Intentional Improvement

“Most people are not stuck because they lack talent. They are stuck because they keep waiting to feel ready.”

In this episode, the host sits down with Giselle Ugarte, a coach and speaker who helps leaders and entrepreneurs find their voice and use it to create meaningful impact both online and offline. Giselle shares how her journey began with uncertainty and small experiments on YouTube, using makeup tutorials as a way to practice speaking on camera before she ever considered herself ready.

She explains why personal branding is often misunderstood and why it is not simply about social media visibility, followers, or polished content. Instead, she reframes it as the alignment between who someone is online and who they are in real life. Giselle discusses the difference between building a personal brand and creating a “business with a face,” and why storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are essential for long-term influence.

The conversation also explores the realities of self-doubt, the importance of taking action before feeling fully prepared, and the idea of “action forward” taking one step that moves a dream closer to reality. 

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introducing our guest, Giselle Ugarte

00:31 – Building relationships beyond social media

02:13 – Giselle’s journey from insecurity to coaching leaders

03:16 – What is your brand?

06:05 – Why early, imperfect content matters

09:02 – Contribution over popularity

10:44 – Self-doubt is common at every level

13:40 – The “action forward” approach to overcoming fear

15:49 – How overthinking creates “doubt stacking”

17:31 – The power of saying yes to opportunities

21:06 – What a personal brand actually means

25:47 – Personal brand vs. a business with a face

29:16 – Why storytelling builds trust with audiences

31:14 – Four guiding questions for strong content

33:56 – Faith, crisis, and staying grounded

36:23 – Influence comes from understanding people

38:14 – The importance of the human touch in business

39:41 – How people have become “socially out of practice”

42:06 – Rebuilding connection through in-person events

44:39 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

45:44 – Advice to her 20-year-old self

48:01 – Success through faith and purpose

50:21 – Connect with Giselle

Connect with Giselle Ugarte:

• Web: https://www.giselleugarte.com/
• InkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giselleugarte/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giselle.ugarte
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/giselleugarte/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

“Time is the only asset you can never get more of. If your money depends on your time, you’re not building wealth, you’re renting your life.”

In this episode, the host sits down with Clay Weger, CEO and co-founder of PaymXnts, for a conversation that questions one of the biggest lies many of us were taught: that time equals money. Clay introduces a different concept he calls passive money, which is income produced by systems and labor that continue working even when you are not.

He shares his journey from investing over a million dollars and years of effort into traditional businesses to discovering how to build mechanisms that gave him control of his time. Clay explains the difference between passive income and passive money, why so many people remain stuck trading hours for dollars, and the defining formula for freedom: your passive money must exceed your monthly expenses.

The conversation explores the payment processing industry and how his referral model allows everyday people to earn recurring revenue by connecting business owners to better systems. He also speaks openly about spiritual setbacks, mentorship, and how shifting his perspective changed the way he sees trials, success, and impact.

This episode offers a fresh lens on wealth, freedom, and what it truly means to stop living on payroll and start building systems that work for you.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introducing our guest, Clay Weger

00:29 – The mission to set 10,000 people financially free

01:55 – The three types of millionaires

03:53 – The two essentials for passive money: mechanism and labor

05:05 – How the PaymXnts referral agent model works

08:56 – Passive money vs passive income

09:56 – The Freedom Equation

14:14 – Building systems takes time

16:53 – The power of leverage and doing less

18:34 – Escaping the cash flow quadrant

20:04 – The $350 entry and building the engine 

21:27 – Why helping others achieve freedom matters

23:54 – Funding freedom without large capital 

26:18 – Mentorship, faith, and mindset reset 

29:01 – Trials and tribulations as a guidepost

33:23 – Retirement equals control of time 

35:28 – Look upward first 

36:11 – Inaction costs more than mistakes 

39:08 – Never sell passive income without replacement 

40:41 – How to get started with PaymXnts

Connect with Clay Weger:

• Web: https://www.paymxnts.com/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@PaymXnts
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/PaymXnts1?

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

If “that’s just the cost of doing business” is draining your profits, it might be time to stop accepting the leak and start fixing the bucket.

In this episode, the host sits down with Bobby Poole, co-founder and CMO of PaymXnts, to talk about how his journey through entrepreneurship, real estate, and running a family entertainment business led him to discover a better way for business owners to keep more of their money and get it faster.

Bobby shares his origin story, from realizing early on that he was not built for a 9-to-5, to building and buying businesses, to facing the pressure of keeping things afloat during COVID. He explains how one simple question about credit card fees opened his eyes to how much money business owners quietly lose every year and how that moment eventually led to the creation of PaymXnts.

He breaks down the dual-price model, why the idea of “paying to get paid” never made sense to him, and how faster access to your money can change cash flow, payroll, and day-to-day decisions. This conversation challenges the belief that losing a percentage of your revenue is just part of the deal and offers a practical look at how keeping more of what you already earn can create more time, more freedom, and more breathing room for business owners.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introducing our guest, Bobby Poole

01:00 – Why Bobby chose entrepreneurship over a 9–5

02:40 – From real estate to owning a paintball park

04:30 – Buying a business right before COVID

07:45 – The question that changed everything: credit card fees

11:08 – The dual price model 

12:44 – Getting 100% of your money, faster

15:14 – Cash flow is king

18:18 – Passing fees to the customer 

19:34 – When's the best time to plant a money tree? 

22:16 – The hidden fees most owners never check

25:23 – What keeping $30,000 a year could change in real life

29:19 – Getting off the hamster wheel

30:49 – Advice to his 20-year-old self: Start sooner

31:39 – What does success mean to you?

32:29 – How to get started with PaymXnts

Connect with Bobby Poole:

• Web: https://www.paymxnts.com/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@PaymXnts
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/PaymXnts1?
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-poole-5468762a/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

You do not need a massive budget or instant fame to build a business people trust. You need consistency, clarity, and the courage to show up as yourself.

In this episode, the host sits down with Shannon Gillette, one of the top Realtors in Arizona, leader of the Gillette Group, founder of the Awaken Summit, and a nationally recognized real estate leader known for her bold voice of faith in the industry, to talk about building a business through personal branding and social media.

Shannon shares what it was like to start with zero followers, no budget for leads, and a lot of uncertainty, and why she chose to stay consistent even when it felt uncomfortable. She explains why posting only “just listed, just sold” content rarely builds trust, how Instagram Stories and video help people get to know you before they ever reach out, and why showing who you are matters in a crowded market. She also talks about how faith shapes her work, the pressure that comes with real estate, and what it looks like to keep going without expecting overnight results.

This conversation is a reminder that building a real estate business is not only about transactions. It is about showing up. It is about earning trust. And it is about doing the work long enough for people to see and choose you.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Shannon’s start in real estate and early fears

01:36 – Creating content that attracts the right audience

03:03 – Fear as part of growth

04:58 – Connection over selling

05:55 – How social media brings referrals

07:19 – There is no overnight success

08:30 – The birth of the Awaken Summit

10:12 – The vision: faith, industry burnout, and purpose

12:17 – Building the speaker lineup

14:49 – Choosing action over regret 

15:47 – Why spreading the word matters

17:06 – Faith as a foundation for business

17:56 – How to connect with Shannon

Awaken Summit Tickets:

To learn more about the Awaken Summit or to get your tickets, visit https://www.awakensummit.com/tickets

Connect with Shannon Gillette:

• Web: https://gillettegroupaz.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/gillettegroupaz/
• YT: www.youtube.com/@shannon_gillette
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannon_gillette/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

You can build the business of your dreams, but without the right protection, one mistake can cost you everything. What you’re building deserves structure, clarity, and security.

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, Erica sits down with Las Vegas-based attorney Sarah Ocampo to break down the real-world legal risks business owners face and the practical steps required to protect assets, companies, and families. With a background in business, probate, and real estate law, Sarah brings clarity to a world most entrepreneurs overlook, including LLC formation, piercing the corporate veil, commingling funds, operating agreements, umbrella policies, and modern real estate scams affecting homeowners and investors.

Through powerful client stories and relatable teaching moments, Sarah explains why having an LLC is not enough, how courts evaluate liability, when insurance becomes asset protection, and why written agreements and documentation are non-negotiable in business. Her journey anchored in connection, fulfillment, and service gives listeners a deeper understanding of success beyond money.

This conversation is an essential reminder that business is not just about growth. It is about protection. It is about stewardship. And it is about building something that can withstand conflict, mistakes, and unexpected storms.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introducing our today’s guest, Sarah Ocampo

01:01 – An unconventional path into law

04:00 – Why LLCs alone don’t guarantee protection

07:28 – What “piercing the corporate veil” really means

08:31 – Using Series LLCs for real estate asset protection

12:27 – Can you fix an LLC that hasn’t been operated properly?

14:33 – Why umbrella insurance is powerful asset protection

17:45 – The biggest mistake business partners make

22:05 – How real estate law shows up in everyday situations

23:51 – How fraudulent deed cases get resolved in court

27:10 – Why suing isn’t always worth it financially

29:08 – Why good lawyers don’t take cases personally

31:05 – Can buyers sue real estate agents? 

36:23 – How to document agreements without contracts

39:42 – Where do you see yourself and your business in the next 5 years?

41:03 – The real value of relationships and networking

43:25 – AI as a tool vs. replacing professional judgment

45:09 – Success is fulfillment and impact

49:00 – Connect with Sarah Ocampo

Connect with Sarah Ocampo:

• Web: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocampo-wiseman-law/
• X: https://x.com/OcampoWiseman
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/ocampowisemanlaw
• YT: www.youtube.com/@ocampowisemanlaw
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/ocampowisemanlaw/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ocampo-wiseman-law/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

You are still here because what your life is meant to do is bigger than what tried to stop you. The struggle did not happen because you were weak. It happened because what you carry matters.

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Dr. Robert Bess, Christian author of PRESERVED, entrepreneur, and Kingdom leader, to explore what it means to be sustained by faith through trauma, leadership, and calling. Dr. Bess shares his extraordinary survival story, including a childhood marked by abuse, thirteen near-death experiences, and the faith that carried him through seasons of pain, responsibility, and rebuilding.

He opens up about building and leading multiple businesses, raising his children as a single father, and learning how to get things done without sacrificing integrity, faith, or family. Through honest reflection, Dr. Bess unpacks lessons on resilience, decision-making, letting go of perfection, and leading with trust and discipline. This conversation is a powerful reminder that preservation is never accidental. It is preparation for purpose, and every scar can point someone back to hope.

Topics Covered:

01:33 – Welcoming our guest, Dr. Robert Bess

03:08 – A childhood shaped by trauma and survival

05:50 – Faith is the foundation for resilience and success

07:11 – How to approach big goals one step at a time

08:43 – Compartmentalizing life to avoid chaos and burnout

10:04 – Managing stress and keeping negativity in its place

11:30 – How do you know what to prioritize?

14:16 – Trusting teams, releasing pride, and allowing failure

17:17 – How do you know when your work is good?

19:20 – Understanding your “why” before taking action

21:10 – How to observe competition without copying or comparing

23:13 – Identifying blockers before they stop your progress

27:00 – Making decisive leadership decisions

29:24 – Why supporting growth builds stronger teams

32:26 – How do you know you made the right decision? 

34:13 – How to set goals that actually keep people motivated

38:37 – Integrity, conviction, and standing firm in your values

40:56 – Why testimonials matter in building trust and brand

41:47 – Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

43:19 – Don’t believe the lies

44:27 – How spilled lanes create chaos and stress

45:40 – Success is obedience, purpose, and kingdom impact

Connect with Dr. Robert Bess:

• Web: https://drrobertbess.com/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@DrRobertBess
• X: https://x.com/DrRobertBess
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertBess
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/Dr.RobertBess/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drrobertbess/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

“You can have the title, the awards, and the recognition, but your impact comes from the heart you give and the lives you touch.”

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Sharelle Mendenhall, former Miss United States, CEO, and founder of multiple businesses and the Roar Fest. Sharelle shares her journey from stepping into pageantry on a whim to winning national titles, using her platform to advocate for causes like child trafficking, and serving communities with unwavering faith and discipline.

She opens up about building businesses from the ground up, leading teams with intentional energy, and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Sharelle dives into the lessons she’s learned about attitude, authenticity, perseverance, and the power of faith in both life and business. This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and creating a legacy that goes beyond personal success.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Welcoming our guest, Sharelle Mendenhall 

01:17 – How Sharelle unexpectedly entered pageantry and won her first title

02:38 – Turning pageantry into a platform for service

03:52 – Why Sharelle never gave up

05:45 – The power of faith, discipline, and attitude

07:25 – Redefining pageantry as purpose and advocacy

09:01 – Everything is what you make of it

10:29 – Why attitude matters more than aptitude

13:32 – Authenticity as a source of influence

15:06 – Hold every single thought captive

16:48 – Using faith as an advantage in business

18:56 – Giving yourself permission to fail when building a business

22:52 – Lessons learned through leadership challenges

24:41 – The vision behind Roar Fest and why it was created

26:45 – Learning to serve from childhood through family example

30:10 – Why success without service feels empty

31:49 – What’s next for you in the next 5 years?

32:44 – Allow yourself to grieve

34:49 – Trusting God to avoid being paralyzed by fear and grief

38:59 – Success is becoming who God created you to be

41:22 – Living with an eternal perspective

43:06 – Leading with integrity and being mindful of the next generation

44:44 – Never give up and never give fear a place

Connect with Sharelle Mendenhall:

• Web: https://theroarfest.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/sharellemendenhall/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharelle-mendenhall-08771617/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

Intimacy is designed to be a natural, life-giving part of a relationship. It is how two people connect, communicate through their bodies, and strengthen their bond. Yet even with its importance, countless couples struggle to talk openly about sex. 

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist Brittany Farrow, whose work helps couples understand their bodies, their minds, and how to truly connect. Brittany opens up about common myths around sex and arousal, how societal messages shape our experiences, and the ways couples can learn to communicate openly about desire, pleasure, and intimacy.

She breaks down practical strategies for understanding your body, from noticing simple sensations like temperature, texture, and pressure, to exploring touch in ways that help reduce performance pressure and enhance connection. Brittany also dives into sexual trauma, why myths about sex and attraction create unnecessary shame and frustration and how awareness and communication can transform a couple’s experience.

From learning to accept your body, understanding arousal, to creating space for honest conversation with your partner, Brittany’s insights provide actionable guidance for anyone seeking a more connected, fulfilling, and confident sexual relationship.

Connect with Brittany Farrow:

• Web: https://www.farrowfamilytherapy.com/

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

"As an educator you want to do everything possible to make it easy for someone to take action and solve a problem and the beauty of business is that the moment you solve one problem you instantly become aware of the next one."

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with creator and brand strategist Caleb Ralston, whose journey from borrowing his mom’s camera to working alongside industry leaders is anything but accidental. Caleb opens up about the early opportunities that shaped him, the lessons learned under mentors, and the pivotal moment with Gary Vaynerchuk that shifted how he saw his purpose and potential.

He breaks down what brand-building really looks like behind the scenes, why consistency beats aesthetics, how clarity fuels trust, and why knowing what you stand for (and stand against) is foundational to long-term growth. Caleb also shares how his own audience took off, what creators often get wrong, and how staying rooted in service keeps him aligned while scaling.

From paid-off debt goals that took on a life of their own to redefining what productivity looks like in a creator’s world, Caleb’s story is packed with real-world insight and mindset shifts for anyone wanting to build with intention.

Connect with Caleb Ralston:

• Web: https://calebralston.com/ 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/calebralston
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebralston/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@CalebRalston

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected] 

“You can copy someone else’s strategies, but you can’t copy their authenticity. Your voice is your unfair advantage.”

In this episode of Intentional Improvement, we sit down with Neel Dhingra, digital creator, entrepreneur, and one of the leading authorities in the mortgage and real estate industry. Neel opens up about his path from burnout in the mortgage industry to discovering the power of content marketing, personal branding, and authentic connection. 

He dives into how he launched Forward, an event that brings together top industry leaders and influencers, and shares the lessons he’s learned about creating unforgettable experiences, scaling big, and leveraging AI to serve more people without losing the human touch. 

From starting small to growing an audience of nearly 200,000 organically, Neel explains how asking for help, surrounding yourself with the right people, and putting others first can lead to outsized success in business and life. This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, leadership, and vision. It’s for anyone ready to think bigger, create boldly, and move forward with purpose.

Connect with Neel Dhingra:

• Web: https://www.forwardacademy.com/; https://www.neelhome.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/neelhome/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@NeelDhingra
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neelhome
• X: https://twitter.com/neelhome

Connect with Erica:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericalemarr 
• Email: [email protected]