Today we are thinking about honing our superpowers and taking a risk in the world of Virtual Assisting.In this episode, we explore the journey of Alex, an experienced Online Business Manager, specializing in providing strategic support for multi-6-figure influencers and women entrepreneurs. Alex has been transforming the online business landscape for influencers and content creators. We dive into her entrepreneurial evolution, from multiple career pivots to the moment she listened to the whispers of wanting more freedom.Alex shares her insights on entrepreneurial exhaustion and the pivotal moments that led her to embrace her passion for virtual assistance. Starting as a side hustle with just a text to an influencer friend, to eventually leaping full force into her business after being laid off from her full-time job. She walks us through the importance of leading with your superpowers, leveraging your network, and niching down in the world of virtual assistance. She also sheds light on the challenges of working with influencers, including the risk of burnout.If you've ever considered venturing into the world of VA services, this episode is your sign to take the leap. This episode is a must listen because you will gain insight into the initial steps and highlights of the learning curve involved in understanding each other's energies and the distinction between online business management and virtual assistance.If you are looking to be inspired and empowered by one amazing entrepreneur then this is your episode to dive into. Get your notebook and pen ready because the ideas are sure to start flowing.CONNECT WITH ALEXOn Instagram at @alexporterfield.bizOn Tiktok at @itsalexporterfieldOn her Website at www.alexporterfield.com Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

Today, we're thinking about the importance of talking about experiences around menstrual health with Pain With Me Podcast's Melissa Daniel. Melissa is a writer and the host of her own podcast, Pain With Me. She is passionate about menstrual health and normalizing period talk.  The Pain With Me podcast is a space to talk about everything periods, pain, energy around the uterus, working while on your period, various uterine and health-related conditions and so much more. In this episode, we discuss: How she used her own painful experiences to create a safe space for all to discuss period painHow everyone has their own story around their menstrual experiencesExperiment mindsetGiving yourself graceHow she supports herself during period painCONNECT WITH MELISSAOn Instagram at @painwithme.coOn her personal Instagram @themelissadanielListen to the Pain With Me podcastListen to Melissa's Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

Today, we're thinking about concerts with strangers with Sarah May Curd!Sarah May is a content creator from Toronto. Her account quickly blew up last summer when she started the series "Concerts With Strangers" where she takes complete strangers off TikTok to concerts they might've not had the chance to go to.On this week's episode, we discuss: How the Concert with Strangers series startedHow she's expanded the series and taken 25+ strangers to concertsChoosing who goes with her to concertsExpansion and finding peace in your lifeHow you can accidentally find an idea and turn it into a major opportunity for your lifeStories of her guestsWhat she's manifesting for the future of Concert With StrangersCONNECT WITH SARAH 📲On Instagram, @sarahmaycurdOn TikTok, @sarahmaycurd Hosted by @kirstimcnabney 🎙Find links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcast

Today, we're thinking about accountability, internet friendships and OFFICE HOURS with Heather Drudge. Heather Drudge is a nature loving, multi-hyphenate digital creative. She builds beautiful websites, creates mindful digital strategy and manages social media accounts for small businesses. She loves thinking deeply and lives for all the little  nuances both in her work and life in general. She’s a projector, a Leo Sun, Taurus Rising, Virgo moon ENFJ (INFJ if she’s just had her heartbroken) and enneagram 4. She recently made the move from downtown Toronto to the east coast - PEI to be specific. Her hobbies include horseback riding, photography, sitting with her face in the sunshine and traveling whenever she can. In the episode, we discuss: How Heather started working for herselfOur DM friendship that became a real friendshipHow one coffee chat led to one of the most productive activities in our businessesWhat it's like to work for yourselfOur accountability co-workingOFFICE HOURSAnd moreCONNECT WITH HEATHEROn Instagram, @heather.drudgeOn her website, www.heatherdrudge.comSIGN UP FOR OFFICE HOURSUse EARLY30 to save $30 until Mar 26Hosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about all things fitness and mindset with Jess Takimoto of SHINEFit in Toronto.Jess is the Owner & Head Coach at SHINE FIT. She started SHINE after her own journey overcoming body image issues, over-exercising, disordered eating, IBS, and chronic stress. She has worked with over 1,000 members and has taught over 1,000 Group Fitness Classes since 2018. She is also an active content creator on Instagram & TikTok. In the episode, we discuss: How Jess started her own fitness company in universityBuilding a body positive studio for ambitious womenMindset shifts to help you get connected to your fitness routineAdding "fit" to your identity to help you show up for yourselfCreating community as an entrepreneurAnd moreCONNECT WITH JESSOn Instagram, @jesstakimotofitnessOn SHINE's instagram, @shinefitcoOn TikTok, @jesstakimotofitnessLearn more about SHINE and sign up for a two week trial at www.shinefit.coHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about therapy, movement and touch with Ashley Brodeur of The Feelosophy. Ashley is a Registered Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher and Trainer, Breathwork Facilitator, Sagittarius ;) and the Founder of The Feelosophy Supportive Touch Methodology for yoga teachers and health practitioners. She longs for a world where we are at peace with ourselves, where we can seek comfort in community and reach out for a hug from a stranger. She believes in the power of movement, mindfulness, breath and supportive touch. She craves freedom and am constantly seeking adventure, nature and a moment in the water.  In the episode, we discuss: How to find a therapistWhat to know before your first therapy sessionHow to prepare for a therapy sessionWhat questions to ask to find a good fit for therapyNeuroAffective TouchThe connection between movement and mental healthAnd moreCONNECT WITH ASHOn Instagram, @the.feelosophyOn her website thefeelosophy.comHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about all things funnels, copywriting and the One Client Method with Jess Haney. Jess Haney is an offer ecosystem strategist and copywriter helping creative service providers with group coaching programs get out of live launching purgatory and step into their next level of business with evergreen enrollment. The key? Creating hell-yes copy, a streamlined series of offers, and pressure-free funnels that actually feel good to be on the receiving end of. The end result? An offer ecosystem that works to fill your group coaching program AND feels (almost) effortless. For more from Jess, and to get her help smoothing out your copy and coaching ecosystem, stop by jesshaney.com, or say hi to her on Instagram at jesshaneycopy.In the episode we discuss: How she started her copywriting businessWhat a funnel isWhat you should include in your funnel, especially as a coach or service providerThings you should include in your funnelNot worrying about annoying people with your emailsThe One Client MethodAnd moreCONNECT WITH JESSOn Instagram, @jesshaneycopyOn her website jesshaney.comHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Welcome to the second solo episode of the year of Thinking About. Today, we're talking through my current existential crisis, but I promise it gets lighter by the halfway mark.On this podcast version of a chaotic FaceTime with me, I talk about: A sense of overwhelm in the communityWhy we need to stop comparing ourselves to other peopleRefreshing reminders from my favourite podcast of the monthAll my January favouritesLinks from the episode: Blair's Thinking About EpisodeSiff's Thinking About EpisodeAmazon Reading LightBook: I'm Glad My Mom DiedBook: Give Them LalaBook: Business or PleasureBook: Happy Ever After Playlist (NOT HAPPY PLACE IM SORRY!!)Hayu (for all things Bravo)Sami Spalter's episode on Dream BiggerOkay Sis Executing Goals EpisodeMaggie Sellers Episode of House GuestPark Medical facialsFollow along on Instagram at @thinkingaboutpodcast to stay up to date on all things Thinking About and send over anything you'd like to see on the podcast this year in the DMs!✨ New weekly episodes every Tuesday🎙 Hosted by @kirstimcnabney

Today, we're thinking about all things tarot with Jayne Marie. Jayne comes from generations of those with unusual gifts. She was lucky enough to have those people surround me with the encouragement to accept the ethereal as simply a part of daily life. And she continues to this day with the understanding that there are many parts of ourselves that we can access to our benefit. She feels truly blessed to be able to share this ability with others.  For many years Jayne has studied, and continues to study, Tarot, Numerology, Jungian aspects of Tarot, Astrology, and the understanding of the transcendent power of energy. I am an Usui Reiki Master, Tibetan Reiki Master, Master in NLP Hypnotism, and Time Line Therapy. She considers herself a lifelong learner, and also learn from her clients every day.Jayne believes that Tarot is what your unconscious mind wants your conscious mind to pay attention to regarding the situation. It acts as a jump start to remove blockages that impede happiness and fulfillment. In readings, she simply opens the path to this knowledge and allows it to flow, providing clear and empowering insights that can pinpoint issues and offer solutions. Her joy comes from the self-knowledge and insights that people accept to alter their lives in a way that benefits them and everyone they love.In the episode we discuss: Learning she had unique talents from an early ageThe impact of sound frequenciesHow tarot and supporting others became her life workWhat you need to know about learning tarotWhat to ask in a tarot readingProtecting her own energy during readingsHow to nurture your intuitionAdvice about relationshipsCONNECT WITH JAYNEOn InstagramOn her websiteBook a readingLearn more about her classesHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about creating your dream day and why following what other people are doing isn't necessarily going to get you there with CLEO Social Co-Founder, Blair Mlotek.Blair is a writer, social strategist, and the co-founder of Cleo Social - a social media agency focused on growing organic online communities. After years of freelance journalism and managing clients in the communications agency world, Blair realized that one place always brought the highest success rate to her brands: social media. Now, along with her amazing team, she continues to work with brands to grow their audience and continuously build a relevant customer base.Cleo Social is an everything-social agency based in Toronto, focused on organically growing your brand on the social media platforms that matter most.In today's episode, we discuss: Why we don't need to make resolutions in JanuaryHow she built a new generation social media agency with her best friendWhat your dream day looks likeStarting an agency vs. freelancingAdvice for connecting with new peopleWhy not everyone needs a podcastAnd so much moreCONNECT WITH BLAIROn LinkedInFollow CLEO Social on InstagramVisit CLEO Social's website Hosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about slowpreneurship and starting the new year without a bang with Stephanie Pellett.Stephanie is a creative coach and consultant for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Her goal is to make your business more sustainable, more expansive, and ultimately more fun for you by streamlining your systems, improving your customer experience, and updating your unhelpful limiting beliefs. She was a host on the Learn With Shopify YouTube Channel and has taught classes in partnership with Creative Mornings and Make Lemonade. She is also the host of the podcast Slowpreneur: Business without the Busy, which aims to spark conversations about new ways of living and working. When she’s not teaching about stumbling blocks to productivity & coaching clients out of imposter syndrome, you can find her reading novels and spending time outside with her dog Bruno (preferably simultaneously). In today's episode, we discuss: What slowpreneurship isHow to embrace slowpreneurship in your business"The coffee shop" metaphorQuestions to help you get back to loving your businessHot takes about a new yearWhat we're NOT doing in our business this yearAnd moreCONNECT WITH STEPHOn Instagram @stephpellettOn her website at www.stephaniepellett.comLearn about The Profoundery & come to a Productivity PartyListen to the Slowpreneur PodcastHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Welcome to the first episode of the year of Thinking About. Today, we're thinking about all things new year – and it's just you and me.On this podcast version of a chaotic FaceTime with me, I talk about: How our holidays wentWhat I've been loving latelyThe vibes heading into 2024How I review the past year and plan for the next oneIns & outs for 2024Changes to Thinking About and plans for the podcast in the new yearLinks from the episode: Superhuman appAlive appShark FlexStyleFraiche Food, Fuller Hearts cookbook by Jillian Harris & Tori WesszerMore Is More cookbook by Molly BazThe Rural Diaries by Hilarie Burton MorganRomantic Comedy bookHilarie Burton Morgan’s episode on Straight Up with StassiDiamond paintingOkay Sis Reflection EpisodePark Medical facialsFollow along on Instagram at @thinkingaboutpodcast to stay up to date on all things Thinking About and send over anything you'd like to see on the podcast this year in the DMs!✨ New weekly episodes every Tuesday - returning next week🎙 Hosted by @kirstimcnabney

Today, we're thinking about thoughtful storytelling on social media and building global communities for women with Ashna Mankotia, known online as @ohmygoshna.Outside of her day job as a Senior Product Manager, Ashna started sharing content on social media a few years ago about her life. She shares vlogs highlighting her day and lessons she's picked up along the way. After growing on social platforms, Ashna did the next huge thing – she listened to her community, one that was well craving community. And from her listening, she founded Saffron, a global membership community for women to make authentic friendships, create a life of intention, grow professionally and have some fun. It’s been less than a year since the launch and she already has members in Singapore, various parts of the US and, here at home, in Canada. In today's episode, we discuss: Looking at content creation as an artStress that comes with growing an audienceStorytelling online Advice for starting on TikTok Building Saffron and why community mattersBalancing a full-time job, content creation, building a business and planning a weddingThe power of starting what you've been thinking aboutCONNECT WITH ASHNAOn TikTok and Instagram @ohmygoshnaJoin Saffron at www.joinsaffron.comHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're talking to a social media icon and one of my favourite people on the Internet, Mallory Rowan! Mallory’s bio is impressive – she founded her first business at 22 and in 7 years, has been a three-time founder to successful companies, she hit $1M networth at 29 and has been featured and partnered with a TON of your favourite brands. In the time I’ve been following her, reading her newsletter, and taking her workshops – she’s taught me not only about social media and marketing but also about building habits that keep me healthy, cycle synching, money moves, ways to find peace, and so much more. After experiencing burnout, she shifted her business and life to make it work for her and is a constant inspiration to me along with 116K other people on IG (not to mention her TT, YT and email audiences) to help take back control of our businesses and build the lives we want.In the episode, we discuss: Hustle cultureIf Instagram is really deadThe mindset shift she followed that led to growing 60K in 60 days (and continuing the growth after)Her experience mindset she uses to approach social mediaHow to recognize when your content is workingFinding your network as a business owner and celebrating your winsWhy you don't necessarily need to know what is going to happen in 5 yearsAnd so much moreConnect with MalloryOn her website at www.malloryrowan.comSign up for her newsletter at www.malloryrowan.com/emailFollow on Instagram and TikTok @malloryrowanHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about an ethical approach to marketing with Maddy Aucoin of By Maddy Aucoin.Maddy Aucoin (she/her) is a website copywriter, business owner, and public speaker. She helps creative business owners with messaging that sells through trust, integrity, and empathy.A former higher-education professional, Maddy started her second business, By Maddy Aucoin, to help brands write copy without relying on sales gimmicks or overexaggerated claims. Maddy is also deeply passionate about teaching other entrepreneurs how to market themselves authentically. Aside from guest speaking on numerous podcasts, she has taught many copywriting workshops for entrepreneurs, including for the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise, PoliticsNOW, and the Build Your Brand conference.In this episode, we discuss: How she started her copywriting business after running a product-based businessPresenting yourself without being showyMean girl marketing and how we're staying away from that with our copyQuestions to ask yourself when running a businessHow to write good copy and have a consistent voiceFinding creativity as a service-based business ownerMarketing techniques that are outRunning a business in a way that feels personal to youCONNECT WITH MADDYOn Instagram at @bymaddyaucoinOn her website at bymaddyaucoin.comHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about the unknown paths life takes us down, how grief can shape you and how it can shape you into becoming all that you are with Kena Paranjape of All You Are. Kena Paranjape is the founder of All You Are, an empowerment platform and community for women. In addition to founding All You Are, Kena is the co-founder of recently acquired BRIKA, an innovative retail concept focused on highlighting and supporting emerging artisans and designers. Kena has 20 years of experience in retail at brands like Indigo, Joe Fresh, and Gap, as well as a high-end eco-friendly boutique concept. She was most recently the VP of Merchandising at Houseplant, Seth Rogen’s cannabis company where she was responsible for bringing to market their award-winning cannabis accessories collection. Kena is originally from the east coast, and now lives with her six-year-old daughter in Toronto. She has a BSc from McGill and an MBA from the University of Toronto. You can catch Kena on her podcast, Be All You Are on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.In this episode, we discuss: Losing her husband in her 30sWhat she's learned from griefWhy women feel they need permission to move forward with big dreamsHow being an expert leads to a mediocre lifeHoning in on what you actually want from life and taking actionHow to become all you areCONNECT WITH KENAOn Instagram at @kena_allyouareOn her website allyouare.caSign up for her free, 3-day workshop Clarity, Confidence and Courage: Transform Your Career & Life at Any AgeListen to Be All You Are Podcast on Apple and SpotifyHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we’re thinking about all things money or $HMONEY with Anastasia Barbuzzi – a journalist and the creator/host of $HMONEY Radio. $HMONEY makes financial literacy approachable, attainable, and fun to talk about for millennial women. An open, inclusive, and judgment- free zone that promotes the idea of educating yourself to empower yourself, $HMONEY is a safe place to discuss money matters without guilt or shame. $HMONEY Radio has now been listened to in over 500 cities and 60 countries worldwide – and recently hit 5,000 downloads! The idea for the podcast was born from Anastasia’s experience with a financial spiral that came after a life- threatening car accident. The incident put her in a position where she had to ask for financial support and during that period, she began to ponder why it was so hard to ask for help, why we pride ourselves on our financial status and more. Here about Anastasia's personal money story, how her accident shaped this new brand that supports other women with financial literacy, good habits to focus on when starting your money journey, why we should be investing in our friendships with our girlfriends, how to set boundaries with your money, and more.CONNECT WITH ANASTASIAOn Instagram at @anastasiabarbuzzi and @shmoneyradioLearn more about her money story at www.shmoney.club/aboutFind interesting articles and info at www.shmoney.clubFind Anastasia's full portfolio at www.anastasiabarbuzzi.comListen to $HMONEY Radio on Apple and SpotifyHosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about building connections through social entrepreneurship and mentorship with Jayne Akinyi. Jayne is a remarkable social entrepreneur whose journey has spanned four continents. She began her career as a door-to-door fundraiser in the UK, later managing her parents' hotel in Kenya. In China, she transitioned to teaching, honing her cross-cultural skills. In 2021, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in Canada. Jayne brings a wealth of technical skills, alongside a deep passion for infusing creativity into her work, whether through website design, content strategy, or engaging workshops for newcomers. Her business, Dada Dunia, epitomizes this fusion. The company connects African virtual assistants with socially responsible Canadian businesses, providing training, mentoring, and workshops focused on emotional intelligence and confidence-building for these women. Jayne's deep Kenyan roots provide unique insights into ethical operations and cultural nuances. A finalist in the 2024 Halifax Business Awards for New Business of the Year, Jayne attributes her success to her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, her discovery of human design, and her mission to empower women and foster socially responsible businesses. Jayne's diverse experiences, from experience teaching in China to her current role as a social entrepreneur, collaborating with clients like former Dragon's Den winners, make her a "Jayne of all trades." In this episode, you’ll hear about Jayne's experience immigrating to Canada and how she transitioned it to an opportunity to support other woman from her home country with her business. She also shares how Dada Dunia is supporting dadas (sisters) with career opportunities but also mentorship, how she balances working with people in different time zones across the world without burnout and, how she uses her human design to drive her business forward.CONNECT WITH JAYNEOn Instagram @jaynelauraakinyi and @dadadunia_Visit Dada Dunia's website Send Jayne an emailNEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY 💫Hosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastLearn more about Human Design in episode 14This episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about being an artist, how art and business meet and being relentlessly you with Phoebe Taylor. This episode hits on a slew of topics, but at the heart of it all is our ability to all be artists in our own right. Phoebe Taylor is best described an artist, freak clown weirdo and Creative Director + Strategist. She is the co-founder of Do you Ever Media and co-host of the podcast Do You Ever feel like? Where she and her co-host Jacque ask the questions everyone's thinking and no one is asking. She works with artists and organizations to bridge the gap between the creativity of art and the resources of business. In short Phoebe, is a choreographer in the boardroom and executive on the dance floor.  In all that, she see's one common thread in all the roles, projects and work she creates, that the world needs art and artist and believes they are necessary to save us from the Dumpster Fire of a world we live in. Phoebe writes a weekly substack called the Creators Dispatch where she discusses the creative process and journey, hosts community events and publishes her essays and poetry for her substack community. Her essays, artwork and speaking have been featured in CBC, Blog t.o and her newest essay can be found in Yolk magazine January 2023. She is currently writing a book and won't shut up about it, drinks too many oat mylk lattes and She creates work for the big feelers and collective thinkers, and aim to inspire creativity in us all. In the episode, we cover the fear of monetizing our passions, the realities of freelancing, how using our imaginations could save the world, what it means to be relentlessly you, feedback, running a business like it's art and so much more.CONNECT WITH PHOEBEFollow her on Instagram @phoebetay.lorVisit her websiteSign up for Creators DispatchListen to Do You Ever Feel LikeNEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY 💫Hosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media

Today, we're thinking about content and community with Xanthe Appleyard of Oh Sierra Creative. If you’ve been caught up in the what do I need to post today, who is my audience, how can I go viral cycle – today is the day you stop that and start looking at your social media presence like a leader. Xanthe co-founded Oh Sierra with her husband Frank – a creative agency specializing in strategy, design, and hospitality. They are the people helping you harness the power of community both online and offline – and they look cool AF while they do it.In today's episode, you'll learn: How Frank and Xanthe went from Hamilton, ON to owning a home in Tulum, built a graphic design business and then iterated into the new Oh Sierra that blends together everything they love – content, community and experienceThe power of facing fear and taking risksHow to build community through leadershipWhat most people struggle with the most when it comes to creating content and how to fix itHow to recognize what your audience actually wantsSo much moreConnect with XantheFollow @ohsierracreative on IGWork with XantheSign up for the Life of the Party waitlistGet Xanthe's free Content Planning TemplateSign up for the Artículo newsletterNEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY 💫Hosted by @kirstimcnabneyFind links, inspiration and updates on @thinkingaboutpodcastThis episode was edited by Amanda Wan of Wan Media