Actually, I Can.

Lindsay Tjepkema
  • 5.0 (8)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

What if the voices that say "you can't" and "you shouldn't" are wrong? Actually, I Can. is a celebration of bold choices, courageous journeys, and the deeply personal stories of founders, visionaries, and leaders who dared to defy the doubters and choose "yes" even when the world kept saying "no." This isn’t about growth hacks or formulas—it’s about the raw, human moments that shape real leaders. Host Lindsay Tjepkema sits down with real leaders and digs deep into the grit, grief, and reinvention that turned real dreams into exceptional realities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or on the edge of your next big move, Actually, I Can. will inspire you to trust your intuition, bet on yourself, and redefine success on your own terms.

  1. 1D AGO

    Why would I give up? with Alina Vandenberghe

    Alina Vandenberghe gets asked constantly: "Why don't you seek an exit?" In CEO communities, at events, from advisors, the assumption is always that a $3 billion exit is the ultimate goal every founder should pursue. She's been building Chili Piper for a decade. She's not selling. What you'll learn: Why the standard exit advice completely misses the point for values-driven foundersHow Alina transformed from someone who "didn't comprehend human connection" to organizing intentional dinners and building real relationshipsThe daily pressure founders face (and the one thought that keeps Alina going when the arrows come flying)Why proving capitalism can look different became her actual mission - not the exit fantasyHow to withstand relentless pressure when you're building something that doesn't fit anyone else's playbookAbout Alina Vandenberghe Alina Vandenberghe is the co-founder and co-CEO of Chili Piper, a company helping marketing teams and GTM ops people get more pipeline with agents. She started the company to create an environment where she and her husband could thrive, solving complex puzzles with fun people, remotely, with joy and compassion. Before Chili Piper, she climbed from intern to SVP at publicly traded companies across FinTech, healthcare, and education. She made a lot of money. She was very unhappy. Now she's building her own definition of success. This episode is a masterclass in what happens when you have the audacity to reject everyone's advice and discover your own path - and why the courage to simply be yourself might be the most important work you do as an adult. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] The Bad Advice[0:35] Who Alina Is and How Chili Piper Started[2:46] "The Most Important Thing We Do Is Have the Courage to Be Ourselves"[14:35] The Relationships Revelation: The Communication Course That Changed Everything[17:37] Why Exits Are Tempting (And Why She Says No Anyway)[18:13] "If You Can't Do It, There's No One Else Who Can Do It"[19:24] Advice for Founders Feeling the Pull📩 Subscribe to the newsletter: lindsaytjepkema.substack.com  🔗 Follow Lindsay on LinkedIn 🔗 Follow Alina on LinkedIn 🌶️ Learn more about Chili Piper: chilipiper.com

    22 min

  2. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Actually, I Can. Season 2 Trailer

    Actually, I Can is a show for founders who are tired of being told how they’re supposed to bring their vision to life. Every episode focuses on guidance the guest received that turned out to be terrible advice for them as a founder. Host Lindsay Tjepkema talks with founders about these moments, how they responded to them, and what happened because of it. These are not origin stories or victory laps. They’re real conversations about pressure, doubt, tradeoffs, and decision-making when the stakes are high. Through each story, Lindsay helps surface how founders stay aligned with who they are: their vision, values, relationships, creativity, and energy - even when the world seems to constantly push them to pursue the predictable path. If you’re building something that doesn’t fit the mold, questioning the advice you’re getting, or trying to protect the thing that made you start in the first place, this show is for you.

    2 min

  3. 09/10/2025

    Actually, You CAN Build A Business For Bereavement with Justin Clifford

    What does it look like to build something that companies aren't ready for? Justin Clifford is the CEO of Bereave, a company helping organizations navigate death, bereavement, and grief support in the workplace. Justin opens up about what it’s like to lead a “death tech” company, the resistance he’s faced, and how he’s building a platform that changes the way we're supported through loss. Because grief is universal, but support isn’t. If you've ever been told that your vision was too heavy, too different, or too taboo, this conversation is for you.  Learn more about Justin's work with Bereave.  Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    42 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    Actually, You CAN Dive In And Learn As You Go with Fabian Rodriguez

    What if the path you’re on isn’t the one you’re meant to stay on? Fabian Rodriguez opens up about the power of letting go of outdated definitions of success, the invisible toll of constantly trying to “prove” yourself, and the freedom that comes from finally asking: What do I want? From golden handcuffs to questioning the definition of "dream life," this episode is a reminder that you have permission to choose YOU.  Learn more about Fabian's work with Culture Collaborative Media. Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    52 min

  5. 08/13/2025

    Actually, we BOTH CAN with Kelly Ramsdell

    What if the version of your life that feels “off course” is actually the one that leads you exactly where you’re meant to go? Coach, creative, and former attorney Kelly Ramsdell (the powerhouse behind another business called Actually I Can) unpacks how to stop "shoulding" all over yourself, why no path is ever wasted, and how self-love and nervous system regulation are non-negotiables for bold action. From inventory management to law, from poetry to painting, and from chronic illness to personal reinvention, Kelly shares her deeply personal journey of reclaiming her life, rewriting her inner dialogue, and helping others do the same. Learn more about Kelly's work with Actually I Can. Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    46 min

  6. 07/30/2025

    Actually, You CAN Create The Impossible with Ian Faison

    What do the military, marketing, and murder mysteries have in common? According to Ian Faison, everything. Founder and CEO of Caspian Studios, Ian reminds us that creativity belongs in ever boardroom. His unwavering belief that B2B content doesn't have to be boring has redefined what is possible in business storytelling, even while swimming in a sea of skepticism.   Whether you’re a marketer, a dreamer, or someone who’s been told “that’s a little crazy,” this episode is your reminder that the most meaningful ideas often start with one brave voice. Learn more about Ian's work with Caspian Studios Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    47 min

  7. 07/16/2025

    Actually, You CAN Face Fear and Inspire Others with Dorien Morin

    What if the next chapter, the next business, or the next pivot could start at 40? Social media strategist and coach Dorien Morin sits down to remind us that it's never too late to start over and build something new. From the power of naiveté to what it really means to be visible, she shares that the best coaches are the ones who become the person they once needed. If you've ever doubted your ability to reinvent yourself, or even to get in front of the camera and hit record, this is for you.  Learn more about Dorien's work with More In Media  Connect with Dorien on Linkedin Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    42 min

  8. 07/02/2025

    Actually, You CAN Turn Setbacks Into Energy with Adam Barney

    What if the secret to sustained success isn't more hustle but better energy? Adam Barney, energy coach and author of Make Your Own Glass Half Full, shares his own journey of being laid off twice during his career, the loss of his mother, volunteering post-Hurricane Katrina, and talking with thousands of founders.  This conversation uncovers the value of protecting your most important resource: your energy. Whether you've ever felt like the underdog or need a reminder to protect your peace, this episode is for you.  Learn about Adam's work here.  Get Adam's book. Connect with Adam on Linkedin. Stay connected with Lindsay: Connect with Lindsay on Linkedin.Learn more about Lindsay's work here.Subscribe for monthly updates, resources, and events from Lindsay here.

    46 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

What if the voices that say "you can't" and "you shouldn't" are wrong? Actually, I Can. is a celebration of bold choices, courageous journeys, and the deeply personal stories of founders, visionaries, and leaders who dared to defy the doubters and choose "yes" even when the world kept saying "no." This isn’t about growth hacks or formulas—it’s about the raw, human moments that shape real leaders. Host Lindsay Tjepkema sits down with real leaders and digs deep into the grit, grief, and reinvention that turned real dreams into exceptional realities. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a dreamer, or on the edge of your next big move, Actually, I Can. will inspire you to trust your intuition, bet on yourself, and redefine success on your own terms.

Information

  • Creator
    Lindsay Tjepkema
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lindsay Tjepkema
  • Show Website
    Actually, I Can.