EPISODE 8: How to Spot an A-Player

EPISODE 8: How to Spot an A-Player

What if one hire could either grow your business or slow everything down? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, Umo and Bri spill the real tea on hiring A players for your sports nutrition, fitness, or wellness business. They share why the best team members take ownership, ask smart questions, communicate clearly, and care about your mission beyond the paycheck. They also talk about hiring mistakes they’ve made, like rushing the process, ignoring red flags, and choosing skill over character. From spotting strong initiative in interviews to keeping your standards high, this conversation is a must-listen for founders ready to protect their time, culture, and client experience while building a team that can truly grow with them. Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian Join our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights: (1:21) Why hiring A players matters for business growth (5:07) What makes someone an A player (10:45) How to spot green flags during interviews (14:40) Why energy, presence, and empathy matter (16:50) Virtual interview red flags and professionalism (20:48) Common hiring mistakes founders make (21:36) Why character matters more than skill (24:33) Being honest about expectations from the start (25:49) Final advice: hire slow, lead well, and build for growth

EPISODE 7: We Live Launched…Here’s What Happened!

What happens when sports nutrition professionals finally find the community they’ve been looking for? In this episode, Umo and Bri recap the live launch of the Hot Tea with Umo and Bri Community at the ASPDA Conference in New Orleans. From their pickleball social at NOLA Pickleplex to honest conversations with dietitians, fitness pros, chefs, PTs, and entrepreneurs, they share why this moment felt so needed. They talk about doing things scared, building something before it feels perfect, and why collaboration matters more than competition. Umo and Bri also share where sports nutrition is headed, why more professionals are creating their own paths, and how their new community will support business owners through coaching, resources, office hours, and connection. Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian Join our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights: (1:29) ASPDA Conference and community launch recap (3:27) Pickleball social at NOLA Pickleplex (5:07) Why entrepreneurship needs community (7:07) Common questions from new business owners (11:15) Self-doubt and “stinking thinking” (13:11) Doing it scared and launching messy (15:15) The future of sports nutrition (18:31) Collaboration over competition (20:43) What’s inside the Hot Tea community (25:27) Final thoughts and how to join

EPISODE 6: Expensive Mistakes We Made So You Don’t Have To

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is a mistake you keep paying for twice? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, Umo and Bri get real about the costly choices founders make when emotions, ego, fear, or rushing lead the way. They share honest stories about opening too fast, offering services no one asked for, waiting too long to hire help, underpricing for too long, and keeping clients or team members who are not the right fit. This episode is a friendly reminder that mistakes happen, but repeating them is where the real cost shows up. Slow down, build better systems, charge your worth, protect your peace, and grow with the right people beside you.  Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian [https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian] Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian [https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian] Join our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup [https://hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup] If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Key Timestamps: (1:24) Expensive mistakes that cost time, money, energy, and confidence (3:35) Making rushed business decisions from frustration (5:23) Trying to offer too many services too soon (8:13) How ego, cheap choices, and DIY habits can cost more later (11:18) Underpricing and learning to charge your worth (15:18) Why wrong-fit clients drain energy and reputation (18:06) How to avoid paying twice for the same mistake (19:05) Growing a team slowly and hiring the right people (22:14) Building systems, processes, and consistency (24:29) Learning faster, adjusting quicker, and building smarter

EPISODE 5: How to Create a Client Experience They Won’t Stop Talking About

What makes a client remember you, trust you, and tell everyone they know about your business? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, they share why a great client experience is one of the most powerful ways to grow a sports nutrition, fitness, or wellness business. They talk about the simple things that make clients feel seen, from quick response times and clear booking steps to warm welcomes, personal touches, and strong follow-up. They also explain why your work does not stop after the sale. A thoughtful experience helps clients feel supported, stay committed, and share your name with others. If you want more loyalty, referrals, and long-term growth, this episode is full of practical reminders you can use right away. Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian [https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian] Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian [https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian] Join our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup [https://hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup] If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights: (1:15) Why client experience drives sustainable business growth (2:15) Making clients feel comfortable from the start (7:35) The client experience begins before they book (8:45) Clear communication, fast replies, and easy booking (12:42) Helping clients feel seen and valued (15:06) Onboarding, next steps, check-ins, and celebrating wins (17:31) Turning great service into retention and growth (19:31) Small personal touches that create loyalty (22:11) How word-of-mouth can reduce marketing stress (24:01) Why client experience can bring strong ROI

EPISODE 4: Building Referral Ecosystems

What if your next best client came from a relationship you already have? In this episode of Hot Tea with Umo and Bri, Umo and Bri talk about why referral systems are one of the most powerful ways to grow a sports nutrition, fitness, or wellness business. They share how trusted partnerships can bring in aligned clients, shorten the decision-making process, and create steady growth outside of social media. From building relationships with physicians, physical therapists, coaches, chefs, and other professionals to creating simple referral packets and tracking contacts in a spreadsheet, this conversation is full of real-life business tips. They also remind founders that referrals are built through care, follow-up, and genuine connection. Sometimes, one kind message or compliment can open the door to a lasting partnership. Umo's Instagram: @sassy.sports.dietitian [https://www.instagram.com/sassy.sports.dietitian] Bri's Instagram: @theathletitian [https://www.instagram.com/theathletitian] Join our communiTEA: hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup [https://hotteawithumoandbri.com/communitea-signup] If you got something from today's Hot Tea, make sure you subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and spill the tea with someone else! Episode highlights: (1:23) Why referral ecosystems matter for sustainable business growth (2:12) How referrals build trust and credibility (3:21) Using physicians, clinicians, and patient word of mouth as referral sources (5:38) How referrals help clients make faster decisions (6:27) Attracting aligned clients through aligned partnerships (7:32) Why nurturing referral relationships matters (8:20) Referral growth versus relying only on social media (10:31) Why LinkedIn can be a strong place for professional connections (12:22) Choosing the right strategic partners (15:18) Tracking referral contacts and follow-ups (17:14) Creating simple referral systems and packets (19:36) Using events, webinars, and collaborations to keep referrals active (21:00) Building real relationships beyond business (23:27) Why a simple compliment can start a great connection