The Podcast Lane

Elisa Lane
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Entrepreneurship

The podcast for inspiration and connection — sharing real stories from real people behind the industries that make a difference. Discover what drives them, what sets them apart, and how their journeys can inspire your own. And home of the 10 in 10 podcasts. 

  1. Aug 28

    Healing Body, Mind, and Soul with Christina Ivanhoe of Golden Heart Wellness

    What if your body has been trying to tell you something, but you haven't had the tools to understand the message? In this episode, we sit down with Christina Ivanhoe, founder of Golden Heart Wellness, a certified integrative health practitioner who takes a whole person approach to wellness, combining epigenetic hair testing, nutrition, biohacking, coaching, and trauma informed healing. With more than 20 years of personal and professional experience, Christina works with men, women, teens, high performing executives, and athletes who are looking for a more personalized approach to understanding their health and wellness. Her mission goes beyond identifying physical concerns. Christina believes people need to feel seen, heard, loved, and validated as they work toward feeling better in their body, mind, and soul. Faith, Healing, and Hope Faith is at the center of Christina's approach to caring for others. She shares how her own childhood experiences shaped her faith and ultimately prepared her to connect with clients who may be carrying their own emotional wounds and life experiences. Christina believes that addressing the whole person means creating space for conversations about stress, childhood experiences, trauma, and the emotional factors that can affect how someone feels. Her goal is simple: to give people hope and help them take the next step toward greater wellness. What Is Epigenetic Hair Testing? A major part of Christina's practice is epigenetic hair testing, which she describes as a tool for identifying areas that may need further attention when someone has been experiencing ongoing symptoms. During the conversation, she discusses how the testing can provide information related to areas such as: • Nutritional needs • Vitamins and minerals • Amino acids • Hormonal and adrenal patterns • Gut and intestinal health • Food sensitivities • Mold and other environmental factors • Heavy metals • Candida and parasites • Hydration • EMF exposure Christina explains how she uses the results to create a personalized 90 day wellness protocol based on the individual's needs. Looking Beyond the Symptoms One of the biggest themes of this conversation is the importance of looking at the whole person rather than focusing on one symptom. Christina shares examples from her practice and explains why nutrition, hydration, stress, lifestyle, emotional wellness, and other factors can all be important pieces of the bigger picture. She also emphasizes that her approach is designed to complement, rather than replace, traditional medical care. In This Episode • How faith shaped Christina's approach to wellness • The connection between emotional and physical wellness • Why feeling seen, heard, and validated matters • What epigenetic hair testing is designed to evaluate • How personalized wellness protocols are created • Nutrition, hydration, hormones, gut health, and stress • The role of trauma informed healing • Why high performers may need a personalized wellness strategy • How Christina works with teens, adults, executives, and athletes • The importance of hope in the healing journey About Christina Ivanhoe Christina is the founder of Golden Heart Wellness and a certified integrative health practitioner. With more than 20 years of personal and professional experience, she helps individuals pursue greater wellness through personalized approaches involving epigenetic hair testing, nutrition, biohacking, coaching, and trauma informed healing. Her work focuses on helping people better understand their bodies and create practical wellness strategies that support their individual goals. Note: Wellness testing and coaching are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Individuals should work with qualified healthcare professionals regarding medical conditions, medications, and treatment decisions. Connect With Christina Ivanhoe Golden Heart Wellness Website: www.goldenh​eartwellness.com Phone: 602-690-7054 Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    Healing Body, Mind, and Soul with Christina Ivanhoe of Golden Heart Wellness

  2. Aug 27

    High Performance Without Alcohol: Fred Auzenne on Breaking the Pattern

    What if the problem isn't a lack of willpower, discipline, or success? In this episode, we sit down with Fred Auzenne, founder of Clear Edge Institute and creator of Clear Edge 90, a 90 day performance program designed for executives, founders, physicians, and senior operators. A former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Captain with an MBA and more than 25 years of experience as a performance facilitator, Fred has worked with organizations including FranklinCovey and helped engineer a revenue turnaround that took one company from $7 million to $24 million. Fred brings a different perspective to alcohol use among high performers. His approach focuses less on labels and more on the patterns, routines, environments, and behaviors that can become deeply embedded over time. Fred has been alcohol free for 44 years, and today he teaches leaders what he calls the Alcohol Free Advantage. The Architecture Behind the Habit High achieving professionals are often disciplined, successful, and capable of managing enormous responsibilities. So why can alcohol become such a difficult pattern to change? Fred explains his concept of an "architecture problem," describing how repeated behaviors can become automatic routines rather than simply a question of willpower. You may make a decision during the day that you aren't going to drink that night, only to find yourself following the same familiar routine after dinner. The question becomes: How do you change the architecture that created the pattern? In This Episode • Why traditional recovery approaches don't work for everyone • Alcohol and high performing professionals • The connection between alcohol, habits, routines, and behavioral patterns • Why willpower alone may not be enough to change a long standing habit • How drinking patterns can develop gradually over 10, 20, or 30 years • Why successful professionals may struggle privately with alcohol • The difference between having a "drinking problem" and having a behavioral architecture problem • How neuroscience and personal development influence Fred's approach • Why changing the pattern may be more effective than simply trying to resist it • Fred's personal journey of 44 years alcohol free About Fred Auzenne Fred Auzenne is the founder of Clear Edge Institute and creator of Clear Edge 90, a 90 day performance program for executives, founders, physicians, and senior operators. A former U.S. Army Counterintelligence Captain, Fred holds an MBA and has more than 25 years of experience as a performance facilitator. His professional background includes work with FranklinCovey and leading business performance initiatives. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Fred focuses on helping high performers understand the systems and behavioral patterns that influence their performance. Listen to the full conversation for a thought provoking look at alcohol, habits, high performance, neuroscience, and what it takes to create lasting behavioral change. alcohol free, alcohol free advantage, high performers and alcohol, executives and alcohol, alcohol use and professionals, alcohol free lifestyle, drinking habits, alcohol habits, behavioral patterns, neuroscience and habits, high performance, executive performance, alcohol free for professionals, sobriety for high achievers, alcohol and leadership, Clear Edge Institute, Clear Edge 90, Fred Auzenne, Scottsdale Arizona Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    High Performance Without Alcohol: Fred Auzenne on Breaking the Pattern

  3. Aug 26

    Handle Your Marketing With The Marketing Matchmakers Brennah Davis

    What if the biggest problem with your marketing isn't your marketing? What if you simply have the wrong marketing partner? In this episode, we sit down with Brennah Davis, founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, professional agency matchmaker, marketing myth-buster, entrepreneur, artist, and proud mom. After building and growing two successful marketing agencies, Brennah discovered something surprising. Business owners weren't necessarily looking for another agency to sell them marketing services. They needed someone they could trust to help them figure out what kind of marketing they actually needed. And that's where the idea for The Marketing Matchmakers was born. Marketing Is Not Just "Marketing" One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is how often business owners use the word "marketing" without actually knowing what they need. Do you need: Social media? Lead generation? Paid advertising? SEO? Branding? Website development? Content creation? Marketing automation? The answer depends on your business goals. Brennah starts by asking questions and getting to the heart of what the business is actually trying to accomplish. If a business says, "We need leads, and we'd love to do social media," Brennah may discover that simply posting organically isn't going to solve the real problem. The strategy has to come before the service. Get the Decision Makers in the Room Brennah also shares one of her biggest lessons when helping businesses choose a marketing partner: make sure the right people are part of the conversation. Sometimes a manager reaches out looking for marketing help, but the business owner or decision maker isn't involved. That can create problems later. Brennah believes the people responsible for the business, the budget, and the goals should be part of the process so everyone understands what the company actually needs. It's a simple step that can save businesses time, money, and frustration. So, What Exactly Is a Marketing Matchmaker? Think of Brennah as a marketing broker with a very important difference. She doesn't charge businesses for the matchmaking process. Instead, she works with marketing agencies and connects businesses with potential partners based on goals, expertise, values, and fit. Rather than handing a business one option, she typically presents three possibilities so the business can make an informed decision. That means the conversation isn't simply: "Here's an agency. Hire them." It's: "Let's figure out what you need first." Not Every Agency Makes the Cut Brennah isn't simply matching businesses with whoever is available. She evaluates the agencies she works with based on how they communicate, how they treat clients, their expertise, and whether their values align with the businesses they serve. She even explains that she has chosen not to work with agencies whose behavior or communication conflicts with her personal values. Because the right marketing relationship isn't only about capabilities. It's about trust. From Art School to Entrepreneurship Brennah's entrepreneurial journey began with creativity and a family history of entrepreneurship. She originally went to art school with dreams of becoming a professional painter before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts and Design. That creative foundation eventually led her into marketing, agency ownership, and ultimately the creation of The Marketing Matchmakers. Today, she combines creativity, strategy, business experience, and a strong desire to advocate for business owners. The Bigger Conversation This episode is a reminder that marketing doesn't have to feel overwhelming. You don't have to know every marketing acronym. You don't have to hire the biggest agency. And you don't have to say yes to every shiny new marketing tactic. You need to understand your goals and find the right people to help you reach them. Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, startup, or established company, the right marketing partner can make a tremendous difference. And sometimes, the smartest marketing decision you can make is admitting: "I don't know what I need yet." That's exactly where a good matchmaker can help. About Brennah Davis Brennah Davis is the founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, where she helps businesses find vetted marketing partners based on their goals, needs, values, and expertise. A former marketing agency owner, Brennah has built her career around helping businesses make smarter marketing decisions. She is also the host of MKTG Unmuted, where business owners and marketing professionals have honest conversations about what really works, what doesn't, and what happens behind the marketing highlight reel. When she's not matching businesses with marketing experts, Brennah enjoys CrossFit, creating custom artwork and sneakers, and spending time with her son, Grey. Connect With Brennah The Marketing Matchmakers 602-736-7622 brennah@themarketingmatchmakers.com marketing matchmaker, marketing agency, how to choose a marketing agency, marketing strategy, small business marketing, digital marketing, marketing consultant, marketing partner, marketing services, lead generation, social media marketing, SEO, paid advertising, marketing for entrepreneurs, business growth, marketing mistakes, marketing myths, Arizona marketing, Phoenix marketing, Brennah Davis, The Marketing Matchmakers, MKTG Unmuted Join the Conversation Have you ever hired a marketing company and later realized you weren't even sure what you were paying for? Tell us in the comments: What is the hardest part of marketing your business right now, knowing what you need, finding the right partner, or knowing who to trust? Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    Handle Your Marketing With The Marketing Matchmakers Brennah Davis

  4. Aug 25

    From Behind the Camera to Building a Brand: How Bella Cagnetta Helps Businesses Show Up With Confidence

    What does your business look like online? If the answer is a collection of old headshots, random selfies, stock photos, and whatever picture you happened to take last Tuesday, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we sit down with Bella Cagnetta, founder, creative director, and photographer behind Chic Shoots Photography, to talk about something every business owner needs but many overlook: intentional brand photography and visual storytelling. With more than two decades of experience in graphic design, art direction, photography, and creative strategy, Bella brings an agency-level perspective to helping entrepreneurs and businesses become more visible, professional, and memorable online. And yes, we talk about the dreaded LinkedIn selfie. Because Bella has seen them too. Your Brand Is More Than Your Logo Bella explains why professional photography isn't simply about getting a pretty headshot. It's about creating a visual identity that communicates who you are, what you do, and why people should trust you. From LinkedIn and Instagram to websites, social media posts, Reels, carousels, and marketing campaigns, the right images can become some of the most valuable content a business owns. Bella's approach starts before the camera ever comes out. She creates mood boards, develops shot lists, considers styling and composition, and thinks strategically about how the images will actually be used. The goal? Not just one great photograph. A library of content your business can use again and again. Feeling Awkward in Front of the Camera? You're Not Alone. One of the most relatable parts of this conversation is Bella's approach to helping people feel comfortable during a photo shoot. Instead of constantly saying, "Put your hand here" or "Turn your head this way," Bella gets people talking. She learns about their businesses, their families, their passions, and what makes them tick. Before long, they're having a conversation instead of thinking about the camera. And sometimes, Bella says, the moments between the planned shots are the best ones. That's where authentic personality comes through. Why Personal Branding Photography Matters Today, your potential customers may discover you on Instagram or LinkedIn before they ever visit your website. Your visual presence matters. Bella shares why consistent, professional personal branding photography can help entrepreneurs: • Build credibility • Create a recognizable brand • Show up professionally on social media • Build trust with potential clients • Create months of marketing content • Communicate personality and expertise • Stand out in a crowded digital marketplace And here's the big takeaway: your audience isn't just buying what you do. They're deciding whether they trust you to do it. Your photos are part of that first impression. From Photography to the Full Brand Experience Bella's creative background allows her to see the bigger picture. Through Chic Shoots Photography, she combines photography, video, styling, and social media content to create cohesive visual marketing for businesses and personal brands. Her work includes beauty, salon, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial brands, including Xtension Envy and My Salon Suite. She also offers styling support for clients who aren't sure what to wear or how to present themselves on camera. Because sometimes the question isn't, "How do I pose?" It's: "What the heck am I supposed to wear?" Bella gets it. The Story Behind Chic Shoots Bella's creative roots go back much further than photography. With a background in fashion design and a grandmother who was a seamstress, Bella has always been drawn to color, composition, style, and visual storytelling. She discovered that while she didn't necessarily love sewing, she loved everything surrounding the creative process. That eventually evolved into the work she does today. The Goddess Project Bella is also developing The Goddess Project, a portrait and storytelling series celebrating women's resilience, reinvention, and courage through some of life's most challenging chapters. It's another example of what Bella believes photography can do. It doesn't just capture what someone looks like. It can capture who they are and what they've overcome. The Conversation to Take With You If you've been putting off professional photos because you don't feel photogenic, don't know what to wear, or think you can get away with one good headshot from five years ago, this episode might change your mind. Your brand is telling a story every time someone sees your face online. The question is: Is it telling the story you want people to hear? About Bella Cagnetta Bella Cagnetta is the founder, creative director, and photographer behind Chic Shoots Photography, a Scottsdale based creative studio helping businesses and personal brands become more visible through strategic brand photography, video, and social media content. With more than 20 years of experience as a graphic designer, art director, and agency owner, Bella brings a strategic creative perspective to every project, from concept development and styling to photography, Reels, carousels, and ongoing social content. Connect With Bella Website: chicshootsphotography.com Instagram: @chicshootsphotography Email: bella@chicshootsphotography.com brand photography, personal branding photography, Scottsdale photographer, Scottsdale brand photographer, business photography, professional headshots, personal branding, social media photography, entrepreneur branding, photography for business, visual branding, brand storytelling, LinkedIn headshots, social media content creation, Scottsdale business photographer, Chic Shoots Photography, Bella Cagnetta, photography for entrepreneurs, small business marketing, personal brand photographer Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    From Behind the Camera to Building a Brand: How Bella Cagnetta Helps Businesses Show Up With Confidence

  5. Aug 24

    Do You Own the Keys to Your Business? Jessica Feldman on Marketing, SEO & AI

    What if your marketing agency disappeared tomorrow? Would you still have the keys to your website, domain, advertising accounts, Google Business Profile, and digital assets? That is one of the important questions Jessica Feldman wants every business owner to ask. In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Feldman, founder of Digital Vibes Agency, to talk about digital marketing, local SEO, paid advertising, AI, marketing automation, and one of the biggest mistakes business owners can make: not owning their own digital assets. With more than 17 years of experience in digital marketing and more than 11 years running her own company, Jessica has worked with major brands, agencies, and small businesses. After leaving corporate America in 2023, she focused on helping small business owners build practical, affordable marketing strategies that actually make sense. And she's not here to sell you marketing smoke and mirrors. She's here to explain it. You Should Have the Keys to Your Kingdom Jessica has a simple philosophy: Every business owner should have the keys to their kingdom. Your domain. Your website. Your hosting. Your advertising accounts. Your digital platforms. Even if someone else manages them for you, you should still own them and know how to access them. Jessica explains why handing over ownership of your digital assets can create serious problems when an agency relationship ends, an employee leaves, or business partners go separate ways. You don't have to understand every technical detail. But you should know what you own. Digital Marketing Should Be Measurable One of the biggest misconceptions about digital marketing is that it has to be complicated. Jessica explains why digital marketing should be transparent and trackable, and why business owners deserve to understand where their marketing dollars are going. From local SEO and paid advertising to websites and marketing automation, the goal isn't simply to "do marketing." It's to create visibility, attract the right audience, generate qualified leads, and understand what is actually working. AI Is Changing Marketing. Are You Ready? Then we get into the conversation everyone is having: AI and marketing. Jessica discusses AI readiness, GEO, AIO, artificial intelligence optimization, and how businesses can use AI to become more discoverable. But she also brings up something many business owners may not be thinking about: AI risks. What happens when employees put confidential financial information, trade secrets, or intellectual property into open AI platforms? Jessica explains why businesses should consider creating clear AI policies and understanding how AI is being used inside their organizations. When AI Sounds Like... AI And then comes the fun part. Can you tell when a website was written entirely by AI? Jessica says the answer is often yes. The problem isn't using AI. The problem is losing your brand voice, originality, personality, and human connection in the process. AI can help businesses work smarter, but your audience still wants to know there is a real person behind the brand. This conversation is packed with practical marketing insight for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to navigate the rapidly changing world of digital marketing and AI. About Jessica Feldman Jessica Feldman is the Founder of Digital Vibes Agency, helping businesses grow through data-driven digital marketing, local SEO, paid advertising, AI-ready content, and marketing automation. With more than 17 years of experience, Jessica focuses on increasing visibility, generating qualified leads, and delivering measurable ROI through transparent, results-focused marketing strategies. Jessica Feldman, Digital Vibes Agency, digital marketing, digital marketing strategy, local SEO, SEO for small business, AI marketing, AI readiness, artificial intelligence optimization, GEO, AIO, marketing automation, paid advertising, Google Business Profile, website ownership, domain ownership, small business marketing, digital marketing for entrepreneurs, marketing strategy, AI for business, business growth, online visibility, lead generation, digital assets, brand voice, Scottsdale marketing, Arizona marketing. Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    Do You Own the Keys to Your Business? Jessica Feldman on Marketing, SEO & AI

  6. Aug 22

    More Than a Meal: Chef Joseph Lerner on Cooking, Family, Entrepreneurship & the Joy of Gathering Around the Table

    What happens when a four year old pulls up a chair to the kitchen stove and starts stirring his mother’s marinara? For Chef Joseph Lerner, it turns out, that was the beginning of a lifelong passion. In this episode, we sit down with Chef Joseph to talk about food, family, entrepreneurship, the reality of working in professional kitchens, and why a great meal is about so much more than what is on the plate. Chef Joseph’s culinary journey started young, inspired by time in the kitchen with his mother and the chefs he watched on television. That early curiosity eventually led him to Johnson & Wales University, a career working with private restaurants and international hotel and resort companies, and ultimately to building businesses of his own. Today, Joseph is the owner of Curate Cuisine, a premier private chef service in the Valley, as well as Curate Cafe in North Scottsdale, where he serves breakfast, lunch, house-made pastries, and house-roasted coffee. Food Is More Than Food One of the most memorable parts of this conversation is Joseph’s perspective on what food really means. For him, cooking is about gathering. It's about sitting around a table with family and friends, sharing stories, celebrating milestones, and remembering the meals that helped shape us. Food can be a form of time travel. One bite can take you back to your childhood, your grandmother's kitchen, a holiday dinner, or a table filled with people you love. And sometimes, the best ingredient isn't even on the plate. It's the people sitting around it. The Reality Behind the Chef's Coat We also get a glimpse behind the scenes of professional cooking. Joseph shares the misconception that being a chef is all glamour, television appearances, beautiful dishes, and celebrity moments. The reality? It's hard work. It's long hours, dedication, pressure, sacrifice, and sometimes missing important family time. And one of the biggest challenges isn't necessarily the food. It's building the right team. Joseph talks openly about the difficulty of finding great people, developing young cooks, watching talented employees move on, and constantly rebuilding a kitchen team. It's a reminder that entrepreneurship and leadership aren't always about having the perfect recipe. Sometimes, it's about learning how to adapt when the recipe changes. From a Childhood Passion to Building a Business Joseph's story is also an entrepreneurial one. What started with a childhood love of cooking has grown into multiple businesses and a vision for continued growth. From private chef services to Curate Cafe in North Scottsdale, Joseph has turned his passion into something people can experience for themselves. And perhaps the most relatable part? When asked about his future aspirations, his answer includes something many business owners can understand: Retirement. But for now, he's still cooking, creating, growing, and building. Pull Up a Chair This conversation is a fun reminder that our passions often start long before we realize where they're going to take us. Sometimes it's a chair pulled up to the kitchen counter. Sometimes it's watching someone cook. Sometimes it's simply realizing that you love bringing people together. For Chef Joseph Lerner, that passion became a career, a business, and a way to create experiences around the table. And honestly, we're pretty glad that little boy decided to stay in the kitchen. About Chef Joseph Lerner Chef Joseph’s culinary journey began at the age of four with a chair pulled up to a 80’s model GE stove, stirring his mother’s marinara. After that, it was always a goal of his to become a Chef. In the younger years, watching “Great Chefs of The World” , “Grillin & Chillin With Bobby Flay” and the old school Emeril Lagasse helped drive Chef Joseph’s urge to get in a kitchen. Later, he attended the acclaimed Johnson & Wales University, built a career in opening up private restaurants and worked for international hotel/resort companies. Currently, he owns Curate Cuisine, one of the premier most recommended Chef services in the valley along with his standalone, Curate Cafe. A contemporary cafe located in north Scottsdale where he serves up breakfast, lunch , made in house pasties along with house roasted coffee.  Connect With Chef Joseph Lerner Curate Cuisine: www.curatecuisine.com Curate Cafe: www.curatecafe.co Phone: 843-364-7617 Instagram: @curate_cuisine Instagram: @curate_cafe Chef Joseph Lerner, Curate Cuisine, Curate Cafe, private chef Scottsdale, private chef Phoenix, Scottsdale chef, Phoenix chef, North Scottsdale restaurants, North Scottsdale cafe, Arizona chef, culinary entrepreneur, chef interview, professional chef, private chef services, catering Scottsdale, food and family, cooking and family, chef entrepreneurship, Johnson & Wales chef, restaurant entrepreneur, Arizona food scene, Scottsdale food, Phoenix food, chef life, culinary career. Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    More Than a Meal: Chef Joseph Lerner on Cooking, Family, Entrepreneurship & the Joy of Gathering Around the Table

  7. Aug 19

    Building a Beauty Business Designed to Grow Featuring Katy Cotten

    In this episode, we sit down with Katy Cotten, Co-Founder and COO of Dakota London Hair Extensions, the first hair extension only salon franchise in the United States. With nearly 30 years in the beauty industry, Katy recognized an opportunity early in her career. Instead of simply working with hair extensions, she envisioned creating a salon dedicated entirely to them. That vision became Dakota London. Katy and her husband, Scott, spent 14 years building, testing, and refining the business before launching their franchise model in November 2025. In less than a year, Dakota London has grown to 35 awarded territories across the country. In this episode, Katy shares the story behind that growth and the decisions that helped turn a bold idea into a scalable business. In This Episode, We Explore: • Why Katy chose to create a hair extension only salon • What separates Dakota London’s hair quality from the competition • How years of testing and relationships shaped their proprietary product line • Why Dakota London is a service only business • How 14 years of refining systems prepared the company for franchising • What it’s like building a business with your spouse • Why defining roles and recognizing each other’s strengths matters in business • What franchise partners are really looking for beyond a business opportunity • The importance of creating community, connection, and support • How to build a business with purpose while maintaining an elevated client experience Katy’s story is a powerful reminder that overnight success is often built on years of preparation. She and Scott didn’t start with the goal of franchising. They focused on creating something exceptional, refining the systems, taking care of their people, and building a business they believed in. Then, when the time was right, they shared the “sauce.” Get ready to be inspired, take notes, and think bigger about what’s possible. Meet Katy Cotten Katy Cotten is the Co-Founder and COO of Dakota London Hair Extensions, the first hair extension only salon franchise in the United States. With nearly three decades in the beauty industry, Katy is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build businesses with purpose while creating an elevated client experience and a culture rooted in excellence, connection, and long term success. Connect With Katy Dakota London Hair Extensions Instagram: @dakota.london.hair and @katy.cotten.dakota.london LinkedIn: Katy Cotten Email: Katycotten@dakotalondon.com Brought to you by The Podcast Lane. #10in10 #ThePodcastLane #KatyCotten #DakotaLondon #HairExtensions #BeautyIndustry #BeautyBusiness #FranchiseSuccess #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Franchising #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #ArizonaBusiness #ScottsdaleBusiness #SuccessStory Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    Building a Beauty Business Designed to Grow Featuring Katy Cotten

  8. Aug 18

    Giving Parents a Voice: Special Education, Advocacy, and Mesa Schools Featuring Jason Smithson

    What happens when a parent realizes that the families who need a voice the most aren't always represented at the table? In this episode of The Podcast Lane 10 in 10, host Tish Times sits down with Jason Smithson, a small business owner, father, and special education advocate who is running for the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board. As the father of a son on the autism spectrum, Jason's personal experience navigating special education opened his eyes to the challenges many families face. After his son's diagnosis, Jason dove into special education laws, began attending school board meetings, and quickly recognized a need for greater parent involvement and advocacy. His decision to run for the school board grew from a desire to give families a voice and help parents better understand their rights. Giving Parents a Voice One of Jason's biggest priorities is helping families understand that they have rights when it comes to their children's education. He advocates for families at no cost, particularly helping families who may face language barriers or may not understand the laws and protections surrounding special education. His goal isn't simply to speak for families, but to help them become confident advocates for themselves and their children. Looking Beyond Political Labels School board races are nonpartisan, but Jason says he has been surprised by how often voters focus on political labels. For him, the conversation should remain centered on students, families, educators, and the future of public education. He believes people can have different political perspectives while still sharing the same fundamental goal: wanting the best possible education for children. A Personal Journey of Resilience Jason also opens up about a deeply personal part of his story. He is a three-time cancer survivor, adding another layer of resilience and perspective to his journey as a father, advocate, business owner, and community member. His experiences have shaped the way he approaches challenges and strengthened his desire to serve others. About Jason Smithson Jason Smithson is a small business owner, father, and special education advocate running for the Mesa Public Schools Governing Board. As the father of a son on the autism spectrum, Jason has experienced both the successes and shortcomings of the public education system firsthand. Those experiences sparked a passion for advocating not only for students with disabilities, but for every child, educator, and family in Mesa. His campaign is built around the belief that every student deserves an excellent education, parents deserve a genuine voice, and taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability. Jason is known for asking tough questions, working across political lines, and focusing on practical solutions that strengthen public schools while rebuilding trust between the district and the community. Connect With Jason Website: jasonformesaschools.com Email: jasonformesaschools@gmail.com Jason Smithson, Mesa Public Schools, Mesa school board, special education advocacy, education advocate, autism and education, parents and education, school board, public education, special education rights, English language learners, education advocacy, Mesa Arizona, Arizona education, parent advocacy, public schools, The Podcast Lane 10 in 10 Take notes, get inspired, and think bigger. Follow The Podcast Lane for more real conversations with experts leaders and individuals who are making an impact in their field. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it and help us continue to grow this powerful community. Your next level might just start here. Brought to you by The Podcast Lane Agency

    Giving Parents a Voice: Special Education, Advocacy, and Mesa Schools Featuring Jason Smithson
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The podcast for inspiration and connection — sharing real stories from real people behind the industries that make a difference. Discover what drives them, what sets them apart, and how their journeys can inspire your own. And home of the 10 in 10 podcasts. 

Information

  • Creator
    Elisa Lane
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Podcast Lane
  • Show Website
    The Podcast Lane