What if protecting your business didn’t have to feel overwhelming, scary, or “something you’ll get to later”? In this episode, I’m joined by trademark attorney and online business owner Sarah Waldbuesser, founder of Destination Legal and Twist Law. After more than a decade of helping entrepreneurs safeguard their brands, Sarah knows exactly how legal protection becomes confidence—powerfully shifting how you show up and lead.

We dive into what it actually means to own your brand, why waiting to trademark can cost you big, and how a solid legal foundation helps you sleep better at night (literally). If you’ve ever felt intimidated by contracts, trademarks, or choosing the “right” name, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and simple next steps you can take today.

Today you’ll hear:

03:18 – What “life-first business” means to Sarah now—and how she built a location-independent lifestyle

06:35 – Why she resisted doing legal work at first…and how the online business world pulled her back in (hard)

07:53 – The mindset shift that turns legal from “boring paperwork” into personal power and protection as a CEO

09:25 – What it really means to own your brand—and how trademarks protect your intellectual property long-term

11:35 – The biggest myths about trademarking (including why you don’t need to be Nike to get one)

12:48 – Why DIY trademark searches miss critical details—and what to check before you name anything

14:13 – The #1 legal document every business owner needs from day zero (hint: it’s not a trademark)

15:40 – What makes a contract actually protective—and why random templates often cause more harm than help

17:38 – Why so many entrepreneurs delay legal protection—and the real risks of waiting too long

19:00 – What to do if you’re rebranding or pivoting (and how to avoid a costly cease + desist)

20:38 – How often you need to review contracts and maintain trademark paperwork over time

24:15 – Sarah’s reminder about how legal protection boosts confidence—and why your clients expect it

CONNECT WITH SARAH:

Website: destinationlegal.com / twistlaw.co

Instagram: @sarahwaldbuesser

FREE RESOURCE: The AI Legal Starter Pack: https://thelegitcoach.com/ailegalpack

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Take the FREE CEO Week Challenge → www.hollymariehaynes.com/ceoweek

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

We’re wrapping up the year with your most-downloaded episodes—the ones that helped you grow smarter, simplify faster, and work less without losing momentum. 

What if you could make MORE money while posting LESS on social media? Sounds impossible, right? But here’s the reality—social media engagement doesn’t always equal revenue (and most of the time, it doesn’t!).

In today’s episode, I share:

• Why posting daily isn’t a business strategy (and what actually makes you money!)
• The biggest myth keeping you stuck in an Instagram-first marketing strategy
• Where your dream clients REALLY are in 2025 (hint: they’re searching for you, not scrolling past you!)
• The 3-part framework to marketing smarter, not louder

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Take the FREE CEO Week Challenge → www.hollymariehaynes.com/ceoweek

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

What if staying fully booked didn’t require posting every day, chasing trends, or hustling on Instagram? In this episode, I’m joined by Jessica Freeman, award-winning designer, SEO strategist, and founder of Jess Creatives. After 10+ years in business, Jess has built a multi-month waitlist—without launches, ads, or the algorithm dictating her success.

We dive into how she intentionally designed a life-first business (including 10 years of work-free Fridays), what actually drives her consistent referrals, and why SEO still beats social in longevity and ease. If you’re craving stability, sanity, and predictable revenue as a service provider, this conversation is a breath of fresh air.

Today you’ll hear:

• 02:30 – What “life-first business” looks like for Jess today—and how Fridays became sacred space
• 04:05 – Why she left hustle-heavy tactics behind and embraced SEO + referrals for long-term stability
• 05:50 – The Facebook-group scramble that made her rethink her entire marketing approach
• 08:51 – How she built a waitlist in her first month—and why it’s remained a core part of her business mode
• 10:25 – Why her waitlist fluctuates (and why a “shorter” waitlist still triggers anxiety every year)
• 11:25 – The power of payment plans for predictable revenue—no launches required
• 12:39 – How Jess books clients months ahead by simply educating and sharing real-time availability
• 13:53 – Why SEO is her #1 organic strategy—and how a single 2020 blog post still brings clients today
• 15:20 – How she uses scarcity ethically by sharing true capacity (not manufactured urgency)
• 16:34 – The referral system that brings in most of her clients—with bonuses clients actually use
• 17:55 – How she stays top-of-mind with just a few personalized check-in emails a year
• 19:18 – Why sharing other people’s offers boosts her referrals and relationships
• 20:45 – The easiest next step to grow referrals (set a recurring reminder—seriously)
• 22:30 – The boundary that changed everything: no more “quick little projects” squeezing into her calendar
• 23:38 – The one marketing channel she’d keep: why Instagram still works for personality-driven brands
• 25:10 – Why Threads feels refreshing—and how it’s helped her book clients, too
• 26:20 – The grounding ritual that began after losing her mom—and still centers her today

CONNECT WITH JESSICA:

Website: www.jesscreatives.com

Instagram: @jesscreatives

Free Resource: How to Find Keywords for Your Website - https://jesscreatives.com/keywords/

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

In this week's pep talk, I am sharing how we’re using custom AI bots inside our programs to simplify office hours, streamline prep work, and help clients get faster, deeper results without overwhelming their schedules.

In today’s episode, I share:

• 02:30 – Why office hours often feel repetitive and how AI helps students show up more prepared
• 04:00 – The real reason we rebuilt Antisocial School using micro-topic bots
• 05:12 – How AI now handles the “prep work” so live calls can focus on strategy and deeper coaching
• 07:03 – What Layla the Layout Legend does and why clients get instant momentum with her
• 09:23 – The simple system for training each bot with curriculum, FAQs, examples, and voice
• 10:58 – How Betty the Blogger turns transcripts into SEO-friendly posts + carousel content
• 12:30 – Why bots must be integrated into the workflow—not offered as optional extras
• 14:41 – How Principal Paige creates a custom roadmap that eliminates overwhelm
• 17:21 – The ripple effect: more confidence, faster progress, and higher-level questions
• 19:32 – Your next step: identify one repetitive question and build your first bot around it

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

What if getting press didn’t require a huge budget—just the right strategy and the right story? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nicole Pearl, award-winning PR coach, journalist, and TV personality. With 25 years in media, Nicole reveals what actually makes a pitch land, how founders can stand out without overwhelm, and the right way to use AI so you sound human, not automated. 

We get into the mindset behind great pitching, how small business owners can stand out even without huge budgets, and the right way to use AI so you sound polished—not robotic. If you’ve ever wondered why your pitches fall flat, how to position your personal brand, or whether AI can actually help you get visible, this conversation is full of real talk and real strategy from someone who has seen it all.

Today you’ll hear:

• 02:55 – What “life-first business” looks like for Nicole as a mom of three and long-time media professional
• 03:16 – Why she blends journalism + PR coaching—and the moment she realized small business owners were getting left behind
• 03:43 – The real reason most founders struggle to get featured (and it has nothing to do with talent)
• 04:39 – What a journalist-first approach actually means—and why your “cool story” may not be the story that lands
• 05:10 – The phrases journalists instantly recognize as AI-generated (and why they’re such a turnoff)
• 05:33 – How media outlets now flag and blacklist AI-written pitches
• 06:23 – The biggest AI mistakes people make when pitching—and how to use it the right way
• 06:59 – How Nicole built her Media Matchmaker tool and why most founders don’t know where they actually belong in the press
• 07:54 – Using AI to find gift guides and niche placement opportunities
• 09:13 – How Nicole integrates AI into her workflow—including finding contacts (and the limitations you need to know)
• 10:56 – Why journalists never rely on AI for fact-checking (and neither should you)
• 11:31 – The most common red flags in pitches—and why founders get the “why me?” part totally wrong
• 12:42 – Why your personal brand is the key to standing out in the modern media landscape
• 13:36 – How to use AI to identify patterns in your own story so you can pitch more effectively
• 15:02 – The AI tools Nicole uses daily (including her own TV Pitch Writer bot)
• 17:19 – A super simple but powerful AI prompt for researching relevant outlets
• 19:05 – The biggest myth about being on TV—and why your goal should NOT be sales
• 20:52 – Why TV is a visibility play, not an advertising strategy
• 21:21 – The trend Nicole is loving in marketing right now: private podcasts

CONNECT WITH NICOLE:

Website: Nicolepearl.com

Instagram: @nicolepearlbeautygirl

Free Resource: AI Media Matchmaker https://nicolepearl.com/op/media-matchmaker/

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

In this week's pep talk, I am sharing how we’re using AI and real human support to help clients move faster without sacrificing connection. It’s the behind-the-scenes look at our hybrid model that’s restoring time—not replacing your role.

In today’s episode, I share:

• 02:30 – Why AI speeds things up but never replaces being seen and supported by real humans
• 03:41 – How I leaned into learning AI from scratch and built tools that reduce spinning and increase clarity
• 04:47 – The process of creating our custom GPTs and why they handle 60% of the heavy lifting
• 05:43 – How our hybrid model blends strategy, systems, and soul for deeper transformation
• 06:31 – What themed office hours look like and how AI drafts help members get more done with less prep
• 07:23 – Why 1:1 strategy calls still matter (and what AI can’t decide for you)
• 08:07 – How daily Slack accountability keeps clients moving with fast, personalized feedback
• 09:42 – The accountability systems we use to track progress without pressure
• 11:48 – Real client examples of using AI to plan faster, repurpose better, and sell more confidently
• 15:39 – The true magic: AI creating space for deeper community, connection, and support
• 16:50 – My final reflection on why “tech with a human touch” is the new standard for sustainable business growth

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

What if letting go isn’t just a business strategy, but the very thing that unlocks your next level of growth? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Nata Salvatori, leadership strategist, founder of Accidental CEO, and creator of the Delegation Playbook. Nata helps high-capacity entrepreneurs redesign how they lead so they can stop white-knuckling their businesses and finally build the support systems they deserve.

We talk about why most people think they’re delegating when they’re actually just task-dumping, the mindset shifts that make letting go possible, and the structure you need in place so your team can succeed without you controlling every detail. If you’ve ever said “It’s just easier if I do it myself,” this episode will completely reframe what delegation really requires from you.

If you’re ready to reclaim your time, your energy, and your role as a true CEO, this conversation will show you why delegation isn’t a luxury…it’s a leadership identity.

Today you’ll hear:

• 02:30 – What a “life-first business” means to Nata and how she aligns her calendar with her values
• 04:57 – The subtle signs she hit her capacity (and why resentment was the red flag she ignored)
• 06:10 – The grocery-store moment that revealed she could no longer do everything herself
• 07:06 – Why even “small business owners” still need support behind the scenes
• 08:29 – The biggest reason most entrepreneurs fail at delegating (hint: it’s NOT about tasks)
• 09:48 – The mindset shift about money and why waiting until you can “afford help” keeps you stuck
• 11:08 – What actually causes bad hiring experiences (and why it’s rarely the hire)
• 12:47 – How to properly audit your tasks so you know what to automate, eliminate, or delegate
• 13:52 – Why “just tell them what to do” never works — and how to create a real task brief
• 15:00 – The communication rhythms Nata recommends for smooth delegation
• 16:29 – How to give feedback without guilt — and why your team needs it
• 18:07 – Why values make delegation easier and healthier for everyone
• 20:53 – The message she wishes she could tell her earlier self about rest

CONNECT WITH NATA:

Website: HTTP://accidentalceo.co

Instagram: @accidentalceo.co

Free Download: The Delegation Playbook http://accidentalceo.co/deleg-playbook-freebie

Nata's Course: https://hollyhaynes--accidentalceo.thrivecart.com/delegate-course/

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

In this week's pep talk, I am sharing what I’ve learned from rebuilding the mastermind model into something more sustainable, more supportive, and far more effective — and how you can use the same framework to create programs that actually move people forward.

In today’s episode, I share:

• 02:30 – Why the mastermind model is broken (and what finally pushed me to evolve it)
• 02:47 – The difference between learning vs. doing — and why proximity alone doesn’t create results
• 03:05 – How the Collective Co-Op was built to help women scale smarter, not harder
• 03:27 – Why I stopped launching constantly and built a longer-term, implementation-first container
• 04:06 – The problem with idea overload — and why most people need accountability, not more content
• 05:32 – The rhythm entrepreneurs crave: seasons of focus, rest, and sustainable growth
• 06:16 – Why structure — not access — is what actually moves clients forward
• 07:02 – How our members get support from a full expert team (CFO, CMO, strategist, ops, and me)
• 07:32 – The SHIFT framework and how it creates rhythm, belonging, and real results
• 07:57 – S: See Them — personal onboarding, human connection, and feeling known
• 09:38 – H: Hold Space — how themed weekly office hours create predictability and safety
• 10:22 – How support is designed for every personality type (introvert, extrovert, analytical, creative)
• 11:05 – I: Integrate Tools — blending AI with human strategy for faster, smarter implementation
• 12:17 – Real examples of how our AI squad does 60% of the heavy lifting
• 12:37 – Why the remaining 40% (human support) is what creates true momentum
• 13:03 – F: Foster Growth — how real-time feedback loops improve the program continuously
• 13:44 – How alumni return to mentor, collaborate, and stay part of the community
• 14:12 – T: Track Progress — the weekly scorecard that changes everything
• 14:31 – The power of identifying one win each week to shift momentum
• 15:12 – Why growth is about rhythm, not sprinting — and how the framework creates breathing room
• 15:49 – How you can borrow this structure for your own programs right now
• 16:13 – The heart behind the co-op: a place where women grow sustainably and joyfully
• 16:42 – What’s coming in Part 2 of this behind-the-scenes series for next week

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

What if you could build a seven-figure business that supports your faith, family, and freedom—without relying on social media? Today's guest is Stefani Gass, Christian business coach, best-selling author, and host of the Online Business for Christian Women podcast. Stefani has built a thriving, seven-figure business through podcasting as her primary growth strategy—and she’s sharing exactly how she did it.

We unpack what it means to create a life-first business, how to build structure and systems that serve your values, and why podcasting might just be the most sustainable way to grow online today. Stefani opens up about her journey from corporate America to faith-based entrepreneurship, how she works only 20 hours a week, and why her success started with surrender.

If you’re ready to grow with purpose—and finally stop hustling for likes—this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and strategy to do it your way.

Today you’ll hear:

• 02:30 – What a life-first business means to Stefani (and how she keeps her priorities in order)
• 04:59 – How she structures her 20-hour workweek with theme days and Fridays off
• 06:52 – The makeup of her team and how she built it to support her goals
• 10:37 – The first hire she recommends for every business owner (and why documenting is key)
• 11:22 – How Stefani discovered podcasting through faith and divine timing
• 13:46 – Why she walked away from social media—and what happened next
• 15:01 – How her podcast went from zero to a seven-figure business in under two years
• 16:56 – The truth about “too much competition” in podcasting (and why most people quit)
• 18:36 – Her step-by-step podcast growth strategy: titles, SEO, and art that converts
• 21:48 – How she turns listeners into clients through genuine connection and email nurture
• 23:26 – Why downloads don’t equal revenue (and the real metric that matters)
• 25:20 – What she wishes she’d known before recording her first episode
• 26:26 – The power of micro-niches and keeping content simple and specific
• 27:30 – Favorite podcasts she’s loving (and how she avoids content overwhelm)
• 28:23 – How to join Stefani’s free Profitable Podcast Bootcamp for Crush the Rush listeners

CONNECT WITH STEFANIE:

Website: stefaniegass.com

Instagram: @stefaniegass

Join the Profitable Podcast Bootcamp FOR FREE with code HOLLY: https://stefaniegass.thrivecart.com/eg-profitable-podcast-bootcamp/?coupon=HOLLY

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

🌟 Join the Collective Co-Op Open → www.hollymariehaynes.com/openhouse

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

🔗 FREE RESOURCES:

https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme 

In this week’s pep talk, I am sharing what nine retreats and five years of running the Collective Co-Op have taught me about building a business that’s strategic and joyful. From soulful strategy to simplicity and community, these lessons prove that growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of your schedule—or your sanity.

In today’s episode, I share:

• 02:50 – Why growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of your schedule (and how I learned this the hard way)
• 05:00 – How pairing strategy with soul creates deeper, faster results that actually last
• 07:20 – The power of simplicity—and the question that helps you scale without burnout
• 09:50 – Why community changes everything and how connection fuels longevity
• 12:20 – How to make your business fit your life (not the other way around)
• 14:40 – Why fun is a legitimate business strategy—and the energy shift it creates
• 16:50 – My final reflection after nine retreats and five years: what it really means to build something that lasts

🔗 LINKS MENTIONED:

👉 Learn more about the Collective Co-Op → www.holllymariehaynes.com/coop

🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com

📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes

🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

🔗 FREE RESOURCES: https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme