Good Ideas + Bad Decisions

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Tracy Candido, owner of Wavemaker Coaching and the newly launched podcast 'Hidden Parts.' Together, they highlight the unique struggles and strengths of creative minds and how executive and transformational coaching can help these individuals unlock their full potential. Tracy shares her powerful method of parts work, an approach that addresses the inner voices and mental chatter holding us back. Brimming with warmth, humor, and insightful anecdotes, this conversation is a must-listen for those looking to embrace their creativity and rewire their minds for success. Tune in to hear about Tracy's journey, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical tips on accepting and fostering creativity.

Tracy is the Owner of Wavemaker Coaching - She helps her clients - builders, innovators and creative leaders - craft sustainable careers and lives by aligning their work with their values, embracing their inner wisdom, and taking intentional steps toward what truly matters. She is also the host of the 'Hidden Parts,' a podcast about your mental chatter: the inner voices that shape how you live, work and lead.

The books mentioned in this episode are:

No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz

Wired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman, Carolyn Gregoire

Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions

01:12 Meet Our Guest: Tracy Candido

02:29 The Creative Mindset

06:13 Embracing Creativity in Children

21:14 Overcoming the Fear of Failure

30:42 Building New Neural Pathways

31:20 Personal Experience with EMDR

31:58 The Importance of Self-Compassion

32:35 Using Reminders for Positive Change

33:31 Client Engagement and Coaching Journey

34:02 Transition to Transformational Coaching

34:59 Developing a Coaching Business

43:16 Creating the Hidden Parts Podcast

52:22 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Welcome to another delightful mini episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat', part of their 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions' podcast! In this lively session, Ellen and Kat dive into their personal daily rituals and business ins-and-outs. They share laughter over quirky breakfast habits, cute kid anecdotes, and the ubiquitous challenge of task management. Tune in to hear Ellen rave about her high-protein breakfast bowl obsession, Kat's nostalgic memories, and both of their takes on setting healthy boundaries in client work. They also tackle a listener's question about their preferred project management tools, discussing their experiences with software like Notion, Trello, Asana, and others, and emphasize the importance of finding what works best for individual business needs. It's a fun, insightful chat sprinkled with personal stories, laughter, and practical advice.

Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!

⁠⁠Business Question Link

In this insightful episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat sit down with Bekah Burns, the owner of Rebekah Burns Coaching. Bekah shares her journey from working in the wine industry to becoming a certified Life Coach. The discussion delves into the importance of listening to one's body, adapting to change, and the influence of holistic health on overall well-being. Bekah introduces her new course, 'ReWilding You,' aimed at helping individuals navigate uncertainty and grow through personal and professional challenges. The conversation is filled with wisdom, laughs, and practical advice for anyone looking to find balance and direction in their entrepreneurial journey.

Bekah Burns is the Owner of  ⁠Rebekah Burns Coaching. She loves working with those who are ready to move beyond their current patterns, but don’t know where to turn next through 1:1 coaching and self-guided courses. Find her on Instagram @bekah.burns.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 

01:10 Meet Our Guest: Bekah, Owner of Rebekah Burns Coaching

02:18 Bekah's Journey from Wine to Coaching 

05:35 The Importance of Listening to Your Body 

11:09 Challenges and Changes in Life and Business 

19:24 The Coaching Process and Client Experiences 

24:19 Embracing Nature in Our Lives 

24:54 The Healing Power of Forests 

26:00 Launching a New Course 

27:23 Rewilding: A Roadmap for Uncertainty 

29:48 Creating a Self-Paced Course 

31:36 Challenges and Evolution in Course Development 

34:13 Tips for Aspiring Course Creators 

39:51 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat dive into personal updates and professional reflections. Kat shares exciting news about an upcoming move to a dream house she manifested, complete with vintage charm and ample space for both her and her partner's needs. The hosts also engage in a candid discussion about the lessons they've learned through their entrepreneurial journeys. Topics include the importance of aligning personal and company values, staying authentic, and learning to say no to clients that don't fit. They emphasize the significance of balancing joy with financial needs and continually navigating the challenges of client relationships. The episode wraps up with Ellen and Kat contemplating the idea of creating 'Pod Small' merchandise, adding a playful touch to their insightful conversation.

Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!

⁠Business Question Link

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' host Ellen flies solo as Kat is out sick but joining in spirit. Ellen welcomes Chedva, lovingly known as Vivi, the CEO and founder of a consultancy, Consider. Vivi dives into her story of transitioning from her Orthodox Jewish upbringing to becoming a transformative entrepreneur. She discusses her ventures from running a marketing agency to establishing a tech startup named Emerge, aimed at democratizing mentoring in large organizations. Despite the setbacks of COVID-19, Vivi's resilience shines through as she embarks on a new journey with her latest venture, Consider. Explore her innovative approach to business transformations through introspection and question asking. Tune in for insights on navigating uncertainty, finding purpose, and forging a unique path in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Chedva "Vivi" Ludmir is the Founder of Consider Club, a one-of-a-kind consultancy that helps visionary leaders navigate big decisions through question asking.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions

00:55 Introducing Today's Guest: Chedva Ludmir (Vivi)

02:01 The Intersection of Business and Personal Growth

02:25 The Non-Book Club Book Club

03:11 The Journey of Consider

04:57 Ellen and Kat's Podcast Journey

07:47 Vivi's Entrepreneurial Path

14:18 The Birth of Emerge

17:23 Navigating the Challenges of Emerge

18:10 The Impact of COVID-19 on Emerge

24:03 Post-Emerge Identity Crisis

26:25 Rebuilding Through Consulting

28:20 Building a Team of Freelancers

29:34 Navigating Business Challenges

29:51 Impact of the Pandemic

31:12 Personal and Professional Growth

32:49 Life Changes and New Beginnings

36:04 The Power of Asking Questions

44:48 Launching a New Venture

53:54 Words of Wisdom and Conclusion

In this first episode of Coffee Chats, a mini-series by Ellen and Kat, the duo recounts their recent experiences, including Ellen's turbulent vacation return from Colorado and adjusting to a new recording schedule. They discuss the creation of the mini-series to bring back personal connection and behind-the-scenes stories. The episode also tackles the topic of cancellation policies for client-facing small businesses, offering insights and personal practices to manage cancellations and no-shows effectively. Tune in for a blend of vacation stories, business advice, and casual conversation.

Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!

Business Question Link

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions', hosts Kat and Ellen are joined by the amazing Kae Sprung who is the Founder + Owner of Squish Marshmallows and host of Sprung On Food. Kae shares her journey from starting her handcrafted marshmallow company to winning awards and becoming a voiceover artist. We dive into Kae's creative process, the nitty-gritty of starting a small business, and the ups and downs of balancing multiple ventures as an entrepreneur. Plus, there's some delightful banter about being on reality cooking shows and the highs and lows of crowdfunding. Prepare for a sweet ride filled with laughter, insights, and a whole lot of marshmallows!

Kae Sprung is the Founder + Owner of Squish Marshmallows, host of Sprung On Food, and an award-winning pastry chef. Follow her journey on Instagram @iamsprung.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions

01:32 Introducing Our Special Guest: Kae Sprung

02:27 Kae's Journey: From E-commerce to Custom Catering

04:57 The Birth of Squish Marshmallows

09:28 Early Challenges and Market Strategies

22:41 Balancing Multiple Ventures

29:13 Navigating Fundraising Challenges

29:58 The Shark Tank Experience

32:17 Crowdfunding Woes

37:56 The Reality of TV Exposure

52:20 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of Good Ideas, Bad Decisions, hosts Ellen and Kat welcome guest Brittany Blumenthal, founder of Delightful Creative. The trio discusses the chaos and resilience involved in entrepreneurship, careers transitions, and mental health. Brittany shares her personal journey from working in tech to starting her own branding and website design company focusing on mission-driven businesses in the health and wellness space. The conversation also dives into managing the instability of business ownership, the importance of alignment in work, and how Brittany's experience with functional medicine has given new purpose to her career. This episode is filled with raw, relatable stories and insightful advice for anyone navigating their own business venture. 

Brittany is the founder of  ⁠Delightful Creative⁠, which creates brand identities for businesses that make people feel good. Her favorite projects involve helping small brands build something from scratch—something filled with purpose.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 

01:34 Meet Our Guest: Brittany from Delightful Creative 

02:54 Brittany's Journey: From Tech to Entrepreneurship 

04:16 The Unexpected Layoff 

04:51 Processing the Layoff and Moving Forward 

11:06 Kat's Similar Experience 

17:22 Ellen's Story of Toxic Work Environments 

25:14 Navigating a New Manager and Job Threats 

26:26 Finding Impact in a Chaotic Work Environment 

27:47 The Struggles of Creativity and Design Work 

29:16 Current Work and Design Preferences 

30:52 A Journey into Functional Medicine 

32:19 Exploring Personal Health and Wellness 

34:30 Challenges and Discoveries in Health 

41:04 Embracing Uncertainty in Career Transitions 

51:20 The Importance of Alignment and Personal Growth 

52:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Naga Das (Palveshey), the compassionate Founder of Alternative Coaching Methods. Naga Das shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from facing immense personal struggles and rigorous academic challenges to finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose through the healing power of psilocybin mushrooms. The conversation touches on the stigmas surrounding psilocybin, contrasting traditional medications with natural plant medicines, and the remarkable emotional and physiological breakthroughs participants experience. The episode beautifully explores themes of self-worth, personal definitions of success, and the profound impact of empathy and kindness. It's a tender and insightful discussion filled with warmth, resilience, and hope for a better, more connected world.

Naga Das (Palveshey) is the Founder of Alternative Coaching Methods, guiding your journey from high achievement to high performance, through 1:1 coaching and Psilocybin retreats in Jamaica. You can also find more information about her journey at palveshey.com .

Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions

00:57 Introducing Our Special Guest: Naga Das (Palveshey) 

01:55 Naga Das (Palveshey)'s Journey: From Struggles to Success

04:33 The Power of Psilocybin and Alternative Coaching Methods

06:52 Redefining Success and Overcoming Societal Pressures

12:01 Intuition and Decision-Making: A Personal Insight

27:25 The Elephant and the Dog: A Parable of Patience

28:03 Birthing an Elephant: Embracing the Journey

29:02 Retreats and Transformations

29:42 Healing Stories and Miracles

32:58 Consumption Methods and Preferences

34:35 The Power of Empathy and Kindness

43:30 Self-Worth and Legacy

47:24 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome operations consultant Sarah McNamara. Sarah shares her journey from banking to small business operations consulting and emphasizes the importance of clear systems and processes. The discussion touches on various challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including managing finances, understanding taxes, and the crucial role of bookkeeping. Sarah also highlights her philosophy of approaching clients without judgment and the importance of business owners recognizing when to seek help. Tune in for insightful advice on improving your business operations!

Sarah is the Founder of  Sarah McNamara Solutions a small business consultancy on a mission to get business leaders back on track by aligning their behind-the-scenes with their business dreams.

Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.

Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 

00:37 Morning Banter and Introductions 

01:08 Special Guest: Sarah McNamara 

01:50 Sarah's Business Journey 

03:39 Challenges and Solutions in Business Operations 

07:14 The Importance of Proper Bookkeeping 

11:38 The Role of a Systems Thinker 

21:02 Complexities in Different Industries 

27:33 Business Credit Cards and Their Pitfalls 

29:50 Exploring Small Business Loans and Grants 

30:33 The Importance of Clean Books for Financial Analysis 

31:56 Transitioning Business Roles and Client Types 

33:50 The Role of a Business Coach and Support Systems 

35:28 Building and Managing Business Processes 

43:46 Tailoring Business Solutions to Individual Needs 

48:47 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom