Jessica Marx joins me to share how she helped scale a biotech company to a multi-billion-dollar acquisition—and why she’s now on a mission to help small business owners build companies that run without them. We dive into what makes a business truly scalable, the most common reasons entrepreneurs burn out, and how to turn your business into an asset instead of a job. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to exit—or just step back—this episode is for you.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[01:30] How Jessica went from a corporate career to a risky biotech startup (and why a folding table didn’t scare her)

[04:00] What it really takes to scale a company—and why her corporate experience was the opposite of most women’s

[06:55] Inside the multi-billion-dollar acquisition and what she learned reporting to legendary CEOs

[08:45] Why fast growth is often a red flag—and how to avoid building a business that self-destructs

[11:30] The one belief shift that changed how Jessica helps small business owners scale (without sacrificing freedom)

[17:10] How Jessica supports high-achieving entrepreneurs to create businesses that run without them

[20:00] Tactical ways to remove yourself from the “everything” seat in your company

Listen to Related Episodes:

• Scaling Your Business Effectively with Jereshia Hawk
• How to Create Team Systems and Operations That Simplify Scaling and Growth

Connect With Jessica Marx:

Jessica Marx is a powerhouse business strategist, speaker, and host of the Millions Were Made podcast. With a background in commercial real estate and biotech startups, she scaled a company from startup to multi-billion-dollar acquisition, overseeing a 500+ person sales division. Today, she helps 7- and 8-figure entrepreneurs build sellable, sustainable businesses that don't rely on them to survive. She’s passionate about transforming burnout-prone businesses into true assets that provide freedom, impact, and—yes—massive ROI.

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode580

Ever feel like you're doing everything but getting nowhere? In this episode, I dive into how I reclaimed my time, energy, and CEO role by doing a time audit (yes, it's annoying—and yes, it's worth it), delegating what no longer served me, and creating intentional blank space on my calendar. Spoiler alert: focus is the real F-word in business. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start scaling with clarity, this one’s for you.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:50] Why focus is the F-word entrepreneurs need most

[02:50] The power of a Time Audit (yes, even if it’s Annoying)

[03:47] A powerful way to align team productivity with company vision.

[04:47] Working myself out of a job (and why it matters)

[05:50] The Uncomfortable Truth About Blank Space on Your Calendar

[06:57] The 3 questions every visionary leader should ask before launching the next thing.

Listen to Related Episodes:

• How to Double Your Energy and Focus with Tanessa Shears

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode579

Let’s be real—taxes aren’t sexy… but keeping your money? That is hot.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Karlton Dennis, a licensed tax strategist who’s on a mission to help entrepreneurs stop overpaying the IRS and start building generational wealth.

From tax write-offs to entity structure to real estate hacks—you name it, Karlton breaks it down with energy, clarity, and humor. (Yes, we actually laughed while talking about tax codes. Who knew?)

And here’s what makes Karlton different: He doesn’t just focus on taxes. He helps you think like a CEO and build a wealth plan that aligns with your vision.

Here’s what we cover:

• Why your business structure matters more than you think (S-corp vs LLC vs sole prop—oh my!)
• How to LEGALLY write off things like your home, travel, kids, and even your car 🚗
• The tax strategies you need to know before you hire your first employee
• Why the tax code isn’t “rigged”—it’s a blueprint for how to operate your business
• How wealthy people use taxes to build empires (and how you can too)

This conversation isn’t about loopholes or sketchy advice—it’s about understanding the rules of the game and using them intentionally.

Whether you're just starting out or hitting 7-figures, Karlton shares insights that can put real money back in your pocket. Trust me, you’ll want to grab a notebook for this one. 📓

P.S. Karlton even flipped the script on ME in this conversation—and gave me some clarity around my business structure. So if you're an entrepreneur, freelancer, or CEO-in-the-making… don't skip this episode.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[06:48] Why the tax code is designed to help business owners (and how to use it to your advantage)

[12:36] The difference between an LLC and an S-corp—and when it’s time to switch

[21:42] How to legally write off business trips, your home, and even your children

[28:19] Why wealthy people pay less in taxes—and how you can apply the same principles

[36:55] Common mistakes entrepreneurs make that cost them thousands

[45:20] The real power of tax strategy: freedom, flexibility, and generational wealth

Connect With Karlton Dennis:

Karlton Dennis is a licensed tax strategist, real estate investor, keynote speaker, and content creator who specializes in helping business owners reduce their tax burden, increase profitability, and build long-term wealth.

With millions of views across social media and a reputation for making complex financial strategies simple and relatable, Karlton is the go-to expert for entrepreneurs who want to grow smarter (not just harder).

He runs a tax firm and offers education and consulting programs to help founders—from solopreneurs to multi-million-dollar CEOs—design tax strategies that serve their lifestyle and legacy.

Learn more at: karltondennis.com

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode578

Ever wondered what it really takes to build a high-performing sales team from scratch?

In this raw and real episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our newest offer — Consistent 10K — and exactly how we’re building the sales department at Jasmine Star Brands from the ground up.

You’ll hear:

• Why we launched a new high-touch, high-accountability program
• How we defined the perfect-fit client before selling
• Why I rebranded "sales calls" as Clarity Calls
• The $20K investment we made into sales coaching — and what it taught us
• The scary (but necessary) decision to do the first sales calls myself before handing them off

If you’re building a sales team, scaling a high-ticket offer, or just love a juicy behind-the-scenes look at growing a 7-figure brand... this episode is for you.

Let’s talk real results, ROI, and the sweaty-palmed moments no one sees. 🙌

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:01] Why I’m building a sales department now, after years of one-to-many sales.

[00:45] The truth behind launching our new offer, Consistent 10K, and how it's different.

[02:10] The four qualities we looked for in ideal clients: hungry, ready, determined, and responsible.

[03:20] Why we called them “Clarity Calls” (not sales calls) and how that shifted everything.

[04:05] The moment I realized I needed help — and who we hired to teach us how to sell at scale.

[05:30] The $20K investment into a 90-day coaching program — here’s what happened next.

[07:00] Real-time reflections: what I recorded right after our first onboarding call.

[08:45] Why Katie and I are doing all the calls first before handing them to our team (and how that builds trust).

>>Join the waitlist for the Consistent $10k here<<

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode577

If your to-do list feels longer than a CVS receipt, this one's for you. I’m sharing the exact prioritization framework I use with my 7-figure mastermind clients to help you get clear on what truly matters. We’ll reflect on what you’ve already accomplished, define what must get done by year-end, and create a plan that’s focused—not frantic. Grab a journal and let’s stop being busy and start being effective. 💥

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:00] Why prioritizing is the real productivity hack

[00:55] The moment I realized I needed a prioritization system

[02:19] A personal story about Luna that mirrors my business reality

[03:53] A reminder: You don't need to do this alone

[05:01] The journaling exercise that led to massive clarity

[06:50] What MUST be true by year-end for you to hit your goals

[07:41] Creating a strategic, focused priority list for Q4

[08:55] Why white space is where your next breakthrough lives

• How to Create a Productivity Map to Reach Your Goals 2.0
• Five Things My Team and I Do to Stay Productive and Reach Our Goals
• How to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Business Productivity with Nick Sonnenberg
• 📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode576

Think public speaking is just for stages and spotlights? Think again.

In this episode, I’m sharing how mastering communication—whether on a sales call, leading your team, or pitching your services—has transformed my business.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build trust and close more sales
• Spot “lean in” moments and use storytelling with impact
• Lead your team with clarity and confidence
• Negotiate like a pro (especially for women!)
• Tackle speaking anxiety, even if you’re an introvert

Speaking well isn’t about being loud—it’s about being intentional.

Grab your notebook and press play. Let’s level up your voice and your business. 🎙️

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:01] Why my husband loves being sold to (and what that taught me about communication)

[00:58] What I learned waiting tables that applies directly to sales today

[02:30] The power of “lean in” moments and what they reveal about connection

[03:45] How public speaking improves sales, leadership, and team culture

[04:45] A game-changing communication phrase our team uses: “So what I hear is…”

[05:45] Why negotiation is non-negotiable—and how women can speak up with confidence

[06:50] The truth about public speaking anxiety (and how to work through it)

[08:15] A mindset shift: Practice isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence

Listen to Related Episodes:

• Become a Better Speaker: Steal My 6-Step Framework [15 min]

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode575

Have you ever dreamed about taking a three-week vacation without your business falling apart?

Or maybe just getting a full weekend without checking Slack, Asana, or inboxes that feel like they multiply overnight?

Friend, if that feels impossible... I want you to know: it's not. You just need better systems.

In this solo episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what actually allows businesses to scale beyond 7-figures: not magic, not hustle... but systems that work without you.

I’ve worked with business owners making $5M, $8M, and beyond—and you’d be shocked at how many of them are still stuck working in the weeds. And guess what? Most of them have one big thing in common: no solid systems.

Here's the truth: you have to earn the right to climb out of the work. And you earn it by building systems that empower your team to succeed without you micromanaging every detail.

In this episode, I answer real Instagram questions from fellow entrepreneurs (like Alex and Rachel) who are overwhelmed, overworked, and asking: “How do I get OUT of the day-to-day and INTO scaling?”

Together we break down:

• The myth that systems are something you “do later”
• Why creating SOPs isn't optional if you want to scale
• How we use tools like Notion and Asana to make our systems airtight
• My personal 4-step delegation framework I learned from Teresa Lowe
• And YES—I even walk you through an actual SOP from my team

This isn’t just a pep talk. It’s a practical guide for how to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that grows without burning you out.

You were never meant to build a business that feels like a burden.

Let’s change that—one system at a time.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:01] Why being overwhelmed is usually a systems problem (not a hustle problem) 

[00:52] The cost of not having systems: low profit, constant stress, and no scalability 

[02:44] Why there’s never a perfect time to start building systems [03:37] The hard truth: you must earn the right to delegate 

[05:24] The 4-Let Delegation Framework that changed everything 

[06:26] Behind the scenes: Our project management SOP process 

[07:25] How we use Notion + Asana to build repeatable workflows 

[08:40] Final encouragement: systems aren’t sexy, but they will set you free

Listen to Related Episodes:

• How to Create Team Systems and Operations That Simplify Scaling and Growth
• How to Reclaim Your Time and Boost Business Productivity with Nick Sonnenberg

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode574

Have you ever spiraled into a pit of “what ifs” and self-doubt that made you feel like the worst CEO ever?

Same, friend. 🙋🏻‍♀️

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to stop the inner spiral and reframe your self-talk to actually work for you. Inspired by the books The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer and Chatter by Dr. Ethan Kross, I’m sharing how I’ve applied their insights as an entrepreneur.

You’ll learn:

✨ Why rumination keeps entrepreneurs stuck

✨ How my inner critic disguised itself as “motivation”

✨ The 4 ways your inner voice can actually help you

✨ How to rewire your mindset for clarity and confidence

It’s part pep talk, part psychology, and all strategy to help you lead with peace, power, and purpose.

Let’s reframe the voice in your head—because it’s time to turn your critic into a coach. 🎧

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:55] Why “chatter” in your head is holding you back (and how to harness it)

[02:54] How ruminating on “what ifs” keeps entrepreneurs stuck and small

[04:43] The dangerous myth that self-criticism = motivation

[05:39] The 4 surprising roles of your inner voice (Dr. Ethan Kross’ framework)

[08:15] How to shift from anxious overthinker to action-oriented detective

[09:57] How Jasmine’s predictive mind led to burnout and how she’s rewiring it

[14:02] Why “suffering less” is the key to better leadership and communication

Listen to Related Episodes:

• Break Free from the Fear of Failing with James Wedmore

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode573

Today’s episode is for the scrappy, heart-on-fire entrepreneur who knows there’s treasure hidden in places no one else dares to look. You see, I grew up learning to spot potential where most saw "junk." From yard sales with my dad to watching my mom transform discarded plants into a blooming garden, I learned that value isn’t about what something looks like—it’s what you make of it.

And guess what? That’s the SAME mindset I use to build my business.

In this solo episode, I take you on a trip down memory lane—back to Kmart garden centers, tiny motorhomes, and our thousand-square-foot family home—to share the unexpected ways my childhood shaped how I show up as a CEO. I talk about what it means to “sift through the dirt” and why being willing to do what others won’t is the ultimate business edge.

We cover:

• The unexpected connection between thrifting and scaling
• Why you need to embrace imperfect, slow growth
• My 3-part content plan that gets me results (and it's NOT glamorous!)
• How to treat your “weeds” like potential blooms

This episode isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about real business strategy rooted in grit, consistency, and seeing what others overlook. So whether you're bootstrapping or bossing up, know this: the gold is in the dirt... you just have to be willing to dig.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:00] Why You Must See Opportunity Where Others Don’t

[02:52] The Dirt Kmart Tried to Throw Away

[05:39] The Business Lesson in Cultivating What Others Discard

[08:12] Why Posting Daily is ‘Digging in the Dirt’

[10:47] The Secret to Standing Out? Doing What Others Won’t

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode572

Have you ever walked into a room and realized… you’re the only one?

The only woman.

The only parent.

The only person of color.

The only voice of your kind.

In this episode, I share what it’s really like to be the “only”—and how I’ve learned to turn that discomfort into a source of power.

I open up about an experience where I was the only female at a high-level mastermind retreat, how I handled the uncomfortable moments (like not being allowed to check in to a hotel with my daughter 😳), and what it truly means to show up fully, even when others misunderstand or criticize your path.

You'll hear:

✨ How I reframed being “the only one” from weakness to strength

💬 A shocking direct message I received—and how I chose to respond with grace

🌵 3 life lessons I learned from a desert cactus (yes, really)

💡 A step-by-step framework to create your own peer-led mastermind, no $50K required

🔥 The importance of scrappy action—and how YOU can build your own room if you’re not getting invited into one

Plus, I share an incredibly practical story of how my friend Stacy pulled together a high-level group of entrepreneurs to host a mastermind with Layla Hermozi—without needing a massive budget or big brand clout.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider… and is ready to own it as their edge.

Let’s stop waiting to be invited. Let’s build the rooms we want to walk into.

Click play to hear all of this and:

[00:00] Why being “the only” in a room can be your advantage

[01:00] Childhood lessons on standing out (and why it felt uncomfortable at first)

[04:30] The story behind being the only woman at a mastermind in the desert

[06:30] The direct message that tried to cut deep—and why it didn’t

[08:00] The hotel that rejected us and the emotional moment that followed

[11:30] Owning your difference and reclaiming your presence

[14:00] 3 powerful lessons from a desert cactus 🌵

[17:30] How to get into powerful rooms (even if you don’t have the budget)

[20:00] The 2 types of masterminds and what they require

[24:00] How YOU can start a high-value peer-to-peer mastermind today

[26:00] Final encouragement: you don’t need permission to create the room you want

Listen to Related Episodes:

• Three Ways to Remove Comparison and Become Unstoppable
• Building Confidence with Ease: How I’m Becoming the 3X Version of Myself

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode571