What if the career you’d worked decades to build was the very thing holding you back from the life you actually wanted?

In this episode, I sit down with Kerri Gibson, a former CPA who built a thriving hospitality empire in Quebec. After 22 years in tax and accounting software, Kerri’s breaking point became her breakthrough when a simple house flip spiraled into seven renovated ski chalets—and eventually a full-scale motel transformation.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

Golden Nuggets:

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Let’s Connect!

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kerri-gibson-cpaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerri_reinventedEnjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!

In this mind-opening episode, I sit down with Dawn Asher, the creative force behind The Olive Jar, to explore the powerful intersection of neuroscience and hospitality marketing. Dawn isn't your typical branding expert—she’s a master of emotional design, turning short-term rentals into sensory-rich experiences that guests rave about (and return to).

We dive into the science of human behavior, breaking down how neurochemicals like dopamine and oxytocin shape memory, emotion, and connection. Dawn reveals how to harness these neurological triggers through intentional design choices, subtle surprises, and personalized moments that leave a lasting impact.

This episode is packed with practical strategies that go far beyond throw pillows and curated art. We’ll challenge the traditional idea of luxury and explore why true hospitality is about making guests feel understood, valued, and emotionally engaged. You’ll walk away with fresh inspiration—and a toolkit rooted in science—to turn your property into a story your guests won’t stop talking about.

Tune in now and discover the neuroscience behind next-level guest experiences!

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Have you ever wondered if there’s a smarter, more profitable way to rent your property—hidden in plain sight?

In this episode, I sit down with Aisha Govani—a dynamic entrepreneur who turned financial rock bottom into a midterm rental success story. From living in her in-laws' basement with two young kids and zero income during COVID, Aisha and her husband rewrote their future through grit, resilience, and an entirely new approach to real estate.

We dive into the world of midterm rentals, where Aisha reveals how this overlooked strategy can be your golden ticket—especially if you’re battling short-term rental restrictions. She breaks down how she built a thriving platform connecting independent hosts with corporate clients, turning properties into profit through business-to-business bookings.

You’ll get actionable tips on everything from cold calling corporate contacts, networking with relocation agencies, to landing contracts with insurance companies. Aisha peels back the curtain on how to structure deals, vet hosts, and maximize bookings—all while building a sustainable, values-driven business.

This isn’t just a roadmap for better bookings—it’s a blueprint for reinvention. Aisha’s story will challenge you to rethink your strategy and show you what’s possible when you bet on yourself. Get ready to turn resilience into revenue and learn why midterm rentals are the smart investor’s next big move!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:01] A short introduction about our guest Aisha Govani and her journey from nonprofit work to real estate entrepreneurship

[06:07] Aisha recalls the tough COVID days living in her in-laws’ basement, where grit triumphed over fear

[09:56] The importance of commitment over hesitation, framing failure as an essential step toward mastery and fulfillment

[13:30] How Aisha’s own entrepreneurial evolution reshaped her view on education to empower her children with personalized, real-world education inspired by her entrepreneurial growth

[17:18] Aisha talks about the intensive work behind securing B2B midterm rental bookings and how her platform simplifies access for independent hosts 

[22:45] Aisha explains why cold calling often triggers discomfort and shares the key to overcoming 

[25:38] Aisha breaks down how to identify decision-makers for B2B bookings and highlights the mindset and approach needed to succeed in cold calling 

[30:49] How Aisha’s midterm rental platform connects hosts to both B2C and B2B bookings with a focus on ease and quality of guests

[32:24] Aisha + details the streamlined vetting process for hosts on her platform and highlights high-demand areas, especially in the Greater Toronto Area 

[35:57] The lightning round 

Golden Nuggets:

“Decide and ignore the noise.”

“I always choose grit over fear.”

“There are days I wake up and I'm like, should I be doing this? Is this the right choice? What have I decided to do? Can I even do this? Am I capable of doing what I think I can do? And when those questions come into your brain, you're really the only one that can quiet it. So I always try to choose, one foot, one foot, one foot. Don't worry about the rest of the race.”

“We have to commit to what we want first before we do anything else.”

“What I would say to anyone who's trying to cold call anything is, when you call that person, you speak to them like you're providing a solution for their problem.”

“It's going to be harder than you think, but networking is going to be a large part of the answer.”

“If you work on your mind and your body, all else will align.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠⁠!

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://aishagovani.com/

https://midtermrentalproperties.com/

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Are you ready to transform your short-term rental business from a chaotic side hustle into a thriving, systemized empire?

In this episode, I sit down with Kit Leggett, a fearless entrepreneur who went from jobless during COVID to managing 35+ properties —and building a business culture so powerful, her team calls it their favorite place to work.

Kit’s journey is anything but ordinary. After losing her job, she took a leap of faith, and started investing in real estate. But what truly sets her apart isn’t just the number of properties—it’s the heart behind her business. She’s created a supportive, women-powered team where flexibility is real, kids are welcome at work, and team bonding includes zip-lining adventures.

We dive into how Kit scaled her business, the software that keeps things running smoothly, and the mindset shifts that helped her overcome the fear of growing too fast. Her story is a powerful mix of resilience, innovation, and redefining leadership in an industry that often overlooks the human side of success.

If you're dreaming of your first rental or ready to scale with soul, this episode will inspire you to build a business that thrives—from the inside out!

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:04] A short introduction about our guest Kit Leggett and what made her decide to start in the world of short-term rentals

[05:15] Kit shares what sparked her first STR listing during COVID, jumpstarting her journey in a booming market

[07:04] Kit recounts the emotional toll of doing everything herself early on, leading to a breakdown that pushed her to finally ask for help

[11:48] How hiring a local, all-women team transformed Kit’s business and became a mission-driven extension of her values

[13:59] Kit shares her client reactions and the day-to-day logistics of working with kids 

[16:33] What inspired Kim to create a work culture where kids are welcome

[19:09] How Kit’s team-first mindset and hands-on leadership organically created a loyal, supportive culture among her all-women staff

[24:25] Kit describes how she plans team activities organically and affordably, focusing on connection rather than formal budgets

[28:31] Kit shares how a casual coffee chat led to acquiring 13 hosting contracts through an informal but strategic business offer

[31:44] How Kit calculated a fair purchase price for hosting contracts using a practical, grounded approach

[34:15] Kit reveals how she financed her contract acquisition that did not require upfront cash

[36:01] Kit shares the single biggest factor enabling her to manage over 35 properties

[38:33] Kit’s perception of failure and her response to setbacks

[40:04] Kit reveals a game-changer software for automating operations and managing cleanings at scale

[42:37] How Kit structures scheduling and autonomy for her cleaning team

[44:44] Kit shares about her plan to expand beyond her local market

[47:11] The lightning round 

Golden Nuggets:

“When we find good team members, they're like gold to our businesses, and we want to do everything we can to keep them.”

“I just love supporting women, and we're a tight knit group, and we really rely on each other, and help each other.”

“Any kind of culture starts at the top, and works its way down.”

“When your team knows that you will bend over backwards to help them, they will do the same for you.”

“It's so important to test different things on the journey of continuous improvement. But give yourself grace when it doesn't work out and you have to pivot, that's okay.”

“The cleaners are the backbone of the business. And if you don't have a good team or good systems in place with good software, then you're going to be scrambling.”

“Surround yourself with people that do encourage you and do help you.”

Let’s Connect!

Website: https://stayinthevalley.com

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

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Are you tired of feeling trapped in your 9-to-5, dreaming of a life where you call the shots?

In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Muriuki, a corporate exit strategist who traded her role as a Big Four audit firm director for the freedom of remote entrepreneurship—all while managing a thriving short-term rental business from Nairobi, Kenya.Rebecca’s story isn’t just about leaving the corporate world; it’s about rewriting the rules of success. After years of climbing the ladder, she realized true fulfillment meant prioritizing family, fun, and freedom. Now, she’s helping other women do the same—by building income streams that align with their values and unlock lifestyle freedom.We go deep into the mindset shifts required to break free from the golden handcuffs of traditional careers. Rebecca opens up about the identity crisis she faced after leaving corporate, how she manages properties remotely, and the practical steps she took to reclaim her time and power.What sets Rebecca apart is her holistic approach—this isn’t just about investing in real estate and throwing a property on Airbnb, it’s about recalibrating your entire relationship with money, success, and self-worth. If you’ve ever felt stuck or scared to make a leap, this episode is your permission slip. It’s packed with honest insights, proven strategies, and the kind of motivation that will make you believe freedom isn’t just a dream—it’s a decision!

[01:17] A short introduction about our guest Rebecca Muriuki and how she started in the world of short-term rental business far from home

[04:24] Rebecca shares how a misaligned job and desire for time freedom led her to short-term rentals—and how her vision helped her act before crisis struck

[09:33] Rebecca reflects on her intuitive decision-making and how her values-based foresight shaped her path

[13:10] Rebecca shares how frustration in corporate life revealed the core values that now guide her business decisions

[16:18] Rebecca opens up about the emotional shift after leaving corporate life and how mindset work helps her navigate uncertainty and find self-worth from within

[21:44] How childhood loss fueled our need for external validation and how healing that pattern has helped us build true confidence and inner-driven success

[26:02] How Rebecca supports women in entering the world of short-term rentals and unlocking the powerful benefits it offers

[31:47] Rebecca highlights the hardest part for women entering STR especially around how long success actually takes

[35:26] Rebecca’s approach to aligning exit timelines with each woman’s personal and professional goals

[37:35] The myth of passive income in STRs and the importance of vetting property managers

[43:04] The lightning round

Podcast: https://richwomanrevolution.com/podcast

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Want to turn your Airbnb or vacation rental into a brand’s secret marketing playground?

In this episode, I’m joined by Rachel Vigil from Up Close Marketing to uncover a powerful product placement strategy that’s making waves in the short-term rental industry. Whether you host an Airbnb, manage multiple short-term rentals, or operate a high-end vacation rental, this episode will show you how to attract brand partnerships that elevate your guest experience and your bottom line.Imagine stocking your Airbnb with premium products—without spending a dime. Rachel shares how she built a revolutionary platform that connects vacation rental hosts with brands looking to reach travelers in a more authentic, memorable way. No cold pitching. No hidden fees. Just powerful partnerships that make your short-term rental stand out.You’ll learn:

If you’re ready to transform your Airbnb or short-term rental into a brand magnet, this episode is your step-by-step guide. Tune in and discover how your vacation rental can go from hidden gem to marketing goldmine.

[01:00] A short introduction about our guest Rachel Vigil and how she transitioned from rental to launching a product sampling company for vacation rentals

[03:21] Rachel breaks down the tactical side of product placement in short-term rentals

[05:15] Rachel explains the simple but specific requirements for hosts participating in product placement programs

[07:55] Rachel shares brand-specific property requirements and guest demographics to align with their marketing goals

[10:28] Rachel identifies categories of products that may not be ideal for placement due to safety, regulation, or guest perception

[12:19] The strategies hosts can introduce free product placements to enhance guest experience and brand engagement

[14:38] How often would a host expect to be able to get new products for their properties

[15:41] Rachel shares how hosts and property managers can streamline logistics when receiving and stocking product placements in their short-term rentals

[18:51] How new hosts can easily sign up and onboard their properties to start receiving product placement opportunities

[20:48] Rachel addresses common hesitations from hosts who may think product placement is too much work—especially for their cleaners

[22:50] Rachel’s favorite product placements in her own rentals, naming a massive, durable outdoor speaker paired with an outdoor projector to create a cinematic backyard experience

[24:26] Rachel encourages hosts to pitch product ideas—especially if they can help make brand connections, which can lead to mutual benefit

[25:26] Rachel discusses the exciting future of Up Close Marketing, including potential expansion into untapped markets

[27:30] The lightning round

Let’s Connect!

Facebook: www.facebook.com/upclosemarketing

Instagram: www.instagram.com/upclosemarketing

Website: upclosemktg.com

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In this episode, I sit down with dashboard and data visualization expert Carolyn O’Brien, who’s on a mission to make data not just understandable—but actionable.

Carolyn shares her journey to becoming a data visualization guru, helping entrepreneurs ditch the overwhelm and step confidently into data-driven decision-making. Together, we dive into how visualizing your business metrics—through simple, beautiful dashboards—can unlock powerful strategic insights.

Think you’re “not a numbers person”? Think again. Carolyn walks us through how anyone can build a custom dashboard that tells you exactly what’s working (and what’s not)—from property performance and booking trends to revenue optimization and ROI.

And here’s the best part: Carolyn and I are teaming up for a three-day “Data to Dollars Challenge” this August! You’ll learn how to build your very own real-time, visually stunning dashboard that helps you grow smarter, not harder.

Whether you’re managing a single unit or scaling a full portfolio, this episode will change the way you think about data forever. No more guessing. No more overwhelm. Just clarity, confidence, and serious business intelligence.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:17] A short introduction about our guest Carolyn O’Brien and how she help business owners understand data and metrics

[03:28] Carolyn shares the game-changing power of visualizing business data and her clients’ feedback

[04:27] Carolyn emphasizes that data doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially for those intimidated by spreadsheets

[06:56] Carolyn’s strategy for making data review a weekly habit that drives better business decisions

[08:36] Carolyn’s perspective on how clarity with numbers transforms business decisions

[12:36] How clear, visual data not only improves business strategy but also strengthens communication between partners who co-invest

[15:08] Carolyn explains how visual dashboards empower women to confidently engage with their numbers

[22:38] How Carolyn's dashboard design unlocks smarter decisions in the short-term rental space

[23:57] Carolyn emphasizes the value of integrating Airbnb data into custom dashboards to offer clarity and context for short-term rental owners

[25:38] Introducing “The Data to Dollars Challenge” – a three day challenge to empower and help short-term rental hosts turn their data into actionable business insights

[29:07] Carolyn offers advice to anyone intimidated by numbers or spreadsheets, especially those intrigued by the upcoming workshop but feeling hesitant

[30:04] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Lodgify⁠⁠⁠!

Ready to take control of your vacation rental business? With Lodgify, you can build your own direct booking website and manage all your reservations in one place — no middleman, no extra fees.

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Let’s Connect!

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

Website: metricssuccess.com

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Are you ready to turn your short-term rental from basic to breathtaking—and bankable through strategic short-term rental design?

In this high-impact episode, I sit down with Ishita Lalan, a powerhouse designer who's redefining what it means to design for profitability. With a background that spans architecture, Bollywood set design, and over 300 short-term rental design projects, Ishita brings a unique, globally inspired approach to transforming properties into wealth-building machines.

We explore how intentional short-term rental design can dramatically boost your property's value—sometimes by hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ishita shares the story of a once-overlooked Asheville home that skyrocketed from $850,000 to $2.1 million in just four months through targeted design upgrades.

But this conversation goes way beyond aesthetics. From maximizing "heads in beds" to leveraging market-specific design strategies, Ishita reveals the behind-the-scenes decisions that separate top-performing rentals from the rest. She also unpacks the costly mistakes investors often make—and how to avoid them if you want real ROI.

If you're ready to see your short-term rental as both a stunning space and a serious investment, this episode will show you exactly how to design with purpose, power, and profit in mind.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[00:59] A short introduction about our guest Ishita Lalan and shares the foundation of her work as both an investor and a designer

[03:12] Ishita shares how short-term rental design makes it the perfect culmination of her life experiences and professional passions

[08:36] What are some of the best upgrades that Ishita is seeing to drive impact when it comes to return on investment with property upgrades these days

[15:11] How Ishita manages multiple projects across different geographies successfully and opens up about a challenging project in Tennessee that didn’t go as planned

[19:03] Ishita breaks down how thoughtful design, strategic layout changes, and underutilized space conversions can unlock major equity gains and long-term wealth

[27:09] What are some of the most common mistakes that Ishita is seeing these days in short term rental design

[31:34] Ishita shares how strategic design—even within the confines of a small condo—can create impact, boost functionality, and help listings stand out

[37:52] Ishita shares how thoughtful, minimalist, and upscale design plays just as vital a role in urban rentals as it does in vacation properties

[43:22] Ishita explains the importance of the design process should be collaborative, phased, and tailored—not a one-size-fits-all handoff

[45:52] Why Ishita encourages getting a designer and emphasizes the importance of designing with detachment, market appeal, and long-term goals in mind

[48:49] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Lodgify⁠!

Ready to take control of your vacation rental business? With Lodgify, you can build your own direct booking website and manage all your reservations in one place — no middleman, no extra fees.

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Let’s Connect!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ishita.interiors

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ishita.nagda/

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What if the key to building your dream Airbnb business was hidden inside a bold decision—and one life-changing Facebook ad?

In this powerful episode of The STR Sisterhood podcast, I sit down with Anja Schaer, a fearless short-term rental investor whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up behind the Berlin Wall to building a thriving portfolio of Airbnb and mid-term rental properties in Atlanta, Anja’s story is a masterclass in reinvention and real estate success.

We talk about her surprising pivot—from running a lighting store to diving headfirst into the world of Airbnb hosting and property investing. It all began with a single Facebook ad and a $35,000 coaching program that changed the trajectory of her life.

Anja shares the mindset shifts that helped her break free from limiting beliefs, the power of risk in growing a short-term rental business, and how her East German upbringing shaped her relentless pursuit of freedom and financial independence.

But this episode isn’t just about real estate—it’s about reclaiming your story and designing a life you love. Anja also reveals how she’s using hybrid rental strategies (think Airbnb meets mid-term stays) to scale smarter—and how she's empowering other women to build wealth through property-backed income.

If you’ve ever felt the pull to do something bigger, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with inspiration, practical takeaways for your Airbnb business, and a fresh reminder that sometimes the boldest leaps bring the biggest rewards.

Tune in now—and get ready to dream bigger, invest smarter, and live life on your terms.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:30] A short introduction about our guest Anja Schaer and a glimpse on her short-term rental portfolio

[02:47] How Anja’s journey from East Germany to the U.S. shaped her mindset around risk, freedom, and money

[09:22] How the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany impacted her emotionally and shaped her worldview

[17:38] Anja and her husband’s transition from a lighting business to real estate investing

[24:06] Anja’s view on balancing education and action when taking a leap into something new

[35:52] How building and being part of communities provided Anja with emotional support, strategic feedback, and validation during pivots in her business journey

[45:41] Anja talks about her book, The Hybrid Rental Strategy —based entirely on her real-life experiences and experiments

[50:32] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

“We just have to be open to new things, to be ready to adapt, not holding onto old structures for too long, keeping our eyes open for opportunities.”

“There's always good things and bad things. It's just weighing your options and making a decision that aligns with your goals, that aligns with your values.”

“Jump and grow your wings on the way down.”

“It might feel hard and uncomfortable for now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep on going, push through.”

“The power of a community is not only having the ability to ask questions and get plugged into formalized education, but also learning from other people's challenges before it ever occurs in our own businesses.”

Resources Mentioned:

Live Big Book : https://tinyurl.com/mvdvetb6

The Hybrid Rental Strategy : https://tinyurl.com/48hskfrs

This episode is brought to you by ⁠Lodgify⁠!

Ready to take control of your vacation rental business? With Lodgify, you can build your own direct booking website and manage all your reservations in one place — no middleman, no extra fees.

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 ⁠Visit Lodgify.com

Let’s Connect!

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

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Are you ready to unlock the true magic of hosting in the Airbnb and short-term rental world?

In this heartfelt episode of The STR Sisterhood podcast, I sit down with the amazing Jodie Odlin—the visionary behind the global Hospitable Hosts movement. What started as a leap of faith in the Cotswolds has grown into a worldwide celebration of heart-led hosting and elevated guest experiences.

We dive deep into what hospitality really means—and spoiler alert: it’s not just about clean linens or five-star reviews. It’s about human connection. It’s about storytelling. It’s about showing up with soul and creating spaces that leave a lasting impact on every guest who walks through your door.

Jodie shares how following her intuition and leading with love helped her turn a single short-term rental into something far greater—a movement that’s redefining what it means to be a host.

We also chat about the bold new STR Sisterhood Edition of Hospitable Hosts—a one-of-a-kind collaboration featuring 40 powerhouse women in the short-term rental industry. This isn’t just another book. It’s a movement rooted in empowerment, authenticity, and purpose-driven hosting.

Whether you're an Airbnb host, a short-term rental investor, or simply someone who believes in the power of hospitality to change lives, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with heart—and scale with soul.

Want to become a featured author in the STR Sisterhood Edition of Hospitable Hosts? Get all the details here: https://www.hospitablehosts.com/HHSTRSisterhoodEdition

Let this episode remind you: Hosting isn’t just a business model—it’s a calling.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:

[01:23] A short introduction about our guest Jodie Odlin and how she got started in the world of short-term rentals

[10:09] Jodie shares how the idea for Hospitable Hosts was born

[14:34] How publishing the Hospitable Hosts books transformed Jodie’s life

[22:27] Jodie highlights the powerful shift from “trying” to deciding and how taking committed action must also align with the season of life you’re in

[28:36] How contributing to Hospitable Hosts Volume One sparked my journey I never imagined – writing my own book

[35:10] Jodie highlights the transformational ripple effect of storytelling, how contributing even one chapter can unlock purpose and confidence, and encourages everyone

[40:27] Jodie and I announce our newest collaboration—Hospitable Hosts: STR Sisterhood Edition—a global anthology celebrating the personal and professional journeys of women in the short-term rental space

[45:06] The lightning round

Golden Nuggets:

This episode is brought to you by Lodgify!

Ready to take control of your vacation rental business? With Lodgify, you can build your own direct booking website and manage all your reservations in one place — no middleman, no extra fees.

👉 Use the code STRSH20 at checkout for 20% off any yearly plan and start owning your bookings today.

🔗 Visit Lodgify.com

Resources Mentioned:

Let’s Connect!

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