Level Up with Lydia

Lydia Navo

Welcome to Level Up with Lydia — a no BS, no fluff business podcast. I’m Lydia Navo, and this is where we skip the small talk and dive deep into real conversations and raw interviews designed to help you level up your game. If you’re done playing nice and ready to get real, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.

Episodes

  1. Level Up with Lydia feat. Ramon Cuevas

    4 DAYS AGO

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Ramon Cuevas

    Are you considering buying a franchise but not sure where to start? Unlock the insider secrets with Ramon Cuevas, a franchise consulting expert who reveals how the right support can turn your business dreams into reality—without the pitfalls. From identifying your ideal industry to navigating complex franchise agreements, Ramon shares proven frameworks that help entrepreneurs make educated, confident decisions. You'll discover the crucial qualities that make a successful franchise owner—like work ethic, clarity of purpose, and self-awareness—and how to uncover the best fit through strategic questionnaires and industry analysis. Learn why talking to top performers and asking the tough questions can save you years of trial and error—and how industry trends can actually mislead your choice if you're not careful. Ramon also explodes myths about franchise profitability and shares the real advantages of backing a proven business model. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, current business owners feeling stuck, or anyone overwhelmed by the sheer number of options. If you're ready to avoid costly mistakes and harness expert guidance, you'll leave with actionable steps to start your franchise journey today. Remember, success isn't just about the business; it's about finding the right fit—guided by someone who truly puts your interests first. Hit play now and take the first step toward your winning venture.

    30 min
  2. Level Up with Lydia feat. Jamilah Robinson

    2 MAR

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Jamilah Robinson

    Supporting Healing and Community: Inside Missing Pieces Support Group with Jamila Robinson In this episode, Lydia chats with Jamilah Robinson, one of the founders of Missing Pieces Support Group, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing pregnancy loss. They explore the group's programs, community-building efforts, upcoming events, and the importance of mental health and resource sharing during difficult times. In this episode, we discuss: The origins and mission of Missing Pieces Support GroupHow care packages and resource lists aid grieving womenThe group's initiatives for pregnancy after loss and parenting after lossUpcoming events: silent auctions, maternal health symposium, and community awareness activitiesThe business side of managing a nonprofit: challenges, board structure, fundraisingBuilding community over competition among nonprofitsThe therapeutic value of sharing stories and support groupsThe significance of recurring donations and how to contributeInsights on marketing, community engagement, and collaboration in the nonprofit spacePractical advice for business owners: community building as a key growth strategy

    27 min
  3. Level Up with Lydia feat. Kendrick Davis (KD)

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Kendrick Davis (KD)

    In this episode, discover how Kendrick Davis transformed his passion for basketball into a thriving multi-sport organization that empowers youth through sports, life skills, and community engagement. In this episode, he shares his personal journey, business lessons, and vision for expanding Principles First. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace Action Over Perfection: Taking immediate, imperfect action allows entrepreneurs to learn, adapt, and scale faster than overplanning or delaying for perfect conditions. This mindset shifts focus from fear of failure to continuous progress, unlocking growth that hesitant founders often miss. Build Authentic Relationships: Authentic engagement and community-building create organic brand advocates and open doors that marketing alone cannot. Trust-based relationships translate into word-of-mouth referrals and long-term loyalty, transforming reputation into revenue. Delegate and Specialize: Effective scaling demands role specialization and trusting others. Identify core strengths—like vision and relationship-building—and delegate operational and financial responsibilities to capable team members. This approach prevents burnout and accelerates growth while empowering others to excel. Join us next week for more inspiring stories and business insights! Instagram - ⁠⁠@principlesfirst⁠⁠ Website - ⁠⁠principlesfirst.org⁠⁠

    28 min
  4. Level Up with Lydia feat. Rick Manuel

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Rick Manuel

    SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, Lydia interviews Rick, owner of Optimal Balance Pharmacy. They discuss Rick's journey from personal trainer to pharmacy owner, the rapid growth of his business, and the challenges that come with scaling. Rick shares insights on building a positive company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the importance of automation. He also emphasizes the need for business owners to adapt, prioritize, and invest in their companies for long-term success. TAKEAWAYS Rapid growth can lead to challenges in service quality.Building a positive company culture is essential for retention.How to make trade shows a valuable investment for exposure.Automation is key to managing growth and efficiency.Navigating revenue challenges requires quick adaptation.Balancing business and personal life is a common struggle for entrepreneurs.Hiring the right people is crucial for business success. KEYWORDS pharmacy, business growth, company culture, marketing strategies, trade shows, automation, hiring, personal life balance, entrepreneurship

    32 min
  5. Level Up with Lydia feat. Caryn Craig

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Caryn Craig

    SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, Caryn Craig shares her inspiring journey from ballet dancer to successful entrepreneur. She discusses her experiences in the restaurant industry, the challenges of balancing marriage and business, and her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs. Karen emphasizes the importance of customer experience, the lessons learned from her time at Disney, and the significance of starting a business with a clear problem to solve. She also touches on her journey of writing a book and offers valuable advice for aspiring business owners. TAKEAWAYS The importance of partnership agreements in business relationships.How to overcome burnout.Customer service should be a top priority for success.She emphasizes the need for community support in business.Starting a business requires identifying a problem and finding a solution. business, entrepreneurship, women in business, restaurant industry, customer service, empowerment, real estate, food truck, personal journey, advice

    28 min
  6. Level Up with Lydia feat. Trina Rothman

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Trina Rothman

    SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, CPA Doug Parker shares insights on tax strategies for business owners, the importance of understanding the differences between CPAs and tax preparers, and the value of building a strong support network. He emphasizes the need for strategic tax planning tailored to individual business goals and the importance of consulting with a CPA early in the business journey. Doug also discusses the significance of diverse perspectives in decision-making and the necessity of investing in professional services to foster business growth. TAKEAWAYS Taxes can be boring, but they are crucial for business owners.Building relationships is key to business success.Starting a firm comes with unexpected challenges, especially in infrastructure.Many tax preparers lack the necessary qualifications and experience.CPAs provide strategic advice beyond just tax preparation.Consult with a CPA as early as possible when starting a business.Surround yourself with mentors and industry peers for guidance.Diverse perspectives can enhance decision-making in business.Investing in professional services can yield long-term benefits.Don't hesitate to hire help to scale your business effectively. tax strategies, CPA, tax preparation, business growth, financial advice, tax planning, consulting, professional services, networking, entrepreneurship

    32 min
  7. Level Up with Lydia feat. Doug Parker, CPA

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Doug Parker, CPA

    SUMMARY In this episode of Level Up with Lydia, CPA Doug Parker shares insights on tax strategies for business owners, the importance of understanding the differences between CPAs and tax preparers, and the value of building a strong support network. He emphasizes the need for strategic tax planning tailored to individual business goals and the importance of consulting with a CPA early in the business journey. Doug also discusses the significance of diverse perspectives in decision-making and the necessity of investing in professional services to foster business growth. TAKEAWAYS Taxes can be boring, but they are crucial for business owners.Building relationships is key to business success.Starting a firm comes with unexpected challenges, especially in infrastructure.Many tax preparers lack the necessary qualifications and experience.CPAs provide strategic advice beyond just tax preparation.Consult with a CPA as early as possible when starting a business.Surround yourself with mentors and industry peers for guidance.Diverse perspectives can enhance decision-making in business.Investing in professional services can yield long-term benefits.Don't hesitate to hire help to scale your business effectively. tax strategies, CPA, tax preparation, business growth, financial advice, tax planning, consulting, professional services, networking, entrepreneurship

    32 min
  8. Level Up with Lydia feat. Tim Raffield

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Tim Raffield

    SUMMARY In this episode of "Level Up with Lydia," host Lydia Navo sits down with entrepreneur Tim Raffield to explore his journey from the medical industry to becoming a successful business owner. Tim shares insights on the importance of relationships, mindset, and tenacity in business, as well as his experiences in the HVAC industry and his role on the board of Smart Financial. The conversation delves into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the significance of financial literacy, and the value of investing in people and relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Invest in relationships for long-term success.Mindset shift from investing in things to people is crucial.Tenacity is key to overcoming business challenges.Financial literacy is essential for business growth.Large companies leave gaps that small businesses can fill.- Building a strong company culture is vital.Delegate tasks to avoid burnout.Networking and genuine interest in people pay off.Mergers and acquisitions can drive transformative growth.Be humble and learn from setbacks.

    35 min
  9. Level Up with Lydia feat. Derek Palmer

    25 FEB

    Level Up with Lydia feat. Derek Palmer

    SUMMARY In the inaugural episode of 'Level Up with Lydia', hosts Lydia Navo and Derek Palmer share their personal journeys into business coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and overcoming fear. They discuss the significance of having a coach, the ideal clients for coaching, and the goals of their podcast, which aims to help business owners recognize their challenges and seek help. The conversation is filled with insights on building a successful business and the realities of entrepreneurship. TAKEAWAYS - We all have faults and flaws in our journeys. - Reaching out to your network can lead to opportunities. - Stop caring what others think to succeed as an entrepreneur. - Your education doesn't define your ability to succeed. - Persistence is key in overcoming challenges. - Coaching is essential for accountability and growth. - Not everyone will be your client, and that's okay. - Building a business means creating systems that work without you. - Your business should be an asset, not a liability. - It's important to be authentic and real in business coaching. business coaching, entrepreneurship, vulnerability, authenticity, client success, coaching journey, overcoming fear, ideal clients, business growth, podcast goals

    31 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to Level Up with Lydia — a no BS, no fluff business podcast. I’m Lydia Navo, and this is where we skip the small talk and dive deep into real conversations and raw interviews designed to help you level up your game. If you’re done playing nice and ready to get real, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.

Information