Life Time is a name many of us recognize, whether through membership, a visit to their state-of-the-art facilities, or a rejuvenating experience at their beauty spa. But behind this iconic brand is a leader whose vision and drive have shaped it into what it is today — Ali Marie, Senior Vice President of Life Time Inc.

A performance-driven leader and 20-year beauty industry veteran, Ali has experienced all aspects of running a successful business and building impactful teams. Her various roles include everything from salon/spa operations to director of education for Aveda, to her current role as senior vice president of LifeSpa for Life Time. These positions have given her a unique perspective on the art and science of the salon industry and the skills to help others reach their highest potential.

I had the honor of meeting Ali just a few months ago, and I was absolutely blown away by her journey. Today, she’s stepping into the spotlight to share her story and drop some major knowledge bombs about what it truly takes to lead at the highest level, build powerful teams, and why personal branding is essential for leadership. Get ready to take notes, because Ali’s wisdom is about to leave you feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the world! Let’s dive in! 

Are you ready to stop playing small and finally own your personal brand? A few months ago, I hosted a masterclass that left people buzzing, breaking down 5 major lies about personal branding that you absolutely need to stop believing. And guess what? By popular demand, I’m sharing it right here with you.

Whether you caught it live or this is your first time listening, I guarantee you’re going to hear something that hits differently this time. Truth has a way of doing that. Hearing it again, right where you are today, could spark the clarity you’ve been searching for. So grab a notebook, because you’ll want to jot down every single gem.

This was originally recorded live so you’ll hear some interactive moments and maybe a different vibe in the sound. But that’s what makes it special and it’s now yours to revisit and replay anytime you need to realign and level up. Let’s dive in!

Are you feeling stuck in your business, struggling to grow, or constantly running into roadblocks? Chances are you’re dealing with a bottleneck — a hidden constraint that could be limiting your potential, draining your resources, and creating unnecessary stress. The good news is that bottlenecks can be fixed, and we’re here to show you how. 

Joining me today is my husband, my business partner, and the CEO of Fordify, Jake Havron, who’s not just an incredible driving force in our company’s growth but also someone who has a unique gift for identifying and breaking through business bottlenecks. He has worked with entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey, helping them streamline their operations, optimize their teams, and tackle those hidden obstacles that often keep us stuck in one place.

Jake is here to break it all down —the sneaky ways bottlenecks creep into your business, how to identify them, and, most importantly, how to fix them. We’ll dive into real-life examples (including our own at Fordify), lessons learned the hard way, and even some faith-fueled strategies for navigating the inevitable challenges that come with growth. So grab your headphones, hit play, and let’s get your business flowing!

Ever wondered how you turn $900 and a dream into a thriving jewelry brand worn by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Jasmine Tookes, and Lori Harvey?

Meet Pia Mance, the unstoppable founder of Heaven Mayhem, the brand revolutionizing everyday accessories and taking the fashion world by storm. Just two years ago, Pia was handcrafting necklaces and sourcing vintage pendants from her bedroom floor. Today, her vision has blossomed into a sought-after jewelry and accessories empire. With collections gracing Revolve and adored by top influencers and A-list celebrities, Heaven Mayhem has become the go-to brand for pieces that elevate the everyday look.

In this episode, Pia pulls back the curtain on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing how she grew her business with no outside funding, an arsenal of clever marketing strategies, and an unshakeable work ethic. She opens up about the messy, chaotic, and incredibly rewarding reality of building a brand from scratch. You’ll hear tips on everything from product launches and building an engaged community to balancing creativity with grit, and how her motto “Done is better than perfect,” has been her secret weapon for success. 

This episode is a roadmap for anyone with a dream and the determination to make it happen. So get ready to be inspired, take notes, and most importantly, take action!

Today’s episode is about to blow your mind! I’m back with my BFF Natalie Buchoz, and she’s about to flip everything you think you know about content and building a personal brand! 

Natalie is the driving force behind some of the most innovative and game-changing personal branding and content strategies. She’s taken the social media world by storm, having worked with top-tier influencers like Dr. Daniel Amen to elevate their profiles and turn their online presence into something that truly converts. 

This episode is real and raw! We’re not just talking about tactics; we’re going behind the scenes of building a brand that stands out and truly connects. From banishing the curse of “paralysis by analysis” to treating your social media as precious real estate, Natalie’s insights will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about personal branding. Get ready for practical, no-fluff tips, relatable stories, and examples that make a big difference no matter where you are in your journey. Tune in now and learn how to approach social media with intentionality, authenticity, and a dash of Nattitude!

• Natalie’s big leap from behind-the-scenes social media strategist to center-stage brand powerhouse — and why she believes anyone can do it

• Previous Episode: Meet My BFF with "Nattitude" Ft. Natalie Buchoz | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-my-bff-with-nattitude-ft-natalie-buchoz/id1573481905?i=1000675890328 

• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nataliebuchoz   

• Website |  https://meetemilyford.com   

Imagine going from a happy athletic teenager to becoming paralyzed from the neck down — with no feeling, movement, or cure for a brighter medical outcome. 

Meet Natalie Buchoz. Just before her 16th birthday, Natalie endured a life-altering spinal cord injury that changed her path forever. From once a happy and athletic teenager, she had to relearn the very basics: breathing, sitting up, feeding herself, and using her hands again, all while being told she might never live independently or pursue her passions. 

Yet Natalie defied every expectation with her relentless spirit and what her loved ones called her “Nattitude.” This fierce, faith-driven determination led her to walk at her high school graduation, earn a degree at USC, and become one of the first producers with a spinal cord injury to make waves in the media industry. Today, she works alongside some of the world’s leading talent, including renowned psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen.

In life, we’re often faced with a choice: to be defined by our past or to let it propel us toward something greater. In this episode, Natalie shares how she turned the unimaginable loss into a story of hope, faith, and purpose. Tune in to be moved, uplifted, and reminded that sometimes our calling is bigger than we could ever imagine. 

• The beginning of a beautiful friendship

• FORDIFY with Emily Ford | https://fordifymybrand.com 

• Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/nataliebuchoz 

• Website |  https://meetemilyford.com  

Once on food stamps and now a powerhouse in the business world, Christa Crawford’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is built on faith, resilience, hard work, and a fierce commitment to one’s dreams!

I met Christa a few months ago when she set out to Fordify her brand, and let me tell you, her story is nothing short of remarkable. She didn’t grow up with a success mindset; in fact, she once found herself relying on food stamps — but that didn’t stop her. During those challenging times, she launched her first venture, building furniture from the ground up. She honed her craft so well that she caught the eye of the Bethenny Show, attracting high-profile clients like LeAnn Rimes and the Kardashian family. She later on ventured into network marketing, rising to the top of her company and generating over $200 million in sales and still climbing. 

Amidst all her success, Christa never strayed from her core values, placing family and faith at the center of her life. You’re going to admire so much about her journey, her grit, and her heart. So, buckle up and get ready to be inspired!

• Why happy people don’t hate

• FORDIFY with Emily Ford | https://fordifymybrand.com 

• Website | https://www.christacrawford.com

• Website |  https://meetemilyford.com  

Welcome to the very first episode of The Fordify Show! It’s me Emily, and I’m beyond excited to have you here with me. Whether you’ve been following my journey for years, or just tuning in for the first time, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining me in this exciting new adventure. This show marks the beginning of a fresh chapter, and I’m so happy to have you along for the ride. 

In this debut episode, we’re diving deep into a topic that often gets brushed under the rug — the “Messy Middle.” Most of us love to celebrate the exciting starts and the satisfying finishes, but we don’t talk enough about the middle — the stretch that’s often the most important and yet most ignored. We tend to shy away from discussing it because it’s full of turbulence, and sometimes we’re not proud of the mess we’ve created. Maybe because it’s uncomfortable to admit the mistakes we’ve made or the actions we didn’t take when we’re stuck in uncertainty and despair.

So let’s be real — creating something from nothing is a volatile ride. And I’ve experienced it firsthand while launching my new company, FORDIFY. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, lessons, and growth, and I want to bring you behind the scenes of what that journey has been like — sharing the real unfiltered experiences that come with building something meaningful from the ground up and celebrating not just the successes but the lessons learned along the way. This journey is about more than just a destination. It’s about growth, connection, faith, and finding strength in the messy middle. Let’s dive in!

• The power of the pause

• FORDIFY with Emily Ford | https://fordifymybrand.com/ 

• Website |  https://meetemilyford.com/ 

Ever wondered if you’re oversharing on social media? How do you know when too much is too much, or if you’re not sharing enough of your personal life? How do you strike the right balance between being relatable and keeping some parts of your life private? Should you post every detail, or is there a strategic way to decide what to share?

In this episode, we’ll explore the fine line between transparency and oversharing, particularly when it comes to personal branding. I’ll share my own experiences and struggles with finding this balance, along with practical tips to help you navigate your social media presence. We’ll discuss the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand and how to determine what content aligns with your brand’s message and values.

If you're ready to refine your personal brand strategy and make the most of your social media presence, tune in! Discover how to share the right amount of your story to build a compelling and authentic personal brand. Let’s dive in!

• Why sharing personal stories is key to making your personal brand shine

• Fortify Your Brand VIP Experience | https://fortifymybrand.com 

• On Website | https://meetemilyford.com/

• On Website |  http://www.jakehavron.com

Today’s episode is a bit of an adventure because we’re taking you on the road with us! We're literally driving right now, and we thought, why not mix things up?

Imagine you’re in the car with us, cruising along, as we share some great insights and experiences. The audio may not be perfect, but the message is still going to be great. 

We chat about our dinner adventures, give you a peek into our relationship, and share some great networking tips. We'll also talk about brand advice and the fun of not knowing exactly what’s next. This episode is not just a listen, it’s an experience, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

• How networking events lead to new opportunities and relationships

• Fortify Your Brand VIP Experience | https://fortifymybrand.com 

• On Website | https://meetemilyford.com/

• On Website |  http://www.jakehavron.com