Prepare To Shift: The Podcast

Episode 8: Mind Your Profits

In this insightful episode of "Prepare to Shift," host Tarik Moody (from Hyphen, where we connect the culture) sits down with Terrand Smith, renowned as "The Queen of Commerce" and founder of 37 Oaks. Drawing from her billion-dollar corporate background, Terrand dives deep into why profitability is more crucial than revenue for sustainable business growth, unpacking common misconceptions entrepreneurs have about profits and explaining how to shift focus from merely chasing sales to strategically building a profitable enterprise. She shares actionable strategies for improving profitability without sacrificing quality, breaks down the vital role of financial literacy in understanding where your money is truly going, and explores the critical link between pricing strategies, cost management, and overall profitability. Listeners will learn to identify if they're actually making money or unknowingly losing it, understand key financial metrics beyond just sales figures by focusing on trends, and grasp how to balance reinvesting profits for growth versus taking them out. Terrand also discusses the importance of communicating the value of profitability to your team and provides real-world examples of how a profit-first mindset can lead to significant business growth and innovation, offering crucial advice for entrepreneurs struggling to make their business profitable: gain visibility into your financials. This episode marks the conclusion of the season one of Prepare to Shift, equipping entrepreneurs to truly "Mind Your Profits" and build a thriving, resilient business, and teases the next season focusing on "Work Shift" with Terrand Smith.

Episode 7: Value in the Process

Podcast Description – Prepared to Shift: "Value in the Process" On this episode of Prepared to Shift, host Tarik Moody of HYFIN continues his compelling conversation with Terrand Smith, founder and CEO of 37 Oaks and a respected voice in commerce strategy. Known for her billion-dollar corporate experience and community-centered entrepreneurship, Terrand offers a grounded, deeply instructive perspective on why trusting the entrepreneurial process is essential—especially for those building sustainable, scalable businesses. Together, they explore the importance of patience, the risks of rushing, and how setting realistic milestones based on available resources can create long-term value. Terrand shares candid reflections on her early struggles, including how years of quietly building her business ultimately positioned her to respond effectively during the COVID-19 crisis. The discussion covers how to measure progress when the finish line feels distant, how to reset expectations with stakeholders, and how reflection and accountability routines help entrepreneurs stay grounded. Terrand also offers strategies for staying motivated during slow growth periods and makes a clear distinction between sprint-style ventures and businesses built for longevity. Whether you're just starting out or hitting a plateau, this episode delivers a balanced, practical guide to finding strength and clarity in the journey—not just the destination.

Episode 6: The Uncomfortable Path to Entrepreneurial Growth

In this episode of Prepare to Shift, host Tarik Moody of HYFIN explores the hard truths behind business growth with Terrand Smith, founder and CEO of 37 Oaks. Known as the “queen of commerce,” Terrand brings deep insight from her billion-dollar corporate background and her mission to revitalize local economies through entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack why growth and comfort can’t coexist, how fear and failure shape success, and why discomfort is often the catalyst for innovation. Terrand offers practical strategies for embracing the uncomfortable—managing finances, building teams, or facing burnout—and highlights the psychological resilience needed to lead with purpose. This is an honest, grounded conversation for anyone navigating the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship.

Episode 5: Embracing Purposeful Obstacles: The Unexpected Engine of Growth

In this episode of Prepare to Shift, host Tarik Moody of HYFIN continues his candid and insightful conversation with Terrand Smith, founder of 37 Oaks and a leading voice in commerce strategy. Together, they explore the concept of purposeful obstacles—the inevitable, often uncomfortable challenges that shape entrepreneurs into sharper leaders and more resilient builders. Terrand shares how early business setbacks, such as managing teams and navigating ambiguity, revealed critical lessons that helped her scale effectively. From identifying the difference between avoidable missteps and necessary trials to leveraging obstacles as opportunities for innovation and strategic clarity, this episode offers practical wisdom for founders navigating uncertain terrain. Whether you're a solopreneur battling decision fatigue or a seasoned business owner rethinking your approach to risk, this conversation reframes failure not as an endpoint, but as a valuable testing ground for long-term growth. Tune in as we uncover how embracing adversity can create a competitive advantage—and prepare you to shift with confidence.

Episode 4: Your Most Powerful Asset

Join host Tarik Moody from HYFIN as he continues his enlightening conversation with Terrand Smith, founder of 37 Oaks, in this essential episode focused on an entrepreneur's greatest resource - their mental environment. Discover how what you see and hear directly impacts your business decisions and ultimate success. Terrand shares practical strategies for protecting your mental space as an entrepreneur, from curating information intake to creating boundaries with negative influences that can derail your progress. Learn how to recognize warning signs when your mental environment is hindering your business growth and explore techniques for reframing challenges into opportunities. This thought-provoking discussion delves into the critical role of self-talk, mentor relationships, and peer support in shaping a resilient entrepreneurial mindset. Terrand and Tarik offer valuable insights on balancing industry awareness with mental wellbeing and maintaining work-life harmony while pursuing business goals. Whether you're launching a startup or scaling an existing venture, this conversation provides actionable tools to strengthen your most valuable asset as an entrepreneur - your mind. Don't miss this powerful continuation of their exploration into entrepreneurial success principles that can transform your approach to business and life.