Building a Business: Grit & Grace

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand return to a conversation every business owner needs, especially in times of rapid change: going back to the fundamentals. With AI evolving quickly and new tools appearing every day, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s changing. But as Anna and Jores explore, long-term success in business comes from staying grounded in what has always worked, not from chasing every new trend. In this conversation, they break down the core principles that remain true regardless of technology, market shifts, or economic uncertainty: Why every business exists to solve a problem or fulfill a desire Why cash flow is still king and how to think about financial stability The simple three-step path of every business: marketing, sales, and delivery The importance of protecting trust once it’s built The correct order for building a strong business: people, processes, then technology Anna and Jores also share real examples of how businesses are navigating the pressure to adopt AI, and why those who win are not the fastest adopters, but the ones who use it with intention, grounded in strong fundamentals. Because while tools will change, the principles of building a business that lasts do not. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s changing, this episode will help you refocus on what actually matters and where to direct your energy next. Don't forget to subscribe, so you don't miss any future episodes.

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand explore a topic that is often overlooked in business conversations: the power of genuinely caring about people. Inspired by the book Read Your Mind by mentalist Oz Pearlman, Anna reflects on a powerful idea from the book’s chapter Focus on Others, and how shifting our attention from ourselves to others can completely change the way we show up in business. When we focus only on numbers, strategy, and logic, we often forget two critical drivers of leadership and connection: our heart and our intuition. In this conversation, Anna and Jores discuss: Why focusing on helping others reduces anxiety in sales and networking How genuine care builds stronger and longer business relationships The difference between authentic care and manipulative sales tactics Why caring leaders create stronger teams and cultures The hidden danger of over-caring and how it leads to burnout Why boundaries and self-care are essential for sustainable leadership A simple relationship-building habit that helps you remember what matters to people They also share practical ways to bring more humanity into business conversations while still maintaining clear boundaries and expectations. Because in the end, successful businesses are built on relationships, trust, and genuine care for the people you serve. Reflection question: What is one small way you can show genuine care for someone in your business this week? P.S. Gift yourself the gift awareness with the ELI Assessment: https://leficomp.com/eli 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand introduce a new format for 2026, sharing business insights inspired by books Anna is reading. This week’s reflection comes from The Story of Us by Catherine Hernandez. While the novel follows the journey of a Filipino overseas worker navigating family, money, migration, and marriage, Anna explores three powerful lessons that directly apply to building a business. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why chasing money without remembering your “why” can quietly cost you what matters most The role culture plays not only in countries, but also inside your business The difference between constructive and destructive environments Why accountability and responsibility are non-negotiable leadership traits How victim mentality and blame culture destroy teams Why leaders must model the standards they expect This is a practical reflection on how stories reveal patterns we see every day in business: ambition without alignment, growth without culture, and success without ownership. If you’re building a business and want it to support your life, not replace it, this episode will challenge you to rethink your priorities, your leadership, and the standards you tolerate. As always, we’d love to hear from you: 1. What was your biggest takeaway? 2. How will you apply it in your business? P.S. We also highly recommend the ELI assessment: http://leficomp.com/eli 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova sits down with Sarah Albo, a certified workplace mediator, conflict coach, and psychological health and safety consultant, to explore one of the most overlooked leadership skills in business: how we handle conflict. Sarah shares her winding career journey from training as a psychotherapist, to working in her family business, to completing an MBA, and ultimately building her own solo practice supporting organizations and leaders through conflict, mediation, and healthier workplace systems. This conversation goes beyond theory. Sarah opens up about what it’s really like to build a service-based business in a field people often avoid until things escalate. She talks honestly about the challenges of getting traction early on, leaning into networks and volunteering, building credibility over time, and growing confidence through years of showing up, speaking, and doing the work. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The difference between constructive and destructive conflict and why conflict itself isn’t the problem Why many leaders are promoted without being taught how to manage people How psychological health and safety plays a critical role in business performance What it’s like to run a solo consulting business: the freedom and the isolation How Sarah uses AI as a practical support system in her business Why proactive leadership saves far more time, money, and stress than reactive fixes The importance of giving yourself time when starting a business What grit and grace really look like when building something on your own Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a solopreneur, or a small business owner leading a team, this episode will challenge the way you think about leadership, conflict, and responsibility, and offer practical insights you can apply immediately. Because conflict isn’t going anywhere but how you lead through it makes all the difference. Connect with Sarah here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahalbo/ https://novelhr.ca/  

In this solo training episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova explores what it truly means to become a visionary business leader and why this isn’t something reserved for famous founders or “special” people. This episode is about leadership from the inside out. Anna breaks down the idea that businesses don’t grow first, people do. And becoming a stronger, more intentional leader is the real path to building a business that lasts. Using the 7 Levels of Energy Leadership framework, Anna walks through the different mindsets leaders operate from. From fear, frustration, and control, to responsibility, service, collaboration, and intuition. You’ll learn how destructive leadership patterns keep businesses stuck, and how constructive, visionary leadership creates trust, growth, and momentum. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The difference between destructive and constructive leadership styles Why taking full responsibility is a turning point for every business owner How shifting from “How can I help?” to “How can everyone win?” changes results What truly defines a visionary leader, and why you already have it within you How intuition, reflection, and reducing judgment unlock clarity and creativity Why leadership is a choice you make in every situation, not a personality trait This episode is a powerful reminder that becoming a visionary leader is about remembering who you already are and choosing how you show up. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a solopreneur, or leading a growing small or mid-sized business, this training will help you rethink leadership, mindset, and the role you play in your company’s future. Want to connect with other visionary founders? Join our free community now: https://leficomp.com/vfc  Curious to learn what your predominant energy level really is? Grab your ELI Assessment today: https://leficomp.com/eli-assessment-page/

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova sits down with Jores Minasvand (longtime independent consultant, co-host of the podcast, and co-founder of Leficomp) to unpack what it really means to build a business as an independent contractor. With over 30 years of experience across technology, finance, energy, healthcare, education, and manufacturing, Jores shares how he transitioned from a traditional tech career into contracting early on and why he believes independence, adaptability, and marketability offer more security than a traditional full-time job ever could. In this honest and practical conversation, you’ll hear about: How Jores started as an independent consultant (and why mentorship mattered early on) The importance of money management, taxes, and having the right advisors Why networking is the real engine behind long-term success How delivering results and protecting your reputation creates repeat opportunities The difference between perceived job security and real career resilience What it takes to stay marketable across industries and economic cycles The freedom and responsibility that comes with being your own business Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a freelancer considering your next step, or a seasoned professional thinking about independence, this episode offers real-world lessons on building a sustainable consulting business with intention, grit, and grace. Because building a business isn’t always about scaling a team. Sometimes it’s about building yourself. If you’re exploring independent work or want to build a business that gives you more control, flexibility, and alignment, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. And if you want to connect with Jores, LinkedIn is the best place: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jores-minasvand/ Looking for more inspiration and help to build your business? Join our free community here: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this first episode of 2026, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand kick off the year with a grounded, honest conversation about goal setting and why most goals fail long before February. This isn’t about ambitious resolutions or pressure-filled plans. It’s about setting goals that actually support the business and life you want to live and knowing how to adjust them as the year unfolds. In this episode, Anna and Jores break down: Why setting goals is easy, but sticking to them is the real work How to set one meaningful business goal that matches your stage of growth Why every business owner needs a personal well-being goal, not as a “nice to have,” but as a foundation How to approach growth differently if you’re just starting vs. already generating revenue The difference between dreams and realistic, achievable goals Why belief, emotions, and intuition matter just as much as logic when setting goals How to review and recalibrate your goals regularly instead of setting and forgetting them Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a solopreneur, or running a small or mid-sized business, this episode will help you start 2026 with clarity, intention, and momentum without burning out by March. Because the goal isn’t to set more goals. It’s to set the right ones and build the habits to support them. If you’d like to join these conversations live and work through your goals alongside other founders, check out the Visionary Founders Club, our free community for entrepreneurs building businesses with grit and grace: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this solo episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova breaks down one of the most important, yet often ignored, foundations of every successful business: your customer journey. Drawing from her work with founders inside Launch360 and the Visionary Founders Club, Anna explains that when people don’t know what to do next, they do nothing. And that’s why mapping your customer journey is essential from day one. In this episode, you’ll learn: The three core stages every business must define: Marketing, Sales, and Delivery Why a confused mind doesn’t buy and how clarity boosts trust and action The simplest way to design your first customer journey when you’re just starting out How to identify where your real customers are coming from When to add steps like lead magnets, freebies, or nurture content How to keep your journey consistent, simple, and aligned Why referrals and testimonials should be built into your process from the very beginning Anna also shares practical examples across product and service businesses, explains what customers expect at every touch point, and shows you how to build the know–like–trust factor that leads to long-term success. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or already running a small or mid-sized business, this episode will help you simplify your processes, make smarter decisions, and create a customer experience that actually works. Want to join these trainings live? Become part of our Visionary Founders Club, a free community for new and established founders who want clarity, support, and real conversations about building a business that lasts: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this uplifting episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova sits down with Cathy Nesbitt, a serial entrepreneur, laughter yoga teacher, and the founder of Cathy’s Club, Cathy’s Crawly Composters, and Cathy’s Sprouters. Three ventures that prove purpose, joy, and sustainability can all grow together. Cathy’s journey began with worms and waste, literally. What started as a mission to reduce landfill waste turned into a lifelong calling to help people heal the planet and themselves. Today, she leads with laughter, running free weekly sessions that help people everywhere relieve stress, boost energy, and reconnect with joy. In this conversation, Cathy shares how laughter yoga transformed her life, what it’s taught her about business resilience, and why joy is the ultimate productivity tool. She also reveals the lessons behind running three purpose-driven businesses, staying healthy, and planning to live vibrantly to 111 years old. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, a solopreneur, or a business owner looking to reconnect with your “why,” this episode will remind you that success is built not just with grit, but also with grace, laughter, and a little bit of fun. Connect with Cathy: https://cathysclub.com/ (join her free Tuesday laughter sessions) https://www.cathyscomposters.com/ https://www.cathyssprouters.com/ Want to join a community of vibrant business owners? Our Visionary Founders Club is your space:  https://leficomp.com/vfc

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand dive into one of the most overlooked topics in entrepreneurship: self-care as a business strategy. As coaches and business owners themselves, Anna and Jores know firsthand that your business will never outgrow you. That’s why this conversation is all about how to protect your most valuable asset: you. From starting your day with intention to building habits that strengthen your mind, body, and spirit, they share 12 powerful practices that help entrepreneurs refuel, stay grounded, and lead with clarity. You’ll learn why laughter, rest, community, and boundaries are leadership tools that make your business stronger. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or already running a small or mid-sized company, this episode will remind you that success starts with sustainability and that self-care is part of your business strategy. Tune in to discover simple, actionable ways to care for yourself while building a business that lasts. And if you’d like to join live conversations like this, become part of our Visionary Founders Club, where real entrepreneurs come together to grow with grit, grace, and support: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova talks with Daniel Krikorian, founder of B.Remembered Studio, a platform transforming how wedding vendors manage, scale, and serve their clients. Daniel shares how one unexpected photography gig during the pandemic sparked a business that grew from a handful of weddings to over 1,200 events a year. And how that journey revealed the need for something bigger: a solution to simplify the entire wedding industry. From managing a 146-person team to building technology that bridges creativity and operations, Daniel’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, problem-solving, and innovation. He also opens up about the personal side of entrepreneurship. The long hours, the support that keeps him grounded, and the clarity that comes from knowing your “why.” Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner, you’ll leave this episode inspired to see challenges as opportunities and to build solutions that truly make an impact. Connect with Daniel: https://bremembered.io/ https://www.brememberedstudio.com/ [email protected] Join our community of visionary founders for more conversations like this with real entrepreneurs building real businesses with grit and grace: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova sits down with Don Elliott, a creative entrepreneur whose journey bridges two very different worlds: digital marketing and craft beer. Don is the owner of Gravitate, a leading digital marketing and web design agency that’s been helping brands grow since the dawn of the internet, and Pour Choices, a community-centered pub in Vancouver, Washington. With nearly 30 years in the creative industry, he shares the real lessons from starting, selling, and buying back businesses and why, sometimes, the best way to grow is to step back. From navigating the evolution of marketing in the age of AI to building a company culture rooted in trust, Don offers insights every entrepreneur needs to hear. He also reveals what running a neighborhood pub taught him about experience-driven business, leadership, and the power of community. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when creativity meets strategy or how to build success across completely different industries, this conversation is one you won’t forget. Connect with Don: https://www.gravitatedesign.com/ https://pourchoices.pub/ Listen to the full episode and join our community of founders who are building meaningful businesses with grit and grace: https://leficomp.com/vfc  P.S. Although we didn’t dive into it on the podcast, Don is also the author of a fantasy novel series. You can learn more about his books and grab a copy at https://donelliott.us/.

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, host Anna Angelova sits down with Mandy Wong, a mom of two, corporate leader, and certified coach who’s building her coaching practice while thriving in her full-time leadership role as a Director at a Canadian corporation. Mandy shares how she balanced ambition and family over the past eight years. From pausing her coaching dreams after certification, to intentionally returning when the timing felt right. She opens up about overcoming guilt, redefining success, and building a sustainable business one intentional step at a time. You’ll hear how she found her niche coaching quiet leaders, the unconventional ways she attracted clients without social media, and the lessons she’s learned about consistency, energy, and purpose. Her story is a masterclass in building with clarity and honoring every season of life. To connect with Mandy, visit her website: https://www.mandywong.coach/ or check her coaching profile: https://www.noomii.com/users/mandy-wong And if you enjoyed this conversation, join our community of visionary founders for more stories like this, where real entrepreneurs build real businesses with grit and grace: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

This episode is a special one. A crossover between More Than Just Task Management and Building a Business: Grit & Grace. After months of hosting two separate shows, Anna Angelova and Jores Minasvand sit down together to share an exciting update: the two podcasts are merging! In this heartfelt and energizing conversation, Anna and Jores reflect on: How Building a Business: Grit & Grace began as a passion project to spotlight everyday entrepreneurs doing extraordinary things. Why they’re consolidating their efforts to bring even more value and focus to one podcast. What’s next, including the new two-episode-per-week format featuring interviews with global business owners and practical conversations on leadership, systems, marketing, and growth. The behind-the-scenes lessons from partnerships, community building, and their upcoming launch of Newcomer Business in Canada. It’s a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at how two creators evolve, adapt, and align around one mission: to help people everywhere build businesses that matter with clarity, courage, and community. Tune in to hear the full story, the vision for the future, and how you can be part of it. And if you’ve been following More Than Just Task Management, make sure to subscribe to Building a Business: Grit & Grace. Your new home for inspiration, strategy, and real conversations about entrepreneurship.

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova talks with Brian and Sally Krichbaum, owners of Gilbert Chocolates, one of Michigan’s oldest and most beloved chocolate makers, now celebrating 125 years in business. Brian and Sally share their inspiring journey from corporate careers and community work to taking over a century-old brand and tripling its size. They discuss the challenges of buying an existing business, navigating the first difficult year, balancing innovation with tradition, and learning how to lead together as a husband-and-wife team. From rebuilding a historic company to introducing new products like the Dubai chocolate trend, this episode is filled with lessons on resilience, quality, and staying grounded in community values, all while keeping things deliciously sweet. To explore Gilbert Chocolates or order their handcrafted treats, visit https://www.gilbertchocolates.com/ . And if you enjoyed this conversation, join our Visionary Founders community for more stories like this. Real entrepreneurs building real businesses with grit and grace: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova sits down with Daniel McPherson, founder of Leketa Group. What started as a simple tax decision grew into a multi-division company spanning heavy equipment parts, digital marketing, and sales enhancement. All built on relationships, reputation, and a deep commitment to helping others. Dan shares how his unconventional journey included failed attempts, unexpected opportunities, and a relentless focus on people over profit. From teaching his son financial literacy through the business, to expanding without even having a website, to building a culture where integrity comes first. His story is proof that success doesn’t always follow the textbook. If you’ve ever wondered whether caring, giving, and trusting people could be the foundation of a thriving business, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to build with grit and grace. To connect with Dan, you can reach him directly at https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova speaks with Maxime Girard, founder of Dextra Advisory and fellow Rotman MBA graduate. Max shares his journey from corporate finance to building a thriving fractional CFO and advisory practice that now supports businesses with everything from operational finance to capital strategy. He opens up about the challenges of losing a business partner early on, navigating uncertain economic times, and the mental toll that comes with entrepreneurship. Max also shares how building a team transformed both his business and his life, and why grit, adaptability, and a strong support system are essential for every founder. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to move from stability to uncertainty and why it’s worth it, this conversation is for you. If your business needs financial clarity, cash flow support, or strategic CFO-level advice, visit https://www.dextraadvisory.ca/ or connect with Max on LinkedIn to learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximegirardcfa/   And if you enjoyed this conversation, join our community of visionary founders for more stories, insights, and inspiration from entrepreneurs around the world: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova speaks with Sandrine Makaron, an award-winning insurance advisor and leader at Yorkville Young Financial Solutions. Sandrine opens up about her journey from an international student to building her own book of business in Canada and the grit it takes to step away from corporate security into entrepreneurship. She shares candidly about the risks, self-doubt, and even breakdowns that come with carving your own path, along with the habits and mindset that helped her keep going. From redefining success to breaking misconceptions about the insurance industry, Sandrine’s story is filled with practical wisdom for business owners, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. If you’ve ever wondered whether starting a business is worth the leap, this conversation will give you both perspective and inspiration. And if you want to connect with Sandrine directly for your insurance needs, LinkedIn is the place to go: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrine-makaron-3a9307127/ Looking for support as you start or grow your business? Join the Visionary Founders Club here: https://leficomp.com/vfc 

In this episode of Building a Business: Grit & Grace, Anna Angelova sits down with Amna Nawab, a textile designer turned entrepreneur who built her business in one of the most uncertain times - the early days of the pandemic. Amna shares her journey from working in the textile industry in Pakistan and Dubai to starting over as a single mother in Canada, creating a business that blends fiber art, fashion, and storytelling. She opens up about the challenges of production, the importance of staying present, and how self-care became the foundation for both her life and business. From her first commission pieces to running community workshops, Amna’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn passion into a sustainable business and how grit and grace can carry you through, this conversation will inspire you.   Connect with Amna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amnanawabdesign or visit her website: https://amnanawab.com/ 

In this debut episode, host Anna Angelova shares the story behind Building a Business: Grit & Grace. Why it was created, who it’s for, and what you can expect each week. This podcast isn’t about billion-dollar unicorns. It’s about real small- and mid-sized business owners from around the world, from coffee shop owners to consultants, sharing their authentic journeys, lessons learned, and the grit and grace it takes to build a business that matters. If you’re an entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply curious about the stories behind the businesses in your community, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now, so you never miss an episode.