Women Choosing Growth

Episode 59 | Quite Leadership

Guest: Karen Grosz

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their leadership style by embracing empathy, quiet strength, and leading with intention.

In this inspiring episode, Tina Sue sits down with leadership expert Karen Grosz to explore the transformative power of "Quiet Leadership." Karen shares her incredible journey from a shy PTA president to a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, offering listeners actionable advice on how to lead teams with empathy, intention, and quiet strength.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask More Than You Tell: Leadership isn't about having all the answers. Instead, Karen emphasizes asking powerful questions like, “What do you want to know from me?” to create a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Act More Than You Direct: Leaders today need to be in the trenches with their teams. Karen encourages listeners to lead by example—whether that means picking up the trash or sharing in the work—showing that leadership is about action, not just direction.
• Celebrate More Than You Correct: One of the most impactful lessons Karen offers is the power of intentional celebration. She believes that by focusing on the positive and recognizing the right actions, leaders can drive better results.

Notable Quotes:

• "You can change the world with a whisper. You do not have to have a riot." – Karen Grosz
• "Leadership now has to be intuitive and a little more quiet for it to be effective." – Karen Grosz
• "Celebrate more than you correct. Really good recognition will solve every problem in an organization." – Karen Grosz
• "You can do this, and you deserve to do this." – Karen Grosz

Karen also touches on the importance of mindset in leadership and how often we let fear stop us from moving forward. Through storytelling and practical examples, Karen inspires leaders to trust their instincts and step into their leadership roles with confidence.

Want more?

Karen is offering a free signed copy of her book Quiet Leadership to listeners! Just email her and mention this episode for your chance to dive deeper into her leadership strategies.

Karen Grosz:

Email:  [email protected]

Join Karen's Monday Videos Email List https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/8FmL2XL/mondayvideos

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-grosz/

Website: canvascreekteams.com

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenChoosingGrowth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenChoosingGrowth

Episode 58 | The Tax System is Rigged | Guest: Melissa Broughton 

In this thought-provoking episode of Women Choosing Growth, host Tina Sue dives deep into the complexities of the tax system with Melissa Broughton, founder of Busy Bee Advisors and author of The 4-Hour Bookkeeper. Melissa brings her expertise in finance, bookkeeping, and taxes to the forefront, sharing invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners. 

Melissa’s journey from corporate accounting and auditing to helping sole proprietors master their finances is inspiring and filled with humor and practical wisdom. She highlights the importance of working with a trusted tax professional who can educate and guide clients through the intricacies of taxes and bookkeeping, ensuring they feel confident in their financial decisions. 

Throughout the episode, Tina and Melissa discuss various tax-related challenges that business owners face, from understanding what qualifies as a business expense to navigating audit triggers. Melissa emphasizes the importance of regular communication with your tax advisor, rather than just relying on them for basic form-filling. 

Melissa’s unique perspective as a "financial translator" helps demystify the tax system, making it clear that business success isn’t just about profitability—it’s about financial freedom, fulfillment, and a solid understanding of your numbers. 

What You'll Learn in This Episode: 

• Melissa’s transition from corporate auditing to helping small businesses with bookkeeping and taxes. 
• The critical importance of working with a proactive and knowledgeable tax professional. 
• How to identify acceptable business expenses and avoid common audit triggers.
• Why regular communication with your tax advisor is essential to maintaining compliance and optimizing your finances. 
• Practical strategies for mastering your business’s finances in as little as 4 hours per month. 

Notable Quotes: 

• "You cannot just put your head in the sand and hope taxes go away." – Melissa Broughton 
• "Before you invest, start with a big picture and make sure you're clear on your vision." – Tina Moser
• "Success is freedom, fulfillment, and financial satisfaction; profitability alone is not success." – Melissa Broughton
• "A lot of tax professionals are order takers—they fill in forms, but they’re not advising clients in a proactive way." – Melissa Broughton

Melissa Broughton/Busy Bee Advisors Resources

      Email: [email protected]

      Website: BusyBeeAdvisors.com

      Insta: https://www.instagram.com/busybeeadvisors/

      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-broughton-baa3ab77/

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenChoosingGrowth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenChoosingGrowth

Episode 57 - Letting Go to Grow with Tracy Marlowe

Episode Summary:

In this episode of "Women Choosing Growth," host Tina Sue sits down with Tracy Marlowe to discuss the importance of intentional growth and selective hiring in business. Tracy shares her experience of growing her company by being strategic about the clients she takes on and the team members she hires. She emphasizes the value of saying “no” to clients that don’t align with her company’s goals and values, and how this approach has led to healthier growth for her business.

Tracy also talks about the challenges of rapid growth and how she managed it by being very intentional about the types of clients and employees she brought on board. She shares her strategy of interviewing potential clients as much as they interview her, ensuring a good fit for both parties. Tracy highlights the importance of planning ahead in terms of business goals and identifying the specific roles and personality types needed to sustain growth.

For women entrepreneurs, Tracy’s insights are invaluable in understanding how to grow a business without losing sight of its core values and mission. She also offers advice on finding and hiring smarter people, protecting personal time, and maintaining a balance between personal and professional life.

What You Will Learn from the Show:

• How to be intentional about business growth by carefully selecting clients and employees.
• The importance of identifying and sticking to your target market, and knowing when to say no to potential clients.
• How to manage rapid growth by planning and being strategic in hiring.
• The value of working with mission-driven companies and how to align your business with your values.
• Tips for balancing personal and professional life as an entrepreneur.

Notable Quotes:

•  "I never grew simply for the sake of growth. I was very intentional and selective." – Tracy Marlowe

• "A job easy to get is a job easy to leave." – Tina Sue

•  "Healthy growth is a good thing, and it’s important to be intentional and selective." – Tracy Marlowe

• "Hire smart people and they will inspire you every day." – Tracy Marlowe

• "Schedule time for yourself and protect it with your life." – Tracy Marlowe

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website & Business Planning Guide: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenChoosingGrowth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenChoosingGrowth

Tracy Marlowe Resources: 

Website: creativenoggin.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-marlowe/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creativenoggin

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/creative_noggin/

Episode 56 - Building a Performance Culture

Episode Summary

In this episode of "Women Choosing Growth," host Tina Sue dives deep into the elements that define a performance culture within a business. Tina discusses common challenges faced by companies lacking a strong performance culture and offers actionable strategies to address these issues. From setting clear company goals to empowering employees and fostering better communication, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for women entrepreneurs looking to enhance their company culture.

Key Characteristics of a Non-Performing Culture

1. Confusion Among Employees: Employees are often unsure about what to do next due to unclear goals and disorganized project structures.

•    Quote: "All employees should be clear on the company goals and their role in pursuing those goals." 

2. Micromanagement: Leaders feel the need to micromanage, which indicates a lack of empowerment and clear guidelines for employees.

•    Quote: "I didn't empower them and say, 'I literally have your back.'"

3. Missed Deadlines: Frequent missed deadlines without clear consequences can signal a lack of accountability.

•    Quote: "What is the consequence if an employee misses a deadline?"

4. Lack of Motivation: Employees are not motivated to go beyond basic tasks, which often stems from a lack of recognition and incentives.

•    Quote: "How are you recognizing people when they go above and beyond?"

5. Stagnation: Employees feel stagnant without clear career advancement opportunities.

•    Quote: "Make sure there is a clear career path for each position."

6. Silos: Departments operate in isolation, leading to inefficiencies and duplicated efforts.

•    Quote: "Silos happen when departments are not tied back to the company goals."

Actionable Tactics to Improve Culture

• Set Clear Company Goals: Ensure that all employees understand the company’s financial and overarching goals. Regularly communicate these goals in team meetings.
• Empower Employees: Provide clear guidelines and trust employees to make decisions within those boundaries. Offer support and accountability rather than micromanagement.
• Establish Consequences and Incentives: Implement clear consequences for missed deadlines and recognize employees who exceed expectations to foster a proactive culture.
• Promote Career Growth: Create and communicate clear career advancement opportunities to keep employees motivated and engaged.
• Foster Communication: Hold regular company-wide and departmental meetings to ensure alignment with the company’s mission and vision. Encourage cross-departmental understanding and cooperation.

Quotes for Inspiration

• "Empowerment comes from trust and clear guidelines, not from constant oversight."
• "Recognition and incentives are crucial for motivating employees beyond their basic tasks."
• "Clear communication and understanding of company goals help employees make proactive choices."

Tune in to this episode to discover more about transforming your company culture and driving performance through effective leadership and strategic practices.

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WomenChoosingGrowth/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WomenChoosingGrowth

Guest:   Amy Anderson, Co  Founder of Wild Coffee Marketing

Host:   Tina Sue

Introduction:  

In this episode of *Women Choosing Growth*, host Tina Sue welcomes Amy Anderson, a marketing maven with over three decades of experience. Amy shares her incredible journey from starting at Seventeen Magazine to founding Wild Coffee Marketing. Discover how she navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, from managing finances to building a thriving remote team.

Key Takeaways:  

The Journey to Success:  

•       Amy's career spans 32 years, starting in the advertising and promotions department at Seventeen Magazine.
•       Transitioned from print to broadcast advertising, working for Calvin Klein Cosmetics and then moving into digital marketing with New York Times Digital.

Starting Wild Coffee Marketing:  

•       After a major life change, Amy's parents supported her initial venture into consulting, which led to founding Wild Coffee Marketing.
•       Despite early challenges, including learning finance and HR on the go, Amy's focus on marketing and strategy helped her build a successful business.

Developing a Profitable Business Model:  

•       Amy emphasizes the importance of understanding the cost of delivering services and pricing accordingly.
•       Using technology and software for inventory management of people and hours is crucial for maintaining a 20% net profit margin.

Building a Remote Team Culture:  

•       Creating connection and purpose in a remote working environment through regular meetings, transparency, and a focus on team well  being.
•       Implementing systems for accountability and project management to ensure efficient operation and a positive work culture.

Strategic Planning and Growth:  

•       Importance of regular strategic planning sessions and involving the whole team in setting and achieving goals.
•       Amy shares how Wild Coffee Marketing's planning cadence includes quarterly, yearly, and three  year plans to stay aligned and focused on growth.

 Notable Quotes:  

   "I think the fact that I was naive about how many businesses fail in their first year helped carry me through while business building." – Amy Anderson

   "Our goal is to make CEOs feel safe that my team and I have got it, and to create a really good working experience for a group of smart people." – Amy Anderson

   "As business leaders, we're running a business and we have to make sure the work gets done. Systems in place and sharing of information are crucial." – Amy Anderson

   "I believe that weekly meeting cadences are important, and what you do with that meeting is crucial. It's not just about updates but about problem  solving and sharing what's important." – Amy Anderson

 Conclusion:  

Amy Anderson's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Her insights on building a profitable and purpose  driven business while maintaining a strong remote team culture are invaluable for any entrepreneur. Tune in to hear more about Amy's innovative approach to marketing and leadership.

Resources:

Wild Coffee Marketing

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/wildcoffeemarketing/

Website: https://wildcoffeemarketing.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildcoffeemktg/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wild-coffee-marketing/

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

 "Profitability Beyond Finances: Mel McSherry on Mental and Emotional Wealth"

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Tina Sue sits down with Mel McSherry, an international business and life guide who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs honor their lives and become architects of their own success. Mel shares her journey from personal trainer to successful business coach, author, and speaker. She discusses how she uses human design and traditional business tools to help clients achieve mental, emotional, and financial profitability.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Plot Twists: Mel’s journey is filled with unexpected changes that shaped her career. From transitioning from fitness to business coaching to integrating human design into her practice, each twist brought new insights and growth.

2. Importance of Mental and Emotional Profitability: Mel emphasizes that success isn’t just about financial gains but also about mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

3. Human Design as a Tool: Mel explains human design, a system combining chakras, astrology, Kabbalah, I Ching, and quantum physics. This tool helps individuals understand their energetic blueprint and make aligned decisions.

4. Burnout and Recovery: Mel shares her personal experience with burnout and how taking a step back helped her reconnect with herself and her business.

5. Customizing Success: By understanding their unique designs, entrepreneurs can create businesses that align with their strengths and values, leading to sustainable success.

Notable Quotes:

 “I realized that even though I had been an entrepreneur now for 10 years, I never took the time to get to know myself inside of my businesses.”

 “When you put yourself first, the beauty does follow. Things really do start to become more cohesive and profitable.”

 “Human design shows you your energetic blueprint. It’s the ultimate onion of personal development.”

Actionable Insights:

• Take time to understand your unique strengths and design your business around them.
•  Prioritize mental and emotional wellbeing alongside financial goals.
•  Use tools like human design to gain deeper insights into your decisionmaking processes and strategies.

Mel McSherry Resources:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mel_mcsherry

Website: https://www.melmcsherry.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BtbByMel

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

Tina Sue | Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Website: Tina-Sue.com

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/540419986768273

Episode 53 - Balancing Business Leadership with Family Relationships

Summary

In this episode of "Women Choosing Growth," Tina Moser sits down with Ruth Velez, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares her experiences navigating the complexities of having family members as employees. Ruth recounts the challenging situations she faced, from losing a major contract and dealing with the fallout of COVID-19 to addressing inappropriate behavior and navigating blurred lines between family and business roles. Through candid stories and hard-earned lessons, Ruth emphasizes the importance of clear communication, setting boundaries, and maintaining a balance between professional and personal relationships.

Ruth also highlights the value of putting agreements in writing, even informal ones, to establish ground rules and expectations. She shares her journey of growing as a leader, learning to handle difficult conversations, and the necessity of separating her roles as a business owner and a family member. Ruth’s insights provide invaluable guidance for entrepreneurs who find themselves in similar situations, stressing the need for transparency, empathy, and wisdom in maintaining both business success and family harmony.

What You Will Learn from the Show:

• Strategies for managing family members as employees, including setting clear boundaries and expectations.
• The importance of communication and transparency in maintaining healthy business and personal relationships.
• How to handle difficult conversations and terminations with empathy and professionalism.
• The benefits of putting agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
• Tips on balancing the dual roles of being a business leader and a family member.

Notable Quotes

• "Putting stuff in writing, even if it's bullet points, can make a big difference in maintaining clear expectations."
• "As an entrepreneur, you need to separate your business role from your family role to navigate the murky waters effectively."
• "Family members might feel loyal to you, but it's crucial to communicate openly about their roles and the business's needs."
• "Sometimes, being transparent about the business's struggles can help employees understand and align with the company's situation."
• "Forgiveness and grace are key to maintaining healthy relationships and moving forward, both in business and family."

Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.vinaligroup.com

Calendly: https://calendly.com/ruthvelez

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

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Episode 52 - Empowering Business Growth Through Smart Investments

Summary

In this episode, Tina Sue dives into the world of investments with Trixy Castro, a seasoned investor with experience in over 50 investments. Trixy shares invaluable insights on the nuances of business investments, from understanding the real needs of your business to choosing the right type of investor. The conversation covers the importance of identifying synergies, the critical role of people in business success, and the necessity of being transparent and realistic about your business goals.

Trixy emphasizes the significance of separating the need from the challenge and being clear about what capital or resources are required to drive growth. She discusses her investment approach, which includes evaluating the potential to add value, understanding the team behind the business, and ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively for mutual success. The episode also touches on the importance of finding the right partners and the potential pitfalls of partnerships that go awry.

What You Will Learn from the Show:

• Understanding Investment Needs: How to distinguish between your business's actual needs and challenges and determine the right type of investment or investor.
• Evaluating Investment Opportunities: Criteria for assessing potential investments, including synergies, the ability to add value, and the readiness of the team.
• Importance of People in Business: The role of the team and the entrepreneur in ensuring the success of the business and the investment.
• Collaborative Approach to Investments: Strategies for working synergistically with investors and partners to achieve business growth.
• Realistic Business Planning: The necessity of being honest and realistic about your business’s potential and needs when seeking investment.

Notable Quotes:

• "Having someone invest in your business is invaluable because they’ll tell you what's ugly about your baby. Stomaching that feedback and deciding what to fix is crucial." – Trixy Castro
• "The synergies you get from an investment are invaluable. You've got two revenue sources, additional products, and market expansion." – Trixy Castro
• "It's not just about the product or process but the people. The right team can make or break your business." – Trixy Castro
• "I always ask myself, can I add value? If not, do I have the resources or connections that can?" – Trixy Castro
• "Transparency is key. If you're realistic about your business needs and potential, you can find the right type of capital and the right partners." – Trixy Castro

Guest Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.trxcapfund.com

Personal Website: https://www.trixycastro.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trixy-castro-7591a420/

Women Choosing Growth Resources:

Email: [email protected]

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Website: Tina-Sue.Com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/

Episode 51 – Beyond Balance Sheets: The Key to Business Strength 

Summary:

Our very own host of Women Choosing Growth was a guest expert on The Exit. A podcast brought to you by Flippa, Because we love The Exit and because this episode was so powerful we wanted to share it with our own listeners as well.  In Beyond Balance Sheets Tina Sue shares her remarkable journey in entrepreneurship. Starting with a leap of faith and learning to "build the parachute on the way down," Tina now owns multiple businesses and serves as the Strategic Finance Director at Cultivate Advisors. She shares her evolution from mastering financial literacy to successfully exiting her business, highlighting crucial aspects of financial health beyond mere profit and loss statements. Tina emphasizes the importance of future projections and cash flow management for entrepreneurs.

Tina also discusses the significance of leadership development and strategic hiring in building a successful team. She advises entrepreneurs to prioritize the quality of hires over the urgency of filling positions. Reflecting on her entrepreneurial experiences, Tina would advise her younger self to focus on strategic spending and prioritize return on investment (ROI) analysis.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the lessons Tina has learned about financial health. She explains that many entrepreneurs get caught up in the day-to-day financials, losing sight of long-term financial planning. Tina urges business owners to pay close attention to their cash flow and future financial projections, as these are critical for sustained success. Her insights into financial literacy demonstrate how a strong grasp of financial principles can lead to better decision-making and ultimately, a more profitable business.

What You Will Learn from the Show:

• The evolution from financial literacy to successful business exits.
• The importance of understanding financial health beyond profit and loss statements.
• How to focus on future projections and cash flow management.
• The significance of leadership development and strategic hiring.
• Advice on strategic spending and prioritizing ROI analysis

         Notable Quotes:

• "Jumping from a plane and building the parachute on the way down." - Tina Moser
• "Understanding financial health goes beyond profit and loss statements; it's about future projections and cash flow management." - Tina Moser
• "Prioritize the quality of new hires over the immediacy of filling positions." - Tina Moser
• "Embrace strategic spending and always analyze the ROI." - Tina Moser

Resources:

Flippa: https://flippa.com

The Exit Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exit-presented-by-flippa/id1532346146

Cultivate Advisors: https://cultivateadvisors.com/ 

Women Choosing Growth Podcast: https://womenchoosinggrowth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth/

Episode 50 - Celebrating Our 1 Year Anniversary and 50th Episode!

Summary

In this landmark 50th episode of "Women Choosing Growth," host Tina Sue celebrates the podcast's first anniversary and reflects on the journey so far. Tina highlights the significance of reaching this milestone, emphasizing the dedication and passion required to sustain and grow a podcast. She shares compelling statistics on podcast longevity and discusses how Women Choosing Growth stands out by consistently providing valuable content for women entrepreneurs.

Throughout the episode, Tina takes listeners on a trip down memory lane, revisiting key topics and insights from previous episodes. From self-development and mental health to leadership and sales strategies, she underscores the importance of each theme in the entrepreneurial journey. Tina also celebrates the community of women who have contributed to and benefited from the podcast, encouraging listeners to continue their growth journey with actionable advice and support.

What episode do you need most? Below is the summary of our episode categories: 

• Self Development & Mindset
• Dreamcasting Your Future and Setting Goals 
• Time Management and Prioritization 
• Recruiting, Leadership & Culture
• Sales
• Networking
• Customer Experience
• Marketing, Branding, Storytelling
• Financial Mastery, Profit First Mentality
• Growth by Acquisition
• Growing Your Enterprise Value
• Having Your Voice Heard
• Sharing Your Story in Writing 
• …and much more

Notable Quotes:

• "It's not easy to run a podcast, but it has to be in your heart. It's about the mission." – Tina Sue
• "Entrepreneurship is definitely uncomfortable at times. Embrace it and grow." – Tina Sue
• "Celebrate your milestones and use them as a reminder of your journey and achievements." – Tina Sue
• "Leadership is about building a factory of level five leaders so your business continues to grow." – Tina Sue
• "Both parenting and leading a team require vision, patience, and a deep understanding of individual needs and motivations." – Tina Sue

Resources:

Website:  https://www.womenchoosinggrowth.com/

Personal Brand: https://tina-sue.com 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/womenchoosinggrowth

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094002221633

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-sue-moser-540379a/