Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business

Kelly Metras & Kelly Bush
  • 5.0 (12)
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The Real Raw and Honest podcast about small business ownership hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras, co-owners of BOSSY ROC, a support group for business owners. With our experience, nine businesses in over 25 years, we continue to bear it all and share what we wish we had known. We move past the must-be-nices and start getting real. Come along as we interview other business owners and get the true story. New episodes every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. www.BossyRoc.com

  1. Decision Fatigue: What It's Costing Your Business

    6D AGO

    Decision Fatigue: What It's Costing Your Business

    The Real Cost of Being the Boss: Decision Fatigue, Boundaries & Business Ownership Owning a business is often romanticized as freedom, flexibility, and the pursuit of your passion, but behind the scenes, entrepreneurship is rarely that simple. In this episode of Getting Real with Bossy, hosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras pull back the curtain on the everyday realities of business ownership. From managing operations and troubleshooting unexpected challenges to making constant high-stakes decisions, they explore what it truly means to carry the weight of leadership. The conversation dives into one of the most common but overlooked struggles entrepreneurs face: decision fatigue. As business owners, the number of choices required each day- from staffing and finances to marketing and customer experience- can become mentally exhausting. We discuss how these constant decision-making impacts productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. You’ll hear practical strategies for creating more sustainable business habits, including: Building routines and systems that reduce unnecessary decisionsSetting boundaries to protect your time, energy, and focusDelegating responsibilities and embracing collaborationRecognizing when asking for help is a strength, not a weakness Through candid conversation and real-life insights, this episode offers a compassionate and realistic perspective on entrepreneurship. One that acknowledges both the opportunities and the challenges of being your own boss. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, new business owner, or dreaming of starting your own venture, this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and better equipped to navigate the realities of leadership. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ The hidden responsibilities of business ownership ✨ Why entrepreneurs experience decision fatigue ✨ How systems and routines can reduce overwhelm ✨ The importance of delegation, boundaries, and support ✨ Creating a healthier, more sustainable business life Key Takeaways: Business ownership requires adaptability far beyond your original area of expertise.Decision fatigue is real, and systems can help reduce mental overload.Successful entrepreneurs build support systems rather than trying to do everything alone.Boundaries and delegation are essential for long-term sustainability and growth. Connect with Bossy: bossyroc@gmail.com @bossyrochester www.bossyroc.com If you’re ready for more honest conversations about business, leadership, and what it really takes to grow sustainably, tune in and get real with Bossy. Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

    41 min
  2. When Your Business Outgrows Your Introduction

    MAY 4

    When Your Business Outgrows Your Introduction

    Reintroducing Yourself as a Business OwnerWho are you now as a business owner? In this episode, Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras dive into a conversation every entrepreneur needs to hear: how your business- and your identity within it- evolves over time. As business owners, it’s easy to get stuck introducing ourselves based on who we were when we first launched. But after years of growth, challenges, pivots, and unexpected life events, our stories shift, and so should the way we tell them. Kelly and Kelly share honest reflections on navigating business ownership through seasons of change, including recovery from major surgery, stepping away from day-to-day operations, and learning firsthand what happens when you’re forced to work on your business instead of constantly in it. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t just happen inside your business, but it happens within you, too. Through candid conversation and practical insight, they explore: -Why reintroducing yourself can strengthen your personal brand -How stepping back reveals the true strength (and gaps) in your team -The difference between being the engine of your business and being its leader -Why your networking introduction should evolve as much as your business does -How honesty about challenges builds stronger client and community connections Whether you’re in a season of reinvention, burnout recovery, expansion, or simply realizing your old elevator pitch no longer fits, this conversation will encourage you to own your expertise and confidently communicate who you are today. Because the version of you that started your business isn’t the same version leading it now. And that’s a good thing. In This Episode, We Talk About:Reintroducing yourself as your business evolvesPersonal growth alongside business growthThe impact of forced pauses and recovery periodsLeadership, delegation, and team trustCommunity as a cornerstone of business successEmbracing change and telling your current story with confidence Key Takeaways:Your introduction should reflect where you are now, not where you started.Time away from your business can reveal valuable operational insights.Your team may be more capable than you think.Owning your expertise is essential in networking and leadership.Vulnerability and adaptability create stronger business relationships. Mentioned in This Episode:Bossyroc.comSalenas.comUnionTavernSeabreeze.com Connect With Us:Follow along for more conversations on entrepreneurship, leadership, hospitality, and building businesses with intention. Subscribe now! #BusinessPodcast #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #HospitalityBusiness #FounderJourney #NetworkingTips Mentioned in this episode: Connections with Evan Dawson Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Connections Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

    42 min
  3. Permission to Pause: Stop the Grind, Start Leading

    APR 20

    Permission to Pause: Stop the Grind, Start Leading

    In a world that glorifies the hustle, this episode is your permission slip to slow down. Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras sit down with Karen Bartholomew, creator of the Pause Method, to explore the transformative impact of intentional pauses in both business and life. Together, they unpack what happens when we step off the hamster wheel of constant productivity and reconnect with ourselves. Through candid conversation and real-life experiences, this episode highlights a powerful truth: taking a break isn’t a weakness, it’s a strategy. What You’ll LearnWhy constant “go mode” is actually working against your successHow intentional pauses can improve clarity, decision-making, and leadershipThe emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and how to better navigate itPractical ways to build moments of pause into your daily routineHow shifting your mindset around rest can unlock personal and professional growth Real Talk MomentsKelly and Kelly open up about the realities of balancing business ownership with personal health and family life- something many entrepreneurs quietly struggle with. This honest reflection sets the stage for a deeper conversation about burnout, boundaries, and redefining productivity. Karen shares how societal pressure to always be “on” can disconnect us from our purpose, and how creating space to pause allows us to realign with what truly matters. Key TakeawaysPausing is not a luxury, it’s essential for sustainable successHustle culture can lead to burnout and disconnectionYou have permission to prioritize your well-beingSmall, intentional breaks can create powerful shiftsRewiring your mindset is key to long-term growth Resources & LinksKaren Bartholomew: karenbartholomew.comBossy Roc: bossyroc@gmail.combossyroc.com Final ThoughtWhat if the key to doing more… is actually doing less? This episode invites you to step back, breathe, and rediscover the clarity and purpose that only a true pause can bring. Mentioned in this episode: Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

    50 min
  4. Are You Built for This? The Truth About Your Entrepreneurial Wiring

    APR 6

    Are You Built for This? The Truth About Your Entrepreneurial Wiring

    Are You Built for This? The Truth About Your Entrepreneurial Wiring Let’s be honest: entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart… and this episode? It’s calling you out (in the best way possible). Join hosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras as they dive headfirst into the real reason some business owners thrive while others burn out: your cognitive wiring. Because here’s the truth- running a business isn’t just about strategy and spreadsheets. It’s about managing emotions, leading people, making tough calls, and somehow keeping it all together when chaos hits (which it will). In this episode, we break down the four business owner archetypes: The Builder The Visionary The Guardian The Strategic Operator Each one comes with its own superpowers and its own set of challenges. The question is… which one are you? We’re getting real about: The emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship (yes, burnout is part of the convo)Why feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re humanThe mental toughness it actually takes to lead (and why it might feel like a “slight mental illness”)How your natural tendencies shape everything from decision-making to team dynamics And at the core of it all, we’re asking the question every entrepreneur needs to hear: Are you built for this? This episode isn’t about fitting into someone else’s version of success. It’s about understanding how you operate- so you can lead smarter, not harder. Key Takeaways Burnout isn’t a badge of honor, but it is a warning sign you can’t ignoreKnowing how your brain works is a leadership advantageYou’re not “bad at business.” You might just be misaligned with your strengthsClear expectations and communication = stronger, happier teamsLeading people requires both empathy and boundaries (yes, both can exist)Identifying your archetype can help you manage stress, make better decisions, and actually enjoy the business you built Links + Resources Check out more from the BOSSY community: Bossy RochesterBOSSY Rocbossyroc@gmail.comBossyroc.com@bossyrochester If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for entrepreneurship… this episode is your reality check. And your roadmap forward. Mentioned in this episode: Connections with Evan Dawson Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Connections Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

    44 min
  5. Teach What You Know: The Business of Online Courses

    MAR 16

    Teach What You Know: The Business of Online Courses

    What does it really take to turn your expertise into an online course people actually want to buy? In this episode, hosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras sit down with Jasmine Jonte, founder and CEO of Cre8tion, to unpack the art and strategy behind transforming knowledge into impactful — and profitable — educational programs. The conversation kicks off with an honest look at the realities of entrepreneurship. From running businesses to hosting a podcast to managing everyday life, Kelly and Kelly share the very real juggling act many founders know all too well. That candid moment sets the stage for a deeper conversation about building sustainable businesses and finding smart ways to scale your expertise. Jasmine brings her extensive background in education and program design to the table, offering practical insights into what makes an online course truly effective. She explains why simply knowing something isn’t enough — successful educators must also understand how to teach it in a way that connects with learners. Together, the trio explores the key ingredients of a compelling online program, including identifying your ideal audience, crafting an irresistible offer, and designing learning experiences that genuinely resonate. Jasmine also shares how emerging AI tools can simplify and accelerate course creation, while emphasizing that meaningful learning still relies on authentic human connection. Whether you're an entrepreneur, coach, creative, or industry expert, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you package your knowledge into programs that educate, engage, and generate revenue. Key TakeawaysUnderstanding your audience’s needs, goals, and challenges is the foundation of any successful educational program.Before building a course, start with a clear, compelling offer that solves a specific problem for your audience.Your unique experiences and perspective are valuable assets — authenticity helps your content stand out in a crowded marketplace.Great courses combine smart marketing with engaging learning design to create real transformation for participants.AI can help streamline course development, but human connection and thoughtful teaching remain essential for impactful learning.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own expertise and consider how they might turn their knowledge into structured, scalable programs. Links Mentionedcreation.cobossyroc.com Mentioned in this episode: Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org! Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Connections with Evan Dawson Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Connections

    1h 3m
  6. The Entrepreneurial Brain: Are You Wired to Build… or Burning Out?

    MAR 2

    The Entrepreneurial Brain: Are You Wired to Build… or Burning Out?

    On this episode of Getting Real with Bossy, Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras get honest about something most business owners don’t talk about enough: the mental wiring of entrepreneurs. What really makes someone built for business ownership? Is it confidence? Fearlessness? Hustle? Or is it anxiety, control issues, stubbornness… and a little bit of trauma-fueled independence? This conversation dives deep into the real traits behind entrepreneurship- the messy, complicated, powerful ones- and how they can either build your business… or burn you out. From Burnout to Mental Health Reset As winter drags on and the exhaustion creeps in, the Kellys talk about: Seasonal burnout in small businessThe mental load of leadershipWhy taking time off feels impossible (and necessary)The guilt of closing your business for your own well-beingHow entrepreneurs protect everyone else’s mental health… except their own They explore the hard truth: if you don’t step away intentionally, burnout will make the decision for you. The 10 Traits of the Entrepreneurial Brain Not the Instagram version. The real version. Each trait has an “ugly side." And a superpower. 1. Anxiety or Risk Management: Overthinking becomes scenario planning and worst-case thinking becomes preparation. 2. Hyper-Responsibility or Radical Ownership: Everything feels like your fault… But that mindset builds solutions instead of blame. 3. Control Issues or High Standards: Micromanaging can lead to burnout, but attention to detail protects your brand. 4. Insecurity (Yes, Imposter Syndrome Is Real) or Continuous Improvement: The doubt that keeps you up at night is often the fuel for evolution and innovation. 5. Stubbornness or Resilience: There’s a thin line between vision and delusion. Most successful founders have stood on it. 6. Creative Restlessness or Innovation: You can’t walk into a business without redesigning it in your head. That’s not distraction, it’s possibility. 7. High Tolerance for Uncertainty or Decisive Action: You launch before it’s perfect. You often say yes, and figure it out later. 8. Chaos Comfort or Adaptability: You function in unpredictability. While others freeze, you pivot. 9. Trauma-Driven Independence or Self-Sufficiency: “No one’s coming to save you,” so you built it yourself. 10. Relentless Ambition or Legacy: It’s never just about income. It’s about impact, growth, and building something that matters. Burnout: Strength Without Structure Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s what happens when your best traits run unsupervised. When anxiety becomes constant stress.When ownership becomes self-blame.When ambition refuses to rest.When you normalize exhaustion as dedication. The key question: Are you building a business that protects your wiring — or exploits it? Some Hard Truths Discussed Stable people don’t voluntarily sign up for unpredictable income.Rest looks suspicious in hustle culture.Being physically present 90 hours a week isn’t leadership.You can’t lead well when you’re in fight-or-flight mode.Growth isn’t always the answer. Sometimes stability is. January Reflection Check-In Remember what you “burned” in January? Are you still leaving it behind? Sometimes letting go isn’t a one-time ritual but a monthly practice. If This Resonated… If you’ve ever felt: Too anxiousToo intenseToo ambitiousToo much for a “normal” job Maybe you’re not too much. Maybe you’re wired to build. The Kellys are developing a workbook to help you unpack your entrepreneurial traits and create structure around them so stay tuned. Connect with Bossy Follow along, share your thoughts, or apply to be on the show: Instagram: @bossyrocEmail: bossyroc@gmail.comWebsite: bossyroc.com Be bold. Be brave. Be the boss. Mentioned in this episode: Connections with Evan Dawson Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Connections Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org!

    41 min
  7. How Art, Identity, and Community Power Stronger Businesses

    FEB 16

    How Art, Identity, and Community Power Stronger Businesses

    A Conversation with Photographer & Author Adam Eaton Art doesn’t live in a vacuum. It shapes identity, strengthens communities, and fuels entrepreneurship. In this episode, we explore the powerful intersection of creativity and leadership with Adam Eaton, Rochester-based photographer, artist, and author of the book Black Is Beautiful. Adam’s work captures more than images; it tells stories that invite connection, reflection, and belonging. Through photography and community engagement, he demonstrates how art can be a catalyst for personal growth and social change, particularly within Rochester’s creative landscape. At a time when artists often struggle for recognition and resources, this conversation highlights why investing in the arts isn’t optional- it’s essential to a thriving community. Art as Connection, Healing, and AdvocacyThroughout the episode, Adam shares how his creative journey has deepened his connection to Rochester and the people who call it home. His book, Black Is Beautiful, celebrates identity while creating space for dialogue, representation, and pride. Art, as Adam explains, has the unique ability to: Foster emotional healingStrengthen community bondsElevate voices that deserve to be seen and heard His story is a reminder that creativity isn’t just expression, it’s advocacy. Entrepreneurship, Vulnerability, and the Power of CommunityHosts Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras expand the conversation to include the realities of entrepreneurship in 2026. From managing teams to navigating personal challenges- including recovery from surgery- they speak openly about what it takes to keep a business moving forward while honoring personal well-being. Key insights include: Why no business owner succeeds aloneHow vulnerability builds trust and resilienceThe importance of leaning on your team during hard seasons This candid perspective reframes leadership as a shared experience, not a solo act. Links & ResourcesAdam Eaton: adameaton.comBlack Is Beautiful Book: adameaton.com/black-is-beautifulInstagram: @adameatonartGeva Theatre: gevatheatre.orgBossy: bossyroc@gmail.com | bossyroc.comCity of Rochester: cityofrochester.gov Organizations MentionedFlower City Arts, Black Is Beautiful, Caribago Design, Geva Theatre, City of Rochester, Coco Ray, David, Erika J., Deja Colon Listen, Share, and Take ActionListen to the full episode to hear Adam Eaton’s story in his own words.Share this episode with an artist, entrepreneur, or community leader who believes in creativity as a force for good.Support local arts by exploring Adam Eaton’s work and investing in Rochester’s creative organizations.Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help amplify voices shaping stronger communities. Mentioned in this episode: Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org! Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com Connections with Evan Dawson Connections with Evan Dawson - Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Connections

    44 min
  8. Turn the Storm Into a Snow Globe – Using the Slow Season to Strengthen Your Business

    FEB 2

    Turn the Storm Into a Snow Globe – Using the Slow Season to Strengthen Your Business

    Winter has a way of forcing us to slow down. In this episode of Getting Real with BOSSY, Kelly Bush and Kelly Metras remind us that “slow” doesn’t mean stuck. It means intentional. It means restoration. It means opportunity. Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge (cozy, calm, restoration), this conversation invites business owners to take the cold, quiet season and use it to transform chaos into clarity. The storm doesn’t have to control your business. You get to turn it into a snow globe- beautiful, contained, and intentional. This episode is a powerful reminder that showing up, even when life is messy (or you’ve got nine screws and a plate in your ankle), is what leadership really looks like. You’ll hear how to: Cut the waste in your business: subscriptions, unused tools, over-ordering, and overschedulingDeclutter your physical space so your mind can think more clearlyPrepare your business to be “ready to sell,” even if you never plan toKnow your numbers so you can make confident, informed decisionsBuild systems that support you when life throws unexpected stormsDelegate without guilt and trust your teamSet real goals and build daily, weekly, and monthly steps toward themUse the slow season to plan marketing, content, and strategy aheadStep away from social media chaos and lean into email marketing that actually reaches your peopleBuild relationships with business owners who are doing what you want to doStop scrolling, start leading, and become the main character in your business story This episode isn’t about hustle. It’s about alignment. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves you. It’s about decluttering, restoring, and focusing on what truly matters. Action Steps from This Episode: Cancel one subscription you’re not usingClean one space in your businessReview your P&L or ask your accountant to walk you through itWrite down your top 3 numbers you need to track monthlyIdentify one task you can delegateReach out to one business owner you admire and ask them for coffeePick one past episode of Getting Real with BOSSY and revisit itStart building your marketing plan 3–4 months aheadPut your phone down and create something real This is your reminder: You don’t need to fix everything today. You just need to take one focused step. Turn your storm into a snow globe. Declutter. Restore. Let it go. Be bold Episodes Mentioned: 7:19 Episode 68: Prepping Your Business for the Perfect Exit, with Dr. Ruth Mannschreck 8:05 Episode 66: Money, Family, and the Tough Conversations We Can't Afford to Avoid with Julie Loughlin Haers 10:12 Episode 49: Childcare Revolution: How Rosa Marie is Turning the System on its Head 11:10 Episode 11: For the First Time in Forever! with Ida Sjolin 11:37 Episodes 62: Navigating Wealth: The Femal Perspective on Financial Empowerment with Lauri Kibbey (E.62) and Empowering Financial COnversations: Breaking Barriers for Women with Abbe F Large 11:56 Episode 67: Business Funding Made Simple: Grants, Loans & Smart Strategies with Crystal Wallace 15:46 Episode 61: The Voice of Not Enough: How to Quiet the Inner Critic with Barbara Burgess 16:27 Episode 57: The Intersection of Human Design and Entrepreneurial Growth with Mel McSherry 17:41 Episode 71: Holiday Marketing Magic (Without the Meltdown) with Alecia Peterson 20:22 Episode 72: Authenticity Sells: Why Your Copy Should Sound Like You with Rachael Johnson Episode 74: Profit First, Panic Last: Sidekick Accounting Services with Megan Schwan Episodes about COMMUNITY: Episodes 10, 42, 44, 59, 70 to start! Mentioned in this episode: Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business Check out Getting Real with Bossy: For Women Who Own Business on Lunchador! https://feeds.captivate.fm/gettingrealwithbossy/ Lunchador Podcast Network Check out all of the shows on the Lunchador Network at lunchador.org! Joe Bean Roasters Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order! https://shop.joebeanroasters.com

    28 min
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The Real Raw and Honest podcast about small business ownership hosted by Kelly Bush + Kelly Metras, co-owners of BOSSY ROC, a support group for business owners. With our experience, nine businesses in over 25 years, we continue to bear it all and share what we wish we had known. We move past the must-be-nices and start getting real. Come along as we interview other business owners and get the true story. New episodes every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month. www.BossyRoc.com

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