally, she is certified in the use of the TypeCoach Verifier Communication & Influence System™, the Leadership Circle Profile 360™, the Balanced Scorecard™, and Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead Methodology™.

You can connect with Cathy Ach here:
Website: https://learningparadigms.com/about-us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-ach-7b4731/
Building Your Blueprint: https://www.amazon.com

How can successful women entrepreneurs overcome 'reverse imposter syndrome' when starting their own businesses?

In this episode of The Savvy Session, we explore the challenges corporate women face when transitioning to entrepreneurship. Join us as Katharine Campbell Hirst, founder of Katharine Campbell Hirst Coaching & Advisory, shares her expertise in empowering female entrepreneurs and executives.

Katharine explores "reverse imposter syndrome," where successful women entrepreneurs feel "bigger" than their new ventures. Unlike traditional imposter syndrome, this occurs when experienced professionals, used to running large campaigns or leading teams, feel overwhelmed by simpler tasks like building a website. This can lead to self-doubt. Katharine advises embracing the process of starting small and being comfortable as a beginner again, even after achieving success in other areas.

Katharine’s journey—from management consulting, through burnout, to working for Tory Burch and finding her passion for coaching—provides a powerful backdrop for the discussion. She’s committed to helping women executives scale their ventures by reimagining strategies, emphasizing delegation, and focusing on high-value activities for growth and success.

Tune in to discover 5 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. The distinct challenges of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
2. Essential mindset shifts for women starting their own businesses after corporate success.
3. Rediscovering your passion and falling back in love with your business.
4. The transformative power of group retreats and mastermind sessions.
5. How to integrate fun, authenticity, and work-life harmony into your business development.

This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration for any woman ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Katharine Campbell Hirst’s eclectic life spans six countries and a variety of careers, including strategy consulting at Accenture, speechwriting for Tory Burch, and co-creating a spy museum.

As a coach today, Katharine works at the intersection of psychology and business, helping women entrepreneurs and executives build joyful and impactful careers that surpass the expectations of their lineage, our society, and even their mentors.

She deeply believes that we can heal capitalism by empowering women and using business as a tool to enhance our shared humanity.

You can connect with Katharine Campbell Hirst here:
Website: https://www.katharinecampbellhirst.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-hirst/

In today's fast-paced world, how we connect with ourselves and each other greatly impacts our productivity and well-being.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Emma Miele, an ICF-accredited coach with a master’s in Transformational Coaching and Leadership. Emma is the founder of The Breathing Room, and has nearly seven years of experience in being-based coaching.

What is Being-Based Coaching?

• Focuses on authenticity and self-awareness
• Goes beyond solving external problems or setting goals
• Helps understand our physical reactions, emotional states, and internal judgments
• Aims to build a strong relationship with oneself for deeper connections with others

Learn how these practices can help lead to a better understanding of yourself and foster deeper, more meaningful connections in your personal and professional life.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

The Impact of Self-Awareness

• Enhances understanding of interactions with others
• Promotes honesty about emotions and experiences
• Creates a safe space for open and honest communication

Authentic Relationships

• Uncovers and values our true selves
• Fosters relationships built on trust and mutual respect
• Presents a truer version of oneself to others

The Power of Presence

• Enhances the quality of interactions and relationships
• Promotes active listening and thoughtful responses

Practical Techniques for Teams

• Understands natural operating styles of team members
• Builds supportive structures aligning with team strengths
• Reduces misunderstandings and friction within the team

Emma is an ICF-accredited coach, with a Master's degree in Transformational Coaching and Leadership, and over seven years of experience in the coaching field. After spending a decade in the corporate financial space, Emma began to understand that in our hectic lives, it's all too easy to lose touch with our true desires and motivations.

Bringing together the skills she developed in the first part of her career, she founded The Breathing Room LLC, Coaching and Facilitating with the vision of creating a space for her clients to slow down, reflect, and connect with their inner wisdom.

Through her coaching, Emma supports work teams to collaborate more efficiently, aspiring managers to develop valuable communication skills, entrepreneurs to realize the ROI of authenticity, and individuals to discover their unique paths toward success and fulfillment.

You can connect with Emma Miele here:
Website: https://findyourbreathingroom.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-miele/
Let's Hang Out!: https://calendly.com/emmaemiele

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking for authentic ways to attract your ideal clients?

Join us for an insightful conversation featuring the incredibly talented Chelsie Tamms, an award-winning artist and branding expert, who is known for helping clients visually express their passion projects & brands through impactful visuals that connect on a deeper level.

Chelsie has built a values-driven business that supports local causes and empowers small businesses to shine.

Here are 5 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. The unconventional path Chelsie took by starting her own business straight out of college after winning startup funding, bypassing the traditional 9-to-5 corporate job.

2. The importance of pursuing work that aligns with your personal values and passions, as it can lead to more meaningful impact.

3. The power of intentional and thoughtful design to help organizations effectively communicate their uniqueness, connect with audiences, and raise awareness for their missions.

4. The valuable advice to reach out directly to potential clients or partners you admire, even if they seem unattainable at first, to explore collaborations.

5. The need to hold yourself accountable as a business owner to continued growth and learning, while also defining success on your own authentic terms aligned with your purpose.

Chelsie is proof that you can build a values-driven business focused on creativity + passion. Her example gives fellow female entrepreneurs inspiration to stay true to your purpose.

Chelsie Tamms is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur. She founded Lettering Works in 2016, combining her love of hand-lettering with her expertise in marketing. Since then, she’s grown her business to offer custom branding packages, courses for artists, and wholesale products and merchandise—all with the mission to bring more creativity into her community and beyond. She is especially drawn to cause-driven projects surrounding mental health, chronic illness, and underrepresented communities.

You can connect with Chelsie Tamms here:
Website: https://www.letteringworks.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsietamms/