Thriving Through

AJ Riedel

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Thriving Through Podcast

1D AGO

E097 How to Build the Courage, Confidence, and Long-Game Strategy For Consulting | Rachel Wexler

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, AJ sits down with leadership coach and consultant Rachel Wexler to explore the journey from corporate leadership to building a purpose-driven, self-employed consulting practice. Rachel shares powerful insights from her 20+ years in industry, her transition into coaching, and how she built a blended model of consulting, advisory, and leadership development. This conversation dives deep into fulfillment, resilience, and what it takes to grow a meaningful and sustainable business. You’ll learn why celebrating small wins matters, how to handle rejection without taking it personally, and how playing the long game can lead to real success. What you’ll learn in this episode: The difference between surviving and truly thrivingWhy celebration fuels motivation and growth (backed by neuroscience)The real challenges of becoming a self-employed consultantHow to deal with rejection, silence, and slow progressWhy most consultants underestimate the time it takes to succeedThe power of 360 coaching in uncovering business opportunitiesHow to balance coaching, consulting, and advisory workBuilding long-term client relationships vs transactional workManaging burnout and staying aligned with your valuesThe importance of playing the long game in business Whether you’re a consultant, coach, entrepreneur, or leader, this episode will help you rethink success, not just as profit, but as fulfillment, impact, and growth. Connect with Rachel Wexler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlwexler/ About the Podcast:Thriving Through is a podcast for self-employed consultants and professionals who want to build profitable, sustainable, and most importantly, fulfilling practices. Keywords:thriving vs surviving, consulting business, leadership coaching, self employed consultant, entrepreneurship journey, business growth, coaching business, leadership development, personal growth, consultant life, mindset, fulfillment, professional development, resilience, women in leadership Hashtags:#ThrivingThrough #ConsultingBusiness #LeadershipCoaching #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #BusinessGrowth #WomenInLeadership #Coaching #Mindset #Fulfillment

56 min
3D AGO

E096 How One Consultant Built a Stable, Fulfilling Practice Without Chasing Clients | Rebecca Bauer

Discover a smarter way to build a sustainable consulting business without constantly chasing new clients. In this episode, host Aj sits down with Rebecca Bauer, Principal Consultant at Rebecca Bauer Consulting, to unpack the power of subcontracting as a long-term strategy for stability, growth, and fulfilment. Rebecca shares how she built a thriving consulting practice by partnering with other firms, leveraging existing client relationships, and focusing on delivering high-value work without the pressure of direct client acquisition. If you're a consultant, freelancer, or aspiring entrepreneur looking for a more predictable and balanced business model, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Learn how subcontracting can help you: ✔ Build consistent income streams✔ Reduce the stress of sales and marketing✔ Strengthen professional partnerships✔ Focus on your zone of expertise✔ Scale your consulting career strategically To connect with Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-faith-bauer/ Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your consulting approach, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on creating a business that works for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders and experts. #ConsultingBusiness #Freelancing #Subcontracting #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CareerGrowth #ConsultantLife

32 min
APR 2

E095 How a 25-Year Corporate Veteran Is Bringing Fortune 500 Operations Frameworks to Small Business

If your consulting practice feels like organized chaos, where you're holding everything in your head, having the same conversations on repeat, and making decisions on gut feel alone, this episode will show you exactly how to fix it. In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Kendra Whitney, Founder of Perigo Partners, a small business operations consultancy. Kendra is a former Fortune 500 project, process, and change management leader who spent 25 years mastering large-scale corporate methodologies, and now translates those best practices into lean, practical systems that help small businesses run smarter. Why You Should Listen to This EpisodeIf you left corporate to build something of your own and now find yourself buried in the day-to-day without systems to show for it Kendra's story will feel uncomfortably familiar. She walked out of a 25-year corporate career after a layoff, spent time genuinely noodling on what was next, and made a deliberate decision to do something different: take the best of Fortune 500 project management, process improvement, and change management and bring it to the small businesses that need it most. In this conversation, Kendra gets real about the challenges of learning a new language (translating corporate jargon for small business owners), overcoming a deep fear of sales, surviving the isolation of solo work, and building a stacked offer suite instead of a menu of disconnected services. She also shares the gardening analogy that every early-stage consultant needs to hear, and the single reframe that finally made sales feel natural for her. What You'll Learn in This Episode• [Translating Corporate Expertise] How to stop speaking corporate jargon and start talking to small business owners in the language they actually understand — and why this single shift is the foundation for landing clients.• [Building a Peer Support System] Why networking events aren't just for lead generation and how Kendra deliberately built a team-like community of fellow solopreneurs to combat isolation and loneliness.• [Overcoming Fear of Sales] The reframe that finally made discovery conversations feel natural — and how framing sales as problem-solving (not pitching) transforms your confidence in selling.• [Stacking Your Offers] Why building discrete, stackable service offerings instead of custom proposals for every client makes your business more scalable and gives you the data to know what's actually working.• [Structure Creates Freedom] How implementing the right systems and processes actually gives you more mental capacity, reduces decision fatigue, and lets you make data-driven decisions instead of gut-feel guesses.• [Choosing the Right Coach] What Kendra learned — sometimes the hard way — about how to evaluate coaching investments so you actually get a return, including the two non-negotiables she looks for now. About Kendra Whitney Kendra Whitney is the founder of Perigo Partners, a small business operations consultancy based in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. With 25 years of experience leading IT and operations teams at Fortune 500 companies, Kendra specialized in project management, process improvement, and change management — overseeing multi-year technology implementations that impacted tens of thousands of employees. After a corporate layoff, she made the deliberate decision to bring those enterprise-level best practices to small business owners, helping them build the systems, processes, and structures they need to run efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and scale — without the bureaucracy. She is currently in her first year of running Perigo Partners as her sole focus, and is building toward a team-based model that can serve more small businesses at scale. Connect with Kendra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendrawhitney

51 min
MAR 31

E094 The LinkedIn Community Strategy That Actually Brings Consulting Clients to You | Sarka Risch.

Unlock the true power of LinkedIn and personal branding in this inspiring episode of the Thriving Through Podcast featuring Sarka Risch. From spending 20+ years in corporate sales and marketing to building a thriving consulting business, Sarka shares how finding purpose, overcoming fear, and letting go of perfectionism transformed her life. She dives deep into how LinkedIn can become a powerful tool for lead generation, community building, and long-term business growth. You’ll learn:How to build a strong LinkedIn personal brandThe 3 key pillars of LinkedIn success (profile, community, content)Why relationships matter more than impressionsHow to overcome fear, self-doubt, and perfectionismThe mindset shifts needed to grow as an entrepreneurHow investing in yourself accelerates success Sarka also shares her journey to being featured in Forbes, delivering a TEDx talk, and how consistent self-development helped her create new opportunities. If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or professional looking to grow on LinkedIn and build meaningful connections that convert into real opportunities, this episode is for you. Connect with Sarka Risch on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarka-risch/ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on business growth, mindset, and entrepreneurship. #LinkedInMarketing #PersonalBranding #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadGeneration #BusinessGrowth #SelfDevelopment #PodcastInterview

40 min
MAR 26

E093 From Corporate Survivor to Thriving Consultant | Samantha Elizabeth

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, host AJ sits down with Samantha Elizabeth, a coach and consultant with 25 years of corporate experience, to unpack her powerful journey from repeated layoffs to building her own thriving consulting business. Samantha shares how hitting a breaking point after 11 layoffs pushed her to finally step off the corporate “rollercoaster” and step into the role of CEO of her own life. From navigating uncertainty to mastering the difference between marketing and sales, this conversation is packed with real, practical insights for anyone considering self-employment. You’ll discover how to shift from an employee mindset to a CEO mindset, why networking (even as an introvert) is the most powerful lead-generation tool, and how saying “yes” to opportunities can unlock unexpected growth. This episode is especially valuable for consultants, coaches, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to build multiple income streams without burning out. ✨ Key topics covered:• The real definition of “thriving” and why it goes beyond survival• Samantha’s journey through 11 layoffs and career pivots• The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur• Why marketing alone isn’t enough (and how to sell with confidence)• The power of networking and building genuine relationships• How to identify your ideal client and refine your niche• Why becoming a “yes person” can transform your business If you're feeling stuck in your career or thinking about starting your own business, this episode will give you the clarity and courage you need. 🔗 Connect with Samantha:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-m-elizabeth/ 👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on thriving through life, business, and personal growth. #ConsultingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #CareerGrowth #Networking #SelfEmployment #ThrivingThrough #BusinessCoaching #PersonalDevelopment

50 min
MAR 24

E092 How to Build Multiple Revenue Streams as a Consultant Without Burning Out | Gaby Sedra

AJ welcomes Gaby Sedra to the Thriving Through Podcast for a powerful conversation on resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a successful consulting business.In this episode, Gaby shares his journey from working in the corporate world to becoming a self-employed consultant, highlighting the importance of mindset, ownership, and perseverance. He explains what it truly means to “thrive through” challenges and how embracing discomfort can lead to growth. You’ll also learn how Gaby navigated early struggles like client acquisition, marketing failures, and financial learning curves, and how networking and partnerships became his strongest tools for success. He dives into building multiple revenue streams, including launching an e-learning platform, and how consultants can scale without burning out. This episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals looking to take control of their careers and grow sustainably. ✨ Key Topics Covered:• Thriving through challenges & resilience mindset• Transition from corporate to self-employment• Client acquisition & networking strategies• Building multiple income streams• Importance of partnerships & mentorship• Marketing realities & competition• Scaling with e-learning platforms• Adapting to AI and future business challenges 🔗 Connect with Gaby Sedra:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabysedra/ 🎧 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations! #ConsultingBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #SelfEmployed #BusinessGrowth #ThrivingThrough #Podcast #StartupJourney #Networking #Leadership #AIinBusiness

44 min
MAR 19

E091 From Trauma to Triumph: Building a Profitable Consulting Practice | Sara Orellana

In this powerful episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, Sara Orellana shares her deeply personal journey from navigating trauma, toxic environments, and rebuilding her life to becoming a successful self-employed consultant and business owner. Sara opens up about: Overcoming personal and professional adversityTransitioning from nonprofit CEO to independent consultantThe hard lessons learned after 8 years in businessWhy sleep, self-care, and boundaries are non-negotiableHow to price your services with confidenceBuilding stable, recurring revenue streamsTurning rejection into growth opportunitiesThe mindset required to keep going when things get tough If you're an entrepreneur, consultant, or anyone navigating a difficult season, this episode is packed with real talk, practical wisdom, and inspiration to keep pushing forward. Key Takeaways:✔ Believe in yourself even when it’s hard✔ Say no to what doesn’t align✔ Your pricing reflects your value✔ Stability comes from clarity and consistency✔ Healing and growth go hand in hand Connect with Sara Orellana:🌐 Website: www.3raptorconsulting.com💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-c-orellana/ About the Podcast:Thriving Through is a podcast dedicated to real stories of resilience, growth, and navigating life’s ups and downs with strength and purpose. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring conversations! #ThrivingThrough #Entrepreneurship #Consulting #Resilience #BusinessGrowth #SelfDevelopment #Mindset #WomenInBusiness #NonprofitLeadership #PersonalGrowth

39 min
MAR 17

E090 How to Build a Successful Consulting Business | Tommy Rhoads

In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, Tommy Rhoads shares his incredible journey from line cook to high-level consultant, revealing the mindset, habits, and strategies that helped him build a powerful consulting alliance. Tommy talks about growth mindset, entrepreneurship, networking, imposter syndrome, and modern stoicism, along with practical insights on getting consulting clients, using LinkedIn for business development, and building strategic partnerships. If you're an aspiring consultant, entrepreneur, or professional looking to start a consulting practice, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and inspiration. 🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode ✔ What “thriving” really means in business and life✔ How Tommy went from restaurant work to consulting leadership✔ Why growth mindset and curiosity are critical for career success✔ How to start and grow a consulting business✔ The power of strategic partnerships and alliances✔ How consultants use LinkedIn and networking to get clients✔ Managing imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur✔ Daily routines, journaling, and modern stoicism for productivity✔ How discipline and structure help consultants stay focused 💡 Key Topics Covered Consulting business strategyClient acquisition for consultantsLinkedIn marketing for consultingGrowth mindset and entrepreneurshipStoicism and productivity habitsOvercoming imposter syndromeBuilding a consulting networkPersonal development for entrepreneurs 👤 About the Guest Tommy Rhoads is a consultant and alliance builder who helps organizations drive transformation, operational excellence, and leadership development. He is part of the Strategy Elevation Alliance, a collaborative consulting network focused on helping companies navigate complex strategic challenges. 🔗 Connect With Tommy - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommy-rhoads-8191358/ 🎧 About the Podcast The Thriving Through Podcast explores the journeys of entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who share real lessons on growth, resilience, and building meaningful careers. #ConsultingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset #ConsultantLife #BusinessStrategy #LinkedInMarketing #ImposterSyndrome #Stoicism#StartupAdvice #ThrivingThrough

56 min

Thriving Through Podcast

Creator

AJ Riedel
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

96
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 AJ Riedel