The Self-Employed Life

Jeffrey Shaw
The Self-Employed Life

The Self-Employed Life Podcast (formerly Creative Warriors) provides business and personal development strategies for self-employed business owners that create sustainable success. A community of self-employed and small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and ambitious individuals that need creative solutions in business. Being self-employed and a business Warrior is a mindset, a spirit and a challenge. We need a different way of doing business. This is business with a soul. We discuss marketing, branding, productivity, mindset, building meaningful relationships with customers and living a fulfilling life. In the self-employed life, it's all personal. Small business consultant, business coach for entrepreneurs, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and author of The Self-Employed Life and LINGO, host Jeffrey Shaw, interviews bestselling authors and experts who will change your way of thinking and provide practical ideas that you can apply directly in your life and business. Two episodes each week- one content-rich interview with an expert and Coaching Break offers a 15-minute break to receive coaching from your host.

  1. The Art of Living Well

    11 JUN

    The Art of Living Well

    I've spent the past five weeks in Paris with one week left. When I left the U.S., I had some very clear intentions. One of them was to explore all the aspects of #TheArtOfLivingWell. I'd like to share what I learned so that you can consider these "luxuries" in your own life. Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury – Website Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    25 min
  2. Nesha Pai - Courageous Dreamers Win

    28 MAY

    Nesha Pai - Courageous Dreamers Win

    In this episode of the Self-Employed Life, I had the great privilege of speaking with Nesha Pai, author of the book “Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles”. Nesha shared how she transitioned from running a fully remote accounting firm to empowering others to pursue their boldest dreams.  She further explains how personal tragedies deepened her mission. We explored the difference between courage and bravery, the “Four C’s” framework she uses to guide dreamers into bold action, and how cultivating personal style and daily confidence practices can help us show up as the person we’re becoming. Nesha’s story is a great reminder that taking courageous, intentional steps—especially through life’s hardest seasons—can lead to extraordinary transformation. Nesha Pai is the founder of Pai CPA, PLLC, a fully remote bookkeeping firm in Charlotte, NC.   She started her firm in February 2011,  and was one of the first in the industry to create a fully remote office model, along with giving employment opportunities to primarily to stay-at-home moms. As a single mom, sole owner, she grew from one client on her kitchen table to over 72 with revenues in the multiple six digits. In January 2020 , Nesha published her book “Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles”, which won the award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category by the 2020 competition of the American Book Fest.  She is currently known as an international speaker, activating women and entrepreneurs to go boldly into the life of their dreams by cultivating the right tools to overcome the obstacles in their way. Nesha is a recent breast cancer survivor and was named one of the Top 50 Infulential Women in The Mecklenburg Times (2020 and 2024), on of Charlotte’s biggest media publications. Guest's Contact – Website LinkedIn Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    42 min
  3. Annette Mason -The Power of Intentional Sabbaticals

    14 MAY

    Annette Mason -The Power of Intentional Sabbaticals

    In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Annette Mason, sabbaticalist and Succession Architect at Trilogy Design Works. Annette shared how intentional sabbaticals can be powerful tools for self-employed individuals to regain clarity, spark creativity, and build sustainable success. We discussed the difference between a vacation and a sabbatical, how to structure one even while running a business, and the importance of designing time away with intention. Annette also introduced her framework of Compass, Maps, and Constellations to help people align with their values, plan with vision, and lean into the support systems around them. Annette uses her background in corporate innovation and personal experience with burnout in order to encourage others to rethink how we work and to embrace sabbaticals as a meaningful part of a resilient and fulfilling self-employed life. Annette Mason, Sabbaticalist and Succession Architect at Trilogy Design Work We help forward-thinking CEOs turn under-leveraged benefits-like flexible paid time off and sabbaticals-into strategic tools for building resilient people - individuals, teams, and organizations. Guest's Contact – Website LinkedIn Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    43 min
  4. Heather Holloway - Stress Less Serve More

    7 MAY

    Heather Holloway - Stress Less Serve More

    In this episode of the Self Employed Life, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Heather Holloway, founder of Holloway Media Services. Heather shared her journey of personal and professional emergence, emphasizing the importance of stress reduction and serving more. We further discussed her social media strategy, focusing on the significance of LinkedIn for business networking and personal branding. Heather highlighted the need to set boundaries on social media consumption. She also touched on the evolving role of social media in business and the importance of having a support system to facilitate personal growth and business success. Heather's message encourages individuals to embrace their potential and seek support to navigate their path to emergence and recognition. Heather Holloway is one part entrepreneur and one part inspirational speaker. She is the founder of Holloway Media Services, a social media marketing agency dedicated to helping women and LGBTQ+ CEOs leverage their personal brands to grow their business. Through powerful talks, engaging workshops, and strategic consulting, she empowers others to lead with authenticity, mindfulness, and confidence– showing up as their most genuine, inspired selves. Guest's Contact – Website LinkedIn Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    31 min
  5. Break the Boring Barrier with Better Communication

    30 APR

    Break the Boring Barrier with Better Communication

    In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Rob Hunter about the art of effective communication. Rob shares his insights on why communication is a critical — yet often overlooked — skill in many businesses today. He offers practical tips and strategies to help business owners strengthen their communication and better connect with their teams and clients. Rob emphasizes that with so many distractions competing for a person’s attention, the ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively has never been more important. We further discuss five important steps that anyone can take to become a more powerful communicator. This episode is for anyone who wants to strengthen their professional relationships and create a bigger impact through the power of clear and effective communication. Rob Hunter loves words. Not just any words, though…ones that create connection and meaningful, lasting impact. Over his 25+ yr. career as a radio broadcaster, he's learned that communication is the most important – yet underrated – skill. When you communicate effectively, you will master your message and influence & inspire others. Guest's Contact – Website LinkedIn Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    52 min
  6. The Nature of Change and 3 Big Announcements

    23 APR

    The Nature of Change and 3 Big Announcements

    One of my goals is to help you develop an Alchemist Mindset. Differing from the concepts of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. This is to have a willingness to learn from things that have nothing to do with what you do, but turning it into something valuable for yourself. Doing business with you must feel like a luxury - customers will accept no less. My new book, Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury, offers the inside secrets of how luxury buyers think and behave, enabling you to connect with those clients and earn their trust at a higher level. You must elevate yourself and the standards of your business in order to make the experience for every customer a luxury.This is more than a business book, it's your call to greatness. The Self Employed Life podcast will be coming to an end with episode 1000, celebrating more than 11 years. Just as with my photography business, I didn’t make this decision because I felt bored or out of opportunity. I made the decision because I felt complete. I will be starting a new podcast called Selling Luxury with Jeffrey Shaw. When I started The Self Employed Life podcast, it was originally called Creative Warriors in August, 2014, but it quickly morphed and I rebranded it as The Self Employed Life to retain all the listeners. This new podcast will be a hard stop and start from ground zero because I want listeners to step up to whether or not this is the content they want. Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury – Website Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    21 min
  7. Creating Intimate Relationships in Business and in Life

    9 APR

    Creating Intimate Relationships in Business and in Life

    In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gayle Friend, founder of Unrestricted Intimacy, about the power of creating deep, meaningful relationships in business. Gayle redefines intimacy as more than just a romantic concept—it’s about forming deep, authentic connections with clients through shared experiences, vulnerability, and presence. We explored the often-overlooked aspects of intimacy, including the importance of recognizing what we have in common and showing up as our full selves. This episode is for anyone who wants to build stronger, next-level relationships with their clients. Dr. Gayle Friend’s expertise is helping people stand in their power and gain the confidence to freely be their true selves and create deeply meaningful relationships. Once on the brink of a second divorce, Gayle developed a transformational process that turned her and her love life completely around. She knows what it takes to create a happy relationship and is highly successful in helping her clients replicate this in their own lives. Her wisdom shines in her keynotes, writing, and her work with clients. Guest's Contact – Website LinkedIn Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw Business Coaching for Entrepreneurs Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share! Valuable Resources – The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. Have Your Website Brand Message Reviewed! Is your website speaking the right LINGO of your ideal customers? Having reviewed hundreds of websites, I can tell you 98% of websites are not. Fill out the simple LINGO Review application and I'll take a look at your website. I'll email you a few suggestions to improve your brand message to attract more of your ideal customers. Fill out the application today and let's get your business speaking the right LINGO! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Small Business Consultant, Brand Management Consultant, Business Coach for Entrepreneurs, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker and author of LINGO and The Self Employed Life (May 2021). Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    42 min
  8. 982: Being Bold

    2 APR

    982: Being Bold

    "What motivates us most is the desire to become bolder versions of ourselves." This is a quote from my first book, LINGO, and I believe that to be true. With all the goals we might have, and all the rewards we can pursue, I do believe that continuing to find a bolder version of ourselves is at the heart of our motivation. In the episodes I share a few thoughts on being bold and a wonderful story from my new book, Sell to the Rich, that truly expresses boldness. Contact Jeffrey –  Website Books   Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!  Valuable resources to help you – Take The Self-Employed Assessment! Ever feel like you're all over the place? Or frustrated it seems like you have everything you need for your business success but it's somehow not coming together? Take this short quiz to discover the biggest hidden gap that’s keeping you from having a thriving Self-Employed Ecosystem. You’ll find out what part of your business needs attention and you'll also get a few laser-focused insights to help you start closing that gap. The Self-Employed Business Institute You know you're really good at what you do. You're talented, you have a skill set. The problem is you're probably in a field where there is no business education. This is common amongst self-employed people! And, there's no business education out there for us! You also know that being self-employed is unique and you need better strategies, coaching, support, and accountability. The Self-Employed Business Institute, a five-month online education is exactly what you need. Check it out! Host Jeffrey Shaw is a Business Coach, Keynote Speaker, TEDx Speaker, and author of LINGO , The Self Employed Life and Sell to the Rich. Also, Founder of The Self-Employed Business Institute, The Exceptional Business Academy and responsible for dedicating May 4th as National Self-Employed Day on the U.S. National Calendar. Supporting self-employed business owners with business and personal development strategies they need to create sustainable success.

    18 min
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Self-Employed Life Podcast (formerly Creative Warriors) provides business and personal development strategies for self-employed business owners that create sustainable success. A community of self-employed and small business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators and ambitious individuals that need creative solutions in business. Being self-employed and a business Warrior is a mindset, a spirit and a challenge. We need a different way of doing business. This is business with a soul. We discuss marketing, branding, productivity, mindset, building meaningful relationships with customers and living a fulfilling life. In the self-employed life, it's all personal. Small business consultant, business coach for entrepreneurs, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and author of The Self-Employed Life and LINGO, host Jeffrey Shaw, interviews bestselling authors and experts who will change your way of thinking and provide practical ideas that you can apply directly in your life and business. Two episodes each week- one content-rich interview with an expert and Coaching Break offers a 15-minute break to receive coaching from your host.

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada