Business Savages

Olya Grovel
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Business Savages

Olya Grovel, startup scaling expert, top rated coach & mentor, and aspiring author, hosts Business Savages, where relatable, everyday entrepreneurs share their raw, down-to-earth journeys of growth, resilience, and success. Unlike typical shows, Business Savages spotlights stories from outside the usual "hall of fame." Each episode delivers actionable strategies for escaping the grind—whether it's a 9-5 or your own hustle—so you can optimize your talents without burning out. Plus, a unique “homework” segment helps you apply these insights to your own journey.

  1. #25 Confidence Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Owning Who You Are with J2

    2 DAYS AGO

    #25 Confidence Isn’t About Fitting In—It’s About Owning Who You Are with J2

    What happens when the career you thought defined you gets taken away? Do you shrink back—or do you reinvent yourself? In this episode of Business Savages, I sit down with J2—artist, speaker, coach, and videographer—who turned his biggest loss into his greatest opportunity. After getting fired from a job people would kill to have, J2 found himself at a crossroads. Instead of letting it break him, he used it as a chance to chase his real purpose. From rebuilding confidence to pushing past fear, J2 shares what it really takes to own who you are—instead of trying to fit into someone else’s version of success. What you’ll learn in this episode: 💡 Why losing his “dream job” was the best thing that ever happened to him 💡 The real reason you can’t stay stuck in one lane (even when people tell you to focus) 💡 How faith, purpose, and service fuel real confidence 💡 The power of just starting—before you feel “ready” 💡 Why helping others is the fastest way to find your own path And some mic-drop moments you don’t want to miss: ✨ “Confidence isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about trusting that you’ll figure it out.” ✨ “You can’t lead others if you don’t first believe in yourself.” ✨ “Nobody else can give you self-worth—you’ve got to claim it.” This episode is for anyone who’s felt lost, doubted their path, or wondered if they have what it takes. J2 keeps it raw, real, and unfiltered—because sometimes, the only way forward is to stop overthinking and start doing. What’s something you thought was a loss, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise? Drop it below in the comments! 👇 --------------------------------------------------------------- Where to Find J2: Instagram:@yea.j2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NhgY6AHxrWW1VaUSiKpPd?si=5C-dxVG3TaehddBWQuZApg Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/artist/j-2/1552534612  Follow me on IG@olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    1h 12m
  2. #24 The Power of Being the Outsider with Niamh Donnelly

    FEB 11

    #24 The Power of Being the Outsider with Niamh Donnelly

    In this episode ofBusiness Savages, I sit down with Niamh Donnelly, co-founder of Akara Robotics, to talk about her journey as a woman in mechanical engineering and robotics—two of the most male-dominated industries out there. From being one of only two women in her college class to pioneering robotic disinfection technology for hospitals, Niamh shares the challenges, wins, and lessons she’s learned along the way. We dive into how growing up with an engineer father shaped her early curiosity, why embracing discomfort became one of her greatest assets, and how she’s navigating the startup world while advocating for more diversity in STEM. What you’ll learn in this episode: 🔑 Why being one of the only women in the room became Niamh’s superpower 🔑 The real challenges women face in engineering & how to push through them 🔑 How mentors (even unofficial ones) play a role in career growth 🔑 Why diversity in engineering & robotics is still a challenge—and how to change it 🔑 The surprising struggles of bringing robotics into healthcare  But this conversation isn’t just about STEM—it’s about resilience, growth, and redefining what’s possible: ✨ “Being uncomfortable became my advantage—it prepared me for entrepreneurship.” ✨ “Women in engineering are often subtly guided toward ‘easier’ fields. That needs to change.” ✨ “I spent six months in a nursing home testing our robot—turns out, older adults love technology.” From tackling imposter syndrome to breaking into industries where women are underrepresented, Niamh’s insights are both eye-opening and inspiring. Homework for Listeners:🔍 Research a woman in STEM from your local area or country. Learn about her contributions, and take a moment to appreciate the impact of women in science and engineering. Where to Find Niamh & Akara Robotics: 🌐 Website: akara.ai 📩 Connect with Niamh on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamh-donnelly-akara-robotics/  Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    46 min
  3. #23 LinkedIn Myths Busted: Why You’re Using It All Wrong— Abbey Naylor's No-Nonsense Guide to Authentic Branding

    JAN 29

    #23 LinkedIn Myths Busted: Why You’re Using It All Wrong— Abbey Naylor's No-Nonsense Guide to Authentic Branding

    Think LinkedIn is just a job board or a platform for endless self-promotion? Think again. In this episode of Business Savages, I sit down with Abbey Naylor, a LinkedIn personal branding coach who helps professionals transform their relationship with the platform. Abbey shares her journey from HR and recruitment to coaching entrepreneurs, and she gets real about what it takes to build a sustainable personal brand. Whether you’re starting a side hustle, growing a business, or simply trying to stand out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and powerful insights. What you’ll learn in this episode: 🔑 Personal branding doesn’t mean sharing your entire life—it’s about intentional storytelling (05:21). 🔑 You can’t be for everyone—if you try, you’ll be for no one 🔑 How to align your LinkedIn content strategy with your goals 🔑 Your LinkedIn headline isn’t just a title—it’s your first chance to stand out 🔑 Why mindset work is the foundation of personal and professional growth But it’s not just about strategy—Abbey gets real about the struggles behind the scenes:✨ “Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means you care about getting it right.”  ✨ “Motherhood redefines you—but so does entrepreneurship.” ✨ “Stop trying to fix yourself—start understanding why you are the way you are.”  From tackling imposter syndrome to understanding the power of your own story, Abbey’s candid advice will inspire you to stop chasing algorithms and start focusing on what truly matters: building a personal brand that feels like you. Follow Abbey on IG @_boldmood LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbey-naylor/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavagesWebsite:https://olyagrovel.com/

    1h 3m
  4. #22 The Truth About Being a Mom and an Entrepreneur Nobody Tells You with Alexis Charkiw

    JAN 21

    #22 The Truth About Being a Mom and an Entrepreneur Nobody Tells You with Alexis Charkiw

    Get ready for an honest and empowering discussion with Alexis Charkiw, founder of Right Click Accountancy and a mom of twins. In this heartfelt episode of Business Savages, Alexis shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to launching her own thriving accountancy firm. What started as a business born out of necessity became a pathway for rediscovering herself, especially after navigating the challenges of IVF, postpartum depression, and balancing motherhood. Through candid reflections, Alexis opens up about losing and rebuilding her identity, integrating her love for finances with her role as a parent, and finding purpose through her business. Together with Olya Grovel, they dive into the realities of being a working mom, the importance of financial confidence, and the value of a strong community for personal and professional growth. This episode is for anyone juggling life’s complexities, especially moms and entrepreneurs, offering relatable insights and practical advice for creating a life you truly love. In this episode, you will learn: How to transition from a corporate identity to rediscovering your personal and professional purpose. Why starting a business out of necessity can spark unexpected passion and opportunity. Realistic ways to balance work and family life without striving for perfection. The fundamentals of financial confidence for small business owners, from bookkeeping to cash flow. How to find and cultivate a supportive community that aligns with your values and goals. Follow Alexis on IG @alexis_rightclick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charkiwalexis/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficialLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    58 min
  5. #21 Turning Struggles into Strength: A Journey to Success and Fulfillment with Gary Rankin

    12/18/2024

    #21 Turning Struggles into Strength: A Journey to Success and Fulfillment with Gary Rankin

    In this episode ofBusiness Savages, Olya Grovel interviews Gary Rankin, a life and mindset coach, about his transformative journey from depression and self-doubt to becoming a thriving entrepreneur. Gary shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career, from hitting rock bottom after a breakup to finding his calling through a self-help book. They discuss the importance of physical health, emotional resilience, and living in alignment with core personal values. Tune in to hear Gary’s honest and inspiring story, as well as actionable tips for designing a fulfilling life and business. Learning Takeaways: The Power of Rock Bottom as a Catalyst:Understand how hitting rock bottom can ignite a journey of self-discovery and change. Physical Health as a Foundation for Success:Explore how prioritizing physical well-being impacts mental clarity, energy, and overall resilience. Discovering Your Core Values:Learn how identifying personal values helps shape a meaningful and fulfilling life and career. The Importance of Flexibility and Self-Care:Recognize how self-discipline balanced with self-compassion leads to sustainable progress. Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur:Gain insights into navigating self-doubt, societal expectations, and personal struggles while growing a business. Homework: Define Your Core Values:Spend 20–30 minutes reflecting on what matters most to you. Write down your top five core values and consider how they align with your current lifestyle and goals. Create a Vision Aligned with Your Values:Envision a fulfilling life centered around your core values. Outline specific steps to integrate these values into your daily habits and professional goals. Reframe Priorities:Reassess your time management by replacing the phrase “I don’t have time for this” with “I’m not prioritizing this.” Notice how it shifts your perspective and decision-making. Introduce Flexibility to Your Routine:Identify one habit or routine where you can adopt a more balanced and flexible approach. For example, adjust your dietary habits to focus on sustainability rather than strict perfection. Reach Out for Support:If coaching interests you, research or connect with a coach who aligns with your goals. Use the opportunity to gain clarity and actionable steps toward your vision. Follow Gary on IG @garyrankin_ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-rankin/ Follow me on IG @olyagrovelofficial LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/olya-grovel-ryabinina/  Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website:https://olyagrovel.com/

    50 min
  6. #20 From Chaos to Control: How Systems Can Transform Your Business with Olga Zippa

    12/04/2024

    #20 From Chaos to Control: How Systems Can Transform Your Business with Olga Zippa

    In this episode of Business Savages, Olya Grovel is joined by Olga Zippa, founder of Next Day Executive, who shares her transformative journey from aspiring actress to a globetrotting entrepreneur specializing in business operations and systems. Olga delves into the lessons she learned from years of resilience-building, overcoming rejection, and finding clarity in chaos. She provides actionable strategies for solopreneurs and business owners to create efficient systems, reduce overwhelm, and achieve true work-life balance. Discover how Olga has helped businesses save time, boost efficiency, and regain control of their lives without sacrificing success. Learning Takeaways: Building Resilience through Rejection: Olga shares how years of rejection in her acting career built the resilience that drives her success in business today. Efficient Systems for Business Growth: Learn how implementing project and client management systems can save hours each week and improve work-life balance. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Understand the role of preparation and mindset shifts in battling imposter syndrome and regaining confidence. Delegation and Automation: Olga explains the importance of identifying tasks you dislike and either automating or delegating them to focus on impactful work. The Power of Intentionality: Discover how being intentional with time and resources leads to sustainable growth and personal fulfillment. Homework: Audit Your Tasks: Write down your weekly tasks and identify what brings you joy and what doesn’t. For tasks you dislike, brainstorm ways to automate or delegate them. Track Your Time: For one week, track how you spend your working hours. At the end of the week, identify areas where time could be used more efficiently. Plan Ahead: Set aside 30 minutes to outline your tasks for the next week, ensuring you prioritize impactful activities and prepare adequately for upcoming challenges. Reflect on Resilience: Recall a recent challenge you overcame and write about how it has strengthened your ability to face future obstacles. Start with One System: Choose one area of your business (e.g., client onboarding, email responses, or project tracking) and research a tool or system to simplify it. Implement it this week. Follow Olga on IG @nextday.executive LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgazippa/ IG: @olyagrovelofficial Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages Website: https://olyagrovel.com/

    54 min
  7. #19 Why the Straight Path Might Be Holding You Back: How to Establish Emotional Runway and Build Unshakable Commitment as an Entrepreneur with Pavlo Pedenko

    11/20/2024

    #19 Why the Straight Path Might Be Holding You Back: How to Establish Emotional Runway and Build Unshakable Commitment as an Entrepreneur with Pavlo Pedenko

    In this episode of Business Savages, host Olya Grovel welcomes Pavlo Pedenko, co-founder of the STEM tutoring platform Mathema.me. Pavlo shares his journey from Ukraine to building a thriving ed-tech startup, revealing the unexpected hurdles of scaling a business in different cultural and economic landscapes. They discuss the importance of emotional and financial runway for entrepreneurs, the highs and lows of startup life, and the lessons learned from navigating crises like the war in Ukraine. Pavlo also explores his nonlinear career path and how his diverse experiences shaped his resilience as a founder. Learning Takeaways: Understanding Your Runway: Learn why maintaining a personal and emotional runway is as critical as securing a financial runway for your business. Scaling Across Cultures: Pavlo shares lessons from expanding into new markets and the unexpected challenges of addressing local needs. Impact over Busyness: Discover why true progress matters more than appearing busy in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. The Value of Gratitude: Pavlo’s exercise of daily gratitude offers a mental reset, even amidst high-stress environments. Commitment as a Superpower: The importance of persevering through the tough moments without searching for shortcuts. Homework: Emotional Check-In: Assess your personal and emotional runway. Write down what’s fueling your energy and what’s draining it, then make one change to prioritize your well-being. Gratitude Practice: For the next week, write down three things you’re grateful for each day. Reflect on how this shifts your mindset. Impact Audit: Track your daily activities and assess if they’re leading to meaningful progress or just keeping you busy. Eliminate at least one task that doesn’t contribute to your goals. Cultural Exploration: Research a market or audience you’re unfamiliar with and write down three unique characteristics or needs that could shape your approach. Follow Pavlo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavlo-pedenko-7a02061b/ Follow Us: olyagrovel.com https://www.instagram.com/olyagrovelofficial/https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages

    51 min
  8. #18 The Hard Truths of Building a Hospitality Empire: Lessons on Failure, Family, and Finding Purpose with Alberto Zandi

    11/13/2024

    #18 The Hard Truths of Building a Hospitality Empire: Lessons on Failure, Family, and Finding Purpose with Alberto Zandi

    In this episode of Business Savages, Olya sits down with Alberto Zandi, co-founder of Emerald Hospitality Group, to discuss his journey from a young strategy consultant to establishing a thriving hospitality business with his twin brother. Alberto opens up about the unexpected hurdles of the restaurant industry, the importance of adaptability, and the unique dynamics of co-founding a business with family. He also shares key insights into finding purpose, embracing failures as learning experiences, and building resilience in a high-stakes environment. This conversation uncovers the gritty realities of scaling a hospitality group while staying true to personal happiness and purpose. Learning Takeaways: Family as Business Partners: Working with a family member, especially a twin, can streamline decision-making but requires clear role separation to avoid conflicts that may affect both business and personal relationships. Balancing Stubbornness and Open-mindedness: Alberto shares the importance of striking a balance between perseverance and flexibility to respond to market feedback, which he views as crucial for any entrepreneur. Failing Forward: Early failures, from missteps in business model alignment to underperforming locations, taught him invaluable lessons about customer psychology and market adaptability. Embracing these failures paved the way for long-term success. Building Confidence for Resilience: Alberto emphasizes that self-confidence is key, especially in challenging industries, and that physical exercise is a practical method to cultivate this mindset. Focus on Core Strengths: Success doesn’t come from doing everything. Zandi advises prioritizing tasks that truly drive growth rather than simply staying busy—a lesson he believes every founder should internalize. Homework: Start Small with Exercise for Confidence: Dedicate a few days a week to consistent physical exercise to build confidence, which can translate into business resilience. List Your Interests and Potential Market Gaps: Spend 30 minutes jotting down personal interests, then brainstorm how these could fill a market gap. Choose one idea to explore further. Empower Someone on Your Team: If you manage others, identify a person who may benefit from more responsibility. Grant them creative freedom on a small project and offer supportive guidance. Practice Focused Efforts: Choose one task or project to pursue deeply this week rather than multitasking. Track its progress and assess how focusing impacts quality and results. Assess Purpose in Your Projects: Evaluate whether current projects or goals are genuinely fulfilling. If they aren’t, consider ways to pivot towards work that aligns better with your sense of purpose. Closing Reflection Question:Reflect on this: Are you mistaking movement for progress? Remember to focus on quality and meaningful results over mere activity to avoid burnout and achieve true growth. Follow Alberto's here: https://www.instagram.com/30tofficial/ Follow Us: https://olyagrovel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/olyagrovelofficial/ https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessSavages

    51 min
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About

Olya Grovel, startup scaling expert, top rated coach & mentor, and aspiring author, hosts Business Savages, where relatable, everyday entrepreneurs share their raw, down-to-earth journeys of growth, resilience, and success. Unlike typical shows, Business Savages spotlights stories from outside the usual "hall of fame." Each episode delivers actionable strategies for escaping the grind—whether it's a 9-5 or your own hustle—so you can optimize your talents without burning out. Plus, a unique “homework” segment helps you apply these insights to your own journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Olya Grovel
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Olya Grovel
  • Show Website
    Business Savages

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