Struggling with what to do next in your work and life? Need a podcast with honest realtalk (the good + the bad) so you know you’re not alone? And want strategies to get out of your own way? Your host, Elaine Lou Cartas, a first-generation Filipino immigrant, is an award-winning Business and Executive Career Coach for women of color and allies. Elaine is like you - she’s been fired 3x, quit 2 jobs, changed careers 3x, and been in debt. Elaine’s success story? She’s always done what’s true to ...
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95: How I Reduced 50% of My Business Expenses and How You can too, and a Business Update
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The beginning of the year, it was tough. I wasn’t hitting the revenue I needed, and my profit margins weren’t sexy at all. I had to put my ego in check and make some hard decisions and conversations. The result → I reduced 50% of my expenses and now this year I am projected to have the highest revenue, and more importantly PROFIT MARGINS! How am I …
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94: How to Embrace Anxiety to Work for You
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I’ve been noticing my clients, community and myself including feeling anxious maybe cause it’s August and the end of the year is creeping up. I’ve challenged my clients and myself -- what if anxiety can be good for us? What if we can embrace it. See…anxiety gets a bad rap. But this past summer, we’ve seen how anxiety can be (not always) good for us…
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93: Growth Doesn't Always Mean More, Bigger and Better. How to Redefine "Growth" to Align for You
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I was coaching a doctor last week who wants to open up a bigger office. I asked why this was important. She shared, “When you stop growing, you start dying.” Then she sighed, and cried saying, “But at what expense to my husband, kids and my health?” I challenged her and asked, “What if growth doesn’t mean more and bigger, externally? What if growth…
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92: 7 Years, 7-figures + 7 Lessons in Business
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I can’t believe I’m celebrating 7 years in business this Sunday, July 14! Trust me when I say I made all the mistakes and failures. There have been nights when my anxiety was high (also have you watched Inside Out 2 yet?!, crying on the floor like a starfish, debt, and dealing with difficult situations where I had to involve my lawyer. My hope for …
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91: How to Balance Work and Life This Summer
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Summer is in full swing! Which means… Heat waves here in Los Angeles Already having my 1st week of vacation! I just got back from a California Road trip And still having to work cause we got bills to pay! So the question everyone has with a summer of wanting to play and rest -- how do we balance having a fun summer, while also working? Maybe you’re…
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90: How to Start Your Business and Get Your First Paying Clients
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About 7 years ago (2017), I graduated from my Masters in Leadership and Management cause I was getting ready to be an Executive Director for a nonprofit. The day I graduated for some reason I wasn’t happy or excited. It finally dawned on me, I’ve been listening to what everyone else wants, and not what I want. I’ve been people pleasing doing what o…
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89: How to Work with Gen Z with Keely Antonio
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Remember when millennials were called, “Lazy and entitled”? With the new “Quiet Quitting” and “Lazy Girl Job” trends, Gen Z is now getting stereotyped with the new, “Lazy and Entitled” title. I have clients who are Millennials and Gen Xers who always ask, “How do I work with Gen Z?” And I also have clients who are Gen Z who ask, “How do I communica…
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88: How to Manage Your Boss and Team as a WOC Leader
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Being a leader isn’t just about creating strategic decisions and hitting goals. It’s also about leading and managing your team, and learning how to manage up. It’s about the “soft skills” like teamwork, communication and conflict resolution. (On a side note, I hate that it’s called “soft skills” cause it’s these skills that are actually hard). This…
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87: Getting Fired, Quitting a Job, Getting Laid Off and Changing Careers BTS On My Failures
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In 2017, I “failed.” I got let go from my dream job working as a Fundraiser at Pasadena City College where I raised $1.1 million in student scholarships. I was lying on my bedroom floor crying like a starfish. Unfortunately, I didn’t look as cute like Patrick from Spongebob… Despite getting let go from my dream job, it motivated me to take my part-…
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86: Considering Foster Care With My Ex-boss, Mark Daley
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So get this, I am watching The View on ABC, and I see my ex-boss, Mark Daley, talking about his book, Safe, a book about his experience becoming a foster care parent. Mark was my first boss right after college. He was a Campaign Manager for a candidate in Iowa. And I got a fellowship from Yale to work on the campaign he was managing as a Field Orga…
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85: How To Honor Your Emotions, And Protect Yourself From Others Emotions with Lidia Galvez
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I remember I used to have such a huge problem honoring what I needed, but as we get older we relearn to trust ourselves and our voice. In my latest podcast episode, I talk with Lidia Galvez, about Reiki, Somatic healing and theta healing. Lidia is a former client and friend, and she does reiki and sound bowl sessions at my retreats. What We Cover i…
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84: How I Redefined “Success” For Myself and How You Can Too
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Some anxiety is survival, but most of my anxiety isn’t that. I have the most anxiety when I’m living a life that doesn’t align with my goals, hopes, and energy. It isn’t about what I’m doing. It’s about what I’m NOT doing. “Do you like anxiety? Cause I don’t…” I shared this with Matt Story, Visa VP when he interviewed me about how I’m always brave …
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83: How Do You Know When To End Your Business And Get A Job Or Downsize with Monica Schrock
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I had my first business from 2012 to 2016 as a Fundraising Consultant. I ended it after 4 years because I was done with the ups and downs of owning a business. Sure, there was shame, BUT my nervous system was so calm that I manifested my dream job and dream boss, with whom I am still good friends to this day. Maybe YOU are also thinking of ending y…
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82: Have a Job? Why and How to have a Personal Brand with Visa VP Matt Story
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What do people say about you when you leave a Zoom call or physical room? Why should you even care? First, you shouldn’t care what other people think. I’m not talking about being liked. I’m talking about your personal brand. And you might be thinking… Elaine, I have (or want) a full-time job. Why do I need a personal brand? Personal brands aren’t n…
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I had just got a Director position at 24. I was doing 2 jobs and increased fundraising numbers by 500%... I knew I deserved a raise. I asked my immigrant parents, “How do you ask for a raise?” They responded, “Just work hard. You’ll get a raise.” I knew that was not how it worked, so I learned to ask for a raise using these 7 steps. And guess what!…
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80: How To Ask For Help With Dominick Morales
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“Elaine, back in the Philippines, as a family of 6, we had to share 1 fish.” As a first-gen immigrant, my parents always reminded me of the privilege I have to be born and raised in this country. And I agree, what a privilege it is to type on my laptop right now and email you! This privilege almost feels like a buffet - OVERWHELMING! In the past, I…
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79: How To Create Psychological Safety With Starbucks VP Global Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer Chéla Gage
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Have you ever not felt safe at work? Maybe you’ve dealt with microaggressions, gaslighting, and bullying… And even if you have a senior title, you’ve also questioned yourself if you are even experiencing any of this. In my recent podcast episode, I am joined by a friend who I was honored to coach, and Starbucks’ new VP Global Chief Inclusion & Dive…
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78: Motherhood, Parenting Our Parents, ADHD, Marriage, and being a 9-figure Multi-passionate Entrepreneur With Danielle Kitzes
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As the only daughter (I have 2 brothers), I find myself doing a lot of the caretaking for my parents. I’m getting ready for my dad’s knee replacement surgery next month where I’ll be with him for the first 10-days of his recovery. And I’m attending all the doctors appointments with them. I also want to share, I am choosing to do this and understand…
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77: How To Find A Meaningful Career With Luna Clara Muñoz
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Is it wise to pursue a new career in this challenging economy? When is the appropriate time? How can you stay true to your beliefs and values despite the presence of capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy, which contradict them? Damn. I know I got DEEP. Today, I am joined by my client, Dr. Luna Clara Muñoz, a TEDx speaker and career coach for acad…
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76: Why I'm Bringing Back My Mastermind To Simplify My Business With Monica Schrock
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Two years ago, in episode nine, I shared why I decided to end my mastermind and simplify my business. This episode was one of my top-rated podcast episodes where I shared how I was managing: 5 different services Did 1-2 events per month Ultimately burned out Here we are 2 years later, and I’m bringing back the mastermind (but different AND better).…
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75: How To Sell In This Economy with Jamie Gulino Davis
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According to the Federal Reserve, we have hit our highest inflation since 1982. *big collective sigh* That's more than 40 years ago! Time is wild, and so is this economy, so it was fitting to do a podcast on making money during times like these. Side note: Anyone still feel like 1999 was just 5 years ago? Because of inflation, it has affected consu…
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74: How To Be A Gentle Parent With Boundaries With Justine David
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Are you a parent? If so, you may have heard of the term gentle parenting. It's a different approach from how many of us millennials were raised, including myself. Instead of shaming, blaming, and punishing. Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and communication. However, some parents take it too far and don't set boundaries for their child's behavio…
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70: Our Big Podcast Mistake - Why We Decided To Change Our Name With Monica Schrock
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What you “name” something is everything. For example, when you’re looking for a plumber. You look for a “plumber” on Yelp and Google and have some options. Even though it has been a big part of my brand since the beginning, I realized the phrase “Color Your Dreams,” the former title of my podcast, doesn’t mean anything to someone searching for podc…
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71: How To Be Confident With Your Own Decisions With Iryne Carrasquillo
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At the start of the year, it's natural for us to want to make many decisions. And making decisions can be tiring AND emotional! It’s the 3rd week of the year, and I’ve already: Ended 2 collaborations (it was a mutual ending for both collaborations). I just got a thank you email last week from one of the VPs, and it has led me to a big contract with…
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Hate the job you’re at? Or even ready to change industries entirely? But you’ve been doing this for a long time… So, how do you find a new job or industry? I know a thing or 2 about hating a job: I’ve been fired 3x Quit 2 jobs without savings And changed industries 2x In this episode, I’m sharing with you all the deets of what I've done and what hu…
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73: What To Do When You Hate Your Business
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I hated my business in 2022. You may have had a similar feeling, but haven’t felt comfortable saying it. So let me tell you a story… When I started my business in 2017, I wanted time and freedom. That was my number one goal. What happened? My business SCALED AND BLEW UP FAST in 2020 & 2021 (yes, during the pandemic). That goal of “time and freedom”…
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69: Why Doing More Is A Problem, Do Less. You’re Enough
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We need more people telling us that we, exactly as we are, are enough. More importantly, we need to say it to ourselves. Instead, we live in a society that makes living the greatest game. Like we win at life somehow by achieving what we’ve been told we need to be happy. MORE! Open up your phone, turn on your laptop, and we are constantly sold this …
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It's that time of year when everyone shares how great their life is… Their vacations Their increased wealth Their VIP experiences with Beyonce and Taylor Swift, BLAH BLAH BLAH It can be overwhelming and, let’s be real, annoying. *eye roll* Because not everyone had a great year, which may include you, many people had a rough 2023. Here are some actu…
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67: 6 Ways For Business Survival In 2024 With Tiffany Neuman
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Do you have an intuitive feeling and can tell by your bank account that things need to change in your business? You notice that the same content you used to create isn’t resonating with your audience. Everyone is talking about inflation. Seeing other businesses not do well. So, how can you make sure you both thrive or at the least survive in 2024? …
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66. 4 Steps To Reduce Financial Anxiety With Claudia Rucker
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Money. How does that word make you feel? With inflation and the holiday season, it might bring up some fear and anxiety. Even when we’re in the giving spirit, we all know this is the time when our wallets take the biggest hit. But don’t worry! I've got someone here who can show you the way out of this financial frenzy. Allow me to introduce my clie…
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Time flies! Is it me, or does 2000 still feel like five years ago!? I still want to party like it’s 1999, which means listening to NSYNC’s albums all day while thinking of the most clever away messages for AIM. My AIM screenname was SnowyLolyPops. What was yours lol? IYKYK lmao. My team and I are getting ready to do an End of Year Planning session …
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64: How We Get Consistent Clients Without Launching with Monica Schrock
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It's the holiday season and all the new products and ads are popping up left and right. You know the ones! They’re designed to make us think we’ll never have this life-changing opportunity again. And those Playstation and Nintendo “launches” were successful because Mario Kart 64 was EVERYTHING! And now, small businesses launch using money and time …
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63. How To Change Careers Successfully with Ava
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Did you know before I turned 28, I’d been fired three times and quit two jobs? I’ve changed careers a few times, actually! Sometimes by choice and sometimes… not (lol). Right after college, I worked in campaigns -- working as a grassroots organizer and fundraiser living in 6 different states: California, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Massachusetts, and N…
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62. Beyond Small Talk: Networking as an Introvert with Monica Schrock
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Are you tired of being glued to your phone or computer screen, especially during virtual meetings like Zoom? You're not alone. Many people, including companies, are realizing the negative effects of too much screen time. So, what does this mean for us now? There will be more in-person events, conferences, and networking. Even if you’re ready to mee…
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61. How I Became #1 On Google, and how you can too with Andres Aguero
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I’m #1 on Google. Go search for yourself in the search bar with the following keywords: WOC Business Coach Women of Color Business Coach Business Coach for WOC Business Coach for Women of Color Yep, I’m #1 on Google search after the ads. I decided to delve into the world of Google SEO because I was burned out from creating content on social media e…
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60. Sleigh the Q4 burnout: Avoid the hustle, enjoy the holidays
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Is it me? But where did summer go? The 1st month of the 4th quarter is practically done. And I’ve been hearing from all my clients and my own body -- WE ARE TIRED. I’ll be honest: I am burned out in a good way cause SO MANY opportunities have been coming. There are so many that it’s been NECESSARY to navigate saying NO and establishing boundaries f…
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59. How To Keep Our Humanity In A World Of AI And Technology With John Gauntt
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Is Terminator happening in real life right now? With AI becoming a part of our every day, it seems like it’s a machine vs. human world. For example, remember the early days of social media? Now, social media is an integral part of life. And AI is already part of our daily lives as we open up our phone, which uses face ID, or when we write an email …
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58. How To Create A Client & Team Centered Retreat
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Have you ever attended an event, retreat, or conference that left you feeling overwhelmed? There were so many guest speakers, and the information was thrown at you, and none of it was individualized or even felt applicable to your business. Often, I found myself at industry conferences, completely exhausted and inundated with information. On the ot…
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57. How to work when you or a friend is neurodivergent (ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety) with Monica Schrock
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Do you or a friend have ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety or you’re neurodivergent? Or experience any of these yourself? Not sure how to express and share how to best work with you? Or if you work with someone who has shared these things with you, do you want to know how you can better support them? Today, I am joined by my client, friend and marketing strate…
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PSA: this is a public apology to my exes and old friends. I used to be SO BAD at giving and receiving feedback. I was emotional and reactive because I didn’t have the right skills, tools, and scripts to allow me to give and receive feedback in a healthy and productive way. The only good thing to come out of that? I learned from my mistakes, so now …
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55. Growing Your Business Online and Offline
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How is it September already!? Summer is officially over and PSL season is here. Now that it’s time to get back to business, has anyone else noticed that online engagement has been super low or is it just me? I’m pretty sure everyone has just been offline and living life. I was lucky enough to be in Tanzania climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and going on a…
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54. Work Life Balance: The Lie with Natalie Kuhn
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Do you eat lunch with your laptop? Do you find yourself in back-to-back meetings and you can't wait for a call to end because you really need to go pee? Or do you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day because now you're supposed to make dinner? Sorry if I'm triggering you when asking these questions, and I am not here to call you out! I'm j…
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53. How I Made My Business Work for Me Off the Grid
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We often see influencers and business owners showing off that they're on vacation while they're on vacation. I don't know about you, but I can't help but ask myself: are they really on vacation? If you’re always on your phone posting on social media, can you be present with yourself, your partner, or your loved ones? If you’re using your vacation t…
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52. 3 Tips to Get Your Time Back with Amy Fritz
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We all have the same amount of time, so the question isn’t how do we get more time; it’s how do we protect the time we have. In this episode of Color Your Dreams, I’m joined by Amy Fritz to talk all about time management. Amy is sharing some of her most valuable tips for getting back your time. I’m pretty sure all of us could use at least one of th…
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51. 6 Years in Business: My Mistakes + Triumphs
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My business has survived another trip around the sun! Will you join me in this episode to celebrate six years in business? My anniversary gift to you is a look under the hood of my business. You know we keep it real here, so I’m sharing the triumphs and the flops, including the $30,000 mistake I made when I first started… yikes. You’ll also hear my…
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50. Prioritizing YOU VS. Other People’s Expectations with Christene Joy
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As a woman, you’ve been taught to put other people’s expectations before your own. How do you unlearn this behavior and start putting yourself first? Christene Joy is joining me in this episode to talk about how she learned to live joyfully and authentically and how you can too. We’re covering a lot of ground, including how to listen to yourself, h…
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49. BTS of My Brand Evolution and Why It’s More Than a Logo with Tiffany Neuman
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Do you have an established brand or are you trying to figure out your branding for the first time? Either way, this episode is packed with branding advice that you can use for years to come. The thing about branding is that it evolves over time just like you do as a human being! You’re meant to evolve and the same goes for your business. In this ep…
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48. Smackdown: Marketing vs. Systems vs. Strategy - Which One Do You Need? with Monica Schrock and Juliana Wise
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Marketing, systems, or strategy: which one should you be focused on? I’m joined by certified project manager Juliana Wise and marketing strategist Monica Schrock for a smackdown to determine whether marketing, systems, or strategy is the best. Just kidding… kind of. We’re sharing how to use marketing, systems, and strategy to work for you as a whol…
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47. Scripts and Strategies for Boundaries and Negotiation for WOC Leaders with Accion Opportunity Fund
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Do you struggle to find the right words when you need to say “no,” enforce a boundary, give feedback, or navigate other difficult conversations? Listen up because this episode is for you! Brittney Richardson and I sat down to have a conscious conversation about boundaries and negotiation as WOC leaders. In this episode, you’ll hear us talk about sa…
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46. 5 Retreat Reflections with Business Owners + Corporate Leaders
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Do you wish that you could have been on the Color Your Dreams retreat with me? Good news! In this episode, I’m bringing it to you! After getting back from the best retreat my team and I have ever held, I wanted to share the experience with you, so that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m sharing my five retreat reflections after spending two glorious day…
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