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

Summary
In this episode of the CEO Sisters Road Trip, Liz and Sarah discuss the concept of work-life harmony, reflecting on their past year in business and how they define success on their own terms. They emphasize the importance of anticipation and planning, especially in the context of seasonal business cycles. The conversation also touches on the significance of establishing boundaries and routines, learning from challenges, and the role of accountability in achieving personal and professional goals. 

Ultimately, they highlight that success is not solely defined by financial metrics but also by personal fulfillment and joy in their work.

Takeaways
-Work-life harmony is about finding balance in different seasons of life.
-Success should be defined on our own terms, not just by financial metrics.
-Planning ahead and anticipating challenges can alleviate stress.
-Establishing a morning routine is crucial for personal well-being.
-Scheduling is a form of self-care that helps maintain balance.
-Learning from past experiences is essential for growth.
-Accountability partners can provide support and motivation.
-Knowing when to say no is important.
-Embracing the creative process can make work feel like play.
-Reflecting on achievements helps in setting future goals.

Resources:

• The 12 Week Year, by Brian Moran
• You are Loved - the template we used for our 12 Week Year goal tracking! 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Work-Life Harmony
03:54 Reflecting on the Past Year
08:00 Defining Success on Our Own Terms
11:55 The Importance of Anticipation and Planning
15:51 Redefining Success Beyond Financial Metrics
20:11 Establishing Boundaries and Routines
24:00 Learning from Challenges and Custom Orders
27:54 Accountability and Support in Business
32:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

TAGs : work-life harmony, business success, female entrepreneurs, planning, accountability, personal growth, financial goals, self-care, boundaries, creative process

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

In this episode of CEO Sisters Road Trip, Liz and Sarah welcome Dr. Erin Reardon, an emergency room physician who transitioned out of the emergency room to saveing lives in a more proactive way through Emergency Health Fix, a health company focused on prevention and metabolic health. Our conversation covers the sisters' recent retreat for business planning and Dr. Erin's journey from traditional medicine to a more holistic approach to health. They discuss the importance of feeling good and looking good, and how small changes can lead to significant health improvements. 

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Erin shares her journey from being an ER doctor to becoming an entrepreneur focused on preventative health and nutrition. She discusses the importance of making complex medical concepts accessible to her clients, the challenges of transitioning to a business mindset, and the joy of building a supportive team. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of working with family, the impact of her work on clients' lives, and the lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways

• Retreats can provide clarity and direction for entrepreneurs.
• Building a supportive community is essential for growth.
• Health is not just about medicine; it's about lifestyle changes.
• Personal experiences can lead to innovative business ideas.
• The journey to health can be a collective effort.
• Understanding the root causes of health issues is crucial.
• Small changes can lead to significant health improvements.
• The power of sharing knowledge within a community.
• Feeling good about oneself is a strong motivator for change. Dr. Erin emphasizes the importance of making complex medical concepts digestible for clients.
• Transitioning from ER to entrepreneurship was a fun learning experience for Dr. Erin.
• Building a supportive team has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her business.
• Working with family can be both challenging and rewarding in a business context.
• The ripple effect of her work extends to clients' families and communities.
• Dr. Erin's clients often become her best advocates and marketers.
• Navigating the dynamics of family and business requires balance and understanding.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CEO Sisters Road Trip
02:59 Retreat Reflections and Business Planning
05:54 Introducing Dr. Erin Reardon
10:16 Dr. Erin's Journey and Business Model
20:17 Reflecting on the Past: Friendships and Growth
24:50 The Birth of Emergency Health Fix
30:15 Transforming Lives: The Impact of Nutrition
36:34 From ER to Entrepreneur: Navigating New Challenges
45:47 Family Dynamics in Business: Balancing Work and Relationships
47:59 The Importance of Multiple Income Streams
49:35 Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance
50:41 Overcoming Skepticism from Family and Friends
52:09 The Journey from Traditional Roles to New Opportunities
54:41 Redefining Success and Impact
55:24 Learning from Mistakes and Messy Moments
58:15 The Power of Positive Feedback
01:01:39 Transforming Lives Through Preventative Care
01:02:51 Building a Brand and Expanding Reach

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 importance of financial clarity and mindset shifts in managing business finances. They discuss common cash flow mistakes, share personal financial stories, and emphasize the need for systems to optimize profitability. The conversation highlights the emotional pressures of running a business and the significance of having a supportive network. 

Key takeaways include the necessity of clarity, planning, and the power of a system to drive financial success.


Takeaways
-Everything's figure-outable.
-You are what you say.
-Scarcity mindset is holding (most) people back.
-You need five people to say yes.
-It doesn't have to be complex.
-No pressure, no diamonds.
-Clarity, planning, and priorities.
-The power of a system or a process.
-You just have to be curious.
-Your business matters.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the CEO Sisters Road Trip
05:40 Understanding Financial Clarity
07:03 Mindset Shifts in Financial Management
12:12 Mastering Financial Foundations
15:02 Common Cash Flow Mistakes in Business
17:09 The Importance of Financial Clarity
19:00 Learning from Financial Mistakes
23:56 Optimizing Profitability through Systems
29:02 Emotional Pressures of Business Finance
32:49 Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

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

In this episode of the CEO Sisters Road Trip, Liz and Sarah explore the concept of 'The Art of the Pivot' in business. They discuss the importance of adapting to change, the challenges of decision-making, and the emotional aspects of navigating business crises. 

The sisters share personal anecdotes, insights on innovative pivots post-pandemic, and the significance of having a support system. They emphasize that pivots are a normal part of business and encourage listeners to embrace change as a pathway to growth.

In case you need a refresher on the PIVOT scene from Friends, here you go! 

You're welcome!

Take Aways
-Things can and DO change in an instant.
-The decisions don't have to be life or death.
-Perfection is the enemy of progress.
-Find a board of directors for support.
-It's okay to pivot; it doesn't mean failure.
-Sales can be made by sharing products early.
-Navigating crises with support is crucial.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the CEO Sisters Road Trip
02:50 The Art of the Pivot
05:42 Embracing Change and Decision Making
09:45 Overcoming Comfort Zones
12:44 Innovative Pivots Post-Pandemic
18:25 The Power of Networking and Real-Time Feedback
21:18 Embracing Old-School Methods in a Digital Age
24:39 Navigating Business Crises and Personal Challenges
27:17 The Impact of Mom Guilt on Business Decisions
29:44 Identifying Setbacks vs. Pivots
32:50 Dreaming Big: Future Pivots and Growth Opportunities
35:38 Shifting Focus: Prioritizing Meaningful Work

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