The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING: INSIGHTS FROM EMMA TESSLER OF NINETY FIVE MEDIA In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge chats with Emma Tessler, the Founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media [https://www.ninetyfivemedia.co/]. Emma shares her journey from solopreneur to agency leader, offering insight into how small businesses can scale through intentional content marketing. She also discusses the balance between creativity and data, the evolving role of social platforms, and why longer-form video is the future of digital engagement. FINDING BALANCE IN A DIGITAL WORLD Emma began the conversation by opening up about her personal growth journey—specifically how she’s cultivated balance in a world driven by digital noise. After spending years pouring everything into her business, she realized the importance of unplugging and finding a creative outlet. For Emma, that outlet is needlepoint. It’s a meditative activity that brings joy, social connection, and a refreshing break from screen time. Transitioning into her business, Emma introduced Ninety Five Media [https://www.ninetyfivemedia.co/], a digital marketing agency that serves small businesses looking to grow their audience and convert followers into paying customers. The agency provides a full suite of services including strategy, content creation, community engagement, and performance tracking—so founders can stay focused on running their business without the overwhelm of managing their online presence. Emma also shared her outlook on social media trends. While many users feel disenchanted by algorithm shifts and platform saturation, she believes there's opportunity for brands that deliver meaningful, educational, and story-driven content. Longer-form video, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is outperforming short clips by increasing audience retention and deepening brand connection. ABOUT EMMA TESSLER Emma Tessler is the Founder and CEO of Ninety Five Media and host of the podcast Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling. With nearly a decade of experience in the digital marketing space, Emma leads a powerhouse team that helps small businesses create content that drives real growth. Her mission is to empower founders with strategies that convert and build community-driven brands. ABOUT NINETY FIVE MEDIA Ninety Five Media [https://www.ninetyfivemedia.co/] is a full-service digital marketing agency helping entrepreneurs grow through strategic content creation and social media engagement. From content calendars to analytics, the agency specializes in delivering results without locking clients into long-term contracts. Their motto: create content that converts and builds lasting community. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Ninety Five Media Website [https://www.ninetyfivemedia.co/] * Emma Tessler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmatessler/] * Stop Scrolling, Start Scaling Podcast [https://www.ninetyfivemedia.co/podcast] KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * Why Emma uses needlepoint as a creative and mindful outlet * How Ninety Five Media supports small business owners with done-for-you marketing * The importance of video—especially long-form content—for building trust and conversions * Why data should drive your content strategy, not trends * The power of community building in growing an online presence CONCLUSION Emma Tessler reminds us that smart marketing isn’t about churning out content—it’s about creating with purpose. Through strategy, storytelling, and analytics, her team at Ninety Five Media is helping small businesses build brands that last. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start scaling, this episode is packed with the expert insights you need. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D]. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!

UNLOCKING THE FUTURE OF SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY: INSIGHTS FROM HAGAN KAPPLER, CEO OF DAISY In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge welcomes Hagan Kappler, the founder and CEO of Daisy [https://www.joindaisy.com/], a company on a mission to redefine smart home and small business technology services. Hagan shares how Daisy is creating a national brand in an otherwise fragmented industry—one that offers not just installation, but also consistent, long-term support. Whether you're a consumer seeking a better smart home experience or an entrepreneur interested in franchise ownership, this conversation uncovers the technology trends, business models, and growth opportunities shaping the future of connected living. REDEFINING SMART HOME SERVICES THROUGH STANDARDIZATION AND SUPPORT As the smart home market continues to expand—now exceeding $30 billion in the U.S. alone—it still faces serious fragmentation. Many technology contractors are small, local operators with deep product knowledge but limited business infrastructure. Hagan Kappler launched Daisy to solve this problem by offering a platform where talented installers can operate under one cohesive, national brand with the support they need to scale. Daisy provides solutions ranging from home audio and visual systems to smart lighting, security, motorized shades, and fully integrated control panels. But what truly sets Daisy apart is their ongoing commitment to service. Unlike typical one-off installations, Daisy ensures homeowners, builders, and property managers receive continual updates, maintenance, and training—maximizing the longevity and effectiveness of their smart systems. For small business owners, Daisy’s franchise model opens doors. Entrepreneurs can either start a new operation, convert an existing business, or acquire a company, all while receiving centralized support in operations, marketing, customer service, and technology. It’s a win-win: customers enjoy trusted expertise, and franchisees get to grow under a brand backed by national reach. ABOUT HAGAN KAPPLER Hagan Kappler is the founder and CEO of Daisy, the first national brand in smart space installation and services. Previously, she served as CEO of Threshold Brands, leading nine service businesses across 550+ locations. Hagan has held leadership roles with ServiceMaster Clean, Merry Maids, and Ingersoll Rand/Trane, and began her career at McKinsey & Company and Goldman Sachs. She also helped launch Starbucks Blonde Roast. Hagan holds a bachelor’s in history from Williams College and an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School. She lives in Newport Beach, CA with her four children. ABOUT DAISY Daisy is redefining smart home and business technology with a comprehensive, customer-first approach. By combining expert installation with long-term service, Daisy offers audio-visual, lighting, security, and automation solutions tailored to every client. Franchise partners benefit from marketing, HR, customer support, and operational tools that make running a tech business easier and more profitable. Learn more at joindaisy.com [http://joindaisy.com]. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Visit Daisy's Website [https://www.joindaisy.com/] * Connect with Hagan Kappler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hagenkappler/] KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * How Daisy fills a major gap in the smart home market by providing both installation and ongoing service * The opportunity for small business owners to scale through Daisy’s national franchise model * Why the smart home industry—despite its size—has lacked standardization and how Daisy is changing that * How emerging protocols like Matter and Thread are pushing the industry toward greater interoperability * What potential franchisees can expect in terms of onboarding, support, and ROI CONCLUSION Hagan Kappler’s vision for Daisy goes far beyond simply installing smart devices—she’s building the connective tissue of an industry ready for transformation. With a scalable franchise model and a service-first mindset, Daisy helps consumers enjoy smart technology the way it was meant to be: secure, seamless, and supported. Whether you’re a tech-savvy homeowner or an entrepreneur ready to lead the smart home revolution, Daisy is shaping the future of this fast-growing sector. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with real-world insights and future-forward thinking. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D]. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!

EMBRACING THE POWER OF LEARNING: INSIGHTS FROM GINA ANDERSON In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Gina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Luma Brighter Learning [https://www.lumabrighterlearning.com/], to discuss how learning can drive personal transformation, support resilience, and inspire innovation in an AI-powered world. Gina—also an accomplished author and learning scientist—shares her insights on why hard tasks can unlock personal breakthroughs, how to maintain creativity in an automated world, and the future of authentic learning experiences. WHY EMBRACING DISCOMFORT FUELS GROWTH Gina begins by reflecting on her own relationship with discomfort, particularly through her routine of running—not because she loves it, but because it challenges her. She pairs this tough activity with joyful elements like scavenger hunts for colorful shells, turning a mental hurdle into an opportunity for mindfulness and reward. This playful mindset parallels how we should approach personal development: by pairing tough goals with incentives that make the journey sustainable. This theme connects to her core belief that learning, like running, requires repetition and resilience. Gina underscores that discomfort is not a sign of failure—it's evidence that growth is happening. When learners push past their comfort zones, they open the door to confidence, creativity, and capability. She offers practical tips like breaking big goals into small milestones and celebrating small wins to build momentum. For those struggling with change or burnout, Gina recommends re-evaluating how you engage with challenges. Are you avoiding them—or are you learning from them? Her advice is clear: lean into discomfort, but bring a little joy with you. About Gina Anderson Dr. Gina Anderson is the co-founder and CEO of Luma Brighter Learning, a learning design and technology company specializing in training solutions for transportation and logistics companies. She is the author of Thrive: How Learning Can Ignite a New Way Forward and co-author of Perspectives on Invisible Illnesses. A former educator, administrator, and e-learning innovator, Gina is passionate about the intersection of emotional wellness and applied learning science. Her work has helped thousands of learners across industries adopt lasting behavior change through authentic, engaging educational experiences. About Luma Brighter Learning Luma Brighter Learning is a trailblazer in custom learning solutions for frontline industries. With a focus on transportation, logistics, and safety-critical roles, Luma combines the power of learning science, technology, and human connection to deliver behavior-changing educational programs. The company’s 5-Mode Learning approach ensures deeper engagement through learner-to-learner, learner-to-coach, learner-to-self, learner-to-content, and learner-to-technology interactions. Links Mentioned in this Episode * Luma Brighter Learning [https://www.lumabrighterlearning.com/] * LearningWithGina.com [http://LearningWithGina.com] Episode Highlights * Why pairing hard tasks with fun rewards helps make difficult learning sustainable * How AI should enhance—not replace—human creativity and problem-solving * The importance of self-reflection and authenticity in learning design * Why real-world context is essential in education that drives behavior change * How Luma uses its 5-Mode Learning framework to personalize training in frontline industries Conclusion Gina Anderson reminds us that learning is not just about acquiring knowledge—it's about becoming. By welcoming discomfort, using technology wisely, and designing learning around the real lives of learners, we can ignite true transformation. Whether you're a business leader, educator, or lifelong learner, Gina’s insights will help you embrace growth with confidence and compassion. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D]. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!

MASTERING SEO FOR LAW FIRMS: INSIGHTS FROM LINDSEY BUSFIELD OF OPTIMIZE MY FIRM 🎧 Listen to this episode [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/2f54e62f-e6d7-4c95-981e-c0308fa12e58/] On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Lindsey Busfield, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and partner at Optimize My Firm [https://optimizemyfirm.com/], a disruptive leader in legal SEO. Lindsey shares the strategies her team uses to help law firms dominate search engine rankings through human-written content, niche targeting, and a client-first approach that forgoes long-term contracts. Whether you’re a solo attorney or part of a large legal team, this conversation offers powerful SEO insights tailored to the legal profession. THE CRITICAL EDGE OF SEO IN LEGAL MARKETING Lindsey opens the episode by reminding listeners that when people need legal help, they go straight to Google. If your law firm isn’t showing up on the first page—especially in the coveted Google local 3-pack—you’re missing a massive number of potential clients. That’s where Optimize My Firm steps in, helping attorneys build a content and SEO strategy grounded in trust, authority, and user experience. But what makes Lindsey’s approach unique is her stance on AI. While AI tools can assist with drafting, she warns against relying on them in legal marketing. Inaccurate legal content can have serious consequences, both reputationally and legally. Her firm ensures all content is created and reviewed by humans—so it’s not only optimized for Google, but also for accuracy, tone, and trust. She even shares a cautionary tale of a personal injury firm that published AI-generated case information, only to learn it was completely fabricated—putting their brand at risk. Optimize My Firm also stands out with its no-contract model. Lindsey explains that attorneys love this approach—it builds trust, keeps her team accountable, and allows for mutually beneficial, results-based relationships. This client-first mindset, paired with deep SEO expertise, has helped her firm become one of the most respected players in legal marketing today. ABOUT LINDSEY BUSFIELD Lindsey Busfield is one of the nation’s leading experts in legal SEO and content marketing. As the Vice President, COO, and partner at Optimize My Firm, she’s behind some of the most powerful law firm websites in the U.S. Lindsey is also the host of the award-winning Personal Injury Marketing Minute podcast, named one of the Best Legal Podcasts of 2024 by Attorney At Law Magazine. Her client-first, no-contract model has reshaped how law firms approach digital marketing. A seasoned entrepreneur from a family of trailblazers—her relatives founded Handsome Brook Farms, the largest organic pasture-raised egg provider in the U.S.—Lindsey brings innovation and authenticity to everything she does. Outside of work, she’s an avid pickleball player and proud mom of two young daughters. ABOUT OPTIMIZE MY FIRM Optimize My Firm [https://optimizemyfirm.com/] is a boutique SEO agency that works exclusively with law firms. Their focus: helping attorneys generate more qualified leads by increasing online visibility and authority. With a no-contract policy, personalized service, and deep industry expertise, they’re redefining what SEO partnerships look like in the legal space. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE * Optimize My Firm Website [https://optimizemyfirm.com/] * Personal Injury Marketing Minute Podcast [https://optimizemyfirm.com/podcasts/] * Lindsey Busfield on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-busfield/] * Award Recognition: Best Legal Podcasts 2024 [https://attorneyatlawmagazine.com/legal-marketing/podcasting/best-legal-podcasts-for-lawyers-and-law-firms] KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * Why human-written legal content still outperforms AI * The real risks of relying on AI for legal SEO * How to rank in Google’s local 3-pack for your legal niche * Why Optimize My Firm never uses long-term contracts * How law firms can convert traffic into leads through trust-building content CONCLUSION Lindsey Busfield is reshaping the way law firms approach SEO—through transparency, flexibility, and a relentless focus on quality. If you're a legal professional looking to stand out in a saturated digital space, this episode is full of insights you can't afford to miss. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] MORE FROM UPMYINFLUENCE: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D]. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!

NAVIGATING LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL DISRUPTION: INSIGHTS FROM MIKE PETERSON 🎧 Listen to this episode [https://player.captivate.fm/episode/92423dd2-a170-4db1-86d5-4b0c906a8fc5/] In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Mike Peterson, founder and managing partner of Apex Consulting Partners [https://www.apexcpx.com/] and author of Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption. Mike brings decades of experience to this insightful conversation about the evolving demands of leadership in a technology-first world. He unpacks how leaders can stay grounded in human connection while embracing rapid change—and why these skills are critical now more than ever. BUILDING TRUST AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN A DIGITAL WORLD At the core of Mike’s leadership philosophy is the belief that trust, communication, and accountability form the backbone of high-performing teams—even more so in today’s hybrid and remote work environments. He emphasizes that while tools like Zoom and Slack have revolutionized collaboration, they don’t automatically create alignment. Leaders must be intentional about transparency, consistency, and empathy to foster a strong team culture across digital spaces. Mike explains that building trust begins with clear communication and follow-through. Leaders must ensure that distributed teams receive consistent messages and feel equally engaged, whether they’re working from HQ or their home office. In a digital context, trust also comes from creating predictable rhythms—like weekly updates or open office hours—that keep everyone connected and informed. These small acts of consistency build confidence across teams navigating ongoing disruption. Importantly, Mike doesn’t believe trust is built overnight or recovered easily after it's broken. He encourages leaders to model accountability themselves—owning mistakes, giving credit where it’s due, and making decisions that reflect shared values. Even without big budgets for retreats or offsites, leaders can create connection through creative virtual experiences and simple moments of recognition. It’s this blend of personal leadership and practical innovation that defines success in the digital age. ABOUT MIKE PETERSON Mike Peterson is a visionary executive coach, author, and founder of Apex Consulting Partners. He draws from over 25 years of corporate leadership experience in high-stakes environments, including senior roles in pharmaceutical, IT, and operations teams. Mike helps organizations elevate team performance, embrace digital tools, and lead with clarity in times of rapid change. Through Apex, he partners with executives and leadership teams to instill a culture of accountability, innovation, and resilience. ABOUT APEX CONSULTING PARTNERS Apex Consulting Partners [https://www.apexcpx.com/] is a leadership development and consulting firm focused on helping organizations thrive in the digital age. Specializing in executive coaching, strategic alignment, and operational performance, Apex helps companies build high-performing teams that deliver results. LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: * Mike Peterson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeapeterson/] * Apex Consulting Partners Website [https://www.apexcpx.com/] * Get the Book: Leading in the Age of Digital Disruption [https://www.apexcpx.com/leading-book] KEY EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: * Building Trust Remotely: What transparency and consistency look like in a hybrid workplace. * Leadership in the Digital Era: Why emotional intelligence is more critical than ever alongside tech adoption. * Tools for Connection: How to create team cohesion through simple, repeatable practices. * Narrative Leadership: Why Mike chose to share leadership frameworks through storytelling. * Equipping First-Time Leaders: What new managers need to thrive in digitally disrupted environments. CONCLUSION Mike Peterson reminds us that great leadership isn’t about mastering every tool—it’s about staying grounded in the values that build strong teams. His insights into trust, communication, and adaptability offer a powerful guide for anyone leading in a hybrid, fast-changing workplace. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest] More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D]. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here. [https://go.upmyinfluence.com/post/%5Bobject%20Object%5D] Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!