Thriving Through

AJ Riedel
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Thriving Through Podcast

  1. E079 The Discomfort Barrier: Why Being Different Wins with Stever Robbins

    1D AGO

    E079 The Discomfort Barrier: Why Being Different Wins with Stever Robbins

    What actually holds most consultants back from success? It’s not lack of skill, talent, or hard work, it’s following outdated, conventional advice. In Episode 2 of the Thriving Through Podcast with executive coach and entrepreneur Stever Robbins returns to break down why traditional consulting models no longer work in today’s world. With over 26 years of experience as a self-employed consultant and a career spanning Harvard Business School, MIT, startups, and executive coaching, Stever shares the uncomfortable truths most professionals avoid. This episode dives deep into why the conventional path of “do great work and clients will come” is flawed, how discomfort stops consultants from standing out, and why being different is now your biggest competitive advantage. Stever explains how old-school corporate thinking keeps consultants invisible and what it really takes to build authority, credibility, and a thriving independent career.You’ll discover why differentiation matters more than ever in the age of AI and sameness, how embracing your uniqueness can transform your positioning, and why breaking away from traditional consulting rules is essential for growth. If you’re a consultant, coach, freelancer, or entrepreneur struggling to stand out, get clients, or build a powerful personal brand, this episode will challenge your thinking and push you toward a bolder approach to success. 🎧 Listen now and rethink everything you’ve been told about consulting and success. 👉 Learn more about Stever Robbins:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/ 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    34 min
  2. E078 The Real Success Factors: Why Standing Out Matters More Than Working Hard with Stever Robbins

    3D AGO

    E078 The Real Success Factors: Why Standing Out Matters More Than Working Hard with Stever Robbins

    What does it really take to succeed as a self-employed consultant, coach, or entrepreneur? In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, executive coach and entrepreneur Stever Robbins challenges everything we’re taught about hard work, meritocracy, and success in the corporate world. With over 26 years as a self-employed consultant and a background that spans Harvard Business School, MIT, startups, and executive coaching, Stever shares why doing great work is not enough and why visibility, relationships, credibility, and differentiation matter far more than most people realize. From being mistaken for a waiter at a CEO conference to discovering that self-promotion can be the difference between success and invisibility, this conversation is packed with real-world insights for consultants who want to be taken seriously. Stever also dives into what success truly means beyond money, sharing a powerful framework for evaluating your life, your work, and your impact. He explains how embracing what makes you different not trying to fit the corporate mold can become your greatest advantage, especially in the age of AI and ChatGPT, where sameness is everywhere. If you’re a self-employed consultant, executive coach, freelancer, or entrepreneur struggling with positioning, authority, sales, or standing out in a crowded market, this episode will fundamentally change how you think about success, credibility, and growth. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to stop blending in and start being chosen. 👉 Learn more about Stever Robbins: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stever/ 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    40 min
  3. E077 Turning Experience into Expertise: Lessons from 15 Years as a Consultant with Kit Friday

    JAN 29

    E077 Turning Experience into Expertise: Lessons from 15 Years as a Consultant with Kit Friday

    What does it take to build a consulting practice that is both sustainable and personally fulfilling? In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Kit Friday, an independent marketing consultant with 15 years of experience, to explore her journey from paralegal and private investigator to creative entrepreneur and strategic marketer. Kit shares the challenges of stepping fully into self-employment, overcoming self-doubt, and realizing the value of her innate talents. Throughout the conversation, Kit opens up about: How she blended analytical skills and creative passions to define her career path The long road to confidence and believing in her own value as a consultant Learning to differentiate instinct from anxiety and make strategic decisions under pressure Structuring a consulting practice around tailored marketing, authenticity, transparency, and goal-setting Building repeat clients and maintaining long-term relationships through clarity and communication Developing prospecting systems to escape the feast-or-famine cycle Expanding her practice through workshops, speaking engagements, and teaching Kit also reflects on the personal lessons she’s learned from early client experiences, including the power of self-reflection surveys and the importance of setting boundaries to deliver high-quality work consistently. She shares practical strategies for consultants who struggle with imposter syndrome, inconsistent revenue, or finding the confidence to scale their businesses. In this episode, we cover: Kit Friday’s path from paralegal and private investigator to marketing consultant The creative and analytical duality that shaped her career Overcoming self-doubt and finding professional confidence Tailoring consulting services to clients’ needs and budgets Goal-setting and measuring consulting impact Prospecting, repeat clients, and stabilizing income Transitioning toward workshops, teaching, and speaking engagements Lessons from early projects and self-reflection practices If you’re a consultant, freelancer, or small business owner seeking clarity, confidence, and a sustainable approach to client work, this episode offers actionable insights to help you thrive through your consulting journey. 👉 Learn more about Kit Friday:Website: kitfriday.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitfriday/ 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    46 min
  4. E076 Self-Employment Three Times Over: Navigating Independence and Scaling Value with Andy Sherman

    JAN 27

    E076 Self-Employment Three Times Over: Navigating Independence and Scaling Value with Andy Sherman

    What does it take to build a consulting practice that drives both growth and client impact? In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Andy Sherman, an experienced consultant and former CEO, to explore his unique journey through self-employment three times over. Andy shares how he transitioned from leading sales teams and running companies to building a consulting business focused on helping owner-operated small and mid-sized businesses scale their sales and operations. Throughout the conversation, Andy opens up about: Re-entering self-employment after corporate and entrepreneurial experiences Leveraging his sales background to build a referral-driven consulting practice Systematically nurturing referral networks and identifying high-potential partners Creating strategic partnerships, including fractional CFO and MSP consulting initiatives Incorporating AI tools to accelerate clients’ go-to-market strategies Defining success through client impact, scalability, and improving quality of life for business owners Learning from early mistakes and the importance of client qualification Staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market and technology landscape Andy also reflects on the personal lessons that shaped his consulting approach, including the value of a multi-pronged business development strategy, selective client alignment, and continuously evolving his practice to provide measurable value. In this episode, we cover: Andy Sherman’s journey through multiple phases of self-employment Rebuilding a consulting practice and regaining momentum Referral networks and systematic business development Strategic partnerships with Whitman Advisory and Strategic Impact Partners Using AI to drive real client revenue and operational impact Success metrics beyond revenue: scalability, independence, and owner impact Lessons learned from misaligned projects and client selection Planning for the future while enjoying ongoing professional growth If you’re a consultant, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to build a high-value practice, scale operations, or integrate AI into growth strategies, this episode offers actionable insights to help you thrive through the consulting journey. 👉 Learn more about Andy Sherman:Website: apexgrowthadvisors.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysherman2/ 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    36 min
  5. E075 Niching Down, Sales, and Leading Gen Z with Jacob Karnes

    JAN 22

    E075 Niching Down, Sales, and Leading Gen Z with Jacob Karnes

    What happens when corporate rejection becomes the catalyst for building a thriving business? In this episode of Thriving Through, presented by AJ Riedel, AJ sits down with leadership coach, consultant, and author Jacob Karnes to unpack his journey from being turned down for promotions to building a purpose-driven consulting business serving leaders who employ Gen Z and young professionals. Jacob shares how leaving corporate life led him to clarity around niching down, why most coaches struggle to define who they serve, and how getting hyper-specific transformed his sales, confidence, and impact. He opens up about the painful lessons of the first year and a half of entrepreneurship, the reality of the revenue roller coaster, and how recurring clients helped him stabilize his income. You’ll also hear how writing his book, Master Your First Job, became the single most powerful growth tool in his business building authority, generating leads, and opening doors without feeling “salesy.” Jacob breaks down his outbound sales process, why certifications don’t close deals, and how frameworks not credentials create trust and results. This episode is packed with practical insights for: Coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs Business owners navigating inconsistent revenue Leaders managing Gen Z and young employees Entrepreneurs struggling with sales and niching Anyone turning setbacks into meaningful growth In this episode, we cover: Why corporate “no’s” can lead to the right entrepreneurial “yes” How niching down increases quality leads and conversion rates The truth about certifications vs. real authority Using a book as a lead generator and trust builder Outbound vs. inbound sales for small businesses Leading young people and building a Gen Z talent pipeline Creating predictable income while maintaining lifestyle freedom Jacob also shares his long-term vision for licensing his leadership frameworks, growing a team, and building a business that supports both impact and family life. If you’re looking to thrive through uncertainty, clarify your niche, and build a business aligned with your values, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Get a free copy of Jacob’s book:masteryourfirstjob.com/free 👉 Connect with Jacob on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkarnes/ 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    43 min
  6. E074 From Corporate Layoffs to Independent Consulting:Building Systems and Business| Alyssa Schaefer

    JAN 20

    E074 From Corporate Layoffs to Independent Consulting:Building Systems and Business| Alyssa Schaefer

    What does it really take to leave corporate life, start consulting independently, and scale a business without burning out? In this episode of Thriving Through, host AJ Riedel sits down with Alyssa Schaefer, aka The Business Cowgirl, to unpack her journey from being part of dismantled tech teams to thriving as a self-employed consultant. Alyssa shares the mindset shifts, technical know-how, and strategic systems that helped her build a successful consulting practice and overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and pricing uncertainty. Throughout the conversation, Alyssa opens up about: Her transition from corporate tech roles to independent consulting How bartending skills helped her excel at client communication and bridging tech gaps Building scalable business systems for coaches, consultants, and agencies Common mistakes in software integrations and workflow automation Why 95% of AI implementations fail—and how to use AI effectively without overreliance Pricing strategies, delivering high-value consulting, and growing your credibility The importance of mindset in leveraging technology and systems to scale Alyssa also reflects on her next phase: moving from one-to-one consulting to one-to-many models and helping more people with practical systems and guidance. She shares resources like her Tech Health Scorecard, which helps businesses assess their systems, integrations, data quality, and workflow efficiency. In this episode, we cover: Alyssa Schaefer’s journey from corporate layoffs to independent consulting Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence as a consultant Using bartending and interpersonal skills to enhance business communication Key mistakes in software and data integration for scaling businesses Practical AI strategies for consultants and small business owners Pricing, value delivery, and growing your consulting business sustainably Transitioning to one-to-many consulting and creating scalable resources If you’re a coach, consultant, or agency owner struggling with tech, AI, or business systems, this episode offers actionable insights and mindset strategies to help you thrive through the complexities of business growth. 👉 Learn more about Alyssa Schaefer, The Business Cowgirl:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebusinesscowgirl/ YouTube: The Business Cowgirl Free Resource: Tech Health Scorecard 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Riedel✨ Keep Thriving Through

    46 min
  7. E073 From $15 to $800 an Hour: How to Price Your Consulting Services with Confidence | Brandon Mahoney

    JAN 15

    E073 From $15 to $800 an Hour: How to Price Your Consulting Services with Confidence | Brandon Mahoney

    In this episode of the Thriving Through Podcast, host AJ Riedel speaks with Brandon Mahoney, Director of Partnerships at Launch Point Labs, about the real-world challenges of building a sustainable consulting business and the confidence it takes to make it work. Brandon shares his journey into self-employment during the pandemic, the early mistakes he made around pricing and positioning, and how false humility nearly held his consulting practice back. From charging $15 an hour to confidently pricing high-impact, premium consulting projects, Brandon explains why consultants must own their expertise and communicate it clearly to clients.This conversation dives deep into pivotal moments in Brandon’s career, including launching and temporarily leaving, Launch Point Labs, returning with a clearer sense of purpose, and balancing mission-driven work with high-growth SaaS and tech consulting. Brandon also breaks down how he helps organizations build predictable, repeatable, and profitable sales systems, especially during high-stakes moments like mergers and acquisitions. You’ll learn: Why confidence matters more than credentials in consultingHow to price your expertise without imposter syndromeThe difference between arrogance and stating factsWhy inbound and outbound sales teams must be structured differentlyHow Brandon uses free audits to convert custom consulting work into long-term engagementsWhat consultants often misunderstand about lifestyle freedom and fulfilment Brandon also shares honest insights about the future of his consulting journey, his desire to mentor the next generation of sales consultants, and why consulting is far more demanding but more rewarding than it looks from the outside.Whether you’re an aspiring consultant, a seasoned advisor, or a founder building sales teams and go-to-market strategy, this episode offers practical lessons on confidence, pricing, pivots, and sustainable growth. 🔗 Connect with Brandon Mahoney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctorsales/

    47 min
  8. E72 Stop Struggling with Self-Promotion: Reframe Marketing as Service to Attract More Consulting Clients | Kirstin Brenders

    JAN 13

    E72 Stop Struggling with Self-Promotion: Reframe Marketing as Service to Attract More Consulting Clients | Kirstin Brenders

    What if the secret to building a profitable consulting business isn't forcing yourself into a predetermined niche, but instead paying attention to which client conversations genuinely light you up?In this episode, host AJ Riedel talks to Kirstin Brenders, an online business coach and mentor who helps women transition from corporate careers to entrepreneurship. After nearly 20 years in corporate architecture and interior design, Kirstin built a thriving consulting practice by pivoting from her original niche when she discovered what truly energized her—guiding women through the corporate-to-consultant transition she had navigated herself. WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO THIS EPISODEIf you're struggling with inconsistent income, feeling burned out from trying to serve everyone, or uncomfortable with self-promotion, Kirstin's journey offers a refreshing perspective on building a sustainable consulting practice. She shares how an "accidental entrepreneur" transformed corporate burnout into a fulfilling business by trusting her instincts, reframing marketing as service, and making strategic pivots based on energy alignment rather than forcing a preconceived business plan. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for self-employed consultants who want to attract ideal clients, overcome the discomfort of visibility, and build businesses that are both financially successful and personally rewarding. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE• [The Accidental Entrepreneur Path] How corporate burnout and motherhood can become catalysts for discovering your true calling as a consultant, and why testing ideas before going "all in" reduces risk while building confidence• [Finding Your Ideal Client Through Energy Alignment] Why paying attention to which client conversations light you up is more valuable than forcing yourself to stick with your original niche, and how to recognize when it's time to pivot• [Reframing Marketing as Service] How to overcome the discomfort of self-promotion by understanding that marketing yourself helps potential clients find the solutions they desperately need, transforming visibility from vanity into service• [The Power of Community for Solo Consultants] Why connecting with other entrepreneurs—both online and in person—accelerates your comfort with marketing, helps you find your authentic voice, and combats the isolation of independent consulting• [Strategic Social Media Study] How to use social media as a learning tool rather than just consumption, studying what content resonates with you to shape your own authentic marketing voice and attract ideal consulting clients• [Mindset as a Business Asset] Why healing from burnout and managing self-talk are critical business skills for self-employed consultants, and how essentialism can help you build a sustainable consulting practice without sacrificing work-life balance LISTEN TO THESE KEY MOMENTS[00:00:25] From Corporate to Consultant [00:02:02] Testing the Freelance Waters [00:04:05] The Pivot Point: When Women Started Calling [00:08:44] Paying Attention to What Lights You Up[00:13:00] Overcoming the Discomfort of Narrowing Your Niche[00:19:30] Building Systems as a Solo Consultant[00:26:50] The Comparison Trap and Finding Your Voice[00:33:47] Essentialism: The Book That Healed Burnout[00:35:06] Marketing as Service, Not Self-Promotion[00:36:09] Building the Marketing Muscle [00:37:57] Study Social Media, Don't Just Consume It - Kirstin's powerful advice for finding your authentic marketing voice by analyzing what content you're drawn to and why you're saving or liking specific posts RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE "Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less" by Greg McKeown ABOUT KIRSTIN BRENDERS Kirstin Brenders is an online business coach and mentor who helps women build sustainable businesses after leaving corporate careers. With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate architecture and interior design—specializing in team building, client management, and project management—Kirstin understands firsthand the challenges of corporate burnout and the journey to entrepreneurship. After becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" during the pandemic, she initially helped interior designers and architects with behind-the-scenes business systems and processes. Recognizing that her true passion was mentoring women through the corporate-to-consultant transition, Kirstin pivoted her business to focus on coaching creative professionals and service-based entrepreneurs. She believes in building businesses that are both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling, emphasizing energy alignment, authentic marketing, and mindset work as foundations for sustainable success. Connect with Kirstin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstinbrenders/Visit her website: KirstinBrenders.comFollow her on Instagram: @KirstinBrenders.co

    42 min
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About

Thriving Through Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    AJ Riedel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 AJ Riedel