Branching Out With Sierra

Sierra Collins

Welcome to "Branching Out With Sierra," a podcast redefining leadership for everyday life. Join Sierra & her guests as they discuss personal & professional growth tips to expand your influence & grow your impact from the boardroom to the living room.

  1. Oct 23

    Episode 18: "From Operator to Owner: Building a Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day" with Mike DeJong

    Episode Summary What happens when everything depends on you? For business owners, it can look like answering every question, solving every problem, approving every decision, and working harder as the business grows. Mike DeJong calls it the “operator trap”—building a business that was supposed to create freedom but instead becomes completely dependent on its owner. But you don't have to own a business to fall into the same trap. In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins sits down with entrepreneur, author, and business owner Mike DeJong to explore how we become the bottleneck—and what it takes to build people, systems, and cultures that don't require our constant involvement. Drawing from his experience building businesses, expanding across multiple markets, navigating a near-bankruptcy despite strong revenues, and ultimately building and selling a portfolio of businesses, Mike shares practical strategies for moving from doing everything yourself to developing something that can succeed without you. Whether you own a business, lead a team, manage projects, or have simply become the person everyone comes to for answers, this conversation challenges an assumption many of us carry: Being needed isn't always the same thing as leading well. Resources & LinksConnect with Mike DeJong here:Website: https://mikedejong.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-dejong-5a833816/ You-Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMikeDeJong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejong6000/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572893646716 Book: Grow Smart by Mike DeJong- https://a.co/d/0f6nh1PZ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 18: "From Operator to Owner: Building a Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day" with Mike DeJong
  2. Oct 9

    Episode 18: "100 Conversations Later… No One Grows in Isolation" with Sierra Collins

    Episode Summary Who has helped you become the person you are today? Chances are, you didn't get here entirely on your own. In this solo episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins reflects on a lesson that has surfaced again and again through nearly 100 conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, community builders, and people navigating their own growth: no one grows in isolation. Sometimes growth comes from a mentor who sees something in us before we see it ourselves. Sometimes it comes from the colleague who challenges our thinking, the friend who asks the uncomfortable question, the person who opens a door, or even someone whose perspective is completely different from our own. Sierra explores how to intentionally build a circle that supports growth, why asking for help is a leadership skill, what happens when we stay surrounded by people who think exactly like we do, and why community requires contribution, not just connection. Growth is ultimately our responsibility, but that doesn't mean we have to do it alone. Resources & LinksConnect with Sierra Collins here:https://www.sierralearnership.com/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 18: "100 Conversations Later… No One Grows in Isolation" with Sierra Collins
  3. Oct 2

    Episode 17: "100 Conversations Later… Leadership Happens Long Before the Title" with Sierra Collins

    Episode Summary When do you actually become a leader? Is it when you get the promotion? When someone starts reporting to you? When your name appears beside a leadership title? In this solo episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins explores one of the lessons that has surfaced again and again through conversations with leaders from different industries, backgrounds, and stages of their careers: leadership starts long before someone gives you the title. The way you take ownership, build trust, respond to challenges, support the people around you, and influence the culture you're part of is already shaping the kind of leader you're becoming. Sierra shares practical ways to develop leadership before you're formally in charge, along with a reminder for experienced leaders that some of the most influential people in an organization may not have leadership titles at all. Because a title may expand your authority, but it doesn't create your leadership. Your leadership reputation is being built right now. Resources & LinksConnect with Sierra Collins here:https://www.sierralearnership.com/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ Podcast Guest Directory: https://www.sierralearnership.com/branching-out-with-sierra-directory/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 17: "100 Conversations Later… Leadership Happens Long Before the Title" with Sierra Collins
  4. Sep 25

    Episode 16: "Challenge the Default: Why the Norm Isn't Always the Best Solution" with Donna Webb

    Episode Summary How much of what we do is an intentional choice, and how much is simply our default? In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra sits down with Chief Strategist Donna Webb to explore what happens when we stop accepting “the way it’s always been done” and start asking whether there might be a better way. Drawing from more than four decades in insurance, along with her experience in business strategy, coaching, operational efficiency, and mentoring, Donna shares real-world examples of how challenging conventional approaches can lead to better decisions, stronger businesses, and greater resiliency. Together, Sierra and Donna explore why familiar doesn’t always mean effective, how to recognize when growth is outpacing capacity, why efficiency sometimes means eliminating rather than optimizing, and what business owners should periodically reevaluate instead of simply putting on autopilot. But challenging the default isn’t just a business strategy. It’s a way of thinking that applies to how we lead, work, spend our time, and make decisions. The goal isn’t to change everything. It’s to make sure our choices are actually choices. Resources & LinksConnect with Donna Webb here:https://www.creeksideadvisors.net/ https://creekside-employer.com https://www.creeksidefinancial.net/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ Creekside Advisors: https://www.creeksideadvisors.net/ Creekside Employer Solutions: https://creekside-employer.com Creekside Financial: https://www.creeksidefinancial.net/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 16: "Challenge the Default: Why the Norm Isn't Always the Best Solution" with Donna Webb
  5. Sep 11

    Episode 14: "100 Conversations Later… The Best Leaders Stay Teachable" with Sierra Collins

    Episode SummaryExperience is one of our greatest teachers, but it can also become one of our biggest blind spots. In this solo episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra Collins explores why teachability remains essential no matter how much experience, expertise, or success we gain. From staying curious and seeking honest feedback to learning from people who see the world differently, Sierra shares practical ways leaders can keep growing without discounting the wisdom they've already earned. Because being teachable doesn't mean questioning everything you know. It means having enough confidence to contribute what you've learned and enough humility to recognize there's always more to learn. The best leaders don't need to have all the answers. They stay curious, listen well, adjust when necessary, and remain willing to grow. Resources & LinksConnect with Sierra Collins here:https://www.sierralearnership.com/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ About Branching Out with SierraBranching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast SponsorThis episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast?If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast ProfileBranching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 14: "100 Conversations Later… The Best Leaders Stay Teachable" with Sierra Collins
  6. Aug 28

    Episode 13: "Your People Strategy Is Your Business Strategy" with Adam Calli

    Episode Summary Many business owners spend countless hours refining their products, services, and financial strategies, yet overlook one of the greatest drivers of long-term success: their people. In this episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra sits down with HR Collaborative Partner Adam Calli to challenge some of the biggest misconceptions about Human Resources and explore why people strategy should never be treated as an afterthought. Drawing from his experience helping organizations build stronger cultures and more effective teams, Adam shares why many business challenges are actually leadership challenges in disguise. Together, they discuss how intentional hiring, culture, leadership, and workforce planning help organizations reduce risk, strengthen employee engagement, and create sustainable growth. Whether you lead a small business, manage a growing team, or simply want to become a better leader, this conversation will change the way you think about the relationship between people and business success. Resources & LinksConnect with Adam Calli here:https://archumancapital.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/arc-human-capital-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrcallisphr/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ Arc Human Capital: https://archumancapital.com/ Arc Human Capital LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arc-human-capital-llc/ Adam Calli - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrcallisphr/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 13: "Your People Strategy Is Your Business Strategy" with Adam Calli
  7. Aug 21

    Episode 12: "100 Conversations Later... Confidence Comes Through Action" with Sierra Collins

    After nearly 100 conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and changemakers, one lesson continues to surface again and again: confidence is rarely where the journey begins. In this special solo episode of Branching Out with Sierra, Sierra reflects on the common threads she's discovered after interviewing leaders from a wide range of industries and experiences. While every story is different, one truth remains remarkably consistent. Those who make the greatest impact didn't wait until they felt confident to take action. They became confident because they took action. Sierra explores why confidence is often misunderstood, how perfectionism and certainty can keep us stuck, and what today's leaders can learn from those willing to move forward before they have everything figured out. Whether you're considering a career change, launching a business, stepping into leadership, or simply facing your next challenge, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you stop waiting and start moving. Resources & LinksConnect with Sierra Collins here:https://www.sierralearnership.com/ Learn More About the Tri-State Leadership Summit🌐 www.theTSLS.com Connect with Sierra Learnership Collaborative🌐 www.sierralearnership.com Additional LinksFollow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/branchingoutwithsierra Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialbranchingoutwithsierra/ Connect with us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-with-sierra/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@branchingoutwithsierra/ Growth Pathfinder: https://pathfinder.sierralearnership.com/ Sierra's Essentials: https://www.sierralearnership.com/sierras-essentials/ About Branching Out with Sierra Branching Out with Sierra explores leadership, growth, communication, and intentional living through real conversations and practical insights that help listeners think differently about how they live and lead. Don’t forget to submit your “Leadership Unscripted” questions to: info@branchingoutpodcast.com Podcast Sponsor This episode is proudly sponsored by Work Smarter Digital. Work Smarter Digital helps small businesses build predictable revenue through streamlined CRM systems, AI-powered workflows, and human-centered sales processes that create greater clarity, confidence, and momentum. Founded by Mary Sue Dahill, Work Smarter Digital specializes in helping businesses simplify follow-up, improve consistency, and build systems that actually support long-term growth. Learn more at: https://worksmarterdigital.com/ Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode encouraged or challenged you in some way, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone else who may need it. Check us out at https://branchingoutpodcast.com/ Podcast Profile Branching Out with Sierra is a podcast rooted in the belief that leadership is not reserved for titles or positions. It is the ability to positively influence others in every interaction we have. Hosted by Sierra Collins, Certified Leadership Development Coach, Speaker, and Founder of Sierra Learnership Collaborative, the podcast features conversations that help listeners think differently about leadership, growth, communication, relationships, and intentional living in everyday life. Through solo episodes and conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds and industries, Sierra explores practical insights, honest experiences, and meaningful lessons that help listeners grow personally and professionally while building lives that reflect what matters most. Because leadership is not just about what you accomplish. It is about how you show up.

    Episode 12: "100 Conversations Later... Confidence Comes Through Action" with Sierra Collins

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Branching Out With Sierra," a podcast redefining leadership for everyday life. Join Sierra & her guests as they discuss personal & professional growth tips to expand your influence & grow your impact from the boardroom to the living room.