In Episode 43 of Never Stop Dreaming Biggie, I'm joined by business strategist Carlyn Bushman for a powerful year-end conversation about launching and scaling your business with progress over perfection. As we wrap up 2025 and head into 2026, this episode is packed with tactical strategies for entrepreneurs and female founders seeking to turn their business goals into reality without getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

Carlyn Bushman is the founder of POP Academy (Progress Over Perfection), Arizona State University adjunct faculty professor, and a leader in the Entreprenista League. She specializes in helping startup to seven-figure businesses build solid foundations through systems, KPIs, and strategic execution. This conversation dives deep into what it really takes to launch a business the right way, how to set goals that actually get executed, and why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for sustainable growth.

From spreadsheets and financial planning to networking strategies and AI implementation, Carlyn shares the no-gatekeeping approach to business education that's helped countless women entrepreneurs move from dreaming to doing. We discuss the importance of live business education that adapts to market changes, how to break down big visions into micro-actions, and why community and accountability matter more than courses alone. You'll hear practical advice on time management for entrepreneurs, validating your business idea before launch, and thinking like a CEO instead of just an operator.

This isn't just motivational content - it's real talk about execution, systems, and the daily habits that build profitable businesses. Whether you're planning to launch a business in 2026, scale your existing company, or finally get serious about your financials and KPIs, this episode gives you the roadmap and real strategies to make progress over perfection your business mantra.

The "G" in BIGGIE stands for Grow - and growing your business requires both the dream-big mindset and the get-it-done action steps. Carlyn proves that you don't need everything perfect to launch - you just need to start, measure, and iterate with intention.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focus on 2-3 impactful goals for 2026 instead of overwhelming yourself with 20 resolutions
2. Know your KPIs and financial numbers - you can't grow what you don't measure
3. Execution beats inspiration every time - build systems and take micro-actions daily
4. Follow up and build genuine relationships - most entrepreneurs never do this consistently
5. Invest in live business education that adapts to current market changes and AI trends
6. Use AI strategically to prioritize goals, plan your strategy, and accelerate business growth
7. Treat yourself as the CEO, not just the operator of your business
8. Community and accountability are essential for long-term entrepreneurial success
9. Launch before you're ready and iterate based on real customer feedback
10. Progress over perfection is the mindset that actually builds successful businesses
11. Business systems and processes are non-negotiable for scaling without burnout
12. Time management comes from breaking big dreams into actionable 30-60-90 day milestones
13. Networking isn't transactional - it's relational and requires patience and genuine connection
14. Read Atomic Habits and apply micro-habit principles to your business strategy
15. Don't gatekeep your knowledge - share what you learn and lift others as you rise

Connect with Carlyn Bushman:

@carlynbushmanconsulting

https://carlynbushmanconsulting.com/

StartUp and Stiletos Podcast

Entreprenista

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