In this episode of the Birth Boss podcast, host Jodi Congdon sits down with Kathleen Lawson, a small business consultant and growth strategist, about the essential foundations of starting and growing a business. We start with the importance of hiring the right people, which is not always easy!  

Throughout the episode, Kathleen talks about the necessity of having standardized processes in place to make delegating easier and the significance of understanding the return on investment when making hiring decisions.  She also gives great information to help figure out which positions are the best to hire for and which tasks are the ones we continue to take on.

Our conversation also touches on effective marketing strategies, the value of networking and referrals, and the importance of aligning values when hiring. We conclude with shared insights on the importance of self-awareness in business and the mantra of "measure twice, cut once" as a guiding principle for entrepreneurs.

You can find Kathleen at:

Website: https://kathleen-lawson.com/

IG: @kathleenlawsonstrategist

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode of the Birth Boss podcast, host Jodi Congdon interviews Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a chiropractor, sleep consultant, author, course creator and master of the  CEO lifestyle.

We start by going through the evolution of Dr. Sarah's business and how she developed (and perfected!) her boundaries over time.  She shares her insight on how she effectively manages her time as a busy CEO and the significance of personal development, specifically for doulas diversifying their offers to include virtual care, like sleep consulting.  

Throughout the episode, Dr. Sarah graciously shares her wisdom on how to create the perfect schedule, no matter what season it is, and how prioritizing happiness promotes success!

Find Dr. Sarah Mitchell here:

Website: https://www.helpingbabiessleep.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/helpingbabiessleep

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

Feeling like you're never doing enough? You're not alone. In this raw and real conversation, Jodi Congdon sits down with business and boundaries coach Katie Grimes to unpack the toxic productivity loops that birth professionals and agency owners get stuck in. From people-pleasing to feast-or-famine cycles, to never taking a true day off—this episode dives deep into why we feel this way and how to finally shift out of it.

Expect mindset breakthroughs, nervous system hacks, and practical systems that support the doula lifestyle (yes, even when you’re on call or running an agency).

⏱️ Timestamps & Topics:

0:00 – Welcome + Meet Katie Grimes
1:03 – The cycle of not doing enough and how it spirals
2:34 – People-pleasing in birthwork and fixer mode
4:37 – Feast or famine realities for doulas
7:14 – Why so many doulas go back to a 9–5
9:55 – Making it easier for clients to buy from you (systems tips!)
12:20 – Email autoresponders + automations that save hours
14:58 – How to make space for CEO time (and stop overpromising)
17:27 – Why you must give yourself more time than you think
20:52 – Katie’s 4-Line Nervous System Model: Joy to Trauma
25:00 – Level 2 warnings: anxious poops, skipping meals, irritability
28:00 – Quick nervous system reset tools (no, really—just hum)
30:11 – Social media pressure, procrastination, and smart delegation
33:32 – Do doulas really get clients from Instagram? (Spoiler: Not the way you think)
35:19 – Smart networking tips (what to say instead of “can I pick your brain?”)
39:50 – ADHD, stress, and the high of procrastination
42:11 – Breaking the cycle: Thoughts → Feelings → Behavior
45:40 – How our childhood stories influence how we show up in business
48:00 – Start with one small habit shift (not five big ones)

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• Katie's Instagram: @kg.katiegrimes
• Feelings Wheel: thefeelingswheel.com
• Book a coaching call or apply to work with Katie: [Link shared in DMs after inquiry]

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode of the Hip to Heart Birth Boss Podcast, host Jodi Congdon dives into what it actually takes to book five new doula clients in just 48 hours—no gimmicks, no burnout, and no dancing on TikTok required. Whether your client calendar is crickets or you’re looking to stack your next few weeks, this episode lays out a simple but powerful system that works for birth pros who are ready to act fast. You’ll walk away with tangible steps to turn conversations into clients, plus a big mindset reframe that will make your marketing way less awkward. Let’s do this.

📝 Show Notes:

In this episode, Jodi covers:

• The “5:5:5 Method” for filling your doula calendar fast
• Why waiting for referrals is slowing you down
• How to follow up without feeling weird
• Smart ways to create urgency without offering discounts
• One bold mindset shift that changes the game

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Client Acquisition Strategies

02:57 The 555 Method for Securing Clients

06:17 Building Connections with Warm Leads

09:04 Expanding Your Reach: New Connections

12:11 Authenticity in Client Outreach

15:02 Future Planning and Continuous Growth

Resources & Action Steps:

• Grab your Doula Client Surge Checklist
• Come hang out in the Birth Boss Society: Join here
• Follow Jodi on Instagram: @jodicongdonofficial

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

Host: Jodi Congdon

Guest: Alyssa Knapp, Founder of Integrative Wellness Journeys

Episode Summary:

In this honest and energizing episode of the Birth Boss Podcast, Jodi sits down with returning guest Alyssa Knapp to talk all things summer business planning—especially for moms juggling work, client care, and that deep craving to enjoy the season.

From "mean mommy mode" to calendar chaos, this episode dives into:

• How to prep your business now to enjoy more freedom later
• Managing mom guilt while staying responsive in client care
• Setting boundaries around time, tech, and self-expectations
• Using simple systems like timers, nine-grids, and the Eisenhower Matrix
• Reframing summer to support both fun and function

Whether you're a doula, lactation consultant, a wellness birth pro, or a service-based perinatal entrepreneur, this episode will give you both the permission and the plan to create a spacious, intentional summer—with less stress and more joy.

Timestamps & Key Moments:

 00:01 – Welcome back Alyssa!

 01:13 – Why prepping before summer hits is essential

 03:30 – Working while the kids are outside: the guilt and the grace

 05:57 – Boundaries, expectations, and excited vs. exhausted energy

 10:18 – Summer planning tips: map your calendar, simplify, set goals

 12:40 – Why summer is the runway for a strong fall launch

 16:30 – The power of setting realistic expectations (and saying “not now”)

 19:03 – Creating a summer-proof Instagram strategy with a 9-grid

 24:21 – Taking social media weekends off = LIFE-CHANGING

 29:39 – Tools that help: timers, visual planning, and mindset shifts

 31:50 – The ultimate organizing tool you didn’t know you needed

Resources Mentioned:

• Eisenhower Matrix
• Timer strategy for boundary-setting with kids
• Instagram 9-grid idea for summer content
• Alyssa's programs and wellness planning offers (linked below 👇)

Connect with Alyssa Knapp:

 🌐 Integrative Wellness Journeys

 📸 @integrativewellnessjourneys

Enjoyed this episode?

Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow boss who's ready to plan less, play more, and stay grounded this summer. ☀️💼✨

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

Feeling burned out by marketing that doesn’t seem to work — or worse, doesn’t feel like you? In this honest episode of the Hip to Heart Birth Boss Podcast, Jodi breaks down exactly why traditional marketing advice fails doulas, and what to do instead.

We’re unpacking strategies that feel better and actually bring in clients: from content that converts (without going viral), to local referrals, collaborations, and borrowing audiences with ease. You'll hear stories from real doulas inside our CEO Track who saw big shifts by simplifying, focusing, and aligning their approach.

Whether you’re stuck in content chaos or wondering if you’re just not cut out for marketing… this episode is the exhale you’ve been waiting for.

🎧 Listen now, take a breath, and let’s reset how you market — together.

🔗 Resources Mentioned: For in-depth strategies and community support: https://www.hiptoheart.com/birth-boss-society-landing-page

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode, my focus is uncovering the financial challenges faced by doulas today and I explore the main reasons why some achieve significant financial success while others continue to struggle. 

The importance of a smart business model is a top priority in building a financially stable business, but the close second and third are pricing that not only reflects your value but also allows you to live comfortably and the need for scalable income streams. I happily share the strategies that I used to build my business and encourage other birth and postpartum professionals to take actionable steps towards the growth and expansion of theirs.

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode I'm chatting with postpartum doula Jen Tawil, who uniquely combines her experience as a former private investigator with her doula practice and from that came the creation of her first digital course, Trust But Verify: The Childcare Interview Process.  

Passive income is a must when we are building our businesses because it allows us to intentionally divide our time between in person clients and working on our business, creating more free time and income coming in that we aren't trading time for.

All it took was one client sharing her method for choosing childcare that made Jen realize there was a huge need for PI expertise in her client community.  Throughout the episode, Jen emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the creation of resources that empower parents.

Private Eye Parent was designed to equip families with the tools to conduct thorough interviews for childcare, ultimately aiming to reduce anxiety and enhance peace of mind, staying right in line with exactly what doulas do.

Find out more about Jen:

IG https://www.instagram.com/theprivateeyedoula

Trust But Verify Course: www.privateeyeparent.com/course-waitlist

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode of the Birth Boss podcast, I'm sitting down with with Hilary Melchiors, owner of the Doula Group of Evansville, and fun fact, the only certified postpartum doula in a 75 mile radius of her!  This brings up some differences in the way we started and currently run our agencies, which is somewhat dependent on our geographical location, which turned into a highlighting a huge benefit of agencies that is rarely talked about... providing sustainability for doulas.

We discuss how being a doula has evolved over the years and how now, with insurance coverage and employer benefits, the importance of certification is more apparent now than ever before. This brings up the a deeper conversation about the need for better doula training and community building within our profession and why collaboration over competition wins every time. 

Find Hillary here:

doulagroupofevansville.com

https://www.instagram.com/doulagroupofevansville/

thebirthgeeks.com

https://www.instagram.com/thebirthgeeks/?hl=en

hillarymelchiors.com

https://www.instagram.com/disruptordoula/

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program

In this episode of the Birth Boss podcast, I'm hanging out with Alyssa Knapp, a holistic business coach, and we are chatting in depth about the journey of entrepreneurship in the health and wellness industry. 

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of integrating mind, body, and spirit in coaching, finding your niche, and balancing business growth with personal well-being. Alyssa shares her expertise on the significance of incorporating specific systems in business that set her up for success, understanding the phases of growth, and above all else, effective time management strategies. 

The conversation also touches on how valuable networking with the right people is, sales strategies for heart-centered entrepreneurs like doulas, and the value of investing in yourself as the business owner. 

Find Alyssa here;

Website: https://www.alyssaknappcoaching.com/

Simplify + Automate Masterclass: https://www.alyssaknappwellness.com/systems-to-cashflow

IG: https://www.instagram.com/integrativewellnessjourneys

✔️ Follow Jodi Congdon:

Instagram
Website

Birth + Postpartum Professionals (Facebook Group)

✔️ Create Your Six or Seven-Figure Doula Business:

Birth Boss Society (for Solo Doulas and Agency Owners)

Hip to Heart Birth Boss Academy

✔️ From Solo Doula Business to Agency:
Hip to Heart Agency Program