What if I told you that hustle culture is actually keeping you from the very success you’re chasing? 

We’ve been told that burning the midnight oil, sacrificing rest, and saying yes to everything is what it takes to “make it” in business. But in reality, that’s just toxic hustle culture talking - and it’s stealing your joy, your health, and your freedom.

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal story of how the “grind or die” rule shaped my identity as a business owner, why it doesn’t work (especially for women), and how I finally started working with my personal energy instead of against it. This isn’t about doing more, it’s about honoring your cycles, protecting your energy in business, and building something that feels like true sustainable work - not survival.

Here’s what you’ll hear inside this episode:

• Why hustle culture taught us to wear overwork like a badge - and the moment I realized I had just bought myself another job instead of building freedom.
• The hidden ways toxic hustle culture shows up in women-run businesses, and why it was never designed for us in the first place.
• How ignoring your personal energy leads to burnout, resentment, and exhaustion - and why tuning into your natural rhythms can change everything.
• A new rule for how to manage your energy in business daily, weekly, and even seasonally - so you stop forcing productivity and start creating flow.
• Practical shifts that turn constant grind into truly sustainable work, giving you back time, joy, and permission to actually rest.
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This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to prove yourself by running on empty. You can succeed by respecting your humanity, honoring your cycles, and letting your personal energy be the guide for how you show up in business.

This week’s reflection: What’s one new way you can work or rest to honor your personal energy in business this week? DM me on Instagram @katyripp and tell me. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Blog Post: Rule 1: The Grind or Die Rule – and Why We’re Quitting the Game

The Grove

Female Founders Collective Meetups - Join us for FREE!

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

You know it as well as I do: hustle culture is toxic. 

We’ve been told that if we just work harder, say yes to everything, and keep it “professional,” that’s how to build a business that lasts. But here’s the truth - I followed all those rules, and it left me exhausted, disconnected, and wondering if the problem was me. Spoiler: it wasn’t. The problem was the old playbook that was never designed for women run businesses.

In this week’s kickoff to Season 2 of #ActuallyICan, I’m breaking down exactly why the old rules don’t fit anymore and what it looks like to finally throw them out. If you’re ready to redefining success, stop playing small, and learn how to build a business on your own terms, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The surprising origin of the “rules” we’ve been taught to follow in business - and why hustle culture is toxic when applied to women balancing creativity, caregiving, and leadership
• The moment I realized checking every box of the old playbook wasn’t how to build a business that felt fulfilling - and what I did instead
• Why trying to please everyone actually dulls your spark and keeps you from creating the women run business you’ve been dreaming of
• The sneaky rules you might still be carrying (like don’t talk about money, grind harder, or keep it shiny) and how they hold you back from truly redefining success
• What this new season is all about: supporting you to build your business in a way that finally feels like it was written for you

Now I want to hear from you: What outdated rule are YOU done following? Send me a DM on Instagram @katyripp and tell me, “Katy, the rule I’m ditching is…”

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Grove

Female Founders Collective Meetups - Join us for FREE!

Blog Post: Why the Old Playbook Doesn’t Work for Us

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

Are you running your business like you still have a boss? 

If you’re still clinging to a rigid 9-to-5 mindset, it’s time to break free. In this episode, I’m sharing flexible work schedule examples that can help you avoid entrepreneurial burnout and create real time freedom. 

We’ll dig into why traditional time management for entrepreneurs can feel so exhausting, and how redefining your work rhythm can transform not just your business, but your entire life.

If you’ve been feeling the pull for more boundaries in business, less guilt, and a business that actually fits your lifestyle, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The surprising history behind the 9-to-5 workday (and why it’s failing entrepreneurs who are craving time freedom)
• How to find your “prime brain time” and build a custom schedule that maximizes your creativity and focus (flexible work schedule examples you can try this week)
• Why time freedom isn’t just about working less, but working smarter – and why that’s key to avoiding entrepreneurial burnout
• The truth about boundaries in business – how to set them, enforce them, and stop apologizing for them
• Why time management for entrepreneurs is more about energy than hours, and how to track your natural work rhythms for better results

What is one “guilt-inducing” habit you secretly enjoy as an entrepreneur? (Naps in the middle of the day? Cutting out early for a long walk? Turning off your phone for hours at a time?) DM me on Instagram @katyripp and let me know. I’d love to hear it!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Do Not Disturb Sign

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How do I manifest?” or wondered whether the Law of Attraction is just a little too woo-woo to work in the real world, this episode is for you. 

Whether you’re manifesting parking spots, more clients, or your next big career move, I’m breaking down the real, practical steps you need to know. 

These are the manifestation examples and stories that have helped me build businesses, hit big goals, and create the life I truly want. If you’re ready to learn how to manifest what you want, hit play.

Note: This is a special rerelease of one of my all-time favorite episodes. I’m revisiting it because the response was so strong, and I know you’ll find something new in it even if you’ve heard it before.

In this episode, I’m covering:

• How to manifest what you want – why defining your desires clearly can be the difference between daydreaming and actual results.
• Manifestation examples – the surprising way I used the Law of Attraction to score front-row parking spots (and how this small habit set the stage for bigger wins).
• How to manifest success – what it really takes to stay in the right energy, even when doubt creeps in.
• How do I manifest if I have self-doubt? – the mindset shifts that helped me move from skepticism to manifesting big outcomes.
• How to trust the process – why letting go of control and practicing gratitude is non-negotiable if you want your dreams to actually show up.

Your turn: What’s one thing you’re ready to manifest in your business this month? DM me on Instagram: @katyripp and let me know. I’d love to cheer you on!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

Midlife on Purpose: Workbook

The Secret

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

Ever feel like your relationship with money is more emotional than logical? 

You’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. In this episode, I’m joined by financial therapist Lindsey Konchar to unpack the real reasons behind your money guilt and how to finally align your money and values in a way that feels good, not heavy.

We dig into the question: why are financial values important? (especially for women building purpose-driven businesses). 

As a financial therapist, Lindsey shares how our earliest money memories shape our lifelong relationship with money, and why ignoring your money and values only leads to more burnout, shame, and undercharging. 

Inside this episode, we dive into:

• How your first money memory shaped your entire relationship with money (and how to rewrite it)
• Why so many women feel overwhelmed by money guilt, even when they’re earning more than ever
• What happens when you avoid looking at your numbers—and why facing your finances helps realign your money and values
• How a certified financial therapist approaches money shame, spending habits, and personal goals differently than a typical money coach
• Why are financial values important? Hint: it’s because they’re real reason behind every major decision you make as an entrepreneur

If your gut’s been telling you it’s time to look at your numbers, heal your relationship with money, and release the money guilt you’ve been carrying—this episode is your sign.

Listen now, then DM me on Instagram @katyripp: What’s one money story you’re ready to let go of?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH LINDSEY KONCHAR:

Website: financialselfcareblog.com

Instagram: @financialtherapistlindsey

Financial Self Care podcast

Intentional Spending Planner 

Thinking about quitting a job to start a business but paralyzed by fear and “what ifs”? You're not alone.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and former nurse-turned-entrepreneur Kelly Endres to talk about what it really looks like to go from employee to entrepreneur—especially when you're walking away from a job that felt like a calling.

Kelly’s story of leaving nursing to work side-by-side with her husband in their insurance agency is deeply honest, relatable, and full of the kind of real-talk we need more of in midlife entrepreneurship. If you're craving more freedom in business, more purpose in your work, and less hustle-for-the-sake-of-hustle, this episode is for you.

We’re pulling back the curtain on the messy middle—the doubt, the money fears, the identity shifts—and how Kelly built a business rooted in service, heart, and unapologetic alignment.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What no one tells you about quitting a job to start a business—and why Kelly almost didn’t
• The emotional rollercoaster of going from employee to entrepreneur (especially when the job you’re leaving is one you love)
• Why women often stay in “safe” careers too long—and how leaving nursing finally gave Kelly the freedom in business she was craving
• How to work with your spouse without losing your mind—or your boundaries
• What it really takes to find purpose again after walking away from a helping profession

Let’s chat: Are you thinking about quitting a job to start a business but feeling stuck in fear or guilt? DM me on Instagram @katyripp and tell me: What’s your biggest fear about going from employee to entrepreneur?

I’d love to hear your story.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Art of Hello

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH KELLY ENDRES:

Endres Insurance Agency Website

Endres Insurance Agency Facebook

Not sure what’s next when it comes to building your business? Here’s how to get re-aligned at any stage of your journey. 

In this episode, I’m inviting you to slow down, breathe, and meet your business where she’s at—because whether you’re in year one or year ten, it’s never too late for some business goal alignment. 

And here’s the truth: you don’t need to burn it all down—you just need to realign with what matters most.

Inside this episode, I’ll guide you through:

• The unsexy (but essential) business basics that most people skip—but actually set you up for long-term success
• The ultimate checklist for starting a business (and building one) that actually fits your life, your energy, and your values
• How to clarify your offers, ditch the confusion, and start building your business around what lights you up
• Why business basics like your domain name, business structure, and financial systems still matter—even if you’ve been at this for a while
• A fresh take on business goal alignment—and how to define success your way without following outdated rules

If you’ve ever felt like building your business was done on someone else’s terms, this episode will help you reconnect with the version that feels most true to you. 

Whether you’re staring at the checklist for starting a business for the very first time or refining your offers for the third time this year, this is your guide to come back to center.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel grounded, clear, and ready to take your next aligned step—wherever you are in your journey of building your business.

DM me on Instagram @katyripp and tell me: What stage of building your business are you in—and what’s one piece of the business basics you’re ready to revisit?

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Collective

Female Founders Collective

Wisconsin.gov - Business portal

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

Ever find yourself wondering, is email marketing still effective?—or are we just supposed to dance on reels forever? 

If you’re overwhelmed by the noise online and craving a marketing strategy that actually works (and feels good to do), this episode is for you.

I’m sitting down with Dawn Richardson from Flodesk to dig into email marketing for small business. Whether you’re brand new to list building or you’ve had a dusty ol' opt-in hanging out on your website for months, you’ll walk away from this episode knowing exactly how to do email marketing in a way that feels aligned with your values—and works while you sleep.

In this episode, we’re chatting about:

• Why the question “is email marketing still effective?” is missing the bigger picture—and the surprising ROI stats that might just blow your mind
• Dawn’s story of going from a wedding photographer to a six-figure business owner—thanks in large part to her list of just 200 subscribers (yep, really)
• Why email marketing vs social media isn’t even close when it comes to reach, engagement, and sustainability
• What most women entrepreneurs get wrong about how to grow an email list, and how to fix it with a few simple mindset shifts
• The step-by-step on how to do email marketing in a way that builds connection, and what to do if you’re terrified of sounding too salesy in your emails.
• Bonus: Dawn also shares how to grow an email list using her favorite underrated ways to collect email addresses (hint: it’s not just another boring PDF checklist)

Whether you're building your first form or sending your 100th newsletter, this conversation will help you rethink your strategy, reconnect with your audience, and actually enjoy showing up online again. Because email marketing for small business shouldn’t feel like a chore—it should feel like a breath of fresh air.

DM me on Instagram @katyripp and tell me this: What’s your biggest block when it comes to email marketing? 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

The Art of Hello

Get 50% off of Flodesk HERE!

Canva

Interact

Which Mac Is Right For You Quiz

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH DAWN RICHARDSON:

Website: www.techsavvycreative.com

Feeling overwhelmed in your business? 

It might be time to let go of what’s not working and finally create space for an aligned, optimized business that supports your life—not runs it.

In this episode, I’m walking you through what I like to call a good old-fashioned spring cleaning for your business. I’m sharing how to figure out my favorite approach to organizing a small business and optimizing business operations: what to keep, what to tweak, and what to finally let go of so your business can have an optimized business that doesn’t burn you out.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How a simple mindset shift helped me stop spinning my wheels and start building a more optimized business
• The exact process I use to evaluate what’s working and what needs to go—plus how this helps with organizing a small business
• Why more isn’t always better—and how to use one of my favorite small business tips to simplify your offers and operations
• What finally convinced me to start outsourcing in business (and how it completely changed the game)
• The small-but-mighty tweaks I’ve made for optimizing business operations—and how you can, too

What’s one thing you know you need to let go of in your business—but you’re still holding on to it?

DM me your answer on Instagram @katyripp—I’d love to hear what you’re processing, pruning, and making space for this season. 

And if this episode resonated with you, come join us inside the Actually, We Can Collective—my private community for midlife women entrepreneurs who are done with hustle and ready to build a purpose-driven, optimized business with clarity and confidence.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Collective

Female Founders Collective

The Art of Hello

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

Have you ever felt like you were meant for more—but didn’t know how to get there without losing yourself in the process?

In this episode, I sit down with Claire French, a virtual assistant and entrepreneur who left her corporate job, moved across the world to Australia, and built a thriving heart-centered business rooted in her personal core values. 

Claire gets real about her story of moving to a new country, starting a business as a virtual assistant and creating a sustainable business that honors who she is—not who the world told her to be.

Claire shares how her journey unfolded (spoiler alert: it wasn’t all smooth sailing), how she stayed aligned with her personal core values, and why running a business as a woman is just... different.

Here’s what we dive into:

• The unexpected events that pushed Claire to leave corporate, move abroad, and fully commit to starting a business as a virtual assistant—and how she made it all work
• Why personal core values became her compass in business (and how you can use yours, too)
• What it really means to run a heart-centered business—and why it’s the antidote to burnout and overwhelm
• The unseen emotional labor and identity shifts that come with entrepreneurship—and the specific challenges faced by female entrepreneurs
• Rewriting the outdated business advice for women: How Claire rebuilt her business from scratch after burnout, and the mindset that helped her start again (this will change how you think about failure)

Claire’s story is raw, empowering, and packed with truth bombs that every woman entrepreneur needs to hear.

What would it look like if you built a heart-centered business around your personal core values—not someone else’s rules? DM me your answer over on Instagram @katyripp—I genuinely want to hear from you.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Actually, We Can Community

Female Founders Collective

Everything Is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

Who Not How by Dan Sullivan

CONNECT WITH KATY RIPP: 

Website: www.katyripp.com

Instagram: @katyripp

Pinterest: @katyripp

Facebook: @katy.ripp

CONNECT WITH CLAIRE FRENCH:

Instagram: @claire.e.french

Website: https://claireelizabeth.co/