Be the Anchor – Strategies and Support for Small Business Owners

Kari Lotzien
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast for visionaries, entrepreneurs and people who dream big. We talk about getting real with yourself, doing the hard work and we share some insights and lessons learned along the way.

  1. REPLAY: 41 - How to Be a Better Leader

    4D AGO · BONUS

    REPLAY: 41 - How to Be a Better Leader

    Replay - This is one of our listeners all time favorite episodes.  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for all the latest updates, resources and more. Leadership goes far beyond managing people, having the most knowledge, or the most experience. Leadership is a completely separate skill from what most of us learn in traditional schooling. In this episode, I am delving into the key principles of leadership and the foundations of the Anchored Leadership Academy. Leadership is about fostering true collaboration and finding the best in people. It starts with the ability to self-reflect and self-regulate. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills, whether in business, community, or personal life. Key Points: Understanding Leadership:Leadership is more than being the boss—it's about collaboration, understanding, and facilitating growth within a team.The traditional idea of leadership as merely directing others is outdated. True leadership involves optimizing the talents and strengths of members to reach a collective goal.Self-Regulation as a Leadership Skill:Effective leaders manage their own emotions and reactions, creating safe spaces for others to contribute without fear of shame or ridicule.Self-regulation includes being mindful of body language, tone, and facial expressions to ensure they align with a supportive leadership style.Listening and Observing:Great leaders are often not the loudest in the room. They excel at listening, observing, and understanding the dynamics within a team.By noticing gaps and encouraging quieter voices, leaders can create a more balanced and inclusive environment.Asking Better Questions:Effective leaders ask questions that encourage reflection and collaboration rather than simply seeking agreement.Avoiding the word "why" in questions can prevent defensiveness and instead promote a more constructive dialogue.The Role of Leadership in a Technological World:In an era of automation and AI, leadership remains a distinctly human skill that cannot be replicated by technology.Leadership is essential in maintaining human connection and fostering meaningful collaboration in both business and community settings.Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Join the Anchored Leadership Academy and embark on a transformative journey to become the leader you aspire to be. This 12-week program is designed for business owners who are eager to scale their businesses, build strong team cultures, and lead with confidence.  I have opened up a few spots for private business and leadership coaching for owners who would like a higher level of support. Private coaching clients work through strategic planning to identify needs and priorities in their business. Coaching is then customized to align with your plan and may include support for team development, operations, marketing and finances. Together, we design your business to integrate with the life you want. Resources discussed in this episode: Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership Coaching  Contact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  2. 68 - Moving from Solopreneur to CEO in your Remote Business

    SEP 16

    68 - Moving from Solopreneur to CEO in your Remote Business

    You started your business for freedom. Freedom to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and create something meaningful. But does it really feel like freedom anymore? In this episode, Kari Lotzien dives deep into the hard truth that many entrepreneurs face: When your business relies completely on you, it’s not scalable. Kari walks you through the mindset shift required to evolve from business owner to true leader and why now is the perfect time to make that shift. This is a powerful conversation for solopreneurs and online business owners who are starting to feel the limits of doing it all themselves. If you’re resisting growth because it means more work, or you're stuck juggling too many roles, Kari helps you recognize the signs and what to do about it. Key Topics Discussed: The freedom paradox - why success can make you feel stuckHow to tell if you’re owning your business or just owning your jobThe internal tug-of-war between scaling and protecting your timeQuestions to uncover what you really love in your business (not just what you’re good at)A fresh look at how your business and life goals have evolvedThe danger of ignoring opportunities because you're maxed outWhy resistance to growth is often tied to a broken business modelThe two key questions:What opportunities are calling you?What have you been avoiding?Why leadership is the next step in reclaiming your freedomIf anything in today’s episode sparked a sense of recognition or even a little discomfort, that’s not a bad thing. It means you're ready. Ready to move beyond just running your business and into truly leading it. You’ve already built something amazing, but if you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or like you’re trading time for freedom, then it’s time to take the next step. You don’t have to do this alone. The next round of the Anchored Leadership Academy starts September 22nd, and it’s built specifically for online and virtual business owners who are ready to scale with strategy, purpose, and support.  Apply to the Anchored Leadership Academy – This fall, Kari is launching a specialized cohort designed exclusively for virtual business owners. If you're ready to grow your team, scale your services, and lead with confidence—this is for you. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.   Remote Leadership Assessment - Take it here Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min
  3. 67 - Grow your Online Business

    SEP 2

    67 - Grow your Online Business

    In this episode, Kari shares a personal reflection on her own journey from traditional brick-and-mortar work to fully embracing the virtual business model. What started as a simple appreciation for cozy mornings and slippered workdays turns into a deep dive into the massive opportunities opening up for virtual business owners today. She unpacks why more professionals are moving into online spaces and why many are never going back. Kari explores the trends, the research, and the mindset shifts that are redefining how we work, hire, and lead. If you’re building a remote-first business or thinking about scaling your virtual team, this episode is filled with insights to guide you, and a few surprising stats that will open your eyes. Key Topics Discussed: Kari’s personal shift away from traditional office life and why she’ll never go backHow the pandemic pushed many into remote work, but pulled them into realizing its benefitsThe productivity and profitability perks of virtual businessReal-world examples from Kari’s clients across industries: financial, tech, design, and moreData-backed research: why employees are seeking remote jobs and how smart businesses are listeningWhy big corporations are forcing a return to office and what they’re missingThe leadership gap: why virtual businesses need stronger, more intentional leadership3 practical tools for building and leading a high-performing virtual teamA sneak peek into the Anchored Leadership Academy: Virtual Edition launching this fallThe way we work is changing and it's not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’ve been running your business virtually for years or you're just starting to explore the shift, now is the time to lean into the opportunity that remote work offers. Profitability, flexibility, and productivity aren't just possible, they're thriving in the online space. Take the Free Assessment here – Discover your leadership strengths and identify the gaps holding your team back. It takes less than 10 minutes and gives you immediate insight into what’s next. Apply to the Anchored Leadership Academy – This fall, Kari is launching a specialized cohort designed exclusively for virtual business owners. If you're ready to grow your team, scale your services, and lead with confidence—this is for you. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.   How Anchored is Your Remote Team - Take the Quiz  __ Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
  4. 66 - Challenges in Leading a Virtual Team

    AUG 19

    66 - Challenges in Leading a Virtual Team

    In this episode, Kari explores the hidden challenges that come with the very freedoms that attract us to working online. Whether you’ve transitioned a traditional team to remote work or started your business virtually from day one, you’ll learn why flexibility, low overhead, and casual hiring processes can actually create roadblocks to scaling your team and how to overcome them. Kari draws from her own experience leading in-person, hybrid, and fully virtual teams to offer practical tips for building structure, fostering connection, and maintaining strong communication in a remote environment. You’ll discover the five key areas that can make or break your virtual team’s success—and how to assess where your business might be vulnerable. Plus, Kari shares a free quiz to help you measure your remote team’s strength and pinpoint your focus areas for growth. Key Topics Discussed: How freedom and flexibility can create unpredictability for your team.Balancing low overhead with investing in the right tools for collaboration.Building culture and connection in a virtual team through intentional onboarding.Avoiding the pitfalls of under-communication in the name of “not being too corporate.”Why the dream of passive revenue requires active leadership—especially early on.Leading a virtual team can be incredibly rewarding, but it takes more than great hires and flexible schedules to make it work long-term. By putting structure behind your freedom, fostering connection, and communicating with intention, you can build a remote team that’s not only productive, but also deeply engaged in your mission. Take the quiz, identify your growth opportunities, and start leading your virtual team with clarity and confidence. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you. Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    17 min
  5. 65 - From Therapist to CEO with Melanie Harris: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 4

    AUG 5

    65 - From Therapist to CEO with Melanie Harris: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 4

    In this inspiring and refreshingly candid episode, Kari is joined by longtime colleague and friend, Melanie Harris—CEO and physiotherapist at Functional Therapy, a thriving pediatric practice in Alberta. Melanie shares her journey from reluctant entrepreneur to confident business leader, opening up about the emotional and practical challenges of leaving behind secure employment, scaling a purpose-driven business, and redefining leadership in healthcare. Together, Kari and Melanie reflect on the real, behind-the-scenes experiences of transitioning from clinician to entrepreneur: the late nights, the self-doubt, and the joy work that keeps them going. If you’re a healthcare provider thinking about starting your own business—or you’ve already taken the leap—this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and reminders that you’re not alone. Key Topics Discussed: From clinician to CEO: Melanie’s non-linear path into entrepreneurshipSaying yes to everything: How she navigated the early stages of solo practiceBuilding a team from the bleachers: The magic of hiring from unexpected placesOwning your job vs. building a business: Knowing when to let go and delegateScaling smart: Becoming a vendor, hiring subcontractors, and embracing growthThe CEO identity shift: Redefining productivity and learning to trust your teamCreating a second level of leadership: Training coordinators and building in mentorshipThe emotional side of leadership: Balancing heart-led decisions with strategic thinkingInvesting in community and support: How peer groups and coaching changed her trajectoryJoy work and intuition: Redefining success on your own termsMelanie’s story is a powerful reminder that building a business—especially in healthcare—requires more than strategy. It takes heart, resilience, and a community of support. From her kitchen-table startup days to leading a thriving, values-driven team, she shows us that leadership is not about doing it all, but about learning to let go and trust the people around you. If you're navigating your own shift from service provider to CEO, be sure to grab the Free 5-Systems Foundation Checklist—it’s a practical tool to help you streamline your business and free up your time so you can focus on your own version of joy work. Because the business you build should work for you. Connect with Melanie and her team: Website: www.functionaltherapy.ca Phone: (780) 977-4222 Email: info@functionaltherapy.ca Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you. __ Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    57 min
  6. 64 - Save your Summer - Managing Holiday Brain and Cancellations

    JUL 22

    64 - Save your Summer - Managing Holiday Brain and Cancellations

    Is your summer slipping away while you’re still glued to your business? If you dreamed of afternoons with your feet up, reading a book, or spending unrushed time with family—but instead feel constantly interrupted by client calls, emails, and shifting schedules—this episode is for you. Kari shares practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you reclaim the rest of your summer without sacrificing your business. From setting clear boundaries with clients to adjusting your summer hours based on actual client behavior, Kari walks you through simple, actionable steps to give yourself permission to truly step away and enjoy the season. Whether it’s carving out an afternoon off or restructuring your weekly schedule, these tips will help you reset your nervous system, protect your revenue, and (finally!) feel like the business owner you set out to be. Key Topics Discussed: Why stepping away—truly unplugging—is essential for both you and your businessHow to shift your mindset from guilt to permission when taking time offSmart ways to adjust your summer hours without losing clientsThe “buffer block” strategy for handling reschedules while maintaining boundariesHow to optimize your schedule for both flexibility and profitabilityCommunication tips for keeping clients happy while you enjoy your time offYou started your business for freedom, flexibility, and the chance to design a life you love—not to feel chained to it, even in the middle of summer. Give yourself permission to slow down, step away, and enjoy the moments you’ve been dreaming about. Whether it’s an afternoon at the beach, reading a book in the sunshine, or simply taking a deep breath without your phone in hand, these little resets matter. Your business will be better for it, and so will you. And if you’re ready to make stepping away easier, grab my Free 5-Systems Foundation Checklist. It’s designed to help you create simple, reliable systems so your business can run smoothly—even when you’re taking that well-deserved break. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you.   Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinked In: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
  7. 63 - Scaling your Practice - Time to Hire: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 3

    JUL 8

    63 - Scaling your Practice - Time to Hire: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 3

    Welcome to Part 3 of Kari Lotzien’s special mini-series designed for healthcare professionals navigating the world of business. In this episode, Kari—business and leadership coach and former occupational therapist—guides listeners through one of the most crucial decisions in private practice: when and how to scale. Drawing from over two decades of firsthand experience building and selling a multidisciplinary healthcare practice, Kari opens up about the strategic thinking and mindset shifts required for sustainable growth. Whether you're overwhelmed as a solopreneur or eager to take your next step, this episode delivers practical frameworks and grounded advice. Key Topics Discussed: Know Before You Grow: Revisit Episode 1 for essential systems to solidify your business foundation, and Episode 2 for mastering ethical and effective sales in health and wellness.The “Messy Middle”: Kari shares personal insights about the tension between the excitement of growing a team and the fear of losing control over client experience and brand integrity.The CEO Shift: Before hiring, step away from the frontlines to reflect on your long-term vision, strengths, and the roles you want to delegate.3 Ways to Scale:Vertical Scaling: Hiring another clinician to replicate your service. Do it cautiously—create a waitlist and clear client expectations to prevent internal competition.Lateral Scaling: Add complementary services (e.g., massage therapy in a chiro clinic). Ideal for creating integrated, client-centered care.Foundational Scaling: Hiring admin staff. Often overlooked, but a crucial early investment to free your time and increase profitability.Avoid Desperation Hiring: Make hiring decisions from a place of strategy, not burnout. Build a financial buffer and plan onboarding intentionally.Leadership Matters: Transitioning into leadership requires new skills—clear communication, expectation setting, and structured onboarding. Passion and purpose should guide your job postings and team-building efforts.  Scaling a business isn't just about growth—it's about building a vision that serves both your clients and your life. Take your time, plan intentionally, and remember that every great leader started where you are right now. You've got this! Download your Free 5-Systems Foundation Checklist and start strengthening the core of your healthcare practice today. Whether you're just starting or already scaling, these essential systems will help you reclaim your time, protect your energy, and set your business up for long-term success. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you. __ Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinkedIn: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min
  8. 62 - Build a Successful Private Therapy Practice: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 2

    JUN 24

    62 - Build a Successful Private Therapy Practice: Healthcare Mini Series Pt 2

    In this episode, Kari Lotzien continues her miniseries for healthcare professionals transitioning into business ownership. Drawing from over two decades of experience as an occupational therapist and successful private practice owner, Kari dives into the crucial topic of sales—a frequently overlooked but essential aspect of healthcare entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your client onboarding process, this episode is packed with insights you can use today. Key Topics Discussed: Mindset Shift Around Sales: Sales is not about being pushy—it's about making your services known to those who need them. In healthcare, sales equals hope and access to help.  Common Sales Mistakes: Shying away from selling due to discomfort with money.Undercharging and overdelivering, leading to burnout and blurred boundaries.Leading with credentials instead of clear, relatable messaging.  Sales Strategy Tips: Clearly define your ideal client and communicate benefits over qualifications.Develop a predictable service process and communicate expectations from the outset.Be transparent in your pricing and set boundaries to avoid resentment and confusion.  Practical Sales Conversations: Explore client challenges, offer specific solutions, and clarify treatment timelines and commitments.Avoid overwhelming new clients with too much information at once.Use client onboarding as a key tool in creating predictable cash flow and stronger referrals.  Follow-Up Systems: Implement structured follow-up to ensure potential clients don’t fall through the cracks.Don’t make assumptions—ask clients how and when to follow up. If sales feel uncomfortable or unclear, you're not alone—but you can shift your mindset and create systems that bring more ease, income, and impact. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—start building a business that works for you—not just because of you. Work with Kari:  Anchored Leadership AcademyPrivate Business and Leadership CoachingContact Kari Lotzien | Be the Anchor:  Website: BeTheAnchor.caFacebook: BeTheAnchorLtdInstagram: BeTheAnchor.caLinkedIn: Kari Lotzien Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    19 min
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A podcast for visionaries, entrepreneurs and people who dream big. We talk about getting real with yourself, doing the hard work and we share some insights and lessons learned along the way.

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