
From Military Mom to Marketing CEO: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Building a Profitable Business Without the Hype
Send us Fan Mail
What does it really take to build a profitable business as a mom — without falling for online “get rich quick” promises?
In this powerful episode of Radiant Mom Rising, Mary Dibble sits down with marketing agency founder and author Kalen Cotto, who shares her raw journey of launching a business while pregnant and active duty military — and rebuilding it multiple times through frequent moves, divorce, childcare limitations, financial hardship, and identity shifts.
Kaylen pulls back the curtain on what actually creates sustainable success:
*Why revenue matters more than follower counts
*The truth about imposter syndrome and client feedback
*How to stop internalizing criticism
*Why “smoke and mirrors” marketing culture keeps entrepreneurs stuck
*The three fundamentals every founder must master: offer, audience, and sales
*Why you don’t need a perfect website to get started
This conversation is about grit, mindset, identity, and building something real — even when life is messy.
If you're a mom building a business and wondering if you’re doing it “right,” this episode will ground you and remind you: simple scales, clarity converts, and your identity determines your results.
Please follow us and be sure to leave us a review and let us know what you thought of today’s episode. Share this with your family and friends who would enjoy tuning in!
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Kalen Marie Cotto is a Fractional CMO, author of The Revenue Runway, and founder of KMC Digital, where she helps small businesses and startups drive sales and growth. With 20+ years of experience, including coordinating media in combat zones, Kalen crafts no-fluff strategies that deliver results, proven by clients achieving double industry-standard conversion rates and thousands of sales calls.
Kalen's journey began in 2010, when she launched a side hustle while pregnant and on active duty in the Army Reserve, needing income and time flexibility. The turning point came after a messy divorce caused her referral-dependent business to collapse, compelling her to build her own lead generation systems and save herself.
Through her personal and professional challenges, Kalen developed a unique approach to help entrepreneurs build resilient, profitable businesses through what she calls The Revenue Runway.
Connect
Website: https://www.kmc.digital/
LinkedIn: Kalen Marie Cotto
Email: k@kmc.digita
Schedule your FREE call now and let's get you moving towards the life you desire!
Support the show
Information
- Show
- PublishedMarch 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC
- Length50 min
- Season3
- Episode142
- RatingExplicit