Inbox Zero

What do you do when you feel disrespected, undermined, or just emotionally done at work—but still have to lead the room?

In this episode, B shares a real-world story of a startup director struggling with emotional regulation in high-stress leadership environments—and breaks down a simple 3-step framework to help you reclaim your calm, your credibility, and your leadership presence when the heat is on.

You’ll learn:

• Why your brain spirals in tense moments (and how to catch it)
• How to identify what’s actually triggering you
• A practical script for responding with clarity—not compliance

Whether you're managing up, holding your own in the C-suite, or just trying to be taken seriously—this one’s for you.

🎙 Mentioned in this episode:

• Subscribe to the newsletter: biancalager.com/newsletter
• Watch the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/x0_pcr4vDEo
• Connect with B on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/biancalager/

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Summary
In this episode of Inbox Zero, Bianca Lager addresses the challenging question of when to give up on a business. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and defining personal success, analyzing both emotional and data-driven aspects of business performance. Bianca discusses the significance of identifying what drains energy and the opportunity costs associated with staying in a draining business. She encourages listeners to find clarity through reflection and to set deadlines for reevaluation. Ultimately, she reassures that ending a business venture does not equate to failure, but rather a step towards growth and new opportunities.

Takeaways
You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed as an entrepreneur.
Defining success is a personal journey; it varies for everyone.
Emotions play a crucial role in assessing business performance.
Data analysis should be complemented with emotional insights.
Identify what tasks drain your energy in your business.
Opportunity costs are significant when considering business decisions.
Taking a break can provide clarity for future decisions.
Setting deadlines for reevaluation can help focus efforts.
Failure is a part of the entrepreneurial journey; embrace it.
You are more than your business; your worth isn't tied to it.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Struggles of Entrepreneurship
03:04
Defining Success: What Does It Mean to You?
05:55
Analyzing Emotions vs. Data in Business
08:45
Identifying What Drains You in Your Business
11:59
Understanding Opportunity Costs in Business Decisions
14:50
Finding Clarity and Setting Deadlines for Decisions
20:06
Final Thoughts: Embracing Failure and Moving Forward

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

SUMMARY
In this episode of Inbox Zero, Bianca Lager addresses a listener's concern about feeling excluded from a workplace fantasy football league. She explores themes of workplace dynamics, inclusion, and strategies for participation, emphasizing the importance of communication and maintaining a balance between personal interests and professional relationships.

TAKEAWAYS
It's important to engage with your team without overstepping boundaries.
Being the boss can sometimes lead to unintentional exclusion from team activities.
Participate in conversations to show your interest without dominating them.
Ask for inclusion in a casual manner to avoid pressure.
Celebrate team achievements, even if you're not directly involved.
Understand the dynamics of your workplace culture to navigate relationships effectively.
Use humor to connect with your team without making it about you.
Recognize that team bonding activities can enhance workplace morale.
Acknowledge your team's efforts and successes to foster a positive environment.
Maintain a balance between personal interests and professional responsibilities.


CHAPTERS
00:00
Introduction and Listener Engagement
08:11
Strategies for Inclusion and Participation

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

GUEST: Aaron Boggs
This week, I sat down with Aaron Boggs, the dynamic CEO and founder of Infinite CXO. Aaron is not just a visionary leader but someone who believes deeply in fostering collaborative, people-first workplaces. His company connects businesses with fractional C-suite executives, offering game-changing leadership without the long-term commitment. We share a mutual passion for working with great people and avoiding toxic environments—and yes, Aaron's energy is as infectious as it is inspiring.


RECAP OF OUR CONVO
In our chat, Aaron and I explored the power of servant leadership (it needs a rebrand, right?) and how psychological safety is a must-have for innovative, thriving teams. Aaron shared how Infinite CXO prioritizes matching businesses with executives who bring experience and strategy to help teams level up—often delivering in weeks what would take months. We also dove into scaling culture as businesses grow, the challenges of being vulnerable as leaders, and the importance of sharing knowledge across all levels of a company. Oh, and we had a good laugh about those "instant CEO coaches" you see on LinkedIn!

TAKEAWAYS
Fractional leadership rocks! Bringing in seasoned experts short-term can deliver outsized results without long-term risks.
Servant leadership works: It's not about power but fostering authentic, innovation-friendly workplaces.
Vulnerability is a superpower: Being real with your team can transform your culture and performance.
Scaling culture matters: As your company grows, preserving the fire (aka your founding passion) is essential to keeping everyone engaged.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Infinite CXO and Its Impact
06:06
Servant Leadership and Its Rebranding
12:12
The Value of Fractional Executives
19:58
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Organizations
26:36
The Challenge of Authentic Vulnerability
31:36
Navigating Growth and Culture in Organizations

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Welcome to Inbox Zero! I'm Bianca Lager, former CEO of Social Intelligence, where I led a high-performing team as a 'C-Suite of One' for seven years, ultimately scaling and selling the company in 2023. Now, through my Executive Automations program, workshops, and speaking, I help hands-on leaders like you streamline decisions and cut through the mental clutter holding you back.

Over 130,000 professionals have already leveled up their executive skills through my courses, and now, I’m here to bring you no-BS strategies that transform how you run your business—without the burnout. Let's dive into the practical tools and real talk you need to build a sustainable, thriving business.

his week I am joined by Manoly Gustavson, Founder of 4Waves Consulting.

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Are you a busy entrepreneur? Or maybe you haven’t quite started your own company but you’re like me - a small business junkie with a relentless business spirit and you LOVE the agility of leading small teams and building companies at early stages.

If you know all about wearing a million different hats everyday and feel like you are constantly on the brink of burnout, then my friend, this podcast is for you.

Welcome to Inbox Zero.

If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Bianca Lager, a recovering CEO and host of Inbox Zero. I’m also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, a keynote speaker and a virtual trainer on platforms like Cornerstone's LMS.  I teach busy entrepreneurs and small business leaders just like you the exact actions you need to take to get out of the weeds and get back to your life. 

So let’s get started. 

SPECIAL GUEST: 

Mary Southern, an expert resume writer and entrepreneur.

Podcast Recap: Building Success through Delegation, Human-Centric Leadership, and Time Mastery

 In this conversation, Mary and I discuss effective strategies for resume writing, particularly for those transitioning from entrepreneurship to traditional employment. We emphasize the importance of clarity in job focus, the impact of applicant tracking systems, and the need for tailored resumes. Our discussion also highlights the role of AI tools in assisting with resume creation and the emotional challenges faced by job seekers.

Key Takeaways:

When it comes to writing a standout resume, Mary has several tried-and-true tips for job seekers:

1. Focus and Clarity: It’s crucial to be clear on the role you want. Without a focused job title or objective, resumes can come across as scattered. This is especially important for entrepreneurs or individuals with diverse experience. Define your next step and communicate it clearly on your resume.
2. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Understanding how ATS works can significantly improve a resume's visibility. Many companies use these systems to screen resumes, so making yours ATS-friendly is a must. Simple formatting and including relevant keywords are some of the best ways to ensure your resume passes ATS filters.
3. Tailoring Your Resume: Mary strongly recommends customizing resumes for each position. Using AI tools like Sidekick can help you brainstorm relevant keywords and structure, but the human touch is crucial for tailoring content to align with the specific role.
4. Highlight Achievements: Rather than listing duties, Mary advises focusing on impactful achievements in each role. Quantifiable accomplishments, like “increased sales by 30%” or “reduced costs by 20%,” stand out to hiring managers.
5. Multiple Versions for Different Roles: Job seekers shouldn’t be afraid to create different versions of their resume for various applications. Each version should be customized to emphasize skills and experiences that align with the specific role.

A well-crafted resume can be a powerful tool in your job search journey. By integrating clarity, focus, and a bit of creativity, you can present a compelling story to potential employers. Mary’s insights remind us that while AI can help streamline the process, the heart of an effective resume still lies in human connection and storytelling.

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Welcome to Inbox Zero! I'm Bianca Lager, former President and CEO of Social Intelligence, a company where I lovingly lead a highly productive team as a "C-Suite of One" for 7 years. I successfully sold that company in 2023 and now I get to focus on my work as a keynote speaker and online course creator where I have taught over 130,000 learners executive business skills. Through my new program "Executive Automations", I guide small business owners and operators through a step-by-step process to automate and elevate the decisions clogging up your mental inbox. 

This week I am joined by Valerie Trapunsky, CEO of ChatterBoss and author of Delegation Nation.

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Welcome to Inbox Zero, the podcast where I, Bianca Lager, help busy entrepreneurs and small business leaders reclaim their time, cut through the noise, and solve the challenges piling up in your inbox. If you're looking to grow your business without the burnout, we’re here to share actionable insights that make space for what really matters—the high-quality life you're seeking.

This week I am joined by Carina Harlow - PR and internal comms expert.

Question of the week:"I’m a COO of a 7-year old start up (is that still a start up? lol) and a quarter ago we found out some tough news about one of our largest clients. Basically we are losing revenue so we have had to get cash scrappy. I'm really good at this kind of thing since I have a history with shoe string budgets in small businesses and I get along well with the CFO so we recommended some ideas together. My problem is how the CEO has decided to communicate these changes to the team (or lack thereof). We're on a "need-to-know" basis so sometimes he cuts thing out without me know that even affect my own team and I'm stuck scrambling with an explanation I don't have. I know this has also affected our client facing teams too and sometimes I find stuff out last minute that I know will be a huge deal to certain reps. Our CEO's philosophy is to wait and see what people complain about before we react. That seems crazy!! He doesn't want to freak out the staff by announcing these budget cuts or at least not more than we have to. But my team trusts me and they tell me that everyone whispers and now, everyone’s worried about job security, and morale is low. I’ve noticed a dip in productivity, and a few of my employees are openly job hunting. The truth is, they SHOULD BE job hunting but I want to keep everyone motivated, and I’m not sure how to be honest about the financial situation without making them panic and annoying the CEO since I could also be on the chopping block and this job economy does not look fun! I would appreciate any advice on how to handle this as it feels like an ethical and a business dilemma. Is there any hope for us?"

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Summary
In this conversation, Bianca Lager discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, particularly the feelings of burnout and loss of enthusiasm that many business owners experience. She emphasizes the importance of seeking help through therapy and coaching, and provides practical strategies for prioritizing tasks and creating a roadmap for business success. Bianca shares her personal experiences and offers actionable advice to help entrepreneurs reignite their passion and effectively manage their businesses.

Question of the week:
"I founded my digital marketing agency five years ago with boundless enthusiasm, but lately, I've been dragging myself to work and feeling indifferent about our successes. Despite having a team of 8 great people and a solid client base, I procrastinate on important tasks and question if this is what I want to do long-term. The daily grind of managing employees, handling difficult clients, and keeping up with industry trends feels overwhelming, and I'm worried my lack of enthusiasm will affect team morale. I'm feeling burnt out and losing passion for my business - how can I reignite my entrepreneurial spirit?"

Takeaways

• Burnout is a common experience for entrepreneurs.
• It's important to seek help from a therapist or coach.
• Prioritization is key to managing business tasks effectively.
• Creating a wish list can help clarify business goals.
• Involving your team in goal-setting can enhance collaboration.
• Understanding what tasks are truly important can reduce procrastination.
• A structured approach to task management can alleviate overwhelm.
• Regularly revisiting priorities is essential for business growth.
• Taking breaks is important, but they won't solve all problems.
• Personal and professional lives are interconnected in entrepreneurship.

Sound Bites

• "I feel like this is so relatable."
• "Get a therapist, get a therapist."
• "You need someone to unburden your burdens."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bianca Lager and Her Journey

01:11 Identifying Burnout in Entrepreneurship

04:43 The Importance of Seeking Help

07:35 Strategies for Prioritizing Tasks

12:06 Creating a Wish List for Business Goals

15:52 Building a Roadmap for Success

About Inbox Zero
I'm Bianca Lager, former President and CEO of Social Intelligence, a company where I lovingly lead a highly productive team as a "C-Suite of One" for 7 years. I successfully sold that company in 2023 and now I get to focus on my work as a keynote speaker and online course creator where I have taught over 130,000 learners executive business skills. Through my new program "executive automations", I guide small business owners and operators through a step-by-step process to automate your executive leadership skills which translates in sales growth and executing efficient operations and product strategy. These systems will free up your time by teaching you how to relentlessly prioritize. So welcome to inbox zero. Here, I provide free business advice on how to automate and elevate the decisions clogging up your mental inbox. 

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com

Subscribe to Bianca Lager's newsletter for advice on the business decisions and leadership problems clogging up your mental inbox.

This week's advice submission: 

I've been running a successful online course business for the past two years, but I'm starting to feel burnout from constantly creating new content and managing student interactions. I'm considering bringing on additional instructors or partners, but I'm not sure how to structure this arrangement. Any advice on scaling a knowledge-based business while maintaining quality and personal touch?"

Thanks for listening!

For more episodes, webinars and and to learn more about Bianca Lager, visit me at biancalager.com