Unpolished MBA

Wrapping up Season 11 of Unpolished MBA.

Lesson of 2025: People may appear kind/nice/assertive/confident and be ill-intentioned and cut-throat in business.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

In this episode, we're joined by Sabeen Abbas, founder of Hatch Line Consulting, to unpack what it really means to turn product strategy into action in the CPG and food and beverage world.

Sabeen shares how she transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship just one year ago, why she chose to focus on CPG, and how she uses decision frameworks and stakeholder clarity to help founders and leadership teams stop stalling and start moving.

They dig into the reality that “strategy” is often misunderstood, and that what leaders call “too tactical” is sometimes the exact mechanism required to execute.

Sabeen explains her approach to fractional product and commercial leadership, why the shelf is where the truth lives in CPG, and how a company’s packaging decision is never just design, it is context, category dynamics, and buyer and consumer behavior.

Key takeaways and insights

1. Entrepreneurship is not always a side hustle story. For some people, it starts when they are ready to own their own hamster wheel instead of running on someone else’s.
2. In CPG, product strategy is inseparable from retail reality. The shelf context and category are part of the strategy, not an afterthought.
3. Decision-making is a leadership skill. Delaying decisions creates momentum and focus problems across the organization.
4. Stakeholder management drives execution. Many “contradictions” in meetings are actually stakeholder pressure playing out in real time.
5. A useful rule of thumb for options: if you only have two, you have not thought hard enough. If you have a hundred, you have not filtered. Aim for a strong option C.
6. “Strategy” is getting a bad reputation because some leaders have never learned how to connect strategy to action. Good strategy is operational, not performative.

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

Company: Hatch Line Consulting https://www.hatchline.co/

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Capitalism is under pressure and everyday people can feel it.

Rising prices from tariffs, fights over healthcare, shrinking trust in institutions and the rapid advance of AI have people questioning whether the system still works for them.

In this conversation, Monique Mills sits down with Douglas Stevens, professor of accountancy at Georgia State University and author of In Search of a Moral Foundation for Capitalism.

Together they unpack how economic theory narrowed into the “greedy, lazy” view of human behavior and what past thinkers can teach us about rebuilding a moral foundation for modern capitalism.

On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-stevens-58b503126/

His book "In Search Of A Moral Foundation For Capitalism" can be found on Amazon at https://a.co/d/9hMtGp3

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode, Andy Goldstrom of Midcourse Advisors joined us. He has a remarkable track record of building and exiting two Inc. 5,000 companies to Fortune 50 buyers.

Andy shares the powerful difference between mere growth and true scaling.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What Andy’s first two fast-growth companies were and how they disrupted their industries.
• The first cracks Andy typically sees in a company trying to scale too fast
• Why focus is the absolute key to scaling, and how a lack of it causes business owners to spend money on fragmented marketing or adding new services when they have "holes in their current bucket".
• How to build the "business muscle" for people who are great at their craft, but haven't been to business school.
• The two things that often unlock significant growth
• Andy’s three-part framework for success in business

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

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

Company - Midcourse Advisors: www.midcourseadvisors.com

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On this episode, Dr. Julie Gurner, executive performance coach and author of the Ultra Successful Substack newsletter, to unpack one of the most misunderstood traits in leadership: assertiveness.

Most people equate assertiveness with rudeness — especially when it comes from women. But as Dr. Gurner explains, assertiveness is simply clarity — the opposite of expecting people to read your mind. The two discuss how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and ownership separate high performers from those who stay stuck in their comfort zones.

• Why being assertive isn’t the same as being abrasive
• How fear of judgment keeps professionals from being direct
• The myth of “micromanagement” and what clarity actually looks like
• How emotional intelligence shapes perception of leadership styles
• Why clarity builds trust faster than politeness ever will
• The danger of surrounding yourself with excuse-makers
• Why growth plateaus are rarely caused by markets — and usually by mindsets

Dr. Gurner also dives into limiting beliefs and the power of an internal locus of control, showing how elite performers take total ownership of outcomes — good or bad. Monique adds her own experiences leading teams across industries, from engineering to beauty and wellness, highlighting the real-world tension between intention, perception, and leadership maturity.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

On Substack: https://substack.com/@drgurner

Website: https://ultrasuccessful.com/

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

2026 is shaping up to be the year that separates companies that are just keeping up from those creating what’s next. In this forward-thinking solo episode we break down the trends, technologies, and shifts that will define business success in the near future.

We dive into why many employees—though excellent at their roles—don’t understand the business behind what they do, and why that lack of understanding will become a liability as AI continues to evolve.

Listeners will learn why the smartest investment leaders can make before the year ends isn’t another software tool—but their people. Developing business acumen and innovation capability across teams can transform an organization’s culture, competitiveness, and ability to adapt.

If you’re a leader preparing your company for 2026, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters.s

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

When everyone sounds the same, trust becomes the real advantage.

In this episode, Lisa McGuire, strategist, advisor, and host of Your Passion, Purpose & Personal Brand, shares how to build a business aligned with your unique identity rather than credentials or trends.

Lisa breaks down how sameness is the recipe for disappearing, why borrowed voices weaken connection, and how authenticity and humanity are becoming the new competitive edge in business. Through her use of Human Design, she reveals the science behind how people are wired to make decisions, find alignment, and experience flow instead of burnout.

Lisa’s message is simple: when you stop performing and start operating as your true self, everything from marketing to client relationships flows naturally.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mcguire/

Website: https://lisamcguire.com/about/

Get Your Free Bodygraph - https://lisamcguire.com/get-your-free-chart/

Lisa's Podcast: https://www.podpage.com/your-passion-purpose-and-personal-brand/

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Some Topics Discussed Include:

Are you an educator hoping to pursue entrepreneurship? Listen in to learn how an educator-turned-entrepreneur reimagined her career to serve families, schools, and communities with language and literacy. Guest, Lisa Shaw, author, educator, and founder of My Other Tongue joined us on this episode. Lisa helps children and adults learn Spanish and Portuguese in ways that are practical, fun, and rooted in community. She also co-authored a children’s series with her son, Liam’s Faith Adventures, blending social-emotional learning with faith.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Some of the topics discussed include:

• The “mother tongue” idea: Learn a second language before age 8 and it can function like a mother tongue. What that means for accent, ear training, and home routines.
• Home language strategy: How to support bilingual homes when only one parent speaks the language. Why community, events, and real conversations matter more than vocab lists.
• What actually makes you fluent: Routines and patterns you use daily. Learn essential structures first (I need, I have, I go, Do you have… Can you…?) and layer vocabulary on top.
• Business reality: The hardest part is aligning expectations. Fluency is built outside class, so families need goals, accountability, and small weekly habits. Struggle is part of learning.
• Message to women rebuilding: Package your gifts, find your tribe, ask for support, and be courageous enough to share your dreams in the right rooms.

Register for classes - http://myothertongue-21291015.hs-sites.com/fall-spanish-class-registration-0   

Tutoring - https://www.myothertongue.com/childrens-courses/p/k-5-tutoring

Business website: http://www.myothertongue.com

Programs and offers:

• Kids, teen, and adult Spanish with thematic, real-life tasks
• Travel Spanish intensives before summer trips
• Immersion partnerships in Mexico with host families
• Corporate/adult practical Spanish for everyday interactions
• Literacy services leveraging science-of-reading practices in English and Spanish
• Georgia Milestones, decoded: Levels (Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Distinguished), why 3rd and 5th grade are promotion years, and how parents can interpret Lexile scores and act fast.
• Children’s book series: Liam’s Faith Adventures on Amazon

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

Blog: https://lisareneashaw.blogspot.com/

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

In this episode we speak with Karla Trotman, CEO of Electro Soft, an electronics contract manufacturer serving industrial and defense customers. Karla shares the company’s origin story from kitchen table cables to a second-generation operation, and how she’s steering through tariffs, supply chain shocks, skilled-labor shortages, and leadership stress.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlatrotman/

Her Company - Electro Soft Inc https://www.electrosoftinc.com/

Karla's Book on Amazon : https://a.co/d/9aHaU7T Dark, Dirty, Dangerous: Building the Vibrant Future of Manufacturing

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

Erika Jefferson joins the Unpolished MBA to talk about why more scientists and engineers aren’t at the venture capital table. She breaks down common myths about who becomes a VC, discuss the real backgrounds of investors, and highlight the unique value technical professionals bring to the world of startups and funding.

Erika shares insights from her research, offering practical advice for STEM professionals curious about breaking into venture capital.

Whether you’re an engineer, scientist, or just interested in the intersection of tech and finance, this conversation is packed with eye-opening stories, actionable tips, and inspiration to help you find your place in the VC ecosystem.

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

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

Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/

LinkedIn Group - VC for STEM https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14714659/

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

Bio Website: https://moniquemills.biz/

TPM Focus - Strategy Firm for Startups and SMBs: https://tpmfocus.com/

Become an Unpolished MBA Guest: https://unpolishedmba.com

This Episode is Supported By:

TPM Focus - tpmfocus.com

Source to Scale for Manufacturing Companies - tpmfocus.com/sourcetoscale

Venture Capital for STEM - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/venture-capital-for-stem-7345981518642618368/

New Majority Capital - https://newmajoritycapital.com/