Business Brain Rewire

Let’s transform you from a 'splattered paint on the wall CEO' into a Strategic CEO. We'll be discussing the nine common ways you might be spreading yourself too thin and taking action without intention, and how to refocus your energy for maximum results. When you go from splattered pain on the wall to strategic CEO you'll see your income and impact increase while opening up more time for your personal life and wellbeing!

We'll explore topics like the pitfalls of having too many offers and the dangers of hopping from one sales strategy to another. We'll dive into why formulating your messaging strategically from the get-go is crucial, and why simply 'posting and praying' without a clear sales funnel won't bring you the results you desire.

We'll also discuss the importance of being intentional about what messaging you're testing and how regular evaluation is key to understanding what's working and what's not. More importantly, we'll touch on the power of sticking to your decisions and keeping your mindset strong amidst challenges.

Throughout this episode, I'll share personal experiences and lessons learned from other entrepreneurs who've successfully navigated these challenges. 

By the end of the episode, you'll have a clear roadmap on how to shift from being a 'splattered paint on the wall CEO' to a 'Strategic CEO'. 

In this episode you’ll learn:

> How to know if you are a “splattered paint on the wall CEO” versus a Strategic CEO

> The 9 signs you are splattered paint and not strategic

> How to solve these 9 issues so you can be a strategic CEO who is growing your income and impact in a sustainable way.

Important links from today’s episode:

> Book a free CEO Session with Kari at rankandfile.com/consult

In this podcast episode, specially crafted for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, we delve into an essential tool for every thriving entrepreneur - the CEO Day. This isn't just about blocking off time in your calendar for planning; it's about getting a strategic plan in place and adopting a strong entrepreneurial mindset that sets the tone for your entire business.

I will guide you on when and how to schedule your CEO Day, sharing my step-by-step process to make it as productive as possible. I'll also reveal the secrets to kick-starting each CEO Day with a strategic mindset, ensuring you're focused and ready to make those important decisions.

Throughout this episode, I'll share personal anecdotes and testimonials from entrepreneurs who have reaped the benefits of a well-planned CEO Day. You'll hear real-life stories of transformation, offering you valuable insights and tangible proof of what's possible when you take the reins of your business.

By the end of the episode, you'll walk away with a clear roadmap for your own CEO Day, including what not to do, ensuring you maximize your time and productivity.

Remember, my mission here is not just to help you build a sustainable business, but also to ensure your personal well-being and life balance. So, tune in, get inspired, and let's embark on this journey together towards more income and impact in your purpose-driven business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

> When and How to do a CEO Day

> How to begin each CEO Day so you are more strategic 

> My step-by-step process for how to do a CEO Day

> What you should walk away from a CEO Day with

> How not to do a CEO Day

Important links from today’s episode:

> Show notes and link to book a free CEO Session with Kari at rankandfile.com

Today’s episode with Saba Saad of Feminvest delves into the often-intimidating world of capital raising to give practical and specific advice for female founders who want to be more successful at raising capital in 2024 and beyond.

Saba, with her wealth of experience in connecting female investors and entrepreneurs, will debunk common misconceptions surrounding the capital-raising process. She'll guide us on when is the right time to raise capital and what you should know before diving into your first funding round.

One of the most helpful aspects of this episode is the unique peek behind the curtain that Saba provides. As someone with a front-row seat to both sides of the table, she shares invaluable insights into what angel investors are looking for right now versus previous years so your business is investment ready.

We also dive into the mindset required as a founder while raising capital. You’ll hear real-life examples and mindset strategies that can help you to be more successful pitching and holding investor meetings.

This episode isn't just about raising capital; it's about empowering you to think more strategically as a female CEO and to confidently communicate the value of your company to investors and any other partner you want to bring on.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

> When is the right time to raise capital

> What angel investors are looking for right now

> How to make your company investment ready in today’s economy

> How to do your own due diligence on investors

> Mindset tips for female founders when raising capital

Important links from today’s episode:

> Feminvest - feminvest.se/

> Book a free CEO Strategy Session with Kari - www.rankandfile.com/consult/

Yesterday I spoke at a female founders event, and was reminded of what the purpose-driven CEO Journey actually looks like behind-the-scenes and the secret solution for navigating the social entrepreneurial journey well.

There were 30 amazing social impact founders in the room - from a 20-something cookie maker to a fintech founder transforming the world.

Each woman spoke openly, honestly and vulnerably about the realities of what it's like to be a woman business owner.

One woman put it so perfectly. She said:

"It's nice to be with other women who know what it's like to be striving to make a social impact, building a brand, being a partner/mom, and... sometimes actually feeling a little bit good about yourself."

The entire room laughed because they also knew the struggle of trying to tick all the boxes, all day long.

But, here's the thing.

Simply trying to 'let go’ of a bunch of your boxes isn't the answer because you CARE so deeply about your business, your family, and your health. Letting something fall through the cracks would feel like losing a part of you or deeply failing.

BUT what most women do is try to SOLVE for everything in a very linear way. It’s like they are after this feeling of having “made it” or having “figured out the solution.”

This is just NOT how it works.

The solution to growing your brand without ALL the other stuff suffering is not about finding THE answer.

It's about stepping into your CEO Shoes.

There are a lot of misconceptions around what the CEO experience is. Women look in from the outside and assume that business owners of large global brands have the answers.

It's just not true.

They have the right mindset. So they always find their next answer.

They make a lot of mistakes along the way. And when that happens... they use the right mindset again to turn that failure into their next answer.

Stepping into your CEO shoes doesn't necessarily mean hiring people, raising capital or going 'bigger.'

It also doesn't need to mean having a crystal clear vision, or having the right answers to your next strategic move.

Stepping into your CEO Shoes is a mindset shift. It simply means you stick firm to your values and goals, and commit to working through each question mark, fear and complexity one by one.

That's it.

Businesses are built decision by decision, year after year.

It's a never-ending process of choosing to be IN the game, which simply means learning how to manage your mind, and stay objective as you build your business brick by brick.

This process requires outside support. Because it's not a one-size fits-all game. You and your business are nuanced. And it's hard to navigate it alone.

The best business owners and CEOs know this. This is why professional singers still take voice lessons, and top athletes still have coaches.

Being a business owner is no different. Getting help navigating all the decisions and complexities doesn't mean you're bad at your job. It means you are good at it.

So really, all that's in the way is you. You've got to commit mentally and emotionally to a journey that will feel messy and imperfect, and then get help navigating it well.

The process can be full of ease, joy, and fun. As long as you have the right mindset, tools and support.

In this episode you’ll learn:

> Why most purpose-driven business owners feel a sense of struggle

> What the social entrepreneurship CEO Journey actually looks like behind-the-scenes

> How to navigate your business well so you grow your company without sacrificing all the important things to you (like your family,...

We're back with another enlightening solo show that's all about the investments required to reach your business goals - specifically, the emotional costs you will have to pay. This episode will resonate deeply with those of you who are on the path to starting, working to reach financial sustainability or scaling your purpose-driven businesses.

Every goal has a price tag attached to it, and we're not just talking about monetary costs. We're delving into the mental and emotional investments you make when you choose to chase a goal. From feeling like an imposter and failure, to having difficult conversations and receiving judgements from others, reaching your goal will require you to feel uncomfortable, negative emotions.

I share my personal journey - the sacrifices made, the battles fought, and the emotional discomfort endured. These costs have shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. Every other successful entrepreneur out there has made many emotional investments as well.

In this episode, we also dive into the emotional cost of not going for your goals. This concept is just as important and can often help fuel your motivation to step into the big scary goal you’ve been avoiding or procrastinating on.

So, what uncomfortable emotions do you need to be willing to feel? Answering this question is the most important one on your way to achieving your goals. It’s not just about what you need to do. It’s about what you need to feel to motivate those actions.

So tune in, get inspired, and let's continue to change the world, one business goal at a time.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn:

> Uncovering the true costs of your goal

> The 2 required emotional investments of every goal

> How to shift the purpose of goal-setting so you have sustainable motivation

> How to ensure your goal doesn’t run you into the ground (no burnout necessary here!)

Show notes and other mentioned links at rankandfile.com

That nagging-voice of self-doubt in your head, also known as Imposter Syndrome, can hold you back and keep you small instead of allowing you to create more sales, collaborations and visibility in a confident way as a business owner.

But is the diminishing voice in your head always Imposter Syndrome?

This is what today’s guest, Janine Guarino is here to help us unravel and understand.

Often, entrepreneurs confuse imposter syndrome with their intuition telling them something doesn't feel right. Learning to distinguish between the two can be a game-changer for your purpose-driven business.

If your gut is whispering that you're out of alignment, it's crucial to listen. It's your inner compass guiding you towards the purpose, profits, personal life and wellbeing you desire. Following your intuition won’t always be easy. You will still feel fear, and self-doubt along the way. But the growth and fulfillment that you desire is down this path.

But what if you ARE aligned and it's a case of true imposter syndrome? Janine shares her own experience with Imposter Syndrome and breaks down some useful exercises to build more self-belief and confidence so you can continue building your business more effectively.

In This Podcast Episode, You’ll Learn:

> What’s the difference between true imposter syndrome and gut/intuition that you are not aligned

> What to do when your gut is truly telling you, that you are not aligned

> What to do when it’s true Imposter Syndrome

> Journal Prompts to work through Imposter Syndrome

> How to take the leap and take bold actions to find more alignment in your work

> How to move past people’s opinions and judgements

Important Links from Today’s Show:

Show notes and helpful links at rankandfile.com

Are you a purpose-driven entrepreneur with a solid ROI mindset? Many entrepreneurs, particularly those focusing on social impact, often find themselves trapped in the "fear of running out," using the cash balance in their bank account as a success barometer.

While this approach might help cover immediate expenses, it fosters a weak ROI mindset that could lead to depleting the very resources you're trying to protect instead of increasing your income over time.

In today's discussion, I'll guide you on how to cultivate a mindset focused on growth investments in your business, transforming money into more wealth. At Rank & File, this translates into amplified impact and greater good for society.

This discussion is an excellent resource for both budding founders and experienced business owners. It offers valuable insights that can be applied to your unique business situation, helping you evolve into a more strategic entrepreneur.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

> The characteristics of a strong ROI mindset

> The traits of a weak ROI mindset

> Factors to consider when deciding where to invest in your business

> Ways to make intelligent financial risks that are calculated, safe, and strategic

> Kari's advice on the ideal time to leave your day job and transition to running your business full-time.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

> Book a free strategy call with Kari - rankandfile.com/consult/

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Rank and File podcast, the motivational heaven for purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to increase their income and impact. This episode is a special 'mini' edition, but don't be fooled by its size. It's power-packed with insights and strategies on improving your decision-making process.

This episode encourages you to question whether you're operating within a linear mindset that will keep questioning yourself, moving slowly or reinventing the wheel all the time.

I show you how to get out of linear, all-or-nothing thinking and how to adopt a more helpful Cyclical mindset around your business, which makes decision-making easier.

Along the way, I’ll share practical tools to help you make more strategic, confident decisions so that you can grow your business more effectively.

The process of strategizing and decision-making can be much simpler and enjoyable than you've ever imagined, and I'm here to guide you through it with the right strategy tools.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn:

> The real reason you have difficulties making decisions

> What to do when you are unsure what the RIGHT way is

> How to use neuroscience to your advantage to make more confident, strategic decisions

Important links from today’s episode:

> Episode 135 - Nervous System Regulation with Katie Olderman - rankandfile.com/nervous-system/

> Episode 128 - The Entrepreneurial Cycle - rankandfile.com/entrepreneurial-cycle/

> Book a free strategy call with Kari - rankandfile.com/consult/

In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that often lurks in the shadows of your entrepreneurial journey - visibility. Whether you're just launching your entrepreneurial journey or you're already navigating the twists and turns of business growth, remember this - each step forward expands your visibility, which means connecting with more people, marketing and selling your services with increased reach, and serving a larger audience.

And let's be honest, that can feel incredibly daunting! It can feel like each pair of eyes brings an opinion, each piece of feedback carries a judgment, and the fear of failure can sometimes feel like an insurmountable wall.

Today's episode is about breaking down those walls, about stepping out of the shadows and into the light using neuroscience. I delve into what’s actually occurring in your central nervous system when you face new exposure and why entrepreneurship is so triggering! I also share practical strategies and personal experiences to help you learn all of the different contexts in which you can work with your brain and body to shine brighter and more boldly for your purpose-driven business!

In this Episode, You’ll Learn:

> What the fight-flight-freeze stress response looks like for entrepreneurs

> Why triggering your central nervous system is inevitable and what you must do about it

> Examples of handling different contexts of visibility:announcing your company, handling unhappy customers, stepping on to the stage and more.

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

> Get the Free Assessment: The Impact Business Model Blueprint - rankandfile.com/quiz/

> Are you in Fight Mode as an Entrepreneur | Episode #92 - rankandfile.com/fight/

> Are you in Flight Mode as an Entrepreneur | Episode #93 - rankandfile.com/flight/

> Are you in Freeze Mode as an Entrepreneur Episode #94 - rankandfile.com/freeze/

> Nervous System Regulation with Katie Olderman | Episode #135 - rankandfile.com/nervous-system/

What mental, emotional, and physical symptoms do you deal with as a purpose-driven entrepreneur?

Stress, Overwhelm, Frustration, Procrastination, Burnout, Trouble Deciding, Worry, Busyness, Anxiety, Hyper Focus/Hyper Vigilance, Trouble Focusing or Sticking with One Thing, Tiredness/Low Energy, Imposter Syndrome, Inflammation or Chronic Pain?

It’s really common for entrepreneurs to experience many of these negative symptoms, but it’s not ‘normal.’

And, if you experience these things, you are not as strategic, innovative and effective as you could be! This means you just scratching the surface of your impact and income potential.

You are also not ENJOYING your life and business, which is a universal right that’s available to you.

Today, I’m sitting down with Katie Olderman.

Katie is a trauma-informed nervous system coach, somatic stress release practitioner, and women's leadership coach. She helps women leaders and entrepreneurs become free and unstoppable so they can play big in their lives and businesses.

In this episode, she teaches us about the critical role that the nervous system plays in business and how entrepreneurs need to work with their bodies to achieve goals, rather than against it.

You’ll learn how to shift out of common problems like overwhelm, frustration, anxiety, procrastination, and anything else holding you back from truly enjoying your work in a way that flows. You’ll also learn how to utilize your brain and body to reach goals more easily.

This is a highly educational podcast that is FOUNDATIONAL for all entrepreneurs.

So don’t miss this conversation. Your income, impact, personal life, and well-being will thank you for it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

> How the central nervous system really works and why it matters in business

> The three stages of stress response and what each one looks like for entrepreneurs

> Why entrepreneurs cannot ignore past trauma and their central nervous system

> How to notice when you are not regulated

> What to do to become regulated so that you are more at ease, confident, and effective

Important Links from Today’s Episode:

> Work with Kari and Katie together - learn more at rankandfile.com/coaching

> Check out and connect with Katie directly - katieoldermancoaching.com or @katieolderman on Instagram