Scale With Clarity

Brooke

Scale with Clarity is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to grow without burning out — and build a business that brings them joy and fulfillment. Whether you're just considering launching your practice or deep in the trenches, this show is for those intentionally choosing a path of purposeful growth — without the pressure to scale into a big team or agency model. Hosted by Brooke Koeninger, fractional CFO and strategist, you’ll hear honest conversations and founder stories about scaling with intention, aligning with your values, and redefining success on your own terms.

  1. Aug 12

    Ep. 34 The Career Detour That Led Her to Her Dream Business with Lauren Bercuson

    What if the path that feels like a detour is actually preparing you for what's next? Lauren Bercuson never planned to leave law, become a school librarian, and eventually start her own trademark law firm. But sometimes life forces us to slow down, reassess what matters, and take a path we never expected. In this episode, Lauren and I talk about career transitions, motherhood, entrepreneurship, imposter syndrome, finding your niche, building relationships instead of constantly selling, and creating a business that actually fits the life you want. Lauren also breaks down trademarks in a way that makes them feel much less intimidating, including what entrepreneurs should think about before choosing a business name, why a Google search isn't enough, what "confusingly similar" really means, and why your logo and business name aren't necessarily protected in the same way. This is a conversation about building a business on your own terms, trusting the unexpected parts of your journey, and becoming known for what you do best. Connect with Lauren: Website⁠⁠⁠: storylocklegal.com  Stories by Storylock: https://storylocklegal.myflodesk.com/storiesbystorylock  Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ #ScaleWithClarity #WomenEntrepreneurs #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #CareerTransition #BusinessOwner #TrademarkLaw #BrandProtection #WomenInBusiness #ImposterSyndrome

  2. Aug 5

    Ep. 33 The Successful Woman’s Identity Crisis Nobody Talks About with Sandy Davis

    What happens when success no longer feels successful? Sandy Davis spent over 25 years building her career — from investment banking to commercial real estate leadership. On paper, she had everything she was supposed to want. But behind the success was burnout, survival mode, and the realization that she had created so many versions of herself that she lost touch with who she really was. In this powerful conversation, Sandy shares her journey of leaving corporate America, building Elevate Operations Advisory, and discovering that scaling a business requires more than strategy and systems. It requires knowing yourself. We talk about: • Why high achievers often lose themselves chasing success • The hidden impact of operating in survival mode • Building businesses that fit your life instead of consuming it • The importance of asking “Who am I?” outside of your career • Why founders need clarity before they need more growth Sandy’s story is a reminder that the middle part of transformation — the messy, uncertain, unfiltered part — is where the real growth happens. Connect with Sandy: Website⁠⁠⁠: https://elevateopsadvisory.com/  Substack⁠ ⁠⁠:https://substack.com/@elevatewithin  LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-davis-abb21236/  Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ #ScaleWithClarity #EntrepreneurMindset #WomenEntrepreneurs #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessGrowth #CorporateLife #EntrepreneurJourney #Burnout #PurposeDrivenBusiness

  3. Jul 29

    Ep. 32 The Growth Trap Every Founder Eventually Faces with Christine Lavin

    Success isn't the finish line, it's the beginning of a whole new challenge. This week on Scale With Clarity, I welcome Christine Lavin, founder of Lavin Advisory Group, for an honest conversation about what happens after your business starts growing. Christine shares the story of building a successful maternity activewear company, the burnout that followed, and the powerful 2 a.m. realization that changed everything. Together we explore: Founder burnout Scaling sustainably Delegation and systems Identity after corporate Why comparison steals clarity Building a business that serves your life—not the other way around Whether you're hiring your first employee or leading a growing team, this episode will help you rethink what success really looks like. Connect with Christine: Website: www.lavinadvisorygroup.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cklavin01/  Instagram: @lavinadvisorygroup Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ #ScaleWithClarity #Entrepreneur #Founder #BusinessOperations #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #Mindset #Productivity

  4. Jul 22

    Ep. 31 From Introvert to Entrepreneur: How Natasha Built a Business Without Selling Out with Natasha Walstra

    From introvert to entrepreneur — Natasha Walstra never planned on starting a business. In this episode of Scale With Clarity, I sit down with Natasha from NearPoint Strategies to talk about her unexpected entrepreneurial journey and how LinkedIn became the foundation for building meaningful relationships and growing her business. Natasha shares how she went from struggling with cold calls to creating a relationship-first approach that helped her attract clients, build trust, and create a business that actually feels aligned. We talk about: Leaving corporate comfort behind Knowing when something is no longer serving you Why relationships matter more than follower counts How entrepreneurs can use LinkedIn authentically Finding your voice online Building a personal brand that actually feels like you Using AI while keeping your personality intact Whether you’re starting a business, building a personal brand, or trying to figure out how to stand out online — this conversation will give you practical advice and encouragement. Connect with Natasha: Website: www.nearpointstrategies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ndwalstra/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nearpoint.strategies/ Profile Glow Up: https://profile-glow-up.replit.app/  Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ #Entrepreneurship #PersonalBranding #LinkedInTips #WomenEntrepreneurs #SmallBusinessOwner #BusinessGrowth #ScaleWithClarity

  5. Jul 15

    Ep. 30 Why ChatGPT Will Never Recommend Your Business with Jacki DeVries

    How AI Is Changing the Way Clients Find Your Business with Jacki DeVries AI isn't coming—it's already changing how people search, make decisions, and choose who to hire. But before you panic about keeping up with every new tool, this conversation is really about something much bigger: learning how to adapt as a business owner without getting overwhelmed. In this episode, I sit down with AI Optimization (AIO) expert Jacki DeVries to unpack what business owners actually need to know about AI today, and what they can safely ignore. We talk about why traditional SEO is no longer enough, how platforms like Google AI Overviews and ChatGPT are changing the buying journey, and the simple steps every business owner can take now to become more visible online. But we also have a candid conversation about entrepreneurship itself...the pressure to keep up, the fear of falling behind, learning to trust yourself, and building a business in a world that's evolving faster than ever. Whether AI excites you or completely overwhelms you, this episode will help you walk away with more clarity (and a lot less fear). In this episode we discuss: What AI Optimization (AIO) actually is, and why it's different from SEO How people are using ChatGPT and Google AI to find businesses today Why testimonials, trust signals, and consistent messaging matter more than ever The first thing every business owner should check to see if AI can even find their website How AI builds a profile of your business across the internet Why now is the best time to start thinking about AI visibility Jacki's entrepreneurial journey, business pivot, and becoming an early leader in an emerging industry The importance of slowing down, meditation, and trusting yourself as a founderWhy building a successful business is just as much about mindset as it is about strategy Jackie's Resources: FireUp AIO: https://fireup-aio.com Free AI Visibility Scorecard Connect with Jacki DeVries on LinkedIn Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ If this episode was helpful, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with another business owner who's trying to navigate all the changes happening in business right now. It helps more thoughtful entrepreneurs find the show—and hopefully reminds them they're not figuring it all out alone.

  6. Jul 1

    Ep. 29 How a Fractional Lawyer Built a Thriving Business Without Taking Huge Risks with Stephanie Grey

    What happens when a successful attorney realizes the career she worked so hard to build no longer aligns with the life she wants? In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Grey, founder of a fractional legal services practice, about transitioning out of private law practice, building a business intentionally, and creating flexibility without sacrificing impact. Stephanie shares the realities of entrepreneurship, overcoming imposter syndrome, finding your first clients through relationships, and why small businesses often wait too long to address legal risks. Whether you're considering leaving a traditional career, building a service-based business, or simply redefining success on your own terms, you'll find practical insights and honest reflections throughout this conversation. Connect with Stephanie: Newsletter⁠⁠⁠: https://counselandcapital.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips Need a straight answer on something legal before it becomes expensive?: https://counselandcapital.substack.com/subscribe Substack: https://substack.com/@counselandcapital Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniemgrey/ Connect with Brooke: ⁠⁠⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ Ready to stop guessing if your business can afford the next move? Download my free Cash Flow Forecast Tool  Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠⁠⁠Clarity Compass⁠⁠⁠. Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Connect with me here: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠ #ScaleWithClarity #Entrepreneurship #FractionalLawyer #SmallBusiness #WomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #WorkLifeIntegration #BusinessStrategy

  7. Jun 24

    Ep. 28 What Actually Makes A Day Productive

    What if the problem isn't that you're not productive enough… but that you're measuring productivity the wrong way? In this solo episode, Brooke shares a realization that emerged during an unexpectedly open day on her calendar. After years of dreaming about more freedom, fewer meetings, and space to think, she found herself facing a surprising feeling: guilt. Despite spending hours brainstorming, reflecting, experimenting with AI, and thinking strategically about her business, she ended the day feeling like she had "wasted" it because she couldn't point to a long list of completed tasks. That experience sparked a deeper question: What actually makes a day feel productive? Drawing inspiration from Cal Newport's Slow Productivity, Brooke explores how many of us still carry hidden beliefs from hustle culture—even when we've intentionally built businesses and lives that are meant to create more freedom. She challenges the idea that productivity is measured by visible busyness and instead offers a different perspective: productivity is about moving what matters forward. In this episode, Brooke discusses: Why open space on your calendar can sometimes trigger guilt instead of relief The difference between "visible productivity" and meaningful progress Lessons from Cal Newport's Slow Productivity Why thinking, reflecting, and creating space are often some of the highest-value activities we do The hidden cost of constantly postponing joy until "someday" How proactively scheduling what matters most can transform how you feel at the end of the dayWhy slowing down doesn't mean giving up ambitionA new definition of productivity rooted in alignment, intention, and valuesKey Takeaways: ✨ Productivity isn't about how much you do—it's about whether you're moving something meaningful forward. ✨ The most valuable work is often invisible: thinking, reflecting, making decisions, creating memories, and gaining clarity. ✨ If family, friendships, health, creativity, and presence matter to you, they deserve a place on your calendar—not just whatever time is left over. ✨ You don't have to earn joy, rest, or fulfillment. Those experiences can be part of the life you're building right now. If this episode resonated with you, share it with another founder, solopreneur, or working parent who is trying to build a business that supports their life, not the other way around. Connect with Brooke: ⁠Brooke's Newsletter⁠ -Looking for clarity on your next steps? Download my free ⁠Clarity Compass⁠.Looking to work with Brooke 1:1? More info ⁠here⁠.Connect with me here: ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠Instagram ⁠, YouTube

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Scale with Clarity is the podcast for solopreneurs who want to grow without burning out — and build a business that brings them joy and fulfillment. Whether you're just considering launching your practice or deep in the trenches, this show is for those intentionally choosing a path of purposeful growth — without the pressure to scale into a big team or agency model. Hosted by Brooke Koeninger, fractional CFO and strategist, you’ll hear honest conversations and founder stories about scaling with intention, aligning with your values, and redefining success on your own terms.