Too many stories of burn out, layoff’s, low margins, the inability to never 
say no, missed vacationed, loss of passion and zero work life balance 
compelled Jennifer Houston, a 20+ year veteran in the marketing space, to 
build the business of her dreams. She and her business partner, Sarah 
Musgrove, problem solvers at heart, created the bench, "your marketing team 
for the gig economy." The Bench is a deconstructed marketing and branding 
agency that businesses with in house agency teams, and start-ups with 
placing fully vetted teams constructed of all freelance talent.

137: Hire a Marketing Team Fit for the Gig Economy with Jennifer Houston, Co-Founder of The Bench

The Out Entrepreneur is a weekly Podcast where Rhodes Perry connects with today’s most authentic LGBTQ entrepreneurs. The show was created for you, the LGBTQ entrepreneur, business owner, or start-up founder. It was also designed to inspire more people to consider the entrepreneurial journey. During your daily commute, workout, or leisure time, allow Rhodes Perry to share actionable advice, and introduce you to some of the 1.4 million LGBTQ entrepreneurs crushing it in business, all while bringing their whole selves to work. Each episode explores the journey of the successful out entrepreneur who reflects on the ups and downs of building their business, all in an effort to inspire you to take action, and unapologetically be your authentic self 100% of the time.

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Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

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Simma Lieberman is internationally known as “The Inclusionist,” because she 
creates inclusive workplaces where employees love to do their best work, 
and customers love to do business. She works with leaders of organizations 
who understand that while training in areas of diversity, equity, and 
inclusion (DEI) is important, sustainable change only occurs when DEI is 
integrated into the business strategy, and are part of the organization’s 
cultural DNA. Simma is also the author of 110 Ways to Champion Diversity 
and Build Inclusion and Stress Management for the Motivated, A Workbook For 
You.

160: Lead Inclusively During Uncertain Times with "THE" Inclusionist, Simma Lieberman

Any day now, the United States Supreme Court will decide if LGBTQ+ workers 
are protected from employment discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 
1964. Regardless of how SCOTUS rules, what more could businesses committed 
to building fully inclusive organizations - businesses like yours - do to 
underscore their LGBTQ+ inclusion values during this historic moment? If 
this question sparks your curiosity, then consider tuning into this dynamic 
panel discussion and gain a better understanding of how they will impact 
the fate of LGBTQ+ workers.

Special Episode: Let's Talk About Sex, Business & the United States Supreme Court

John Volturo is an internationally recognized speaker and coach that 
focuses on LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace and the importance of having a 
diverse leadership to increase the bottom line. John has served as a 
C-Level executive in many recognizable companies and was responsible for 
building Tony Robbins’ brand and empire. John is married with his husband 
and lives in LA with their two daughters.

159: Achieve Success without Altering Your DNA with John Volturo, Founder of Volturo Coaching

Diane Conklin is the President and Founder of Complete Marketing Systems. 
For more than 25 years, she has helped business owners take their companies 
to six, and seven figures and beyond. She also leads, Queer Profits, a 
company that specializes in helping LGBTQ business owners intentionally 
grow and scale their businesses. Based in Atlanta, GA, Diane is a member of 
her city’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce and the Human Rights Campaign.

158: Keep Doing What You Do Best with Diane Conklin, President + Founder of Complete Marketing Systems

Elena Joy Thurston is an inspirational speaker and founder of the PRIDE and 
Joy Foundation. She grew up in a turbulent home, joined a conservative 
church as a teenager, put herself through college, married and birthed 4 
beautiful children, and then....life 2.0 brought a divorce, leaving/getting 
kicked out of her church, a beautiful love story and a successful new 
career! Her viral TEDx talk has paved the way for speaking engagements 
around the country.

137: Hire a Marketing Team Fit for the Gig Economy with Jennifer Houston, Co-Founder of The Bench

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