This episode of Your Big Next is a personal one—and a powerful one. I’m pulling back the curtain on the over $200,000 I’ve invested in myself in just the first half of this year… and why I believe that self-investment is the move every visionary leader must make if they want to scale sustainably.

You may hear a lot of talk about investing in systems, ads, funnels, and tools—but your business will never outgrow the capacity of its leader. If you're trying to build a big next chapter on a small foundation, something’s going to give.

I’m sharing exactly where that investment went—from financial strategy to mentorship to health to creative development—and the incredible ROI that’s already showing up because of it.

In this episode, I break down:

💰 The $200,000 shift I made—and why I’d do it again in a heartbeat

🧠 Why personal investment trumps any tool or tactic when it comes to long-term growth

⚡️ How to break out of scarcity thinking (even when you’re already successful)

🏗 What it looks like to build a team that supports your next-level vision

This isn’t about spending recklessly—it’s about investing intentionally in the one thing your business cannot grow without: you.

Resources from this episode:

• Free Masterclass  - You Built the Team - So Why Are You Still Managing It All https://luminaryleadershipco.com/overflow-masterclass
• DM me ‘secret’ I’ll share with you my secret list of ways to invest in yourself
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode287

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

If you’ve built a capable team but still feel like everything flows through you, chances are—you’re the bottleneck. And that’s not a failure… it’s a signal that it’s time to evolve your leadership.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many high-performing entrepreneurs get stuck in maintenance mode, even with a talented team in place. We’ll unpack the difference between simple delegation and true ownership, and why your business can’t scale if you’re still the one holding all the decisions.

I’ll share the exact mindset and structural shifts I teach my private clients to help them stop micromanaging and start multiplying. This is how you move from overwhelmed manager to intentional builder—and how your team becomes a true extension of your vision.

Inside this episode, we cover:

🔄 Why you might be leading from dependency (and not even realize it)

📊 The 3 levels of team maturity—and how to move your team to the top

🛠 Practical steps for transferring leadership (not just tasks)

🚫 What happens when you stay the bottleneck too long—and how to break the cycle

📣 Plus: An invite to my free Masterclass “You Hired the Team – So Why Are You Still Doing It All” to help you implement all of this inside your own business

It’s time to stop building a business that depends on you—and start leading one that thrives because of you.

Resources from this episode:

• Masterclass Sign Up - You Built the Team - So Why Are You Still Managing It All https://luminaryleadershipco.com/overflow-masterclass
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode286

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

In this episode of Your Big Next, I’m sharing a lesson that’s been hitting me deeply lately—and I have a vacation at the beach (and some honest reflection) to thank for it. We’re talking about the difference between leading from overflow vs. leading from force, and why this shift might be the key to sustainable success in both life and business.

If you’ve ever found yourself white-knuckling your way through your goals, stuck in the grind, or building something that’s secretly burning you out… this one’s for you.

I’ll walk you through how to tell when you’re in “force mode,” what overflow actually looks like in your leadership, and how to start making that transition. I’m also sharing a free tool—20 prompts to help you reconnect with your purpose and lead from a place that feels more aligned, energized, and alive.

Inside this episode:

• 💡 The real difference between overflow and force
• 🏖️ What a week of rest taught me about how I was showing up in my work
• ⚠️ How “seasons of hustle” can easily turn into years of burnout
• 📊 A client story that shows the hidden cost of success without sustainability
• 🧠 The mental and emotional markers of force vs. overflow
• 🌿 What it looks like to create margin—and why that’s where vision thrives

You weren’t meant to build your business from a place of depletion. Let’s talk about how to lead in a way that expands you while serving others.

Resources from this episode:

• Life & Loss Update Part 1
• Life & Loss Update Part 2
• 20 ChatGPT Prompts for Overflow https://luminaryleadershipco.com/noforce
• Visionary CEO Schedule Template https://luminaryleadershipco.com/template
• Free KPI Cheat Sheet https://luminaryleadershipco.com/kpi
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode285

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

In this episode, I’m joined by Brad Leavitt—entrepreneur, leader, Luxury General Contractor in Arizona, and the force behind AFT Construction. Brad’s story is one of vision, grit, and long-term thinking. He started as an electrician in San Diego and went on to build one of the most respected construction companies in the country, known for high-end, Net Zero homes and unique custom builds like baseball fields and lazy rivers.

But what really sets Brad apart is how he leads—from building an intentional company culture to investing in mentorship and paving the way for the next generation of builders.

We talk about the real challenges behind scaling a business, what it takes to lead a team that stays aligned and inspired, and how Brad uses social media as a strategic tool for growth and connection. We also get personal about family, legacy, and the often overlooked emotional side of building something great.

Brad’s newest initiative, the Contractors Coalition Summit, is just another example of how he’s pouring back into his industry and helping younger builders rise.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🔧 Brad’s journey from electrician to industry leader
• 🏗 How he scaled AFT Construction and built a standout brand
• 💬 The power of company culture and what most leaders get wrong about hiring
• 🧠 Knowing your strengths, empowering your team, and delegating well
• 📅 Time management strategies for growing a business without burning out
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Balancing business and family—and redefining what success really means
• 🌟 Why mentorship matters now more than ever in construction and beyond

This one’s for anyone in the building phase—whether you’re building a company, a team, or a legacy that lasts.

Resources from this episode:

• Follow Brad on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aft_construction/
• The Brad Leavitt Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brad-leavitt-podcast/id1482995768
• https://www.aftconstruction.com/
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode284

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

This episode is one I’ve been waiting a long time to record—because I’m finally sharing the behind-the-scenes story of writing my book, Your Big Next.

This wasn’t just a business decision or a growth strategy—it was a calling. A year-long, soul-stretching process that asked more of me than I ever imagined. And in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it actually looked like to pour my heart, beliefs, and vision onto the page.

I’m talking about the emotional rollercoaster, the spiritual lessons, the financial commitment—and why I chose to write this book now. You’ll hear what the title means to me, how life threw me a few curveballs in the middle of it all, and why this book is something I hope outlives me.

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book—or you’re in a season where you’re being called to create something deeper—this episode is for you.

Here’s what I share:

📖 Why Your Big Next is more than just a book—it’s a legacy

💭 The mindset shifts and emotional work that come with authorship

🛠 The hardest parts of the writing and editing process

💡 How writing a book has impacted both my business and my soul

🎁 Practical encouragement for aspiring authors (and a free playbook to help you get started)

This journey stretched me in all the right ways, and my hope is that sharing it encourages you to step into your own Big Next—even if it scares you.

Resources from this episode:

•  https://www.luminaryleadershipco.com/bookplaybook
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode283

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

In this episode, I’m joined by someone who embodies unapologetic leadership and creative freedom—Zuby. You may know him as an independent rapper, author, and outspoken voice in today’s cultural landscape, but what struck me most in our conversation is his clarity, courage, and conviction in building a life that aligns fully with his values.

We talk about his journey from growing up in Saudi Arabia to attending Oxford, to eventually leaving the corporate world to go all-in on his music career. Zuby shares what it’s really taken to chart his own course—and how a single viral moment in 2019 became a catalyst for his role in public commentary and cultural conversation.

We also dig into deeper topics that matter to both of us: leadership, resilience, education, personal freedom, and how to rise above societal pressure to stay rooted in your purpose.

This conversation is about much more than music or media—it’s about choosing your path, leading yourself first, and living in alignment with your truth, even when it’s unpopular.

In this episode, we cover:

🎤 Zuby’s unconventional path from Oxford to entrepreneurship and music

🚀 The viral moment that changed his trajectory

🧠 Why critical thinking, personal responsibility, and communication matter more than ever

🛠 The life skills missing from modern education—and what we can do about it

💪 How Zuby stays grounded, resilient, and values-led in today’s culture

🌍 Why leadership starts with courage, not consensus

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His next big personal goal—and why it’s deeply connected to legacy

If you're navigating your next big move and want to do it with more clarity and courage, this episode will light a fire.

Resources from this episode:

• Follow Zuby on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zubymusic
• https://realtalkwithzuby.com
• Real Talk with Zuby Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-talk-with-zuby/id1449384242
• Zuby's Music https://x.com/zubymusic
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode282

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

Let’s talk about something I never thought I’d be sharing with this much conviction—how AI is helping me actually reclaim my time and lead my business with more ease (especially heading into summer).

I was hesitant about bringing AI into my world. I didn’t want to lose the personal touch or creativity that makes my work meaningful. But what I found instead? AI isn’t replacing my voice—it’s helping me protect it.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’m using AI right now to simplify and streamline everything from content creation to email management to internal systems. Not in a cold, robotic way—but in a way that frees up my brain, closes open loops, and creates space for what matters most: presence with my family, peace in my calendar, and momentum in the business.

If you’re a visionary entrepreneur who’s tired of doing it all and wants to protect your energy this season without slowing your growth, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I share:

⚡ Why I was hesitant about AI—and what changed

📬 How I use AI for content, email, and systems without losing the personal touch

👩‍👧‍👦 Real-life shifts I’ve made to be more present with my family this summer

🧠 The mental clarity that comes from using tools that work with you

🛠 Easy, practical ways to integrate AI without overwhelm

🌿 Why simplifying might be your most powerful leadership move right now

This is about working smarter, not harder—and making room for what matters most.

Resources from this episode:

• Free Delegation Checklist
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode281

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to ditch outdated financial advice and build a more aligned, purpose-driven approach to wealth.

I sat down with Garrett Gunderson—author, speaker, and one of the most influential voices in rethinking money and investing. Garrett’s work has deeply impacted both me and my husband, helping us step away from the noise of traditional financial models and instead lean into strategies that feel aligned with our values, purpose, and long-term vision.

We talk about Garrett’s roots, his early challenges with scarcity-based thinking, and what it looks like to lead your business and financial life from a place of clarity and confidence. One of the biggest game-changers? His concept of Investor DNA—a totally different way to look at investing based on who you are and how you’re wired, not some cookie-cutter formula.

We also dig into what it really means to invest in yourself, your team, and your strengths, and how leadership plays a key role in building sustainable wealth.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

💡 How Garrett broke free from financial fear and scarcity

🧠 Why conventional wisdom around money is holding entrepreneurs back

📈 The power of Investor DNA and how to find yours

🔥 Investing in your zone of genius (and in people who multiply your mission)

🛠 Personal stories, practical strategies, and mindset shifts for building real wealth

💬 Why leadership, not just hustle, is your biggest financial asset

Garrett brings the truth with no fluff—and this conversation will challenge you to reimagine what wealth looks like for you.

Resources from this episode:

• Follow Garrett on Instagram
• Subscribe to Garrett's Youtube Channel
• https://garrettgunderson.com/
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode280

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

Coming off the heels of our most recent Visionary CEO Mastermind retreat, I wanted to bring you behind the scenes of a powerful theme that came up again and again: belief—and the role it plays in building a business that actually lasts.

In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really means to lead from belief, how it fuels growth in both visible and invisible ways, and why it might be the most underutilized (and underestimated) asset in your business strategy.

I’m also sharing a personal story about hitting a massive business milestone that, on paper, seemed impossible—but belief made it inevitable. You’ll learn how to create your own North Star Belief Statement, what it looks like to align your team and operations around it, and how to track unique KPIs that reflect belief-driven success.

Whether you're feeling stuck in the grind or are looking to lead with deeper intention, this episode will help you scale with conviction, clarity, and legacy in mind.

Here’s what we cover:

🔹 The tangible and intangible ROI of belief

🔹 Why belief creates possibility—and profitability

🔹 A personal example of scaling through faith and alignment

🔹 How to create your North Star Belief Statement

🔹 Belief-based KPIs to fuel performance and growth

🔹 Practical ways to lead your team with more purpose and clarity

This isn’t about hype—it’s about anchoring your vision in something strong enough to carry it through.

Resources from this episode:

• Free KPI Cheat Sheet
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode279

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Denise Duffield-Thomas—a money mentor whose work has impacted over 10,000 entrepreneurs around the world. I’ve admired her for years, not just because of the way she teaches about abundance and wealth, but because of how she lives her life: with intention, honesty, and ease.

We got into the real stuff—what it’s like to build a successful business while navigating undiagnosed ADHD, the pressure of always chasing the next big thing, and why Denise is now leaning hard into simplicity and joy. She’s choosing contentment over constant growth, and honestly, it’s a refreshing (and powerful) perspective more entrepreneurs need to hear.

We talked about the messy middle of motherhood, the tension between ambition and peace, and what it truly means to live a “first class life”—not in terms of luxury, but in alignment with your values.

This conversation is full of permission slips—to slow down, to trust the season you're in, and to define success on your own terms.

Some highlights from our conversation:

💬 Denise’s early entrepreneurial journey and how she discovered her sweet spot

🔥 Why financial success doesn’t protect you from burnout

⚖️ The constant tug-of-war between big vision and well-being

🎯 How to streamline your business to serve you

💡 Why ambition doesn’t have to mean “more, more, more”

🌿 What living a “first class life” really looks like (and how to define it for yourself)

This one’s for anyone who’s feeling the weight of the hustle—or wondering if there’s another way to grow without losing yourself in the process.

Resources from this episode:

• Follow Denise on Instagram
• www.denisedt.com
• The Incubator: A Mastermind For Visionaries & Their Right Hand
• Show notes: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/episode278

Connect with me:

• Website: https://luminaryleadershipco.com/
• If there's a topic, a question or a guest you want to hear on the show or an idea you have for us, just reach out and share that at [email protected]. We'd love to chat!
• Connect with me on Instagram!

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here!