Beyond The Handshake

Lucy Miller
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to Beyond The Handshake, hosted by Lucy Miller—Founder of Women Connect and a passionate advocate for building meaningful business relationships. On this podcast, we dive deep into the stories behind businesses and their leaders, exploring what drives their success, what keeps them going, and the challenges they face. We’ll uncover the “why” behind their work, their biggest struggles, triumphs, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s time we go beyond the handshake—beyond the business card exchange and initial introduction—to cultivate deeper, more authentic relationships. Lucy’s experience creating Women Connect, a fast-growing professional women's networking group with chapters across Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky, fuels her love for helping others build lasting connections. What began in 2020 as local networking events has expanded into a thriving community, hosting monthly events and the annual LIVE conference—a highlight of Lucy’s year. Join us as we take business relationships to the next level and learn from the best in the business world.Learn more: https://wearewomenconnect.com/

  1. JAN 9

    Medicare Misty | She Lost A Job, Found Her Calling, And Created Opportunity For Dozens

    A layoff, a nickname, and a decision to bet on courage—that’s how Misty Bolt became “Medicare Misty” and built a 50-agent, 45-state agency that puts advocacy first. We go deep on what it really takes to move from a safe paycheck to a mission-driven business with residual income, and why the most overlooked skill in growth is relentless follow-up that turns a handshake into a win-win partnership. Misty breaks down her client process for guiding seniors and families through the Medicare maze, from mapping meds and doctors to comparing benefits like dental, gym access, food cards, and prescription support. She explains how partnering with HR teams prevents retirees from being “thrown to the wolves,” and shares practical steps for training new agents: structured product learning, field days, seminar playbooks, and grassroots brand-building that still works in a noisy market. We also explore how she diversifies beyond insurance to reduce risk and expand impact—purchasing a commercial space to blend event venue, office rentals, and a future Airbnb; launching a thrift shop seeded with real inventory; and channeling profits into causes like senior housing support and AED placements in low-income communities. Her branding moves—private bus wraps, city buses, a sponsored cooking show, even a local race car—show how creative partnerships can lift others while amplifying your message. At the heart of it all is a story of faith, resilience, and ownership: if you feel capped, build your own ceiling. You’ll hear candid lessons on pricing your value, funding marketing sustainably, pre-selling new ventures, and keeping promises after the introduction. Ready to turn connections into momentum and momentum into impact? Press play, then subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review to help more builders find us. To connect with Misty Bolt, visit her website at https://www.medicaremisty.com/

    31 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    Pivot With Purpose: How Kimmy Powell Scaled Luxury Spas and Designed a Life of Freedom

    Entrepreneur, author, and mentor Kimmy Powell joins Beyond the Handshake to share how a 13-year-old coder became a multi-location owner of Woodhouse Spa. Kimmy walks us through her bold mid-life pivot at 45 from Ohio to the South Carolina coast and the gritty early years of franchising that taught her the power of hiring already-exceptional people, running companies on data (not just accounting), and adopting EOS to scale with consistency across luxury, high-touch experiences. We also dig into Kimmy’s philosophy of intentional time and energy: her “12-10-8-6-4” workweek cadence, graceful ways to say no, and why authenticity is the highest lever for results and relationships. If you’re contemplating a major career shift, opening a second location in another state, or simply craving more freedom and focus, this conversation delivers practical systems, mindset shifts, and memorable lines like “Data tells, stories sell.”  Tune in for a masterclass in pivoting with purpose—and designing success around what (and who) matters most. Woodhouse locations (today) Mount Pleasant, SCDowntown Charleston, SC Historic Charleston, SC at Wentworth MansionSavannah, GAFranklin, TNExpansion in process for another major southern cityFollow her Woodhouse Spa on Instagram- @woodhousechs  @woodhousesavnnah @woodhousefranklin Connect with Kimmy Website: kimmypowell.comSocial: @kimmykpowell (all platforms)Connect with Lucy / Beyond the Handshake Follow: @connectedwithlucy • @womenconnectofficialLeave a rating & share this episode with a friend who’s considering a bold pivot.

    39 min

  3. 10/15/2025

    Dear Fear, It’s Not You..It’s Me: Becoming Her with Tracy Litt

    In this powerful conversation, Lucy sits down with global visionary Tracy Litt to unpack what it really takes for high-achieving women to evolve without burning out. Tracy shares her transformation from single mom on food stamps to CEO of a seven-figure personal growth company and introduces The Choice Method®, a four-step, nervous-system-led framework for sustainable change.  You’ll learn why “change happens at the speed of safety,” how to move from “I can’t” to “I won’t” (and finally get honest about what’s underneath), and why community is the medicine.  Tracy also reframes fear as a faithful companion, not an enemy, and walks Lucy (and listeners) through a simple humming breath to regulate in under a minute. If you’re juggling family, business, and leadership...and you’re ready to let your highest self lead—this one’s a must-listen. Connect to Tracy and plug into working with her:  https://www.theschoolofbecoming.com/ THE KEY - Complimentary private podcast- https://www.theschoolofbecoming.com/the-key The Choice Method® - New offer for women leaders to easily get into the work - https://www.theschoolofbecoming.com/the-choice-method Instagram- @thetracylitt We hope the takeaways from this episode are massive in taking next steps to overcome FEAR and become YOUR highest self.

    48 min

  4. 08/13/2025

    Culture by Design: Building and Evolving with Marvel HR’s John Sharpe

    This episode of Beyond the Handshake, host Lucy Miller sits down with John Sharpe, CEO of Marvel HR, to unpack what it really takes to build—and evolve—an intentional company culture. What we explore: Culture as the foundation: Hear how John defines a strong company culture and why it's central to growth and retention. Learn how Marvel HR helps companies foster inclusive environments where people thrive. Grit + persistence: John shares insights on the resilience and leadership qualities required to nurture purpose‑driven organizations—even when growth strains systems and processes People‑first strategy: Discover how Marvel HR and its affiliate Staff Source support clients through tailored HR solutions—from compliance, payroll, benefits administration, to strategic recruitment and retention—empowering leaders to focus on culture and performance People problems as catalysts: We dive into why “people problems” can trigger essential change—and how strategic HR partnerships help businesses scale healthily, not just rapidly.Tune in to gain tactics and inspiration for staying human-centered while scaling your business effectively. Connect with Marvel HR: • Visit their website: marvelhr.com • Find them on LinkedIn: just search Marvel HR for updates on culture, HR best practices, and strategic growth insights.

    46 min

  5. 07/02/2025

    Building a Brand Together: How Two Sisters Grew Smiley Aesthetics into a Med Spa Powerhouse

    Twin sisters. One vision. Multi-million-dollar growth. In this powerful episode of Beyond The Handshake, Lucy sits down with Mary Smiley Ford and Carla Pierson, twin sisters and co-founders of Smiley Aesthetics, one of the fastest-growing medical aesthetics companies in the region. What started as a mobile injector business has rapidly scaled into a multi-million-dollar med spa brand with over $3M in revenue—and they’re just getting started. We dive into: How they built a business from scratch while juggling family and careersThe challenges (and superpowers!) of being sisters and business partnersSmart decisions that fueled their rapid growthAdvice they’d give any woman stepping into entrepreneurship todayWhether you’re in beauty, business, or just love a good founder story—this episode is full of heart, hustle, and hard-earned wisdom. To learn more about Smiley Aesthetics, check out their website at https://smileyaesthetics.com/ to find a medspa near you! You can also follow them on IG with the following accounts: @smileyaesthetics_ @injectorsmiley   @csmiley_business  @the_businessofaesthetics  🎧 Listen now and get inspired by how two women built something beautiful—together.

    47 min

  6. 05/08/2025

    Liza Graves | The Blueprint of Success

    In this episode of Beyond The Handshake, we sit down with Liza Graves, Founder and CEO of StyleBlueprint — the South’s premier digital lifestyle publication dedicated to uplifting women, spotlighting small businesses, and celebrating Southern culture. What started in 2009 as a passion project has grown into a digital platform that now reaches over 3 million readers annually. Liza shares her journey from café owner at age 25 to leading one of the South’s most influential women-owned media brands. From her roots in entrepreneurship to her role today as a mentor and leader, Liza gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how she built StyleBlueprint and what it truly takes to create meaningful content that connects with community. Hot Topics: - Building a brand rooted in values and vision - Supporting small businesses through digital storytelling - Creating hyperlocal content that resonates on a national scale - Running a woman-owned business in digital media - Work/Life Balance with dedicated time off  Whether you're a business owner, creative, or a lover of all things Southern, this episode is packed with insights on branding, entrepreneurship, and the power of staying authentic. Listen now to get inspired by Liza’s story and learn how StyleBlueprint continues to amplify voices and businesses across the South. Explore more at StyleBlueprint.com

    45 min

  7. 04/01/2025

    Heather Locke: Digital Strategy Meets Human Connection

    Beyond The Handshake with Heather Locke, Founder of Hammersmith Support. In this episode of Beyond The Handshake, we sit down with Heather Locke, the Founder and Chief Support Officer of Hammersmith Support, a web development and maintenance company dedicated to helping businesses create and maintain high-performing websites.   Heather’s journey is one of innovation, perseverance, and leadership in the ever-evolving world of tech. From launching her company in 2010 to growing a business that prioritizes long-term client relationships, she shares the challenges, successes, and lessons learned along the way.   If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or someone looking for insights into the world of business development, SEO, leading a team, or web development business growth this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.   Check out Hammersmith Support at https://hammersmithsupport.com/ and look for ways to work with them there!

    37 min

  8. 03/06/2025

    Jessica Baladad | From Survivor to Advocate: Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Awareness

    In this compelling episode of Beyond The Handshake, we sit down with Jessica Baladad, a six-year breast cancer survivor and the visionary founder of Feel For Your Life. Jessica transformed her personal battle with cancer into a mission to empower others through self-advocacy and innovative technology. Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves into resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of better healthcare outcome. Listen now to be inspired and informed! To learn more and download the free app, visit her website at https://www.feelforyourlife.com/. You can also follow Jessica on Instagram and Linked In.

    38 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond The Handshake, hosted by Lucy Miller—Founder of Women Connect and a passionate advocate for building meaningful business relationships. On this podcast, we dive deep into the stories behind businesses and their leaders, exploring what drives their success, what keeps them going, and the challenges they face. We’ll uncover the “why” behind their work, their biggest struggles, triumphs, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s time we go beyond the handshake—beyond the business card exchange and initial introduction—to cultivate deeper, more authentic relationships. Lucy’s experience creating Women Connect, a fast-growing professional women's networking group with chapters across Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky, fuels her love for helping others build lasting connections. What began in 2020 as local networking events has expanded into a thriving community, hosting monthly events and the annual LIVE conference—a highlight of Lucy’s year. Join us as we take business relationships to the next level and learn from the best in the business world.Learn more: https://wearewomenconnect.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy Miller
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Handshake
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Handshake