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

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What happens when a life of ministry takes an unexpected turn towards entrepreneurship? Join us as we explore the compelling story of Dawn Apuan, a former pastor whose career pivot was spurred by a critical review from her religious leadership. This unexpected challenge not only led to panic attacks and depression but also ignited a passion within her to empower female entrepreneurs through her expertise in copywriting and funnel strategy. Discover how Dawn transformed personal adversity into a platform for helping women find their voices in the business world.

Ever wondered why women own 40% of businesses yet generate only 4% of revenue? We tackle this perplexing statistic by diving into the intricacies of marketing strategies that cater to women's unique needs and motivations. Traditional shame-based tactics often miss the mark, especially when women value more than just financial success. Our conversation highlights how validating aspirations for family and personal fulfillment can lead to powerful, authentic marketing that resonates deeply with female entrepreneurs.

The path to empowerment is often riddled with challenges, particularly in male-dominated spaces. Dawn shares her personal journey of finding and asserting her voice amidst skepticism and negativity. Her story underscores the importance of resilience and staying true to one's values. By fusing technical expertise with a heart-centered approach, Dawn offers a blueprint for creating empowering experiences for women in business. Tune in to discover how embracing diverse perspectives and adversity can enhance your leadership journey and lead to authentic empowerment.

Guest Bio:
Dawn Apuan is an expert copywriter and funnel strategist. Former pastor and non-profit Executive Director, her mission now is to help female entrepreneurs sell out even their most expensive offers with messaging that brilliantly captures their voice to attract dream clients - without costing them time and energy creating it. Her unique ability to craft words into wealth has helped hundreds of clients get results in 24 hours or less, and some clients make five figures overnight without sales calls!

Connect with Dawn:

• https://www.dawnapuan.com
• IG @dawn.copyqueen
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-apuan-copyqueen/

Get your free copy of the 15 Copy Keys Dawn uses to get epic results for her clients: https://www.dawnapuan.com/copykeys

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!

This week, I’m chatting with Sarah Magnoni, a travel advisor and retreat expert who helps coaches and entrepreneurs craft luxury retreats and VIP experiences for their clients.

We get into the rising trend of retreats, unpack the differences between traditional setups and truly immersive experiences, and dig into what it really takes to pull off a successful event.

From building the right audience to handling legalities and logistics, Sarah shares her insights on how to create unforgettable, high-touch experiences that go beyond just offering a high-ticket service. Tune in to find out why retreats can be game-changers for your business and your clients’ lives.

Guest Bio:
Sarah Magnoni is a Luxe Retreat Advisor and Retreat Host. Owner of Harmony Travel Collective, Sarah works with coaches and entrepreneurs who want to create luxury experiences for their clients which deepens their relationships and increases their revenue. Travel has been a part of Sarah's life since she was 5 and has continued on with her family by marrying a commercial airline pilot. Combining her marketing experience, ICF coaching certification, and love of travel, Sarah started hosting retreats and instantly fell in love with the whole process. Now she takes her passions to help her clients by offering do-it-for-you options or do-it-with-you options.

Connect with Sarah:

• harmonytravelcollective.com
• sarahmagnoni.com

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 episode, we're cutting through the noise to uncover what real thought leadership looks like in the online business world. Spoiler alert: It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room or picking a side just to stir the pot. 

Uncover how to offer a fresh perspective that challenges the status quo and pushes the conversation forward. I’m sharing five game-changing shifts to help you step into authentic leadership, own your voice, and make a meaningful impact — without chasing after approval. 

Whether you’re already leading or ready to take that leap, this episode will show you how to stop following trends and start creating real influence on your own terms.

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 episode, we dive deep into the world of podcasting with Bethany Hawkins, founder of Crackers in Soup. 

Bethany shares her journey from criminal justice to podcast production, the importance of leadership, and how being an extroverted introvert shapes her unique approach. She discusses the challenges of podcasting, the importance of knowing your bandwidth and purpose, and why not all clients or money are worth the headache. 

This conversation is packed with valuable insights on storytelling, leadership, and how to create a podcast that truly resonates with your audience.

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!

This week, we dive deep into the often misunderstood concept of manifestation with energy mastery guide, LaToya Zavala. 

We explore the difference between "woo" and physics-based understandings of energy, the science of vibration, and how universal laws interact with our thoughts and beliefs -- without our input! 

LaToya breaks down the four core aspects of manifestation, emphasizing the power of belief over mere actions. She also shares her powerful personal journey from religious indoctrination to embracing spiritual practices that defy conventional understanding. 

Discover how your beliefs, conscious or subconscious, directly influence your reality and how you can harness your inner power to manifest true freedom. Join us for a conversation that challenges the norms, breaks down spiritual jargon, and empowers you to reclaim your truth.

Guest Bio:
As an energy mastery guide, LaToya Zavala works with badass women coming from male-dominated industries like the military & government spaces, who now want to take their gifts and talents to a new level of purpose, prosperity, and power even if they’ve tried Vet resources, and conventional counseling and coaching, using her Aligned AF methodology -- one part of her powerful Goddess Collective.

Want to learn more about the Goddess Collective? 
The Goddess Collective is opening spaces through the month of September. If you're interested in deep diving into Vedic astrology work, purpose discovery, manifesting and attraction tools and practices, let's have a conversation! https://api.clixlo.com/widget/bookings/intentionalchat

Connect with LaToya:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachlatoyaz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachlatoyaz
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoya-zavala/
• YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0to_JubLqzQS1OuZdbnuQ

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!

Ever feel like success is evading you no matter how fast you run?

This week, I’m sharing a story that’s been 14 years in the making. 

It’s a story filled with unexpected twists, major life changes, and plenty of obstacles. From moving continents to losing jobs and navigating through the chaos of a pandemic, this episode takes you on a personal journey that’s been anything but smooth. But after all these years, we finally did it — we sold our house and are making the move to the location we've been chasing for over a decade!

Why am I sharing this now? Because hidden in this saga is a lesson that I think many of us, especially in business, can relate to. It’s not just about moving houses or dealing with setbacks; it’s about something deeper that touches every part of our lives and our businesses. Trust me, you’ll want to hear this one.

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!

Can staying true to who you are revolutionize your career and personal life?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Danielle D. Fisher, the visionary CEO behind Creations by Jimmy's Daughter and the Floral Boss Collective. Danielle takes us through her journey from launching a thriving faux floral business to building a supportive community for floral artists. We dive deep into why authenticity matters and how finding like-minded individuals can spark meaningful relationships, in contrast to the often draining experience of superficial networking.

Danielle opens up about the challenges of being a minority in professional spaces, offering validation and inspiration for those overcoming societal barriers to pursue their true passions. We discuss the hurdles women of color face in leadership roles, including internal conflicts and limiting beliefs, and the vital role therapy plays in overcoming these challenges. Reflecting on societal expectations and the comparison traps of social media, we underscore the power of self-belief and embracing your unique value.

Tune in for a conversation rich with insights on authenticity, resilience, and the transformative impact of genuine connections -- especially the one with yourself.

Guest Bio:
Danielle Fisher is the CEO of Creations by Jimmy's Daughter and the fierce coach of The Floral Boss Collective. Turning her passion for faux floral arrangements into a thriving business, Danielle's designs are statements that elevate life, space, and soul. Known for her impeccable craftsmanship and keen eye for design, she has established herself as the go-to faux floral artisan. Danielle’s journey began in 2018, driven by a desire to offer high-quality, luxurious faux florals. Her commitment to excellence and personal client connections have fueled her success. Recognizing the need for greater support among floral artists, she founded The Floral Boss Collective, a vibrant community empowering floral artists, especially Black women business owners, to elevate their skills and businesses. 

One of her proudest achievements is the upcoming Artisan Elevator: Branding & Marketing Mastermind, an exclusive event aimed at helping women entrepreneurs enhance their branding and content strategies in a luxurious, high-end setting.

Connect with Danielle:
FB: @danielledfisher and @creationsbyjimmysdaughter
IG: @iamdaniellefisher 

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!

Ever wondered how mastering genuine collaboration can skyrocket your business success? This week I sit down with Deana Jean, an award-winning master connector and business strategist, who reveals the secrets behind her effortless ability to build meaningful connections.

Deana takes us through her incredible journey from the fast-paced world of corporate sales to discovering her true calling in fostering community and collaboration, shedding light on how operating within your zone of genius leads to inevitable success. You'll hear firsthand how Deana's unique approach to creating valuable business relationships thrives on generosity and abundance.

We also explore the critical importance of value-based collaborations, and why vetting potential partners goes far beyond superficial metrics like follower count, focusing on mutual value and the principle that quality trumps quantity, especially for introverts. Hear about the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship and how authentic conversations and a supportive network, such as the Success Tribe Network, can be transformative for maintaining mental well-being. It's not your usual "hit it and quit it" networking community!

You'll gain actionable insights on building a thriving business through intentional collaboration and genuine connection, all while balancing the personal and professional challenges that come with the entrepreneurial journey.

Guest Bio:
Deana Jean is an award winning Master Connector and Business Strategist with over 15 years of Sales and Executive Leadership Experience, and a heart for community and collaboration.

Guided by the Goals, Gifts & Gaps® Deana and her team partner with entrepreneurs and organizations across the globe to achieve Intentional Excellence.

Connect with Deana:

• thesuccesstribe.com
• https://www.facebook.com/deana.jonesjean 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/deana-jean-3675966/

Join our next 3G Collab Session on me! Grab a one time Guest Pass here: goalsgifts.gaps.com

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 tired? Constantly feeling like you have to choose between personal fulfillment and professional success?

This week I sit down with the remarkable Dr. Monique Flemings, a trailblazer in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and ministry. Together, we dive deep into the real struggles women entrepreneurs face today—from societal pressures to the silent frustration that comes with trying to meet impossible standards. We dissect the performative nature of vulnerability, the necessity of self-awareness, and the crucial role that supportive circles play in identifying blind spots and encouraging growth.

Dr. Flemings also shares practical strategies to help you maintain your mental and physical health, such as daily digital detoxes, mindfulness practices, and the creation of an "unapologetic brag bag" to boost self-worth. We scrutinize societal norms that fuel the confidence gap, especially among women, and discuss how not to settle into complacency but instead push yourself to evolve continuously.

If you're looking for actionable insights to help you lead authentically, avoid burnout, and build a lasting legacy, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast to join us on this empowering journey.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Monique Flemings is an exceptional figure, seamlessly blending her extensive expertise in leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and ministry to empower and transform her clients. As the CEO of Monique Flemings Enterprises, she hosts retreats and training events specifically designed for women in mid-level leadership positions and the C-suite. Her leadership firm, Lead Up Leadership Consulting, offers proven strategies that help high-achieving women leaders and organizations succeed while prioritizing rest and relaxation, thus boosting their productivity.

Dr. Flemings' program, The Ambidextrous Woman®, encourages women to confidently embrace their multifaceted talents and lead with unapologetic authenticity. Alongside her entrepreneurial ventures, she continues to contribute to the field of physical therapy as the Director of Admissions at South College Atlanta, where she advocates for equity and works to reduce healthcare disparities. In June 2024, she took on the prestigious role of President of the National Association of Black Physical Therapists.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Flemings cherishes her role as a mother to a special-gifted son, whose journey inspires her continuous growth and learning. She resides in the suburbs of Chicago with her supportive husband and son, finding balance and fulfillment in both her personal and professional life.

Connect with Dr. Monique:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-monique-flemings
• https://ScheduleWithDrMonique.as.me/
• Facebook https://www.monique.flemings.9

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!

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I explore the transformative power of intentional relationships and the critical impact your circle has on your success. This summer has been a whirlwind of change in both my personal life and business, from preparing our house for sale to attending a life-changing business retreat in Orlando. Join me as I share key insights on the importance of curating your circle, embracing authenticity, and auditing your influences to unlock new opportunities and elevate your success.

Key Takeaways:

• Curate Your Circle: Learn why being intentional about the people you allow into your life is crucial for your personal and professional growth.
• Embrace Authenticity: Understand the value of surrounding yourself with individuals who are genuinely themselves and how it inspires you to do the same.
• Audit Your Influences: Discover the importance of regularly evaluating the content you consume and the people you interact with to ensure they align with your goals and aspirations.
• Elevate Your Standards: Realize how your success is often limited by the average mindset of your community and why you should seek out higher standards.

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.