Spark Good Podcast

Stephanie Malon-Rufi
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Discover how business can ignite positive change in the world on the Spark Good Podcast. Join us as we delve into strategies, stories, and insights that empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to 'do business' differently. Host Stephanie Malon-Rufi, MBA, brings 20+ years working within and as a consultant for social businesses from the start-up phase to scaling and experience as a holistic leadership coach. From innovative approaches to profit and purpose alignment to practical tips for creating a positive social impact, Spark Good Podcast offers inspiration and guidance. Plus learn how to nurture your own well-being, change traditional rules that might be holding you back, and thrive in your role as a social business owner. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about the intersection of business and social impact, the Spark Good Podcast has something for you. Join our community of changemakers as we inspire, inform, and empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world through your business.

  1. Jun 22

    [LIMITED EDITION] Double Your Profit & Break the Hustle Cycle

    What if the problem isn't your effort? Many service-based business owners are working incredibly hard—and still feeling stuck. In this special training, Stephanie shares why working harder isn't always the answer, the hidden patterns that keep entrepreneurs spinning their wheels, and the six foundational elements that create sustainable growth, profitability, and momentum. In this episode you'll learn: Why hustle alone doesn't create long-term business growth The difference between the Push-Collapse Cycle and the Surge-and-Stall Cycle The "flood versus flow" analogy and what it reveals about your business Why most business challenges are symptoms of weak foundations—not a lack of effort The six foundational pillars that support sustainable profitability How clarity, capacity, and consistency work together to create momentum What it looks like to operate as the CEO of your business instead of reacting to whatever feels urgent Real-world examples of entrepreneurs who strengthened their foundations and transformed their businesses Key Question What would become possible if your business had a stronger foundation underneath it? Resources Enrollment is currently open for Focus + Flow Foundations, a program designed to help service-based business owners strengthen the foundations of their business, create clarity around what matters most, and build sustainable momentum. Learn more: https://go.sparkgood.net

    1h 3m

  2. Jun 12

    #50: Growing a Business Without Losing Yourself: A Conversation with Marlee James of Reviving Roots

    What happens when the business model you carefully designed doesn't work the way you expected? For many entrepreneurs, that moment can feel like failure. But often, it's actually an invitation to pay attention, adapt, and build something even stronger. In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, Stephanie sits down with Marlee James, founder of Reviving Roots, a holistic mental health and wellness organization centered on Black wellness in Minneapolis. Marlee shares her entrepreneurial journey—from launching a solo therapy practice to building a thriving community-centered organization that now serves clients through therapy, workshops, retreats, community events, and innovative mental health programs. Along the way, Marlee navigated a global pandemic, community trauma following the murder of George Floyd, multiple business pivots, major financial decisions, team leadership, marriage, homeownership, and raising two young children. Together, Stephanie and Marlee explore what it really looks like to build a business that aligns with both your mission and your life. In This Episode, We Discuss: How Reviving Roots evolved from a solo therapy practice into a holistic wellness organization The impact of COVID-19 and community trauma on business growth and mission Why listening to what is actually working is often more important than sticking to the original plan The financial wake-up call that led to a major business pivot How Marlee shifted from a membership model to revenue streams that better served both the community and the organization The importance of understanding your numbers and making decisions based on financial reality Building a team, hiring the right people, and growing as a leader Creating a business model that supports family priorities and personal wellbeing Why entrepreneurs need to build boundaries and wellness into their businesses from the beginning The power of aligning decisions with your mission, values, and long-term goals Memorable Quote "If you are able to build your wellness into your business, your practices, and your boundaries around your business, then it feels so much better." — Marlee James Connect with Marlee James & Reviving Roots Learn more about Reviving Roots and their work supporting mental health, wellness, and community at: https://reviving-roots.com/ 🎯 Free Live Training: Double Your Profit & Break the Hustle Cycle: Grow a Profitable, Grounded Business with the 6-Step Roadmap Most Service Businesses Skip If this episode resonated with you, join Stephanie for a free live training designed specifically for service-based business owners. You'll learn the foundational shifts that help entrepreneurs increase profit, create focus, and build a business that doesn't depend on constant hustle.

    39 min

  3. Jun 8

    #49: What 'More of the Same' Is Costing You Every Month

    It's easy to see the risks that come with change. What's harder to see is the cost of not changing. In this episode, Stephanie shares the story of a business owner who appeared to have a thriving, growing business—but beneath the surface was a pattern many entrepreneurs know all too well: saying yes to every opportunity, staying busy, and working incredibly hard without a clear strategy for growth. What began as a request for marketing help quickly revealed deeper challenges around profitability, capacity, focus, and decision-making. Through this real-world example, Stephanie explores the hidden costs that accumulate when we continue operating the same way, even when we know something isn't working. If you've ever found yourself stuck in hustle mode, reacting to urgent problems, or wondering why all your effort isn't creating the results you want, this episode will help you look beneath the surface and identify what staying the same may actually be costing you. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why inaction is never a neutral choice The difference between being busy and making meaningful progress The five hidden costs of staying the same Why entrepreneurs often return to familiar patterns during periods of stress How "operator mode" can keep you stuck, even when you're working harder than ever Questions to help you evaluate the true cost of maintaining the status quo The first step toward breaking the hustle cycle and creating sustainable growth Mentioned in This Episode 🎯 Free Live Training: Double Your Profit & Break the Hustle Cycle: Grow a Profitable, Grounded Business with the 6-Step Roadmap Most Service Businesses Skip Register HERE If this episode resonated with you, join Stephanie for a free live training designed specifically for service-based business owners. You'll learn the foundational shifts that help entrepreneurs increase profit, create focus, and build a business that doesn't depend on constant hustle.

    18 min

  4. Jun 2

    #48: Why Your Business Goals Fall Apart Before You Start

    You set the goals. You bought the planner. Maybe you even created the color-coded spreadsheet. And yet... a few months later, you're wondering why you're off track. Most entrepreneurs assume the problem is a lack of discipline, accountability, or a better strategy. But what if the real issue isn't the goal itself? In this episode, Stephanie explores a different possibility: that many business goals fail before they ever have a chance to succeed because they're built on a foundation that isn't strong enough to support them. If you've ever found yourself changing direction, chasing new ideas, feeling busy but not making progress, or wondering why your goals never seem to stick, this conversation is for you. Rather than focusing on another goal-setting framework, Stephanie shares four foundational areas that quietly influence whether your goals gain traction or fall apart—and why strengthening these areas can make growth feel more sustainable and achievable. This is a timely mid-year episode designed to help you pause, reassess, and make sure you're building on solid ground before charging ahead into the second half of the year.  In This Episode You'll Learn: Why goals often expose weaknesses rather than solve them The hidden reason many entrepreneurs abandon their plans How vision influences focus, priorities, and decision-making Why understanding your true capacity matters more than working harder The role money awareness plays in sustainable growth How offer complexity can quietly sabotage progress Four questions to ask before setting your next business goal 🎯 Free Live Training: Double Your Profit & Break the Hustle Cycle: Grow a Profitable, Grounded Business with the 6-Step Roadmap Most Service Businesses Skip Join Stephanie on June 17th for a practical training designed to help service-based business owners identify the foundational gaps that may be limiting growth and profitability. Register here!

    22 min

  5. May 29

    #47: Are You Actually Making Money or Just Staying Busy?

    You're booked. You're busy. Clients are coming in. On the surface, things look good. But if you're honest with yourself, are you building a profitable business—or have you simply created a very demanding job?  In this episode, Stephanie tackles a topic many service-based business owners avoid: profit. Not revenue. Not sales. Profit. The kind that allows you to pay yourself consistently, build a sustainable business, and stop relying on hustle every time cash gets tight. You'll hear why so many entrepreneurs unknowingly fall into the "hustle trap," how busyness can disguise deeper financial problems, and why profit may feel more uncomfortable than it should—especially for heart-led and impact-driven business owners. Stephanie also shares a simple way to start evaluating whether your offers are actually serving your business or quietly draining it. If you've ever found yourself wondering why you're working so hard but still feeling stressed about money, this conversation may challenge some assumptions—and open the door to a healthier, more sustainable way of thinking about growth. In This Episode: The difference between revenue, owner's pay, and true profit Why being busy doesn't necessarily mean your business is healthy The hidden cost of the hustle cycle How profit mindset impacts business sustainability A simple exercise to assess whether your offers are actually profitable Why purpose and profit don't have to be in conflict Resources Mentioned: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Free Live Training: Double Your Profit and Break the Hustle Cycle (June 17): https://unique-author-9818.kit.com/freetraining Sign-up for Double Your Profit & Break the Hustle Cycle: Grow a Profitable, Grounded Business with the 6-Step Roadmap Most Service Businesses Skip: https://unique-author-9818.kit.com/freetraining Learn more at: www.sparkgood.net

    21 min

  6. May 20

    #46: The One Shift That Changes Everything in Your Business

    This episode explores the shift that changes everything for service-based business owners — and it's probably not what you think. If you've been stuck trying new tactics, tweaking your offers, or working harder without seeing the traction you want, this conversation will help you step back and look at what may actually be holding your business back. Stephanie shares why so many entrepreneurs stay trapped in "operator mode," constantly delivering and reacting instead of truly building a business that can grow sustainably. She introduces the foundational mindset shift that needs to happen, why it matters so much, and how this shift impacts everything from your clients to your revenue to your long-term vision. If you've been feeling plateaued, stretched thin, or unsure how to move into your next level of growth, this episode will give you a powerful new lens to look through — and set the stage for the deeper work ahead. Sign-up for How to Make More Money Without Working More Hours https://www.sparkgood.net/more-money-less-hours Learn more at: www.sparkgood.net You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up here  Social Media -  (moderately 😉) active on ​LinkedIn​ and ​Instagram​ Spark Good website - check out the ​free resource page​

    13 min

  7. Apr 22

    #45: The CEO Shift: From Money Avoidance to Financial Clarity

    If you've ever told yourself you're "too busy" to look at your business finances — or found yourself dreading that annual tax time reckoning — this episode is for you. Stephanie gets honest about a pattern she carried for years and what it was really costing her, not just financially but in the confidence and clarity she brought to her business every day. In this episode Stephanie shares three practical starting points for building a healthier relationship with your numbers — including one that most financial advice completely skips over. If you've ever wanted to feel more grounded, clear, and in control of your money without the dread, this is a great place to start. Relaxed Money (Kate Northrup):  ​​​​​​​https://thefreefam.ontraport.net/t?orid=343142&opid=169 Learn more at: www.sparkgood.net You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up here  Social Media -  (moderately 😉) active on ​LinkedIn​ and ​Instagram​ Spark Good website - check out the ​free resource page​

    27 min

  8. Apr 1

    #44: The Hidden Friction Slowing Your Business Down

    We all start a new quarter, a new season with the best intentions — a solid plan, clear goals, and real motivation to make it happen. But what if the thing slowing you down isn't your strategy or your schedule? In this episode, Stephanie introduces the 13-week cycle framework and her Sustainable CEO Framework to help you set up your next season with clarity, realistic expectations, and the right rhythms to stay consistent. And then there's the thing nobody really likes to talk about. There's a hidden friction that quietly creeps into so many entrepreneurs' plans — especially for those who are mission-driven and heart-led — and it has nothing to do with tactics or time management. Tune in to find out what it is, why it shows up, and what Stephanie is doing about it in a brand new series launching in April. Good With Money: https://thefreefam.ontraport.net/t?orid=343142&opid=170   Learn more at: www.sparkgood.net   You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up here  Social Media -  (moderately 😉) active on ​LinkedIn​ and ​Instagram​ Spark Good website - check out the ​free resource page​

    27 min
See All (52)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Discover how business can ignite positive change in the world on the Spark Good Podcast. Join us as we delve into strategies, stories, and insights that empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to 'do business' differently. Host Stephanie Malon-Rufi, MBA, brings 20+ years working within and as a consultant for social businesses from the start-up phase to scaling and experience as a holistic leadership coach. From innovative approaches to profit and purpose alignment to practical tips for creating a positive social impact, Spark Good Podcast offers inspiration and guidance. Plus learn how to nurture your own well-being, change traditional rules that might be holding you back, and thrive in your role as a social business owner. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about the intersection of business and social impact, the Spark Good Podcast has something for you. Join our community of changemakers as we inspire, inform, and empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world through your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Malon-Rufi
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Spark Good Podcast