Anchored Leadership: For Business Owners Ready to Lead and Not Just Manage

What if the secret to better leadership, team culture, and resilience isn’t more hustle but more play?

This week, we welcome the dynamic and deeply inspiring Brandy Heather, a bestselling author, award-winning educator, and internationally recognized expert on the science of play. Brandy brings the fire, compassion, and neuroscience to back her mission: restoring playful intelligence in a world that’s overworked and underplayed.

From boardrooms to classrooms to burnt-out entrepreneurs, Brandy’s work shows us why play isn’t the opposite of productivity; it’s the fuel for it. In this emotional, laugh-out-loud, and goosebump-inducing conversation, Brandy dismantles the “show home” culture, reveals why fear and play can’t coexist, and offers real strategies to return to joy, belonging, and creative problem-solving, even if you’ve forgotten how.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why “play” is a biological necessity, not a luxury
• The neuroscience behind why fear blocks innovation (and how play unlocks it)
• What “play” actually looks like in the workplace (hint: it’s not ping pong tables)
• The real reason most professionals avoid play and what it costs us
• How Brandy cracked corporate walls with cautious delight
• The difference between play as service and play as self
• What’s really happening in “show home” culture and how it’s disconnecting us
• Brandy’s personal story of burnout, hospitalization, and rediscovering play through a tacky ceramic frog
• Why play is the path to building more human businesses, safer relationships, and resilient teams

If you’ve been running on empty, feeling disconnected from your work, or just wondering where the joy went, this episode is your reminder: play isn’t the opposite of work, it’s the soul of it.

When you bring joy, curiosity, and playfulness back into your life, you don't just perform better, you lead better, love better, and live better.

Brandi Heather is a best-selling author, educator, and internationally recognized expert on Playful Intelligence™. She helps individuals and organizations prevent burnout and reconnect with creativity, energy, and meaningful connection by bringing play back into the way we work and live.

Connect with Brandy and learn more about her incredible work here:
www.brandiheather.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiheather/

https://www.instagram.com/brandi__heather/
https://www.facebook.com/b3brandiheather

The Anchored Leadership Academy is launching a new cohort in January; spots are limited.

🔗 Learn more and book your discovery call here.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

 

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt final episode of 2025, Kari Lotzien, business and leadership coach, invites listeners into a deep year-end reflection filled with honesty, resilience, and grace.

If you're feeling tired, overwhelmed, or unsure how you made it through the year, this episode is for you.

Rather than a highlight reel, Kari gets real about what happens when life doesn’t go to plan. From struggling with unexpected health challenges during a milestone birthday year to rediscovering the power of strong systems, support, and data-driven truth, this episode is an intimate look behind the curtain of entrepreneurship.

Kari shares how slowing down and reassessing her own "stories" about the year helped her uncover hidden wins and how you can too.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why turning the calendar doesn’t magically change who you are, but pausing to reflect just might.
• How Kari’s vision of hitting 50 as her fittest self collided with the unexpected reality of perimenopause.
• The mindset reframe that helped her shift from “this year was a write-off” to “this year was record-breaking.”
• A reminder that challenge and success are not opposites, they often walk hand in hand.
• How to find YOUR hidden wins by asking: “What’s the data say?”
• Ways that struggle might actually be setting you up for a more sustainable, scalable business.

As 2025 comes to a close, Kari leaves listeners with a heartfelt invitation to pause and reflect, not just on what didn’t go as planned, but on the hidden wins that quietly shaped the year. Her message is clear: growth doesn’t always look like fireworks, and success often walks hand in hand with struggle. Through vulnerability and wisdom, Kari reminds her audience that they don’t have to navigate entrepreneurship alone. With the Anchored Leadership Academy launching a new cohort in January, she’s more committed than ever to helping business owners build systems, support, and resilience for the year ahead.

The next cohort starts in January. Spots are limited.

🔗 Learn more and book your discovery call here.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

Work with Kari:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a seasoned business and leadership coach, Kari Lotzien takes listeners behind the curtain of 2025 to reveal the real patterns shaping small business and where the biggest opportunities (and caution flags) lie in 2026. Drawing from private coaching sessions, the Anchored Leadership Academy, and her trusted membership community, Kari brings together powerful insights from across industries.

If you're a small business owner looking for clarity, connection, and direction as you plan for the year ahead, this is the episode you cannot afford to miss.

Key Topics Discussed:

2025 in Review:

• The 3 phases of AI adoption Kari observed in business (curiosity → chaos → cautious strategy)
• How AI created both a surge in innovation and a “trust recession”
• The slow, strategic buyer: why trust-building took longer and how to adapt

What’s Coming in 2026:

• The 4-part strategy Kari believes small businesses must embrace to thrive:

1. Get Real – authenticity over polish
2. Get Clean – simplify your offerings and processes
3. Amplify Human Connection – bring back personal touch in a digital world
4. Collaborate – leverage aligned partnerships without growing your team

AI + Human Synergy:

• Why 2026 isn’t about “AI vs. people,” but how well you balance automation with deep personal service
• Real examples of how AI can support both life and business (from meal planning to creative brainstorming)

Small Business Advantage:

• How staying small and nimble allows for deeper trust and customization
• Practical insights from Kari’s work with real leaders inside her Anchored programs
   

It's clear that small business success in 2026 won’t be about doing more, it will be about doing what matters, better. By embracing simplicity, leading with authenticity, leveraging AI thoughtfully, and building trusted partnerships, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to thrive in a rapidly shifting landscape. This is your moment to step into leadership, refine your strategy, and reconnect with the human side of business. The future belongs to those who are willing to evolve and do it with heart.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.
 

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this eye-opening episode of Be the Anchor, Kari is joined by Meg Clarke, founder of Clapping Dog Media, an SEO and AI visibility agency helping small businesses get found by Google and recommended by AI. If SEO has ever felt overwhelming or if AI feels like it’s changing too fast to keep up, this conversation is your new best friend.

Meg breaks down the shifts from traditional Google search to AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. More importantly, she explains how AI is holding us accountable to show up consistently and authentically across platforms and how that's actually great news for small business owners who are just being themselves.

From personal branding to practical visibility tips, Meg and Kari dive into real strategies that help you get found without needing to game the system.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why AI is not replacing SEO but how it’s changing the game.
• How to show up in a way that earns trust from AI (and your audience).
• The surprising role LinkedIn, podcasts, and YouTube play in visibility.
• Why personal Instagram content may actually confuse AI.
• How custom GPTs can simplify and amplify your business operations.
• Real-life examples of using AI as a team member not a threat.
• Meg’s favorite visibility hacks you can implement today.
• What “authenticity” really means when it comes to online presence.
   

Whether you’re just beginning to explore SEO and AI or you’ve been navigating the digital landscape for a while, this episode is a powerful reminder that visibility doesn't have to mean overwhelm. As Meg so beautifully shared, showing up consistently, clearly, and authentically is not only enough, it's exactly what both your audience and AI are looking for. 

Meg Clarke is the founder of Clapping Dog Media, an SEO and AI visibility agency that helps local businesses get found by Google and recommended by AI. Based in Northern Virginia, she leads a team that blends strategy, data, and heart to help clients grow online. A sought-after speaker and former Wheel of Fortune contestant, Meg is known for making SEO approachable, effective, and even a little fun.

Connect with Meg and learn more about her incredible work here:
www.clappingdogmedia.com
www.linkedin.com/in/clappingdogmedia

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

 

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and timely episode of Be the Anchor, Kari Lotzien dives into a conversation that many are having behind closed doors but it’s time to bring it into the light.

Are we raising and employing a generation that lacks grit, resilience, and accountability? Or are we missing a deeper opportunity to lead differently?

Kari explores the cultural shift from hyper-independence to overprotection and how both employers and young professionals are caught in the middle. Drawing from her 25 years of experience working with youth and leaders, Kari challenges business owners and leaders to reflect on their own relationship with discomfort and how that directly impacts their teams.

This episode will spark self-reflection, uncomfortable truths, and ultimately, a new way to support growth, resilience, and leadership in both ourselves and others.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why resilience doesn’t grow in comfort
• The leadership challenge of holding space for discomfort
• How cultural shifts have changed the resilience landscape
• The 4-quadrant model of support vs. challenge (from Challenging Coaching)
• Why avoiding conflict leads to business stagnation
• The dance of high support & high challenge leadership
• Questions to ask instead of giving quick solutions
• How to build true grit in your team without micromanaging
   

Growth isn’t supposed to be comfortable but it is worth it.

If this episode sparked something in you, whether it was a nudge of recognition, a moment of truth, or a new perspective then you’re exactly where you need to be.

The Anchored Leadership Academy was built for business owners and leaders just like you, those who are ready to stop reacting and start leading with purpose. In this 12-week, high-impact program, you’ll develop the tools to lead with clarity, confidence, and courage. No fluff - just practical, tested strategies that work in real life and real business.

The next cohort starts in January. Spots are limited.

🔗 Learn more and book your discovery call here.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt and deeply insightful episode of Be the Anchor, Kari Lotzien welcomes Carolyn Mulholland - wife, mother, grandmother, and founder of the Tide Center for Counseling and Health. Together, they unpack the invisible weight entrepreneurs carry and the slow drift from joy and alignment into exhaustion and burnout.

If you’ve ever felt like you're just “pushing through,” this episode is for you. From signs of burnout to understanding the window of tolerance, Kari and Carolyn explore how our nervous systems are impacted by chronic stress, and what we can do to come home to ourselves again, personally and professionally.

Whether you're running a business or just running on empty, this conversation is a call to pause, reflect, and gently reclaim your light.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Hidden Burnout of High Performers
  Why success can mask quiet exhaustion—and what to do about it.
   
• When Home Life Flags What Work Ignores
  How burnout shows up in relationships before business performance.
   
• Burnout Signs We Miss
  From high blood pressure to detachment and cynicism.
   
• Understanding the Window of Tolerance
  What it is, why it matters, and how to expand it.
   
• Hyper vs. Hypo-Arousal
  The difference between driven energy and dysregulation.
   
• Resentment & People Pleasing
  The cost of saying yes to others while saying no to yourself.
   
• Burnout Heals in Community
  Why we need more than networking; we need real support.
   
• Tending the Lantern
  A powerful metaphor for protecting your inner light during tough seasons.
   
• Glimmers & Daily Rituals
  Small joys and transitions that rebuild energy and connection.

This episode is a powerful reminder that burnout doesn’t always look like collapse; it often hides behind busy schedules, polished appearances, and quiet detachment. Through her warmth and wisdom, Carolyn Mulholland invites us to pause, reflect, and tend to the parts of ourselves we often overlook.

If you're feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or just a little lost, this is your invitation to come home to yourself. You are not alone, and healing is possible.

Take a breath. Light the lantern. And let this conversation be the anchor that brings you back.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

Connect with Carolyn and learn more about her incredible work here:

Visit www.tidescounselling.ca

403-588-4718
[email protected]

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this deep, vulnerable, and powerful episode of Be the Anchor, Kari welcomes her long-time friend and financial powerhouse, Jillian, for a raw conversation about success, identity, and what it really means to thrive as a woman in today’s world.

From money mindset and family dynamics to philanthropy, partnership, motherhood, and ambition - this episode is a call for women to stop playing small, to own their power unapologetically, and to be seen for the impact they’re making in the world.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Moving beyond traditional roles and expectations.
• The fear of being “too much” when you’re ambitious or successful.
• How wealth is perceived differently for women.
• Letting go of guilt around financial success.
• Raising daughters who see success as normal.
• Modeling leadership and contribution, not hustle and depletion.
• Why visibility matters—and why it’s not the same as arrogance.
• The emotional impact of shrinking to stay likable.
• Real stories of being misunderstood or judged for ambition.
• Resilience as a superpower.
• Building supportive partnerships at home and at work.
• Creating sustainable businesses with boundaries and systems.
• Teaching kids generosity and values.
• Using wealth as a tool for legacy, not ego.
• Why we need spaces for brave conversations among women.
• Celebrating each other’s wins without shrinking ourselves.

This episode is more than a conversation; it’s a rally cry for women who are ready to stop playing small and start showing up boldly in their businesses, families, and communities. As Kari and Jillian remind us, it’s not about ego, it’s about impact. And when women lead unapologetically, everyone benefits.

Whether you're just starting out or sitting at the helm of something incredible, this episode is a reminder that you don't have to choose between being kind and being powerful; you can be both.

So step forward. Take up space. Be the anchor.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.

 

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Replay - This is one of our listeners all time favorite episodes.  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest updates, resources and more.

Leadership goes far beyond managing people, having the most knowledge, or the most experience. Leadership is a completely separate skill from what most of us learn in traditional schooling. In this episode, I am delving into the key principles of leadership and the foundations of the Anchored Leadership Academy. Leadership is about fostering true collaboration and finding the best in people. It starts with the ability to self-reflect and self-regulate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, whether in business, community, or personal life.

Key Points:

1. Understanding Leadership:
   • Leadership is more than being the boss—it's about collaboration, understanding, and facilitating growth within a team.
   • The traditional idea of leadership as merely directing others is outdated. True leadership involves optimizing the talents and strengths of members to reach a collective goal.
2. Self-Regulation as a Leadership Skill:
   • Effective leaders manage their own emotions and reactions, creating safe spaces for others to contribute without fear of shame or ridicule.
   • Self-regulation includes being mindful of body language, tone, and facial expressions to ensure they align with a supportive leadership style.
3. Listening and Observing:
   • Great leaders are often not the loudest in the room. They excel at listening, observing, and understanding the dynamics within a team.
   • By noticing gaps and encouraging quieter voices, leaders can create a more balanced and inclusive environment.
4. Asking Better Questions:
   • Effective leaders ask questions that encourage reflection and collaboration rather than simply seeking agreement.
   • Avoiding the word "why" in questions can prevent defensiveness and instead promote a more constructive dialogue.
5. The Role of Leadership in a Technological World:
   • In an era of automation and AI, leadership remains a distinctly human skill that cannot be replicated by technology.
   • Leadership is essential in maintaining human connection and fostering meaningful collaboration in both business and community settings.

Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join the Anchored Leadership Academy and embark on a transformative journey to become the leader you aspire to be. This 12-week program is designed for business owners who are eager to scale their businesses, build strong team cultures, and lead with confidence. 
I have opened up a few spots for private business and leadership coaching for owners who would like a higher level of support. Private coaching clients work through strategic planning to identify needs and priorities in their business. Coaching is then customized to align with your plan and may include support for team development, operations, marketing and finances. Together, we design your business to integrate with the life you want.

Resources discussed in this episode:

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching
  
   

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You started your business for freedom. Freedom to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and create something meaningful. But does it really feel like freedom anymore?

In this episode, Kari Lotzien dives deep into the hard truth that many entrepreneurs face: When your business relies completely on you, it’s not scalable. Kari walks you through the mindset shift required to evolve from business owner to true leader and why now is the perfect time to make that shift.

This is a powerful conversation for solopreneurs and online business owners who are starting to feel the limits of doing it all themselves. If you’re resisting growth because it means more work, or you're stuck juggling too many roles, Kari helps you recognize the signs and what to do about it.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The freedom paradox - why success can make you feel stuck
• How to tell if you’re owning your business or just owning your job
• The internal tug-of-war between scaling and protecting your time
• Questions to uncover what you really love in your business (not just what you’re good at)
• A fresh look at how your business and life goals have evolved
• The danger of ignoring opportunities because you're maxed out
• Why resistance to growth is often tied to a broken business model
• The two key questions:
  • What opportunities are calling you?
  • What have you been avoiding?
• Why leadership is the next step in reclaiming your freedom

If anything in today’s episode sparked a sense of recognition or even a little discomfort, that’s not a bad thing. It means you're ready. Ready to move beyond just running your business and into truly leading it. You’ve already built something amazing, but if you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or like you’re trading time for freedom, then it’s time to take the next step.

You don’t have to do this alone. The next round of the Anchored Leadership Academy starts September 22nd, and it’s built specifically for online and virtual business owners who are ready to scale with strategy, purpose, and support. 

Apply to the Anchored Leadership Academy – This fall, Kari is launching a specialized cohort designed exclusively for virtual business owners. If you're ready to grow your team, scale your services, and lead with confidence—this is for you.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.
 

Remote Leadership Assessment - Take it here

Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Kari shares a personal reflection on her own journey from traditional brick-and-mortar work to fully embracing the virtual business model. What started as a simple appreciation for cozy mornings and slippered workdays turns into a deep dive into the massive opportunities opening up for virtual business owners today.

She unpacks why more professionals are moving into online spaces and why many are never going back. Kari explores the trends, the research, and the mindset shifts that are redefining how we work, hire, and lead.

If you’re building a remote-first business or thinking about scaling your virtual team, this episode is filled with insights to guide you, and a few surprising stats that will open your eyes.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kari’s personal shift away from traditional office life and why she’ll never go back
• How the pandemic pushed many into remote work, but pulled them into realizing its benefits
• The productivity and profitability perks of virtual business
• Real-world examples from Kari’s clients across industries: financial, tech, design, and more
• Data-backed research: why employees are seeking remote jobs and how smart businesses are listening
• Why big corporations are forcing a return to office and what they’re missing
• The leadership gap: why virtual businesses need stronger, more intentional leadership
• 3 practical tools for building and leading a high-performing virtual team
• A sneak peek into the Anchored Leadership Academy: Virtual Edition launching this fall

The way we work is changing and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’ve been running your business virtually for years or you're just starting to explore the shift, now is the time to lean into the opportunity that remote work offers. Profitability, flexibility, and productivity aren't just possible, they're thriving in the online space.

Take the Free Assessment here – Discover your leadership strengths and identify the gaps holding your team back. It takes less than 10 minutes and gives you immediate insight into what’s next.

Apply to the Anchored Leadership Academy – This fall, Kari is launching a specialized cohort designed exclusively for virtual business owners. If you're ready to grow your team, scale your services, and lead with confidence—this is for you.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.
 

How Anchored is Your Remote Team - Take the Quiz 

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Work with Kari: 

• Anchored Leadership Academy
• Private Business and Leadership Coaching

Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor: 

• Website: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Facebook: BeTheAnchorLtd
• Instagram: BeTheAnchor.ca
• Linked In: Kari Lotzien

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.