Entrepreneurship is rarely linear. It is full of resets, pivots, and unexpected lessons. The real challenge is not just growing a business but doing it in a way that reflects your values and leaves space for joy, family, and resilience.

In this episode of Avant-Garde Entrepreneur, Dr. Trisha Bailey is joined by Jennifer Ann Johnson, founder of True Fashionistas, business coach, podcast host, and author of the Amazon bestseller Grace and Grit: Becoming a Confident Entrepreneur. From her beginnings in a small Minnesota farm town to building Florida’s largest lifestyle resale store, Jennifer shares her story of resilience, reinvention, and the mindset shifts that helped her move through challenges with strength and confidence.

You will hear how Jennifer defines grace as living in alignment with who you want to be remembered as, and grit as the daily determination to keep going despite obstacles. She reveals her process for identifying core values, the importance of creating “pink spaces” in your calendar, and why assuming positive intent can transform both business and life.

Tune in and discover how to stop being your own harshest critic, live intentionally through your values, and build a business that is both sustainable and soul-aligned.

In this episode, you will learn:

Jennifer’s early journey from small-town roots to serial entrepreneur (04:00)

What a lifestyle resale store really is and why it matters for sustainability (06:40)

The meaning of grace and how it helps you live in alignment with your legacy (08:50)

Why grit is essential for pushing through obstacles and finishing what you start (12:40)

How to uncover and clarify your core values with practical questions (15:00)

Why values are dynamic and evolve (20:10)

What is a “pink space” and how to create it intentionally in your calendar (23:20)

The power of assuming positive intent in business and leadership (28:20)

Why laughter, fun, and family connection are cornerstones of resilience (30:30)

Jennifer’s “why” and how she models resilience for her children and community (34:10)

Connect with Jennifer Ann Johnson:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Listen to The Confident Entrepreneur podcast

Grace & Grit: Becoming a Confident Entrepreneur

True Fashionistas

Resources:

My new book! Mindset Matters

Quiz! What’s Your Social Entrepreneur Style?

Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

​

Let’s Connect!

Website

LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perfection is exhausting. Growth doesn’t have to be linear. And sometimes, choosing good over great is the most radical, life-changing decision you can make as an entrepreneur.

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Campbell, author of Good Is Amazing, founder and CEO of Ready, Set, Recover, and a former media executive who has made a career and a life out of giving herself and others permission to release the pressure of perfection.

Heather’s work helps people recover from surgery by focusing on the non-clinical aspects of healing that often go unaddressed. However, her wisdom extends far beyond health: it is about how we navigate pressure, tune out our inner critic, and create space for joy and authenticity in our lives and businesses.

Tune in and listen to the seventy-first episode of Avant-Garde Entrepreneur. You will hear how to let go of what is not serving you, how to stop minimizing your worth with small words like “just,” and why celebrating the little things every single day is the key to building a meaningful life.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why “good” really is amazing, and how striving for “perfect” holds you back (07:40)
• The simple framework Heather uses to stay happy and healthy (08:10)
• A practical way to support yourself with daily joy rituals (19:40)
• How to silence your inner critic (23:10)
• When to quit, let go, and create space for what is truly right (28:20)
• Why, sometimes, the most powerful answer is a simple “huh” (37:30)
• The power of the word “just” and why you should eliminate it from your vocabulary (44:50)

Connect with Heather Campbell:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Website

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What’s Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

​

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When your mission collides with a personal crisis, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities. But staying grounded and effective isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential for your impact and well-being.

In this solo episode of Avant-Garde Entrepreneur, I share five self-care strategies I’ve learned and lived through while navigating 16 months of caregiving and entrepreneurship. These aren’t fluffy wellness tips—they’re practical, battle-tested tools that have kept me sane, purposeful, and able to serve my mission while caring deeply for someone I love.

From loosening your grip on perfection to regulating your nervous system in two minutes flat, to fiercely protecting one small thing that keeps you connected to your higher purpose, these strategies will help you balance purpose, progress, and personal well-being (even in your hardest seasons).

Tune in and listen to the seventieth episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You’ll learn to protect your energy, avoid burnout, and keep showing up fully for your mission and the people who matter most.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Why holding your plans and results loosely frees your energy (08:00) 
• The 4-7-8 breathing technique to instantly regulate your nervous system (21:20)
• How to make your “yes” matter by avoiding hidden trade-offs (32:00) 
• The symbolic and physical benefits of doing one thing daily for your health (37:30) 
• How keeping one thing that’s yours protects your mission and momentum (41:40) 

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What’s Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let’s Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connecting with your intuition and using it to guide your social entrepreneurial journey is far less "woo-woo" than you might think. In fact, it’s not woo-woo at all. We are born deeply connected to our intuition, but over time, we unlearn how to listen to it as we are "forced" to focus on what "really matters": the tangible world around us.

In today's episode, I'm very excited to be joined by Jenn Cohen. Jenn is an Intuitive Consultant and Mindset Coach who, after spending 27 years in the entertainment industry, took a leap of faith and turned her lifelong connection to the psychic realm into her purpose. Inspired by powerful signs from her late father and years of intuitive experiences, Jenn helps others find clarity, overcome obstacles, and create more fulfilling lives.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-ninth episode. You'll learn why your intuition is one of the most powerful tools as a social entrepreneur, the importance of treasuring your quiet time, and why paying attention and recognizing synchronicities can guide your decision-making. You'll also learn meditation is simpler and more accessible than you think, how your physical space impacts your mental clarity, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

- How can "left-sided brain" people connect with their intuitive side (8:10)

- How treasuring your quiet time can help you harness your intuition (15:20)

- The importance of recognizing synchronicities (19:00)

- How to listen to your intuition (and ignore the fear) (25:10)

- How physical space impacts mental clarity (31:30)

- How to align your goals with your intentions (36:20)

- Jenn shares simple ways to meditate (39:00)

Connect with Jenn Cohen:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Free Meditation App - Insight Timer

Free App for Tuning Into Nature - Merlin Bird ID

Get a copy of Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe

Resources:

My new book! Mindset Matters

Quiz! What’s Your Social Entrepreneur Style?

Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let’s Connect!

Website

LinkedIn

Facebook

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If we think of CEOs as pilots, the executive advisor is the one everyone turns to when every light on the panel is flashing, the cockpit glows red, and all you can see outside are black clouds, grey skies, and lightning bolts.

In this episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by Steve Duddy. Steve is a CEO, Executive Advisor, Speaker, and Board Director. The go-to person for leaders seeking guidance to navigate rough waters. His greatest contribution lies in providing transformational leadership to young, underappreciated companies, helping them achieve financial success and, above all, tackle challenges with a forward-thinking mindset.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-eighth episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You'll hear about the emotional aspects of being a leader, why effective communication is crucial during crises, and how to set real-world expectations for you and your team. Steve also talks about the mindset shifts every leader must go through to thrive during challenging times, the side of fundraising no one talks about, how to deal with underperformers, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Provoking sustainable change amidst the heaviest storms (3:00)
• What every leader needs to land the plane in awful weather (6:40)
• Why is forward thinking crucial to go through the fire unburnt (11:00)
• Steve's technique to guide entrepreneurs through uncertainty (14:20)
• The only way to deal with underperformance in your team (18:40)
• The side of fundraising no one talks about (23:50)
• What transformational qualities are a must-have for entrepreneurs (30:00)
• Steve talks about the mindset shifts for success (35:30)

Connect with Steve Duddy:

• LinkedIn
• Duddy Executive Services
• Email: [email protected]

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What's Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social entrepreneurs out there, this one's for you: Yes, you built something incredible from nothing. Yes, your work is changing lives, making things easier for so many. Yes, you create jobs and provide financial security for dozens of families. But no, you don't have (nor should you have) all the answers. No, you're not meant to do everything alone. You don't have to play God.

In this episode, I'm excited to be joined by Mohamed Ahmed. Mo is an AI Business Leader specializing in AI Cloud Infrastructure at Intel with a track record of scaling AI-driven ventures. He is also the Author of "The Inside-Out Entrepreneur" and the Founder and President of Boundless Founder. Relying on his many years of experience (and the hundreds of lessons learned the hard way), Mo helps entrepreneurs build the mental resilience and strategic clarity they need to scale their businesses.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-seventh episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You'll hear Mo's unique recipe to build the resilience and mental endurance you need to take your social enterprise to the next level without sacrificing your mental health or jeopardizing your relationship with your family. Mo also shares his thoughts on the importance of seeking mentors and advisors, why he believes it is crucial to rely on family and friends to succeed as an entrepreneur, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Mo on the importance of building resilience and mental endurance (2:40)
• From engineer to entrepreneur (6:50)
• Why resilience is key in entrepreneurship (18:00)
• The importance of networking (25:10)
• How to balance ambition and personal well-being (33:00)
• Why you should look after your personal branding (44:00)

Connect with Mohamed (Mo) Ahmed:

• LinkedIn
• Boundless Founder
• Get a copy of Mo's book, "The Inside-Out Entrepreneur: Become the entrepreneur you were born to be"
• Join the Boundless Founder's community

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What's Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Common sense tells us that every salesperson works for the "yes," but what if the key to closing more deals is pursuing the "no?"

Today, on our fourth episode of the Up-Level Your Impact Business series, the amazing AJ Vassar reveals how shifting our perspective can transform how we sell. AJ is a Small Business Systems Engineer, Podcast Host, Speaking Booking Representative, and the kind of salesperson you've never seen before.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-sixth episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You'll hear AJ's incredible life story, his relentless mentality that helped him transform challenges into growth experiences, and his unique approach to sales. AJ also shares his thoughts on the unique strength introverts bring to sales, explains why he believes going after the "no" in sales is crucial, debunks myths about sales, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• AJ talks about his rough childhood (5:20)
• From the car to the penthouse. Dealing with challenges 101 (11:00)
• Sales is about conviction (17:10)
• The salesperson everybody wants to have around (20:10)
• AJ introduces the Profitable Persuasion Framework (29:50)
• Why you should go after the "no" (35:20)

Connect with AJ Vassar:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Get a copy of AJ's book: Day Grades: From Homelessness to Giving 5 Cars Away and Much More in Just 3 Short Years
• Free Tool: Knowledge Profits Assessment
• Subscribe to the Business Problem Solvers podcast

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What's Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you had thirty seconds to pitch your company to an investor who could turn your vision for your social enterprise into a reality. Would you be ready?

This week, in our third episode of the Up-Level Your Impact Business series, we're tackling every doubt, fear, and uncertainty you might have about fundraising with Scott Nichols. Scott is the Founder of Velocity Pitch Decks and a professional Pitch Deck writer, with a knack for providing client-centric, solution-oriented services that get startup founders funded and help jobseekers land their next best role.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-fifth episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You'll get countless tips to craft the perfect pitch deck for your social enterprise, discover why you should create extra-short, short, and long pitch decks, and learn the most common mistakes you should avoid when putting together your pitch deck. Scott also debunks the myths about raising capital, teaches the right way to approach investors, and much, much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• From writing resumes to becoming a professional pitch deck writer (3:40)
• What should and what you shouldn't include in your pitch deck (9:40)
• Most common mistakes people make when writing their pitch deck (13:00)
• Why it feels so hard to tell your own story? (18:30)
• Scott's top tips for approaching an investor (21:00)
• Scott debunks the myths about raising capital (26:50)

Connect with Scott Nichols:

• LinkedIn
• Visit Velocity Pitch Decks' website
• Connect with Velocity Pitch Decks on LinkedIn
• Follow Velocity Pitch Decks on Instagram

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What's Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As social entrepreneurs, we are in business to relieve, help, or solve the problems of those we serve. We are so connected with our mission that selling is the last thing on our minds.

Yet making a business ready to be sold is much more than finding a buyer, it is about preparing for success years in advance (regardless if you're selling or not).

Today, in our second episode of the Up-Level Your Impact Business series, we chat with the brilliant Leslie Hassler about growing, scaling, and selling businesses effectively. Leslie is a business strategist, speaker, and the founder of Your Biz Rules. With almost 20 years of experience in the field, Leslie helps entrepreneurs maximize the value of their businesses, whether they're planning to sell or just thinking of scaling.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-fourth episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. You'll learn to make your business valuable enough to attract potential buyers, the common pitfalls to avoid when getting your social enterprise ready for sale, and practical tips on creating a scalable and financially sound enterprise — one that works for you, not the other way around. You'll also learn about the three-year rule for selling, the differences between growth and scaling, how to reduce owner dependency, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Leslie talks about the most common mistakes business owners make (4:00)
• The three-year rule for selling (6:10)
• What is the difference between scaling and growing a business? (9:20)
• Three ways business owners should be paid (13:10)
• How to increase your business value before selling (21:15)
• What buyers look for in a business they're interested in (24:00)
• What it takes to start seeing our social enterprise as an asset, not a job (26:20)
• Why you MUST celebrate each win (30:00)

Connect with Leslie Hassler:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Free Guides

Resources:

• My new book! Mindset Matters
• Quiz! What's Your Social Entrepreneur Style?
• Avant-garde Entrepreneur Academy Waitlist

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don't need a massive budget to craft a clever, compelling, and effective marketing campaign, and you don't need to wait until your business is wildly successful to invest in branding or advertising. One of the biggest myths about marketing is that it is expensive, and the other is that it is only worth it after you've "made it."  

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Sydney Sam as we kick off the Up-Level Your Impact Business series. In this first episode, we dive into marketing and branding. Sydney is a global speaker, trainer, and coach—an "entrepreneur's entrepreneur." He is the founder of Openspace Global, a member of the D&AD Impact Council, and the CEO of Workspace Global.

Tune in and listen to the sixty-third episode of Avant-garde Entrepreneur. Join us as we dive into the intersection of mission-driven business and effective marketing, debunk the myths about marketing and branding, and go over the marketing trends of 2025. Sydney also shares solutions to the most common marketing roadblocks, breaks down complex marketing and branding concepts into simple language, and much more.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• A bit about Sydney's background and first steps in marketing (4:20)
• What's the difference between marketing and branding? (7:50)
• How to build your brand's soul, body, and purpose (13:00)
• Sydney talks about the marketing trends for 2025 (17:00)
• How expensive is it to promote your business? (24:10)
• Two of the biggest myths in marketing (35:00)

Connect with Sydney:

• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Visit Openspace's website

Let's Connect!

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Instagram

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.