Business is Human

“Sometimes you have to work a job because you need the job, but you can still work towards your dreams.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Kristin Cummings, a Fractional COO who helps small to mid-sized businesses clear the chaos and focus on what matters most. Kristin shares her inspiring journey of leaving a corporate career, selling her home, and traveling with her family while running a business remotely.

Rebecca and Kristin talk about what it means to create the life you want—without hustling for someone else’s version of success. They explore how intentional planning and trust in your unique talents can lead to bold decisions and personal freedom.

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• How to align your career with your ideal life
• Practical steps for making bold life changes
• Why giving your dreams space can lead to clarity

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:44) Journey to remote work and travel

(03:25) Pursuing the life you Want

(06:34) Leaving a dream job

(20:19) Working with small and midsize businesses

(21:32) Discovering the LinkedIn world

(22:31) The role of a fractional COO

(22:58) How fractional services benefit small businesses

(26:28) Balancing family and business dreams

(28:46) Intentional living and career choices

Connect with Kristin:
Website: https://www.kristincummings.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinrandi/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristinrandi/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"There's a lesson in everything that we go through, whether it's good or bad, but the bad teaches us more than anything else."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Lori Hodges, a veteran first responder, emergency manager, and author of Shaking in the Forest: Finding Light in the Darkness. Lori shares her incredible journey from a pivotal moment at a Grateful Dead concert to a 30-year career helping people navigate emergencies and disasters.

Lori’s perspective on leadership, trauma, and resilience is grounded in real-life experiences managing chaos and overcoming her own challenges. She and Rebecca discuss the importance of calm leadership, the transformative power of vulnerability, and how to find beauty in life’s most difficult moments.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why slowing down in high-stress situations leads to better outcomes
• How to build a culture where leaders and teams look out for one another
• The importance of finding lessons in both personal and professional challenges

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro  

(01:18) Career roots and the Grateful Dead concert  

(04:00) Choosing a path in emergency services  

(06:21) Writing the book ‘Shaking in the Forest’

(08:45) Lessons from emergency services: No running, no yelling  

(10:17) Commanding presence and confidence  

(14:26) Developing leadership skills  

(18:20) Early mistakes and learning to stay calm  

(20:34) Tools for slowing down and overcoming trauma  

(27:13) Balancing productivity and self-care  

(29:17) Finding beauty in chaos  

(34:16) Building supportive leadership and team culture  

(42:14) Chaos theory and future projects  

Connect with Lori:

Website: https://lorihodges.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hodges-ma-ccp-pmp-319b2a18

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThrivingThroughChaos/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticblue222

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"What if I told you that the responsible, organized, hardworking, goal-oriented people of the world are responsible for perpetuating and exacerbating burnout?"

Burnout. It's been a big topic lately, and rightfully so. Many are feeling this, but how do we get out of it? It's time to ban burnout. Today, Rebecca takes us through the first three stages of burnout and begins breaking down how we can end this vicious cycle before it can even start.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• A better understanding of the three stages of burnout
• How we can find motivation to make necessary life changes
• How to find a life of peace, prosperity, and purpose

Things to Listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:43) Understanding burnout: the first three stages

(04:01) Deep dive into compulsion and cognitive behavior

(09:10) The need for belonging vs. the need for being

(27:51) Tips to prioritize being over belonging

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“Career satisfaction isn’t just about titles or money—it’s about creating the conditions where you thrive.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession wraps up her three-part New Year reflection series with an episode focused on career. Rebecca explains how to define career satisfaction on your terms, set meaningful goals, and take bold steps to advocate for your professional growth.

Rebecca shares practical tools to help you reflect on your gifts, talents, and the environments where you work best. She challenges listeners to move beyond traditional measures of success and embrace a career path aligned with their unique needs and aspirations.

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• How to evaluate your career satisfaction and set goals for 2025
• Why thriving in the right work environment leads to greater success
• Tips for asking boldly for the professional development you deserve

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Reflection questions for career satisfaction

(04:47) Creating conditions to thrive

(06:09) Setting bold career goals

(11:34) Practical tips for career development

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"We are all unique, like pieces of a puzzle. And when we come together, it's far more beautiful, and it's far stronger, and every piece matters."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession stresses the value of self-reflection and authenticity in building stronger relationships. Rebecca walks listeners through the significance of aligning with our natural rhythms while encouraging leaders to embrace intentionality over the hustle. She also unpacks how recognizing the unique strengths and differences in others fosters collaboration and deeper understanding in both personal and professional relationships.

Rebecca also shares her insights on how gender differences and emotional intelligence shape communication, stress management, and leadership strategies, and provides a guided series of reflection questions to help you evaluate and enrich your connections in 2025.  

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The value of reflecting on your relationships for better connections  
• Why honoring differences is essential to thriving teams and leadership
• How to use listening and curiosity to strengthen your relationships   

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:43) Reflection series: relationships

(03:11) The importance of authenticity

(13:52) Strengths of men and women at work

(20:33) Reflection questions for relationships

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“Reflection isn’t just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with purpose and love.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession kicks off the New Year with a powerful series of reflection questions designed to help you step into 2025 with clarity and intention. From celebrating your 2024 victories to embracing rest, creativity, and playfulness, Rebecca encourages listeners to honor their whole selves—mind, body, and spirit.

Rebecca challenges the traditional “New Year, New You” mentality and advocates for aligning with the natural rhythms of rest and reflection during the winter season. She shares insights into redefining success, using your unique talents to serve others, and fostering meaningful connections.

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• The importance of reflecting on past wins and lessons learned
• How to honor your creativity and soul’s need for playfulness
• The transformative power of rest and stillness as a daily practice

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:02) Reflection questions for the New Year

(02:07) Honoring the season of winter

(05:32) Reflection on personal growth in 2024

(11:57) Looking forward to 2025

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"If there's anything we do that is not in the service of others, it's not going to make us happy."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession interviews David Steele, founder of One Wealth Advisors and a visionary leader with a diverse portfolio of businesses. David shares how he built a billion-dollar wealth advisory firm by having a “people first” mindset. His journey highlights the value of focus, financial security, and human-centered leadership in creating a fulfilling career.  

Rebecca and David talk about strategies for sustainable growth, including the importance of delegating responsibilities, nurturing team members, and maintaining a mindset of abundance. They also explore how businesses can thrive by blending profitability with purpose and prioritizing meaningful human connections.  

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• The importance of starting with a single focus to build financial stability  
• How coaching and empowering teams lead to scalable, sustainable businesses  
• Why balancing ambition with service to others creates deeper fulfillment  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(00:43) The importance of focus in early career

(03:32) From finance to diverse ventures

(05:15) The philosophy of serving others

(06:54) Building a successful financial advisory firm

(10:00) Expanding into restaurants and yoga studios

(11:32) The importance of delegation and team building

(23:20) Navigating binary thinking and personal philosophy

(35:58) The value of relationships in business

Connect with David:

Website: https://davidsteele.xyz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-steele-76088a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/David.Steele6000

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david.steele6000/

One Wealth Advisors: https://onewealth.net/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Even if you're in a job that doesn't feel creative or artistic, there are opportunities for creativity there. Think differently, come up with creative ideas, and step outside the box."

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, Rebecca Fleetwood Hession welcomes back Jenny Tod, creative entrepreneur and author, for a thoughtful conversation on nurturing creativity in business and beyond. Jenny shares insights from her journey running a successful design studio and releasing her new children’s book, “You're an Artist, Imagine What You Can Be!”, which encourages young readers to explore artistic careers.  

Rebecca and Jenny discuss the value of creativity in shaping meaningful lives and careers. They touch on how art connects us, both personally and professionally, and why fostering creativity in children can build a foundation for innovative thinking. Jenny also reflects on her late father’s influence as an artist, offering a heartfelt perspective on honoring family legacies.  

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• How to inspire the next generation of artists through storytelling  
• Why creativity is a critical skill for today’s leaders and entrepreneurs  
• Ways to embrace reflection and celebrate success in personal and professional life  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:33) Jenny's new children's book  

(04:15) Inspiring kids to imagine creative careers

(08:05) Redefining success beyond paychecks

(17:17) Quiet quitting to soul searching

(22:02) Building connections through art and family

(33:53) Jenny's design studio and services

Connect with Jenny:

Website: https://jennytod.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennytod/

Books: https://jennytod.shop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennyTodCreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennytodcreative/

X: https://www.x.com/jennytodcreativ/

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

"Some of the best networking comes when it is non-transactional, when it's asking, “What are you up to?”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Melissa Moody to talk about her journey from corporate life at Google to the dynamic world of startups. Together, Rebecca and Melissa discuss how human-centered networking can move you towards your career goals, and how embracing your life chapters can lead to more fulfilling work. 

Melissa explains the distinction between building a network and cultivating an audience, explaining how leaders can grow meaningful relationships without the pressure to “go big” on social media. She also shares her experience with Matcha and the Wednesday Women project, which aims to connect communities and amplify extraordinary women executives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:  

• The value of aligning your career with your authentic self for lasting success 
• The key differences between building networks and audiences for professional growth  
• How fostering connections can empower women leaders and build stronger communities  

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(02:07) The Wednesday Women initiative

(04:27) Matcha: enhancing community connections

(06:56) Embracing new beginnings

(13:10) When to build a network vs. an audience

(16:04) The power of non-transactional networking

(30:20) Putting the “human” back in business

Connect with Melissa:

Website: https://matcha.so/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissammoody/

X: https://twitter.com/moody_mobile?lang=en

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/

“Our purpose doesn’t have to be changing the world. It can be as simple as being a good human being. Let’s simplify purpose.”

In this episode of the Business is Human podcast, host Rebecca Fleetwood Hession sits down with Dima Ghawi, an influential speaker, leadership coach, and author of Breaking Vases. With an inspiring journey that begins in the Middle East and leads to empowering lives worldwide, Dima shares her insights on turning personal pain into a driving force for purpose. Her story emphasizes the importance of shattering societal expectations, cultivating inner strength, and finding personal power through vulnerability. Dima shares how confronting and releasing past trauma can lead to self-acceptance, improved mental well-being, and authentic leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How overcoming personal pain can transform your professional life
• The role of vulnerability in building authentic leadership
• Why simplifying your purpose can lead to greater happiness and impact

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro
(05:31) Breaking away from imposed identities
(12:17) How personal trauma can lead to professional transformation

(15:44) Simplifying purpose to find clarity

(21:36) Leading with empathy in modern business culture

(22:30) Stories of purpose-driven people at work

(29:42) Leadership is kindness and opening doors for others 

(31:20) How vulnerability strengthens teams and relationships

(37:40) Cultivating resilience through intentional self-reflection

Connect with Dima:

Website: https://www.dimaghawi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DimaGhawi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dima.ghawi/

X: https://x.com/dghawi

Connect with Rebecca:

https://www.rebeccafleetwoodhession.com/