Aligned As F*ck: A Human (Design) Experiment with Candy Barone

Candy Barone

The Aligned As F*ck podcast provides a transformative discussion where we engage in authentic and significant discussions, elevating both individual and collective leadership. These conversations are unfiltered, genuine, and bold, as no topic is off-limits. A powerful space where real, meaningful conversations take place. Ones that disrupt, challenge, and elevate the definition of leadership and success ... conversations that get raw, real, and gritty ... where we talk about all things leadership, alignment, and Human Design. This is the vibrational frequency that move us forward.

  1. JUL 14

    Episode #64: Sales That Don't Suck Nor Require Being a Douchebag with Aleasha Bahr

    In this no-holds-barred, final episode of Season 2, Candy Barone is joined by the one and only Aleasha Bahr, the world's #1 authority on Black Sheep Sales. Together, they rip the lid off outdated, manipulative sales tactics and reframe what selling actually looks like when it's rooted in integrity, service, and aligned energy. From "stop selling like a douchebag" to “sales is a love letter,” this episode is a firestorm of truth bombs and permission slips for visionary leaders, coaches, and business owners who are done with performative, bro-marketing BS. Aleasha breaks down her revolutionary Black Sheep Sales Method™, a collaborative, custom, and radically human approach to sales that: Prioritizes de-qualifying over trying to get everyone to say yes Encourages you to repel the wrong clients so you magnetize the right ones Builds trust by giving a damn (and saying no when it’s not a fit) Removes the pressure and replaces it with presence and curiosity Converts up to 80% of leads without pretending to be someone you're not Candy and Aleasha also talk lighthouses, F-bombs, proposal graveyards, and the real reason sales feels weird for so many heart-centered leaders—plus how to finally reclaim your power, your voice, and your pricing. 💥 Whether you’re sales-shy, sales-curious, or a seasoned pro who knows the old model is broken, this episode will validate your gut, challenge your patterns, and remind you: If it’s a fit, it’s a fact—no forcing required. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why integrity is your greatest sales asset How to create collaborative conversations, not pressure cookers What to say when someone isn’t a fit (and how that builds your business) How sales can feel like love, not a battlefield 🖤 Want to learn more from Aleasha? Grab her powerful (and hilarious) new book: 👉 BlackSheepSalesBook.com And check out her podcast: Sales Is NOT a Dirty Word _______________________________________________________________ Aleasha Bahr is the world's #1 authority on Black Sheep Sales.  As a sales strategy and messaging expert with 15 years of experience, her proven method has helped sell tens of millions in offers - without acting like a douchebag.  Her approach ditches mainstream tactics and helps clients convert up to 80% of leads without pressure or pretending to be someone else. The Black Sheep Sales Method™: "Because if it's a fit, then it's a fact and there's no "selling" involved." Host of Sales Is NOT a Dirty Word podcast and the author of the book, Black Sheep Sales: How to Win More Sales without Acting Like a Douchebag. You can find Aleasha here: Black Sheep Sales: How to Win More Sales Without Acting Like a Douchebag BookSales in NOT a Dirty Word PodcastWebsite: https://aleashabahr.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleashabahrFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aleashabahr

    53 min
  2. JUN 16

    Episode #63: Too Much Is Exactly Enough - Reclaiming Power, Profit & Permission with Jessica Fearnley

    What if being too much was actually your greatest business advantage? In this magnetic and truth-telling episode, Candy Barone sits down with powerhouse business coach Jessica Fearnley to explore how women in consulting can unapologetically step into seven-figure success without sacrificing their sanity, sovereignty, or softness. Together, they unpack the myth that scaling means doing more — and instead, reveal the alchemy of earning more by doing less. Jessica shares how she helps women entrepreneurs transition from six to seven figures by shifting from hustle to high-value consulting models, and why “quiet power” and strategic boundaries are the most underutilized assets in leadership today. You’ll hear Jessica’s behind-the-scenes journey — from public sector project manager to award-winning entrepreneur and author of the groundbreaking new book, “Too Much: How To Thrive Being More Instead of Settling for Less.” This is a fierce reclamation of value, visibility, and vision for any woman who’s been told to shrink, silence, or smooth out her edges to succeed. If you’ve ever been labeled “too much,” this episode is your permission slip to be even more. 🔑 We cover: The hidden cost of over-functioning and over-delivering Why working less can unlock your highest income year yet How to build a consulting firm that doesn’t burn you out The mindset shifts that move you from doer to decision-maker What it really takes to unhook from people-pleasing and patriarchal expectations This conversation is a mirror, a catalyst, and a revolution for women who are ready to lead with boldness, brilliance, and boundaries intact. _______________________________ Jessica Fearnley is a business coach who helps women build seven figure consulting firms. She specializes in the transition from six to seven figures in turnover, and is an advocate for earning more by working less.Jessica has bachelor's and masters degrees from Nottingham University, and a career background in project management, business planning and business development in both the public and private sector. In December 2019 she was named as one of the LinkedIn Top Voices for Entrepreneurship and Small Business, and is passionate about closing the gender pay gap for women in consulting. She also is the author of her brand new book: "Too Much: How To Thrive Being More Instead of Settling for Less" -- you can purchased her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Much-Thrive-Instead-Settling/dp/1068376708 You also can find Jessica here: Website: www.jessicafearnley.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-fearnley-47173019Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicafearnleyFacebook: www.facebook.com/JessicaFearnleyBusinessConsultant

    1 hr
  3. JUN 10

    Episode #62: AI Blueprint for Million‑Dollar High‑Ticket Sales with Lauren Shaw

    In this rich conversation, Candy Barone sits down with Lauren Shaw, one half of “The Laurens," to explore how AI can become a transformational, alignment‑driven amplifier in high‑ticket sales and business growth. After a warm introduction, Lauren recounts how a shared love of sound healing led her and rocket scientist Lauren Capwell to burn everything down, travel to Bali, and co‑found The AI Sales Accelerator™ and Clarity Playbooks™ ... programs that have already generated millions in high‑ticket revenue by teaching entrepreneurs to marry cutting‑edge AI tools with human‑centered sales strategy . They dive into the evolution of their flagship offerings, from a broad “everything AI” pilot that turned into around‑the‑clock tech support, to today’s finely honed suite focusing squarely on empathetic sales and marketing automation. Lauren explains how they “whittled down” to the core of what lights them up: using custom GPTs to craft on‑brand messaging, automate content creation, and create an “Alignment GPT” that surfaces misalignments in business and personal flow, one they tested live, to tears, to rediscover clarity and momentum . A large section of the episode unpacks practical strategies for preserving voice and soul when deploying AI. Lauren outlines a two‑step method: (1) train a custom GPT on your unique brand knowledge base, and (2) treat AI as a thought‑partner—getting a first draft and then infusing it with your own insights. They also highlight “deep research” features in modern AI platforms (like ChatGPT’s and Gemini’s) to ground creative ideas in data, an underutilized but game‑changing approach for informed decision‑making and risk mitigation. Finally, Lauren unveils their latest innovation: the Sales Coach GPT, a 24/7 AI mentor that parses call transcripts to identify hidden objections, limiting beliefs, and follow‑up opportunities, then prescribes exact conversational pivots and nurture strategies. Listeners are encouraged to join the AI Clarity Community (first Wednesday each month) and try out their free “Premium Pricing GPT,” which demystifies hidden value in your offers and builds pricing confidence. Throughout, the message is clear: when used with intention and human oversight, AI is not here to replace us but to amplify our unique gifts and propel next‑level impact. ________________________ Learn more about the Laurens and the work they do here: Lauren Capwell and Lauren Shaw—better known as "The Laurens"—are the powerhouse duo behind a groundbreaking approach to high-ticket sales and AI-driven business growth. With a unique blend of expertise—a rocket scientist with Stanford AI training and a sales expert who has scaled multiple 6- and 7-figure businesses and sold over $5 million in high-ticket programs—they’ve cracked the code on how to consistently attract and close premium clients. As the creators of The AI Sales AcceleratorTM and Clarity PlaybooksTM, they help coaches, consultants, and online service providers transform their messaging, automate content creation, and build sales systems that convert. Their mission: To make AI simple, powerful, and practical—so business owners can scale with ease, reclaim their time, and achieve lasting financial freedom. _____________________ Info on the 6 Week Authentic Sales Challenge Starting May 28th!Premium Pricing GPT - Build unshakable pricing confidence by seeing the real value of your offer... on screen, in minutes.https://thelaurens.ai/Join the AI Clarity Community - free live monthly AI trainings _________________________ You can find them here: Website: http://thelaurens.ai LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenshawla Instagram: https://instagram.com/thelaurens.ai Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/aiclaritycommunity

    53 min
  4. MAY 26

    Episode #61: Transforming Your Business through Intuition and Energetic Alignment with Karianne Munstedt

    In this candid conversation, Candy and Karianne dive into Karianne’s rapid metamorphosis from a portrait-focused business to Strategic Impact Partners, a high-visibility consultancy for 7- to 8-figure CEOs. In this episode, Karianne shares: The pivotal “Dames Conference” moment when she followed an intuitive pull toward vision work. How she reclaimed her Sacral as CEO, silencing the over-analytical mind to generate a million-dollar-plus model in months. The simple ritual of driving in stillness that sparked her $1M+ vision and business plan in one traffic jam. Practical takeaways for listeners: carve out quiet slots (even in motion), lean into intuitive whispers, and give yourself permission to say “yes” to your next level. Tune in to hear how you, too, can spark an instant glow-up when you align energy, belief, and action. ---------------- More about Karianne: Karianne Munstedt is the Founder and CEO of Strategic Impact Partners, where she elevates executive presence through strategic visibility. With 17 years in the corporate world and a celebrated career as a business owner, portrait photographer, speaker, and coach, Karianne blends business strategy with creative vision and deep authenticity. She partners with executives and leadership teams to craft intentional, high-impact visibility strategies that reflects who they truly are while aligning with brand identity and business goals. Known for her warm, concierge-level approach, Karianne helps leaders show up with confidence, credibility, and presence—positioning them for lasting impact and recognition. Karianne is a wife, mother to two children and three furry friends, plant lover, and avid reader. She received her MBA from Arizona State University in 2003. Karianne has received multiple awards for her leadership, business acumen, photography expertise and speaking skills. ---------------- You can learn connect with Karianne here: Website: https://strategicimpactpartners.us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kariannemunstedt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kariannemunstedt

    1h 1m
  5. MAY 12

    Episode #60: Repotting Your Business + Reclaiming Your Big Idea with Jess Sato

    What if the reason your business isn’t working the way it used to… is because you’ve outgrown the container it was planted in? In this soul-stirring, truth-bomb-packed episode, Candy Barone is joined by business growth and visibility strategist Jess Sato for a deeply intimate and powerful conversation about what it means to repot your business, reclaim your voice, and realign with the big idea you’re truly here to lead with. Together, they dive into the raw, unfiltered terrain of: The tension between purpose and profit—and why you must learn to hold both How to identify and articulate your “big idea” (the one that challenges the status quo and inspires real change) Why so many women leaders feel stuck right now—and what to do when the gears just won’t move The critical distinction between resting as rebellion and burying your head in the sand What it takes to burn down the old model and build a business that actually feels aligned Why clarity isn’t a branding exercise—it’s a soul excavation Plus, Jess shares her upcoming vision to create a transformational retreat in Egypt, how growing up in the Middle East shaped her mission, and the internal repotting she’s doing to match the bigness of what’s calling her forward. If you've ever felt like you're on the edge of something massive—but you're stuck in a system, strategy, or story that no longer fits—you cannot miss this episode. It’s not a midlife crisis.It’s a purpose awakening.And it might just be time to repot. Get to know Jess: Jess Sato is a business growth and visibility strategist who helps purpose-driven female entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and changemakers clarify their big idea, amplify their message, and create lasting social impact. Through her signature BOLT™ method, she guides clients in refining their vision, crafting compelling messaging, and identifying the right platforms to expand their reach. As a sought-after speaker coach and consultant, Jessica empowers women to embrace their expertise, stand out as industry leaders, and turn their brilliance into businesses that drive change. Connect with Jess here: Website: www.jessicasato.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jess-sato Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessicasato.com Threads: www.threads.net/@jessicasatocoach Facebook: www.facebook.com/JessicaSatoConsulting

    1h 8m
  6. MAY 5

    Episode #59: Intersection Between Art & Leadership, and Having a Beginner's Mindset with Dr. Minette Riordan

    In this deeply personal and raw conversation, I am joined by Dr. Minette Riordan, a visionary artist and creative coach, to explore how leadership, creativity, and art are inherently linked—and how embracing one’s creativity is key to stepping into authentic leadership. Minette opens up about her journey through art, from her early days of creative expression to overcoming the limiting beliefs that held her back from fully embracing her artist identity. Together, we explore how midlife transitions, menopause, and the shedding of old roles catalyze a deeper connection to purpose and creativity, especially for women. Minette shares her perspective on the healing power of art, why we should all call ourselves artists, and how leadership is akin to artistic expression. The episode also touches on the often-unspoken aspects of aging, the power of tapping into the divine feminine, and the importance of creating from a place of spaciousness and authenticity. Key Takeaways: Creativity is not limited to traditional art forms—it's about problem-solving, innovation, and self-expression. Midlife is a period of awakening, shedding roles, and embracing a deeper connection to self. True leadership and creativity come from being grounded in one’s truth and allowing the process of creation to unfold. Women in transition can reclaim their power and creativity to step into new leadership roles, fueled by their authentic self. ************* More about Dr. Minette Riordan: Dr. Minette Riordan is a modern-day Renaissance woman—a teacher, writer, artist, coach, and deep thinker. With a Ph.D. from Stanford University, she transitioned from academia to become a serial entrepreneur, building multiple successful businesses. Her journey led her to embrace her identity as an artist, using creative processes like art journaling and intuitive collage for personal growth and self-discovery.  Minette is passionate about empowering midlife women to reconnect with their creativity, purpose, and self-expression. Through her coaching programs and retreats, she guides individuals on transformative journeys, helping them rewrite their stories and design lives filled with meaning and joy. Her core beliefs include the freedom to write one's own story, the transformative power of art, and the importance of daily creativity and courage. You can find Dr. Minette here: Website: www.minetteriordan.com  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/minetteriordan  Instagram: www.instagram.com/drminetteriordan  Facebook: www.facebook.com/minette.riordan  YouTube: www.youtube.com/@drminetteriordan

    1h 4m
  7. APR 28

    Episode #58: Unlock Your Inner Wisdom by Tuning into Your Intuition with Shoshanna French

    In this powerful episode of the Aligned AF Podcast, I sit down with Shoshanna French, a leading intuitive strategist and founder of Simple Spirit™, to explore the transformative power of intuitive leadership. With over 20 years of experience helping high-profile leaders—including NFL players, Broadway stars, and billion-dollar founders—Shoshanna has honed the ability to guide individuals through moments of confusion, overwhelm, and self-doubt using their intuition. The conversation dives deep into how intuition is more than just a "gut feeling" or a lucky guess—it is a practical, accessible tool that can be intentionally cultivated to create measurable success. Shoshanna explains how intuition can serve as a compass, guiding visionary leaders toward clarity and smarter decisions, especially during moments of spiritual awakening or life disruption. The episode also delves into the contradictions of leadership and personal growth, particularly for those experiencing significant shifts in both business and personal life. Shoshanna offers a profound perspective on spiritual awakenings, emphasizing that true transformation often comes with discomfort and upheaval. She explores how individuals, especially leaders, can navigate this discomfort and use it as an opportunity for deep growth, while also addressing how intuition plays a key role in moving through challenges. Shoshanna and I also share their personal experiences with spiritual awakenings and intuition, unpacking what it means to embrace these shifts and use them to fuel one’s purpose. They discuss practical tools, like automatic writing, that help harness intuition and foster deeper self-awareness. Finally, Shoshanna shares her signature Intuitive Strategy Session, a transformative 60–90-minute deep dive designed to clear obstacles, generate clarity, and offer actionable strategies for moving forward with confidence. If you're ready to explore how intuitive leadership can unlock your true potential, this episode is for you. Tune in for a raw, real, and profoundly impactful conversation that will leave you empowered to embrace your intuition and lead with purpose. Connect with Shoshanna:For more on intuitive leadership and how Shoshanna can help you transform your approach to business and life, check out her special offer for a discounted Intuitive Strategy Session ⁠here.⁠ ************* Shoshanna is here to help you interrupt your life and get on the path of transformation that will change everything you ever knew. Shoshanna French’s goal is to cultivate wildly successful leaders through the practical power of intuitive leadership.  As the founder of Simple Spirit™ and Shoshanna French Consulting, she has provided intuitive strategy sessions to NFL leaders, Broadway and television stars, million and billion-dollar business founders, CEO’s, and business professionals. She helps her clients strengthen connection to their inner guidance so they can make faster, smarter decisions in business and life. Her clients generate unpredictable and profound results while deepening their connection to their purpose and finding new confidence and clarity. Learn more about Shoshanna's work: Website: ⁠www.simplespirit.com⁠ Special Offer for Listeners: ⁠https://calendly.com/shoshanna-french/intuitive-strategy-consulting-special⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/shoshannafrench⁠

    1h 11m
  8. APR 22

    Episode #57: Why Business Owners & CEOs Need an Operations-Minded Partner

    Guest: Ashley Connell | Founder of Prowess Project What happens when revolutionary leadership, Human Design, and next-gen OBM matchmaking collide? Pure magic. In this raw and riveting episode, Candy sits down with Ashley Connell—visionary founder of Prowess Project—to unpack what it really means to scale with soul, operate from alignment, and create business ecosystems where both CEOs and Online Business Managers thrive. From breaking down patriarchal hiring systems to redefining success for high-achieving women, Ashley shares the story behind building a 95% success-rate matchmaking platform that goes way beyond resumes. With deep emotional intelligence, proprietary algorithms, and a bold mission to change how we work, Prowess connects powerhouse OBMs with visionary CEOs through compatibility, energy, and intention. They explore: Why alignment is non-negotiable in today's leadership landscape How Human Design and energetic compatibility unlock your true genius Why AI is the third partner at the leadership table—and how it helps both OBMs and CEOs thrive The hidden cost of staying in your “competence zone” and how to finally step into your brilliance What it means to build with someone who sees your magic—and amplifies it This one’s for the high-performers who are over doing it alone … and for the hidden rockstars ready to rise. 🔥 Whether you're a CEO who needs a right-hand genius or someone who’s ready to become one—this episode will light you up. ************* Meet Ashley Connell: Ashley Connell is the matchmaker behind your momentum—turning visionary chaos into operational calm. As Founder of Prowess Project, Ashley connects big-idea leaders with powerhouse Online Business Managers—women re-entering the workforce with the strategic chops of a COO and the execution power of a VA. A former tech marketer turned ops evangelist (with features in Forbes, Austin Business Journal, and SXSW), Ashley built Prowess to solve two problems at once: scaling businesses that need operational leadership, and brilliant women sidelined by rigid work models. Her proprietary algorithm (think LinkedIn meets http://Match.com ) creates deeply intentional, compatibility-driven matches—and it shows: Prowess holds a 95% satisfaction rate. A Human Design Generator with a gift for sparking momentum, Ashley believes magic happens when the right CEO meets the right OBM. Because when everyone’s in their zone of genius? The business scales—and the humans thrive. You can check out what Ashley and Prowess Project are up to here: Website: https://www.prowessproject.com/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl6nqYT0AIBaIsCInSC2Qrg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-connell-ceo/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prowessproject/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyconnellceo/

    51 min

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About

The Aligned As F*ck podcast provides a transformative discussion where we engage in authentic and significant discussions, elevating both individual and collective leadership. These conversations are unfiltered, genuine, and bold, as no topic is off-limits. A powerful space where real, meaningful conversations take place. Ones that disrupt, challenge, and elevate the definition of leadership and success ... conversations that get raw, real, and gritty ... where we talk about all things leadership, alignment, and Human Design. This is the vibrational frequency that move us forward.