This week, I had the chance to sit down with someone whose work I’ve admired for a long time — Joshua Altman, Managing Director of Beltway.Media and one of the sharpest minds I know when it comes to strategic messaging, internal comms, and brand clarity.

What started as a casual conversation turned into a deep dive on:

Why storytelling isn’t fluff — it’s structure
What a “Chief Communications Officer” actually does
How Joshua transitioned from journalism into leading communication strategies for startups and federal agencies
And why most companies are jumping ahead to logos and websites before they’ve nailed the real foundation of their brand

We also talked about imposter syndrome, walking into boardrooms where no one looks like you, and the underrated power of asking good questions — especially to the people you already work with.

Whether you're running a startup, managing a growing team, or in the middle of a rebrand, this episode is for you.

💡 One of my favorite moments?
Joshua said, “The logo is a placeholder. Your story is the real brand.”
I felt that.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:21 Joshua Altman's Journey in Communications
05:04 Transition from Journalism to Brand Storytelling
07:39 The Birth of Beltway.media
10:20 Understanding the Role of a Chief Communications Officer
13:01 The Importance of Integrated Messaging
15:41 Navigating Government Communications
18:24 Addressing Imposter Syndrome in Professional Settings
21:12 Authenticity in Communication and Marketing
25:04 The Essence of Branding
32:17 Navigating Change and Building Trust
37:32 The Importance of Communication Strategies
45:14 Lessons from Clients and Mentors

TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity is crucial in communication.
Building trust with stakeholders is essential.
Effective storytelling enhances brand messaging.
Understanding your audience is key to successful communication.
Change management requires stakeholder involvement.
Communication strategies should be useful and engaging.
Branding goes beyond just a logo; it's about the story.
It takes multiple touchpoints to convert leads into clients.
Asking questions is vital for understanding client needs.
Navigating government communication requires a different approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

Want to become a guest? Simply email: [email protected]

🔗 Links & Resources:
Joshua's Website: https://beltway.media/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/cultivize/
Email: [email protected]
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beltway-media/

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

Hey there — it’s Erica Bailey, and in this episode of the IconiQ Entrepreneurs Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked and expensive mistakes I see service-based businesses make every single day: losing leads silently.

I’m talking about:
Missed calls that never get returned
Slow or no follow-up
Leads who click “book now”… but bounce because no one responds fast enough
And more importantly — how to solve it with AI (without hiring a huge team or losing your mind).

If you're a coach, consultant, med spa, real estate agent, home service pro, or stylist — your calendar is your cash register. If people can’t reach you or don’t hear back fast, they don’t wait. They book someone else.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
02:50 The Importance of Lead Management
04:58 The Cost of Missed Opportunities
07:23 The Power of Booking and Momentum
09:16 Email Capture and Nurture Campaigns
10:41 Speed to Lead: Why Minutes Matter
11:36 Reviews and Reputation Management
13:17 Leveraging AI for Consistency
15:40 Introducing AI Tools for Business Efficiency
16:40 _iconiQ Podcast outro.mp4

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
Why 97% of missed calls turn into lost business
The $126K/year cost of poor follow-up
How AI can book leads, answer FAQs & send custom replies
The power of instant email capture & CRM sync
Why review replies grow your revenue
What it really means to stay high-touch in an AI-powered world

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

Want to become a guest? Simply email: [email protected]

🔗 Links & Resources:
GET YOUR AI EMPLOYEE FOR JUST $1: https://solutions.weareiconiq.com/

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

Are you pouring money into marketing with no idea what’s actually working? In this episode, Erica Bailey sits down with CRM and lead nurturing expert Jason Kramer, founder of Cultivize, to expose the blind spots that cost businesses thousands—and the simple systems that fix them.

Jason shares his journey from teenage side hustler to CRM strategist for 7-figure companies, and how most businesses are sitting on gold they’re not mining. Discover how to close the gap between marketing and sales, why your CRM isn’t doing what you think it is, and how follow-up automation can unlock hidden revenue. 

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to CRM and Human Behavior
02:46 The Importance of Best Practices in CRM
05:40 Entrepreneurial Journey and Control of Destiny
08:17 Understanding CRM and Its Core Functions
11:01 The Role of Lead Nurturing in Sales
13:56 Marketing Automation and Its Impact
16:49 Best Practices for Midsize Businesses
19:35 Real-Life Examples of CRM Success
22:39 The Future of CRM and Marketing Integration
28:59 Leveraging Existing Relationships for Growth
32:49 The Importance of Accountability in Business
37:27 Understanding Business Growth and Operations
41:10 Identifying Business Needs and Pain Points
45:52 Choosing the Right CRM for Your Business
52:06 The Art of Follow-Up in Lead Nurturing

Takeaways

Understanding human behavior is crucial in CRM.
Natural conversations lead to better insights.
Education is key in marketing and sales.
Marketing often lacks strategic alignment.
Follow-up is essential for closing deals.
CRM should integrate with existing tools.
Segmentation of leads enhances communication.
Nurturing leads requires consistent engagement.
Building relationships is fundamental to sales success.
The right CRM can transform business operations.

Sound Bites
"It's all about education."
"Marketing is broken."
"It's all about karma."

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey 
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

Want to become a guest? Simply email: [email protected]

🔗 Links & Resources:
Jason's Website: https://cultivize.com/learnmore/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/cultivize/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7nhiaTSIdNrXOxs2GJtUkc?si=C-9GQ-GhRtqu03Q7YEyZJw&nd=1&dlsi=fcb614f4c10b49b4
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonleighkramer/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwbLwcOh0_fAeID-wtjpeGg?view_as=subscriber

Free CRM Fit Assessment
cultivize.com/crm-fit-assessment

Download CRM Comparison Guide
cultivize.com/crm-comparison-guide

Access CRM Trends & Insights
cultivize.com/get-cultivized

Test Your Email Delivery
cultivize.com/email-marketing-testing

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

In this powerful episode of IconiQ Entrepreneurs, Erica sits down with Chance McClain—veteran, filmmaker, and founder of Heritage Films, who has produced over 800 cinematic documentaries preserving family legacies. From sports radio to Broadway to Streamy-nominated films, Chance’s journey is anything but linear. He shares why “follow your passion” is bad advice, how he accidentally built a thriving storytelling business, and why being naturally gifted matters more than being obsessed.

You’ll also hear touching stories of filming terminally ill clients, how to overcome imposter syndrome, and why legacy storytelling matters more than ever. A must-listen for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating purpose-driven work.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The Journey of Chance McClain
03:04 The Art of Storytelling in Film
05:46 Finding Passion and Purpose
08:43 Lessons from Life Experiences
11:26 The Role of Gaming in Skill Development
14:14 Creating Cinematic Documentaries
17:11 Transferring Skills from Military to Film
17:45 Breaking Barriers: A Journey of Self-Discovery
25:06 The Power of Storytelling in Legacy Preservation
33:07 Crafting Meaningful Narratives: The Art of Storytelling
39:18 Entrepreneurship: Balancing Passion and Profit
42:41 Building Authentic Relationships in Business
43:41 Creating Memorable Experiences Through Film
46:48 The Importance of Authentic Storytelling
52:42 Building Effective Creative Partnerships
55:50 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Creative Work
01:00:21 Passion Projects and Legacy Filmmaking

KEYTAKEAWAYS
Chance's journey reflects the importance of perseverance and passion.
Storytelling is a powerful tool for connecting generations.
Emotional depth in filmmaking can create lasting impacts.
Legacy preservation through film helps families remember their loved ones.
Authenticity and truth are essential in both storytelling and business.
Building relationships is key to success in any venture.
Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for entrepreneurs.
Curiosity and listening are vital skills for personal and professional growth.
Every person's story is valuable and worth telling.
The creative process can be enhanced by structured systems and habits.

Sound Bites
"Get out of your own way."
"There's enough for everyone."
"You know when you're bending it."

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

Want to become a guest? Simply email: [email protected]

🔗 Links & Resources:
Chance's Website: https://yourheritagefilm.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/YourHeritageFilmCompany/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/yourheritagefilm/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancemcclain/
X: https://x.com/heritage_films 


To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

In this powerhouse episode of Innovative Entrepreneurs, host Erica Bailey sits down with legendary brand evangelist and author Brandon Coleman Jr. to talk about the truth behind successful branding—and why most entrepreneurs are leaving growth on the table.

Brandon shares how he built—and sold—one of the most successful mid-sized branding firms in the country, and the moment a keynote speech turned into a multi-million dollar acquisition offer. From his definition of branding as “a promise wrapped in a delivery” to the tools he uses to align companies with their purpose, this conversation is packed with gold for entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders alike.

You’ll learn how branding isn’t just design—it’s behavior. And why gratitude, clarity, and truth are your most powerful business assets.

📍Timestamps
04:04 – “There’s no such thing as a self-made entrepreneur”
10:59 – How Brandon accidentally sold his firm after a keynote
15:41 – His famous brand definition: “A promise wrapped in a delivery”
21:15 – The problem with participation trophies and low expectations
27:00 – Why truth and brand alignment start with tough questions
32:32 – The “Brain Drain” & Brand Alignment Checklist every entrepreneur needs
36:28 – TrentSuccess.com and the power of exit-ready brands
39:59 – The professor who changed everything

✅ Key Takeaways
Your brand is how you deliver on your promise—not your logo
Gratitude is a business advantage, not a nicety
Most entrepreneurs don’t see their brand clearly
Clarity and experience—not trend-chasing—drive sustainable success
Brand alignment starts with knowing your customer’s expectations

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

🔗 Links & Resources:
Brandon's Website: https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/about/
🎧 The Brand On! Show (Podcast)
🧠 Tools: Brain Drain & Brand Alignment Checklist (QR in book)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr
IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandoncolemanjrofficial/
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeZvHabaO-n3XwMwhZgjj1E4c-N0PDzNga6eHkJZkGTxkb32UrsC75UkX0B0A_aem_fAyugd73o3YphNjTQTx_1g
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial
BRAND ON! BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Hidden-Power-Alignment/dp/1639090517

💭 Final Thoughts
Brandon reminds us that truth is the foundation of every great brand—and that no one builds success alone. When you ground your business in gratitude, honesty, and aligned delivery, you create something far more valuable than recognition: you create trust.

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

Welcome to the first episode of the newly rebranded IconiQ Entrepreneurs podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, host Erica Bailey—managing partner of IconiQ Marketing—pulls back the curtain on why the podcast formerly known as Innovative Entrepreneurs got a brand new name, a bold new direction, and a much bigger mission.

🔗 Timestamps
0:00 – Welcome & Big News
1:55 – Why the Podcast is Rebranding
4:42 – What’s Broken in SMB Marketing
7:18 – The Strategy-First Marketing Model
10:02 – Introducing IconiQ Marketing
11:46 – Free Blueprint Offer
13:12 – The Future of This Podcast
14:25 – Final Thoughts + CTA

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why marketing is broken for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs)
The problem with fragmented marketing teams and siloed strategies
How to take a strategy-first approach that drives real growth
The story behind the IconiQ agency rebrand (and what it means)
How YOU can get a free custom marketing blueprint for your business
What’s changing on the podcast—and what’s staying the same

💡 Whether you’re a founder, solo entrepreneur, or growth-stage business owner, this episode is packed with honest insights, real strategy, and a powerful new vision for marketing in 2025.

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the IconiQ Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/

🎁 Get Your FREE Custom Marketing Blueprint
👉https://blueprint.weareiconiq.com/
No obligation. No catch. Just a real strategy, built for your goals.

📌 Subscribe to IconiQ Entrepreneurs
Get weekly interviews, insights, and strategies from iconic business minds, brand leaders, and marketing experts.

👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe

#marketingstrategy  #entrepreneurpodcast  #smallbusinesstips  #IconiQEntrepreneurs #MarketingBlueprint #BrandingTips #PodcastRebrand #businessgrowth  #strategyfirst  #smbmarketing 

In this episode of Innovative Entrepreneurs, Erica Bailey sits down with Courtney De Ronde, CPA, CEO of Forge Financial, and creator of the Simple Scale-Up System. With over 20 years in finance and leadership, Courtney shares the frameworks that help businesses escape the chaos of startup life and transition into sustainable, scalable growth.

Discover how the R3D (Roles, Responsibilities, Results) framework, the Right Fit Assessment, and her signature Scaling Leader program help entrepreneurs make strategic decisions rooted in data—not just instinct. This episode is packed with actionable insights on leadership, human behavior, productivity rhythms, financial intelligence, and how to build a business that runs on clarity and purpose.

⏱ Timestamps:
08:25 – Courtney’s journey from CPA firm to co-founding Forge
13:21 – Why great technical talent doesn't always equal leadership
20:10 – How to assess “right fit” for leadership roles using CliftonStrengths, Enneagram, and Kolbe
33:00 – Instincts vs insights: the map and guide you need to scale
43:33 – Why financials are not the story—they tell the story
55:44 – How to prepare leaders (not just promote them)
1:07:16 – First step to scale: Build your 3-year business vision
1:15:37 – Courtney’s best elevator advice: Don’t give up.

✅ Key Takeaways:
🔄 What got you here won’t get you there—scaling requires systems, not just hustle.
🧠 Great performers aren’t always great leaders—use tools like Kolbe and Enneagram to make the right leadership hires.
🔍 Business intelligence beats guesswork—gut instinct needs data to evolve.
📊 Financials tell a story—but the root issues are often leadership, productivity, or culture.
📅 Start with a 3-year vision—clarity now prevents chaos later.
💡 Leadership is shared load, not solo strain—don’t try to scale alone.

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey 
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

🔗 Links & Resources:
🔍 Take the free Business Intelligence Grader: assessments.forgeahead.com
🌐 Learn more about Courtney’s work: forgeahead.com
💬 Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: Courtney De Ronde

💭 Final Thoughts:
Courtney reminds us that scaling a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about responsibility. Growth without clarity will crush you. But with the right frameworks, the right people, and the right mindset, you can build something sustainable, sellable, and deeply fulfilling. Don’t just level up—lead up.

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

In this powerhouse episode of Innovative Entrepreneurs, Erica Bailey sits down with real estate investing legend Jay Conner—widely known as The Private Money Authority. Jay shares how he raised over $2 million in under 90 days without ever pitching a deal or asking anyone for money.

Learn Jay’s proven approach to raising capital through self-directed IRAs, private lenders, and a teach-first strategy rooted in trust and service. You'll hear how he transformed a conversation at church into $500K in funding, how to build a “credibility team,” and why he believes financial freedom starts with leading from the heart—not chasing the dollar.

If you’ve ever struggled with asking for money, this episode flips the script and shows you how to attract capital by teaching value and solving problems.

🕒 Timestamps
01:43 – Jay’s background, growing up in the mobile home business
06:37 – The 2009 moment that changed everything
09:57 – The life-changing question: “Who do you know who can help?”
13:21 – Why he’s never pitched a deal—and never will
22:28 – The exact words that unlocked $500K at church
29:14 – How a simple luncheon brought in $969K
35:17 – Why “enough is never enough when it’s not about you”

Key Takeaways
You don’t need to pitch to raise money—educate, don’t sell.
Separate the deal from the ask. Teach your program first, then follow up.
Relationships drive results. Your next investor is likely already in your phone.
Banks said no. Private money said yes. Learn how Jay built his own funding network.
"Enough is never enough when it’s not about you." Purpose fuels longevity.

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey 
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

🔗 Resources
Get Jay’s Book: www.jayconner.com/book
Website: JayConner.com 
Listen to Jay’s Podcast: Raising Private Money with Jay Conner: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-private-money-with-jay-conner/id1377723034 
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@raisingprivatemoneyrealestate
FB: /jay.conner.marketing 
Indeed: /privatemoneyauthority 

💭 Final Thoughts
Jay Conner is a master of making capital personal, ethical, and scalable. His servant-leader approach is proof that trust and value beat pressure and pitches every time. Whether you’re in real estate, startups, or scaling a service business, Jay’s story is a roadmap for attracting the right people—and the right money—by focusing on relationships, not desperation.

This episode is more than financial advice. It’s a mindset shift for anyone ready to grow.

To Your Success,
Erica Bailey

Hey, entrepreneurs! Welcome back to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast, where we bring you the brightest minds in business, design, and strategy. I’m Erica Bailey, and today’s guest is Brandon Mills—a veteran, tech geek, and powerhouse CEO who turned an outdated embroidery shop into a 7-figure branding company with national and international reach.

Brandon’s story is a wild mix of grit, growth, and get-it-done energy. From fixing computers in high school, to launching a speedboat charter business in Asia, serving in the military, and ultimately buying a failing print shop two months before COVID hit—his journey is proof that success favors the bold.

If you’ve ever doubted your timing, feared failure, or wondered how to scale without losing your soul, this episode is for you.

We’ll dive into:
✅ The mindset that turns obstacles into opportunity
✅ How Brandon used DTF print tech and AI to scale a legacy shop
✅ His strategy for turning competitors into clients
✅ Why freedom—not money—should be your end game

Episode Breakdown & Timestamps:
[00:03:00] The Unexpected Entrepreneur
How Brandon’s early nerd energy led to his first business at 16
From backpacking Asia to launching a speedboat business—and how it all led to entrepreneurship

[00:08:10] From Oil Fields to Ownership
Joining the military, then trading his CDL for a shot at business ownership
The risk of buying a legacy shop—and what happened when the world shut down 2.5 months later

[00:14:15] Survival Through Strategy
How Brandon wrote “essential” memos to keep his shop open during lockdown
Why networking (and off-roading in the desert) became his lead gen strategy

[00:20:05] Scaling with DTF Printing & Tech
What direct-to-film printing is—and why it’s a game-changer
How he ditched screen printing and turned competitors into wholesale clients

[00:26:40] Brand Isn’t Just a Logo
Strategic branding advice from someone who lives and breathes physical marketing

[00:33:15] Company Culture & 31x ROI
How Brandon created a workplace team members won’t leave, even for higher pay
The keys to loyalty, integrity, and leadership in a fast-growing shop

[00:39:40] Lessons in Leadership & Life
His 2022 run for state senate—and why policy matters to entrepreneurs
Brandon’s advice on freedom, family, and the myth of “perfect timing”

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

BRANDON MILLS' SOCIALS:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/totalpromotionco/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/totalpromotionco
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/totalpromotionco/
Website: https://www.totalpromotioncompany.com/
Emails: [email protected] / [email protected]

Final Thoughts
Brandon Mills is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about creating momentum through resilience, grit, and bold experimentation. Whether it’s navigating global supply chain issues or mastering new tech, Brandon’s story is a masterclass in adapting fast, building culture, and leading with integrity. So—what’s the risk you’ve been waiting to take? What would happen if you stopped chasing money and started building freedom?

Hey, entrepreneurs! Welcome back to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast, where we bring you the brightest minds in business, design, and strategy. I’m Erica Bailey, and today’s guest is Kimberly Hightower—a powerhouse entrepreneur and business strategist who’s redefining what it means to evolve and thrive at any age.

Kimberly’s story is a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and taking bold risks to build the life and career you want—whether you’re in your 20s, 50s, or beyond. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or afraid to make a big move, this episode is your permission slip to go all in.

We’ll dive into:
 ✅ The mindset shifts required for fearless reinvention
 ✅ Overcoming age-related career stereotypes
 ✅ Strategies for staying ahead in an evolving industry
 ✅ The power of bold decisions in business and life

Let’s get into it!

⏳ Episode Breakdown & Timestamps:
[00:02:30] Kimberly’s Journey to Reinvention
How Kimberly made the decision to pivot her career at 50+
The biggest challenges she faced (and how she conquered them)
[00:10:15] Mindset Shifts for Career Evolution
Overcoming self-doubt and external limitations
Why fear is the #1 roadblock to transformation—and how to silence it
[00:18:40] Taking Bold Moves in Business & Life
How Kimberly leveraged her existing skills to build something new
The importance of continuous learning and adapting
[00:27:50] The Future of Work & Why Age Is Just a Number
Why experience is your superpower in today’s business world
How industries are evolving and what that means for late-career pivots
[00:35:20] Final Advice: What Would Kimberly Tell Her Younger Self?
The one thing she wishes she had done sooner
A powerful takeaway for anyone looking to reinvent themselves

💡 Key Takeaways:
It’s never too late to pivot—reinvention is about courage, not age
Fear is temporary, but regret lasts forever—take the bold step
Your past experience is an asset, not a liability—leverage it wisely

Let’s Stay Connected!
Thank you for tuning in to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast! If this episode inspired you to rethink innovation, share it with someone in your network who needs to hear it.
🔥 Subscribe & Leave a Review – Don’t miss out on future episodes!
💡 Want to be a guest on the show? Apply today and share your story!
🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey 
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
CWG Digital Website: cwgdigital.com 
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast

🎤 Final Thoughts
Kimberly Hightower is proof that reinvention isn’t just a possibility—it’s a necessity for those who refuse to settle. Success isn’t about age; it’s about embracing bold moves, adapting to change, and fearlessly stepping into new opportunities. Reinvention is more than a career shift—it’s a mindset. It’s about recognizing your potential, trusting your instincts, and taking action even when the path isn’t clear.

So, what’s the next bold move you’re ready to make? How will you redefine success on your own terms? Let’s keep the conversation going!
To Your Success,

 Erica Bailey