YOU Matter, in Business

Discover the secrets to marketing mastery and business success.Nikki Chang-Powless, an award-winning business strategist and Amazon best-selling author, shares her journey from engineering to entrepreneurship and offers invaluable insights into effective marketing strategies for small business owners.

The Transition from Engineering to Business

Nikki's background in engineering is an unexpected yet fascinating foundation for her current work. "Engineers build things and they fix problems," she explains, illustrating how her skills translate into helping small business owners tackle their challenges. After spending years in the corporate world, she discovered her passion for guiding entrepreneurs in their critical early years. She emphasizes that success comes faster with the right team and strategy.

Marketing Mysteries Unveiled

In her latest book, *Marketing Mystery to Marketing Mastery*, Nikki aims to demystify marketing for heart-centered entrepreneurs. She candidly shares her own struggles with marketing, admitting, "I absolutely hated marketing" before realizing its potential.

A common misconception she addresses is the belief that certain marketing methods work universally. "If it works for one company, it may or may not work for another," she notes. The key is understanding the foundational elements necessary for success.

Understanding Your Audience

Nikki emphasizes the importance of tailoring marketing strategies to the specific needs of service-based businesses. The relationship-building aspect of service marketing is crucial; as she points out, "With services, you need to build your credibility, you need to build that relationship, that trust." This is distinctly different from product marketing, where the focus is often on immediate appeal.

The Importance of Foundations

Reflecting on her experience, Nikki highlights the necessity of establishing a solid foundation before diving into marketing tactics. She advises entrepreneurs to assess their messaging and ensure they have the right pieces in place. The essence of her message is clear: effective marketing requires thoughtful planning and understanding of both the market and the business's unique offerings.

As Nikki puts it, "I want to help people make decisions that are right for them, not just what everyone else is doing."

Nikki’s journey from engineer to business strategist is a testament to the power of adaptability and continuous learning. Her insights remind us that understanding the fundamentals of marketing can lead to greater success and fulfillment in business.

From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: Nikki Chang-Powless's Journey and Ariel FaithTo dive deeper into Nikki’s strategies and insights, check out her book, Marketing Mystery to Marketing Mastery, and join the conversation about building a successful business without losing sight of your passion. https://www.amazon.com/dp/106770471X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Brought to you by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together for One Clear Voice - showing a way to tame the marketing beast and how to make it Sustainable.  arieljoyfaith.com

Insights on branding, social media, and accountability in marketing.

In our latest conversation, Monique Johnson opens up about the complexities of marketing and branding, especially in the context of being a solopreneur.

Branding vs. Marketing

Monique emphasizes the difference between branding and marketing. Branding involves the intentional choices made to shape how others perceive you — from colors and logos to the images used in marketing. In contrast, marketing is all about the messaging: the words and copy that communicate your message to the audience.

"The image we present to the universe says different things, right?" — Monique Johnson

Facing Social Media Challenges

When discussing the challenges of social media, Monique admits her reluctance to engage with it initially.

"Social media has been my hardest thing, and it's really hard for me to be consistent on something that feels like I'm grinding my teeth." — Monique Johnson

She sees the recent shift towards more authentic, raw content on platforms like YouTube as a positive change that aligns better with her comfort zone.

Focus and Accountability

Monique shares her journey in managing multiple marketing strategies while balancing motherhood. She points out the importance of focusing on one thing at a time to be more effective.

"You will get way more done if you just do this thing, this thing, this thing..." — Monique Johnson

She also highlights the need for accountability, noting how setting high expectations often leaves her feeling unfulfilled, even as she makes progress.

Building a Community

Monique is currently working on building her free school community, which she hopes will funnel traffic and support her marketing efforts. She has found that even without active posting, her community is still growing.

"The cool thing about school is that it works for me. I like this; I should have done this a long time ago." — Monique Johnson

As she navigates these challenges, Monique's insights serve as a reminder that marketing is a journey filled with learning and growth. If you're in a similar position, remember to take it one step at a time and lean on your community for support.

Join her Community on Skool - https://www.skool.com/dateformarriagesuccess/about?utm_source=skooldotcom&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=discovery_search_group_link

For more insights from Monique, listen to the full episode.

Brought to you by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together for One Clear Voice - showing a way to tame the marketing beast and how to make it Sustainable.  arieljoyfaith.com

Discover how a growth mindset can transform your life.

In this week’s episode of *You Matter in Business*, we dive deep into the transformative power of mindset with Holly Zachman, a mindset leadership coach. Holly’s journey from feeling stuck in a job she once loved to embracing the role of a coach is both inspiring and thought-provoking.

The Shift to Growth Mindset

Holly shares her experience of feeling unqualified despite her credentials and how this led her to explore what a truly fulfilling career looks like. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity and open-mindedness in pursuing personal growth.

"If anything was possible for me, what would that look like?"

This question became a turning point for her, leading to a realization that she needed guidance to uncover her potential.

Embracing Life’s Challenges

A key theme in Holly's message is the idea that challenges should be seen as opportunities for growth. She believes that life constantly presents us with situations that can either hinder or help us evolve.

"Life is always seeking expansion. We are part of life, so we are always seeking greater expansion and expression."

This perspective encourages us to look beyond our current circumstances and imagine new possibilities.

The Role of Imagination and Curiosity

Holly also touches on the importance of imagination in shaping our reality. She suggests that many people today are content to consume rather than create, leading to a stagnation in personal development.

"We need to give each other permission to be curious and to explore. It’s about the love of life and the adventure of discovery."

By fostering our imagination, we can discover paths that align more with our true selves.

This conversation with Holly Zachman is a reminder that a growth mindset is not about discontent; it's about being open to possibilities and actively shaping our lives. Life's challenges, when viewed through the lens of growth, can become stepping stones to a more fulfilling existence.

As you reflect on this episode, consider how you can embrace a mindset that fosters curiosity and growth.

Holly Zachman is a business and leadership growth coach and founder of Two Friends Coaching & Consulting. After three decades in corporate, including serving as national president of the American Marketing Association’s Professional Chapter Council, she left in 2024 to pursue her passion: teaching what she’d learned about improving your life through the power of your mind. Through Mindset Intelligence, she teaches business owners and leaders to change the thinking behind their results, so they decide better, grow faster and lead with confidence. Holly has an MBA and is a Certified Proctor Gallagher Coach.
Contact: [email protected]
Monthly 3-day Masterclass Challenge: https://2friendscoaching.com/challenge
Website: https://2friendscoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyzachman

For a deeper dive into Holly's insights and strategies for unlocking your potential, listen to the full episode.

Brought to you by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together for One Clear Voice - showing a way to tame the marketing beast and how to make it Sustainable.  arieljoyfaith.com

Your Brand, Your Story, and Your Success | YOU Matter in Business!

Honest conversations for women in business: entrepreneurs, owners, and founders. We tackle mindset and growth, marketing strategy, visual brand alignment, and small business tips, from taming the marketing beast to the inner work that helps you succeed.

Hosted by Ariel Faith, Visual Story Strategist

I bring Strategy, Story, and Photography together in one clear Voice.

Updated 10-2026

Season 3 Wrap-up: Merge her two podcasts: Women Voices of Central Florida and You Matter in Business.

E69 on You Matter in Business.

Change is never easy, but it often leads to growth. In this heartfelt episode, Ariel shares personal updates that have inspired a significant shift in her podcasting journey.Ariel opens up about her mother’s diagnosis with dementia, a life shift that has made her reevaluate priorities and the direction of her work. She shares how these experiences have reinforced the podcast’s core mission: supporting women through their own life transitions.To streamline her message and connect more deeply with her audience, Ariel has decided to merge her two podcasts: Women Voices of Central Florida and You Matter in Business. This fusion will allow her to reach a broader audience while maintaining a focus on the challenges women face in business.In her new format, Ariel aims to highlight the diverse experiences of women in various industries. She reflects on the journey from targeting photographers to addressing broader issues faced by women in business, emphasizing the importance of real conversations about real challenges and solutions.As she transitions into this new phase, Ariel will continue to spotlight local businesswomen through You Matter in Business. This local focus not only showcases the talent within her community but also fosters connections and support among listeners.As this chapter closes for Women Voices of Central Florida, Ariel invites listeners to join her on You Matter in Business, where the journey of empowerment continues.If you resonate with Ariel’s story and want to hear more, check out You Matter in Business on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Your support makes a difference, and Ariel looks forward to sharing more inspiring stories with you.Thank you for being part of this journey!— Ariel Join the Conversation

Embracing Natural Rhythms: Sustainable Leadership for Women with Amy from Next Level University

In this episode of You Matter in Business, Amy returns to delve into the importance of sustainable leadership for heart-centered leaders, focusing on how to avoid burnout by aligning with natural rhythms, especially for women.

Amy emphasizes the significance of understanding and respecting women's hormonal cycles to enhance self-worth and productivity. She shares insights on how different phases of a woman's cycle affect her energy and capabilities, advocating for self-awareness and open communication with family and colleagues.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of perimenopause and menopause, offering practical advice on managing these transitions. Amy highlights the offerings of Next Level University and underscores the value of personal development in achieving success.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:38 Understanding Natural Rhythms

01:25 Empowering Women Through Self-Care

02:42 The Impact of Hormonal Cycles

11:23 Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause

17:40 Next Level University Overview

20:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Amy:Email: [email protected]: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/gro...Facebook:   / amy.lenius  Instagram:   / amylenius  

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com 

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. 

https://arieljoyfaith.com

https://youtu.be/D2WbJeqdtcA 

In this powerful episode of "You Matter In Business," host Ariel Faith sits down with Amy Lenius, Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, to explore what it truly means to lead with authentic authority. Amy shares her transformative journey through chronic illness and how it led her to discover that real leadership isn't about performing confidence—it's about deeply knowing your worth.

Key Topics Discussed:

[0:00] Introduction & Welcome

• Meet Amy Lenius and her work at Next Level University
• The shift from performing success to embodying authentic leadership

[2:00] The Three Pillars Framework

• Self-belief: Your capacity and capability
• Self-worth: The internal game of worthiness
• Consistency: The unsexy fundamental that changes everything

[4:00] Leadership as Influence

• Why we're all leaders in different areas of life
• The three layers of belief: Is it possible? Is it possible for me? Is it worth it?

[6:00] Building Self-Worth from Within

• Why women's worth is often externally focused
• The five keys to building authentic self-worth
• State, prove, and self-assign: The daily practice

[10:00] Boundaries vs. Rules

• The critical difference most people miss
• Why boundaries control us, not others
• Navigating the fear of losing love when setting boundaries

[13:00] Core Wounds: Unlovable, Defective, Unwanted

• Understanding what drives your unconscious behavior
• How to identify your core wound
• Moving from reactive to empowered choice

[16:00] Redefining Success

• Why success is subjective and personal
• Permission to be fulfilled at home or chase entrepreneurship
• Finding alignment over balance

[20:00] Seasons of Abundance and Scarcity

• The sailing analogy: Tacking through life's challenges
• The "Drive to Five" concept
• Learning to flow rather than balance

[23:00] The Hard Parts of Growth

• Why personal growth doesn't look like Instagram
• "Lonely Land": The normal phase when relationships shift
• Pain now for progress later

[27:00] Expanding Your Comfort Zone

• The three-ring target: Comfort, growth, and anxiety zones
• Building the identity of "I can do hard things"
• Trusting the process when you can't see the other side

[29:00] Looking Ahead

• Preview of next episode: Working with natural rhythms

Connect with Amy Lenius:

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com 

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. 

https://arieljoyfaith.com

https://youtu.be/D2WbJeqdtcA 

Welcome to another episode of You Matter in Business! In this episode, we're flipping the script on traditional leadership and exploring what it means to lead through collaborative authority—using wisdom and values instead of hierarchy and control.

What You'll Learn:

• Why "I don't know, let's figure it out together" is one of the most powerful leadership statements
• How to build authority through lived experience rather than titles and credentials
• The collaborative leadership advantage for professionals 40 and above
• How to lead authentically without pretending to have all the answers
• Why younger generations are hungry for collaborative, not controlling, leadership

Key Timestamps:

[0:00] - Introduction: Leadership through heart, not hierarchy
[1:02] - The power of saying "I don't know, let's figure it out together"
[1:38] - What collaborative authority really means
[2:41] - Old model vs. new model: Authority from titles vs. lived experience
[4:25] - Real example: Collaborative leadership in action on a branding project
[5:51] - Leading without pretending you know everything
[6:00] - Meet Macy Robison: Leadership styles expert
[8:01] - Understanding your natural leadership style with Macy's assessment
[10:31] - Why trying to lead like someone else doesn't work
[13:33] - What collaborative leadership actually looks like in practice
[7:13] - Hiking analogy: How collaborative leaders guide without controlling
[7:46] - Real story: Addressing community issues with curiosity, not control
[8:52] - Why admitting "I was wrong" builds respect
[9:36] - Your experience creates natural authority—share it like wisdom
[10:46] - Reflection questions for this week
[11:38] - Final thoughts and next week's preview

Resources Mentioned:

• Macy Robison's Leadership Assessment:
• Macy's Podcast: Own Your Impact
• Website: ArialJoyFaith.com

Connect with the Real Women in Business Community:
Join women 40 and above who are practicing collaborative leadership while building value-driven businesses. Learn more at https://real-wib.app.clientclub.net/home

Because you matter in business. Your leadership style matters. Your collaborative authority matters.

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com 

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. 

https://arieljoyfaith.com

https://youtu.be/D2WbJeqdtcA 

In this episode of "You Matter in Business," we explore the fundamental difference between working to live and building something you actually want to live for. Discover how to transform your business from a grind into heart-centered work that aligns with your values without sacrificing profitability.

KEY TOPICS & TIMESTAMPS:

[0:00] Introduction: The Big Question

• Do you work to live, or are you building something you want to live for?
• Understanding the massive difference between these two approaches

[0:52] What Heart Work Really Means

• Why heart work doesn't eliminate hard days—it transforms them
• Personal story: From draining corporate photography to energizing brand work

[2:04] The Difference Between Draining and Challenging

• Key question: Does your work drain you or challenge you?
• How to recognize when your business is becoming heart work

[3:48] Making Values-Based Decisions

• Real example: Saying no to great money for family commitments
• When your values become louder than your fear of missing out

[4:30] The Value Integration Test

• Pricing decisions: Sustainable vs. what you "should" charge
• The $350 example: Understanding true business costs
• Choosing aligned clients over anyone who will pay

[6:04] Scheduling for Life, Not Just Income

• Time blocking personal time and family commitments
• Building hard work instead of just working harder

[6:30] What Changes When Your Business is Heart Work

• You attract different people who share your values
• Marketing feels authentic, not convincing
• Energy shifts from depleted to challenged

[7:27] The Money Conversation Nobody Has

• Sometimes heart work makes less, sometimes more
• The money feels different when you're not sacrificing yourself
• Having time to actually enjoy the benefits

[8:30] How Your Leadership Transforms

• Leading from "what do I know is right" vs. "what am I supposed to do"
• Becoming an example for the next generation
• Showing that meaningful work is possible

[9:43] Your Work This Week

• Ask yourself: Am I working to live or building something I want to live for?
• What needs to change? Start with incremental, small steps
• One value-based decision can shift everything

[10:43] Join the Community

• Real Women in Business: Free community for women 40+ creating businesses they can actually live in
• https://real-wib.app.clientclub.net/home
• Learn more at arieljoyfaith.com

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com 

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. 

https://arieljoyfaith.com

https://youtu.be/D2WbJeqdtcA 

In this episode, we're joined by Lorrie Thomas, CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) of Web Marketing Therapy, for a deep dive into creating marketing that actually works—without the stress.

Lorrie has been a pioneer in online marketing since 1999, navigating everything from the dot-com boom and bust to today's AI-driven social media landscape. She specializes in helping intentional leaders build marketing processes and systems that support their professional goals while keeping things fun, healthy, and profitable.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why marketing should be fun (yes, the F-word!)
• The "diagnose, prescribe, and guide" approach to marketing therapy
• How to prioritize marketing projects for maximum impact
• What's changed (and what hasn't) since the dot-com era
• Using AI as a "virtual sparring partner" without losing your soul
• The power of leading with love in all business decisions
• Why ideal clients matter more than any clients
• The importance of owning your magic and creating your "blue ocean"

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

[0:00] - Introduction to Lorrie Thomas and Web Marketing Therapy
[2:00] - Making marketing fun: Why the "F-word" matters
[5:00] - The Marketing Therapy approach: Diagnose, Prescribe, Guide
[9:00] - Creating marketing processes and systems that work
[12:00] - Prioritizing projects: Baking your marketing cake in order
[19:00] - From dot-com boom to social media: What's changed?
[24:00] - The classics of marketing that never change
[30:00] - Content is the entire kingdom, not just king
[34:00] - AI in marketing: The soulless vs. the strategic
[42:00] - Using AI as a virtual sparring partner
[47:00] - Lead with love: Marketing wisdom for heart-centered entrepreneurs
[55:00] - Owning your magic and attracting ideal clients

[61:00] - The marketing therapist approach: No cookie-cutter solutions
[68:00] - Confidentiality, customization, and the boutique agency model

Connect with Lorrie Thomas: https://lorriethomas.com/

Host and Sponsor:

Ariel Faith - Speaking and Education - arielfaith.com 

Bring Your Brand to Life With Story-Driven Strategy, Marketing, and Photography. 

https://arieljoyfaith.com

https://youtu.be/D2WbJeqdtcA