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

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 Let’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 Let’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 Let’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 Let’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-gawlinskiLet’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-gawlinskiLet’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 Let’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 confidenceLet’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: @sumshadyLet’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: @sumshadyLet’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 AILet’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 investmentsLet’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_bioLet’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_bioLet’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.

In this Business Chaser episode, Lauren breaks down what actually makes an event meaningful, impactful, and worth attending. From networking dinners to retreats, she shares her perspective on why hosting an event is about far more than filling seats or planning something pretty. It’s about intention, connection, and making people feel genuinely seen.Lauren walks through what she believes separates forgettable events from transformational ones, including guest experience, event etiquette, personalization, community building, and how to create real value for the people in the room. If you’ve ever thought about hosting an event for your business, this episode will give you a clearer understanding of what matters most and how to do it well.Episode Highlights:What makes a business event feel meaningful and memorableHow to make guests feel seen, supported, and connectedThe key difference between hosting a good event and creating real impactChapters:00:00 — Welcome to The Business Chaser01:02 — Why Lauren Started Hosting Events04:03 — Bad Event Experiences and What Was Missing08:02 — How to Make Guests Feel Seen and Supported11:10 — What Makes an Event Truly ImpactfulLet’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.

Maria Rojas did not set out to become a marketing agency owner. She began her career as an electrical engineer in Venezuela, certain of the path she was building. But when life changed and opportunity disappeared, Maria was forced to make a hard decision: leave everything familiar behind and start over in the United States.In this episode, Maria shares the reality of rebuilding from the ground up, from navigating life as an immigrant and taking jobs she never imagined doing, to discovering a deeper sense of gratitude, resilience, and purpose along the way. What began as survival eventually became something more: a business rooted in service, empathy, and helping small business owners feel supported as they grow.This is a conversation about identity, sacrifice, faith, and what it really takes to begin again when life does not go according to plan.Episode Highlights:Maria’s journey from electrical engineer to entrepreneurLeaving Venezuela and starting over in the United StatesHow hardship shaped her gratitude, faith, and resilienceBuilding a marketing agency rooted in empathy and serviceWhat it really takes to survive and grow as a business ownerChapters:00:00 — Welcome Maria Rojas02:14 — Maria’s engineering background09:17 — Leaving Venezuela and coming to the U.S.10:50 — The hard first year and starting over19:48 — Gratitude, money, and mindset28:49 — Moving through Florida, Michigan, and Indiana32:33 — Building Trace Marketing and growing the agencyConnect with Maria Rojas:Website - https://tresmarketing.net/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tresmarketingagency/Let’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.

When starting feels scary, it’s usually not a lack of talent—it’s a lack of trust.In this quick Business Chaser, Jessie from Big Time Publishing shares three powerful reminders to help you move forward when fear shows up:Trust the desire in your heart—it’s there for a reason.Choose to see it as possible and ask, “What would my next step be?”Trust your instinct to pivot—shifting direction isn’t failure, it’s alignment.If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing yourself, or waiting for certainty, this episode will help you take the first small step—and follow the nudges from there.Episode Highlights:3 reminders for when you’re afraid to start.Pivoting isn’t quitting.Chapters:00:03 Trust the desire of your heart01:10 Choose to see it as possible03:05 Trust your instinct to pivotConnect with Jessi Dunnagan:Instagram & TikTok: @bigtimepublishing and @especiallyjessiWebsite - bigtimepublishing.comResource library: https://app.heartbeat.chat/bigtimepublishing/invitation?code=233E3CLet’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.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Jessi Dunnagan—author and founder of Big Time Publishing—for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to follow the nudge, tell the truth, and create before you feel “ready.” Jessi shares how writing her first book started with a title in her head, became an unexpected kind of personal therapy, and ultimately turned into a business helping others stop sitting on the stories they’re carrying.Together, they talk about ditching the fear of being seen, why “failure” isn’t real if you keep going, how to protect your excitement by sharing wins with the right people, and why self-publishing can be one of the most empowering ways to own your story—without waiting for permission.If you’ve been holding a manuscript, a message, or a story you keep pushing off… this is your sign to start with the next sentence.Episode Highlights:Owning your story without waiting for permissionNot being afraid to be “mediocre” in public while you learnFollowing intuitive nudges that lead to the right next stepSelf-publishing as empowering, healing, and creatively freeingSharing wins with the right people and protecting your momentumChapters:00:01 — Meet Jessi + wearing many hats00:48 — Not afraid to be “mediocre” in public05:06 — When she knew she’d write a book10:27 — Why people don’t follow the nudge16:07 — Self-publishing: healing, empowering, no permission25:43 — Leaving corporate + building Big Time Publishing40:25 — Rapid fire: Hanson, skating, and owning your storyConnect with Jessi Dunnagan:Instagram & TikTok: @bigtimepublishing and @especiallyjessiWebsite - bigtimepublishing.comResource library: https://app.heartbeat.chat/bigtimepublishing/invitation?code=233E3CLet’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.

In this quick Business Chaser, Lauren breaks down what you actually need to know before running Meta ads—without the overwhelm. She shares why ads don’t magically fix a marketing problem, how they amplify what’s already working (and what isn’t), and what to have in place first: consistent content, cohesive branding, and a clear goal.You’ll hear a real client scenario (luxury, high-ticket services) and why expecting instant ROI—especially on a $5–$7/day budget—usually leads to frustration. Lauren walks you through a smarter approach for beginners: start by running ads to a freebie or email list, test multiple creatives, learn what resonates, and then scale into call-booking or paid offers. She also touches on retargeting, lookalike audiences, and the importance of a nurture sequence so your leads don’t go cold.If you’re ads-curious and want a simple, realistic roadmap to getting started, this episode will help you spend smarter and build momentum.Episode Highlights:Ads amplify what’s already working—so your content and branding need to be solid firstWhy $5–$7/day can work, but expecting instant ROI (especially for high-ticket offers) is unrealisticA beginner-friendly path: run ads to a freebie/email list, test creatives, then retarget and scaleChapters:00:00 — Intro + why Meta ads (and why now)02:10 — Before you run ads: content consistency + cohesive branding05:05 — The truth about ROI: testing costs + high-ticket expectations08:35 — Best first campaign: freebie/email list + nurture sequence12:10 — Next steps: retargeting/lookalikes + how to work togetherLet’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.

In this solo episode, Lauren shares the part of her cancer story that doesn’t get talked about enough: what happens after remission. Thirteen years cancer-free after surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice, she opens up about the mental weight of survivorship—scanxiety, follow-up tests, and living with a body that no longer feels fully predictable.Lauren reflects on the long-term effects of chemo and radiation, the constant cadence of appointments, and the emotional whiplash of “you’re fine now” when fear and grief still show up. She also speaks candidly about fertility, pregnancy loss, postpartum recovery, and how becoming a mother has intensified both her gratitude and her fear—because now there’s even more at stake.This is an honest, tender conversation about resilience, control, and learning to live in the in-between—when the battle isn’t cancer itself, but everything that lingers after.Episode Highlights:Thirteen years cancer-free after surviving Hodgkin’s lymphoma twiceWhy survivorship can feel harder than treatmentThe ongoing reality of lifelong screenings and follow-up careFertility, pregnancy loss, and the emotional toll of “my body failing me” againMotherhood after cancer and the fear of missing out on your child’s lifeChapters:00:01 — Why I’m sharing this solo update on survivorship04:42 — The support fades after remission (and what that feels like)09:24 — The lifelong test list: heart, thyroid, breast, skin, colon14:06 — Fertility preservation + the fear of trying to start a family18:42 — Chemical pregnancy + feeling like my body failed me again26:06 — Mammogram follow-ups, colon polyp, mole removal: the wake-up call35:34 — Motherhood, the “another baby” question, and honoring my bodyLet’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.

In this episode, Heather Miller breaks down the core of product thinking—and why you don’t need perfection to launch something successful. If you’re building from scratch or trying to scale a scrappy offer, app, or service, this is a practical guide to making smarter product decisions with less guessing.Heather explains what a “product” really is (hint: it’s the value engine of your business), then walks through the three essentials that lead to product-market fit: problem-market fit, solution-market fit, and business model fit. You’ll also learn why MVP should be treated as a Minimum Valuable Product, how to use iteration and feedback loops to improve faster, and why founders need to fall in love with the problem—not the solution.Plus, she shares three foundational steps any entrepreneur can take right now: define your top customer segment, clarify the core problem you solve and the simplest solution you offer, and track customer feedback before you scale.If you’re sitting on a product idea, this episode ends with a clear action step you can do today to validate demand and build something people actually want.Episode Highlights:The 3 fits you need for product-market fit: problem, solution, and business modelMVP redefined as “Minimum Valuable Product” and how it fuels fast learningA simple founder framework: define your top customer segment, clarify one core pain point, and track feedback before scalingChapters:00:00 — Welcome + what “product thinking” really means00:55 — Product-market fit: the 3 fits you actually need03:55 — MVP as “Minimum Valuable Product” (not perfection)05:05 — Feedback loops: talk to customers before/during/after06:20 — 3 steps for founders + the “call five people” action stepConnect with Heather Miller:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdrmconsulting/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermillerpdrm/Website - www.pdrmconsulting.comLet’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.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Heather Miller, a product management consultant and the CEO of PDRM Consulting—and what starts as a conversation about “products” quickly becomes something deeper.Heather takes us back to the version of her who was convinced she’d become a surgeon… until life rerouted her into software, product leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship. She shares what it really looks like to build a business from experience (not big-name logos), how she learned to trust her voice again after leaving corporate, and why confidence isn’t something you think your way into—it’s something you practice your way into.Together, Lauren and Heather talk about the quiet moments of doubt that every entrepreneur knows, the “God winks” that pull you forward when you’re unsure, and the difference between being customer-centric and saying yes to everything. Heather also opens up about executive presence, why it’s especially complex for women in tech, and the power of finding mentors who help you take up space before you feel ready.If you’ve ever questioned your path, your voice, or your timing—this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a nudge forward.Episode Highlights:Heather’s pivot from aspiring surgeon to product management leader—and why the mission to help people never changedWhat a fractional CPO actually does and how it supports founders and small teams without a full-time hireThe product mindset shift: being customer-centric doesn’t mean saying yes to everythingExecutive presence for women in tech—how to speak up, be heard, and lead in male-dominated roomsConfidence-building habits that work in real life: tracking wins, honoring rest, and using movement to reset and lead wellChapters:00:01 — Welcome + Meet Heather Miller, Product Management Consultant01:14 — From Future Surgeon to Product Management05:34 — What PDRM Consulting Stands For (and Why Risk Matters)07:12 — Why Fractional CPO Work Lit Her Up20:01 — What Clients Gain: MVPs, Roadmaps, and Clear Priorities26:38 — Executive Presence + The Mindset Shift (Stop Saying Yes to Everything)43:17 — What’s Next: Strategic Communications Course + Where to ConnectConnect with Heather Miller:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdrmconsulting/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermillerpdrm/Website - www.pdrmconsulting.comLet’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.

In this educational Business Over Cocktails episode, marketing strategist and community builder Michelle Thames breaks down a repeatable approach to community building and networking that helps entrepreneurs grow a magnetic personal brand and increase visibility online and in the room.You’ll learn how to choose the right networking events, connect with decision-makers, and make yourself memorable so relationships actually turn into opportunities. Michelle also shares what to do after the event—how to follow up, book coffee chats, connect on Instagram, and stay consistent with content so new connections become clients, collaborators, and community members. If you’ve been relying on social media alone, this episode gives you a practical networking strategy you can plug into your business immediately.Episode Highlights:A practical networking strategy to build community and grow a magnetic personal brandWhat to do before, during, and after events (follow-up + coffee chats that convert)How to leverage Instagram + consistent content to stay top of mind after meeting peopleChapters:00:01 — Why community building + networking are the foundation02:31 — Post-event strategy: coffee chats, tracking, and follow-up03:15 — Instagram as the networking connector + staying top of mind05:00 — Event content strategy + using ChatGPT for stories/reels06:05 — Finding the right events (Eventbrite/Meetup) + action planConnect with Michelle Thames:Website - http://www.michellethames.com/Let’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.

Michelle Thames went to work one day in 2016 and walked out fired from her healthcare compliance job. What felt like an ending became the pivot that changed everything.In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Michelle shares how she leaned on the blog she’d been building since 2009, taught herself marketing through real-world reps, and turned a career curveball into a thriving path as a marketing strategist, community builder, and boutique agency owner. We talk about what it really takes to build trust online, why relationship-based marketing still wins, and how intentional community building (especially through in-person events) can accelerate your visibility, confidence, and client growth faster than social media alone.You’ll also hear Michelle’s honest take on early business setbacks, boundaries with social media, and what it means to create a truly “magnetic” brand—one that attracts the right-fit people and opportunities. Plus, she shares details on her book, From Fired to Featured, a practical guide to personal branding with purpose.Episode Highlights:Michelle’s 2016 firing that sparked her entrepreneurial pivotFrom blogger to brand-builder: learning marketing through real experienceBehind the scenes of scaling fast in 2020 and choosing a boutique modelWhat “magnetic” means: attracting the right-fit people and protecting the roomWhy in-person community and intentional invitations sell out events fasterChapters:00:01 — Meet Michelle Thames + community-building vibe00:50 — 2016 layoff story: healthcare compliance to pivot02:55 — Falling back on her blog + landing MyAlle Organics04:51 — Starting the agency + shifting into community + events18:23 — Early setbacks: scaling in 2020, hiring, going boutique23:14 — “Magnetic” branding + curating the right room39:42 — Her book From Fired to Featured + closing + where to connectConnect with Michelle Thames:Website - http://www.michellethames.com/Let’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.

Dating doesn’t have to feel like a guessing game or a grind. In this Business Chaser episode, dating coach Lauren Fondriest shares a grounded, empowering framework for high-achieving women who are ready to shift from casual dating to consciously attracting a partner who matches their values, lifestyle, and ambitions.You’ll learn three actionable steps to approach dating with self-worth, clarity, and intention—starting with how you show up in your own life today. If you're done waiting to be chosen and ready to choose with purpose, this episode is your blueprint.Episode Highlights:The mindset shift from waiting to be chosen to choosing with purposeHow to embody relationship values before meeting your partnerBuilding self-worth as the foundation for conscious datingChapters:[00:00] Conscious Dating for Ambitious Women[00:40] Shifting from Casual to Intentional Dating[01:50] Step 1: Build a Rock Solid Sense of Self[03:00] Step 2: Get Clear on How You Want to Feel[04:00] Step 3: Embody Those Feelings DailyConnect with Lauren Fondriest:Connect with Lauren on Instagram: https://instagram.com/laurenfondriestLearn about dating coaching: https://laurenfondriest.com/Where do I meet quality, single men? - Get the ultimate guide to meeting quality single men - without collecting pen pals or settling for less than you deserve.Let’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 a high-achieving corporate coach realizes the deepest transformation she’s ever had wasn’t in the boardroom—but in her love life?In this soulful conversation, Lauren sits down with Lauren Fondriest, a leadership coach turned women's dating coach, to unpack the personal reckoning that shifted everything. From years of dating struggles and shrinking herself in relationships to building a business rooted in self-worth and conscious love, Lauren shares how peeling back layers of conditioning led her to a life—and career—she finally feels aligned with.They explore the quiet burnout ambitious women face in both love and leadership, the parallels between corporate coaching and romantic connection, and how learning to receive can change everything.If you’ve ever felt like you have to choose between being powerful and being loved, this episode is your reminder that you don’t.Episode Highlights:The journey from corporate leadership coaching to dating coachingWhy ambitious women often struggle in romantic relationshipsHow dating became a mirror for self-worth and healingThe importance of learning to receive love and supportBuilding a values-based, intentional dating frameworkChapters:[00:00] Origin Story: From Networking to Podcasting[00:40] Becoming a Coach: The Corporate to Coaching Path[03:00] Choosing Dating as a Niche[06:50] Leadership and Love: The Surprising Parallels[10:45] Who She Coaches: The High-Achieving Woman[20:45] Mindset Shifts for Dating with Self-Worth[32:15] Transformation Stories and Next-Level ConfidenceLet’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.

Think PR is only for celebrities and big brands? Think again.In this quick myth-busting episode, Lilian Sue breaks down the biggest misconception in public relations—and shares what you actually need to start building visibility through interviews and media features. No massive budget, no millions of followers—just clarity on your story, your goals, and your audience.Perfect for entrepreneurs who are ready to be seen, heard, and remembered.Episode Highlights:Why PR doesn’t require a massive audience or budgetThe story–goals–audience framework for visibilityHow interviews build long-term authorityChapters:00:01 – Busting the Celebrity PR Myth00:54 – What You Actually Need for PR Success02:07 – Setting Strategic PR Goals02:58 – Identifying Your True Audience03:57 – Measuring PR Impact Without a Big BudgetConnect with Lilian Sue:Website: www.inretrospectwritingservices.comIG: www.instagram.com/liliansueprcoach LI: www.linkedin.com/in/liliansueFB group: www.facebook.com/groups/bookedfeaturedpaid Let’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 story you’ve been hiding is the key to everything you’ve been working toward?In this deeply honest conversation, we explore the powerful intersection of creative storytelling, public visibility, and personal healing. Our guest Lilian Sue shares how a simple request—"Do you do PR?"—sparked a complete transformation from freelance copywriter to media authority amplifier.We talk about breaking generational silence, navigating the fear of being seen, and how to move from sanitized soundbites to soulful storytelling. There’s also a whole sidebar about horror movies, true crime, and why good storytelling haunts us—in the best way.This episode is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Why would anyone care about my story?” The answer might just surprise you.Episode Highlights:Why your story is your most powerful PR strategyNavigating entrepreneurship as a woman of colorLetting go of control to embrace visibilityThe unexpected link between horror films and storytellingTurning personal healing into public impactChapters:00:00 – Opening & Guest Introduction01:29 – Starting a Business from Necessity02:58 – Entering the World of PR07:49 – Discovering the Power of Storytelling11:45 – Falling in Love with Horror PR23:27 – Storytelling as Healing46:43 – Building Visibility Without a Big AudienceConnect with Lilian Sue:Website: www.inretrospectwritingservices.comIG: www.instagram.com/liliansueprcoach LI: www.linkedin.com/in/liliansueFB group: www.facebook.com/groups/bookedfeaturedpaid Let’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.

In this solo episode, music educator Cassie Williamson shares practical insights and real-life experiences from her work teaching students with disabilities. From adapting lessons for those with cerebral palsy and low motor function to working with blind, deaf, and non-verbal students, Cassie explores how music can be taught to every learner regardless of ability. Learn how she designs her own strategies, bridges the gap between music and speech therapy, and advocates for accessibility in an industry that often overlooks it. This episode is a powerful resource for educators, parents, and anyone who believes music is for everyone.Episode Highlights:Creative strategies for teaching music to students with disabilitiesHow Cassie blends music education with speech and motor therapy techniquesThe importance of advocacy and inclusive practices in music instructionChapters:00:00 – Why Music Should Be Accessible to Everyone01:40 – Teaching a Student with Cerebral Palsy to Sing03:35 – Music Lessons for Blind and Deaf Students05:50 – Advocating for Students Left Out in Public Schools07:55 – What Music Reveals About Memory, Focus, and AbilityConnect with Cassie Williamson:Website: www.calumet region fine arts studio.com IG: www.instagram.com/calumetregionfineartsstudioFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCTohMj3F/?mibextid=wwXIfrLet’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.

Cassie Williamson didn’t set out to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a music teacher but life had its own tempo. From teaching piano in her childhood home to launching a thriving music studio of her own, Cassie shares how music, patience, and purpose intertwined to shape a career she never saw coming. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to build a business rooted in impact, the quiet power of one-on-one teaching, and how life’s detours (including a spinal injury and temporary blindness) led her exactly where she needed to be. Whether you're a creative, a parent, or a teacher, this episode will remind you that every skill—and every story—has a deeper note to play.Episode Highlights:How Cassie built a waitlisted music studio from scratchWhy she left public education to follow her own pathThe role of patience in both teaching and entrepreneurshipCassie’s story of overcoming blindness during collegeThe impact of teaching music to differently abled studentsChapters:00:00 – The Unfiltered Start: Behind the Podcast Mic05:00 – Growing Up Surrounded by Music10:30 – The Injury That Changed Everything15:45 – Discovering the Power of Teaching and Special Education22:30 – What Makes Her Music Studio Different31:45 – Leaving Public Education to Build Her Own Business46:30 – Purpose, Resilience, and Redefining SuccessConnect with Cassie Williamson:Website: www.calumet region fine arts studio.com IG: www.instagram.com/calumetregionfineartsstudioFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DCTohMj3F/?mibextid=wwXIfrLet’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.

Feeling overwhelmed by wedding inspiration? In this episode, Nicole Krygsheld of Sweet Pea Designs shares a soulful, step-by-step process to help you cut through the noise and design a wedding that feels like you. From identifying how you want to feel on your day to building a mood board that guides every decision, Nicole offers a grounded and creative framework to bring your vision to life without the Pinterest chaos.Episode Highlights:How to define your wedding vision by focusing on emotionWhy mood boards are essential for aligned wedding designTips for choosing colors, textures, and inspiration intentionallyChapters:00:00 – Why Inspiration Overwhelm Happens01:20 – How to Emotionally Anchor Your Wedding Vision02:45 – Curating Intentional Inspiration04:40 – Choosing a Color Story That Reflects You07:00 – Building a Wedding Mood Board with PurposeConnect with Nicole Krygsheld:FacebookInstagramFlower WebsiteGift WebsiteWedding InquiryLet’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 motherhood, loss, and a pandemic collide? For Nicole Krygsheld, it sparked a quiet but powerful transformation. In this episode, Lauren sits down with the founder of Sweet Pea Designs to unpack how a childhood spent in a greenhouse planted the seeds for a dream that would bloom years later through postpartum depression, career pivots, and one life-changing backyard baby shower. Nicole shares the honest truth about starting a business from her basement while raising babies, how flowers became her form of healing, and why her shop is about more than pretty petals—it’s about presence, purpose, and perseverance.Episode Highlights:Growing up in a greenhouse and developing early work ethicNavigating postpartum depression and rediscovering purposeStarting a floral business from her basement during nap timeTransitioning from at-home business to storefront in Cedar LakeBalancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship with intentionChapters:00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction02:30 – Growing Up in a Greenhouse08:15 – Postpartum, Purpose & Pivoting14:45 – Starting Sweet Pea Designs at Home20:30 – Transition to a Cedar Lake Storefront28:10 – Balancing Business, Family & Identity35:50 – Flourishing Moments & Advice for MompreneursConnect with Nicole Krygsheld:FacebookInstagramFlower WebsiteGift WebsiteWedding InquiryLet’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 you’ve ever looked at your bank account and thought, “Great, I can pay myself,” without knowing what’s actually coming in or going out — this episode is for you. Jessica Wilson, founder of Design Ledgers, breaks down practical, beginner-friendly steps to get your business finances in order. From setting up a simple receipts system to choosing the right time to hire a bookkeeper, this episode gives you the foundational habits, routines, and mindset shifts to stay organized and reduce financial stress.Episode Highlights:Why your bank balance doesn’t reflect your true cash flowSimple bookkeeping routines to stay organized year-roundHow to decide between DIY bookkeeping and hiring helpChapters:[00:00] Why Your Bank Balance Is Misleading[01:30] The Basics of DIY Bookkeeping[03:45] Bookkeeping Support Without Monthly Retainers[06:00] Weekly and Monthly Money Routines That Work[08:30] Reducing Overwhelm and Getting Organized for Tax SeasonConnect with Jessica Wilson:Website: https://designedledgers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedledgers/Let’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.

Jessica Wilson grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, where “playing office” as a kid turned into a lifelong love for the numbers behind the scenes. In this episode, she shares how the women in her family taught her the power of bookkeeping, why financial clarity brings peace, and what it really means to hold space for business owners who feel overwhelmed by their finances. Whether you're scaling or just starting, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, steady, and ready to look at your numbers without fear.Episode Highlights:Jessica’s early exposure to entrepreneurship and how it shaped her love for bookkeepingThe generational wisdom passed down from the women in her familyWhy bookkeeping is more than numbers—it’s about trust, clarity, and peaceCommon misconceptions about bookkeepers (and why Jessica breaks the mold)The mindset shift every entrepreneur needs to build a healthier relationship with moneyChapters:[00:00] Meet Jessica: The Bookkeeper Who’s Anything But Boring[03:00] Childhood in the Office: Where It All Began[07:30] From College to Career: Building a Purpose-Driven Business[13:00] Shame, Money, and Why Numbers Feel So Personal[18:45] Misconceptions About Bookkeepers (And What We Actually Do)[25:00] Client Wins, AI Tools, and the Future of Financial Support[36:00] Building Confidence, Finding Peace, and Empowering OthersConnect with Jessica Wilson:Website: https://designedledgers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedledgers/Let’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.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Steph Rubio joins Lauren for a powerful after-hours chaser on what business strategy really means for women entrepreneurs. If you’ve been stuck doing all the things, spinning your wheels, and wondering why your business still feels off—this conversation is your wake-up call. We explore how to find clarity in business strategy, create mental space for big-picture thinking, and carve out daily habits that support growth without burnout.Steph shares how 30 minutes of intentional stillness each day helped her shift from survival mode into visionary mindset—and how you can do the same. From setting boundaries and communicating needs at home to trusting your business intuition, this episode is packed with mindset shifts and time management tips for solopreneur women who are ready to stop surviving and start leading.Episode Highlights:Redefining business strategy by starting with your “why”Creating daily mental space to spark clarity and creativityCommunicating needs and setting boundaries to support growthChapters:00:00 – The Missing Piece in Your Strategy: Understanding Your Why01:50 – From Survival Mode to Visionary Thinking03:30 – Creating Space: Daily Habits That Change Everything07:00 – Boundaries, Communication, and Leading Like a BossConnect with Steph Rubio:IG: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubioEmail: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnectLet’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 doing it all still doesn’t feel like enough? In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Steph Rubio shares the pivotal moment she realized her business wasn’t aligned with the life she actually wanted. From starting as a virtual assistant to stepping into her role as a strategic powerhouse, Steph takes us behind the scenes of the mindset shifts, self-belief breakthroughs, and strategic clarity that helped her move from surviving to truly leading. If you've ever felt trapped by your own business or unsure how to get from where you are to where you want to go, this conversation is your compass.Episode Highlights:The shift from survival mode to strategic leadershipWhy your business strategy must start with your “why”The power of auditing every area of your businessLetting go of shoulds and building a business that fits your lifeHow self-belief and clarity create unstoppable momentumChapters:00:00 – From VA to Strategy Unicorn: Steph’s Journey01:45 – Why Strategy Starts With Your “Why”04:00 – Cutting Through the Noise: Marketing That Makes Sense06:30 – The Turning Point: Belief, Mentorship, and Growth10:30 – What Makes a Unicorn: Seeing the Gaps Others Miss18:30 – Creating a Business That Supports Your Life25:00 – Planning Realistically: Vision, Strategy, and ActionConnect with Steph Rubio:IG: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubioEmail: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnectLet’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 hit that 3PM crash and reach for coffee or sugar? In this solo episode, Jenny Pena, national board-certified health and wellness coach, shares three simple, science-backed strategies to balance your blood sugar, boost energy, and reduce cravings—without extreme diets or burnout. Whether you're managing pre-diabetes or just want to feel better day to day, these tips are for you.Episode Highlights:How to build a balanced PFF mealThe power of short movement breaksUsing box breathing to manage stress and energyChapters:00:00 – Welcome & Blood Sugar Crash Overview02:27 – How to Build a Balanced PFF Meal04:47 – Movement, Mindset, and Managing StressConnect with Jenny Pena:Website - https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/ LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjenp   YouTube -  https://youtube.com/@coachjenp?si=NkGZP17FXbUdBHr9Let’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 a high-achieving finance executive hears the words “pre-diabetic” before turning 30? In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with Jenny Pena—now known as the Blood Sugar Bestie—to unpack the wake-up call that changed everything.Jenny shares her deeply personal journey from Wall Street stress to wellness coaching, how losing her grandmother to diabetes pushed her toward change, and why so many professionals miss the early signs. Together, they explore the emotional weight of health diagnoses, what it really takes to make lasting lifestyle changes, and why behavior change is more about mindset than rules.Whether you’re navigating your own health journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and grounded in what’s truly possible.Episode Highlights:Jenny’s unexpected diagnosis and how it led to a career pivotThe emotional impact of losing her grandmother to diabetesThe shift from dismissing symptoms to taking full ownership of her healthWhy sustainable lifestyle changes matter more than quick fixesClient transformation stories that go beyond weight lossChapters:00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction01:00 – Jenny’s Health Wake-Up Call10:55 – From Finance to Health Coaching19:30 – Coaching Style & Client Success31:48 – Reflections & Personal GrowthConnect with Jenny Pena: Website - https://www.jennypena.com  Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/coachjenp/  LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjenp   YouTube -  https://youtube.com/@coachjenp?si=NkGZP17FXbUdBHr9Let’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.

In this Business Chaser episode, money and mindset coach Deanna returns to break down why hustle culture is sabotaging your financial success—and how slowing down can actually accelerate your path to wealth. She shares powerful stories from clients who were hitting $12K months yet still felt burned out, and explains why building first-generational wealth requires more than just grinding harder.Deanna outlines simple, sustainable money mindset shifts—like paying yourself first, setting up auto-pay to savings and investments, and releasing guilt around spending. If you're tired of chasing money and feeling like your finances are still stuck, this episode offers real, practical guidance for building lasting financial freedom without burnout.Episode Highlights:Slaying hustle culture and embracing slower, sustainable growthWhy paying yourself first changes your financial futureThe mindset shift from chasing money to attracting opportunitiesPractical steps to assess spending and increase your incomeChapters:00:00  Slaying Hustle Culture in Business  02:30  Real Client Stories of Burnout and Breakthroughs  07:10  Practical Money Mindset Shifts  11:50  Financial Habits That Build Lasting Wealth  Connect with Deanna:Free Money Mindset Video Series Link: https://luckylovelife.kit.com/360dc70e6dFree Faith and Finance Workbook Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/faith-finance-reset-workbook/Financial FIXX (video audit) Link: https://luckylovelife-com.kit.com/products/financial-fixxStressed to Blessed Money Bootcamp Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/stressed-to-blessed-bootcamp/6 or 12 month 1:1 Application Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/apply/Let’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.

In this powerful episode, Lauren sits down with money mindset coach and financial mentor Deanna to unpack what it really takes to rewrite your money story. From navigating identity theft and single motherhood to building first-generational wealth, Deanna shares how deep mindset work—not just strategy—transformed her finances and her life.If you’ve ever felt stuck in generational money patterns, struggled with scarcity thinking, or questioned whether coaching could really help, this episode offers a raw, real look at how financial mentoring can lead to lasting change. We explore the difference between superficial mindset hacks and true transformation, and why putting your savings first (even when it feels impossible) is a game-changer.You’ll walk away with practical insights into how financial coaching works, what to expect in one-to-one mentorship, and the mindset shifts that can create real financial freedom—no matter where you're starting.Episode Highlights:Deanna shares how hitting rock bottom—including identity theft, single motherhood, and business collapse—led her to completely rewrite her money mindset.The surprising truth about why traditional money advice fails—and what actually works when you're stuck in survival mode.Why putting your savings first (even if it's $5) can radically shift your financial reality and emotional relationship with money.How deep, no-fluff coaching helped Deanna break generational money patterns and teach her kids a new narrative around wealth and self-worth.Chapters:00:00  Welcome + Money Mindset Introduction  05:00  Getting Personal: Resilience, Family & Identity  12:00  Defining Rock Bottom + Turning Point  20:00  Mindset Work & Financial Transformation  30:00  Coaching, Sustainability & Wrap‑UpConnect with Deanna:Free Money Mindset Video Series Link: https://luckylovelife.kit.com/360dc70e6dFree Faith and Finance Workbook Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/faith-finance-reset-workbook/Financial FIXX (video audit) Link: https://luckylovelife-com.kit.com/products/financial-fixxStressed to Blessed Money Bootcamp Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/stressed-to-blessed-bootcamp/6 or 12 month 1:1 Application Link: https://www.luckylovelife.com/apply/Let’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 mean to take ownership of your numbers? In this episode, Julie Hankins—a fractional CFO and financial strategist—joins me to break down how to get clear on your finances without losing your values, vision, or energy.We talk about how to overcome fear of your numbers as a small business owner, when it’s time to hire a bookkeeper or financial help, and why outsourcing financial tasks doesn’t mean giving up control. Julie shares the mindset shifts and practical financial strategies that have helped creative entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses aligned with their personal goals.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your finances or unsure how to make data-driven decisions, this is your invitation to reframe your relationship with money and build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.Episode Highlights:Taking ownership of your numbers without doing it all yourselfAligning business finances with personal goals and valuesKnowing when to outsource and how to retain strategic controlChapters:00:00 | Intro & Why Numbers Matter02:00 | Owning Your Numbers vs. Outsourcing05:00  | Value of Hiring Experts & Protecting Your Time07:30 | Clarity on Goals & Business Vision10:30  | Mindset, Alignment & Next StepsConnect with Julie Hankins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/Website:  https://www.juliehankins.comLet’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 try to walk away from the thing you’re best at? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Julie Hankins, a financial strategist who once ran from the numbers—only to realize they were her true path to freedom, impact, and alignment.We talk about the evolution from traditional accounting to becoming a fractional CFO, how data can unlock smarter decisions, and why understanding your numbers is one of the most empowering things you can do as a business owner.Whether you’re creative, analytical, or somewhere in between, this episode will shift how you view money, decision-making, and the role finance plays in building a values-driven business.Episode Highlights:Fractional CFO vs. bookkeeper: what's the real differenceHow to use financial data for business growthMoney mindset struggles and entrepreneurial identityWhy every founder needs financial clarityAligning business goals with personal financial freedomChapters:00:00 — Behind the Mic: Starting the Conversation01:58 — Falling in Love With Numbers07:06 — From Bookkeeper to Financial Strategist15:08 — What Founders Get Wrong About Finances29:44 — Money, Intuition, and DeservingnessConnect with Julie Hankins:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliehankinsco/Website:  https://www.juliehankins.comLet’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.

In this solo episode, Lauren Najar takes you behind the scenes of how she curates meaningful, intimate business events and retreats. From selecting a private venue and planning a dinner party with intention to crafting themes that create emotional impact, Lauren shares the real strategy behind hosting in-person events that connect, inspire, and leave your guests feeling seen and supported. Whether you're planning a retreat, workshop, or intimate dinner for business owners, this episode dives deep into the art of event planning with purpose. Perfect for creatives, coaches, and consultants looking to elevate their event experiences in 2026 and beyond.Episode Highlights:Why emotional impact matters more than logistics in event planningThe importance of curating guest lists and personalized experiencesHow to align event themes with seasons, goals, and business energyChapters:Welcome & Episode Intention – 00:01Why I Started Hosting Events – 02:26Designing Events with Emotional Depth – 04:49Logistics vs. Vision: What Really Matters – 07:08Themes, Personalization & Retreat Preview – 11:44Let’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.

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, host Lauren Najar pulls back the curtain on the systems, tools, and routines that help her run multiple businesses while managing motherhood. Joined by guest host Logan Montague, Lauren shares how she uses ClickUp for business and life organization, why HoneyBook is essential for client management, and how outsourcing helped her scale sustainably. They discuss decision fatigue, intuitive content creation, setting up systems as a CEO mom, and when it’s the right time to hire help. If you’re a female entrepreneur juggling business and personal life, this episode is packed with insights on simplifying, scaling, and thriving.Episode Highlights:Using ClickUp to streamline business and personal lifeOutsourcing tasks to scale sustainably as a CEOBalancing motherhood with entrepreneurshipSimplifying content creation through intuitionRecognizing when systems or support are needed to growChapters:Intro & Episode Setup – 00:00Why Systems Matter – 03:40ClickUp, HoneyBook & Streamlining Tools – 06:44Content Creation & Delegation – 07:47Life Systems, Routines & Family Support – 11:53Simplifying Food, Health & Decision Fatigue – 19:51Outsourcing & Knowing When to Hire – 34:28Connect with Logan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socially.loganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-montague-mba-437701b6/FREEBIE: Balanced Business Blueprint https://businessbffacademy.myflodesk.com/balancedbusinessblueprintWebsite: www.yourmarketingbffs.comLet’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.

In this heartfelt episode, Jessica Garcia-Wood—co-founder of Little Hearts Play Cafe—shares her powerful story of navigating postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety during an unplanned pregnancy while serving in the military. She opens up about the emotional toll, intrusive thoughts, and the disconnect she felt as a new mom, and how support from her care team, family, and community helped her heal. Jessica also reflects on leaving the military, moving back to Northwest Indiana, and launching a family-focused indoor playground. This conversation breaks the silence around maternal mental health, breastfeeding struggles, and the realities of motherhood beyond social media.Episode Highlights:Navigating postpartum depression and anxiety during military serviceThe emotional impact of an unplanned pregnancy and early motherhoodLaunching Little Hearts Play Cafe as a path to healing and purposeChapters:Discovering Pregnancy During Military Deployment 00:00Struggling with Postpartum Depression and Disconnection 02:24Newborn Challenges, Breastfeeding, and Sleep Deprivation 04:37Seeking Help, Leaving the Military, and Returning Home 06:01Opening Little Hearts Play Cafe and Sharing Her Story 08:01Connect with Jessica Wood:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehartsplaycafe/Website: https://littlehartsplaycafe.com/homeEmail: [email protected]’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.

When Jessica Garcia-Wood moved back to Northwest Indiana after serving as an ER nurse in the Air Force, she didn’t expect motherhood to feel so lonely—even surrounded by family. That quiet ache became the seed for Little Hearts Play Café, a space designed to bring parents and kids together in the earliest, most isolating stages of parenting.In this heart-forward conversation, Jessica shares how postpartum depression shaped her vision, how the military unexpectedly taught her to lead, and what it’s really like running a business with her husband. We talk about identity, first-generation ambition, and the courage to build what’s missing.This one’s for the moms, the dreamers, and anyone learning to create from the hard parts of life.Episode Highlights:Jessica’s journey from Air Force ER nurse to play café founderThe emotional and logistical roots of starting a business as a momNavigating marriage and entrepreneurship as co-foundersThe role of family, identity, and cultural background in her storyBuilding a space for connection during postpartum isolationChapters:00:00 – Introduction & meeting Jessica02:30 – From Air Force ER nurse to entrepreneur06:15 – The spark: postpartum, isolation & business idea10:00 – Launching a play café and building connection15:00 – Running a business with your spouse: realities20:00 – Balancing motherhood, nursing career & business25:00 – Reflections, advice & next stepsConnect with Jessica Wood:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlehartsplaycafe/Website: https://littlehartsplaycafe.com/homeEmail: [email protected]’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.

In high-pressure careers—whether you're in healthcare, leadership, or running your own business—boundaries are often mistaken for weakness or a lack of commitment. In this episode, Dr. Santina Wheat breaks down why the opposite is true. You'll learn why excellence requires boundaries, how to recognize leaky boundaries in your day-to-day work, and the key shifts that can help you avoid burnout without sacrificing performance.Dr. Wheat offers practical tools for identifying your current capacity, communicating more clearly, and creating sustainable practices that protect your time, energy, and focus. Whether you're a physician, team leader, or entrepreneur, this episode will help you understand that boundaries aren’t barriers—they’re the foundation for long-term success.Episode Highlights:Why boundaries are essential for true excellenceHow leaky boundaries lead to burnoutSmall, practical steps to protect your capacityChapters:Redefining Boundaries as a Strength — 00:45Excellence vs. Availability — 04:02When Boundaries Leak into Burnout — 05:473 Practical Steps to Start Today — 07:40Connect with Dr. Santina Wheat:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtinawheat/Free 7-Day Boundaries challenge: https://www.subscribepage.io/3bXosNoBoundaries Workshop https://burnouttobalanced.my.canva.site/boundaries-that-stickWebsite: www.santinawheat.comMini Course - https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/183137Let’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.

Dr. Santina Wheat knew how to show up for everyone—her patients, her learners, her family. But somewhere along the way, she stopped showing up for herself. In this episode, we unpack the quiet descent into burnout, the invisible pressure on high performers to always say yes, and the breaking point that changed everything. From working through a miscarriage to ignoring her own capacity in the name of service, Santina’s story isn’t just about medicine—it’s about boundaries, people-pleasing, and reclaiming your soul’s purpose.If you’ve ever felt like hard work is the only way to prove your worth, or that saying “no” comes with guilt, this conversation will land deeply. We also explore how Do Not Disturb mode became a radical act of self-care—and why burnout isn’t just a healthcare problem, but a culture-wide one.Episode Highlights:Getting into medicine and discovering early purposeExperiencing burnout as a healthcare professional and momWhy boundaries feel impossible for high performersThe small boundary shift that changed everythingHow to recognize burnout before it takes overChapters:Why I Became a Doctor — 01:08The Silent Build-Up to Burnout — 03:43When Boundaries Feel Impossible — 13:49A Miscarriage, a Moment, a Wake-Up Call — 11:44The Smallest Boundary That Changed Everything — 20:53How to Spot Burnout Before It Breaks You — 32:45Connect with Dr. Santina Wheat:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtinawheat/Free 7-Day Boundaries challenge: https://www.subscribepage.io/3bXosNoBoundaries workshop https://burnouttobalanced.my.canva.site/boundaries-that-stickWebsite: www.santinawheat.comMini Course - https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/183137Let’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.

Think social media is optional? Think again. In this episode, social media strategist Brittany Good joins Business Over Cocktails to bust the most common myths holding small business owners back online. From the power of visual storytelling to why your Instagram is your new storefront, this conversation breaks down what actually drives sales and what doesn’t. You’ll learn how to audit your own profile, create connections through content, and build trust without chasing trends.Episode Highlights:The biggest myths small business owners believe about social mediaWhy your Instagram profile functions as a second storefrontThe difference between going viral and gaining real leadsHow to quickly audit your social media for clarity and trustSimple strategies to show up authentically without burning outChapters:00:00 – Busting Social Media Myths01:45 – Turning Your Instagram Into a Storefront06:10 – Building Trust & Creating Authentic ContentConnect with Brittany Good:Website: www.sociallygood.net Book a call: https://sociallygood.hbportal.co/public/68825d8140502e00193bfe82/1-Schedule_an_intro_callPortfolio: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG0AjIAbws/CEM3GFqT4-h3k_ascQGUUA/view?utm_content=DAG0AjIAbws&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h33730512ad&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnx7ozR1AIkTIwuSMCUFQPVPt5IC0hhLuc76VtIh_XHXBUFQ57LDhXCXWTqVU_aem_yEIfE4jB8LoycNRnyXccQgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.socially.good/Let’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 Instagram post could change the course of your life?In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Brittany Good, CEO and founder of Socially Good, to trace the unexpected journey from a personal growth challenge to a thriving social media business. What began as a simple post during a social media challenge evolved into real-life connections, local partnerships, and a brand rooted in community.Brittany shares how showing up online led to showing up in person — and how building trust, creating content, and leaning into her strengths helped her turn influence into income. This is a story about permission, pivots, and the power of being seen.If you've ever wondered how something small can grow into something sustainable — this one’s for you.Episode Highlights:Starting a business through documenting personal growthTransitioning from influencer to social media CEOThe power of local connections and in-person strategyLetting go of imposter syndrome and trusting your pathBalancing creativity with client boundaries and business growthChapters:00:00 – Opening & Introducing the Guest02:19 – The Origin Story of Socially Good08:32 – From Influencing to Full-Time Social Media20:10 – Confidence, Doubt & Owning Your Worth26:12 – Why Local Business Is at the Heart of It AllConnect with Brittany Good:Website: www.sociallygood.net Book a call: https://sociallygood.hbportal.co/public/68825d8140502e00193bfe82/1-Schedule_an_intro_callPortfolio:https://www.canva.com/design/DAG0AjIAbws/CEM3GFqT4-h3k_ascQGUUA/view?utm_content=DAG0AjIAbws&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h33730512ad&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnx7ozR1AIkTIwuSMCUFQPVPt5IC0hhLuc76VtIh_XHXBUFQ57LDhXCXWTqVU_aem_yEIfE4jB8LoycNRnyXccQgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.socially.good/Let’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.