Behind The Spotlight Podcast Danielle J. Martin

Juliet Abdel’s influence extends nationally, serving as a director on the governing body of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and contributing to the Advisory Council for the Leadership Program of the Rockies. 
Juliet is a charter member of the Rocky Mountain Alumni Chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma Multi-Cultural Sorority and has been a dedicated spokesperson for the American Heart Association’s Go Red program since 2021 and Women Heart since 2022.
Juliet has served on the U.S. Chamber Board of Directors as an Institute Regent, the United Nations Association in Oklahoma City Chapter, and various other boards dedicated to inclusivity and community development. 
Armed with a master’s degree in international studies, specializing in development, society, and education from Oklahoma State University, Juliet has authored publications on female empowerment and entrepreneurship.

This episode is sponsored by: TK Business Magazine.

Read more here: https://tkmagazine.com/blog/2024/3/7/at-the-core-with-danielle-j-martin
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.

This episode dives into the story of Lindsay Freeman, State Manager, Community Relations at Kansas Gas Service. Lindsay is not only a prominent figure in her community but also an inspiring leader, mentor, and advocate for women's leadership. Lindsay's leadership journey is a testament to the power of dedication and clear vision. 

As she navigates through various leadership roles, including her current position at Kansas Gas Service, her path illustrates the importance of aspiring leaders making their ambitions known. Leadership is not without its challenges. Lindsay touches on the delicate balancing act of being a transparent leader while maintaining the confidence and respect of her team. She shares insights into the complexities leaders face today, from recruitment challenges to adapting to a changing workforce, proposing active listening and mutual understanding as key strategies to address these issues.

Here's a recap of the episode:

01:50 Spotlight on Lindsay Freeman: A Topeka Community Leader

03:21 From Payless to Community Engagement: Lindsay's Journey

08:11 Leadership Insights: Climbing the Ladder and Speaking Up

13:56 The Challenges and Responsibilities of Leadership

16:47 Meet Lindsey Freeman: A Glimpse Into Her Life

16:56 The Joy and Challenges of Motherhood

19:32 Embracing Foster Care: A Journey of Love and Challenges

24:51 Risk-Taking and Future Aspirations

27:31 Leadership Insights: Being Transparent and Kind

29:37 Finding Your Personal Mission Statement

Additionally, she opens up about her personal life, including her journey as a foster and adoptive parent, emphasizing the significance of risk-taking, advocacy for children in need, and the essence of following one's heart. Freeman hints at future aspirations, possibly in political office, reinforcing the message of growth, self-belief, and the power of being true to oneself.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.

In a world where women are carving their paths towards success and empowerment, Martha B. Piland stands out as a beacon of inspiration. With a rich history of entrepreneurship and a passion for uplifting women in business, Martha's journey is one filled with dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Watch the full episode here!
This episode features Martha B. Piland, founder of MB Piland Advertising and Banktastic. The conversation kicks off with Martha sharing her initial steps into entrepreneurship as a child teaching ballet, leading up to the establishment of her own advertising and marketing firm in 1998. She elaborates on the importance of a business plan, her drive for constant learning, and the significant role of discipline and time management in the success of her business. 
Martha also highlights the value of having a supportive community for female entrepreneurs, sharing practical advice on setting up such groups and maintaining focus on one's mission. Further, Martha discusses 'Punctuating the Period' campaign aimed at addressing period poverty and aligning with her company's mission to improve community well-being. The episode also touches on how Martha's division, Banktastic, specifically caters to the unique marketing needs of financial institutions to make them relevant to millennials. Listeners are introduced to Martha's books, 'Culturing Creative' and 'Beyond Sticky', and her creative subscription box, 'Transfomotion', designed to stimulate innovation. Martha concludes by emphasizing the importance of faith and prayer in her life, advising listeners to believe in their capabilities and pursue their goals with tenacity.


Here's the recap of the episode:
01:23 Spotlight Series: Women in Business with Martha B. Piland
01:42 Martha's Entrepreneurial Journey and MB Piland Advertising
05:39 Marketing Wisdom: Clarity, Learning, and Growth
09:10 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: Advice and Strategies
12:15 Building a Supportive Community for Women Entrepreneurs
15:23 Punctuating the Period Campaign: Making a Difference
20:49 Banktastic: Specializing in Financial Brand Marketing
24:23 Cultivating Creativity and Innovation with Transfer Motion in a Box
26:40 Exploring Martha's Books: Culturing Creative and Beyond Sticky
29:07 Martha's Personal Growth and Legacy
35:05 Closing Thoughts: Empowerment and Pursuing Your Goals
Connect with Martha: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marthab1/Martha's Books:Culturing CreativeBeyond StickyOther Resources mentioned:
Create a Podcast for Your Business Rise & Thrive ConferenceRESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.

In a special edition celebrating Women's History Month, the spotlight shines on Christina Long, a remarkable entrepreneur with a stirring tale of perseverance, dedication, and innovation. Coming from Wichita, Kansas, Christina's journey is a testament to resilience and vision. As the founder of CML Collective, she spearheads efforts in diversity, inclusion, and economic empowerment, driving real change in her community and beyond.
As we dive into Christina's story, it's clear this isn't just about business. It's about creating impact, fostering growth among minority-owned businesses, and setting an example of what it means to thrive against the odds. Christina's commitment is unwavering, whether leading the Create Campaign to cultivate urban entrepreneurship or envisioning a future where communities of color uplift each other.
Christina's vision extends beyond her enterprises. Her work through the Create Campaign is laying the groundwork for a future where minority entrepreneurs no longer just dream but actualize their visions. As we dive into the challenges and triumphs of bridging gaps between ideas and execution, Christina's insights on the essence of a business plan, the power of consultation, and the importance of community support are invaluable.
Christina Long's journey is not just her own; it's a beacon for all aspiring entrepreneurs and community leaders. She embodies the spirit of empowerment, demonstrating that with determination, support, and a clear vision, it's possible to rise, thrive, and leave a mark on the world.


Here's a quick recap of the episode:
00:00 Announcing the 2024 Rise and Thrive Conference!
00:47 Celebrating Women's History Month: The Inspiring Journey of Christina Long
03:59 From Journalism to Entrepreneurship: Christina Long's Story
04:49 Launching Miss Lady and the Birth of CML Collective
06:32 The Importance of Strategic Branding in Business
09:24 Creating Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs: The Create Campaign
11:47 Bridging the Entrepreneurial Gap: Advice for Aspiring Business Owners
19:39 The Power of Community and Passion in Entrepreneurship
22:45 The Drive Behind the Struggle: Finding Purpose and Perseverance
23:22 The Impact of Business on Lives and Communities
24:50 Navigating Mental Health and Personal Growth
26:19 Embracing Imperfection and Focusing on Progress
27:52 The Journey of Becoming an Author: Sharing the Blueprint
32:55 Designing a Decade: Setting Goals and Living Your Legacy
36:36 Understanding Self-Worth and Confidence
41:40 Concluding Thoughts: Embracing Worthiness and Moving Forward


Connect with Christina:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-long-05221555/Websites:https://www.cmlcollective.comhttps://www.createcampaignks.comRESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.

Today, we're learning from Fatima Perez-Luthi, CEO and founder of The Grind Coaching and Consulting. When navigating the exciting yet challenging path of entrepreneurship, financial literacy is a stumbling block for many. When beginning a journey with personal finance coaching, the primary objective is to establish a comfortable relationship. This may seem daunting as it involves intricate details, unpleasant truths, and confronting shame associated with money matters. But once you cross that bridge, a world of opportunity awaits on the other side.
Watch the full episode! 
Becoming comfortable with your financial status, understanding its implications, potential and limitations, and being real with yourself about these are pivotal steps. Building on this, setting concrete, achievable goals, and committing to them will help ensure financial health and sustainability.Fatima shares her journey from a young entrepreneur selling chocolates at the age of seven to establishing her financial practice.
The episode delves into the significance of understanding one's financial psychology, the power of setting actionable goals, and the importance of embracing failure in entrepreneurship. Fatima reveals her struggle with imposter syndrome and the realization that failure is an opportunity for growth. 
Here's A Recap of this week's episode:
00:46 Guest Introduction: Fatima, CEO of The Grind
01:15 Fatima's Journey into Entrepreneurship
02:25 The Birth of The Grind Coaching and Consulting
08:11 The Importance of Financial Literacy
13:43 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship
18:35 The Role of Finances in Entrepreneurship
19:08 The Process of Financial Coaching
24:35 The Creation of a Financial Literacy App
27:17 The Birth of a Business Idea
27:57 The Struggles of Software Development
28:45 The Importance of Intention in Finance
29:31 The Journey to App Development
30:25 The Reality of Investment and Risk
30:38 The Unexpected Challenges of App Development
31:51 The Power of Support and Community
32:12 The Mental Endurance in Entrepreneurship
37:08 The Fear of Failure and the Power of Perseverance
43:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Growth
49:39 The Power of Vulnerability and Transparency
50:46 Conclusion: The Journey of Entrepreneurship
Everyone's financial journey varies. What works for one might not work for you. But, suppose you invest time, effort and patience into understanding your financial patterns and their intricate details. In that case, you're already heading towards a brighter financial future. Fear and failure are part of the journey, but every stumbling block carries a valuable lesson in resilience and discipline. As Fatima succinctly put, "Be it till you become it."

Resources inside this episode:
Connect with Fatima: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-perez-luthi-38901b175/
Fatima's Services:
RESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.

In honor of Women's History Month, Behind the Spotlight Podcast is featuring trailblazers who are doing BIG things in their communities and businesses.
Tracy Jepson, an entrepreneur with 20 years of expertise in small business consulting, coaching, and advisory. Having multiple successful businesses ranging from bookkeeping, a dive shop to a wellness studio, Tracy shares her journey of overcoming burnout and creating multiple thriving businesses. Jepson discusses how she found peace underwater with scuba diving, how she overcame obstacles, the importance of work-life balance, and how her passion for wellness led to the birth of her wellness studio. Tracy provides practical advice on pricing services, hiring practices, investing in oneself and understanding the value of the services offered. The conversation also dives into the importance of having a support system and how she tackles new businesses with a systematic, yet flexible, approach.
Topics such as hiring the right team, the art of pricing services, overcoming money trauma, seeking continuous learning, and maintaining a positive business mindset are discussed. Emphasizing the value of networking and investing time into the business process, Tracy encourages entrepreneurs to ask questions and be willing to make strategic decisions for the growth and success of their businesses.
Here's a recap of this episode:
02:25 Meet Tracy Jepson: The Powerhouse Woman with Multiple Businesses
06:59 The Art of Collecting Businesses: From Scuba Diving to Wellness
13:21 Overcoming Debt and Building a Successful Business
16:35 The Journey to Wellness: From Personal Transformation to Business Creation
18:39 The Importance of Teamwork in Running Multiple Businesses
20:42 Hiring and Managing Teams Across Different Businesses
26:10 Join the Insider Community Circle
26:58 Overcoming the Poverty Mindset
28:09 Understanding Your Value Through Pricing
28:18 The Impact of Money Trauma
29:58 The Importance of Knowing Your Living Budget
34:30 The Power of Investing in Yourself
38:11 The Importance of Hiring Sooner
43:44 The Value of Turning Down Clients
47:09 The Power of Intentionality
48:40 Closing Thoughts and Reflections


Connect & Contact Tracy Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjepson/
Website: tracyjepson.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/tracyljepson/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyljepsonRESOURCES & LINKS:
Join our Inner Circle Community here. Stay updated with Danielle here. Rate, Review, & Follow on Behind The Spotlight Podcast! This helps me support more people — just like you — move toward the Greatness and develop into your best self. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!Also, if you haven’t done so already.