Are your small business finances keeping you up at night? In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola sits down with Danielle Hendon, Fractional CFO and founder of Four Corners CFO, to break down how entrepreneurs can gain financial clarity, prevent burnout, and finally start paying themselves with confidence.

Danielle explains the key differences between an accountant and a fractional CFO, and why having a CFO on your team can completely transform your business.

You’ll learn how fractional CFOs bring big business strategies to small businesses, why understanding your numbers empowers better decision-making, and the crucial steps every entrepreneur should take to prioritize profit. Whether you’re a creative business owner, a founder in growth mode, or an entrepreneur tired of financial stress, this episode will give you actionable tools to make smart money moves and build a sustainable business you love.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between an accountant and a fractional CFO

• Why financial clarity prevents burnout and fuels growth

• How to pay yourself and prioritize profit

• Big business strategies that work for small business owners

• Why work-life balance and smart money habits go hand-in-hand

Connect with Danielle: 

4Cornerscfo.com

Get the free Guide mentioned here: https://4cornerscfo.com/butfirstshefailed/

 

👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Club Call (Sept) If you're ready to get out of your own head and into community, come connect with other like-minded women pursuing clarity and purpose. We'll share what we’re working on, where we’re stuck, and encourage one another. It’s completely FREE!

✅ Fill out the Accountability Club interest form here: 👉  Accountability Club link

💻 Let’s Connect:

📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

 

Want to plan your next career move without the stress? In this episode, executive coach and HR consultant Kate Sargent shares how to navigate career transitions strategically, build a powerful support network, and use networking to open new opportunities.

We cover the rise of fractional HR services, how to approach negotiation with confidence and kindness, and ways to translate your skills across industries. Kate also explains how to craft a cohesive personal brand that tells your story and attracts the right roles.

You’ll Learn:

• Why the fractional HR model is a game-changer for small businesses.

• How to plan a career pivot without waiting for a crisis.

• Networking strategies that actually work.

• Negotiation tips that leave relationships stronger.

• How to translate your skills across industries.

• The power of a cohesive career narrative.

Kate sits down with host Paola Soares to break down actionable strategies for effective networking, confident negotiation, and crafting a cohesive career narrative that helps you stand out in any industry. She also explains how to translate your skills across different fields, position your personal brand for success, and turn failures into opportunities for growth.

Packed with practical tips, this conversation will equip you with the tools you need to navigate change, expand your network, and create a career path that aligns with your strengths and values.

 

Connect with Kate: 

kjs.consulting.com

Linkedin: Kate Sargent

👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Club Call (Sept) If you're ready to get out of your own head and into community, come connect with other like-minded women pursuing clarity and purpose. We'll share what we’re working on, where we’re stuck, and encourage one another. It’s completely FREE!

✅ Fill out the Accountability Club interest form here: 👉  Accountability Club link

💻 Let’s Connect:

📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

 

Feeling lost in your career, business or more importantly when it comes to your purpose and calling? In this episode, host Paola Soares shares what she’s doing about it—and how you can find clarity, purpose, and peace in your season of uncertainty.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, disconnected from your calling, or unsure of your next step in business or life, this conversation is for you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or purpose-driven woman seeking God for answers—this is your reminder that you're not alone.

🔎 In this episode, we explore:

• Why you may be feeling lost in your career or purpose

• How to seek God for direction and clarity

• The power of surrendering your plans

• Finding peace through Scripture and spiritual alignment

• The importance of community and accountability

• Why obedience (even small steps) is key to breakthrough

• The parable of the talents and how it applies to your calling

💬 Key Scriptures Mentioned:

• Jeremiah 1:5 – "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…"

• Ephesians 3:20 – "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all…"

• Matthew 25:14–30 – The Parable of the Talents

 

 

👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Club Call (Sept) If you're ready to get out of your own head and into community, come connect with other like-minded women pursuing clarity and purpose. We'll share what we’re working on, where we’re stuck, and encourage one another. It’s completely FREE!

✅ Fill out the Accountability Club interest form here: 👉 Click Here

💻 Let’s Connect:

📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com 🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here 📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

Email: [email protected]

 

Feeling off-track with your goals? You’re not alone. In this episode of But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares walks you through a mid-year reset strategy to help you realign, refocus, and finish 2025 strong.

This episode is for high-achieving women, working moms, and goal-getters who are ready to take back control of their year. Learn how to reevaluate your goals, reconnect with your “why,” build systems that support productivity, and eliminate distractions—so you can make the next six months your most successful season yet.

Whether your goals are business, personal, health, or career-related, this episode is packed with practical tips to reset your mindset, create systems, and finish the year empowered.

 

🧠 Featured Product for Focus & Productivity:

💡 Magic Mind: The Mental Performance Shot That Works Say goodbye to caffeine crashes and hello to calm focus! Paola’s secret weapon for productivity and energy. ✨ 100% natural, nootropics, adaptogens + Vitamins C & D 🎁 Get 60% OFF your first subscription with code PAOLA60 👉 Claim Your Discount Here

 

 

💻 Let’s Connect:

📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

 

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• 🎧 Listen to: Episode 118 – Supercharge Your 2025 for Massive Growth

• 🎧 Listen to: Episode 113: How Systemizing Your Life and Business Will Completely Transform It with Chelsi Jo Moore

• 📖 Book Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear

• 🗂️ Tools: Google Calendar, Time Blocking, Weekly Planning Systems

• 🎓 Shoutout: Side Hustle Pro & Podcast Moguls Course by Nicaila Matthews Okome

 

💖 Loved this Episode?

Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with your ambitious friends! Screenshot and tag Paola on IG to be featured.

 

Struggling to stay motivated? Feeling discouraged and wondering if it’s even worth it to keep going? This episode is for you.

This week on But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares talks about what it means to show up even when you don’t feel like it—especially in those moments when confidence is low, self-doubt is loud, and the results just aren’t showing up yet.

Whether you’re building a business, growing in your career, or stepping out in faith, discouragement is part of the journey—but it doesn’t have to define you.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Why motivation isn’t always the answer—and what works instead

• How to push through discouragement and find your purpose in the process

• The mindset shifts that help you keep showing up when it’s hard

• How to fight self-doubt and imposter syndrome with consistency and courage

• A faith-filled reminder that you’re not behind—you’re just building

This one is honest, encouraging, and the exact push you need if you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or on the verge of giving up.

 

💻 Let’s Connect:

📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here

 

In this episode of the But First, She Failed podcast, Paola Soares breaks down how to actually develop a growth mindset—one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional success.

You’ll learn how to start thinking differently, move past self-doubt, and build habits that support long-term growth. Whether you’re facing setbacks, navigating a career transition, or simply ready to level up, this episode gives you the mindset tools to rise.

Paola explores:

• The key differences between a growth and fixed mindset

• Why a growth mindset is essential for success

• How to challenge your current thought patterns

• Practical ways to build resilience and confidence

• A step-by-step framework to start shifting your mindset today

This conversation will help you stop playing small and start believing that you are capable of growth, change, and greater impact. These 11 steps will guide you through rewiring your mindset—one intentional decision at a time.

✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes that empower women to grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose.

#GrowthMindset #MindsetMatters #PaolaSoares #ButFirstSheFailed #MindsetShift #PersonalGrowth #WomenInLeadership #SelfDevelopment #SuccessHabits #FaithAndMindset

 

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @butfirstshefailed

Paolasoares.com

Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here

Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz

Follow on Youtube

https://overcomefailure.co

Email: [email protected] 

 

 

 

 

Do you ever feel like you're not good enough at work, or worry you're falling behind in your career or business? In this empowering episode of But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares juxtaposes a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset in various scenarios— especially in the workplace. 

If you’re a woman chasing big dreams but battling low confidence, imposter syndrome, or fear of failure, this episode is for you. We go beyond mindset theory and get real about how these mindsets show up in everyday work scenarios — from getting passed up for a promotion to launching your first offer as an entrepreneur.

💼 Examples we explore include:

• What happens when you don’t get the job or promotion you hoped for

• How mindset affects pitching big ideas, leading teams, or switching careers

• The difference in how women with a growth vs. fixed mindset react to feedback

• Why comparison at work or in business can either empower you — or shut you down

• How to move through imposter syndrome moments with grace and self-compassion

In this episode you’ll learn whether you are operating from a growth mindset or a fixed mindset when it comes to your career, business and personal life. This and more.

 

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @butfirstshefailed

Paolasoares.com

Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here

Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz

Follow on Youtube

 

What is the one trait or characteristic that all successful people have in common? 

In this episode, host Paola Soares shares what she has learned after talking to countless trailblazers as well as reading books on this topic and being in proximity to many highly successful people.

In this episode she dives into the power of a growth mindset, what it is and the background on it as well as the difference between a growth mindset and fixed mindset and why learning and adapting a growth mindset will propel you into success.  So whether you are a student, struggling with growing your career, an entrepreneur or taking a career power pause make sure to listen to this episode to learn how to apply it and become successful.

 

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @butfirstshefailed

Paolasoares.com

Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here

Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz

Follow on Youtube

 

 

Do your digital files feel like a chotic mess? The mess at home or in your work space overwhelming and you have no idea how to organize it?

In this episode, host Paola Soares chats with 17-year veteran professional organizer and certified life coach, Tracy Hoth.

Tracy is on a mission to empower coaches to create streamlined and organized businesses. She is the host of the globally ranked Organized Coach Podcast and creator of Organized Coach Academy, where she simplifies everything to help coaches become organized CEOs.

They dive deep into how to organize your digital life, create simple systems that work, and overcome the mindset blocks that keep you stuck in clutter. Whether you're running a business or just trying to feel less overwhelmed in your daily life, this episode is packed with transformational tips.

In this interview you’ll learn the only 5 file folders  you need to get organized, how business owners can start to organize their business for the biggest ROI and how to organize anything anywhere and so much more..

Connect with Tracy: 

Simplysquaredaway.com IG: @tracyhoth

podcast

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @butfirstshefailed

Paolasoares.com

Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz   Follow on Youtube

In this episode of the But First, She Failed Podcast, host Paola Soares welcomes Nikki Barua — serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and Interim CEO of Latinas in Tech — for a powerful conversation on thriving in the age of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly transform the workforce, it’s no longer a question of if AI will affect our careers, but how. A recent McKinsey Global Survey reports that AI adoption has soared from 20% in 2017 to 78% in 2025, and nearly 40% of global jobs are expected to be impacted. For women — especially millennial Latinas navigating the entrepreneurial world or advancing their careers — the stakes are high.

In her 25-year career in innovation, Nikki has helped global brands transform their culture and capabilities. Now she is on a mission to help business leaders reinvent the way they lead, live, and succeed in the age of AI.

Nikki has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE among others— she’s been recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, named an LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers.

In this interview she shares why it’s crucial that we lean into AI now, what women can do to bridge the AI Skills Gap so they can future-proof their careers and skillset, and where to start if you have no idea how to get up to speed on AI… this and so much more… 

Connect with Nikki: 

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Nikkibarua.com

Latinas in Tech: 

• Instagram

• X

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Youtube

• TikTok

Let’s Connect:

Instagram: @butfirstshefailed

Follow us on Youtube!:) @butfirstshefailed

Paolasoares.com

Book A Podcast Clarity Session Here

Weekly But First, She Failed Newsletter Sign up/ Your Boss Woman Profile Quiz