Employee To Boss: Entrepreneurship, Side Hustles, and Business Growth Tips from Experts

What if the thing keeping you “busy” isn’t actually your workload… but your grip on control? In today’s episode, Gina Cotner breaks down what it really takes to shift from doing everything yourself to building a business that can run without you.

Gina is the founder of Athena Executive Services, a virtual executive assistant agency built for busy, successful business owners who need high-level support without hiring a full-time 40-hour/week assistant. We talk through her long road from corporate to entrepreneurship, back to employment, and finally to building a true agency—with a team of around 20 and a million-dollar year. If you’re a business owner who knows you should delegate but feels stuck in the “it’s faster if I do it myself” loop, this conversation will give you a new way to think about control, feedback, and the real job of being the boss.

 In this episode:

• why delegation is an investment in who you want to be six months from now
• how to stop building a business that relies on your personality to sell
• the “Maui invoices” moment that pushes most owners to finally let go
• why turning tasks over forces you to clean up your processes
• how to “inspect, not just expect” without micromanaging
• what it means to give feedback on performance without making it personal
• the mindset shift from employee to CEO when there is no manual
• why leaders aren’t paid to do tasks—they’re paid to think
• how a business can evolve into something that runs with you working 10 hours a week
• why you can’t wait to feel inspired to take action

Connect with Gina:

Website: https://www.athenaexecutiveservices.com/

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

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

Books mentioned: Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if building your business wasn’t about doing more, but about being more intentional with the people already around you?

In this episode of Employee to Boss, I’m joined by Faith Morris, an operations strategist and community builder who helps entrepreneurs scale sustainably by rethinking how they build teams, partnerships, and networks. We talk about her journey from employee to boss, rebuilding confidence after career rejection, and why intentional relationships, not more platforms, are often the missing piece in business growth.

Faith and I are both members of The Entreprenista League, a business and community membership where founders like you can access top-tier resources, media opportunities, and a community that will be there to support you as you grow your business. Join here: https://refer.entreprenista.com/2bvagj2con4u

In this episode:

why relationships are a form of business infrastructure

how rejection can become a catalyst for entrepreneurship

what it really means to build community intentionally

why consistency beats visibility every time

how to turn connections into long-term strategic partnerships

the difference between networking more and networking smarter

why personal brand matters even if you didn’t plan on building one

how to avoid burnout by simplifying where and how you show up

Connect with Faith:

Efficiency Circle: https://www.faithemorris.com/efficiency-circle?fbclid=PAVERFWAQHK8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeoLYFm0o-Mqgvy-QKOWGjnmH4JowycH3bE-JdNfXhWaolau84D6WmuKnN1jA_aem_bamqvrJQWP_beZFVNS4UBQ

Follow Faith on Threads and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remote.ops.partner/

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

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Curiosity can be a business strategy when you know how to use it.

In this episode I sit down with Liz Galloway, a media and PR expert whose career spans wellness, luxury travel, global events, and broadcasting. Liz shares how her non-linear path from training in high-end wellness spaces overseas to running large-scale media projects became the foundation for a portfolio career rooted in storytelling and relationships.

The conversation also dives into organizing TEDx Belltown Women, what makes a pitch stand out, and why most people miss opportunities by not tailoring their story. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by PR, pitching, or visibility, this episode gives you a grounded, actionable starting point.

This episode is for business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their authority, collaborate strategically, and stop overthinking their next move.

In this episode:

• Curiosity and skill-stacking can create a powerful portfolio career
• Strong storytelling starts with listening, not talking
• Podcast interviews are one of the best entry points into PR
• Short, customized pitches outperform mass outreach
• Visibility works best when rooted in relationships and strategy

Connect with Liz:

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

Website: https://brandsanitymedia.co

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Apply to work with us: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/6521a4cc8fdeed003a859a44

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/checklist

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

My favorite podcast tool, Descript: https://www.descript.com/?lmref=KkInCQ

Sign up to be on my email newsletter for weekly podcast tips, tricks and exclusive offers: https://espressopodcastproduction.kit.com/1501c2e46f

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com

What if the “hustle” you’re proud of is actually burning you out? In this conversation, we’re unpacking what entrepreneurial burnout really looks like—and how to build a business that doesn’t cost you your health, relationships, or sanity.

Arika is a leadership coach and former corporate leader who helps high-achieving professionals and founders spot burnout early and reset in sustainable ways. In this episode, we talk about why so many entrepreneurs normalize exhaustion as “just a season,” the beliefs that quietly fuel burnout (even when you love your work), and simple, doable ways to protect your energy—especially as you reflect on this past year and plan for 2026 and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• what burnout actually is for entrepreneurs (beyond just feeling tired)

• the subtle mindset traps that keep you saying yes when you’re already at capacity

• how to tell the difference between normal stress and a brewing burnout crash

• simple daily reset practices to manage your energy (not just your time)

Connect with Arika: https://www.arika-allen.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:
Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠
Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/
Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com
Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if your next “big business move” isn’t a new offer or a rebrand… but a book with your name on the cover? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to finally get that book idea out of your head and into the hands of your future clients.

Katrina Sawa is a business and marketing coach turned self-publishing expert who has written or contributed to 22+ books and helps entrepreneurs use books as real business assets—not just vanity projects. We talk about how to decide what your first book should be about, the difference between a story book and a system book, why compilation books can be a smart first step, and how to think about ROI so you’re not writing a book instead of paying your bills. If “write a book” is on your vision board, this episode will help you move from dreaming to actually doing.

In this episode:

• why knowing why you want to write a book matters more than having the “perfect” idea

• the difference between a story driven book and a system based book

• how to treat your book like a business asset and lead generator, not just a product

• why compilation books can be a low lift way to become a published author

• real talk on costs, timelines, and when it’s not the right time to write a book

• how to use AI ethically for brainstorming without letting it write your whole book

  
  

Connect with Katrina: https://jumpstartpublishing.net

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:
Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠
Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espressopodcastproduction/
Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com
Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

What if you could lower stress, boost creativity, and show up for your business—just by laughing on purpose? In this episode, we explore Laughter Yoga and EFT tapping as practical tools to move through fear, visibility blocks, and burnout.

Today I’m joined by Toni, the founder of Your Smiling Soul, a Laughter Yoga leader and certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) practitioner. We talk about his journey from software consultant to “joy maker,” how surviving cancer reshaped his life’s work, and why adults need play more than ever. You’ll hear a quick Laughter Yoga demo (yes, we laugh together!) and a simple EFT sequence you can use to breathe deeper, calm your nervous system, and finally take action in your business.

 Key Takeaways

• “fake” laughter becomes real fast thanks to mirror neurons
• why Laughter Yoga is breathwork + play, not poses
• benefits entrepreneurs notice first: lower cortisol, better focus, easier visibility
• EFT tapping to rewire fear loops around pricing, video, and podcasting
• how to stack joyful micro-habits (1-minute laugh timers, desk toys, playful breaks)
• a 5-minute laughter break ≈ a 20-minute regular break for productivity
• the four elements of joy Tony teaches: singing, dancing, playing, laughing
• three action steps: smile before you open your eyes, skip a few steps to spark joy, laugh for world peace for one minute

Connect with Toni: https://yoursmilingsoul.com

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

 Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

How many times have you caught yourself saying, “That’s expensive,” or “I’ll feel safe when I make more money”? Those little thoughts are the reason so many entrepreneurs stay stuck at their current income level. Today’s guest, Jillian Minter, is living proof that you don’t have to be a broke entrepreneur—and that changing how you think about money can completely change how you make it.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jillian Minter, a Seattle-based business and money coach who went from owning a struggling Pilates studio in Las Vegas to selling it for full price, running a multi–seven-figure business in Seattle, and now helping women scale their online income through mindset and manifestation.

We talk about breaking free from the “broke entrepreneur” identity, how to use small daily mindset shifts to create big results, and why taking one small future-you action—like joining a wine club—can change your business more than any new strategy ever could.

In this episode:

• The wild Vegas to Seattle story of how Jillian and I met

• From employee to boss to employee to boss again — and why that’s not “backwards”

• What keeps most entrepreneurs broke (and how to spot it in your language)

• Why mindset matters more than the “perfect” business strategy

• How Jillian sold her Pilates studio for full asking price through mindset work

• My wine-club story — and how acting like your future self changes everything

• Simple daily practices to stay grounded in your revenue goals

• Going all-in on business and the freedom that comes from trusting yourself

  
  

  Connect with Jillian: https://www.jillianminter.com/links/

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

  
  

  Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

  Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

  Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

  Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

  Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

  Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

  
  

What if something as simple as a balloon could change your life?
This week I sit down with Mia Hamza from Balloon Thrill, a former teacher from Kosovo who turned her creative spark into a thriving six-figure event décor and education business—all in just a few years after moving to the U.S.

Mia shares how she went from teaching English and hosting a TV show overseas to starting from zero in a new country—no money, no car, and no clear direction—and building a business that now empowers others around the world.

In this episode:

• How to start a business with little to no capital (and why small ideas can grow into big ones)

• Why mindset is the real difference between “just balloons” and a six-figure brand

• The value of mentorship and online learning when scaling a creative business

• How Mia transitioned from in-person décor to online education with hundreds of global students

• Why balloon décor is one of the most flexible, family-friendly, and profitable creative businesses today

Action Steps:

1. Take the first step — If you’ve been thinking about something for too long, do it within 24 hours.

2. Go all in — Once you commit, give it your full energy instead of starting small out of fear.

3. Learn from others — Find mentors or peers already succeeding in your field and model what works.

   
   

   Connect with Mia:

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

   Online Balloon Masterclass: https://www.thrillmakersmasterclass.com/start-1?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacMwuZyk64vY0BxWsZAZnmBxJgpj3W9Y4KybTHbyqYME6DkGgda_tzEjCAkyA_aem_zXQeTrJ2Ogr6vIQBTCHXyQ

   
   

   Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

   Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

   Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

   Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

   Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

   Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

When you feel restless in your career, do you listen—or do you push through?

Rachel Kerr listened. Even when she didn’t have a clear plan. That inner restlessness led her to create The Beauty Boost, a women's empowerment and wellness community that now operates in over 30 cities across the U.S.

In this episode Rachel shares how she went from burned-out employee to full-time entrepreneur, how she built community before she had an audience, and how she scaled her business slowly, intentionally, and without losing her values. If you’ve ever felt unsure of your next step, this conversation will remind you that clarity often comes after the leap, not before it.

In this episode:

• Why Rachel left the corporate world before she even knew what she wanted
• How she tested and evolved her business model over time (spoiler: it didn’t involve a brick-and-mortar)
• The biggest lessons from scaling to 30 cities and managing a team of local leaders
• Why mindset matters more than business skills when you're just starting out
• The role of community, mentorship, and coaching in building something that lasts

 Action Steps:

1. Define your ideal day. Before focusing on what business to start, get clear on how you want to live.
2. Surround yourself with expanders. Seek out people who are already doing what you want to do—even if it’s just through podcasts or books.
3. Invest in your self-growth. Choose a few voices to go deep with this year and prioritize consistent development over passive consumption.

Connect with Beauty Boost:

Learn more about The Beauty Boost: thebeautyboost.net

Bring The Beauty Boost to your city: https://www.thebeautyboost.net/start-a-city

Connect with me, Hayleigh Hayhurst:

Steal my Podcast Launch Checklist for free: ⁠https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/⁠checklist⁠

Website: https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EspressoPodcastProduction

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

Music: John Kiernan. www.johnkiernanmusic.com

Produced by Espresso Podcast Production:  https://www.espressopodcastproduction.com/

Join the Conversation: What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts and key takeaways with me on social media using the hashtag #EmployeeToBoss. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your network.

Today’s episode is a little different—because we’re celebrating a major milestone… Espresso Podcast Production turns 5 years old!

What started as a college podcast project (shoutout Wrestling Winedown) turned into a full-time business that’s helped hundreds of creators launch, grow, and amplify their voices through podcasting. And today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my journey—from being a shy student to a top 3% podcaster and founder.

In this honest, unscripted solo episode, I’m reflecting on:

• How I accidentally started my business

• The evolution from VA to podcast strategist

• The mindset and mentorship that made it possible

• Why community and connection are the realROI

• The power of investing in yourself

• Why we need to celebrate our wins more often

• How podcasting is one of the best networking tools

🎂 Here’s to 5 years—and many more to come.
Thanks for being a part of it.

People & Coaches Mentioned: