If your finances feel like a rollercoaster, it’s time to stop screaming and start steering. You’re not alone if your business bank account swings from dopamine highs to devastating lows. One month you're flush with client payments, the next you’re wondering if Stripe has ghosted you. The feast or famine cycle is a real (and exhausting) part of entrepreneurship, especially for creatives and service providers.

In this episode, we're joined by fractional CFO and financial consultant Geily Romero to unpack why this happens and how we can build systems to stabilize our cash flow without burning out. Geily has spent nearly a decade helping service-based entrepreneurs stop guessing and start growing with intentional, sustainable financial strategies.

In this Episode:

• Why revenue ≠ profit and how to actually start paying yourself consistently
• A dead-simple system to assign every dollar a job and stop reacting to your bank balance
• The exact habits Geily recommends to start building a financial cushion, even in slow seasons

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

Tired of winging your marketing? Enji takes the guesswork out of showing up. This all‑in‑one marketing system was built specifically for creative entrepreneurs who want consistency without burnout. Plan, schedule, and track your content with intention—so you can stay visible, stay top‑of‑mind, and still have a life.

Try Enji >>

Mentioned in this Episode:

Creative Educator Conference

Qapital

Connect with Geily:

Website: cuttingedgefinancialsolutions.com

The Profitable Circle - Use code JULIE for a free 30-day trial

Instagram: instagram.com/cuttingedgefinancialsolutions

Have you ever written a heartfelt thank you card and then watched it hibernate in your junk drawer until spring?  In today’s episode, I’m sharing simple systems for expressing gratitude and becoming a thank-you person just in time for Thanksgiving.

From handwritten notes to real-time compliments and even thank-you pizzas (with a lesson on paper plates), this episode is packed with quick wins to make gratitude part of your everyday life. I also get personal about the NICU, share how I’m teaching my daughter to say thank you in scribbles, and dive into why setting systems for appreciation can transform relationships.

In this Episode:

• How to thank people in the moment so it sticks
• Why nurses deserve cookies (and not just crumbs)
• The secret email phrase that sets the tone for every ask

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Find It Quickly

00:18 - The Importance of Gratitude

01:37 - Thank You Systems

04:31 - Entrepreneur's Death Folder

05:15 - Thanksgiving TV Episodes

Ever feel like fun and free are mutually exclusive? Sarah Von Bargen is here to show you that’s totally not the case. In this episode of System for Everything, she joins us to unpack how we can spend our time, money, and energy more intentionally so we live a life we love without becoming broke or exhausted.

In this Episode:

• Why free activities often feel “cheap” or “boring” and how to flip that narrative.
• The habit & mindset shifts that let you treat your city like a vacation destination.
• How using fewer dollars might actually lead to deeper connection, more creativity, and better memories.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Find It Quickly:

00:17 - Meet Sarah

00:55 - System Reboot

03:13 - Debunking the Myth: Free Stuff is Boring

07:56 - Exploring Your City Like a Tourist

16:12 - Finding Free and Fun Activities

24:27 - Planning a No Spend Weekend

Connect with Sarah

Website: yesandyes.org

Substack: @yesandyesblog

Instagram: @yesandyesblog

Facebook: facebook.com/yesandyesblog

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like no one sees you—let alone remembers you? In today's episode, I'm joined by powerhouse business coach, speaker and marketing strategist Angelica Pompy, who helps creative women build profitable businesses with confidence and clarity.

Listen in as we dig into how to “get in the room,” not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and strategically. Plus we're talking about how to stay in the room long after you’ve left.

In this Episode:

• How showing up as you (even when you don’t feel totally ready) shifts everything in the networking game.
• A simple system for following up after that unforgettable (or slightly awkward) connection so you don’t fade into the background.
• Why your networking strategy should include your wardrobe, your voice‑memo game, and your Instagram QR code (yes, really).

This episode is brought to you by Enji:

Tired of winging your marketing? Enji takes the guesswork out of showing up. This all‑in‑one marketing system was built specifically for creative entrepreneurs who want consistency without burnout. Plan, schedule, and track your content with intention—so you can stay visible, stay top‑of‑mind, and still have a life.

Try Enji >>

Find It Quickly:

02:30 - Angelica's Networking Insights

05:40 - Building Confidence in New Spaces

08:29 - Staying Grounded and Authentic

13:55 - Effective Follow-Up Strategies

15:53 - Sharing a Memorable Encounter

16:18 - The Power of Video Messages

17:30 - Staying Connected with Your Network

18:28 - Building a Personal System

21:42 - Facing Imposter Syndrome

25:36 - Overcoming Networking Myths

26:56 - Creating Your Own Opportunities

29:16 - The System Shutdown

Mentioned in this Episode:

Networking Workbook

Enji

Connect with Angelica:

angelicapompy.com

instagram.com/angelicapompy

Business Church

Ever feel like you don’t belong at the table you built? You’re not alone. I’m talking to Katie Mast, a seasoned creative‑entrepreneur turned community‑builder with big, blunt truths about imposter syndrome.

Katie worked in the wedding, events and creative industries, and worked with industry platforms, so she knows what it’s like to be both visible and unsure. We peel back the stories behind the smiles, unpack the lies imposter syndrome tells you, and build a system for showing up anyway.

In this episode:

• Why success often magnifies imposter feelings instead of curing them.
• Simple rituals that help you dial down doubt in the day‑to‑day.
• How to stop waiting until you “feel ready” and begin acting as if you already are.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Connect with Katie & Paper Rock Coin

• rockpapercoin.com - Use code RPCPODCAST
• Instagram: @rockpapercoin
• Instagram: @katiemast__

What if the key to transforming your city was simply showing up? For many of us, local politics and civic engagement can feel like a world reserved for career politicians, polished extroverts, or people with endless free time. But what if I told you that you could make a meaningful impact in your community without quitting your day job or becoming someone you're not? 

In this episode, I spoke with Laura Vola, former candidate for city council in Carrollton, Texas, about what it really looks like to get involved locally. Laura stepped up with zero political experience. She simply had a fierce belief in showing up for her community. Whether you're thinking about running for office or just wondering what it means to engage more deeply, Laura’s story offers a roadmap that's equal parts inspiring and incredibly practical.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

In this episode:

• Getting on the ballot is easier than you think.
• Shared calendars, reminders, and support systems kept Laura’s campaign (and life) running.
• You don’t need experience to get involved. Start small and show up.

Find It Quickly:

00:17 - Meet Laura Vola: A Dynamic Community Leader

01:17 - College Memories and Reconnecting

01:58 - System Reboot: Quick Reset with Laura

04:07 - Laura's Journey to Running for Office

04:27 - Deciding to Run: The Moment of Truth

06:44 - Navigating the Campaign Trail

08:41 - Balancing Life and Campaigning

13:12 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

17:21 - Getting Involved Locally: Practical Tips

20:47 - Post-Campaign Reflections and Staying Involved

24:46 - Lightning Round: Local Civic Favorites

Connect with Laura

lauraforcarrollton.com

instagram.com/lauraforcarrollton

If you've ever hovered over the "Buy Now" button with a pit in your stomach and a credit card in hand, this episode is for you. In this episode, I sat down with my personal financial advisor, Michelle Taylor who founded Women in Wealth, to talk about the messy, emotional side of business spending.

From $997 unopened courses to aspirational hires we’re not ready for, we unpack how to tell the difference between a smart investment and a comparison-fueled expense. Michelle brings over a decade of experience in wealth management and shares both tough love and practical systems for spending with confidence, not guilt.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

In this episode:

• Why spending can feel like action, but isn’t always
• A simple ROI test for that shiny new course you’re eyeing
• How to build a budget (or “spending plan”) you’ll actually stick to

Find It Quickly:

• 01:07 - System Reboot: Fun and Games
• 03:00 - Understanding Spending Guilt
• 04:53 - Smart Business Spending
• 14:26 - Building a Flexible Budget
• 18:57 - Dealing with Past Spending Mistakes
• 21:49 - The System Shut Down

Connect with Michelle

• womeninwealth.co
• talkwealthy.com
• instagram.com/women_in_wealth

What if your calendar wasn’t just for managing time, but for protecting your energy?

In this episode, I sit down with Christi Johnson, business strategist, podcaster, and founder of the Dream Biz Lab. She helps creative and neurodivergent entrepreneurs build businesses rooted in joy, sustainability, and brain-friendly systems.

Christi shares how hitting a $10K month almost cost her her mental health, how discovering she had bipolar 2 disorder reshaped her entire workflow, and the non-negotiables she's implemented to build a life-first business. From no-meeting weeks to white space for late-night brainstorms, she breaks down exactly how she structures her day to work with her ADHD brain, not fight it.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Three Key Takeaways:

• Boundaries aren't about restriction, they're about expansion. Learn how Christie created calendar systems that protect both her time and energy.
• Your body sends signals. Christie shares how anxiety became her clue that something needed to change.
• Not every day is productive, and that's okay. Learn how to build grace, curiosity, and flexibility into your business structure.

Find It Quickly:

• 00:17 - Meet Christi Johnson
• 01:01 - System Reboot: Fun and Personal Questions
• 02:55 - Christi's Journey: Realizing Unsustainable Work Habits
• 05:56 - Building a Sustainable Work Structure
• 09:21 - Managing ADHD in Business
• 13:37 - Setting Boundaries and Finding Balance
• 17:30 - Christi's Latest Offerings and Where to Find Her
• 18:30 - Movie Review: Companion Starring Jack Quaid

Connect with Christi:

• Website: christijohnsoncreative.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/christijohnsoncreative
• Podcast: christijohnsoncreative.com/podcast

If your brand colors (or messaging) don’t spark joy, it’s time for a reboot. This week on System for Everything, I’m joined by Dakota Hersey, founder of More Than Creative. After growing a successful photography business, she’s back to her first love—helping small business owners market and sell their talents authentically. 

Dakota doesn’t just design brands that look good. She helps creatives and service providers build brands that make content creation feel easy, client communication feel seamless, and the whole marketing process feel a little more like you. She’s passionate about bringing marketing back to its original purpose: to connect, communicate, and serve.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Find It Quickly:

• 01:23 - System Reboot
• 03:21 - Building a Brand That Feels Like You
• 09:36 - Creating a Cohesive Client Experience
• 13:54 - Collaborative Rebranding and Marketing Strategies
• 16:40 - Sustaining Your Brand Presence
• 24:19 - System Shut Down

Connect with Dakota:

• Website: morethancreative.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/morethancreative.co
• Instagram: instagram.com/dakotaherseyphotography
• Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/2mMUHHCACRx71ETK4P4PGV

What if your most honest, messy self is your greatest writing superpower? In this episode, I sit down with Jamie Varon, bestselling author, essayist, and creative force, to crack open what it really takes to write the book that only you can write.

Jamie has built a body of work that’s at once personal and deeply resonant—from her viral essays to bestselling nonfiction to novels. We unpack how she developed her voice over a decade of trial and error, her ritualistic approach to writing even when the ideas feel impossible, and how she navigates outside expectations while keeping her art grounded.

You’ll come away with intimate access to her creative process, permission to let your work be messy, and inspiration to keep writing even when you doubt.

This episode is brought to you by The Entrepreneur's Death Folder:

If your business couldn’t run without you, that’s a problem—a haunting your assistant from the beyond kind of problem. That’s where the Entrepreneur’s Death Folder comes in. It’s your digital contingency plan: all your logins, contacts, workflows, and need-to-knows in one tidy, shareable place.
Less spooky, more smart. Because peace of mind is the ultimate productivity tool.

Buy Now >>

Find It Quickly:

• 01:09 - Meet Jamie
• 02:14 - System Reboot
• 04:44 - Writing Process and Inspirations
• 16:39 - Navigating the Publishing Industry
• 25:14 - Navigating Trends and Authenticity
• 26:58 - Writing Rituals and Consistency
• 28:41 - Inspiration and Creative Containers
• 31:43 - Transitioning from Social Media to Novels
• 34:19 - Embracing Personal Growth and Change
• 36:38 - The Journey of Self-Work and Writing
• 42:47 - Promoting New Work
• 44:35 - Literary Inspirations and Recommendations

Resources Mentioned:

• What Alice Forgot - https://amzn.to/41OPAJt
• Big Magic - https://amzn.to/47FqfFB
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - https://amzn.to/47FqfFB
• The Phantom Tollbooth - https://amzn.to/3VetjAZ
• The Westing Game - https://amzn.to/4mdYyY4
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine - https://amzn.to/3IjBRDO
• The Happy Ever After Playlist - https://amzn.to/42sygdg

Jamie's Books

• Radically Content (Book) - https://amzn.to/46hcpGP
• Radically Content (The Journal) - https://amzn.to/4piAA0o
• The Alchemy Within - https://amzn.to/4gk6uWp
• Main Character Energy - https://amzn.to/3VeyqkQ
• Charlie Quinn Lets Go - https://amzn.to/3VKj4EC

Connect with Jamie:

• Website: jamievaron.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/jamievaron
• Facebook: facebook.com/jamievaron