The LONG Game No One Talks About

The LONG Game No One Talks About

What if the thing you want most takes 5… 10… even more years to achieve? In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m talking about something I’ve been sitting with lately, how long things actually take when you’re building something from the ground up. We live in a world that celebrates quick wins and overnight success, but the reality of entrepreneurship often looks very different. The goals I’m working toward right now are big, the kind that don’t happen in a few months or even a year. They might take 5 to 10 years… and there’s no guarantee they’ll ever fully come together. And I’m still choosing to go after them. In this episode, I share what it looks like to commit to something long-term, even when the outcome isn’t certain. The tension between ambition and patience. The doubt that creeps in when progress feels slow. And the decision to keep showing up anyway. This episode is about trusting the process — even when it stretches longer than you expected. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com [http://www.leahyard.com/] IG: @leahyard [https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/] TikTok: @leahyard [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard]

I am in a Season of REJECTION

*I hesitated publishing this episode. I recorded it back in February and I kept pushing the release date. I decided that because of my hesitation, I knew it was the right thing to do. In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m talking about something that doesn’t get easier, no matter how much you grow: rejection. This year, I’ve been pushing myself in a bigger way — reaching out, putting my work and myself in front of new opportunities, and going after things that feel just out of reach. And with that has come a lot of “no’s.” I share what this season has actually felt like behind the scenes, the emotional weight of rejection, and the reality that it still stings, even when you expect it. If you’re in a season where things feel hard, uncertain, or discouraging — you’re not alone in it. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com [http://www.leahyard.com/] IG: @leahyard [https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/] TikTok: @leahyard [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard]

I asked AI to be BRUTALLY HONEST (and it didn’t hold back)

In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I am sharing something I did that was uncomfortable — I asked AI to point out my blind spots in my business and my life. And what came back? It hit on things I already knew… but maybe wasn’t fully ready to admit. It also surprised me with an unexpected point of view. "We" talked about: - The pattern of jumping from one opportunity to the next - The difference between momentum and distraction - Where I might be playing small (even when it looks like I’m doing a lot) - And the uncomfortable truth about focus, consistency, and long-term growth If you’ve been feeling like you need to re-evaluate where you are, or where you are headed (and you’re willing to take feedback in unexpected places), this episode is for you. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com [http://www.leahyard.com/] IG: @leahyard [https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/] TikTok: @leahyard [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard]

Why I started saying NO to customers

When you’re building a business, it can feel like you have to say YES to every opportunity and every customer. Especially in the beginning, when every sale feels important. But what happens when someone repeatedly pushes your boundaries? When a customer takes advantage of your generosity, your time, or your policies? In this episode, I'm talking about one of the harder lessons I learned about running a business: learning that not everyone is meant to be part of the community you’re building. This conversation explores the discomfort of setting boundaries with customers, why it’s so difficult to do early on, and how protecting your energy and your brand is sometimes more important than making a sale. Because the truth is — saying no isn’t about exclusion. It’s about creating a business and a community that are healthy, respectful, and sustainable. In this episode: - Why it feels so hard to say no to customers early in business - Recognizing when someone is taking advantage of your generosity - The difference between good customer service and sacrificing your boundaries - How saying no protects your energy and your brand - Building a community that aligns with your values This episode is a reminder to think about the big picture. You're building something for the long haul, make sure you carefully curate who's coming with you. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com [http://www.leahyard.com/] IG: @leahyard [https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/] TikTok: @leahyard [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard]

Building BEFORE You’re Ready with Sarah D’Arcy

In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I’m joined by celebrity stylist Sarah D’Arcy [https://www.sarahdarcey.com] for a conversation about building something of your own — even when you don’t feel fully ready. Sarah shares how she grew her styling business while still working a corporate job, navigating uncertainty, and the quiet belief that something bigger was possible. What struck me most in this conversation is how much of entrepreneurship is built in the in-between seasons. We talk about: - Building your business alongside a full-time job - The mentors who shaped Sarah’s early career — and why encouragement at the right time changes everything - Why you never truly feel “ready” to leap into entrepreneurship - The uncertainty that comes with betting on yourself - Staying humble and grounded as the landscape of business changes Sarah speaks candidly about the self-doubt, the pivots, and the discipline required to create longevity — not just visibility. This conversation is a reminder that success is rarely loud in the beginning. It’s often built quietly, in small rooms, before anyone else sees it. If you’re in the middle of building something — while juggling work, responsibilities, or fear — this episode will resonate deeply. As always, thank you for being here. Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com [http://www.leahyard.com/] IG: @leahyard [https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/] TikTok: @leahyard [https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard]