Sarah Campbell from Studio3 Creative shares how she went from agency burnout to building a collaborative, strategy-first creative agency that supports women-led brands.

From asking her boss to fire her so she could join a Canadian entrepreneur program, to navigating the harsh lessons of year two (hello, financial reality check), Sarah doesn’t hold back.

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CONTACT JO:

Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/

CONNECT WITH SARAH 

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahjfcampbell/

Studio3 Creative → https://studio3creative.ca/

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SHOW SPONSOR

Get done-for-you, profitable marketing systems from Jo’s business, McKee Creative → https://mckeecreative.store

In this episode I’m speaking with Paul Zelizer, founder of the Awarepreneurs podcast (longest running social entrepreneur podcast in the world) and a long-time coach to over 30,000 purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Paul helps mission-driven startups and impact businesses create scalable business models, grow high-performing teams, and raise growth capital.

We talk about why so many capable people feel out of step with conventional business advice, how to stop forcing yourself into models that were never designed for you, and how to build a business that is truly successful for People, Profit and the Planet.

See below for timestamps, links, and to give feedback or send questions to Jo.

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CONTACT JO:

Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/

CONNECT WITH PAUL 

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulzelizer/

Awarepreneurs Podcast → https://www.awarepreneurs.com/podcast

Social Entrepreneur Coaching Website → https://www.paulzelizer.com/

New Mexico is open for business: https://www.sic.state.nm.us/

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SHOW SPONSOR

Get done-for-you, profitable marketing systems from Jo’s business, McKee Creative → https://mckeecreative.store

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 The Purpose of Business in Society

03:21 Transitioning from Nonprofit to Social Entrepreneurship

06:25 The Evolution of Consumer Awareness

09:26 Overcoming Doubts in Entrepreneurship

11:58 Real-World Examples of Entrepreneurial Success

14:59 Lessons Learned from Founders

18:03 Understanding the Problem vs. the Solution

21:03 The Power of Social Entrepreneurship

26:03 Navigating Humanity's Challenges

27:57 The Value-Driven Entrepreneur

30:30 Social Entrepreneurship: Unique Challenges

34:46 Building Trust in Social Enterprises

39:17 Finding Community and Support

41:51 Measuring Success Beyond Profit

46:51 Passion and Purpose in Business

If you run a small business — especially in a regional area — this episode will change the way you think about opportunity.

Today I’m speaking with Bronwyn Reid, multi-award-winning founder of 4T Consultants, who has spent decades helping small businesses win work with major companies, build capability, and stay resilient through the toughest conditions.

Bronwyn is here to share what small businesses need to know to not just survive… but grow.

See below for timestamps, links, and to give feedback or send questions to Jo.

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CONTACT JO:

Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/

CONNECT WITH BRONWYN 

4T Consultants → https://4t.com.au/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwynreid/ "Small Business, Big Impact" FREE ebook offer → https://speakerlinq.com/bronwynreid/the-jo-show-small-business-big-impact-book-offer

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SHOW SPONSOR

Get done-for-you, profitable marketing systems from McKee Creative → https://mckeecreative.store

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Regional Business Success

02:51 The Journey of 4T Consultants

05:45 Strengths of Regional Businesses

08:54 Misconceptions About Winning Contracts

11:26 The Impact of Awards on Business

14:26 Purpose and Resilience in Business

17:15 Learning from Mistakes

20:15 Advice for Small Business Owners

23:03 Overcoming Challenges in Business

25:45 The Importance of Risk Management

28:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Zak Ali, US GM of Finder.com, didn’t take the traditional career path by getting a college degree. However, his full-stack marketing skills and ability to keep pace with change makes him an effective leader.

Zak shares ways that small businesses owners can keep their brands visible in an era of AI search.

Thank you for joining us. Check out our sponsors in the description below.

See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback or send questions to Jo.

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CONTACT JO:

Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/

CONNECT WITH ZAK

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-ali44/

X → https://x.com/_zakali

BlueSky → https://bsky.app/profile/zakali.bsky.social

Zak’s “Will AI Search Make You Throw Away Your SEO Playbooks?” on Forbes→ https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2025/11/20/will-ai-search-make-you-throw-away-your-seo-playbooks/

OTHER LINKS

After the show we were talking about Zak’s wife, Cassie’s, handmade Rug Store and it’s gorgeous so I’m sharing there here too … check it out → shop-jubi.com

Claude’s “Keep Thinking” campaign → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDNkDBNR7AM

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Zach Ali's Unconventional Career Path

02:47 The Evolution of SEO and Marketing

05:49 Small Business Opportunities in the Digital Age

08:58 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation

12:03 Adapting to Change: Skills for the Future

14:45 The Role of AI in Marketing

17:33 Building Trust Through Video Content

20:33 Navigating the New Marketing Landscape

23:32 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

26:37 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Vicki Apodaca brings a fresh perspective to startup growth in the SaaS field, covering negotiating equity, the difference an ownership mindset makes, self-care and initiative.

EPISODE LINKS:

Vicki Apodaca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaapodaca/

SendTurtle: https://sendturtle.com/

Carta: https://carta.com/equity-management/

SPONSOR:

McKee Creative → Done-for-you marketing systems that create revenue growth and bring real peace of mind. https://mckeecreative.store

OUTLINE:

00:00 Introduction to Vicky Apodaca and Her Journey

05:50 Transitioning from Startups to Growth Roles

11:01 The Importance of Equity in Startups

14:03 Building a Strong Team for Startups

21:33 Navigating Growth and Market Fit

25:30 Understanding Send Turtle's Offerings

28:42 Challenges in Customer Engagement and Retention

38:11 Personal Reflections and Work-Life Balance

43:56 Final Thoughts on Surrounding Yourself with Good People

If you’ve ever wondered whether your oddly specific obsession could become a real product, this one’s for you. Margaret C Beeler took two things she loves – books and cocktails – and turned them into Tropetails: the world’s first cocktail and mocktail recipe book inspired by literary tropes, now a full product line after a successful crowdfunding run.

Today we unpack how she did it, what worked, what didn’t, and what you can steal for your own business. Thank you for joining us.

Check out our sponsors in the description below. See below for timestamps, and to give feedback or send questions to Jo. ________________________________________________________________CONTACT JO: Feedback → give feedback to Jo: [email protected]

Apply to be a guest on The Jo Show → https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/ ________________________________________________________________EPISODE LINKS:

Margaret C Beeler: https://linktr.ee/margaretcbeeler

Tropetails: https://tropetails.com/ ________________________________________________________________ SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsor: McKee Creative → Done-for-you marketing systems that create revenue growth and bring real peace of mind.

Go to: https://mckeecreative.store ________________________________________________________________ OUTLINE:

00:00:03 Introduction to Tropetails

00:02:23 Launching on Kickstarter

00:03:24 Understanding Kickstarter’s Platform

00:05:15 Community Engagement and Success

00:09:26 Diversifying with Instant Cocktails

00:17:19 Challenges and Triumphs in Product Development 00:26:44 Advice for Niche Market Success

In this conversation, Jon discusses his innovative approach to generating clean drinking water from humidity in the air through Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs). He shares his journey from a corporate career in the video gaming industry to entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to provide sustainable water solutions.

The discussion covers the technology behind AWGs, real-life impact stories, marketing strategies for small businesses, and the importance of cash flow management.

John emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to address global water scarcity and shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Ever wondered what it really takes to grow a skincare brand that customers fall in love with — and keep coming back to?

In this first episode of The Jo Show, I chat with Kim Guseli, founder of Botanical Skincare Lab, about the behind-the-scenes reality of turning passion into a thriving business.

Kim shares how she built a loyal customer base in a saturated market, what worked (and what didn’t) in her marketing, and why listening to her audience has been the key to lasting growth.

We talk about:

• How a ‘happy accident’ resulted in Kim creating an award-winning innovation in skincare
  
• Building with intention, using the resources available without overextending yourself
  
• The importance of customer feedback in product development
  
• How beautiful it is to craft a business where everything is made with love.
  
  

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to stand out in your niche, Kim’s experience of building according to her unique strengths will inspire you to find your way.

Listen in for real insights from a small business owner who’s built something beautiful, inside and out.

Botanical Skincare Lab 

Buy direct:  https://botanicalskincarelab.com.au

Follow on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/botanicalskincarelab/

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BotanicalSkincareLabHerveyBay

And shoutout to Replenish Refill for believing in Botanical Skincare Labs from the beginning: https://www.instagram.com/replenishrefill/

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McKee Creative

Get Jo to build and maintain her powerful done-for-you flywheel marketing system for your business, with the Economy Marketing Package: https://mckeecreative.store

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Music

Epidemic Sound Intro and Outro: ‘Talk Talk’, Wendy Marcini

Get a free trial of Epidemic Sound here: https://share.epidemicsound.com/et3uqe

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Incredibly comfortable clothing

Jo wears 100% mulberry silk blouse, handcrafted from Tara Sartoria: https://tarasartoria.com

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Want to be a guest?

Spill your story + marketing wins: apply at https://mckeecreative.store/the-jo-show-guest-application/