In this final episode of our energizing Business as UNusual four-part series, host Aicila shares unconventional strategies for creating a business plan that’s energy-aligned, flexible, and built to last. Drawing from her workshops and hands-on experience, Aicila reveals how to set intentions, develop actionable metrics, and adapt your workflow to the realities of change in business. Learn how a holistic approach—integrating your energy, time, and money—can make success feel inevitable as you prepare for a thriving 2026.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What makes a business plan “energy-aligned” and adaptive
• Why clarity and flexibility are key to inevitable success
• How to use the Energy Map: setting intentions for momentum, creativity, and connection
• Applying measurable indicators across financial, emotional, and creative domains
• Rituals and rhythms to protect your energy and foster sustainable business growth
• Embracing quarterly check-ins and course corrections
• Encouragement to experiment: thriving in your business while honoring personal needs

Download the Energy Map Prompts and Guides and start planning your 2026 goals.

Join Aicila’s next energizing workshop on December 16 to dive deeper into energy-aligned business planning

Reflect and experiment—give yourself permission to flex your business plans and intentions for more sustainable success!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila interviews Meg Thomas Crosby, co-founder of People Cap Advisors and author of the book "Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders." Meg shares her expertise on aligning organizational structure with business strategy, the importance of context for leadership, and how to scale companies sustainably through different stages of growth. Discover Meg’s proven framework for high-growth companies, her approach to working with founders and leadership teams, and actionable advice for both leaders and entrepreneurs facing the chaos of business evolution.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why context is the missing link in strategic leadership
• The Growth Gauntlet framework: Four stages of organizational growth
• Managing founder transitions and honoring the "chief distraction officer"
• Six imperatives for sustainable scaling: From sharpening focus to aligning structure
• When great resumes aren’t the right fit: Hiring strategies for different growth phases
• The value of self-awareness in leadership and knowing when to step aside
• Advice for young professionals: Plans, detours, and the power of connection
• Prescriptive planning vs. reactive strategies in business scaling
• Building structures that survive leadership transitions
• The inspiration behind People Cap’s signature model

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• People Cap Advisors: www.peoplecap.com
• Connect with Meg Thomas Crosby on LinkedIn
• Book: "Running the Gauntlet: Proven Strategies for High Growth Leaders" (released April 2025)

Ready to scale your company the UNusual way? Dive into Meg’s Growth Gauntlet and rethink your leadership structure!

Connect with Meg and the People Cap team on LinkedIn to keep up with disruptive business strategies.

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this energizing episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila guides entrepreneurs through designing a business that fuels itself—without burnout. Discover how to organize work around your energy, elevate creativity, foster impactful connections, and build self-sustaining momentum. Gain actionable steps for transforming draining routines into revitalizing practices, and learn why ease—not struggle—is the secret ingredient behind truly sustainable success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Rethinking business design: The power of energy-led structures
• From stuck to flow: How entrepreneurs can identify what’s draining and fueling energy
• Working on vs. in your business: Why supporting activities matter
• Cultivating creativity as an entrepreneur’s best resource
• Leveraging authentic connections to build trust and goodwill
• Making momentum your motivation engine
• Practical approaches for delegating, automating, and prioritizing
• Letting go of "hard" work culture in favor of ease and flow

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Resource Calculator and Energy Snapshot by BiCurean
• Energizer 2026 Workshop

Take your Energy Snapshot and rethink your workflow—unlock your business’s natural fuel!

Try listing, ranking, and reworking your most draining tasks. Can you delegate or contain them?

Replenish key connections—reach out and offer a generous hand to your business allies today!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this solo episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives deep into the often-overlooked element of business success: energy management. Instead of just chasing financial returns, Aicila invites you to audit both your energetic and financial investments using her unique Resource Calculator. Discover how to spot what fuels you—and what drains you—to build sustainable growth and avoid burnout. This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders committed to creating lasting impact without sacrificing their well-being.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why energy is just as vital as time and money in business planning
• How to identify and balance projects that energize vs. drain you
• Using the Resource Calculator to map your inputs and returns
• Practical tips for replenishing your creativity, connection, and motivation
• Strategies to avoid burnout and align your work with what truly fuels you
• The importance of reflection before planning your next goals

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Resource Calculator Tool
• Energize Your 2026 Workshop – November 11, $35

Try the Resource Calculator—get clear on what gives and takes energy in your business!

Register for the Energize Your 2026 Workshop on November 11 to strategize for a vibrant business future.

Reflect on your projects this week: which ones excite you, and which ones drain you? Take action accordingly!

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this conversation packed with unconventional insights, host Aicila welcomes Grace Najean—transformational leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and former Tony Robbins master coach—to Business as UNusual. Grace shares her Soulfluence Method and explains why true leadership, especially in today’s fast-paced world, demands more than just strategy—it requires energy, alignment, and soul. If you’re looking for innovative ways to thrive instead of just achieve, this episode will help you rethink success from the inside out.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Achievement Fatigue: The Hidden Cost of Conventional Success
• Integration vs. Information: The Real Key to Transformation
• The Soulfluence Method: Aligning Body, Mind, and Consciousness for Effortless Leadership
• From Survival to Visionary: Shifting Leadership Dimensions (3D–5D)
• Practical Ways to Lead with Energy, Not Effort
• What Success and Authentic Leadership Mean to Grace Najean
• The Importance of Asking for Help and Accelerating Your Growth
• Retreats, Masterclasses, and Keynote Speaking: How Grace is Creating Impact

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grace Najean’s website: www.gracenajean.com
• Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: Grace Najean on LinkedIn

Want to experience truly transformational leadership? Visit Grace Najean’s website and explore her upcoming retreats and programs.

Start your day in alignment! Try Grace’s 10-minute morning routine for energy and focus—listen for her instructions in the episode.

Connect with Grace on LinkedIn and join her community of purpose-driven leaders.

Episode transcript:

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila explores why energy—not just time and money—should be a key resource in business planning. Learn why successful entrepreneurs need to intentionally cultivate momentum, creativity, and connection to fuel productivity and innovation. Discover practical strategies and frameworks to identify energy leaks, optimize workflows, and thrive as an intentional, energized entrepreneur. If you want to understand how energy impacts leadership, motivation, and business growth, this episode is for you.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why energy is the overlooked resource in modern business
• Understanding the Energy Equation framework (momentum, creativity, connection)
• Strategies for recognizing and plugging energy leaks
• The importance of intentional energy cultivation for sustainable success
• How to balance energy, time, and money for optimal productivity
• Real-world examples: creativity and burnout in entrepreneurship
• Planning for next year: leveraging your personal energy profile
• Preview of next week’s episode with Meg Crosby on scaling companies

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Energy Snapshot Quiz: https://www.bicurean.com/energysnapshot
• BiCurean Consulting: https://www.bicurean.com

Take the Energy Snapshot quiz to discover your core energy type and boost your business!

Start planning your activities for next year based on what energizes you—reflect, write, or walk!

Subscribe and tune in next week for more Business as UNusual strategies with special guest Meg Crosby!

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives into the world of unconventional coaching with Autumn Wade, the force behind Coaches & Dragons. Autumn, your inner rebel’s favorite coach, shares how she merges tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) with life and business coaching to help clients hunt inner gremlins and escape feeling stuck. Discover actionable strategies for choosing the right coach, trusting yourself, and building a business (and life) that truly fits you—not the status quo.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How TTRPG frameworks foster growth and risk-taking in personal development
• Spotting and avoiding “coach-fluencer” traps: what real coaching looks (and feels) like
• Building trust in yourself: why your path matters more than shortcuts
• The difference between coaching and mentoring: finding the approach that fits
• Autumn’s philosophy behind “The Forge” and creating tools for ongoing transformation
• Defining success: joy, consistency, and living your unique path
• How to find (and become) the right client for transformative coaching

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Coaches & Dragons website
• The Forge at Coaches & Dragons
• Autumn Wade on TikTok (@coachesanddragons)
• Autumn Wade on LinkedIn
• Ko-Fi: Coaches & Dragons Membership
• Coach’s Barbecue Community Event

Ready to level up your growth? Join The Forge and start your journey with TTRPG-inspired tools!

Follow Autumn on TikTok for daily wisdom and geeky coaching tips.

Curious if coaching is right for you? Visit coachesanddragons.com to connect with Autumn and discover a new approach to change.

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

On this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Faith Clarke, founder of Work Ecosystems for Humans, to unpack how designing for belonging and collaborative leadership transforms workplaces. Faith—an organizational culture and teamwork specialist, with a unique background as a Caribbean immigrant and mother of neurodistinct children—shares how inclusive, values-driven environments unleash authentic engagement and sustainable growth. Together, they explore the myths and realities of inclusivity, why culture beats strategy, and how power-with over power-over brings higher-performing, more human teams. If you’re searching for innovative approaches to organizational leadership, this conversation delivers the practical insights and inspiration you need.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why belonging is the foundation of collaborative leadership
• How U.S. workplace culture complicates inclusivity
• Designing environments vs. trying to control individual behavior
• The pitfalls of “power over” and the benefits of “power with”
• The real reasons invisible labor drains marginalized leaders
• Culture change as a process: what sustainability really looks like
• How restoring communal care revitalizes organizations
• The measurable impact of culture on strategy and performance
• Faith Clarke’s approach to restorative work culture audits
• Actionable steps for leaders seeking meaningful change

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Clarke’s website: faithclarke.com
• Restorative Work Culture audit: restorativeworkculture.com

Ready to transform your organization? Explore a restorative culture audit with Faith Clarke at faithclark.com.

Rethink your leadership—shift from “power over” to “power with” and watch your team thrive!

Don’t miss future Business as UNusual wisdom—subscribe and share this episode with leaders hungry for change!

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with fundraising thought leader Jeff Schreifels, principal and owner of Veritus Group, to unpack innovative donor relationship strategies for modern nonprofits. Jeff brings over 30 years of experience elevating organizations like St. Jude’s and United Way, focusing on building genuine connections, investing across the donor pipeline, and fostering long-term impact. This conversation goes deep into why sustainable growth in fundraising means challenging conventional norms, embracing authentic engagement, and thinking beyond transactional giving. If you want your nonprofit to step beyond the usual, this episode delivers insights and actionable takeaways for success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why investing across the entire donor pipeline yields consistent long-term results
• The pitfalls of short-term fundraising strategies and how to avoid them
• The critical importance of authentic donor relationships in the age of AI and automation
• Jeff’s real-world stories of nonprofit leaders shifting their strategies—and the impact it had
• Balancing direct mail success with cultivating major gifts
• The single biggest reason donors stop giving (and how to fix it)
• Lessons from failure: why focusing on relationships trumps chasing the money
• The business case for generosity and why giving knowledge away can help your growth
• Keys to finding fulfillment and defining success in nonprofit leadership

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Veritus Group (www.veritusgroup.com) – Training, consulting, and free resources for nonprofit fundraisers
• Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior – Ori Brafman, Rom Brafman (referenced book)
• Veritas Group’s white papers and blog (https://veritusgroup.com/resources) – 1,500+ posts and 25+ white papers on fundraising
• Veritas Group Certification Courses for Mid and Major Gift Fundraising – Upcoming in October (see website for details)

Dive into Veritus Group’s free resources and transform your fundraising approach: veritusgroup.com

Put relationships at the heart of your fundraising—try one new authentic engagement strategy this week

Ready to upskill? Register for Veritus Group’s upcoming certification courses in mid and major giving!

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila welcomes Daniel Nikic, founder of Cohres and an investment research professional with over two decades of experience. Daniel discusses the crucial differences between investment research and investment firms, shares insights into risk for startups and VCs, and reveals how private equity can both help and harm companies. In this thought-provoking conversation, Daniel also tackles the challenges and opportunities brought by AI, emphasizing the human element required for high-quality decisions in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What makes an investment research firm different: Separating research from action
• Rethinking risk: How founders and VCs see risk differently
• The real impact of private equity on modern businesses
• The evolving role of AI in investment research
• How Daniel’s “unusual” client-focused approach drives success
• Advice for entrepreneurs navigating investment and growth

Daniel Nikic’s website: www.danielnikic.com

Find Daniel on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-nikic/

Share this episode with a founder or entrepreneur looking to make business truly UNusual!

The full transcript of this conversation is available at https://www.bicurean.com/bautranscripts3

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands.

Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

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