In this response episode, Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with returning guest Natalia Kay-O’Brien and unpack why community building is a survival strategy right now and not just a “nice-to-have.” They reflect on the ripple effects of 2025 on nonprofit and consulting work, the myth of needing a hero to save everything, and why collaboration beats competition (especially for solo business owners).

They also dig into how “visioning” can be strategic (not fluffy), why slowing down is essential for sustainability, and what nervous system regulation has to do with making better decisions, plus the usual cozy media recs and a little self-aware chaos. As is tradition.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and trying to keep your business afloat, this episode is both grounding and practical.

Key Takeaways

• Community is resistance. Isolation is the goal of oppressive systems; connection is how people stay resourced, supported, and mobilized.
• You don’t have to be the hero. Natalia’s reminder lands hard: the “save everything alone” mindset is a burnout pipeline.
• Collaboration > competition. Sharing knowledge and resources strengthens everyone, and creates a healthier, more sustainable business ecosystem.
• Visioning is strategic. Dreaming is great, but strategy happens when you turn vision into a plan and take action.
• Nonprofits are under strain. Limited resources make it even more important to support existing orgs and prioritize work that truly meets urgent needs.
• Slow down to sustain the fight. Urgency is real, but so is nervous system regulation, because survival mode doesn’t make great decisions.
• Practical nervous system tips matter. Everything from rest to breathing to literally telling your body “we’re safe” can help shift out of fight-or-flight.
• Boundaries are business growth. Saying “no” to discounts, protecting calendar time, and limiting meeting overload are real entrepreneurial wins.

This episode references our conversation with Natalia Kay-O’Brien, episode #117 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Host information:

• Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
• Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies

Connect:

• On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today 
• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today 
• With Ashlan:
  • https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson 
• With Tory:
  • https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies 
  • https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe 

The Course: 

The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.

Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course 

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