The Rooted Founder Show

What if the secret to scaling your business isn't bigger budgets—but strategic influence rooted in authenticity?

Staci Gray sits down with Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO of Zilker Media and author of "The Strategic Business Influencer," to explore why servant leaders can no longer afford to stay behind the scenes.

With institutional trust at an all-time low and AI disrupting traditional marketing, Paige reveals her research-backed Influence ID framework that helps leaders build trust at scale without compromising their authentic leadership style.

This conversation challenges the "I don't want to be online" mindset and shows how strategic business influence becomes the ultimate differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Paige breaks down why your first impression as a leader now happens entirely online, her three-category content strategy, and why relationship-driven content is the secret weapon for CEOs.

If you're ready to discover how strategic visibility can accelerate your business results while staying true to your servant leadership values, this episode will transform your approach to influence.

CONNECT WITH PAIGE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS

00:00 Building Trust and Relationships in Leadership

02:01 The Importance of Strategic Business Influence

11:17 Understanding the Influence ID Framework

18:10 Navigating the Online Presence as a Leader

25:12 Maximizing Time and Resources in Content Strategy

32:20 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership

38:57 Defining Success and Impact in Leadership

45:47 Clarity and Conviction in Business Leadership

What if entrepreneurial success isn't about more hustle—but learning when to surrender?

Adele Tevlin—entrepreneur and transformational coach—(fun fact: takes entire months off while scaling to seven figures!) shares her journey from spiritually empty high achiever to building from divine assignment, revealing why anxiety signals misalignment and how she integrates masculine drive with feminine surrender.

If you're ready to discover what becomes possible when you stop performing for love and start creating from your true nature, this episode will meet you there.

CONNECT WITH ADELE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS

00:00 Finding Alignment: The Journey Begins

05:05 The Power of Soul Connection

09:43 Transformation Through Motherhood: The Cocooning Process

14:50 Integrating Masculine and Feminine Energies

19:37 The Path to Healing: Understanding Nervous System Responses

28:31 The High Achiever's Dilemma

29:30 Developing Discernment

32:42 Building Trust and Integrity

35:56 Embracing Rest and Reflection

40:39 Rewiring for Self-Love

44:28 Moving Beyond the Victim Narrative

49:45 Embracing Trust and Faith

53:23 Creating New Possibilities

Ever wonder how lessons from nature can transform the way we build businesses—and live our lives?

In this episode of The Rooted Founder, Staci Gray talks with Amanda Bustillos—entrepreneur, nature lover, and family business leader—about the connections between nature, health, and entrepreneurship.

Amanda shares how building a family business centered around bird feeding taught her the value of tenacity, resilience, and trust. From navigating health challenges to practicing gratitude and giving grace, her story shows that success is measured by peace, purpose, and positive impact.

If you're ready to see business through a lens of connection and grounded growth, this conversation is for you.

CONNECT WITH AMANDA: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Journey to a Family Business

05:56 Tenacity in Business and Health

12:03 Nature as a Healing Force

18:08 Navigating Relationships in Business

23:47 The Power of Gratitude and Love

29:50 Defining Success and Community Impact

Ever feel like you're living someone else's version of your life... but don't know how to find your way back to yourself?

In this deeply moving and transformative episode of The Rooted Founder, I sit down with Carol Elizabeth — a fitness professional turned life coach — to explore what it really means to reclaim your identity and step into authentic personal power.

If you've ever felt disconnected from your true self, or like life's challenges have knocked you off course, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are — and gently guide you toward the courage to become who you're meant to be.

Carol shares profound insights from her own journey of radical transformation, including how a cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for her most authentic life, and why embracing the messy process of growth is where real magic happens.

We explore: ✅ How unexpected challenges can become your greatest teachers ✅ The power of taking radical responsibility for your life experience ✅ Why self-acceptance is the foundation of all lasting change ✅ The importance of forgiving your past selves to heal forward ✅ How to trust your internal compass when the world feels chaotic ✅ The difference between success and fulfillment, and why it matters

This isn't just about personal growth. It's about coming home to yourself and discovering that your greatest transformation often lies on the other side of your deepest challenges.

If you're ready to shed old identities, embrace your authentic self, and find empowerment in your own story — this episode is your invitation to step into the life you're truly meant to live.

CONNECT WITH CAROL ELIZABETH: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Journey of Growth and Transformation

01:34 Identity Death: The Catalyst for Change

04:56 The Gift of Desperation and Courage

12:52 Reorienting to Your Internal Compass

19:10 Finding Joy Amidst Challenges

23:33 Integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit

26:17 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

29:34 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

35:17 Forgiveness and Self-Compassion

39:07 Radical Responsibility and Identity Shifts

45:14 The Expedition of Life and Soul Alignment

For the solopreneur drowning in day-to-day operations and dreaming of true freedom… Today I'm sitting down with Joe Casabona, a systems and automation coach with 20 years in web development, to unpack his journey from panic attacks to building sustainable business systems that support his family life. Joe's framework mirrors what we teach at Organize To Scale, but from a dad's perspective—and our conversation brings it all together.

We cover: ✅ How panic became his catalyst for change ✅ Breaking free from the "do it all yourself" trap ✅ Creating systems that support your family, not compete with it ✅ Redefining success beyond hustle culture If you're tired of choosing between business success and being present for your family, this episode is your wake-up call.

CONNECT WITH JOE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Importance of integration in Life and Work

02:55 The Journey of a Solopreneur Parent

05:44 Delegation and Automation: Key to Freedom

08:56 Understanding Your Audience: Who Do You Serve?

11:53 Framework for Delegation and Implementation

14:47 Communication and Collaboration with Your VA

18:02 Defining Success Beyond Money

20:53 The Shift in Priorities and Values

23:47 Navigating the Transition to Self-Employment

26:37 The Role of Support in Entrepreneurship

29:58 Creating a Legacy: Being a Good Parent

32:52 Integrating Work and Family Life

35:39 Future Projects and Embracing Change

Okay friend… this one's for the women building from the inside out.

I got to sit down with Liz Faircloth on The Rooted Founder, and we went deep — not just into business strategy, but the emotional intelligence it takes to build something meaningful without losing yourself.

Liz has built a multi-million dollar real estate company — but what really struck me was her honesty about the inner work. The triggers in partnerships. The identity shifts. The moments where you want to run — and the choice to stay rooted instead.

We talked about what it means to lead with a mirror, not a mask… to build spaces where women feel safe, seen, and supported… and to create success that actually feels like freedom on the inside, not just the outside.

She also shares what's next — including how she's building a new kind of investing space for women that prioritizes connection over competition, community over ego.

It's not just about what we build. It's about how we build — and who we become along the way.

If you're in a season of growth that requires both courage and self-compassion… this one's going to land deep. 🌱

Let me know what resonates. I'd love to hear what you're walking through too.

CONNECT WITH LIZ: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Embracing Unconventional Paths

00:58 The Journey of a Rooted Founder

02:26 Personal Growth and Pivotal Moments

04:47 Lessons from Hardships

08:02 Navigating Emotions in Business

11:24 Understanding Triggers and Communication

14:16 The Power of Brain Scans

19:03 Strategic Planning and Metrics

23:53 Celebrating Achievements and Continuous Improvement

26:40 Waking Up in Your Dream Life

27:58 Navigating Career Changes and Family Life

30:49 Finding Purpose Through Community

32:37 Authenticity and Connection

34:34 Integrating Ambition and Motherhood

36:34 Taking Action and Accountability

38:59 The Importance of Trust in Growth

41:44 Self-Trust and Taking the Shot

42:55 Creating Safe Spaces for Women

45:50 Exciting Future Projects and Community Impact

What if success isn't about building more… but becoming more present?

In this heartfelt episode of The Rooted Founder, powerhouse entrepreneur and devoted mom Jamie-Lee Bongard joins us to explore the dance between ambition and mindfulness. From running three Keller Williams brokerages to raising a family, she shares how faith, family, and love shape her version of success.

We talk: ✅ Presence vs. hustle ✅ Childhood seeds of entrepreneurship ✅ Health crises and miracles ✅ Building something bigger than ourselves

Let's talk legacy. Let's talk love. Let's get rooted. 🌱✨

CONNECT WITH JAMIE-LEE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Purpose of Impact

05:03 Business Journey and Achievements

10:05 Parenting and Legacy

14:57 Cultural Influences on Presence

20:00 Navigating Modern Life and Technology

24:59 The Call to Adventure

26:06 Awakening to Dreams and Divine Intervention

28:14 A Journey of Love and Family

30:37 Facing Adversity: A Mother's Nightmare

34:44 The Power of Faith and Miracles

36:44 The Mission of Love and Awareness

41:10 Faith, Action, and Co-Creation

43:43 Redefining Success and Stewardship

What if the way you've been taught to chase financial freedom is actually what's keeping you stuck?

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with bestselling author and prosperity pioneer Kim Butler to challenge the outdated, hustle-heavy definitions of wealth.

We talk about what real financial freedom looks like — not just more zeros in your bank account, but a life of value creation, stewardship, and peace.

Kim breaks down the hidden lies of the scarcity mindset (yes, even the sneaky ones that look like productivity). She shares how to build true prosperity by aligning your money with your mission, serving from overflow, and shifting your daily habits from fear to flow.

Whether you're scaling a business, building legacy wealth, or simply tired of feeling like freedom is just one more launch away — this episode will flip the script.

Freedom isn't earned. It's remembered.

And Kim's here to help you remember.

CONNECT WITH KIM: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Redefining Self-Worth and Purpose

02:11 The Quest for Financial Freedom

05:00 Bridging the Gap in Financial Mindset

11:49 Unlearning Scarcity and Embracing Prosperity

20:02 Daily Practices for Alignment and Gratitude

27:49 Transforming Habits for a Prosperous Mindset

35:42 Empowering Families Through Prosperity Thinking

44:19 Success as Service to Others

You built the thing. You chased the dream. You hit the milestones.

But deep down… something's still missing.

In this conversation, I sit down with my friend George Bryant to talk about the space between doing well and feeling whole.

George opens up about his shift from chasing achievement to living from radical acceptance—and how it changed everything. We unpack how emotional triggers can become turning points, how real community is built (especially in an online world), and why vulnerability isn't weakness—it's the doorway to deeper relationships and real peace.

If you're the kind of person who's done "all the right things" but still feels the tug for something more—this one's for you.

Because what got us here... won't get us there. CONNECT WITH GEORGE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS:

00:00 Embracing Authenticity and Grace

03:00 The Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery

05:56 The Illusion of Success and the Search for Meaning

09:04 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth

11:54 The Dance of Faith and High Achievement

14:50 Understanding Codependency in Business and Life

17:46 The Power of Presence and Radical Acceptance

20:56 The Importance of Nurturing Relationships

24:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Authenticity

26:55 The Journey of Self-Love and Acceptance

30:07 Facing Fears and Embracing Vulnerability

33:00 The Transformative Power of Honesty

43:39 The Power of Vulnerability

46:05 Unmasking and Authenticity

49:20 Navigating Personal Struggles

52:41 Embracing Emotions

56:58 Community and Connection

01:01:45 Building a Supportive Environment

01:06:39 Creating Space for Self-Discovery

01:10:34T he Role of Discipline in Freedom

01:14:52 Collaboration Over Competition

01:18:34 The Importance of Self-Reflection

Feeling stuck in your entrepreneurial journey? Join me, Staci Gray, and Jeanne Omlor as we break down the mental barriers holding you back.

From overcoming debt to building a $4 million business, Jeanne shares raw insights on emotional intelligence, resilience, and redefining success. Discover how to break free from perfectionism, embrace your messy journey, and unlock your true potential.

This episode is your blueprint for transformative personal and professional growth.

CONNECT WITH JEANNE: https://stacigray.com/listen/

FREE TRAINING: How I Organize to Scale Businesses in 90-Day Sprints stacigray.com/SCALE

Get the FREE GUIDE: 4 Essential Tips for Quickly Organizing Your Business to Scale: https://bit.ly/3qZJoyT

Join my FREE Weekly Newsletter for Proven Strategies to propel you and your business forward: https://bit.ly/41IiaKY CHAPTERS: