Agency Darlings

In this quick pep talk, Melissa shares insights on why taking time off is essential for both your mental health and business performance. She discusses her own experience with burnout, why women in leadership positions face more challenges with time off, and offers a simple formula for integrating regular breaks into your schedule. Whether you're a founder or anyone balancing work and personal life, this episode encourages you to prioritize rest, as it ultimately fuels high performance and creativity.

Key Takeaways:

• Burnout is real: Nearly half of women in leadership positions experience burnout.
• Taking time off isn’t indulgent: Research shows that vacation breaks can increase performance by 80%.
• Rest is strategic: Think of rest like an athlete’s training routine—integrate high performance and rest into your schedule.
• Create a vacation schedule: Book two weeks off per quarter—one for a staycation and one for a getaway.
• Let go of guilt: Taking time off makes you more valuable, not less.

Remember, you are your business's most valuable asset. Prioritize your rest, recharge, and come back stronger.

Metricool is the tool we use for social media management and reporting. It helps you manage your social media, track performance, and create engaging content all in one place.

For our listeners only, use code DARLINGS to get FREE access to 30 days of any Metricool Premium plan.

In this episode, Meredith and Melissa dive into the challenging yet necessary conversation every agency owner faces—the client breakup. They share how to recognize when it’s time to part ways with a client, the steps to prepare for the conversation, and what to do after it’s done. The discussion includes actionable tips for handling these situations professionally and with confidence, ensuring that business growth isn’t hindered by clients who no longer align with your agency. If you’ve ever struggled with letting go of a client, this episode is packed with the insights you need to move forward and make space for the clients that will help you thrive.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• The signs that it’s time to break up with a client and how to evaluate your current relationships
• How to prepare for the breakup conversation and set yourself up for success
• The importance of keeping it professional and focusing on business fit, not personal feelings
• Actionable steps to structure the conversation and ensure a smooth transition
• What to do after the breakup: Reflecting on lessons learned and making room for growth

Actionable Takeaways:

• Regularly evaluate your client relationships using energy, finance, and growth as metrics.
• Create a transition plan to set your clients up for success while protecting your business.
• Be honest, but kind, during the breakup conversation—focus on business fit, not personal shortcomings.
• Don’t feel guilty for breaking up with clients—it’s an essential step for business growth and alignment.
• Use client breakups as learning experiences to refine your vetting process and improve your future partnerships.

Real Talk Moments:

• Letting go of clients can feel emotional, but it's necessary for business growth. It’s about creating space for the clients who align with your goals.
• Breakups are never easy, but they can be empowering when handled with clear communication and professionalism.
• Transparency during the breakup conversation helps to reassure your client and avoids leaving them in limbo.
• Remember, it’s not personal—sometimes business partnerships just outgrow each other, and that's a positive thing.

Connect with Us:

Follow us for more insights on agency growth strategies. You can find us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Join our Agency Advice Column here.

For all inquiries, contact us at [email protected]

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About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

In this episode, Meredith and Melissa dive deep into the core elements that make their co-founder relationship work. From how they balance each other’s strengths, keep everything transparent, and support each other in both good and tough times, they share what’s worked—and what hasn’t—on their journey. Building a business with a partner isn’t just about shared goals; it’s about building trust, clear communication, and knowing when to lean on each other. Whether you're thinking about starting a business with a partner or are already in one, this episode is packed with real-world advice and lessons learned that can help you scale your business successfully.

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Why trust and communication are the foundation of any successful co-founder relationship
• How transparency in finances and decisions creates a strong partnership
• The importance of complementary skills and how they fuel business growth
• What to look for (and avoid) when choosing a co-founder
• The lessons they’ve learned from their own partnership and how it’s shaped the success of Agency Darlings

Actionable Takeaways:

• Take time to build trust and make sure you and your co-founder are aligned on vision and values.
• Be transparent about finances, responsibilities, and business decisions—clear communication is key.
• Focus on complementary skills: make sure both partners bring something valuable to the table.
• Know your strengths, but be ready to lean on each other when needed—there’s no room for ego in a successful partnership.
• Before jumping into a co-founder relationship, ensure your goals and work ethics align for long-term success.

Real Talk Moments:

• Trust isn’t something that happens overnight—it’s built through consistent, open communication and shared values.
• Don’t rush into partnerships—take time to make sure you’re both aligned and committed.
• Transparency isn’t optional: being open about finances and decisions builds a stronger foundation and avoids costly mistakes down the road.
• Complementary skills are a game-changer. It’s not about being opposites; it’s about finding balance and filling in each other's gaps.

• “The journey we are on, it's making us better. Overall, it's making us more like we have more authority in our space because we do this too, and because we're associated with each other.”
• “One plus one equals three—because it’s not just this thing that’s benefiting us, it’s benefiting the whole ecosystem of both of us as founders.”
• “What makes our relationship special is that we have very similar values, but we also push each other to new levels.”

Metricool is the tool we use for social media management and reporting. It helps you manage your social media, track performance, and create engaging content all in one place.

Try Metricool free!

Connect with Us:

Follow us for more insights on agency growth strategies. You can find us on Instagram and LinkedIn. Join our Agency Advice Column here.

For all inquiries, contact us at [email protected]

-

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

We’re Back for Season 3! 🎉

Welcome to Season 3 of Agency Darlings! This season, we’re diving deep into the growth phase of scaling your agency—without losing your sanity. We're covering everything from co-founder relationships to client breakups, and we’re here to bring you actionable strategies and real conversations that will help you lead with confidence, overcome challenges, and grow your agency with purpose.

Whether you're navigating team dynamics, refining your service offerings, or working through tough client situations, Season 3 is designed to help you face these challenges head-on while building the agency you’ve always dreamed of.

What to Expect this Season:

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the episodes you won’t want to miss:

• Creating a Healthy Co-Founder Relationship (and How to Find the Right Co-Founder)
• Client Breakups: What to Say and How to Get Over It
• Painkiller Positioning: How to Create Offers Clients Actually Need
• Why You Need to Take Vacation (and How to Actually Do It!)
• The Sticker Shock Problem: Why Your Prices May Be Scaring Clients Away
• Using AI the Human Way (Interview with Patrice Poltzer)
• How Much Visibility to Give Your Team Without Overpowering Them
• And much more, including interviews with industry experts and strategies to tackle the toughest parts of agency life.

When Does Season 3 Drop?

Mark your calendars! The first episode drops on April 15th, 2025, where we’ll be talking about creating healthy co-founder relationships and how to find the right co-founder. New episodes will be released every Tuesday, so hit subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss any of these game-changing episodes.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more behind-the-scenes insights and tips for scaling your agency. Don’t forget to join our Agency Advice Column for additional exclusive content!

For all inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

It's the Season 2 Finale of Agency Darlings! 🎉 We’re wrapping up this chapter with reflections on the season’s biggest themes and insights.

We give you insight into our ‘Agency Owner’s Compass’ the three key pillars every agency founder needs to scale successfully: Vision, Lead Generation, and Profitability. Plus, our favorite moments from the season, listener-favorite episodes, and a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 3!

What to Expect in This Episode:

• Why having a clear vision is the foundation of a thriving agency
• How to build a lead gen system that goes beyond referrals
• The importance of profitability and how to ensure long-term sustainability
• A discussion on confidence in selling and making sure your offers reflect your value
• The tools & systems that help streamline agency operations

Actionable Takeaways:

• If you don’t have a clear vision for where your agency is heading, pause and reflect. Revisit your goals and ensure they align with what you actually want.
• Move beyond referrals by implementing proactive lead gen strategies - like content marketing, networking, and cold outreach.
• Keep your labor costs below 60% of your revenue to ensure profitability. Aim for a 15-25% profit margin to keep your business financially healthy.
• Build confidence in your sales calls by leading with questions, listening, and framing your services as the solution your clients need.

Real Talk Moments:

• Referrals are a reflection of your past, not your future. If you’re only relying on referrals, you’re letting your past dictate your business growth instead of shaping it yourself.
• You can’t scale successfully without profitability. Understanding labor costs, cash flow, and profit margins helps founders make better, data-driven business decisions.
• Selling doesn’t have to feel salesy. The key is to shift your mindset - see yourself as a valuable solution instead of feeling like you're pitching yourself.

Want to hear a specific topic? Let us know what you’d love for us to cover in Season 3!

Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this podcast possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, streamline communication and deliver projects effortlessly. Exclusive to the listeners of this podcast, Copper is offering 15% off annual plans with promo code AGENCYDARLINGS, all one word.

Check out Copper’s Lead Nurturing Playbook, designed to help agencies nurture leads and grow sustainably.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! 

In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of setting clear expectations and boundaries with clients right from the start. No more guessing games - this is about laying the foundation for long-term, successful partnerships by setting the terms upfront, shutting down scope creep before it starts, negotiating payment terms like a pro, and knowing exactly how to handle cancellations. 

With real-life stories and industry insights, we’re sharing the must-have strategies for building a client-agency relationship that actually works - one that empowers both sides, aligns goals, and keeps things running smoothly with respect AND clarity.

• A discussion on the importance of setting clear expectations from the start of a client relationship.
• Practical tips on preventing scope creep by defining the project scope and deliverables.
• Insight into structuring your payment terms, including deposits and invoicing, to protect your cash flow.
• How to approach cancellations with a “kill fee” and termination clauses to safeguard your business.
• Strategies for renewal and retainer terms, helping you foster long-term partnerships with clients.

• Reflect on where you’re compromising your agency’s health to accommodate client demands and start addressing these issues one by one.
• Create a working document with your team’s working terms and expectations to share upfront with clients.
• Be transparent and direct when discussing working hours, payment terms, and project timelines to avoid miscommunications down the road.
• Start practicing your boundaries with new clients and refine your communication over time to make these expectations feel natural.

• How we learned to stop people-pleasing and say no to clients' unreasonable demands - if you’re always saying yes to everything, you’re going to end up frustrated.

Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this podcast possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, streamline communication and deliver projects effortlessly. Exclusive to the listeners of this podcast, Copper is offering 15% off annual plans with promo code AGENCYDARLINGS, all one word.

Check out Copper’s Lead Nurturing Playbook, designed to help agencies nurture leads and grow sustainably.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Lead generation doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending hustle. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for referrals, unsure where to find quality leads, or overwhelmed by outdated, ineffective strategies, this episode is for you.

We’re getting down to the real reasons agencies struggle with lead gen and sharing practical, creative ways to fill your pipeline - without feeling spammy or burning out. From hidden lead sources to smart outreach strategies, we’re giving you everything you need to take control of your pipeline and attract better clients.

What to Expect From This Episode

• The Biggest Lead Gen Mistakes Agencies Make – Why relying only on referrals limits growth and how to focus on strategies that actually work.
• Creative Ways to Source Quality Leads – Where to find clients outside the usual places, from niche communities to strategic partnerships.
• Turning Cold Leads Into Warm Conversations – How to approach outreach in a way that feels natural and builds real relationships.
• Lead Gen Strategies That Attract Clients to You – How thought leadership, content, and curated events position you as the go-to expert.

Key Takeaways

• Lead gen is about quality, not quantity - fewer, better leads will always win.
• Referrals are great, but relying on them limits your future growth.
• Cold outreach works when it’s personal, thoughtful, and relationship-driven.
• Your next client is probably already in your network - you just need to know where to look.
• Consistency beats panic - treat lead gen like a long-term habit, not a quick fix.

Real Talk Moments

• Why lead gen agencies that “spam” prospects are a waste of time and money.
• The red flags that tell you a potential client isn’t worth the effort.
• How a small mindset shift can make sales feel way less stressful.
• The real reason agencies struggle to raise prices - and how better lead gen solves it.
• The secret to building relationships instead of just selling.

Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Thanks to our sponsor Copper, for making this podcast possible. Copper is a CRM that helps agencies attract more clients, streamline communication and deliver projects effortlessly. Exclusive to the listeners of this podcast, Copper is offering 15% off annual plans with promo code AGENCYDARLINGS, all one word.

Check out Copper’s Lead Nurturing Playbook, designed to help agencies nurture leads and grow sustainably.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Saying yes feels good - until it doesn’t. Whether it’s taking on misaligned clients, projects that drag on, or saying yes out of fear, the wrong yes can cost your agency more than you think. In this episode, we’re breaking down why learning to say no is one of the most powerful growth moves you can make - and how it can actually lead to more revenue, happier clients, and less burnout.

We’re diving into the hidden costs of saying yes to the wrong things, how to spot red flags early, and how setting boundaries can open up space for better opportunities. Plus, we share practical ways to frame “no” as a confident, empowering choice that strengthens your business.

What to Expect From This Episode:

• The Cost of Saying Yes to the Wrong Things: How misaligned clients and underpriced projects hurt your bottom line
• Spotting Red Flags Early: The warning signs that a client or project isn’t the right fit
• Why Saying No Can Make You More Money: How holding firm on pricing attracts better clients
• Mindset Shifts That Matter: Moving from scarcity to abundance to scale your agency confidently

Key Takeaways:

• If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no
• Red flags often show up early - trust your gut and set boundaries
• Saying no frees up time and energy for the right clients and projects
• Holding firm on pricing creates respect and long-term profitability 
• An abundance mindset is key - clients can tell when you’re confident in your value

Real Talk Moments:

• Why taking on the wrong client is never worth it, no matter the paycheck
• The invisible costs of bad-fit clients - lost sleep, stressed teams, and lower morale
• How to confidently push back when clients ask for discounts or extra work
• Why setting a minimum engagement threshold protects your profitability
• The empowering feeling of turning down work that doesn’t align with your goals

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Agency Darlings is partnered with Flodesk - Create stunning, high-converting emails with ease. Get a 2-week FREE trial when you sign up using our exclusive link.

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Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.

We’re breaking down five key decisions that will move the needle in your business - from niching down to hiring your #2. Because let’s be real: staying stuck in client work, pricing based on hours, and taking on low-value projects isn’t going to get you there. These shifts will.

Scaling your agency isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing the right things. If you’re hovering around the multi-six-figure mark and wondering what it actually takes to break past the next revenue milestone, this episode is for you.

Stop spinning your wheels and start scaling intentionally, grab a notebook and tune in.

What to Expect From This Episode:

The Five $500K Decisions That Will Scale Your Agency:

• Moving from generalist to specialist – Why getting specific attracts better clients and bigger budgets
• Creating scalable, productized offers – How to grow without constantly reinventing the wheel
• Shifting from hourly to value-based pricing – Because you shouldn’t be punished for working efficiently
• Hiring your #2 – The role that actually frees you up to grow
• Setting a minimum engagement threshold – So you stop wasting time on low-value projects

Key Takeaways:

• Why niching down doesn’t mean limiting yourself - it means attracting the right clients
• How to transition away from custom scoping everything and build more profitable offers
• The real reason hourly pricing is holding you back (and how to shift your pricing model)
• How to bring on the right support so you can finally stop being the bottleneck
• The confidence shift that happens when you set a minimum engagement threshold

Real Talk Moments:

We get candid about scaling struggles, including:

• Why staying a generalist keeps you stuck in a cycle of chasing new business
• The pricing mindset shift that most agency owners resist
• How hiring a project manager or sales lead can be the game-changer you need
• The mistake of taking on every client who knocks on your door
• Why setting a minimum engagement is one of the most freeing things you can do

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Agency Darlings is partnered with Flodesk - Create stunning, high-converting emails with ease. Get a 2-week FREE trial when you sign up using our exclusive link -http://partners.flodesk.com/darlings

Feeling stuck in your agency? Melissa helps agency founders break free from undercharging, overdelivering, and cycles that don’t serve them. No pitch, no pressure - just a real conversation about what’s possible for your business. DM Melissa on LinkedIn or Instagram to connect.

Interested in a 1:1 Strategic Brainstorming Session with Meredith? This session is a focused 50-minute consultation for entrepreneurs seeking targeted guidance and business insights. Dive deep into your most critical challenges, uncover opportunities, and develop actionable strategies. Book your strategy session here.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.

As an agency owner, you’re constantly making decisions - about clients, growth, strategy, and leadership. But what happens when your success starts feeling misaligned? In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to create a business and life that reflect your true ambitions, featuring special guest Bonnie Wan, Chief Strategy Officer of the Year (2022 and 2023) and author of The Life Brief.

Melissa and Meredith sit down with Bonnie to explore why agency leaders struggle with misalignment, burnout, and a lack of clarity - and how using The Life Brief can help you reset, refocus, and move forward with confidence.

What to Expect From This Episode...

The Four Biggest Misalignment Traps:

• Constantly chasing revenue instead of intentional growth
• Ignoring personal values and aspirations in business decisions
• Losing creativity due to industry pressure and client demands
• Failing to create space for deep thinking and self-reflection

Key Takeaways:

• Why scaling your agency shouldn’t mean sacrificing your values
• How to create alignment between your business and your personal goals
• The power of pausing - why white space is essential for leadership and creativity
• How to break free from external expectations and define success on your own terms
• Why agency leaders need to embrace bold thinking and innovation

Real Talk Moments

We get candid about:

• The pressure to grow vs. the reality of sustainable success
• Why agency owners avoid asking themselves big, uncomfortable questions
• How the loss of creative space is impacting leadership and team culture
• Bonnie’s personal journey - how The Life Brief helped her navigate major life changes
• How independent agencies can redefine their business models for long-term success

Connect with Bonnie Wan on Instagram, LinkedIn or email at [email protected] Learn more and get your copy of The Life Brief through her website.

Agency Darlings is partnered with Flodesk - Create stunning, high-converting emails with ease. Get a 2 week FREE trial when you sign up using our exclusive link

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Feeling stuck in your agency? Melissa helps agency founders break free from undercharging, overdelivering, and cycles that don’t serve them. No pitch, no pressure - just a real conversation about what’s possible for your business. DM Melissa on LinkedIn or Instagram to connect.

Interested in the 1:1 Strategic Brainstorming Session with Meredith? This session is a focused 50-minute consultation for entrepreneurs seeking targeted guidance and business insights. Dive deep into your most critical challenges, uncover opportunities, and develop actionable strategies. Book your strategy session here.

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Connect With Us:

• Instagram @agencydarlings
• LinkedIn
• Join Our Agency Advice Column
• Email: [email protected]

About Your Hosts:

Melissa Lohrer is the Founder of Waverly Ave Consulting, a Growth Consultancy for indie agencies. She partners with agency owners to create seven-figure growth through strategic repositioning, modern revenue models, and relationship-based sales. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Meredith Fennessy Witts is the Founder of Le Chéile, the go-to finance and strategy consultancy for creative agencies scaling beyond seven figures. She helps creative founders clarify their cash flow, restructure niche offers and pricing, and ensure they’re running a profitable business...in a mindful way. Connect with her on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe! New episodes drop every Tuesday.