Summary

In this episode, Liz and Sarah explore how small businesses can leverage AI to boost efficiency, creativity, and growth. They discuss practical strategies, ethical considerations, and future trends in AI integration, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.

Key  topics

• AI integration strategies for small business
• Building a digital mind and digital assets
• Balancing human touch with AI automation

Action  items

• Start building your digital mind today by gathering your key assets and creating a framework.
• Practice writing clear prompts to get the best AI outputs.
• Stay curious and keep learning about AI to stay competitive.
• Identify tasks that can be automated to free up your time for strategic work.

Sound bites

"AI isn't just about speed, it's about value"

"Your most precious resource is time"

"Your business matters, and AI can help you grow"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

03:27 The Impact of AI on Business

08:12 AI as a Tool for Efficiency

12:25 Understanding AI's Role in Society

14:52 Keeping Humanity in AI

19:10 The Value of Human Touch in Art

22:25 AI's Role in Business Efficiency

26:20 Boundaries of AI in Customer Interaction

29:36 The Future of Digital Minds in Business

37:18 CEO Sister’s Road Trip Video Outro - 60 seconds v2.mp4 

Resources

• Jeff Woods, The AI Driven Leader - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4XK7X
• Sandy Waggett, MSW Interactive Designs - https://mswinteractivedesigns.com
• Radio Shack (Tandy 500) - https://www.radioshack.com
• Speak and Spell - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speak_%26_Spell

Keywords

AI in business, small business growth, automation, digital transformation, AI strategies, efficiency, digital mind, future of AI, entrepreneurship, technology trends

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

In this episode, sisters Liz and Sarah explore the empowering reasons why launching or restarting a business after 40+ can be a game-changing move, fueled by confidence, life experience, and authenticity. They share personal insights, challenges, and practical advice for women embracing their second act with boldness and purpose.

Key Topics:

• The shift in mindset from career start to second act: less fear, more authenticity
• The advantages of age and life experience in entrepreneurship and leadership
• The importance of saying no: setting boundaries to protect your time and energy
• Lessons from decades of experience that streamline decision-making
• Embracing seasons in business and life: when to pause, pivot, or press play
• Breaking the myth that entrepreneurship is only for the young
• The power of transparency and vulnerability with technology and team members
• Practical strategies for thriving as a late starter, including leveraging confidence and avoiding burnout

Chapters:

00:00 Nostalgia and Sassy Magazine

05:58 Life Skills and Confidence in Entrepreneurship

09:22 Transitioning Careers After 40

13:19 Selling Transformation vs. Services

21:15 The Power of Saying No

26:52 Embracing Technology and Transparency

31:54 Caring Less About Others' Opinions

35:15 CEO Sister’s Road Trip Video Outro 

Resources:

The Transformation Economy by Joe Pine

Your Business Matters

Sarah Jane Pottery

To hear more stories of women over 40 transforming their lives, subscribe to the CEO Sisters Podcast and join our community of confident, experienced entrepreneurs embracing their second act!

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Financial Facts or Feelings? How to Use Data to Overcome Overwhelm and Drive Decisions

In this solo episode, Liz Szporn of CEO Sisters Road Trip shares a simple but powerful approach to gaining instant clarity on your financial health. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your business’s numbers, learn how to cut through the noise with just a few key data points to make confident decisions.

Key Topics:

• The common "ostrich effect"—avoiding financial data and its impact on decision-making
• How to identify what financial data truly matters during times of overwhelm
• The story of a client with a perceived 20% revenue drop that was actually a 5% increase
• The three KPIs to focus on for quick financial clarity: top line income, expenses, and net income
• The power of looking at year-over-year comparisons for meaningful insights
• Using curiosity and a "what if up" mindset to reframe perceived negatives
• Practical steps: pulling and comparing financial statements from the past quarter and last year
• How to categorize expenses into necessary, nice-to-have, and negotiable
• Actionable tips for renegotiating vendor contracts and cutting unnecessary costs
• The importance of trust, curiosity, and data in business decision-making

Resources & Links:

• Instant Clarity Worksheet

Connect with Liz Szporn:

• LinkedIn
• www.yourbusinessmatters.dev

Remember, small steps with data can lead to big clarity. Don't let overwhelm hold you back—your business's health is worth regular check-ins! 

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

Have you ever walked away from a high-stakes meeting or a sales call realizing you spent the entire time speaking in circles? In this episode, Liz and Sarah sit down with Jen Nonn-Murphy, a licensed speech-language pathologist and CEO coach who specializes in the brain science of communication. 

Jen explains why smart, capable women often fall into the "over-explaining trap" and how cognitive overload—juggling value propositions alongside everyday mental loads like family schedules—can lead to rambling and lost confidence. Jen shares actionable, science-backed formulas to help leaders find their "grit," stop apologizing for their success, and start leading with clarity.

Key Topics

• The Pathology of Over-Explaining: Understanding why our brains hit "working memory" limits during high-pressure conversations.
• The "What, Why, Next" Framework: A repeatable 3-step formula to organize thoughts in real-time.
• The Power of the Pause: Why a 2–3 second silence is your most assertive leadership tool.
• The Goldilocks Dilemma: Navigating the fine line between being seen as "too soft" (a supporter) and "too aggressive" (not collaborative).
• Creating Supportive Cultures: Lessons from Silicon Valley on supporting other women’s voices and having tough, "clear is kind" conversations.

Action Items & Takeaways

• Practice with Frameworks: Use "What, Why, Next" to structure your business pitch or service descriptions to avoid circular talking.
• Anchor Your Practice: Link your communication practice to daily habits, like brushing your teeth or your morning commute, to build muscle memory.
• Utilize the "Power Pause": Give your brain space to process a question before jumping in to avoid "railroading" the conversation.
• Audit Your Tone: Strip away qualifiers like "I was thinking maybe" and replace them with decisive language paired with a collaborative tone.
• AI as a Thought Partner: Use AI to help draft communication frameworks, but ensure you maintain your human connection and authenticity.

Chapters

• [00:18] Sisterhood & Spring: College updates and life "life-ing".
• [02:38] The Over-Explaining Trap: Why we struggle to own our value.
• [10:06] Meet Jen Nonn-Murphy: From pediatric speech therapy to CEO coaching.
• [13:10] Brain Science: Working memory and cognitive overload in sales.
• [17:36] Tool #1: The "What, Why, Next" Framework (Live Practice).
• [22:42] AI in Communication: Using technology as a thought partner.
• [27:26] Tool #2: Pause, Then Speak.
• [31:41] The Goldilocks Dilemma: Assertive vs. Aggressive communication.
• [36:06] Supporting Women: A story on salary negotiation and first offers.
• [42:27] Shifting from Selling to Guiding: Advice for creative entrepreneurs.
• [45:11] The Gritty Journey: Lonesome Dove and prioritizing the "One Thing".

Guest Links

• Website: CCSpeechCoach.com (Take the Communication Self-Rating Scale!).
• Instagram: @clear_confident_coach.
• LinkedIn: Jen Nonn-Murphy.

Keywords
Communication Science, Female Entrepreneurs, Leadership Coaching, Speech Pathology, Cognitive Overload, Creative CEO, Sales Conversations, Women in Business, Assertive Communication, CEO Sisters Road Trip.

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

In this episode, Valerie Thomas shares her inspiring journey from a competitive figure skater to a full-service family photographer, highlighting her evolution, business growth, and the importance of creating lasting memories for families. Discover her unique approach to pampering and really serving clients with an exceptional photography and studio experience.

Key  topics

Valerie's transition from figure skating to photography

The evolution of Valerie's business and services

Creating a full-service, memorable experience for families

The importance of tangible family heirlooms and art

Valerie's future goals and vision for growth

Action  items & Take aways

-Where can you invest in a full-service experience for clients?

-Where can you create tangible family heirlooms with your service or art?

-Planning future goals for studio expansion and team growth through steady growth and refinement.

Chapters

05:37 Welcoming Valerie Thomas

11:06 Valerie's Journey as a Photographer

19:49 Evolving as a Business Owner

20:25 Navigating Motherhood and Business

27:02 The Intersection of Ice Skating and Photography

34:11 Creating a Unique Client Experience

47:14 Future Aspirations and Goals

Resources

Valerie Maria Photography - https://valeriemaria.com

Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear/dp/0735211299

Guest links

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/valeriemariaphotography/

Website - https://valeriemaria.com

Keywords

family photography, motherhood, business growth, legacy, service excellence, photography tips, entrepreneur journey

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

In a world of polished LinkedIn profiles and AI-generated corporate speak, many female founders feel they have to "act" like a CEO to be one. In this episode, Liz and Sarah dismantle the "Performance of Leadership" and explore why your "you-ness" is actually your greatest competitive advantage. They discuss the exhaustion of wearing a "CEO costume," how unconditional support leads to business fearlessness, and why integrity is the ultimate ROI.

Key Topics

• Fearless Foundations: How the unconditional love of their father, John Stark McCall Jr., fueled their entrepreneurial grit.
• The "Pottery Apron" Breakthrough: Sarah’s journey from feeling like an imposter to owning her "loud" and colorful brand.
• The ROI of Being Real: Why authenticity is the shortest path to team loyalty and high-aligned clients.
• Leading Without a Manual: Navigating the "messy middle" of business with values-driven presence.

Takeaways

• Ditch the Costume: Running a business in a "mask" leads to founder burnout; the seams will eventually rip.
• Values as a Filter: Authenticity isn't a buzz word—it’s a decision-making matrix that helps you say "no" to the wrong clients and "yes" to your worth.
• Vulnerability is a Bridge: Sharing your "why" and your struggles creates a deeper connection with your audience than a polished script ever could.
• The Leadership Audit: Success happens when you stop trying to please everyone and start leading through your own unique voice.

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: Synergy, Blazers, and the CEO Costume
• 01:25 - A Tribute to John Stark McCall Jr.: The Root of Fearlessness
• 03:45 - The Whiskey Toast: Honoring the Past to Fuel the Future
• 08:12 - Why the "Seams Rip": The Physical Toll of Performing Leadership
• 13:45 - Earth Tones vs. Neon: Sarah’s Story of Owning Her Style
• 20:30 - The ROI of Being Real: Attracting Aligned Clients
• 28:15 - Values vs. Habits: How to Identify Your Core Decision Filter
• 33:50 - Owning Your "Superpower": Transitioning from Hobbyist to Empire Builder
• 38:35 - Action Item: Introducing the Leadership Style Audit

Resources

• Leadership Style Audit – Worksheet
• Sarah Jane Pottery – Visit the Shop
• Your Business Matters Coaching – Work with Liz

Connect with us!

• Liz Szporn LinkedIn - Connect with Liz
• CEO Sisters Instagram - @ceosistersroadtrip
• Sarah Jane Pottery Instagram - @sarahjanepottery

Keywords

authentic leadership, female founders, CEO mindset, business values, personal branding, entrepreneurship, leadership audit, women in business, growth mindset

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

This episode explores the power of community and accountability in business success. Liz and Sarah discuss how surrounding yourself with the right people can skyrocket your chances of success from 10% to 95%, and share practical tips for building effective support networks.

Key  topics

• The impact of community and accountability on business success
• Different types of community: front porch friends vs. board of advisors
• Signs of going it alone for too long in business
• How to transition from surface-level to deep business relationships
• The importance of intentionality in building support networks

Takeaways

• Having a community increases success chances from 10% to 95%
• Two types of community: casual friends and strategic advisors
• Signs you're isolated: stagnant revenue and surface conversations
• Be intentional in building deeper, meaningful business relationships
• Reframe accountability as investment in yourself, not punishment

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community and Accountability

02:40 The Importance of Community in Business

05:22 Identifying Signs of Isolation in Business

08:15 Transitioning from Personal to Professional Relationships

10:00 Intentional Networking and Building Connections

12:55 Overcoming Fear of Accountability

15:50 Reframing Accountability as Support

18:38 Teaching Younger Generations about Accountability

21:26 Encouragement and Support from Others

24:17 Viewing Accountability as a GPS for Success

35:35 CEO Sister’s Road Trip Video Outro - 60 seconds v2.mp4

Resources

• American Society of Training and Development - https://www.astd.org/
• Montessori Education Model - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montessori_metho

Connect with us!

• Liz Szporn LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethszporn/
• CEO Sisters - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ceosistersroadtrip/ 
• Your Business Matters - https://www.yourbusinessmatters.dev/
• Sarah Jane Pottery - https://www.sarahjanepottery.shop/

Keywords

business community, accountability, entrepreneurial success, peer groups, mentorship, women entrepreneurs, business growth, networking, support systems

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

In this episode, Liz and Sarah explore the journey of transitioning from maker to CEO, emphasizing the importance of intentional positioning, measuring progress backwards, and managing the tension of business growth. They share personal stories, practical strategies, and insights to help entrepreneurs scale with clarity and confidence.

Key  topics

• Transitioning from maker to CEO
• The concept of positioning and campaigns
• Measuring progress backwards (AMB)
• The transformation journey and mindset shifts
• Seasonal and campaign-based positioning

Chapters

00:00 Snowmageddon and Personal Updates

02:48 Transitioning from Maker to CEO

06:10 Imposter Syndrome and the Bicycle Face

08:46 The Hero's Journey in Business

11:59 The Journey of Transformation

14:49 Positioning and the Four P's

24:01 Intentionality in Business Positioning

25:48 The Importance of Reflection and Measuring Progress

26:56 Business Therapy: The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship

27:50 Creating an Ideal Work Week

32:57 Setting Clear Goals and Vision

33:54 The Cost of Staying in the Production Space

36:43 Defining Success: A Year from Now

39:12 The Power of Measuring Backwards

43:59 Key Takeaways and Reflections

Resources

• Reshma Saujani's Bicycle Face Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=example
• The Transformation Economy by Joe Pine - https://www.amazon.com/Transformation-Economy-Experience-Design-Value/dp/1633694684
• The Gap and the Gain, Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy - https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362
• www.yourbusinessmatters.dev
• www.sarahjanepottery.shop
• https://www.instagram.com/sarahjanepottery

Keywords

business growth, CEO mindset, positioning, transformation, entrepreneurship, maker to CEO, business strategy, mindset, productivity, scaling

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Summary

In this week’s episode, sisters, Liz and Sarah share their unique experiences growing up in a family of entrepreneurs. They reflect on their childhood adventures, the lessons learned from their parents' various businesses. They think through the skills they developed along the way. 

The discussion touches on the challenges of leadership, the importance of community, and the financial lessons that shaped their understanding of money. They also explore the dynamics of partnerships and the significance of maintaining relationships while navigating the complexities of business. 

Through laughter and nostalgia, the sisters emphasize the value of learning from every experience and the importance of having a supportive co-pilot in the entrepreneurial journey.

Takeaways

• Every experience is a learning opportunity.
• Having a co-pilot in business is essential.
• Community support can alleviate the loneliness of entrepreneurship.
• Financial education is crucial for young adults.
• Navigating partnerships requires clear communication and boundaries.
• Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses enhances collaboration.
• Embracing failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

Chapters

00:00 Sisterly Greetings and Introduction

03:03 Childhood Adventures in Entrepreneurship

05:54 Lessons from the Family Business

08:57 The Gas Station Experience

12:03 Cryogenic Freezing: A Unique Business Venture

21:01 Reflections on Success and Failure

24:59 The Loneliness of Leadership

28:52 Financial Lessons Learned

32:59 Navigating Partnerships

40:00 Maintaining Relationships in Business

Keywords

sisterhood, entrepreneurship, family business, childhood memories, business lessons, partnerships, financial education, loneliness in leadership, cryogenic freezing, gas station experience

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her

Liz and Sarah have a great conversation with a guest who straddles the coaching and creative world in an incredibly beautiful way.  Join us in this captivating episode as Jill Huentelman of Huentelglas shares how she transitioned from building a successful corporate training company to embracing her passion for stained glass art. Discover her insights on building beauty, community, and belief while growing a thriving creative business.

In this episode:

• Jill's early career in corporate training and the successful sale of Lernia Training Solutions
• Her pivot into stained glass art after 20 years, reigniting her passion
• Building a studio dedicated to craft, community, and connection
• The importance of listening to your audience and clients to guide product offerings
• Her "three promises": building beauty, business, and belief
• Strategies for intentional growth, experimenting with small launches, and pricing
• How she manages multiple passions without burnout through time blocking and partnerships
• The emotional journey of closing her previous business and trusting the process
• Practical steps for entrepreneurs considering a career pivot or adding creative pursuits

Timestamps:

• (00:00) - Introduction & Jill's background in corporate training
• (02:07) - Transition from corporate to creative entrepreneurship
• (04:16) - Building her stained glass studio & community
• (09:56) - How her business model evolved over time
• (15:41) - The significance of her "three promises"
• (20:21) - Listening to clients and creating meaningful connections
• (24:33) - Transitioning from a successful business and the emotional process
• (29:32) - The power of incremental pricing & testing products
• (36:39) - The importance of partnerships & automating systems
• (43:50) - Advice for entrepreneurs balancing multiple passions

Resources & Links:

• Huentelglas Website
• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
• Upwork (for hiring digital partners)
• The Lean Start Up, Eric Ries

Connect with Jill Huentelman:

• Instagram - Huentelglas
• Facebook - Huentelglas
• Newtown Square, Pennsylvania

Want to learn more about what working with Liz looks like?  Head to Your Business Matters to schedule a Discovery call with her