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From spreadsheets and Facebook ads to storytelling, studios, and a top-ranked business podcast.

In this special studio-recorded episode, Maggie sits down with her mentee, Alexander Whitfield, founder of Whitmedia Studios in Oshawa (Greater Toronto Area), ON, Canada, and co-host of the Hustle Over Everything podcast.

Alex shares how he went from running Facebook ads and staring at spreadsheets all day in corporate marketing… to building a purpose-driven media studio and a top-ranked business podcast that’s hit #1 in Jamaica and top 20 in Canada.

In this conversation, Maggie and Alex talk about:

• How a simple student project and curiosity about entrepreneurship evolved into a full podcast and then a studio
• The childhood “massage hustle” that hinted Alex was always meant to be an entrepreneur
• Why he walked away from corporate roles where his value felt tied only to performance metrics
• How podcasting lets him hear real stories, serve entrepreneurs, and “reward his inner child”
• The role mentorship played in uncovering blind spots, systems, and stronger foundations
• The fine balance between short-term “band-aid” fixes and long-term strategic solutions in business
• Practical tips for starting a podcast and then leveling it up with video, YouTube, and smart promotion
• His bigger vision for Whitmedia Studios, education, and workshops in storytelling, public speaking, and community building

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to build a business that feels meaningful, creative, and sustainable—not just profitable—this episode will inspire you to choose purpose over paycheque and design work that truly fits you.

Resources & Links

• Whitmedia Studios (Oshawa) – Podcast & media studio founded by Alex
• Hustle Over Everything Podcast – Alex’s entrepreneurship & culture podcast
• Connect with Alex on Instagram: @247hustler
• Book a complimentary consultation with Maggie - https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction & recording in a professional studio
• 00:40 – Meet Alex: founder of Whim Media Studios & Hustle Over Everything
• 01:20 – How a student project evolved into a podcast and then a studio
• 02:20 – Childhood “massage hustle” and early signs of entrepreneurship
• 03:30 – Maggie’s daughter’s nail business and TikTok success
• 04:00 – Why Alex left corporate marketing and Facebook ads
• 05:00 – Feeling disposable in corporate and craving purpose
• 06:00 – Maggie’s burnout story and losing her sense of purpose
• 08:00 – The beauty (and difficulty) of building your own business
• 09:00 – How mentorship supports entrepreneurs and reveals blind spots
• 11:00 – Maggie’s framework: when to fix problems now vs. later
• 13:00 – The origin story of Hustle Over Everything podcast
• 14:00 – Breakthrough moments: David Mullings, Jamaica, and Paul Brunson
• 16:00 – Posting daily: the challenge of a podcast-a-day for a month
• 16:30 – Advice for starting a podcast from scratch
• 18:00 – How to level up an existing podcast with video & YouTube
• 19:00 – Working with platform editors and podcast promotion
• 20:00 – Alex’s bigger vision for Whim Media Studios & workshops
• 21:00 – Upcoming workshop on public speaking, storytelling & community
• 21:40 – Where to find and follow Alex online
• 22:00 – Closing and thank you

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Are you working hard but not seeing the revenue growth you expected? You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table without even realizing it.

In this week's Maggie's Moment, I'm breaking down three money leaks I see all the time:

1️⃣ Not pausing to reflect monthly (and missing revenue recovery opportunities)

2️⃣ Chasing shiny objects instead of doubling down on what works

3️⃣ Poor billing and invoicing processes (I share a $15K near-miss story) 

These aren't about getting more clients—they're about capturing the money you're already earning and optimizing what's already working.

Your action steps:

✓ Block 30 minutes to reflect on last month

✓ Audit your billing process

✓ Stop chasing shiny objects and double down on what works 

Ready to stop leaving money on the table? Book a complimentary consultation at https://stairwaytoleadership.com

money leaks, business revenue, profit optimization, billing processes, business reflection, revenue growth, small business tips, entrepreneur advice, business systems, cash flow management, service-based business, business coaching, scaling strategies, revenue recovery

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One of the top reasons businesses fail? Growing too fast without the right infrastructure.

In this final episode of our three-part scaling series, I'm breaking down Pillar 3: Systems & Scale Infrastructure—the operational systems, financial clarity, time management strategies, and team building approach you need to scale sustainably.

You'll learn about:

• Building operational systems that deliver consistent quality
• Understanding your finances
• Design your CEO schedule and know when to hire
• Create a high-performing team culture
• Build a business that runs without you

I also share my personal burnout story and the "Swiss clock team" I built that operated seamlessly—giving me the freedom to leave corporate and go full-time in my business eventually.

The result? A sellable business that scales without burning you out.

Book a complimentary consultation at stairwaytoleadership.com

Key Takeaways

1. Sustainable growth beats fast growth - Scaling too quickly without infrastructure can destroy your business
2. Three components of scale infrastructure - Operations, financials, and team/time management
3. Revenue ≠ Profit - Track your profit margins, cash flow, and break-even point
4. Document everything - SOPs, client journey maps, and continuous improvement processes
5. Hire strategically - Know when you're too busy, optimize first, then hire
6. Build team culture - Mission, values, and vision should be felt daily, not just written
7. Design your CEO time - Reduce client-facing hours, focus on high-impact activities
8. The compound effect - Small, strategic weekly steps create massive transformation
9. Business that runs without you - The ultimate goal for freedom and sellability
10. Peace of mind matters - Financial clarity + capable team = less stress and anxiety

Timestamps (Optional - Add if Desired)

• 00:00 - Introduction & Series Recap
• 01:00 - Why Fast Growth Can Kill Your Business
• 03:00 - Pillar 3: Systems & Scale Infrastructure Overview
• 06:00 - My Personal Burnout Story
• 07:00 - Operational Systems: Client Journey & SOPs
• 10:00 - KPIs That Matter
• 12:00 - Financial Systems: Beyond Revenue to Profit
• 16:00 - Time Management & When to Hire
• 20:00 - Team Building, Delegation & Leadership
• 24:00 - Energy Management & Work-Life Boundaries
• 28:00 - The Swiss Clock Team Story
• 31:00 - What High Performance Looks Like
• 34:00 - Final Thoughts & Next Week's Preview

Resources Mentioned

• Episode 225: The Three Pillars Every Service Business Needs to Scale to Six Figures and Beyond
• Episode 226: From Feast or Famine to Predictable Revenue: The Client Acquisition Engine
• Book a Complimentary Consultation: htts://stairwaytoleadership.com

Connect with Maggie

Website: https://stairwaytoleadership.com

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In honor of Remembrance Day, Maggie shares the story of her maternal grandfather—a WWII veteran who fought in the Polish clandestine army and spent his retirement as a servant leader in local government. His legacy inspires her to ask: What are you fighting for in your business?

In this week's Maggie's Moment, discover why knowing what you stand for is the foundation of your brand and the key to creating loyal customers who come back again and again.

In This Episode:

• The difference between satisfied customers and loyal customers
• Why emotional connection is your competitive advantage
• How to create an experience that builds brand loyalty
• Your challenge: Get clear on what you're fighting for as the new year approaches

Connect with Maggie:

• Website: https://stairwaytoleadership.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggie.perotin.s2l/
• LinkedIn: https://www.youtube.com/@maggie.perotin.s2l

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Stop the feast or famine cycle! Learn how to build a Client Acquisition Engine that delivers consistent, predictable leads and revenue. Maggie breaks down the exact system for strategic partnerships (80%+ conversion!), optimized marketing, and a sales process that converts 50-60%+ of leads into paying clients.

You'll Learn:

• How to get consistent, warm referrals every month
• When to use organic marketing vs. paid advertising
• How to optimize your sales process to stop losing leads
• Why you need to become a "scientist CEO" for predictable growth

Part 2 of 3 in the Business Scaling Series.

Connect: https://stairwaytoleadership.com

TIMESTAMPS (Optional - if you want to add chapters)

00:00 - Welcome & Series Overview 

01:00 - What is a Client Acquisition Engine? 

02:00 - Why Predictable Leads Matter 

03:00 - The Two Pillars: Marketing & Sales 

04:00 - Organic Marketing vs. Paid Advertising 

06:00 - When to Start Paid Advertising 

07:00 - Strategic Partnerships: The Game Changer 

09:00 - Jennifer's Success Story (80%+ Conversions) 

11:00 - Optimizing Your Marketing Channels 

12:00 - Building a Strong Sales Process 

14:00 - How to Improve Your Conversion Rates 

16:00 - Benefits of a Client Acquisition Engine 

18:00 - Stop Feast or Famine Forever 

20:00 - Assessment: Where Are Your Opportunities? 

21:00 - Next Steps & Free Consultation

KEYWORDS/TAGS

Client acquisition, predictable revenue, business scaling, strategic partnerships, sales process, conversion rates, organic marketing, paid advertising, lead generation, feast or famine, business growth, service-based business, marketing system, sales funnel, referral partners, business coaching, entrepreneurship, small business, revenue growth, marketing strategy

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Most business owners set goals in January... and abandon them by February. Why? Because they're missing the critical second step of strategic planning.

In this week's Maggie's Moment, I'm sharing my two-part approach to annual planning that ensures your goals don't just sound good—they actually happen.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why most annual planning approaches are completely backwards 

• The two essential components of strategic planning that actually works 

• The part most people miss: breaking strategy into daily actions 

• How to create a roadmap that keeps you focused all year long 

• Why having structure means you're not just busy—you're moving forward

Plus, I'm inviting you to join me for Design Your Success 2026—a complimentary 2-day virtual planning event where we'll create your strategic vision AND your actionable roadmap together.

Event Dates: • November 18-19, 2025 | 2:00-5:00 PM EST or

• December 10-11, 2025 | 1:00-4:00 PM EST

Ready to make 2026 different? Email [email protected] with your preferred dates.

Resources Mentioned: 

• Design Your Success 2026 Event

• Email [email protected] 

• Website: https://stairwaytoleadership.com

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Want to know exactly what it takes to scale a service business from early five figures to multiple six figures and beyond?

Over the next three episodes, I'm breaking down my T.O.P. CEO Formula - the exact three-pillar framework I use to help my clients scale their businesses sustainably without burnout or overwhelm.

This isn't about one magic strategy or quick fix. It's about understanding the holistic approach every scaling business needs - and identifying where you might have gaps.

In this episode, I'm introducing all three pillars and diving deeper into Pillar 1:

The Three Pillars Overview:

1. Profitable Positioning Framework - The foundation (mindset + strategic clarity)
2. Strategic Client Acquisition System - Your predictable client engine
3. Systems & Scale Structure - Operational foundations that let you grow without working more hours

Pillar 1: Profitable Positioning Framework (Deep Dive)

This is where we transition you from overwhelmed freelancer (stuck serving everyone, undercharging, working IN your business) to confident CEO (crystal clear on your direction, niche, ideal clients, and premium pricing).

What we cover:

• Why mindset work is the foundation of everything (and why it's ongoing, not one-and-done)
• How to analyze your past client data to identify your most profitable, fulfilling clients
• The strategic approach to pricing that builds in profit margins, overhead, team growth, and CEO pay
• Auditing your current offerings to eliminate what's spreading you thin
• Quick wins in your current marketing and sales practices

The CEO Mindset Shift:

Most entrepreneurs don't think of themselves as leaders. But I believe we're all leaders - starting with leading our own lives intentionally.

The 5 core aspects of the entrepreneurial CEO mindset:

1. Ownership - You're responsible for short-term and long-term success (no victimhood or blaming circumstances)
2. Value Creation - Focus on solving client problems and optimizing your business efficiency
3. Challenges as Opportunities - Every challenge is a chance to learn and get stronger
4. Openness to Change & Innovation - Stay curious, learn from experts, validate ideas strategically, combine data with intuition
5. Sustainable Growth - Take calculated risks, make strategic investments, build resilience

The Steve Jobs Truth:
"I'm convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from non-successful ones is pure perseverance."

Your success starts with building personal resilience - developing self-awareness, maintaining your mental and physical wellbeing, and understanding that you are your business's biggest asset.

What's Next:
In the next two episodes, I'll dive deeper into Pillar 2 (Strategic Client Acquisition System) and Pillar 3 (Systems & Scale Structure) so you can see the complete picture of what it takes to scale sustainably.

Use this series to identify where you have gaps and what you need to focus on in 2026.

Ready to scale your service business with personalized support?

I offer complimentary consultations to help you identify exactly what your business needs to reach the next level. Book yours at https://stairwaytoleadership.com/

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series on the T.O.P. CEO Formula. Stay tuned for the next two episodes!

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How do you grow your business long-term when your schedule is already packed with urgent, important work?

This is something I frequently coach my clients on. And right now, I'm living it myself - implementing a new strategy for 2026 while juggling client coaching, onboarding, speaking engagements, and everything else that keeps my business running.

So how am I making it happen?

Three things: Clarity. Belief. Habits.

In today's Maggie's Moment, I'm sharing the exact framework I use (and teach my clients) to make consistent progress on non-urgent but critical strategies - even when your schedule feels impossibly full.

Because here's the truth: the strategies that will transform your business are never urgent. But they're the difference between staying where you are and reaching the next level.

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Recession fears. Economic uncertainty. Tariffs. Interest rates. It's been a stressful year for small business owners, and you might be worried about what 2026 will bring.

But here's what I learned this week at a Small Business Week event with the Chief Economist from BDC: 2026 won't be as bad as you think.

Yes, we'll see slower growth. But growth nonetheless - not recession. And as a small business owner, you have way more control over your success than you realize.

In this episode, I'm breaking down the economic outlook for 2026 (both Canada and the US), what it actually means for small businesses, and most importantly - what you can do right now to ensure your business thrives regardless of what the economy does.

What we cover:

• The real economic outlook for 2026 (hint: it's not doom and gloom)
• Why consumer spending will continue and what that means for service-based businesses
• The areas you can actually control in your business: productivity, costs, customer experience, and sales
• Why AI might be your secret weapon for 2026
• The hard truth about sales: why YOU need to be doing it (and when you can finally delegate)
• The Million Dollar Baby (actually movie title is "Joy" :)) lesson every business owner needs to hear

The Bottom Line:
You can't blame the economy for slow sales when you're doing nothing to bring clients in. People are still spending, but they're being more cautious. Your job is to show them why you're worth it.

Stop waiting. Start planning. Make 2026 your best year yet.

Ready to Plan Your Best 2026?

I'm hosting two complimentary Strategic Planning Events in November and December to help you create a clear, actionable plan for 2026. Spaces are limited.

Email me at [email protected] to secure your spot.

Want personalized help growing your business? Book a complimentary consultation at https://www.stairwaytoleadership.com/

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Entrepreneurs never lack ideas. The challenge? Actually implementing them.

If you're busy running your business day-to-day and struggling to turn your brilliant ideas into action, today's Maggie's Moment is for you.

I'm sharing three simple questions that will help you prioritize which ideas to implement first - and the one critical step that ensures they actually happen.

Stop collecting ideas. Start implementing the right ones.