Most entrepreneurs have tried all kinds of time management systems but still fail to keep up with their long list of priorities. If this approach is ineffective, perhaps paying more attention to energy management is the key. Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner explore the many reasons why energy matters more than time, as well as the often-ignored relationship between the two. They explain why understanding one’s energy patterns and biological cycles is required in aligning tasks accordingly and achieving maximum productivity. The two also talk about the importance of self-awareness in energy management and how it can greatly elevate an entrepreneur’s daily routine.

Micromanaging can stifle your team's growth and create a toxic work environment. In this episode, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo explore the fine line between oversight and micromanagement and how to empower your team to achieve consistent performance without constantly looking over their shoulders. Discover practical strategies for setting clear expectations, fostering trust, and creating a culture of accountability that allows your team to thrive. Plus, learn how to break the micromanaging cycle and create a more sustainable and fulfilling work experience for both you and your team.

Is the lack of role clarity turning your team into a tangled mess of confusion and conflict? In this episode, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo explore why traditional approaches to defining roles often fall short and what you can do instead to create clarity that works. Discover practical strategies for establishing clear reporting lines, defining responsibilities, and ensuring everyone understands their role in the organization. Plus, learn how to address common challenges and maintain role clarity as your business grows and evolves.

Do you have a stack of brilliant business ideas just waiting to be implemented? In this episode, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner tackle the common problem of great business ideas that never get off the ground. They explore the gap between planning and execution, discussing the "squirrel factor," the "messy middle," and the crucial role of accountability in turning plans into reality. They provide actionable insights on prioritizing tasks, securing resources, and setting realistic goals to build a strong implementation engine for success. Tune in to learn how to finally bridge the gap between strategy and action and bring your business ideas to life.

Stop running meetings that waste time! Join Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo as they expose the hidden traps of traditional meetings and reveal powerful strategies to transform your team's communication. Discover how to effectively design impactful meetings, utilize asynchronous communication, and leverage tools like Slack, email, and project management software to optimize teamwork. Whether you're a meeting enthusiast or a staunch avoider, Gwen and Tonya offer valuable insights to revolutionize your approach to meetings and boost overall efficiency.

Ever wished you had a wise, experienced cornerman to guide you through your business challenges? Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo explore the power of having a business cornerman, a seasoned expert who provides holistic guidance and helps you anticipate challenges. A cornerman offers tailored advice specifically for your unique business battles, asks insightful questions that unlock hidden potential, and acts as a trusted partner truly invested in your long-term success. Discover how a cornerman’s strategic insights and big-picture perspective can help you dominate your market, outmaneuver the competition, and achieve lasting success. Tune in now and unleash your inner champion!

Being the boss of your own business does not give you unlimited freedom to do everything you want – it actually holds you back from freedom. Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss why entrepreneurs love to resist management by their teams. They emphasize the importance of having the willingness to be held accountable and how to create a healthy two-way accountability system. They also present the biggest disadvantages of bosses resisting management, from decreased effectiveness, longer turnaround times, to poor client experiences.

Your team says everything's fine, but are they really? In this episode, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive deep into the often overlooked issue of team burnout, exploring misconceptions about capacity, subtle warning signs, and proactive steps CEOs can take to prevent it. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing limitations as a business owner, and understanding the difference between "getting things done" and genuine productivity. Gwen and Tonya also share practical tips for measuring team capacity, addressing signs of burnout, and creating a supportive work environment. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to build a sustainable and thriving business by taking care of your most valuable asset: your team.

Are you hesitating to hire support staff because they will not directly generate business revenue? This mindset could be the very thing holding you back from sustainable growth. In this episode, co-hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo tackle the common misconception that every team member needs to be a revenue generator. They discuss how to achieve balance between a revenue center and a cost center, as well as the right time to hire specific roles to maintain a well-rounded team.

If your systems were in place, could you charge more and work less? In this revealing episode, we tackle a hard truth many service providers face: the market has evolved, and "good enough" isn't good enough anymore. Today's savvy clients expect exceptional, consistent service delivery - and they're willing to pay premium prices to get it.

Discover why unreliable systems aren't just an operational headache—they're actively preventing you from attracting and retaining premium clients. Learn why some service providers struggle to maintain their rates while others command premium prices with ease. We'll explore:

• The true cost of inconsistent delivery
• Why competing on price is a race to the bottom
• How better systems create higher perceived value
• The link between operational excellence and premium pricing
• Simple ways to assess your current systems

Whether you're a consultant, coach, or service provider, this episode reveals how improving your operational consistency could help you charge more while working less. Stop leaving money on the table because of inefficient systems.

The Business You Really Want helps visionary women entrepreneurs build sustainable, fulfilling businesses aligned with their values. Join hosts Gwen Bortner, a seasoned business advisor with 40+ years of cross-industry experience, and Tonya Kubo, marketing strategist and online community builder, for practical strategies and empowering insights to help you navigate the challenges of running a values-driven business.