Episode 56 - Midyear Business Check-In: Why Alignment Matters More Than Goals | Business Therapy™

Episode 56 - Midyear Business Check-In: Why Alignment Matters More Than Goals | Business Therapy™

In today’s episode, I’m talking about what it can look like to build your life and business from assignment, not just from a goal list. This year, I did not set major goals the way I usually would. From the outside, it may have looked like there was a perfect plan behind everything. The book, the reviews, the Barnes & Noble placement, the speaking rooms, the growing platform. But the truth is, there was no perfectly mapped-out strategy. There was readiness. There was obedience. There was a willingness to show up for what God placed in front of me and do the work. I also share a story from my home staging days, where I learned that sometimes a space does not need more. It simply needs someone to see what is already there clearly. That same lesson has shaped the way I now think about business, life, and this mid-year self-check. Because maybe you are not behind. Maybe there is already more in the room than you think. Here’s what I covered ✅ Why I did not set major goals this year ✅ What it can look like to build from assignment instead of pressure ✅ The difference between a goal review and a mid-year self-check ✅ A gentle way to notice what may already be in your hands ✅ Why feeling behind does not mean you have failed ✅ The value of reflecting on capacity, resilience, boundaries, and lessons learned ✅ Why safe is not always the same as aligned ✅ Questions you may want to sit with before planning the second half of the year I also talk about the pressure that can come up around the middle of the year. The comparison, the feeling of being behind, and that quiet voice that asks, “Who am I to think I could do this?” This episode offers a different way to look at the first half of the year. Not through panic. Not through shame. Not only through goals that were met or missed. Through inventory. What did you build? What did you survive? What did you learn? What did you release? What opened up that you did not plan for? Sometimes the next move may already be inside those answers. Maybe the question is not only, “Did I hit the goal?” Maybe the question is, “What has obedience already built?” ✨ Download the Creative Clarity Assessment I created the Creative Clarity Assessment as a free resource to help you take this kind of honest inventory. It is not a personality test or a goal-setting worksheet. It is more like a mirror you can hold up to your business and your life. Download it at www.jokedurojaiye.me/creative-clarity-assessment [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/creative-clarity-assessment] 💼Explore Business Therapy™ If you would like support as you navigate the realities of building a business, Business Therapy™ offers a space for reflection, strategy, and honest conversations about growth.Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me] 📖 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].

Episode 55 - Someone Else Is Living Your Dream And You're Following Them | Business Therapy™

In today’s episode, I’m talking about the assignment you keep saying you’ll start someday. The business idea. The project. The offer. The book. The podcast. The thing that keeps returning to you, even after months or years of telling yourself you’ll get to it later. I share the story of how a major surgery and a hospital stay changed the way I think about time, readiness, and the opportunities we keep postponing. Because sometimes what looks like preparation is really waiting for a version of certainty that may never arrive. This episode is an invitation to consider what might happen if you stopped measuring your readiness by perfection and started trusting yourself with a first step instead. Here’s what I covered ✅ Why waiting to feel ready can quietly keep an idea on pause ✅ The difference between thoughtful preparation and endless preparation ✅ What I call borrowed judgment and how it can influence the decisions we make ✅ Why feedback from the wrong people can pull you away from your own voice ✅ The concept of visible pain paralysis and why it feels easier to focus on the risks of starting ✅ The invisible cost of waiting ✅ Why first versions are allowed to be imperfect ✅ How visibility creates opportunities for learning, refining and growing I also talk about the loneliness that can come from keeping everything inside your head. Sometimes ideas stay stuck because they have nowhere to go, nowhere to be tested and no opportunity to interact with the people they were created for. This episode is for the creative entrepreneur who has been carrying an idea for a while and may be wondering whether it is time to stop refining it privately and allow it to take up a little more space in the world. Maybe the next step is not having everything figured out. Maybe it is allowing yourself to begin before you do. ✨ Download the Creative Clarity Assessment This free resource helps you take an honest look at where you are in your business and life so you can identify what is working, what may be keeping you stuck and where there may be opportunities for growth. Download it at www.jokedurojaiye.me/creative-clarity-assessment [https://www.jokedurojaiye.me/creative-clarity-assessment] 💼Explore Business Therapy™ If you would like support as you navigate the realities of building a business, Business Therapy™ offers a space for reflection, strategy and honest conversations about growth. Learn more at www.jokedurojaiye.me [http://www.jokedurojaiye.me] 📖 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].

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].