Build a Business You Love with Ashley Frank

This week on Growth Conversations with Ashley Frank, I’m joined by Keonté Beals, an award-winning musician turned author and storyteller whose work inspires confidence, creativity, and self-belief in young people and adults alike.Keonté shares his journey growing up in North Preston and how a pivotal moment in junior high school shaped the way he saw himself, his voice, and his future. We talk about what it’s like to move through life feeling unheard, and how discovering your voice can change everything.In this conversation, we explore:The importance of self-love and self-worthThe power of having someone who believes in youHow creativity and imagination shape confidence at any ageWhat shifts when you begin to truly value yourselfWhy your biggest limitations are often internalPractical advice for stepping into your self-love journey and finding your voiceThis episode also includes a brief mention of suicide as part of a broader conversation around mental health, self-worth, and being heard.If you’ve ever struggled to believe in yourself, felt like your voice didn’t matter, or lost touch with your creativity, this conversation will meet you where you are.Connect with Keonté:www.keontebeals.comInstagram: @keontebealsMental Health Support: If this episode brings up anything difficult for you, support is available. In Canada, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline. If you’re elsewhere, please check local mental health resources in your area.

Have you noticed more and more AI flooding your feeds and inbox? You’re not alone and it’s exhausting.In this episode, I unpack some of the biggest “ick” trends I’m seeing in how people are using AI in their businesses and careers. From over-automation to losing your authentic voice, we’ll explore where AI starts to work against trust, credibility, and real connection.I also share how I personally use AI on a daily basis to support my life and business without becoming overly dependent on it. You’ll hear practical ways to leverage AI as a tool, not a crutch, so you can stay sharp, human, and intentional in how you work.If you’re using AI, thinking about using it, or just curious about what’s happening in this space, this episode is for you.

In this episode, New Year, New Me, I share my personal commitments for the podcast in 2026, along with the goals I’m working toward this year.I reflect on why New Year’s resolutions and goals so often fall apart, and why so many people end up in the exact same place 365 days later. I also walk through some of the highlights and challenges from my 2025, how those experiences shaped my 2026 goals, and the word I’m using to guide my focus this year.We dive into what it actually takes to follow through on your goals, including a practical way to think about execution using a GPS-style approach to direction and decision-making. This episode is about moving beyond motivation, blocking out the noise, and committing to meaningful action.If you’re tired of going through the motions and want to make 2026 a year you’re genuinely proud of, this episode is for you.

You don’t control the sale — you influence it.In this episode, Ashley breaks down the subtle art of influence: what it really means, what it’s not, and why every great leader, parent, and salesperson relies on it. You’ll learn how to build trust without pressure, connect without control, and qualify for influence — not just interest.

In this episode, I explore what it really means to build your sales practice. After getting back in the air for the first time in over two years, I realized how quickly skills can fade when they aren’t used. The same is true in sales. We don’t rise to the level of our goals — we fall to the level of our practice. I break down how to build a sales practice around the simple equation: Skills + Activity + Execution = Results.Instagram: @theashleyfrank

In this episode, I talk about how easy it is to fall into the trap of dichotomy—seeing everything in extremes. Success or failure. Win or lose. All in or all out. When we live that way, our self-worth becomes tied to outcomes, and our peace depends on performance.I share examples from life and business where this shows up, and why learning the art of detachment changes everything. You’ll learn how to shift from chasing rewards to developing resources—the skills, mindset, and perspective that make you resilient no matter what happens.Whether you’re growing a business, leading a team, or just trying to stay grounded through change, this episode will help you step out of extremes and into clarity.

In this episode, I talk about one of the biggest myths in business and sales — the idea that you need to have all the answers to win your customer’s trust.The truth? We’re living in a world overflowing with information, and most people are stuck in decision paralysis. They don’t need another know-it-all telling them what to do — they need a guide who can help them make sense of it all and take confident action.I share how to shift from trying to impress to helping your clients make the best decision for where they are, how to meet them in their process, and why clarity and empathy will always beat expertise and ego.If you’ve ever felt like you need to know more before showing up, this episode will remind you that your value isn’t in having every answer — it’s in helping people find their right next step.

Pilots don’t just jump into an airplane and take off hoping for the best — they file a flight plan, calculate fuel, and know exactly where they’re headed.In this episode, I talk about why your business deserves the same level of intention. We’ll explore how “winging it” keeps entrepreneurs stuck in circles, why sales math gives you power over your results, and how to set clear Q4 goals with the end in mind.If you’re ready to stop guessing and start navigating your business with purpose, this episode will help you chart your course.📍 Topics Covered:Why winging it kills momentumThe flight plan analogy for businessSales math basics (and how to find your real numbers)How to set clear, achievable Q4 goals🎯 Your next step: Create your Q4 plan with the end of mind.Message me on Instagram (@theashleyfrank) or LinkedIn and I’ll send you a short video walking you through a couple of sales math examples that will help you with your destination. 

On this solo episode, I’m talking about why stories sell — and why features don’t. Sure, features matter. They give people a way to justify their decisions. But it’s the story behind what you do that actually creates the emotional connection and loyalty.I’ll share how even the simplest choices — like your favorite ketchup or a childhood comfort food — are really about the story, not the specs. And I’ll explain why leaning too hard on features alone puts you at risk of becoming a commodity.This episode is a reminder to pause, stop obsessing over the “how,” and instead anchor yourself in the “why.” Own your story. Lead with it. Because features justify… but stories sell.🎧 Listen in and then share your story with me on Instagram or LinkedIn.

In this episode of Growth Conversations, I share a story from my Friday morning spin class and a powerful reminder from my instructor: “Ready is not a feeling, it’s an action.”I’ll talk about why discipline matters more than motivation, how the excuses we make quietly kill our dreams, and the three steps I use to build consistency in both life and business.If you’ve been waiting until you “feel ready,” this is your wake-up call to start showing up.

This isn’t an acting class—and scripts don’t close deals.In this episode of Growth Conversations, I break down why memorized lines and outdated tactics fail in today’s sales environment, and what actually works instead. Buyers don’t want to be handled. They want to be heard.You’ll learn:Why rigid scripts and “tricks” push buyers awayThe three real drivers of closed deals: trust, relevance, and confidenceHow to swap memorized lines for frameworks that keep conversations naturalSimple ways to guide buyers without feeling pushy or fakeAnd before we wrap up, I open the door for future guests. If you—or someone you know—has a growth mindset and a story worth sharing, send me a message on Instagram (@theashleyfrank) or LinkedIn, and you could be on a future episode.

Tired of riding the sales roller coaster—one month packed with clients, the next scrambling for deals? That’s the feast-or-famine cycle, and it keeps too many entrepreneurs stuck in stress and survival mode.In this episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley breaks down why this cycle happens, the hidden costs it creates, and the systems you need to finally escape it. You’ll learn how to build a pipeline, set up a nurture process, and shift from chasing clients to attracting them—so you can create consistent growth without burning out.If you’re ready to smooth out the ups and downs and build real momentum, this episode is for you.👉 Want to know what’s holding your growth back? Take the free quiz: www.ashleyfrank.com/quiz

Think you just need more leads to grow your business? Not so fast. In this episode, I bust one of the biggest myths in sales — that lead volume automatically equals revenue growth. I’ll share the story of a client who spent over $30K on ads with almost nothing to show for it, and walk you through five reasons why more leads don’t fix a broken sales process. If you’ve been chasing leads but still struggling to convert, this episode will show you where the real problem lies — and how to fix it.👉 Take the free Growth Style Quiz here: ashleyfrank.com/quiz

Most entrepreneurs don’t start their business because they love sales. They start with a passion, an idea, and maybe a few people who believe in them. But sooner or later, reality hits: without consistent sales, you don’t have a business — you’ve got a no-profit hobby.In this episode of Growth Conversations, I break down:Why sales problems often creep in without being noticedThe 3 real signs you might have a sales problem (and how to spot them early)The difference between reactive “panic button” selling vs. proactive, predictable growthWhy busy isn’t the same as productive — and how to shift into needle-moving activityPlus, stick around until the end for a free interactive quiz that shows you your unique sales style — whether you’re the Hustling Expert, the Systems Seeker, or the Strategic Operator — and gives you the next steps to build a stronger growth engine.Take the Quiz www.ashleyfrank.com/quizIf you’ve ever wondered, “Is my sales process actually working, or am I just winging it?” — this episode is for you.

If you’ve ever wondered how many touch points it takes to close a sale, this episode is for you.Looking for a magic number? You won’t find it here — because it’s not about quantity. It’s about aligning your touch points with where your buyer is in their journey: recognizing a problem, considering solutions, and finally making a decision.In this episode, I break down what to share at each stage of the buyer journey — plus two surprising stats about why most people leave money on the table. You’ll walk away knowing how to build a simple, intentional touch point strategy that actually moves people forward.

What if sales felt easier — and customers came to you saying, “You get me better than anyone else”?In this episode, I’m sharing a simple framework that flips the script on traditional selling and makes it feel natural, effortless, and more effective.You’ll hear how this approach works in both marketing and sales conversations, with real-world examples — including one that shows how an $88K ad spend turned into zero sales (and the changes that would have turned it around).

What if three simple letters held the power to rebuild your life, reshape your identity, and reignite your purpose? In this special episode, I speak from the heart — sharing moments that cracked me open, stretched me, and ultimately shaped who I am today.If you’ve ever felt stuck, small, or like you’re drifting off-course… this one’s for you. You won’t find tactics or templates here — just lived experience, story, and a quiet invitation to reconnect with the part of you that still believes in more.

What it really takes to keep going when no one’s clapping yet.What happens when you keep showing up… and no one seems to notice?No likes.No comments.No replies.No results (yet).This episode is for every entrepreneur, creator, or builder quietly doing the work — wondering if it’s worth it.Ashley opens up about what it’s been like to create 13 episodes of this podcast with a small audience, and why those early, unseen reps matter more than we think.Inside this episode:The difference between discipline and consistencyWhy most of your limits are self-imposedHow showing up in one area impacts every other part of your lifeWhat to do when you’re building something from scratch and no one’s watching (yet)Whether you’re launching something new, rebuilding after a setback, or trying to stay committed to the vision — this is your reminder:You’re doing better than you think. Keep going. Your future self will thank you.👋 Say hi or learn more: https://ashleyfrank.com Instagram: @ashleyfrank

Many people hit pause in the summer — but what if this is your chance to pull ahead?In this episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley unpacks the idea of Separation Season — the quiet stretch of summer where intentional action gives you a serious edge come fall.Inside, you’ll learn:How to book September business now (and stay top of mind)Why summer is the best time to batch your contentHow simple check-ins can create future opportunitiesPlus, a bonus tip on leveling up your skills and teamIf you want to finish the year strong, now’s the time to move.✨ Want support building momentum? Reach out to Ashley for a quick strategy chat.

Sometimes the most powerful clarity doesn’t come from a coach, a course, or a big breakthrough moment — it comes from the open road.In this reflective solo episode, I’m sharing 7 life and business lessons I learned during a recent 7-day, 7-province road trip from Nova Scotia to Alberta. What started as a mission to help a friend move turned into a powerful reset — and an unexpected reminder of what really matters in life and business.From learning to slow down, to choosing the right co-pilot, to remembering who’s really in the driver’s seat — these lessons are for anyone navigating growth, transition, or just trying to reconnect with themselves.Whether you're feeling stuck, in motion, or somewhere in between… this one’s for you.🔑 In This Episode:Why slowing down can actually speed up your growthThe power of aligned relationships and choosing the right peopleHow food, space, and kindness impact performanceLetting go of control and leaning into presenceA reminder that you’re the one behind the wheel

We’re officially halfway through 2025 — but that doesn’t mean you’re behind. It just means it’s time for a reset.In this solo episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley walks you through a simple 4-step mid-year checkpoint to help you: ✅ Revisit your goals and align them with where you are now ✅ Reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to shift ✅ Identify what’s actually holding you back — and what kind of support you need ✅ Create a focused 90-day outcome that you’ll actually follow through onWhether you’ve been crushing it or coasting, this is your opportunity to pause, reflect, and take radical responsibility for the second half of the year.Because no one is coming to save you — and that’s not a bad thing. That’s freedom.

In this solo episode of Growth Conversations, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — parts of the sales process: the discovery call.If you’ve ever felt awkward, rushed, or unsure of what to say on a sales call, this episode is for you.We’ll walk through the exact structure I use to lead discovery calls that build trust, qualify leads, and create real alignment — without ever feeling pushy or salesy.Whether you’re brand new to sales or looking to tighten up your process, you’ll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately.🔑 In this episode, I cover:The real purpose of a discovery call (hint: it’s not to close the deal)Common mistakes that kill trust and how to avoid themA simple framework to guide every callKey questions to uncover need, timeline, authority, and budget — without sounding roboticHow to lead with curiosity (and land better clients because of it)Discovery isn’t about selling — it’s about learning. And when you show up as a guide instead of a pitch machine, people feel the difference.👥 Know someone who struggles with sales calls? Send them this episode!

If you’re still leading sales calls with scripts, logic, and pitch decks — you might be missing the moment that actually closes the deal.In this episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley Frank shares what it really takes to move from salesperson to trusted advisor. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions, listening deeper, and uncovering what truly matters to your client.You’ll learn:Why logic doesn’t drive sales (emotion does)How to peel back the surface to uncover the real reason behind the saleThe 4-step framework to go two layers deeper in your next discovery callA real-life example of what happens when you shift from pitching to connectingIf you want to build trust faster, close more aligned clients, and actually enjoy your sales process — this episode is for you.

You’ve heard it before — people buy from those they know, like, and trust. But what does that really mean in a world where attention is short and trust is fragile?In this episode, I break down the three layers of connection every expert entrepreneur needs to build in order to grow — without using pushy tactics or complicated funnels.You’ll learn:Why “being visible” doesn’t mean being everywhereWhat creates a real emotional connection (without trying to be everyone’s best friend)How to build trust that lasts — and turns browsers into buyersIf you’ve ever felt like your content is falling flat or you keep hearing “I need to think about it”… this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now and let’s get back to what actually works: real connection, real value, and real growth.

There are 1,440 minutes in a day — the same for you, Oprah, and Beyoncé. So why do some people get so much done while others feel like they’re drowning in to-do lists?In this episode of Growth Conversations, I’m pulling back the curtain on how time really works — and why it’s not about having more of it, but using it with more intention.We’ll explore:The biggest time vampires draining your energyWhy “I don’t have time” usually means something elseThe difference between urgent vs. important tasksThe myth of multitasking and the impact of context shiftingHow to use tools like the Priority Pie and Ideal Week to create momentumAnd why getting everything out of your head is the first step to freedomNo hype, no hustle — just a grounded, practical way to start shaping your time before it shapes you.

If you're doing “all the right things” and still struggling to get leads, this episode is for you.Ashley breaks down the 3 biggest reasons your lead generation efforts might not be landing — and what you can do today to start attracting better-fit leads without the guesswork.You’ll learn:Why you must start with one clear person and one clear problemHow to shift from “here’s what I do” to “here’s what’s in it for you”What the 3 stages of buyer awareness are — and why most content misses the markPlus: A quick mid-episode invite to join the waitlist for The Lead Sprint, a 4-week hands-on program to build your lead engine.🎯 Join the waitlist: ashleyfrank.com/wait

Is your business growth starting to feel more like a guessing game than a repeatable system? In this episode, Ashley Frank breaks down what it really takes to build a Growth Engine — a marketing and sales system that actually works on purpose.You’ll learn:Why most entrepreneurs stall out in “hope mode”The five key components of a powerful Marketing FormulaA step-by-step breakdown of the Sales Formula inside Thrive Growth Lab™How to stop chasing leads and start building momentum that lastsThe biggest mistakes to avoid (and what to do instead)Whether you're running a service-based business or launching a digital offer, this episode will help you build a custom engine for sustainable, scalable growth — without the burnout.Want in on the beta? Get exclusive updates and early access to the beta by joining the wait list at ashleyfrank.com/wait

“I was working 16-hour days and still couldn’t pay my bills.”In this powerful episode of Growth Conversations, Ashley Frank sits down with designer and agency owner Shalisha Pikel to unpack how she turned a near-rock-bottom moment into serious momentum.From nearly failing web design in college to building a thriving business with consistent 10K+ months, Shalisha’s story is proof that personal growth and business growth go hand in hand.They talk about what it really takes to shift from surviving to scaling—including mindset breakthroughs, sales systems, and the identity shift that helped Shalisha finally show up as a leader.If you’ve ever felt behind, invisible, or unsure how to turn your talent into income—this one’s for you.Shalisha Pikel | www.pikeldesigns.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pikeldesigns/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pikeldesigns/If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram: @theashleyfrank 💬 Share the episode, tag me, or just drop a DM—I’d love to know what landed.🎧 Want more? Subscribe to Growth Conversations and leave a review on Apple or Spotify. It helps more people find the show and grow with us.

What if the economy isn’t the problem—it’s the pressure that shapes you?In this first full episode of Growth Conversations with Ashley Frank, I take you back to 2007—when I started my sales career in the middle of a recession. It wasn’t glamorous. I had a headset, a script, and a list of cold leads who didn’t want to talk about online learning.But those early days taught me everything I needed to know about sales, mindset, and what it really means to grow when things are hard.In this solo episode, I break down 10 powerful lessons I learned during that season—lessons that still hold true in today’s uncertain economy. Whether you're navigating a downturn or just trying to find momentum, these insights will give you perspective, tools, and (hopefully) a bit of peace.🔑 In this episode:The truth about success during a recessionWhy “rejection” is a gift in disguiseHow to stay grounded when it feels like everything’s changing💬 If this episode hit home, share it with someone who’s in the thick of building.🔗 Learn more at ashleyfrank.com 📲 Follow along on Instagram @theashleyfrank 🎧 New episodes every Tuesday

This isn't just another business podcast. In this opening episode, I’m sharing why I finally stopped waiting and chose to share my voice—after sitting on my domain since 2013.If you’ve ever felt like personal growth and business growth are connected (even if no one talks about it)... this show is for you.I talk about why “safe” doesn’t get us where we’re meant to go, why strategy isn’t enough without self-trust, and why most people are just barely holding it together—but still showing up.You’ll learn what to expect from this podcast, who it’s for (and not for), and why this isn’t leadership in theory—this is leadership in motion.New episodes drop every Tuesday.👉 Stick around and hit play on Episode 1: 10 Lessons from a Down EconomyLearn more at ashleyfrank.com Connect with me on Instagram: @theashleyfrank