Are you offering too much inside your program or membership and still wondering if it’s “enough”?

If you’ve ever found yourself piling on more calls, more downloads, more content just to prove your value… this quick conversation with Geily Romero is your permission slip to stop the overwhelm, both for you and your members.

This episode one was pulled straight from a recent live Q&A inside The Educators Lounge—our monthly gathering space for business-minded educators who are building programs, memberships, and education-driven offers with intention.

Geily asked what advice I’d give to someone one year behind me in the membership journey and we had a great conversation about practicing patience, avoiding burnout by over-delivering, and letting your data guide your next move.

In the beginning stages of building my membership, I did what so many of us instinctively do: I packed it with everything. Weekly calls, downloadable resources, bonus trainings, templates. You name it, I added it.

Why? Because deep down, I was afraid people wouldn’t see the value unless I over-proved it. But here’s what really happened:

More wasn’t more. It was too much.

The moment things shifted was when I started asking myself a different question: What if this was already enough?

When I stopped “stacking” my membership with content just for the sake of it, three things changed:

Geily echoed this in our Lounge call. She shared that she initially planned to offer everything under the sun, but when she paused and simplified her structure: just two calls a month and a few core resources—she realized that no one was asking for more.

That’s when it clicks. People didn’t need more. They needed clarity.

Another piece of advice I offered? Track what your people are actually doing.

Because your gut will lie to you. Your inner perfectionist will whisper, “It’s not enough.” But your metrics will show you exactly what’s working and what’s not.

So before you make your next move, pause and look at the numbers. Let them guide you instead of your worry or assumption.

One of the most important things I’ve learned over the last year is this: patience is not passive. It’s a strategy.

The people who build long-term, intentional, value-rich memberships aren’t the ones sprinting to over-deliver from the start. They’re the ones testing, learning, adjusting, and letting their community shape the evolution of the offer.

Your membership isn’t static. It’s a living, breathing project. And that means it’s okay to start small, to simplify, and to grow over time.

This might be the most freeing realization of all.

You don’t have to prove your worth with excess. You just have to deliver what your people actually need—clearly, consistently, and without burning yourself out.

Less can be more. And more importantly: it can be enough

Mentioned in this Episode

layleeemadi.com/educatorslounge

Connect with Geily

cuttingedgefinancialsolutions.com

instagram.com/cuttingedgefinancialsolutions

cuttingedgefinancialsolutions.com/the-profitable-circle

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What really happens when you launch your first a membership with no expectations? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of The Educators Lounge, my very first membership space, for a full one-year recap.

I launched this community with zero expectations (and a ten-member goal!) and ended up with over 80 signups in the first week. Since then, it’s been a journey of learning, restructuring, and intentional growth, not scale. I get real about what worked, what flopped, what I’d do differently, and what’s next.

Before The Educators Lounge, there were courses, coaching programs, and my annual conference. Every single time, the same pattern emerged: everyone would come in energized, collaborative, excited, but then left with no real way to stay connected.

I knew educators and creative leaders like us needed something ongoing. A space that wasn’t just about learning, but belonging. Somewhere we could show up as both experts and learners. Somewhere we didn’t need to pretend we had it all together.

That’s where The Educators Lounge came in. It wasn’t just another content dump, but a container for connection.

When I opened the doors, here’s what members got:

It was stacked. It was generous. And it was… a lot.

First, let’s talk about what went well!

My goal was to welcome 10 founding members. I ended up with 84. That initial traction showed me there was a hunger for this kind of space. While I was thrilled for the success, I was also terrified, because I take this responsibility seriously. These weren’t just “signups,” they were people entrusting me with their growth and connection.

Despite all the trainings and perks, our surveys told a clear story: people joined for the relationships. The best parts of the membership happened in our group calls, community posts, and peer shoutouts. The people made this space what it is.

We created a suggestion box and made it part of our system. When members asked for changes (less content, more networking, new formats), I listened. When we couldn’t implement a request, I explained why. That transparency built a lot of trust.

Out of our 84 founding members, 74 stayed through the full year. And we gained more members by word-of-mouth alone, without any relaunches. That kind of retention means more to me than any flashy growth stat.

Weekly calls, constant new content, spotlighting members—it sounded like a dream on paper. In reality? It created content fatigue. People felt overwhelmed. I felt overextended. So I stripped it down and swapped some of those content-heavy sessions with networking calls—and the results were night and day.

I loved the idea of inviting members to lead sessions. When everyone’s schedule is packed, volunteer-led trainings just don’t land the same. We paused this format and are now experimenting with new ways to showcase member expertise that doesn’t rely on live teaching.

I wanted the community platform to feel alive between calls. The reality is: when a platform isn’t part of someone’s daily routine, it’s easy to forget. I’m working on gamification, reminders, and challenges to nudge that consistent engagement, but it’s still a work in progress.

We’re not scaling fast. We’re scaling right. Here’s what’s staying, shifting, and evolving:

What’s Staying:

What’s Evolving

Still Testing:

The suggestion box? It’s not going anywhere.

One thing I did when launching The Educators Lounge was set a one-year commitment for myself. I gave myself the permission to shut it down if it didn’t feel aligned. That safety net helped me stay creative and flexible without being locked into something that might not work.

One year in, I can say with complete confidence: this is working. This space matters. And it’s not going anywhere.

We’ve seen members land speaking gigs, grow their businesses, collaborate on events, and support each other in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And the ripple effect of that will only keep growing.

If you’re ready for this type of community, we’d love to see you inside The Educators Lounge!

Mentioned in this Episode

The Educators Lounge

Kajabi

Creative Educator Conference

Sought-After Speaker System Course Waitlist

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The post 212: What I’ve Learned Running My First Membership for Educators appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Want to land your dream speaking gig? It starts with your pitch.

As someone who coaches and curates speakers, I’ve seen what works—and what totally misses the mark. In this snack-sized solo episode, I’m breaking down what makes a speaker pitch stand out in a sea of applications. This topic is especially top-of-mind because applications are now open for the Creative Educator Conference—my own annual event—and I’m getting an inside look at what people are doing right… and wrong.

I also share a little behind-the-scenes update on my upcoming course for speakers, The Sought-After Speaker System. Whether you’re pitching for my event or anywhere else, these tips will set you up for success.

This might sound obvious, but you’d be shocked how many people don’t do this. A pitch should feel like it was written for me, not just sent to me. If you’re applying to an event, mention the name of the conference, reference their mission, and align your values with their audience.

Example: “The Creative Educator Conference’s emphasis on community and authentic teaching is exactly why I want to be part of it.”

That single sentence shows me you’ve done your homework and that you care about my audience, not just the opportunity.

Your talk might be amazing, but if you can’t clearly show why it matters to this specific audience, you’ll be overlooked. Hosts are scanning for fit—make their job easier.

Instead of: “I want to speak about scaling a creative business.”

Try: “I want to share three actionable strategies for scaling a creative business without sacrificing creative integrity—something I know your audience of educators and artists values deeply.”

That’s a fit. That’s a match.

You don’t need a TEDx talk under your belt to be taken seriously. Hosts just want reassurance that you’re confident and capable on stage. If you’ve done workshops, podcast interviews, webinars, or even saved Instagram Lives—share those. Include a link to your speaker page or attach a short clip if the application allows it.

Proof builds trust. Even if it’s informal, it’s better than nothing.

Too many pitches end with a mic drop—or worse, a stiff “thank you for your consideration.” Don’t close the door. Invite the host to explore with you. If there’s an optional field on an application, use it to show personality, flexibility, or enthusiasm.

Something like: “I’d love to chat more about how this topic could be shaped to serve your audience best. I’m open to collaborating on format or content to make it a perfect fit.”

Warm, human, and memorable.

Let’s rapid-fire through a few common mistakes that will instantly tank your pitch:

Here’s the truth: pitching is a numbers game. For the Creative Educator Conference alone, I get between 80–110 applications each year—and I only select 6–8 speakers. That’s not to scare you. It’s to emphasize how important it is to treat pitching as a consistent, intentional part of your business.

Don’t pitch once and give up. Pitch often. Pitch thoughtfully. Reuse and revise your core message for each new audience.

Every speaker you admire once got ignored or passed over or told “not this year.”

The ones you see on stages… they kept going.

I know pitching can feel vulnerable. It can sting to hear “no,” especially when you poured your heart into a topic, but your voice is needed. There are audiences who will be changed by your perspective, your story, your style of teaching. Don’t let rejection stop you from showing up.

Mentioned in this Episode

Creative Educator Conference

Sought-After Speaker System Course Waitlist

Episode 208: The Speaker Page Checklist Every Creative Needs to Get on More Stages

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Feeling burned out by marketing? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Dakota Hersey of More Than Creative to talk about a refreshing and sustainable take on content strategy by implementing a “marketing ecosystem.”

As a photographer turned marketing agency founder, Dakota shares her approach to building a cohesive system that actually works with your strengths and goals. We unpack why execution, not information is the real struggle, how to make your content work harder across platforms, and why repurposing starts before you ever hit publish.

Mentioned in this Episode

morethancreative.co

More Than Creative Podcast

instagram.com/morethancreative.co

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The post 210: Building a Marketing Ecosystem That Actually Works for You with Dakota Hersey appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world and still expected to show up online? You’re not alone. In this snack-sized episode, I open up about the very real tension many of us feel as personal brand entrepreneurs when life gets heavy (globally or personally) and we’re still expected to keep the content coming.

Whether you’re a coach, speaker, educator, or creator, you’re likely no stranger to the pressure of front-facing marketing. I’m sharing a heartfelt reminder that it’s not only okay, it’s necessary to take a step back sometimes and it won’t erase all the hard work you’ve done.

The online business space often glamorizes productivity and constant output. But the truth is, building a sustainable business requires rest just as much as it requires action. Your humanity isn’t a liability—it’s your strength.

For so many coaches, speakers, educators, and creatives, our businesses depend on front-facing marketing. We’re the face, the voice, and often the whole brand. The hustle culture in the online space tells us consistency means showing up daily. But here’s the truth: showing up consistently doesn’t mean never resting.

If you’re scared that taking a break means everything will crumble, you’re not alone. I’ve felt that too. But fear of disappearing shouldn’t dictate your mental health decisions.

The idea that one missed post or a skipped newsletter will undo years of relationship-building is a myth. Your audience isn’t following you for flawless consistency—they’re here for authenticity, trust, and value. And guess what? That connection is stronger than any algorithm.

Many of us imagine that taking a break means dropping everything, going silent, and risking our reputation. But stepping back doesn’t have to be that dramatic. In fact, it can be subtle, strategic, and deeply nourishing.

Taking a break doesn’t mean disappearing. It might look like pausing Instagram stories for a few days or rescheduling that weekly email for next week. It might mean resharing old content instead of creating something fresh. None of this is lazy. It’s smart, intentional business ownership.

Unless you want to share what’s going on, you don’t have to. Some seasons call for vulnerability; others call for privacy. Do what feels right for you. And remember—most people won’t even notice you took a break.

When we talk about building a brand that lasts, we often forget that longevity is rooted in sustainability. And sustainability means you have to include margin for real life—grief, exhaustion, overwhelm, and joy.

Every time you push through when your heart is asking you to slow down, you teach yourself that your value is in your performance. But every time you pause and trust your audience will still be there, you build self-trust—and that’s where sustainability lives.

A long-lasting brand doesn’t demand you be a content machine. It supports you through every season—especially the hard ones.

Stepping back now prevents burnout later. It preserves your energy for when you’re ready to show up with clarity and purpose again. And most importantly, it keeps your business aligned with your actual life—not just your marketing calendar.

Sometimes we need a small nudge to reflect and realign. Here’s a question to sit with as you decide how to care for yourself during a heavy season.

Would it be:

Let that question sit with you. You don’t need a five-step plan. You just need the permission—which you already have.

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Want to land more speaking gigs? Start with a powerful speaker page. In this episode, I walk you through the five non-negotiable assets every creative entrepreneur should have on their speaker page. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your presence as a seasoned speaker, these tips will help you stand out and get booked.

If you’re dreaming of taking the stage—virtually or in person—your speaker page is the first thing you need to build. It’s your audition, your resume, and your first impression rolled into one.

Most creative entrepreneurs either overthink this or overlook it entirely. They get stuck waiting for the “perfect” footage, or think they need a completely separate website just for speaking. Spoiler alert: you don’t. I don’t even have one! My speaker page lives right on my main website at layleeemadi.com/speaking, and it works just fine.

Your speaker page should do one thing well: show decision-makers why they should trust you with their audience.

Let’s break down the five essentials.

This is not your business bio from your About page. This is a short, intentional statement that tells event hosts exactly what you bring to the table as a speaker.

Ask yourself:

Keep it focused, keep it punchy, and remember—this isn’t about being everything to everyone. It’s about helping someone say, “Yes, I want you at my event.”

The #1 reason people skip this step is perfectionism. I’m here to tell you: done is better than perfect.

Yes, professional footage is amazing. But in the meantime:

Hosts want to know what it’s like to learn from you. They want to hear your voice, your cadence, your passion. Even rough footage gives them more than nothing at all.

Logos of conferences, links to guest podcast spots, or even a simple bullet list of where you’ve spoken—it all helps build trust. This shows that other people have already trusted you to speak to their audiences.

Don’t have much yet? That’s okay. Start with what you’ve got. Even small workshops, masterminds, or community trainings count.

This one is gold. A glowing testimonial from an event host or audience member can do more for your credibility than a hundred polished photos.

Not sure how to get one? Reach out! Send a short, kind email to a past host or collaborator and ask for 1–3 sentences about what it was like to work with you. Bonus points if they mention your teaching style, professionalism, or audience impact.

And if you don’t have formal testimonials? Go mine your DMs, emails, or video comments for kind words you can repurpose.

This is where you show your range and depth.

List one to three topics you can confidently speak on—and then flesh them out. What makes this talk powerful? What transformation does it offer? Why are YOU the one to deliver it?

Don’t worry if others speak on the same topic. I talk about burnout, productivity, and imposter syndrome—and so do a million others. The key is framing it through your unique perspective, lived experience, and voice.

This is the section I want you to spend the most time on. Get clear. Get specific. Get excited.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’m not ready,” you are. The only thing holding you back is overthinking. You do not need a full brand photoshoot, a new website, or polished video content to start getting booked.

You need clarity. Confidence. And a speaker page that does its job.

You can do this in a week. I promise.

Mentioned in this Episode

Elizabeth McCravy’s Speaker Page Template

layleeemadi.com/resources

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The post 208: The Speaker Page Checklist Every Creative Needs to Get on More Stages appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Focus isn’t always about discipline—it’s about strategy and compassion. I’m sharing what’s actually working for me right now when it comes to productivity and deep work—especially during this chaotic summer season.

If your brain feels scrambled, your to-do list is mocking you, and deep work feels totally out of reach, you’re not alone. I’ve been in it, and today, I’m bringing you behind the scenes on how I’ve finally gotten back into a productive rhythm. I’ll walk you through four simple, powerful strategies that are helping me focus again—including how I use reset hours, why I ditched full focus days, and the exact locations that help me lock in.

This summer, I hit a wall. My brain just would not lock into gear. The to-do list was endless, the distractions were louder than usual, and no matter how much I wanted to get into deep work, it felt like I couldn’t even get past step one.

If you’ve been there—or if you’re in that season right now—I want you to know you’re not alone. I’m someone who teaches scheduling and productivity, and still, I found myself stuck.

But the beautiful thing about being stuck is it forces you to shift. To adapt. And through trial, error, and a little bit of rebellion against my usual routines, I found my way back to focus.

Now I’m sharing the tools that helped me, in hopes that they’ll help you too.

Instead of powering through chaos, I give myself a dedicated “reset hour” to brain dump everything onto paper. It’s like clearing your desktop—mentally. I’ve started doing these resets not just weekly, but whenever I feel like I’m spiraling. It works wonders.

I used to assign entire days to big tasks like course creation. But let’s be honest—who can maintain deep focus from 9 to 5? Now, I schedule 60–90 minute focus blocks where I turn on Do Not Disturb, close my tabs, and just go. It’s enough time to get real work done without frying my brain.

I used to tell myself, “I’ll feel more focused later—maybe after coffee.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

Now, I tackle the task that requires the most mental energy first. That one thing I’ve been avoiding? It gets top billing.

Not only do I feel more accomplished earlier in the day, but I also free up energy for everything else that follows.

This might be the most underrated productivity hack of all. This summer, my usual workspace just wasn’t cutting it. I discovered two places that work like magic for me: a specific local library and a quiet, airy hotel lobby. Don’t settle for just any space—test and find what sparks your productivity.

I want to be really clear here: none of this is about squeezing more out of your already tired brain. It’s about working with your brain, not against it.

If deep work feels hard, it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for your goals. It means your current rhythm isn’t supporting you—and you have full permission to change it.

Reset. Reframe. Rewrite the rules if you need to.

This season is temporary—but the tools you gain while navigating it? Those will stay with you.

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The post 207: When Focus Feels Hard: 4 Strategies to Regain Deep Work Flow appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Are you tired of investing in coaching programs—only to see little return? What if great outcomes aren’t just about the coach or the client, but both stepping up?

In this episode, I sit down with business coaches Angelica Pompy and Jamie Fisher, to explore how educators and their clients can share responsibility—and ultimately co-create success.

Angelica and Jamie are both actively investing in their own business education, while pouring into others—plus they’re even members of The Educator’s Lounge!

Coaching isn’t a solo effort. Success depends on both parties stepping into ownership. As Jamie put it so clearly: the coach lays out the roadmap, but the client still has to drive the car. Without effort, commitment, and active participation from the client, no amount of brilliance from the coach will create results.

Angelica echoed this idea by reminding us of a simple truth we often forget: “You can take a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.” Before investing in any new coaching or course experience, you have to check in with yourself—Do I have the bandwidth to follow through?—because anything less is wasted money and energy.

What happens when an experience doesn’t meet your expectations? It’s tempting to blame one party—but most often, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Sometimes, the coach wasn’t a good fit for your current stage. Other times, you didn’t come into the engagement with clarity about your needs.

Angelica shared an experience when she realized she had outgrown the level of support she had signed up for. It wasn’t that the coach lacked value—it just wasn’t the right fit for her growth at that time. Instead of placing blame, she used the experience to recalibrate and decide what she truly needed: not another coach, but more peer-to-peer support.

Jamie shared a different but equally powerful experience. She found herself in a program that wasn’t resonating with her learning style. Rather than ghosting or grumbling, she reached out and communicated openly. Her coach responded with empathy and agility, adjusting the program’s delivery to better meet Jamie’s needs. That single conversation not only saved the experience—it made it more impactful.

As coaches, we often talk about accountability in terms of what students should do. But true accountability goes both ways. It includes asking hard questions, checking in when someone goes quiet, and being willing to shift the structure or delivery of a program when needed.

Angelica uses tools like Voxer to maintain real-time dialogue with clients, helping them reflect on roadblocks and identify what support would serve them best. Jamie integrates Trello boards to make goals visually front-and-center throughout their work together. It’s all about keeping the vision alive—and making it easier to reconnect when things go off track.

We can’t overstate the importance of honest feedback—and creating space for it. As coaches, asking “What’s missing?” or “Is this still working for you?” can open the door to meaningful shifts. As clients, saying “I’m not sure this is the support I need right now” can unlock growth on both sides.

The secret sauce isn’t perfection. It’s flexibility. Coaching that evolves, content that adapts, and educators who listen—that’s what creates the magic. Angelica says it best: “You might not get every single dollar back from the program, but if the coach shows up with transparency and support, it’s worth it.”

One thing that stood out most from our conversation was how much mindset impacts success in education. When clients approach a program expecting it to fail—because of past disappointment or misaligned investments—they unconsciously create resistance. On the flip side, when they arrive with self-awareness, a willingness to communicate, and the courage to ask for what they need, they become active participants in their own transformation.

That’s where real growth happens.

Connect with Angelica

angelicapompy.com

instagram.com/angelicapompy

Connect with Jamie

jamiefishercollective.com

instagram.com/jamiefishercollective

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The post 206: Shared Responsibility: How Coaches & Students Can Get Real Results Together with Angelica Pompy & Jamie Fisher appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

Feeling stuck between scaling your business and maintaining your sanity? This quick-hit snack episode has exactly what you need. In this special takeover edition, we handed the mic to two attendees from the Creative Educator Conference and asked them to share one powerful piece of advice for fellow entrepreneurs and educators.

First up, you’ll hear from Nata Salvatori from the Accidental CEO podcast, who drops the truth about the underestimated power of delegation. Then, business coach Christi Johnson reminds us of the absolute necessity of defining your own version of success—before diving headfirst into strategy mode.

The attendees at the Creative Educator Conference aren’t just participants—they’re passionate, experienced entrepreneurs and educators who are actively doing the work, navigating the same challenges, and achieving real wins in real time. Their perspectives are grounded in lived experience, not just theory, which makes their insights incredibly valuable to others walking a similar path.

We hand the mic to them because peer-to-peer wisdom is powerful; these are voices that represent the pulse of our community. By spotlighting their stories and strategies, we not only honor their expertise but also create space for authentic, relatable advice that resonates on a deeper level.

Nata, host of the Accidental CEO podcast, encourages entrepreneurs to embrace delegation not as a luxury but as a strategic necessity. She reminds us that delegation is the key to scaling your business without burning out.

“Think about delegation as a strategy, not just an expense.”

When we treat delegation as a core function of growth, we free ourselves up to do the work that really matters.

Christi Johnson, a passionate business coach, brings a more introspective reminder: know your version of success before building your strategy. She calls out the common trap of copying strategies without ensuring they’re aligned with your purpose.

“We can’t build a sustainable business if we don’t know what ‘success’ feels like to us.”

This advice is especially critical for creatives and educators often caught between ambition and authenticity.

Connect with Our Guests:

accidentalceo.co

christijohnsoncreative.com

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The post 205: Delegation & Alignment: Two Game-Changing Tips for Educator Entrepreneurs ft. Nata Salvatori & Christi Johnson appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back isn’t your strategy—but your mindset?

In this episode, I sit down with wedding photographer and educator Juliana Tomlinson, who shares how shifting her mindset transformed her business. Juliana opens up about her journey from playing small to embracing her role as a professional, and how that internal shift led to external success.

Listen in as we discuss why mindset is the foundation that enables strategy to work, how to recognize when fear is keeping you safe versus keeping you small and the importance of defining success on your own terms to avoid burnout.

Connect with Juliana:

Juliana’s Website: julianatomlinsonphotography.com

Juliana’s Photography Instagram: @julianatomlinsonphotography

Juliana’s Education Instagram: @julianatomlinsoneducation

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The post 204: From Playing Small to Showing Up: The Mindset Shift Every Creative Needs with Juliana Tomlinson appeared first on Laylee Emadi | Coach for Creative Educators.