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In this episode of Scale Smart, Stay Grounded, host Amber Matthews sits down with venture partner, angel investor, and ecosystem builder Christopher King for a candid conversation on scaling a business without burnout.

Christopher shares his journey from activism and education into entrepreneurship, venture capital, and founder advisory, drawing on more than 20 years of experience supporting early-stage and growth-stage founders. Together, they discuss mental load, founder decision-making, sustainable growth strategies, delegation, and redefining success beyond revenue and exits.

This episode is ideal for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage leaders who are scaling fast and want practical insights on venture-backed growth, leadership, founder wellness, and building long-term impact—without sacrificing health, relationships, or personal values.

Connect with Christopher King on LinkedIn 

Schedule Time with Christopher King

Purchase Startup Stories   by Christopher King

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🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

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In this episode, Amber Matthews sits down with Tiffani Sims, Founder of Global Talent Scouts, to unpack what it really takes to scale hiring without burnout. 

With over 20 years in talent acquisition, Tiffani shares how founders can move from Chief Everything Officer to true CEO by implementing EOS metrics, delegation, and operational support that actually scales.

They discuss building high-trust, high-accountability teams, leading international talent with autonomy, creating belonging without sacrificing standards, and why revenue is vanity but profit and systems create legacy. 

Tiffani also breaks down how to hold teams accountable without micromanaging, when founders need operational leadership, and how protecting your well-being makes you a better decision-maker.

This conversation is a must-listen for founders scaling teams, hiring strategically, and building sustainable companies that thrive without founder exhaustion.

Connect with Tiffani on LinkedIn 

Follow Global Talent Scouts on Instagram

Apply to be Tiffani's Business Development Manager (NC Residents ONLY). 

Check out Job Opportunities sponsored by Global Talent Scouts

Learn More About Global Talent Scouts

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My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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In this episode, Amber Matthews unpacks what happens when success attracts opportunists disguised as collaborators—and why every founder needs a strategic partner who can quietly protect the vision, filter distractions, and spot red flags before they become costly mistakes.

If you’ve ever felt drained by partnerships that looked promising but fell flat, this conversation will help you tighten your circle, strengthen your discernment, and stay grounded in your mission.

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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In this episode, Denise La'Salle, opens up about her transition from corporate HR leader to transformational coach and founder of The HR Executive. 

She dives into the real struggles entrepreneurs face—from boundary burnout to navigating leadership in a post-pandemic world. 

Denise offers powerful reflections on mental health, redefining success, and why automation isn’t just a tool, but a necessity. Her story is a high-level walkthrough on resilience, reinvention, and building a business that honors both growth and well-being.

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Stay Connected to Denise: 

LinkedIn

Email: [email protected]

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My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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In this episode, I sat down with Ryant Nelson, founder of Reel Designs Media, to explore his journey from electrical engineer to creative entrepreneur. 

We talked about the early challenges he faced launching his video strategy and production company, and how mentorship and networking helped him find his footing.

Ryant shared the systems-thinking approach that’s guided his success, the mental toll of decision fatigue, and why repeat clients are one of the most powerful signs of doing things right.

We also got candid about the transition from corporate to entrepreneurship—what it really takes, what gets sacrificed, and how he protects his time and mental health while leading a growing team. 

From setting boundaries to promoting yourself with confidence, Ryant’s insights are a must-listen for any founder or creative building something of their own.

We wrapped up with a few great resources for videographers looking to level up their business operations.

Follow Ryant on... 

1. LinkedIn 
2. Instagram
3. Reel Designs Media 

Ryant's FREE Scorecard for Videographers to help pinpoint what’s keeping them from leveling up—and what to fix first.

Join Ryant's SKOOL community to connect with other growth-minded videographers and get access to free trainings.

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

Connect With Amber On LinkedIn

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What happens when your clients start leaning on you for more than they hired you for?

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I officially stepped out of the Executive Assistant title—and into the role I was already fulfilling behind the scenes: Fractional Chief of Staff + Lifestyle Strategist.

You’ll hear...

• How my work naturally evolved as my clients scaled
• Why traditional support models weren’t cutting it anymore
• How this pivot is helping founders get the high-level, strategic support they actually need

If you’re a founder who’s outgrown “just help” and are craving a partner who can think with you, lead alongside you, and help you reclaim your capacity—this one’s for you.

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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In this episode, we’re tackling the hidden challenges of scaling beyond Series A. 

You’ve raised funding, your company is growing, and from the outside, everything looks great. 

But inside? 

It feels like you’re drowning in decisions, meetings, and day-to-day operational chaos.

We break down the reality of post-Series A growth—hiring struggles, operational complexity, and the never-ending fires that need putting out. 

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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Are you feeling like you still have to do everything—even with an assistant? 

Do you find yourself waiting hours for a response, chasing down unfinished tasks, or wondering if your EA is truly the right fit? 

You’re not alone. 

In this episode of Scale Smart, Stay Grounded, I dive into the most common frustrations founders have with their assistants and, more importantly, how to fix them.

I break down:

✅ The #1 reason most founder-assistant relationships fail (hint: it’s not a skill issue—it’s a communication issue)
✅ How to set crystal-clear expectations from the start to avoid misalignment
✅ Why texting and emailing your assistant is sabotaging your productivity (and what to use instead)
✅ The simple 30-minute weekly meeting that solves 90% of assistant-related frustrations
✅ When it’s time to hire a Lifestyle Manager to streamline both your business and personal life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in the weeds, or just frustrated with your level of support—this episode will help you pinpoint what’s missing and take action to fix it.

Tune in now and learn how to create a truly efficient, aligned, and proactive support system that helps you scale without stress! 

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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Revenue uncertainty is keeping a lot of founders up at night in 2025. With economic shifts making numbers unpredictable, difficult decisions about hiring and scaling, and growing pressure from investors and teams, it’s easy to feel like you’re in constant reaction mode. But the key to navigating instability isn’t just cutting costs—it’s optimizing efficiency, automation, and contingency planning so you can regain control without sacrificing growth.

In this episode, we break down:
✅ The biggest mistake founders make when facing revenue instability (and what to do instead)
✅ How to build a resilient operational foundation so your business and life don’t fall apart under pressure
✅ The smartest contingency plans to protect both your business and personal finances
✅ How true automation (beyond just AI and software) can free up your time for high-impact decisions
✅ The systems and strategies that allow you to stay ahead—even when the market is unpredictable

At the end of the day, you can’t control the economy, but you can control how efficiently your business and life operate. Tune in now for the blueprint to staying focused, profitable, and in control. 🚀

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

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In this episode, I interview Liletta Harlem, a dynamic leader and founder of My Natural Me Nonprofit as well as the DMV Business Crossing Network. 

We discuss the challenges of navigating the mental load as a founder, the importance of being intentional in decision-making, and the strategies for establishing boundaries in both personal and professional life. 

Liletta shares her insights on using technology effectively, managing guilt, and the significance of mindfulness. 

Our conversation also touches on fun personal anecdotes and Liletta's upcoming initiatives focused on empowering women and embracing aging without judgment.

Takeaways

• Liletta Harlem is a connector who transforms barriers into opportunities.
• Intentionality is key in managing multiple responsibilities.
• Using technology effectively can help streamline business operations.
• Establishing boundaries is crucial for maintaining work-life balance.
• Mindfulness can help navigate feelings of guilt in personal and professional life.
• It's important to prioritize what truly matters in life.
• Social media can be both a valuable tool and a source of stress.
• Investing in help for mundane tasks can free up time for important matters.
• Aging should be embraced without societal judgment.
• Liletta's upcoming book focuses on empowering women to age confidently.

Connect with Liletta Harlem

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilettaharlem

Website: https://lilettaharlem.com

My FREE Founder's Delegation Playbook 🔗Grab It Now

🎙 Need Help Staying Afloat as the Visionary?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling all the moving pieces of your business, it’s time for a shift. Let’s have a strategic conversation to help you move the needle.

💡 Book a Discovery Call: A no-pressure chat to explore what’s possible when you have the right support. 🔗 Schedule Here

✨ Want More Exclusive Content?

Loving the podcast and craving even more insights, tools, and behind-the-scenes strategies? Join our exclusive community for deeper conversations, curated resources, and actionable content. 🔗 Join the tribe here

Let's Stay Connected...

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