Sometimes, the most powerful things we create are born from moments of struggle, uncertainty, and even chaos. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how one of the hardest seasons of my life led me to create something bigger than I ever imagined—and how you can do the same.

I’ll walk you through exactly how I went from uncertainty to launching a sold-out online program. How I tested the idea, engaged with my audience, and sold my offer before even creating the content. 

I also share the unexpected personal challenges I faced along the way, how I found the confidence to do it on my own, and why momentum is everything when it comes to making your vision a reality. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your knowledge, expertise, or passion and turn it into something scalable, profitable, and impactful, this episode is for you. 

I also invite you to join the next cohort of Stage Leaders—my eight-week program designed to help you become a sought-after speaker. Visit stageleaders.com or send me a DM with the word STAGE on Instagram to get on the waitlist.

"I think that the right way to do something is just the way that you’re going to get it done." ~ Jen Gottlieb 

In this episode:

- Why create an online course?

- How a difficult year sparked the birth of my program

- How stepping up transformed my confidence

- Why I created a speaker program

- Overcoming resistance and self-doubt

- My strategy for launching a successful offer

- Creating and filling the masterclass launch model

- The success of Stage Leaders – results, wins, and future plans

- How to sign up for the next Stage Leaders cohort

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

What would happen if more women said each other's names in the rooms that matter? Today, I’m hosting my brilliant friend Veena Jetti, an accomplished real estate investor who’s closed over a billion dollars in transactions. We talk about the magic of women lifting each other up, the importance of diversity in leadership, and what happens when you step out of your comfort zone. 

From hilarious airplane networking stories to the unfiltered truths about balancing business, family, and self-care, we dive into conversations usually saved for dinner dates. Veena shares how her focus on investing in diversity and unsexy businesses (think roofing and accounting) has led to massive success.

Plus, I open up about my own challenges as an introvert navigating extroverted spaces and learning to embrace discomfort for the sake of growth. Trust me, you don’t want to miss Veena’s take on why women-led companies outperform and some unexpected lessons we’ve learned along the way, so join the conversation now!

“I don't think it matters so much what you're investing into as it does the team that you're investing into ." ~ Veena Jetti 

In this Episode:

- Extroverts and introverts in friendships  

- Veena’s airplane networking and how she met Jeezy

- Tips for introverts to step outside their comfort zone  

- How to end an unwanted conversation politely  

- Jen and Veena’s meet-cute: women supporting women  

- Tips for breaking competitive barriers among women 

- Veena’s investing criteria: diversity, leadership, and boring businesses  

- How Veena balances business, family, and self-care  

- Which relationships matter the most?   

About Veena Jetti:

Veena Jetti is the founding partner of Vive Funds, a unique commercial real estate firm specializing in curating conservative opportunities for investors. Veena brings a dynamic perspective to targeting, acquiring, managing, and operating assets using best practices combined with cutting-edge technologies. Veena also leads a Facebook Community called Mastering Multifamily with Veena Jetti.

After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Finance at 20 years old, she pursued her passion for real estate. Veena has over a decade of real estate experience and $1Billion+ in multifamily transactions in her own portfolio.

Veena is also a passionate philanthropist. In 2017, she was one of only three women to receive the Politico Woman of the Year award for the significant amount of time and focus she spent on aiding in a grassroots Hurricane Harvey disaster response.

Website: https://vivefunds.com/ 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/veenajetti/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theveenajetti 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veena-jetti-5a87565/ 

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Do you ever feel like you're doing so much for everyone in your life—managing relationships, fixing problems, carrying the emotional load—only to end up completely burned out? Today, I sit down with the incredible Terri Cole, psychotherapist and author of Boundary Boss, to uncover why so many of us fall into this cycle and, most importantly, how to break free. 

Terri dives deep into what high-functioning codependency really looks like, and trust me, it’s not the old-school definition you might have in mind. This conversation hit home for me in a big way, and I got super vulnerable about my own recovery journey. Together, we unpack everything from unsolicited advice-giving (yep, we’ve all done it!) to setting boundaries that stick and respecting others' autonomy even when it’s hard. 

If you’re constantly over-functioning, people-pleasing, or just plain exhausted from “managing” everyone in your life, this episode is your permission to stop. You’ll walk away with actionable steps to start shifting your habits, nurture healthier relationships, and finally put yourself back on your priority list. Tune in for this and much more!

"You need to get in recovery. Because we need everything that you have to give to the world, and you're only going to be able to do it if you're not micromanaging a million other people." ~ Terri Cole 

In this episode:

- Defining high-functioning codependency

- Recognizing codependent traits and behaviors

- How to escape the advice-giving trap 

- Overcoming the fear of setting boundaries

- Dealing with the illusion of control and its impact

- Managing emotional triggers during recovery 

- Self-sacrificing and auto-accommodating behaviors

- Anticipatory planning and over-functioning in relationships

- Action steps to break codependent habits 

- The path to recovery and peace

- Recognizing and dealing with personal growth in recovery 

- Embracing joy and peace: the evidence of codependency recovery

- How to access the High-Functioning Codependency Toolkit 

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Boundary Boss: The Essential Guide to Talk True, Be Seen, and (Finally) Live Free: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1683647688

Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649631863  

High-Functioning Codependency Toolkit (HFC Toolkit): https://www.terricole.com/hfc/ 

Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off our first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to www.Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code JENG.

About Terri Cole:

Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist and global relationship and empowerment expert and the author of Boundary Boss and Too Much!

For over two decades, Terri has worked with a diverse group of clients that includes everyone from stay-at-home moms to celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. She has a gift for making complex psychological concepts accessible and actionable so that clients and students achieve sustainable change.

She inspires over a million people weekly through her blog, social media platform, signature courses, and her popular podcast, The Terri Cole Show. For more, see terricole.com.

Promotional Link: https://hfcbook.com/

Website:https://www.terricole.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerriColeLCSW/

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-cole

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Want to crush it in 2025? Well, the game has changed, and your personal brand is now everything. People don’t just buy products or services anymore; they buy into you! Think about it. When was the last time you hired someone without first checking their social media? 

That's precisely why I’m sharing the 10 biggest lessons I’ve learned about personal branding. From showing up authentically to staying consistent (even when it feels like no one’s watching), this episode is packed with real talk and actionable advice.

We’ll talk about why done is better than perfect, how to handle criticism like a boss, social media growth, and why evolving your brand isn’t just okay—it’s necessary. If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start standing out, this one’s for you.

Tune in now, take notes, and let’s make this your breakthrough year. And don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram for more tips, resources, and opportunities to work together. Let’s go all in on you!

"A brand is not necessarily your fonts and colors. A brand is your reputation. A brand is a feeling." ~ Jen Gottlieb 

In this episode:

- The importance of personal branding in 2025

- 10 lessons on personal branding

- Authenticity and consistency

- Overcoming content analysis paralysis

- Consistency is the game changer of content creation

- Accept that your content is not for everyone

- Content creation is a long game 

- Embracing evolution and growth

- Embrace the grind of building a personal brand

- Prioritize engagement over numbers

- Be ready to pivot to stay relevant 

- Provide value consistently before selling

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to create the “perfect” New Year’s plan? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing how I'll ditch the noise and focus on simplicity in 2025. From realistic habits to daily self-care, I’ll help you take a step back to find what truly works for you.

I reveal my 90-minute self-care routine to recharge without overcommitting. You’ll find out how I’m being more intentional with the content I consume and why teaching what I learn makes all the difference. Plus, I explain my updated IDSS method to eliminate mindless scrolling and build real connections.

Want my “Best Year Blueprint”? DM me those words on Instagram, and I’ll send it your way. Let’s make this year your best yet!

"The only way you lose is if you don’t follow through ." ~ Jen Gottlieb

In this episode:

- Simplifying your New Year’s goals

- Finding what works for you

- Carving 90 minutes of “you time” 

- Consuming content with intention

- Teaching what you learn helps you pay attention

- The “I Don’t Scroll” method

- Intentional social media engagement

- Get my Best Year Blueprint for 2025

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Shari Wenk didn’t just stumble into sports publishing—she took a leap without knowing the rules. From quirky self-help books to representing top athletes, her journey is about taking risks, figuring it out as you go, and proving everyone wrong.

In this episode, Shari talks about how she went from contributing to books like How to Be Sexy with Bugs in Your Teeth to running her own literary agency. She shares lessons on negotiating confidently and balancing a growing business with family life. Her advice? Stop making excuses, make a decision, and take the next step.

"The greatest achievers don’t fear failure—they fear running out of time." ~ Shari Wenk

In this episode:

- Shari’s unexpected start in sports publishing

- Taking risks that paid off

- Negotiation tips that work

- Social media for success

- How to make decisions and stay focused

- Balancing business and family

- Building strong business partnerships

- What’s next for Shari Wenk?

About Shari Wenk:

Shari Wenk is the founder of The SLW Agency, known for representing elite athletes and sports celebrities. With over 30 years of experience, she’s a master of negotiation, storytelling, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. Shari’s journey is proof that success comes from taking risks and trusting your instincts.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shariwenk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-wenk-06baaa10/ 

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

What do you do when your passion feels like it isn’t enough? For Menina Fortunato, the answer was simple—she built a business. From performing with legends like Britney Spears and Paula Abdul to teaching dancers how to build thriving careers, Menina’s story is a masterclass in resourcefulness, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.

In this episode, Menina takes us through her remarkable journey from a teenager teaching jazz classes at her dad’s studio to a world-renowned performer, and now a mentor helping dancers master the “business side” of their craft. She shares candid stories about rejection, pivoting during the pandemic, and the challenges of balancing a seven-figure business with family life.

Menina’s advice? Talent is only 20% of the equation—success is about knowing how to market yourself, build a personal brand, and embrace the chaos of the creative life. Whether you’re a dancer, an entrepreneur, or someone struggling to monetize your passion, this episode will leave you inspired to take that leap of faith.

"The only shot you miss is the one you don’t take." ~ Menina Fortunato

In this Episode:

- How Menina discovered dance (and resisted it at first)

- Breaking into the industry

- Pivoting and finding new opportunities

- Life as a working mom

- The business of dance and building a personal brand

- Why social media is important for dancers

- Rejection, resilience, and why failure is your best teacher

- Lessons she’s learned about business ownership

- What’s next for Menina Fortunato?

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes therapy simple—it’s online, works around your schedule, and connects you with a licensed therapist in just a few steps. If it’s not the right fit, you can switch therapists anytime, no hassle.

Visit https://betterhelp.com/JENG  for 10% off your first month. Give it a try—it might just change your life.

About Menina Fortunato:

Menina Fortunato is the founder of the Business of Dance mentorship program and podcast, dedicated to helping dancers create thriving careers by mastering both their craft and the business side of the industry. With over 30 years of experience in dance, Menina has seamlessly balanced her roles as a performer, choreographer, mentor, wife, and mother of three. Her podcast has featured top industry icons, including Paula Abdul, Jojo Siwa, and Abby Lee Miller, providing invaluable insights into the world of dance and entertainment.

A seasoned performer, Menina has captivated global audiences with appearances in America's Got Talent, Star Trek: Enterprise, MAD TV, and major stadium tours performing for crowds of up to 60,000. Her journey showcases not only her immense talent but also her commitment to inspiring others to turn their passion for dance into lifelong success.

Website: https://www.bizofdance.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@menina.fortunato

Podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/2Na9LEtkkdepkzvjdkl27U?si=64d412ad2cda4722 

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Brett Eaton is a high-performance coach, motivational speaker, and personal brand builder whose life mantra is all about turning discipline into momentum and momentum into life-changing results. But his journey to success didn’t come easy. From driving hours to get to self-development events with no clear direction to redefining confidence after personal and professional struggles, Brett is proof that action beats stagnation every time.

In this episode, Brett shares how he escaped the grind of corporate fitness, learned to embrace uncertainty, and built a career empowering others. He dives into the importance of micro-commitments, shedding old identities, and finding alignment in both personal and professional life. Brett also talks about his relationship with his wife, Anne, and how their dynamic—including her role as his business coach—has shaped his journey.

“ Avoid the zeros at all costs, even if it's a ten. A ten is still better at the end of the week, at the end of the month, at the end of the year.” ~ Brett Eaton

In This Episode:

- Brett’s first Summit of Greatness

- Young Brett Eaton

- Leaving corporate fitness

- The key to confidence and motivation

- How Brett’s wife Anne became his coach and biggest supporter

- A day in the life of Brett

- Personal branding: why it’s all about being yourself

- “Motivated by Brett”: shedding old identities

- Discipline hacks: how to never miss a day

- Preparing for 2025 with purpose

- What he would tell his former version

Sponsors:

Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code JENG

Air Doctor: Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code JENG and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!

About Brett Eaton:

Brett Eaton is a sought-after high-performance coach and motivational speaker who helps individuals create the discipline they need to build confidence and achieve their goals. With a background in fitness and a passion for personal development, Brett has transformed countless lives by teaching the power of momentum and micro-commitments. When he’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find Brett enjoying time with his wife, Anne, and their adorable dog, Ruby.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/bretteaton_/ 

Website: https://www.bretteaton.com 

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/Brett-Eaton/7816304/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivatedbybrett/ 

YouTube: https://ww.youtube.com/@bretteaton_ 

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

Most people see their limitations as barriers, but for Anne Mahlum, they were stepping stones. Raised in North Dakota, she grew up watching the challenges caused by addiction and instability, but instead of letting that define her, she turned it into fuel for transformation. From founding the nonprofit "Back on My Feet" to selling her company Solidcore for $98.4 million, Anne’s journey is a testament to resilience, impact, and betting on yourself.

In this episode, Anne shares her evolution from running alone on the streets of Philadelphia to running a nationwide fitness empire, helping countless people not just get fit, but transform how they view themselves. She also shares what it's like to lead with courage, create a culture of accountability, and truly build from the ground up—not just in business, but in life and love. 

Get ready to learn about the power of betting on yourself, why money is simply a trophy for the impact we create, and how to keep pushing boundaries even when the world tells you to play small.

"76 percent of people have regret at the end of their life, not because of what they said, not because of what they did, but because of what they didn't do." ~ Anne Mahlum

In this Episode:

- Growing up in North Dakota and early motivations

- How she created a strong culture at Back on My Feet

- Mastering negotiation and fundraising

- How she developed courage

- Taking risks and betting on herself

- Overcoming self-doubt and embracing ambition

- Scaling and delegating for success

- The $98M exit: how it really feels

- Personal growth and relationship dynamics

- What’s next for Anne?

About Anne Mahlum: 

Anne Mahlum is an accomplished entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and the founder of multiple impactful businesses, including the popular fitness brand Solidcore. Known for her visionary leadership and passion for empowering individuals to unlock their potential, Anne has transformed the way people approach fitness and personal growth. Her journey, which includes overcoming personal adversity and turning it into a mission of resilience and inspiration, has inspired thousands to embrace discipline, self-confidence, and inner strength. Anne’s insights on business, health, and fulfillment have made her a sought-after speaker and thought leader in personal development and wellness.

Connect with Anne: 

Website: https://www.annemahlum.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annemahlum/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-mahlum/

Promotional Link:

https://winwhereitmatters.life/

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

In today’s episode, we’re doing something really special. I gathered an incredible group of powerful women from our mastermind retreat in the Dominican Republic, and we recorded a spontaneous podcast filled with insights and real conversations. These are some of the most accomplished and inspiring entrepreneurs, and we talked about everything—balancing work with life, raising capital, dealing with mom guilt, building a personal brand, and how to stay creative no matter what.

These women have built successful businesses, conquered their fears, and, most importantly, stayed true to themselves.

I asked each of them a question that I thought would resonate not just with me, but with all of you too. Whether you’re starting out or already on your way, you’ll find nuggets of wisdom that will help you grow, both in business and in life.

"You can have an amazing product or service, but if nobody knows what you're doing, then you're not going to be able to sell it." ~ Menina Fortunato

In this Episode:

- Entrepreneurial insights from Kareen

- Marly: being a mom and a business owner

- Tips for raising capital with Jen Eden

- Finding your creative flow with Anne Chikahisa

- Debunking skincare trends with Rebecca Meyers

- Rebecca's simple acne system

- Crystal Vilkaitis on finding work-life balance

- Menina Fortunato on building a personal brand

- Jen's perspective on work-life balance

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. 

Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/JENG and get on your way to being your best self.

Where to Find Our Guests:

Kareen Zahr Walsh:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kareenzwalsh/  

Website: https://www.kareenwalsh.com/ 

Marly Brodsky

IG: https://www.instagram.com/marly_brodsky/ 

Website: https://medcompanion.com/ 

Jen Eden

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_eden/ 

Website: https://tampontribe.com/ 

Anne Chikahisa: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/chikahisastudio/  

Website: https://chikahisastudio.com/ 

Menina Fortunato

IG: https://www.instagram.com/meninafortunato/ 

Dance Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15015519650  

Rebecca Meyers

IG: https://www.instagram.com/theacnecoach/  

Website: https://www.theacnecoach.com/ 

Crystal Vilkaitis

IG: https://www.instagram.com/crystalvilkaitis/ 

Website: https://rootedinretail.com/ 

Where to find me:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/   

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb   

Website: https://jengottlieb.com/   

My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/    

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb