Take The Leap

Season 3 comes to a close with Ashlan and Tory reflecting on an incredible year of conversations, lessons, and growth. After more than 60 episodes and 151 podcast episodes overall, they celebrate the entrepreneurs who generously shared their stories, the listeners who have supported the show, and the community that has formed around Take the Leap.The conversation looks back on what they've learned from three seasons of podcasting, why consistency has mattered more than perfection, and what's coming next in Season 4. They also share updates from their own businesses, discuss new productivity experiments, and invite listeners to help shape the future of the podcast through a new listener survey.Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or just discovered the podcast, this season finale offers a behind-the-scenes look at what the past three years have meant to the hosts. It's a celebration of entrepreneurship, community, consistency, and the reminder that building something meaningful happens one conversation at a time.Take our listener survey and shape the future of the podcast! Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/4XeNTfqmi4JgudBQ9 Key TakeawaysThree years and more than 150 episodes later, the biggest lesson is that consistency compounds over time.Every entrepreneur has a different path, and there is no single "right" way to build a business.Starting before you feel completely ready often leads to opportunities you couldn't have planned.Podcasting has become an accountability system for consistently creating meaningful content.Listeners and guests have shaped the direction and growth of the Take the Leap community.Deep work requires protecting your calendar and intentionally designing your schedule.Setting realistic expectations helps reduce unnecessary stress and guilt.Entrepreneurship is more sustainable when you create systems that support your energy.Consuming positive, encouraging media can help balance the constant stream of negative news.Season 4 will feature both returning guests for deeper conversations and brand-new entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack their conversation with Christine Manning and explore what it really means to evolve as an entrepreneur. Christine's decision to sell a successful business–not because it was failing, but because it no longer aligned with who she wanted to become–opens a broader conversation about self-trust, intuition, and giving yourself permission to pivot.The discussion also dives into the stories entrepreneurs tell themselves that hold them back, the importance of creating content without chasing perfection, and why building a business that reflects your values matters just as much as building a profitable one. As always, the episode wraps with personal wins, lessons learned, and the books currently capturing their attention.Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business–it's about continually deciding whether the business you're building still fits the life you want. If you've been questioning your direction, second-guessing your instincts, or feeling pulled toward a change, this conversation offers encouragement to trust yourself and build a business that continues to evolve alongside you.Key TakeawaysSelling or pivoting a successful business can be just as courageous as starting one.Entrepreneurship gives you the freedom to realign your work with your values as you grow.Self-trust is one of the most valuable skills a founder can develop.Before accepting limiting beliefs, ask yourself: "Is this true, or is it a story I'm telling myself?"Overthinking often becomes the biggest obstacle to taking action.Marketing doesn't have to be overly complicated. Consistency matters more than perfection.Repurposing content with new messaging and hooks is a smart long-term strategy.Authentic conversations often create stronger connections than perfectly scripted content.Having supportive people in your corner makes entrepreneurship significantly easier.Setting realistic expectations and intentionally building rest into your schedule helps prevent burnout and supports long-term creativity.This episode references our conversation with Christine Manning, episode #149 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Christine Manning is a business and mindset coach who helps founders and leaders navigate the point where pushing harder no longer creates better results. Drawing on over 20 years in marketing leadership, a decade building and exiting her own food business, and extensive training in neuroscience and mindfulness-based coaching, Christine helps clients identify the unconscious patterns keeping them stuck and reconnect with their own intuition and self-trust.In this conversation, Christine shares why selling her successful food business was actually a bigger leap than starting it, explores the relationship between neuroscience and entrepreneurship, and offers practical insights on overcoming burnout, rebuilding self-trust, and creating a business that supports the life you truly want.If you've ever felt successful on paper but disconnected from your work, overwhelmed by constant decision-making, or uncertain about your next step, this episode will resonate deeply. Christine offers a refreshing perspective on entrepreneurship, growth, self-awareness, and the importance of questioning the stories we tell ourselves about what success should look like.Key TakeawaysSometimes the biggest entrepreneurial leap isn't starting a business–it's knowing when to leave one.You don't need to wait until you're completely burned out before making a change.Growth for the sake of growth doesn't always lead to fulfillment.Many entrepreneurs become trapped by conditioning and expectations that no longer align with their values.Self-trust is one of the most important skills founders can develop.Fear often disguises itself as many other emotions, including excitement and uncertainty.Boredom and quiet reflection are powerful tools for improving clarity, creativity, and decision-making.Meditation isn't about eliminating thoughts; it's about strengthening your attention and awareness.Information overload and constant distractions are contributing to burnout and decision fatigue.Asking yourself, "Is this true, or is it a story I'm telling myself?" can unlock powerful personal and professional growth.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Christine Manning, Business and Mindset CoachCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Christine:Visit her website: https://christine-manning.mykajabi.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.christinemanning/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemanning/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory revisit their conversation with Christina Spaulding and discuss the realities of career instability, entrepreneurship, and building a sustainable business. Christina's story of experiencing multiple corporate layoffs sparks a conversation about why so many entrepreneurs ultimately choose to create careers they control themselves.The episode also explores the importance of consistently nurturing your professional network, staying visible even when business is thriving, adapting your marketing as your audience evolves, and finding opportunities hidden within your website analytics.If you've ever worried about layoffs, inconsistent client work, or how to build a more resilient business, this episode offers practical advice on creating stability through relationships, visibility, and intentional marketing. It's a reminder that long-term business growth comes from consistently showing up, even during your busiest seasons.Key TakeawaysCorporate jobs can feel secure until they suddenly aren't, which is why many entrepreneurs choose to build careers they control.Business owners should continue prospecting and nurturing relationships even when their schedules are full.Networking is a long-term investment that often pays off months after the initial connection.Keeping your network updated on changes in your business helps create new opportunities.Website analytics can uncover unexpected opportunities, including the need for multilingual content.Search behavior and customer inquiries can reveal underserved audiences.Marketing strategies should always be tailored to your specific audience rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.Visibility compounds over time, making consistent community involvement incredibly valuable.Systems and organization become even more important as your business grows.Building rest into your schedule protects your creativity and helps prevent burnout.This episode references our conversation with Christina Spaulding, episode #147 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Christina Spaulding, founder of Manzanita Marketing, shares how repeated layoffs throughout her career ultimately led her to entrepreneurship. After experiencing firsthand how quickly job security can disappear, she decided to bet on herself and build a business focused on SEO, content marketing, website development, and helping organizations grow their online visibility.In this conversation, Christina discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of continuous prospecting, and the often-overlooked opportunities that exist in international and multilingual SEO. She also shares practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their online presence and reach new audiences.If you've ever wondered whether entrepreneurship could offer more control over your future, this episode offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of building your own business. Christina provides actionable SEO insights, explains how businesses can identify opportunities in multilingual markets, and shares valuable lessons about resilience, networking, and creating opportunities through consistent relationship-building.Key TakeawaysJob security is often an illusion, making entrepreneurship an appealing path for many professionals.Building a business allows you to create the workplace culture and opportunities you wish existed in previous roles.Always be prospecting and nurturing your professional network, even when business is strong.Your network requires ongoing maintenance and relationship-building to create future opportunities.Entrepreneurs should avoid taking client decisions and business setbacks personally.Saying "yes" to opportunities that feel intimidating can lead to significant personal and professional growth.International and multilingual SEO can unlock entirely new markets and customer segments.Website traffic patterns and customer inquiries can reveal opportunities for multilingual content.Market research is essential before expanding products or services into new countries.A strong SEO foundation starts with site speed, technical health, and asking the right questions of your marketing team.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Christina Spaulding, CEO of Manzanita MarketingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Christina:Visit her website: https://manzanitamktg.com/ Follow Manzanita Marketing on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manzanita-marketing/ Follow Manzanita Marketing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manzanitamktg Follow Manzanita Marketing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manzanitamktg/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo reflection episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack their conversation with returning guest Asmaa Methqal, exploring the themes that resonated most after the interview. They discuss why rest shouldn't be something we feel guilty about, the importance of creating intentional space for reflection, and how entrepreneurs can avoid constantly moving from one project to the next without processing what they've learned.The conversation also explores the challenges many women face around overgiving, comparison, and guilt, while sharing personal updates on business growth, networking, productivity, and the media they're currently enjoying.Entrepreneurship often rewards constant action, but sustainable success requires intentional pauses. This episode offers practical reminders about protecting your energy, building reflection into your routines, trusting your systems, and giving yourself permission to rest without guilt.Key TakeawaysRest is a necessity, not something that has to be earned.Entrepreneurs often struggle to disconnect productivity from self-worth.Reflection transforms experiences into lessons instead of simply moving on to the next project.Building post-project reviews into your workflow helps prevent repeating the same mistakes.Women frequently carry unnecessary guilt, comparison, and patterns of overgiving.Systems become even more valuable during busy seasons. Don't abandon them when you need them most.Success often comes from the visibility and networking efforts you invested in months earlier.Better time management sometimes means adjusting deadlines instead of sacrificing your wellbeing.Entertainment and hobbies that allow your brain to rest are just as important as educational content.Small moments of intentional recovery make it easier to sustain long-term entrepreneurial growth.This episode references our conversation with Asmaa Methqal, episode #145 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Asmaa #072.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, we welcome back Asmaa Methqal for a powerful conversation about leadership, community, intuition, and what it means to move through transition with trust. Since her last visit, Asmaa has launched The Thread: Women + Tech Vancouver, an in-person community created to help women in tech build real connection, sharpen their skills, and practice showing up with integrity.Together, we explore what happens when things don’t go according to plan, why clarity comes through action, and how honoring your emotions can help you move toward the next aligned step. This episode is a grounding reminder that your growth doesn’t require perfection–it requires presence, reflection, and the courage to honor yourself.Key TakeawaysClarity comes through action, not waiting until you feel perfectly ready.Community is built through consistency, follow-through, and real human connection.Your integrity shows up in whether you keep your word to others and to yourself.When something feels blocked, it may be time to pivot, pause, or let it go.Reflection helps you turn experiences into lessons instead of just moving on to the next thing.Rest only works when you release the guilt attached to it.Your life can change in a second when you begin expecting possibilities instead of limitations.Honoring your emotions is part of leadership, not a distraction from it.Women often carry guilt, comparison, and overgiving, and releasing those patterns creates more space for aligned growth.Sometimes the “gift” in a hard season is the clarity it gives you about what needs to change.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Asmâa Methqal, Transformational Leadership Alchemist & Executive Coach, Fire and Flow Academy, and Founder of Maestra Business SolutionsCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Asmâa:Visit her website: https://iamasmaa.com/ Explore her business growth consulting business:  https://maestrahub.com/ Join the Fire and Flow Leaders Community: https://iamasmaa.com/fireandflowleaders/community Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmaamethqal/ Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithasmaa/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FireandFlowLeadership Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with leadership coach Vicki Semanie and dive deeper into the role emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and consistency play in building successful businesses and careers. Drawing from their own experiences in corporate environments and entrepreneurship, they discuss why strong leadership starts with understanding yourself and how showing up consistently creates long-term trust and opportunity.The conversation also explores networking, relationship-building, and the difference between transactional interactions and meaningful connections that can support business growth for years to come.If you're building a business, leading a team, or trying to grow your professional network, this episode offers practical insights into the human side of leadership. Ashlan and Tory share real-world examples of effective and ineffective leadership, why emotional intelligence matters, and how entrepreneurs can build stronger relationships with clients, employees, and collaborators.Key TakeawaysEmotional intelligence and self-awareness are foundational leadership skills.Great leadership requires understanding your strengths, blind spots, and impact on others.Being technically skilled does not automatically make someone an effective manager.Small business owners benefit from leading differently than large corporations.Consistency builds trust with clients, employees, and professional networks.Showing up regularly creates opportunities even when immediate results aren't visible.Networking is about building relationships, not collecting leads.Long-term business success often comes from being remembered and recommended by others.People want to work with businesses they know, trust, and feel connected to.Relationship-building should focus on mutual support rather than transactional outcomes.This episode references our conversation with Vicki Semanie, episode #143 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Vicki #063.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, we catch up with returning guest Vicki Semanie as she enters year three of her business. Vicki shares how her work has evolved beyond coaching into consulting, speaking, and leadership development, and how embracing uncertainty has opened unexpected opportunities.We also dive into emotional intelligence, the power of purpose, and why trust, not control, is shaping her vision for 2026. If you’ve ever felt like you need everything figured out before taking the next step, this conversation is your reminder that growth happens through action, not perfection.Key TakeawaysYou don’t need everything figured out to start, clarity comes through action.Business evolution is normal and often leads to better alignment with your strengths.Emotional intelligence, especially confidence and self-awareness, is key to effective leadership.Consistency (like weekly content or networking) builds trust and long-term opportunities.Networking isn’t about instant results, but showing up and being known.Trusting the process can open doors you didn’t plan for but are fully capable of walking through.Negative self-talk can limit growth, but it can be reframed with intentional practice.Building a business takes time, success often comes from patience, planning, and persistence.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Vicki Semanie, Master Certified Professional Coach at Seven Stones Life CoachingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Vicki:Visit her website: https://www.sevenstoneslifecoaching.com/ Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561743214060 Find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-semanie-sevenstones Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Peya and explore what it really means to build a business that aligns with your values, energy, and goals. They discuss the importance of letting go of work that no longer serves you, recognizing when clients or offers are no longer a good fit, and creating a business that supports your life instead of draining it.The conversation also touches on personal and business systems, the impact of AI on entrepreneurship, and why entrepreneurs need to pay attention when opportunities keep presenting themselves.If you've ever struggled to let go of a client, continued offering something you no longer enjoy, or felt stuck doing business a certain way because you think you "should," this episode is a powerful reminder that you have permission to change course. Ashlan and Tory share honest reflections about boundaries, alignment, business evolution, and trusting yourself to build something that works for you.Key TakeawaysIt's okay to stop doing work that no longer feels aligned with your goals or values.Not every client relationship is meant to last forever, and that's okay.Offboarding clients respectfully can preserve relationships and open doors for future opportunities.If an offer, platform, or marketing tactic isn't working, you don't have to keep forcing it.Pay attention to activities that consistently drain your energy and reassess whether they belong in your business.Clients can often sense when you're no longer excited about an offer or service.Personal systems and business systems are deeply connected because you are the same person in both spaces.Entrepreneurs benefit from building businesses that support their lives instead of compartmentalizing everything.Sometimes repeated signs and feedback are invitations to finally take action.Alignment often requires letting go of old expectations about how business "should" be done.This episode references our conversation with Peya Robbins, episode #141 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our other conversations with Peya #022 and #088.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this return conversation with Peya Robbins, we talk about what it means to stop running your business from obligation and start building it around joy, boundaries, and actual capacity. Peya shares how intentional rest helped her clear space, release clients and commitments that no longer fit, and reconnect with the parts of her business that feel energizing instead of draining.This episode is a reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about doing more. It is about deciding what deserves your time, protecting your energy, and remembering that you are allowed to build a business that supports the life you actually want.Key Takeaways:Rest can create the clarity you need to make better business decisions.Clearing physical, emotional, and professional clutter can open space for better opportunities.Boundaries apply to client relationships, not just personal relationships.You are allowed to stop renewing work that no longer feels aligned.Your business should support your life, not consume it.If you are constantly drained by your clients or offers, it may be time to reassess what you are building.Taking action matters more than endlessly saving ideas, making plans, or waiting for the perfect moment.Your personal systems and business systems are connected because you are the same person in both spaces.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Peya Robbins, Peya Robbins Business SupportCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Peya:Find her online: https://www.peyarobbins.com/ Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peypeyeveryday Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Lindsey Pope and explore the connections between entrepreneurship, resilience, health, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Lindsey’s experiences with strength training, business ownership, and community building, they discuss how failure can become a skill, why action creates clarity, and how sustainable success requires taking care of yourself first.The conversation also dives into the importance of relationship-building in business, learning to embrace imperfection, and recognizing that rest is often one of the most productive things entrepreneurs can do.If you've been overthinking your next business move, struggling with perfectionism, or feeling guilty about taking time off, this episode offers practical reminders that progress comes from action—not perfection. Ashlan and Victoria share candid stories about entrepreneurship, health challenges, networking, and the lessons that come from simply showing up consistently.Key TakeawaysFailure is a skill that can be developed through practice and resilience.Strength training and entrepreneurship share many of the same principles: consistency, growth, and incremental improvement.Clarity comes from taking action, not endlessly planning or overthinking.Perfectionism often delays progress more than mistakes ever will.Building genuine relationships remains one of the most important parts of growing a business.Marketing works best when it is supported by strong human connections.Taking time away from work fuels creativity, problem-solving, and better decision-making.Sustainable success requires prioritizing your physical and mental health.Entrepreneurs need to build recovery time into their routines just as intentionally as work time.Patience is often required when opportunities, proposals, and projects take longer than expected to develop.This episode references our conversation with Lindsey Pope, episode #139 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, we sit down with acupuncturist and holistic nutritionist Lindsey Pope, founder of Instinctual Health, to talk about what it really looks like to build a business rooted in both passion and personal evolution. Lindsey shares how her journey started from a desire for more freedom, and turned into a winding path of rediscovery, pivoting, and ultimately finding her niche in sports and orthopedic acupuncture.If you’ve ever felt pressure to “have it all figured out” in your business (or your health), this episode is a refreshing reminder that clarity often comes after you take the leap. Lindsey brings a grounded, honest perspective on entrepreneurship, healing, and why community, movement, and self-trust matter more than perfection.Key TakeawaysYou don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Lindsey’s business began as a side hustle and evolved over time through experimentation and experience.Clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. Trying different paths (even the “wrong” ones) can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.Community is everything in business. Building real, in-person relationships is more impactful than perfect branding or marketing funnels.Connection drives client retention. People come for the service, but stay because of the relationship and trust you build.Taking time off fuels better work. Stepping away from your business can lead to clearer insights and prevent burnout.Your health is foundational to your success. Movement, nutrition, and rest aren’t optional, they’re essential for sustainable entrepreneurship.Exercise should feel good and not forced. The “best” workout is the one you actually enjoy and can stay consistent with.Nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. Shifting from “good vs. bad” food to “fueling your body” creates a healthier, more sustainable mindset.Failure is a skill you can build. Weightlifting taught Lindsey that practicing failure builds resilience both in business and in life.Trust yourself before outside advice. Early pressure to pick a niche can backfire if it doesn’t align with what genuinely excites you.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Lindsey Pope, Owner of Instinctual HealthCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Lindsey:Visit her website: https://lindseypope.com Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instinctualhealth Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their powerful conversation with returning guest Elizabeth Doerr and explore what community care, civic engagement, and hope look like during uncertain times.They discuss the importance of taking meaningful action instead of getting stuck in doom-scrolling, why everyone has a role to play in creating positive change, and how community support can be one of the most impactful forms of activism. The conversation also highlights the parallels between taking action in our communities and taking action in our businesses, reminding listeners that progress often starts with small, intentional steps.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, struggling to figure out how to make a difference, or looking for ways to stay hopeful while building your business and life, this episode offers practical perspective and encouragement. Ashlan and Tory share honest reflections on civic engagement, community care, entrepreneurship, and the importance of moving from overwhelm into action.Key TakeawaysYou do not have to be an organizer or activist leader to make a meaningful difference in your community.Community care is a powerful form of activism and social change.Small actions often create bigger ripple effects than we realize.Doom-scrolling may feel productive, but it is not the same as taking action.Staying informed is important, but protecting your mental health matters too.Hope is created through action, not by waiting for circumstances to improve.Local involvement often creates more direct impact than we realize.Empathy and compassion cost nothing but can profoundly change someone’s experience.The same principle applies in business: when things feel stuck, taking action creates momentum.Building strong communities requires participation, connection, and care for one another.This episode references our conversation with Elizabeth Doerr, episode #137 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our other conversations with Elizabeth,  episodes #008 and #037.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, Elizabeth Doerr returns for a third time, and the conversation goes far beyond business. From grassroots organizing in her local school community to launching a new creative project centered on national parks, Elizabeth shares what it looks like to stay engaged, hopeful, and impactful during uncertain times.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world (or stuck in a doomscroll spiral), this episode offers a grounded, practical reminder: you don’t have to do everything, but you can do something. Elizabeth breaks down how to find your role in your community, while also giving us a peek into her newest project, Charm of the Wilderness, which blends climate awareness, history, and storytelling in a powerful way.Key Takeaways: You don’t have to be an organizer to make a difference. Everyone has a role, whether it’s leading, supporting, donating, or simply showing up.Start with your immediate community. Real impact often begins locally, your school, neighborhood, or workplace is a powerful place to take action.Doomscrolling isn’t action. Staying informed matters, but balancing it with real-world engagement is what actually creates change.Local involvement matters more than we think. From school boards to city councils, these spaces directly impact everyday life—and need more engaged voices.Community care is powerful activism. Supporting one another in tangible ways (like mutual aid or volunteering) is just as important as large-scale efforts.Hope often comes from taking action. Even small contributions can help counter feelings of helplessness.Thinking about running for office? Check out Run For Something, the organization we referenced in the episode:  https://runforsomething.net Guest & Host Information:Guest, Elizabeth Doerr, Owner of Doerr & Co. & Host of Cramming for the Apocalypse & Charm of the WildernessCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesTune into our first two episodes with Elizabeth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube #008 and #037.Connect with Elizabeth:Visit the Doerr & Co. website: http://www.doerrandco.com Visit Elizabeth's website: http://www.elizabethdoerr.com Read Elizabeth's Substack, Cramming for the Apocalypse: https://crammingfortheapocalypse.substack.com and Charm of the Wilderness: https://charmofthewilderness.substack.com  Find Elizabeth on Instagram @elizdoerr https://www.instagram.com/elizdoerr Find Doerr & Co. on Instagram @doerrandco https://www.instagram.com/doerrandco/Find Cramming for the Apocalypse on Instagram @crammingfortheapocalypse https://www.instagram.com/crammingfortheapocalypse Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Marina Martinez-Bateman and unpack the realities of consulting, nonprofit work, professionalism, and building a business rooted in alignment rather than performative success.They discuss the disconnect between strategy and actual impact, how entrepreneurs can create businesses that reflect who they truly are, and why working with aligned clients matters more than trying to serve everyone. The conversation also touches on retention over constant growth, navigating difficult clients, overthinking communication, and the freedom that entrepreneurship offers to design a life and business that feels authentic.This episode is an honest, thoughtful conversation about values-based business, sustainable growth, and finding the people who truly fit your work.Key TakeawaysNot all consulting is created equal, and poor consulting can create real harm for organizations.Nonprofits and small businesses deserve strategy partners who understand their unique realities and constraints.“Professionalism” is often subjective and rooted in outdated expectations.Your authentic self can actually become a strength and filter for attracting aligned clients.You do not need to work with everyone to build a successful business.Retention and caring for existing clients are often more valuable than constantly chasing new business.Word-of-mouth referrals from aligned clients create stronger long-term growth.Many entrepreneurs struggle with overthinking communication and follow-up.Entrepreneurship allows you to build a business around the life you actually want.This episode references our conversation with Marina Martinez-Bateman, episode #135 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Marina #066.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this unfiltered and wide-ranging conversation, Marina Martinez-Bateman returns to share what it actually looked like to survive one of the most volatile years many nonprofit professionals have ever experienced. From losing clients week after week to rebuilding her business from the ground up, Marina pulls back the curtain on resilience, burnout, and what it takes to keep going when the systems you rely on start to fail.This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt like the rules of business, or the economy, suddenly stopped making sense. Marina challenges the narratives around capitalism, nonprofit funding, and “professionalism,” while also offering a powerful reminder: building something sustainable often means doing it differently, with integrity, and alongside people who actually share your values.Key Takeaways: The nonprofit industry is carrying a burden it was never meant to hold alone. When systems fail, nonprofits step in, but that model is fragile and deeply underfunded.Economic instability hits unevenly, and nonprofits felt it first. Many organizations and professionals experienced rapid loss, burnout, and even paralysis in the face of constant change.You don’t have to fit into broken systems. Marina’s perspective on being “unemployable” highlights how some people are simply not built for dysfunctional hierarchies, and that can be a strength.Integrity-driven businesses operate differently. Paying fair wages, prioritizing people, and building collaboratively may not be the fastest path, but it’s often the most sustainable.Not all consulting is created equal. Marina calls out the gap between performative strategy and actual impact, and why that disconnect harms businesses.Authenticity is a business advantage. Trying to fit a mold (especially around “professionalism”) can distance you from the clients who actually value your work.You don’t need to work with everyone. The sooner you find alignment with your clients, the easier and more effective your work becomes.Diverse perspectives create stronger outcomes. Healthy conflict and varied experiences lead to better decisions and fewer blind spots.There’s another way to lead and manage. Marina’s Decolonizing Management program explores how to build teams and organizations outside of traditional, harmful systems.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Marina Martinez-Bateman, Founder of New Coyote Consulting Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Marina:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinaisgo/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-martinez-bateman/ On Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/marinaisgo.bsky.social Follow New Coyote on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcoyotecomms/ Follow New Coyote on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newcoyote Explore Marina’s Decolonizing Management Cohort: https://decolonizing.management/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with writer and writing coach Sam Pollack and unpack the pressure entrepreneurs feel to constantly create content, stay visible online, and “play the algorithm game.”They discuss why data matters more than internet trends, how to build a marketing strategy that actually aligns with your energy, and why creativity thrives when you remove unnecessary rigidity and pressure. The conversation also dives into boundaries, burnout, trust in business growth, networking, writing, and the importance of creating sustainable systems that support both your work and your life.This episode is a refreshing reminder that you do not owe the internet your presence everywhere, and that building a business in alignment with your values is always worth it.Key Takeaways You don’t have to market your business on every platform to be successful.Data and analytics should guide marketing decisions more than pressure or trends.Creativity suffers when content creation becomes overly rigid or formulaic.Consistency matters, but flexibility and sustainability matter too.Building systems to track leads and conversions should be a higher priority than posting constantly online.Your audience can feel when your energy is disconnected from your content.Boundaries are essential for both creative work and business growth.Following up with leads in human-centered ways can improve connection and trust.Entrepreneurship requires learning how to trust yourself through uncertainty and growth seasons.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this candid and refreshingly honest conversation, we sit down with returning guest Samantha (Sam) Pollack to talk about what it really looks like to navigate a business pivot in today’s ever-changing marketing landscape. From walking away from social media to doubling down on SEO and AI search, Sam shares the behind-the-scenes decisions, experiments, and mindset shifts shaping her next chapter.We also dive into the emotional realities of entrepreneurship–from burnout and rebranding fatigue to the vulnerability of job searching–alongside the creative breakthroughs happening in her new one-on-one writing coaching work.If you’ve ever questioned whether social media is “worth it,” felt stuck in a pivot, or craved a more sustainable way to grow your business, this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a permission slip to do things differently.Key TakeawaysYou don’t have to play the algorithm game if it’s not working for you. Sam made a data-driven decision to step away from Instagram after realizing the return didn’t match the energy investment.“Discoverability” isn’t always the golden ticket. Being visible everywhere doesn’t guarantee the right people will find you or convert into clients.SEO and AI search are becoming powerful alternatives to social media. Instead of chasing attention, Sam is focusing on creating content that’s searchable, intentional, and built to last.Small businesses shouldn’t copy big brand strategies. What works for large companies with big audiences and budgets doesn’t translate to solopreneurs or early-stage businesses.Slower growth can actually be better growth. Prioritizing quality connections over mass visibility can lead to more aligned clients and sustainable business building.Your business model can (and should) evolve with you. Sam’s shift into customizable, one-on-one writing coaching highlights the value of flexibility and listening to what’s working.Creativity thrives when you remove pressure and rigidity. Writing doesn’t have to follow one process—finding your natural rhythm is key to consistency and confidence.You don’t owe the internet your presence everywhere. It’s okay to opt out of platforms or trends that don’t align with your energy, values, or goals.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Samantha Pollack, Owner of Indie Copy StudioCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Sam:Join Sam’s newsletter list: https://mixtape.indiecopystudio.com/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthapollack/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Michael Jonas and dive deeper into collaboration, community-building, networking, and the scarcity mindset that often shows up in entrepreneurship.They explore why values-aligned business relationships matter, how collaborative communities like Narwhal Pod are changing the way entrepreneurs connect, and why “bro marketing” tactics continue to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. The conversation also touches on politics in business, local community involvement, burnout, networking balance, and building a business that actually feels aligned with who you are.This episode is a thoughtful and honest conversation about entrepreneurship, relationships, trust, and what it means to create businesses rooted in humanity instead of competition.Key TakeawaysCollaboration is often far more powerful than competition in entrepreneurship.Values-aligned communities help business owners find trusted referral partners and collaborators.Scarcity mindset can prevent entrepreneurs from building meaningful relationships.Pushy sales tactics damage trust and create long-term negative impressions.Not every client or customer is the right fit — and that’s okay.Business owners can choose how political they want to be, but every business decision carries social impact.Local government and community involvement can create meaningful change.Networking is valuable, but balance is necessary to avoid burnout and overcommitment.Building sustainable relationships and systems matters just as much as business growth.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, we welcome back Michael Jonas for a candid update on his work, from launching innovative community-building tools like the Narwhal Pod to diving into big, uncomfortable questions through his new podcast, All American Why. What starts as a conversation about entrepreneurship and resource-sharing quickly expands into a deeper discussion about systems, leadership, and what it really means to show up for your community right now.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by broken systems, burned out by “the way things have always been,” or unsure how to take meaningful action in your work or life–this episode will challenge your thinking and remind you why community, creativity, and courage matter more than ever.Key TakeawaysCommunity is the real infrastructure and we need to build it intentionally. The Narwhal Pod is more than a directory. It’s a reimagined way to connect values-aligned service providers and organizations in a way that actually reflects people as whole humans, not just job titles.If the system doesn’t exist, build it. Instead of waiting for better tools or solutions, Michael created one. Reminding us that innovation often comes from frustration paired with action.You can’t solve big problems with surface-level thinking. Whether in business, nonprofits, or government, real change requires digging into root causes and not just reacting or applying quick fixes.The scarcity mindset is killing collaboration. When organizations duplicate efforts instead of sharing resources, everyone loses. True impact requires coordination, not competition.Being “non-political” is still a choice, with heavy consequences. Decisions are being made every day that affect our lives, whether we engage or not. Opting out doesn’t mean you’re unaffected—it just means you’re not in the room.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Michael Jonas, Owner and Attorney at Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Michael:Visit Michael’s website: https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.comFollow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narwhal-Law-and-Business-Strategy/100092248707115Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narwhallawandbizstrategyFollow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narwhal-law-and-business-strategyExplore the Narwhal Pod: https://www.narwhalpod.com/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Victoria reflect on their powerful conversation with Naomi Hattaway about leaving well, workplace culture, sabbaticals, succession planning, and the reality that no one stays in a role forever.They unpack why so many organizations struggle with transitions, why healthy exits are still surprisingly rare, and how businesses can create better systems for both the people leaving and the people staying behind. The conversation also explores entrepreneurship, burnout, rest, and the importance of building sustainable systems both at work and at home.If you’ve ever left a job awkwardly, struggled with boundaries around time off, or wondered why workplace transitions feel so emotionally loaded, this episode will absolutely resonate.Key TakeawaysMost workplaces are not prepared for healthy transitions, even though employee turnover is inevitable.Two weeks’ notice is often not enough for meaningful knowledge transfer or relationship closure.Organizations should normalize conversations about departures, succession planning, and sabbaticals.Asking about offboarding processes during interviews can reveal a lot about workplace culture.Knowledge transfer is more about communication and support than creating the “perfect binder.”Time off should not require burnout-level preparation just to step away for a few days.Entrepreneurs and organizations alike need systems that support rest and recovery.Community and relationships require intentional maintenance, especially during busy seasons.This episode references our conversation with Naomi Hattaway, episode #129 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. And listen to our first conversation with Naomi episode #35.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this conversation, Naomi Hattaway returns to talk about what it really means to design your work, your leadership, and your life with intention. From building a home meant for aging in place to preparing organizations for sabbaticals, leadership transitions, mergers, and meaningful goodbyes, Naomi brings a deeply human lens to what can often feel like operational or uncomfortable topics.This episode is especially valuable for nonprofit leaders, founders, and business owners who know that people leaving is inevitable, but want to handle those transitions with more care, clarity, and humanity. Naomi reminds us that succession planning is not a sign of failure or departure. It is a way to protect the work, honor relationships, and build organizations that can keep moving forward.Key TakeawaysSuccession planning is not just for CEOs. Every role holds knowledge, relationships, and context that matter. Planning for people to leave helps protect the mission and the team.Two weeks’ notice is rarely enough for meaningful transition. Naomi challenges the default exit timeline and invites leaders to think more intentionally about what people, relationships, and projects need before someone leaves.Good departures are part of healthy workplace culture. How an organization handles exits says a lot about how it values people and not just their productivity.Sabbaticals require reentry planning, not just departure planning. When someone steps away, the organization changes, and so does the person returning.Nonprofits need to normalize mergers, sunsets, and strategic endings. Closing or combining organizations does not have to mean failure. It can be a thoughtful way to protect impact.Leaders should ask better questions before joining an organization. One powerful interview question Naomi recommends: “What is your process when someone leaves?”Knowledge transfer does not have to mean creating the perfect binder. Sometimes the most helpful thing is documenting why decisions were made, not just how tasks are completed.Funders have a role to play in protecting organizational continuity. Foundations can support succession planning as part of protecting their investment in nonprofit missions.Leaving well starts with communication. Whether at work, in business, or around the kitchen table, we can all help normalize conversations about change, departure, and transition.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Naomi Hattaway, Founder of 8th & HomeCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Naomi:Take the Quiz to find your Transition Readiness Archetype: https://www.naomihattaway.com/assessment On Instagram: @naomihattaway: https://instagram.com/naomihattawayOn LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/naomihattaway Visit Naomi’s website: https://www.naomihattaway.com/Read Naomi’s book on Leaving Well: https://www.naomihattaway.com/book Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their conversation with Eunice and the way she intentionally redesigned her business to support a more flexible, travel-centered life. They explore what it really means to build your business around the life you want instead of letting your business run the show.This episode is a reminder that big dreams rarely happen by accident. Whether your goal is full-time travel, more time with your family, better health, or deeper community, the life you want starts with intentional choices, aligned business models, and the courage to stop treating “someday” like a strategy.Key TakeawaysYour business should support your life, not control it. Entrepreneurship gives you flexibility, but only if you intentionally build for it.Your community does not have to be local; connection can be global, online, and built across seasons of life.You are not starting over when you start a business after a career; your expertise still counts.Pricing should reflect your experience, not just how long you have been an entrepreneur.This episode references our conversation with Eunice Brownlee, episode #127 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can listen to our first conversation with Eunice, episode #74.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

What happens when you stop waiting for “someday” and actually design your life around the things you say you want?In this episode, we sit down with returning guest Eunice Brownlee to talk about her bold decision to spend four months traveling solo across Europe and Asia, all while running a fully remote business. From house sitting on a farm in France to navigating trains, time zones, and mindset shifts, Eunice shares what it really takes to turn a long-held dream into reality.This conversation goes far beyond travel. We dive into intentional life design, building a business that supports your freedom, and the difference between dreaming about a life you want and actually taking action to create it. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to truly align your work, lifestyle, and values, this episode will expand what you believe is possible.Key Takeaways:The difference between a dream and reality is action. Big, audacious goals only become real when you start designing your life around them. Eunice didn’t “luck into” four months of travel. She intentionally built a business and lifestyle that made it possible.You don’t need the full plan, just the next step. Progress came from taking action, gathering data, and adjusting along the way. Your business should support your life, not the other way around. Eunice’s ability to travel came from creating a flexible, asynchronous business model that wasn’t dependent on location or rigid schedules.Freedom requires intentional trade-offs. Traveling long-term meant packing strategically, limiting purchases, navigating uncertainty, and making real-time financial decisions, not just living in a highlight reel.Global perspective will challenge your assumptions. Experiencing other cultures, especially around cost of living, food systems, and community, can completely shift how you view “normal” in the U.S.Community doesn’t have to be local. Building a global network allowed Eunice to travel more meaningfully and sustainably, blending connection, work, and exploration.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Eunice Brownlee, Founder of thirty9collectiveCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Eunice:On Instagram @eunicebrownlee: https://instagram.com/eunicebrownleeOn LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/eunicebrownleeOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eunicebrownleeVisit Eunice’s website: https://eunicebrownlee.com/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this short solo update, Ashlan shares a quick behind-the-scenes moment from the Take the Leap team, along with an exciting announcement you won’t want to miss. While Tory takes some much-needed time to recover (sending all the good vibes her way), Ashlan walks listeners through a big shift in how Take the Leap is showing up for aspiring entrepreneurs.The biggest news? The Take the Leap course is officially becoming free and accessible on YouTube. If you’ve been thinking about starting a business but weren’t sure where to begin, this is your chance to dive in without barriers. Ashlan also shares what’s coming next, including deeper-dive workshops and community-focused opportunities later this year.Tune in for a quick update, a meaningful pivot, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to support your audience is to meet them exactly where they are.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with us:Subscribe to our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today Follow us on Instagram @taketheleap_today:https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/ Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe/ Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Thank you for tuning in to the Take the Leap podcast. Ashlan and Tory are taking a much needed spring break this week. But we have some asks from you.If you enjoy our podcast, please write us a review on Apple or Spotify. Here are the links: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/take-the-leap/id1735641469https://open.spotify.com/show/4eMBeH8Ks4HGOKahnMD53U?si=72550a3612ee4df4Or you can visit our YouTube and leave us comments on your favorite episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today And finally, if you feel up to it….Send us a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Or email us at [email protected] We’ve interviewed 20 amazing guests this season. Here are their names & episode numbers, please give them a listen: #087 - Mary Williams, Founder of Sasquatch Media Grounds#089 - Stephen Brent May & Hami Arrington, Founders of One Foot Over in Houston, Texas#091 - Zhou Fang, Founder of the Intersectional Group#093 - Sean Murphy, Founder of Lore Works Creative Studio#095 - Aneisha Velasquez, Founder of Yellow Sky Business Services#097 - Eliana Mendez, Founder of Human Centric Media#099 - Mady Spry, Founder of High Topp Marketing#101 - Nedra Rezinas, Marketing Coach #103 - Mark Mohammadpour, Keynote Speaker at Chasing the Sun#105 - Money Coach at Gemini Financial Wellness and Moxie and Might Money Coaching#107 - Fatima Jawaid Marty, Nonprofit Consultant at FJM Consulting#109 - Alayna Weimer, HR and business consultant with Ignite Positive Changes #111 - Drew Norton, the Everyday Sales Leader#113 - Liz Ruf, Founder, Elizabeth Ruf Consulting#115 - Brady Helkenn, Principal at BH Tech Connection#117 - Natalia Kay-O'Brien, Founder of Affinity Projects and the quarterly networking happy hour, Gather in Portland, Oregon#119 - Dusti Arab, Founder of Hearth & Hollow#121 - Megan Eckman, Creator of PDX Spellbound and Founder of Fat Cap Design#123 - Haley Cooper, The Savvy Fundraiser#125 - Nick Footer, Cultivator of Happiness and CEO of Intuitive DigitalBy the end of this season, we’ll have published 153 episodes of the Take the Leap Podcast. And we have big plans for our fourth season. Thank you again for being a listener, and stay tuned for episode #127, publishing next Tuesday, April 14, with returning guest, Eunice Brownlee. Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo episode, we’re breaking down our conversation with Nick Footer, founder of Intuitive Digital, and diving deeper into the real-world lessons behind building and scaling a marketing agency. From the risks of scaling too early to the evolving role of AI in marketing, this conversation highlights what actually works, and what can quietly derail your business if you’re not paying attention.We share our own experiences navigating growth, hiring (and un-hiring), and structuring our businesses in ways that are sustainable, flexible, and aligned with reality, not just theory. Plus, we unpack why AI isn’t replacing marketers anytime soon, but is changing how we think about strategy, content, and trust.If you’ve ever felt pressure to grow faster, hire sooner, or chase every new marketing trend, this episode will help you slow down, think smarter, and build a business that actually supports you long-term.Key TakeawaysDon’t scale your business before the revenue is real. Hiring ahead of confirmed income can quickly put you in a position where you’re responsible for paying others before paying yourself, and that’s not sustainable.Contractors can be a smarter path than employees (especially early on). Building a flexible team allows you to grow without taking on unnecessary financial risk tied to payroll.AI is changing marketing, but it’s not replacing marketers. Tools can support efficiency, but strategy, messaging, and emotional connection still require human insight.Over-reliance on AI can weaken your brand voice. If everything sounds the same, you lose the very thing that makes your marketing effective: differentiation.Automation should be used intentionally, not blindly. Just because something can be automated doesn’t mean it should be, especially when money, trust, or brand reputation is involved.This episode references our conversation with Nick Footer, episode #125 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can learn more about Nick and Intuitive Digital online: https://intuitivedigital.com Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Nick Footer, CEO of Intuitive Digital and self-proclaimed “Cultivator of Happiness,” joins us to talk about building a purpose-driven marketing agency, navigating economic uncertainty, and why AI isn’t killing SEO, it’s reshaping it. From growing up in a family of entrepreneurs to leading a B Corp-certified agency, Nick shares honest insights about risk, scaling, and what it actually takes to sustain a values-based business.If you’re a service-based entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or marketing nerd trying to make sense of AI, automation, and today’s shifting economy–this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world perspective.Key Takeaways: Don’t scale before the revenue is real. Hiring and expanding before contracts are signed can create years of financial stress. Your growth should follow confirmed demand.AI isn’t replacing marketing strategy–it’s changing it. Businesses now need to optimize for SEO, AEO (AI Engine Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).Automation isn’t always your friend. Blindly trusting automated ad campaigns can lead to inflated “conversion” data that doesn’t translate to real revenue.Purpose still matters in tough markets. Being B Corp certified and values-driven isn’t just branding–it shapes how you build culture, serve clients, and make decisions.Marketing budgets are tightening–but strategy matters more than ever. The businesses that survive downturns are the ones that get focused, track attribution, and adapt quickly.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Nick Footer, CEO of Intuitive DigitalCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Nick:Website: https://intuitivedigital.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfooter/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

After our conversation with Haley Cooper, we couldn’t stop thinking about one big question: what does it actually take to build organizations that support both the mission and the people behind it?In this episode, we’re unpacking the biggest themes from our conversation with Haley Cooper, from nonprofit burnout and reactive leadership to the real work of building sustainable fundraising strategies and healthier team cultures. We’re bringing in our own experiences from working inside nonprofits to talk about where organizations get stuck, what’s not working anymore, and how leaders can start making more intentional, human-centered decisions.If you’ve ever felt the tension between doing meaningful work and feeling completely depleted by it, this episode will hit home, and hopefully help you rethink what’s actually possible.Key TakeawaysBurnout is not an individual weakness; it is usually a systems and culture problem. We reinforce Haley’s point that people are not burning out because they are lazy or uncommitted. They are burning out because organizations often expect unsustainable output without enough support, staffing, or healthy boundaries. Leaders cannot just talk about wellbeing, they need to operationalize it. Many leaders say they care about work-life balance, but their actions tell a different story. Late night text messages, last minute meetings, and unrealistic workloads undercut any people-first messaging. If staffing changes, the work has to change too. A major reality check for organizations is that when you lose people or funding, you cannot keep expecting the same output from a smaller team. Something has to shift: priorities, programs, timelines, or all three.Retention matters just as much as acquisition. Whether it's donors, clients, or customers, the conversation comes back to the same truth: people who already believe in you are often your greatest asset. Stewardship, appreciation, and relationship-building matter more than constantly chasing new names. This episode references our conversation with Haley Cooper, episode #123 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

What happens when motherhood, burnout, and a deep belief in people-first leadership collide? You build a business that challenges the way nonprofits work from the inside out.In this episode, Haley Cooper shares how she took her experience in fundraising, leadership, and nonprofit strategy and turned it into a business focused on helping organizations become more connected, sustainable, and human-centered. From launching The Savvy Fundraiser during maternity leave to writing a book, hosting a podcast, and building the Lead With Heart Summit, Haley’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can be both deeply personal and powerfully mission-driven.We also dig into nonprofit burnout, the danger of reactive leadership, why diversified funding matters more than ever, and how boundaries, clarity, and emotional connection can transform both organizations and the people leading them.Key TakeawaysEntrepreneurship can be the bridge between ambition and a life that actually works. Haley built The Savvy Fundraiser because traditional work structures no longer matched the reality of being a parent, a leader, and a human being with limits.Burnout is not a personal failure, it is often a systems problem. Haley’s work centers on helping nonprofit leaders build healthier cultures where people feel connected, supported, and able to do meaningful work without constantly operating in survival mode.Saying yes to everything is not a growth strategy. Early in business, Haley took on too many kinds of work from a scarcity mindset. One of her biggest lessons was learning that clarity, boundaries, and focus create more sustainable success than being everything to everyone.Your business should be designed on purpose, not built by default. Haley talked about the importance of choosing offers, projects, and platforms strategically instead of piling things on just because there is an opportunity or because someone else is doing it.People do not leave missions, they leave unhealthy cultures. One of the strongest ideas in this episode is that nonprofits can only thrive when the humans behind the mission feel safe, valued, and supported.Guest & Host Information: Guest, Haley Cooper, Founder of The Savvy FundraiserCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Haley:Website: www.thesavvyfundraiser.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-cooper-cfre Lead with Heart Summit on April 16 & 17: https://leadwithheart.vfairs.comConnect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Think you need more followers to grow your business? Not so fast. In this recap episode, we break down our conversation with Megan Eckman and dig into one of the biggest misconceptions in entrepreneurship: that a bigger audience automatically leads to more sales. Spoiler alert…it doesn’t. We’re sharing real examples (including clients with tens of thousands of followers and zero engagement) to show why audience quality matters more than audience size, and how focusing on the wrong metrics can stall your growth. We also dive into what it takes to build a loyal, engaged audience, from creating two-way conversations to being intentional about where and who you are networking with. If you’ve ever felt like your marketing “should be working” but isn’t, this episode will help you zoom out, reassess your foundation, and focus on what actually moves the needle. Key TakeawaysA small, engaged audience will always outperform a large, disengaged one. Vanity metrics don’t pay your bills, but action does. 100 true fans who buy is better than 10,000 followers who scroll past.If your audience isn’t converting, it’s probably not your offer…it might be your people. The wrong audience (or fake followers 👀) will make even great products look like failures.You can’t skip the foundation and expect marketing to work. Ads, content, and funnels won’t fix a business that doesn’t clearly know who it’s for.Engagement is not optional, it’s the name of the game. Building a true fan base requires participation, not just posting. If you’re not responding, interacting, and involving your audience, they won’t stick around.Stop chasing “more” and start focusing on “right.” More followers, more emails, more reach means nothing if they’re not aligned with your business.Strategic networking beats random networking. The question isn’t “Where can I go?” but rather, “Where are my people already showing up?”This episode references our conversation with Megan Eckman, episode #121 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Megan #062.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

If you’ve ever thought, “I just need better marketing”… this episode might lovingly call you out. We’re joined by returning guest Megan Eckman, founder of Fat Cap and creator of PDX Spellbound, to talk about the step most entrepreneurs skip and why it’s costing them time, money, and momentum.Spoiler: it’s not your logo, your website, or your ads. It’s your audience. Megan breaks down why building a fan base before you launch is the difference between crickets… and a stadium full of people ready to buy. We also get into her new subscription-based storytelling business (honestly, we’re obsessed), how she’s monetizing from day one, and why “passive income” is mostly a myth.Key Takeaways: You don’t have a marketing problem…you have an audience problem. If you don’t know who you’re building for (beyond vague demographics), nothing you do will consistently convert.Build the fan base before the launch, not after. Waiting until you have a product to “start marketing” is backwards and one of the biggest reasons launches flop.Loyal super fans beat a larger audience. You don’t need thousands of people, but you need the right people who are engaged, invested, and ready to buy (and tell others).“Passive income” is mostly a fantasy. If you don’t care about the people you’re serving, it shows, and no amount of funnels or ads will fix that.Marketing without a foundation = wasted money. Running ads or pushing content without knowing your audience is basically lighting your budget on fire.Engagement is a two-way street. A real audience isn’t just consuming. They’re interacting, responding, and feeling like part of what you’re building.Not all networking is created equal. If you’re in rooms full of people just like you, you’re not finding clients, but you can make industry friends.You need to know where your people actually are. The right rooms (online or in-person) matter more than the number of rooms you’re in.Consistency beats intensity. Whether it’s content, networking, or audience building, doing it regularly over time is what creates real traction.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Megan  Eckman, Founder of Fat Cap Design and Creator of PDX SpellboundCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Megan:Join PDX Spellbound: https://pdxspellbound.com Website: https://www.fatcap-design.com Find Your First 100 Fans strategy session: https://www.fatcap-design.com/find-your-fans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdx_spellbound Listen to The Awkward Handshake, a new podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2574078 The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this response episode, Ashlan and Tory debrief their conversation with returning guest Dusti Arab and reflect on what it really looks like to pivot a business into deeper alignment. They talk about Dusti’s evolution from marketing work into community-centered food growing through Hearth & Hollow, and how that shift was not a random reinvention so much as stepping fully into work that matches her values.They also unpack why community is more than a buzzword right now, how local action can be a real form of resistance, and why pivots in business often come from paying attention to what keeps pulling at you. Plus: networking in Vegas versus Portland, garden dreams, and the usual media recs.If you’ve been feeling the nudge to change direction in your business, this episode is a good reminder that a pivot does not mean you failed. It often means you finally listened.Key TakeawaysA pivot can be alignment, not abandonment. Dusti’s shift into Hearth & Hollow shows how a business evolution can build on everything you already know instead of tossing it out.Your past work still counts. Marketing, relationship-building, and community skills all transferred into Dusti’s new venture in a meaningful way.Community really is the strategy. Whether that means growing food, showing up locally, or simply knowing your neighbors, local connection matters.You do not have to do everything. Everyone’s role in community care and resistance will look different, and that is okay.In-person connection still matters. Networking, collaboration, and shared spaces keep opening doors, even when schedules get messy.This episode references our conversation with Dusti Arab, episode #119 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. You can catch our first episode with Dusti #060.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, Ashlan and Tory sit down with returning guest Dusti Arab at Sasquatch Media Grounds to talk about what has changed since her last appearance and wow, a lot has changed. Dusti shares how Hearth & Hollow has grown from a small, values-led idea into a business centered on local resiliency, community food access, plant starts, and helping people grow more of their own food.The conversation explores what it looks like to pivot from service-based marketing work into a product and education-based business, why alignment matters more than forcing yourself to stay in a lane that no longer fits, and how community care can be a real business model. They also get gloriously into the weeds on gardening, food systems, and why tomatoes are basically tiny chaotic invaders.This episode is a great one for anyone questioning whether a business pivot is “too much,” “too random,” or “too late.” Dusti’s story is a reminder that sometimes the next right thing has been waiting for you all along.Key TakeawaysA pivot can be a return to your real work. Dusti’s move into Hearth & Hollow was not a random detour. It was a deeper expression of her values, skills, and long-term interests.Marketing skills transfer. Dusti shows how relationship-building, education, positioning, and storytelling made it easier to grow a completely different kind of business.Community resilience starts locally. Growing food, sharing plants, and helping neighbors become less dependent on broken systems is meaningful work.You do not have to do business the way everyone else does. Productized services, plant CSAs, education, and local collaborations can create a model that feels both sustainable and values-aligned.Your role in hard times does not have to look like anyone else’s. Dusti makes a strong case for finding your own lane in community care, resistance, and mutual support.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Dusti Arab, Founder of Hearth & HollowCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Dusti:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustiarab On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustiarab On Substack: https://dustiarab.substack.comOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dustiarab Learn about Hearth & Hollow: https://www.hearthandhollow.org Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this response episode, Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with returning guest Natalia Kay-O’Brien and unpack why community building is a survival strategy right now and not just a “nice-to-have.” They reflect on the ripple effects of 2025 on nonprofit and consulting work, the myth of needing a hero to save everything, and why collaboration beats competition (especially for solo business owners).They also dig into how “visioning” can be strategic (not fluffy), why slowing down is essential for sustainability, and what nervous system regulation has to do with making better decisions, plus the usual cozy media recs and a little self-aware chaos. As is tradition.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world and trying to keep your business afloat, this episode is both grounding and practical.Key TakeawaysCommunity is resistance. Isolation is the goal of oppressive systems; connection is how people stay resourced, supported, and mobilized.You don’t have to be the hero. Natalia’s reminder lands hard: the “save everything alone” mindset is a burnout pipeline.Collaboration > competition. Sharing knowledge and resources strengthens everyone, and creates a healthier, more sustainable business ecosystem.Visioning is strategic. Dreaming is great, but strategy happens when you turn vision into a plan and take action.Nonprofits are under strain. Limited resources make it even more important to support existing orgs and prioritize work that truly meets urgent needs.Slow down to sustain the fight. Urgency is real, but so is nervous system regulation, because survival mode doesn’t make great decisions.Practical nervous system tips matter. Everything from rest to breathing to literally telling your body “we’re safe” can help shift out of fight-or-flight.Boundaries are business growth. Saying “no” to discounts, protecting calendar time, and limiting meeting overload are real entrepreneurial wins.This episode references our conversation with Natalia Kay-O’Brien, episode #117 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Natalia Kay-O’Brien returns for her third appearance on Take the Leap to talk about what it really looks like to keep building community while everything feels like it’s on fire (politically, socially, financially… pick a lane). She shares how a tough year, including losing a major retainer, pushed her into deeper R&D and ultimately into creating new, more intentional convenings for nonprofit and social services professionals.This episode explores the shift from “doing it all alone” to building collaborative, relationship-centered spaces where people can be honest, supported, and strategic, without being talked at by the usual conference circuit.If you work in nonprofits, social services, or any community-centered work and you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, this will feel like a deep exhale.Note: This episode ends abruptly due to technical issues, but the conversation we did capture is packed with timely insight for the Portland nonprofit space.Key Takeaways: 2025 forced a reset. Losing stable income pushed Natalia to rethink what she wanted her work (and business) to actually be about.Convening is the strategy. Gather (her quarterly happy hour) became proof that people are hungry for connection, and inspired her to build more structured experiences.People need spaces to downshift. Natalia emphasizes regulation, slowing down, and resisting the “urgency treadmill” that burns out helpers first.The Nonprofit Confluence challenges the conference model. Less “expert panels,” more peer wisdom, relationship mapping, asset mapping, and shared visioning.Visioning is survival. Turning away from fear-based consumption and toward imagining what we want to build is part of staying in the work long-term.Tune in to our previous conversations with Natalia Kay-O’Brien, episodes #10 and #82 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Natalia Kay-O'Brien, Owner of Affinity ProjectsCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Natalia:Visit the Affinity Projects website: https://www.affinityprojects.net Find Natalia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkayobrien For Portland-area folx, join Gather, a happy hour for social good: https://www.affinityprojects.net/gather And Portland-area nonprofits, check out the Nonprofit Confluence, A Solidarity Summit: https://nonprofitconfluence.org The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, we unpack our conversation with cybersecurity expert Brady Helkenn and the sobering reality that small businesses are not too small to be targeted. From spoofed emails and AI-generated voice scams to password overload and platform dependency, this conversation is your reminder that tech disasters rarely happen because you’re “bad at tech,” they happen because you’re busy.We reflect on the practical steps entrepreneurs can take right now to reduce risk, protect client data, and stop running their businesses on autopilot when it comes to security.If you run a business online (and let’s be honest, you do), this episode will help you think more strategically about cybersecurity, digital risk, and why diversifying your marketing platforms isn’t optional.Key Takeaways: Most tech disasters happen on autopilot. Scams work because you’re distracted, not because you’re unintelligent. Slow down before clicking.Small businesses are prime targets. Hackers often go after smaller companies because the security gaps are easier to exploit.Two-factor authentication is non-negotiable. Add it everywhere, especially for financial accounts, email, and social platforms.You don’t own social media, you’re renting space on it. If your Instagram gets hacked or shut down, what’s your backup plan? Build an email list and own your website.Client access = extra responsibility. Freelancers and consultants must treat client logins and data like gold.This episode references our conversation with Brady Helkenn, episode #115 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Brady Helken returns to the podcast to talk about his new book IT for the 99% and why small business owners need to stop treating tech like an afterthought. From cybersecurity myths and tool sprawl to disaster recovery planning and budgeting for inevitable upgrades, this episode is a masterclass in running a smarter, safer business.Why listen: If you run a small business (especially solo or with a small team) and think “that won’t happen to me,” this conversation will challenge that mindset and give you practical steps to protect your data, your reputation, and your revenue.Key Takeaways:Intentionality is everything. Most tech disasters don’t happen because business owners are “stupid.” They happen because decisions were made on autopilot.Security isn’t about trust. It’s about risk management. Limiting access protects your business from external threats, not from your team.Free tools come with hidden costs. Using personal Gmail for your business or sharing logins instead of assigning permissions can create major vulnerabilities.Budget using depreciation, not panic. If you wait until your laptop crashes to replace it, you’re reacting, not planning.Always verify using a different communication method. In today’s AI-driven scam environment, never confirm suspicious messages through the same channel they came from.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Brady Helkenn, Principal & Jedi Master at BH Tech ConnectionCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Brady:On https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradyhelkennVisit BH Tech Connection: https://bhtechconnection.com Visit Deluxe Sabers: https://www.deluxesabers.comGrab a copy of the book, IT for the 99%: The Small Business Owner’s “IT Hat” Guide: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN8JF43S Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory debrief their conversation with Liz Ruf of Elizabeth Ruff Consulting and pull out the big entrepreneurship lessons: building a business for freedom, staying adaptable through market shifts, and why mission-driven work is getting hit hard by funding realities. They also talk nonprofit board accountability, simplifying marketing when resources are tight, and why not every entrepreneur needs to scale.If you’re a small business owner or nonprofit leader trying to do “all the things” (and feeling like you’re losing your mind), this episode will help you refocus on what actually matters, plus how to build a business model that fits your real life.Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship is “reinvention on repeat.” Markets shift, funding changes, tech evolves, and your business has to evolve with it.Nonprofits are in a catch-22: they need stronger storytelling and fundraising right now, but budget cuts and staff reductions make execution harder.Simplify your marketing to what you can actually sustain. Go deeper on fewer platforms instead of spreading thin everywhere.Nonprofit boards need to carry their share, especially in fundraising. If a board approves a deficit budget, the board should be part of the solution.Not everyone needs to scale. A sustainable, values-aligned business is a legit goal, even if startup bros disagree.This episode references our conversation with Liz Ruf, episode #113 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Ashlan and Victoria sit down with Elizabeth (Liz) Ruf, a strategic marketing advisor who works with higher ed, EdTech, and mission-driven organizations, to talk about taking the leap into entrepreneurship during the COVID chaos era (a truly unhinged time to start a business, 10/10). Liz shares how burnout pushed her to quit without a safety net, what it’s like to run a consulting business through funding cuts in the nonprofit world, and why community isn’t optional when you work for yourself.Listen if you’re navigating slow seasons, mission-driven marketing, nonprofit reality checks, or you just need the reminder to trust your gut and stop doing business like it’s 2019.Favorite Takeaways: Burnout is a real (and common) catalyst to exploring entrepreneurship. Liz left a demanding higher ed role during the pandemic and built her consulting business from there.Entrepreneurship = constant reinvention. You’re adapting to market shifts, client priorities, and funding realities basically every quarter.Nonprofits are in a marketing catch-22 right now. Budget cuts reduce marketing support exactly when storytelling and fundraising need to get stronger.Show up with solutions. The “1-3-1” method: 1 problem, 3 possible solutions, 1 recommendation.Not everyone wants to scale. And that’s valid. Liz calls out the subtle judgment in some startup spaces toward stable, sustainable businesses.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Elizabeth Ruf, Founder & CEO of Elizabeth Ruf Consulting, LLCCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Liz:Website: http://elizabethruf.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethruf/ Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory unpack key lessons from their conversation with Drew Norton, the Everyday Sales Leader, including why ambitious professionals often hit ceilings inside organizations, and how entrepreneurship can unlock a new level of growth. They also dig into why sales is part of every business (even if you hate the label), why outsourcing sales too early can backfire, and how to build a support network so entrepreneurship doesn’t feel like an island.Why listen: If you’re building a business and sales feels “icky,” overwhelming, or like something you want to hand off immediately, this episode gives you a more human, practical way to think about sales, and what to focus on first.Favorite takeaways:High achievers often outgrow organizational ceilings. Entrepreneurship can be the “next bar” when you can’t progress further inside a company structure.Entrepreneurship requires a tribe. Community (biz besties, referrals, collaborators) isn’t optional, and it can be a real antidote to the loneliness of building something on your own.Filter advice aggressively. The loudest advice often comes from people who haven’t done the thing. Prioritize voices with context (coaches, peers, trusted operators) and pay attention to who you’re taking advice from.You’re in sales whether you claim it or not. If you own a business, you’re selling–your services, your offer, your value, and your outcomes.Don’t outsource sales too early. If you don’t understand your own sales process end-to-end, hiring someone else to “do sales” can waste time and money, plus it can misalign your messaging.This episode references our conversation with Drew Norton, episode #111 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Ashlan and Tory chat with Drew Norton, the Everyday Sales Leader, about taking big career leaps, leaving “secure” income behind, and building sales teams that don’t feel gross. Drew shares how he went from door-to-door sales to leading teams generating ~$20 million/year in revenue, then took another leap into coaching and consulting so he could help others grow. Listen if you want to get better at selling, build a sales process that feels ethical, or figure out when it’s time to leap again.Favorite takeaways:Ceilings are real, especially inside organizations. Entrepreneurs often leap when they can’t progress or create impact where they are.Find your “tribe.” Entrepreneurship gets lonely; community (masterminds, networking, mentors, even “buy someone lunch”) speeds up progress.The worst advice usually comes from people who haven’t done the thing. Filter your input accordingly.Sales isn’t about pressuring people to make a choice. Great sales help people clarify what happens if they don’t change.Business owners are salespeople… even if they hate the label. If you have a business, you sell something.Don’t outsource sales too early. Early-stage founders often need to own sales longer than they want to.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Drew Norton, The Everyday Sales LeaderCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Drew:Website: https://theeverydaysalesleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeverydaysalesleader/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theeverydaysalesleader/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theeverydaysalesleader TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theeverydaysalesleader Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theeverydaysalesleaderConnect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur. Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Ashlan and Tory debrief their conversation with HR and business consultant Alayna Weimer and pull out the biggest lessons entrepreneurs can apply right now–especially around agency, leadership, and building a business that supports real life. You’ll also hear a candid check-in on systems, boundaries, and the weekly “wins/do-betters” that keep momentum going.Tune in if you’re an entrepreneur trying to stay sane while building something sustainable. This episode gives you practical mindset shifts and simple operational takeaways you can actually use.Our Favorite Takeaways: Agency is the point: You can’t control the economy (or the chaos), but you can control how you respond. And entrepreneurship gives you more say in your day-to-day than most traditional roles.Care builds credibility: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” isn’t a cute quote. It’s a business strategy for trust, retention, and referrals.The best system is the one you’ll use: Fancy tools don’t matter if they require too much brainpower. Keep it simple, reduce friction, and design your workflow around how you actually operate.Email organization ≠ task completion: Setting up an inbox framework is step one; building the habit of regularly clearing action items (and tracking “waiting on”) is what makes it work.Progress over perfection: Time blocking, grouping tasks, and building routines are skills. You should expect iteration, not instant mastery.This episode references our conversation with Alayna Weimer, episode #109 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, Ashlan and Tory sit down with Alayna Weimer, HR and business consultant and co-owner of the Herringbone Bookstore in Redmond, Oregon. Alayna shares her journey from a long corporate HR career into entrepreneurship, what it’s really like to be married to another entrepreneur, and why human-centered leadership matters more than ever.This is a must-listen if you’re a small business owner or nonprofit leader who feels overwhelmed by “HR stuff,” wants to build a healthier workplace culture, or needs reassurance that you don’t have to follow someone else’s formula to succeed.Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Entrepreneurship offers control, not chaos. While you can’t control the market, owning your business gives you flexibility and agency, especially during economic shifts or life changes.Fail fast (and with grace). Alayna emphasizes learning quickly, letting go of perfectionism, and not dwelling on mistakes as a key to long-term success.People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This principle applies to leadership, HR, client relationships, and community work.Many business problems aren’t what they seem. What looks like a bookkeeping or systems issue is often a leadership, capacity, or people-alignment challenge underneath.The best systems are the ones you’ll actually use. Whether it’s HR processes or productivity tools, simplicity and consistency matter more than fancy platforms.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Alayna Weimer, CEO & Founder of Ignite Positive ChangesCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Alayna:Website: https://www.ignitepositivechanges.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alayna-marie-discover-your-successInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ignitepositivechangesllcFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignitepositivechangesllc Connect with us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this solo recap episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their powerful conversation with Fatima (Episode 21) and dig deeper into what it really means to build sustainable, long-term capacity–especially in nonprofit and mission-driven work. They unpack common pitfalls around grant funding, program design, burnout, and discovery calls, while sharing candid reflections from their own businesses.Listen if you’re a nonprofit leader, consultant, or solopreneur who wants to build something that actually lasts (without running yourself into the ground or chasing shiny funding at all costs).Key TakeawaysDon’t build programs just to chase grant money. Grants aren’t “free money.” They come with heavy reporting, tracking, and sustainability implications, especially when funding priorities change.Short-term funding can create long-term harm. One-off programs that disappear after a grant ends can leave communities without continuity or support.Strategy, planning, and infrastructure matter more than ever. Especially in the current funding and political climate, nonprofits need clarity on their core value, not just reactive programming.Discovery calls are a burnout-prevention tool. Thoughtful sales and vetting conversations help ensure alignment before work begins, saving time and energy later.You’re allowed to slow down. Giving yourself permission to rest, recalibrate, and create space is not a failure–it’s a sustainability strategy.If you’d like to listen to Fatima’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-burnout-to-boundaries-building-a-consulting/id1735641469?i=1000746870487 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3QLiiFSXaJYfJbh4HmrEdd?si=GS7Gj271RQmR62pupql4mA YouTube: https://youtu.be/vNLaDSX1-XM?si=JphDJWaw0N_2FWz2 Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Returning guest Fatima Jawaid Marty, founder of FJM Consulting, joins Ashlan and Tory to talk about what’s shifted over the past year, both personally, professionally, and in the broader nonprofit/policy landscape. They get real about how the current political climate and funding uncertainty are affecting mission-driven work, then pivot into practical ways consultants can prevent burnout, set boundaries, and “vibe check” clients before signing contracts.Listen if you’re doing nonprofit, policy, advocacy, or equity-adjacent work right now and you’re trying to stay sustainable without turning into a crispy little burnout crouton.Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: The work isn’t separate from the political moment. Even when funding cuts or DEI backlash don’t hit you directly, the fear/uncertainty still seeps into daily operations and decision-making.Nonprofits are tightening budgets, so consulting sales cycles can slow down. Fatima notes it’s harder to get in front of decision makers and new work can take longer to close, even when need is high.Sustainability is a practice, not a one-time reset. Burnout prevention isn’t just “take a break.” It’s ongoing internal work to challenge grind-culture conditioning and perfectionism.A clear client capacity number is powerful. Fatima’s current sweet spot: 3 active engagements (typically 2 deep/long-term + 1 smaller side project/training).Boundaries are systems + mindset. Time-blocking by client, setting email response expectations, building buffer time, and protecting Fridays for business development help keep the work humane.Co-creation is messy because teams are different (and that’s normal). When a facilitation activity doesn’t land, Fatima treats it as data: there’s usually an unspoken barrier underneath that needs addressing.Not all money is good money. The group reinforces that taking misaligned work can cost more in energy, time, and missed opportunities than it’s worth.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Fatima Jawaid Marty, Owner/Founder of FJM ConsultingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Fatima:Visit her website: https://fjmstrategy.comOn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-jawaid-marty Connect with us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this recap episode, Tory and Ashlan debrief their conversation with money coach Julie Stair and pull out the real-world lessons that hit home–especially around emergency savings, money mindset, and avoiding debt while building a business. They also share a few practical “we’ve been there” examples (hello, dead laptop) and talk through how entrepreneurs can reduce money stress without pretending cash flow is always predictable.Listen if you’re a business owner who knows you should be doing certain money things… and would like to stop feeling personally attacked by your own to-do list. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Emergency savings and a rainy day fund are important for business and your family. Julie’s reminder lands hard: business emergencies happen (laptops die, tech fails, life happens), and a dedicated buffer can keep you from panic-spending.Automation is the cheat code. Ashlan shares a system where a percentage of every invoice payment automatically moves into business savings, so it grows without extra willpower.Take action instead of spiraling. Ashlan calls out the trap of doing nothing when finances feel shaky and reframes it as: make a plan, take a calculated step, adjust as you go.Multiple income streams can reduce stress during transitions. They validate Julie’s advice that side gigs (or a bridge plan) can help entrepreneurs build stability, especially when startup costs are low for service-based businesses.Not all businesses have the same financial runway needs. They highlight how service-based, online businesses often have lower overhead than brick-and-mortar ventures, which changes what “safe to start” looks like.If you’d like to listen to Julie’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-money-mindset-is-an-important-business-strategy/id1735641469?i=1000745906449Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vqz4lxWtDv5AywIAXgNP6?si=DYr2S8PJSr-hTfsdi015xgYouTube: https://youtu.be/enhcireRdfw?si=ZWBUlkGF5jbsHE0jHost information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, Ashlan and Tory talk with Julie Stair, a money coach and single mom who helps professionals, especially single mothers, take control of their finances with clarity, confidence, and a little sparkle. Julie shares her real-life money journey: getting out of debt, getting back into debt, navigating divorce, and rebuilding financially and then turning all of that into a coaching business.Listen if you want practical, doable steps for getting out of financial overwhelm (without shame), plus a refreshing reminder that money management isn’t “one size fits all.”Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Money coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your background, responsibilities, and realities matter, especially for women and single moms.Don’t rely on networking as your only marketing plan. It’s valuable, but it’s a long game, and too many 1:1s can become a time sink.Start with an emergency fund before attacking debt. Without it, every unexpected expense becomes another trip back to the credit card.Mindset drives behavior. Many financial patterns come from what we’ve learned (or survived), not from a lack of intelligence.Service-based business owners: avoid starting your business in debt if you can. The lower your overhead, the easier it is to grow without financial panic.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Julie Stair, Founder of Gemini Financial Wellness and Moxie and Might Money CoachingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Julie:Visit her Website: http://www.geminifinancialwellness.com/ On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeminiFinancialWellness On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moxieandmightmoneycoaching Connect with us:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson Find Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

In this episode, Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Mark Mohammadpour and pull out the big themes that apply to basically every entrepreneur: your business will evolve, your skills stack matters, and burnout culture is not the vibe. They also share their Word of the Year for 2026, plus what they’re reading/watching right now.Listen if you’re heading into 2026 wanting a reset, a clearer focus, and permission to treat your business like a living, evolving thing–not a rigid plan you’re “failing” at.Key Takeaways from the Episode: Your business doesn’t need a “pivot”… it might just be evolving. The throughline matters more than the packaging.Every stage of your career is building your skill stack. Nothing is wasted if it’s moving you toward the work you’re meant to do.Scope creep isn’t just a client problem–it’s a workplace problem too. If you’re “good at everything,” you’ll often be asked to do everyone’s job unless boundaries are clear.People-pleasing can become a business model (and that’s… not ideal). Awareness is step one; tightening offers, contracts, and expectations is step two.Wellbeing at work isn’t optional anymore. Companies that ignore it will keep losing great people to entrepreneurship–or just straight-up burnout exits.If you’d like to listen to Mark’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-shine-in-the-family-room-and-the/id1735641469?i=1000745006909 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3H69tLqqF5xxWBN3S5fSwc?si=OAlE2yEeSp6vjF-h0h1Ikw YouTube: https://youtu.be/vmHDEC2oxGw?si=fs5BmUHJyXWpKnzF Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect:On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today With Ashlan:https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson With Tory:https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriaproppe The Course: The Take the Leap course contains everything you need to know to successfully launch your business now. Sign up today to join the course and get support from Ashlan & Tory who will guide you through your journey as a new entrepreneur.Sign up here: https://www.taketheleap-today.com/the-course Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram