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Big Brave Business: Business Ethics, Revolutionary Leadership and Human-First Entrepreneurship with Sarah Heeter
Big Brave Business: Business Ethics, Revolutionary Leadership and Human-First Entrepreneurship with Sarah Heeter episodes
- 156: Let's Get Honest About Your Business... and Your Ethics
This episode introduces the business audit framework I use in my own work: a two-score system for assessing every single asset in your business. 1) Does it work, and 2) Is it aligned? Not as yes/no questions, but on a sliding scale, through four specific lenses each. Because good and bad, ethical and unethical, working and broken — none of it is actually binary. Some of what I share might open a can of worms for you. That's kind of the point.
In this episode:
- Why "profitable" doesn't mean your offer is actually working
- The two scores every business asset needs and the four lenses behind each one
- Why your alignment score being higher than your work score is not a badge of honor
- What I discovered when I audited my own social media
- The membership I closed — not because it wasn't making money, but because it wasn't getting results
- Why operations are where your values either become infrastructure or stay performative
- What to do when both scores are low (and why it's actually the easiest place to start)
The resource mentioned in this episode — the downloadable workbook version of this audit — is linked below:
https://bigbravebusiness.com/audit
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
49 min - Sales Strategies Based on Human Connection
Sometimes I see a small business owner on Threads post something so evocative and aligned with my core values that I can't help it and I just reach out and invite them on the podcast. That's because with one really high impact post, I can tell that we could have an interesting and big, brave conversation about business. And really, that's the power of leveraging your core values to create human connection online and what my guest today, Fopsy, calls "creating superfans." We are talking all about this on the podcast today--and yes, we met on Threads.
Meet Fopsy
Fope Nkwocha is a Business Coach and Speaker who helps service providers attract more clients and increase sales by focusing on income-driving priorities. Her 1:1 coaching program, "Money-Making Priorities," is designed to help entrepreneurs simplify their sales process and sign high-ticket clients with confidence.
Connect with Fopsy:
Ask about 1:1 Coaching: https://fopsy.ca/call
Join her Weekly Series’ - https://fopsy.ca/newsletter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fopsy.ca/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fope-nkwocha/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
51 min - The Rise & Fall of DEI and Performative vs. Intentional Decision-Making
In 2020, corporations couldn't post their black squares fast enough. DEI statements flowed like wine. Budgets materialized overnight. Promises were made with the conviction of zealots. And now? Those same companies are scrubbing DEI language from their websites faster than you can say "political backlash." In this week's episode with DEI and Learning & Development leader Noelle Johnson, we confronted this disturbing reality head-on: the rapid dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts happening across American business.
Meet Noelle Johnson
Noelle Johnson is a DEI and Learning & Development leader with over a decade of experience helping organizations build truly inclusive workplaces. As a consultant, speaker, and advocate, she specializes in embedding DEI into company culture, leadership development, and equitable talent strategies that go beyond performative initiatives. Noelle has worked with global organizations, HR leaders, and tech companies to create mentorship programs, sponsorship initiatives, and leadership training that drive real impact. She’s passionate about advocacy, systemic change, and making workplaces places where everyone can thrive.
Connect with Noelle:
https://heynoelle.com
https://tiktok.com/@yourdeiguide
About Sarah:
Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
54 min - 155: The Counterintuition of Authenticity and Visibility
What does it actually look like to show up as your whole self in business? In this episode, we get into the pressure of visibility, the two sides of ourselves we tend to keep separate, and why being authentic doesn't mean it comes naturally — it means you practice until it does.
Meet the Speakers:
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
Regyna Curtis is a soul rhythm activator and business mentor, dedicated to helping heart-centered, multi-passionate entrepreneurs create fulfilling, sustainable paths to success. Her unique approach empowers clients to build holistic ecosystems where their work supports their well-being—something often overlooked by traditional business strategies.
https://www.atmaitri.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/regyna-curtis/
Monica M. Henderson is a global comedic speaker and Genius Activator who empowers audiences to tap into their unique brilliance and create meaningful impact in the world. As Founder and Architect of Mingle! Learning Collaborative and creator of MinkLife University's transformative action-planning courses, she combines technology, business acumen, and human connection to deliver innovative platforms that help people chart their own paths to success through personalized, trauma-informed experiences.
https://www.monicamhenderson.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamhenderson/
41 min - 154: How to tell the difference between good advice and bad advice
We have access to more business information than ever before — podcasts, YouTube, Google, coaches, social media, ChatGPT, masterminds, business besties... And even though the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs is lower than ever, decision-making now faces an over-analysis problem.
In this solo episode, I'm sharing the framework I actually use to cut through the noise and figure out what advice is worth taking — and what to leave behind. Because here's the thing: good advice and bad advice aren't as easy to tell apart as black and white. The real filter is a two-part system, and once you have it, you'll use it on everything.
We also get into pricing (because of course we do), AI as a thought partner (with caveats), and why the goal of this podcast was never to hand you a to-do list.
In this episode:
- Why more opinions lead to more paralysis — and what to do instead
- The two-factor framework for distinguishing good advice from bad advice
- Why something can "work" mathematically and still be ethically misaligned
- Why I fundamentally disagree with the "reverse engineer your income goal" approach to pricing
- How to use AI as a mirror for your own thinking (and when not to)
- "Take what you want, leave the rest" — and why this applies to this very podcast
- Why your values are step zero for all of this to actually work
Key Takeaways:
- Quieting the noise is always step one. Seeking more input when you're overwhelmed usually makes things worse.
- The two criteria for evaluating any advice: Does it work? Is it ethically aligned with your core values?
- This creates a four-part matrix: doesn't work + not aligned (bad), works but not aligned (still bad), aligned but doesn't work (also bad), and works AND aligned (the only real good advice).
Related Episodes:
Using Your Personal Filter to Make Decisions in Life & Business (Ep. 91, Lisa Zawrotny)
Tapping Into Your Intuition: What does 'being in alignment' even mean? (Ep. 111, Regyna Curtis)
Ethical Pricing for Service Providers (Ep. 139, Jaryn Dominique, Beatriz Victoria Albina, Becky Mollenkamp)
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
34 min - 153: The Stories We Tell: Trust, Vulnerability, and Connection in Business
What happens when you share pieces of yourself instead of your whole story? How do the narratives we create about success, failure, and worthiness shape our businesses? This week's conversation gets raw about the role storytelling plays in entrepreneurship—from building trust with clients to battling the pressure of perception.
Mentioned in this episode:
- Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 2: February 23-27, 2026
- Registration: podfoxmedia.com/launch-prep-week
- Standard: $199 | VIP with hot seat coaching: $299 (*recommended)
If you've been thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, this is your week to plan your launch, strategy, and first six months of episodes. Join us.
Meet the speakers:
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
Ebony Fleming:
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonylfleming/
https://stan.store/thriveempowered
https://www.instagram.com/thrivelikeamother.podcast/
https://www.instagram.com/eats_with_eb/
https://www.facebook.com/ebonylynnfleming
https://www.tiktok.com/@thrive.empowered
https://www.threads.com/@thrive.empoweredMelissa Jones
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/girlspositivityclub/
https://www.girlspositivityclub.org/
https://www.girlspositivityclub.org/general-7-1Tiffany Joy Argonza
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/thekapwacoach/
https://www.instagram.com/thestudioligaya/
https://www.thestudioligaya.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thestudioligaya
www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyjoyargonza38 min - 152: Rewriting the stories that are stalling your business growth
What if the very stories you've spent your whole life running from—being "too sensitive," "too much," never quite enough—are actually the exact superpowers that make you unstoppable in business?
Meet the speakers:
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
Emily Rose Ozynska-Keith:
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/the.sensual.ceo/Elena Tedeschi
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/wellrootedyou/
Wellrootedkitchen.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-tedeschi-2622048?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appJulie Tran
[email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/iamjulietran/
www.gooeylove.co40 min - 151: Have you ever had a launch that "failed?" This episode is for you
Sometimes the most successful launches don't look like you expected them to.
I set out to sell 50 spots in Podcast Launch Prep Week. I sold 15.
By traditional metrics, I "failed." But here's what actually happened: 66% converted to ongoing clients, participants showed up live all week, I felt more alive in my work than I had all year, and I knew immediately I'd run it again.
This episode pulls back the curtain on what success actually looks like when you're not measuring it purely by revenue. I'm sharing real numbers, real struggles with 2025's political chaos draining my business energy, and how an "unsuccessful" launch taught me more about my zone of genius than any six-figure win ever could.
In this episode:
- Why I went MIA (and why your podcast can survive it)
- The real numbers behind Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 1
- How I measure success beyond signup numbers
- What surprised me most about delivering the program
- The December timing mistake I won't repeat
- Why your revenue goals aren't your clients' responsibility
- Where we're going from here with Round 2
Mentioned in this episode:
- Podcast Launch Prep Week Round 2: February 23-27, 2026
- Registration: podfoxmedia.com/launch-prep-week
- Standard: $199 | VIP with hot seat coaching: $299 (*recommended)
If you've been thinking about starting a podcast in 2026, this is your week to plan your launch, strategy, and first six months of episodes. Join us.
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
47 min - 150: Subscription Fatigue, AI Ethics, and the Mass Exodus Nobody's Talking About (And yet everyone is talking about it)
I'm kicking off 2026 with something I haven't done in a while... business predictions. This is a callback to early Big Brave Business days when Amanda and I would predict what's coming for the year ahead.
My friend Kaili sparked this conversation in her community on Threads, and the responses got me thinking about what I actually believe is coming for online business in 2026 (and what I'm not buying into).
What I'm NOT predicting:
- Subscription fatigue means the end of memberships and MRR
- A mass return to in-person events (virtual isn't going anywhere)
- The AI bubble bursting in 2026
What I AM predicting:
- The great online business exodus... people returning to traditional employment after years of hustling
- More direct commerce integration on social media platforms
- A very competitive job market as entrepreneurs pivot back to W-2 work
- The ethics of AI will continue to be contentious, but the tech isn't going anywhere
On subscription models:
Your revenue goals are not your customer's responsibility. When we create offers based on what WE need rather than what our customers actually want... that's when subscription fatigue becomes real. There's still room for quality memberships and MRR models, but only if they genuinely serve your ideal client.On the exodus from online business:
A lot of people entered online entrepreneurship in 2020 out of necessity or because they were sold the dream. Years later, without profits or sustainability, many will choose the stability of traditional employment. And honestly? Jobs still suck. So this is going to be complicated.Related Episodes:
- Episode 102: The Ethics of Community-Building and Networking (with Gabby Borrero)
- Episode 63: Revolutionary Leadership, Business Ethics, and More (with Amanda Nelson)
What are YOUR predictions for 2026? Come find me on social media and let's talk about it.
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
55 min - BONUS REPLAY: Why Business Leaders Refuse to Be Brave About DEIB
We all remember the rise of emphasis on DEIB following George Floyd's murder and the increased attention on the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. But shortly after, in 2023, those DEIB programs and priorities started declining. Now, there is almost a point of pride among companies retiring their DEIB programs and ERGs. My guest today, Michelle Beauchamp, came to me wanting to talk about why this is happening and what are the repercussions. And, in full transparency, we recorded this just 7 days after the 2024 Presidential Election (how appropriate that, with our emotions and anger running high, this episode originally aired the day after Inauguration).
Meet Michelle:
Michelle, a Consultant, Trainer, Coach, and Author, is a shining example of dedication and commitment. Her unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in her personal and professional growth journey. Her motto, "Unleash Your Inner Champ," reflects her passion for helping others grow.
She is a certified John Maxwell trainer who has developed numerous leadership development courses, providing comprehensive content and practical activities to boost participants' confidence and competence for real-world application.
Connect with Michelle:
https://thechampgroup.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/MichelleBeauchamp/
Sarah K. Heeter is the dynamic CEO of Podfox Media, the force behind 5,000+ episodes reaching millions across 120+ countries. Host of the award-nominated Big Brave Business podcast, Sarah electrifies audiences speaking on podcasting strategy, ethical leadership, and inclusive entrepreneurship. She serves as the NAWBO Phoenix Director of Public Policy and teaches public policy at Arizona State University while championing integrity-driven business transformation.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
https://launchmyshow.com/
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
56 min
About Big Brave Business: Business Ethics, Revolutionary Leadership and Human-First Entrepreneurship with Sarah Heeter
From the publisher's feed
Big Brave Business is a podcast where we challenge the status quo of traditional business practices. If you're ready to challenge norms, rewrite the rules, and redefine what it means to lead with…
courage and integrity, then this show (and community) was built for you.
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