In today’s episode, I sat down with Sebastien Fenelon—a true innovator building at the intersection of AI, privacy, and purpose. We talked about how Sebastien’s journey from Haiti to New York shaped his resilient approach to technology, and why empowering people (not just corporations) is at the heart of his work. He broke down what edge AI is, why keeping our data local really matters, and how even small businesses and creators can start using privacy-first AI tools today. My hope is that you leave this episode inspired to rethink how technology can serve you—while protecting what matters most. If you’re curious about practical, ethical AI and the future of online entrepreneurship, this is one you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Sebastien Fenelon

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-fenelon/

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:49 Sebastien Fenelon: Journey from Haiti to Tech

02:35 Early Projects and Building Resilience

05:16 Discovering AI as a Life Mission

07:02 Impactful and Private AI Systems

08:35 Purpose-Driven Innovation and Vision

10:30 Overcoming Obstacles and Building for Resilience

12:24 Why Edge AI and Local Models Matter

16:06 Agentic AI for Creators and Small Businesses

18:50 SLMs vs LLMs Explained

24:31 Starting with Privacy-First Local AI Tools

27:55 Sebastien’s Startups and Empowerment Platforms

31:28 Closing and Resources

In today’s episode, I sat down with the amazing Addie Ott—designer, author, and all-around kind soul—to dive deep into building an authentic visual identity for your brand or business. We unpacked how design is so much more than logos and colors; it’s about storytelling, service, and staying rooted in faith and purpose, even as trends come and go. Addie Ott shared practical tips for choosing colors and layouts that are both flexible and accessible, thoughts on balancing excellence and grace, and honest reflections about overcoming creative blocks (hint: sometimes you just need to step outside or reconnect with your “why”). I hope after listening, you’ll feel encouraged to create visuals that truly reflect who you are—and who you’re serving—without losing your soul in the process. Thanks for joining us on this creative wisdom journey!

Connect with Addie Ott

Website:https://www.addisonott.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/addison-ott/

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Addie Ott's Creative Journey & Faith in Design

03:31 Visual Identity: Tone, Heartbeat, and Brand Purpose

04:15 What is Visual Identity? Components and Context

06:59 Balancing Excellence and Grace in Design Process

10:41 Finding Timeless Inspiration in Everyday Objects

13:03 Technical Principles: Colors, Typography & Accessibility

17:43 Maintaining Consistency Across Mediums

21:16 Building a Visual System from Scratch

24:56 AI's Role in Design Today

29:58 Sustaining Creativity When Blocked

32:31 Lightning Round: Favorites and Design Principles

36:34 Where to Find and Connect with Addie Ott

38:21 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

In today’s episode, I sat down with Ken Meritt, an enterprise strategist who’s spent nearly three decades guiding top leaders and entrepreneurs through business transformation and authentic leadership. We dove into why strategy is more about people than just numbers, how real leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room, and what it takes to turn complexity into clarity (yes, even when you’re drowning in deadlines and data!). Ken also shared insights on building legacy, embracing failure, and cultivating strategic thinking—no matter where you are in your journey. My hope is that you walk away inspired to prioritize both financial smarts and human connection, and that you remember: great leaders are made, not just born. Don’t forget to subscribe and join the Wisdom Journey newsletter for more tools and behind-the-scenes updates. Let’s keep learning and growing together!

Connect with Ken Meritt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merritt-advisory-group-llc/

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:01:05 Ken Meritt’s Early Career & Realization About People in Strategy
00:02:32 Defining Business Transformation Through Leadership
00:03:53 Turning Complexity Into Clarity for Leaders
00:05:00 Finding Strategic Focus and Avoiding Distractions
00:07:08 Strategy Alignment: Paper vs. Execution
00:08:14 Leadership Gravitas: Definition and Importance
00:09:58 Developing Presence and Trust as a Leader
00:11:39 Balancing Financial Stewardship and Human Leadership
00:13:29 Universal Principles of Legacy Building
00:15:15 Cultivating Strategic Thinking Early in Your Career
00:17:34 Lessons Learned: Success & Leadership Only Time Can Teach
00:20:14 Lightning Round: Leadership Insights
00:24:14 Closing Remarks and Outro

In this episode, I sat down with Heidi Weiland, a holistic business coach whose journey from self-taught web developer to thriving entrepreneur brings a whole new perspective to building a sustainable business. We dove into what burnout really looks like, especially for sensitive and introverted solopreneurs, and why traditional “hustle harder” advice often misses the mark for folks like us. Heidi shared practical ways to design a business model that honors your energy, human needs, and unique strengths—so you can actually enjoy your work and your life. My hope is that you walk away inspired to create more space in your schedule, prioritize real self-care, and remember that scaling doesn’t have to mean working more or burning out. This episode is all about finding success on your own terms.

Connect with Heidi Weiland

Website:https://servicewithsoul.co/

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

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

**Introduction to Wisdom Journey & Heidi Weiland**

00:00 - 01:35

**Heidi’s Early Business Journey & First Signs of Burnout**

01:36 - 04:07

**Turning Point: The Shift Toward Regenerative Business**

04:08 - 05:21

**Why Traditional Strategies Fail Sensitive Entrepreneurs**

05:22 - 06:50

**Human-Centered Scaling for Solopreneurs**

06:51 - 08:33

**Breaking Down the Numbers: Scalable Offers Without Burnout**

08:34 - 11:15

**Building a Lean, Supportive Team & Selling a Business**

11:16 - 16:18

**Mistakes Sensitive Solopreneurs Make When Scaling**

16:19 - 20:26

**Hiring Wisely and Reclaiming Time**

20:27 - 22:01

**Rest as a Business Strategy**

22:02 - 23:19

**Supporting Burned Out Solopreneurs**

23:20 - 24:34

**Self Care as a Business Strategy**

24:35 - 26:33

**Integrating Intuition With Strategy (Human Design)**

26:34 - 28:37

**Practical Shift to Prevent Burnout Immediately**

28:38 - 30:14

**Auditing for Sustainable Scaling in 2025**

30:15 - 32:10

**Client Transformation Stories**

32:11 - 33:34

**The Hard Lessons of Business & Advice for Beginners**

33:35 - 36:18

**Where to Find Heidi Weiland & Closing**

36:19 - 37:43

In this episode, I sat down with the amazing Melanie Gorman, an SEO strategist with a massive heart and over 20 years’ experience. We dove into the reality behind online visibility—why posting everywhere isn’t enough, and how common sense SEO really creates trust and connection. Melanie explained how defining clear content pillars and clusters can guide your content strategy, and how AI is both a game changer and a tool you need to use wisely. If you’ve ever felt lost about what to post, how to stand out, or wondered if robots are taking over marketing—this is for you! My hope is you walk away with practical ideas and renewed belief that real, human-centered content will always matter. Remember: be consistent, be yourself, and let data lead the way. Thanks for joining me on the Wisdom Journey!

Connect with Melanie Gorman

Website:https://crownsvillemedia.com/

Twitter:https://x.com/melanie360

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

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Chapters

00:00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
00:01:01 – Common Struggles with Content Direction
00:01:29 – Beginning the SEO Journey: Aligning Content with How Strangers Search
00:06:47 – From Therapist to SEO Strategist: Connecting Helping and Online Visibility
00:10:01 – Bridging the Heart and the Head in Digital Marketing
00:13:19 – What is Common Sense SEO?
00:16:49 – Real Client Example: Simplifying for Results
00:20:52 – The Simplest, Most Effective SEO Framework for Small Businesses
00:26:57 – Content Pillars & Clusters: What to Post and How to Connect Ideas
00:31:39 – How to Find Actual Client Questions for Content
00:35:56 – How AI is Changing the SEO Landscape for Small Creators
00:39:58 – Using AI Tools for Content Marketing the Right Way
00:42:18 – Scaling Content Without Burning Out
00:46:32 – Final Thoughts: Leveraging Video and Staying Authentic
00:49:28 – Where to Find Melanie Gorman & Closing Remarks

Hey friends, it’s Wisdom here! Today on the podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Leslie Smith, a powerhouse marketing and PR consultant who’s all about stripping the fluff out of business promotion. We dove into “no nonsense marketing” and why real connections still matter—maybe even more than ever—in our digital world. Leslie shared tons of practical tips to help you stretch your marketing dollars, avoid the hype train, and focus on what actually drives results. We talked about the universal principles of marketing, how to be remembered (not just visible), and the importance of layering your outreach instead of relying on any one channel. My hope is that after this chat, you’ll feel empowered to simplify your strategy, build real relationships, and move your business forward—no gimmicks required. Thanks for joining me on this wisdom journey!

Connect With Leslie Smith

Website:https://mccormickla.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslieamsmith/I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Chapters

1. Introduction & Guest Welcome

   • 00:00:00 – 00:01:11

2. Defining No Nonsense Marketing

   • 00:01:12 – 00:04:16

3. What Does a Diversified Marketing Approach Look Like?

   • 00:04:16 – 00:08:03

4. Building Relationships vs. Chasing Algorithms

   • 00:08:04 – 00:09:33

5. Universal Marketing Principles & Early Career Insights

   • 00:09:33 – 00:14:55

6. Common Marketing Mistakes & Social Media Realities

   • 00:14:55 – 00:16:54

7. Advertising vs. Public Relations – The Two Buckets of Promotion

   • 00:16:54 – 00:23:08

8. Applying The Laws of Promotion (Inspired by Newton’s Laws of Motion)

   • 00:23:08 – 00:27:53

9. Visibility vs. Being Remembered in Marketing

   • 00:28:23 – 00:33:13

10. Case Studies: Car Advertising and Brand Recognition

    • 00:33:13 – 00:34:39

11. Leslie’s No Nonsense 90-Day Roadmap for New Online Entrepreneurs

    • 00:34:39 – 00:40:29

12. Business, Branding & The Science Connection

    • 00:40:29 – 00:42:44

13. Where to Find Leslie’s Book and Connect Further

    • 00:42:45 – 00:44:20

14. Host’s Closing & Takeaways

    • 00:44:22 – 00:44:49

In this episode of Wisdom Journey, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Newsome, aka Mr. Marketing. We dove deep into practical, low-cost ways to grow your business—especially if you don’t have a massive ad budget. Mark shared how to turn “dead assets” like inactive customers and overlooked connections into repeat buyers and new referrals. We talked about building an email list (yes, even if you’re not techy!), why you shouldn’t rely solely on social media, and setting up super-effective referral systems that work even if funds are tight. My hope is that you walk away realizing you’ve got untapped opportunities right in front of you—and with a few simple strategies, you can start seeing results almost immediately. Thanks for joining me on this journey—let’s keep building smarter, not harder!

Connect with Mark Newsome

Website:https://www.youcanmarketonlinenow.com/

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

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

1. Intro & Guest Introduction – 00:00:00

2. Mark’s Origin Story: From Real Estate to Marketing – 00:01:06

3. The Power of Hidden or Dead Assets – 00:06:12

4. Simple Strategies to Revive Inactive Customers – 00:08:38

5. Building and Leveraging Email Lists – 00:09:03

6. Social Media Traps & Building Real Assets – 00:17:04

7. Affiliate and Referral Systems Explained – 00:21:07

8. Cost-Effective Referral Strategies for Small Businesses – 00:27:01

9. Referral System Deep Dive: Real-World Examples – 00:31:05

10. The Magic Question for Growing Referrals – 00:42:28

11. Closing Thoughts & Where to Learn More – 00:46:05

In today’s episode, I sat down with the incredible Louise Harris, who’s been running her own content marketing and editing firm for over 30 years. We dug deep into everything from building your brand and sharing your story, to the real reason why every author needs an editor (spoiler: it’s not just about catching typos!). Louise shared her journey, offered practical advice for business owners who want to turn life lessons into books, and broke down how to create consistent content that builds credibility online. We even tackled the reality of writing for both readers and search engines, and how to overcome that daunting feeling of staring at a blank page. My hope is that you walk away knowing you have what it takes to share your story—and that sometimes, taking small steps every day really is the secret to big results.

Connect with Louise HarrisWebsite:https://louisecarronharris.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/louiseharris99/

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/Chapters

1. Introduction to Wisdom Journey & Louise Harris
   00:00:00 – 00:01:10

2. Louise’s Writing Journey & Book Corrections
   00:01:10 – 00:02:29

3. Lessons Learned from Journalism, Publishing, and Marketing
   00:02:29 – 00:05:18

4. The Power of Branding for Business Owners
   00:05:21 – 00:06:39

5. Founding LAST Research and Editing: The Story & Acronym
   00:06:39 – 00:10:48

6. Editing Novels vs. Editing Others’ Work
   00:10:48 – 00:12:23

7. Why Every Author Needs an Editor
   00:12:24 – 00:16:08

8. Common Writing & Content Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make
   00:16:11 – 00:19:12

9. How to Prepare Your Manuscript for an Editor
   00:19:13 – 00:21:07

10. Content as Credibility & Consistency in Communication
    00:21:08 – 00:22:36

11. Balancing Writing for Readers vs. Search Engines
    00:22:37 – 00:25:36

12. Content Planning for New Coaches & Consultants
    00:25:36 – 00:29:10

13. Turning Life Lessons Into a Book: First Steps
    00:29:11 – 00:31:34

14. Breaking Down the Book Writing Process
    00:31:38 – 00:34:18

15. When to Start Working with an Editor
    00:34:19 – 00:37:17

16. How to Choose the Right Editor
    00:37:18 – 00:41:03

17. Lightning Round: Writing Tools, Advice, and More
    00:41:03 – 00:42:57

18. Where to Find Louise Harris & Closing Thoughts
    00:42:57 – 00:44:30

Hey Wisdom Journey fam, it’s Wisdom here! Today, I sat down with the incredible Audrey M. Wiggins—the Tech Diva herself—and wow, did we cover some ground. We unpacked what branding really means, shared stories about overcoming self-doubt, and dug into practical ways to make your business stand out, even on a tight budget. Audrey dropped so much wisdom on consistency, how to define your niche, and the biggest branding mistakes she sees online entrepreneurs making (trust me, you’ll want to fix these ASAP). We also talked about the role of tech and AI in building a modern brand—without losing that human touch. My hope is you walk away with some fresh ideas and actionable steps to elevate your business, reframe your mindset, and take your brand to the next level. Keep building and keep learning, and as always, let’s keep moving together on this wisdom journey!

Connect with Audrey Wiggins

Twitter:https://x.com/AudreyMWiggins

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

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

**Introduction and Guest Welcome** 00:00 – 01:02

**What Is Branding? Explained Simply** 01:03 – 02:05

**The Tech Diva Title: Meaning and Origins** 02:05 – 02:55

**Origin Story of Altogether Marketing** 02:55 – 03:51

**Lessons from Accountability and Consistency** 03:51 – 04:51

**Transformation Story: Invisible to Unforgettable** 04:51 – 06:17

**Brand Cleanup: Fixing Messy Branding in 48 Hours** 06:18 – 09:07

**Messaging First: Why Consistency Matters** 09:07 – 10:22

**Overwhelm: What to Stop, Start, and Simplify** 10:22 – 12:25

**Should You Launch a Podcast for a Niche Audience?** 12:26 – 16:43

**Finding Your Ideal Audience** 16:44 – 18:32

**Top Branding Mistakes & How to Fix Them** 18:32 – 20:27

**Branding Upgrades for a Premium Look** 20:27 – 25:31

**Tech Tools for Global Entrepreneurs** 25:32 – 27:54

**Adapting to Change: Shifts Every Entrepreneur Needs** 27:54 – 29:48

**Using AI Without Losing Authenticity** 29:48 – 32:17

**Favorite Tech Tools for Business Visibility** 32:17 – 33:06

**Podcasting as a Brand Asset** 33:06 – 34:50

**Best Growth Tactics for Podcasts** 34:52 – 37:00

**Overcoming Imposter Syndrome** 37:00 – 38:59

**Wrapping Up & Where to Find Audrey** 38:59 – 40:09

**Episode Outro** 40:09 – 40:36

!

In today’s episode, I sat down with Eden Lovejoy, the brilliant mind behind the Virtual GM Matrix. We dove deep into her journey from traditional management to empowering teams and creators to build businesses that run smoothly—without endless micromanagement or burnout. Eden shared her top strategies for hiring the right people (hint: don’t just look in the mirror!), building systems to foster accountability, and creating a team culture where everyone is genuinely motivated by your mission. We chatted about letting go of the fear around delegation and why shifting from “managing people” to “leading people” can change everything. If you’re tired of doing it all yourself and want your business to grow without losing your sanity, this episode is for you. My hope? You leave feeling confident to build a team and systems that truly support your vision.

Connect with Eden Lovejoy

Website:https://edenlovejoy.com/

I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/

Chapters

1. Introduction & Guest Background – 00:00 – 02:46

2. What is the Virtual GM Matrix? – 02:47 – 04:18

3. Top Mistakes in Team Scaling – 04:18 – 07:22

4. Management for Creators: Why It Feels Restrictive – 07:22 – 09:09

5. How to Avoid Micromanagement & The Power of Delegation – 09:10 – 13:56

6. How to Hire for Mission & Values – 13:56 – 16:55

7. Tracking Progress Without Micromanaging – 16:55 – 18:57

8. Encouraging Ownership & Clear Communication – 18:57 – 21:49

9. From Solopreneurship to Team Leadership: The Transition – 21:49 – 25:07

10. Delegation, Standards, and Maintaining Quality – 25:07 – 31:53

11. Systems to Set Up Before Hiring – 31:53 – 34:52

12. Building Accountability Without Nagging – 34:52 – 39:20

13. Mindset Shifts for Trusting Your Team – 39:20 – 41:41

14. Creator Case Study: Scaling with Systems – 41:41 – 43:39

15. Controversial Management Questions – 43:40 – 46:13

16. Components of the Virtual GM Matrix – 46:14 – 47:04

17. One Action to Free Up Your Time – 47:04 – 47:30

18. Advice for Creators Afraid to Delegate – 47:30 – 48:00

19. Connect with Eden Lovejoy & Closing – 48:00 – 49:26