The C-Suite Mentor - Business Growth for Small Business Leaders with Theresa Cantley

Theresa Cantley
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Theresa Cantley, a business and brand strategist reveals her strategies to help you "break out of of the traditional mold" of small business by learning new ways to build profitability into your business and freedom into your life. Create a brand and market your business while also learning how to assemble a high performing team. Discover how to create a marketing strategy that builds your visibility offline and online, how to infuse your brand into every part of your business creating a unique experience for your customers, how to create offers and products your customers will love and how to hire and create a high performing, highly motivated team. Theresa will share with you her experience over the past 20 years to show you creative ways to gain the clarity you need on the vision you have for your business and creative ways to get there while always staying one step ahead of your competition. Leadership development, systems and processes, organizational leadership, branding, marketing strategy, digital marketing, business planning, team building, building your authority, search engine optimization, goal setting, project management and learning how to make your vision a reality by becoming a visionary leader in your industry.

  1. 2D AGO

    Feeling Lost as a Leader? How to Reconnect with Your Purpose, Passion & Alignment

    Many leaders reach a point where success no longer feels fulfilling. In this Leadership Bites episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, host Theresa Cantley explores what to do when you feel stuck, burned out, or disconnected from your purpose as a leader. Through a powerful real-world client story, Theresa breaks down why leaders lose passion, how misalignment between identity and role creates frustration, and why growth often feels uncomfortable before it feels empowering. This episode dives into how to shift from leading from the outside in to leading from the inside out by reconnecting with who you want to be, how you want to feel, and what truly makes you come alive as a leader. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, unsure of your direction, or questioning your leadership path, this episode will help you recalibrate, refocus, and take the next right step forward with clarity and confidence.     Things to Listen For • Why feeling lost is often a sign you are being asked to grow [01:12] • How leading from an old identity creates friction and burnout [05:02] • The difference between outside-in leadership vs inside-out leadership [07:18] • How intention shapes your daily leadership actions [09:10] • Why reconnecting with what makes you come alive restores motivation [11:02] • How misalignment between role and identity drains passion [12:20] • How to define your personal leadership philosophy [13:04] • Why growth always comes with discomfort and uncertainty [14:22] • The next right step to regain clarity and alignment [17:20] • Final leadership reflection and practical next step [19:10]     Shownotes In this Leadership Bites episode, Theresa Cantley shares a powerful coaching conversation with a long-time leader who felt burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from his passion. Feeling Lost Is Often a Signal for Growth Feeling lost does not mean you are failing. It often means you are being invited into your next level of leadership. Growth naturally brings discomfort, uncertainty, and friction when you try to lead from an old identity that no longer fits who you are becoming. Inside-Out Leadership vs Outside-In Leadership Many leaders attempt to meet expectations, industry pressure, and external demands first. This creates misalignment. True leadership clarity begins by reconnecting with who you want to be, how you want to feel, and what matters most before reacting to external noise. Reconnecting with What Makes You Come Alive When leaders drift away from the activities that energize them, burnout follows. Reconnecting with what brings you alive restores momentum, creativity, and purpose in your role as a leader. Redefining Your Leadership Philosophy Rather than reacting to what others think you should be doing, define your personal leadership philosophy. These principles guide how you lead, how you make decisions, and how you shape culture within your business. The Power of Intention in Daily Leadership Setting a daily intention changes how you show up. Instead of operating on autopilot, intention allows you to lead with clarity, focus, conviction, and alignment throughout your day. Finding the Next Right Step Clarity does not come from doing everything at once. It comes from taking the next right step that aligns with who you are becoming as a leader. Small aligned actions create powerful momentum over time.     Final Leadership Reflection Leadership growth requires letting go of who you were so you can step into who you are becoming. When you reconnect with your intention, your identity, and what makes you come alive, you regain clarity, confidence, and direction.

    20 min

  2. FEB 9

    Leadership Requires Courage, Not Comfort

    In this Amuse Bouche episode, Theresa Cantley delivers a powerful leadership reflection for business owners and leaders who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and stuck in constant urgency. If you've been riding the chaos bus, stuck in autopilot, or feeling the weight of unmet goals, this episode is your invitation to pause and choose courage over comfort. Theresa explores why staying busy can feel "comfortable," how leadership presence shapes team experience, and why real growth happens in the space between who you are and who you're becoming. Through real client examples and practical reflection questions, she challenges leaders to step out of firefighting mode and into intentional, courageous leadership.     Things to Listen For: • Why constant urgency keeps leaders stuck on autopilot [2:10] • The powerful mindset shift: "The old you would love this challenge" [3:05] • How comfort can disguise itself as stress and frustration [4:45] • The difference between operating your business and leading it [6:10] • Why leaders struggle to show up fully when overwhelmed [8:40] • How courage changes the experience your team has of you [10:25] • What radical resilience really means in leadership [12:00] • The role of boundaries, focus, and prioritization during busy seasons [14:15] • Questions every leader should ask before moving into a new year [16:20] • How choosing courage creates clarity, energy, and momentum [18:10] BOOK A VIRTUAL COFFEE If you're feeling stuck in constant urgency, overwhelmed by everything pulling at you, and know there has to be a better way to lead, let's talk. Book a free virtual coffee and explore what support you need to move forward with clarity and confidence. https://theresacantley.com/virtual-coffee     Shownotes In this episode of Amuse Bouche, Theresa Cantley invites leaders to pause and reflect on how they've been showing up — not just in their business, but for their people. Stuck on the Chaos Bus Theresa opens by naming a familiar experience for many leaders: the feeling of being pulled by urgency, constantly busy, and unable to get ahead despite working harder than ever. The Comfort of Discomfort She introduces a powerful idea — that stress, frustration, and overwhelm can actually feel comfortable because they're familiar. Choosing courage means stepping into the unknown and showing up differently. The Old You Would Love This Challenge One of the key mindset shifts in this episode is recognizing that today's challenges are evidence of growth. The leader you were months or years ago would have welcomed these opportunities. Leadership Is an Experience Theresa challenges leaders to consider the experience they create for their teams. Are you showing up stressed and reactive — or calm, focused, and intentional? Radical Resilience Drawing from her leadership framework, Theresa explains radical resilience as the space between where you are now and who you are meant to become — a space that requires courage to navigate. Choosing Courage Over Autopilot Through a real client example, Theresa shows how living in constant firefighting mode prevents leaders from thinking clearly, setting priorities, and leading effectively. Better Questions Create Better Results The episode closes with reflection questions that help leaders regain clarity, set boundaries, and intentionally decide how they want to show up moving forward.   Final Reflection Leadership growth doesn't come from doing more — it comes from choosing differently. When you step out of comfort and into courage, you create space for clarity, confidence, and meaningful progress.

    21 min

  3. FEB 2

    How to Align Your Team & Boost Accountability

    In this Amuse Bouche Leadership Bites episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley dives into one of the most pressing leadership challenges today: team alignment during uncertainty and chaos. Coming off a challenging year for many business owners, Theresa breaks down why misalignment happens, how a leader's energy sets the tone for the entire organization, and what it really takes to get people to buy into the vision—not just complete tasks. This episode offers a practical, inside-out leadership framework focused on accountability, communication, role clarity, and culture, helping leaders reconnect their teams to purpose, performance, and possibility. Things to Listen For: • Why chaos is inevitable—but disengagement is optional [3:40] • How a leader's energy directly impacts culture and performance [7:15] • The hidden cost of "just surviving" as a leadership strategy [10:30] • Why teams struggle when goals lack alignment and belief [13:50] • How communicating vision repeatedly builds buy-in and clarity [18:05] • The difference between job responsibilities and true role alignment [22:40] • Why routines and check-ins prevent frustration and burnout [26:10] • How to integrate wins and recalibrate after setbacks [30:15] • Creating space for trust, accountability, and innovation [34:05] Shownotes In this solo episode, Theresa Cantley shares a powerful leadership message for business owners navigating uncertainty, frustration, and change. Leadership Starts With How You Show Up Theresa explains why a leader's first responsibility is to summon the best of who they are every day, even when conditions are difficult. Energy, mindset, and presence ripple throughout the organization. Vision Creates Alignment Many businesses miss goals not because of poor execution—but because of misalignment. Theresa breaks down how repeatedly communicating vision and values helps teams understand why their work matters. Roles, Not Just Tasks True accountability happens when people understand their role in the bigger picture, not just a checklist of duties. Theresa shares real-world examples of how redefining roles increases engagement and ownership. The Power of Routines and Check-Ins Consistent meetings, check-ins, and communication create clarity, support, and momentum—especially during challenging seasons. Integrating Wins and Recalibrating Quickly Theresa emphasizes the importance of recognizing non-monetary wins, learning from missteps, and helping team members see their value—even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Creating Space for Culture and Growth The episode closes with a reminder that leaders must intentionally create environments where people feel safe to contribute, innovate, and care—because culture is caught, not taught.     Final Leadership Reflection Team alignment doesn't begin with systems or strategies—it begins with the leader. When you show up with clarity, consistency, and intention, your team is far more likely to follow.

    39 min

  4. JAN 26

    Why Small Business Leaders Feel Stuck—and How to Fix It in 2026

    In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley shares a focused Leadership Bite for Main Street and founder-led business owners who are feeling stuck as they move into 2026. Cutting through the noise of economic predictions, marketing trends, and external pressures, Theresa brings the conversation back to inside-out leadership. She explains why feeling stuck is often a result of holding onto past mistakes, frustrations, or outdated beliefs—and how that internal misalignment creates overwhelm and hesitation. Drawing from years of experience working with small business owners, Theresa introduces four common leadership styles that show up in Main Street businesses and explores how each one can unintentionally limit growth. This episode offers practical insight and reflection to help leaders let go of the past, simplify their focus, and move forward with clarity and confidence.     Things to Listen For: Main Street / founder-based businesses → comes from the opening passion and background about Main Street businesses (00:01–03:00) External noise, economy, predictions, overwhelm → directly from the section where Theresa talks about 2026 noise, marketing advice, buyer behavior, economy, government, etc. (around 04:00–05:30) "Stuck is a choice" → explicitly stated multiple times in the episode (around 05:45–07:00) Holding onto the past blocking growth → discussed when she explains holding past failures, frustrations, and emotions (06:30–11:30) Misalignment between goals and beliefs → the friction explanation (around 10:30–12:00) Craft Master → exact leadership type explained in detail (13:00–15:00) Firefighter → exact leadership type explained with examples (16:00–18:30) Greatest Showman → exact leadership type explained (19:00–21:30) Idea King / Queen (Visionary) → exact leadership type explained (22:00–24:30) Four reflection questions → directly from the closing section of the episode (25:00–27:30) Letting go to move forward → closing message about releasing the past to step into the future (28:00–31:10)     Shownotes: In this Leadership Bite episode, Theresa Cantley speaks directly to Main Street business owners and founders who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or trapped in survival mode. She explains that while external factors like the economy, staffing challenges, and industry trends may influence a business, real leadership growth begins internally. Theresa introduces four leadership styles she commonly sees in founder-led businesses: The Craft Master – Leaders deeply connected to their craft who stay in the weeds of daily operations and struggle to step into mentorship, delegation, and vision-driven leadership. The Firefighter – Leaders who spend most of their time putting out fires, fixing problems, and managing conflict, leaving little space for strategic thinking or long-term growth. The Greatest Showman – Creative leaders with constant ideas who focus on momentum and appearance while neglecting foundational systems, processes, and execution. The Idea King or Queen – Visionary leaders who understand strategy but try to implement everything themselves, often overloading teams and overcomplicating the business. Theresa closes the episode with four reflective questions—one for each leadership style—designed to help leaders simplify, empower their teams, release past limitations, and reconnect with their core mission.     Final Leadership Reflection Leadership is not about doing more—it's about letting go. By releasing past experiences, simplifying focus, and leading from the inside out, Main Street business owners can move beyond survival mode and create meaningful impact for their teams, communities, and businesses.

    31 min

  5. JAN 19

    The Leadership Skill No One Trains You For: Building Trust

    Trust is no longer built after the first meeting — it's built before you ever walk into the room. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor Podcast, Theresa Cantley sits down with leadership advisor and storyteller Matt Stone to explore how human connection, intentional communication, and storytelling shape trust in today's business landscape. From navigating conflict and toxic leadership to understanding how personal history influences workplace behavior, Matt shares powerful insights drawn from his background in law, leadership consulting, and organizational psychology. Together, Theresa and Matt unpack why relationships either grow or decay, how small avoided conversations create massive breakdowns, and why leaders must reconnect to their own internal alignment before they can truly lead others. The conversation also dives into Matt's latest venture, Amped, where he helps founders and CEOs tell their stories on camera to build trust with stakeholders before the first conversation ever happens.   Things to Listen For: • How Matt's childhood and constant relocation shaped his ability to build trust quickly with others [7:45] • Why trust is built through relationships — not roles, authority, or titles [8:10] • Why leaders struggle to see greatness in others if they can't see it in themselves [14:10] • The parallels between family conflict and organizational breakdowns [22:45] • Why relationships are always either moving closer or drifting apart — never staying the same [26:20] • The hidden cost of avoiding "small" conversations in leadership and business [26:45] • A leadership mindset shift that can transform culture and performance [29:00] • How storytelling builds trust before stakeholders ever meet you [38:15] • Why authenticity on camera is harder — and more important — than people realize [43:40] • How unresolved personal experiences silently impact workplace communication [50:25] BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT: If you're ready to uncover where your business is breaking down and create a clear plan for the next 60–90 days, book a C-Suite Snapshot. Together we'll identify what's not working, what needs to change, and where the biggest opportunities for momentum exist. https://theresacantley.com/business-audit BOOK A COFFEE CHAT: Want to talk through where you're stuck or what's shifting inside your business? Book a free virtual coffee chat and let's explore what support you need to lead with more confidence, clarity, and alignment. https://meetwiththeresa.as.me/virtualcoffee Shownotes: In this episode, Theresa Cantley welcomes leadership advisor and storyteller Matt Stone for a wide-ranging, deeply human conversation about leadership, trust, and connection. Building Trust Through Human Connection Matt shares how growing up in a military family — moving frequently and constantly being "the new kid" — taught him the power of building trust quickly through relationships. These early experiences shaped his belief that connection, not credentials, creates opportunity. Leadership Is About Relationships, Not Just Results Theresa and Matt explore how leaders often focus on outcomes while neglecting relationships — and how this imbalance erodes trust, engagement, and performance over time. Why Small Conversations Matter One of the most powerful insights from this episode is Matt's explanation that relationships are never static — they're either moving closer together or further apart. Avoiding small, uncomfortable conversations creates distance that eventually leads to major breakdowns. Lessons from Law and Organizational Conflict Drawing from his background in family law, Matt explains how breakdowns in trust mirror what happens in businesses — and why unresolved tension almost always results in lose-lose outcomes. Rebuilding Trust Inside Organizations Matt outlines how rebuilding trust starts by putting the "issue" aside and addressing the human relationship first. Once people feel heard, seen, and respected, collaboration becomes possible again. The Inside-Out Approach to Leadership Theresa shares her leadership framework focused on internal alignment — helping leaders reconnect with who they are and who they want to be — before expecting alignment from others. Storytelling as a Trust Accelerator Matt introduces Amped, his new venture designed to help founders and CEOs tell their stories on camera. He explains why video is one of the most powerful tools for building trust before a meeting, pitch, or partnership ever begins. Authenticity, Video, and Being Seen The conversation explores why being "authentic" on camera is difficult, why over-polishing kills trust, and how storytelling helps the right people connect — while naturally repelling the wrong ones. The Conversations We Avoid at Work Matt highlights one of the most overlooked leadership challenges: how personal experiences, past trauma, and unprocessed emotions silently interfere with communication and decision-making inside organizations.   Final Leadership Reflection This episode closes with a powerful reminder: leadership is not about perfection — it's about presence, curiosity, and the willingness to have honest conversations that strengthen trust over time.

    56 min

  6. 12/22/2025

    How to Thrive as a Leader in a World Full of Noise, Change, and Uncertainty

    Trust is low. Change is constant. And leaders everywhere are feeling the pressure to keep it all together while navigating layoffs, AI disruption, cultural challenges, and nonstop external noise. In this episode of The C-Suite Mentor, Theresa Cantley shares a powerful six-part framework to help leaders stay above the line, close the execution gap, and thrive—without burning out or losing themselves in the chaos. Drawing from real conversations with clients, mentors, and lived experience, Theresa explains why leadership today isn't about proving yourself—it's about clarity, intention, and how you show up when everything feels uncertain. If you've been questioning yourself as a leader, feeling overwhelmed, or stuck reacting instead of leading, this episode will help you reset your focus, reclaim your confidence, and move forward with purpose. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to The C-Suite Mentor 02:15 – Why trust is at an all-time low 06:10 – Navigating layoffs, AI, and economic uncertainty 10:20 – The danger of reacting instead of leading 14:45 – Stop trying to prove yourself as a leader 18:30 – The "dirty lake" analogy and toxic environments 22:10 – Framework overview: How to stay above the line 23:00 – Aim & implementation: Bridging the execution gap 30:40 – Learn, don't lean: Conscious consumption 38:15 – Dream vs. drama in leadership 45:10 – Clarity, conviction, and reflection 53:00 – Leading with intention and influence 59:30 – The power of your circle and community 1:07:00 – How leaders truly thrive in today's world 1:11:30 – Final reflections and next steps Key Takeaways • You don't need to prove yourself—leadership starts with knowing who you are • External chaos doesn't define you; how you respond does • Clear aims and daily implementation prevent overwhelm • What you consume mentally shapes how you lead • Great leaders focus on the dream, not the drama • Clarity and conviction eliminate toxicity • Intention determines the energy and influence you bring • The right community accelerates growth; the wrong one drains it Listener Prompt / Call to Action Which of the six principles stood out to you most—and why? Take a moment this week to reflect: Are you leading above the line, or reacting to the noise around you? If you're ready to go deeper, book a virtual coffee with Theresa to get clear, actionable steps to move forward with confidence. And if this episode resonated, share it with a fellow leader who needs this message right now.

    34 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    The Spirit of Phygiality: Leading with Humanity in an AI-Driven World

    Episode Description:  As technology accelerates and AI continues to reshape the way we lead, many business owners feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or pressured to "keep up" at the expense of their people. In this powerful C-Suite Mentor episode, Theresa Cantley introduces The Spirit of Phyigiality — her signature leadership philosophy that blends human essence with technological structure.    Theresa explores why organizations lose their soul when they treat people as replaceable, how misplaced efficiency is hurting creativity and culture, and what leaders can do to stay rooted in purpose as teams navigate rapid change. She shares stories, insights, and practical steps that help leaders use technology as a tool — not a replacement for human brilliance.    If you're ready to lead with more intention, more clarity, and more heart, this episode offers a grounded blueprint for the future.    Things to Listen For:  • How rapid AI adoption is causing fear and disconnection inside organizations [1:20]  • Why leadership decisions made in a vacuum can break culture and innovation [4:30]  • What's really behind the resistance to AI — and why it holds businesses back [7:15]  • The Spirit of Phygiality: a leadership philosophy for a modern world [8:40]  • What technology still can't do — and why that matters for leaders [10:20]  • Why human greatness is the real competitive advantage in business [15:45]  • How to build a bridge between human brilliance and technological structure [18:10]  • Real-world examples of tech and humanity working together to innovate [25:30]  • A closing challenge to elevate your leadership today [33:10]    BOOK A C-SUITE SNAPSHOT:  If you're ready to uncover where your business is breaking down and create a clear plan for the next 60–90 days, book a C-Suite Snapshot. Together we'll identify what's not working, what needs to change, and where the biggest opportunities for momentum exist.  https://theresacantley.com/business-audit    BOOK A COFFEE CHAT:  Want to talk through where you're stuck or what's shifting inside your business? Book a free virtual coffee chat and let's explore what support you need to lead with more confidence, clarity, and alignment.   https://meetwiththeresa.as.me/virtualcoffee

    33 min

  8. 11/24/2025

    Leading Through Change: How Great CEOs Navigate Challenge, Vision, and Team Transformation

    In this power-packed "Amuse Bouche" leadership mini-series, Teresa shares the real, behind-the-scenes conversations she's having with CEOs and leaders navigating massive change—economic uncertainty, team restructuring, rising costs, AI disruption, and the emotional weight of leading when everyone is looking to you for answers. You'll learn how to summon the best of who you are as a leader, regulate emotions under pressure, communicate vision with conviction, and guide teams who may resist change, avoid accountability, or fear the unknown. Teresa breaks down the 3 types of people in change (resistors, handlers, and leaners), what it really costs a business to delay hard conversations, and how leaders can move from chaos → flow. This episode is for Founder CEOs, business owners, and leaders navigating growth, restructuring, or transformation — especially if it feels like you're "pushing a boulder uphill." What You'll Learn in This Episode: The #1 internal shift leaders must make before they can lead change effectively Why resisting change keeps your team — and your revenue — stuck The hidden cost of holding on to misaligned team members How to navigate transformation when your team is challenge-averse or risk-averse The 3 ways people respond to change: resist, handle, or lean in Why empathy isn't a buzzword — it's a strategic leadership skill How to align vision → strategy → team structure for the final quarter of 2025 The "flow zone" of leadership and how to get your organization there How to communicate the because behind your decisions Why leaders must model adaptability, humility, and emotional regulation Episode Breakdown 00:00 — Welcome to The C-Suite Mentor Why Teresa created this new "Amuse Bouche" leadership series. 03:45 — Leading Through Team Resistance & Change Fatigue Real examples from restaurant, retail, and hospitality teams. 08:12 — The Emotional Weight of Being a CEO Why leadership often feels lonely — and how to shift that. 11:30 — Summoning the Best of Who You Are The internal regulation leaders need before any strategy. 15:02 — Empathy vs. Sympathy (and why it matters) The real meaning of empathetic leadership. 20:56 — The 3 Types of Reactions to Change Resist. Handle. Lean in. Which one drives growth? 27:44 — When Vision Expands, Demands Expand How growing vision requires everyone to play bigger. 34:10 — Moving Into the Flow Zone Getting your team aligned and energized. 40:33 — Three Action Steps for Leaders Navigating Change Define the vision, co-create the plan, and model the example. 48:14 — How to Navigate High-Stakes Decisions What to do when you make the wrong call — and how to pivot. 54:21 — Invitation to the C-Suite Snapshot A personalized roadmap to help you lead through transformation. ⭐ Key Idea "We must first summon the best of who we are. When we lead with conviction, empathy, and emotional regulation, we become the change maker — not just the one enforcing change." 🔗 Links Mentioned 👉 Apply for the C-Suite Snapshot: theresacantley.com/business/audit 👉 Mentorship & Leadership Programs: thecsuitementor.com

    37 min
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About

Theresa Cantley, a business and brand strategist reveals her strategies to help you "break out of of the traditional mold" of small business by learning new ways to build profitability into your business and freedom into your life. Create a brand and market your business while also learning how to assemble a high performing team. Discover how to create a marketing strategy that builds your visibility offline and online, how to infuse your brand into every part of your business creating a unique experience for your customers, how to create offers and products your customers will love and how to hire and create a high performing, highly motivated team. Theresa will share with you her experience over the past 20 years to show you creative ways to gain the clarity you need on the vision you have for your business and creative ways to get there while always staying one step ahead of your competition. Leadership development, systems and processes, organizational leadership, branding, marketing strategy, digital marketing, business planning, team building, building your authority, search engine optimization, goal setting, project management and learning how to make your vision a reality by becoming a visionary leader in your industry.

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