Crush the Rush™: The Female Entrepreneur Podcast for Sustainable Business Growth

Hosted by Holly Haynes

Crush the Rush™ is the female entrepreneur podcast for sustainable business growth—created for women business owners who want to scale profitably without burnout, hustle culture, or constant social media. Hosted by Holly Haynes, business strategist and former Fortune 500 executive, this business podcast for women helps established female entrepreneurs build intentional, scalable businesses using simple systems, organic client attraction, and values-based strategy. Each week, you’ll learn how to: Grow a profitable business without working 24/7Attract clients organically without Instagram or daily postingBuild simple, scalable business systems and workflowsCreate predictable revenue through evergreen marketing strategiesLead like a CEO while protecting your time and energyThrough practical strategy episodes and honest conversations, Crush the Rush™ breaks down what it actually takes to grow a sustainable business in today’s online economy. New episodes every Monday. If you’re a female entrepreneur ready for clarity, systems, and sustainable growth—this podcast is for you.

  1. 619 - Real Launch Debrief: What Actually Worked (and What I'd Change) With a 5,000-Person Email List and No Social Media

    2D AGO

    619 - Real Launch Debrief: What Actually Worked (and What I'd Change) With a 5,000-Person Email List and No Social Media

    In this week's pep talk, I am sharing a full, honest launch debrief—what actually worked, what didn’t, and the unexpected insight that is changing how I approach sustainable business growth moving forward.   In today's episode, I share: 01:38 – Why I’m pulling back the curtain on this launch and what “real transparency” in business actually looks like03:05 – The context behind this launch (email list size, offer history, and why we don’t rely on social media)05:12 – The structure of the Antisocial School launch and how we approached it with a small, engaged audience07:26 – What worked during the launch and the strategies that drove the most momentum09:48 – The quieter moments of the launch and why not every day converts (and that’s normal)12:03 – What didn’t work as expected and the data that surprised me the most14:21 – The mid-launch realization that shifted my strategy in real time16:37 – How I approached decision-making without reacting emotionally to the numbers18:52 – The biggest lesson from this launch and how it’s shaping our plans for the rest of the year21:10 – What this means for your next launch if you want sustainable, scalable results without burnout  🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎯 Free Quiz: What's Standing Between You and Consistent Business Income? → hollymariehaynes.com/quiz 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    26 min
  2. 618 - 3 Ways to Create Consistent Cashflow in Your Business & Eliminate Income Unpredictability

    APR 27

    618 - 3 Ways to Create Consistent Cashflow in Your Business & Eliminate Income Unpredictability

    If your income feels like a rollercoaster with one month high and the next uncertain, this episode will completely change how you think about money in your business. In this conversation, I’m joined by Gina Knox, financial strategist, former QuickBooks researcher, and founder of Small Business Money School, to talk about how to create financial stability even when your revenue isn’t consistent. Gina has helped entrepreneurs save millions and build real wealth by doing one thing incredibly well: making money feel calm, predictable, and in your control. We break down what it actually looks like to pay yourself consistently, how to build a business savings system that supports long-term growth, and why inconsistent income doesn’t have to mean unstable finances. Gina also shares her perspective on wealth building, why it’s okay to want more money, and how to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around.   Today you'll hear: 01:38 – Meet Gina Knox and how she helps entrepreneurs create calm, predictable finances03:16 – What a life-first business looks like in this season (and how money supports it)05:22 – Why making more money actually improves your quality of life (and it’s okay to admit that)07:10 – The real reason entrepreneurs feel stressed about inconsistent income09:05 – Why avoiding your numbers keeps you stuck in financial instability11:12 – The mindset shift that makes money feel simple instead of overwhelming13:08 – How to pay yourself consistently (even when your revenue fluctuates)15:40 – The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make with their income and owner pay18:05 – How to create a business savings system that builds stability20:42 – Why separating your money changes everything in your business23:15 – What “predictable income” actually means (and what it doesn’t)25:50 – How to smooth out income highs and lows without burnout28:30 – The role of savings in long-term sustainable business growth31:05 – Wealth building as a female entrepreneur (no matter your starting point)34:10 – Designing a business that supports your life, family, and priorities37:25 – The simple first steps to take if your finances feel messy or unclear  CONNECT WITH GINA: Website: ginaknox.co Instagram: @ginaknox   🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎯 Free Quiz: What's Standing Between You and Consistent Business Income? → hollymariehaynes.com/quiz 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    33 min
  3. 617 -  The Exact AI Tools I Use Weekly to Run My Business in Less Time (And What They Cost)

    APR 24

    617 - The Exact AI Tools I Use Weekly to Run My Business in Less Time (And What They Cost)

    In this week's bonus pep talk, I am sharing the 3 specific AI skills I’m using right now to save hours every week and how you can use them to simplify your workflow and support sustainable business growth.   In today's episode, I share: 01:38 – Why I recorded this bonus episode and how AI is actually showing up behind the scenes in my business 03:17 – What AI tools I’m currently paying for (and why I chose both ChatGPT and Claude) 05:20 – How I’m using multiple AI platforms together without starting over or overcomplicating things 07:05 – The importance of being slow and intentional when integrating AI into your business 08:40 – How we’re evolving (not replacing) our existing custom GPTs for long-term use 10:15 – The introduction of my custom AI editor and how it helps remove robotic-sounding writing 12:05 – Why editing (not generating) content with AI is a major time-saving shift 13:40 – How I turned my monthly business scorecard into a visual dashboard in under two minutes 15:10 – Why using AI for data visualization helps you make faster, smarter CEO decisions 16:45 – The bigger takeaway: using AI to support your business without burnout or unnecessary complexity  🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎯 Free Quiz: What's Standing Between You and Consistent Business Income? → hollymariehaynes.com/quiz 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    21 min
  4. 616 - Simple Operational Shifts Female Entrepreneurs Can Make to Increase Profits

    APR 20

    616 - Simple Operational Shifts Female Entrepreneurs Can Make to Increase Profits

    Ever hit a milestone in your business that you thought would feel life-changing… only to find yourself wondering why it suddenly feels heavier, more confusing, or even a little anticlimactic? In this episode, I’m joined by operations and growth mentor Michelle M. Ghassemi, who brings her signature no-fluff clarity to what really happens after you reach big goals and why success can be just as emotionally complex as the climb.   Michelle shares the mindset gaps founders don’t anticipate, the data habits that build true confidence, and the micro-pivots that keep your business moving without burning everything down. We talk about what shifts between 100K and 500K, why “what got you here won’t get you there,” and how to use your numbers to make aligned decisions instead of reactive ones.   If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what your next step should be, this conversation will help you reconnect with your power, simplify your strategy, and lead from a grounded CEO mindset, not fear or guesswork.   Today you'll hear: 03:19 – What a life-first business looks like for Michelle right now, and the non-negotiables that keep her grounded04:59 – The moment Michelle realized that hitting six and seven figures felt different than expected and why success can feel disconnected07:58 – Why what got you to a milestone won’t get you beyond it, and the shift from going wide to going deep11:00 – The core metrics every entrepreneur should track, starting with cost of goods (COGS) and understanding your baseline12:48 – How often to review your numbers and why building the habit early prevents major problems later17:48 – What “micro-pivots” really look like: small adjustments in pricing, messaging, keywords, or systems that make a measurable impact20:48 – Why fear keeps many women from looking at their numbers and how data helps you take back control22:48 – Why fast results are unrealistic, why your data needs time to show patterns, and how to build sustainable growth25:36 – Why founders hit a wall between 100K–500K and how identifying “what’s missing” determines your next strategic hire28:59 – The simple tools Michelle uses to stay organized, manage decisions, and stop busywork before it starts30:09 – How Michelle uses AI for ideation, content creation, and training development  CONNECT WITH MICHELLE: Instagram: @opsandgrowthmentor FREE 30 min biz assessment calls: https://calendly.com/michelle-ghassemi/bizassessmentcall 🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎯 Free Quiz: What's Standing Between You and Consistent Business Income? → hollymariehaynes.com/quiz 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    35 min
  5. 615 - Leadership for Female Entrepreneurs: Values, Accountability, and What to Do When Things Fall Apart

    APR 13

    615 - Leadership for Female Entrepreneurs: Values, Accountability, and What to Do When Things Fall Apart

    If you’ve ever had something in your business not go as planned and felt like everyone was watching… this episode is your reminder that failure isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of building something better. In this episode, I’m joined by Frenchie Ferenczi, business strategist, fractional executive, and growth advisor, to talk about what it really looks like to rebuild after public failure and how to create a more sustainable, values-driven business on the other side. Just a few years ago, over 12,000 people wanted her fired. Instead of walking away, she made a bold decision: to stay, rebuild, and create a business that aligned with her life, her values, and her vision for long-term success. We dive into what that season actually looked like, how she stayed grounded in the middle of noise and criticism, and the practical strategies she used to grow again without burnout, hustle, or starting over. We also talk about what it means to build a life-priority business, how to stay close to the money when things feel uncertain, and why reinvention is often the key to sustainable business growth. If you’re navigating a hard season, questioning your next move, or craving a simpler, more aligned way to grow—this episode will meet you exactly where you are.   Today you’ll hear: 01:38 – Meet Frenchie Ferenczi and the story behind her public business setback03:38 – What a life-priority business really looks like (and why optionality matters)05:10 – How she structures her schedule to prioritize her kids and real life06:38 – The viral moment that changed everything—and what happened next09:15 – Navigating public criticism and staying grounded in your values12:05 – The mindset shift that helped her rebuild instead of walk away15:20 – Why staying close to the money is critical in uncertain seasons18:45 – Simplifying your business instead of overcomplicating your comeback22:10 – Letting go of your old identity to step into your next level25:30 – The emotional side of rebuilding (and what no one prepares you for)29:05 – How to grow without burning out the second time around32:40 – Building a values-driven, sustainable business after failure36:15 – Redefining success around your life—not just your revenue40:05 – What “peace and profit” actually looks like in real life  Connect with Frenchie: Website: https://www.frenchieferenczi.com/ Instagram: @frenchie.ferenczi FREE Weekly Accountability Check-In: https://join.frenchieferenczi.com/weekly/   🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎯 Free Quiz: What's Standing Between You and Consistent Business Income? → hollymariehaynes.com/quiz 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    28 min
  6. 614 - 1 Year Without Social Media & Her Business Grew Exponentially with Kate Kordsmeier

    APR 6

    614 - 1 Year Without Social Media & Her Business Grew Exponentially with Kate Kordsmeier

    If you’re tired of posting every day, overthinking your content, and wondering why your business still feels heavy… it’s not because you’re doing it wrong, it’s because you’ve been taught a strategy that depends on constant visibility. In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Kordsmeier, certified life and business coach and founder of Success with Soul, to talk about what it really looks like to build a profitable, sustainable business without social media. Kate hasn’t posted, scrolled, or engaged on social platforms in over four years—and her business is still growing. We dive into how she made that shift, the unexpected benefits (beyond just getting your time back), and how to replace social media with SEO, aligned messaging, and simple systems that actually support your life. We also explore her concept of “feminist funnels,” the role of self-trust in business, and why stepping off social might be the most powerful move you can make for your growth and mental clarity. If you’re ready to get clients without social media, simplify your marketing, and build a business that gives you your time and energy back, this episode will open your eyes to a whole new way of doing business.   Today you’ll hear: 01:50 – Meet Kate Kordsmeier and her anti-social business approach03:40 – What a life-first business really means (and why it matters)05:15 – The hidden benefit of quitting social media: mental bandwidth07:10 – What led Kate to walk away from social media completely09:20 – The breaking point most entrepreneurs don’t talk about12:05 – Why constant posting keeps you stuck in a cycle15:10 – The myth that visibility equals business growth18:25 – How to get clients without social media21:40 – What “feminist funnels” are and how they work25:05 – The role of self-trust in sustainable business growth28:30 – Replacing social media with SEO and evergreen marketing32:10 – Building simple business systems that actually scale36:45 – What happens when you stop chasing the algorithm40:20 – How to create a business that supports your life, not the other way around  Connect with Kate: Website: Successwithsoul.co Instagram: @success.with.soul FREE Resources: Beyond the Scroll 4-Day Biz Blueprint: Successwithsoul.co/socialfree The $1k/Day Experiment: successwithsoul.co/bts   🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎧 Free Podcast Bundle: Full-Time Business on Part-Time Hours → hollymariehaynes.com/fulltimeparttime 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat

    25 min
  7. 613 - How to Use Business Credit Card Points to Fund Travel (Spring Break Case Study + ChatGPT Prompts)

    MAR 30

    613 - How to Use Business Credit Card Points to Fund Travel (Spring Break Case Study + ChatGPT Prompts)

    In this week's pep talk, I am sharing how we used simple business systems, strategic spending, and points to fund our entire spring break and how you can build a business that supports your life too.   In today's episode, I share: 01:50 – Why we made a family rule to travel once a quarter and how it shaped our business decisions03:40 – The real reason I left corporate and why freedom, not revenue, was the goal05:10 – How rising travel costs forced us to rethink how our business supports our life06:45 – The shift from “we can’t afford it” to building systems that make it possible08:20 – How we strategically use credit cards across business and personal expenses10:05 – The role AI played in mapping out our travel redemption strategy11:40 – The simple benefits spreadsheet that ensures we never leave money on the table13:15 – How separating and optimizing spending creates more predictable rewards14:50 – Why this approach is really about intentional entrepreneurship and sustainable business growth16:30 – The bigger mindset shift: building a business that funds your life, not just your bills  🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 🎧 Free Podcast Bundle: Full-Time Business on Part-Time Hours → hollymariehaynes.com/fulltimeparttime 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat 💳 Chase Sapphire Reserve Recommendation

    17 min
  8. 612 - Organic Visibility for Female Entrepreneurs: A 3-Part Strategy to Get Found, Get Clients, and Get Paid Without Chasing New Platforms

    MAR 23

    612 - Organic Visibility for Female Entrepreneurs: A 3-Part Strategy to Get Found, Get Clients, and Get Paid Without Chasing New Platforms

    If you’re tired of posting every day, chasing the algorithm, and still wondering where your next client is coming from… it’s not because you’re inconsistent, it’s because your marketing strategy is built on visibility that disappears. In this episode, I’m joined by Becky Launder, CEO of Oh My Hi, to talk about how to get found, seen, and paid without relying on social media. We break down her Capture → Convert method, why social media alone isn’t enough anymore, and how to create simple, evergreen systems that actually drive sales. Becky also shares why your website matters more than your link in bio and how to build a business that runs even when you’re offline. We also dive into what a life-first business really looks like in this season, from setting boundaries to designing your work around your life. If you’re ready to get clients without social media, simplify your marketing, and build a business that actually supports your life, this episode will show you how.   Today you’ll hear: 03:14 – What a life-first business actually looks like04:37 – Why stopping work at night changes everything06:22 – How to create real separation between work and life08:41 – Becky’s business evolution and what led to Oh My Hi12:18 – Why social media alone isn’t enough anymore15:06 – The “post and pray” cycle (and why it doesn’t work)18:44 – The Capture → Convert method explained22:11 – How to get found through search, not just social26:39 – Why your website converts better than social media30:12 – The simple website setup that drives sales34:27 – Systems and automation for consistent revenue38:05 – Building a business that runs while you’re offline42:18 – Why simple systems scale better than more content  Connect with Becky: Website: ohmyhi.com, moderndirectseller.com, beckylaunder.com Instagram: @moderndirectseller, @ohmy.hi, @beckylaunder How to Build a Website That Works While You Sleep: https://ohmyhi.com/lp/class/?aff=351   🔗 LINKS MENTIONED: 💡Inconsistent sales despite all your offers? Streamline your product suite → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/productsuite 👉 Join the Anti-Social School™ → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/antisocial 🎙️ Listen to the Ditch the Social Drama Workshop and Private Podcast → www.hollymariehaynes.com/workshop 🌎 Website → www.hollymariehaynes.com 📲 Instagram → @thehollymariehaynes 🗨️ Chat with Holly → https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/chat   🔗 FREE RESOURCES: https://www.hollymariehaynes.com/workwithme

    32 min
5
out of 5
175 Ratings

About

Crush the Rush™ is the female entrepreneur podcast for sustainable business growth—created for women business owners who want to scale profitably without burnout, hustle culture, or constant social media. Hosted by Holly Haynes, business strategist and former Fortune 500 executive, this business podcast for women helps established female entrepreneurs build intentional, scalable businesses using simple systems, organic client attraction, and values-based strategy. Each week, you’ll learn how to: Grow a profitable business without working 24/7Attract clients organically without Instagram or daily postingBuild simple, scalable business systems and workflowsCreate predictable revenue through evergreen marketing strategiesLead like a CEO while protecting your time and energyThrough practical strategy episodes and honest conversations, Crush the Rush™ breaks down what it actually takes to grow a sustainable business in today’s online economy. New episodes every Monday. If you’re a female entrepreneur ready for clarity, systems, and sustainable growth—this podcast is for you.

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