The Emboldened Entrepreneur

Whitney Hooper

Emboldened Entrepreneur is the intersection of faith, business, and leadership. We courageously disrupt, ignite, and passionately pursue our God-given purposes. We help Kingdom leaders incorporate identity, purpose, and help build strategic blueprints to grow your business and calling.  Learn more at emboldenedentrep.com

  1. 12/30/2025

    Your Mission Beyond Work: Why a Real Call to Influence Begins with Abiding | Camea McDaniel

    Some conversations don’t just offer insight—they recalibrate your sense of calling. In this discussion with my longtime friend, Camea McDaniel, that was exactly what happened. What began as a conversation about career turns, unexpected opportunities, and risk-taking quickly unfolded into a deeply honest dialogue about obedience, influence, and the sacred mission embedded in our everyday work. It's not the typical episode around here, but I loved every second of it and can't wait for you to join two friends talking about what matters most in life.  In this episode, you'll find a deeper truth that true influence in leadership is born from abiding, not achievement. Camea McDaniel is the senior marketing director at Mississippi Sports Medicine and the author of the soon-to-launch book, “The Call to Influence.”  Learn more about Camea and connect with her on social media (@cameamcdaniel) or book her for your next speaking opportunity at cameaspeaks@gmail.com.  You can also learn more about what we're up to as we turn the corner into a new year and a more pronounced mission at EmboldenedEntrep.com.  Thank you for tuning in and joining us on this exciting adventure to Embolden Entrepreneurs for their journeys! We're so grateful for your support and look forward to another great lineup in the new year.  ✨ Happy New Year, Y'all! ✨ 0:00    Introduction and Friendship 2:06     Career Journey and God’s Guidance 8:34     Faith in the Workplace 19:14    Sharing the Gospel with Love 25:28   The Importance of Abiding in Truth 26:23   Navigating Personal Convictions and Media Consumption 28:57    The Power of Abiding and Seeking Wisdom 31:21     The Urgency of Sharing the Gospel 34:25   Called to Influence: Defining True Influence 38:26   The Struggles of Life and the Beauty of Grace 40:28   Aging, Humility, and the Journey of Faith 43:58   The Call to Holiness and Selflessness 46:22   Connecting with People and the Ripple Effect of Influence

    53 min
  2. 12/23/2025

    How Stress and Stability Shape Our Ability to Lead Effectively | Dr. Jordan Russell

    As leaders, we know what it feels like to run full speed ahead while our bodies signal for help. Whispers of tension, tightness, migraines, or chronic pain that we shrug off. But what if those symptoms aren’t random, but are actually signals that our bodies or nervous systems need attention? We’re digging into this topic today. Dr. Jordan Russell, DPT, is the founder of FeelFit Physical Therapy and creator of the TrueRelease™ Russell Method, a breakthrough approach for resolving chronic pain by targeting the neurofascial system.  He specializes in helping patients who have “tried everything” finally get lasting results through advanced manual therapy and nervous system-based techniques. His mission is to change how chronic pain is treated by addressing the root dysfunction, not just symptoms.  We're talking about how: 1. Symptoms aren’t always the root cause, but by getting to the root with a method like TrueRelease, we can get to relief to function at our best in the way God designed us.   2. How preventative care is a productivity strategy. 3. That help, mentally and physically, to get out of fight or flight, sets us up to be better leaders.  Learn more about Dr. Russell and connect with him at feelfitpt.com or on social media @feelfitphysicaltherapy.  Learn more about the Emboldened Entrepreneur at emboldenedentrep.com.  Stop Playing it Small and Start Living Emboldened.™ 0:00:    Introduction to Jordan Russell and His Journey 2:50:     Understanding Fascia and Its Impact on the Body 5:50:     The Connection Between Stress and Physical Pain 8:58:     The True Release Method Explained 11:53:    Preventative Measures for Physical Health 14:38:   The Importance of Stability and Alignment 17:55:    Childhood Development and Stability Training 23:46:   Understanding Pain Beyond Age 26:20:   The Business of Healing 35:07:   The Mind-Body Connection

    49 min
  3. 12/09/2025

    Branding Strategy: How a Strategic Identity Fuels Small Business Growth | Sarah Harkleroad

    Branding is not decoration. Branding is direction. It’s the structure your business stands on—one that protects your message, elevates your credibility, and clarifies your identity. From niching down and navigating the messy middle to knowing when to move beyond DIY, Sarah offers a guide to the strategic mindset behind a strong brand—and the clarity required to lead a business well. Today’s guest, Sarah Harkleroad, is the co-founder and brand strategist at Daor Design. Daor Design helps small businesses build big brands with strategic logo design, website design, and marketing services. Since 2011, they've helped over 700 small businesses across the country build their brands and grow their businesses. Have you ever asked yourself: 🔑 How can I improve brand recognition as a small business? 🔑 What are the key elements of effective brand strategies? 🔑 Why is branding, positioning, and identity important? 🔑 How do I create a brand that resonates with my target audience? We're talking about: ✔️ How to build a brand on clarity rather than assumptions. ✔️ Knowing when it’s time to release the DIY route to level up the identity of your business. ✔️ Knowing when it's time to change the tools, not the strategy. ✔️ It’s not just about what you say—it’s about where and to whom you say it. ✔️ The business grows when the leader grows. Learn more about Emboldened Entrepreneur at emboldenedentrep.com. Learn more about Sarah and Daor Design at: Website: daordesign.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/daor-design/ Free Brand Review & Consultation: https://calendly.com/sarahharkleroad/30-minute-meeting  00:00   Introduction to Branding and Design Journey 04:13     Defining Marketing in Today's Landscape 07:57     Understanding Target Markets and Niches 10:08     The Importance of Cohesive Branding 16:09     Common Branding Pitfalls and Mistakes 19:34     Advice for Small Businesses Moving Forward 20:42    Transitioning from DIY to Professional Help 22:53     Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs 27:18      Finding Supportive Relationships 30:26    Balancing Learning and Implementation 34:22    Separating Identity from Business 37:45    The Heart Behind Helping Small Businesses

    42 min
  4. 11/04/2025

    Safety as a Strategy: Policy is the Backbone of Healthy Organizations | Laura Evers

    Does policy feel stuffy and legalistic to you? This episode is for you.  Laura Evers, Founder of Social Safety Solutions, and Whitney Hooper, founder of Emboldened Entrepreneur and the host of the podcast, talk about why we need policies and how they support every healthy organization.  In every thriving organization, there’s a common thread holding people, systems, and success together: safety. Not just physical safety, but psychological, procedural, and relational safety—the kind that allows people to perform, innovate,  We're talking about how: 1. Why policy is a living, breathing guide to help us walk with integrity.  2. How policies and procedures give us the safety to operate well.  3. How to live with audacious courage, even when it feels overwhelming.  Learn more about Emboldened Entrepreneur at: EmboldenedEntrep.com Learn more about Laura and the work she's doing at: https://www.so-safe-solutions.com/ 00:00 Introduction to Laura Evers and Her Journey 02:54 The Role of Safety in Social Work 05:06 Understanding the Importance of Policies 07:45 The Framework of Policy and Its Necessity 10:45 Clarity and Kindness in Leadership 13:35 The Intersection of Faith and Policy 16:32 Training and Accountability in Policy 19:32 Building Trust Through Consistent Policies 22:22 Taking Action: Starting with Policy Development 25:21 Next Steps for Implementing Policies 28:57 The Value of Professional Support in Safety Solutions 31:27 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear of Failure 37:22 Embracing Audacity and Taking Risks 44:08 Navigating Policy and Flexibility in Business

    42 min
  5. 10/28/2025

    Breaking Free: Health, Identity, and the Power of Learning to "Just Be" | Emily Schwartz

    In this episode of The Emboldened Entrepreneur podcast, Emily Schwartz, the founder of Wholehearted Health with Emily, shares about her journey through burnout, health struggles, and learning that a posture of learning to "Just Be" is better than performance. She shares about her Just Be Project along with practical tips for physical, mental, and spiritual health.  Have you ever asked yourself:  🔑 Why does nutrition matter?  🔑 How does nutrition affect not only our physical health but also mental and spiritual health? 🔑 What are the health benefits of learning to relax? We share practical insights on how : ✔️ To fuel your body to do more of the work you’re called to do.  ✔️ The power of your story helps others experience transformation.  ✔️ Learning to “Just Be” allows you to experience God in unexpected ways.  ✔️ Intentional prayer over partnerships and your goals for the day makes for more purposeful work.  Resources Mentioned: Happy Not Perfect by Poppy Jamie Learn more about Emboldened Entrepreneur at emboldenedentrep.com.  Learn more about Emily and Wholehearted Health with Emily at: https://www.wholeheartedhealthwithemily.com  The Wholehearted Truths Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholeheartedTruths  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/783350989225864   Brookie Breakfast Bowl: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/41969/54298882813724650/share  00:00 Introduction to Whole Hearted Health 02:40 The Journey to Holistic Health 05:43 Overcoming Anxiety and Burnout 08:40 The Importance of Community and Spiritual Health 11:41 Nutrition and Daily Rhythms 14:49 Perfectionism and Self-Awareness 17:41 Reflections on Identity and Grace 22:39 The Just Be Project: Embracing Presence Over Perfection 28:24 Learning to Listen: The Art of Being Still 34:04 Overcoming Fear: The Challenge of Time and Control 39:52 Building Community: The Power of Connection

    45 min
  6. 10/07/2025

    Why Humility and Alignment Are Crucial to Your Leadership | Wendy F Adams

    “What does it feel like to be on the other side of your leadership?” Today’s guest, Wendy F. Adams, is the founder and strategic leadership coach of Cultivate for Good, as well as the host of the Cultivate for Good podcast, serving nonprofit leaders across the US. In this episode, we talk about how : ✔️ Leadership starts with you — and how you own it.  ✔️ Living and leading from a place of thriving rather than surviving.  ✔️ Alignment builds trust and resists mission drift.  ✔️ Your mission is not dependent on your strength, but His.  ✔️ How do we live with compassionate and interruptible accountability?  🎯 Why does alignment matter in leadership?  🎯 Why is alignment important?  🎯 What is compassionate accountability?  Wendy equips executive leaders with strategic tools to build healthy, effective teams and achieve mission success. Her mantra—Mentor. Motivate. Mobilize.—drives her work, empowering leaders to align mission with movement through authentic, accountable relationships. You’ll hear how she fosters relational leadership to create thriving organizations. Learn more about Wendy and Cultivate for Good at: Website: https://cultivateforgood.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cultivate4good/  Cultivate Experience podcast: https://linktr.ee/cultivateexperience Or download her Mentor Your Leader and Relational Leader's SWOT Worksheet: https://cultivateforgood.com/mentor-your-leadership/ Learn more about Emboldened Entrepreneur at emboldenedentrep.com Chapters: 06:02 Creating Healthy Organizations 09:11 The Importance of Healthy Leadership 12:11 Building Trust and Open Communication 15:03 Understanding Individual Differences in Teams 17:58 The Weight of Leadership Responsibilities 20:47 The Role of Identity in Leadership 24:05 Mission Alignment and Organizational Health 30:10 Identity and Leadership 39:17 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 51:46 The Power of Surrender and Abundance 54:43 Compassionate Accountability in Leadership

    59 min
5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Emboldened Entrepreneur is the intersection of faith, business, and leadership. We courageously disrupt, ignite, and passionately pursue our God-given purposes. We help Kingdom leaders incorporate identity, purpose, and help build strategic blueprints to grow your business and calling.  Learn more at emboldenedentrep.com