11. Navigating Leadership, Politics, and Self-Promotion + Stories of a Frustrated Customer: The Business of Women

21. From PA Cult to Wall Street Success: McKenna Zannini’s Bold Journey to CEO of The COO Boutique

What does it take to escape a life of control and build a future on your own terms? McKenna Zannini’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in the confines of a cult in rural Pennsylvania to graduating from Wharton, thriving on Wall Street, and launching a successful digital marketing agency, McKenna embodies resilience, courage, and determination. In this episode, she opens up about her upbringing, the pivotal moment that led her to leave, and how she cultivated the grit to turn challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, dreamer, or someone seeking inspiration to take bold action, this episode will leave you empowered to break barriers and rewrite your story. Makenas Links:  Website: ⁠ [http://iafa.com]https://www.theboutiquecoo.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makena-finger-zannini-7291981b0/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/makena-finger-zannini-7291981b0/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-boutique-coo/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-boutique-coo/]  Instagram: ⁠ [http://instagram.com/ananatalie04]https://www.instagram.com/theboutiquecoo [https://www.instagram.com/theboutiquecoo] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theboutiquecoo/?show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_community_rollback=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0 [https://www.facebook.com/theboutiquecoo/?show_switched_toast=0&show_invite_to_follow=0&show_switched_tooltip=0&show_podcast_settings=0&show_community_review_changes=0&show_community_rollback=0&show_follower_visibility_disclosure=0]  Shannons Links: Website: ⁠medspamastery.co⁠ [http://medspamastery.co]  Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/medspamastery/?viewAsMember=true⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/medspamastery/?viewAsMember=true]  Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/shannonventures⁠ [http://instagram.com/shannonventures] ⁠instagram.com/themedspamasteryreport⁠ [http://instagram.com/themedspamasteryreport]  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566212074885⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566212074885]  Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/themedspamasteryreport/⁠ [https://www.pinterest.com/themedspamasteryreport/]  * Escaping a cult: McKenna Zannini shares her upbringing in the Apostolic Reformation cult and the challenges of breaking free. * Finding courage: The pivotal moment when McKenna realized she needed to leave her community and forge her own path. * Overcoming trauma: Insights into the emotional and psychological resilience required to start over. * From cult to Wharton: How McKenna defied the odds to attend the prestigious Wharton School of Business. * Thriving on Wall Street: Lessons learned as a woman succeeding in a high-pressure, male-dominated environment. * Bias for action: The entrepreneurial mindset that propelled McKenna to start and grow her digital marketing agency. * East Coast grit meets West Coast reinvention: McKenna’s journey from Pennsylvania to New York and finally to Oregon. * Building a women-led agency: Why McKenna’s agency resonates with female entrepreneurs and prioritizes approachable, results-driven services. * Navigating family estrangement: McKenna reflects on the ongoing grief of separating from her family and siblings still in the cult. * Inspiration for entrepreneurs: Advice for women in business, including taking risks, embracing imperfection, and the power of forward momentum. More from Vitality Ventures Group: Website: ⁠vitalityventuresgroup.com⁠ [http://vitalityventuresgroup.com]  Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalityventuresgroup/?viewAsMember=true⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalityventuresgroup/?viewAsMember=true]  Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/vitalityventuresgroup.com⁠ [http://instagram.com/vitalityventuresgroup.com]  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/vitalityventuresgroup⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/vitalityventuresgroup]  Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/vitalityventuresgroup/⁠ [https://www.pinterest.com/vitalityventuresgroup/]  More from Vitality Lens: Website: ⁠vitalitylens.com⁠ [http://vitalitylens.com]  Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-riley-39a479180/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-riley-39a479180/]  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/vitalitylens⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/vitalitylens]  Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/maddierileystudios⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/maddierileystudios]  Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/vitalitylensmedia/⁠ [https://www.pinterest.com/vitalitylensmedia/]  #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #Leadership #WomenLeaders #EmpowerWomen #BusinessWoman #EntrepreneurLife #WomenInLeadership #InspiringWomen #WomenInnovators #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #WomenInIndustry #InnovativeWomen #EmpathyInLeadership #WomenCEOs #CultSurvivor #OvercomingAdversity #BiasForAction #FemaleEmpowerment #CultEscape #FromCultToCEO #WhartonGraduate #WallStreetToWestCoast #DigitalMarketingAgency #MotivationMonday #SuccessStory #InspiringWomen #StartYourJourney #TakeTheLeap #GritAndGrowth #ActionBias Music: Lofi Study Musician: FASSounds Site: ⁠https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-study-112191/ [https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-study-112191/]

20. Nursing Burnout to Business Breakthrough with Jennifer Perry and Alec Wagner of Ethereal Aesthetics

In this insightful episode of the "Vitality Vault," Shannon Hayes is joined by Jennifer Perry and Alec Wagner, co-owners of Ethereal Aesthetics in Vancouver WA. Jennifer, an anesthesiologist since 2008, shares her transformative journey from experiencing professional burnout in Tillamook to founding a medspa as a new venture. Alec, with his unique background in culinary arts, details his shift from kitchen to medspa management, highlighting the duo's dynamic approach to business. Together, they discuss the challenges of running a medspa, the importance of a personal touch in growth, and balancing work with personal life, all while navigating the evolving industry landscape. Ethereal Online: Website:⁠ ⁠⁠etherealaestheticsllc.com Instagram:⁠ ⁠⁠@ethereal|aestheticsllc Shannons Links: Website:⁠ ⁠medspamastery.co⁠⁠ Linkedin:⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/medspamastery/?viewAsMember=true⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠instagram.com/shannonventures⁠⁠⁠ ⁠instagram.com/themedspamasteryreport⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566212074885⁠⁠ Pinterest:⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/themedspamasteryreport/⁠⁠ Ethereal Aesthetics Introduction and Background Shannon introduces Jennifer Perry and Alec Wagner, discussing their dynamic and background in running Ethereal Esthetics, a med spa in the Salmon Creek area of Vancouver. Jen Perry's Career Journey and Move to Vancouver Jen Perry discusses her career in nursing and anesthesia, her move from Tillamook to Vancouver due to COVID-19 and burnout, and her diverse living experiences across 36 addresses. Alec Wagner's Background and Meeting Jen Alec Wagner shares his culinary background, including his experience with Cirque du Soleil, and recounts how meeting Jen in a Vancouver bar led to his involvement in Ethereal Aesthetics. Transition to Ethereal Esthetics and Business Growth Jen explains the evolution of Ethereal Aesthetics from a hobby to a full-fledged business, highlighting the challenges of starting from home and the importance of maintaining a personal touch in their services. Challenges and Dynamics of Running a Business Together Jen and Alec discuss the dynamics of their business partnership, including balancing work with personal life, the challenges they face, and their plans for growing the team and services. Future Plans and Business Goals The co-owners outline their future goals for Ethereal Aesthetics, such as expanding services and staff, and share their vision for eventually transitioning roles within the business to focus more on management. Impact of COVID-19 and Business Adaptations Jen and Alec reflect on the impact of COVID-19 on both their personal lives and business, discussing how they adapted to new safety protocols and the importance of staying flexible. Networking and Building Relationships The importance of networking and relationship-building is emphasized, with Jen and Alec discussing how connecting with colleagues and sharing resources has benefited their business growth. Balancing Personal and Professional Life Challenges of managing personal and professional life are explored, with Jen and Alec sharing their routines and the importance of taking breaks to maintain work-life balance. Final Thoughts and Future Plans The conversation concludes with Jen and Alec expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their story and discussing the potential for future updates on their business journey. More from Vitality Ventures Group: Website:⁠ ⁠vitalityventuresgroup.com⁠⁠ Linkedin:⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalityventuresgroup/?viewAsMember=true⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠instagram.com/vitalityventuresgroup.com⁠⁠ Facebook:⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/vitalityventuresgroup⁠⁠ Pinterest:⁠ ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/vitalityventuresgroup/⁠⁠ More from Vitality Lens: Website:⁠ ⁠vitalitylens.com⁠⁠ Instagram: @vitalitylens Music: Lofi Study Musician: FASSounds Site: ⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-study-112191/

19. Strategic Leadership: A Woman’s Approach to Business with Ana Delgado on Team Dynamics, Work/Life Balance and Personal Growth

In this episode of Vitality Vault, Shannon Hayes is joined by Ana Delgado, a trailblazer in the medspa industry and the CEO and founder of DentaSpa Seminars and CosMedic Consulting. Ana shares her experiences and challenges in orchestrating large-scale educational symposiums and the importance of leadership, team building, and the critical role of empathy and multitasking in her success. This episode offers an in-depth look at the dynamics of running a successful business in the aesthetic industry and the personal growth that comes from navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Join us for a conversation filled with insightful leadership strategies and personal anecdotes aimed at empowering women in business. Anas Links: Website: iafa.com [http://iafa.com] thecosmedicsolution.com [http://thecosmedicsolution.com] dentaspa-seminars.com [http://dentaspa-seminars.com]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-natalie-delgado-46062943/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-natalie-delgado-46062943/]  Instagram: instagram.com/ananatalie04 [http://instagram.com/ananatalie04]  Shannons Links: Website: medspamastery.co [http://medspamastery.co]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medspamastery/?viewAsMember=true [https://www.linkedin.com/company/medspamastery/?viewAsMember=true]  Instagram: instagram.com/shannonventures [http://instagram.com/shannonventures] instagram.com/themedspamasteryreport [http://instagram.com/themedspamasteryreport]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566212074885 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566212074885]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themedspamasteryreport/ [https://www.pinterest.com/themedspamasteryreport/]  Guest Introduction: Ana Delgado, CEO and founder of Dentist Spa and the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics. Event Discussion: Insights into the planning and execution of the IAFA annual symposium. Leadership Focus: The importance of empathy, patience, and teamwork in successful leadership. Team Dynamics: The role of a supportive team in managing large events and the significance of delegating tasks. Gender Insights: Observations on gender differences in leadership styles, emphasizing multitasking and empathy more prevalent among women. Personal Growth: Ana discusses her personal development as a leader and the continuous learning involved. Challenges in Leadership: Strategies for handling stress and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Work-Life Balance: Managing professional demands while being a mother and the impact of entrepreneurship on personal life. Vision and Adaptability: Ana’s journey from starting her business to adapting her vision over time. Inspiration and Advice: Empowering insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, on leadership and the importance of understanding individual strengths and weaknesses. More from Vitality Ventures Group: Website: vitalityventuresgroup.com [http://vitalityventuresgroup.com]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalityventuresgroup/?viewAsMember=true [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalityventuresgroup/?viewAsMember=true]  Instagram: instagram.com/vitalityventuresgroup.com [http://instagram.com/vitalityventuresgroup.com]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalityventuresgroup [https://www.facebook.com/vitalityventuresgroup]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vitalityventuresgroup/ [https://www.pinterest.com/vitalityventuresgroup/]  More from Vitality Lens: Website: vitalitylens.com [http://vitalitylens.com]  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-riley-39a479180/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-riley-39a479180/]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalitylens [https://www.instagram.com/vitalitylens]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddierileystudios [https://www.facebook.com/maddierileystudios]  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vitalitylensmedia/ [https://www.pinterest.com/vitalitylensmedia/]  #WomenInBusiness #FemaleEntrepreneur #Leadership #WomenLeaders #EmpowerWomen #BusinessWoman #EntrepreneurLife #WomenInLeadership #InspiringWomen #WomenEmpowerment #GirlBoss #WomenWhoLead #WomenInnovators #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #WomenInIndustry #InnovativeWomen #EmpathyInLeadership #WomenCEOs #BusinessInnovation #WomenInspiringWomen #WomenWithAmbition #FutureIsFemale #WomenSupportingWomen #SuccessMindset #LeadersInHeels #WomenEntrepreneurs #VisionaryWomen #StrongWomenStrongWorld Music: Lofi Study Musician: FASSounds Site: https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-study-112191/ [https://pixabay.com/music/lofi-study-112191/]

12. Rethinking Loyalty: Innovative Ways to Engage and Delight Customers from The Business of Women

In this episode, Shannon and Rhonda dive deep into the world of customer loyalty and engagement. Despite initial reservations about traditional loyalty programs, they explore creative alternatives that could set a business apart. Listen as they discuss why Rhonda, a retail store owner, initially resisted loyalty programs and how her perspective has evolved after two and a half years in business. The duo brainstorm practical, memorable strategies for building customer loyalty without relying on conventional methods. From personalized gifts like recipe cards to potential tech innovations like a business-specific app, this episode is packed with actionable ideas designed to turn casual customers into passionate advocates. Whether you're a small business owner or just curious about innovative marketing strategies, this discussion on blending old-school charm with modern tech offers plenty of inspiration. * Introduction to Loyalty Programs: Rhonda shares her initial hesitation about creating a loyalty program due to startup costs and a belief in the power of exceptional customer service and product quality alone. * Evolving Views on Customer Engagement: As the business matures, Rhonda recognizes the demand for a loyalty program from certain customer segments, prompting a reconsideration of her initial stance. * Debate on the Value of Loyalty Programs: Shannon and Rhonda discuss the pros and cons of loyalty programs, with input on their personal experiences and preferences regarding customer rewards. * Exploring Alternative Engagement Strategies: They brainstorm innovative, non-traditional ways to engage customers, such as personalized gifts and memorable store experiences, which could replace or enhance traditional loyalty programs. * Personal Touches and Customer Memories: Discussion of how small, personal touches like recipe cards can create lasting customer relationships and brand loyalty. * Potential Technological Solutions: The possibility of developing an app for Rhonda’s store, Holstrom Home, to blend traditional customer engagement with modern technology. * Community and Connection: Emphasis on building a community around the business and creating personal connections with customers, which can lead to increased trust and loyalty. * Conclusion and Action Steps: They conclude by listing practical steps and creative ideas for listeners to implement in their businesses, aiming to foster a sense of community and enhance customer loyalty without relying solely on traditional loyalty programs.

11. Navigating Leadership, Politics, and Self-Promotion + Stories of a Frustrated Customer: The Business of Women

In this episode of The Business of Women, Shannon Hayes and Rhonda Hallstrom tackle a hot topic—women in leadership and politics. They dive into the challenges of self-promotion, the importance of empathy in leadership, and how women can own their space in both business and public spheres. This discussion offers candid advice for entrepreneurs who want to lead with authenticity and build strong, supportive networks. Whether you're looking to grow your business or step into the spotlight, this episode is packed with insights that resonate with today's women leaders. Tune in for real talk and actionable takeaways! * Introduction of the Topic: Maddie introduces the episode's theme—women in leadership and politics. * Shannon's Perspective: Shannon talks about how qualifications and empathy are more important than gender in leadership, highlighting Simon Sinek’s approach to leadership. * Rhonda's Thoughts on Women in Leadership: Rhonda shares her views on the need for more women in leadership but stresses that it’s about competence and not just filling quotas. * Clicks and Speaking in Events: Rhonda discusses the issue of "clicks" in business and the challenge of breaking into public speaking, even for experienced business owners. * Self-Promotion Struggles: Both hosts explore the difficulty women often face in promoting themselves and why it’s easier to sell others' successes rather than their own. * Shannon's Tips for Building Confidence: Shannon talks about her experiences with self-promotion and judgment, especially on social media, and how she pushes through the fear of criticism. * Customer Service Insights: Rhonda shares a story about handling customer complaints in her retail business and how a personalized touch can turn an angry customer into a loyal fan. * Creative Customer Retention Strategy: Shannon gives Rhonda advice on how to retain a frustrated customer by sending surprise gifts over time to build excitement and loyalty. More from Rhonda: 👩‍💻: hallstromhome.com 📲: @hallstromhome Shannons Links: medspamastery.co @shannonventures Produced by vitalitylens. vitalitylens.com @vitalitylens