Business Blasphemy: Success, Ambition & Other Things Women Question After 40

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In this episode, I finally introduce myself properly (yeah, it’s overdue) and go deep on a topic that isn’t getting the respect it deserves: self-trust—not the cute, Pinterest version, but the kind that builds empires, not burnout.

I break down how self-trust is conditioned out of ambitious women from a young age, why most of us succeed in spite of ourselves, and how that leads to overthinking, hesitation, and outsourcing our decisions to people who don’t hold our vision.

More importantly, I show you why self-trust is not a mindset issue—it’s a leadership strategy. And if you're stuck in clarity limbo, there’s a reason for that. It’s not confusion. It’s disconnection from your own authority.

This isn’t soft coaching. It’s power reclamation. If that’s what you’re ready for, join me live for The Self-Trust Reset on May 20, 2025. Send me a message using the "Send Us a Text" link above with the word RESET and I'll send you details.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this raw and revelatory episode, I share how getting literally robbed in Barcelona led to the most honest business clarity I've had in years. Stripped of my phone, my routines, and my digital reflexes, I was forced to sit with my own thoughts — and what came up wasn’t just discomfort, but truth. 

I unpack the toxic grip of “pics or it didn’t happen” culture, the myth of clarity through consumption, and why most ambitious women are chasing goals they didn’t even choose. 

If you've been feeling disconnected from your own ambition, this one will hit hard, and leave you asking better questions.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

How many podcasts do you need to guest on before it pays off? This week, I sit down with media coach and anti-guru Beth Nydick to call out the myth that “all visibility is good visibility.”

We unpack why podcast guesting isn’t just about showing up, it’s about delivering a performance with strategy, intention, and a plan for ROI. Beth drops hard truths about how most people waste their podcast appearances, what actually makes a good guest, and how to evaluate platforms so your name ends up in the right rooms. If you’re tired of chasing vanity metrics and ready to turn visibility into actual revenue, this conversation will change how you show up, forever.

Guest Bio:

Beth Nydick is the ultimate media strategist for coaches, consultants, experts, and authors who are ready to level up. While her clients focus on big ideas, Beth ensures their message doesn’t just reach audiences—it converts them. Known for turning high-potential thought leaders into media powerhouses, she secures the visibility and influence needed to drive real revenue.

Featured in OPRAH, Forbes, Business Insider, and more, and with appearances on major shows like The Drew Barrymore Show and The Tonight Show, Beth’s expertise isn’t just theory. With a proven track record, she’s the secret force turning industry experts into breakout stars. Thought leadership, meet profitability.

Connect with Beth:

She's @bethnydick on all platforms!

Grab her freebie here: https://beth-nydick.mykajabi.com/10kchecklist

• Ready to monetize your visibility? Get Beth's step-by-step checklist used by top guests to turn one media spot into a $10k payday!

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this fiery breakdown, I unpack why the show Paradise blew it in the final episode—and draw a sharp, necessary parallel to how too many women are showing up in business: as the rando killer. You can’t expect people to care about your offer, your voice, or your leadership if you’ve been hiding behind surface-level content and calling it strategy. If you’re tired of doing “all the right things” and still not being seen, this episode will challenge you to go deeper, get visible, and lead with clarity. Spoiler alert: it starts with knowing who the hell you are.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Thought leadership has become a buzzword — and frankly, it's losing all meaning. 

In this episode, I call out the watered-down nonsense parading as thought leadership in online business. I break down what true thought leadership actually requires: originality, courage, and conviction. You’ll hear the difference between being an expert, an authority, and a true thought leader, and why people should stop chasing the title and start doing the work. 

I wrap with three actionable steps to grow your authority today, and a warning for anyone mistaking visibility for value.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

Are you profitable or are you just making money?

Danielle Hayden, CPA and founder of Kickstart Accounting Inc., joins us to dismantle the dangerous money myths circulating in the online business world.

From shady financial "experts" on IG to manipulative marketing tactics that prey on business owner fears, Danielle calls it out.

We dive into the real role of a bookkeeper, who you need on your financial team, and how to recognize legit professionals. We uncover the truth around emotional spending in business, and the reality check your "money mindset" needs -- whether you're just starting out or scaling past six figures.

GUEST BIO: 

Danielle Hayden is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. a bookkeeping and accounting firm that is on a mission to coach six figure (+ beyond) female entrepreneurs so they can better understand their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support so they can grow profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses.

With over 15 years experience in the world of finance, Danielle has worked her way from accounting firm intern to the Co-Founder of Kickstart Accounting. She understands how complex business finances can be, and she knows that entrepreneurs need more than just a bookkeeper; they need real financial analysis and support in order to get the confidence required to create the sustainable wealth they deserve. Danielle brings a unique perspective when it comes to providing business owners with “the total package” as it relates to their finances.

She has been a guest on multiple top-rated shows including, Winning On Main Street, The How of Business and Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life. She is also the host of the Business By the books podcast.

Connect with Danielle: 

• Website: kickstartaccountinginc.com 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kickstartaccounting/
• Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-hayden-kickstartaccounting/
• Business by the Books Podcast: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/businessbythebooks/
• Your Free Gift: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/gift/

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this fiery episode, I talk to operations strategist Nikki McKnight to break down the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with operations and hiring.

Nikki delivers sharp insights on why most business owners approach systems, hiring, and delegation all wrong — and what to do instead. Like, ACTUAL advice.

From avoiding "bitch eating crackers" moments in business to understanding the true role of operations (which, SPOILER ALERT, even a lot of operators are getting confused), this episode is packed with truth bombs, strategy, and no-BS advice.

Meet Nikki: 

Nikki McKnight (she/her) is an operations and systems strategist for creatives who want to develop operations & systems that create industry-leading experiences for their clients.

With over 15 years in operations, Nikki's superpower is making the complex simple, whether she's building high-performing teams, upgrading communication processes, or quietly geeking out over experience design.

When she’s not orchestrating logistical magic, she reads queer romance novels, builds Lego sets, and co-hosts the romance podcast First Dates & Soulmates —because successful millennials need hobbies too, right?

Connect with Nikki:

• Newsletter: https://theopsshop.biz/fafo/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkimcknight
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnikkimck/
• Podcast: First Dates & Soulmates https://firstdatesandsoulmates.substack.com/
• Her Freebie: https://theopsshop.biz/28-questions

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

In this 100th episode of the podcast, I reflect on the journey to this major milestone and dive deep into the theme of legacy: what it means, and how we unknowingly build it every single day. I share a few personal reflections, lessons learned, and hear from a couple of past guests around what they want to be remembered for.

Featuring insights from Megan Hamilton, Bethany Hawkins, Jennifer DeWitt, Anita Kirkbride, and Nikki McKnight, this episode challenges you to consider the mark you're leaving on the world -- whether big or small, loud or quiet -- and is a reminder that legacy is all about intention, impact, and authenticity.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

The online business coaching industry doesn’t want you to succeed — it wants you to stay dependent.

In this episode, I share the truth behind high-ticket coaching, why so many programs fail ambitious leaders, and how to break free from the cycle of feeling “not enough.” I share my own experience with TEDx, speaking and business growth coaches, the moment I stopped following their rules, and the game-changing realization that led to my success. If you’ve ever felt like your ambition is being shrunk instead of supported, this is the wake-up call you need.

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.

Send me a direct message!

What if success wasn’t about what you do, but who you are?

In this raw and transformative episode, I sit down with Gregory Rutledge (aka G Wiz) — a visionary, transformational leader, and master connector — to unpack why so many of us are trapped in identities that aren’t even ours.

We dive deep into:
✔️ The real reason ambitious women (especially women of color) feel unseen and undervalued.
✔️ Why the online business world is just corporate BS in a different wrapper — and how to escape it.
✔️ The hard truth: If you’re struggling to "find your niche", it’s because you ARE the niche.
✔️ The game-changing mindset shift that makes visibility, wealth, and impact inevitable.

This episode isn’t just conversation — it’s a call to action. If you’ve been feeling stuck, disillusioned, or exhausted by trying to play by the rules, this is your permission slip to burn them down and build your own path.

Listen now and get ready to rethink everything.

Guest Bio:

Gregory Rutledge is a clarity coach and master connector. He questions everything until all that's left is the right answer. Life is a game of fuck around and find out, and he does just that.

Connect with him here: linktr.ee/gregoryrutledge or check out his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@theofficialgwiz

Love what you heard? Let’s stay connected!

Subscribe to Business Blasphemy for honest, provocative conversations about women in midlife, entrepreneurship, ambition, identity, and creating a next chapter that reflects who you've become, and not simply who you've always been.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more no-nonsense advice on leading with power and purpose.

And if you’re ready to dive even deeper, grab a copy of my book Bite-Sized Blasphemy and ignite your inner fire to do life and business your way.

The Business Blasphemy Podcast is sponsored by Purple Ember Consulting + Training and Sarah Khan Out Loud.

Business Blasphemy is hosted by TEDx speaker and leadership strategist Sarah Khan, explores success, ambition, identity, entrepreneurship, and the questions accomplished women start asking after 40.