Beyond Business

Hannah Anderson and Maddie Silk
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

Beyond Business takes you past the boardroom to learn from leaders who are redefining success. Hosted by Maddie and Hannah, this podcast dives into the mindset, strategy, and stories behind great leadership—and what it really takes to build a business while balancing real life. From candid conversations about growth and vision to honest insights on parenthood and purpose, Beyond Business helps driven leaders think bigger and lead better.

  1. 019: Emotional Intelligence and the Hidden ROI

    Apr 22

    019: Emotional Intelligence and the Hidden ROI

    The host of Beyond Business (Maddie Silk) breaks down Emotional Intelligence not as a buzzword, but as one of the most overlooked drivers of real business results. She shares how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reading people in real time show up daily — in client conversations, tough feedback, rejection, and high-pressure moments. Pulling from her own experience in sales, leadership, and motherhood, she explains how constantly navigating emotions — both your own and everyone else’s — builds a level of adaptability and intuition you can’t teach from a textbook. Reframing Emotional Intelligence as a revenue-generating skill, she connects it to stronger client relationships, higher close rates, better retention, and the ability to lead with confidence instead of reaction. The takeaway: what feels like emotional weight is actually building capacity — and when you learn to use it intentionally, it becomes one of your biggest competitive advantages in business.

    23 min
  2. 018: You Don’t Need More Leads—You May Need a Better System

    Apr 15

    018: You Don’t Need More Leads—You May Need a Better System

    Hannah and Maddie discuss why many business owners don’t actually need more leads but need a better system for handling and converting the leads they already get, since leads often come in across multiple channels and get missed when life gets busy. They emphasize that today’s consumers expect fast responses, and the first 5–10 minutes after an inquiry is the highest conversion window, using examples like roofing and an HVAC emergency where companies failed to respond. They outline four essentials to improve conversion: (1) a centralized place for all leads (a CRM), (2) an immediate response system such as automated texts/emails that set expectations, (3) a structured multi-touch follow-up sequence with value-add touches and automation, and (4) clear next steps that explain the buying process and build trust through transparency. They note follow-up impacts both revenue and reputation and should be consistently maintained despite staff changes. nine2ohmarketing.com centralvirginiamarketing.com 01:34 Lead Problem Myth 04:00 Speed to Lead Matters 06:14 HVAC Follow Up Fail 07:30 Customer Entry Points 08:53 Simple Forms Win 10:53 Four Part Lead System 12:53 CRM for Every Lead 13:31 Automation and Sync Issues 15:03 Time Investment Payoff 15:31 Automate the Mundane 16:45 Speed to Lead Systems 18:56 Meet Them Where They Are 20:38 Follow Up That Converts 24:37 Clear Next Steps 27:05 Trust Through Transparency 28:18 Reputation and Consistency 30:53 Backend Process Checkup

    32 min
  3. 017: Working Mom Whiplash (And Why It's Actually Your Superpower)

    Apr 8

    017: Working Mom Whiplash (And Why It's Actually Your Superpower)

    The host of Beyond Business (Hannah Anderson) discusses “working mom whiplash,” the exhausting daily shift between parenting demands and professional expectations, using spring break childcare, early-morning routines, and sudden school nurse calls as examples. Reframing whiplash as a superpower, she connects it to “code switching,” describing how rapid identity and behavior shifts build elite adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to read rooms quickly. She argues these traits make working parents more efficient, relatable, less shaken by rejection, and stronger leaders in sales and business, encouraging listeners to view the strain as stretching capacity rather than breaking it. centralvirginiamarketing.com nine2ohmarketing.com 00:00 Beyond Business Intro 00:39 Morning Setup and Context 01:10 Motherhood Summit Invite 02:39 Working Mom Whiplash 03:24 Spring Break Reality Check 07:17 The Mental Load Explained 09:14 Code Switching Superpower 11:03 Why It Helps in Business 14:25 Reframe and Encouragement 17:08 Wrap Up and Next Week 17:18 Marketing Agency Outro

    18 min
  4. 016: A Kid's Perspective on Business

    Apr 1

    016: A Kid's Perspective on Business

    In this episode, I (Maddie) sat down with my three boys to get their take on business… and let’s just say, their answers did not disappoint. From what they think a business is, to what they think I do for a living, to their completely unfiltered commentary on why people are in business—this episode is equal parts hilarious and surprisingly insightful. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest (and most honest) perspectives can make you think a little differently about what we do every day. A fun, lighthearted episode about business—through the eyes of kids. Enjoy!

    11 min

  5. Mar 25

    015: Sales Doesn't Sell: How to Avoid Sales Breath and Win More Clients

    Maddie and Hannah discuss shifting sales expectations, noting that traditional pushy tactics and “sales breath” no longer work because buyers are more educated, have more choices, and prioritize trust. They emphasize selling through relationship-building, authenticity, transparency, and honest expectation-setting, especially in long-term services like marketing. They describe modern salespeople as trusted advisors, connectors, and consultants who provide value, ask better questions, listen, and challenge surface-level positioning such as “family owned” by clarifying what it means for customers. They argue honesty builds lasting client relationships and prevents churn and buyer’s remorse, and they stress that entrepreneurs are always in sales. centralvirginiamarketing.com nine2ohmarketing.com 00:00 Beyond Business Intro 00:37 Weather Check Banter 01:59 Snowed In Stories 03:25 Sales Has Changed 04:09 Trust Over Tactics 06:01 Educated Modern Buyers 08:36 Transparency Builds Trust 09:47 Consultant Not Seller 12:09 Value And Challenge 14:52 Honesty For Long Term 15:16 Tool Hype Reality Check 16:32 Set Honest Expectations 17:23 Plan Check In Pivot 18:39 Sell What Fits Now 19:50 Believe In Your Product 21:25 People Buy People 23:20 Relationship Intelligence 26:04 Authenticity Self Awareness 27:17 Sales And Entrepreneurship 28:05 Marketing Partner Outro

    29 min
  6. 014: Raising Businesses and Raising Babies with Leah O'Connell

    Mar 18

    014: Raising Businesses and Raising Babies with Leah O'Connell

    Hannah and Maddie welcome photographer and business owner Leah O’Connell, creator of the weekly “Firefly Letters,” to discuss building a photography business from scratch and evolving it through major life seasons. Leah shares how an early passion for storytelling led from mall portrait studios and camp media work to mentoring opportunities in Hawaii after repeated rejections from a college program and an unplanned career shift. She explains how entrepreneurship required a growth mindset, willingness to look inexperienced, and raising her hand for opportunities, and how motherhood, moves, pregnancy/postpartum cycles, miscarriages, and financial ebb and flow shaped her definition of success. Leah describes choosing sustainability over constant scaling, managing creative energy, serving clients intentionally, and “tinkering” with small pivots rather than chasing novelty, emphasizing grit and not giving up. Connect with Leah: https://leahoconnell.com/ centralvirginiamarketing.com nine2ohmarketing.com 00:00 Beyond Business Intro 00:39 Meet Leah O'Connell 02:51 Photography Origins 04:58 Hawaii Turning Point 06:09 Mentorship And First Clients 09:05 Paying It Forward 10:12 Entrepreneur Mindset 13:25 Motherhood And Business Seasons 16:10 Scaling With Energy 17:26 Redefining Success 19:04 Flexibility Versus Stability 21:16 Redefining Success Seasons 22:43 Hardest Parts Entrepreneurship 23:14 Grit And Tinkering 27:29 New And Noteworthy 28:44 Spring Photos Push 30:45 Key Takeaways Recap 33:33 Blending Life And Work 34:53 Marketing Outro And CTA

    36 min
  7. 013: Building Community, Not Just Companies: Leadership, Connection & Purpose with David Vander Bloomen

    Mar 4

    013: Building Community, Not Just Companies: Leadership, Connection & Purpose with David Vander Bloomen

    Beyond Business hosts Maddie and Hannah interview David Vander Bloomen of the De Pere Chamber about his career pivots from music education to TV photojournalism, marketing, promotional products, law enforcement, and ultimately chamber leadership after injury, burnout, and stress-related health scares. David emphasizes a servant mindset, faith, and clarity of purpose as anchors through change, encouraging people not to settle and to remember their “why.” He discusses contentment, slowing down, and learning to say no, plus leadership lessons from hardship that help him support chamber members. David shares coaching youth baseball to build character, critiques current youth sports culture, and explains community-based chamber initiatives that connect residents and businesses through experiences. He advises new business owners to build a personal board of advisors and grow sustainably. 00:00 Beyond Business Intro 00:39 Meet David 01:38 From Music to Media 02:27 Marketing and Recession Pivot 03:08 Calling to Law Enforcement 04:04 Injury and Burnout Wakeup 05:01 Finding Home at Chamber 05:57 Mindset Through Curveballs 09:05 Purpose Over Money 10:07 Slowing Down for Joy 12:10 Leadership Lessons and Coaching 16:04 Building Center Valley Baseball 16:59 Parents and Youth Sports Pressure 19:26 Winning the Game of Life 20:25 Advice for Small Businesses 22:06 Community and Business Ecosystem 23:04 Reinventing Chamber Events 25:32 Serving Through Faith 28:47 Pursuit Adventure Group Mission 31:05 Time Management and Saying No 34:53 Key Takeaways Recap 38:01 Where to Find David De Pere Chamber: https://deperechamber.org/ Connect with David: www.davidvanderbloomen.comnine2ohmarketing.com centralvirginiamarketing.com

    40 min

  8. Feb 11

    012: When School’s Out and Work Isn’t: The Reality of Working Moms

    In this episode of Beyond Business, Maddie and Hannah discuss the complexities of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, particularly in the context of parenthood. They address the challenges posed by unexpected events such as snow days and personal illnesses, and the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset. The conversation highlights the need for positive self-talk, realistic goal-setting, and providing grace to oneself and others. They emphasize that success is not only about meeting rigid expectations but also about adapting to life's unpredictable circumstances. The episode concludes with a call to support fellow parents and professionals, recognizing the shared struggles and triumphs. 00:00 Introduction: Beyond Business 00:38 Starting the Conversation: Real Life Interruptions 01:07 Pregnancy and Parenthood: The Real Talk 02:46 Episode 12: Life Updates and School Closures 04:41 Work-Life Integration: The Ongoing Challenge 06:52 Managing Expectations and Productivity 12:10 Flexibility and Fairness in the Workplace 20:46 Grace and Understanding: Personal and Professional Balance 23:29 Conclusion: Juggling It All 24:57 Outro: Marketing Support for Business Owners centralvirginiamarketing.com nine2ohmarketing.com

    26 min
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About

Beyond Business takes you past the boardroom to learn from leaders who are redefining success. Hosted by Maddie and Hannah, this podcast dives into the mindset, strategy, and stories behind great leadership—and what it really takes to build a business while balancing real life. From candid conversations about growth and vision to honest insights on parenthood and purpose, Beyond Business helps driven leaders think bigger and lead better.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Anderson and Maddie Silk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Anderson and Maddie Silk
  • Show Website
    Beyond Business