The Business You Really Want

As a leader, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of your role and neglect your own well-being. But what if we told you that personal growth and self-care aren't just important for your personal life - they're essential for your success as a CEO? Join Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo in the final installment of ‘From Solo To CEO,’ closing out with a topic that’s often overlooked: how to balance the demands of leadership with your own personal growth and self-care. They talk about how you can thrive as both a CEO and an individual by prioritizing both. Tune in and explore how investing in yourself as a CEO leads to better decisions, stronger leadership, and a more sustainable and fulfilling career.

You can only do so much as the leader of your business. That is why one of the most powerful tools for scaling your business is delegation. In the third episode of the 'From Solo to CEO' series, Tonya Kubo and Gwen Bortner dive into the art of effective delegation and building a high-performing team. Learn how to overcome perfectionism, embrace mistakes as opportunities for improvement, and create a culture of empowerment and trust within your organization. If you feel like you’re still doing everything yourself, or you’re struggling to trust your team to get things done without you, this episode is for you. Tonya and Gwen discuss how to delegate effectively and build a high-performing team that can run without you micromanaging every detail.

Discover the essential leadership skills that every successful CEO must master in the second episode of our ‘From Solo to CEO’ series. Join Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo as they explore how to lead your team effectively, whether you're a small team or a large organization. Gwen shares a powerful story of a solopreneur who improved their leadership skills and saw significant business growth as a result. Get ready to learn the skills that will help you inspire, manage, and empower your team to reach new heights.

Dive into a transformative journey from solopreneur to CEO! In this exciting special miniseries, Tonya Kubo and operations expert Gwen Bortner guide you on making the transition to becoming the leader your business needs. Discover how to break free from the day-to-day grind, delegate tasks effectively, and grow your company with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you step into the CEO role and lead your business to new heights. Tune in now and start your journey to becoming the CEO your business needs.

In this special episode of The Business You Really Want, Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo reflect on listener feedback and dive into real-life success stories. With insights from reviews, they discuss the challenges female entrepreneurs face, the pressures of traditional success metrics, and how to take action based on your unique definition of success. Whether you're just starting your business or navigating the complexities of growth, this episode is packed with practical advice on aligning goals with your values and protecting your time.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:20 – The major themes from listener feedback: Time management, success, and learning from mistakes
• 4:00 – Avoiding business mistakes before they happen
• 7:56 – The pressure women face to meet traditional success metrics
• 8:30 – The importance of defining your own success and avoiding societal pressure
• 11:52 – Why time pressure feels more intense for women in business
• 14:39 – How a patriarchal society has impacted the way we define success
• 18:30 – Integrating your personal life and business goals, instead of compartmentalizing them
• 21:20 – Why small business owners and solopreneurs feel short on time, and how to stop filling every moment
• 22:48 – The importance of adding and keeping margin in your schedule
• 25:00 – Working less may not make you less productive
• 27:10 – You’re only productive 60-80% of the time you work
• 30:00 – The time you need to accomplish something may be relative to you
• 33:23 – Don’t add more to your plate as soon as you’ve cleared something else from it
• 36:10 – If I free up time, how do I not fill it with other stuff?
• 39:30 – The value of accountability and finding someone who can provide true, non-judgmental feedback

Key Takeaways:

• Define your own success: Success means different things to different people. Take the time to decide what it means for you—don’t let society define it for you.
• Question best practices: Just because something is labeled a “best practice” doesn’t mean it’s the best for you. Learn to question everything and trust your instincts.
• Create margin in your life: Make room in your schedule for unexpected opportunities or challenges. Having white space helps you avoid burnout and allows for creativity.
• Don’t compartmentalize: Instead of trying to separate your personal life and business goals, treat them as part of the same journey.
• Accountability matters: Find someone who can give you honest, non-judgmental feedback and help you stay on track with your goals.

Ready to take action on your insights? Try this:

1. Define success for yourself: What does success look like for you right now? Be specific, and let go of societal expectations.
2. Create margin in your schedule: Set aside time each day or week for nothing. Protect that space and resist the urge to fill it with more work.
3. Seek accountability: Find someone who can offer objective insights and hold you accountable without judgment.
4. Reflect regularly: As your life changes, so will your definition of success. Take time every few months to reassess your goals and make adjustments as needed.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Everyday Effectiveness team practices true accountability internally and in partnership with their clients. If you’d like to experience the Weekly Course of Action for yourself, join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/eqSzk6oktYdoCUaM9

Leave a review on Apple: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 13, where we dive deeper into balancing personal and professional priorities to create a sustainable business model.

Is it possible that the goals you're setting for your business are actually holding you back?

In this episode of The Business You Really Want, hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo dive into the concept of good vs. bad goals. They challenge the notion of SMART goals and explain why what might be a good goal for one person could be a terrible goal for another. They also explore how to set goals that align with your values, vision, and motivation to drive real business success.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 1:13 – Is there such a thing as a bad goal?
• 1:43 – The problem with focusing too much on SMART goals
• 3:36 – Not all goals are created equal: Why a great goal for one person might be bad for someone else
• 6:00 – Motivation matters more than structure & why goals should align with what drives you
• 7:53 – Real-world example: How focusing on impact instead of revenue drove success
• 11:27 – Why well-intentioned goals can hold back your business growth
• 14:55 – The goal that's really important today may not be the goal that's important tomorrow
• 16:01 – The process for aligning goals with your values and vision
• 18:50 – How often should we reassess or revise our goals?
• 19:30 – Your definition of success evolves as your life changes
• 21:42 – The importance of focusing on the journey, not just the goal

Key Takeaways:

• Not all goals are created equal: The right goal for one person may be the wrong one for another based on motivation, values, and context.
• SMART goals can sometimes be dumb: It’s easy to fall into the trap of setting goals that fit a framework but don’t align with what really drives you.
• Focus on what truly motivates you: Goals should be motivating, not just easy to measure. When your goals reflect your values, you’re more likely to see progress.
• Reassess goals regularly: Your goals should evolve as your life and business context changes. Check in at least every 90 days to ensure your goals still make sense.
• The journey matters more than the goal: The process of working toward a goal should be fulfilling, not miserable. If you’re unhappy on the journey, it might be time to adjust your goal.

Want to set better goals? Try this:

1. Define success for yourself: What does success really mean to you right now? Get specific, and don’t rely on external definitions.
2. Identify what motivates you: Set goals that align with what drives you—whether it’s impact, financial success, or personal fulfillment.
3. Assess your goals every 90 days: As life changes, so should your goals. Reevaluate to make sure they still align with your values and vision.
4. Focus on the journey: The process of working toward a goal should be as satisfying as achieving it. If not, it’s time to change course.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Everyday Effectiveness team practices true accountability internally and in partnership with their clients. If you’d like to experience the Weekly Course of Action for yourself, join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/eqSzk6oktYdoCUaM9 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 12, where we explore how to balance growth and sustainability in your business without burning out.

Feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks on your to-do list? Struggling with which to tackle first when everything seems equally urgent?

In this episode of The Business You Really Want, hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the challenge many entrepreneurs face: managing the overwhelming sense of urgency that leads to paralysis. Together, they explore how to prioritize tasks, the myth of multitasking, and practical tips for regaining control when everything feels equally important.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 3:05 – Why are entrepreneurs constantly getting overwhelmed by “urgent” tasks
• 3:41 – The lie entrepreneurs believe about multitasking
• 8:09 – The "G.I. Joe Rule": Knowing is half the battle in overcoming overwhelm
• 13:17 – How to distinguish between what’s truly urgent and what just feels urgent
• 18:40 – A practical question to determine what’s actually urgent
• 20:26 – How to avoid creating busy work in order to feel productive
• 24:21 – How to balance daily tasks with long-term strategic priorities
• 27:40 – Practical steps for prioritizing tasks and eliminating unnecessary busywork

Key Takeaways:

• Multitasking doesn’t exist: Switching rapidly between tasks is not effective and can drain more energy than it saves.
• Not everything is urgent: Ask yourself, "What happens if I don’t do this now?" to identify what’s truly important.
• Focus on 1-3 key tasks per day: Making slow, steady progress on big goals is more effective than trying to do everything at once.
• Eliminate busywork: Some tasks might feel important, but they could just be habits that don’t move the needle in your business.
• Prioritize self-awareness: Recognizing when you’re overwhelmed is the first step to addressing it.

Ready to manage your business without feeling overwhelmed? Try this:

1. List all tasks: Write down everything you think is urgent and assess how much focus each task requires.
2. Ask, "What happens if I don’t do this now?": This will help you separate urgent tasks from important ones.
3. Focus on 1-3 key tasks per day: Prioritize tasks that truly make an impact.
4. Create space for long-term goals: Remember, daily tasks shouldn’t overshadow long-term strategies.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Everyday Effectiveness team practices true accountability internally and in partnership with their clients. If you’d like to experience the Weekly Course of Action for yourself, join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/eqSzk6oktYdoCUaM9

The Mars Pathfinder overwhelmed to the point of paralysis: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatmakessensetome/video/7196121424539487530 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Don’t miss Episode 11, where you’ll learn whether there’s such a thing as a bad goal and how to set objectives that truly serve your business and align with your values.

Do you know the difference between being reliable and being accountable?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo break down the concept of true accountability and why it’s crucial for achieving sustainable success in business. Learn the key differences between tracking, reliability, and accountability, and how fostering a culture of non-judgmental accountability can transform your business operations and outcomes.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Understanding what true accountability is (and isn't)
• 6:02 - Accountability is about more than acknowledgement
• 8:36 - When does accountability become micro-management?
• 12:35 - The weekly course of action
• 15:28 - Creating feedback loops to make sure things get done
• 19:13 - Common accountability mistakes that many business owners make
• 25:21 - How to foster a culture of accountability without micromanaging
• 28:40 - Important questions to consider for effective accountability

Key Takeaways:

• Accountability vs. Reliability: Being reliable is about completing tasks, while true accountability involves a relationship where someone else is invested in your results.
• Non-Judgmental Accountability: Create a culture where feedback is given without judgment, encouraging open communication and continuous improvement.
• Avoid Micromanagement: True accountability isn’t about checking every step but understanding the results and reflecting on the process to improve.
• Ask the Right Questions: Effective accountability involves asking questions that encourage reflection, such as "What did we learn?" and "What can we do differently?"
• The Power of Feedback: Regular check-ins and constructive feedback can help keep everyone aligned and motivated.

Ready to build a culture of true accountability in your business? Try this:

1. Differentiate between tracking, reliability, and accountability: Understand the unique role each plays in your business.
2. Encourage open communication: Foster an environment where feedback is welcome, and judgment is minimized.
3. Focus on results, not just tasks: Regularly review what’s been achieved and what could be improved, rather than just ticking boxes.
4. Get a partner in accountability: Find a mentor, peer, or coach who can provide objective feedback and support.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Everyday Effectiveness team practices true accountability internally and in partnership with their clients. If you’d like to experience the Weekly Course of Action for yourself, join the waitlist here: https://forms.gle/eqSzk6oktYdoCUaM9

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 10, where we discuss building a resilient business strategy that can adapt to any challenge.

Do you find yourself solving the wrong problems in your business? Or maybe solving the right problems, but in the wrong order?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo discuss the importance of identifying and solving the right problems in the right order. This episode dives into the common pitfalls business owners face when trying to fix issues, the difference between symptoms and root causes, and how solving problems in the wrong order can lead to wasted time, resources, and frustration.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Why the order in which you solve problems matters
• 6:02 - Finding someone who can own the problem - and the solution
• 9:12 - Identifying root causes versus treating symptoms
• 13:17 - The impact of solving problems in the wrong order
• 16:21 - How to prioritize problems as a business owner
• 21:25 - Mindset shift and asking the right questions 
• 25:11 - Look outside the “vertical path” of the problem

Key Takeaways:

• Avoid rework by solving problems in the right order: Understand that solving issues out of sequence can lead to more work and wasted resources.
• Identify root causes, not just symptoms: Go beyond the surface to understand what is really causing your business challenges.
• Get outside perspective: Sometimes, having someone from outside your organization or a new team member can provide the clarity needed to identify the real issue.
• Ask better questions: Instead of just asking "what" or "why," ask "does it have to be this way?" to open up new possibilities and solutions.
• Prioritize effectively: Use a checklist or a set of criteria to help prioritize which problems to solve first for maximum impact.

Ready to tackle your business problems more effectively? Try this:

1. Name the problem clearly: Define the issue you’re facing in a specific and concise manner.
2. Assess the impact: Detail the impact of  the problem on your business operations, including costs and lost opportunities.
3. Identify root causes: Look beyond the obvious symptoms to find the underlying causes of the problem.
4. Seek external feedback: Engage with a mentor, coach, or peer to gain an outside perspective on the problem and potential solutions.

MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE

Gwen’s Small Business Book Club recently discussed A Beautiful Constraint by Adam Morgan and Mark Barden: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Constraint-Transform-Limitations-Advantages-ebook/dp/B00QL30Q90

Wonder which experts Gwen and Tonya leaned on for the rebrand of Everyday Effectiveness and the branding of The Business You Really Want? Here are the service providers who have contributed to the project:

• Logos and primary brand - https://www.boumadesignco.com/
• Assets and brand expansion - https://authenticvisionmedia.com/
• Podcast assets - https://www.evokemedialabs.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 9, where we delve into building a resilient business model that can weather any storm.

Are you in control of your systems, or are your systems controlling you?

In this episode of "The Business You Really Want," hosts Gwen Bortner and Tonya Kubo invite you into the world of systems and how the behaviors within your business shape the results you see. Whether you're running a solo operation or managing a growing team, understanding and optimizing your systems can lead to more efficiency, less stress, and greater success.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

• 2:38 - Systems are actually just behaviors
• 6:32 - Learn your behaviors by consciously observing them
• 10:00 - How to document your systems once you know they work
• 12:35 - How to identify the behaviors that make up your systems.
• 17:28 - Why being too flexible might be sabotaging your business success
• 20:28 - Creating intentional systems that align with your goals and values
• 22:58 - The time it takes to standardize behaviors into effective systems
• 27:54 - Free yourself by standardizing behaviors for recurring decisions

Key Takeaways:

• Systems are not software: Understand that systems are the consistent behaviors and processes that happen in your business every day.
• Observe your behaviors: Start noticing the automatic decisions you make daily; these are your true systems.
• Document only when necessary: Don’t waste time writing down processes until you know they are effective and repeatable.
• Balance flexibility with structure: Too much flexibility can lead to chaos; find the right balance to keep things running smoothly.
• Leverage outside perspectives: Sometimes, you need an external observer to point out unconscious behaviors that could be impacting your success.

Ready to optimize your business systems? Try this:

1. Start by observing: Take a week to note down every step you take in completing your daily tasks. What patterns do you see?
2. Ask why: For every action, ask yourself why you are doing it that way. Is there a better or more efficient way? 
3. Streamline your processes: Identify areas where you can reduce steps or make things more straightforward.
4. Get feedback: Consider working with a coach or a trusted colleague to gain insights into your habits and how they could be improved.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review!

Also, be sure to check out Episode 8, where we explore solving the right problems in the right order.