Here's What I Learned: Ditching Biz-as-Usual for Values, Freedom, and Doing It Your Way

Jacki Hayes
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 Welcome to Here's What I Learned, the podcast for progressive entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses without sacrificing their values, creativity, or sanity. Hosted by me, Jacki Hayes—a systems strategist, unapologetic smutty romantasy fan, and D&D geek—this show is your go-to space for honest conversations about what it really takes to create a business and life you love. Each week, we dive into relatable stories and actionable lessons from values-driven leaders who’ve figured out how to scale sustainably while staying true to themselves. Whether you’re managing growth, navigating overwhelm, or rethinking hustle culture, this podcast is here to show you that success doesn’t have to mean burnout. If you value integrity, autonomy, and time freedom—and you’re looking for inspiration that’s as practical as it is empowering—you’ve found your people. Hit play, and let’s rewrite the rules together.

  1. 6D AGO

    Systems That Flex With You: Designing a Business Around Your Energy

    Send us a text When your business relies entirely on your energy—how you feel, how focused you are, how much you can give—your systems need to work with you, not against you. In this re-released conversation from the Business with Ease summit, I sat down with strategist and Solopreneur Sisterhood founder Becky McCleery to unpack what it really means to design systems around your natural rhythms—not rigid routines. We talked about: Why “systems” aren’t just tech—they’re everything that helps you run your business behind the scenesHow to create structure that supports your capacity (even when it’s low)The #1 question to ask when a system feels broken—but you’re not sure whyWhat sustainable backend systems look like when you’re building client-first and energy-firstWhether you're burned out by backend chaos or you’re craving a business that feels less brittle and more breathable—this conversation will help you start small, simplify intentionally, and build systems that actually serve you.   Where to find Becky: LinkedIn: in/becky-lyter-mccleery What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friendFind the complete show notes and transcripts at jackihayes.co  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obm  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    18 min

  2. SEP 2

    Visibility Without Burnout for Introverted Entrepreneurs with Tara Reid

    Send us a text  What if building a successful business didn’t require you to constantly show up, speak louder, or outwork everyone around you?  In this episode of Here’s What I Learned, I’m joined by Tara Reid—business and marketing strategist for introverted entrepreneurs—who shares how she built a sustainable, visibility-driven business without burning out. We talk about shifting from done-for-you services to scalable offers, how to honor your energy as a core business strategy, and why live visibility isn’t the only (or best) way to grow.  If you’re an introvert, neurodivergent, or just plain tired of the “just show up more” advice, this conversation is a game changer.   Topics covered: Why introverts need different visibility strategies (7:18)Shifting from 1:1 services to scalable programs and Voxer offers (12:39)The burnout that changed everything—and how Tara rebuilt from it (14:10)The return to realness in online business and how it helps introverts thrive (18:38)Using AI as a support tool, not a replacement (20:32)  You can find Tara at: Website: thetarareid.com Podcast: Introvertpreneur   Mentioned in the episode: Take Tara’s free quiz to discover your introvert business strengths: thetarareid.com/quiz   What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obmTell me what you loved about the episode at jackihayes.co/contact  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    25 min

  3. AUG 26

    Dismantling the Online Business Industrial Complex with Megan Dowd

    Send us a text What does it really look like to build a business around your lived experience, your values, and your bandwidth—especially when capitalism tells you to do the opposite? In this episode of Here’s What I Learned, I’m joined by Megan Dowd—equity-centered coach, trademark Word Nerd, and the kind of business owner who doesn’t shy away from nuance. We dive deep into how to dismantle exploitation in your own business, what the online business industrial complex is actually doing to us, and how Megan burned down her old offers to rebuild a more human, sustainable, values-aligned structure. This conversation is for every creative business owner who’s tired of forcing a “9 to 5” model into their non-linear, neurodivergent life.   Topics covered: Why tools like tarot and human design can unlock powerful self-awareness (4:52)How systems of exploitation show up in small business—and how to opt out (9:45)Defining coach vs. consultant vs. strategist—and why the language matters (13:01)The truth about the online business industrial complex and pyramid schemes (13:55)Reframing disability and the idea of “disabling” environments (18:10)Why corporate work isn't built for most people—and what we can learn from that (22:02)The role of questioning in business-building (25:20)Burning it all down: how Megan rebuilt her business after having a child (28:12)What she’d tell her past self about time, processing, and emotional bandwidth (37:59)  You can find Megan at: Website: withmegandowd.com Instagram: @withmegandowd   What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obmTell me what you loved about the episode at jackihayes.co/contact  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    39 min

  4. AUG 19

    Small Shifts That Support You When Work Slows Down

    Send us a text If business feels quieter right now—more space, fewer deadlines—you’re not alone. And you’re definitely not doing it wrong.  In this solo episode, I’m sharing the small shifts that have helped me (and the solopreneurs I work with) navigate slow seasons with clarity and care. This isn’t about scaling or optimizing every minute of downtime. It’s about noticing what’s already working… and gently building from there.  Whether you’re neurodivergent, guided by Human Design, or just tired of hustle-mode being the default, this episode is an invitation to move differently.  Here’s what I cover: Why systems already exist—even if you haven’t written them down (04:07)The power of rhythms over routines, especially for energy-led planning (11:22)What scaffolding looks like when you’re overwhelmed or foggy (08:38)How I build boundaries into my client processes—without overexplaining (16:43)What your business safety net could look like at 60% capacity (20:58)Micro-shifts that support Projectors, Generators, and neurodivergent solopreneurs (06:55) This episode is a reminder: slow seasons don’t mean you’re falling behind. They mean you finally have space to shape the business that holds you.   What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obm  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    10 min

  5. AUG 12

    Redefining “Done Right” in Business with Sarah Gemmell

    Send us a text What if the way you’re “supposed to” grow your business… doesn’t actually work for you? In this episode, I’m joined by marketing strategist and entrepreneur Sarah Gemmell for a conversation that goes beyond funnels and frameworks. We talk about what it really means to build a business around your strengths, your season of life, and your capacity—especially if you're neurodivergent, caregiving, or just done with the noise. Sarah gets real about breaking up with the industry norms around offers, marketing, and communication—and how embracing synchronous support and simplified strategy completely changed the game for her and her clients. If you’ve been trying to follow the “right” path and still feeling stuck, this episode will give you the clarity and permission to do things your way.   Here’s what we cover: Starting and scaling while parenting full-time (5:03)How life challenges create unexpected business clarity (6:45)Redefining what a “successful” offer looks like (8:44)Why asynchronous communication doesn’t work for everyone (12:25)The difference between coaching frameworks and true strategy (20:47)The root of most marketing problems: unclear messaging (25:10)  About Sarah Gemmell:  Sarah Gemmell is a marketing strategist who helps small business owners—especially those who are experts in their field—start marketing like it. She guides her clients from scattered to strategic using custom approaches that work with their brain, business model, and bandwidth. Through her DIY workbooks, 30-day lead generation challenge, and high-level one-on-one consulting (with both done-with-you and done-for-you options), Sarah makes it easier to build marketing that actually lands.    You can find Sarah at: Website: sarahjeanco.com Instagram: @sarahgemmell_   What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obmTell me what you loved about the episode at jackihayes.co/contact  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    26 min

  6. AUG 5

    Human Design, Uncertainty, and Strategic Evolution with Katherine Danesi

    Send us a text What does it take to lead a business through seasons of change—and still feel like yourself inside of it? In this episode of Here’s What I Learned, Katherine Danesi joins me for a candid conversation on navigating uncertainty, evolving your offers, and creating a business that honors your actual life. From her days as a Fortune 500 exec to startup COO to systems-driven coach, Katherine has learned the value of doing business her way—and now helps others do the same. We explore how human design, agency, and pricing all play into the shift from freelancer to CEO. And why learning to trust yourself is often the hardest—and most necessary—part of entrepreneurship. If you're ready to stop white-knuckling your business and start building with clarity, this episode is your permission slip.   Topics Covered: Relearning how to live and lead through uncertainty (5:02)Why surrendering control can actually give you more agency (7:42)How human design shapes Katherine’s coaching style and boundaries (9:07)Rebuilding your business after stepping away or burning out (18:20)Why creative founders struggle with business development—and how to simplify it (21:43)Pricing resistance, rebranding delays, and what actually trips people up (23:52)  About Katherine Danesi:  Katherine is a coach and strategist for creative service providers who are ready to structure their businesses for long-term growth. With a background in corporate and startup leadership, she brings practical systems and powerful perspective to every client relationship.   You can find Katherine at: Website: katherinedanesi.com Instagram: @katherinedanesi Newsletter: Business/Women with Katherine Danesi   What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obmTell me what you loved about the episode at jackihayes.co/contact  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    29 min

  7. TRAILER

    Season 9 Trailer

    Send us a text What if the way you build your business mattered just as much as what you build? In Season 9 of Here’s What I Learned, we’re shining a light on the path less promoted—the one paved with sustainable practices, nervous-system-friendly marketing, and business models rooted in your values. This season, we go beyond strategies and into the systems, beliefs, and lived experiences that shape ethical, sustainable growth. You’ll hear what it means to grow slowly, market joyfully, and lead from values rather than vanity metrics. These are real conversations with entrepreneurs navigating change, redefining success, and leaning into what actually works for them. And because we’re approaching a big milestone—episode 99—Season 9 also includes something special: three episodes that welcome back past guests. These aren’t replays—they’re reunions with fresh insights, proof that growth is rarely linear but always meaningful. Season 9 launches Tuesday, August 5th. Make sure you’re subscribed, because this season is full of perspective shifts, strategy upgrades, and permission to build a business that truly fits. What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friendFind the complete show notes and transcripts at jackihayes.co  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obm  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    4 min

  8. JUN 24

    Here’s What I Learned in Season 8: Boundaries, Alignment & Growth

    Send us a text We’ve made it to the end of Season 8—and today, I’m sharing the biggest themes that came up across every conversation I had with this season’s incredible business owners. These aren’t just talking points; they’re real-world lessons from folks who are rewriting the rules of business in ways that actually work for their lives. From rethinking what success really means, to drawing clear boundaries, to ditching outdated norms in favor of joy, sustainability, and alignment—this episode is packed with the kind of clarity that changes how you move. This season taught me a lot about how I want to build going forward—and I’m betting it’ll do the same for you.   Inside, I share: Why redefining success has become a non-negotiable for me and my clientsHow boundaries aren’t just self-care—they’re a strategyWhat I’ve had to unlearn to make space for a business that feels like mineWhy connection-first marketing is more effective (and more human) than everThe small changes I made that helped me reclaim energy, time, and alignment  What next? Follow Here's What I Learned on your favorite podcast playerLeave a review so the podcast is seen by more people like youShare this episode with a friend  Say hi! Follow me on Instagram at @jackihayes_obm  Credits: Intro and Outro Music: Atomic by Alex-Productions |https://onsound.eu/ Music promoted byhttps://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US Thinking about starting a podcast—but not sure where to begin? At Podfox Media, I help business owners launch podcasts that reflect their voice, values, and goals. We’re offer a free 90-minute strategy session to help you clarify your concept, define your audience, and map out your next steps—with no pressure and plenty of space for your questions. Visit launchmypodcast.com.

    8 min
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About

 Welcome to Here's What I Learned, the podcast for progressive entrepreneurs ready to grow their businesses without sacrificing their values, creativity, or sanity. Hosted by me, Jacki Hayes—a systems strategist, unapologetic smutty romantasy fan, and D&D geek—this show is your go-to space for honest conversations about what it really takes to create a business and life you love. Each week, we dive into relatable stories and actionable lessons from values-driven leaders who’ve figured out how to scale sustainably while staying true to themselves. Whether you’re managing growth, navigating overwhelm, or rethinking hustle culture, this podcast is here to show you that success doesn’t have to mean burnout. If you value integrity, autonomy, and time freedom—and you’re looking for inspiration that’s as practical as it is empowering—you’ve found your people. Hit play, and let’s rewrite the rules together.

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