Take The Leap

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

Returning guest Mark Mohammadpour shares how Chasing the Sun has evolved from coaching to a keynote-driven business and what he’s seeing in workplace wellbeing as companies navigate hybrid work, AI acceleration, and rising employee isolation. Tory and Ashlan dig into what makes conference culture actually work (hint: it’s not another panel that “could’ve been an email”), and Mark offers a simple but spicy answer to what wellbeing really requires: treating people like adults.Listen if you’re building a business, leading a team, or trying to stay human at work in a world that keeps changing the rules mid-game.Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: A “simple” offer makes your brand easier to remember. Mark found “keynote speaker” created clearer positioning than “consultant,” even though he still offers other services.Keynote speaking is relationship work, not just stage time. The real ROI often comes from the conversations after the talk via meals, hallway chats, and follow-ups weeks later.Wellbeing starts with transparency and trust. Clear expectations (hours, hybrid schedules, priorities) reduce anxiety, protect confidence, and prevent the “bait and switch” employees are sick of.In-office time should have a purpose. If everyone comes to the office just to sit on Zoom, what are we doing here? Use office days for collaboration, ideation, and connection.AI isn’t replacing your mission, it’s a tool to deliver it. Mark’s approach: use AI to support implementation (prompts, templates, action plans), while keeping the core message human.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Mark Mohammadpour, Owner of Chasing the SunCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Mark:Visit the Chasing the Sun website: http://chasingthesunpdx.comOn LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmohammadpour 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 debrief episode, Ashlan and Tory reflect on their recent conversation with Nedra and pull out the real-life business lessons that stuck–especially around pivoting, boundaries, and relationship-based networking. They talk candidly about end-of-year chaos, the pressure to do “all the things,” and what it looks like to build a business that actually fits your energy, life stage, and brain wiring. Listen if you’re heading into a new year wanting more sustainability, better systems, and a networking approach that doesn’t make you want to fake your own death.Special note: We recorded this episode in December and reference Mary Williams of Sensible Woo’s CEO Winter Rebellion. The challenge has passed by the time we’re publishing the episode, and we recommend you join Mary’s list to join us for the next CEO Summer Rebellion: https://sensiblewoo.com/ceo-summer-rebellion/ What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why Nedra’s “quiet networking” model works (especially for introverts, neurodivergent folks, and anyone who hates forced small talk)How Ashlan and Tory are rethinking offers, scope creep, and people-pleasingPractical boundary shifts that protect your time, energy, and attention—without tanking client relationshipsA reminder that pivoting isn’t failure…it’s business ownershipKey Takeaways: Networking should match your energy (not drain it). Structured, one-on-one style networking can create real relationships without the “schmooze the room” nightmare.Boundaries aren’t mean, they’re how you stay in business. Time-blocking, better scope control, and not over-delivering “just because” keeps your work sustainable.People-pleasing shows up as scope creep. Even with a strong contract, it’s easy to start saying yes to extras once you like a client–notice it early and course-correct.Pivoting is normal and necessary. The more flexible you are, the more resilient you become, especially when you can’t control the economy, trends, or life seasons.If you’d like to listen to Nedra’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/permission-to-market-authentically-stop-forcing-what/id1735641469?i=1000743982343 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/52G1UZfquhYdMlztHtMxV9?si=DsYYt2cBSJqoQWzX1N4gog YouTube: https://youtu.be/4sgG0PvvEEs?si=K97iVBH2rKZPlzgi Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesThe 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, Tory and Ashlan welcome back Nedra Rezinas, a marketing strategist, coach, and educator with 20+ years of business experience. Nedra shares how her work has evolved beyond marketing into deeper coaching–helping entrepreneurs (especially introverted, highly sensitive, empathy-driven business owners) build confidence, make decisions, and find sustainable ways to grow. Tune in if you’re feeling overwhelmed by “what worked before” not working anymore, and you want a more grounded, values-aligned way to market, network, and pivot without burning out.What You’ll Learn:Why business pivots usually require a compound answer (not one magic fix) and how to experiment without spiraling.How to market authentically–without forcing yourself into trends (like constant video content) that don’t fit your personality or strengths.Why relationship-based marketing is still the most reliable “growth strategy” when the internet feels like chaos.Practical ways to prevent burnout by reducing noise, setting boundaries, and giving your brain space to think.Key Takeaways:Stop forcing yourself into marketing tactics that don’t fit. If video drains you, don’t build your entire strategy around it. Choose channels that align with your strengths (email, YouTube, etc.) and show up consistently in a way that feels real.If you’re pivoting, test before you build. Try a “beta” offer with a few trusted people, gather feedback, and refine before you invest big time (or big money).Networking shouldn’t feel like a sales ambush. Structured networking (guided prompts + small group conversations) can create deeper relationships, better collaborations, and way less awkward energy.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Nedra Rezinas, Owner of Nedra Rezinas ConsultingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Nedra:On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrezinas/Visit her website: https://www.nedrarezinas.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 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

Hey listeners, we just wanted to pop in and wish you a happy holiday week. We’re taking a much needed break from recording and publishing content this week to spend time with our families. We invite you to listen to our past episodes, if you haven’t listened to Seasons 1 & 2, in 2026 we’ll have a number of guests from those seasons returning to be on the mic with us again. We’re wishing you a happy and healthy end to 2025 and we can’t wait to see you next week with new episodes landing in your feeds on December 30th. And if you’re a new business owner, or just starting out, don’t forget that Take the Leap’s online course is $25/month for 12-months or $250 paid in full. You can start to set yourself and your business up for success in 2026. Rates will go up on January 1st, so don’t miss out on signing up with this lowest price ever! 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 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

Welcome to the 14th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, “Stop Trying to Beat the Algorithm and Start Building a Strategy,” co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Mady Spry, founder of High Topp Marketing. We dig deeper into what makes social media marketing actually work, especially for bars and restaurants, and why “posting just to post” or “trying to beat the algorithm,” is usually a fast track to burnout and meh results. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Restaurant marketing is a different beast. Social media can be a core driver for restaurants because it supports real-time promos (specials, events, and limited time dishes), but results still require strategy. Posting volume isn’t a strategy. The “post 5 times a day / beat the algorithm” advice is often performative and can create a ton of activity with little business impact. Social media should fuel your entire marketing ecosystem. Social is rarely the highest converting channel on its own. The goal is often to move people toward your website, email list, booking a call, or coming in to your bar/restaurant.If you’d like to listen to Mady Spry's episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-bartending-burnout-to-building-a-social-media/id1735641469?i=1000741555034 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4LHzt5gEIaZdddOvkUgRMG?si=WclBfaP3QHCHTt4EK38ZeQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/rV3_O4OjQOs?si=Ho7Ef5lExXXlpxVN 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

Welcome to the 13th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by Mady Spry, professional dancer turned marketing entrepreneur and the founder of High Topp Marketing. Mady shares how burnout during COVID sparked an unexpected pivot from hospitality into social media marketing, how she taught herself (hello, YouTube University), and why entrepreneurship helped her build confidence, income, and boundaries. Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Self-taught skills count. From TikTok + YouTube learning to real-world trial and error, Mady built confidence by doing the work and improving along the way. Imposter syndrome is expensive. Early on Mady downplayed her rates and now encourages entrepreneurs to trust their expertise and charge accordingly. Consistency beats random bursts. Dormant accounts and 18 stories a day, then nothing for a wee,k won’t build results. Social media success takes time and repetition. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Mady Spry, Founder of High Topp MarketingCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Mady:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madyspry Website: https://www.hightoppmarketing.com/ Guest Bio: Mady Spry is a professional dancer turned marketing expert and entrepreneur with years of experience in the service industry. Originally from Southern California, she earned her degree at UNLV before diving deep into hospitality, food, and beverage. Her passion for branding and business led her to launch High Topp Marketing, where she helps businesses refine their online presence and stand out in a crowded digital space. Even with a thriving marketing career, she still hops behind the bar to pick up shifts, staying connected to the industry she loves. Now based in Portland, Oregon, she thrives on creativity, collaboration, and bringing a touch of humor to every project. When she’s not working, you can find her teaching spin classes, dancing, or spending time with her French Bulldog, Witten.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: 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

Welcome to the 12th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, “Leading with Your Values, Human-Centric Branding, and a Reminder to Rest,” co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Eliana Mendez and pull out the big themes that matter for entrepreneurs: leading with your values, showing up as your whole self, and choosing clients who actually get you. We discuss what it really means to run a values-led business, how authenticity shows up in branding and photography, and why we need to stop pretending we’re “just our business selves” online. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Why values matter so much in business and how Eliana’s values-first approach to photography and videography inspired a deeper look at what it means to live your values as an entrepreneur. The importance of showing the whole person, including your interests, quirks, and life outside of work, and how that helps attract the right clients and community. A gentle reminder that no matter when you’re listening to this episode, it might be a time to slow down, rest, and revisit your own values and capacity. If you’d like to listen to Eliana Mendez episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/human-centric-storytelling-with-photographer-and/id1735641469?i=1000740426562 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MWp3lD6sRpBQWcF6Od5cW?si=1RycXSLKQ0GQoBSm7Htcnw YouTube: https://youtu.be/IabU-MeLTLg?si=xSaSwdG8dHIDXS31 Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect 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

Welcome to the 11th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by Eliana Mendez, the creative force behind Human Centric Media and founder of Ultramarine Photo. Eliana’s work is rooted in authentic storytelling, the kind that honors humanity, emotion, lived experience, and connection. In this powerful conversation, she shares her journey from journalism to marketing to full-time creative entrepreneur, and how aligning her work with her deepest values transformed not only her business, but her life. Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Your instincts are an asset – trust them! Creative growth slows when you second guess your own voice. People resonate with work that feels honest, emotional, alive, and authentic. Alignment attracts alignment. When your values are clear, the right clients find you. Good art and photography come from good relationships. When subjects feel safe, respected, and seen, the visuals shine. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Eliana Mendez, Creative Director at Human Centric MediaCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Eliana:Website: https://www.humancentricmedia.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humancentricmedia/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmendezphotography/ Storytelling Guide: https://www.humancentricmedia.com/free-guide Guest Bio: Eliana MendezEliana Mendez (they/them) is a Portland-based human-centric photographer and videographer specializing in authentic visual storytelling for people, brands and organizations who value genuine connection.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

Welcome to the 10th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, “Normalizing Messy Money & Building Systems that Work for You and Your Brain,” co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Aneisha Velasquez, digging deeper into what it means to normalize messy money, simplify your systems, and build a business structure that actually works for how your brain operates. We share real-life examples from overlapping subscriptions to accidental tech hoarding to illustrate the sneaky ways business expenses multiply without you noticing. This episode is part money mindset, part systems strategy, and part friendly reminder that it’s okay to be human while running your business. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Simplify your tech stack. You don’t need every shiny new app and make sure you’re actually using what you already have. Review your expenses before increasing revenue. More clients often mean more costs, so check where your money’s really going first.Your systems should evolve with you. When something stops working, don’t push through. Pause, reflect, and rebuild. Progress over perfection. Your bookkeeping, your processes, and your life don’t need to be flawless to function beautifully. Join Tory's Get Your Marketing Sh*t Together experience: https://www.imaginemarketingstrategies.com/getyourmarketingtogether If you’d like to listen to Aneisha’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-your-finances-dont-have-to-be-perfect-to-work/id1735641469?i=1000739321712 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3YR7P7RICXNY08afmpFOFe?si=9UZM2FE3QTi2GBpTUU-yzg YouTube: https://youtu.be/H9m0lNQnOPg?si=ba7Dm0VgD4B30G64 Host information:Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect 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

Welcome to the 9th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by Aneisha Velasquez, a bookkeeper and clarity guide who helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs pause, process, and find peace with their finances. Together, we discuss neurodivergent-friendly business systems, how to work with your natural rhythms instead of against them, and why it’s okay if your financial life looks a little messy. Aneisha reminds us that money doesn’t have to be scary or perfect to be manageable. Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Plan for your procrastination. Build in buffer time instead of fighting your natural workflow. Your money system should fit you – not the other way around. There’s no “right” way to do business finances. Start small. Separate your business bank account and save your documents. Those two steps alone can transform your clarity. Be gentle with yourself. Shame doesn’t balance your books, but curiosity and consistency do. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Aneisha Velasquez, Founder of Yellow Sky Business Services Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Aneisha:Website: https://www.yellowskybusiness.services/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aneisha-v/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YellowSkyBusiness.Services Join her email list: https://www.yellowskybusiness.services/email-list Guest Bio: Aneisha Velazquez is a bookkeeper and clarity guide who helps neurodivergent business owners pause, process, and find peace with their finances. Having experienced firsthand the pressures different-brained entrepreneurs face in systems not built for them, she brings compassion to money conversations and normalizes the mess — making finances feel less overwhelming and far more manageable.Connect with us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today 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

Welcome to the 8th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, “From Nonprofits to Entrepreneurs–Why Storytelling Matters,” co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria reflect on their conversation with Sean Murphy, founder of Lore Works Creative Studio, diving deeper into how storytelling shapes impact, not just for nonprofits, but for any mission-driven business. From diversifying whose voices get heard to avoiding “token stories” that put pressure on individuals, this episode unpacks what ethical storytelling really looks like. Ashlan and Tory also explore the intersection between nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability, and how listening–truly listening–can create stronger, more authentic connections. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Storytelling is strategy. Whether you’re running a business or a nonprofit, sharing your story is how people connect with your mission.Representation matters. Don’t let one voice carry the entire narrative–invite many perspectives to tell the story of your work. Messy is human. You don’t need expensive equipment or perfect scripts–sincerity and heart go further. Listening builds trust. The best storytellers start with curiosity, not control. If you’d like to listen to Sean Murphy’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-heros-journey-storytelling-that-builds/id1735641469?i=1000736325046 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3tUl2skWo8BUPLEaKU6T71?si=7r-7TOCvSkGZtqoicEuTFg YouTube: https://youtu.be/8W3YGCDGbfw?si=iW8q2rjy4Q2qJP5q 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/ 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

Welcome to the 7th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of Lore Works Creative Studio, Sean Murphy. With a 25-year career spanning American Idol, Glee, and countless indie projects, Sean brings a cinematic eye to nonprofit storytelling–helping mission-driven teams connect their why to the communities they serve.He shares his winding Take the Leap story: from surviving a near-fatal accident that shifted his career path, to rediscovering purpose through storytelling for good. Sean’s journey is both inspiring and deeply human—a reminder that creativity, resilience, and empathy can coexist in business.Together, we explore why stories are the foundation of trust, how nonprofits can reclaim their narratives in a polarized world, and what it means to lead with curiosity and care.Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: Be gentle with yourself. Growth takes time, and entrepreneurship is as personal as it is professional.Nonprofits are epistemological anchors. They’re on the ground, telling the stories of real people and real impact–stories the world needs to hear.Listening > talking. True storytelling starts with presence, not production.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Sean Murphy, Founder of Lore Works Creative StudioCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Sean:On Instagram: https://instagram.com/loreworkscreative Visit the Lore Works website: https://loreworks.studio/Guest Bio: Sean MurphySean Murphy is the founder of Lore Works Creative Studio, a story-first production company helping nonprofits harness the power of storytelling. With over 25 years in film and television, spanning American Idol, Glee, and a slew of Indie projects, Sean now works with mission-driven organizations to uncover authentic narratives, align their teams, and deepen community impact. His work blends story strategy with visual craft, drawing on the Collective Journey framework to surface deeper truths and shared purpose.Connect with us:Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaketheLeap-Today Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taketheleap_today Find Ashlan: https://www.instagram.com/ashbeanpdxmktg/ or https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashlan-glazier-anderson/ Find Tory: https://www.instagram.com/imaginemarketingstrategies/ or 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

Welcome to the 6th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, “Real Talk on Burnout, Boundaries, and Better Leadership,” co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Zhou Fang, founder and principal practitioner of Intersectional Group. We revisit the biggest ideas from that interview: intersectionality, slowing down, choosing abundance over scarcity, and what it looks like to practice those concepts as founders right now. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Leading with nuance because most real-world problems aren’t binary and we must make room for multiple truths. Progress needs courageous, respectful dialogue–especially across difference. Building workflows that honor life systems, not just deadlines. Practicing abundance, even when stress spikes, you should pause, re-ground, and act from a space of abundance rather than scarcity. Our Fave Media Right Now: Tory shared The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204624472-the-veiled-kingdom Ashlan shared Alien Earth TV series on FX: https://www.hulu.com/series/ac314a24-c615-48ee-8e24-b26de75e64ef If you’d like to listen to Zhou Fang’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practicing-intersectional-leadership-with-zhou-fang/id1735641469?i=1000735226606 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0yXq2HBiHVATGtwgQ5bk09?si=jKO39kGIRpCkAvILbdHJkQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/5S3a8NBTSDc?si=Vv3t57uQdrSmxIR8 Listen to Ashlan’s conversation with Zhou Fang on The Intersection Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3w9J1iRMP2dZ0A20NTo0p5?si=Lvva-bf6TYmn4IOES0IdzQ 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 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

Welcome to the 5th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by Zhou Fang, founder and principal consultant at Intersectional Group, a leadership, people, and culture practice rooted in empathy, compassion, intentionality, and curiosity. Zhou shares her powerful story of navigating immigration to discovering the framework of intersectionality and starting her own business to create more inclusive, healing spaces for others.Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: “You have time.” Zhou’s biggest advice to her younger self is to slow down, rest, and release the scarcity mindset. Because most things are not truly urgent. Intersectionality is about interconnectedness. It’s the lens that helps us see the overlap between our identities, experiences, and shared humanity. Representation is power. She started her business to become the leader she didn’t see and to show other women and immigrants that the possibility exists. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Zhou Fang, Founder and Principal Consultant of Intersectional GroupCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Zhou: Visit Zhou’s website: https://www.intersectional.group/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhoufang35/ On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhoufangig/ Connect 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/ 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

Welcome to the 4th episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, "The Power of Co-Founders: What We Learned from One Foot Over", co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Stephen Brent May and Hami Arrington, founders of One Foot Over, a Houston-based B2B marketing agency redefining how businesses grow with strategy and AI. We unpack what it means to lead together, exploring co-founder dynamics, team building, and why strong partnerships are built on mutual respect, humor, and trust. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Partnerships thrive when built on friendship and communication. Hami and Stephen’s success comes from years of shared values, humor, and clarity in how they split responsibilities.AI can’t replace judgment, empathy, or collaboration. Use it to automate, summarize, and speed up, not to substitute human connection or creativity.Human connection sells. From storytelling emails to networking coffee chats, authenticity builds trust more effectively than any sales pitch.Entrepreneurship is better with community. Whether through volunteer networks, peer support, or podcast conversations, relationships fuel resilience.If you’d like to listen to Stephen Brent May + Hami Arrington’s episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/one-foot-over-the-line-building-a-strategy-first/id1735641469?i=1000733909882 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dVMweoZNYFeCuZSDy5sf2?si=5cslc-LhSU-U1j_01srrNQ YouTube: https://youtu.be/grGBf-JNdaU?si=u_kAJEuD9QUEx_Qm 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/ 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-courseLike our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Welcome to the 3rd episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by business partners and best friends, Stephen Brent May & Hami Arrington, founders of One Foot Over, a strategy-first B2B marketing agency. Their story begins with volunteering and leadership within AMA Houston, evolving into an eight-year partnership built on trust, intensity, and a shared mission to “make better marketing.” We also get the backstory behind the name One Foot Over, why volunteering has shaped the way they lead, and the origin of their new podcast–B2B Happy Hour–born from real Friday happy hours and a Slack message titled “Drinking thought.” 🍷Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: An AMA love story → a business: How volunteering created the trust and reps that became a partnership.Hiring & culture realities: The myth of “owner’s mentality,” expectations vs. empathy, and how they check each other’s intensity as leaders.The 70% rule: Letting go of perfection to move faster without melting down.Guest & Host Information:Guest, Stephen Brent May, Founder of One Foot OverGuest, Hami Arrington, Founder of One Foot OverCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Stephen + Hami:Find Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmay/ Find Stephen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonwinefreak/ Find Hami on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamiarrington/ Find Hami on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamiarrington Visit the Get One Foot Over website: https://getonefootover.com/Subscribe to the B2B Happy Hour PodcastOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theb2bmarketers On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6cpTsWsgH4zq1Z02LTbdHL?si=7cb95f835985434c On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b2b-happy-hour/id1832725319 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

Welcome to the 2nd episode of Take the Leap's third season. In today’s episode, "Pre-Production Mastery: What We’ve Learned from Sasquatch Media Grounds", co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria debrief their conversation with Mary Williams, founder of Sasquatch Media Grounds, a newly launched, boutique content production studio in Vancouver, Washington. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Building a sustainable, repeatable system for content production helps you prevent burnout and streamline your workflow. It is important to research your guests and prepare thoughtful questions to create a more authentic and engaging conversation, plus we get bonus points for making a fantastic guest experience. Launching a brick-and-mortar is much different than an online business and requires different strategies to go to market. If you’d like to listen to Mary Williams’ episode, you can find it at the links below: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-3-premiere-with-mary-williams-at-sasquatch/id1735641469?i=1000732825389 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CEkpWsIR2hAmcLOXflPLS?si=79ybHPCcRumIbVriLte1VA YouTube: https://youtu.be/soR6l60NEMg 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/ 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

Welcome to the 1st episode of Take the Leap's third season. In this episode, we’re joined by returning guest, Mary Williams, in her brand new boutique studio space in downtown Vancouver, Washington, called Sasquatch Media Grounds. We dive into what it means to launch a brick-and-mortar offering, the importance of understanding your audience, and the significance of recording in a physical space together. Listen to Mary’s Season 1 episode, “You are Your Best System with Mary Williams,” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch it on YouTube. Listen to Mary’s Season 2 episode, “The Librarian’s Guide to Business with Mary Williams: Systems, Stories & Scaling with Joy,” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch it on YouTube. Some of our favorite takeaways from this episode include: The conversation flows much more easily when we record in person. Setting up a brick-and-mortar space is so much different than running an online business. We reflect on the recent failed rebrand efforts of Cracker Barrel. We celebrate making it to season 3 and what it means to have a production process dialed for your podcast. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Mary Williams, Founder of Sasquatch Media Grounds, Owner of Sensible Woo, and Host of The School of Moxie podcastCo-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Mary:Receive Weekly Business Readings in Your Inbox! Subscribe to Sensible Woo on YouTube Find Mary on Instagram @sensiblewooFind Mary on Threads @sensiblewooVisit the Sensible Woo website Visit the Sasquatch Media Grounds websiteListen to The School of Moxie Podcast Guest Bio: Mary WilliamsMary Williams is the founder of Sasquatch Media Grounds. She helped podcasters go beyond just hitting record. If you’ve already got your mic and gear dialed in, great…that’s step one. She comes in for the rest of your journey, helping you craft a show that actually grows your brand, builds momentum, and makes your voice impossible to ignore. This is full spectrum support: strategy, structure, storytelling, and visibility. She focused especially on building sustainable, repeatable systems for neurodivergent creators…so you’re not stuck in feast-or-famine production cycles or burning out in a dopamine valley. She makes sure what you’re saying is wortLike our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Welcome to the 54th episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this heartfelt season finale, "Our Take the Leap Stories, Reflecting on Our Journeys and What Comes Next,", co-hosts Ashlan and Victoria share their personal Take the Leap stories, reflecting on the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the importance of setting boundaries, charging your worth, and building purpose-driven businesses rooted in freedom, impact, and authenticity.Key Takeaways from the Episode: Our Take the Leap stories: Ashlan's Journey: Started freelancing by accident after helping a friend’s mom with Instagram marketing, which turned into a full-fledged business 15 months later.Victoria's Journey: Laid off from a corporate job, freelanced during a job search, then officially launched her business in 2021 to reclaim her health, joy, and autonomy.Our Best Advice:Charge more from the beginning. Your work has value, and people will respect your rates.Always be learning. Stay relevant by adapting to new tools and trends, but don’t rely on them blindly, especially AI-generated content.Our Worst Advice:Promoting burnout as leadership. "Always be the first one in and last one out" creates a toxic work culture and is unsustainable.Appearance policing. Ashlan was nearly fired for her rainbow hair, highlighting the damaging culture in traditional workplaces.Real Talk About the Industry:Nonprofits are under severe funding pressure, forcing some to close or shift to volunteer-run models.Entrepreneurship doesn't guarantee stability, but it gives you control over your own decisions and path.2024–2025 has been financially tough for many businesses, but that doesn’t mean you're failing—it may just be time to pivot.Important Business Lessons:Get everything in writing—even if you're working with friends.Systems, contracts, and clear communication are essential to long-term sustainability.Don’t build the same toxic structures in your own business that made you leave traditional employment.Our Why:Ashlan’s why is rooted in honoring her late sister and supporting purpose-driven work that uplifts others.Victoria’s why is creating a life of freedom, joy, and health for her family, while helping others find their voice and impact.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: Take the LeapFollow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_todayFind Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedInFind Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn 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.Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Welcome to the 53rd episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this special Season 2 recap, "Take the Leap is Taking a Break: Our Super Recap Episode," your co-hosts Ashlan Glazier-Anderson and Victoria Proppe reflect on the messy, human side of entrepreneurship. We talk about setting boundaries, embracing your weirdness, and remind listeners that building community, showing up authentically, and evolving with intention are the real keys to sustainable success.Key Takeaways from the Episode: As entrepreneurs, we often create unnecessary urgency for ourselves, and we encourage you to unsubscribe from guilt and self-imposed deadlines.Community, our theme for this season, is essential for combating burnout, fear, and scarcity.Authenticity attracts the right clients. Remember that being your special brand of weird, wonderful self builds meaningful connections and trust.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: Take the LeapFollow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_todayFind Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedInFind Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn 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.Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Welcome to the 52nd episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Building Community, Not Just a Business: Michael Jonas on Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship," attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate Michael Jonas joins us to share his unfiltered journey through failing 9 bar exams, founding not one, but two values-driven law firms, running for office, and why building community and being your unapologetic self are the real keys to success. Some of our favorite takeaways include: Michael reflects on redefining failure, embracing his multifaceted interests, and learning that success often requires persistence, self-compassion, and doing business in non-traditional ways. We dove deep into the looming crisis for nonprofits amid funding shortages, urged collaboration, planning for sustainability, and better infrastructure to support vital community services. From creative law firm names to project-based pricing, Michael emphasized the importance of authenticity, accessibility, and challenging outdated industry norms. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Michael Jonas, Owner and Attorney at Narwhal Law and Business StrategyCo-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-strategyConnect with us:Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the LeapFollow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_todayFind Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedInFind Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn The CourseThe 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.Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram

Welcome to the 51st episode of Take the Leap's second season. In this episode, "Mindful Marketing: Real Talk About Content, Confidence & Connection with Jyssica Leilani" our guest shares how being fired propelled her full-time into entrepreneurship, and reflects on building a soulful marketing business, community, and personal brand rooted in authenticity, creativity, and self-trust.Some of our favorite takeaways include: Be Your Brightest, Weirdest Self: Embracing your uniqueness attracts the right audience and builds a brand that truly connects.Marketing is About Relationships: Jyssica encourages creators to “keep it social” and remember there’s a real person on the other end of every post or email.Diversify Your Marketing: She shares that you don’t have to be on every platform, but you do need a strategy beyond just one channel. Guest & Host Information:Guest, Jyssica Leilani, Founder of Style Opal Media and Orbit (formerly Upper Left Ladies)Co-Host, Ashlan Glazier-Anderson, Owner of AshbeanPDX MarketingCo-Host, Victoria (Tory) Proppe, Owner of Imagine Marketing StrategiesConnect with Jyssica:Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jyssica.leilaniConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyssicaVisit Style Opal Media: https://www.styleopal.com Follow Style Opal on Instagram: https://instagram.com/styleopalmediaFollow Style Opal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/styleopalmediaFollow Style Opal on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thestyleopal/_savedJoin Upper Left Ladies (ULL). Your first meetup is free with code FIRSTMEET: https://upperleftladies.club/calendarFollow ULL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upperleftladiesJoin the ULL Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/upperleftladies Connect with us:Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Take the LeapFollow us on Instagram: @taketheleap_todayFind Ashlan on Instagram & LinkedInFind Tory on Instagram & LinkedIn The CourseThe 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. Like our content? Be sure to subscribe and review! Want to keep in touch? Find us on:YoutubeInstagram