What does it take to reinvent yourself, not once, but multiple times, and come out the other side with a thriving business and a community behind you?

In this episode of Iconoclasting, I sit down with Lynzie Smith, founder of Commonwealth Collective, who went from hairstylist and beauty educator to community consultant for women-led brands. Over 15 years of entrepreneurship, Lynzie has navigated a pandemic pivot, learned hard financial lessons, and built a community platform rooted in real connection rather than follower counts.

This conversation is packed with the kind of honest, practical wisdom you don't always hear from entrepreneurs, and Lynzie holds nothing back.

Here's what we cover:

✅ Lynzie's journey from hairstylist and educator to community consultant

✅ Why she pivoted to online community building during COVID — and how it paid off

✅ The difference between building authentic community vs. chasing social media followers

✅ Financial literacy lessons from the early stages of entrepreneurship (including overspending)

✅ How she built sponsorships and in-person events into her community platform

✅ Her work in the beauty tech space and what it taught her about consulting

✅ Why core values and purpose are your true north as an entrepreneur

✅ Advice for women considering non-traditional paths and creative careers

✅ How women's circles are creating real connection and community engagement

My favorite line from this whole conversation: "Your core values and purpose are your true north." It's the kind of reminder every entrepreneur needs to hear, especially when things get hard.

Whether you're building a brand, pivoting your career, or just trying to figure out how to grow a community that actually means something — this episode is for you.

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🔗 CONNECT WITH LYNZIE:

🌐 Website: https://cwcollective.co/

📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/lynziesmith

⭕ Women's Circles: https://cwcollective.co/findingcommonground

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📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclastinnovationsllc

🌐 Check out my work: www.iconcolastltd.com

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⏱️ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction & Guest Introduction

00:26 Lynzie's Background and Focus on Women-Led Brands

01:17 Transition from Beauty Industry to Community Consulting

03:25 Challenges in Business and the Shift to Online Community

04:36 Launching the Online Platform During the Pandemic

08:10 Consulting in the Beauty Tech Space and Lessons Learned

09:58 Building Authentic Community vs. Social Media Followers

10:59 The Importance of Community for Entrepreneurs and Personal Growth

11:23 Non-Traditional Pathways and Education Choices

13:05 Deciding to Pursue a Creative Career and Moving Cities

14:36 Overcoming Financial Barriers and Moving to Major Cities

15:09 Reflections on a 15-Year Entrepreneurial Journey

15:35 Adapting to COVID and the Power of Flexibility

16:27 Pivoting, Resilience, and Trust in the Process

17:27 Advice for Those Considering Non-Traditional Paths

20:00 Connecting Through Women's Circles and Community Engagement

20:49 Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Lynzie Smith

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🔑 KEYWORDS: community building, women entrepreneurs, community consultant, Commonwealth Collective, pivoting in business, financial literacy for entrepreneurs, women-led brands, online community, COVID business pivot, Iconoclasting podcast

What if the career you were meant for is one you've never even heard of?

In this episode of Iconoclasting, I sit down with Ilana Morris, an OBM (Online Business Manager) and Systems Strategist at IAM Business Solutions, who went from educator to online business expert without following a single traditional step. Her story is a masterclass in recognizing the value of what you already know, building the technical skills that make you irreplaceable, and finding a community that opens doors you didn't know existed.

Ilana's journey is proof that a non-traditional path isn't a detour; it's often a shortcut to doing work that actually fits who you are.

Here's what we cover:

✅ How Ilana transitioned from education to Online Business Management
✅ Why transferable skills are more powerful than most people realize
✅ What an OBM actually does and why businesses need one
✅ The role of data management and systems strategy in online business
✅ Why knowing "the codes" makes you irreplaceable in any industry
✅ How community and networking accelerate non-traditional career paths
✅ Actionable advice for identifying and leveraging your own transferable skills

Whether you're a teacher, a career-changer, or an entrepreneur trying to get more organized, this episode will challenge how you think about the skills you already have.

Ilana Morris specializes in designing end-to-end client experiences for mission-driven founders. With 10+ years in operations, data management, and organizational systems, she blends strategic thinking with hands-on implementation to create systems that feel intuitive, supportive, and sustainable.

As a values-aligned, queer professional and advocate for equity, she brings a human-first approach to every engagement that honors capacity, lived experience, and the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Her work helps founders move from operational chaos to calm clarity, giving them the freedom to lead, rest, and grow without burning out.

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🔗 CONNECT WITH ILANA:
🌐 Website: https://iambusinesssolutions.com
🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/IlanaMorris

📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
OBM Training Programs: https://www.obmtraining.com
Systems Strategy Resources: https://www.systemsstrategies.com

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📌 Subscribe to Iconoclasting for more conversations on non-traditional paths, entrepreneurship, and building businesses on your own terms.
📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclastinnovationsllc
🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform

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⏱️ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Ilana Morris and Her Journey
02:53 From Education to Online Business Management
05:35 Navigating Career Transitions and Skill Development
08:20 Understanding the Role of an Online Business Manager
11:05 The Importance of Community and Networking
13:52 Lessons from a Non-Traditional Path
16:11 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

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🔑 KEYWORDS: online business manager, OBM, systems strategist, non-traditional career, transferable skills, career transition, online business management, entrepreneurship, community building, Iconoclasting podcast

Most small businesses are ignoring two of the most powerful tools for building their digital presence: Pinterest and SEO. In this episode of Iconoclasting, I sit down with Julia Bocchese, founder of Julia Renee Consulting and an expert SEO and Pinterest strategist who works with creative and holistic businesses to help them show up where their customers are actually searching.

Julia is an SEO, Pinterest, and AI search strategist who helps businesses get found online and attract the right clients through search. She’s the founder of Julia Renee Consulting, where she builds clear, sustainable strategies focused on real growth, conversions, and long-term visibility, without the confusing jargon.

Julia shares how she went from a traditional corporate career to full-time freelancing, what five college minors and a lot of trial and error taught her about building expertise, and why Pinterest is one of the most underrated search platforms for small businesses, especially in niche markets with less competition.

We cover:

✅ Why Pinterest is a search engine, not just a social platform

✅ How smaller niches on Pinterest create less competition and more opportunity

✅ The real impact AI is having on SEO strategies right now ✅ How to build a strong, sustainable digital presence as a small business

✅ Julia's journey from corporate job to freelance consulting

✅ Why learning from multiple sources is the key to staying ahead

✅ Advice for navigating a nonlinear career path

Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or just trying to figure out how to actually get found online, this conversation is for you.

📌 Subscribe for new episodes of Iconoclasting

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclastinnovationsllc

🌐 Learn more about Julia: https://juliareneeconsulting.com/

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⏱️ CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to SEO and Pinterest Strategies

02:32 Exploring Julia's Business and Niche

05:19 Educational Background and Career Path

10:58 Transitioning to Freelancing and Business Ownership

16:46 The Impact of AI on SEO Strategies

22:24 Advice for Nonlinear Career Paths

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🔑 KEYWORDS: Pinterest marketing, SEO for small business, SEO strategy, AI and SEO, Pinterest SEO, Julia Renee Consulting, digital marketing for small businesses, freelancing, content strategy, Iconoclasting podcast

What does it take to turn a journalism background into a thriving communications business?

In this episode, I sit down with Genie Gratto, CEO and founder of GWRITES, to talk about her journey from journalist to nonprofit communicator to full-time entrepreneur. Genie shares the real story behind building a narrative strategy business, including the financial mistakes, the mindset shifts, and the storytelling philosophy that drives everything she does.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ How GWRITES evolved from a side hustle to a full-time business

✅ Why directness is the foundation of great narrative strategy

✅ The mindset that changed how she approaches opportunity

✅ Financial challenges entrepreneurs face in the early stages (and how to navigate them)

✅ How storytelling connects audiences to mission and drives real impact

✅ Why adaptability is the most important trait for entrepreneurs

Whether you're a communicator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a nonprofit professional, this conversation is full of practical wisdom you can use right now.

🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform

📌 Subscribe for new episodes every other Thursday

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclast_innovations_llc

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⏱️ CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Genesis of GWRITES

02:45 Navigating the Journalism Landscape

05:29 The Evolution of Narrative Strategy

08:15 Lessons from Entrepreneurship

11:05 The Importance of Directness and Opportunity

13:41 Financial Lessons and Mistakes

16:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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🔑 KEYWORDS: narrative strategy, content strategy, women entrepreneurs, journalism to entrepreneurship, nonprofit communications, GWRITES, storytelling for business, entrepreneur advice, communications consulting, podcast for entrepreneurs

Christine Beurmann is a senior enterprise agile and delivery leader with over 15 years of experience helping organizations turn strategy into predictable execution. She’s led Agile Release Trains, enterprise transformations, and product operations across financial services, SaaS, retail, and life sciences, partnering closely with executives to stabilize delivery and drive real business outcomes.

In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Christine delve into the evolving field of Product Operations, exploring its significance, the skills required, and the impact of AI on the industry. Christine shares her journey from Agile coaching to Product Ops, emphasizing the importance of communication, negotiation skills, and understanding the market in making the transition. Christine also offers valuable career insights, encouraging listeners to embrace opportunities and recognize that progress is often nonlinear.

Takeaways

• Fall in love with the problem, not just the solution.
• Progress in careers is not always linear; embrace opportunities.
• Agile principles are becoming part of everyone's job, not just a single role.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:08 Journey into Product Operations

10:12 The Importance of Communication

17:36 AI's Impact on Product Operations

23:33 Career Insights and Advice

Robbin Kelton is the hostess of the Mamapreneur Podcast, with nearly 5 years and 100+ episodes spotlighting women and moms from around the world—helping them gain global exposure for their brands. She curates luxe networking experiences across DFW, creating spaces rooted in Community, Connection, and Collaboration (the kind that actually moves the needle). Most recently, she founded Team Robbin’s Divas Cancer Foundation, providing resources and care packages to women currently undergoing cancer treatment. Her motto says it all: “True Connection Happens When You’re IN the Room!”

The conversation with Robbin Kelton of Mamapreneur podcast covers the journey of starting and expanding the Mamapreneur brand, overcoming fear, and taking action. Robbin shares her non-traditional pathway and emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and connection. The discussion also delves into the expansion of the Mamapreneur brand and the significance of taking action despite fear.

Takeaways

• Community, Collaboration, and Connection
• Overcoming Fear and Taking Action

Connect with Robbin

• Mamapreneurpodcast.com 
• https://team-robbins-816802550992.us-west1.run.app/#/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Mamapreneur Podcast
• 07:14 Starting a Podcast and Overcoming Fear
• 14:05 Expanding the Mamapreneur Brand
• 21:17 Conclusion and Where to Find Robbin

Rita Richa is the Founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Reignite Media, a story-driven sales consulting firm working with Fortune 500 and B2B brands. She’s also the award-winning host of Bippity Boppity Business and helps brands turn conversations into relationships and relationships into revenue.

In this engaging conversation, Rita Richa, Chief Storytelling Officer at Reignite Media, shares her unconventional journey from aspiring performer to successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of storytelling in business, the magic of Disney as an inspiration, and the challenges she faced along the way. Rita emphasizes the significance of belief, opportunity, and finding one's purpose, while also highlighting the value of community and support in achieving success. The episode concludes with key takeaways for listeners on navigating their own journeys.

Takeaways

• Reignite Media focuses on story-driven sales for B2B brands.
• Storytelling can create magic in business content.
• An unconventional journey can lead to unexpected success.
• Belief in oneself and support from others is crucial.

Connect with Rita

• LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaricha/
  
  Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction to Reignite Media
  • 03:09 The Journey of Storytelling in Business
  • 06:59Rita's Unconventional Path to Success
  • 12:25 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Adversity
  • 18:18 Finding Support: The Importance of Belief in Your Potential
  • 20:28 Discovering Passion: The Joy of Working in Media
  • 23:43 Navigating Choices: The Impact of COVID on Career Decisions
  • 25:16 Key Takeaways: Lessons from an Unconventional Path

Caroline Benefield is a digital marketing consultant specializing in brand storytelling, campaign strategy, and performance-driven marketing. Her work blends creative content with data-driven insights to build marketing strategies that connect and convert.

Caroline shares her journey into digital marketing, emphasizing the goal of demystifying the digital marketing space. Caroline also shares her personal journey and the development of Southern Grid Digital, along with her top three marketing tips, focusing on simplicity, authenticity, and value-driven strategies.

Connect with Caroline

• IG - @southerngritdigital
• LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-weeks-9bb58578/
• Website - southerngritdigital.com
• Portfolio - https://southerngritdigital.lovable.app/

Takeaways

• Demystifying digital marketing
• Authenticity in marketing

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Digital Marketing Services
• 07:15 Values in Marketing
• 15:52 Personal Journey and Business Development
• 24:30 Marketing Tips and Strategies

Erin Peshoff leads Vivia Studios, where she helps founders, teams, and consultants untangle messy processes and design systems that actually stick. Her work blends people-first change management with practical tools so organizations can scale without burning out.

We delve into the world of Vivia Studios and positive psychology, exploring the challenges faced by nonprofits and solopreneurs, the implementation of new systems, and the importance of growth mindset and authenticity. Erin shares her journey into positive psychology and emphasizes the value of personal growth and resilience.

Takeaways

• Positive psychology
• Nonprofit consultancy
• Personal growth

Connect with Erin

• https://www.viviastudios.com/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitgrowthstudio/

Chapters

• 00:00 Vivia Studios and Positive Psychology
• 08:32 Challenges in Nonprofit and Consulting
• 15:14 Learning about Positive Psychology
• 21:19 Key Takeaways

In the inaugural episode of Iconoclasting, Sarah Smith shares her personal journey of navigating a non-traditional career path. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and highlights how societal expectations can shape our choices. Through her experiences, she encourages listeners to embrace unconventional pathways and explore their unique journeys.

Connect with Sarah:

• Visit Website
• Connect on LinkedIn
• Follow on Instagram
• Visit YouTube Channel
• Email