In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Nicole shares how she grew Empower Virtually from a one‑woman operation in 2023 into a thriving global VA agency that matches business owners with executive and administrative support across sectors like coaching, law, and healthcare. She explains how being overbooked with a client waitlist led her to build a team, and how her natural “matchmaker” skill helps her pair the right VA with the right client so owners can stay in their zone of genius.​

Nicole discusses the realities of building a business as a military spouse living in the UK, including the challenges of moving overseas and needing a career that could travel with her. She also talks candidly about balancing toddlers at home, an unpredictable military schedule, and running a growing agency by working in focused pockets of time and accepting that some seasons are simply harder than others.

Business owners who feel overwhelmed and know they need to delegate but are unsure what to hand off first.​

Fractional leaders and service providers looking to streamline operations with executive and admin support so they can focus on higher‑value work.​

Entrepreneurs balancing business growth with family life, especially parents and military spouses navigating unpredictable schedules and limited work windows.

Website: Empower Virtually ​

LinkedIn: Nicole Bryan 

In this episode, Stephanie shares how she went from running an online membership community to becoming a “Community Steward” at Exchange, and why she chose that title instead of the traditional “community manager.” She explains Exchange’s community-centered framework, where the wisdom is in the room, and how appreciative inquiry and intentional questions unlock the collective intelligence of a group.​

Stephanie and the hosts unpack what community really means and why it is more than social media followers or a big email list. They explore community as a space of giving and receiving, where people consistently come together, support each other, and experience genuine connection, whether in a neighborhood, a book club, a team, or a small, intimate circle.​

The conversation dives into conscious leadership and stewardship, emphasizing that everyone in a community; team, members, and leaders, is responsible for the space they co-create. Stephanie offers simple, practical ways leaders can protect their energy, avoid burnout, and show up more intentionally, such as taking small pauses between meetings, noticing their own state, and even naming their exhaustion or stress in front of a group to create safety and authenticity.​

Stephanie also shares how becoming a mother and now preparing for her second child has shifted her relationship with work, pace, and the feminine, inviting her into deeper slowness, sensitivity, and trust in the unknown. She talks about “mastering presence in a group environment” as one of her core skills, including sensing the energy of the room, slowing down an agenda when needed, and asking, “What is the question we’re really trying to answer right now?” to bring conversations back to what matters most.​

Listeners will walk away with:

A clearer, more grounded definition of community and how to build it intentionally.​

Practical ideas to steward energy, prevent burnout, and practice conscious leadership in everyday interactions.​

Simple presence practices to use in workshops, meetings, coaching sessions, and group programs.​

LinkedIn: Stephanie Courtillier

Work: XChange Website​

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, Sharon and Erin sit down with Marc Pickard, co-founder and CEO of CB Tech Support, a New Jersey-based IT company helping small and mid-sized businesses get the fullest benefit from their technology. Marc shares how a lifelong love of tech and a background in art led him into the IT world and eventually to launching CB Tech Support with his business partner after seeing “what not to do” at a previous company.​

Marc explains how CB Tech Support supports New Jersey businesses with everything from day-to-day IT issues to strategy around cloud, security, AI, and remote work. He talks about working with companies that have distributed workforces, some in the office, some in the field, and how the right tools and support keep teams connected and information accurate.​

The conversation also dives into how COVID and hybrid work changed both security and productivity, why time management and calendar discipline became his most important business skill, and why every owner needs at least a basic grasp of their numbers and accounting tools. Marc and the hosts touch on QuickBooks headaches, smarter alternatives, and how CB Tech Support is helping clients navigate Microsoft’s AI tools like Copilot in a secure, practical way.

We talk about:

​

Website: CB Tech Support ​

LinkedIn: Marc Pickard 

In this episode, Mitch shares how he went from “accidental attorney” to seasoned business owner, why so many entrepreneurs get stuck trying to do everything themselves, and what changes when you start delegating on purpose instead of as a last resort. He talks about building his solo practice, adding partners and staff, then intentionally going back out on his own, and how bringing on a VA and outside support transformed both his law firm and his podcast.​

Mitch also unpacks the difference between being an employee and a business owner, the cost of trying to “muscle through” everything yourself, and why the most successful entrepreneurs design delegation and team-building into their plans from day one. He shares stories from hundreds of podcast interviews, from portfolio entrepreneurs to real estate empires built by design, and the common threads he sees among those who succeed versus those who burn out.​

If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or guilty about letting go of tasks you “should” be able to do, this conversation will give you permission and a practical mindset shift. Mitch also offers candid insight on succession planning, evolving your business over decades, and why investing in yourself and your network is just as important as any marketing tactic.

We talk about:

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Website: Beinhaker Law

Podcast: The Accidental Entrepreneur Podcast​

LinkedIn: Mitch Beinhaker

In this energizing episode, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli welcome Alison Simmons, founder and CEO of Lead Smarter Co., and creator of the Seven Figure CEO System. Alison shares her transformation from offering online business management services to creating innovative, AI-driven solutions for entrepreneurs and small business owners. The conversation covers Alison's practical approach to leveraging AI strategically, not just for content automation, but as a powerful problem-solving partner that amplifies personal strengths.

Listeners will learn how Alison's “think like a strategist” mindset led to breakthrough results (like doubling a client’s membership in five months), why treating ChatGPT more like a six-year-old can improve your outcomes, and actionable ideas for using AI to reclaim time, optimize calendar management, and foster business growth. The episode also spotlights common mistakes with AI, the importance of specificity and feedback, and the future of AI in coaching and training.​

Key Topics Discussed:

Favorite Quotes:

Website: Lead Smarter

LinkedIn: Alison Simmons

Note: Visit her website and LinkedIn for the most current templates, offers, and program details as discussed on the episode.

As we begin to wrap up our first season of Mastering Business Skills, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our amazing listeners. Your support, feedback, and the stories of how certain episodes sparked new ideas or inspired change in your businesses have meant the world to us. What started as a show for practical business advice has blossomed into a community filled with heart, growth, and genuine connection.

We’ve been fortunate to host incredible guests who shared insights on leadership, HR, marketing, and hosting virtual events, each helping us, and hopefully you, see business from a fresh perspective. Whether you tune in every Thursday or catch up as you can, thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to bringing you more real conversations, expert insights, and maybe even a few blooper reels next season!

Wishing everyone a restful Thanksgiving. Take a moment to recharge and reflect on what you’re grateful for, we know we’re grateful for you!

Connect with Erin on LinkedIn

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn

Visit the VSM website: Virtual Skills Master

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli welcome Pauleen Murphy, founder of Politan Marketing and seasoned fractional chief marketing officer. Pauleen shares her expertise in helping founder-led businesses scale more effectively, covering everything from emotional leadership transitions to the systems and organization that sustain fast growth. Discover what kinds of clients thrive with fractional marketing leadership, and why networking is an essential ingredient not just for business results but for personal growth and confidence.

Key takeaways include:

Pauleen’s unique approach as the first marketing leader for owner-driven companies, typically working with founders in businesses ranging from $1 to $20 million ARR.​

Why the emotional side of handing off strategic decisions is often the hardest for entrepreneurs, and what it means to move from “great entrepreneur” to “visionary leader”.​

The value of organization and systems: how strong foundations, clear positioning, and AI best practices streamline execution and allow lean marketing teams to excel.

Insights on the importance of cross-industry experience, and how Pauleen integrates internal teams, vendors, and her own assistants for holistic results.​

How consistent, intentional networking, especially one-on-one connections, creates unexpected opportunities and directly improves business growth.​

Practical strategies for leveraging your own strengths, finding balance, and moving your business forward through education and connection.

Connect with Pauleen:

Website: politanmarketing.com

LinkedIn: Pauleen Murphy

Portfolio: politanmarketing.com/portfolio

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli are joined by Erika Dickstein, CEO of Spring Insight, a forward-thinking marketing strategy firm. Erika dives deep into the evolving landscape of digital marketing, from the rise of AI-driven search to the persistent challenges of maintaining meaningful online presence for expert-led businesses. Listeners will discover why digital marketing matters more than ever and how content, even the kind you didn’t know you had, can be transformed into an engine for visibility and credibility.

Key takeaways include:

Erika’s path from corporate marketing to entrepreneurship and what inspired her transition to supporting subject matter experts and business leaders.​

Why websites for small businesses often disappoint, and how a strategy-first approach bridges the gap.​

The impact of generative AI on how clients are discovered, and why early adoption of new marketing technologies creates long-term success.​

Telling signs it’s time to hire a digital marketing firm and the value of having a true marketing partner at your side.​

Erika’s actionable method for repurposing content, multiplying the impact of each idea or asset across all channels, even when you feel like you have “nothing to say”.​

The importance of leveraging your unique knowledge and perspective, because what seems obvious to you is valuable to others.

Connect with Erika:

LinkedIn: Erika Dickstein

Website: springinsight.com

Warning: Some adult language used. Please use headphones if you have littles around!

In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, hosts Sharon Savage and Erin Alli sit down with Maggy Sterner, an expert brand messaging coach known for her straightforward approach to helping entrepreneurs answer the all-important question: "What do you do?" Maggy shares her unconventional journey from DJ and journalist to sought-after clarity coach, revealing the power of owning your expertise and delivering your message in a single, confident sentence.

Key takeaways include:

Why fear is the biggest obstacle holding entrepreneurs back from stating what they do, and how to overcome it.​

The essential distinction between marketing and sales, and why clearly telling people how you help is the foundation of success.​

Maggy’s “one sentence solution” for crafting clear and impactful messaging without overwhelm or jargon.​

The secret to messaging that resonates: use the words your ideal clients already use to describe their struggles and desires.​

How choosing a focus and “picking a lane” can be the ultimate move for business growth and confidence.​

Actionable strategies for introverts, perfectionists, and anyone afraid of being “salesy” to own their voice and help those they’re meant to serve.

Connect With Maggy:

LinkedIn: Maggy Sterner

Website: maggysterner.com

In this episode, Sharon Savage and Erin Alli sit down with Bill Duguay, executive coach and former CEO, to unpack what it really means to lead effectively, without carrying the weight alone. Bill shares how his journey from civil engineer to construction leader laid the groundwork for his no-nonsense, field-tested approach to leadership and team coaching. This conversation covers everything from the critical need for operational systems, to the transformative power of saying the hard things, to practical tips for building trust and connection, even in chaos.

Key Takeaways:

Every leader needs three essentials: a coach/mentor, a peer group, and a solid operating system to remove randomness and stress.​

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are vital for ensuring continuity and scaling, especially for solopreneurs or small business owners.​

Delegation isn't just about workload; it's about enabling others to discover their strengths and ensuring your business and clients are protected in case you need to step away.​

Saying the hard things is a skill that takes practice and psychological safety. Radical candor and vulnerability-based trust are cornerstones of healthy teams.​

True leadership means being fully present, normalizing conversations around mental health, and creating space for meaningful connection at work. 

Books Mentioned:

Radical Candor by Kim Scott

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Connect with Bill:

LinkedIn: Bill Duguay 

Website: EOS Worldwide