Hard Costs With Katy Widrick

Three years after my "Brush With Burnout," how am I really doing? What have I learned to do or not do, and did my predictions from the 6-month mark come true? If you're just catching up, you may find it helpful to also listen to "My Brush With Burnout" episode from May 2022.

Hillary is a master connector and the visionary behind Boss Talks, a speaker series launched in 2014 in Los Angeles. This initiative showcased the trials and triumphs of successful women entrepreneurs, fostering a network where attendees can forge valuable connections and discover opportunities. One notable success story emerged when Nicci Levy, founder of Alchemy 43, met her first investor, Toni Ko of NYX Cosmetics, at one of these events. Today, Boss Talks has evolved into a global mentorship platform dedicated to empowering women in their entrepreneurial pursuits through mentorship, strategic connections, education, and a supportive community. She has been featured in Forbes, ABC, CBS, Yahoo Finance and named a woman to watch 2024 in Icon Magazine. Hillary also spearheads the Building a Boss Summit, leveraging her two decades of event planning expertise and a sharp eye for impactful content. With the summit, Hillary aims to create an immersive one-day experience that helps women entrepreneurs and business leaders soar to new heights, promoting the advancement of women in leadership. GUEST RESOURCES bosstalks.com buildingabosssummit.com https://www.instagram.com/bosstalksnetwork/ https://www.instagram.com/buildingabosssummit https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillarygadsby/ RESOURCES Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick

Welcome back to Hard Costs!  In this episode, your host Katy welcomes Tatiana O'Hara, a team and leadership development consultant. Sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, they delve into scaling businesses while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their discussion also highlights strategies for optimizing teams, taking calculated risks, and prioritizing energy and mindset.  Both also emphasize setting and achieving big goals, empowering leadership transitions, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. You’ll learn more as they debunk the challenges of scaling a business while ensuring financial sustainability, including the crucial role of identifying the right roles to hire for and gradually phasing in new team members.  Are you an overwhelmed business owner? Don’t miss this episode as Tatiana and Katy also underscore the significance of keeping finances in mind and avoiding overcommitting when expanding a team.  Tune in today!  KEY POINTS - Setting goals and overcoming the fear of risk  - Empowering others to set big goals and take action - How Tatiana helps leaders optimize and build their teams  - Balancing between risk and strategy in business growth - Tatiana’s entrepreneurial journey from childhood to corporate leader  - Transitioning to a new season of life and business goals for 2024  - Reflecting on personal growth and business evolution  - Risk-taking and strategies in business - The importance of inner work to CEOs  - Prioritizing energy and mindset  QUOTABLES “I think a lot of the fear around risk, whether you're risk-averse or you take too much risk, is really minimized because, for the first time, we have a big picture strategy that's helping us get somewhere."  — Tatiana O'Hara "I'm exactly where I need to be. I am doing what I need to do. I'm really giving myself and my family and my community the right energy and mindset." — Katy Widrick “Instead of looking at this previous chapter as the end goal and where I should have stayed, it's just like a point on the journey now, you know, and I can take those lessons that I learned to help support me in the future, but we just keep moving. Forward motion.” — Tatiana O'Hara GUEST RESOURCES Tatiana O'Hara  IG | @_tatianaohara   LinkedIn | @tatianaohara RESOURCES Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In today’s episode, join your host Katy Widrick in a captivating conversation with Chelsea Wallace, a seasoned Launch Strategist and Copywriter whose expertise has fueled over $4,000,000 in revenue for online brands. As The Launch Copy Coach, Chelsea empowers 6 and 7-figure coaches and course creators to orchestrate high-dollar re-launches while prioritizing self-care and community connection.  Discover Chelsea's entrepreneurial insights on how to prioritize team strength, combat self-doubt, and nurture genuine communication in partnerships. You will also learn more as Chelsea reflects on her upbringing's influence on her entrepreneurial mindset and the transformative power of aligning career choices with personal interests. You’re going to explore the intersection of passion, purpose, and profitability in today’s episode — along with Chelsea's vision for her nonprofit initiative supporting teenage single mothers in Jamaica. Tune in!  KEY POINTS - How does Chelsea describe herself in an elevator pitch - The importance of a strong team in achieving success - On dealing with self-doubt and identity crisis in entrepreneurship - Difference between owning a proposal and owning its implementation - On having trust, communication, and co-creation in business partnerships - How Chelsea’s upbringing influenced her entrepreneurial mindset - The pivotal role of a career that aligns with interests  - What’s next for Chelsea? QUOTABLES "I want to fund my nonprofit that supports teenage single moms in Jamaica. Give them resources to really kind of step out of cycles of poverty, and of kids that are not taken care of, [and] not supported to grow up as kind of healthy functioning people in society. I want my nonprofit to be that space and that place for them." — Chelsea Wallace  "I am magnetically attracted to people who have a mission or a passion that's bigger than them and bigger than their business. And I love that healthy approach that you have, which is like, 'I love what I do and the people I serve and the impact I have. '" — Katy Widrick GUEST RESOURCES Chelsea Wallace Website | chelseawallace IG | @thelaunchcopycoach  FB | @thelaunchcopycoach  RESOURCES Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Welcome back to Hard Costs!  In this episode, host Katy is joined by Amber Naslund, a seasoned sales and marketing executive driving enterprise growth at LinkedIn. Amber, a co-author of The Now Revolution, shares insights on LinkedIn through her Courageous Career newsletter and how she balances her professional life being a dedicated single mom, equestrian, pit bull rescuer, and freelance writer. Together, they delve into Amber's journey, discussing her mentorship, career growth, and resilience amidst hardships. Amber also opens up about her business failures, personal relationships, and the importance of self-care. They also explore the significance of support systems, coping with grief and mental health struggles, finding joy through hobbies outside career lives, and maintaining work-life balance.  So, tune in with Katy and Amber for an inspiring conversation on embracing creativity and discovering joy — both personally and professionally today! KEY POINTS - Amber’s mentorship, hardships, and career growth - Healing from business failures and personal relationships - The importance of having a support system  - Dealing with grief, caregiving, and mental health struggles - The importance of having non-work-related interests - Ways to embrace creativity and work-life balance  - Finding joy in your professional and personal life QUOTABLES “Sometimes it needs to be spending time with yourself or things that intrigue your heart and soul and not just your brain because that's a trap. It's really easy to fall into.” – Amber Naslund “I've found a little bit of my groove for writing again, I was so devoid of inspiration and motivation to write and create. And some of that was fueled by doubt, some of it was fueled by just burnout.” – Amber Naslund GUEST RESOURCES Amber Naslund  LinkedIn: @ambernaslund  Threads: @ambercadabra  RESOURCES Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Welcome back to Hard Costs.  In today’s solo episode, Katy delves into her role as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs and the importance of moving quickly in business. By focusing on the synergy between big ideas and having meticulous execution, she shares with us the crucial role of integrators in bringing goals to fruition. Katy also highlights the balance between critical stages and maintaining a sustainable pace. Further, Katy provides us with helpful insights and tips for both visionaries and integrators to cultivate successful collaborations, making your big, bold, and visionary ideas come to life. Join Katy in this discussion focusing on the mantra “money loves speed”, the art of balancing ambition, and execution in the pursuit of business excellence. Tune in. KEY POINTS - The importance of speed in making money  - How implementers can help execute ideas for visionaries - On setting achievable goals that align with one’s abilities and values - The pivotal role of building trust with visionary founders and being a reliable partner - On pacing and collaboration with project management - How avoiding distractions ensures a successful launch  - On finding the right partner to craft the vision into reality  - How building a community with founder stories can be of inspiration QUOTABLES “A visionary and a great team of people — who implement, push, run at their speed, and agree that ‘money loves speed’ — that's when the magic happens.” – Katy Widrick “If you are a service provider who is looking to work with visionaries in a new way — or is looking to take the next level in your career —  I really want you to think about money loves speed and running at the pace of your visionary partner.” – Katy Widrick Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Welcome back to Hard Costs! In today’s episode, your host Katy is joined by Kandis James, a resilient entrepreneur and sales advisor. From surviving accidents to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Kandis shares with us her remarkable journey and the profound lessons she's learned along the way. In this candid conversation, Kandis opens up to Katy about the impact of her near-death experiences on her outlook, emphasizing the importance of resilience and embracing life's opportunities. She then discusses how these incidents have shaped her commitment to helping others, providing valuable insights into sales psychology, and empowering many business owners to thrive. Delve into Kandis’ story as she seamlessly connects her personal experiences with her role as a sales advisor. Discover the trifecta of skills she believes are crucial in sales – mastering energy, cultivating curiosity, and asking the right questions. Kandis also highlights the shift in mindset needed for successful sales conversations, emphasizing the power of putting the client on the stage rather than being in the spotlight. As Katy and Kandis navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, you will gain a deeper understanding of the mindset required for effective sales, and learn how to overcome challenges by focusing on belief in oneself and the value one brings to the table. Join Katy and Kandis for a conversation that goes beyond sales – an exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the continuous pursuit of making a positive impact in the world.  Trigger Warning: This episode delves into sensitive topics related to near-death experiences. KEY POINTS  - Kandis’ journey of resilience and the impact of near-death experiences on her outlook - The pivotal role of trifecta of skills crucial for successful sales - Katy and Kandis’ shared experiences in the Elevate Community and the power of connection - The importance of overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship and sales by embracing belief in oneself and the value offered - How near-death experiences intersect with personal and professional growth - Ways to overcome entrepreneurial challenges by self-belief and embracing the value you offer QUOTABLES  "To be really good at sales, you need to be the master of your own energy, be curious, [and] ask the right questions. Sales is psychology; you need to be curious about the psychology." – Kandis James  “I've three near-death experiences. And I'm still going. We're here for a short time, we're not guaranteed. I just want to see it all, feel it all, and do it all.” — Kandis James  GUEST INFORMATION  Kandis James Website | kandisjames IG | @kandisjames.kj  YouTube | Kandis James Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Join Katy in this insightful episode as she engages in a conversation with Sugey Piedra, an Enrolled Agent and a certified tax preparer with over two decades of experience. Sugey is passionate about helping her clients optimize their finances and attain the freedom they desire, so they don't have to work indefinitely. In her role as the co-founder of Prominence Business & Wealth Management, Sugey leads a dedicated team that assists high-earning service-based business owners in building long-term wealth. The holistic approach of her firm encompasses bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial planning, and tax strategy, all offered under one roof. Sugey's journey into the realms of business, financial planning, and money management is an inspiring narrative that she shares in this episode. She discusses how she educates her clients, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of taxation and make informed decisions. Their conversation takes a personal turn as Sugey reflects on her own journey from her youth to her current venture, highlighting the pivotal moments that have shaped her approach to financial services. Sugey's invaluable insights into the factors influencing the success of her business provide an in-depth look into her entrepreneurial mindset. She also shares her experiences and strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubts, offering guidance to aspiring business owners. This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone seeking to gain financial independence and a balanced life. Join Katy and Sugey Piedra as they explore the intricacies of financial management, entrepreneurship, and the path to true financial freedom today! KEY POINTS - How Sugey educates her clients in handling taxes - Sugey’s journey from being a young to a business venture - Factors that influence the success of the business - Katy and Sugey’s reflections on past experiences influencing their financial mindset - On dealing with limiting beliefs and self-doubts - The importance of people delegation and letting go of perfectionism - Audrey’s struggles with balancing work and personal life - What’s Audrey’s money mindset advice? - The significant role of understanding business, financial planning & money management QUOTABLES “I wanted to create this show not to spend time wallowing in trauma. These stories, I find them so empowering and so relatable… so I hope that you have given yourself some credit.” – Katy Widrick  “It doesn't matter if they're a CPA, it doesn't matter if they're an enrolled agent, it doesn't matter if they're just a regular tax professional with a state certification. Find someone that's going to take the time to really educate you on a better tomorrow. Your tax return is telling a story.” – Sugey Piedra GUEST INFORMATION  Sugey Piedra Website | Prominence Business IG | @prominence.services  LinkedIn | @sugey-piedra-ea Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Join Katy in this episode for an insightful conversation with Audrey Saccone, experienced marketer and technologist, and CEO of Audrey Digital. After dedicating over five years to the non-profit sector, Audrey ventured into the dynamic world of online marketing, collaborating with industry leaders like Marie Forleo and Sophia Amoruso. Today, Audrey and her team of developers and technologists specialize in enhancing the marketing and digital operations of e-commerce and digital businesses, ensuring they always perform at their best. In this engaging dialogue, Audrey shares her journey of donning two hats – one as a high-achieving CEO responsible for her team's livelihoods and the other as a dedicated service provider for fellow CEOs. She candidly discusses the beauty and burdens that come with this dual role, offering valuable insights into the ongoing transition her team is experiencing. Audrey's authenticity shines through as she talks about where she's been, where she is now, and her aspirations for the future.  Katy and Audrey also share light-hearted moments, reflecting on their musical theater backgrounds and their transitions into tech and marketing careers. They also dive into the intriguing caffeine habits of CEOs and gain a deeper understanding of the people behind the brands.  This episode offers a genuine and transformative conversation that highlights the challenges and triumphs of Audrey's journey, making it a must-listen for aspiring CEOs, tech enthusiasts, and marketing professionals. Join Katy and Audrey as they explore Audrey's remarkable transformation from a technical marketer to an empowering CEO who fosters a supportive peer network. KEY POINTS - Audrey's CEO journey: Client provider or CEO first? - How Audrey builds and trusts her team - Audrey’s journey from aspirations to education  - Tough decisions and conversations as a CEO - What does Audrey’s inner circle look like? - Why Audrey shifts to a business model focusing on e-commerce - How her mantra helps in life - Audrey’s 3-month sabbatical, biggest fears, & coffee order QUOTABLES “My biggest fear is having to let go of my team. They're everything to me.” - Audrey Saccone GUEST INFORMATION  Audrey Saccone  Website | audreydigital  IG | audreydigital LinkedIn | @audreysaccone Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, your host Katy is joined by the successful entrepreneur and founder behind Business Babes Collective, Danielle Wiebe. Join Danielle as she shares her wealth of entrepreneurial wisdom to the forefront, sharing her journey and lessons learned along the way with us!  Embarking on a journey to unravel the intricate interplay among work, family, and self-care, you'll gain insights into the profound importance of collaboration, community cultivation, and the remarkable potential for transformation while navigating the challenges of being high-achievers in the world of business and family life. You’re also going to explore the vital role of self-care, setting boundaries, and adapting to changing circumstances without compromising one's core values.  Stay tuned in this episode with Katy and Danielle as you’ll definitely gain invaluable insights that will ignite your passion for leading a harmonious and purpose-driven life today!  KEY POINTS - The importance of self-care and setting boundaries to avoid burnout - Navigating the challenges of being a high-achiever while still prioritizing family - The value of community and collaboration for both personal and professional growth - Embracing flexibility in work routines and treating others with grace  - The significance of finding meaning in your goals and excitement in work QUOTABLES “I always tell people that you can collaborate with people that are direct competitors to you, as long as there's trust there, and as long as there are shared values.” — Danielle Wiebe “I went through a pretty severe period of burnout — coming out of a corporate role. I had to trust the universe in saying: ‘If I don't have a scarcity mindset, and if I trust that all these good things can happen, despite this negative experience that has just in for me; then yes, good things will happen.’” — Katy Widrick GUEST INFORMATION  Danielle Wiebe Website | businessbabescollective.com IG | @danilivinglife  LinkedIn | @danielle-wiebe Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this podcast episode, Katy is joined by Megan Hansen. Megan Hansen, a Registered Dietitian, founded Metabolism Makeover nearly a decade ago with the goal of teaching, not telling, clients the art and proven science of long-term weight loss…without extreme measures like tracking calories or spending hours at the gym. In this conversation, Megan shares insights into her personal growth journey, the importance of trusting her intuition, what her own up-bringing and experiences taught her about diet culture, fat loss and more...and the important roles she balances (including CEO, content creator, author and MOM!). Megan also talks about what led her to write and publish Metabolism Makeover: Ditch the Diet, Train Your Brain, Drop the Weight for Good and why she stepped away from the brand she'd created, as a "vodka-loving dietitian." Her story is inspirational, motivational, emotional and includes some very hard costs in her personal and professional life, and wait until you hear what she's planning next! KEY POINTS - Navigating personal growth, trusting intuition, and building confidence  - Megan's pivot from being the "vodka-loving dietitian" to an all-new brand - The importance of balancing nutrition and exercise for overall wellness - Megan’s lifestyle program and her Metabolism Makeover book!  - Lessons learned of Katy & Megan in their own journey balancing motherhood and business - The significance of authenticity in attracting like-minded individuals - Understanding “what is right for you” by tuning into your intuition and body QUOTABLES “The biggest piece of advice I can give to anybody is remove any sort of shoulds or shouldn't. It's what is right for you; because the shoulds and the shouldn’ts are just your conditioned response to whatever you've been conditioned to by the world. It's not coming from within.” – Megan Hansen  “I’m really understanding the power of free writing. It’s such a trust-the-process thing. All good things happen. And so, this concept feels very powerful to me.” – Katy Widrick  GUEST INFORMATION  Megan Hansen Website | metabolismmakeover IG | @megan.the.dietitian  Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this insightful episode, Katy sits down with Jessica Hurley, the dynamic founder of Epyc Media Network, a premium podcast network and platform that connects conscious creators to conscious listeners. Jessica's transformation from a solopreneur to a media empire leader imparts invaluable lessons on leadership, self-discovery, and the pursuit of authenticity in both her personal and professional life -  So whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode delivers rich insights, advice, and inspiration. Join in this conversation as Jessica shares her journey through entrepreneurship – encompassing personal growth, evolving relationships, and the dynamic nature of business. You will also discover the significance of resilience, authenticity, and the art of storytelling in forging meaningful connections with others. Learn more as they both delve into the intricacies of team management, business expansion, and the quest for finding growth & balance in every aspect of your life.  So, tune in as Katy and Jessica confront the challenges of entrepreneurship, personal development, and team leadership while seeking a more harmonious and gratifying life. Feel free to listen to Jessica’s Rich in Real Life podcast, too!  KEY POINTS - Jessica on navigating her growth in relationship, business & personal life - The power of resilience and authenticity in facing entrepreneurial challenges - How storytelling and vulnerability can connect you with your audience - The significance of impactful origin stories in building relatable content - How transparency and honesty play a crucial role in both personal and professional life - The importance of embracing the choices made during challenging times - The importance of finding balance, taking breaks, and managing a growing team while pursuing personal growth QUOTABLES "The thing that makes all of us interesting and resilient and somebody to cheer for is not that we had it easy, but it's that we didn't have it easy and the choices that we made during those hard times." - Katy Widrick “I think the world is craving more transparency. There are so many people selling the beautiful highlight reel of business so that they can sell more business. Let's talk about what's real.” – Jessica Hurley GUEST RESOURCES  Jessica Hurley  IG | @jessicahurley__  Tune in to the Rich in Real Life Podcast, hosted by Jessica Hurley! Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, Katy puts the spotlight on special guest Kate Ahl, CEO and founder of Simple Pin Media, and dives into the dynamic world of leadership, business growth, and self-discovery.  As a Pinterest Strategist, Kate assists her diverse clients, from small businesses to e-commerce and content creators, and in this episode, Kate candidly shares her experiences, offering insights into the challenges of leadership, team dynamics, and finding a balance between personal growth and business pressures. You’re going to uncover a number of valuable insights from how Kate manages her team, her views on "hire slow, fire fast," and the hard costs of leadership that she’s had to bear. You’re also going to find out what makes Pinterest such a great marketplace to build a network and grow business. So, tune in this conversation and learn how pinterest can help your business between Kate & Katy today! KEY POINTS - Kate's unexpected journey from aspiring teacher to CEO of a Pinterest marketing agency - How the pivotal role of helping a friend led to the creation of Simple Pin Media - Navigating the challenges of leadership and finding balance amidst business pressures - Lessons learned from hiring, firing, and prioritizing team dynamics - The impact of self-discovery and rest on Kate's personal and professional growth - Future plans for Simple Pin Media and the value of taking time to make informed decisions QUOTABLES “Pinterest has a language that feels very corporate. And it doesn't feel like it knows how to connect with creators or small businesses.”  – Kate Ahl  “I often think that that's one of those hard costs that I think about in business which is —it's mentally hard.” – Katy Widrick GUEST INFORMATION  Kate Ahl  Website | kateahl IG | @simplepinmedia  LinkedIn | @kate-ahl Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Welcome back to Hard Costs! In this episode, Katy introduces Lauren "L2" Howard, the brilliant mind behind elletwo, a safe haven and platform for women to speak and teach their truth from their experiences in work, life, and health. Join in on the conversation as Katy and Lauren highlight and celebrate women's resilience, strength, and worth, inside and outside the workplace. As an advocate for women and mental health, Lauren stresses the importance of respect and safety in the spaces we operate in. Beyond the curated façade of professional social media, ElleTwo carves out a space for the real and authentic. So step into this space as Lauren lets us in on her brand's evolution and the vibrant community she's created. This episode isn't just about listening – it's about joining the movement that empowers women in every sphere, including the workplace. Tune in and be part of the conversation that's reshaping narratives for women worldwide. KEY POINTS - Redefining professionalism and giving ourselves permission in the workplace  - Lauren on empowering women and its ripple effect on the community she’s built  - How Lauren deals with negative feedback and mansplaining comments on social media - The importance of showing up as yourself with High Rise community  - What does the inner circle of ElleTwo and Lauren look like?  - Why Lauren shares her personal challenges with her community  - Katy and Lauren on boundaries in parenting  QUOTABLES “Equity feels like oppression when you're the oppressor.” - Lauren “L2” Howard “What I love about really the impact that you're having is that you are now able to do that at scale like you have created a community of women who hopefully do feel more empowered and do feel more secure in their voice.” – Katy Widrick “When you empower women, they empower other women.” - Lauren “L” Howard GUEST INFORMATION  Lauren “L2” Howard Website: elletwo IG | @elle_two LinkedIn: @elletwo Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Get ready for a captivating conversation with the incredible Holly Haynes! She's a force to be reckoned with and a powerhouse entrepreneur dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs to create simple, scalable strategies to reach multiple six figures without relying on unpredictable social media algorithms.  Holly's not just an entrepreneur; she's an industry expert with a 20-year business consulting background, including Fortune 500 companies. She is also the brains behind Crush the Rush Planner Company and hosts the top-rated Crush the Rush podcast, a podcast focused on teaching you how to build a full-time business on a part-time schedule. In this episode, Holly shares a pivotal Hard Cost that she faced when her Instagram account was shut down not once, but twice, and the strategies she developed to overcome this obstacle - strategies that she now imparts to her clients. Katy and Holly also talk about the delicate balance between running a thriving business, nurturing a supportive team, and embracing family life. Holly's journey reflects the constantly evolving landscape of modern entrepreneurship, but with her unwavering commitment to strategic growth and life alignment, her insights will leave a trail of valuable insights for all stages of your business and career paths!  KEY POINTS - Young Holly's dream job - How Holly leads a paper product business like her father  - The importance of building a network  - Holly’s journey from a corporate career to an entrepreneur  - What does Holly’s inner circle look like? - Holly’s life quotes & a preview of her 3-month sabbatical moment - Katy and Holly on applying the law of attraction QUOTABLES “From a business strategy perspective, our planner really acts like a tripwire. It acts as a stepping stone or an introduction to how I teach and what I do.” – Holly Haynes “I want to create a team environment that feels very collaborative and inspiring.” — Holly Haynes GUEST INFORMATION  Holly Haynes  Website | hollymariehaynes IG | @thehollymariehaynes  LinkedIn | @hollyhaynes Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

Get ready for an invigorating episode of the podcast as Katy Widrick welcomes the exceptional Nicole Culver, master mindset coach and success strategist on a mission to help women step into their CEO role so they can grow their business to create their dream life… all within schooltime hours!  Nicole's professional journey is awe-inspiring - Having transitioned from a teaching career to becoming a CEO, she co-runs Elevate with her husband, Dan, growing it into a seven-figure business while maintaining a remarkable 15-hour workweek! How did she manage to do that? Tune in as Nicole brings us along her journey from blogging to business building and uncover the entrepreneurial prowess she cultivated along the way to get to where she is now.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain wisdom and insights from one of the most remarkable minds in business with Katy Widrick and Nicole Culver today!  KEY POINTS - How Nicole and Katy met each other  - What’s 10-year-old Nicole's dream?  - What led Nicole to be a founder of a food company - Hard costs and overall experience of being a business owner - What’s the upper limit for Nicole as a CEO - Nicole’s two quotes she lives by - The 3-month sabbatical of Nicole - On Nicole’s mantra and signature coffee order QUOTABLES “There's so many defining hard moments. And we still have hard moments, we still have hard months. They're different now. All of those moments are lessons, but also build the resilience that you're going to need to get to the next level.” – Nicole Culver GUEST INFORMATION Nicole Culver Website | nicoleculver IG | @nicoleculver LinkedIn |@nicole-culver  Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

TW: In this conversation, Heather and Katy discuss the death of Heather's child, and the journey of grief that she's navigating. If this is a sensitive topic for you, you may wish to skip this episode. Join us for an extraordinary episode of the Hard Costs podcast as Katy Widrick engages in a heartfelt conversation with Heather Crabtree, a visionary business coach and growth strategist. As the founder of Savvy Business, Heather specializes in guiding online coaches and service professionals to reach the next level in their business without compromising their values, priorities, or boundaries. With over a decade of experience, Heather has been instrumental in helping service pros cultivate thriving businesses that align seamlessly with their desired lifestyles. In this candid and touching episode, Heather opens up about her trials & tribulations as a business owner while seamlessly weaving her experiences as a mother into the conversation. Despite facing profound challenges, including the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter to pediatric cancer, Heather's resilience and optimism still shine through. Her story is truly a testament to how she has translated her personal growth into empowering others to prioritize their lives while making a meaningful impact in their businesses!  Heather's authenticity and determination in this conversation will be sure to captivate and inspire you - Tune in to gain invaluable insights, explore the power of resilience, and learn from a remarkable individual who has transformed adversity into a driving force for change. Don't miss this deeply moving conversation on the Hard Costs podcast with Katy Widrick and Heather Crabtree today! KEY POINTS - The two important values to remember as a strategist  - Heather’s transformative journey from attorney to now coach  - Navigating the grief and loss of a loved one - The origin story of Heather’s Savvy Business  - What being a savvy business owner means to Heather QUOTABLES “I don't want it to be just about strategy, I really look outside with a bird's eye view and question my clients and people that I work with: “What do you want for your life? It's not - what do you want for your business? It's ‘what you want for your life’, and we need to make sure that your business fits within that.” - Heather Crabtree GUEST INFORMATION  Heather Crabtree  Website | heathercrabtree IG | @heatherbusinesscoach LinkedIn |@heathercrabtree Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn | @katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, Katy speaks with special guest Dana Bowling, host of Daily Dose of Dana, a podcast all about life, pop culture, celebrity news, and all things entertainment!  In this episode, Dana brings us along on her journey of becoming a casting director in Hollywood and the pivots she made that propelled her toward her purpose! Dana also shares how she discovered her love for podcasting even as a little child (yes, before podcasting was officially even a thing!) and her experience being immersed in celebrity culture at a young age. Make sure you stick to the end to hear Dana’s prediction of the online coaching industry, as well as how she overcomes money mindset fears as a CEO in an often unpredictable industry. KEY POINTS - How the pandemic propelled Dana’s purpose  - Get to know little Dana and her love for entertainment & podcasting  - Learn the inspiration behind the Daily Dose of Dana podcast  - Dana’s journey in Hollywood casting to brand strategy - What’s future of online coaching? - Hot seat: Dana’s favorite social media platforms, biggest fear, & signature coffee order!  QUOTABLES “Sometimes, things happen where you have the right product at the right time.” – Dana Bowling  “At 26 years old, we got our first show, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. They're popular with younger kids. And so, I was the youngest script and casting director at 26 years old.” – Dana Bowling  “I love a mantra, I love a quote, I've got a whole stable full of things that I'll pull out. But one that constantly comes to mind for me is the rising tide lifts all boats. I say this on a near-daily basis.” – Katy Widrick GUEST INFORMATION  Dana Bowling Learn more about Dana Bowling here  IG |@thisisdanabowling TikTok | @thisisdanabowling  LinkedIn |@dana-bowling Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn |@katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In today’s conversation, Katy speaks with Chelsea Winstead, Founder of HerHQ, a consulting agency dedicated to empowering women in the realm of freelancing through courses, coaching, and community. Chelsea's mission revolves around helping women leverage their corporate skills to establish successful freelance service-based businesses, and in this episode, Chelsea is here to share how she has empowered others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams by staying true to her own.  Tune in as Katy and Chelsea dive into the intricacies of freelancing and the path Chelsea took to achieve a six-figure income in this field! Chelsea and Katy also talk about having tough skin as content creators and the importance of staying true to your mission and message, despite the critics. If you're seeking inspiration to navigate the world of entrepreneurship authentically, then this episode is for you. Join in on the conversation and uncover the immense value of cutting through the noise and staying true to yourself & your mission with Katy and Chelsea Winstead today!  KEY POINTS - Chelsea’s corporate and military lives  - Earning 6 figures in freelance  - What’s the “retainer model” and how does it help increase your income? - Strategies to monetize your corporate skills  - How Chelsea and business partner Hollie established the HerHQ community - Chelsea’s favorite social media, person to be with on a 3-month sabbatical & biggest fear QUOTABLES “I find it to be my purpose to bring that confidence and give women tangible strategies to build. My goal with the business is to do everything that we do like our free communities.” – Chelsea Winstead  “I wholeheartedly believe that you should go where the people are. You shouldn't be like build a house and then try to invite people off the interstate to come over.” – Chelsea Winstead  GUEST INFORMATION  Chelsea Winstead Website | Her HQ  IG | @chelsea.winstead  LinkedIn | @chelsea-winstead-mba TikTok | @chelsea.winstead  Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn |@katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, Katy speaks with Veronica, Master Marketer, Executive Leader, and Founder of Rainmaker Residency, an agency that helps her aspiring entrepreneurs transition from full-time marketers to full-time founders of their businesses!  Join in on this conversation as Katy and Veronica talk about curating communities and building strong teams in your entrepreneurial space. Veronica also shares her personal upbringing with immigrant parents, the challenges & hardships faced, and the many invaluable lessons learned that have shaped her unique insights and perspectives as a business owner today.  So, tune in on this episode with your host Katy and learn from Veronica’s personal experiences, insightful tips, and uplifting beliefs today!  KEY POINTS - Embracing duality: Being a team member as a CEO - Veronica’s upbringing with Cuban immigrant parents  - Why asking for help is all part of the process  - Navigating and overcoming the challenges of parenting  - Which is the hardest — marriage, parenthood, or entrepreneurship?  - Finding meaning in every adversity  - The shifting roles of intimacy and proximity - Veronica’s favorite social media platform, her 3-month sabbatical, and her biggest fear QUOTABLES “Freedom is being defined by nothing to prove and nothing to hide.” – Veronica Romney “When I think of a true visionary, I think this is a person who is led by ego and not even in a necessarily negative way, but they feel very convicted of what they are called to do in their business in their life.” – Katy Widrick “I have this belief that entrepreneurs birth other entrepreneurs. And I see it, I see this kind of generational continuation of entrepreneurial mindset within the family walls.” – Veronica Romney GUEST INFORMATION  Veronica Romney Website | Veronica Romney  IG | @vromney  LinkedIn | @vromney  Twitter | @vromney  To learn more about Veronica Romney and working with her, click here  Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more!  Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick.  IG | @kwidrick TikTok | @kwidrick  LinkedIn |@katywidrick Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network