Today I sat down with Kendall Egan co-founder of Boxx, a startup that creates pre-fab work from home pods.  She has spent most of her career working in various aspects of marketing, including many startups, and owning her own marketing consulting agency.  We got into the vast field of marketing and talked about what areas are important for small businesses and startups.  This episode is like a mini masterclass in marketing.  Kendall is an expert in her field and shared a lot of her knowledge with us.  I will be taking some of the lessons learned back to my own business with a deeper understanding of what marketing is and can be.   

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Kendall’s Background: Education, Early Career, and Transition to Startups
05:24 – Comparing Corporate vs. Startup Culture
10:23 – Marketing Roles Explained: Sales Support, Brand Building, and Digital Strategy
14:15 – Is Social Media Necessary for Every Business?
19:15 – Identifying Target Markets and Brand Identity for Small Businesses
21:20 – Copywriting: Art, Data, and Iteration in Messaging
24:44 – Refreshing Branding & The Role of AI and ChatGPT in Marketing
32:35 – Startup Skills vs. Corporate Specialization
33:18 – How Kendall Joined Box and the Early Days of the Startup
38:09 – Testing Models, Pricing, and Customer Segments at Box
41:55 – Balancing Data and Gut Feeling in Business Decisions
45:33 – How to Connect with Kendall and Box
46:16 – Episode Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to work in a startup and wear many hats
How to create effective marketing strategies 
How to know your target audience 
How to reach your audience with authentic marketing 
How to use digital marketing 
How to lean into data to make decisions 
How to balance gut instincts with market research
How to build a company identity with brand foundations  

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Kendall Egan:

• Boxx website
• Follow Kendall on LinkedIn
• Follow Boxx on IG
• Kendall's email: [email protected]

Saint Phifer is a unique abstract artist from Norwalk Connecticut that transforms simple concepts into meaningful saturated pieces of art that sparks the consciousness.  Through his artwork you can learn the origin and history of the subject as well as about his inspiration and story.  I met Saint recently at an art show here in New Haven where he was a panelist speaker and also displayed some of his work.  I resonated with a lot of what he said and after the show we had a great conversation that led to this interview.

In this episode we talked about so many different things from how he first became an artist after struggling with his mental health to losing his corporate job which allowed him to further pursue his art and create everyday.  You can tell by the way he explains his work that art is what he is meant to do and I got to learn more about his creative process, and his outlook on life in this interview. 

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Incorporating family, culture, and storytelling into his art
04:08 - The influence of SAINT's mother and personal philosophy
06:27 - Exploring curiosity and creativity in art
08:44 - Shifting perspectives and remaining a lifelong student
10:07 - The dart vs. feather analogy for focus and decision making
11:39 - Leaving corporate life and finding true purpose
12:23 - Growing up different, finding confidence, and staying authentic
14:42 - SAINT discusses mental health and healing through creativity
17:37 - The benefits of meditation, solitude, and self-care
20:44 - The importance of saying no and staying focused
22:28 - SAINT’s approach to meditation and being present
24:58 - Selfishness as self-care and showing up as your best self
26:53 - Building artistic community and connecting with Wabi Gallery
29:11 - Networking vs. genuine conversation in the arts
32:34 - SAINT’s definition of success
34:51 - Valuing time, relationships, and saying no
36:28 - What’s next for SAINT and how to connect with him

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to turn pain into art
How to tell your story with art
How to use curiosity as a driver for creativity 
How to redefine success
How to find your voice in art
How to incorporate self care into your work
How to keep creativity sustainable 
How to support local artists

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Saint Phifer:

• Follow Saint Phifer on IG
• Follow WABI Art on IG

Today I spoke with Shirley Chock owner of Aiping Tai Chi School.  Before being a business owner, she had a very successful career in finance working for startups, the city of New York, and at Yale University before walking away from her high profile job with a pension, benefits, and early retirement, to take over owning the Aiping Tai Chi School. 

We talked about the importance of Tai Chi in her life and how it's much more than internal martial arts, but more of a way of being.  Using it to help cope with stress and the ups and downs of life.  Shirley has not only figured out how to run the tai chi school, but then also has figured out how to keep going when a global pandemic shut down her business completely.  Instead of taking it at a loss, she used the opportunity of rest to figure out how to become even more impactful and reach a wider audience than she already had, by taking her classes to the Twitch platform, allowing her to monetize quickly and keep the school going.  She became Twitch's first affiliate to stream international martial arts, quickly reached 55k followers on TikTok, and has over 100k on IG.

I'm really excited about this conversation as I resonated with so many things Shirley spoke about, but the one that stands out to me the most is when we were talking about the difference between passion and purpose.  Shirley believes that we are here on this earth for a bigger purpose and it's up to us to figure out what that is.  Listen along as we discuss all things live and business.
 
✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Shirley’s Early Career in Finance
07:11 – Discovering Tai Chi & Dual Passions
09:09 – Decision to Take Over the Tai Chi School
13:38 – Making the Leap: Leaving Finance for Tai Chi
18:08 – Entrepreneurship: Planning and Purpose vs. Passion
24:44 – Listening To Yourself & Tai Chi as a Secret Scroll
29:30 – Teaching Tai Chi & Building an Online Presence
34:04 – Content Creation Mindset Shift
41:15 – Growing a Global Community
44:26 – How to Connect with Shirley and What’s Next
46:27 – Closing Remarks 

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to make a career transition 
How to follow your purpose and passion
How to make an exit strategy to leave corporate America 
How to shift your mindset for success
How to engage an online community 
How to grow an audience and brand online 

 🚀 Start Here If You’re New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Shirley:

• Aiping Tai Chi Website
• Follow her on IG
• Follow her on TikTok
• Follow her on Twitch

Today I sat down with Michael Shawn Carbaugh, who is a dedicated pastor, talented musician, and successful entrepreneur who understands the power of Community. He graduated with a degree in music and a minor in bible study. Michael embarked on a unique journey that combined his passions for music, ministry, and community building. As a pastor at Pond Hill Baptist Church, he takes on various roles, including leading music programs and working with young adults. Michael's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Unison Games Cafe located in Hamden, CT, a welcoming space where people come together to enjoy games, coffee, and community. 

We also talked about his new multi-use studio space in the works, that is going to include podcast, music, and lessons studio spaces!  We covered so many topics from the importance of time management in entrepreneurship, to getting a deal on your rent, to some advice on what it takes to have a business partner.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Michael Shawn Carabaugh
00:54 – Michael’s Background: Education and Music Journey
05:16 – Launching Unison Games Cafe: From Community to Brick & Mortar
08:50 – The Challenges and Process of Opening a Physical Store
11:57 – Going Into Business with a Partner: Communication & Trust
15:41 – Balancing Multiple Ventures and Time Management Strategies
20:00 – The Importance of Focus, Flow State, and Avoiding Distractions
25:46 – Introduction to Unison Studios: Vision for a Multiuse Space
32:30 – Finding the Right Space and Mutually Beneficial Agreements
33:45 – What Does Purpose Mean to Michael? Community, Faith & Impact
37:01 – What’s Next? How to Support Michael’s Ventures
38:29 – Final Thoughts

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to balance creativity with being a pastor 
How to turn a love into a business
How to manage your time and still be productive 
How to get into a creative flow state
How to run a business with a partner
How to build community 
How to find purpose
How to build something new

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Michael Shawn:

• Unison Games Café
• Unison Studios
• Unison Church
• Pond Hill Church

This week I talked with Barb Nangle, a boundaries coach and founder of Higher Power Coaching.  She's also a podcaster and her podcast, Fragmented to Whole, is about incorporating lessens she's learned in 12 step recovery.  We covered a lot in this episode from how boundaries can affect all areas of your life, to how she started her coaching business, to managing her time as a solopreneur.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:32 – Barb Nangle’s Background and Journey to Recovery
07:05 – Transition to Entrepreneurship and Coaching
08:21 – How Barb Got Started as a Life Coach
14:02 – Specializing as a Boundaries Coach and Building Her Curriculum
16:13 – Managing Solopreneurship: Delegation and Productivity Techniques
21:25 – Empowering Others to Live On Purpose
27:13 – The Importance of Setting Boundaries With Yourself
33:44 – Overview of Recovery Programs and Reparenting
42:24 – How to Work With Barb Nangle & Closing Thoughts

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to stop seeking the validation of others
How to stop people pleasing
How to set healthy boundaries
How to live life intentionally and in alignment with personal values
How to build a coaching business 
How to set boundaries with your internal critic 
How to use lessons from 12-step recovery for self growth

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Barb:

• Work with Barb
• Barb's Podcast: Fragmented to Whole
• Follow Barb on IG

In this episode I talked with Trevor Huffard co-founder of Boxx, a startup that builds energy-efficient prefab work-from-home pods and studios for backyard installation. The conversation covers remote work solutions, startup experiences, and advice for anyone looking to transition from a corporate job to an entrepreneurial venture. Listeners will get insights on work-life balance, sustainable building practices, and tips for growing a successful business in the rapidly expanding remote work market.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro
00:33 – Introducing Trevor Huffard and Boxx
00:51 – Trevor’s First Impressions and Starting Boxx
01:07 – What is Boxx? The Idea and Product
03:02 – Market Landscape and First Sales
05:27 – Trevor’s Education and Early Career
07:23 – Transitioning from Finance to Building
09:20 – Ventures in Modular and Prefab Housing
10:39 – Automation, Technology, and the Future of Box
11:31 – Leveraging Skills from Past Careers
13:11 – Finding Purpose Working with Hands
15:04 – Life Inside Startups: Creativity and Challenges
16:17 – Defining Success in Startups
17:05 – Riding the Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship
19:20 – The Stability of Investment Banking vs Startups
20:13 – Unique Challenges Starting Boxx During the Pandemic
22:00 – Building the Team and Finding Co-Founders
23:25 – Delegating, Trust, and Collaboration
25:59 – Advice for Starting Your Own Business
27:32 – Mentors, Trades, and Learning from Others
29:57 – Hiring the Right People
31:21 – Supporting Employees for Success
34:01 – The Future Vision for Boxx
36:01 – Hybrid Work, Community, and Environmental Impact
37:12 – Where to Find Boxx and Final Thoughts

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to transition from corporate to startup culture
How to be adaptable when working in a startup 
How to build a company from the ground up
How to weigh risk and financial stability 
How to hire the right person
How to scale up and market your business 

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Trevor:

• Visit Boxx Website 
• Follow Boxx on IG

In this episode I sat down with my twin brother Mike and talked to him about about his recent decision to leave his corporate engineering job in New York City to pursue a more fulfilling career in photography. We discuss finding your purpose, the challenges of switching careers, and the importance of balancing passion projects with making a living. Michael Cordone shares insights on building a creative business, overcoming burnout, and why intentionally designing your life matters more than just climbing the corporate ladder. This episode is perfect for anyone searching for meaningful work, exploring entrepreneurship, or looking for inspiration to take the next step toward their true purpose. 

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction 
00:53 – Meet My Twin Brother
01:20 – Discovering Photography & Corporate Burnout
03:12 – Starting a Photography Business
04:16 – Multiple Income Streams in Photography
06:01 – Balancing Passion Projects and Making Money
07:01 – Choosing Engineering: Reflections on College & Career Choices
10:18 – The Influence of Family and Following the Expected Path
13:25 – The Impact of Life Events & COVID on Career Decisions
15:29 – Corporate Culture: Early Work Experiences
18:39 – The Decision to Leave Corporate for Photography
21:40 – Prioritizing Life Over Work: Loss, Values & Taking the Leap
24:10 – Mindset, Failure, and Unlearning Corporate Habits
27:14 – Transitioning to Self-Employment: Challenges & Time Management
30:32 – The Importance of Self-Growth and Learning
36:38 – What Excites Michael: Building Connections & The Value of Photography
43:31 – What’s Next & How to Connect with Michael
44:27 – Closing

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to quit your corporate job
How to make a career change and make the leap
How overcome corporate mindsets
How to diversify income with a photography business 
How to make a career decision 
How to value human connection in photography 
How to overcome fear of failure in a career change
How to make steps to build a business 

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Mike:

• Mike's Website
• Check out Mike's Instagram portfolio 
• Buy one of his awesome prints

In this episode I talk to Alyssa Rae, a podcast host, therapist, and yoga teacher. Alyssa shares her journey as a therapist, recovery coach, and podcast co-host, highlighting the importance of somatic practices, setting boundaries, and exploring alternative healing like micro dosing and astrology. Listeners will discover actionable insights on living authentically, cultivating curiosity, and creating a work-life balance aligned with personal passions. Tune in for inspiring stories on building a meaningful career and practical tips for mental wellness.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome, Introductions & Alyssa’s Background
01:08 – Alyssa’s Work, Projects & Weekly Schedule
02:05 – Autonomy, Creating Your Own Schedule & Personal Growth
04:45 – Alyssa’s Experiences With Jobs That Didn’t Align
06:47 – Finding the Right Fit & Supportive Leadership
08:01 – How Alyssa Became a Virtual Assistant for Therapists
10:10 – Discovering New Paths & Creativity Through Freelancing
11:21 – The Importance of Staying Curious
13:13 – Practical Ways to Cultivate Curiosity When Stuck
15:31 – Exploring Somatic Practices in Therapy
18:15 – The Power of Collaboration & Building With Others
21:09 – Alternative Healing: Astrology, Micro dosing, and Spirituality
23:34 – Intentional Micro dosing & the Importance of Set and Setting
26:18 – Psychedelics, Therapy, and Ram Dass
28:56 – Michael Pollan & Personal Journeys With Psychedelics
33:00 – What Excites Alyssa Today & Living an Intentional Life
35:36 – What’s Next for Alyssa & How to Connect

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to create a fulfilling, purpose driven career in mental health 
How to balance work and life
How to use somatic mind body connections to heal
How to start a podcast with your friend
How to stay curious 
How to start with micro dosing 
How to live authentically and create a life you love

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Alyssa:

• Listen to Alyssa's podcast The Moon and Your Mind
• Alyssa's Consulting Offerings
• Follow Alyssa on Instagram

How to Change Your Mind - Michael Pollan

In todays episode I talk to Tea Montgomery owner of Threads by Tea, a custom wearable art, clothing business with the mission to inspire and empower. The discussion dives into the journey of building a purpose-driven business, the importance of community support, and strategies for balancing growth with personal fulfillment. If you're looking for inspiration to follow your passion, unlock creative entrepreneurship, and learn how to turn your "why" into a thriving lifestyle brand, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Discover tips on scaling your creative business and the power of affirmation and visionary thinking in entrepreneurship.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
00:32 – Meet Tea Montgomery: Artist, Entrepreneur & Threads by Tea
01:16 – Tea’s Roots, Frustrations with Fashion, and Starting a Brand
03:01 – Outgrowing the Old Path: Evolving Threads by Tea and Next Steps
04:32 – Building a Team & Scaling Up the Business
07:08 – Discovering Your “Why” and the Importance of Legacy
10:11 – Authenticity, Imposter Syndrome & Embracing Your Value
12:25 – Rethinking “Humility” and the Power of Affirmations
14:43 – Visualizing Success & The Value of Writing Down Goals
17:47 – Vulnerability, Networking, and Sharing Your Vision
22:25 – Tea’s Creative Process: Art vs. Traditional Fashion Design
23:14 – Balancing Outside Advice with Staying True to Yourself
25:40 – Mental Health, Self-Care, and Designing Your Own Routine
29:40 – Perspective Shift: Embracing the Drive for More
31:33 – The Importance of Small Wins & Mapping Out Goals
33:45 – Real-Time Problem Solving & Life Lessons from Engineering
36:02 – What’s Next for Tea Montgomery & Where to Find Him

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to build a purpose driven company
How to find your why
How to pivot your business to fit you
How to overcome impostor syndrome 
How to use the power of affirmations and visualizations 
How to celebrate the small wins
How to learn from others

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Tea:

• Threads by Tea Website
• Tea's IG to see some of his work

Today I talk with Elizabeth Taylor from LaCroix Artistry, about her inspiring journey transitioning from a corporate logistics job to running her own custom art business. Elizabeth shares insights on work-life balance, how she built a successful business offering window paintings, chalkboards, and canvas art, and why following your passion can lead to true fulfillment. Listeners will get valuable tips on entrepreneurship, building an art business, and the importance of maintaining control over your schedule and creative path. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking career inspiration or advice on pursuing purpose-driven work.

✨ FREE GUIDE: Soften Your Inner Critic in 7 Days: A Guide to Stop Getting In Your Own Way

📍 Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:33 Meet Elizabeth Taylor of LaCroix Artistry
01:11 How Elizabeth Started Her Art Business
01:55 Making the Leap to Full-Time Artist
02:27 Transitioning Careers: From Logistics to Mentorship to Art
03:46 Turning Passion Into Profession
04:02 Discovering Art Later in Life
04:49 Social Narratives and Choosing Art
06:21 Finding the Right Product-Market Fit as an Artist
06:43 Balancing Creative Freedom with Business Needs
08:51 The Importance of a Business Mindset
10:03 Daily Practice & Staying Inspired
11:06 Promoting Yourself & Building Community
14:03 Continuing to Learn: Experience Over Theory
16:28 Defining Success on Your Own Terms
18:23 Why Valuing Time Led to a Career Change
20:25 Advice for Others: Failing Forward & Taking Risks
23:26 Where to Find Elizabeth & Closing Remarks

 💡Key Takeaways

In this episode you'll learn:

How to transition into a full-time art business 
How to balance work and life while being an entrepreneur 
How to be a creative while building a business
How to be consistent at a creative practice
How to learn through experience rather than formal training 
Advice for someone in a career transition  

 🚀 Start Here If You're New

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How to Trust Your Success as a High-Achiever | EP 45

2. Overcoming Others' Expectations: 3 Stages to Living an Authentic Life | EP 48

3. Should You Quit Your Job? How to Know When it’s Time for a Career Pivot | EP 39

 👥How To Connect

Workingtowardsourpurpose.com

Watch on YouTube

Substack

Instagram

LinkedIn

WTOP Merch

Feedback Form WTOP.com

Connect with Elizabeth:
LaCroix Artistry
Elizabeth's IG
Shop Taylor's Art