Sandra Sucher – Growing Businesses Through the Power of Trust

November 10, 2021 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I found today’s guest, Sandra Sucher, through a book recommendation in the Wall Street Journal. A professor at Harvard Business School, Sandra has a fantastic story about how she became the co-author of her new book, The Power of Trust. In this episode, she opens up about how a trip to Japan to write one book on layoffs led her to write another very different sort of book. She and I talk about the hidden value of trust in a business and why it can’t be used as a reputation management tool. She also discusses why trust matters so much more in service-based businesses and why the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain is a great role model for businesses that are building trust with their clientele.

Listen in to find out why motives are so important when building trust and how trust affects your bottom line and increases profit margins.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Trust is a willingness to be vulnerable to the actions and intentions of others.” – Sandra Sucher

Show Notes:

The Definition of what TRUST really is
The 4 Elements to BUILDING Trust
Trust & Competency – how they are related
Why Trust is more DIFFICULT in a Service Based Business
The Ritz-Carlton’s THREE STEPS of Service – GENIUS
How Trust Directly Affects your BOTTOM Line – PROFITS!

Trust is a moral idea not just an instrumental relationship.” – Sandra Sucher

Connect with Sandra Sucher:

Twitter | LinkedIn | Harvard | Sandra Sucher

If I had known that you could be in business and be a good person at the same time, that would have reassured me.” – Sandra Sucher

Carla Green – Why Writing a Book Could Give Your Business a Big BOOST

July 28, 2021 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Carla Green is the Founder & CEO of Clarity Designworks, a publishing and book design company geared towards supporting entrepreneurs and business leader authors get published.

Carla gives some great examples of the types of books that business owners write, what steps are involved in publishing a book after the writing is complete, and the stigma of self-publishing.

Listen in to learn the ideal number of pages in a book about business, how to get started writing a book, and why you probably need an editor.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

If you don’t notice my work that means I’ve done my job well.” – Carla Green

Show Notes:

WHY you should consider writing a book if you’re in business (especially service businesses)
The difference between traditional and SELF-publishing (Carla really breaks this down)
Carla takes the GUESSWORK out of the ideal number of PAGES in a business book
The PROCESS of what happens once the writing is complete
The SINGLE Biggest reason an entrepreneur should consider writing a book
How to decide what kind of publisher you want to use
The “STIGMA” around self-publishing and why it may be costing you money(and clients) to hold on to that belief
Tons of TIPS & TRICKS to help you get started writing your book (Carla’s tips were so great, she has almost convinced me to do a SECOND Book!)
Why you need a good editor
What TYPES of books work best when it comes to business
The difference between a MEMOIR and an autobiography
THE POST-IT Note approach to writing
Carla reveals the ONE THING she has struggled with most as an entrepreneur and how she’s now “recovering”
PLUS+ she offers A Self-Publishing Timeline and Checklist for our Listeners!

Even editors need editors.” – Carla Green

Links Mentioned:

Download your copy of Carla’s Self-Publishing Timeline and Checklist

Connect with Carla Green:

I’m a recovering perfectionist.” – Carla Green

Linda Rose – Get Acquired for Millions!

March 10, 2021 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

She’s the go-to-gal when it comes to helping companies get acquired and now she’s back with a NEW book to help you simply and easily understand how to get your business ready to be acquired!

Serial entrepreneur Linda Rose joined me on the podcast to talk about her NEW book, Get Acquired for Millions: A Roadmap for Technology Service Providers to Maximize Company Value.

Linda is a big proponent of listening to your clients before anyone else and running a company to sell rather than running a company to grow. She urges other entrepreneurs to think bigger and find mentors that can help them broaden their mindset.

On today’s show, Linda shares how CEOs can get away for up to a month without hearing from their team, two things she wishes she knew before she became an entrepreneur, and the value of organization intellectual property. She explains the Banana Concept, which book has impacted her life, and where she finds her joy.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

My joy is the bottom line.” – Linda Rose

Show Notes:

Why your clients are more important than anyone else – LISTEN!
Her solo journey on the Pacific Crest Trail and how this experience changed her entrepreneurial journey (she hiked for 500 miles ALONE!)
The different types of revenue and the ones you should be keeping your eye on
The difference between running a company to GROW and running a company to SELL
Details on completing four Big Acquisitions During COVID
The PERFECT Time to Sell your Business
A Step-by-Step plan for you to leave your business for a MONTH without any communication with your Team (not even a single TEXT)
What “single points of FAILURE” are and how to remove this obstacle in your business
The Banana CONCEPT – Brilliant!
The Metric that is more VALUABLE than SALES
The two things Linda Rose wishes she knew before she became an entrepreneur
How Linda Sets Goals – Pure GOLD!
The value of organization intellectual property
Two books that have impacted Linda’s life
Where Linda finds her joy
And much, much more

You have to stop thinking like an owner and start thinking like a buyer.” – Linda Rose

Connect with Linda Rose:

LinkedIn | Twitter | RoseBiz

It can fetch value if you identify it, package it, and give it a name.” – Linda Rose

Mikaila Ulmer – CEO & Founder of Me & The Bees Lemonade (She’s Celebrating a Decade in Business and She’s Only 15)

October 14, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

My guest today, Mikaila Ulmer, is back for interview #2! She was originally on the show back in August 2018. This is a special year for Mikaila because she is not only celebrating a decade in business but she’s also published her first book, Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid!

With her very positive “can-do” attitude, Mikaila tells us how getting stung by a bee twice in one week, led her on a journey to understand the importance of bees to the environment. Ultimately, this became the gateway for her to enter her lemonade into a local business fair. (Today, Me & the Bees Lemonade is sold in over 1,500 stores nationwide!)

She also shares her Shark Tank experience, as well as the moment she had to understand the legal side of entrepreneurship and the impact it can have on your brand.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Create a product that appeals to the most people, you can’t please everyone, so don’t try. Stay true to your mission and focus on helping your mission.” – Mikaila Ulmer

Show Notes:

How showcasing her lemonade in a local business fair when she was 4-years-old led to having her lemonade in over 1,500 stores today
Her simple, easy, first steps to get the word out about Me & the Bees Lemonade
She reminds us to always be minding our ABC’s! (Always Be Curious) This ONE attribute got her into her first restaurant.
What it was like to be a contestant on Shark Tank (her parents initially said NO when she was offered a spot) but her persistence paid off!
The importance of a hand-written “Thank You” note
Her “Face on the Bottle” moment and how that impacted her brand
What it’s like to be in online school during the pandemic while running a business
Understanding the “legal” side of entrepreneurship came early (she was only 8-years-old) and the important lesson she learned. “Lose the battle. Win the War.”

It’s not just about the products you sell, but the stories you tell.” – Mikaila Ulmer

Connect with Mikaila Ulmer:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Me & the Bees

Don’t be discouraged by life’s little stings, get back up and spread your wings!” – Mikaila Ulmer

Lisa Cook – Making BIG Waves in Business with Lisa Cook, Founder & CEO of kidSwim

July 8, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I met my guest Lisa Cook, on a 7am flight to LA (no makeup, no hair, no coffee) years ago and the rest they say is history.

Lisa started her business, kidSwim, the Premier Development Based Swim Education Company in Southern California, as a way to make some extra money during the summer. Armed with a flip phone, a paper calendar and a rental car, she started jumping in the pool with LA toddlers. That was 19 years ago. Since then, she, along with her instructors, have taught nearly 10,000 kids how to swim.

On today’s show, Lisa talks about her mindset behind creating her swimming empire and her children’s book, See Me Bubble, which is available on Amazon in both English & Spanish. She also shares how to push aside the ego to achieve success, advice on cash flow and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Start delegating as soon as you can. Don’t wait until you feel like you are under a rock.” – Lisa Cook

Show Notes:

Her “Secret Sauce” on serving Influencers in Hollywood – this will probably shock you
The moment she recognized that it was time to get serious about her business
The astonishing (and positive) awareness that occurred as a result of the pandemic – she Now Feels Free
How her Biggest Challenge is something most would consider an asset
Why LEADERSHIP matters more than almost anything else in business
Advice she wished someone would have shared before she jumped in the water to teach that first lesson
Why waiting 24 hours can be PURE GOLD
The most important communication you can have with your TEAM that builds loyalty
And much, much, more

When the staff knows they are respected and supported, they are more willing to go the extra mile.” – Lisa Cook

Connect with Lisa Cook:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | kidSwim

Ego is your greatest enemy in pursuit of success in your business.” – Lisa Cook

Claudia Chan – Founder of the S.H.E. Globl and author of “This is How We Rise”

January 29, 2020 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

I’m super excited to have Claudia Chan, author, leader, and founder of S.H.E. Globl as a guest on today’s show.

She was flush with material items in her life and began to feel the call for more purpose. Claudia is the author of the Leadership book, This is How We Rise: Reach Your Highest Potential, Empower Women, Lead Change in the World, which was named by CNBC as a “top career book of 2018” and also featured in The New York Times.

Her business, S.H.E. Globl, is a platform that equips organizations with powerful learning and development opportunities that keep your talent inspired, engaged and growing all year.

I think you’ll love today’s show as Claudia talks about why the future is female, how to amplify women’s voices, her strategy behind elevation periods, and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

We can’t be teaching people a definition of leadership that is so one dimensional.” – Claudia Chan

Show Notes:

Her BEST Action steps to gain attention for her movement
WHY focusing on a specific segment of the market is so key now
Focusing questions on how to drill down what part of the market you want to OWN
How to REDEFINE leadership
How ELEVATION PERIODS can help build a full life
The mentality to adopt in challenging times
And much, much more…

We have the power of the universe inside of us and I think trusting our instincts is another thing that we need to do better.” – Claudia Chan

Connect with Claudia Chan:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | S.H.E Summit

Less is more and really own those areas the most.” – Claudia Chan

Isabelle Alonso – Feminist Author and Recipient of the Medal of Honor From the French Government for Her Work on Women’s Equality

October 23, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

Isabelle Alonso has a colorful life as an entrepreneur, feminist and author. She has published four feminists essays and seven novels including her latest novel Je Peux Me Passer De l’Aube (I can hold on without the dawn). Isabelle also appears regularly on the television series Je t’aime etc… where she is a commentator on culture and current news events.

Today’s show is a real treat as Isabelle tells us about her journey working towards women’s equality in France. She reframes the role of women in the workplace, what being a “feminist” actually means, the most powerful thing that a woman can do and much more.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

I do not consider myself as a woman of power. I’m not interested in power. I’m very much interested in being a woman of influence, and so that’s why I write books.” – Isabelle Alonso

Show Notes:

How she became a symbol of Feminism in France and as a result received the Medal of Honor from the French government for her work on Women’s Equality
The moment she realized there was an inequality (she was a young girl)
Isabelle’s thoughts on creating a more equitable workplace for women – women are punished instead of rewarded
Her Best Action Steps on creating awareness for women’s equality
Why she has a passion for writing books and feminist essays
Her realization about what it meant to be a woman entrepreneur
Where our focus needs to be and why it’s one of the most powerful things women can do
The #MeToo movement and what’s happening currently for women around the world
What feminism actually means to Isabelle

It is an individual adventure. But I really think that for women, they have to start with themselves.” – Isabelle Alonso

Connect with Isabelle Alonso:

Facebook | Twitter | Isabelle Alonso

All of the myth of the reality of masculinity is a prison for men.” – Isabelle Alonso

Amy Franko – A Top Sales Blogger, Amazon Best-Selling Author, Sales Expert and Entrepreneur

July 24, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

If you don’t have all the clients or customers you want or need, you will want to block some time in your calendar to listen to this episode with my guest today, Amy Franko.

Amy is the author of the new best-selling book The Modern Seller: Sell More and Increase Your Impact in the New Sales Economy and she is also the founder of the Impact Instruction Group. The Modern Seller is an Amazon Bestseller and was also named a 2018 top sales book by Top Sales World. In addition, Amy is recognized by Top Sales World as one of the “Top 50 Sales Bloggers in the World”.

Today’s show is jam-packed with incredible business and sales advice, tips on building your network and using social media for business growth, how to write a book (even if you don’t really enjoy writing) and much more.

Enjoy the show!

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

People with strong networks can rise above the noise.” – Amy Franko

When you know those one or two very significant goals, that is going to give you the track to run on so that you can better prioritize your time.” – Amy Franko

Show Notes:

The Five Modern Selling Skill Sets
WHY your RELATIONSHIPS are the GOLD
WHY it’s essential to pivot between strategy and tactics
How to overcome the “I don’t have time to network” feeling you may be having
TIPS on how to create better business relationships (HINT: you don’t need to be an extrovert)
How to use SOCIAL MEDIA to build your business
How to write a book (even if writing doesn’t come easily to you)

If you want to build the skill, you can. It is the habits that you put into your everyday relationship building that becomes the ‘how’.” – Amy Franko

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Amy Franko:

LinkedIn | Twitter | Amy Franko

People who really get it (who are really intentional about building the RIGHT strategic relationships); they are focused on a big significant goal and that helps them make good choices about where they invest their time in building their networks.” – Amy Franko

Raegan Moya-Jones – Creating a 100M Blockbuster Biz With Baby Blankets

May 29, 2019 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

When my guest, Raegan Moya-Jones, couldn’t find the muslin-fabric baby blankets that were a swaddling tradition from her native Australia, she set out to make her own.

In 2006, Raegan co-founded aden + anais, the baby lifestyle brand globally recognized for its high-quality, design-driven muslin swaddles and baby products. Aden + anais is a $100 million-dollar company today. You might recognize them because Prince George made his first public debut wrapped in an aden + anais blanket!

On today’s show, Raegan talks about what she waited for in order to quit her full-time job at The Economist Group (she worked there until 2009), what it was like when her co-founder/partnership fell apart, why she decided to go from “babies to booze” and much more.

I think you’ll find today’s show raw and authentic, helpful and inspiring.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

There was definitely a period of time where I thought ‘well if I really want to spread my wings and do what I think I am capable of doing (that nobody else seems to think that I’m capable of), then I’m just going to have to go out there and do my own thing.” – Raegan Moya- Jones

Show Notes:

The TWO ingredients that carried Raegan through the first five years
The “old-school” marketing tool Raegan used to get her products into retail locations
Raegan’s humorous story about not having time to wash her hair for 15 days (too funny and I can relate!)
What it was like to watch the CELEBRITY who used her product for his public debut
What is was like to go through the loss of a good friend who was also her business partner
Raegan’s open, raw, transparent discussion about her many moments in the “fetal position”
WHY Raegan decided to start a second company
Business advice for women that she completely disagrees with
What it was like to be fired from a business that she co-founded and built to 100M

The first five years of aden + anais was basically hard work and Google that got me through it.” – Raegan Moya-Jones

Connect with Raegan Moya-Jones:

LinkedIn | Instagram – Raegan Moya-Jones | Raegan Moya-Jones

Saint Luna Spirits | Facebook – Saint Luna | Instagram – Saint Luna

aden + anais | Facebook – aden + anais | Instagram – aden + anais | Twitter – aden + anais

The big mistake that people make is they think they can’t do it because they don’t know how, but if you want it badly enough you really can just teach yourself. It was very much a one foot in front of another process for me.” – Raegna Moya-Jones

Lu Parker – From High School English Teacher to Media Celebrity to Founder & CEO of Be Kind & Co.

November 14, 2018 | By Joy Chudacoff Leave a Comment

You may have seen her on KTLA or interviewing celebrities and dignitaries such as Oprah, Bradley Cooper, Aretha Franklin, Clint Eastwood, Barbra Streisand, Kanye West, Nelson Mandela, & Jane Goodall. From Miss USA to an Emmy Award-winning journalist, Lu Parker has had an incredible career.

As she continues to anchor on KTLA, Lu also took a moment of adversity in her life to start a movement around kindness and became the Founder & CEO of Be Kind & Co.

On today’s show, you’ll love her pearls of wisdom as Lu gives us a deep look into her career path and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

What are the little steps that you are taking today that build towards that goal?” – Lu Parker

Show Notes:

How a Moment of ADVERSITY led Lu to start a company based on KINDNESS
The difference between NICE and KIND and why KIND is better
Why it’s important to be kind to YOURSELF first
How women LEAD and why the world will be more ALIGNED when women are in LEADERSHIP
How Lu went from a 10th-grade English teacher to Miss USA and then on to anchor KTLA Health & Fitness
How Lu handled being in an environment where people were very “unkind”
Lu’s best (think super simple) advice for getting WHAT you WANT in life
Her best tips for productivity
The ONE THING you need to let go of

Don’t put so much pressure on yourself that it is not fun anymore.” – Lu Parker

Connect with Lu Parker:

I really do feel like if we can love ourselves and be kind to ourselves then, in turn, we’re able to be more kind to the stranger on the street or to a friend in need.” – Lu Parker

Sandra Sucher – Growing Businesses Through the Power of Trust

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Sandra Sucher:

Carla Green – Why Writing a Book Could Give Your Business a Big BOOST

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Carla Green:

Linda Rose – Get Acquired for Millions!

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Linda Rose:

Mikaila Ulmer – CEO & Founder of Me & The Bees Lemonade (She’s Celebrating a Decade in Business and She’s Only 15)

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Mikaila Ulmer:

Lisa Cook – Making BIG Waves in Business with Lisa Cook, Founder & CEO of kidSwim

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Lisa Cook:

Claudia Chan – Founder of the S.H.E. Globl and author of “This is How We Rise”

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Claudia Chan:

Isabelle Alonso – Feminist Author and Recipient of the Medal of Honor From the French Government for Her Work on Women’s Equality

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Isabelle Alonso:

Raegan Moya-Jones – Creating a 100M Blockbuster Biz With Baby Blankets

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Raegan Moya-Jones:

Lu Parker – From High School English Teacher to Media Celebrity to Founder & CEO of Be Kind & Co.

You can Subscribe and Listen to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts. And be sure to leave me a Rating and Review!

Show Notes:

Connect with Lu Parker:

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