In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin sits down with Sarah Becker, founder of Clear Simple Business, to unpack what process improvement really looks like—and why most organizations don't need new software to fix what's broken.

Sarah, a self-described "Process Ninja," explains how inefficiencies quietly drain time, money, and morale inside organizations—and how clarity, documentation, and involving the people doing the work can transform chaos into flow. Using a memorable burrito-line analogy, she shows why digital processes often fail and how leaders can spot breakdowns before they become costly.

The conversation also explores Sarah's entrepreneurial journey, the challenge of valuing your own expertise, and how mindset plays a critical role in leadership and change management. Later, Sarah shares her work in women's hockey, including Two Women Who Give a Puck and The Hockey Village, where she's building inclusive communities that foster belonging, resilience, and leadership on and off the ice.

This episode is for business owners, operators, and leaders who want to:

• Improve systems without overhauling tech

• Lead change without burning out teams

• Understand the hidden ROI of process clarity

• Build cultures where people feel seen, heard, and empowered

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-becker-cho/

• Clear Simple Business (Process Improvement Consulting): https://clearsimplebusiness.com

• Two Women Who Give a Puck (Podcast): https://twowomenwhogiveapuck.com

• The Hockey Village (Women's Hockey Community): https://thehockeyvillage.com

• The Hockey Village on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwoWomenWhoGiveaPuck

• Email – Two Women Who Give a Puck: [email protected]

• Email – The Hockey Village: [email protected]

• Savvy Leader Podcast: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast

• Related episodes:

  • My Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

  • Becoming the Leader I needed to Be

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Kelly Kumler, founder of Kelly Ryann Co, to unpack what authentic branding really looks like in today's digital, AI-driven world.

Kelly shares her non-linear journey from elementary school teacher to brand strategist and website designer, revealing how psychology, intuition, and strategy intersect to create brands that truly connect—and convert. Together, they explore how branding has evolved beyond visuals into values, voice, and clarity, why strategy must come before aesthetics, and how entrepreneurs can stop chasing trends and start building aligned, sustainable businesses.

This conversation also dives into:

• How to uncover your brand "superpower"

• Personal branding vs. business branding

• Setting boundaries with clients (and why it matters)

• Navigating the messy middle of entrepreneurship

• Work-life balance as a business owner and parent

• When not to invest in professional branding

• Productivity tips for working from home

• Emerging niches in branding and online business

• Building a values-driven, women-led agency

Kelly also previews her upcoming website template shop, designed for business owners who want a strategic, budget-friendly alternative to custom websites.

Whether you're a creative, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, this episode offers grounded insight, practical advice, and permission to evolve.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a brand that actually fits you.

🔗 Learn more about Kelly: https://kellyryann.com

🔗 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kellyryannco/

Learn more about the Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/

Learn more about Kristin: https://linkedin.com/in./kristingallatin1

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Ty McLean, founder of Moneta Research, to unpack how AI is actually being used inside investment firms, hedge funds, and solopreneur businesses — far beyond hype and buzzwords.

Ty shares his unconventional journey from audio engineering and music production to AI-driven investment research, explaining how the same systems-thinking mindset applies across creative, technical, and financial domains. He breaks down how AI can function like a team of humans, handling qualitative analysis, marketing, outreach, and research — while still requiring leadership, structure, and judgment.

This conversation explores:

• Why AI should be treated like a junior employee, not a magic solution

• How lean investment firms use AI to analyze earnings calls, 10-Ks, and filings at scale

• The biggest misconceptions about AI hallucinations, errors, and reliability

• Why infrastructure, not AI startups, is attracting major investment capital

• How solopreneurs can use AI systems to scale marketing and content without burnout

• The long game of entrepreneurship, systems-building, and sustainable success

Whether you're a business owner, solopreneur, leader, or simply curious about where AI is headed, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how AI fits into real workflows — and real life.

00:21 – Welcome & introduction to Ty McLean and Moneta Research 01:10 – Ty's background: financial economics → music production 02:35 – Audio engineering as the foundation for systems thinking 03:59 – Transition into sales, marketing, and self-taught coding 04:56 – Discovering AI use cases inside investment research 06:39 – Treating AI like a "fake human" or junior employee 08:13 – Using AI for marketing, outreach, and lead qualification 09:48 – Inside Ty's AI system: Python, automation, and workflows 10:51 – AI errors, hallucinations, and why supervision matters 12:15 – Managing AI like a team: structure, training, feedback 13:19 – Misconceptions about AI perfection and skepticism 14:51 – Why AI is the "brain" — and systems are the body 16:12 – Productivity, time zones, and the "Things" task system 17:35 – Influences, mentors, and learning to think bigger 18:47 – The 10-year journey: patience, skill stacking, and grit 20:54 – Motivation, burnout avoidance, and designing enjoyable work 22:10 – Has AI already taken over the world? 24:00 – Government, military, and infrastructure-driven AI growth 26:26 – AI's impact on jobs, trades, and the future of work 28:11 – Who Ty works with: CIOs, solopreneurs, and content systems 30:22 – Advice for solopreneurs: marketing, sales, and systems first 32:20 – Navigating doubt, grind seasons, and staying independent 33:51 – Where to find Ty & who he wants to connect with 34:45 – AI, social media, and the need for human connection 35:55 – Closing thoughts and future conversations

• Ty McLean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ty-mclean/

• Productivity App – Things: https://culturedcode.com/things/

• Savvy Leader Podcast: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/podcast

Why I'm a Bad Salesperson — and Why That's Actually the Point

What if being a "bad salesperson" is actually a sign of clarity, integrity, and leadership?

In this solo episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin reframes sales through the lens of servant leadership, quiet drive, and stewardship. Drawing from decades of experience in retail, real estate, consulting, and commission-based work, she explores why traditional sales pressure creates internal anxiety — and how systems, automation, and patience can transform the entire experience.

This episode is especially for leaders who:

• Feel uncomfortable with hustle-based sales tactics

• Are quietly driven, highly observant, or system-oriented

• Experience internal pressure when processes are unclear

• Want to sell with clarity, consent, and long-term trust

You'll learn:

• Why sales feels heavy when systems aren't doing their job

• How automation reduces internal pressure (not connection)

• What it means to be a "soft-touch seller" — and why that matters

• How clarity creates calm, confidence, and better outcomes

Automation isn't about scaling faster. It's about leading calmer.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with a sales approach that honors both people and process.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with a sales approach that honors both people and process.

• Contact Info: Host: Kristin Gallatin
• Podcast: @SavvyLeaderPodcast
• https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

For collaborations, podcast inquiries, or speaking requests:

👉 Visit: https://savvylivingnetwork.com/contact-me

👉 Visit: https://savvyleaderslounge.substack.com/

What does it really take to lead with confidence in sales — especially in a male-dominated, technical industry you didn't start out knowing?

In this episode of the Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Mindee Peterson, Sales Manager at MyTech Partners, for an honest and empowering conversation about sales leadership, culture, resilience, and self-leadership.

Mindee shares how she stepped into IT consulting without a technical background, earned trust through curiosity and humility, and built a thriving sales team rooted in values and culture. We explore what it means to lead without a victim mindset, navigate tough environments, rebuild teams during turnover, and redefine success beyond external validation.

This episode goes deeper than sales tactics — it's about identity, alignment, and learning how to leave work at work so you can lead with clarity and confidence.

🎧 In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to lead confidently in industries where you're not the technical expert

• Why culture matters more than title or compensation in sales leadership

• How women can navigate competitive environments without losing themselves

• The role of self-validation in sustainable leadership

• Why defining your values can change how you lead, sell, and live

• How Mindee rebuilt her sales team during a season of turnover

• What it takes to lead with energy, empathy, and results

Whether you're in sales, leadership, or a season of personal reinvention, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, encouraged, and ready to lead from who you truly are.

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction Kristin introduces Mindee Peterson and the January sales focus.
• 01:03 – What MyTech Partners Does Mindee explains IT consulting, managed services, and her role as Sales Manager.
• 02:00 – Getting Hired Without a Technical Background Why curiosity and humility mattered more than IT expertise.
• 03:13 – Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry How naming what you don't know can build trust instead of resistance.
• 04:30 – Navigating Ego, Competition & Sales Culture Lessons learned from unhealthy environments and why culture is everything.
• 06:20 – Choosing the Right Culture as a Woman in Sales Why values alignment matters more than compensation or title.
• 08:10 – Rebuilding a Sales Team During Turnover Leadership lessons from stepping back into the field.
• 09:10 – Rejecting the Victim Mindset Why Mindee never believed being a woman limited her success.
• 10:04 – Early Work Ethic & Sales Roots From raking beaches to cocktail waitressing — sales skills start early.
• 11:46 – Results, People & Motivation Why sales was always the right fit.
• 12:36 – Redefining Leadership & Self-Validation Letting go of external wins as identity.
• 14:00 – "I Felt Dead Inside" Recognizing burnout and emotional disconnection.
• 14:30 – Defining Values for the First Time How one question sparked a personal transformation.
• 15:00 – Coaching, Peer Groups & Inner Work Why investing in yourself is non-negotiable.
• 16:00 – The 90-Day Self-Love Journey Healing old stories and releasing past wounds.
• 17:20 – New Chapters: Book, Community & Purpose Launching Mornings with Mindee and writing her chapter.
• 18:00 – The Power of Women in Community Why shared stories create healing and strength.
• 19:00 – Gratitude, Reflection & Closing Thoughts Leading from alignment and leaving work at work.

• MyTech Partners: https://www.mytechpartners.com

• Mornings with Mindee (Networking Group): https://info.mytech.com/events

• Savvy Living Network: https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

Do you get an "icky" feeling when it's time to ask for the business? In this episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, host Kristin Gallatin sits down with Stefani Havel, the "Client Conversion Queen" and founder of the Sales Strategist Network.

Stefani shares her incredible journey from selling produce at a Minnesota farmer's market at age six to leading high-performing teams in corporate America for 25 years. After her corporate role was eliminated, Stefani pivoted to help small business owners and entrepreneurs bridge the gap between "having a conversation" and "signing a contract."

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The Power of Curiosity: Why the best salespeople act like toddlers and ask "why" three times.

• The Uber Analogy: Why you can't lead a client to a destination if you don't know where they are starting from.

• Overcoming the Corporate Identity Crisis: How to find your worth when you no longer have a big-box company title behind you.

• Practical Sales Tips: Why you should ask for the "3 most important things" in every discovery call.

• Deep Gratitude: A unique perspective on how grounding yourself can fuel your business success.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Introduction to Stefani Havel
• 1:07 – Lessons from the Farmer's Market: Selling at 6 years old
• 3:30 – Pivoting after a 25-year corporate career
• 7:00 – Why extroversion isn't required for sales success
• 9:00 – The Uber Driver Analogy for client journeys
• 10:30 – The "3 Important Things" question
• 16:00 – Shedding the corporate identity and finding self-worth
• 30:30 – Morning routines: Fitness and Deep Gratitude
• 42:00 – Upcoming 8-week sales course and future goals
• 45:00 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: Fearless Clarity

Episode Title: Conversations into Contracts: Mastering Sales Strategy with Stefani Havel

Summary: Stop selling and start connecting. Today on The Savvy Leader, Kristin Gallatin welcomes Stefani Havel of the Sales Strategist Network. Stefani explains why so many passionate entrepreneurs struggle to talk about their business and offers a masterclass in "asking better questions." Whether you are a corporate veteran looking to pivot or a small business owner feeling stuck, this episode provides the roadmap to sales confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Meet them where they are: If you don't understand a client's "starting point," you can't provide the right solution.

• The DISC Connection: Using personality science to avoid "railroading" your prospects.

• Choose your stress: The freedom (and responsibility) of being in control of your own income.

• Niche Clarity: Why a confused mind never buys—and how to fix your messaging.

Connect with Stefani Havel:

• Book a Call: bettercallstephanie.com

• Free Sales Archetype Quiz: salesstrategynetwork.com/quiz

• Website: stephaniehavel.com

• Social Media: Find Stefani on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook by searching Stefani Havel.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Sales Strategist Network: Helping turn prospects into paying clients.

• DISC Assessment: Science-backed personality and behavior styling.

• Mentors Mentioned: Michael Maher (Certified Referral Trainer), Bill Walsh (America's Small Business Expert), and Sandra Yancey (eWomen Network).

Connect with The Savvy Leader:

Host: Kristin Gallatin

• Linkedin Profile
• SavvyLivingNetwork.com
• Savvy Leaders Lounge on Substack!

As we kick off a new year, health is at the forefront of everyone's mind. But what happens when traditional medicine offers no answers? Join host Kristin Gallatin for a powerful "Stories Behind the Business" feature with Sandy Molin, a LifeWave Brand Partner and LEAD member. Sandy opens up about her harrowing battle with chronic illness, cancer recovery, and the sheer exhaustion that led her to a breaking point—until she discovered the power of light therapy patches.

In this episode, Sandy explains the science of the X39 patch, how it activates stem cells, and why she is now on a mission to help others "get their joy back." Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, fatigue, or just looking for a more conscious way to lead your healthiest life in 2026, this episode is a must-listen for your Wednesday morning commute.

Key Highlights:

• The Turning Point: Sandy's emotional story of health struggles and finding hope when she had "nothing left to lose."

• The Science of Light: An introduction to non-transdermal patches and how they use body heat and infrared light to promote healing.

• The Navy SEAL Connection: The fascinating origin story of LifeWave technology.

• Leadership in the "In-Between": How Sandy manages a leadership role in a factory while building her passion-led business.

• Future Innovations: A sneak peek at light-infused water and new humanitarian tech coming from LifeWave.

Contact Sandy and learn more:

https://lifewave.com/smolin

https://www.facebook.com/Marketing.with.Sandy.Molin

https://www.facebook.com/sandy.molin

Learn about LEAD:

https://LEADNetwork.Pro

Learn about Kristin:

https://SavvyLivingNetwork.com

https://Linkedin.com/in/KristinGallatin1

As we step into a new year, this special episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rebuild with intention — rather than rush into another season of hustle.

After more than 35 years in business, navigating corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, caregiving, transformation, and reinvention, I'm sharing what rebuilding truly looks like when you lead with experience, clarity, and purpose.

In this New Year reflection, I explore:

• What it means to rebuild after a season of transformation

• How leadership evolves when endurance is replaced with discernment

• Lessons learned from decades of business ownership and community leadership

• Why quieter, more intentional growth often leads to stronger foundations

• How I'm shaping the next chapter of the Savvy Living Network, including consulting, AI strategy for leaders, and online-first business building

This episode builds on themes from the Honor the Journey series — including transformation, letting go, generosity, and identity — and looks ahead to what's possible when we stop proving and start aligning.

Whether you're a business owner, consultant, leader, or professional navigating change, this message is for you if:

• You're rebuilding instead of starting over

• You want sustainable growth without burnout

• You're redefining success on your own terms

🎧 New episodes of The Savvy Leader Podcast release every Wednesday at 7am.

🌐 Savvy Living Network: https://savvylivingnetwork.com

🎙 The Savvy Leader Podcast: https://sites.libsyn.com/599760/site Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen

💼 LEAD Network Professionals: https://leadnetwork.pro

✍️ Savvy Leaders Lounge (Substack): https://substack.com/@savvyleaderslounge

📩 Contact Kristin: Email: kristingallatin@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

This Christmas Eve, join Kristin on the Savvy Leader Podcast for the final episode in the Honor the Journey series. Reflect on generosity, letting go, and the life-changing lessons that come from giving more than you think you can — to others, your community, and yourself.

From self-employment challenges, building meaningful professional and personal relationships, to downsizing into RV life and finding freedom in simplicity, Kristin shares stories of leadership, faith, and intentional generosity. Learn how letting go can create space for transformation, new beginnings, and deeper connections.

🎁 Topics Covered:

• The power of intentional generosity in leadership and life

• Boundaries, discernment, and giving without self-abandonment

• Lessons from downsizing and transitioning to RV life

• Faith, reflection, and Christmas season wisdom

• Daily positivity notebook practice to start 2026 with clarity

💡 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• 29 Gifts book: https://29gifts.org

• Savvy Living Network: https://www.savvylivingnetwork.com

• Connect with Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristingallatin1

🎧 Listen on: YouTube: https://youtu.be/gYcKpQllYz4

Holiday travel is hectic—but it doesn't have to be chaotic.

In this timely episode of The Savvy Leader Podcast, Kristin Gallatin welcomes Tony Peltier, a professional driver and business owner behind Tony Goes There, and the heart-centered wedding DJ brand MY Day DJ.

Tony shares the powerful origin story that shaped his mission: advocating for women's safety, building trust through exceptional service, and creating a business model rooted in reliability, ethics, and human connection. With over eight years of experience, Tony offers invaluable insights into:

• What most travelers don't realize about airport transportation

• How professional drivers plan for weather, delays, and peak travel seasons

• Why personalized service matters more than luxury vehicles

• Travel hacks that can save you time, stress, and frustration

• How advocacy, empathy, and business strategy intersect

• What brides should look for in a wedding DJ beyond the playlist

This conversation is especially relevant as we head into the busy holiday travel season, where preparation, communication, and choosing the right professionals can make all the difference.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Tony Goes There – Professional, safe, and reliable driving services https://www.TonyGoesThere.com

• MY Day DJ – Wedding DJ services centered on trust, flow, and guest experience https://www.mydaydj.com

• FlightAware – A real-time flight tracking tool Tony uses to plan seamless pickups https://www.flightaware.com/

• Stories Foundation – A nonprofit supporting women escaping sex trafficking https://www.storiesfoundation.org/

• LEAD Network Professionals http://LEADNetwork.Pro

Whether you're a frequent traveler, a business owner, a bride-to-be, or someone who values service done right—this episode will change how you think about transportation, trust, and leadership.

🎧 Listen now and travel smarter this season.