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"You have to live out the change you want to see in the workplace. If you're not showing the next generation how it's done, it won’t change." - Larissa Mañón Mervin

In this episode, we talk with Larissa Mañón Mervin, a regional manager of Legal Aid of North Carolina. Larissa shares her experiences in nonprofit law, emphasizing the need for transparency, vulnerability, and a supportive workplace culture. Also the conversation highlights the significance of understanding team dynamics, fostering psychological safety, and the role of leaders in creating an environment where everyone can thrive. 

In this episode, listen for: 

• Leadership Philosophy: Larissa dives into her belief in authentic leadership, discussing how embracing your unique strengths and personality makes for better leadership. She credits her mentors and professional development opportunities for shaping her leadership style.
• Balancing Vulnerability and Authority: The conversation explores how leaders can be vulnerable and authentic with their team while maintaining their authority, and how this balance strengthens trust and collaboration.
• Empathetic Leadership: Drawing from her experience, Larissa shares how her background as a domestic violence attorney has shaped her empathetic leadership style. She discusses the importance of understanding team members’ challenges and experiences to create a supportive workplace.

Connect with Larissa Mañón Mervin: 

Website: www.legalaidnc.org

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

Email: [email protected]

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We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

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“At the end of the day, there’s so much value in being exactly who you are and honoring your gifts. The right opportunities will find you when you’re authentic to yourself." - Jess Rauls

In this episode, Jess Rauls shares her inspiring journey from corporate communications and marketing to becoming the owner of Gather Here, a thriving floral business. Jess started her career in the corporate world, but her love for flowers and creativity led her to pursue floristry as a side hustle. What began as small floral workshops in breweries and boutiques grew into a full-time venture, including wedding and event services, a mobile flower bar, and eventually a retail shop. Jess reflects on how her passion for flowers blossomed into something much bigger—a business focused on love, community, and service.

Key Takeaways:

• How Jess transitioned from corporate life to begin her small business. 
• Jess emphasizes that the heart of her business is not just selling flowers but "selling love"—creating an environment where people can fill their cups with joy and spread love to others.
• Community and connection have always been foundational to Jess’s business, from teaching workshops to running a retail space.
• She discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, including setbacks like losing major clients, and how staying grounded in her mission helps her turn frustrations into opportunities for growth.

Tune in for an uplifting conversation about pursuing your passion, embracing challenges, and staying true to your mission!

Connect with Jess Raul: 

Website: https://www.gatherflowerstudio.com/

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

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We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

“Astrology has had a huge impact on my own life. And so I have been bringing that into other people's lives for professional development, career development, team building, all the things business.” - Kelly Irene 

In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we chat with Kelly Irene, HR Director, speaker, and founder of Most True You, to explore a unique approach to personal and professional development. She brings the topic and education of astrology in the workplace and shares how it can help with team building, professional development and career growth. 

Kelly is on a mission to break the taboo around astrology in the workplace and shares how she's using it for team building, professional development, and career growth.

In this episode, listen for: 

• Astrology in Team Building: Kelly details how she uses astrology in a business setting to meet the unique needs of team members, increase trust, and foster a more collaborative and productive work environment.
• Personal & Professional Alignment: The connection between personal self-care and professional satisfaction, and how understanding your astrological chart can help balance the two.
• Practical Applications: While Kelly doesn't use astrology in interviews due to compliance issues, she shares how it's a powerful tool for ongoing employee development and coaching within the corporate world.

Highlights:

• Sara shares her own curiosity about astrology and how it plays a role in professional growth.
• Kelly explains the difference between sun, moon, and rising signs, and how each reveals unique aspects of one's personality, needs, and professional tendencies.
• Insights into how astrology helps create a personalized approach to team dynamics and how understanding these traits can improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Tune in to hear Kelly's inspiring perspective on how astrology can revolutionize the way you think about work, team dynamics, and self-care!

Connect with Kelly Irene:  

Website: https://mosttrueyou.com/speaker

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

Cosmic Confidence TV: https://www.etherealtv.net/channel/KellyIrene

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

"Sometimes people’s fears bubble up into things they say to keep you from failing, but failing is how you learn and grow." - Gresh Harkless

In this episode we're joined by Gresham "Gresh" Harkless Jr., the founder of CBNation, entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and podcast host. Gresh shares valuable insights into time management, productivity hacks, and the importance of leveraging both people and technology to fuel entrepreneurial success.

Gresh opens up about his early entrepreneurial journey, starting with a family newspaper he created at just 10 years old, which ignited his passion for business and creativity. As his story unfolds, he discusses the pivotal moments that led him to found his digital marketing company and how networking helped him open doors to new opportunities.

Key highlights include:

• Gresh’s Entrepreneurial Origin: Hear the fascinating story of how Gresh started a family newspaper at age 10, paving the way for his future business ventures.
• Time Management Hacks: Learn about the power of time blocking and how Gresh mastered this technique to juggle multiple roles and still thrive in his business.
• The Power of People & Technology: Gresh emphasizes how leveraging relationships, and technology can dramatically enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Practical Tools for Efficiency: From color-coded calendars to time tracking, Gresh offers actionable strategies and tips for entrepreneurs to manage their days effectively.
• The Role of Reflection: Gresh shares the importance of analyzing how time is spent and how awareness can lead to more optimized productivity.

Tune in to learn more about Time Management and Productivity with Gresh. 

Connect with Gresham Harkless: 

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

Website: https://iamgresh.com/ 

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

“I want you to come to me for additional value, not because you feel like you can't do it without me.” - Inbar Madar

In this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Inbar Madar, a seasoned business consultant with over a decade of corporate experience. Having held executive roles like Head of Brand and Global Sales, Inbar now focuses her expertise on helping small businesses grow and thrive. She shares how her journey in the corporate world led to discovering her passion for mentoring entrepreneurs, and how that inspired her to start her own consulting firm five years ago.

Key Highlights:

• From Corporate to Consulting: Inbar explains how her corporate experience, especially working with franchisers and wholesalers, ignited her desire to help small businesses succeed. Even though it wasn’t part of her role, she found herself mentoring business owners, eventually turning this passion into a consulting firm.
• Making an Impact: Inbar talks about her mission to create meaningful impact by helping small businesses implement strategies that lead to growth, profitability, and stability. She emphasizes that helping entrepreneurs succeed allows them to provide for their families and communities.
• Adapting to Change: Inbar shares the importance of adaptability in business, especially in the face of external challenges like economic downturns or global crises. She offers examples, such as Netflix's pivot during the 2008 recession and how one of her clients successfully adapted during COVID by moving yoga classes online.
• Education and Empowerment: Inbar is passionate about educating her clients so they can make informed decisions and not feel dependent on her. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying adaptable in a rapidly changing business environment, especially when it comes to marketing and social media.

Takeaways:

• Embrace change and look for opportunities even in challenging times.
• Continuous learning is essential to long-term business success.
• Don’t be afraid to seek outside perspective and mentorship to stay motivated and focused.

Tune in to hear more about Inbar’s journey, her tips for adapting in business, and how she empowers entrepreneurs to take their businesses to the next level.

Connect with Inbar Madar 

Website: https://mibusinessconsulting.com

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

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

"Self-awareness isn’t about fixing yourself overnight. It’s about small, consistent steps that lead to profound changes." – Abby Mallard

In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we talk with Abby Mallard, a nutritionist and food relationship coach specializing in eating disorder recovery. Abby shares her unique approach to achieving genuine work-life balance through the cultivation of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion.

Abby discusses her personal journey from battling an eating disorder to becoming a coach who helps others heal their relationships with food, their bodies, and their emotions. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional triggers that lead to unhealthy habits, and how this awareness can transform both personal and professional lives.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Awareness: Abby explains how self-awareness is foundational to healing and growth. She shares practical steps for clients to become more attuned to their emotional and physical responses, particularly in relation to food.
• Emotional Regulation: Abby offers techniques for managing emotions, including breath work and mindfulness practices. She highlights the importance of consistent practice, even on good days, to prepare for more challenging times.
• Support Systems: The conversation touches on the significance of having a supportive community, whether for entrepreneurial challenges or personal struggles. Dana, Sara, and Abby all share their experiences of finding and relying on supportive networks.
• Practical Tips: Abby introduces tools like the feelings wheel to help identify specific emotions and suggests the use of weighted blankets or breath work to calm the nervous system.

Connect With Abby Mallard:

Website: https://healthmyfriend.com/home

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

Resources Mentioned: 

Alpha Progression: alphaprogression.com/eepod 

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

“Don’t overthink it. Sometimes the simplest stories are the ones that resonate the most”

In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we discuss the art of email newsletters with special guest Sarah Dickinson, newsletter specialist and founder of The Nerdy Quill. We explore how to craft engaging newsletters through the power of storytelling, while avoiding the common pitfalls of sounding too "salesy."

What You'll Learn:

• Introduction to Newsletters: We discuss the importance of newsletters, repurposing content, and identifying your nurture sequence.
• The Power of Storytelling: Learn how storytelling transforms newsletters into engaging, personal content that connects with your audience.
• Being Authentic: Sarah shares how embracing her love of pop culture and personal stories (like her neurospicy kids and crazy cats) helped her grow her business by creating genuine connections with her audience.
• Overcoming the Overthinking Trap: Find out why being relatable, writing like you're talking to a friend, and not overcomplicating things is key to newsletter success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Just Start: The best time to launch a newsletter was yesterday! Get started and don’t overthink it.
2. Use Storytelling to Build Connections: Share stories about your life and experiences, just as you would with a friend. Your readers want to know the real person behind the business.
3. Brainstorm and Be Consistent: Make a list of important topics about your business and personal interests. Capture ideas as they come up, and use them as content for your newsletters.

This episode is packed with actionable tips and real-life examples to help you craft newsletters that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Sarah’s advice will inspire you to create newsletters that both you and your readers look forward to.

Connect with Sarah Dickinson:

• Visit The Nerdy Quill to learn more about Sarah’s services and get help creating newsletters that connect!

https://thenerdyquill.ca/

Tune in now and start building authentic connections with your audience through storytelling!

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

"Feeling overwhelmed can lead to neglecting our health, but small habits can make a big impact."

In this episode, Aimee shares her passion for guiding entrepreneurs toward healthier lifestyles, a journey that has fueled her for over 20 years. She delves into the importance of prioritizing health, especially for those with busy schedules, and how this mindset has helped her build lasting relationships with clients. Aimee walks us through her approach to personalized health plans, stressing the significance of creating sustainable habits that align with individual lifestyles. By weaving in her diverse experiences, she highlights how even small changes can lead to profound improvements in energy, vitality, and overall well-being.

We also dive into strategies like habit stacking and the role of regular reflection in maintaining healthy habits. Aimee emphasizes the power of incremental changes and encourages listeners to build belief in their ability to make larger shifts over time. We discuss practical tools, such as the Chronometer app, for tracking nutrition and ensuring proper intake of vitamins and minerals. Aimee’s insights will leave you inspired to take control of your health while managing the demands of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways: 

Prioritize Health with Sustainable Habits: Aimee emphasizes that for busy entrepreneurs, prioritizing health is crucial. Incorporating sustainable habits into your daily routine, such as habit stacking, can make maintaining a healthy lifestyle more manageable.

Start Small and Build Confidence: Begin with small, achievable changes to gradually build belief in your ability to make more significant lifestyle adjustments. This approach helps create lasting habits and supports overall well-being.

Utilize Tools for Tracking and Reflection: Regularly track your nutrition with apps like Chronometer to ensure you’re meeting your vitamin and mineral needs. Coupled with regular reflection, these practices can help you assess progress and adjust your health plan as needed.

Connect with Aimee Gallo

Website: https://vibrancenutrition.com

Podcast: https://blasphemousnutrition.buzzsprout.com/share

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

Cronometer Link: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1390137&u=897781&m=61121&urllink=&afftrack=

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

"Technical skills are important, but without communication, collaboration and confidence, your business might never get off the ground to the next level."

Asking questions is a great way to communicate. There may be times when something is urgent but how do you get that across? Also when it's time to understand your team, asking the right questions can help figure out what they're capable of, do they have the requirements to do the job. Because while working with clients, you want to turn around time that works well for everyone. 

In this episode, we talk with SAS Video Marketing co-founder and Legacy Building Mamas founder Evelyn. Evelyn discusses launching a business during maternity leave and the need of a solid team and systems. To connect with clients and understand their problem areas, she promotes genuineness, engagement, and empathy. Evelyn emphasizes active listening and probing questions to better understand and help clients. She advises early entrepreneurs to create relationships and change their offers based on client feedback.

Takeaways to listen for: 

• Building a business with a focus on freedom and family is possible by investing in a team and establishing strong systems and processes.
• Communication, authenticity, and empathy are essential soft skills for entrepreneurs.
• Engaging in Facebook groups and fostering genuine connections can help entrepreneurs find and build a supportive community.

Connect with Evelyn Lopez Delon

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legacybuildingmamas

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show

Send us a text

"Who wants to talk to a robot? No one. So, I mean, PR people, you expect them to be nice and chatty. So especially in what I do, I feel like you really should not be a robot." - Debra Locker Griffin

As an entrepreneur, there is persistence and adaptability that will be shown. Dealing with rejection can set you back but there's a way to get away from that. Despite the setbacks, you can take those as learning opportunities by showing persistence. Not everything is one size fits all, not everything you do is going to stay the same. 

In this episode, we have a conversation with Debra Locker Griffin, owner of a boutique public relations business specialized in lifestyle, beauty, spa, travel, and wellness. She discusses her transition from journalism to PR and the significance of tailored business communication. 

Takeaways to listen for: 

• Generational Differences in Communication: There are many ways to communicate but it is knowing what is best for who you're communicating with along with having proper etiquette. 
• Soft Skills and Email Etiquette: Debra emphasizes the significance of soft skills in professional communication, offering advice on maintaining a warm tone in emails and the significance of a thoughtful closing.
• Handling Rejection: Debra's approach to refining pitches and maintaining relationships despite initial rejections is a valuable strategy for dealing with rejection in PR and other industries.

Connect with Debra Locker Griffin: 

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

Website: https://debralockergroup.com/

_______

We’re Dana Johnson and Sara Lowell hosts of Entrepreneur Encounter, a growing and thriving entrepreneur podcast dedicated to soft skills development and we’re so grateful you found us. We started this podcast to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you feel more empowered, thrive, and be fulfilled as you reach your entrepreneur goals. 

We interview experts and thought leaders so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of yourself you’ve never seen before. 

Click the Subscribe button to help us spread the love with Entrepreneur Encounter.

--

Enroll in The Entrepreneur Encounter Circle to improve your life, connect with a supportive community, and find confidence in your entrepreneur journey: https://tinyurl.com/EECircle

Support the show