Good Ideas + Bad Decisions

In this mini-episode of “Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,” Kat and Ellen dive into the topic of discovery calls and networking. Kat walks through her approach of offering a single free 30-minute call for prospective clients, collaborators, and general connections alike. Kat and Ellen address client fit, barters and trades, and keeping up a connection. The episode also explores the value of maintaining boundaries, being intentional about how time is given, and keeping follow-up communication clear and straightforward.Don't forget to⁠ submit your business questions⁠ for future episodes! Kat is the Founder of kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.

In this episode of ‘Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,’ Kat and Ellen talk with Natasha Golinsky, who built a web development agency by hiring a developer despite having no web experience herself. After a stage two breast cancer diagnosis in 2024, she onboarded a trusted former client as project manager, freeing her to focus on business development. Natasha now pursues thought leadership around trauma-informed leadership for female founders, using nervous-system work to overcome personal blocks. She offers her wisdom on entrepreneurship and healing as well as specific advice on how and why to delegate. Natasha Golinsky has spent over a decade as CEO of On Purpose Projects, a full-stack web development agency. When she returned after chemo, her team was thriving without her, and she finally stepped into what she'd been doing behind the scenes for years. Natasha spent years learning somatic healing and nervous system regulation, tools she'd shared with peers for years before cancer gave her the space to do it professionally. Through her company Never Launch on a Friday, she works with female agency owners and service-based founders on the inner work that strategy alone can't fix. She used to support the web project. Now she supports the woman behind the business.Kat is the Founder of kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.00:00 Podcast Welcome01:15 Meet The Guest01:56 Coffee And Anxiety02:40 First Espresso Story04:52 Agency Origin Story06:51 Cancer Diagnosis Shock07:58 Emergency Team Handoff09:56 Returning To Work11:18 New Path After Ops13:47 Trauma Informed Leadership15:44 Content Creation Breakthrough20:51 Human Design And Community24:18 Human Design Validation24:34 Weekly Structure Planning25:51 Hunter vs Farmer Marketing28:18 Delegation and Team Fit31:16 Simple Systems That Stick34:23 Vision Board and Next Moves37:03 Selling the Agency Soon39:00 Planning in Uncertain Times42:58 Final Wisdom on Healing

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' Kat and Ellen catch up on Ellen’s recent London trip, where she visited a friend who works at the British Museum, and Kat shares she’s heading to a women’s business retreat in Point Reyes where she’ll lead a workshop on flexible business systems. They then discuss how they handle being out of office: evolving boundaries over time, communicating availability case by case with clients, relying on standard boundaries (like not replying on certain days), remembering most issues aren’t true emergencies, and taking real breaks to avoid burnout.Don't forget to⁠ submit your business questions⁠ for future episodes! Kat is the Founder of kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.

In this episode of ‘Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,’ Kat and Ellen talk with Lauren Most, founder of Mirror Mirror and former Chief People Officer and Fortune 10 Executive, holding HR leadership positions at GE and Walmart. She shares how imposter syndrome and emotional self-abandonment led her to leave corporate leadership and build a coaching practice for high achievers. Lauren explores “invisible rules,” unconscious beliefs, and why traditional therapy often falls short, outlining her somatic and narrative-based approach to helping clients shift patterns and expand capacity. The episode closes with a reminder that we have more agency than we think and growth starts by looking forward, not back.Lauren Most is an executive advisor and founder of Mirror Mirror, an advisory practice focused on helping senior leaders improve decision-making, performance, and leadership under complexity. With over 15 years of experience in high-growth and Fortune 10 environments, she has served as a Chief People Officer and held leadership roles at companies including GE, Walmart, and Roivant Sciences. Lauren specializes in helping high-achieving leaders build sustainable, capacity-driven performance through systems-level thinking and behavioral science.Kat is the Founder of kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.00:00 Check-in & guest introduction02:00 Lauren's background and what Mirror Mirror coaching does06:00 Shared experiences: intuition, social-emotional learning, imposter syndrome09:26 Self-sacrifice, self-abandonment & what therapy couldn't fix13:00 Invisible rules, culture & looking outside ourselves18:33 Human Design, Reflectors & the name "Mirror Mirror"24:38 The leap: leaving corporate & founding the business29:22 Coaching methodology: the 99%, beliefs as roots & modalities37:45 Stories, states, burnout & growing capacity51:56 Parting wisdom & where to find Lauren

In this mini-episode of “Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,” Ellen and Kat catch up on personal updates and discuss tips for hosting effective workshops or classes online or in person. They note many service-based businesses feel pressure to create workshops or “evergreen” courses as alternative income, but underestimate the time and energy required and the challenge of filling the room. They emphasize building workshops around genuine expertise, clear value, and real audience demand, and suggest partnering with existing communities or events to reduce risk. Kat shares she’s preparing to lead an in-person workshop at a Point Reyes retreat and is adapting her creative operations content for broader business owners. Don't forget to⁠ submit your business questions⁠ for future episodes! Kat is the Founder of  kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.

Kat and Ellen kick off season two of ‘Good Ideas + Bad Decisions’ with PR strategist KJ Blattenbauer, founder of Hearsay PR, who makes a bold case that real PR should cost you nothing because earned media means borrowing audiences, not buying them. KJ breaks down how to spot red flags when vetting PR help (run from anyone promising guaranteed placements) and why a business without clarity or operational readiness isn't PR-ready yet. Drawing from an accidental start in crisis communications, she shares the winding path that led her to entrepreneurship and building her own agency. KJ closes with advice to get clear on what you want to be known for and where your audience is, and protect your mornings from tech.KJ Blattenbauer is a publicist and brand strategist with nearly three decades of experience helping founders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders move from respected to widely recognized. As the founder of Hearsay PR, she specializes in shaping clear narratives the media actually wants to tell, with a track record spanning consumer brands, sports, and crisis communications, placing clients in Forbes, Architectural Digest, Inc., Fast Company, and beyond. She is the two-time bestselling author of Pitchworthy and Pitchworthy: The Workbook, and her own insights have been featured across business, lifestyle, and design media.Kat is the Founder of kat&co, a Creative Operations Consultant, and the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Benchwork Fabrication. She helps interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, ⁠The Quiet Wins⁠.00:00 Podcast Welcome00:47 Season Two Kickoff01:53 Meet KJ Blattenbauer02:40 PR For Anyone03:48 Astronaut PR Explained04:57 Pay To Play Exposed07:18 Free PR Channels10:18 Choosing A Publicist12:29 PR Myths And Red Flags16:42 When PR Makes Sense20:09 KJ Origin Story21:36 Clarity Drives Recognition22:07 Small Town Reputation Lessons23:17 Why Some Stars Stick23:49 Breaking Into PR25:12 Crisis to Wellness Pivot26:02 Leaping Into Entrepreneurship27:01 Mob Wife Loyalty Mindset28:01 Fear, Regret, and Taking Risks30:18 Doing It for Younger You33:42 Two Books and Daily Routine39:31 Protect Your First Hour42:45 Parting PR Advice and Wrap

In this mini-episode of “Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,” Ellen and Kat share business updates, including their Thursday recording rhythm and a shout-out to Cereal Dreams ahead of market season. Ellen also books a library room to catch up after a hectic few weeks. Kat announces a new venture, Benchwork Fabrication, a custom furniture and millwork company she’s co-founding, and walks through early steps like securing shop space, building a website, creating sales materials, and setting up the business structure and partnership agreement.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! Kat is the Founder of kat&co and a Creative Operations Consultant, helping interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, The Quiet Wins.

In this special episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen celebrate their one-year anniversary by reflecting on how they launched the show from opposite coasts, never having met in person, and figured it out as they went. They cover their evolving workflow, hiring an assistant, and why they chose long-form conversation over social media, with a recurring theme of starting before you're ready. They also revisit early nerves, growth as co-hosts, and season two plans including YouTube, Substack, and guest ads, closing with words of wisdom from one year as podcasters.Kat is the Founder of kat&co and a Creative Operations Consultant, helping interior designers and creatives turn ideas into streamlined, sustainable businesses. With a background in psychology and deep experience in creative business operations, she’s known for navigating the intersection of creativity and systems with both strategy and empathy. Join her newsletter, The kat&co Download.Ellen Hockley is a three-time entrepreneur, small business consultant, community builder, and the founder of Ellen Hockley Consulting and SAGE Women. She guides female founders to build intuitive, values-driven businesses aligned with the life they want for themselves and their families. Join her Substack newsletter, The Quiet Wins.00:00 Podcast Welcome01:06 One Year Milestone03:31 Why We Started The Podcast07:19 Remote Partnership08:54 Tools And Workflow12:09 Learning As You Go13:59 First Publish Nerves17:52 Sticking With It21:23 Sharing And Listeners25:37 Hosting Growth Lessons27:38 Authentic Flow and Timing29:48 No Script Guest Format31:09 Co Hosting Chemistry34:45 Moments That Stuck36:51 Coffee Chats Come Back40:14 Editing Help and Systems43:52 Do It Differently Next Time46:27 Season Two Experiments50:42 Parting Words of Wisdom53:53 Season Two Send Off

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat recap their weekends on a tired Monday after the time change, including a trip to see Spamalot,  and they encourage supporting local theater. They discuss recalibrating when Q1 results don't match projections. Kat skips rigid quarterly planning, instead protecting her time (no meetings Mondays/Fridays) and helping clients pinpoint what's driving resentment or stagnation. Ellen is excited about new offerings but worried about client growth while managing caregiving. Kat advises clarifying your ICP, defining success on your own terms, and avoiding urgency-driven marketing that makes business owners feel like they're failing. Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of ‘Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,’ hosts Kat and Ellen talk to Carrie Sporer, co-founder of SWAIR, a clean, non-aerosol “showerless shampoo” created to work on very sweaty hair with no residue after she and her co-founder Meredith struggled with constant hair washing during marathon training. Carrie shares her shift from luxury accessories sales and operations into product entrepreneurship, how they found a nearby manufacturer willing to develop a custom formula, and the 11-month development process plus early formula and label iterations. She discusses building a mostly bootstrapped business with $75,000 in angel funding, using a 3PL from day one, later switching 3PLs, and relying on freelancers while Meredith keeps a full-time job. Carrie also covers expanding from a hero product to a brand with a leave-in conditioner and a 60-second pre-wash hair mask, handling negative reviews through customer education, and her advice to founders: ask questions and find partners who welcome them.Carrie Sporer is the co-founder of SWAIR, a clean haircare brand for active people best known for its Showerless Shampoo — a first-of-its-kind formula that removes sweat and oil without suds, rinsing, or a blow dry. A Penn graduate with a background in luxury fashion sales, she launched SWAIR in 2020 with co-founder Meredith Krill after the two couldn't find a product that solved their shared post-workout hair frustration, and set out to make it themselves.Kat is the Owner + Operator of kat&co and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!Ellen is the Owner of Ellen Hockley Consulting and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast01:12 Meet Carrie and SWAIR03:30 From Running to Product Idea04:19 Marathon Life as Parents06:41 Finding the Right Lab10:39 Clean Formula and Hair Talk11:41 Packaging and Fulfillment Setup15:01 Bootstrapping and Angel Money16:51 Co-Founder Boundaries and Agreements19:42 Founder Time and Sanity Checks21:27 Why Legal Framework Matters21:38 Partnership Agreements Matter22:59 Contracts Protect Everyone24:31 When Agreements Save Friendships25:43 From Hero to Brand26:25 Leave In Conditioner Benefits27:00 60 Second Speed Mask29:17 Handling Negative Reviews30:50 Fixing Product Education34:14 3PL Logistics Switch35:26 Future Product Roadmap37:41 Founder Superpower Questions39:29 Outsider Mindset Imposter Syndrome40:44 Where to Find Swear41:22 Final Thanks and Sign Off42:03 Podcast Outro and CTA

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat reunite after a month apart to recap a hectic February marked by dark winter weather, travel disruptions, and family chaos. Ellen shares launching a Substack, redesigning and relaunching her client offerings with help from her VA, managing sick kids, and getting stranded in Dallas during a blizzard, including a stressful aquarium meltdown with her children. Kat describes weeks of nonstop California rain leading to black mold issues, a busy month with a spa visit and an Ohio install, and Valentine’s Day gifts including at-home blood typing kits and a blind wine tasting workshop that felt unexpectedly stuffy. Recording while Ellen is on a jury duty lunch break, they answer a business question about where they do their best work, citing airplanes, airport lounges, libraries, cars, and even hospitals.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome Nadya Pierre, a fractional HR consulting expert and founder of Soleo Strategies. Together they dive into the complexities of running a business, focusing on the crucial aspects of HR for early-stage startups. The discussion covers the importance of setting up people systems, the challenges of hiring the right talent, and how company culture impacts business outcomes. Nadya shares her personal journey, the significance of having a supportive community, and offers practical advice on managing multiple clients while maintaining work-life balance. Tune in for valuable insights on entrepreneurship, mental health, and the rewarding chaos of making your own path.Nadya Pierre is the founder of Soleo Strategies, partnering with tech, biotech, and AI founders to build scalable leadership, culture, and talent programs. With over a decade leading people operations and human resources from seed through Series B, she specializes in designing inclusive, high-performance cultures and coaching leaders through growth. SHRM-SCP certified and a Bridges Method executive coach, Nadya believes that leading with intention and kindness creates the conditions for lasting success.Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions01:08 Meet Our Guest: Nadya Pierre02:44 Nadya's Journey and Business Insights04:38 Challenges in Hiring and HR12:11 Navigating the Job Market19:59 Scaling Your Business26:48 Setting Goals for the New Year27:38 Balancing Work and Family Time29:35 Managing ADHD and Productivity Tools32:15 Time Management Strategies33:38 Focus Tools and Techniques44:20 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' the hosts discuss their recent activities, including TV show recommendations and an in-depth look at their business strategies. Ellen shares her structured approach to planning with her husband, touching on their detailed annual meetings. The conversation shifts to 'woo woo' elements as both hosts delve into their experiences with tarot readings, human design, and astrology, exploring how these tools influence their professional and personal lives. Their discussion highlights the importance of self-awareness and alignment in business and life.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen sit down with Ronniesha Rivera, the owner of Vetted By Design and founder of Alder and Stone. Ronniesha shares her journey from interior designer to business community builder, discussing the challenges of managing multiple enterprises, the importance of trustworthy outsourcing, and the need for authentic connections within the design industry. The conversation covers the intricacies of running a business while balancing personal life and parenthood. Ronniesha also gives insights into her passion for curating a supportive professional community and talks about the value of day-blocking for productivity. The episode concludes with Ronniesha's words of wisdom for entrepreneurs: keep going and see your vision through, emphasizing persistence and dedication.Ronniesha Rivera is the founder and CEO of Vetted By Design, a centralized platform she created to help interior designers easily connect with vetted industry professionals. She also owns and operates Alder and Stone, a full-service interior design studio specializing in mountain homes for active families, a passion influenced by her upbringing in Washington's Pacific Northwest surrounded by natural beauty. Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions01:17 Meet Our Guest: Ronniesha Rivera02:34 Ronniesha's Journey: From Interior Design to Vetted by Design03:56 The Challenges of Running Multiple Businesses06:13 The Birth of Vetted by Design10:42 The Importance of Community and Trust15:31 Navigating Business and Personal Life19:08 The Struggles and Rewards of Entrepreneurship23:54 The Unique Value of Vetted by Design26:19 Embracing Fluidity in Business and Life27:38 Finding Community and Fulfillment28:52 Understanding the Vetted Platform30:53 Balancing Multiple Ventures33:33 The Importance of Outsourcing39:54 Technical vs. Creative Aspects of Design44:35 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' the hosts dive into their daily business experiences while navigating personal and professional challenges. They discuss holiday gifting, sharing ideas and plans for client gifts, family traditions, and the stress of finding thoughtful presents. The conversation then shifts to the importance of delegation in business operations. Ellen and Kat explore their own struggles and strategies for effectively delegating tasks to assistants and team members to help scale their businesses. With insights on hiring practices, financial considerations, and the value of networking for finding reliable help, this episode is a frank and relatable discussion for small business owners.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! Kat is the Owner + Operator of  Kat&Co and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!Ellen is the Owner of Ellen Hockley Consulting and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome Meg Davis, the founder of Explorable Places. They discuss their journeys in entrepreneurship, managing business operations, and the importance of adaptability. Meg shares her experiences of starting a SaaS business that helps teachers book educational field trips, her approach to scaling, and how she balances client relationships. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of running a small business, mental health in entrepreneurship, and the significance of customer service skills. Tune in for an insightful conversation on making good ideas and bad decisions work in the world of business.Meg Davis is a community leader and entrepreneur who founded Explorable Places in 2015 after years of teaching. She identified a gap in how field trip venues like museums and libraries connect with schools and community organizations. Her platform streamlines the planning process and helps teachers find engaging field-based and virtual learning opportunities that align with their curriculum. She co-founded SAGE with Ellen Hockley. Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions01:06 Meet Our Special Guest: Meg Davis02:35 Explorable Places: The Journey Begins04:38 Challenges and Growth in Entrepreneurship10:37 Balancing Life and Business20:05 Teaching Kids About Money and Responsibility24:26 Future Plans and Aspirations25:34 Pandemic Challenges and Adaptations27:01 Sales Strategies and Overcoming Rejection28:27 Client Relationships and Business Growth33:21 Understanding Client Needs39:31 Personal Stories and Business Insights45:19 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this "Coffee Chats with Ellen + Kat", Ellen and Kat share updates on their holiday experiences and discuss their plans for the new year. They talk about their busy holiday schedules, the challenges of dealing with illness, and the freezing winter weather. The hosts delve into their business goals, including better delegation, sustainable growth, and achieving balance. They also touch on the importance of mindfulness and being present in different aspects of life. Tune in to hear their exciting plans for the year and learn from their candid reflections and insights.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Renee Lynn Frojo, owner of a storytelling brand and marketing consultancy firm, A Good Reputation. The discussion revolves around the challenges and chaotic beauty of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in branding. Renee shares her journey from journalism to marketing, illustrating how storytelling can connect people and build authentic brands. The conversation covers the evolution of business models, the significance of community and retreats, and practical advice for navigating business uncertainties. Insights include the necessity of telling difficult stories, the process of branding, and the value of persistence and experimentation in finding the right business approach.Renee Lynn Frojo is a storytelling strategist with over 20 years of experience in journalism, marketing, and the creator economy. Over the course of her career, she profiled San Francisco's startups, small businesses, and influential leaders while building her own food blog and motherhood magazine. Now, Renee runs A Good Reputation, helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs craft narratives that build loyal communities who don't just want what they offer, but love what they stand for.Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions00:43 Post-Thanksgiving Catch-Up01:37 Introducing Renee Lynn Frojo03:11 The Power of Storytelling in Branding07:16 From Journalism to Branding12:40 The Journey of Building a Brand16:17 Challenges and Strategies in Business23:49 The Importance of Processes and Systems24:46 Investing in a Business Coach25:14 The Role of a Psychic in Business Decisions26:15 Giving Permission and Building Confidence27:52 The Power of Storytelling in Business31:23 Personal Stories and Business Identity33:10 The Impact of Retreats and Community Building41:28 Customizing Business Goals and Success42:48 Final Thoughts and Parting Wisdom

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat discuss the daily challenges of business and home life. Ellen shares a story about a kitchen repair that disrupted meal prep, while Kat deals with a laundry mishap. Ellen then recounts a nightmare Airbnb guest experience over Thanksgiving that involved broken toilets and aggressive demands. They wrap up with a business Q&A on whether proposals should be aesthetically pleasing or straightforward. Tune in for a blend of personal anecdotes and valuable business insights.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen dive into the complexities of entrepreneurship and mental health with guest Rikki Goldenberg, an executive leadership and career coach. They discuss the fluid dynamics of small business ownership, the unexpected pivot points that can occur, and how Rikki transitioned into coaching. The conversation covers the essential role of continuous learning, the mix of personal development with professional growth, and the importance of having a supportive network. They also chat about the emotional weight of career changes, the importance of aligning your current self with future goals, and practical advice for integrating personal well-being into daily life. Perfect for anyone balancing the chaos of entrepreneurship while striving for a better work-life balance.Rikki Goldenberg is an ICF-certified executive leadership and career coach specializing in senior professionals navigating career ambition and life changes. She specializes in working with professionals in their 30s and 40s reimagining their relationship with work. Rikki was previously a designer, project manager, design strategist/researcher, and marketing director. Book your Discovery Chat to get started! Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions01:56 Meet Our Guest: Rikki Goldenberg03:14 Rikki's Journey to Coaching09:01 The Coaching Certification Process17:01 Working with Clients: Rikki's Approach21:41 The Importance of Continuous Learning26:35 Balancing Career and Personal Life27:28 Embracing the Generalist Approach27:45 Focusing on Selective Opportunities28:10 The Challenges of Sleep Deprivation28:36 Corporate Coaching and Career Paths29:30 Onboarding and Discovery Calls32:14 Transparency in Pricing34:33 The Emotional Weight of Professional Development40:09 Virtual Coaching and Client Demographics41:08 Reflecting on Business and Retirement49:40 Parting Words of Wisdom52:28 How to Connect with Rikki Goldenberg53:14 Closing Remarks

In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts share post-Halloween antics ranging from adorable firefighter tots to spooky hideouts from candy-seeking kids. The conversation then shifts to the 'great email signature debate,' as both hosts discuss the elements they believe make up the perfect professional sign-off, including logos, titles, and those ever-important boundary-setting decisions. A must-listen for anyone balancing business with a bit of fun in between!Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of Good Ideas + Bad Decisions, hosts Ellen and Kat dive into the journey of Brian Lofrumento, the host of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur podcast. Brian shares his inspiring entrepreneurial story, from starting a soccer blog in college that grew rapidly to managing a successful marketing agency and ultimately transitioning to podcasting. They discuss the challenges of running a podcast, the importance of identity and authenticity in entrepreneurship, and how unplanned, organic experiences often lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Additionally, Brian offers insights on handling criticism, managing burnout, and the importance of community building for sustained success. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with practical advice and personal anecdotes that resonate with all aspiring entrepreneurs.Brian Lofrumento is the host of the Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Podcast, one of the top business podcasts in the world. With over 750 episodes and counting at the beginning of 2024, Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur has been inspiring and helping entrepreneurs in over 150 countries, and in addition to being ranked as one of the top 200 business and marketing shows in top charts around the world, the show is ranked as a top 1.5% podcast globally.Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions01:07 Introducing Brian  Lofrumento02:49 Brian's Journey: From Soccer Blog to Business Success07:36 The Evolution of Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur11:46 Navigating Burnout and Delegation18:36 Embracing the Identity of a Podcaster24:42 Identifying as a Runner25:03 Navigating Labels and Identity26:05 The Journey of Building a Business26:58 Starting a Podcast: Overcoming Doubts29:19 The Importance of Being in the Arena32:56 Creating a Community of Entrepreneurs36:01 Embracing Uncertainty and Manifestation37:19 The Power of Consistency and Best Efforts40:45 The Unexpected Path to Success44:35 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss their weekend activities, including headshot sessions and family photo shoots. They also dive into the topic of networking and community building, sharing their own experiences and tips for finding and creating supportive business communities. Kat plans to explore local small-town networking opportunities, while Ellen highlights the importance of intentional networking and community cultivation. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on finding the right types of networking groups to support their professional and personal growth.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions', co-hosts Ellen and Kat explore the messy middle of running a business with financial consultant Melissa Mittelstaedt. Melissa discusses the importance of getting 'comfy' with money, shedding light on scarcity vs. abundance mindsets, and the often complex relationship between personal and business finances. They dive into practical advice for solopreneurs, including the significance of paying yourself, shifting your money mindset, and understanding the value of the transformations you offer. Melissa also shares her journey from sign language interpreter to financial coach and offers insights into her various programs designed to empower business owners financially. Tune in for a candid, supportive conversation about making your passion profitable and finding financial peace.Melissa Mittelstaedt is a Financial Consultant who helps conscious solopreneurs take ownership of money so they can stop winging it and start creating financial stability in business & life. She loves working with business owners to help them understand that "their financial past doesn't shape their financial future" in a very judgment-free kinda vibe!Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas + Bad Decisions01:06 Meet Our Special Guest: Melissa Mittelstaedt01:54 Diving into Financial Consulting02:46 Navigating Financial Relationships05:18 Understanding Scarcity and Abundance Mindsets09:39 Generational Money Mindsets15:07 Early Financial Lessons and Family Dynamics20:57 Melissa's Journey to Financial Consulting24:10 The Great Pivot: Finding New Opportunities24:52 Embracing Money and Passion Together25:58 Challenging the Starving Artist Mentality28:40 Mindset Shifts Towards Financial Abundance30:02 Balancing Business and Personal Finances32:07 The Importance of Paying Yourself34:18 Understanding Your Business's Financial Needs41:38 Melissa's Financial Consulting Services45:30 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' the hosts start with a light-hearted conversation about the gloomy weather and nostalgic memories of school mornings. They humorously discuss spooky Halloween decorations and the quirks of self-driving cars. The core topic of the episode is a thoughtful discussion on business transitions, focusing on how to determine if your business is still serving you and at what point you might consider selling, pivoting, or closing it. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice, emphasizing that choosing to transition is never a failure, but rather a learning opportunity.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions'! This week, co-hosts Ellen and Kat dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship with special guest Amanda Kern, founder of Emerald Creative Content, a boutique digital marketing agency specializing in SEO. Amanda shares the nuances of starting and scaling her business, the importance of SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and the challenges of transitioning from a solopreneur to leading a team. She gives valuable insights on leveraging AI for digital marketing, the art of scripting and manifestation in business life, and the critical need for creatives to write more on their websites. Tune in for an episode filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on digital marketing and business growth!Amanda Kern is the Founder & CEO of Emerald Creative Content - her team of talented creatives work with business owners and marketing agencies to build powerful websites, stunning social media content, and high-performance SEO strategies through content worth sharing. Book a Strategy Call with her to get started! Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 00:51 Introducing Our Guest: Amanda Kern 02:12 SEO and GEO: The Future of Digital Marketing 05:29 The Importance of Text-Based Content 11:57 Scaling a Business: Amanda's Journey 15:11 The Challenges and Rewards of Growing a Team 20:17 Balancing Creativity and Organization 23:24 Bringing on a Full-Time Employee 24:21 Challenges of Event Planning During COVID-19 25:25 Transitioning from Solopreneur to CEO 26:23 The Importance of Team Collaboration 28:12 Finding Joy in Business Roles 30:43 Manifesting Your Ideal Business 36:45 From Teaching to Business Ownership 43:10 The Power of Writing for Your Business 44:24 Conclusion and Parting Advice

In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss their weekends, the never-ending tasks of entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges faced by business owners. They touch on the differences between the work-life balance of entrepreneurs and nine-to-five employees. The episode wraps up with discussions on year-end reviews, business goals, refreshing services, and the importance of setting boundaries. The hosts provide insights into their personal and professional lives, offering a candid look into the daily grind of running a business.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' your hosts Kat and Ellen dive into the unpredictable journey of business ownership, mental health, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship. They welcome Jessica Murray, founder of Empower, who specializes in helping emerging business owners streamline operations and remove bottlenecks. Jessica shares insights into her work with startups, discussing her transition from Wall Street to tech startups and the challenges of being an operations expert. There’s candid talk about navigating client relationships, the importance of trusting your intuition, and practical tips for managing time and resources effectively. All this, sprinkled with dog stories, closet analogies, and the eternal struggle of finding the right project management tools. Grab your coffee or cocktail, sit back, and let’s figure out this business thing together!Jessica Murray is the Founder of Empower, which partners with small business owners and early-stage startup founders to streamline operations and boost efficiency. Her work concentrates on the delicate balance that founders and owners must find between driving revenue growth and building an operationally sound, profitable business by concentrating on sustainable growth through people, processes and a customer-centric mindset. Fill out the contact form on her website to get started!Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions00:43 Weekly Catch-Up01:22 Introducing Jessica Murray of Empower02:35 Diving into Operations05:51 The Value of an Outside Perspective07:25 Challenges in Business Operations07:56 The Closet Analogy16:04 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship25:21 Balancing Expectations and Communication26:30 Navigating Scope Creep and Transparency28:55 Building Trust and Relationships32:58 Time Tracking and Retainer Management35:11 Choosing the Right Tools for Your Business40:07 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' hosts Ellen and Kat delve into the delightful mix of personal anecdotes and business musings. The chat kicks off with Ellen sharing her enchanting custom necklace story, crafted by a long-time friend and jeweler in Jersey City. Kat and Ellen then trade tales of their weekend escapades: Ellen’s family mountain trip and farmer's market outing, and Kat's busy work weekend culminating in a spontaneous visit to a local winery garden. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they tackle the important question: 'At what point do you consider your business a business?' With personal experiences and practical advice, they highlight the value of recognizing and celebrating your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss out on this engaging blend of humor, warmth, and insightful business wisdom!Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat are joined by special guest Ari Rodriguez, co-founder of Seekr Wellness. We dive into the complexities of running a business, mental health, and the importance of community. Ari shares her journey from being a dietician to co-founding Seekr Wellness, a tech business aimed at supporting professional women through life transitions. The discussion includes the significance of questioning one's path, the stages of transition, and the critical role of community in navigating life's changes. Ari also provides insights into her co-founding experience and the deliberate, sustainable growth strategy for Seekr Wellness. Give it a listen for your reminder to engage in rituals over routines and to listen to your body! Ari Rodriguez is the co-founder of  Seekr Wellness and is an award-winning entrepreneur in Women’s Mental Health Innovation. She is dedicated to guiding women through lifes transitions to reclaim their truth, worth, and fulfillment, beyond their body or titles. As a Mental Health Registered Dietitian, Ariana holds a Master of Science in Nutrition from McGill University and a Master of Arts in Psychology in Education from Columbia University’s Spirit Mind Body Institute, where she specialized in Depth and Jungian Psychology.‍Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 01:13 Meet Our Guest: Ari Rodriguez 02:03 Ari's Journey: From Dietician to Wellness Entrepreneur 03:46 Navigating Life Transitions and Self-Worth 05:03 Supporting High Achieving Women 05:36 The Great Resignation and Existential Crises 07:14 The Importance of Flexible Rituals 09:22 Generational Differences in Career and Life Choices 15:37 The Power of Community and Identity Shifts 26:42 The Importance of Community Support 28:04 Navigating Life Transitions 30:11 Building and Maintaining Community 35:55 Creating Supportive Spaces 39:18 Introducing Seekr Wellness 39:47 Seekr Wellness Programs and App 43:52 Co-Founding and Business Insights 50:41 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Welcome to Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat, a lively discussion where the hosts share the ups and downs of their weekends. Ellen talks about her surprise picnic in Central Park, complete with a delightful catered meal and unexpected roadblocks in the form of Global Citizen Fest. Kat shares about her serene Sunday filled with reading and peaceful ambient sounds. Then, they dive into the business question of the week: ideas for personalized client holiday gifts. Expect plenty of laughter, a dose of reality, and some useful tips sprinkled in along the way. Tune in and join the conversation!Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

Hey there, and welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions'! This week, Kat and Ellen dive into the messy middle of entrepreneurship with special guest Lindsay Ruiz, founder of Human as Usual. Join us as Lindsay discusses the chaos of scaling a business, the importance of maintaining human-centric values, and how she’s translating her 20-year career in organizational transformation into a groundbreaking new venture. From battling founder fears to envisioning a company that stands the test of time, Lindsay offers valuable insights and relatable anecdotes that any entrepreneur can benefit from. Plus, get a sneak peek into Lindsay’s upcoming book, which promises to be a must-read for anyone navigating the ups and downs of starting a business. Grab your favorite beverage and tune in for an episode that's as enlightening as it is entertaining!Dr. Lindsay Ruiz is the Founder of Human as Usual, a firm that works with founders, VCs, and investors looking to scale up with integrity, humanity, and leave a significant impression on the world. She is passionate about partnering with hyper-growth companies that are determined to break the cycle of failure and risk associated with premature or reactive scaling.Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions00:55 Introducing Our Special Guest: Lindsay Ruiz02:40 Lindsay's Journey and Human as Usual04:37 Scaling and Transformation Insights08:15 Challenges and Philosophies in Business Growth16:33 Defining and Operationalizing Company Values26:22 Designing Adaptive Challenges29:03 Navigating Founder Resistance34:27 The Emotional Journey of Founders37:31 Writing a Book on Founding46:42 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this mini-episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts discuss the daily challenges of their businesses, sleep woes, parenting, and pet care issues. Then, they dive into the main topic: knowing when to outsource or ask for help in your business. Ellen and Kat talk about the emotional, financial, and logistical aspects of hiring help, whether it's an accountant, marketing assistant, or project contractor. With personal anecdotes and candid insights, this episode offers relatable content for fellow business owners struggling to balance it all.Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

Welcome back to another episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions.' This episode is hosted solely by Kat, as Ellen takes a break for some family time. Kat is joined by Morgan Montgomery-Rice, the founder of Bloom Bridge Advisors, who shares her journey through the HR and startup space. They discuss the messy middle of running a business, entrepreneurship, mental health, and the patterns that hold us back. Morgan talks about her experiences in HR, the importance of community, and how personal and professional challenges have shaped her journey. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with insights and humor!Morgan is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bloom Bridge Advisors⁠ a Fractional HR & Recruiting Partner for Ecommerce Start-Ups. She believes a business is only as remarkable as its people. Her mission is to help growing organizations unlock the full potential of their team by providing expert, personalized HR solutions that drive business results and create workplaces where employees are engaged, valued, and empowered to thrive. ⁠Book a free consultation⁠ to get started. Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:37 Kat Hosts Solo with Morgan01:49 Morgan's Background and Journey04:37 Weekend Recap and Personal Stories09:46 Starting Bloom Bridge Advisors12:42 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Mindset24:22 Diversifying Your Work and Networking25:22 The Importance of Community27:13 Values and Work in Fractional HR27:46 Challenges and Rewards in HR34:03 Falling into HR and Loving Puzzles39:55 The Gray Area in Business Advice44:04 Parting Words of Wisdom

In this mini episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts chat about Kat's new office space and the minor anxieties of setting up a new home. Ellen talks about the challenges of cleaning air conditioning ducts and the state of their home appliances. They delve into the ongoing process of moving, unpacking art, and the realities of suburban life with multiple refrigerators. Our business question this week delves into the complexities of small business accounting and tax prep. Tune in for relatable stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way!Don't forget to submit your business questions for future episodes!⁠⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. ⁠⁠Join her newsletter The kat&co Download!⁠⁠Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen are joined by Angie Enger, a sex and self-intimacy coach who shares her unique journey to becoming a coach and the importance of reclaiming pleasure in one's life. Angie dives deep into topics of responsive desire, the significance of individual self-intimacy, and practical tips for couples struggling with connection. Kat and Ellen also discuss the lack of cyclical care for women, the power of small pleasures, and creating intentional moments of connection. This insightful conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to improve their intimate relationships and overall well-being.Angie Enger is a Sex and Self Intimacy Coach⁠ - She helps women who spend all their time caring for others reconnect with their own pleasure by creating an environment to finally focus on their needs, instead of everyone else’s. Start your work with Angie by completing the form on her website, finding her on  IG or connecting on TikTok.  Join the waitlist for "Welcoming Pleasure" here: http://bit.ly/4mQBdwA The books mentioned in this episode are: Come As You Are (Amazon) (Bookshop.org)Come Together (Amazon) (Bookshop.org)Vagina (Amazon) (Bookshop.org)Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes. Join The kat&co Download! Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth.00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions 01:14 Meet Our Guest: Angie, the Sex and Intimacy Coach 02:27 Angie's Journey: From Counseling to Coaching 04:37 Starting a Business and Overcoming Challenges 06:35 The Importance of Self-Intimacy 13:17 Navigating Relationships and Communication 24:21 Angie's Coaching Process and Client Engagement 28:36 Introduction to the Pleasure List 28:56 Simple Pleasures in Everyday Life 29:58 Creating Playful and Romantic Moments 31:14 Yearly Themes and Romanticizing Life 32:40 Connection and Building Relationships 33:26 Upcoming Workshops and Certifications 35:48 Understanding Types of Desire 36:06 Tips for Couples with Responsive Desire 38:10 The Importance of Willingness and Foreplay 39:46 Sexual Values and Connection 43:08 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat,' the hosts dive into the relatable chaos and quirks of everyday life. Ellen shares the morning mishap of forgetting her kid's sleep mat for camp, while Kat recounts the hectic packing process for an upcoming move. They then segue into travel plans, with Ellen detailing an upcoming massive family trip and Kat preparing for a Midwest adventure. The hosts also tackle an important question about how new small businesses can engage their local communities, offering practical tips such as networking, joining the Chamber of Commerce, and leveraging co-working spaces.Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!⁠⁠⁠Business Question Link⁠

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Tracy Candido, owner of Wavemaker Coaching and the newly launched podcast 'Hidden Parts.' Together, they highlight the unique struggles and strengths of creative minds and how executive and transformational coaching can help these individuals unlock their full potential. Tracy shares her powerful method of parts work, an approach that addresses the inner voices and mental chatter holding us back. Brimming with warmth, humor, and insightful anecdotes, this conversation is a must-listen for those looking to embrace their creativity and rewire their minds for success. Tune in to hear about Tracy's journey, the importance of emotional intelligence, and practical tips on accepting and fostering creativity.Tracy is the Owner of Wavemaker Coaching - She helps her clients - builders, innovators and creative leaders - craft sustainable careers and lives by aligning their work with their values, embracing their inner wisdom, and taking intentional steps toward what truly matters. She is also the host of the 'Hidden Parts,' a podcast about your mental chatter: the inner voices that shape how you live, work and lead. The books mentioned in this episode are: No Bad Parts by Richard C. SchwartzWired to Create by Scott Barry Kaufman, Carolyn GregoireKat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions01:12 Meet Our Guest: Tracy Candido02:29 The Creative Mindset06:13 Embracing Creativity in Children21:14 Overcoming the Fear of Failure30:42 Building New Neural Pathways31:20 Personal Experience with EMDR31:58 The Importance of Self-Compassion32:35 Using Reminders for Positive Change33:31 Client Engagement and Coaching Journey34:02 Transition to Transformational Coaching34:59 Developing a Coaching Business43:16 Creating the Hidden Parts Podcast52:22 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Welcome to another delightful mini episode of 'Coffee Chats with Ellen and Kat', part of their 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions' podcast! In this lively session, Ellen and Kat dive into their personal daily rituals and business ins-and-outs. They share laughter over quirky breakfast habits, cute kid anecdotes, and the ubiquitous challenge of task management. Tune in to hear Ellen rave about her high-protein breakfast bowl obsession, Kat's nostalgic memories, and both of their takes on setting healthy boundaries in client work. They also tackle a listener's question about their preferred project management tools, discussing their experiences with software like Notion, Trello, Asana, and others, and emphasize the importance of finding what works best for individual business needs. It's a fun, insightful chat sprinkled with personal stories, laughter, and practical advice.Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!⁠⁠Business Question Link

In this insightful episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat sit down with Bekah Burns, the owner of Rebekah Burns Coaching. Bekah shares her journey from working in the wine industry to becoming a certified Life Coach. The discussion delves into the importance of listening to one's body, adapting to change, and the influence of holistic health on overall well-being. Bekah introduces her new course, 'ReWilding You,' aimed at helping individuals navigate uncertainty and grow through personal and professional challenges. The conversation is filled with wisdom, laughs, and practical advice for anyone looking to find balance and direction in their entrepreneurial journey.Bekah Burns is the Owner of  ⁠Rebekah Burns Coaching. She loves working with those who are ready to move beyond their current patterns, but don’t know where to turn next through 1:1 coaching and self-guided courses. Find her on Instagram @bekah.burns.Kat is the Owner + Operator of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 01:10 Meet Our Guest: Bekah, Owner of Rebekah Burns Coaching02:18 Bekah's Journey from Wine to Coaching 05:35 The Importance of Listening to Your Body 11:09 Challenges and Changes in Life and Business 19:24 The Coaching Process and Client Experiences 24:19 Embracing Nature in Our Lives 24:54 The Healing Power of Forests 26:00 Launching a New Course 27:23 Rewilding: A Roadmap for Uncertainty 29:48 Creating a Self-Paced Course 31:36 Challenges and Evolution in Course Development 34:13 Tips for Aspiring Course Creators 39:51 Words of Wisdom and Final Thoughts

In this mini-episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' Ellen and Kat dive into personal updates and professional reflections. Kat shares exciting news about an upcoming move to a dream house she manifested, complete with vintage charm and ample space for both her and her partner's needs. The hosts also engage in a candid discussion about the lessons they've learned through their entrepreneurial journeys. Topics include the importance of aligning personal and company values, staying authentic, and learning to say no to clients that don't fit. They emphasize the significance of balancing joy with financial needs and continually navigating the challenges of client relationships. The episode wraps up with Ellen and Kat contemplating the idea of creating 'Pod Small' merchandise, adding a playful touch to their insightful conversation.Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode!⁠Business Question Link

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' host Ellen flies solo as Kat is out sick but joining in spirit. Ellen welcomes Chedva, lovingly known as Vivi, the CEO and founder of a consultancy, Consider. Vivi dives into her story of transitioning from her Orthodox Jewish upbringing to becoming a transformative entrepreneur. She discusses her ventures from running a marketing agency to establishing a tech startup named Emerge, aimed at democratizing mentoring in large organizations. Despite the setbacks of COVID-19, Vivi's resilience shines through as she embarks on a new journey with her latest venture, Consider. Explore her innovative approach to business transformations through introspection and question asking. Tune in for insights on navigating uncertainty, finding purpose, and forging a unique path in the entrepreneurial landscape.Chedva "Vivi" Ludmir is the Founder of Consider Club, a one-of-a-kind consultancy that helps visionary leaders navigate big decisions through question asking.Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions00:55 Introducing Today's Guest: Chedva Ludmir (Vivi)02:01 The Intersection of Business and Personal Growth02:25 The Non-Book Club Book Club03:11 The Journey of Consider04:57 Ellen and Kat's Podcast Journey07:47 Vivi's Entrepreneurial Path14:18 The Birth of Emerge17:23 Navigating the Challenges of Emerge18:10 The Impact of COVID-19 on Emerge24:03 Post-Emerge Identity Crisis26:25 Rebuilding Through Consulting28:20 Building a Team of Freelancers29:34 Navigating Business Challenges29:51 Impact of the Pandemic31:12 Personal and Professional Growth32:49 Life Changes and New Beginnings36:04 The Power of Asking Questions44:48 Launching a New Venture53:54 Words of Wisdom and Conclusion

In this first episode of Coffee Chats, a mini-series by Ellen and Kat, the duo recounts their recent experiences, including Ellen's turbulent vacation return from Colorado and adjusting to a new recording schedule. They discuss the creation of the mini-series to bring back personal connection and behind-the-scenes stories. The episode also tackles the topic of cancellation policies for client-facing small businesses, offering insights and personal practices to manage cancellations and no-shows effectively. Tune in for a blend of vacation stories, business advice, and casual conversation.Submit your business questions at the link below for us to tackle on a future episode! Business Question Link

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions', hosts Kat and Ellen are joined by the amazing Kae Sprung who is the Founder + Owner of Squish Marshmallows and host of Sprung On Food. Kae shares her journey from starting her handcrafted marshmallow company to winning awards and becoming a voiceover artist. We dive into Kae's creative process, the nitty-gritty of starting a small business, and the ups and downs of balancing multiple ventures as an entrepreneur. Plus, there's some delightful banter about being on reality cooking shows and the highs and lows of crowdfunding. Prepare for a sweet ride filled with laughter, insights, and a whole lot of marshmallows!Kae Sprung is the Founder + Owner of Squish Marshmallows, host of Sprung On Food, and an award-winning pastry chef. Follow her journey on Instagram @iamsprung.Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions01:32 Introducing Our Special Guest: Kae Sprung02:27 Kae's Journey: From E-commerce to Custom Catering04:57 The Birth of Squish Marshmallows09:28 Early Challenges and Market Strategies22:41 Balancing Multiple Ventures29:13 Navigating Fundraising Challenges29:58 The Shark Tank Experience32:17 Crowdfunding Woes37:56 The Reality of TV Exposure52:20 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of Good Ideas, Bad Decisions, hosts Ellen and Kat welcome guest Brittany Blumenthal, founder of Delightful Creative. The trio discusses the chaos and resilience involved in entrepreneurship, careers transitions, and mental health. Brittany shares her personal journey from working in tech to starting her own branding and website design company focusing on mission-driven businesses in the health and wellness space. The conversation also dives into managing the instability of business ownership, the importance of alignment in work, and how Brittany's experience with functional medicine has given new purpose to her career. This episode is filled with raw, relatable stories and insightful advice for anyone navigating their own business venture. Brittany is the founder of  ⁠Delightful Creative⁠, which creates brand identities for businesses that make people feel good. Her favorite projects involve helping small brands build something from scratch—something filled with purpose.Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 01:34 Meet Our Guest: Brittany from Delightful Creative 02:54 Brittany's Journey: From Tech to Entrepreneurship 04:16 The Unexpected Layoff 04:51 Processing the Layoff and Moving Forward 11:06 Kat's Similar Experience 17:22 Ellen's Story of Toxic Work Environments 25:14 Navigating a New Manager and Job Threats 26:26 Finding Impact in a Chaotic Work Environment 27:47 The Struggles of Creativity and Design Work 29:16 Current Work and Design Preferences 30:52 A Journey into Functional Medicine 32:19 Exploring Personal Health and Wellness 34:30 Challenges and Discoveries in Health 41:04 Embracing Uncertainty in Career Transitions 51:20 The Importance of Alignment and Personal Growth 52:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Good Ideas and Bad Decisions,' hosts Kat and Ellen welcome Naga Das (Palveshey), the compassionate Founder of Alternative Coaching Methods. Naga Das shares her deeply personal and transformative journey from facing immense personal struggles and rigorous academic challenges to finding peace and a renewed sense of purpose through the healing power of psilocybin mushrooms. The conversation touches on the stigmas surrounding psilocybin, contrasting traditional medications with natural plant medicines, and the remarkable emotional and physiological breakthroughs participants experience. The episode beautifully explores themes of self-worth, personal definitions of success, and the profound impact of empathy and kindness. It's a tender and insightful discussion filled with warmth, resilience, and hope for a better, more connected world.Naga Das (Palveshey) is the Founder of Alternative Coaching Methods, guiding your journey from high achievement to high performance, through 1:1 coaching and Psilocybin retreats in Jamaica. You can also find more information about her journey at palveshey.com .Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas and Bad Decisions 00:57 Introducing Our Special Guest: Naga Das (Palveshey) 01:55 Naga Das (Palveshey)'s Journey: From Struggles to Success 04:33 The Power of Psilocybin and Alternative Coaching Methods 06:52 Redefining Success and Overcoming Societal Pressures 12:01 Intuition and Decision-Making: A Personal Insight 27:25 The Elephant and the Dog: A Parable of Patience 28:03 Birthing an Elephant: Embracing the Journey 29:02 Retreats and Transformations 29:42 Healing Stories and Miracles 32:58 Consumption Methods and Preferences 34:35 The Power of Empathy and Kindness 43:30 Self-Worth and Legacy 47:24 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

In this episode of 'Good Ideas, Bad Decisions,' hosts Ellen and Kat welcome operations consultant Sarah McNamara. Sarah shares her journey from banking to small business operations consulting and emphasizes the importance of clear systems and processes. The discussion touches on various challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including managing finances, understanding taxes, and the crucial role of bookkeeping. Sarah also highlights her philosophy of approaching clients without judgment and the importance of business owners recognizing when to seek help. Tune in for insightful advice on improving your business operations!Sarah is the Founder of  Sarah McNamara Solutions a small business consultancy on a mission to get business leaders back on track by aligning their behind-the-scenes with their business dreams.Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠⁠kat&co⁠⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. 00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 00:37 Morning Banter and Introductions 01:08 Special Guest: Sarah McNamara 01:50 Sarah's Business Journey 03:39 Challenges and Solutions in Business Operations 07:14 The Importance of Proper Bookkeeping 11:38 The Role of a Systems Thinker 21:02 Complexities in Different Industries 27:33 Business Credit Cards and Their Pitfalls 29:50 Exploring Small Business Loans and Grants 30:33 The Importance of Clean Books for Financial Analysis 31:56 Transitioning Business Roles and Client Types 33:50 The Role of a Business Coach and Support Systems 35:28 Building and Managing Business Processes 43:46 Tailoring Business Solutions to Individual Needs 48:47 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In the third episode of Good Ideas and Bad Decisions, hosts Ellen and Kat welcome their first guest, Chelsea Rafferty, Founder + Principal Designer of Day Two Studio. They delve into Chelsea's journey in the commercial interior design industry and Chelsea shares her experiences of starting a business, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the challenges of firing clients. The conversation also touches on the impact of recent fires in LA on local businesses and Chelsea's perspectives on community, kindness, and the importance of supporting ethical companies. Chelsea is the Founder + Principal Designer of Day Two Studio a full service multidisciplinary design practice based in Los Angeles.Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠kat&co⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.Ellen is the Owner of ⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. Want to apply to be a guest on the podcast?  Submit your inquiry below: https://organized-country-4e6.notion.site/1c950631201e806f868fed5f3d9b920e?pvs=105⁠⁠Want to send us a question about your business to tackle on air? Submit your question below:https://organized-country-4e6.notion.site/1ca50631201e81b19c0dc4cc2363d894?pvs=105⁠00:00 Introduction and Exciting News 03:08 Introducing Our Special Guest 03:51 The Joy of Podcasting 06:18 Chelsea's Journey in Interior Design 16:25 Challenges and Triumphs in Business 23:45 Collaborative Projects and Community Building 28:34 Realizing the Need for Change 28:51 Client Relationships and Self-Worth 29:29 The Impact of Trust in Professional Relationships 30:20 Valuing Yourself Over Money 31:09 Navigating Client Compatibility 33:12 Setting Boundaries and Opening New Doors 35:11 The Importance of Flexibility in Business 37:51 Community Support and Business Ethics 48:29 Personal Growth Through Business Ownership 55:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the second episode of 'Good Ideas + Bad Decisions,' business owners Ellen and Kat dive into the complexities of running a business and the inevitable setbacks that come along the way. The hosts then navigate a deep discussion on failure, reflecting on their personal business endeavors that didn’t go as planned. Ellen talks candidly about closing her sustainable maternity activewear brand, and Kat shares her journey with a failed wallpaper design business. Together, they explore the emotional impact of not meeting their initial expectations and how they redefined success and failure in their entrepreneurial journeys. They wrap up with advice on necessary financial systems for new business owners and offer resources for listeners facing similar challenges. Tune in for heartfelt stories, practical advice, and an authentic peek into the world of entrepreneurship.Want to apply to be a guest on the podcast?  Submit your inquiry here: ⁠LINK⁠Want to send us a question about your business to tackle on air? Submit your question here: ⁠LINK⁠ Ellen is the Owner of ⁠ Ellen Hockley Consulting⁠ and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. Kat is the Owner + Operator of  ⁠kat&co⁠ and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.00:00 Welcome to Good Ideas, Bad Decisions 00:37 Catching Up: Weekend Recap 02:47 Technical Issues and a Trip to Napa 04:34 Dealing with Theft and Its Aftermath 08:37 The Importance of Backing Up Data 11:51 Discussing Failure in Business 23:33 Struggles of Starting a Business 24:08 Dealing with Failure and Moving Forward 25:24 Transition to Consulting 26:17 Forced to Start Consulting Full-Time 27:03 Reflecting on Past Business Ventures 28:23 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 30:32 Supporting Women in Business 33:13 Defining Failure and Self-Worth 42:47 Financial Systems for New Businesses 48:31 Final Thoughts and Announcements

Episode 001: Hello World!Welcome to the very first episode of the ‘Good Ideas + Bad Decisions’ podcast! Join Ellen and Kat as they navigate the world of small business consulting with humor, authenticity, and a dash of chaos. In this introductory episode, you'll get to know your hosts, learn about their unique business journeys, and hear hilarious anecdotes and accidental text messages. They tackle the ever-relevant topic of setting boundaries in business and share their personal strategies for balancing work and life. Whether you're a creative professional or a service-based business owner, this episode is packed with relatable stories, useful tips, and candid conversations about mental health. It's the start of something real, unedited, and entirely genuine. Strap in and enjoy the ride!Want to apply to be a guest on the podcast?  Submit your inquiry here: LINKWant to send us a question about your business to tackle on air? Submit your question here: LINK Ellen is the Owner of  Ellen Hockley Consulting and offers valuable insights from her extensive experience in building successful small businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs, providing practical advice on business strategy and growth. Kat is the Owner + Operator of  kat&co and brings a unique perspective with her psychology background and experience in creative business operations, making her adept at discussing the intersection of creativity and structured processes.00:00 Welcome to Our First Podcast!00:19 Meet Your Hosts: Ellen and Kat03:19 The Birth of Our Podcast Idea05:28 Balancing Business and Personal Life10:38 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health17:48 Navigating Professional Boundaries23:27 Morning vs. Afternoon Meetings23:59 Structuring the Work Week24:58 Challenges of Context Switching26:21 Protecting Personal Time27:24 Embarrassing Texting Stories35:01 Group Chat Misadventures41:16 Balancing Business and Life46:05 Wrapping Up and Future Plans