Thriving Through

"From Corporate Constraints to Creative Freedom: How Alessandra LaTour Built a Leadership Academy That Delivers Practical Results"

YouTube Description
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D., founder of Latour Leadership Academy. We talk about how she transformed corporate layoffs into an opportunity to create a business focused on actionable leadership development, and why authenticity and staying true to your pricing strategy matters when building a consulting practice. (5:07, 24:52)

Connect with Alessandra
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandralatour/
Website: latourleadershipacademy.com

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]

Show Notes
Are you struggling to stand out in a competitive field while staying true to your expertise and values?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Alessandra LaTour, Ed.D., founder of Latour Leadership Academy, where she works with leaders at all levels to develop authentic leadership styles, create team synergy, and cultivate positive productivity in the workplace.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How Alessandra transformed multiple corporate layoffs into an opportunity to create her own business • Why offering practical, action-based leadership development differentiates her from competitors • The challenges of pricing your services to reflect both your expertise and client value • Why authenticity is crucial when building a consulting business • How to decide what aspects of your business to outsource versus learn yourself • The importance of creating learning communities to enhance client results
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you're a self-employed consultant who's struggling to differentiate yourself in a crowded market or feeling uncertain about your pricing strategy, Alessandra's journey from corporate leadership development to independent business owner provides valuable insights on staying true to your expertise while building a business that delivers real value.

Listen to These Key Moments:
1:12 - Alessandra's journey from corporate layoffs to entrepreneurship, sharing how frustration with corporate constraints led her to create something that truly reflected her style and vision.
5:07 - How she differentiates herself from competitors by focusing on actionable, practical leadership development that clients can immediately apply.
24:52 - Her approach to pricing services and the balancing act between respecting your expertise while meeting clients where they are financially.
30:30 - The importance of authenticity in building a business that aligns with your mission and vision.
32:19 - Overview of Latour Leadership Academy's offerings including free resources, blog posts, podcast, and comprehensive leadership programs.

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 

Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Ryan McKinney of McKinney Business Solutions. We talk about how Ryan transformed his career from corporate employee to thriving consultant, his unique system for helping small businesses bridge the gap between the $1M and $5M revenue ceiling, and his powerful "13th Week Sabbatical" strategy that revolutionizes how consultants can grow their practice while avoiding burnout. 

(6:00) Ryan shares his journey from accidental consultant to strategic business coach, 

(25:20) Ryan reveals his 13th Week Sabbatical system that transformed his business, 

(37:30) Get the 1 piece of advice for struggling consultants.

Ryan is offering the Business Growth Playbook to Thriving Through podcast viewers for free. The Playbook covers the 25 things all businesses should be doing to scale wisely (but probably aren’t). Get a free copy at MBSBreakthrough.com

Connect with Ryan

LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandmckinney/
Website: https://www.mckinneybusiness.com/
Ryan’s book: Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit
Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]
Show Notes

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Ryan transitioned from corporate America to building his consulting practice
The power of listening to your clients to develop your service offerings
Why your prospective clients need you to ask for their business (and how to do it naturally)
Ryan's "13th Week Sabbatical" system that revolutionized his business
The importance of self-leadership before attempting to lead a business
How to identify when a prospective client is ready for transformation
Why getting a business coach is the 1 piece of advice for struggling consultants
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you're a self-employed consultant who feels stuck working IN your business rather than ON it, Ryan's journey from "accidental consultant" to strategic business coach offers both inspiration and practical tactics. His signature Breakthrough Blueprint provides a framework for escaping the revenue roller coaster and creating sustainable growth in your consulting practice.

Listen to These Key Moments:

06:00 - The Accidental Consultant Journey: Ryan shares how he discovered coaching and consulting by following client needs and leveraging his diverse corporate background.

12:30 - Finding Your First 10 Clients: Learn Ryan's remarkably straightforward approach to generating leads through authentic conversations and referrals.

20:30 - Overcoming Fear-Based Decision Making: Ryan discusses how fear-based decisions lead to terrible outcomes and his practice of using affirmations to fortify his mindset.

25:20 - The 13th Week Sabbatical Revolution: Discover Ryan's game-changing approach to working in 12-week sprints followed by a week dedicated to self-improvement and business development.

32:00 - Connecting the Dots to Profit: Ryan introduces his new book "Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit" and its focus on self-leadership, people leadership, and business mastery.

37:30 - The 1 Advice for Struggling Consultants: Ryan's powerful one-piece advice for self-employed consultants who aren't where they want to be.

Resources and Links Mentioned

Business Growth Playbook, the 25 things all businesses should be doing to scale wisely (but probably aren’t). Get a free copy at MBSBreakthrough.com
Buy Back Your Time - Dan Martell's book on delegation
Traction - Gino Wickman's book on entrepreneurial operating systems
Connect with Ryan

LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandmckinney/
Website: https://www.mckinneybusiness.com/
Ryan’s book: Connecting the Dots: A Clear Path to Profit
Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]
Do you wonder why your marketing isn't bringing in enough clients? Discover exactly which parts of your marketing need attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 

Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast
Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Oksana Matviichuk, founder and CEO of OM Strategic Forecasting. We discuss the critical mindset shifts required when transitioning from corporate life to independent consulting (13:41), why public relations is a surprisingly effective marketing strategy for consultants (26:15), and how to create a strategic qualification process that attracts ideal clients (31:44). Oksana also shares valuable insights on leveraging AI strategy as a competitive advantage for consultants in 2025 and beyond (37:26).

Connect with Oksana Matviichuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanamatviichuk/
Website: omstrategicforecaster.com/ 
Email: [email protected]

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]

Show Notes
Are you struggling to make the leap from corporate employee to successful consultant? Wondering why your marketing efforts aren't attracting ideal clients?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Oksana Matviichuk, founder and CEO of OM Strategic Forecasting. Originally from Ukraine, Oksana built her career over 20 years in advertising agencies before launching her own strategic forecasting consultancy, where she now helps mid-sized companies navigate market, audience, and technology disruptions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• The biggest mindset shift required when transitioning from corporate life to independent consulting • Why your own beliefs can be the greatest limitation to your business growth • How to effectively qualify prospects using a 3-month trial approach • Why public relations and thought leadership are more effective marketing strategies than social media for consultants • The value of finding a business coach for sustainable long-term growth • How to structure your services with different timeframes (3-month and 6-month engagements) • Why AI strategy is becoming crucial for consultants in 2025-2026
Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
If you're a self-employed consultant who's struggling with finding clients, pricing your services, or structuring your offerings, Oksana provides practical insights from someone who has successfully made the transition from corporate strategist to independent consultant. Her unique perspective on thought leadership marketing and client qualification will help you rethink your approach to business development.
Listen to These Key Moments:
06:54 - What to Do Differently: Oksana shares her biggest lesson about securing more clients before launching (06:54)
08:12 - Sales Always Comes First: Why understanding your comfort level with sales is crucial to your business structure (08:12)
13:53 - The Biggest Mindset Shift: How recognizing your own limiting beliefs is the key to growth (13:53)
17:10 - Preventing Business Failure: Understanding why many consultancies fail within the first two years (17:10)
26:15 - Effective Marketing Strategies: Why public relations and thought leadership matter more than social media posts (26:15)
31:44 - Qualifying Prospects: Using a 3-month subscription model to identify ideal clients (31:44)
37:26 - The Future of AI Strategy: Why developing AI strategy services will be crucial for consultants in 2025-2026 (37:26)

Book Recommendations:
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington: https://a.co/d/3YCa0mg
Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz:  https://a.co/d/aEB9Clj
Connect with Oksana Matviichuk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanamatviichuk/
Website: omstrategicforecaster.com/ 
Email: [email protected]
Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/
If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast
Head over to https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.
Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]
Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Drew Roberts, founder of DB Impact, a business consulting company focused on helping startups and small to medium-sized businesses become more efficient. We talk about how to overcome the mental challenges of entrepreneurship, why defining your real value proposition is crucial to your success, and why focusing on the four foundational areas of business can provide better results than niching down in a specific industry. Find out why taking imperfect action trumps perfectionism every time for consultants looking to grow their practice. 

5:20 Mental challenges of entrepreneurship
11:32 The four foundational areas of business
29:34 Counterintuitive advice on taking action vs. perfectionism

Connect with Drew Roberts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-roberts/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/db-impact-business/

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: [email protected]

Show Notes
Are you stuck in your head, trying to craft the perfect business model before launching your consulting practice? What if your greatest obstacle isn't your market, your skills, or your competition, but your own quest for perfection?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Drew Roberts, founder of dB Impact, a business consulting company that helps startups and small-to-medium businesses streamline operations and implement efficiency-boosting systems.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to overcome the mental challenges of entrepreneurship and shorten those difficult emotional windows
Why defining your value proposition is crucial but also an evolving process
The four foundational areas Drew focuses on with every client (internal/external communications, personnel, goal setting, and technological systems)
How Go High Level serves as an all-in-one solution for solo consultants looking to streamline their tech stack
Why building a referral-based business may be more effective than paid advertising for consultants
How to conduct effective discovery calls that focus on conversation rather than hard selling
Why taking imperfect action consistently beats waiting for perfection

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode
If you've been struggling with the mental game of entrepreneurship or wondering how to define your unique value in the marketplace, Drew's journey will provide both practical insights and emotional reassurance. His counterintuitive approach to growing a consulting business without niching down to a specific industry challenges conventional wisdom while still delivering results. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your existing consulting practice, Drew's focus on the foundational elements of business success offers a refreshing perspective on what truly matters.

Listen to These Key Moments:
03:09 - Mental Challenges of Entrepreneurship: Drew shares how he deals with the inevitable negative self-talk and doubt that comes with running your own business.
08:15 - Finding Your Value Proposition: How Drew evolved his business by focusing on where he could provide the most value to clients.
11:32 - The Four Foundational Areas: Learn about the four core elements Drew focuses on with every client, regardless of their industry.
16:16 - Go High Level as the Ultimate Tool: Why Drew recommends this all-in-one system for solo consultants over juggling multiple platforms.
24:35 - Discovery Calls That Convert: Drew's approach to discovery calls that prioritizes conversation over hard selling.
29:34 - Counterintuitive Advice on Perfectionism: Why waiting for perfection is holding you back, and how embracing "messy" action leads to better results.
32:45 - The Right Perspective on Failure: How viewing failures as growth opportunities rather than endpoints transforms your entrepreneurial journey.

Connect with Drew Roberts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-roberts/
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/db-impact-business/

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant's Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant

Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Laura Hardin, founder of Harden Heights Communications. We talk about how Laura transformed a devastating corporate layoff into entrepreneurial success, her unique approach to reactivating professional relationships without being transactional, and how she maintains work-life balance while building a thriving communications consultancy. Learn how she exceeded her first-year income goals and is positioning herself for $250,000 in annual profit within five years. 

6:26 - Pivotal moment decision
11:05 - Network activation strategy
22:22 - Financial insights for consultants
Connect with Laura Hardin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hardinheightscomms/
Website: HardinHeightsComms.com
Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]

Show Notes:
Are you tired of the corporate grind but afraid to take the leap into consulting? What if a layoff became the best thing that ever happened to your career?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Laura Hardin, founder of Harden Heights Communications, a consultancy specializing in change management and internal communications during corporate transitions.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Laura transformed a painful job loss into entrepreneurial success after 25 years in corporate communications
The two "Aha moments" that convinced her to bet on herself instead of continuing a frustrating job search
Practical strategies for reactivating your professional network without being purely transactional

How to qualify potential clients to ensure they're the right fit for your services
Why you can often make more money as a consultant while technically earning less
Essential systems and tools for running an efficient consulting practice
Strategies for maintaining work-life balance while building a thriving business

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode:
If you're stuck in the corporate world but dreaming of independence, or if you've recently started your consulting journey, Laura's story provides both inspiration and practical guidance. In just 10 months, she built a communications consultancy that exceeded her financial goals while giving her more freedom and fulfillment than her corporate career ever did. Her candid insights about overcoming rejection, managing uncertainty, and building authentic relationships will help you navigate your own path to consulting success.

Listen to These Key Moments:
03:33 - The Two Aha Moments: Laura shares the pivotal realizations that led her to launch her own business instead of continuing her job search.
07:26 - Overcoming Fear: How Laura dealt with the terrifying prospect of starting a business right when her daughter was beginning college.
11:05 - Network Activation: Laura's authentic approach to leveraging her professional relationships without coming across as transactional.
16:50 - Client Qualification: How Laura ensures potential clients are the right fit for her services through discovery calls.
19:01 - Essential Tools: The minimal but effective systems Laura uses to run her business efficiently.
22:22 - Financial Insights: Why consultants can often keep more of their money even while making less on paper than in corporate roles.
27:22 - Work-Life Balance: How Laura maintains balance while building her practice (and why she loves it so much).
31:50 - Advice to New Consultants: What Laura wishes she had known when starting her consulting journey.

Connect with Laura Hardin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-hardinheightscomms/
Website: HardinHeightsComms.com

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant’s Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things: 
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes
Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with me
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation 
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/  
Email: [email protected]

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Nick Eckert, founder of Sr. Training and Consulting. We talk about how Nick leverages his engineering background to simplify OSHA requirements for small and medium businesses, his unique approach to qualifying leads through an Amazon bestselling book, and why he believes "failing early and often" is the key to consulting success. 

4:55 Learn Nick's creative methods for building client relationships despite being "not naturally outgoing" 
11:15: Learn how Nick handles prospects who don't recognize they have safety problems
Connect with Nicholas Eckert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541284/
Website: https://www.srconsultingky.com/

Show Notes:
Are you struggling to find clients who actually recognize they need your help? How do you transform failures into valuable data that drives your business forward?
In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Nick Eckert, founder of Sr. Training and Consulting, who helps small and medium-sized businesses navigate OSHA requirements and build world-class safety cultures.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
• How to approach prospects who don't recognize they have a problem yet 
• Strategies for using a book as a lead generation tool rather than a revenue producer 
• The benefits of an ascension model from social media to books to online courses to consulting 
• How to overcome the challenge of cold calling when you're not naturally outgoing 
• Why learning from failure is more valuable than quick success 
• Tactics for nurturing leads who aren't ready to become clients 
• How to analyze competitors to find your unique positioning

Why You Should Listen to This Episode
If you're building a consulting practice in a field where clients often don't recognize they need help until it's too late, Nick's creative approaches to client acquisition will help you rethink your marketing strategy. His refreshing perspective on embracing failure as valuable data rather than setbacks provides a mental framework that can help any consultant persevere through challenging early years.

Listen to These Key Moments:
[4:33] Nick's biggest challenge: Finding clients when no one wants cold calls and how he overcame his natural reluctance to knock on doors.
[6:46] Books as lead generation: How Nick uses his Amazon bestselling book to qualify prospects and generate warm leads rather than focusing on book revenue.
[11:15] The "we don't have problems" objection: Nick's clever techniques for shifting the conversation with prospects who don't recognize safety issues.
[15:23] Nurturing not-ready prospects: How Nick uses regular value-first content to stay top-of-mind with prospects who aren't ready to buy.
[21:54] Advice for new consultants: "Fail early and fail often, and learn from it" - Nick's counter-intuitive perspective on early business struggles.
[27:27] Competitor analysis: How to look at competitors not as threats but as teachers of what works and what gaps you can fill.

Connect with Nicholas Eckert
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105541284/
Website: https://www.srconsultingky.com/

Confused About Why Your Marketing Isn't Bringing in Enough Clients? Discover Exactly Which Parts of Your Marketing Need Attention. Take the Consultant's Marketing Scorecard today and get clarity on what's breaking down and what needs fixing. https://cms-2025.scoreapp.com/

If you liked today's episode, do these two things:
Click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes

Leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast

Connect with me:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/
Book an Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
Thriving Consultant newsletter: https://ajriedel.mykajabi.com/newsletters/the-thriving-consultant
Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
Email: [email protected]
Until next time, keep thriving through!

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Frank Keck, CEO and founder of CoreBuild. We talk about how Frank built a thriving consulting business with 95% repeat clients by discovering his unique value proposition and having the confidence to charge what he's worth. Learn his practical strategy for building relationships through free workshops that convert to paying clients, and how he adapted his marketing approach after the pandemic changed everything. (9:40 Finding your value proposition, 19:34 Doubling your fees, 34:53 Morning routine for success)

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions 

Show Notes:

Are you undercharging for your consulting services, and as a result, working with clients who don't value your expertise?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Frank Keck, CEO and founder of CoreBuild, a company that helps develop confident leaders, collaborative teams, and profitable organizations where people can thrive.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Frank built a consulting business with an exceptional 95% client retention rate over 24 years
• Why being able to clearly articulate what you do is crucial for effective marketing
• The power of "test drive" marketing through free workshops that convert to paying clients
• How to overcome the fear of charging what you're really worth
• Strategies for building relationships with organizations that lead to long-term business
• How to use targeted data tools like Seamless.ai to identify and reach your ideal clients
• The importance of delegating tasks you're not good at to focus on your strengths
• How implementing a structured morning routine can transform your mindset and business

Why You Should Listen to (or Watch) This Episode

If you've ever struggled with defining your value as a consultant or lacked confidence in your pricing, Frank's journey provides a roadmap to building both inner confidence and external success. His practical approach to marketing, relationship-building, and personal development offers actionable insights that can help you differentiate yourself in today's competitive consulting landscape.

Listen to These Key Moments:

3:18 Getting Your Name Out There - Frank shares how his biggest initial challenge was defining what he actually does and communicating it effectively to potential clients. (03:18)

12:43 Finding What Works in Marketing - Learn how Frank built his business by speaking at professional organization chapters, giving potential clients a "test drive" of his services. (12:43)

19:34 Doubling Your Fees - Frank reveals how a business coach pushed him to double his fees, and how this not only increased his revenue but improved how he felt about himself. (19:34)

27:15 Building a Board of Directors - Discover how Frank created a personal "board of directors" with mentors in different areas of his life and business. (27:15)

34:53 Morning Routine for Success - Frank details his transformative morning routine that helped him shift from a victim mindset to a creative mindset. (34:53)

Resources and Links Mentioned:

• CoreBuild: Frank's leadership and team development company
• Seamless.ai: Tool Frank uses for targeted prospecting
• "Embrace Your Freakness": Frank's first book
• "Key Person of Influence" by Daniel Priestley
• SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute): Organizations where Frank spoke to build his business

If you liked today's episode, do these three things: 1) click subscribe on whatever podcast platform you use to make sure you don't miss future episodes, 2) leave me a review in your podcast app or YouTube so other self-employed consultants can learn about the podcast, 3) head over to https://www.ajriedel.com for show notes and other resources to help you grow your consulting practice.

Connect with Frank

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankkeck/

Website: corebuild.solutions 

Connect with me

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajriedel/ 

Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/ 

Email: [email protected]

Until next time, keep thriving through!

This interview features AJ Riedel speaking with Beverly Flores, founder of Thyme Out Consulting, on the "Thriving Through" podcast. Beverly shares her journey from a 24-year career at a Fortune 100 company to becoming an independent business consultant and coach who helps businesses and individuals unlock their potential.

The conversation explores:

• Beverly's transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship
• The importance of knowing your "why" and core values (hers are courage and freedom)
• Overcoming fear and building confidence in business
• Her mindset approach for handling rejection and pricing services
• Lead generation strategies and networking approaches
• The value of helping clients see their full potential
• Her future vision of expanding her coaching business while maintaining freedom to travel

Beverly offers practical advice for consultants and coaches, including the power of silence in pricing discussions, not letting fear control decisions, and defining success on your own terms rather than society's expectations. The interview showcases Beverly's philosophy of "be limitless" and focusing on possibilities rather than limitations.

Connect with Beverly Flores: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevflores/

Website: thymeoutconsulting.com 

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with successful independent consultants.

Show notes

From Corporate Leader to Thriving Consultant: How Beverly Flores Secured 13 Clients in 6 Months Through Courage and Authentic Connection

Are you ready to break free from your corporate job but fear is holding you back? How do you confidently price your services when you're just starting out?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Beverly Flores, founder of Thyme Out Consulting. We talk about Beverly's journey from a 24-year corporate career to securing 13 clients in her first six months as a consultant, the power of letting silence work for you in pricing conversations, and defining success beyond financial metrics. Discover how to leverage your core values to overcome fear and build a business that aligns with your authentic self. Tune in and learn practical strategies for generating leads, handling rejection, and creating a consulting business that gives you both professional fulfillment and personal freedom.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• 13:32 - Courage as a Core Value: Beverly explains how identifying courage as her core value helped her overcome fear
• 25:17 - The Power of Silence in Pricing: Beverly shares the critical technique of staying silent after stating your price
• 31:35 - You Are Not Your Emotions: Important mindset shift for handling rejection and disappointment
• 35:57 - Call the Second List: Powerful story about persistence after rejection with a client who gave up halfway
• 38:27 - Lead Generation Tactics: Beverly's practical approach to finding new clients through Chamber of Commerce
• 41:14 - Building an Email List: Overcoming reluctance to reach out to people with valuable content
• 47:43 - Four Buckets of Success: Beverly's framework for defining success beyond financial metrics

Resources:

• Thriving Through Podcast: https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through
• Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Free Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
• Take the Marketing Momentum Assessment: https://aj-jjsg4yy5.scoreapp.com/ 

Connect with Beverly Flores: 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevflores/
• Website: thymeoutconsulting.com 

Feeling trapped in a job that's draining your mental health? Wondering if you can build a consulting business that actually supports your life priorities?

In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Julie Collison, special education expert and founder of Ingenuity Unlimited. We talk about Julie's courageous journey from burnout to building her own consulting practice, why face-to-face connections trump digital marketing in service businesses, and the challenge of choosing between comfortable-but-less-profitable markets versus uncomfortable-but-lucrative ones.

Discover how to transition from employment to self-employment without losing yourself in the process, and hear practical advice on targeting the right clients, managing seasonal fluctuations, and measuring success beyond finances.

Tune in and gain valuable insights whether you're considering the leap to consulting or already navigating the challenges of your first few years in business.

Timestamps:

00:04:24 - Mental health as the catalyst for career change 

00:07:40 - Why Facebook ads failed but in-person networking worked 

00:12:54 - The challenge of serving two different target markets 

00:19:10 - Pushing beyond comfort zones for business growth 

00:21:23 - Positioning services to create value for businesses 

00:23:34 - Measuring success through impact and life quality 

00:27:12 - "Keep fighting": Advice for struggling consultants

Resources:

• Thriving Through Podcast: https://www.ajriedel.com/podcasts/thriving-through
• Website: https://www.ajriedel.com/
• Email: [email protected]
• Free Exploratory Consultation: https://calendly.com/ajr-2/exploratory-consultation
• Take the Marketing Momentum Assessment: https://aj-jjsg4yy5.scoreapp.com/ 

Connect with Julie Collison

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-collison-m-ed-379a7194/
• Website: ingenuityunlimitedllc.com/