Actually, I Can.

Katie Robbert has been told to stay quiet, stay in her lane, and let someone else be the face of the company. She heard it from a mentor she respected. She heard it from investors. She heard it so many times she almost believed it. She didn’t. Katie is the CEO of Trust Insights, an AI education and analytics firm she co-founded eight years ago. And she holds that title deliberately, because someone told her she shouldn’t. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on what it actually took to get there: the verbally abusive VP she was told to just tolerate, the investor feedback that nearly made her hand over the CEO seat, and why she’s now built a virtual version of herself to run ideas past before they get to her. The answer is always the same: it’s going to ask a million questions.What you’ll learn:Why “don’t rock the boat” advice - however well-intentioned - can quietly wire you to shrink instead of leadWhat Katie did when investors told her a female CEO would tank her chances of fundingHow to tell the difference between a battle worth fighting and one that will just cost youWhy the people who say yes to everything are the ones who keep leaving, and what Katie looks for insteadHow Trust Insights built a virtual Katie Robbert AI trained on her own decision-making style (and why the team runs ideas past it first)What real community looks like for founders who need someone to be honest with - not impressed by themAbout Katie RobbertKatie Robbert is the CEO of Trust Insights, a data analytics and AI education firm she co-founded with Christopher Penn in 2017. With over 15 years in AI and analytics, she has built a reputation for asking the questions other people are afraid to ask - in client work, in company culture, and in every room she walks into. Trust Insights serves organizations navigating real-world AI adoption and has been a resource in the space long before generative AI became a boardroom talking point. Katie is an introvert who runs a public-facing company, a pragmatist who works alongside one of the most innovative minds in marketing AI, and a CEO who was told she shouldn’t be one.This episode is for anyone who has been handed advice that was really just a request to make themselves smaller — and is trying to figure out when to ignore it.📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: lindsaytjepkema.substack.com 🔗 Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn🔗 Follow Katie on LinkedIn💼 Learn more about Trust Insights: trustinsights.ai

Ted Harrison has heard the advice a hundred times: negotiate everything, ask for the friends and family discount, don’t spend what you don’t have to. He heard it from other agency founders. From coaches. From people who have genuinely built successful businesses. He thought about it, and then he emailed a vendor to ask them to charge him more. That’s not a bit. That’s just how Ted builds.The founder of Neuemotion, a 360 full-service B2B marketing agency, Ted doesn’t believe in treating cash as scarcity. His first principle as a company: operate out of the abundance of what’s possible, not the fear of what might happen. Two and a half years in, bootstrapped, and named one of Ad Age’s Best Places to Work, he’s got some evidence it’s working.What you’ll learn:Why “save your money” advice - however well-intentioned - can quietly wire you to build from fear instead of possibilityHow Ted’s 10 company values actually function as a decision-making system (and why one of them explicitly says Neuemotion is not your family)What building a business inside Twitter taught him about transparency, ownership culture, and running a p&lWhy Ted has a personal AI agent trained on years of his own writing - and uses it as a gut-check mirror when no one else is in the roomThe one piece of advice Ted gives every founder: build values that actually fit you - because friction you create for yourself is the worst kindAbout Ted HarrisonTed Harrison is the CEO and Founder of Neuemotion, a 360 full-service agency for B2B marketers. Before starting Neuemotion, he spent six years at Twitter - including a year at X post-acquisition - where he built an internal business that drove significant revenue and learned what it actually looks like to run a company from the inside out. He left in 2023 and bootstrapped Neuemotion from day one, building it around 10 company values that function less like a culture deck and more like an operating system. Neuemotion was named to Ad Age’s Best Places to Work in 2026. Ted is also a believer in paying full price - especially for friends.This episode is a masterclass in what happens when you stop optimizing for the worst-case scenario and start building from what’s actually possible - and why that shift in mindset might be the most practical business decision you ever make.TIMESTAMPS[0:00] The Bad Advice: “Don’t Spend Your Money”[00:42] Meet Ted Harrison[03:23] Abundance Over Scarcity[04:14] Friends Pay Full Price[06:17] Spend on Quality People[08:15] Values in Daily Decisions [13:35] Neuemotion Values[19:55] Using AI as a Mirror[21:54] Discernment in Spending [25:26] Best Advice for Founders📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: lindsaytjepkema.substack.com 🔗 Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn🔗 Follow Ted on LinkedIn💼 Learn more about Neuemotion: https://www.neuemotion.com/

Nomiki Petrolla gets told to think smaller. A venture contact - someone who didn’t know her well enough - looked at her vision for Theanna and decided the problem she’s solving is probably just a “lifestyle business.” Nomiki, who has been obsessively building for 15 years, collecting data points and ignoring the noise, heard the feedback and thought: no thanks. Then she moved on.What you'll learn:Why “think smaller” advice usually says more about the advisor’s belief in you than the actual size of your ideaHow to turn founder feedback into data - and why documenting everything changes the way you filter signal from noiseThe four things your inner circle actually needs to have (hint: one of them is macro and micro-economic fluency)How Nomiki found investors, founders, and $138K in ARR through organic TikTok - by building in public before it felt safeWhy the self-work isn’t a side quest - it’s the whole game for founders who want to think and build bigAbout Nomiki PetrollaNomiki Petrolla is the Founder and CEO of Theanna, an AI platform that combines community and adjacent systems to help women builders create companies. She started Theanna because she identified systemic gaps in how women founders access product development knowledge. Before Theanna, she spent 15 years in the zero-to-one stage of business, surrounded entirely by founders and builders. She’s been networking that long too, which is why her founding engineer is someone she worked with in her first job in 2012. She lives all of this out loud on TikTok, which is also somehow where she found investors.This episode is a masterclass in data-driven discernment — how to collect feedback obsessively, filter it ruthlessly, and trust yourself anyway. Especially when the feedback is coming from venture.TIMESTAMPS[00:00] The Bad Advice[00:39] Meet Nomiki Petrolla, Founder & CEO of Theanna[01:01] Think Smaller? [03:06] Filtering Feedback with Data[05:05] Document and Analyze Advice[06:35] Gut Checks and Trusted Circle[08:58] Finding the Right People[10:10] Networking and TikTok Flywheel[14:40] Mission Values and Why It Matters[18:27] Family Support and Relationships[23:07] Reframing Think Smaller[25:20] Closing and Call to Action📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: lindsaytjepkema.substack.com 🔗 Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn🔗 Follow Nomiki on LinkedIn🌱 Learn more about Theanna: theanna.io

Alina Vandenberghe gets asked constantly: "Why don't you seek an exit?" In CEO communities, at events, from advisors, the assumption is always that a $3 billion exit is the ultimate goal every founder should pursue. She's been building Chili Piper for a decade. She's not selling.What you'll learn:Why the standard exit advice completely misses the point for values-driven foundersHow Alina transformed from someone who "didn't comprehend human connection" to organizing intentional dinners and building real relationshipsThe daily pressure founders face (and the one thought that keeps Alina going when the arrows come flying)Why proving capitalism can look different became her actual mission - not the exit fantasyHow to withstand relentless pressure when you're building something that doesn't fit anyone else's playbookAbout Alina VandenbergheAlina Vandenberghe is the co-founder and co-CEO of Chili Piper, a company helping marketing teams and GTM ops people get more pipeline with agents. She started the company to create an environment where she and her husband could thrive, solving complex puzzles with fun people, remotely, with joy and compassion. Before Chili Piper, she climbed from intern to SVP at publicly traded companies across FinTech, healthcare, and education. She made a lot of money. She was very unhappy. Now she's building her own definition of success.This episode is a masterclass in what happens when you have the audacity to reject everyone's advice and discover your own path - and why the courage to simply be yourself might be the most important work you do as an adult.TIMESTAMPS[0:00] The Bad Advice[0:35] Who Alina Is and How Chili Piper Started[2:46] "The Most Important Thing We Do Is Have the Courage to Be Ourselves"[14:35] The Relationships Revelation: The Communication Course That Changed Everything[17:37] Why Exits Are Tempting (And Why She Says No Anyway)[18:13] "If You Can't Do It, There's No One Else Who Can Do It"[19:24] Advice for Founders Feeling the Pull📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: lindsaytjepkema.substack.com 🔗 Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn🔗 Follow Alina on LinkedIn🌶️ Learn more about Chili Piper: chilipiper.com

Actually, I Can is a show for founders who are tired of being told how they’re supposed to bring their vision to life.Every episode focuses on guidance the guest received that turned out to be terrible advice for them as a founder. Host Lindsay Tjepkema talks with founders about these moments, how they responded to them, and what happened because of it. These are not origin stories or victory laps. They’re real conversations about pressure, doubt, tradeoffs, and decision-making when the stakes are high.Through each story, Lindsay helps surface how founders stay aligned with who they are: their vision, values, relationships, creativity, and energy - even when the world seems to constantly push them to pursue the predictable path.If you’re building something that doesn’t fit the mold, questioning the advice you’re getting, or trying to protect the thing that made you start in the first place, this show is for you.

What does it look like to build something that companies aren't ready for? Justin Clifford is the CEO of Bereave, a company helping organizations navigate death, bereavement, and grief support in the workplace. Justin opens up about what it’s like to lead a “death tech” company, the resistance he’s faced, and how he’s building a platform that changes the way we're supported through loss. Because grief is universal, but support isn’t.If you've ever been told that your vision was too heavy, too different, or too taboo, this conversation is for you. Learn more about Justin's work with Bereave. Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the path you’re on isn’t the one you’re meant to stay on? Fabian Rodriguez opens up about the power of letting go of outdated definitions of success, the invisible toll of constantly trying to “prove” yourself, and the freedom that comes from finally asking: What do I want?From golden handcuffs to questioning the definition of "dream life," this episode is a reminder that you have permission to choose YOU. Learn more about Fabian's work with Culture Collaborative Media.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the version of your life that feels “off course” is actually the one that leads you exactly where you’re meant to go? Coach, creative, and former attorney Kelly Ramsdell (the powerhouse behind another business called Actually I Can) unpacks how to stop "shoulding" all over yourself, why no path is ever wasted, and how self-love and nervous system regulation are non-negotiables for bold action. From inventory management to law, from poetry to painting, and from chronic illness to personal reinvention, Kelly shares her deeply personal journey of reclaiming her life, rewriting her inner dialogue, and helping others do the same.Learn more about Kelly's work with Actually I Can.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What do the military, marketing, and murder mysteries have in common? According to Ian Faison, everything. Founder and CEO of Caspian Studios, Ian reminds us that creativity belongs in ever boardroom. His unwavering belief that B2B content doesn't have to be boring has redefined what is possible in business storytelling, even while swimming in a sea of skepticism.  Whether you’re a marketer, a dreamer, or someone who’s been told “that’s a little crazy,” this episode is your reminder that the most meaningful ideas often start with one brave voice.Learn more about Ian's work with Caspian StudiosStay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the next chapter, the next business, or the next pivot could start at 40? Social media strategist and coach Dorien Morin sits down to remind us that it's never too late to start over and build something new. From the power of naiveté to what it really means to be visible, she shares that the best coaches are the ones who become the person they once needed. If you've ever doubted your ability to reinvent yourself, or even to get in front of the camera and hit record, this is for you. Learn more about Dorien's work with More In Media Connect with Dorien on LinkedinStay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the secret to sustained success isn't more hustle but better energy? Adam Barney, energy coach and author of Make Your Own Glass Half Full, shares his own journey of being laid off twice during his career, the loss of his mother, volunteering post-Hurricane Katrina, and talking with thousands of founders. This conversation uncovers the value of protecting your most important resource: your energy. Whether you've ever felt like the underdog or need a reminder to protect your peace, this episode is for you. Learn about Adam's work here. Get Adam's book.Connect with Adam on Linkedin.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if building a meaningful career wasn’t about choosing one path but weaving together many? From Google to Alaska to co-founding a startup, Melissa Moody shares what it takes to walk away from the expected and build something on your own terms through the messy, rewarding journey of entrepreneurship, life pivots, and human-first marketing.This episode is a masterclass in embracing change, honoring what matters most, and designing a career (and life) that you love. If you've ever felt like your interests don't fit neatly in a box, this conversation is for you.Learn about Melissa's work with Wednesday Women. Listen to Melissa's podcast The Joy of Connecting.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if entrepreneurship wasn’t about having all the answers, but having the courage to move forward anyway? Matt Heinz explores what it really means to build something meaningful from navigating imposter syndrome to redefining success beyond revenue. Matt shares personal stories and hard-won wisdom about starting a business, building lasting relationships, and embracing the unknown.If you're questioning what success looks like, or wondering if you're allowed to rewrite the rules, this episode is for you.Learn about Matt's work here.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the life you actually want isn’t something to earn someday but something you can start living right now? Mindset coach Erica Ballard dives into embracing the messy and magical journey of being a high-achieving human who also craves meaning and presence. From corporate boardrooms to sound bowls, Erica’s path has been anything but linear. She explains how ambition and spirituality aren't opposites and why the biggest flex is actually learning how to slow down without losing your edge (yes, it's possible).Whether you're in the midst of building a company or on the edge of burnout just trying to hold it all together, this episode will help you redefine self-worth and get weird in all the right ways. Learn about Erica's work here. Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What happens when you launch a company during a global crisis, while raising a newborn, and everyone around you thinks you're making a mistake? Palash Soni shares his bold leap from India’s startup scene to Harvard Business School and eventually into the high-stakes world of building a venture-backed company in the U.S.Palash digs into the importance of discerning advice (especially when everyone has an opinion), and why trusting your intuition might just be your most underrated superpower as a founder. From unexpected pivots to navigating external validation, this conversation is a raw look at the realities of entrepreneurship and the resilience it demands.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise, or wondered whether to keep going or change course, this one’s for you.Learn about Palash's work at Goldcast.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

How do you stay bold when the market (and investors) aren’t really ready for your vision? Oana Manolache unpacks  what it takes to build an innovative brand in a skeptical market and the complexities of fundraising as a female founder. She shares her lessons in resilience and the realities of building in a fast-moving environment. For anyone daring to build something bold, something that doesn’t yet exist, this episode will remind you why staying close to your vision and your people matters most.Learn more about Oana's work with Sequel.ioTune into the Game Changers podcast.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

Have you ever felt like your big ideas and long game thinking was a curse? That something was wrong with you? Jasen Coldiron digs into the critical relationship between visionaries and integrators and why personal connection and support are essential to long-term success. Jasen shares his own journey through career transitions, imposter syndrome, and the fear of failure and reminds us why surrounding yourself with the right people can change everything. This episode will remind you that don't have to (and shouldn't) navigate business all on your own. Learn more about Jasen's work with INOV8RStay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if you stopped living by other people's expectations and chose yourself instead? Lisa Mitchell dives into navigating life transitions, the struggles of feeling hopeless, and the courage found in desperation. If you're in the midst of change, feel stuck, or hesitant to put yourself first, this conversation will remind you that it's not only possible to redefine success for yourself—it’s necessary.Listen to Lisa's podcast, Divorce Curious, here. Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What does it take to carve a new path for a business while remaining true to yourself? Paige McPheely, founder of Base, digs into building a company with your best friend, embracing support systems, and why there's never a perfect time to make big moves whether it be personal or professional. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build the life and business you truly want, this conversation is for you.Connect with Paige on Linkedin and learn about Base.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

How do you build a brand (and a life) that reflects YOU? Kate DiLeo explains how confidence, kindness, and discernment shape leadership and why leading from invitation, not desperation, is the key to success. Whether you're a founder navigating challenges or a leader seeking balance, this episode is for you.Learn more about Kate and her work here.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What happens when you step away from a traditional career path to chase something unknown? From attorney to entrepreneur, Matt Tait shares his journey and reminds us of  the role of failure in growth. If you've ever questioned your path, this episode is for you. Listen to Matt's podcast, After The First Million.  Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

How do you ensure your voice is heard? Alex Perry is a speech-language pathologist turned entrepreneur empowering you to find your voice in public speaking but also in life. We discuss why authenticity is the key to connection and remind you that your voice matters, your story has power, and you can define success in alignment with what is uniquely you. Learn about Alex's work, Practically Speaking, here.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

How do you break the mold and own your uniqueness? If you’ve ever questioned your worth or struggled to balance professionalism with your unique personality, this conversation will remind you that being different is your greatest strength. Christina shares her unconventional path from comedy to sales leadership, revealing how humor, resilience, and embracing individuality can redefine success.Learn more about Christina's work here.Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What does it take to turn a dream into reality—while balancing family, culture, and business? Marcos and Laura Perera, the founders of Che Chori, share the challenges of starting a business, the importance of adaptability and community, how their children play a hands-on role, and and what it’s really like to build a company as a couple. The husband and wife duo remind us why understanding the "why" behind your business matters and their story is an inspiring reminder that success often comes from unexpected paths and a willingness to evolve. Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

The confidence gap holding female founders back and how to overcome it. If you're a founder navigating self-doubt, societal conditioning, or the pressure to please everyone—this conversation is for you. Margaret Weniger dives into why taking credit for your wins is crucial and a simple yet powerful tool for recognizing achievements and fostering growth. Download Margaret's QRX template for FREE with code ACTUALLYICANLearn more about Margaret's work here. Stay connected with Lindsay:Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

What if the voices that say "you can't" and "you shouldn't" are wrong? Actually, I Can. is a celebration of bold choices, courageous journeys, and the deeply personal stories of founders, visionaries, and leaders who dared to defy the doubters and choose "yes" even when the world kept saying "no."This isn’t about growth hacks or formulas—it’s about the raw, human moments that shape real leaders. Host Lindsay Tjepkema sits down with real leaders and digs deep into the grit, grief, and reinvention that turned real dreams into exceptional realities.Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or on the edge of your next big move, Actually, I Can. will inspire you to trust your intuition, bet on yourself, and redefine success on your own terms.