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

Summary

In this episode of the CEO Sisters Road Trip, Liz and Sarah explore the intersection of creativity and business with New Jersey artist, Laura Angress of Murals By Laura. Laura shares her journey from the corporate world to becoming a successful muralist and fine artist, inspired by her experiences in the Sistine Chapel. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of building a sustainable art business, finding inspiration in personal experiences, and navigating the art world as an emerging artist. In this conversation, Laura Angress shares her journey as an artist, detailing her experiences from her first art show to building a successful art business. She emphasizes the importance of community connections, finding a unique voice in her art, and balancing passion with profitability. Laura discusses the challenges of pricing her work, the significance of networking, and the strategies she employs to scale her business. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring artists, encouraging them to trust their instincts and pursue their passions.

Takeaways

• The journey from corporate life to pursuing art can be fulfilling and transformative.
• The importance of listening.  Listening to yourself, your customers and your support network is crucial.
• Building a sustainable brand requires both artistic vision and business acumen.
• Finding a niche, such as beach-themed art, can lead to business success.
• Artists should embrace their unique stories and backgrounds in their work.
• Community connections significantly impact an artist's journey.
• Finding a unique voice in art is essential for success.
• Balancing passion and profit is possible. Pricing art can be complex and requires a thoughtful approach.
• Scaling an art business involves understanding market demands.
• Protecting creative time is crucial for artistic growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the CEO Sisters Road Trip
03:07 Meet Laura Angress: Artist and Entrepreneur
06:00 The Journey of Building a Creative Business
12:01 The Importance of Art in Everyday Life
17:41 The Epiphany at the Sistine Chapel
20:36 Transitioning to Art: A Personal Journey
22:09 The Evolution of an Artist
23:42 Creating Memories Through Art
24:12 Finding Inspiration in Local Landmarks
29:38 Building a Community Through Art
35:09 Balancing Passion and Market Demand
40:11 Finding Balance in Art and Business
41:09 The Art of Pricing: Valuing Your Work
43:21 Understanding Art: Overcoming Sticker Shock
45:43 Building Connections: The Joy of Art Shows
46:52 Scaling Your Art Business: Tips for Success
49:22 The Power of Persistence: Stories of Opportunity
51:31 Creating Limited Editions: The Print Process
54:43 Balancing Life and Creativity: Time Management
58:20 Pursuing Passion: Advice for Aspiring Artists

Resources

Murals By Laura: https://muralsbylaura.com/

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 engaging conversation, CEO Sisters, Liz Szporn and Sarah Trueman explore the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, particularly around pricing and self-worth. They discuss the alarming statistic that less than 18% of women business owners pay themselves a salary consistent with industry standards, highlighting the need for a shift in mindset towards valuing their work. The duo delves into the concept of the 'worth gap', the importance of understanding invisible work, and the transition from hourly billing to value-based pricing. They emphasize the significance of knowing one's costs, the dangers of scope creep, and the necessity of creating opportunity buckets for passion projects. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to respect their businesses through appropriate pricing strategies and to take actionable steps towards growth.

Takeaways

• Less than 18% of women business owners pay themselves a salary consistent with industry standards.
• Most  entrepreneurs reinvest profits back into their businesses instead of paying themselves.
• Charging what you're worth is one of the scariest things for entrepreneurs.
• Invisible work often goes unaccounted for in pricing strategies.
• Billing by the hour commoditizes your expertise and undervalues your work.
• The transformation economy focuses on the change you provide, not just the service.
• Understanding your costs is crucial for setting prices that allow for growth.
• If everyone is saying yes to your prices, you may be underpricing your services.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

03:38 The Worth Gap: Understanding Female Entrepreneurs' Salaries

06:31 Pricing Mindset: The Fear of Charging What You're Worth

12:09 Invisible Work: Accounting for Time and Effort

14:57 Transitioning from Hourly Billing to Value-Based Pricing

21:05 Survival vs. Thriving: Calculating True Business Costs

26:00 The Fear of Rejection: Pricing to Avoid No

30:37 Non-Negotiables in Pricing Physical Goods

36:00 Hidden Discounts: The Cost of Scope Creep

41:53 Opportunity Buckets: Balancing Passion Projects and Profit

44:59 Mindset Check: Respecting Your Business Through Pricing

46:50 Action Steps for Growth: Evaluating Your Pricing Strategy

SOURCES

1. The Polsky Center at the University of Chicago (2024): This is the source for the "18% of women vs 42% of men" stat. It highlights that even in high-growth incubators, women significantly underpay themselves compared to their male counterparts.
2. Intuit QuickBooks "State of Small Business Cash Flow": This study found that 61% of small businesses struggle with cash flow, and 32% specifically reported that they cannot pay themselves or their employees because of it.
3. The "Gender Pay Gap" in Self-Employment (IPSE/HoneyBook): Research often shows the gap is actually wider for the self-employed (often around 30-40%) than it is for traditional employees, largely because women tend to "negotiate themselves down" before even sending a quote.
4. The Gender pay gap for Freelancers
5. The Transformational economy by, Joe Pine   

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 of the CEO Sisters Road Trip, Liz and Sarah explore the multifaceted nature of productivity, emphasizing the importance of managing energy over time. They discuss personal experiences with burnout, the balance between creativity and structure, and the challenges of navigating business and home emergencies. The sisters share practical productivity hacks, lessons learned from each other, and reflect on the legacy they wish to leave for their children, focusing on joy and meaningful impact rather than mere task completion.

Takeaways

• Managing energy is more important than managing time.
• Recognizing burnout signals can help restore balance.
• Creating a structured calendar can enhance productivity.
• Finding joy in work is crucial for personal fulfillment.
• Productivity should be meaningful and impactful.
• Grace is necessary when plans don't go as scheduled.
• Using tools like Google Workspace can streamline tasks.
• Legacy is about how we feel and the impact we make with the time we have.

Resources

• Google Sites Help, 
• The 12 Week Year, Brian Moran

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Productivity and Balance
13:49 Navigating Time Management and Personal Well-being
17:14 Recognizing Burnout and Finding Harmony
20:18 Energy Management vs. Time Management
21:55 Balancing Creativity and Structure
24:37 Finding Your Optimal Work Time
26:50 Navigating Business and Home Emergencies
30:41 Identifying Energy-Draining Tasks
32:50 Productivity Hacks and Learning from Each Other
38:50 Preparing for the Week Ahead
43:14 Legacy and Meaning in Productivity

Keywords
productivity, energy management, burnout, work-life balance, creativity, time management, business, home emergencies, productivity hacks, legacy

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