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. 13H AGO

    Joyful Business, Aligned Marketing with M. Shannon Hernandez

    Send us a text What if you only marketed your business in ways that actually brought you joy? What if you could ditch the pressure to “be everywhere” and still build a thriving, values-aligned brand?  In this episode, I’m joined by M. Shannon Hernandez—founder of the Joyful Business Revolution and messaging strategist for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. Shannon brings a refreshing, radically human approach to marketing that centers joy, energy alignment, and sustainable growth.  We dive into why doing business your way isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessity. Shannon shares her signature “one platform, one email” strategy, explains how she built a business that honors seasonal rhythms, and makes a compelling case for ditching marketing “shoulds” once and for all.  If you’re craving more simplicity, capacity, and joy in how you show up for your business… this episode is your permission slip.   Topics: Why joyful marketing is more effective marketing (3:50)Her signature “content personality” framework (and how it supports email strategy) (8:27)How to define your business seasons—and work with them instead of against them (14:00)The real story behind the “M.” in M. Shannon Hernandez (28:28)How partial scholarships fuel equity in her business model (24:00)  You can find M. Shannon at: Website: joyfulbusinessrevolution.com LinkedIn: mshannonhernandez   Mentioned in the episode: Is Business Slow? We’ve Been There. Here’s What to Do About It. - Joyful Business Revolution   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.

    33 min

  2. SEP 30

    Do You Need a New Tool, or Does Your Process Need Care?

    Send us a text If leads are slipping and proposals stall, it’s tempting to blame the platform. In this solo episode, I explain why most “tool problems” are really process gaps—and how I use my CARE framework (Clarity, Align, Reduce, Ease) to make the tools you already have work better. I walk you through defining “done,” reducing decision fatigue, setting cues you’ll actually notice, and when it does make sense to pilot new software—without derailing client work.   Topics How I gut-check whether it’s a tool gap or a process gapMy CARE framework in plain language (Clarity, Align, Reduce, Ease)When I decide a new tool truly helps—and how I avoid platform churn  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.

    11 min

  3. SEP 23

    Why Empathy is Your Strongest Copywriting Strategy with Krista Walsh

    Send us a text What if your best marketing strategy isn’t a formula—but your ability to actually care? In this episode of Here’s What I Learned, website strategist and messaging expert Krista Walsh joins me to challenge the “best practices” baked into online business culture. From canine reactivity to content strategy, Krista shares how empathy—not exploitation—is the key to both personal breakthroughs and sustainable marketing. This is a must-listen for service providers who’ve ever felt icky about pain-point marketing, uncertain about their message, or trapped in someone else’s strategy.   Inside this episode: What reactive dogs can teach us about self-trust in businessWhat “doing business your way” really means—and why it mattersHow Krista defines empathy-led messaging How to write from compassion, not coercionUsing AI without losing your message’s soul What Krista would tell her earlier self about building a business  You can find Krista at: Website: kristawalshcopywriter.com LinkedIn: in/krista-walsh-copywriter   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.

    23 min

  4. SEP 16

    Building a Business That Includes You with Faith Clarke

    Send us a text When we talk about building businesses that work for us, what does that actually mean in practice? This week on Here’s What I Learned, I’m joined by Faith Clarke—organizational culture strategist and co-creator of Feminist Founders—for a deep, energizing conversation about values-led business, strategic collaboration, and how we unlearn the reflex to fix everything... especially when it’s uncomfortable. Faith shares what she’s actively practicing right now: noticing the pull to fix when discomfort arises, and instead pausing to ask, what does my body need right now? That question alone cracked open so much for me—and I think it will for you too. We also get into what it really looks like to build a business your way—including letting go of morning meetings, resisting hustle culture, and treating collaboration as co-creation... not another to-do list. This one is full of grounded wisdom, gentle challenges, and the kind of strategic insight that makes you rethink how you lead, spend, and show up.   Topics: The hidden cost of using your strategic brain to avoid discomfortWhat it looks like to design your business around your actual lifeHow Faith reframes collaboration as “holding the other corner of the sheet”What equity and liberation can look like inside your business (without the overwhelm)The weight of invisible labor—and what we can do about it, together  Whether you’re reimagining your business systems, craving more aligned partnerships, or just tired of putting yourself last… this episode is your invitation to do it differently.   You can find Faith at: Website: faithclarke.com Substack: faithwithlife   Mentioned in the episode: Feminist Founders on Substack    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.

    31 min

  5. SEP 9

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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.

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