47 episodes

Welcome to "Hard Costs," the podcast where I, Katy Widrick, your Fractional CMO and Funnel Fixer, help you cut through the chaos and get you to clarity in your business. With a knack for crisis management and a passion for untangling complexities, my journey behind the scenes as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs has taught me the value of transparency, which is why my mission is to elevate founders and bring forth the unfiltered truth about the real costs of entrepreneurship.
In a world where social media highlights the wins, "Hard Costs" goes beyond the surface to share the untold stories of challenges, lost revenue, strategic pivots, and the roller-coaster ride that entrepreneurship truly is. By sharing my experiences and inviting some of my favorite founders as guests, every episode in this podcast is an opportunity to find solace and inspiration in the journeys of others.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that's what I aspire to achieve through "Hard Costs." So, join me on this journey, share it with your fellow entrepreneurs, and let's build a community that thrives on shared knowledge and support. I can't wait to connect with you on the next episode of "Hard Costs."

Hard Costs With Katy Widrick Katy Widrick

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 2 Ratings

Welcome to "Hard Costs," the podcast where I, Katy Widrick, your Fractional CMO and Funnel Fixer, help you cut through the chaos and get you to clarity in your business. With a knack for crisis management and a passion for untangling complexities, my journey behind the scenes as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs has taught me the value of transparency, which is why my mission is to elevate founders and bring forth the unfiltered truth about the real costs of entrepreneurship.
In a world where social media highlights the wins, "Hard Costs" goes beyond the surface to share the untold stories of challenges, lost revenue, strategic pivots, and the roller-coaster ride that entrepreneurship truly is. By sharing my experiences and inviting some of my favorite founders as guests, every episode in this podcast is an opportunity to find solace and inspiration in the journeys of others.
As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that's what I aspire to achieve through "Hard Costs." So, join me on this journey, share it with your fellow entrepreneurs, and let's build a community that thrives on shared knowledge and support. I can't wait to connect with you on the next episode of "Hard Costs."

    EP 19: Scaling Businesses and Prioritizing Work-Life Balance with Tatiana O'Hara

    EP 19: Scaling Businesses and Prioritizing Work-Life Balance with Tatiana O'Hara

    Welcome back to Hard Costs! 

    In this episode, your host Katy welcomes Tatiana O'Hara, a team and leadership development consultant. Sharing insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, they delve into scaling businesses while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Their discussion also highlights strategies for optimizing teams, taking calculated risks, and prioritizing energy and mindset. 

    Both also emphasize setting and achieving big goals, empowering leadership transitions, and fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. You’ll learn more as they debunk the challenges of scaling a business while ensuring financial sustainability, including the crucial role of identifying the right roles to hire for and gradually phasing in new team members. 

    Are you an overwhelmed business owner? Don’t miss this episode as Tatiana and Katy also underscore the significance of keeping finances in mind and avoiding overcommitting when expanding a team. 

    Tune in today! 


    KEY POINTS

    - Setting goals and overcoming the fear of risk 
    - Empowering others to set big goals and take action
    - How Tatiana helps leaders optimize and build their teams 
    - Balancing between risk and strategy in business growth
    - Tatiana’s entrepreneurial journey from childhood to corporate leader 
    - Transitioning to a new season of life and business goals for 2024 
    - Reflecting on personal growth and business evolution 
    - Risk-taking and strategies in business
    - The importance of inner work to CEOs 
    - Prioritizing energy and mindset 

    QUOTABLES


    “I think a lot of the fear around risk, whether you're risk-averse or you take too much risk, is really minimized because, for the first time, we have a big picture strategy that's helping us get somewhere."  — Tatiana O'Hara

    "I'm exactly where I need to be. I am doing what I need to do. I'm really giving myself and my family and my community the right energy and mindset." — Katy Widrick

    “Instead of looking at this previous chapter as the end goal and where I should have stayed, it's just like a point on the journey now, you know, and I can take those lessons that I learned to help support me in the future, but we just keep moving. Forward motion.” — Tatiana O'Hara

    GUEST RESOURCES

    Tatiana O'Hara 
    IG | @_tatianaohara  
    LinkedIn | @tatianaohara


    RESOURCES

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick


    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 36 min
    EP18: Fueling Your Vision Through Passion with Chelsea Wallace

    EP18: Fueling Your Vision Through Passion with Chelsea Wallace

    In today’s episode, join your host Katy Widrick in a captivating conversation with Chelsea Wallace, a seasoned Launch Strategist and Copywriter whose expertise has fueled over $4,000,000 in revenue for online brands. As The Launch Copy Coach, Chelsea empowers 6 and 7-figure coaches and course creators to orchestrate high-dollar re-launches while prioritizing self-care and community connection. 

    Discover Chelsea's entrepreneurial insights on how to prioritize team strength, combat self-doubt, and nurture genuine communication in partnerships. You will also learn more as Chelsea reflects on her upbringing's influence on her entrepreneurial mindset and the transformative power of aligning career choices with personal interests.

    You’re going to explore the intersection of passion, purpose, and profitability in today’s episode — along with Chelsea's vision for her nonprofit initiative supporting teenage single mothers in Jamaica. Tune in! 


    KEY POINTS

    - How does Chelsea describe herself in an elevator pitch
    - The importance of a strong team in achieving success
    - On dealing with self-doubt and identity crisis in entrepreneurship
    - Difference between owning a proposal and owning its implementation
    - On having trust, communication, and co-creation in business partnerships
    - How Chelsea’s upbringing influenced her entrepreneurial mindset
    - The pivotal role of a career that aligns with interests 
    - What’s next for Chelsea?


    QUOTABLES

    "I want to fund my nonprofit that supports teenage single moms in Jamaica. Give them resources to really kind of step out of cycles of poverty, and of kids that are not taken care of, [and] not supported to grow up as kind of healthy functioning people in society. I want my nonprofit to be that space and that place for them." — Chelsea Wallace 

    "I am magnetically attracted to people who have a mission or a passion that's bigger than them and bigger than their business. And I love that healthy approach that you have, which is like, 'I love what I do and the people I serve and the impact I have. '" — Katy Widrick

    GUEST RESOURCES

    Chelsea Wallace

    Website | chelseawallace
    IG | @thelaunchcopycoach 
    FB | @thelaunchcopycoach 

    RESOURCES

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick


    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 40 min
    EP17: How to Navigate Life's Twists with Grace, with Amber Naslund

    EP17: How to Navigate Life's Twists with Grace, with Amber Naslund

    Welcome back to Hard Costs! 

    In this episode, host Katy is joined by Amber Naslund, a seasoned sales and marketing executive driving enterprise growth at LinkedIn. Amber, a co-author of The Now Revolution, shares insights on LinkedIn through her Courageous Career newsletter and how she balances her professional life being a dedicated single mom, equestrian, pit bull rescuer, and freelance writer.

    Together, they delve into Amber's journey, discussing her mentorship, career growth, and resilience amidst hardships. Amber also opens up about her business failures, personal relationships, and the importance of self-care. They also explore the significance of support systems, coping with grief and mental health struggles, finding joy through hobbies outside career lives, and maintaining work-life balance. 

    So, tune in with Katy and Amber for an inspiring conversation on embracing creativity and discovering joy — both personally and professionally today!


    KEY POINTS

    - Amber’s mentorship, hardships, and career growth
    - Healing from business failures and personal relationships
    - The importance of having a support system 
    - Dealing with grief, caregiving, and mental health struggles
    - The importance of having non-work-related interests
    - Ways to embrace creativity and work-life balance 
    - Finding joy in your professional and personal life

    QUOTABLES

    “Sometimes it needs to be spending time with yourself or things that intrigue your heart and soul and not just your brain because that's a trap. It's really easy to fall into.” – Amber Naslund

    “I've found a little bit of my groove for writing again, I was so devoid of inspiration and motivation to write and create. And some of that was fueled by doubt, some of it was fueled by just burnout.” – Amber Naslund

    GUEST RESOURCES

    Amber Naslund 

    LinkedIn: @ambernaslund 
    Threads: @ambercadabra 

    RESOURCES

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick


    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 32 min
    EP16: Money Loves Speed: How to Match Your Visionary's Pace Without Stumbling at the Finish Line

    EP16: Money Loves Speed: How to Match Your Visionary's Pace Without Stumbling at the Finish Line

    Welcome back to Hard Costs. 

    In today’s solo episode, Katy delves into her role as a strategic partner for visionary CEOs and the importance of moving quickly in business. By focusing on the synergy between big ideas and having meticulous execution, she shares with us the crucial role of integrators in bringing goals to fruition. Katy also highlights the balance between critical stages and maintaining a sustainable pace. Further, Katy provides us with helpful insights and tips for both visionaries and integrators to cultivate successful collaborations, making your big, bold, and visionary ideas come to life.

    Join Katy in this discussion focusing on the mantra “money loves speed”, the art of balancing ambition, and execution in the pursuit of business excellence. Tune in.

    KEY POINTS

    - The importance of speed in making money 
    - How implementers can help execute ideas for visionaries
    - On setting achievable goals that align with one’s abilities and values
    - The pivotal role of building trust with visionary founders and being a reliable partner
    - On pacing and collaboration with project management
    - How avoiding distractions ensures a successful launch 
    - On finding the right partner to craft the vision into reality 
    - How building a community with founder stories can be of inspiration

    QUOTABLES

    “A visionary and a great team of people — who implement, push, run at their speed, and agree that ‘money loves speed’ — that's when the magic happens.” – Katy Widrick

    “If you are a service provider who is looking to work with visionaries in a new way — or is looking to take the next level in your career —  I really want you to think about money loves speed and running at the pace of your visionary partner.” – Katy Widrick

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick

    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 31 min
    EP15: Celebrating a Life of Defiance, Resilience, and Wanderlust with Sales Strategist Kandis James

    EP15: Celebrating a Life of Defiance, Resilience, and Wanderlust with Sales Strategist Kandis James

    Welcome back to Hard Costs! In today’s episode, your host Katy is joined by Kandis James, a resilient entrepreneur and sales advisor. From surviving accidents to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Kandis shares with us her remarkable journey and the profound lessons she's learned along the way.

    In this candid conversation, Kandis opens up to Katy about the impact of her near-death experiences on her outlook, emphasizing the importance of resilience and embracing life's opportunities. She then discusses how these incidents have shaped her commitment to helping others, providing valuable insights into sales psychology, and empowering many business owners to thrive.

    Delve into Kandis’ story as she seamlessly connects her personal experiences with her role as a sales advisor. Discover the trifecta of skills she believes are crucial in sales – mastering energy, cultivating curiosity, and asking the right questions. Kandis also highlights the shift in mindset needed for successful sales conversations, emphasizing the power of putting the client on the stage rather than being in the spotlight. As Katy and Kandis navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, you will gain a deeper understanding of the mindset required for effective sales, and learn how to overcome challenges by focusing on belief in oneself and the value one brings to the table.

    Join Katy and Kandis for a conversation that goes beyond sales – an exploration of resilience, personal growth, and the continuous pursuit of making a positive impact in the world. 

    Trigger Warning: This episode delves into sensitive topics related to near-death experiences.


    KEY POINTS 
    - Kandis’ journey of resilience and the impact of near-death experiences on her outlook
    - The pivotal role of trifecta of skills crucial for successful sales
    - Katy and Kandis’ shared experiences in the Elevate Community and the power of connection
    - The importance of overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship and sales by embracing belief in oneself and the value offered
    - How near-death experiences intersect with personal and professional growth
    - Ways to overcome entrepreneurial challenges by self-belief and embracing the value you offer

    QUOTABLES 

    "To be really good at sales, you need to be the master of your own energy, be curious, [and] ask the right questions. Sales is psychology; you need to be curious about the psychology." – Kandis James 

    “I've three near-death experiences. And I'm still going. We're here for a short time, we're not guaranteed. I just want to see it all, feel it all, and do it all.” — Kandis James 

    GUEST INFORMATION 

    Kandis James

    Website | kandisjames
    IG | @kandisjames.kj 
    YouTube | Kandis James

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick


    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 49 min
    EP14: Pathways to Prosperity: Navigating Finance, Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Sugey Piedra

    EP14: Pathways to Prosperity: Navigating Finance, Growth, and Entrepreneurship with Sugey Piedra

    Join Katy in this insightful episode as she engages in a conversation with Sugey Piedra, an Enrolled Agent and a certified tax preparer with over two decades of experience. Sugey is passionate about helping her clients optimize their finances and attain the freedom they desire, so they don't have to work indefinitely.

    In her role as the co-founder of Prominence Business & Wealth Management, Sugey leads a dedicated team that assists high-earning service-based business owners in building long-term wealth. The holistic approach of her firm encompasses bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial planning, and tax strategy, all offered under one roof. Sugey's journey into the realms of business, financial planning, and money management is an inspiring narrative that she shares in this episode. She discusses how she educates her clients, empowering them with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of taxation and make informed decisions.

    Their conversation takes a personal turn as Sugey reflects on her own journey from her youth to her current venture, highlighting the pivotal moments that have shaped her approach to financial services. Sugey's invaluable insights into the factors influencing the success of her business provide an in-depth look into her entrepreneurial mindset. She also shares her experiences and strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs and self-doubts, offering guidance to aspiring business owners.

    This episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone seeking to gain financial independence and a balanced life. Join Katy and Sugey Piedra as they explore the intricacies of financial management, entrepreneurship, and the path to true financial freedom today!

    KEY POINTS

    - How Sugey educates her clients in handling taxes
    - Sugey’s journey from being a young to a business venture
    - Factors that influence the success of the business
    - Katy and Sugey’s reflections on past experiences influencing their financial mindset
    - On dealing with limiting beliefs and self-doubts
    - The importance of people delegation and letting go of perfectionism
    - Audrey’s struggles with balancing work and personal life
    - What’s Audrey’s money mindset advice?
    - The significant role of understanding business, financial planning & money management

    QUOTABLES

    “I wanted to create this show not to spend time wallowing in trauma. These stories, I find them so empowering and so relatable… so I hope that you have given yourself some credit.” – Katy Widrick 

    “It doesn't matter if they're a CPA, it doesn't matter if they're an enrolled agent, it doesn't matter if they're just a regular tax professional with a state certification. Find someone that's going to take the time to really educate you on a better tomorrow. Your tax return is telling a story.” – Sugey Piedra

    GUEST INFORMATION 

    Sugey Piedra

    Website | Prominence Business
    IG | @prominence.services 
    LinkedIn | @sugey-piedra-ea

    Love what you’re hearing? Follow Katy Widrick for more! 

    Click Here to learn more about Katy Widrick. 

    IG | @kwidrick
    TikTok | @kwidrick 
    LinkedIn | @katywidrick


    Hard Costs is edited by EPYC Media Network

    • 41 min

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