Business as UNusual

In this episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila sits down with Jaime Araujo, vintner and founder of Trois Noix, a Certified B Corp wine company in Napa Valley. Jaime’s unique path—growing up in a renowned winemaking family, spending years in Europe, and ultimately returning to Napa to blaze her own trail—is a testament to challenging convention in the wine industry. Jaime shares how she uses community, social change, and transparent business practices to redefine both leadership and legacy in a region steeped in tradition. Listen in for insights on supporting women, queer leaders, and younger generations—and discover why wine can be a surprising catalyst for social change.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Building a business vision through instinct, luck, and genuine relationships
• What is a B Corp? Why Trois Noix made ethical certification a core value
• Navigating the generational shift in wine consumers and how transparency wins
• The “foam roller” approach: tackling tough topics in a tradition-bound industry
• Diversity, mentorship, and Jaime’s journey as the first openly gay chairwoman of Napa Valley Vintners
• The realities of making wine: costs, challenges, and why profit isn’t always the goal
• Community as a business strength: leadership, giving back, and mentoring women in wine
• Launching new wines and the excitement of ongoing innovation at Trois Noix

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Trois Noix Wines: https://troisnoixwine.com
• B Lab (B Corp Certification): https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/
• Napa Valley Vintners: https://napavintners.com
• Batonnage Forum (Women in Wine): https://batonnageforum.com
• Queer Wine Fest in McMinnville, Oregon: https://remywines.com/event/queer-wine-fest/

Stay connected with Trois Noix—sign up for their newsletter to hear about new releases and where to meet Jaime in person!

Curious about running a business as a force for good? Explore the B Corp movement and what it means for your industry.

Support women and diversity in wine—check out Batonage for mentorship programs and resources.

Web: www.troisnoixwine.com

IG: www.instagram.com/troisnoixwine/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/TroisNoixWine

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/troisnoixwine/

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 how entrepreneurs can reignite their momentum energy and navigate the hidden friction points that stall progress. Aicila unpacks the psychology behind procrastination, the difference between motivation and momentum, and why burnout is often misunderstood as laziness. Discover unconventional strategies for building sustainable, energy-aware workflows that fuel your business growth—without pushing yourself into exhaustion. Perfect for modern business leaders seeking to disrupt the cycle of burnout and reclaim their workflow.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why stalled progress is a momentum problem, not a willpower issue
• The critical difference between motivation and momentum energy
• How overcomplicated systems and decision fatigue sabotage business momentum
• Identifying and repairing invisible energy leaks in your workflow
• Energy-aware accountability and redefining productivity for entrepreneurs
• The power of minimum viable movement to overcome overwhelm
• Creating rituals, patterns, and sustainable rhythms for long-term business success

Ready to rebuild your business momentum? Book your Energy Boost Session or sign up for the next workshop at https://www.bicurean.com/services!

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, Aicila explores the concept of "connection energy" and uncovers why so many business owners and leaders feel disconnected—even while appearing engaged online. In a world running on technology and visibility, we dive deep into how true, nourishing connections power both personal and professional communities. Discover strategies to restore your connection energy, set healthier boundaries, and foster genuine relationships that go beyond surface-level interactions. If you’re seeking to combat isolation and build a sustainable network, this episode offers practical tips grounded in the realities of today’s business landscape.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why visibility does not equal connection in today’s business world
• Signs your connection energy is depleted and how it impacts relationships
• Practical ways to restore connection energy for sustainable leadership
• The myth of being “on” all the time—and how to break free
• Creating boundaries to avoid resentment and over-extension
• Building interdependence and true collaboration in your team
• How intentional disconnection (like tech breaks) can boost real engagement

Practice real connection: Set aside your devices for intentional, present moments this week.

Rebuild your network: Reach out to one person today for a genuine, non-transactional conversation.

Subscribe for more unconventional business insights: Don’t miss an episode—join our Business as UNusual community!

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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 dives deep into why creative energy is a core business asset—not just a nice-to-have. She unpacks how most traditional systems prioritize relentless productivity, often at the expense of insights and innovation. Learn practical strategies to protect and refuel your creativity, discover why “back brain time” isn’t wasted, and find out how to strike the right balance between discipline and flexibility in your work. Perfect for leaders and teams who want to do business differently and break free from conventional output-focused systems.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why creativity is your business superpower, not a side benefit
• What really drains vs. fuels your creative energy
• How to identify and fiercely protect your personal creativity rituals
• The hidden value of non-productive-looking “wander time”
• Rigid schedules, flexibility, and finding your right structure
• Action steps to create a team environment that values unique contributions
• The “baby plant” method for building new creative habits

Redesign your calendar: Block time for creative wandering and treat it as non-negotiable.

Cultivate your creativity: Identify what fuels you and communicate it to your team.

Challenge the status quo: Share this episode with a colleague who needs permission to prioritize insight over output.

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 the often-overlooked but critical resource every entrepreneur and leader needs: energy. Moving beyond the standard focus on time and money, Aicila breaks down the “energy equation”—creativity, momentum, and connection—as essential components for avoiding burnout and fueling innovative business strategies. Discover actionable ways to manage your energy as a business asset and reclaim your power to stand out in the modern marketplace.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why energy is the “third resource” for entrepreneurs
• The three elements of business energy: creativity, momentum, and connection
• How to recognize and prevent burnout before it happens
• Energy management as a strategic business asset
• The difference between “creative hard” and “draining hard” work
• Building regenerative energy for leadership and life satisfaction
• How self-exploitation is rewarded in business culture—and how to break the cycle
• Practical steps for fueling your internal battery

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about the Business as UNusual philosophy at BiCurean Consulting

Start managing your energy, not just your calendar—share your own energy hacks with us on social!

Ready to avoid burnout? Prioritize creativity, connection, and momentum in your business routines.

Stand out by fueling your internal fire—subscribe for more unconventional 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 thought-provoking episode of Business as UNusual, host Aicila dives deep into the differences between plans, intentions, goals, and outcomes in the context of small business and social impact leadership. Learn why focusing on behaviors you can control, rather than just chasing outcomes, is key to sustaining success and avoiding discouragement—especially in uncertain times. Aicila blends innovative mindset shifts and practical examples to help entrepreneurs and leaders cultivate flexibility and resilience in an ever-evolving business world.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why outcome-based goals can hinder motivation
• The power of focusing on actionable behaviors for business growth
• Plans vs. intentions: building agility in a changing landscape
• How to stay motivated through rejection and uncertainty
• Embracing flexibility as your biggest asset

✨ Reflect on your current goals—are they based on outcomes or behaviors you control? Shift at least one goal this week!

🤝 Stay agile—review your plans and consider where intentions might offer more flexibility.

🚀 Share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur and keep the conversation going about building business resilience!

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, Alicia speaks with Simon Calderbank, a leadership mindset coach, about his insights for empowering women leaders. Simon shares his journey of being raised in a matriarchal household and how this shaped his compassionate coaching style. The episode delves into the nuances of cultivating an inclusive workplace and breaking down systemic biases.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Annie Foulston's research on female entrepreneurs and economic impact.
• Various UK organizations' gender equality programs in the banking and accounting industries.

🎧 Tune In: Discover the unique perspectives shared by Simon Calderbank on empowering women and understanding aphantasia.

👥 Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences on gender equality and overcoming biases.

Episode transcript 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 delves into the paradox of how holding on too tightly to certain support systems can amplify our risks rather than mitigate them. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, she challenges listeners to reevaluate the tools and certainties they cling to and consider if these are indeed conducive to their business's success.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Pool Metaphor: Learning to Let Go for Growth
• Certainty vs. Risk: How Success Can Impede Progress
• Evaluating Your Tools: Knowing When It's Time to Change

🌊 Reflect on what you're holding onto that might impede your ability to grow.

🤔 Challenge yourself this week: Identify one thing you can release and see how it impacts your business.

🚀 Share your experience with us and let us know the results!

Episode transcript: 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, Aicila interviews Deb, co-founder of Herbal Eclipse. Deb shares her journey from academia to herbal skincare entrepreneurship, the importance of using organic ingredients, and how astrology plays a role in their products. A collaboration with her son brings a unique dynamic to their thriving family business.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The benefits and challenges of launching a natural skincare company
• The potential harm of chemicals in conventional skincare products
• The integration of astrology in product development
• Strategies for running a successful family business

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Herbal Eclipse Website: herbaleclipse.care
• Herbal Eclipse Experience for educational resources and new moon meditations

Calls to action:

• 🌿 Explore the Herbal Eclipse experience and discover products aligned with your zodiac sign!
• 🌟 Join a new moon meditation with Deb and connect with your energies.
• 🤝 Support small businesses by choosing organic skincare that cares for both you and the planet.

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 engages with Dr. Esther Zeledon, a Latina immigrant and former diplomat turned entrepreneur. Dr. Zeledon shares her journey of empowering individuals and communities through her transformative framework. Her insights challenge the status quo, inspiring listeners to redefine success and align with their true purpose.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Dr. Esther Zeledon's journey from diplomat to author and coach
• Empowering communities by aligning with their aspirations
• The impact of collective vision on societal change
• Inspiring individuals to recognize and operationalize their unique superpowers
• Cultivating a mindset of abundance over scarcity for societal impact

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Dr. Esther Zeledon's book and workbook "Creating Your Limitless Life"
• Be Act Change website: Be Act Change
• Dr. Esther Zeledon's Instagram: beactchange
• Dr. Esther Zeledon's LinkedIn: Dr. Esther Zeledon

🌟 Embrace your vision! Visualize your limitless future and take the first step today.

📚 Unlock your potential by exploring Dr. Zeledon's book, "Creating Your Limitless Life."

🤝 Connect with a community of change-makers. Follow Esther on Instagram and LinkedIn for inspiration and resources.

The full transcript of this conversation is available at 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.