In this episode of Literally First Class, Keri Ford dives into the often-misunderstood world of healing and mental health - specifically, what the industry gets wrong. From the limits of talk therapy to the overuse of trauma buzzwords, she breaks down why somatic work is the missing piece for real transformation. You’ll hear why “trauma-informed” isn’t enough, how to spot trained practitioners, and how true healing starts with permission, not perfection. It’s candid, eye-opening, and packed with insights for growth-driven women ready to deepen their personal evolution.

Takeaways:

• The healing and mental health space has significant gaps.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy often fails to create real transformation.
• Awareness alone is not enough for healing; integration is key.
• Healing involves allowing all feelings rather than trying to eliminate them.
• Permission is essential for true healing to occur.
• Over-pathologizing can perpetuate feelings of shame and brokenness.
• Spiritual bypassing can hinder genuine healing efforts.
• Not all practitioners are equally trained; discernment is crucial.
• Somatic work addresses the deeper layers of trauma.
• True healing requires a personalized approach based on individual experiences.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now for Miami this October and maybe secure your 2026 seat in advance?
• Get in the Millionaire Mental Health Network – Fast, powerful 90-minute monthly nervous system resets to keep your mind sharp, calm, and ready to lead.

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses innovative marketing strategies for female founders, emphasizing the importance of honesty and authenticity in marketing. She shares her unique approach to marketing, which involves 'zagging' when others 'zig,' and highlights the significance of understanding market relevance and brand truth. Keri also addresses the challenges of adapting to market changes, particularly with the rise of AI, and encourages listeners to leverage their unique strengths in their marketing efforts.

Takeaways:

• The podcast is aimed at female founders of multi-million dollar brands.
• Keri emphasizes the importance of personal branding and authenticity.
• Successful marketing strategies involve understanding your audience's needs.
• Time is a more valuable asset than money for busy entrepreneurs.
• Honest marketing can address potential objections before they arise.
• Brand truth is essential for effective marketing and positioning.
• Market relevance is constantly changing and must be monitored.
• AI can be leveraged in unique ways to stand out in the market.
• Keri shares personal anecdotes to illustrate marketing principles.
• Encouragement to take bold actions and dream big.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now for Miami this October and maybe secure your 2026 seat in advance? 

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, Keri Ford discusses the concept of upper limits, emphasizing that these limits are often physical rather than merely mental. She explores how the nervous system plays a crucial role in our success and how physical responses can indicate deeper mindset blocks. Keri highlights the importance of rewiring our nervous system to facilitate growth and action, and she encourages listeners to build their capacity to handle both high and low emotional states. The conversation concludes with practical advice on identifying physical symptoms related to mindset issues, reinforcing that awareness alone is not enough for transformation.

Takeaways:

• The upper limit is a physical barrier, not just a mental one.
• The nervous system's responses can hinder success.
• Awareness of mindset blocks is not enough for change.
• Rewiring the nervous system can facilitate growth.
• Physical symptoms often indicate deeper emotional issues.
• Building capacity helps manage emotional highs and lows.
• Noticing positive experiences is crucial for growth.
• The brain's negative bias can overshadow achievements.
• Emotions manifest physically in the body.
• Identifying physical symptoms can lead to breakthroughs.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now for Miami this October and maybe secure your 2026 seat in advance? 

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses the duality of strength and softness in entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of knowing when to fight for success and when to rest, highlighting the need for balance in the lives of female founders. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Keri encourages listeners to embrace both hard work and self-care as essential components of their journey.

Takeaways:

• Mastery involves knowing when to fight and when to rest.
• Many entrepreneurs struggle with the balance of hard work and relaxation.
• Hard work is essential, but so is self-care.
• The fear of failure can drive excessive work habits.
• It's important to recognize when to take a break.
• Success requires both grit and the ability to soften.
• Participation awards have good intentions but may dilute achievement.
• Women in leadership need support to manage stress effectively.
• Surrendering can sometimes lead to quicker results.
• Finding mentors who embody both strength and softness is crucial.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now for Miami this October and maybe secure your 2026 seat in advance? 

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses the critical role of the nervous system in personal and business success. She emphasizes that true growth comes from understanding and rewiring our internal states rather than just following external strategies. Keri shares insights on overcoming internal barriers, the importance of working with trauma-trained practitioners, and the necessity of consistency in healing. The conversation encourages listeners to explore their own growth paths and consider how their nervous systems influence their success.

Takeaways:

• The nervous system is a crucial strategy for success.
• Upgrading your internal state can lead to greater success.
• Internal barriers often prevent action despite knowing what to do.
• Nervous system work can help rewire limiting beliefs.
• Growth can manifest in various forms, not just scaling.
• Working with a trained professional is essential for nervous system work.
• Healing takes time and cannot be rushed.
• Consistency is key in rewiring the nervous system.
• Understanding your feelings is vital for personal growth.
• Identifying and addressing trauma can unlock new levels of success.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now for Miami this October and maybe secure your 2026 seat in advance? 

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses the common pitfalls that high-achieving women face in their entrepreneurial journeys, particularly around the $1 million to $5 million revenue mark. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing 'success leaks'—areas where time, money, and energy are lost due to overcommitment and overthinking. Keri introduces the concept of 'energetic systems' to help listeners maximize their productivity and energy management, advocating for a structured approach to time management that allows for both scaling and sustaining success. The episode concludes with actionable strategies for sustainable growth and the importance of maintaining momentum in business.

Takeaways:

• High-achieving women often lose time, money, and energy.
• Success leaks occur around key revenue milestones.
• Awareness and personal development are crucial for growth.
• Leaders are readers; continuous learning is essential.
• Overcommitting and overthinking can hinder progress.
• Energetic systems can help manage time and energy effectively.
• Regular calendar audits can identify inefficiencies.
• Sustainable success requires balancing scaling and stabilizing.
• Utilizing existing networks can create low-hanging revenue opportunities.
• Taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Last call to join us this week on May 3rd for an unforgettable Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your seat now!

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses the shame cycle associated with spending money, particularly in the context of female founders and entrepreneurs. She explores how early experiences with money shape behaviors, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on spending patterns, and the importance of healing one's money mindset. Keri emphasizes the need for flexible investment options and encourages listeners to find a balance between responsible spending and investing in their future.

Takeaways

• Our experiences with money start very young.
• Money behaviors are really deep rooted.
• People were spending lots of money during COVID.
• Many feel they should have known better about spending.
• Overcompensation strategies can hinder business growth.
• Investing in mentorship can save time and money.
• Creating flexible investment options is crucial.
• Trusting oneself with money is essential for growth.
• Spending and shame often go hand in hand.
• It's important to ask better questions for decision-making.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us this May for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now!

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, Keri Ford delves into the concept of somatic work, exploring its significance, methods, and personal impact. She clarifies misconceptions surrounding somatic practices, differentiating between somatic exercises and the deeper work involved in trauma healing. Keri shares her personal journey into somatic work, highlighting its transformative effects on her life and her advocacy for its importance in understanding and regulating the nervous system. The episode emphasizes the need for trained practitioners in this field and the profound impact somatic work can have on individuals and their relationships.

Takeaways

• Somatic work is often misunderstood and watered down.
• Somatic exercises can help regulate the nervous system.
• Not all somatic practices work for every individual.
• The nervous system plays a crucial role in our responses.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy may not address deeper issues.
• Somatic work can help rewire the nervous system.
• Personal experiences can lead to advocacy for somatic practices.
• Somatic work is essential for emotional regulation.
• Understanding the body is key to healing trauma.
• The impact of somatic work can ripple through generations.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us this May for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now!

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford discusses the inherent stress of business and life, emphasizing that stress is not something to be avoided but rather a powerful tool for growth. She introduces the concepts of distress and eustress, explaining how to leverage stress for resilience and success. Keri also shares strategies for expanding one's window of toleranceto manage stress effectively, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort as a catalyst for personal and professional development.

Takeaways:

• Business is inherently stressful and challenges will always arise.
• Stress can be transformed into a superpower for growth.
• Understanding the difference between distress and eustress is crucial.
• Discomfort is necessary for growth and expansion.
• Expanding your window of tolerance helps manage stress better.
• High performers must learn to leverage stress without burning out.
• Breathing techniques can help regulate stress responses.
• Recognizing symptoms of overwhelm is key to managing stress.
• Practicing relief and softness is essential for capacity building.
• Rewiring your relationship with stress can lead to greater resilience.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us this May for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now!
• Transform your brand with expert podcast production Follow-Up Media.

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest

In this episode of Literally First Class, host Keri Ford delves into the concepts of upper limits, the power of belief, and the importance of financial health for female founders. Drawing insights from the book 'Profit First' by Mike Mikalowicz, Keri emphasizes the need to overcome self-imposed limitations and heal from past traumas to create a successful business. She discusses practical strategies for implementing the Profit First model to ensure financial stability and peace of mind, encouraging listeners to take bold actions towards their goals.

Takeaways:

• The power of belief shapes your reality.
• Upper limits are self-imposed and can be overcome.
• Healing old trauma is essential for future success.
• Profit First can transform your business finances.
• Financial health is crucial for peace of mind.
• You can create a healthy company regardless of past mistakes.
• Understanding your financials leads to better decisions.
• Investing in your business should not compromise your well-being.
• Trauma can dictate your future if left unhealed.
• Taking bold action is necessary for growth.

Episode Resources:

• Book your free 15-minute Somatic Strategy Call with Jalena (no sales pitch, just a free nervous system audit)!
• The Wealth Vault: FREE stuff to take your business to the next level.
• Explore Keri's programs such as Power Hour sessions, VIP Days, and Private Mentorship.
• Subscribe to The Newsletter and VIP e-mail list for advanced insights, strategies, and exclusive resources to drive growth, inspire peak performance, and elevate your impact.
• Step into Keri’s FREE Somatic Success® community on Facebook and connect with like-minded individuals on your journey to success!
• Join us this May for an exclusive Champagne Club Dinner—a special evening for female founders & investors to connect over great food and conversation. 🥂 Secure your spot now!

Connect with Keri:

• Follow Keri on Instagram: @iamkeriford
• Connect on LinkedIn 
• Subscribe to YouTube 
• Keep up with Keri on Pinterest