Text the show

Today’s episode is a full-on rant—and one that every business owner needs to hear. I’m pulling back the curtain on a recent frustrating customer experience I had as the customer and what it taught me about how we respond when things go wrong. Whether the customer is right, wrong, or just plain rude (hello, angry potato guy), how we handle these situations can make or break trust in our business.

I’m sharing real stories—from a $500 disappointment to a mind-blowing act of generosity—that highlight exactly what great customer service looks like (and what it doesn’t). This isn’t just about refunds or responses—it’s about showing your customers they matter, even when the tech fails, the email goes missing, or (sometimes unreasonable) expectations aren’t met.

If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries while still wanting to overdeliver—or if you want to build a business that’s both generous and sustainable—this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “above and beyond” should be your baseline for customer experience
• How to prepare for inevitable tech failures (and what to do when they happen)
• The difference between being generous and being a doormat
• How one business owner earned my lifelong loyalty—even when I was 100% in the wrong
• Why acknowledging your customer’s feelings matters more than proving you’re right

Thrive in 5:

1. Design the Experience: Map out what you want your customers to feel the moment they buy, sign up, or reach out. 
2. Set that tone intentionally. Make sure you set clear expectations of what they can expect and when.
3. Build in Backup Plans: Set up automated systems—but also create a plan for when those systems fail. (Because they will.)
4. Choose Your Response: When things go sideways, resist the urge to get defensive. Show up with empathy, generosity, and a desire to make things right.
5. Surprise and Delight When You Can: Sometimes, going above and beyond (even when you don’t “have” to) is what sets your brand apart.

What kind of experience are you creating for your customers—especially when things don’t go as planned? If this episode made you rethink your own customer service flow, send me a message. I’d love to hear what you’re shifting or rethinking. 

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

If I were starting my business all over again today, here’s a list of 10 things I wouldn’t repeat—and what I’d absolutely double down on.

Today I'm sharing my list of hard-earned lessons about strategy, mindset, tech, energy, and what actually builds momentum. Plus, I’m highlighting a few decisions I’m genuinely proud of making early on and continue to do today.

Whether you’re just launching your business or wondering if it’s time for a reset, this episode will help you skip some of the mistakes and move forward with more clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why DIYing your website might be costing more than you think
• The mindset shift that saved me from perfectionism paralysis
• The truth about where clients really come from
• The type of offer I WISH I'd started with
• How I simplified the tech piece
• What I walked away from—even though it “worked” for others
• A few key choices I got right that helped me grow with more ease

Thrive in 5: Here are 5 simple actions you can take today to start your business off on a better foot:

1. Start a “Proof Folder” to collect testimonials, kind messages, and wins.
2. Audit your tech stack—what tools are truly supporting you? And what's just weighing you down?
3. Reshare something you've already created and love.
4. Define what success means for you this season (beyond revenue).
5. Write down what felt aligned—and what didn’t—this past week.

If this episode sparked something for you, send it to a friend who needs a reminder that it’s okay to do business differently. And if you’re building something that feels aligned (not algorithm-approved), I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

If talking about money makes you want to bury your head in the sand—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by financial coach and podcast host Dawnette Palmore, who’s on a mission to help women take control of their money without sacrificing their lifestyle, confidence, or sanity.

We talk about why so many of us avoid looking at our numbers, how money habits often stem from what we grew up believing, and what it really looks like to create a spending plan that works for you—not against you. This isn’t about restriction or shame. It’s about clarity, calm, and feeling empowered with your finances—even if you’re just getting started.

Here’s what we get into:

• Why more income doesn’t always equal less stress
• Why budgeting feels restrictive—and what to do instead
• Simple systems that make managing money feel doable
• What to do when it feels like “there’s never enough”
• Pricing your services the right way—without the guilt
• Creating financial resilience no matter your income level

Thrive in 5: Quick Wins to Shift Your Money Mindset

1. Choose one expense from your business and write it down—just one.
2. Rename your savings account to “Tax Savings” and set aside a small percentage from your next payment.
3. Look at your last business purchase—would you buy it again?
4. Add one income or expense to a simple tracker (pen and paper totally counts).
5. Write down a revenue goal or the number of people you want to help this year—and let that be your motivation.

This episode isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about taking one small step toward feeling more in control—and a whole lot less anxious—about your money.

Connect with Dawnette Palmore
Instagram, Facebook, and more: @YourMoneyOnPurpose or on her website at yourmoneyonpurpose.com

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

Today I'm pulling back the curtain on a sneaky form of self-sabotage that might look like productivity—but is actually keeping you stuck: productive hiding.

You know the drill: tweaking your website layout, “perfecting” your brand colors, reorganizing your Trello boards. It all feels important… but if you’re still not making sales, something’s off.

I’m breaking down:

• Why your “busy days” aren’t leading to real results
• How perfectionism and fear of rejection disguise themselves as productivity
• The real reason you’re still “getting ready” instead of getting clients
• And how to shift into action that actually moves your business forward

This episode will help you recognize the difference between motion and momentum—and show you how to trade busywork for brave moves.

Key Takeaways:

• Confidence doesn’t come before action—it’s a result of showing up scared and doing it anyway.
• Learning can become a delay tactic when you use it to avoid imperfect implementation.
• “Productive” tasks like tech setup and backend tweaking often feel safe because they let you avoid visibility and vulnerability.
• The business you want won’t be built behind the scenes—it’s waiting for you to be seen.

Thrive in 5: Trade Busywork for Bold Moves

1. Circle only the sales-generating tasks on your to-do list (and forget the rest—at least for now!)
2. Pause the online course—act on what you already know.
3. Post something today—even if it’s messy.
4. Make your offer so clear a stranger could explain it (and want it!)
5. Ask yourself: “What would I do if I believed this was already working?” Then go do that.

Ready to Stop Hiding in the Busywork?

If you’re done tweaking and ready to start selling, The Shortcut is for you. I’ll help you build the systems, strategy, and support you need to finally get visible—and get results.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

If you're feeling stuck, exhausted, or like you're silently unraveling behind a high-functioning exterior—this episode is for you.

This week on Thriver’s Ed, I’m joined by Wendy Alexander, a career and interview coach who helps midlife and menopausal women ditch the “good, secure job” script and create careers they actually want. Wendy shares her personal journey of navigating debilitating menopause symptoms and a complete career pivot that led her to the work she loves today.

We talk about what happens when your body says “no more,” how to recognize when it’s not a breakdown—but a transition—and what actionable steps you can take when you're ready to rewrite the script.

Whether you're toying with leaving your job, struggling with your identity in midlife, or just feeling that whisper that says “this isn’t it”—you’ll walk away from this episode with hope, direction, and a solid next step.

🎙️ What We Cover in This Episode:

• Wendy’s deeply personal story of crashing during menopause—and finding purpose on the other side
• The myth of the “secure job” and why it’s not serving you anymore
• How to recognize the signs that you’re in transition (not falling apart)
• Why hiding your struggles at work can hurt more than help—and what to do instead
• Practical tips for rewriting your story and making a values-aligned career move
• The power of networking, storytelling, and taking just one next step.

 Thrive in 5

1. Talk to an expert – Whether it’s a doctor, therapist, or coach, you don’t have to do this alone.
2. Mine your story – Reflect on what you’ve overcome and what brings you joy.
3. Update your LinkedIn profile – Even if it’s just your headline, start somewhere.
4. Reach out to one person – An old colleague, a mentor, a connection. You’re not bothering them—you’re inviting them in.
5. Pick one small step – And take it. That first move builds the confidence you need for the next one.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Wendy at happycareerhub.com
• Grab her free “Mining Your Story” training

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

Click here to grab your free ticket to AI Unlocked

I’m joined by business coach and branding expert Debbie Shadid for a candid conversation on all things AI—what it’s great at, where it goes wrong, and how to make sure you’re not losing your voice in the process.

We’re both speaking at the AI Unlocked Summit next week, and we wanted to give you a sneak peek into what we’re thinking, feeling, and learning about AI.

Spoiler alert: AI can create content—but it can’t create connection. And connection is what converts.

If you’ve ever been tempted to copy and paste a ChatGPT response and call it a day, or felt overwhelmed by all the new AI tools popping up on your feed, this episode is for you. Debbie and I talk about how to stay authentic, how to actually train your AI tools to sound like you, and what NOT to do when it comes to creating content and courses.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why over-relying on ChatGPT can actually hurt your business (and how to fix it)
• Why the first draft from AI should never be the final version
• Which AI tools we’re loving right now
• How to avoid the “buffering” trap
• A behind-the-scenes preview of what we’re bringing to the AI Unlocked Summit

Thrive in 5: Five Ways to Use AI Authentically Starting Today

1. Create a “No-No List”: Make a running list of phrases AI uses that you’d never say (like “no fluff” or overused emojis). Feed it back into your AI to refine its tone.
2. Save Everything: Don’t let ChatGPT be the only place your ideas live. Save final content in a Google Doc to reuse, train your AI, or repurpose later.
3. Edit in AI: Every time you correct your AI-generated content, do it in the chat. This helps it learn your style and saves time in the long run.
4. Ask for Sources: When using AI for research, always ask for the source—especially if you’re quoting stats or referencing content.
5. Check for Plagiarism & Trademarks: Never assume AI-generated content is 100% original. Use it as a starting point, not the final say.

Hungry for more AI talk?

Join us at the AI Unlocked Summit—a game-changing virtual event featuring 50 expert speakers (including me and Debbie!). Whether you're just dabbling with AI or using it daily, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to uplevel your coaching business without losing your unique voice. Don’t miss it.

🎟️ Grab your free ticket here

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

Ever felt like you’ve done everything right—the offer, the funnel, the launch emails—only to hear crickets when it’s go-time? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason your sales page might not be converting the way you hoped: a lack of trust.

Forget the vague “know, like, trust” platitudes—this is about tangible, measurable ways to reduce buyer hesitation and turn lurkers into loyal clients. I’m diving deep into the psychology of buying, why trust matters so much (especially in service-based businesses), and sharing eight specific strategies you can implement right now to make your sales page a conversion magnet.

From powerful testimonial tactics to using social proof tools the right way, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you close the trust gap and increase your impact—without lowering your prices or rewriting your whole offer.

What You’ll Learn:

• The science behind buyer hesitation and emotional decision-making.
• How cognitive biases like loss aversion and decision fatigue sabotage conversions.
• The #1 most overlooked reason people don’t buy—even when they want to.
• 8 tactical ways to build trust directly into your sales page and funnel.
• Why video, guarantees, and human language are your new sales superpowers.
• 3 myths that are silently killing your conversions (and what to do instead).

Thrive in 5: Your Trust-Boosting To-Do List

Here are five small tweaks you can make this week that create big trust signals:

1. Add a screenshot testimonial from your DMs, inbox, or client portal—keep it real and specific.
2. Write a money-back guarantee in your own voice, and display it clearly.
3. Set up a social proof notification tool (like Proof Source) to show real-time engagement.
4. Record a 60-second welcome video explaining who your offer is for.
5. Create a simple way for people to ask questions—email reply, DMs, or chat link.

Remember: Trust is what turns “maybe later” into “hell yes!”

Want support applying these strategies to your own page? Introducing Offer Audits—a detailed review of your sales page where I point out EXACTLY what’s working, what’s not, and what to tweak to boost conversions. Click here to claim yours.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

If your offer isn’t selling like hotcakes, it might not be your funnel—or your price point. It might be the offer itself. But the good news? That’s one of the easiest things to fix.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the five critical things I wish every entrepreneur nailed before they tried to sell something. 

Whether you're launching a new digital product, coaching program, or service, this pre-sale checklist will help you create an offer that’s clear, compelling, and converts.

Before you pour more money into ads or second-guess your entire business plan, tune in and walk through this simple but powerful checklist to make sure your offer is doing the heavy lifting for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why your offer—not your marketing—might be the problem (and why that’s great news)
• How to make sure you’re solving a specific, urgent problem
• The difference between listing features vs. selling outcomes—and the phrase changes everything
• How to ditch the robot voice and write copy that actually sounds like you
• The #1 thing most entrepreneurs skip (and why it can completely transform your sales page)

Thrive in 5

1. Check Your Offer – Is your offer solving an immediate, painful problem your audience knows they have?
2. Refine Your Copy – Look at every feature of your offer and finish the sentence: “So that they can…”
3. Use Real Language – Grab a quote or phrase straight from your ideal client and sprinkle it into your copy.
4. Reduce Friction – Make your sales page easy to skim, with a clear CTA and a smooth checkout process.
5. Get Peer Feedback – Ask someone with experience (and a pulse) to review your offer and tell you what’s missing.

Whether you're prepping for your next launch or revisiting an offer that fell flat, this episode is your roadmap to getting it right—and making it sell.

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s building an offer or text me your favorite takeaway!

👉 Want an expert set of eyes on your offer before your next launch? Stay tuned—I've got something coming that’ll help you get sales-ready without rewriting everything from scratch.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

I’m joined by Dr. LaChelle Wieme to dive deep into something every entrepreneur, leader, and high-achiever faces: fear of starting and making decisions.

We pull back the curtain on the real reasons behind self-doubt, overthinking, and playing small — and most importantly, how you can start building confidence before you feel "ready." Dr. LaChelle shares powerful, actionable strategies for rewiring the beliefs that hold you back, taking smarter risks, and moving forward even when fear tries to keep you stuck.

If you’ve ever hesitated to launch, pivot, or level up because it didn’t feel “safe enough” or “perfect enough,” this episode is your permission slip (and your game plan) to move forward anyway.

Key Takeaways:

• The Real Root of Fear: Hint: it’s not a lack of ability
• How to Stop Waiting for Permission: Own your choices, take back your power, and stop outsourcing your success.
• Foundations of Unshakeable Confidence: Dr. LaChelle’s 7 pillars for building resilience, courage, and real decision-making power.
• The Power of "Worst-Case Scenario" Thinking: Why confronting fear head-on unlocks momentum
• How to Tap Into Your Future Self: Practical ways to make decisions as the person you're becoming — not the one you're trying to leave behind.

Thrive in 5

1. Calm Your Nervous System: Try deep breathing (4 seconds in, 8 seconds out) to shift from fight-or-flight into clarity.
2. Name Your Fear: Ask yourself, "What exactly am I afraid of?" Get specific.
3. Play Out the Worst-Case Scenario: Write down the absolute worst outcome — then plan how you would handle it.
4. Time Travel: Visualize the confident version of you — how would she act in this situation?
5. Take One Small Brave Step: Action builds confidence. Do one thing today your future self would thank you for.
   
   

You can learn more about Dr. LaChelle Wieme on her website, and if you'd like to grab your own voice analysis, you can find that here.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!

Text the show

Today I’m pulling back the curtain on the glossy, overhyped dream of making passive income with digital downloads. You’ve seen the claims: whip up a quick PDF, throw it on Etsy or TikTok, and boom—$1K days while you sip iced coffee in your PJs.

But let’s get real.

Creating low-ticket offers like $17 guides or $27 templates can be part of a successful business. But only if you’ve got the right strategy to back it up.

Otherwise? You’re wasting time, energy, and probably money chasing a "secret" that doesn’t exist.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why value isn’t about stuffing tips into a PDF—it’s about solving real problems
• The math behind digital product sales (and why most people skip it)
• What it actually takes to make low-ticket offers profitable and sustainable
• How to spot shady “shortcuts” that are designed to take your money, not grow your income
• The truth about those coaches with “passive” offers running $40K/month in ads

Key Takeaways:

• Passive income is front-loaded work. You need traffic, trust, and a funnel that does the heavy lifting.
• Value sells—not information. Transformation is the product, not the pages.
• The numbers matter. If your $10 product needs 1,000 sales to hit your goal, how will you get those eyeballs?
• Shortcuts aren’t strategy. And those selling you shortcuts are often spending big on ads.
• Consistency > hacks. This is a long game, and the winners are the ones who keep showing up.

Thrive in 5

1. Run the Numbers: Take your product price and revenue goal—how many sales do you need?
2. Do the Traffic Math: Based on average conversion rates, how many people need to see your offer?
3. Unsubscribe from a “secrets” seller: Clear the noise and focus on what actually works

If you’re done spinning your wheels and ready to build a business that actually works—check out The Shortcut. It’s my done-with-you service to streamline your backend, automate the chaos, and finally give you a strategy that’s scalable and sustainable.

Not ready to invest yet? No problem. Join my email list or subscribe to this podcast for weekly, no-BS strategies that actually work.

Loved this episode? Don’t miss out on more practical, no-nonsense advice to level up your life and business. Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Thriver's Ed! 🎙️

💡 Join the Conversation: Have questions, thoughts, or an "aha" moment you'd like to share? Text the show by clicking the link in the show notes or leave a review – I read every single one!

💌 Get the Inside Scoop: Want even more tips, strategies, and exclusive content? Sign up for my newsletter and get a front-row seat to all things thriving. Subscribe here.

Thanks for listening – your journey to thriving is just getting started!