The Queen of Automation

The Art of Accountability: How I Handled Losing a Client

Navigating the tumultuous waters of client relationships can be a real rollercoaster, right? One moment, you're cruising along, and the next, BAM! You find yourself staring at the wreckage of a lost client, heartbroken and wondering what went wrong. That's exactly the vibe we dive into with Meghan Donnelly, the Queen of Automation, as she shares an all-too-common tale of dropping the ball in business. She takes us on a journey through her experience of losing a three-year client, who she had nurtured from the ground up. It's a raw and honest reflection on accountability and the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in our business dealings. Megan doesn't sugarcoat the harsh reality—she owned her mistakes and even walked us through the uncomfortable moments of facing the fallout. It's a lesson in humility and a call to action for anyone who's ever felt the sting of losing a valued partnership. Megan emphasizes that the essence of business is not just about flawless execution but rather how you respond when things go haywire. She shares her own missteps, from missed deadlines to broken communication, and how those slip-ups led to the inevitable parting. But wait, there's a silver lining! After this experience, Megan made major changes to her backend processes, implementing automated systems that keep her on track and ensure nothing slips through the cracks again. The takeaway? It's all about learning from our blunders and stepping up our game, so we never have to feel that gut-wrenching disappointment again. After all, navigating the wild world of entrepreneurship is as much about resilience as it is about strategy. As the episode wraps up, Megan leaves us with a powerful message that resonates deeply: your reputation isn't built on never failing—it's built on how you handle those failures. It’s a call to embrace discomfort, stay accountable, and build relationships that last, even when the going gets tough. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to reflect on your own client relationships—because this episode just might change how you approach your business forever! Takeaways: 1. It's vital to own up to your mistakes in business, as accountability fosters trust and growth. 2. When things go wrong, how you respond defines your reputation more than your successes. 3. After losing a client, I revamped my entire approach to ensure nothing slips through the cracks again. 4. Communication is key; proactively updating clients prevents misunderstandings and builds lasting relationships. 5. Your systems are only as good as your commitment to using them effectively in your business. 6. Failure isn't the end; it's a stepping stone toward better leadership and honing your skills.

Chronically Automated Episode #26: The Anti-Resolution Revolution: Finding Your True Path in 2026

Alright, my friend, let’s dive right into the heart of this episode where we’re tackling the age-old trope of “New Year, New You.” Spoiler alert: we think it's a bit overrated! Meghan and Anthony kick things off with a chat about how business owners, especially those of us who are neurodiverse, can shake off the pressure of those lofty resolutions and instead focus on sustainable growth and reflection throughout the year. They share some golden nuggets about building a lifestyle that works for you, rather than waiting for January 1st to make changes that often fizzle out faster than a cheap firework. So, if you’re tired of the New Year’s resolution hustle and want to explore a more laid-back, continuous growth method, stick around! We’ll also dish out some fun ways to reflect on your past year—think photo reminiscing and good ol' voice memos—because hey, who doesn’t love a good trip down memory lane? Let’s roll! Meghan Donnelly and Anthony Lobosco embark on a vibrant discussion about the intersection of neurodiversity and entrepreneurship, opening the first episode of 2026 with a refreshing take on self-improvement. They throw a curveball at the typical 'New Year, New You' mantra, suggesting that the pressure to reinvent oneself annually is not just unrealistic but also detrimental to one’s self-esteem and growth. Instead, they promote a continuous, rolling approach to goal-setting and self-reflection, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey of personal and professional development throughout the year, rather than confining it to the first few weeks of January. The episode is rich with anecdotes and humor, as Meghan shares her experiences navigating her business in a state of 'hyper-growth' while maintaining clarity and focus. Anthony’s playful interjections add a layer of relatability, making their conversation both engaging and insightful. They highlight the critical importance of celebrating small wins and reflecting on past experiences, using personal photographs as a means to trigger memories of success and growth. By doing so, they argue that one can cultivate a more positive mindset, transforming the way we perceive our achievements and failures. Through laughter and light-hearted commentary, Megan and Anthony challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding resolutions, proposing instead that personal development should be an ongoing process that is not dictated by the calendar. Their discussion serves as a call to action for listeners to take control of their journeys, emphasizing that every moment is ripe for change and growth. This episode is not just an entertaining listen; it’s a manifesto for anyone looking to redefine their approach to self-improvement and entrepreneurship in a neurodiverse world. Takeaways: 1. Embrace the 'rolling 12' concept for continual self-assessment and goal tracking throughout the year, not just in January. 2. Reflecting on previous experiences through photos can unveil hidden personal growth and joyful memories you might have forgotten. 3. New Year's resolutions often lead to disappointment; instead, focus on small, incremental improvements every day. 4. The idea of 'New Year, New You' is a myth; we evolve continuously, not just at the start of a new year. 5. Building a business around your health is not just possible, but essential for sustained success and well-being. 6. Celebrate lifestyle goals rather than drastic resolutions; small wins lead to lasting motivation and fulfillment. Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. Chronically Automated 2. Meghan Donnelly 3. Anthony Lobosco 4. Mel Robbins 5. Nat Berman 6. Darren Mass 7. Mondo Salavanti 8. Bill Fanter

How to be the CEO of your life with Adam Hurd.

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automation and entrepreneurship with the fabulous Adam Thomas, who’s all about helping you become the CEO of your life and business. Forget the fluff; this episode is packed with real talk about simplifying your operations and embracing the chaos of starting up. Adam's journey from finance to coaching is a wild ride that’s going to inspire you to trust your gut and listen to that inner voice telling you to pivot. We’re shedding light on how belief and behavior go hand in hand when it comes to achieving those lofty goals, and trust me, you don’t want to miss these practical tips that’ll have you saying goodbye to burnout and hello to a balanced life. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s unravel the secrets to making your business work for you, not the other way around! Automation isn't just a buzzword; it's the lifeline for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and gain back precious time. In this episode, we dive deep with Adam, a leadership coach who brings a wealth of experience from the finance world into the realm of coaching and entrepreneurship. He shares his journey from building a successful financial planning company to realizing his true passion for helping others become the CEOs of their own lives and businesses. It’s all about moving from just surviving to thriving in your professional life, and Adam’s insights are both enlightening and practical. He emphasizes that being a CEO is about more than just the title; it’s about taking charge of your life and making intentional choices that align with your values and goals. We explore the concept of intuition versus intelligence in decision-making, and Adam reveals how tapping into your gut feelings can often lead to the best outcomes. He discusses the importance of believing in yourself and finding meaning in your work, which is crucial for achieving your dreams. This episode is packed with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it both an entertaining and informative listen for anyone looking to take control of their business and life. Plus, you'll learn how to simplify your operations without losing the essence of what makes your business unique. Tune in for some laughs and a lot of wisdom! Takeaways: 1. In today's world, embracing automation and AI can streamline your business operations, making your life a whole lot easier and more productive in the process. 2. The journey of becoming the CEO of your life and business begins with understanding your passions and aligning your daily actions with them. 3. It's crucial to differentiate between a lifestyle business and a legacy business, as each serves different purposes in achieving your personal and financial goals. 4. Listening to your intuition can guide you; it whispers the right decisions amidst the chaos of external influences and societal expectations. 5. Creating a fulfilling life means prioritizing what truly matters to you, whether that’s family, freedom, or financial independence, rather than just chasing arbitrary numbers. 6. Incorporating vulnerability in business interactions fosters deeper connections and trust, ultimately leading to more meaningful outcomes. Links referenced in this episode: 1. be the CEO [https://be the CEO] 2. linkedin.com/in/adam-thomas [https://linkedin.com/in/adam-thomas] Companies mentioned in this episode: 1. LinkedIn 2. Atomic Business Coaching 3. Danny Del Vecchio 4. Nat Berman 5. Darren Mass 6. Tom Marino

The Lie Keeping You Stuck in Corporate, With Lisa McPhee

She had the title. The salary. The corporate credibility. And she walked away from it anyway. In this episode, I sit down with Lisa McPhee, a business coach who helps high-achieving women make the leap from corporate to coaching without losing their minds in the process. We get into the real stuff: the self-doubt that hits when you go from "expert in the room" to "nobody knows who I am yet." Why your pricing has to match your belief in yourself. And why automation should never be your first move (even though everyone wants it to be). If you've ever felt successful on paper but exhausted in real life, this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: → Why high achievers struggle the most when starting their own business → How to define what you actually want (not what you think you should want) → The role of data collection before you automate anything → Why community is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs → How to build confidence by recognizing what you've already done → When to bring in AI and technology (and when to wait) Connect with Lisa McPhee: [Insert LinkedIn URL] [Insert Website URL] Connect with Meghan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmdonnelly [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmdonnelly] Website: https://thequeenofautomation.com [https://thequeenofautomation.com]

Episode #74 Why High Performers Quietly Burn Out with Allison Ditmer

In this episode of the Queen of Automation podcast, I sat down with Allison Ditmer, and honestly, this conversation hit on so many layers of what it really looks like to build a business that actually supports your life instead of consuming it. Allison joined me from cold, snowy Ohio, which immediately bonded us because Midwest winters are not for the weak, and we kicked things off talking about her background, her career pivot, and how she found her way into building a LinkedIn-driven business that actually works. She spent 15 years in the corporate world in digital marketing, working closely with brand teams, strategy, and large-scale websites. She talked openly about what it’s like to get comfortable in corporate, how predictable it can feel, and why that predictability can be both a safety net and a trap. COVID became a major turning point for her, especially while juggling back-to-back calls at home with young kids, and she realized she wanted something different. Not a side hustle. Not a perfectly mapped plan. Just something that gave her more freedom and control over her time. What I loved about Allison’s story is that she didn’t leave corporate with a perfectly polished business idea. She left because she knew the structure she was in no longer fit the life she wanted. From there, she built a business around LinkedIn, helping executives and fractional leaders turn their presence into a real client-generating machine, not just content for content’s sake. We talked a lot about how LinkedIn has changed, why authenticity actually matters now, and how building relationships beats spamming people with DMs every single time. We also dug into work-life balance, or as I like to call it, the myth of work-life balance. Allison shared how she thinks more in terms of alignment than balance, designing days that work for her energy, her family, and her business. We talked about burnout, permission to rest when you hit that wall, and why beating yourself up for being tired never actually helps. This was one of those conversations that feels validating if you’re a parent, a founder, or honestly just a human trying to do too much at once. This episode is really about redefining success on your own terms, building a business that fits your real life, and using platforms like LinkedIn intentionally instead of letting them run you. Allison’s approach is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest, and I think anyone navigating a career pivot, building a personal brand, or trying to reclaim time will take something meaningful away from this conversation.  Connect with Allison on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonditmer/] to keep up with her work and insights.