Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs

If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and feel like your symptoms are being missed, this episode is for you. In this Business Chaser, Dr. Laura Glaser — board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of a whole-person women's health and med spa practice in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina — shares what every woman should know about perimenopause, menopause, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Dr. Laura breaks down why so many women are seen but not heard in healthcare, how perimenopause symptoms are too often misdiagnosed as depression, and why you shouldn't cherry-pick quick fixes for what is really a complex, whole-person issue. She talks through what to actually look for in a provider, her candid take on hormone pellets and other high-risk solutions, how affordable most HRT really is, and why treating your skin and external beauty concerns starts with addressing your hormones from the inside out. If you've ever settled for a solution that left you feeling like less than your best self, this is your reminder that you deserve more.In this episode:Perimenopause vs. menopause: what's actually happening and whenWhy perimenopause is so often misdiagnosed as depressionHormone replacement therapy (HRT) — and Dr. Laura's take on pellets and quick fixesHow to find a provider who listens to your whole storyWhy internal hormone health shows up in your skin and agingAdvocating for whole-person, women-centered careThis episode is a general educational conversation and not medical advice — always consult your own provider about your health.Connect with Dr. Laura Glaserhttps://auraemedspa.com/Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What do you do when life completely interrupts your plans? In this powerful episode, host Lauren Najar sits down with Dr. Laura Glazer to talk about resilience, rebuilding after tragedy, and building a business rooted in whole-person women's health. Dr. Laura is a doctorally prepared, board-certified family nurse practitioner and the founder of Aurae Modern Medical and Spa, where she combines concierge medicine with medical aesthetics through a deeply holistic, mind-body-soul approach.Laura opens up about breaking her back in three places, the long road to recovery, and the mortality check that pushed her to finally go back to school and pursue her purpose. From there, she and Lauren — a two-time cancer survivor — get real about perseverance, the fear of failure, mom guilt while building a business and raising three kids, and losing a mother to cancer. They also dig into why women are so often underserved by modern medicine, the difference between traditional primary care and the concierge model, and what whole-person, women-centered care actually looks like — from perimenopause and hormone health to caring for yourself before something goes wrong. Whether you're an entrepreneur, navigating a hard season, or looking to advocate for your own health, this conversation is about coming out the other side stronger.In this episode:Rebuilding your life and business after a life-altering eventTurning fear of failure into the courage to bet on yourselfWhy women are underserved by traditional healthcare — and how to advocate for yourselfConcierge medicine vs. primary care: what whole-person care really meansPerimenopause, hormone health, and caring for the whole personBuilding a business while raising kids and navigating mom guiltPour a drink and pull up a seat — this one goes deep.Connect with Dr. Laura GlaserWebsite - https://auraemedspa.com/Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Going to networking events but not turning those leads into clients? This live coaching session breaks down exactly how to follow up after events and convert leads with email marketing. In this Business Chaser mini-coaching episode, host Lauren Najar sits down with Krista Nguyen— nurse practitioner and owner of Cardinal Functional Health Center — for a real, unscripted lead generation coaching call for small business owners.They dig into why smaller events often convert better than big ones, how to capture and segment email leads with a simple QR code and opt-in, and why your post-event follow-up plan matters more than the number of business cards you collect. Lauren also shares how to turn real client stories and case studies into social media and email content that actually gets people to reach out — plus where paid ads like Meta should (and shouldn't) fit into your marketing strategy. Whether you run a health and wellness practice, a service business, or any local business built on relationships, this episode is a practical roadmap for working smarter, not harder.In this episode:Why intimate events often convert more clients than large onesHow to set up email marketing and lead capture with FlodeskBuilding an opt-in or lead magnet that gets event attendees to sign upTurning client case studies and testimonials into content that convertsThe right order of operations: organic marketing first, then Meta adsFollow-up systems for busy business owners with no time to sparePour a drink and pull up a seat — let's turn those event leads into loyal clients.Connect with Krista - Website: https://www.cardinalfunctionalhealth.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cardinalfunctionalhealthInstagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/cardinalfunctionalhealth/Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Being married to an entrepreneur isn't easy but you don't have to be a business owner yourself to support one. In Part 2 of this candid conversation, host Lauren Najar sits down again with her husband Darrin to talk about marriage and entrepreneurship: what it really takes to support an entrepreneur spouse, why so many successful business owners' marriages fall apart, and how the two of them have stayed grounded through nearly eight years of building a business together.They get honest about the ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, leaving a 9-to-5 to start a business, making fast decisions vs. making a plan, and how becoming a business owner changed both Lauren and their marriage — for better and for harder. Whether you're an entrepreneur, married to one, or somewhere in between, this episode is a real look at partnership, sacrifice, and support behind the scenes of building a company.In this episode:Why successful entrepreneurs' marriages often struggle — and what keeps yours strongHow to support a spouse's business when you're not an entrepreneur yourselfBalancing family, ambition, and "there's always work to be done"The plan vs. the leap: navigating risk as a coupleHow entrepreneurship reshaped Lauren's confidence, discipline, and identityPour a drink and pull up a seat — this one gets real.Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Does hitting record for your business make you want to crawl under a blanket? If you struggle with showing up online, creating content, or being visible on social media, the problem might not be your confidence—it might be your nervous system.In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Prassede Kemp of Numinous Creative breaks down why being seen online can trigger perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and a fear of being perceived—and what you can actually do about it.Instead of waiting until you feel confident enough to post, Prassede shares practical tools for nervous system regulation, including breathing exercises, grounding objects, safe exposure, and the 70% rule for creating content without getting stuck in perfectionism.You'll also learn how to build evidence against imposter syndrome, work through the “visibility hangover” after posting, and gradually train your nervous system to feel safer being seen.If you've been overthinking your content, avoiding the camera, or waiting to feel confident before you show up online, this episode will help you rethink what it really takes to become more visible in your business.Connect with Prassede:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/numinous.creative/Website: https://www.numinouscreative.com/Free resource:  https://www.numinouscreative.com/if-posting-online-makes-you-nervous Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What does it actually take to build a business and brand that feels like you?In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren Najar sits down with Prassede Kemp, founder of Numinous, to talk about authentic branding, entrepreneurship, and the messy reality of building a business.Prassede shares the story of getting fired from her corporate job, finding her way into entrepreneurship, and building Numinous through some of the hardest seasons of her life. They talk about why successful business owners need to be willing to fail fast, how perfectionism can keep you stuck, and why authenticity isn't a destination—it’s an evolving process.Lauren and Prassede also explore what it means to create an embodied brand, build a business from conviction rather than pressure, and make your work feel meaningful and alive.Plus, Prassede shares the belief she had to let go of in order to grow, why rejection can be redirection, and what she wants entrepreneurs facing a major career or business pivot to know.If you're building a personal brand, growing a business, or trying to create work that actually feels aligned with who you are, this conversation is for you.Connect with Prassede:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/numinous.creative/Website: https://www.numinouscreative.com/Free resource:  https://www.numinouscreative.com/if-posting-online-makes-you-nervous Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What if one sentence could make your business instantly more memorable—and make you the obvious choice?In this episode, Lucy Bedewi breaks down how to write a business one-liner that actually gets people to pay attention. Your one-liner isn't just a mission statement or a sentence about what you do. It's one of the most important pieces of your brand messaging—and it should create enough intrigue for someone to want to know what comes next.Lucy walks through the three key elements behind a standout business one-liner:• Your Dismantle: What are you challenging, changing, or doing differently from the status quo?• Your Process: How do you solve the problem in a way that makes your business different and difficult to replicate?• Your Link: Why are YOU the person uniquely qualified to do it?You'll learn how to move beyond bland messaging like “I help,” “I empower,” and “I transform” and create a one-liner that communicates your differentiation, personality, expertise, and point of view.If your current elevator pitch feels generic, your website headline isn't landing, or you're struggling to explain what makes your business different, this episode will help you rethink your messaging and create a sentence you can confidently use across your website, Instagram bio, content, networking conversations, and more.Because the goal isn't to be one of many options.It's to become the obvious choice.Connect with Lucy:Website: https://www.mywritehandwoman.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/mywritehandwoman/Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/67979624c16f720015e296ad Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What happens when you stop trying to sound like everyone else and start building a business around who you actually are?In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren Najar sits down with messaging strategist and copywriter Lucy Bedewi founder of My Write Hand Woman, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, personal branding, storytelling, and finding the confidence to own your voice.Lucy shares the story of getting fired from her first job, writing a seven-page manifesto to her former CEO, and turning that experience into the catalyst for her entrepreneurial journey. She also opens up about how she scaled to $5K months, why she believes action creates clarity, and why investing in your strengths while outsourcing your weaknesses can accelerate your growth.Together, Lauren and Lucy dive into:• Why your personality can be your biggest business differentiator• How to create a brand voice that is bold, multidimensional, and memorable• Why storytelling doesn't require a dramatic or traumatic life story• How to turn everyday moments into compelling content• Why templates and cookie-cutter strategies can keep your brand from standing out• The importance of following the data while trusting your intuition• How to stop shrinking yourself and become a category of one• Why you don't always need a business coach—sometimes you need to figure out what works for you firstIf you've ever felt like your content sounds too generic, struggled to articulate what makes your business different, or felt the pressure to fit into someone else's formula for success, this conversation is your permission slip to do things differently.Because your personality isn't something you need to hide from your business. It might be the very thing that makes people remember you.Connect with Lucy:Website: https://www.mywritehandwoman.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/mywritehandwoman/Quiz: https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/67979624c16f720015e296ad Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What does it really take to start and grow a podcast as a business owner?After one year of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren Najar is sharing the real behind-the-scenes of building a business podcast—from deciding what the show should actually be about to figuring out podcast growth, guest pitches, downloads, monetization, and what it takes to keep showing up.In this episode, Lauren reflects on her first year of podcasting and the biggest lessons she learned along the way. She talks about why she waited so long to start a podcast, how she finally found an idea she loved, what surprised her about podcast downloads and audience engagement, and why some episodes performed better than others—even when the guests had large audiences.She also gets honest about the realities of podcasting for business, including batching episodes too far in advance, managing podcast guests, receiving guest pitches, hiring a podcast manager, using podcasting tools, and deciding when it's time to be more intentional about growth and monetization.Most importantly, Lauren shares the advice that helped her finally press record: don't start a podcast just because you think you should. Start when you love the idea enough to keep going.Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast for your business, you're already a podcast host, or you're looking for ways to use podcasting to grow your personal brand, this episode offers an honest look at what the first year can actually teach you.In year two, Lauren is getting more intentional about podcast strategy, guest selection, audience growth, monetization, and creating the kind of deeper business conversations that Business Over Cocktails was built for.In this episode:Starting a podcast as a business ownerWhat Lauren learned from her first year of podcastingPodcast growth and audience engagementHow to choose podcast guestsGuest pitches and podcast outreachPodcast downloads, streams, and metricsPodcast monetizationBatching podcast episodesHiring a podcast managerCreating a podcast people actually want to listen toBuilding a personal brand through podcastingWhy you should love your podcast idea before you startPull up a seat, pour your favorite drink, and join Lauren for a very honest conversation about what worked, what surprised her, and what's next for Business Over Cocktails.Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What happens when you start a podcast without a five-year plan, a huge audience, or a goal to become the next big show?In this special one-year episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren Najar reflects on her first year of podcasting and what she’s learned about starting a podcast, growing an audience, finding the right guests, creating meaningful conversations, and building a podcast that actually feels aligned with your business.Lauren shares the real behind-the-scenes of launching Business Over Cocktails—from taking months to figure out what she wanted the podcast to be, to batching episodes, managing guest pitches, learning which episodes actually perform, and realizing that a large social media following doesn't always translate into podcast listeners.She also talks about the lessons she learned around podcast consistency, outsourcing, podcast downloads and metrics, monetization, choosing guests, and why you should never start a podcast simply because you think you "should."Most importantly, Lauren shares the advice that stayed with her before she ever hit record: you have to love your idea. Because when you do, you'll have a reason to keep showing up.As Business Over Cocktails heads into year two, Lauren is getting more intentional about the podcast, its guests, its growth, and eventually monetizing the platform—without losing the honest, deeper conversations that made her start it in the first place.If you're thinking about starting a podcast for your business, already have a podcast, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to build one, pull up a seat.This is one year of Business Over Cocktails—what worked, what surprised Lauren, what she'd change, and what's coming next.Upcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

The way you build your business matters just as much as the business you build. After surviving a life changing accident that broke her neck, Stefanie Dingbaum promised herself she would never ignore the warning signs of burnout again. But after changing careers and finding herself right back where she started, she realized the answer wasn't another job. It was building a business that aligned with who she truly was. In this episode, Stefanie shares how surviving a near-death experience reshaped the way she views work, why self-worth is the foundation of every successful business, and how creating a soul-aligned business has transformed the way she makes decisions, serves clients, and protects her well-being. You'll discover why self-worth is the true foundation of a sustainable business, how making soul-aligned decisions can help prevent burnout, and why building your business with intention may be the golden key to creating work you genuinely love. Connect with Stefanie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanie.dingbaum/Email: [email protected]: https://www.stefaniedingbaum.com/Website: https://www.waveshealingtherapy.com/Chapters:00:25 The accident that changed everything01:25 Breaking her neck and surviving03:25 Burnout in behavioral health05:25 The spiritual awakening that followed06:25 Why changing careers wasn't enough08:25 Leaving a secure career behind09:25 What a soul aligned business looks like 11:25 Making business decisions differently12:25 Self worth as your business foundation13:25 Creating a business you loveThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

The life you're meant to build often begins when you finally believe you're worthy of it.Before Stefanie Dingbaum became a hypnotherapist, entrepreneur, and intuitive therapist, she was a burned out social worker quietly questioning whether the life she'd built was the one she was meant to live. Through her own healing journey, she discovered hypnotherapy, found the courage to leave the security of her school social worker career and eventually build a business of her own, and learned that true transformation begins by owning your worth instead of waiting for permission to change.In this episode, Stefanie shares how entrepreneurship challenged her confidence, why healing the wounds beneath the surface changed the way she leads her business, and how embracing every part of who she is, from therapist to entrepreneur to spiritual practitioner, allowed her to build a business that finally felt aligned. She also opens up about burnout, visibility, receiving support, and why taking the leap toward the life you want is often the first step toward becoming the person you're meant to be.If you've been questioning your next step, feeling stuck where you are, or wondering whether you're capable of something more, this conversation will remind you that the life you're meant to build begins with believing you're worthy of it. Connect with Stefanie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanie.dingbaum/Email: [email protected]: https://www.stefaniedingbaum.com/Website: https://www.waveshealingtherapy.com/Chapters:00:40 Meet Stefanie Dingbaum02:15 From Burnout to Healing05:10 Discovering Hypnotherapy10:20 Why Fast Healing Changed Everything14:00 Learning to Slow Down19:00 Taking the Leap into Business24:00 Finding Alignment as an Entrepreneur26:30 Blending Therapy and Spirituality33:10 Learning to Receive37:10 How Self Worth Shapes Success 41:20 Why Visibility Matters43:10 The Best Advice for Big Life ChangesThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Every woman deserves a place where she feels heard, supported, and connected.After more than a decade of serving women through Espa Aesthetics and Wellness, Verginiya Burgess realized she wanted to create something that went beyond traditional services. She envisioned a space where women in Northwest Indiana could come together, ask questions, find encouragement, and build meaningful relationships with others on similar journeys.In this episode, Verginiya shares the inspiration behind the Wellness Collective, a growing community focused on holistic wellness, education, and authentic connection. She explains the vision for free and affordable workshops, menopause support, yoga, breathwork, and other resources designed to help women heal, connect, and support one another. If you've ever wished for a community where collaboration comes before competition and women genuinely lift each other up, this episode offers a look at what's being built and the heart behind it.Connect with Verginiya:Espa Esthetics & Wellness - https://espa-wellness.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/espa.esthetics.wellness/Chapters:00:25 Why the Wellness Collective was created01:20 Creating a space where women feel heard02:15 Menopause support, yoga, and breathwork 03:15 Why collaboration beats competition04:15 An invitation to the Northwest Indiana communityThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Sometimes the life you're meant to build looks nothing like the one you planned.When Verginiya Burgess left Bulgaria shortly after high school, she wasn't chasing entrepreneurship. She came to America after her grandparents sold their home to fund her education, carrying the weight of their sacrifice and the determination to make their investment worthwhile. What followed was a journey through science, medicine, unexpected disappointment, and ultimately discovering a completely different calling.In this episode, Verginiya shares how growing up in communist Eastern Europe shaped her work ethic, why a successful career in medical technology still left her feeling empty, and how her search for light and purpose eventually grew into a wellness business centered on helping others feel seen, supported, and cared for. She also opens up about overcoming her fear of being visible as the face behind her business and what success truly means to her today.This episode will inspire you to embrace the unexpected turns in your own journey and trust that sometimes the biggest detours lead you exactly where you're meant to be.Connect with Verginiya:Espa Esthetics & Wellness - https://espa-wellness.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/espa.esthetics.wellness/Chapters:00:40 Leaving Bulgaria to Chase a Bigger Dream03:40 Why She Hid Behind Her Business 07:40 The Pressure to Succeed11:40 Growing Up in Eastern Europe17:20 Discovering a Passion for Medicine19:40 Why Her Dream Career Wasn't Enough23:00 Finding Light Through Holistic Wellness25:30 Building a Business Without a Master Plan29:20 Redefining Success32:10 Creating the Wellness CollectiveThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Real visibility isn't built on social media alone.Many entrepreneurs spend hours trying to perfect their content, believing that posting consistently is the key to getting noticed, attracting clients, and growing their business.  While social media can be an important part of your marketing strategy, it shouldn't be the only way people discover you. In this episode, I share why expanding your visibility beyond social media can create meaningful opportunities and long-term business growth.Discover how collaborations, podcast guesting, networking, email marketing, and strategic partnerships can help you reach new audiences without relying solely on the algorithm. I also share the mindset shift behind my challenge to collect "100 no's" and explain why pitching yourself consistently can lead to bigger opportunities, stronger relationships, and the kind of visibility that lasts.Chapters:00:25 Why social media isn't your whole marketing plan04:27 Perfection is hurting your visibility05:43 Other ways to become more visible07:18 The challenge of collecting 100 no's08:39 What opportunities should you pitch? 09:20 Why people appreciate authentic pitches11:16 Why pitching yourself gets easier 12:08 Why asking creates more opportunities13:02 My visibility challenge for listenersThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Sometimes the person who changes your life is the one who believes in you before you believe in yourself.Long before I built a successful business, there was uncertainty, career frustration, and a series of business ideas that never quite felt right. In this special episode, recorded in celebration of their 10th wedding anniversary, I sit down with my husband, Darrin, to reflect on the journey that started long before entrepreneurship. Together, we revisit the jobs we shared, the challenges I faced after cancer, and the winding path that helped me discover what I was truly meant to do. From early side hustles and blogging to discovering coaching, Darrin shares what he saw in me years before I recognized it myself. Our conversation explores the power of having someone who believes in your potential, the confidence that comes from being truly supported, how I spent years waiting for permission to pursue what I was truly capable of, and why the businesses that didn't fit ultimately led me to the one that did. If you've ever questioned whether you're capable of something bigger, this episode will remind you that sometimes all it takes is one person who sees your potential until you're able to see it for yourself.And make sure you don’t miss part 2 of our conversation that will be out September 7, 2026.Chapters:00:40 How We Met at the Bank02:40 Cancer, Dating, and a New Beginning04:20 The Side Hustles That Shaped My Journey08:20 Looking for a Career That Felt Right11:40 When Darrin Knew Coaching Was Different14:20 Why Starting a Blog Changed Everything17:20 Realizing Coaching Could Be a Career 20:20 Learning to Believe in My Own Skills23:00 The Permission to Become Who I Was26:00 The One-on-One Conversation That Stuck30:20 Why I Called Darrin My Mindset Coach33:20 The Shift From Side Hustle to Business Owner36:20 How I've Changed Over the Years 38:40 The Question That Will Be Answered in Part TwoThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Most entrepreneurs make time for their clients. Very few make time for their business.It's easy to get caught up serving clients, answering emails, and checking off daily tasks without ever stopping to ask whether your business is actually moving in the direction you want. When every week feels the same, it's hard to find the time and space to think strategically, improve your systems, or make intentional decisions about what's next.In this episode of the Business Chaser, Tracy Medeiros shares how her monthly CEO Day evolved into a full CEO Week and why creating dedicated time to work on your business instead of just in it can completely change the way you lead. She explains how regularly reviewing your metrics, updating your systems, revisiting neglected projects, and reflecting on where your time is best spent. can help you make better decisions, prevent burnout, and build a business that supports the life you want. So, if you're ready to stop operating on autopilot and start leading your business with greater intention, then this episode is for you.Connect with Tracy:Medeiros Consulting Substack - https://medeirosconsulting.substack.com/LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/medeirosconsultingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/medeirosconsulting/Chapters:00:25 Why a CEO Day wasn't enough anymore01:50 How CEO Week creates space for real growth03:25 Planning projects and reviewing what matters04:45 Making CEO Week something you enjoy05:50 Why intentional reflection matters 06:50 Updating systems as your business evolves08:00 Planning for growth without overplanning09:25 Questions every business owner should ask10:20 Building a business that supports your life11:20 Creating your own version of CEO WeekThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Have you ever left one job only to realize you brought all of your old habits with you?When Tracy Medeiros lost her father, she and her husband made the life changing decision to move to Hawaii. She planned to continue working for her corporate employer after the move, but when that opportunity fell through, she accepted a new job in Hawaii. A year later, that company planned to lay her off, and instead of starting over, Tracy turned them into her very first client. What began as an unexpected career change eventually became a business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs create companies that support the lives they want to live. In this episode, Tracy shares the story behind her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship and the lessons she learned along the way. We talk about the corporate habits she had to unlearn, why so many successful businesses have messy back ends, how entrepreneurs become the biggest bottlenecks in their own companies, and why redefining success often starts with building systems that create more freedom instead of more work. If you're ready to stop carrying old habits into your next chapter and start building a business that truly supports the life you want, this episode will challenge the way you think about success, freedom, and growth.Connect with Tracy:Medeiros Consulting Substack - https://medeirosconsulting.substack.com/LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/medeirosconsultingInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/medeirosconsulting/Chapters:01:40 Tracy's unexpected path to entrepreneurship05:55 The corporate mindset that followed her10:05 Why boundaries are harder than they seem13:50 What a Business Design Architect actually does18:55 Why successful businesses are often messy22:50 Hiring isn't always the answer27:20 Why systems create more freedom31:45 Letting go of hustle culture35:30 Building a business around your life38:25 Building routines that support your business 40:15 Tracy's advice for scaling with intentionThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What if the reason people aren't buying has nothing to do with your offer?Many business owners spend their time trying to generate more leads, create more content, or improve their sales process. But according to Hunter Myers, the problem may be much simpler. You're treating customers like transactions instead of relationships. In this episode, she shares her Matchmaker Method and explains why businesses should start thinking about customer relationships the same way they think about dating.Hunter walks through her four-part client connection framework and explains why buyers may need as many as 50 to 100 touchpoints before making a purchasing decision. You'll learn how to attract better-fit clients, reduce friction throughout the buyer journey, create stronger customer experiences, and build relationships that continue generating loyalty and referrals long after the initial sale. So, if you're ready to learn how to attract the right clients, create stronger customer connections, and turn buyers into loyal advocates, this episode is for you. Connect with Hunter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-myers-cnxncreativeco/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cnxncreativecoWebsite: https://www.cnxncreativeco.com/Brand Attractiveness Assessment: https://forms.gle/N4Btymx7y3uGz7V59 Chapters:00:25 Why you should start dating your customers02:20 How to define your ideal client03:45 The exercise for finding your best-fit clients04:50 How to create chemistry with buyers06:00 How Woxer solved a customer problem 07:10 Why buyers need more touchpoints than ever08:05 How to reduce friction in the buyer journey09:00 Creating content that answers questions before sales calls09:45 Why representation matters in your marketing10:35 The touchpoints you may be overlooking11:40 Why most businesses fail after the sale12:20 The referral strategy most businesses skip This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What if the biggest thing holding your business back is trying to be someone you're not?For years, Hunter Myers believed she needed to fit a certain mold to be successful. She built a brand around what she thought clients wanted, leaned into trends that did not feel natural, and found herself performing instead of showing up authentically. It wasn't until she embraced who she really was that her business began to feel aligned, sustainable, and genuinely successful.In this episode, Hunter shares her unconventional journey from aspiring artist and writer to founder of Verdure Design Co. After earning degrees in English and sociology, moving to Austin without a clear plan, and unexpectedly landing a graphic design role, she discovered a path that blended creativity, storytelling, and human connection. She opens up about the lessons she learned through entrepreneurship, why branding is really about relationships, how community influences buying decisions, and the role boundaries play in building a business that lasts. Along the way, she reveals why treating clients like long-term relationships can completely change the way you market and grow your business. If you're ready to build a brand that feels authentic, attracts the right people, and supports long-term growth, this episode is for you.Connect with Hunter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunter-myers-cnxncreativeco/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cnxncreativecoWebsite: https://www.cnxncreativeco.com/Chapters:00:40 The story behind Verdure Design Co.06:40 Why luxury branding never felt authentic11:20 Growing into the right brand identity16:20 How an artist became a brand designer22:00 Why community matters in branding33:50 Treating clients like long-term relationships40:40 Building a sustainable business42:20 Setting boundaries through your values46:00 Walking your talk as a business ownerThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What if the breakthrough you're waiting for doesn't require a bigger strategy, but a smaller daily commitment?Big business goals are exciting, but they often leave entrepreneurs chasing results instead of building the habits that actually create them. In this solo episode, I share why I committed to running 39 miles during my birthday month and how that personal challenge became a great reminder of what consistency can accomplish.I'm sharing why I believe 30 day sprints are one of the best ways to build confidence, how focusing on daily actions creates momentum, and why simple habits like reaching out to five new people each day can lead to bigger opportunities, stronger relationships, and long term business growth. If you've been setting big goals but struggling to follow through, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:25 Why I committed to 39 miles in 30 days03:00 How keeping promises builds confidence04:15 The habit that changed my business06:15 What I learned from running every day07:45 My next 30 day business challenge09:00 Daily habits over revenue goals 10:20 The power of consistent daily actions11:35 Examples of 30 day business sprints13:20 Focus on habits, not outcomes14:10 Your 30 day challenge starts nowThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What happens when you reach the age that changed your parent's life forever?As I reflect on my 39th birthday, I found myself thinking about a number that carries deep meaning. Thirty-nine was the age my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, and reaching that same milestone brought up unexpected emotions about grief, family, identity, and the passage of time.In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing memories of my mother's cancer journey, the challenges of losing both parents at a young age, and the realization that I never got the chance to know my mom as an adult. As I reach the same age she was when she was diagnosed, I reflect on how grief evolves over time and the surprising ways her influence continues to shape my leadership style, work ethic, and approach to building a business today. If you've ever lost someone you love, struggled with unanswered questions, or wondered how the people who shaped you continue to influence your life, this episode will leave you thinking differently about legacy, grief, and the stories we carry with us.Chapters:00:40 Why Turning 39 Feels So Significant03:20 The Story Behind My Mom's Cancer Diagnosis07:40 Losing My Mom at 21 Years Old11:10 How Grief Changes As You Get Older14:00 The Reality of Never Knowing My Mom as an Adult17:00 The Questions I Wish I Could Ask20:20 Why Reaching Certain Ages Feels Different24:10 The Impact My Mom Still Has on My Life 27:30 The Leadership Lessons I Learned From Watching My Mom30:20 How My Mom Influenced My Business Without Knowing ItThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Ever wonder why some brands instantly feel trustworthy, luxurious, and worth paying more for?Most business owners think luxury branding comes from expensive logos, fancy design elements, or following the latest trends. In reality, it's about something much deeper. It's about how your brand makes people feel. In this Business Chaser episode, Erika Maram breaks down the psychology behind luxury branding and why how people feel about your brand matters more than the price tag. She shares the three principles luxury brands consistently use to create trust, authority, and recognition: space, tone, and restraint. You'll learn why cluttered branding creates confusion, how consistency builds authority, and what you can borrow from some of the world's most recognizable luxury brands to elevate your own brand experience.Connect with Erika:Website: https://erikamaram.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika.maram/Chapters:00:25 Why luxury branding isn't about price01:10 What makes a brand feel luxurious02:25 How messy branding hurts authority03:25 Why consistency builds recognition04:25 The real meaning of luxury in design06:15 The power of space, tone, and restraint07:05 Why luxury brands avoid trends This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

What if the business you worked so hard to build became the very thing stealing your freedom? In this episode, Lauren sits down with brand and web designer Erika Maram to explore the journey behind her business, from learning to code as a kid and bartending for seven years to building a thriving design studio that eventually grew into a full-service marketing agency. What started as a dream of creating freedom quickly turned into long nights, constant client demands, and a business that was running her instead of the other way around.Erika shares the difficult decision to walk away from parts of her business, take a significant pay cut, and rebuild a company that aligned with the life she actually wanted. She also opens up about confidence, visibility, direct communication, creating brands that make people feel something, and why so many female entrepreneurs underestimate the value they bring to the table.If you've ever felt trapped by your own success, this conversation will help you rethink growth, reclaim your confidence, and build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.Connect with Erika:Website: https://erikamaram.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika.maram/Chapters:00:40 Meet Erica Maram04:40 From Art School to Entrepreneurship08:20 Building a Business From Scratch10:40 When Growth Stops Feeling Good14:00 Choosing Freedom Over More Revenue18:20 Why Direct Communication Builds Trust21:40 Creating a Brand People Feel25:20 The Story Behind Business Over Cocktails27:10 Branding Through Emotion Instead of Design31:00 The Confidence to Go After Bigger Opportunities37:00 Recognizing Your Own Success40:20 Why Female Entrepreneurs Play Small46:00 Boundaries, Business, and Life Balance This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You've tried the diets, workouts, supplements, and wellness trends, so why don't you feel any better? In this episode, Jasmine Jafferali shares what she learned after more than 30 years in the health, fitness, and wellness industry. She opens up about chasing external solutions for healing while ignoring the wisdom of her own body. Jasmine shares why women are constantly searching outside themselves for healing instead of reconnecting with their bodies, and how that disconnect may be keeping them stuck in the same cycle. She dives into the powerful connection between breath, nervous system regulation, movement, music, and embodiment. Jasmine breaks down why real healing is not about doing more, but about learning to feel safe, present, and connected within your own body. So, if you’re ready to learn why breathwork may be the most overlooked tool for reducing stress, improving your health, and creating sustainable well-being, then this episode is for you.Connect with Jasmine:Website: https://healthyjasmine.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyjasmine/Chapters:00:25 Why wellness trends aren't solving the real problem01:35 The surprising link between breath and metabolism03:15 Jasmine's wake-up call with breathwork04:20 How breath impacts stress, sleep, and healing05:30 Why nervous system regulation matters06:15 Simple ways to activate the vagus nerve07:15 How music became part of Jasmine's healing09:00 Why movement is medicine10:10 What embodiment really means11:40 Why achievement isn't the same as worthiness 13:00 Learning to trust your body againThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Most women are doing everything right on paper, and still not feeling well.Jasmine Jafferali has been in the health and wellness space her entire career, starting as a fitness instructor at 20 and eventually building her work around functional nutrition, corporate wellness, and perinatal health. With a master's degree in public health focused on maternal infant health education, she brings both the research background and the real-world coaching experience to her work. But the most powerful thing she brings to her clients has nothing to do with supplements or workout plans. It is the understanding that what shows up physically in the body almost always has an emotional root, and that the healing most women are looking for requires going inward before anything else will stick.In this episode, Jasmine and Lauren get into the real stuff. They talk about growing up in diet culture, the core memories that shape how women see their bodies, why gut issues are often tied to control and boundaries, and what it actually means to heal rather than just manage symptoms. Jasmine also shares her own story, including being an overweight child in the eighties, navigating her own health challenges after moving from Chicago, and the moment she realized that what we fear, we draw near.If you have ever felt like you are doing all the things and still not getting better, this episode will give you a completely different lens for understanding what your body might actually be asking for.Connect with Jasmine Jafferali:Website: https://healthyjasmine.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthyjasmine/Chapters:01:20 Meet Jasmine and her background in wellness02:20 Growing up overweight in the eighties and being bullied04:20 How generational wounds around weight get passed down06:20 Lauren's experience with body image and her mom09:20 Why the body keeps score11:20 The emotional root of physical symptoms13:20 Lauren's cancer diagnosis and the stress connection16:20 What Jasmine learned from mold illness and Lyme disease18:20 Gut health, control, and leaky boundaries20:20 What women are missing from their healthcare support21:20 The over-functioning mom and under-functioning partner dynamic24:20 Relinquishing control and getting into feminine energy26:20 Why triggers are teachers27:20 Working with women in the perinatal and perimenopause phases29:20 Where to connect with JasmineThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

If selling feels forced, uncomfortable, or just plain yucky, the problem probably is not your pitch.In this episode, Lauren breaks down why so many entrepreneurs feel gross when they try to sell and what to do instead. She shares why the pressure to convert every conversation into a sale is not only unrealistic but actually working against you, and how shifting your focus to genuine relationship building changes everything about how sales happen.Lauren also walks through how she reads cues and clues to know when someone is actually ready for a sales conversation, why releasing the outcome leads to more closed deals, and how her background in banking, retail, and service industry sales shaped the way she approaches business today.When you stop trying to close and start genuinely connecting, the sale becomes the natural next step.Chapters:00:40 Why selling feels yucky in the first place02:05 The pressure to convert every conversation03:25 How Lauren builds relationships that lead to sales05:25 Reading cues and clues from your leads07:25 Why sales calls are not the only way08:25 Building confidence in your sales approach10:05 Releasing the outcome and staying open11:40 Why one relationship can lead to many salesThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You're probably working way harder at relationship building than you need to.In this episode, Lauren breaks down why so many entrepreneurs are getting relationships completely wrong online. From immediately viewing every new follower as a potential client, to sending cold DMs with the pressure to close before any real connection has been made, Lauren explains how tying a specific outcome to every person you meet is the very thing keeping you stuck. She walks through how relationships in real life actually form, and why the same principles apply to your online business.Lauren also gets into what it really looks like to engage with intention, why your content is not the most important thing you're doing on social media, and how she has closed the majority of her business in six years entirely through the DMs by focusing on real connection over closing. If you've been exhausted by your own lead generation strategy, this is going to reframe how you think about the whole thing.So if you've been making every conversation feel like a sales call before it even starts, this episode will show you a completely different way to approach it.Chapters: 00:40 What you're getting wrong with relationship building01:40 Why tying outcomes to connections holds you back03:40 How real relationships actually form05:40 Why tailoring your pitch starts with actually knowing your audience 09:40 Tailoring your approach without overwhelming the ask11:40 Why the wrong client creates friction on both sides13:40 How to validate whether you can actually help someone14:40 How relationship building works on social media platforms17:40 Why engagement matters more than your content18:40 Closing business in the DMs without sales calls19:40 Six years of building relationships entirely online21:40 How to start building relationships in the online space23:40 Why posting alone is not enough25:40 Engagement versus posting and what actually drives growth26:40 How to stop pressuring yourself to close every conversation28:40 What happens when you genuinely build trust first30:40 Consistency in connections and content equals sales32:40 My upcoming events and retreatsThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re doing everything you’ve been told to do to manifest, so why isn’t it working?In this episode, Jen breaks down the part of manifestation most people completely miss. She shares her experience of doing all the “right” things for years with little to show for it, until one shift changed everything. Instead of focusing on more tools or routines, this conversation gets into what’s actually driving your results.This is the part of manifestation most people skip. You can follow every tactic out there and still feel stuck if you don’t believe you’re actually worthy of what you want. Jen walks through how those beliefs form, how they show up in your life and business, and what started to change for her once that shifted, including unexpected income and opportunities showing up quickly.So, if you’ve been putting in the effort but not seeing the results, this will help you understand why and what needs to shift.Connect with Jen:Instagram: @hypnotherapist_jenWebsite: https://pages.hypnotherapistjen.com/linksChapters:00:25 Why manifestation tools are not the real answer01:25 How your current reality reflects your energy02:25 Why worthiness controls what you receive03:25 Jen’s story of doing everything “right”04:25 The belief that changed everything05:25 How worthiness impacts success and money06:25 The cycle of growth and energetic ceilings07:25 How to identify your limiting beliefs08:25 What your inner dialogue is revealing09:25 Where beliefs come from and how they form10:25 Why subconscious work is required11:25 How quickly results can change after shifting beliefs12:25 Why you don’t need a strict mindset routine This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You can build a life that looks perfect on paper and still feel completely miserable.In this episode, Jen Gutfriend shares the moment everything changed for her, from working 50 to 60 hour weeks and pushing through burnout to a wake up call that forced her to walk away after her body completely shut down. What came next was realizing how much of her life had been driven by beliefs she didn’t even know she had, and how discovering hypnotherapy helped her start changing them.This conversation goes way deeper than burnout. We get into why you can be doing everything right and still feel off, how people pleasing shows up in business, and what actually starts to change when you stop building your life around what everyone else expects. We also talk about what manifestation actually looks like and why it is not just thinking positively or waiting for things to happen. Jen shares what it really looked like to walk away from a business that was working on the outside but wasn’t working for her, and how that led her into the work she does now. And the biggest shift is this, when you actually start making decisions based on what you want, things start to fall into place.So, if you’ve ever felt like your life looks right but feels wrong, this will make you rethink what success actually looks like for you.Connect with Jen:Instagram: @hypnotherapist_jenWebsite: https://pages.hypnotherapistjen.com/linksChapters:00:40 Why her burnout became a breaking point01:40 The moment her body forced her to stop03:40 The belief that changed everything05:40 Why manifestation wasn’t working before08:40 What manifestation actually looks like12:40 Why mindset alone is not enough15:40 Her life before entrepreneurship17:40 How success started to fall apart19:40 The cycle of self sabotage in business21:40 Building a life that looked perfect but wasn’t24:40 The pressure of expectations and people pleasing27:40 Navigating identity in your 20s and 30s30:40 How environment shapes your growth33:40 What actually creates long term success37:40 The reality of up levels and growth41:40 Why things get harder before they work This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You can build a business that looks good online and still feel completely disconnected from the life you’re actually living behind it.In this episode, Jacquelynn Pilcher shares what it has looked like to rebuild her life and identity in real time. From growing up in survival mode to navigating divorce, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and major life changes all at once, she opens up about the version of herself she spent years performing and why she finally stopped trying to maintain what only looked good on paper.She talks about why so many people struggle to show up authentically online, how survival mode quietly shapes the way you build your business, and why people connect more deeply to human connection than polished perfection. Jacquelynn also shares the mindset shifts that helped her stop building from pressure and performance and start creating a business that actually fits her real life instead of building a brand around who she thought she needed to be.So, if you’ve been feeling disconnected from your business, exhausted trying to keep up online, or like the version of success you built no longer feels aligned, this episode will probably hit deeper than you expect.Chapters:00:25 Jacquelynn’s life changes since the last episode02:15 Growing up as a “chameleon”04:25 Why authenticity is not a branding trick05:45 How survival mode follows you into business07:25 Why people connect to human over perfect08:55 Trust, emotional connection, and sales10:00 Stop building your business from survival mode11:10 Be magnetic instead of marketable12:00 Why confidence comes from visibility13:00 Building a business your nervous system can sustain14:05 Letting people watch you evolve Connect with Jacquelynn:Instagram: @evolvewithjacquelynnJust Women Talking Shit Podcast: https://justwomentalkingshit.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You can build a brand that looks polished online and still feel completely disconnected from yourself behind the scenes.In this episode, Jacquelynn Pilcher opens up about the years she spent trying to fit into the online business world, constantly reinventing herself, chasing success, and struggling to figure out who she actually was underneath it all. From growing up in survival mode to navigating mental health challenges, chronic illness, comparison, and burnout, she shares how those experiences shaped the way she built her business and why authenticity eventually became non-negotiable.This conversation goes far beyond personal branding. We talk about the pressure to perform online, the exhaustion that comes from trying to keep up with everyone else, and the moment Jacquelynn realized she did not want to build a business around who she thought she needed to be. She also shares how storytelling became one of her greatest strengths and how everything started to shift once she stopped performing for approval and finally built a brand rooted in who she actually is.So, if you have been feeling disconnected from your business, exhausted from trying to keep up online, or unsure how to fully show up as yourself, this conversation will remind you that the strongest brands are built when you stop performing and start owning who you really are. Chapters:00:40 Jacquelynn’s story and personal evolution05:40 Growing up in survival mode09:20 Side hustles and early entrepreneurship12:40 Starting coaching during COVID16:40 Realizing success still did not feel aligned 20:40 Learning to stop comparing herself24:40 Detaching from money and outcomes28:40 Why honesty changed her business32:40 Feeling exhausted by online business culture36:40 The lack of support in coaching spaces40:40 Why personal branding matters now44:40 How storytelling became her biggest strength49:40 Why messaging is really about clarity57:40 The advice she would give herself today Connect with Jacquelynn:Instagram: @evolvewithjacquelynnJust Women Talking Shit Podcast: https://justwomentalkingshit.buzzsprout.com/This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You can spend thousands of dollars attending events and still walk away wondering if any of it actually helped your business.In this episode, Lauren breaks down how to actually get ROI from events, whether that’s networking dinners, workshops, conferences, or retreats. She shares how constantly saying yes to events started impacting her time, energy, work schedule, and family life, forcing her to become far more intentional about where she invests her money and attention.Lauren talks about the difference between going to events because of FOMO versus going with a clear reason for being there. She shares why relationships are often the biggest return on investment, why some opportunities take months to pay off, and how meeting people in person completely changes the depth of connection and collaboration. She also opens up about navigating events as an introvert and the questions she now asks herself before saying yes to any room she walks into. So, if you’ve been questioning whether events are really worth the investment, this episode will help you think about ROI in a completely different way.Chapters:00:25 Why events take more than money 02:05 The hidden cost of saying yes too often03:25 What ROI actually looks like from small events04:20 How hosts create meaningful connections05:25 Going to events as an introvert06:35 How to intentionally create ROI at events07:25 The long-term payoff from bigger investments08:25 Choosing events for the people in the room 09:25 Why in-person connections change everything10:05 How to stop making event decisions from FOMO11:10 Questions to ask before investing in an event12:20 Why intentionality creates better ROI13:00 Lauren’s upcoming retreats and events This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Most networking events leave you with a stack of business cards and very little real connection.After years of attending networking groups that felt surface level, transactional, or completely misaligned, I realized the kind of space I was looking for didn’t actually exist. In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind why I created Growth & Connect dinners and retreats after walking away from networking experiences that left me feeling disconnected, frustrated, and craving something more intentional.This conversation goes far beyond hosting events. I’m diving into what felt missing in traditional networking spaces, the pressure to fit into environments that never felt right, and the moment I stopped waiting for someone else to create the kind of community I wanted to be part of. I’m also sharing what people are truly craving right now in business, why intentional connection matters more than surface-level visibility, and how creating the right environment changes the entire experience people walk away with.So, if you’ve been craving deeper connection, more meaningful conversations, or spaces where people genuinely see and support each other, this episode will encourage you to stop waiting for the right room to appear and start creating it yourself. Chapters:00:40 Introduction and upcoming retreats/events03:40 Why I wanted deeper connection05:40 The first networking event that changed everything09:40 Feeling disconnected from traditional expectations15:40 Starting a business in Chicago17:20 Returning to Northwest Indiana after motherhood18:40 Trying local networking groups again21:20 Why some networking events felt empty24:00 The event that made me rethink networking 26:40 Realizing I could create something better29:40 The beginning of Growth & Connect31:40 What makes meaningful events different34:40 The impact of intentional connection35:20 Why there is room for more community leaders37:00 Create the thing you feel is missing This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You don’t need another strategy. You need to pay attention to what actually holds up over time.After building multiple businesses and constantly looking for what connects them, Nicole realized the same patterns kept showing up. Not trends. Not tactics. Real, foundational lessons that impact how your business grows and how it feels to run it.In this episode, she breaks down eight lessons that have shaped the way she approaches business today. From building something you genuinely believe in to understanding why visibility rooted in community and connection matters more than chasing followers or numbers. This is a look at what actually drives growth and where most people hold themselves back without realizing it. She also shares the mistakes most people make like staying quiet about what they are building and expecting people to notice anyway, overproducing instead of documenting what’s actually happening, and losing sight of why they started in the first place.So, if you’ve been stuck in overthinking, second guessing, or focusing on the wrong things, this will bring you back to what actually matters and help you move forward with more clarity.Connect with Nichole:Instagram: @womantowoman.connectInstagram: @momtomon.connectInstagram: @storiedelementsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/momtomommagFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womantowomanmagWebsite: https://www.sendmediacompanyllc.com/Chapters:00:30 Why these 8 business lessons matter01:30 Build what you actually believe in02:30 Visibility is not about vanity metrics03:30 How to find connection points in your business04:30 Why you need to share what you’re building05:30 Promoting yourself and actually sharing what you’re doing 06:30 Staying human in your messaging07:30 Why documenting beats overproducing08:30 What to systemize and what to personalize09:30 Protecting your values while growing This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

She didn’t set out to build a media company. She just kept saying yes to the right opportunities.Nichole Demario started in journalism during a time when jobs were scarce and stability wasn’t guaranteed. What began as freelancing and pitching herself to publications turned into something much bigger. Over time, she stepped into a growing role inside a local magazine, helped expand it into a second publication, and eventually took ownership of both. What she’s built today didn’t come from a perfect plan. It came from recognizing opportunity and running with it.In this episode, Nichole shares what it really looks like to build a business rooted in storytelling. From the behind-the-scenes reality of publishing to the moments that have stayed with her the most, this conversation goes beyond business strategy. It’s about the power of real stories, why people downplay their own experiences, and what happens when someone is finally ready to share. Because the moment you stop minimizing your story and start owning it, you create connections, impact, and opportunities you never saw coming. So, if you’ve ever questioned whether what you’ve been through is worth sharing, this episode will challenge that completely.Connect with Nichole:Instagram: @womantowoman.connectInstagram: @momtomon.connectInstagram: @storiedelementsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/momtomommagFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/womantowomanmagWebsite: https://www.sendmediacompanyllc.com/Chapters:00:40 Why Nichole chose publishing03:40 Starting in freelancing and early career moves05:40 How Mom to Mom Magazine began06:40 Creating Woman to Woman Magazine07:40 Taking ownership of both magazines08:40 Why storytelling matters so much10:40 The impact of physical magazines13:40 How the business evolved over time16:40 Pivoting during COVID18:40 The power of adapting under pressure20:40 A story that created real change23:40 Why sharing your story is healing25:40 The story that almost didn’t happen31:40 What people don’t see in their own communities34:40 Why people downplay their stories36:40 How Nichole chooses which stories to tell39:40 Why sharing what you want matters44:40 How her real estate journey started49:40 Lessons from house flipping51:40 Balancing multiple passions and businesses52:40 Where to connect with Nichole This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re showing up, creating content, doing the work, so why do you still feel invisible in your industry?In this Business Chaser episode, Lyndsey Akers breaks down what actually gets people featured, booked, and seen. It’s not the most qualified people winning these opportunities. It’s the ones who are positioned clearly, tell better stories, and understand how credibility is built through earned media.She also unpacks what’s changing right now with AI and why visibility is no longer about how often you post. It’s about where you show up and who is validating your expertise. From trust transfer to editorial authority, this episode breaks down what’s actually driving growth and what’s been keeping you stuck instead. So if you’ve been doing everything “right” but still feel like the best kept secret, this will help you see what’s missing and how to start getting in the right rooms.Connect with Lyndsey:Instagram: @lyndseyakersLinkedIn: @lyndseyakersChapters:00:25 Why being good isn’t getting you featured 01:25 What actually gets people chosen for opportunities02:25 The difference between branding and credibility03:25 Why your story matters more than your resume04:25 Why specificity wins in crowded markets05:25 How AI is changing visibility and attention06:25 Why earned media is more valuable than ever07:25 How PR impacts AI search results08:25 Why magazine features still matter09:25 The long-term impact of digital media features10:25 Why podcasts are powerful for visibility11:25 How speaking builds authority quickly12:25 Where to start with PR opportunities13:25 Why awards are an underrated strategy14:25 How editorial calendars can work in your favor15:25 Why most pitches get ignored 16:25 The mindset shift behind getting featured This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

At some point, you realize the life you built doesn’t actually fit you anymore. For Lyndsey Akers, success once meant climbing the corporate ladder, chasing titles, and building a career in high-profile spaces from Capitol Hill to national organizations. But everything shifted when she became a mom and realized she wanted something different. Not just a new career path, but a different way of living and working. In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lyndsey shares how she unexpectedly stepped into entrepreneurship, how her career experiences shaped the business she runs today, and what it really looks like to build a reputation rooted in trust and relationships. This conversation goes beyond business strategy. It challenges the idea that success is something you climb toward, instead of something you redefine as your life evolves. Connect with Lyndsey:Instagram: @lyndseyakersLinkedIn: @lyndseyakersChapters:00:40 How Lyndsey became an accidental entrepreneur02:40 Career shifts after becoming a mom04:40 Redefining success and priorities08:40 Networking, relationships, and human design10:40 How she got into PR and communications13:40 From journalism dreams to Capitol Hill16:40 Lessons from high-level leadership environments19:40 Bridging PR for small business owners22:40 Building trust and reputation in business25:40 The reality of word-of-mouth growth28:40 Why trust is built over time31:40 What holds women back from visibility34:40 Awards, credibility, and being seen37:40 Owning your voice and impact40:40 Where to connect with Lyndsey This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Selling feels icky when you’re trying to rush to the pitch instead of actually getting to know someone.If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking when to pitch, how to transition a conversation, or why selling feels unnatural, this episode breaks down what’s actually going on. I’m sharing why that “icky” feeling shows up and how it usually comes from trying to sell before you’ve taken the time to truly understand the person you’re talking to and whether they’re actually a fit.I walk through what selling actually looks like in real life like recommending something you love, making plans with friends, or sharing a tool you actually use. None of that feels weird because there’s already trust there. That’s the part most people skip in their business. This episode brings it back to that and shows why forcing the sale is usually the problem.So, if selling has been feeling harder than it should, this will help you see what’s actually going wrong and how to make it feel a lot more natural.Chapters:00:30 Why selling feels uncomfortable02:30 The real reason sales feel icky04:30 Why easy sales don’t feel like selling05:30 The friendship example that explains everything06:30 Everyday examples of natural selling07:30 How recommendations turn into sales08:30 Understanding the problem before you sell09:30 Why timing in sales is not fixed10:30 Relationship building vs cold outreach11:30 Why I avoid high-volume sales calls12:30 Letting sales feel effortless13:30 Why forcing sales creates resistance This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You don’t start a business because you have it all figured out. Most of the time, you’re just trying to solve a problem right in front of you.Today, I’m sharing the real story behind how my business started. I didn’t start this with some big purpose or long-term vision. I started it because I needed to make more money and take some pressure off at home. That was it. But it didn’t stay that simple.This is a real look at what happens when your why stops making sense and you have to figure out what actually matters to you now. From chasing income to realizing the impact I was making, I’m walking through the moments that shifted how I see my work, success, and what I actually want out of all of this. I also share how becoming a mom reshaped everything for me, especially how I think about support, confidence, and what I want my daughter to learn from watching me.You might start for one reason, but if you stick with it, it’s probably going to turn into something completely different.Chapters:00:40 I never planned to be an entrepreneur03:10 Early beliefs about business and success05:40 Choosing a “safe” career path07:40 The moment business became interesting09:10 Life events that changed everything10:40 Climbing the corporate ladder12:40 Feeling stuck despite doing everything right14:10 Side hustles and searching for more15:40 What didn’t sit right in MLM culture17:10 Learning social media and sales18:40 The real reason I started my business20:10 Making money as the first motivation21:40 When the why started to shift23:10 Discovering my strength in creating connections24:40 The shift from income to impact26:10 How motherhood reshaped everything27:40 Redefining success and support29:10 Why your why will evolve30:40 What actually drives me now This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re showing up to everything but getting very little out of it.It’s easy to say yes, stay busy, and feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. But without intention, you end up scattered, drained, and wondering why nothing is actually moving forward. In this episode, Alyssa breaks down what it really means to be intentional in your work, your relationships, and how you spend your time.She shares how being clear on your goals, your role, and and why just showing up and saying yes to everything isn’t actually helping you the way you think it is. From professional settings to personal relationships and even nonprofit work, this conversation is a real look at what happens when you’re just going through the motions and how to shift out of it. And she also shares a simple question that can completely change how you show up in conversations: do you want to vent or do you want help solving it?So if you’ve been doing a lot but not seeing the impact you expected, this is where you start shifting how you show up.Chapters:01:00 Why being intentional matters02:00 The difference between busy and intentional03:00 Showing up with purpose at work04:00 How to be intentional in relationships05:00 The question that changes conversations05:45 Being intentional with service work06:30 Choosing what actually matters to you07:15 How intention changes your resultsConnect with Alyssa:Instagram: @alyssag28Instagram: @buildwithalyssaLinkedIn: @alyssa-gawlinskiThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You didn’t plan to become the person others lean on. It usually starts with a moment that changes everything.In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Gawlinski to talk about how personal loss and experiences with cancer shaped the path she’s on today. What started as unexpected moments led her into deep involvement with organizations like Fighting Pretty, Girls on the Run, and the Boys and Girls Club, supporting women and young girls through moments that require connection, support, and guidance.They also get into the parts people don’t always talk about. The loneliness that can come with grief, what it feels like to walk alongside cancer without fully understanding it, and how relationships can either fall away or show up in ways you never expected. This conversation is a real look at how connection, community, and shared experience can change the way you move through life.It’s not about deciding to be a “serving” person. It’s about what life puts in front of you and how you choose to show up because of it.This episode will challenge you to look at your own experiences and ask what they’re shaping you into.So if you’ve ever wondered how the hardest moments in your life can lead you to something more meaningful, this is the conversation to listen to.Chapters:00:40 Why Alyssa got into nonprofit work02:00 How Fighting Pretty came into her life04:00 Getting involved with Girls on the Run06:40 The impact of showing up for kids08:40 The reality of connection and community11:40 Why being of service matters14:40 The role of support during hard seasons18:40 Navigating cancer, grief, and connection22:40 How relationships shift in hard seasons26:40 Turning pain into purpose30:40 Life changes and finding direction34:40 Processing grief and personal growth39:40 Why therapy changed everything41:40 Core values that guide Alyssa’s life44:40 What impact looks like long term48:40 How to start making a difference50:40 Where to connect with AlyssaConnect with Alyssa:Instagram: @alyssag28Instagram: @buildwithalyssaLinkedIn: @alyssa-gawlinskiThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re sending messages, starting conversations, trying to sell and still not seeing results.In this episode, I break down what actually turns people off in the DMs and why so many common sales tactics feel forced, exhausting, and ineffective. I walk through what I don’t do in the DMs, from cold pitching to over-messaging, and what actually gets people to buy instead. I also share how I’ve built a sustainable business through relationship-driven conversations instead of volume-based outreach. From closing four-figure deals to generating a $20,000 launch entirely through DMs, this is a real look at what it takes to convert without burning out, sounding robotic, or pushing people away. Chapters:00:30 Why DM sales feels off for most people01:30 Sales calls vs DM selling shift03:30 Why scripts don’t work in sales05:30 The problem with launch cycles06:30 What cold DMing actually is08:30 Why volume DMing burns you out09:30 Why conversations drive sales, not likes 10:30 Why scripts fail in real conversations11:30 How selling actually works12:30 Why you struggle to pivot in DMs13:30 How to know if someone is actually a lead14:30 The problem with spam engagement16:30 What natural DM conversations look like17:30 What not to do in the DMs recap18:30 How I close sales in the DMs This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

Four years ago, I made the decision to leave my 9 to 5 and build my business full time. And while that decision changed everything, it didn’t happen the way I thought it would.In this episode, I’m reflecting on what it actually took to get there and what these last four years have really looked like. From starting with side hustles and trying to find a way out, to building a business while working full time, this was not a quick or straightforward path. It took years of figuring things out, making decisions without a clear plan, and learning how to trust myself along the way.I’m also sharing what no one really talks about after you leave your job. The freedom, yes, but also the pressure, the identity shifts, and the responsibility that comes with building something on your own. At the same time, this is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. Four years later, I’m still here, still building, and still choosing this path.So if you’re thinking about leaving your 9 to 5 or wondering if it’s actually worth it, this episode will give you a real look at what that decision requires and what it can create.Chapters:01:00 Why leaving your job feels so far away02:30 Starting with side hustles and MLMs05:30 From blogging to social media work07:00 Hiring a coach and shifting direction09:00 Building a business while working full time11:30 The pressure of having a day job15:00 Getting a new job that changed everything17:30 When the business slowed down19:00 Rebuilding confidence with new offers20:30 COVID and unexpected business growth21:30 Starting an agency and increasing income24:00 Deciding to leave and making a plan26:00 Moving and lowering expenses28:00 The moment everything became real30:00 Why setting a date matters31:00 Life after leaving the 9 to 533:30 The hardest parts of entrepreneurship35:30 Why it is still worth it37:00 The real way to build confidenceThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re not stuck because nothing is working, you're stuck because you’re trying not to fail.If you’ve been overthinking your next move, holding back from launching, or constantly questioning your decisions, today’s guest, Summer Borkowski, founder of Summer Gold, a beauty and wellness club, breaks down what’s actually happening when you fail. Avoiding failure might feel like a smart move, but it’s the exact thing keeping you from getting the clarity and momentum you need.In this Business Chaser episode, Summer walks through what it really means to fail better, how to use failure as feedback instead of proof you’re doing something wrong, and why some of your best business decisions will come from things not working the first time.So if you’ve been waiting to feel more confident before taking action, this will show you why trying is the only way forward.Chapters:00:24 Fear of failure in business01:27 Why failing feels public02:27 Reframing failure and self-worth03:14 What failing better actually means03:54 When a launch gets zero sales04:32 How to get the right feedback05:20 Adjusting pricing and offers05:55 Why testing creates clarity06:23 When to pivot or let go07:20 Trusting your decisions08:05 How failure drives growth08:56 The mindset shift around failure09:35 Overthinking and analysis paralysis10:14 Using feedback from your audienceConnect with Summer:Website: https://www.summergoldco.com/Instagram: @summergoldcoInstagram: @sumshadyThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You don’t randomly wake up and start a business that makes zero logical sense or do you?In this episode, I sit down with Summer Borkowski, founder of Summer Gold, a beauty and wellness club, to talk about what really happens when you follow an idea that doesn’t make sense on paper. From starting a spray tan business with zero experience to building a full beauty and wellness brand, this is the kind of story that challenges what you think entrepreneurship is supposed to look like.We get into the messy middle that most people don’t talk about. Burnout, figuring things out as you go, redefining success, and learning how to lead both yourself and a team. But more importantly, we talk about what shifts when you stop chasing what you think success should look like and start building something that actually feels aligned.So if you’ve been waiting until you feel ready, this episode is going to shift how you think about taking the first step.Chapters:02:55 Where the idea for Summer Gold came from04:40 Starting a business with zero experience06:40 The deeper reason behind Summer’s “why”09:10 How it evolved beyond spray tans11:25 The burnout that forced a shift13:10 From fixing yourself to investing in yourself15:10 Why self-care feels hard to prioritize18:10 Why she thought success had to feel chaotic19:55 Redefining success through client impact22:10 The trap of chasing busy over aligned24:10 Thinking long term vs quick wins25:10 Why you can’t do everything yourself26:40 What leadership actually looks like28:40 Building a team that feels valued30:40 Why micromanaging kills confidence32:40 Learning to trust yourself as a leader35:40 The bigger vision for Summer Gold40:40 How to stand out in a saturated market44:40 Why people keep coming backConnect with Summer:Website: https://www.summergoldco.com/Instagram: @summergoldcoInstagram: @sumshadyThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re using AI to create content, write your marketing, maybe even build your strategy, so why isn’t it actually bringing in clients?Everything looks fine on the surface. The content sounds good. The ideas are there. But it’s not landing, it’s not connecting, and it’s definitely not converting the way you expected.In this Business Chaser episode, I’m breaking down what’s really going on when AI “isn’t working” in your business. Because the problem isn’t the tool. It’s how you’re using it. I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story from my own business that completely changed how I see AI, value, and what I actually get paid for.I also get into the piece most people are missing when it comes to AI, your ability to think, ask better questions, and actually understand what your client needs. Because that’s the part AI can’t replace.If your content feels generic, your messaging isn’t hitting, or you’re wondering why AI isn’t getting you results, this will help you see what’s actually missing and how to start using it in a way that supports your business growth.So, AI isn’t replacing you. But the way you’re using it might be the reason your business isn’t growing the way you expected.Chapters:00:30 What these short episodes are really for01:45 Why everyone is suddenly switching AI tools03:30 Why your AI content sounds like everyone else05:00 The real reason AI isn’t working for you06:00 The client story that changed everything07:30 Why I felt guilty charging for faster work08:30 What AI made me realize about my value09:30 The one thing AI will never replace11:00 Why generic advice keeps failing you12:00 What AI should actually be used for13:00 Why your input changes everything13:30 The shift you need to make with AIThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

I followed the strategy. Did the work. Checked every box and I still didn’t get the results I expected.I invested thousands into coaching thinking it would give me the answers, help me grow faster, and take my business to the next level. Instead, I ended up overwhelmed, burnt out, and questioning everything.In this episode, I’m breaking down what coaching actually is and why so many people walk away from investments feeling frustrated or like they made a mistake.Because hiring a coach isn’t about someone telling you exactly what to do. And when you expect it to be, that’s where things start to fall apart.I’m sharing my experience with a $4,000 investment that didn’t lead to results, what caused me to burn out even while doing everything “right,” and what finally shifted when I stopped looking for someone else to fix my business.If you’ve ever invested in coaching and questioned whether it was worth it or you’re thinking about hiring a coach and want to make sure you do it right, this episode will help you rethink how you approach it.Chapters:00:30 Why investing in your business is necessary02:30 Why “guaranteed results” should be a red flag05:30 Expecting coaches to give you all the answers07:30 The $4,000 investment that didn’t pay off10:00 Following the strategy and still getting no results12:00 Burnout from doing everything “right”13:30 Stepping away and finding my own direction15:00 The mastermind that actually changed everything16:30 What coaching is really supposed to be18:30 Why execution matters more than strategy20:30 The biggest mistake people make when hiring support22:00 How to evaluate an investment properly24:00 Impulse decisions vs aligned investments26:00 When to say no to investing27:30 Lessons from bad hires and failed investments29:00 Why experience matters more than strategy30:30 What to look for before hiring someone32:00 Why you’re still responsible for your results33:30 Final takeaway on making better investmentsThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re doing everything “right” so why does making money still feel so hard?You’re showing up. You’re following the strategy. But behind the scenes, it still feels like a cycle of stress, overthinking, burnout, and starting over again.In this episode, nervous system and subconscious pattern expert Cara Barone breaks down what’s actually keeping you stuck at the same income level even when you’re doing everything right. And it’s not your strategy.It’s how your nervous system has been wired to keep you safe.Cara unpacks the deeper layer most people overlook: the patterns you’ve been practicing your entire life and how they directly impact your ability to make, receive, and hold more money. She also breaks down the neuroscience behind why your state drives your thoughts, decisions, and actions which explains why traditional mindset and strategy alone are not enough to create lasting change.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in hustle, avoidance, inconsistency, self-doubt, or disappearing when things start to grow, this episode is going to connect a lot of dots.In this episode, you’ll learn why you keep cycling between hustle and burnout, how your nervous system is shaping your decisions and results, and what it actually takes to build the capacity to make, receive, and hold more money.Chapters:00:30 Why you don’t have a strategy problem02:15 Cara’s background and burnout turning point05:15 What your nervous system actually controls07:30 The 3 nervous system states explained10:30 Why your state drives your thoughts and actions12:15 Why high performers stay stuck at the same income level13:45 Visibility blocks (overposting vs disappearing)16:00 Consistency blocks (sprint and crash cycle)17:30 Receiving blocks (undercharging, overdelivering, avoiding sales)19:30 Identifying your default money pattern22:30 How to regulate your nervous system (practical tools)24:45 Building capacity through small, consistent action26:00 How to increase your ability to hold more incomeConnect with Cara Barone:Instagram: @carabaroneTik Tok: @carabaroneWork with Cara: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YGdGQyQaFzLsbYzowHVEqoeNczbYQQpoijjRxx8MH-s/edit?tab=t.0Cara’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cara.barone?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioRelease fear of rejection & step into confident visibility that attracts premium opportunities - https://go.carabaroneaiconsulting.net/fear-of-rejection-release-discounted?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.

You’re doing everything “right”… so why do you still feel stuck?You’ve learned the strategies. You’ve invested in the programs. You’ve seen some success. But no matter what you do, it feels like you keep hitting the same ceiling.In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, I’m sitting down with someone who has played a huge role in my own journey, my first mentor and business coach Cara Barone, to talk about what’s actually keeping high performers stuck.And it’s not what you think.We get into the deeper layer of growth that most people avoid: your nervous system, your belief patterns, and the subtle ways you might be holding yourself back without even realizing it.This conversation felt very full circle for me, and honestly… it explains so much about why growth can feel so hard even when you’re doing all the “right” things. Episode Highlights:Why strategy is not your real problemThe low-level stress most high performers live inThe pattern of “I want this… but I am not doing it”How your body can actually block your next levelWhy you might be shrinking yourself without realizing itThe connection between stress, identity, and successWhat it actually takes to expand your capacity for moreChapters:02:45 Cara’s background and multiple reinventions07:15 Why mindset has always been the real driver of growth09:45 The moment everything shifted into nervous system work13:45 Identifying your unique strengths and owning them17:45 Why high performers still feel stuck21:45 Shrinking yourself to stay relatable24:45 The nervous system “baseline” explained27:45 Why success can feel unsafe30:45 The belief that “I’m missing something”33:45 Balancing corporate and business growth38:45 How to step into your next levelConnect with Cara Barone:Instagram: @carabaroneTik Tok: @carabaroneWork with Cara: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YGdGQyQaFzLsbYzowHVEqoeNczbYQQpoijjRxx8MH-s/edit?tab=t.0Cara’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cara.barone?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioRelease fear of rejection & step into confident visibility that attracts premium opportunities - https://go.carabaroneaiconsulting.net/fear-of-rejection-release-discounted?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bioThis podcast is brought to you in partnership with Liz Chapman & COUpcoming Events:Napa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwSave 25% with Flodesk - https://flodesk.com/c/OR8VKLLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.