#146: The Business Case for Rest & Reflection

#146: The Business Case for Rest & Reflection

In this solo reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack their conversation with returning guest Asmaa Methqal, exploring the themes that resonated most after the interview. They discuss why rest shouldn't be something we feel guilty about, the importance of creating intentional space for reflection, and how entrepreneurs can avoid constantly moving from one project to the next without processing what they've learned. The conversation also explores the challenges many women face around overgiving, comparison, and guilt, while sharing personal updates on business growth, networking, productivity, and the media they're currently enjoying. Entrepreneurship often rewards constant action, but sustainable success requires intentional pauses. This episode offers practical reminders about protecting your energy, building reflection into your routines, trusting your systems, and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt. Key Takeaways * Rest is a necessity, not something that has to be earned. * Entrepreneurs often struggle to disconnect productivity from self-worth. * Reflection transforms experiences into lessons instead of simply moving on to the next project. * Building post-project reviews into your workflow helps prevent repeating the same mistakes. * Women frequently carry unnecessary guilt, comparison, and patterns of overgiving. * Systems become even more valuable during busy seasons. Don't abandon them when you need them most. * Success often comes from the visibility and networking efforts you invested in months earlier. * Better time management sometimes means adjusting deadlines instead of sacrificing your wellbeing. * Entertainment and hobbies that allow your brain to rest are just as important as educational content. * Small moments of intentional recovery make it easier to sustain long-term entrepreneurial growth. This episode references our conversation with Asmaa Methqal, episode #145 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Asmaa #072. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#145: The Power of Showing Up with Integrity

In this episode, we welcome back Asmaa Methqal for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, intuition, and what it means to move through transition with trust. Since her last visit, Asmaa has launched The Thread: Women + Tech Vancouver, an in-person community created to help women in tech build real connection, sharpen their skills, and practice showing up with integrity. Together, we explore what happens when things don’t go according to plan, why clarity comes through action, and how honoring your emotions can help you move toward the next aligned step. This episode is a grounding reminder that your growth doesn’t require perfection–it requires presence, reflection, and the courage to honor yourself. Key Takeaways * Clarity comes through action, not waiting until you feel perfectly ready. * Community is built through consistency, follow-through, and real human connection. * Your integrity shows up in whether you keep your word to others and to yourself. * When something feels blocked, it may be time to pivot, pause, or let it go. * Reflection helps you turn experiences into lessons instead of just moving on to the next thing. * Rest only works when you release the guilt attached to it. * Your life can change in a second when you begin expecting possibilities instead of limitations. * Honoring your emotions is part of leadership, not a distraction from it. * Women often carry guilt, comparison, and overgiving, and releasing those patterns creates more space for aligned growth. * Sometimes the “gift” in a hard season is the clarity it gives you about what needs to change. Guest & Host Information: * Guest, Asmâa Methqal, Transformational Leadership Alchemist & Executive Coach, Fire and Flow Academy, and Founder of Maestra Business Solutions * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing [https://ashbeanpdx.com/] * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies [https://imaginemarketingstrategies.com/] Connect with Asmâa: * Visit her website: https://iamasmaa.com/ [https://iamasmaa.com/]  * Explore her business growth consulting business:  https://maestrahub.com/ [https://maestrahub.com/]  * Join the Fire and Flow Leaders Community: https://iamasmaa.com/fireandflowleaders/community [https://iamasmaa.com/fireandflowleaders/community]  * Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmaamethqal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmaamethqal/]  * Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithasmaa/ [https://www.instagram.com/leadwithasmaa/]  * Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireandFlowLeadership [https://www.youtube.com/@FireandFlowLeadership]  Connect with us: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn:  * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn  * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#144: Why Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness Matter in Business and Life

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with leadership coach Vicki Semanie and dive deeper into the role emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and consistency play in building successful businesses and careers. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate environments and entrepreneurship, they discuss why strong leadership starts with understanding yourself and how showing up consistently creates long-term trust and opportunity. The conversation also explores networking, relationship-building, and the difference between transactional interactions and meaningful connections that can support business growth for years to come. If you're building a business, leading a team, or trying to grow your professional network, this episode offers practical insights into the human side of leadership. Ashlan and Tory share real-world examples of effective and ineffective leadership, why emotional intelligence matters, and how entrepreneurs can build stronger relationships with clients, employees, and collaborators. Key Takeaways * Emotional intelligence and self-awareness are foundational leadership skills. * Great leadership requires understanding your strengths, blind spots, and impact on others. * Being technically skilled does not automatically make someone an effective manager. * Small business owners benefit from leading differently than large corporations. * Consistency builds trust with clients, employees, and professional networks. * Showing up regularly creates opportunities even when immediate results aren't visible. * Networking is about building relationships, not collecting leads. * Long-term business success often comes from being remembered and recommended by others. * People want to work with businesses they know, trust, and feel connected to. * Relationship-building should focus on mutual support rather than transactional outcomes. This episode references our conversation with Vicki Semanie, episode #143 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Vicki #063. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#143: Stop Controlling, Start Trusting: A New Way to Grow Personally & Professionally

In this episode, we catch up with returning guest Vicki Semanie as she enters year three of her business. Vicki shares how her work has evolved beyond coaching into consulting, speaking, and leadership development, and how embracing uncertainty has opened unexpected opportunities. We also dive into emotional intelligence, the power of purpose, and why trust, not control, is shaping her vision for 2026. If you’ve ever felt like you need everything figured out before taking the next step, this conversation is your reminder that growth happens through action, not perfection. Key Takeaways * You don’t need everything figured out to start, clarity comes through action. * Business evolution is normal and often leads to better alignment with your strengths. * Emotional intelligence, especially confidence and self-awareness, is key to effective leadership. * Consistency (like weekly content or networking) builds trust and long-term opportunities. * Networking isn’t about instant results, but showing up and being known. * Trusting the process can open doors you didn’t plan for but are fully capable of walking through. * Negative self-talk can limit growth, but it can be reframed with intentional practice. * Building a business takes time, success often comes from patience, planning, and persistence. Guest & Host Information: * Guest, Vicki Semanie, Master Certified Professional Coach at Seven Stones Life Coaching * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing [https://ashbeanpdx.com/] * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies [https://imaginemarketingstrategies.com/] Connect with Vicki: * Visit her website: https://www.sevenstoneslifecoaching.com/ [https://www.sevenstoneslifecoaching.com/]  * Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561743214060 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561743214060]  * Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-semanie-sevenstones [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-semanie-sevenstones]  Connect with us: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn:  * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn  * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]

#142: Permission to Let Go of What’s Draining You in Your Business

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Peya and explore what it really means to build a business that aligns with your values, energy, and goals. They discuss the importance of letting go of work that no longer serves you, recognizing when clients or offers are no longer a good fit, and creating a business that supports your life instead of draining it. The conversation also touches on personal and business systems, the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, and why entrepreneurs need to pay attention when opportunities keep presenting themselves. If you've ever struggled to let go of a client, continued offering something you no longer enjoy, or felt stuck doing business a certain way because you think you "should," this episode is a powerful reminder that you have permission to change course. Ashlan and Tory share honest reflections about boundaries, alignment, business evolution, and trusting yourself to build something that works for you. Key Takeaways * It's okay to stop doing work that no longer feels aligned with your goals or values. * Not every client relationship is meant to last forever, and that's okay. * Offboarding clients respectfully can preserve relationships and open doors for future opportunities. * If an offer, platform, or marketing tactic isn't working, you don't have to keep forcing it. * Pay attention to activities that consistently drain your energy and reassess whether they belong in your business. * Clients can often sense when you're no longer excited about an offer or service. * Personal systems and business systems are deeply connected because you are the same person in both spaces. * Entrepreneurs benefit from building businesses that support their lives instead of compartmentalizing everything. * Sometimes repeated signs and feedback are invitations to finally take action. * Alignment often requires letting go of old expectations about how business "should" be done. This episode references our conversation with Peya Robbins, episode #141 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our other conversations with Peya #022 and #088. Host information: * Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX Marketing * Co-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing Strategies Connect: * On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today [https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today]  * On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today]  * With Ashlan: * https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg [https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/]  * With Tory: * https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies [https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/]  * https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe [https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/]  Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on: Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH2n9_liL1RTjpVTO21kb2Q] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today/]