Episode 54 - Your Small Business Is Franchise-Ready : Here is your blueprint - With Tom DuFore | Business Therapy™

Episode 54 - Your Small Business Is Franchise-Ready : Here is your blueprint - With Tom DuFore | Business Therapy™

In this episode, I’m joined by Tom DuFore for a thoughtful conversation about business growth, scalability and what it might look like to build a business that can expand beyond the owner's day to day involvement.  Tom is a franchise expert, entrepreneur and founder of Big Sky Franchise Team. With more than two decades of experience helping business owners explore franchising as a growth strategy, he shares a different perspective on scaling and why creating systems that can be duplicated may open up opportunities that many entrepreneurs haven't considered.  Together, we explore what franchising actually means, how it differs from traditional expansion and some of the considerations that may be worth thinking about before taking that path. Here’s what we covered  ✅ What franchising is and how it works in practical terms ✅ The three key elements that typically form the foundation of a franchise model ✅ Why many well known franchise brands originally started as small businesses ✅ The difference between growing through expansion and growing through duplication ✅ Why franchising is often more of a long term growth strategy than a quick win  ✅ Some of the common pitfalls business owners may encounter when exploring franchising ✅ Why bringing in the right expertise can make a significant difference ✅ The role systems and processes can play in creating a scalable business  ✅ Three simple criteria that can help determine whether a business may be franchise ready  ✅ The differences between selling a business and franchising a business  ✅ How franchising can create a shift from operating a business to supporting others who operate it  ✅ Why building a business that can function without constant owner involvement can create greater flexibility Tom also shares insights from his experience working with entrepreneurs across a variety of industries and explains how franchising can create opportunities for growth while allowing business owners to leverage the systems, knowledge and expertise they have already developed. One reflection that stayed with me from this conversation is this: Growth doesn't always have to come from adding more hours, more effort or more complexity. Sometimes it can emerge from creating systems, processes and structures that allow a business to evolve beyond the owner's day to day involvement It’s a different way of thinking about expansion, one that may create opportunities for both growth and greater flexibility over time. If you've been reflecting on growth, scalability or what it might look like to create more space within your business, this conversation offers an interesting perspective on some of the possibilities available. About Tom DuFore Tom DuFore is a franchise consultant, entrepreneur and CEO of Big Sky Franchise Team. He has spent more than 20 years helping business owners evaluate, develop and grow franchise systems. Tom is also the host of the Multiply Your Success Podcast and works with entrepreneurs to simplify growth strategies and explore opportunities to expand through franchising and other distribution models. Tom also has a free guide called Nine Pitfalls to Avoid When Franchising Your Business, which you can download here if you’d like to take a deeper look: www.ninepitfalls.com [https://www.ninepitfalls.com]  Connect with Tom DuFore: Website: bigskyfranchiseteam.com [https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/]LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tomdufore [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdufore]Facebook: www.facebook.com/p/Tom-DuFore [https://www.facebook.com/p/Tom-DuFore-100069645278874/]Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomdufore [https://www.instagram.com/tomdufore/]Youtube: www.youtube.com/@bigskyfranchiseteam [https://www.youtube.com/@bigskyfranchiseteam] 💼 Explore Business Therapy™ If you’d like support while building your business, Business Therapy™ is a space designed to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence and grounded support as you navigate growth. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me]  📖 Download the Free Unmute Yourself Discussion Guide If this episode resonated with you, you can download the free Unmute Yourself Book Club Discussion Guide for deeper reflection and more intentional conversations around voice, visibility, growth, and purpose. Click here to download. [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/soul]  📖 Read the book, Unmute Yourself Unmute Yourself explores identity, voice, growth and becoming the version of yourself that can hold what you’re building. you can order here [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/books]. If you’ve read Unmute Yourself and it resonated, then please leave a review here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBRNLZVB#customerReviews].

Episode 53 - Bold Leadership With Michelle Vandepas | Business Therapy™

In this episode, I’m joined by Michelle Vandepas for a thoughtful conversation on bold leadership, self-expression and what it can look like to show up more fully as yourself. Michelle brings decades of experience in leadership, publishing and coaching and together we explore the nuance behind “authenticity.” Because being yourself isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds. It can be layered, evolving and sometimes uncomfortable, especially when it involves unlearning old patterns. We talk about how many of us hold ourselves back in subtle ways, not always because we lack ability, but because of fear, conditioning or simply not feeling ready yet. And what it might look like to begin shifting that, in ways that feel supportive rather than overwhelming. Here’s what we covered ✅ A more grounded perspective on what bold leadership can look like ✅ The difference between expressing yourself and reacting from emotion ✅ How self-awareness and emotional regulation can shape the way we lead ✅ The ways holding back can show up in the body, not just the mind ✅ The connection between voice, expression and overall wellbeing ✅ Why many women downplay their gifts, even when they’re capable ✅ How writing things down can create clarity and reduce fear ✅ The idea of taking small, different actions as a way to open new possibilities ✅ The role of support and accountability when things feel unclear ✅ Why rest can sometimes be part of moving forward, not a distraction from it ✅ What it can look like to honour where you are while still growing Michelle also shares parts of her personal journey, including how suppressing her voice once showed up in her physical health and how, over time, learning to express herself created shifts both internally and externally. One reflection that stayed with me from this conversation is this: Being yourself isn’t about getting it “right,” it’s about allowing space for who you are to emerge, in a way that feels honest and grounded. Because when there’s less pressure to perform, it can feel easier to move forward in a way that actually feels aligned. If you’ve been feeling a little held back, or thinking about how you show up in your life or business, this episode offers a perspective that feels both gentle and practical. About Michelle Vandepas Michelle Vandepas is a leadership coach, publisher and retreat host with over four decades of experience. She works with authors and entrepreneurs to help them step more confidently into their voice, share their stories and expand what they believe is possible for themselves. Connect with Michelle Vandepas: Website: michellevandepas.com [https://michellevandepas.com/] LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellevandepas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellevandepas/]Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelle.vandepas [https://www.instagram.com/michelle.vandepas/]Facebook: www.facebook.com/michelle.vandepas [https://www.facebook.com/michelle.vandepas]Youtube: www.youtube.com/@michellevandepas [https://www.youtube.com/@michellevandepas] 💼 Explore Business Therapy™ If you’d like support while building your business, Business Therapy™ is a space designed to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence and grounded support as you navigate growth. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me]  📖 Download the Free Unmute Yourself Discussion Guide If this episode resonated with you, you can download the free Unmute Yourself Book Club Discussion Guide for deeper reflection and more intentional conversations around voice, visibility, growth, and purpose. Click here to download. [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/soul]  📖 Read the book, Unmute Yourself Unmute Yourself explores identity, voice, growth and becoming the version of yourself that can hold what you’re building. you can order here [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/books]. If you’ve read Unmute Yourself and it resonated, then please leave a review here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBRNLZVB#customerReviews].

Episode 52 - The Five Fs of a Rich Life, Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances and Fun With Tyler Osborne | Business Therapy™

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Tyler Osborne for a conversation that goes far beyond money. We explore what it can look like to build a life that feels whole, not just financially successful, but grounded in faith, family, health, and joy. Tyler shares his framework of the “Five Fs” - Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances and Fun, and how each one can support the others. Because often, when one area starts to feel off, it tends to show up in other parts of life too. We talk about the relationship many of us have with money, how small shifts in habits can create more clarity and what it might look like to approach finances from a place of intention rather than pressure. There’s also a thoughtful conversation around balance or creating your own version of it and how success can feel very different when it includes presence, energy and space to actually enjoy your life. Here’s what we covered ✅ The “five Fs” framework and how each area connects ✅ A different perspective on money as a tool, not the end goal ✅ How budgeting can feel more like clarity than restriction ✅ The idea of building habits that support your financial growth over time ✅ Why income alone doesn’t always reflect financial stability ✅ What it can look like to transition into entrepreneurship with more intention ✅ The role of structure and self-accountability when you’re working for yourself ✅ How creating space for fun can support your overall wellbeing ✅ The connection between stress, health, and daily habits ✅ The possibility of making small progress across different areas of life, consistently Tyler also shares parts of his personal journey, growing up in a challenging environment, how sports played a role in shifting his path, and how he found his way into financial education after noticing how deeply money impacts relationships. One of the reminders that stayed with me from this conversation is this: Being “rich” can mean more than just money, it can look like feeling whole in the areas of life that matter to you. Because when your life feels supported across different areas, your relationships, your health, your mindset, your finances, things tend to move differently. If you’ve been feeling stretched, thinking about your relationship with money, or simply wanting a more balanced way of approaching success, this episode offers a perspective that feels both practical and grounding. About Tyler Osborne Tyler Osborne is a financial expert, entrepreneur and host of the Money Master Podcast. He focuses on helping individuals and families build healthier financial habits and create more structure around their money, in a way that supports a more balanced and intentional life. Connect with Tyler Osborne: Website: moneymasternation.com [https://moneymasternation.com/]LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-osborne [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-osborne-854064a0]Instagram: www.instagram.com/moneymaster408 [https://www.instagram.com/moneymaster408/] TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@moneymaster408 [http://www.tiktok.com/@moneymaster408]Youtube: www.youtube.com/@moneymasternation [https://www.youtube.com/@moneymasternation] 💼 Explore Business Therapy™ If you’d like support while building your business, Business Therapy™ is a space designed to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence and grounded support as you navigate growth. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me]  📖 Download the Free Unmute Yourself Discussion Guide If this episode resonated with you, you can download the free Unmute Yourself Book Club Discussion Guide for deeper reflection and more intentional conversations around voice, visibility, growth, and purpose. Click here to download. Click here to download. [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/soul] 📖 Read the book, Unmute Yourself Unmute Yourself explores identity, voice, growth, and becoming the version of yourself that can hold what you’re building. you can order here [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/books]. If you’ve read Unmute Yourself and it resonated, then please leave a review here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBRNLZVB#customerReviews].

Episode 51 - Good Idea, Now What? With Charles Lee | Business Therapy™

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Charles Lee, founder of Ideation and author of Good Idea, Now What? for a conversation about what it really takes to move from vision to execution. So many people are walking around with ideas they can’t stop thinking about… but turning an idea into something real is a completely different journey. Charles shares what he’s learned from working with major brands, building businesses and helping people bridge the gap between inspiration and implementation. We talk about the tension between dreaming big and actually starting, the fear that comes with putting your ideas into the world and why action matters more than perfection. There’s also an honest conversation about branding, visibility, documenting your ideas and how to stop overcomplicating the beginning stages of building something meaningful. Here’s what we covered ✅ Why ideas without action stay stuck as potential ✅ The difference between proof of concept and proof of value ✅ How to know if your idea is actually solving a real problem ✅ Why documenting your vision matters more than keeping it in your head ✅ A simple approach to structuring your business ideas without overwhelm ✅ The role branding plays in building trust and visibility ✅ Why you do not need to appeal to everyone to build something successful ✅ The importance of feedback, momentum, and staying in motion ✅ How to start small while still honoring a big vision ✅ What it means to intentionally design a life, not just a business Charles also shares parts of his personal journey, from growing up in a Korean immigrant family of entrepreneurs to becoming a professor, and eventually building a company centered around execution and creative strategy. One of my favorite reminders from this conversation was this: Dream big. Start small. Keep moving. Because sometimes the biggest thing standing between us and the life we want is waiting until we feel fully ready. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, overthinking your next move, or feeling stuck between vision and execution, this episode will give you something practical and grounding to hold onto. About Charles Lee Charles Lee is the founder of Ideation, a company focused on execution, implementation, and creative strategy. He has worked with brands including Google, Toms and Toyota. Born in Korea and raised in the United States, Charles began his career as a college professor before transitioning into entrepreneurship and brand strategy. He is also the author of Good Idea, Now What? and his upcoming book, Design Your Good Life. About the book - Good Idea. Now What? Good Idea. Now What? explores how ideas can move from inspiration to action through creativity, planning and meaningful collaboration. With practical insights on overcoming setbacks, building support and communicating ideas effectively, the book offers an encouraging guide for turning concepts into something impactful and real. Connect with Charles Lee: Buy Book Here: 👉 www.amazon.in/Good-Idea-Now-What-Execution/dp/1118163990 [https://www.amazon.in/Good-Idea-Now-What-Execution/dp/1118163990]Website: www.charlestlee.com [https://www.charlestlee.com/]LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charlestlee [https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlestlee]Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlestlee [https://www.instagram.com/charlestlee]Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlestlee [https://www.facebook.com/charlestlee]Twitter: x.com/charlestlee [https://x.com/charlestlee]Youtube: www.youtube.com/@charlestlee [https://www.youtube.com/@charlestlee]LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/charlestlee   [http://www.linkedin.com/in/charlestlee] 💼 Explore Business Therapy™ If you’d like support while building your business, Business Therapy™ is a space designed to help you move forward with more clarity, confidence, and support while navigating growth. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me] 📖 Download the Free Unmute Yourself Discussion Guide If this episode resonated with you, you can download the free Unmute Yourself Book Club Discussion Guide for deeper reflection and conversations around voice, visibility, growth and purpose. Click here to download. [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/soul] 📖 Read the book, Unmute Yourself Unmute Yourself explores identity, voice, growth, and becoming the version of yourself that can hold what you’re building. you can order here [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/books]. If you’ve read Unmute Yourself and it resonated, then please leave a review here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBRNLZVB#customerReviews].

Episode 50 - I almost Quit At Episode 10, Lessons From Behind The Scenes | Business Therapy™

In today’s episode, we’re marking something really special… 50 episodes, listeners in 50 countries, and a journey that almost didn’t make it past episode ten. This one is a bit more personal. It’s a reflection on what it’s taken to keep showing up, especially in the seasons where the results weren’t obvious yet. We talk about that in-between space… where you’re doing the work, staying consistent, but not seeing immediate proof that it’s working. The kind of season that can make you question things, even when something meaningful is quietly taking shape. There’s also an honest look at what building something like this can involve. The time, the energy, and the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always get seen. Here’s what we covered ✅ What 50 episodes and 50 countries can represent beyond the numbers ✅ The idea of unseen growth and why it can feel confusing ✅ The bamboo tree analogy and slow, quiet progress ✅ What it can feel like to keep creating without immediate feedback ✅ The difference between evolving and feeling like you’re getting it wrong ✅ Some of the quieter challenges that come with building in public ✅ The real cost behind consistency ✅ A way to think about whether you’re still developing or ready to step away ✅ A glimpse into what’s coming next We also touch on how things can evolve over time. What started in one space gradually expanded into something broader, not as a correction, but as a natural deepening of the message. If you’ve been in a season where things feel quiet or unclear, this might give you something to sit with. This episode is for the creative who is still showing up… even when it’s not fully clear where it’s leading yet. 💼 Explore Business Therapy™ If you’d like support while you build, this could be a space to explore. Inside Business Therapy™, the focus is on helping you move forward with clarity, while having someone in your corner who can reflect and support what you’re creating. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me] 📖 Download the Free Unmute Yourself Discussion Guide If this episode resonated with you, download the free Unmute Yourself Book Club Discussion Guide for deeper reflection and meaningful conversations around voice, growth, purpose, and visibility. Click here to download. [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/soul] 📖 Read the book, Unmute Yourself This book is about becoming the version of you who can carry what you’ve been praying for. It’s about using your voice, owning your space, and expanding your identity as your business grows, you can order here [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/books]. If you’ve read Unmute Yourself and it resonated, then please leave a review here [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBRNLZVB#customerReviews].