Episode Quote: The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. ~B.B. King

This week, I’m reaching back and bringing forward something that my longtime listeners may remember—Tuesday Takeaways. These were short but powerful insights I shared weekly to keep you inspired and moving forward on your business journey.

Inside this episode, I’m sharing several timeless truths that still hit home. These aren’t just business lessons—they’re life lessons. From mindset shifts to money moves, from guarding your focus to owning your value—this episode is packed with reminders that will challenge and recharge you.

Here’s a peek at what I cover:

• Competition...how important is it?

• Be someone different tomorrow

• The safari-inspired reason every entrepreneur needs a mentor

• The tough love behind investing in your own business (yes, even if it’s just $37)

• The brilliant move Michael Jordan’s mom made

• And the difference between busyness and building a real business

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• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

Episode Quote: Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. ~Anne Lamott

Do you feel like stepping away from your business will make it fall apart? In this powerful episode Monica reminds you that rest isn't a weakness—it's a strategy. Sharing personal stories from entrepreneurship and insights from leaders like Bill Gates, Monica reveals how stepping back can reignite creativity, sharpen decision-making, and build stronger teams. Whether you're running on fumes or just stuck in survival mode, this episode will help you see rest as the business move it truly is.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to reframe rest as a part of your business strategy

• How to identify burnout before it takes over

• How to take intentional breaks that recharge your creativity

• How to set boundaries to protect your mental health

• How to empower your team while you take time off

Don’t wait for burnout to remind you—take the break now.
Tune in to hear why rest could be the smartest business decision you make this year. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear it.

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this throwback episode, Monica returns to one of the most powerful tools every entrepreneur possesses: their mindset. With stories, personal insights, and a real-world example of someone stuck in a job they hate, Monica challenges listeners to examine the thoughts shaping their actions—or lack of action. She reveals how your upbringing, environment, relationships, and self-talk silently influence your path to success. This episode isn’t about surface motivation—it’s a real conversation on how growth starts within. Want to change your life or business? Then it might be time to change you first.

Episode Quote: Mindset is Everything. ~Unknown

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to identify what’s really stopping you from starting or growing a business

• How to shift from a fixed to a growth mindset

• How to break free from negative environments and influences

• How to set meaningful goals and actually achieve them

• How to use self-awareness to rewire your thinking

  Questions answered:

• What factors shape your mindset the most?

• Why do some people stay stuck in jobs they hate?

• How can a growth mindset help you grow your business?

• What’s the connection between your mindset and your ability to set and reach goals?

• What steps can you take today to start shifting your mindset?

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Helpful Entrepreneurial Resources from Become Your Own Boss

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Ready to find out what’s really holding you back? Listen to this episode now, subscribe to the show, and leave a review. Share it with someone who needs a mindset reset. Your future self will thank you.

Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

  
  

  
  

We’re officially halfway through the year and if your goals feel distant, forgotten, or buried under everyday demands, this episode is your reset button.

In this throwback episode, Monica walks you through a simple but powerful mid-year check-in. You’ll learn how to reflect on the past six months, reassess what still matters, and recommit with purpose using systems and habits—not just wishful thinking. Inspired by James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, this conversation will help you take meaningful action to end the year strong.

Grab a notebook—or open that notes app—and let’s walk through this together.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• A simple 3-step process to review, celebrate, and reframe your goals

• Why writing the vision isn’t enough (and what to do next)

• The real reason some people reach their goals while others don’t

• How systems and habits drive progress more than motivation ever will

• A mindset shift that can reignite your drive for the rest of 2025

  
  

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this milestone episode, Monica reflects on 20 transformative years of entrepreneurship since walking away from her corporate job. She shares the 11 most powerful lessons she's learned growing her business from $700 to seven figures. From strategic exits to learning when to pivot, these takeaways aren't just motivational—they're tactical. Whether you're just starting or deep into your journey, Monica’s hard-earned wisdom will help you avoid common mistakes and build a business that works for you. Get ready to be inspired and better equipped to take bold, smart steps forward.

Episode Quote: The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• How to plan your leap from corporate to entrepreneurship

• How to identify and stick to your core competency

• How to set up systems that set you free

• How to manage your business using real numbers, not feelings

• How to simplify and scale through small changes

• How to pivot strategically without panicking

• How to build a business that fits your life, not the other way around

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In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica unpacks the powerful lessons learned from her conversation with Trish Skelfo, a successful franchise broker and entrepreneur. Monica shares reflections that challenge traditional startup thinking—like skipping the business plan—and reveals why betting on yourself may be the most important investment you ever make. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a smarter way to grow, this episode will have you rethinking your approach to business, success, and what it truly means to be your own boss.

Episode Quote: 97% of the people who quit too soon are employed by the 3% who never gave up. ~ Unknown

Questions answered:

• What if the pain you're experiencing is the push you need to start a business?

• Do you really need a business plan to get started?

• Is franchising a good option if you want to skip the startup grind?

• How do you avoid making a bad franchise investment?

• Why is having the right advisor so important?

• How does customer relationship-building lead to long-term success?

  
  

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Ways to reach Monica:

Email: [email protected]

Listen now to be inspired, gain clarity, and keep building the business—and life—you truly want. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with one fellow entrepreneur!

In this episode of Monica chats with Trish Skelfo, a leading franchise broker who built her business from zero to seven figures—starting with just $1,500 and a borrowed garage room. Trish shares how one big risk (and one small ad) changed her life, and how her cutting-edge AI platform is helping others find the right franchise fit—without wasting time or money. Her story is proof that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to own a business…you just need the right roadmap and support.

Episode Quote: The more people you help become successful, the more successful you become. ~ Steve Harvey

Reach Trish: Trish Scelfo - CEO 

[email protected]

540-538-7466 M  Schedule a Call

TheFranchiseCollective.com

Talk to Trish's clone: Franchise Discount Marketplace

Questions answered:

• ​Why should you consider franchising instead of starting from scratch?
• ​What are the biggest red flags in a franchise opportunity?
• ​How long does it take to buy and launch a franchise?
• ​What role does a franchise broker play—and how do you choose one?
• ​How can you protect yourself when making a six-figure business decision?

Ready to skip the struggle and find your next move? Listen now, subscribe, and don’t forget to leave a review to support the show and help other aspiring entrepreneurs find it!

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Email with questions: [email protected]

When is the right time to take a stand—and when is silence the smarter move? In this thought-provoking episode, Monica shares her personal journey as an entrepreneur navigating the tricky intersection of politics, personal beliefs, and business strategy. With examples from her own business and high-profile brands like Tesla and Target, she breaks down the importance of staying true to your values without compromising your brand. If you’ve ever wondered whether your opinions belong in your business, this episode will help you find clarity and confidence in your approach.

Episode Quote: The mixing of politics and business not only is detrimental to politics, as is frequently observed, but even much more so to business. ~ Ludwig von Mises

Questions answered:

• Should you talk about politics in your business?

• What’s the risk of aligning your business with your personal views?

• When is it okay—or necessary—to speak out?

• How do you handle customer backlash or brand fallout?

• What questions should you ask before making a public statement?

Listen to this episode now to gain the tools and insight you need to protect your brand and lead with purpose. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more entrepreneurs find their way to success!

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Become Your Own Boss, Monica welcomes back entrepreneur, author, and AI strategist Ethan King to unpack what’s currently happening in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence (AI). From game-changing updates in image and voice tech to the real secret weapon behind AI success...this conversation is packed with tools and truths every business owner should hear. Whether you're overwhelmed by AI or overusing it, Ethan offers a powerful mindset shift and practical advice to help you stay relevant, competitive, and real. AI is evolving fast, but how you use it matters even more, and this podcast is here to help you keep up.

Episode Quote: At the end of the day, the real AI is your authentic influence and when you fuse that together with Artificial intelligence, that’s how you win. ~ Ethan King

Questions answered:

• What are the latest AI tools small businesses should know about in 2025?

• Can AI-generated images really be used for marketing?

• How do new AI phone systems differ from traditional automated menus?

• Is it worth paying for the Pro version of ChatGPT?

• What’s the best way to start using AI without losing your personal touch?

Ready to bring AI into your business the smart way?Listen now, subscribe to the show, and leave a review. Don’t forget to connect with Monica on Instagram @becomeyourownbosspodcast to share how YOU are using AI in your business or life.

Click here⁠⁠ to get the Level Up Living Newsletter.

⁠Monica FREE ebook⁠

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Ways to reach Monica:

• Instagram: @becomeyourownbosspodcast

• Email: [email protected]

In this episode, we’re getting real about the pressure to grow, hustle, and perform according to everyone else’s expectations. Whether it’s social media trends, industry “shoulds,” or well-meaning friends giving unsolicited advice—there’s always noise about what your business should look like.

But here’s the truth: your business should work for you.

Monica shares candid stories—from her own journey, her conversation with entrepreneur Tracy Nicole, to examples from fellow business owners who’ve chosen peace over pressure. You’ll hear why defining success on your own terms isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Because burnout isn’t the badge of honor, and bigger isn’t always better.

This episode is your reminder to build with intention, not just ambition. Let’s talk boundaries, alignment, and what it really means to design a business that supports your life—not swallows it whole.

Listen in and ask yourself:
Are you playing by your rules… or someone else’s?

Episode Quote: Just do what works for you, because there will always be someone who thinks differently. – Michelle Obama

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