Lead with Love: Creativity, Business & Life with Jadah Sellner

What do you need to sustain you? In today’s Lead with Love episode, we explore vulnerability, sustainability, and how building an anti-hustle business takes practice. We also talk about the value of prioritizing in-person connections to build your community even if you have a full schedule. 

In today’s conversation, I get cozy with Nikki Groom who is on a mission to help rising women leaders recognize their worthiness, own their power, and amplify their impact - without checking their integrity at the door.

Nikki is the author of A Power of Your Own: How to Ignite Your Potential, Uncover Your Purpose, and Blaze Your Own Trail in Life and Business. She’s also a business, brand and marketing strategist, the creator of the Movement Makers Mastermind, the host of the Movement Makers podcast (which I’ve had the honor of being on as a guest - I’ll link to it in the show notes at jadahsellner.com/podcast), and the Founder of The 100 Stories Worth Telling Project, and acts as an adviser for social entrepreneurs and enterprises. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: How you can prioritize making in-person connections to build your community even with a full schedule

:: Thoughts on the vulnerability and what it takes to truly let people into your life

:: A closer look at Chapter 5, Reclaiming Your Time and Energy, and how Nikki implemented these strategies and concepts into her own business 

::  What Nikki is being mindful of right now and how she is putting herself in the center of what Leading with Love means to her [34:19]

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/podcast

I’m excited to celebrate She Builds has been out in the wild for over a year! This book is the perfect companion to guide you into the New Year and carve out time and space to think, dream, and clarify your next-level vision. You can grab your copy at shebuilds.com, your favorite bookstore, or your local library. And if you’re an Audible listener like me, head over to shebuilds.com/audible. And if the book inspired you, leave a review at shebuilds.com/review to spread the love. 

And if you’re an Audible listener like me, head over to shebuilds.com/audible. Take 5 minutes to leave a review at shebuilds.com/review to inspire others to build an anti-hustle business and life. 

This week, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes peak of my book being out in the world for one year. In this Lead with Love podcast episode, you’ll hear a fun conversation with one of my closest friends Nikki Elledge Brown where I share the lessons I learned and what “enough” really means to me. 

Nikki is a mom of three known online for her practical teaching style and refreshingly honest reflections on the realities of parenthood and entrepreneurship. She's a speaker, teacher, author, and mentor who quickly built a name (+ highly profitable business) for herself by helping service-based business owners communicate with clarity and confidence through her first online program, A Course About Copy®.

Nikki launched the Naptime Empires® podcast (soon to be book!) for entrepreneurial moms chasing big dreams and tiny humans. You can find her most recent musings in her audio-note-style On Her Terms podcast or over at nikkielledgebrown.com

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: How a co-working session with Nikki led to the recording of this episode and the intention we both have by sharing my book lessons and reflections

::  A few of the highlights from my first year of being a solo published author and how my goals and pace with this book differ from those of other authors ::  The feedback I’m getting on what has resonated the most with people who read She Builds

::  What I have done to establish a sustainable pace when bringing She Builds to the world and a closer look at my quarterly planning process that I share in the book 

::  A sneak peek at what’s on the horizon for me in 2024 and how I plan to grow the She Builds Collective, all while ensuring it remains a cozy and intimate space for everyone who joins

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/_201

Grab a copy of She Builds: shebuilds.com or shebuilds.com/audible 

Learn more about The Collective: jadahsellner.com/collective

If you’ve felt overcommitted and struggled with procrastination and perfectionism, then this episode is for you. You’ll be reminded of why it’s important to say no, so you have the space to rest. You’ll also learn tips for identifying the warning signs of when things around you start to become frenetic, to avoid chaos and stress. 

In today’s Lead with Love conversation, I get cozy with Michelle Courtney Berry who is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, wellness coach, workplace trainer, keynote speaker, outdoor fitness leader, and author of Keeping Calm in Chaos. She helps busy, overtasked visionary leaders mindfully de-stress so they can truly enjoy success. www.michellecourtneyberry.com 

She has also opened for and shared stages with Dr. Maya Angelou, Howard Zinn, Mos Def, Amiri Baraka, and The Dalai Lama. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: The key lessons and takeaways that Michelle captured as a beta reader of my book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life

:: How the She Builds Revenue Map really helped her stay on course with her work (and how you can implement this exercise, too)

:: Why so many of us often overcomplicate and/or overcommit to things, and why it’s perfectly ok to say ‘no’

:: Why it’s important to allow ourselves to rest, not quit

:: Tips for identifying the warning signs of when things around you start to become frenetic, to avoid chaos and stress

:: Michelle’s experiences sharing the stage with icons (including Maya Angelou!) and the ways that doing this grew her bravery and belief in herself 

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/podcast

My book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life is the perfect companion to guide you into the New Year and carve out time and space to think, dream, and clarify your next-level vision. You can grab your copy at shebuilds.com where I link to all of your favorite booksellers. And if you’re an Audible listener like me, head over to shebuilds.com/audible. And if the book inspired you, leave a review to spread the love. 

If you’ve ever found yourself juggling motherhood as an entrepreneur, you’ll feel less alone in today’s conversation. I talk to published author and life coach, Andrea Owen, who shares her own journey of what it has looked like to balance being a parent, building a business, and writing books. We explore the push and pull between loving what you do while also navigating being a caregiver in your home.   

Andrea Owen is an author, global speaker, and professional certified life coach who helps high-achieving women maximize unshakeable confidence, and master resilience. She has taught hundreds of thousands of women tools and strategies to be able to empower themselves to live their most kick-ass life. She’s a Certified Daring Way™️ Facilitator; a modality based on the research of Dr. Brené Brown, and she’s also the host of Make Some Noise podcast, with over 3 million downloads. I had an opportunity to be a guest on her show. 

She is the proud author of three books, which have been translated into 18 languages and available in 22 countries. Andrea is the proud author of three books, which have been translated into 18 languages and are available in 22 countries. She updated and revised her book, How to Stop Feeling Like Sh*t. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: How Andrea learned that she needed to lead with intentional kindness, and what this meant to her

:: The behind-the-scenes timeline of a seasoned entrepreneur, and the way Andrea transitioned to be more of an “official” coach while also juggling motherhood

:: A goal-setting process and the markers that you can use to gauge your progress as an entrepreneur (especially if you’re a caregiver at home)

:: A closer look at how Andrea managed childcare at the beginning while building her business

:: Andrea shares her book writing process and the different promotion approaches she used for all three of her books

:: A recent health diagnosis that Andrea has received and how this has impacted the way she shows up in her work

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/podcast

Have you ever been at a crossroads in your business where you wondered, should I stick it out or is it time to move on? Maybe you’re in that place right now and you’re afraid to share it with anyone because they might see you as a failure. 

And in those seasons, you have to ask yourself, “what do I ultimately want from my life?” That’s exactly what we’ll explore today––what it looks like to get still, step back, and get honest with yourself, so you can create something that 100% feels aligned with your soul.

Today I’m talking with Carol Gavhane, Chief Sparkler of Sparkle Hustle Grow, an award-winning subscription box and online community for female entrepreneurs that has included books delivered to your doorstep from New York Times Bestselling authors such as Jen Sincero, Shonda Rhimes, and Jenna Kutcher. 

Carol was an early Beta Reader for She Builds, and She Builds is being featured in Sparkle Hustle Grow’s January 2023 box. The theme, “Build It Your Way,” is perfect to kick off the New Year and carve out time and space to think, dream, and clarify your next-level vision. 

You can learn more and subscribe to Carol’s award-winning boxes at sparklehustlegrow.com. Use the code JADAH for 50% off your first month of a new subscription, available through 1/31/2023. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: An eye-opening realization Carol made about where her energy was going and how she knew that a shift was needed

:: The way that Carol’s very personal experiences led her to another business that gives others hope and strength

::  How the perspective she approached this new business with different from that of her first business

::  The role that She Builds played in aiding her with the discussions she was having with her husband around that time

::  The specific practices from She Builds that Carol has implemented including a Weekly Workflow Plan and how this has helped her as she builds a new business

::  What your “Enough Number” is all about, and how you can apply it to your own life and personal definition of success

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/_198

Grab a copy of my book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life (or gift it to a friend) at shebuilds.com. And if you’re an Audible listener like me, head over to shebuilds.com/audible. Once you read it, leave a review. It’s the most helpful thing you can do to inspire more people to build their businesses without burnout. 

I’ve been sharing a lot of behind-the-scenes of what it takes to write, publish, and promote a book. But one thing that often gets overlooked in the writing process is editing. I like this quote from Mike Lee where he says, “The first draft reveals the art; revision reveals the artist.” 

Today, I get cozy with editor and publishing strategist AJ Harper. In this episode, we talk about how authors can find their voice, write books based on the change you want to see in the world, and why it's important not to give up in the dip when marketing your book.

AJ Harper helps authors write transformational books that enable them to build readership, grow their brand, and make a significant impact on the world. As ghostwriter and as developmental editor, she has worked with hundreds of authors, from newbies to New York Times bestselling authors with millions of books sold. AJ teaches her method in Top Three Book Workshop and the Must-Read Editing Workshop at https://ajharper.com.  

I personally had an opportunity to participate in one of AJ’s editing retreats and it was amazing! She is the Head Writing Coach for Heroic Public Speaking, the premier speaker training program created by Michael and Amy Port. She is writing partner to business author, Mike Michalowicz. Together they’ve written nine books, including Profit First. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!): :: Defining what  “career authorship” is all about

:: Why it’s important to keep your writing close until you are ready and the time is right to share it with others 

:: AJ’s expert tips for choosing an editor that is right for you and what you need to consider with this decision 

:: How gaining clarity in your book and editing process will allow you to stand up for your book with conviction 

:: Her own experience as a ghostwriter and co-writer, and how that compares to now writing her very own book and the pressures that come with doing this 

:: Why identifying your core message is essential in book writing, and what AJ’s core message was in her own book 

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/_197

Buy yourself a copy of my book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life (or gift it to a friend) at shebuilds.com. And if you’re an Audible listener like me, head over to shebuilds.com/audible. Once you read it, leave a review. It’s the most helpful thing you can do to inspire more people to build their businesses without burnout. 

In this episode of the Lead with Love Podcast,  I’m celebrating my new book, She Builds, which is available on bookshelves and wherever you purchase books online. You can grab a copy at shebuilds.com. In this conversation, I get cozy with my BFF, Nikki Elledge Brown, who has been with me throughout the entire book-writing process.

Nikki Elledge Brown is a self-proclaimed word nerd, military spouse, former park ranger, college professor, and mom of three known online for her quirky-yet-super-practical teaching style and refreshingly honest reflections on the realities of parenthood and entrepreneurship. Nikki launched the Naptime Empires® podcast (soon to be book!) to help family-focused entrepreneurs feel less alone in the journey. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!): :: How it really feels for me now in this moment having my new book in my hands, and the ways in which this experience is so much different than with my previous book

:: The big takeaways I’ve gotten during this launch process and what I decided to put my focus on right now as the book is released to the world  :: How I’ve been able to separate the book as a creative work from me as a person :: The ways that I learned to embrace the power of honoring my truth for what ultimately appeared in the final print  :: A look at the audio book recording process and what I did to take care of my body and manage my energy during this project 

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/_196

We’re in a season where transparency, critical conversations, and deepening connections matter more than ever as we navigate these uncharted waters of collective burnout. Anti-hustle is the antidote to burnout. So we also need more lightness and laughter to not take ourselves too seriously. And I can think of no one more perfect than my close friend, Tamika Lewis to explore these topics. 

Tamika Lewis, LCSW is the founder and Clinical Director of Womxn of Color Therapy Inc., a mental health and wellness center that supports teens and womxn of color in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in women's issues and emphasizes the importance of decolonizing traditional approaches to psychotherapy. Her company offers individual therapy, energy healing, self-care workshops, and massage.

Tamika is also a contributor to many publications, including Thrive Global, Washington Post, and Prevention Magazine. She is currently working on her book Tiny Moves: Defining Moments that Change Us. Tamika enjoys collaborating with other health and wellness practitioners and speaking on topics relating to women, relationships, and tools for personal success. To learn more about Tamika’s work, visit Woctherapy.com.

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: Why it’s important as a leader to focus on transparency and intimate conversations to bring people closer (especially if you have a team)

::  A look back at the mastermind that we had together and the impact that it had on the both of us for building our dreams

::  What it looks like to shift from doing your day-to-day work to being a visionary for your company

::  The essential things that women of color who are exploring clinical and therapeutic support should look for

::  A magical story about Tamika’s daughter manifesting her dreams (with a celebrity singer we both admire) that demonstrates the power in appreciating the work that others do 

::  Tamika’s advice for others building a business and pursuing their dreams, and the way that she is returning to the essence of who she is through nature and regular practices 

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/_195

She Builds is the  #1 New Release in the Startups category on Amazon. My book is also in the top 5 for starting a business, women and business, and entrepreneurship. If you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, or you’d like to gift one to a friend for the holidays, visit shebuilds.com or shebuilds.com/audible if you like to listen to books. 

If you’ve read through the book as your cozy holiday companion, would you take 5 minutes to leave a review shebuilds.com/review. Your support means the world to me. 

Have you ever thought about writing a book? During my sold-out book release party with my dear friend and client Grace Kraaijvanger, founder of The Hivery, she asked the room, “How many people want to write a book?” 75% of the people in the room raised their hands. 

If you want insight into how the publishing process works, you’re in for a treat because today I talk to my literary agent, David Fugate, who shares advice about what it takes to publish a book. 

David Fugate is the President & Founder of LaunchBooks Literary Agency at launchbooks.com. He has represented a wide range of bestselling fiction and nonfiction projects that have generated in excess of $50 Million for their authors, including  Andy Weir, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Martian, which was turned into the Golden Globe winning film starring Matt Damon and directed by Ridley Scott, Artemis, and Project Hail Mary, currently in development to become a film starring Ryan Gosling. 

He also represents authors Chris Guillebeau, author of the New York Times bestselling The $100 Startup, Side Hustle, and The Happiness of Pursuit; Vanessa Van Edwards, author of the Wall Street Journal bestsellers Captivate and Cues; Megan Devine, author of the 300,000+ copy selling It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok; Jadah Sellner (that’s me!), author of She Builds with Harper Business, and many others.

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: What David sees as being the most challenging parts of the book publishing process for authors launching a book

:: The key characteristics an author needs to manage the book writing journey successfully

:: How the clientele he represents has evolved over the years, and why he says that he doesn’t necessarily follow trends

:: His best advice for someone thinking about publishing a book

:: Tips and strategies for the launch phase of getting a book out into the world 

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/194

My new book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life is available now! Grab your copy here: shebuilds.com 

Do you have competing priorities and responsibilities? If you have a long list of ideas, and a never-ending to-do list that seems like you never have enough time to do them, this episode of the Lead with Love podcast is for you.

In today's conversation, I get cozy with my friend and client Meggan Hill.

Meggan Hill is the Executive Chef and CEO of Culinary Hill, a popular digital publication in the food space at culinaryhill.com. She loves to combine her Midwestern food memories with her culinary school education to create her own delicious take on modern family fare. Millions of readers visit Culinary Hill each month for recipes, entertaining, and skills and tricks in the kitchen. 

Meggan juggles managing a team of 7 alongside her home responsibilities of raising 3 young children. I became Meggan’s business coach in 2017, and we still work together today.

In this episode, we talk about intentional tradeoffs and how to decide when is the right time to work on a project or when to say, “no.” We also explore what happens when you get stuck and what to do when the way you’re doing things just sucks the joy out of your day. 

What you'll hear (and don't want to miss!):

:: Why Meggan said no to a big opportunity and the fears that came up 

:: How Meggan has been building the practice of saying no (including an example of how you can do it too) 

:: How to get past feelings of stagnation with work 

:: The key shifts Meggan made to go from a 6-figure to a 7-figure blog, plus what had to be in place first to provide a foundation for this growth

:: Tips and strategies for building out a team and receiving the support you need  

:: What “intentional trade-offs” are all about, the questions you can ask to determine what yours should be

You can find the full show notes from this episode over at jadahsellner.com/193

I walk you through my 5-step process on how to create your own Quarterly Plan in chapter 8 of my book She Builds: The Anti-Hustle Guide to Grow Your Business and Nourish Your Life. You can get a copy of my book at shebuilds.com or download straight from Audible at shebuilds.com/audible.