Milestone Moments in Business & Leadership

What if the reason your creative business isn't growing has nothing to do with your talent?Jen Fontanilla spent 25 years as a graphic designer creating packaging and displays for major global brands while simultaneously building a 20-year career in financial services. She was living a double life and then she discovered the invisible thread connecting both worlds and it changed everything.Now a certified money coach, TEDx speaker, and four-time award-winning author of The Creative Code, Jen helps creative entrepreneurs uncover the money stories they didn't know were running the show.Tune in to hear the moment Jen walked away from her licenses with no turning back and the mindset shift that made it all worth it.To connect with Jen Fontanilla, find her on LinkedIn or Instagram @ItisJenFontanillaStay connected!Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the very thing driving your success is the same thing keeping you from the life you actually want?Dr. Alena Candova, neurocoach and author of Grace Over Grit, spent years pushing through corporate jobs, toxic relationships, and even her own healing journey before a silent meditation retreat in Bali cracked everything wide open. She could send love and compassion to everyone around her, but when it came time to direct it inward? Something completely unexpected happened.Tune in to hear what she uncovered and the shift that changed everything.To connect with Dr. Alena Candova, visit https://www.sattvaintegralhealth.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for: Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletterConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Are you a coach who feels like the best kept secret in your industry? What if the key to unlocking your next wave of clients isn't paid ads or a complicated funnel, but something far more personal?Jessica Rhodes founded Interview Connections, the world's first podcast booking agency, at just 25 years old. What started as a virtual assistant side hustle has grown into a powerhouse that's booked over 50,000 podcast interviews. But it's what Jessica discovered along the way about why most coaches fail at visibility that might surprise you.Listen in to learn more about podcast guesting strategies for coaches, how to grow your business through genuine connection, and building a lifestyle business that supports your values.To connect with Jessica Rhodes, visit interviewconnections.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for: Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.comSponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if one conversation could change everything?These six women sat down for a podcast interview. That conversation became a published chapter. That chapter became part of an international #1 bestseller in four countries. And in Part 2 of this special roundtable, they answer the question every aspiring author wants to know: what really happens after you become a published author?Then Kassandra Hamilton asked each woman what she would say to the version of herself before she shared her story. What came out is something every woman sitting on her own story needs to hear.Listen in to learn more about becoming a published author through one conversation, building momentum after your first book, and why sharing your story creates opportunities you can't predict.Your story matters. Ready to tell it? Visit fivemilestones.com to be a guest on the show. One conversation is all it takes to become a published author.Get the book: The Rise of the Self-Led Woman on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hNRtPbKassandra is now accepting applications for Volume 2. If this episode stirs something in you, this may be your moment. Apply for Volume 2: https://readysetrealign.ca/books/the-rise-of-the-self-led-woman-volume-2Stay connected! Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the only thing standing between you and a published book was a single conversation?In this special episode of Milestone Moments in Business and Leadership, host Sheila Slick sits down with seven co-authors of The Rise of the Self-Led Woman: Stories of Resilience, Realignment, & Rising, the international #1 bestseller curated by Kassandra Hamilton that hit the top of the charts in four countries. Each woman walked into a conversation and walked out a published author. But what happened after the book landed in their hands? The reactions surprised even them.This is Part 1 of a powerful two-part conversation. Listen in to learn more about becoming a published author through collaboration, overcoming the fear of being seen, and building community through shared storytelling.Get the book: The Rise of the Self-Led Woman: Stories of Resilience, Realignment, & Rising on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hNRtPbKassandra is now accepting applications for Volume 2. If this episode stirs something in you, this may be your moment. Apply for Volume 2: https://readysetrealign.ca/books/the-rise-of-the-self-led-woman-volume-2Stay connected!Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

We're giving away FREE tickets to the Empowered Podcasting Conference, a community built to help results-driven podcasters, video makers, and content creators elevate their passion and creativity to new heights! Comment #ShareYourStory on social media for your chance to win.Rich Perry, CMO and partner of the Empowered Podcasting Conference, takes us inside this annual conference in Charlotte, NC dedicated to helping podcast creators build impactful shows and sustainable businesses. From expert-led sessions on monetization and sponsorships to hands-on tools for growing your audience, Rich reveals what attendees walk away with and why the community keeps delivering value long after the event ends.But here's the best part: PodToBook.ai is a proud sponsor of Empowered Podcasting, and we're giving away FREE tickets! Comment #ShareYourStory on social media for your chance to win.Whether you're launching your first episode or looking to take your podcast to the next level, find out why this is the room you need to be in August 21-23.Stay connected! Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What would you do if you walked away from not one, but two stable careers to chase a creative dream with no safety net?Alan Paul spent 30 years navigating the tension between faith, creativity, and making a living. A classically trained musician turned teacher turned church leader, Alan kept feeling a pull toward something more. But it was the moment he handed in his resignation, just as a promotion was being offered, that everything changed.Now with over 500 podcast episodes, multiple books, devotionals on the billion-download YouVersion app, and performances alongside jazz and soul legends, Alan has built an entire platform dedicated to helping creatives thrive. But how did a "pamphlet" idea sketched out in a bedroom become the foundation for all of it? Listen in to learn more about turning creativity into a sustainable business, overcoming creative blocks as an entrepreneur, and building a platform through community connections.To connect with Alan Paul, visit godandgigs.com or alancpaul.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the most overlooked part of your body is quietly affecting your posture, your energy, and your emotional well-being? Pam Fichtner is an integrated health practitioner and registered massage therapist who has spent nearly 30 years specializing in breast and chest massage therapy. Her journey began in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where working with vulnerable women revealed a calling she could not ignore. A personal connection to breast cancer in her own family deepened that mission even further.In this episode, Pam shares why most women have never been taught to care for this part of their body and what that disconnect is really costing them. She reveals the surprising link between chest restriction and emotional well-being that changed how her clients think about self-care entirely. What does lymphatic health have to do with daily energy and movement? And why are women showing up monthly for something most people never think about between annual screenings?Listen in to learn more about proactive breast health practices, the connection between chest expansion and emotional openness, and how small self-care steps can transform your daily well-being.To connect with Pam Fichtner, visit SaphiraHealing.ca or find her on Facebook and Instagram at Saphira Healing.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the patterns keeping you stuck, small, and silent were never yours to begin with? Teresa McLellan, founder of The Sacred Journey and a master's level trauma therapist, spent decades carrying wounds she did not even know she had inherited. From addiction and deep despair in her teens to a pregnancy at 19 that became the first spark of something bigger, Teresa's path to healing was anything but linear.In this episode, Teresa reveals what she calls "soul whispers," the quiet signs most people dismiss that signal something deeper is asking to be seen. She shares the question she now asks clients that stops them in their tracks and opens the door to transformation. Listen in to learn more about how generational trauma shows up in everyday patterns, why vulnerability is the most powerful medicine for healing, and how baby steps can begin a transformation you never thought was possible.To connect with Teresa McLellan, visit thesacredjourneycounseling.com or find The Sacred Journey Counseling and Consulting Services on Facebook.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when your body shuts down, doctors find nothing wrong, and the real answer is something no one thinks to ask you about? Casey MacDonald went from a background in kinesiology and a lifelong connection to energy work to suddenly losing movement and speech in 2019. Every scan came back normal. Every test said she was fine. But she was far from fine. In this episode, Casey reveals the hidden connection between her health collapse and something happening in her personal life that not a single doctor ever asked about. She shares what it took to rebuild when she could not get out of bed, could not care for her newborn, and had to surrender everything she thought she knew about herself. What did her body know before her mind caught up? And how did the darkest chapter of her life unlock intuitive gifts she never expected? Listen in to learn more about the connection between emotional environments and physical health, how energy awareness can unlock personal transformation, and why healing is always possible when you look beyond the surface.To connect with Casey MacDonald, visit her online for one-on-one sessions, retreats, and upcoming workshops on energy work, intuition, and energetic boundaries.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when you build the career, the income, and the life everyone told you to chase and still wake up miserable? Nicole Shewaga spent 14 years climbing the corporate finance ladder as a professional accountant, checking every box of outward success. But behind the achievements was a story she never expected to tell. In this episode, Nicole reveals the moment everything shifted and how she discovered that the very thing high performers dismiss could be the key to unlocking their next level. She now helps driven leaders and sensitive high achievers tap into a form of intelligence most people overlook. What does it feel like in your body when you are making the wrong decision and you do not even know it? And why does feeling good on the inside actually make you sharper, more strategic, and harder to burn out? Listen in to learn more about intuitive leadership for high performers, nervous system regulation for better decision-making, and how to break free from achievement-driven burnout.To connect with Nicole Shewaga, visit nicoleshewaga.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when you tell everyone you are uprooting your family to move to a country they have never heard of and every single person tells you not to go? Tasneem Damji, academic and career coach and mother of two, did exactly that in 2011 when she left Canada for Tajikistan with her toddler son. The reasons people gave her not to go were endless. But what no one could have predicted was what this decision would teach her, her son, and eventually the families she now coaches. In this episode, Tasneem shares the moment a seven-year-old taught her a life lesson she still carries today, how a simple essay handout she forgot about changed the trajectory of lives a decade later, and why the gap year her now-17-year-old is about to take brings everything full circle. What does it really look like to raise children who choose their own path instead of following what the world expects? And how did one unconventional move become the foundation for an entire coaching business? Listen in to learn more about bold decision-making as a parent and leader, how lived experience shapes purpose-driven career reinvention, and helping young people build confidence in who they are.To connect with Tasneem Damji, find her on LinkedIn at Tasneem Damji.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and events Expanded strategies and resources Direct connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the thing draining your energy every single day isn't your workload — it's something most women never even think to look at?Diane Lauer is the founder of Simple Systems for Thriving, a transformational leader and systems architect who helps visionary women and purpose-led leaders transform complexity into calm clarity so they can lead, grow, and thrive without burning out. She is also the author of Nurturing Wisdom with the Simple System.In this episode, Diane shares what she discovered after losing her CFO role of 10 years and spending a year in deep transition — and why what she uncovered about her own limiting beliefs changed everything. She introduces a concept that stops most high-achieving women in their tracks, and reveals the one thing leaking your energy that you are almost certainly ignoring right now.What would it feel like to make decisions from a place of calm authority rather than exhaustion? And what is the single first step a woman in transition can take today to start reclaiming her energy?The answer might surprise you.Tune in to learn more about burnout recovery for women leaders, overcoming limiting beliefs around abundance, and building simple systems for thriving in business and life.To connect with Diane Lauer, visit simplesystemsforthriving.com or find her on Substack at Abundance Capacity with Diane.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What do you do when the life you built over 32 years suddenly leaves you with 86 cents in the bank and no way forward?Marnie Benney is a mindset and resilience coach, mentor, and founder of Mindset Evolution with Marnie. She helps women rise from survival mode into self-worth, confidence, and independence using lived experience and practical mindset tools.In this episode, Marnie shares what it actually felt like to hit rock bottom after leaving a long-term relationship, and why the moment she thought she had nothing left turned out to be the moment everything changed. She talks about rebuilding from the inside out, but what she discovered about herself in the process was something she never saw coming.What does it really take to stop walking on eggshells and start becoming your own biggest cheerleader? And why do so many women not realize they've lost themselves until it's almost too late?If you've ever felt stuck, silenced, or disconnected from who you truly are, this episode is for you.Tune in to learn more about rebuilding confidence after a toxic relationship, women's resilience and mindset coaching, and reclaiming your voice and identity.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the moment your life fell apart was actually the moment your real life began?Christa Skinner is a certified health, life, and breakup and divorce coach and co-author of the bestselling book Emotional Alchemy. She has guided countless women through the kind of identity shifts that shake you to your core: divorce, empty nest, career upheaval and out the other side into something they never expected: themselves.In this episode, Christa shares what actually happens when a woman reaches out in crisis mode, why the women who struggle most are often the ones who are closest to a breakthrough, and the surprising moment her own life gave her no choice but to rebuild from the ground up.What does it really take to stop surviving a transition and start leading yourself through one? The answers might change how you see what's possible on the other side.Tune in to this episode to learn more about midlife identity shifts, personal reinvention after divorce, and intentional becoming for women in leadership and life.To connect with Krista Skinner, visiChristasSkinnerCoaching.comStay connected! Subscribe to our newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What separates the entrepreneurs who scale their companies from those who grind 80-hour weeks and still fall behind? According to private equity investor Steve Walsh, it's not capital — and the answer might surprise you.Steve Walsh, founder of Bison Equity Group and author of Make the 10X Leap, has spent over 30 years inside the books and behind the boardrooms of companies ready to explode, and companies quietly dying. He knows the exact moment a business stops growing, and more importantly, what it takes to reverse it.In this episode, Steve reveals why most entrepreneurs are solving the wrong problem, what he looks for before he ever writes a check, and why the biggest growth opportunity in today's market is hiding in plain sight.If you're ready to stop working in your business and start thinking like someone who can 10X it, this episode is your starting point.🎧 Tune in now — your next leap starts here.To connect with Steve Walsh, visit bisonequitygroup.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter 💼 Connect on LinkedIn ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🌐 Sheila Slick | Five Milestones✨ Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if everything you thought you knew about publishing your book was costing you money before you even made your first sale?Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in the book publishing industry and is the founder of 1106 Design, a company dedicated to helping authors release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more from every copy sold. But what she reveals in this episode may surprise even the most seasoned authors.Michelle pulls back the curtain on what is really happening in today's publishing landscape, who is quietly taking money out of authors' pockets, and what most first-time authors don't know to ask before signing anything.In this episode, Michelle breaks down the difference between traditional publishing, indie publishing, and the growing middle ground that may not be serving authors as well as it claims. Listen in to learn more about book publishing options, author rights, and how to protect your income as a self-published author.To connect with Michele DeFilippo, visit 1106design.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter 💼 Connect on LinkedIn ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🌐 Sheila Slick | Five MilestonesSponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What does it take to walk away from Hollywood, survive a cancer diagnosis, and build a literary career on your own terms?Kay Oliver is a dynamic storyteller with over three decades in entertainment, spanning studios, TV stations, and film production. Armed with degrees in radio, TV, film, and an MBA, she made a bold decision to leave it all behind and prove that female-centric stories could not only sell, but win awards.And win she did. Her debut novel alone earned four literary awards. Now on her 15th book and named Fiction Author of the Year, Kay is just getting started.In this episode, Kay pulls back the curtain on what Hollywood never told her about storytelling, why female-driven stories get dismissed before they ever get a chance, and the unconventional writing process that keeps readers coming back for more. Listen in to learn more about writing strong female characters, self-publishing strategies, and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.To connect with Kay Oliver, visit kayaoliver.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter 💼 Connect on LinkedIn ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🌐 Sheila Slick | Five MilestonesSponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when a mental health nurse becomes the patient? Katrina Stephenson spent over 20 years on the frontlines of mental health and trauma nursing, only to find herself drowning in the very crisis she helped others navigate. Compassion fatigue, panic, depression, and a moment she describes as her darkest point changed everything.But what happened next surprised even her.Katrina is the founder and CEO of Nurse to Nurse Peer Support and Mindful Nurse Gardener, two powerful initiatives reshaping how healthcare workers heal. She turned a published letter during COVID into a movement, and built a peer support circle that is quietly transforming how nurses show up for themselves and each other.Could burnout actually be a beginning? And why are nurses the only first responders left without a proper system to catch them when they fall?Tune in to hear Katrina's story and discover why vulnerability is not a weakness, it's a doorway.To connect with Katrina Stevenson, visit www.mindfulnessgardener.caStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

The Financial Truth Killing Your Business Growth (Before You Even See It Coming) with John MorrisMost CEOs think their biggest growth problem is revenue. John Morris says the answer is hiding in plain sight on your income statement, and most business owners are reading it completely wrong.John scaled his agency from $10,000 to nearly $40 million before a successful exit. Now as founder of Fiscal Advocate, he works with CEOs on the financial blind spots that quietly strangle profitable growth.In this episode, John reveals the three numbers every service business owner must know, why "growing your way out" of a financial problem is often the most dangerous bet you can make, and the tough leadership decision most CEOs avoid until it's too late.One of his clients swung from losing $1.5M to making $1.5M in a single year. What changed? Tune in to find out.To connect with John Morris, visit fiscaladvocate.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes, expanded strategies, and direct support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the secret to marketing that actually converts has nothing to do with the latest AI tool or trending strategy? Rachel Allen built a global copywriting career across 21 countries starting with $200, a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, and a $3.25 freelance gig. In this episode, Rachel reveals the one AI mistake most marketers are making right now, why your human voice is your most underutilized asset, and the dead-simple action you can take today that most business owners completely neglect.If your marketing feels like it sounds like everyone else's, you need to hear this.Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts.To connect with Rachel Allen, visit boltfromthebluecopywriting.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes, expanded strategies, and direct support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the thing holding you back from launching isn't your expertise, it's your definition of ready?Jake Wysocki spent years training hundreds of professionals inside Fortune 200 companies before one conversation with his wife changed everything. He walked away from a job he loved, skipped the side hustle, and built something entirely new. But the path that followed wasn't straight, and what he discovered along the way reframed how he thinks about programs, perfection, and the cost of waiting.In this episode, Jake breaks down why chasing perfection is the wrong goal entirely, and what to pursue instead. He also shares the low-risk strategy he borrowed from Jim Collins that every entrepreneur needs before going all in on a big idea.If you've been telling yourself "I'll do it someday," this episode will make you rethink that timeline.Tune in now and catch this episode on your favorite podcast platform.To connect with Jake Wysocki, visit workshopy.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if everything you've been told about burnout recovery is missing the most important piece?Samantha Catone spent eight years as a litigation attorney doing everything "right" — whole foods, meditation, specialists, supplementation — and still watched her health collapse completely. What she discovered on the other side wasn't another wellness hack. It was something far more fundamental, and it changed everything.In this episode of Milestone Moments in Business and Leadership, former attorney turned burnout coach Samantha Catone shares the surprising truth she uncovered when conventional advice stopped working — and how the very traits that made her successful were quietly working against her. What happened when she finally stopped looking for answers outside herself? The results were unexpected.If you're a high achiever running on empty and wondering why nothing seems to work, this conversation might be the turning point you didn't know you needed.Listen in to learn more about burnout recovery for high achievers, nervous system regulation, and rebuilding self-worth after burnout.To connect with Samantha Catone, visit sammycatone.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones For more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if everything you're working toward is actually taking you further from the life you want? Gwen Bortner has spent four decades and 47 industries watching business owners hit their goals and still end up burned out, disconnected, and quietly miserable.As an operational strategist and business advisor, Gwen asks one deceptively simple question that most entrepreneurs can't actually answer. And until you can, no system, hire, or strategy will fix what's really wrong.In this episode, she challenges the definition of success you've been chasing, reframes what burnout is actually about, and shares a one-word swap in how you ask questions that instantly shifts your brain from defensiveness to problem-solving mode.This episode will make you rethink what you're building and why.Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts.To connect with Gwen Bortner, visit gwenbortner.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes, expanded strategies, and direct support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestones Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when a combat veteran, space operations specialist, and math teacher picks up a pen — and uncovers an ancestor who lost everything at 22, yet was remembered as one of the most dignified women of her era?Joseph Bolton spent years chasing a mystery hidden behind his French-Canadian, Native American, Spanish, English, and Irish roots. What he found in the archives of 17th-century Quebec stopped him in his tracks — and ignited a book series that readers of all ages can't put down.In this episode, Joseph shares how a real Algonquin woman named Mirimete Ouagwe — whose story was nearly lost to history — became the beating heart of his Old Grandmother's Tree series. Told in the language of folktales, woven with trickster animals and a little magic, these stories carry truths about family, resilience, and legacy that feel surprisingly universal.And there's one chapter — a conversation between an old turtle and a young moose — that might just be the most quietly powerful thing you'll hear all year.🎧 Tune in now — some stories are too important to forget.To connect with Joseph Bolton, visit oldgrandmotherstree.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter 💼 Connect on LinkedIn ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🌐 Sheila Slick | Five Milestones✨ Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the gap between where you are and where you want to be isn't about skill, it's about what you're doing when no one's watching?Sabine Kvenberg spent decades as a stage and TV actress in Germany, a director, and a performing arts school founder before bringing those hard-won performance secrets into the business world. She didn't just study communication. She lived it on real stages, in real auditions, with real stakes.In this episode, Sabine introduces a concept that might reframe everything about how you show up in your business. She calls it the invisible stage, and it's where influence is actually built long before anyone sees you. She also breaks down what it really takes to become a "triple threat" in your industry, and why the experts who skip this step stay invisible no matter how good they are.If you've been waiting for the right moment to step into your authority, this episode will make you rethink what "ready" actually means.Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform.To connect with Sabine Kvenberg, visit sabinekvenberg.com/resources or schedule a conversation at talktosabine.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the thing holding you back from video isn't your gear, your lighting, or your editing skills — but something far more fixable?Sarah Berry spent 20 years as a corporate trainer before discovering that the same skills that made her valuable inside companies could build something iconic outside of them. But first, she had to survive the cringe. Her unconventional experiment changed everything — and the results were nothing like she expected.In this episode, Sarah reveals why most people approach video content completely backwards, the mindset shift that separates those who gain traction from those who quit at episode three, and the surprisingly low-effort strategy she now teaches through her program, Invisible to Iconic.If you've been waiting until you feel "ready" to show up on camera, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about what's actually stopping you.Tune in now and discover what's possible when you stop overthinking and start recording.To connect with Sarah Berry, visit her on LinkedIn.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes, expanded strategies, and direct support.Subscribe to the Newsletter | LinkedIn | YouTubeSheila Slick | Five MilestonesSponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Your Voice Could Be Your Most Valuable Business Asset , Are You Still Keeping It Silent? with Harry DuranWhat if the podcast you've been putting off could become your most powerful business development tool? Harry Duran, founder of Fullcast and host of 500+ episodes across multiple shows, didn't just build a podcast — he built an entirely new life with one. But it wasn't until a near-death experience on a waterfall in Thailand that he discovered the real reason he does it all.In this episode, Harry reveals the counterintuitive strategy that landed him a sponsor before he recorded a single episode — and how he turned a niche interest into a six-figure revenue stream. He also shares what most new podcasters get dangerously wrong about SEO, and why the answer isn't more content.What would you do differently if you knew your podcast could open doors you never expected? What's the one element Harry says determines whether a show succeeds or quietly disappears?Tune in and find out why Harry believes your voice is too important to keep inside.🎧 Listen to the full episode now!To connect with Harry Duran, visit fullcast.coStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to upcoming episodes and events, expanded strategies and resources, and direct connection with Sheila for questions and support.📩 Subscribe to the Newsletter 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🌐 Sheila Slick | Five MilestonesSponsored by PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the biggest threat to your sales team isn't the competition—but the complete lack of leadership development that's silently crushing performance?Rebecca Gebhardt, former top 1% sales leader who generated over $50 million in revenue, exposes a shocking industry secret that's costing companies millions. After burning out at 33 despite loving her job, Rebecca discovered something that fundamentally changed how she views sales leadership development."80% of sales leaders are given zero training once being promoted," Rebecca reveals. "The average person gets their first leadership promotion at age 30, but their first leadership development at age 42. That's 12 years of trial and error."Here's what will stagger you: While companies spend fortunes on sales training, they're completely ignoring the one factor that determines whether any of it actually works. Rebecca shares why even the best sales programs fail—and it has nothing to do with the content.What you'll discover in this episode:Why high performers are actually at higher risk for dangerous burnoutThe brutal truth about how organizations measure training effectivenessHow Rebecca went from "terrible" at sales to building million-dollar teamsWhy strength-based coaching gives sales teams an unfair competitive advantageThe assessment that reveals your sales team's hidden potential (and can be used in interviews)Why women wait for 100% confidence while men leap at 60%—and what this means for your teamBut here's the game-changing revelation: What happens when you discover that most "personality conflicts" aren't personality issues at all—but something much deeper that can be completely resolved?Rebecca reveals her strength-based framework using tools that measure what traditional assessments miss entirely. One assessment focuses on the "do" part of the brain that's completely subconscious, while another predicts whether leaders will thrive or merely survive.The breakthrough moment that changes everything? When Rebecca explains why someone selling medical devices would fail in her role, and vice versa—and how understanding this prevents costly hiring mistakes and team frustrations.Ready to discover what's really driving (or destroying) your sales team's performance?To connect with Rebecca Gebhardt, visit riseupconsultinggroup.com or find her on LinkedInStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Dr. Angela Mulrooney, known as "The Arsonist," lost her thriving dental practice in an instant and watched her world burn down. But what she discovered while building five successful businesses from the ashes will change how you think about career pivots, AI, and the hidden crisis facing accomplished professionals today.Why are highly intellectual people being pushed out of corporations while those in their 70s are thriving as entrepreneurs? What's the shocking truth about multi-generational teams that companies are ignoring? And how did Angela turn a 12-hour manual process into an AI tool that reveals your "niche of genius" in minutes?Discover why calling yourself "former VP" or "former executive" is sabotaging your next chapter, how ageism is being disguised as AI disruption, and the one thing senior professionals must do before they lose their identity entirely. Angela reveals the surprising difference between pivoting and evolving—and why one leads to burnout while the other builds unstoppable momentum.Tune in to discover how to make yourself irreplaceable in the age of AI—and why your greatest asset isn't what you used to be, but who you're becoming. To connect with Dr. Angela Mulrooney, visit https://app.unleashinginfluence.com/v2 or find her on LinkedIn as Dr. Angela MulrooneyStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Are you drowning in tasks that aren't really yours? What if the biggest leadership trap isn't about doing too much—it's about doing the wrong work entirely?Liz Weber, named one of 2025's Top Global Gurus for Leadership alongside Simon Sinek and John Maxwell, reveals a shocking truth that's been plaguing organizations for 30+ years: most leaders don't actually understand what their job is. But here's what's more surprising—neither do their teams.What happens when high performers unknowingly shoulder 125% of the workload while others coast at 75%? How does a training room conversation expose problems that senior leadership never sees? And why does being "helpful" actually sabotage your team's growth?Liz shares the unexpected journey from thinking she'd be a commodities broker to becoming a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and boards—and the pivotal classroom moment that changed everything. Discover the deceptively simple assessment that reveals whether you're stuck doing work below your level, and why the "easier to just do it myself" mentality is silently crushing your leadership potential.Tune in to discover the one question that exposes whether you're leading—or just enabling.To connect with Liz Weber, visit https://wbsllc.com or find her on LinkedIn at @LizWeberCMCStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if every problem you're frantically solving is actually making things worse?Vandana Piranek spent 25 years watching brilliant teams pour millions into solutions that missed the mark entirely—until a factory worker with a desk fan exposed the fatal flaw in how we think. After surviving a two-week coma and delivering her TEDx talk three days post-hospital, she decoded what separates leaders who thrive from those trapped in endless problem-solving cycles.Here's the unsettling truth: 95% of your daily thoughts are redundant. You're solving problems instead of outcomes. And that perfume manufacturer? They spent millions overhauling their production line when the answer cost less than $20.But there's a bigger question nobody's asking—the one Abraham Wald posed during WWII that saved countless lives by looking at what everyone else ignored. What are YOU not seeing?The gap between where you are and living limitless isn't about working harder. It's about upgrading your mental operating system. And it starts with one principle most people completely misunderstand.Tune in to discover the three principles that transform impossible situations into breakthrough moments.Connect with Vandana Piranek:Website: https://thebookofmight.comLinkedIn: Connect with Vandana PiranekStay connected!Subscribe to newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Are you achieving everything on paper but feeling empty inside? What if the very traits driving your success are secretly fueling your burnout—and you can't even see it yet?Kassandra Hamilton, leadership and alignment coach and two-time best-selling author, collapsed on her floor after losing three family members, her dog, and her relationship in just months. What she discovered in that moment of surrender contradicts everything we're taught about achievement.How does a single word—"abracadabra"—hold the key to reshaping your entire reality? Why do most high achievers refuse to believe they're burned out until it's too late? And what made the "salesiest" approach feel wrong until one simple shift changed everything?Tune in to discover the milestone moment that transformed Cassandra's approach to success—and the one practice that makes life "magical again."To connect with Cassandra Hamilton, visit www.readysetrealign.caStay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the visibility strategy you're betting on is actually keeping you invisible?Julie Lokun, J.D., went from law school labor pains to building Chicago's premier visibility summit, but her journey revealed a controversial truth that most entrepreneurs refuse to accept. While everyone chases followers and engagement, there's a completely different game being played by those who actually dominate their industries.Here's what makes this conversation urgent: Julie works with everyone from Fortune 500 companies to White House insiders, and she's watched countless businesses waste years on the wrong platform. The answer? It's not about posting more. It's about something most people have completely abandoned.What happened when she shifted her entire strategy away from what "everyone knows works"? And why does she call social media "the lowest hanging fruit" that actually keeps you stuck?Plus, discover what makes Cre8tiveCon different from every other conference you've attended, and why networking might be the only thing you're actually taking home from most events.Tune in to discover the earned media secrets that traditional PR has been gatekeeping from entrepreneurs.Connect with Julie Loken:Visit: https://themediacastters.comCre8tiveCon: https://cre8tivecon.comStay connected!Subscribe to newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if one question asked to hundreds of podcasters could reveal a million-dollar opportunity?Alex Sanfilippo did exactly that at PodFest 2020. After 15 years in corporate aerospace, he walked away with a calculated plan. Today, PodMatch has paid over $1 million in commissions to podcasters on the platform.But here's what most people don't know: the single question that started it all, and the four-step framework he used to turn community frustration into a thriving platform.Listen now to discover what he asked and why it changed everything.To connect with Alex Sanfilippo visit PodMatch.comAlex is co-author of Unscripted Brilliance: The PodMatch Editiona book that's brave in its honesty, bold in its approach, and brilliant in its execution. Whether you're a podcast host seeking inspiration, an entrepreneur wanting substance over style, or a leader ready to own your authentic voice, this book offers valuable insights wrapped in compelling stories.Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a BookJoin PodMatch: https://www.joinpodmatch.com/fivemilestones

What if the reason your leadership training never sticks has nothing to do with the quality of the program? Chris Majer—who's trained everyone from U.S. Special Forces to Microsoft executives—reveals the uncomfortable truth: understanding happens instantly, but your body only learns through practice. And practice takes time.Why do most adults never actually learn anything new? We're more committed to being comfortable than to changing. Majer shares the exact moment executives realize they've been "practicing being bad" at their own skills, what happened when he put a Fortune 500 leader on a 40-foot pole, and why his flagship program takes nine months instead of two days.Here's what nobody tells you about AI implementation, risk-taking, and breakthrough performance: you can't teach what you haven't experienced yourself. Ready to stop confusing understanding with competence? Tune in to this episode to discover why "impossible" is just a limitation you've invented, and what shifts when you push one step beyond your edge.To connect with Chris Majer:Website: humanpotentialproject.comSpeaking: chrismajer.comBook: The Power to Transform (available on Amazon)Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What makes someone abandon a potential real estate podcast to spend years dissecting financial crimes? Davreen Dixon, JD discovered her calling through a law school assignment that changed everything—and turned it into a podcast that's redefining compliance training.Here's what most compliance professionals face: dry regulations, endless technical documents, and training that puts people to sleep. But what if financial crime cases were told like the true crime stories millions of people binge-listen to every week?The Compliance Times takes real money laundering cases, fraud schemes, and sanctions violations and asks three questions that transform how professionals learn: What happened? How was it uncovered? And what can you do to protect your organization?From seasonal story arcs to bridging the gap between compliance experts and true crime enthusiasts, could narrative-driven storytelling be the missing piece in financial crime prevention?Tune in to discover how one JD is revolutionizing compliance education through storytelling.To connect with Davreen Dixon, visit The Compliance Times podcast.Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletterConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What happens when your side gig makes more than your stable $45K job? Paul Eric Pape—"Santa for Nerds" who's designed for Disney, Universal, and Nickelodeon—faced that exact choice. His wife gave him one year. Within four months, something happened that changed everything.Here's what most creatives get wrong about pricing: they're competing with the wrong companies. Paul reveals why the moment he stopped doing one specific thing, his worst customers disappeared and the right clients started showing up willing to pay premium prices.But there's a bigger problem killing creative businesses before they start. It has nothing to do with talent or market demand. Paul shares the counterintuitive business model that consultants told him would fail—yet it's been his secret weapon for two decades.Ready to stop grinding and start leveling up? Tune in to discover why Paul calls himself a wizard instead of an artist, what "bend, don't break" really means when clients ask for the impossible, and the role-playing game principle that makes boring business tasks actually completable.To connect with Paul Eric Pape:Website: GamifyBusiness.comFree book sample: GamifyBusiness.com/podcast (first two chapters of The Creative Player's Handbook to Business)Social media: @PaulPapeDesignsTEDx Talk: "Santa for Nerds"Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the path you've been told to follow is exactly what's holding you back? CEO and scientist-turned-entrepreneur Sabine Hutchison reveals why career pivots don't mean starting over – and the surprising skill that determines whether your reinvention succeeds or fails spectacularly.From touring with David Copperfield to launching companies across multiple industries, Sabine has cracked the code on pivoting without losing momentum. But here's the catch: most professionals make one critical mistake when changing directions that costs them thousands in lost salary and years of advancement.What's in your "Spotify list of skills"? And why does society's definition of success keep brilliant leaders stuck in careers that drain them? Discover why turning 60 launched Sabine's most ambitious chapter yet – and what she knows about regret that changes everything.Tune in to discover the unconventional framework that turns career chaos into strategic advantage.To connect with Sabine Hutchison, visit SabineHutchison.comStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if being quiet doesn't mean you have nothing to say—it means no one's giving you the space to say it?Tonya Lehman stood in her husband's manager's bathroom, reading every ingredient on the hand lotion bottle, killing time to avoid returning to a party where she'd been completely ignored. That moment became her turning point: just because she's an introvert doesn't mean she deserves to be invisible.Now Tonya helps quiet professionals gain the skills and confidence to speak up for personal growth and professional impact. But here's what most leaders miss: introverts aren't just shy—they're untapped potential sitting in meetings, composing emails in their minds instead of contributing in the moment.The psychological safety problem: Leaders ask "any questions?" and move on within seconds. Extroverts see opportunity where introverts see risk. And the loudest voice always wins—until it doesn't.Tonya reveals why physically raising your hand changes everything, how to address points made earlier in conversations without awkwardness, and the critical mistake she made using one word that dismissed her entire team's concerns (and the email from her boss that followed).Are you leaving your best ideas unspoken?Through her Speaking Games Club and the "I Have a Gift for You" exercise, discover how spontaneously dealing with uncertainty builds the muscle introverts need to contribute powerfully. Connect with Tanya Lehman: Website: https://joylab.biz Social Media: @SpeakUpWithTanya LinkedIn: Tanya LehmanStay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to episodes and expanded strategies.Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai

Meet Andrew Brummer, "the business polygraph"—who discovered at 53 that the worst career crisis could become his greatest breakthrough. But the pivotal moment didn't come from what happened to him. It came from what he understood about fear itself.Here's the question keeping successful leaders stuck: What if the one thing you're protecting yourself from is actually robbing you of eight other wins? Andrew reveals why most CEOs are building their empires on a dangerous lie—and it's not what you think.Ready to discover what you're leaving on the table?Tune in now to hear the full breakthrough Andrew shares with leaders from Iraq to India.To connect with Andrew Brummer, visit andrewbrummer.com or find him on LinkedIn.Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Kasey Jones works with coaches and consultants who've discovered an uncomfortable truth: they haven't built a real business. They've created what Kasey calls a "full-time side hustle"—a collection of random referral-based projects that never compound or scale.The referral trap feels safe because work comes to you. But what happens when those referrals slow down? Without systems or a repeatable process, you're left wondering what to tell people you actually do.Here's Kasey's perspective shift: if you genuinely believe your work helps people, you have a responsibility to make sure those who need you can find you. Sales and outreach aren't selfish—they're acts of service.But what's really keeping you stuck? Kasey reveals the two hidden reasons smart professionals don't take action (hint: it's not just fear), plus her framework for breaking through when the path forward feels overwhelming.Listen to this episode to discover what it takes to become the "chief experience officer" of your life—not just your business.Connect with Casey Jones: Website: https://essentialistceo.com Social Media: @abetterjones (all platforms)Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to episodes and expanded strategies.Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai

What if the painful grind of typing is the only thing standing between you and becoming a published author? Leslie Capps, founder of Wild Woman Marketing, reveals why voice-to-text book writing changed everything for busy entrepreneurs who can't type fast enough to capture their ideas.Get the book > Turn Your Spoken Words Into a Publish-Ready Book in 30 Days: https://podtobook.com/turn-your-spoken-words-into-a-publish-ready-book-in-30-days/After her first traditionally-written book left her saying "stab my eye out with a fork," Leslie experimented with basic dictation methods and discovered she could speak 3,000-4,000 words per hour—triple the typical typing speed. But the real breakthrough came when she and Sheila Slick, MS co-authored Turn Your Spoken Words Into a Publish-Ready Book in 30 Days, using PodtoBook.ai to prove the method works—transforming their spoken conversations into professionally formatted chapters.But here's what most aspiring authors miss: typing actually removes your most authentic voice from your writing.What happened when one beta reader revealed Leslie's unique speaking pattern that would have been edited out if she'd typed? And why does Leslie now refuse to write any other way—even recording chapters while walking her dog on the prairie?In this episode, discover:The exact voice-to-text method that gets books from idea to Amazon in 30 daysWhy carpal tunnel and typing fatigue are killing your book dreams (and how to bypass them completely)How entrepreneurs with years of Zoom recordings can finally turn content into published booksThe "Author in 30" system that's so effective, they publish live on Amazon in week fourWhat makes dictated books more engaging than traditionally typed manuscriptsReady to hold YOUR book in your hands without the typing grind? Tune in to discover why podtobook.com software is revolutionizing book writing for busy entrepreneurs—and how you can finish your first (or next) book in 30 days.Get the book > Turn Your Spoken Words Into a Publish-Ready Book in 30 Days: https://podtobook.com/turn-your-spoken-words-into-a-publish-ready-book-in-30-days/To connect with Leslie Capps and learn about Author in 30, visit authorin30.comStay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesSponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the biggest mistake podcasters make isn't their equipment or download numbers—but believing they need thousands of listeners before they can profit? Donna Kunde, global radio host and creator of the Podcast Profit System, has produced over 15,000 episodes and discovered something the podcasting industry doesn't want you to know.After 20 years as a military musician and surviving a debilitating mystery illness, Donna built two internet radio stations during COVID. What she uncovered changed everything: your podcast isn't just content—it's your next lead magnet, your signature offer, and potentially your path to six-figure years.Why are traditional podcasting "experts" keeping podcasters focused on downloads instead of dollars? What did Donna map out that turned everyday creators into profitable business owners? And how did she mobilize an entire community to publish a collaborative book in just weeks?Discover the system that's helping podcasters monetize from episode one—no massive audience required.Tune in now to learn what the industry won't tell you about podcast profitability.To connect with Donna Kunde, visit: https://podcastprofitsystem.com📖 Grab the book: Your Message is the Business captures the complete systemStay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletterConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesSponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book📖 Grab the book: Your Message is the Business captures the complete system

Can One Conversation Really Turn Your Words Into $250,000 in 90 Days?What if everything you know about business messaging is keeping you invisible? Aurora Winter, award-winning author and founder of SamePagePublishing.com, reveals why most entrepreneurs fail before they even open their mouths—and the neuroscience-backed blueprint that changed everything.Here's what's shocking: studies show the right story can generate 27 times more revenue. But there's a catch most people miss—and it starts with understanding why your brain filters out 99% of messages in under one second.What happened when Aurora tested a simple 90-day experiment with just a small email list? The results challenged everything conventional wisdom teaches about business growth. And why did a litigation attorney's fiction thriller secure seven figures in new business when dozens of qualified competitors couldn't?Ready to stop being a commodity and position yourself as the Ferrari in your industry?Listen to the full episode now to discover the three-step sequence that actually works (hint: most people put the roof on first), why your expertise might be suffocating your sales, and the surprising truth about that eight-second attention span myth.Connect with Aurora Winter: Aurora Winter, MBAWebsite: SamePagePublishing.com We help experts launch as thought leaders.Book a VIP call here: www.bookcall.bizGift fantasy e-book: www.MagicMysteryandtheMultiverse.com Gift nonfiction e-book: www.TurnWordsIntoWealth.com YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@StrategicBasicsStay Connected with Sheila: 📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesLearn More: Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/ Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comSponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the biggest barrier to your success isn't the men in the room—it's the conditioning you can't see?Samantha K. Harris spent 25 years in high-stakes, male-dominated trades environments learning a hard truth: women aren't making communication "mistakes"—they're following patterns conditioned since childhood. Patterns that keep them people-pleasing, seeking approval, and waiting to be picked instead of speaking up.But here's what changes everything: What if you stopped looking outside yourself for validation?Samantha reveals why women in leadership struggle differently depending on whether they've "done the work" on themselves—and how unhealed female leaders can be just as challenging as male-dominated spaces. The difference? Self-awareness and intentional transformation.Discover the Brag Bag Strategy: Your personal collection of wins, accolades, and proof of your value—not to prove yourself to others, but to stay rooted in who you are when doubt creeps in. Because by the time every successful woman is herself, she's stopped asking for permission.Learn the TRUTH Method: Treasure yourself. Respect yourself. Understand yourself. Trust yourself. Heal yourself. The framework that transforms external validation-seeking into unshakeable self-advocacy.What patterns are you unconsciously following? And what becomes possible when you redefine your labels as superpowers?Connect with Samantha K. Harris: Website: https://theskhsolutions.com Instagram: @samanthakofficial LinkedIn: Samantha K HarrisStay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for early access to episodes and expanded strategies.Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai

What if the leadership approach that made you successful five years ago is now quietly sabotaging your effectiveness?Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer and author of "Flexible Leadership," reveals a harsh truth that's blindsiding even the most experienced leaders. After 30+ years helping leaders across 53 countries, Kevin discovered something that challenges everything we think we know about consistent leadership."If we're leading the way we did five years ago, chances are your success is going down," Kevin explains. "It's not going up. It's not staying the same because the world is not the same."Here's what will shake your perspective: The leadership principles you've built your identity around—being a "results-based leader" or a "people-first leader"—might actually be limiting your potential. Kevin shares why the either/or mindset is a trap that's keeping leaders stuck.What you'll discover in this episode:Why your natural leadership tendency could be your biggest blind spotThe false question that trips up even seasoned executivesHow Kevin went from corporate training at Chevron to building a global leadership empireThe "both/and" world concept that transforms how you make decisionsWhy flexibility in approach (not values) is the new leadership superpowerThe simple lens shift that turns every experience into a leadership lessonBut here's the game-changing question: What happens when you stop trying to be consistent in your methods and start being strategic about when to flex?Kevin reveals his "flexor" framework through a real example from his own company. During their Virtual LeaderCon event, his team operates in full results mode. But what happens the week after? The answer reveals why rigid leadership styles are becoming obsolete.The breakthrough moment that changes everything? When Kevin explains why even catastrophic team events require a completely different leadership approach—and how knowing when to flex could save your team's loyalty and performance.Ready to discover if your leadership style is helping or hurting your success?To connect with Kevin Eikenberry, visit kevineikenberry.com or find "The Remarkable Leadership Podcast"Stay connected! Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

Welcome to the 5 Minute Mindset Reset, a simple practice that helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals start their day with clarity, focus, and intention.I'm Sheila Slick, MS, your host and founder of Five Milestones. I'm joined by co-host Cynthia Rodriguez, EdD, in Organizational Leadership, to guide you through five minutes of breathwork, stretching, and mindful reflection.Whether you're navigating change, making critical decisions, or simply want to show up as your best self, these 5 minutes will reset your mind and set the tone for everything that follows.No fluff. No long meditations. Just five powerful minutes to help you think clearly, lead confidently, and tackle your day with purpose.Let's reset.Ready to unlock your visionary leadership? Listen now and let your mind soar.Stay connected! Subscribe to our newsletter at 5minutemindsetreset.com for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportConnect with Sheila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comConnect with Cynthia on LinkedInThe 5-Minute Mindset Reset PodcastListen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-5-minute-mindset-reset/id1854506171Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3It2nIDGIJMoXCgk0KR3a3Listen on Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/96b39095-5466-40d8-965b-3ee8284d20cf/the-5-minute-mindset-resetSponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What if the difference between scattered leadership and breakthrough clarity took just five minutes?In this conversation, Cynthia shares her father's counterintuitive approach to treating everyone from CEOs to janitors the same—and how that philosophy shaped her leadership style. She reveals why schools are facing a teacher crisis as technology races ahead, and what that tells us about leading through any industry transformation.The real question: Can dedicating just five minutes each day completely reset how you approach challenges, relationships, and opportunities? Cynthia says yes and explains exactly how to make it work.Tune in to discover the one practice that creates clarity, strengthens leadership presence, and helps you tackle change with a calm, focused mind...plus why Sheila's committing to making this her new daily ritual.Cynthia Rodriguez, has spent over 18 years leading teams, strengthening culture, and managing organizational growth. With a BA in Elementary Education, an MSW in Social Work, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Development, she brings deep expertise in both educational leadership and human development. As Head of School at a Montessori program, she oversees strategy, operations, and staff development with a focus on building strong, resilient teams. Her background in life coaching and emotional intelligence shapes her people-centered approach. She's passionate about helping adults navigate change, reduce burnout, and lead with clarity and purpose.To connect with Cynthia, visit her LinkedIn Stay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and supportSubscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit:Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.comFive Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book

What makes a successful TV producer walk away from interviewing Taylor Swift to pick up her son from daycare? Shannon Russell made that split-second decision while pregnant, running through a Manhattan subway station—and it changed everything.After 16 years producing television shows, Shannon faced a brutal reality: her dream career was stealing every first moment with her children. First birthday? Missed. Halloween? Missed. The commute, the travel, the endless hours—it all came crashing down in one pivotal moment.Shannon opened a STEM education franchise teaching kids Lego building, coding, and robotics—despite having zero teaching background. Within 18 months, she opened a brick-and-mortar location. Eight years later, she sold it successfully and launched a thriving coaching business helping other women reinvent their careers.But here's what's really intriguing: the transition wasn't smooth. There was a year of "floundering"—trying nine-to-five jobs, pursuing a master's degree, searching for what fit. What finally worked? Finding her "why" and making it non-negotiable. Now she's teaching Lego Serious Play to corporate executives in hospitals, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies—bringing STEM to boardrooms nationwide.Tune in to discover why your "why" matters more than your credentials—and how to build a business around it.Connect with Shannon Russell: Website: secondactsuccess.co Book: Start Your Second Act: How to Change Careers, Launch a Business, and Create Your Best Life (Available on Amazon) Podcast: Second Act SuccessStay connected!Subscribe to Sheila's newsletter for:Early access to upcoming episodes and eventsExpanded strategies and resourcesDirect connection with Sheila for questions and support📧 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://fivemilestones.kit.com/newsletter Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaslick/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fivemilestonesFor more information, visit: Sheila Slick: https://sheilaslick.com Five Milestones: https://fivemilestones.com/show/Sponsored by: https://PodToBook.ai | Turn Your Podcast Conversations into a Book