Take The Leap

By Victoria Proppe & Ashlan Glazier-Anderson

Take the Leap is the podcast where we get real about the rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship and life.

Sure, some folks make running a business look like a walk in the park, but let's be

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FAQs about Take The Leap:

How many episodes does Take The Leap have?

The podcast currently has 117 episodes available.

Take The Leap episodes:

April 17, 2025Start Small, Think Big: Why CRMs Are Built for Your Bad Days with Aman Thakral
Welcome to the 32nd episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Start Small, Think Big: Why CRMs Are Built for Your Bad Days with Aman Thakral" our guest shares perspectives on entrepreneurship being less about chasing perfection and more about evolving with the process, staying aligned with your values, and never being afraid to try things your way.
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
Success isn’t about money: Aman emphasizes that enjoying the journey and having impact outweigh financial gain.
Aman believes we should be taught how to accept “no” just as much as we chase “yes.” In sales and life, identifying a “no” early allows you to move on efficiently, freeing up time and energy for better-fit opportunities.
CRMs aren’t just for big businesses—they’re a discipline that every entrepreneur should adopt from day one.
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Aman Thakral, Business Head at Target Integration
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Aman:
On LinkedIn
On X @TargetInt
On YouTube
Visit the Target Integration website
Guest Bio: Aman Thakral
Aman Thakral, Business Head at Target Integration, a leading CRM and ERP consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses find and implement the right software solutions tailored to their unique needs. With over 16 years of experience, he’s partnered with some of the most renowned CRM and ERP platforms, including Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive, Monday.com, Odoo, Microsoft Dynamics, and more.
If you are a business owner or decision-maker looking for a CRM or ERP that perfectly fits your business needs, reach out to connect! Aman is happy to discuss how they can help transform your business with the right technology.
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
52min
April 15, 2025It's Never Too Late to Leap: Redefining Success After Retirement with Vicki Semanie
Welcome to the 31st episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "It's Never Too Late to Leap: Redefining Success After Retirement with Vicki Semanie" our guest shares a powerful reminder that success in entrepreneurship is a journey, not a sprint, and that leaning into purpose, patience, and presence creates the most meaningful impact.
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
One of Vicki’s biggest lessons: Entrepreneurship takes time. Comparing it to an ivy plant: Year 1 it sleeps, Year 2 it creeps, Year 3 it leaps.
Her philosophy: “You can only succeed if you fail first. It’s what you do with the failure that determines your future success.”
Advice for new entrepreneurs: Have a financial nest egg. Be ready for unexpected pivots and delays in revenue. Focus on long-term relationships and impact, not instant results.
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Vicki Semanie, Master Certified Professional Coach at Seven Stones Life Coaching
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Vicki:
On Facebook
On LinkedIn
Visit Seven Stones Life Coaching website
Guest Bio: Vicki Semanie
Vicki founded Seven Stones after a long career as a finance and operations professional. As a Master Certified Professional Coach, Vicki assists others in achieving life and business goals that they never thought possible.
She built an exceptional career and meaningful life because of her ability to pragmatically achieve her goals regardless of obstacles. As a business coach, Vicki assists her clients by providing clarity on the path forward. She works with the business owners to think through what the next steps of the business should be and by helping them develop leadership, communication, and sales skills.
Vicki recently expanded Seven Stones by providing business consulting services through strategic business partnership arrangements. Her primary client is a business owner or CEO of a company with up to 50 or so employees. With this service, she provides strategy, operations, and financial consulting services over 12 months with intensive individual and group sessions and 1:1 coaching.
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
36min
April 10, 2025Why Weird Works: What It Really Takes to Stand Out and Connect with Megan Eckman
Welcome to the 29th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Why Weird Works: What It Really Takes to Stand Out and Connect with Megan Eckman" we get a masterclass in embracing brand evolution, trusting your weirdness, and creating a brand that deeply connects — not just converts.
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
Follow curiosity, not trends. Megan’s success often came from experimenting — not following trends but responding to what customers asked for.
Too many businesses skip deep internal work in favor of aesthetics.
Having an outlet for joy actually improves clarity, focus, and innovation in your work.
Apply for Uplevel Lab (formerly known as Design Jam)
A small-group incubator for entrepreneurs who feel stuck in their business and want to ideate new directions through creative collaboration and structured support. https://www.fatcap-design.com/uplevel-lab
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Megan Eckman, Founder of Fat Cap Design
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Megan:
On Instagram @meganmeckman
On LinkedIn
Visit the Fat Cap Design website
Learn more about Design Jam
Guest Bio: Megan Eckman
Megan has always been drawn to 'impossible' challenges, including starting a business while earning degrees in creative writing and art.

After that she tackled:
Growing an illustration business in San Jose, CA
Illustrating for Google
Building an embroidery kit empire that stocked 200+ shops around the country, kept hundreds entertained with monthly subscriptions, and helped thousands get their crafting fix during the pandemic
Rebranding that embroidery kit business for 150% increase in sales YoY
Starting a UX business to help small businesses redesign their websites, with most clients enjoying a 30% increase in sales YoY
And now, she’s helping businesses get their spark back with their customer by co-designing authentic and engaging brand experiences at her new company, Fat Cap.
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.

Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
1h 13min
April 08, 2025Stop Shouting Into the Void: Why Connection Beats Content
Welcome to the 28th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Stop Shouting Into the Void: Why Connection Beats Content" co-hosts Ashlan Glazier-Anderson and Victoria Proppe reflect on how small acts—whether it's fixing your referral systems, tending a garden, or showing up to help a neighbor—add up to big impact in both business and life. This continues the theme of our season–community, clarity, and care are essential ingredients for sustainable entrepreneurship in uncertain times. Listen to the episode with Dusti Arab that we reference on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
When networking, avoid showing up with “what can I get” energy. Instead, be a whole person and build authentic connections.
Amidst political instability and rising authoritarianism, building strong community connections is a powerful act of resistance and resilience.
The culture of competition and hustle under capitalism can isolate entrepreneurs. Joining networking groups, nonprofit boards, or mom-and-kid classes are simple ways to build local community and combat loneliness.
Host information:
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course:
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
28min
April 03, 2025Relationships Over Algorithms: Building Referral-Worthy Businesses with Dusti Arab
Welcome to the 27th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Relationships Over Algorithms: Building Referral-Worthy Businesses with Dusti Arab.” In this lively and inspiring episode, hosts Ashlan and Victoria sit down with marketing strategist and community builder Dusti Arab, founder of The Reinvention Co. and host of Referral Worthy podcast. Dusti brings her raw, real, and refreshingly honest insights about building a referral-driven business, trusting yourself, and staying grounded even when the world feels chaotic.
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
Trust yourself early and often. Nobody has the answers—you just have to figure it out by doing.
Referrals don’t come from just doing good work—they come from clear messaging, strong systems, and staying connected.
Your business doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You don’t need to do marketing the way everyone tells you to.
Keep planting. Keep building. Even if everything feels uncertain, taking small actions helps you feel connected, prepared, and hopeful.
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Dusti Arab, Fractional CMO & Marketing Strategist at the reinvention co
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Dusti:
On Instagram @dustiarab
On LinkedIn
On Substack @dustiarab
On TikTok @dustiarab
Guest Bio: Dusti Arab
Dusti Arab is a marketing strategist, writer, and community builder who knows that relationships—not algorithms—are the foundation of a thriving business. Dusti Arab is the founder of The Reinvention Co. and the host of Referral Worthy, where she helps service-based business owners build businesses that grow through trust and word-of-mouth, not just endless content creation. With a background spanning self-help, SaaS, book marketing, and course creation, she’s worked with everyone from solopreneurs to New York Times bestselling authors to make sure their marketing actually works. Dusti, welcome to the show
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
45min
April 01, 2025Pivot Don’t Panic–Staying Resilient in Uncertain Times
Welcome to the 26th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Pivot Don’t Panic–Staying Resilient in Uncertain Times" co-hosts Ashlan Glazier-Anderson and Victoria Proppe reinforce a central message: entrepreneurship isn’t linear, and it’s not something you have to navigate alone, among other insights from our last guest episode with Nel Taylor. Whether you’re pivoting your business, simplifying your services, or just trying to stay grounded in turbulent times, resilience, flexibility, and community are your greatest assets. Listen to the episode with Nel Taylor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Entrepreneurs must expect and prepare for change, especially as larger external factors (like politics, funding shifts, or public sentiment) impact business operations.
Sometimes we overextend ourselves to do everything perfectly when what’s needed is simply what’s essential.
A strong community helps you stay aligned with your values, get referrals, share resources, and simply feel less alone—especially during times of political and societal unrest.
Host information:
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course:
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
20min
March 27, 2025Beyond Performative: How to Actually Live Your DEI Values with Nel Taylor
Welcome to the 25th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Beyond Performative: How to Actually Live Your DEI Values with Nel Taylor" we explore the state of DEI in the nonprofit sector, how organizations can adapt under current political pressures, and how to embed equity into everyday operations–not just as a buzzword or temporary initiative, but as a long-term, justice-centered practice.
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
The current backlash against DEI has exposed who was preformative all along. Companies and nonprofits that adopted DEI as a trend quickly removed equity statements and backed off their commitments.
You can future-proof equity work by embedding it in your operations rather than just making a statement or siloing the work in a DEI committee. Looking at HR policies, leadership models, compensation, hiring practices, and internal culture are opportunities.
Use alternative language when needed – Nel reframed DEI as “ethical operations” and “equitable HR,” while also sharing Lily Zheng’s FAIR (Fairness, Access, Inclusion, and Representation) framework as a way to help organizations continue this work without triggering political scrutiny.
Join Nel’s Course – Rethinking HR: Transforming Policies for Workplace Equity and Justice (May 1 - July 31, 2025)
Rethinking HR: Transforming Policies for Workplace Equity and Justice is a live twelve-week virtual course where you will learn how to dismantle harmful HR practices and infuse Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice principles into the DNA and culture of your organization through human-centered policies and internal processes. Use Promo Code: LEAP for $250 off! Sign up at https://www.nowthisconsulting.com/course
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Nel Taylor, Founder & Steward of Now This Consulting
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Nel:
On Instagram @nowthisconsulting
On LinkedIn
On TikTok @nowthisconsulting
Listen to Nel’s Season 1 Episode:
On Apple Podcasts
On Spotify
On YouTube
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
51min
March 25, 2025Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable–The Secret of Entrepreneurial Success
Welcome to the 24th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable–The Secret of Entrepreneurial Success" co-hosts Ashlan Glazier-Anderson and Victoria Proppe reflect on what it means to start a business based on your own personal needs, embracing discomfort, and evolving over time among other insights from our last guest episode with Jeni Nguyen. Listen to the episode with Jeni Nguyen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Entrepreneurship is often about testing, learning, and adapting, even when you do everything “right.”
Whether for encouragement, referrals, or accountability, community matters more than traditional networking.
Entrepreneurship is challenging but rewarding. Your journey will include ups, downs, and pivots—but resilience, community, and creativity are key to moving forward.
Host information:
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course:
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.

Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
30min
March 20, 2025Blending Beauty & Function: Jeni Nguyen’s Journey to Creating Bunny-Friendly Furniture
Welcome to the 23rd episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Blending Beauty & Function: Jeni Nguyen’s Journey to Creating Bunny-Friendly Furniture" our guest is an inspiring reminder that passion and creativity can drive business success, even in a niche market. By following her gut, solving her own problem, and trusting that others would resonate with her vision, Jeni has created a functional, beautiful brand that helps both rabbits and their owners live better lives. Jeni’s story proves that sometimes the best businesses start with the question: “Why not me?”
Some of our favorite takeaways include:
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable–success requires navigating uncertainty and discomfort.
Find joy in the process–entrepreneurship is challenging, but the experience is worth it.
The biggest surprise in business? Finding customers was easier than expected–manufacturing and supply chain logistics were the harder part.
Download the FREE Better Bunny Living Guide
Join the Better Bunny Club and start living in harmony with your pet house rabbit. https://binkrabbitgoods.com/pages/free-guide
Join the WAITLIST for BINK’s next furniture production run
Be the first to know when bunny furniture is back! 🐰 Next release: Easter 4/20/2025
Guest & Host Information:
Guest, Jeni Nguyen, Founder of BINK Rabbit Goods
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with Jeni:
On Instagram @bink.rabbitgoods
Visit BINK Rabbit Goods website
Guest Bio: Jeni Nguyen
Jeni is a creative problem-solver passionate about crafting beautiful, thoughtful designs. With a background in bespoke architecture, she thrives in big-picture strategy and moves fluidly across design disciplines. Working at the intersection of storytelling and design thinking, Jeni strives to reveal meaning in every project. As the founder of BINK Rabbit Goods, she designs elegant, rabbit-safe furniture solutions and lifestyle products that elevate the connection between pet bunnies and the humans who love them. Her work has been published in Dwell, Design Milk, Domino, Apartment Therapy, and others. Through BINK, Jeni is redefining what it means to live harmoniously with house rabbits.
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch yo
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
49min
March 18, 2025Lessons in Business: When to Say Yes, No, and F*ck You
Welcome to the 22nd episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Lessons in Business: When to Say Yes, No, and F*ck You" co-hosts Ashlan Glazier-Anderson and Victoria Proppe speak about the importance of valuing your work, setting strong business boundaries, ignoring all that bad business advice, and being proactive about cybersecurity among other reflections from our last guest episode with Brady Helkenn. Listen to the episode with Brady Helkenn on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTube.
Key Takeaways from the Episode:
Discounting your services often attracts the most difficult clients. When pricing is lowered to accommodate certain clients, the working relationship is often more stressful and less fulfilling.
Not all advice applies to everyone–you get to choose how you structure your business, services, and pricing.
Many small business owners assume hackers won’t target them, but in reality, small businesses can be even more vulnerable. Taking basic security precautions (like using password managers, multi-factor authentication, and backing up data) can prevent major losses.
Host information:
Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing
Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies
Connect with us:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the Leap
Follow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_today
Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn
Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn
The Course:
The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.
Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review!

Want to keep in touch?

Find us on:
Youtube
Instagram
...more
29min

FAQs about Take The Leap:

How many episodes does Take The Leap have?

The podcast currently has 117 episodes available.