Entrepreneur Encounter

Entrepreneur Encounter
  • 5,0 (7)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • CHAQUE SEMAINE

Entrepreneur Encounter is a weekly podcast designed to support creative business owners in developing the soft skills that lead to lasting, values-aligned growth.Hosted by Dana Johnson, founder of a boutique Pinterest marketing agency for wedding pros and creatives, and Sara Lowell, a consultant specializing in business management & team leadership along with podcast management, each episode explores the mindset shifts, communication skills, and leadership habits that empower entrepreneurs to grow sustainably—without the burnout.Through real stories, practical frameworks, and transparent conversations, Dana and Sara offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a purpose-driven business in a constantly changing world.Whether you're building your visibility, managing a team, or simply trying to stay grounded while growing, this podcast is your companion in business and in life.

  1. -1 J

    From Meeting Overload to Meaningful Time: Soft Skills for Smarter Collaboration | EP 12

    Send us a text We’ve all been there, sitting in a meeting halfway through, realizing it could’ve just been an email. We’ve been in those meetings, too, lots of motion, zero progress. In this episode, we decided to change that narrative by pulling back the curtain on the system that’s helped us transform our own meetings from time-wasters into powerful, productive sessions that actually move the needle forward. Spoiler alert: it involves one of our favorite tools from the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework: the Level 10 Meeting (L10). In this episode, we not only break down what an L10 meeting is and why it’s so effective, but we also let you sit in on one of our real podcast meetings, unfiltered, transparent, and fully in action.  You’ll hear how we track metrics, set goals, review wins, and tackle challenges without the chaos. Whether you’re leading a business, running a team, or managing your own projects, this conversation will show you how structure and soft skills can turn your meetings into meaningful collaboration time and how to carry that same intentionality into your business (and even your family life). What to listen for in this episode: Turning structure into freedom: How a simple meeting framework (the EOS Level 10) helps you focus, prioritize, and make progress without micromanaging. Real-world application: A behind-the-scenes look at how we run our own meetings, what we track, how we hold each other accountable, and why data matters more than emotions. Soft skills that shift everything: How clarity, communication, and accountability help you strengthen relationships and create real momentum in your work. If you’re tired of meetings that go nowhere, this episode will show you how to bring intention back into collaboration, so every conversation drives results. Resource Mentioned: What the Heck Is EOS? by Gino Wickman & Tom Bouwer Tune in, take notes, and let’s make your next meeting actually mean something. Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    22 min

  2. 17 OCT.

    Lessons in Leadership: Real Advice for New Managers and Entrepreneurs | EP 11

    Send us a text You know that moment when you realize leading a team feels a lot like parenting? You’re guiding, teaching, and sometimes repeating yourself a hundred times but this time, the “kids” have deadlines and invoices. In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, hosts we share an honest conversation about what leadership really looks like behind the scenes. From letting go of control to building trust and boundaries, we unpack the messy, rewarding, and often funny realities of becoming a first-time manager or business owner. If you’ve ever struggled with delegation, avoided tough conversations, or tried to be everyone’s friend, this episode will feel like a sigh of relief. We get real about the mistakes we made early on, the lessons that shaped us, and how we learned to lead with both empathy and accountability. Whether you’re managing a team, clients, or a growing business, this episode will help you navigate leadership without losing your mind (or your sense of humor). What to Listen for in This Episode: From Doer to Leader: Why the biggest shift in management is learning to let go of control and trust the process; even when it’s uncomfortable. Boundaries Build Better Leaders: How empathy and accountability can coexist, and why setting boundaries isn’t cold—it’s actually an act of respect and love in leadership. Leadership Lessons (the Hard Way): The story of having to fire someone without guidance and a confession about overpromising to clients reveal the importance of feedback, boundaries, and self-awareness as a manager. Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    17 min

  3. 10 OCT.

    How to Build Rapport That Doesn’t Feel Fake or Forced | EP 10

    Send us a text Have you ever looked through your LinkedIn connections and realized you don’t actually know most of them? You’re not alone. In this episode, we peel back the layers of what authentic networking really means, beyond the surface-level messages, cold pitches, and “Hey, just checking in” DMs. From stories about awkward online connections to the real magic of building genuine relationships, this conversation will make you rethink how you approach networking both online and in real life. We open up about our early misconceptions around networking, thinking it was all about pitching and selling. Also breaking down the difference between marketing and true connection. Together, we explore how to build deeper relationships that lead to collaboration, trust, and long-term success. Whether you’re growing your business, managing a team, or simply trying to connect more meaningfully, this episode will inspire you to slow down, be intentional, and bring your humanity into every interaction. What to Listen for in This Episode The Real Difference Between Networking and Marketing – Why genuine connection, not promotion, is the foundation of effective networking. How to Build Authentic Connections Online – Simple, practical ways to start meaningful conversations that don’t feel forced or salesy. The Power of Vulnerability in Networking – How showing up as your whole self, even when life’s messy, builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships. 🎧 Challenge from Sara & Dana: This week, reach out to three people in your network with no agenda. Just check in, say hello, and start a genuine conversation, no sales pitch, no ulterior motive. Then, send us a message and tell us how you introduced yourself! Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    25 min

  4. 3 OCT.

    How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges | EP 9

    Send us a text Ever held back a conversation for so long that it turned into a ticking time bomb? In this episode, we get real about the messy emotions, mounting overwhelm, and quiet assumptions that can build up when we avoid speaking our truth. From burnout tears to breakthrough clarity, we share how one honest talk completely shifted the way we work together and why those conversations, though uncomfortable, are what actually save relationships and projects. We dive into the art of having difficult conversations before they spiral into full-blown conflicts. Breaking down real-life examples from our own business and podcast partnership, unpack why avoidance makes things worse, and share practical frameworks for tackling tough talks with clients, team members, or even yourself. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating with a partner, or navigating client relationships, this conversation will help you lean into conflict resolution as a core soft skill. What to listen for in this episode: The hidden costs of avoiding difficult conversations—and how it fuels burnout. Two frameworks you can use right away: “Name it Early” and the “Relationship-Preserving Approach.” Scripts and starter phrases to make tough conversations collaborative instead of confrontational. Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    32 min

  5. 26 SEPT.

    When Growth Stalls: What to Do When Your Team (or Clients) Stop Evolving | EP 8

    Send us a text It’s one of the hardest moments as a leader, you pour your energy, knowledge, and heart into helping someone grow, only to realize they’re not moving forward. Maybe it’s a client who resists every strategy you put in place, or a team member who refuses to develop skills outside of their comfort zone. The frustration builds, and you start to question yourself.  In this episode, we get candid about their own missteps, the lessons we learned the hard way, and the strategies that finally made a difference. Together, we dive into what really drives resistance (spoiler: it’s often fear, not laziness), how to tell the difference between someone who’s stuck but willing versus someone who’s stuck and resistant, and why you can’t force curiosity or ambition.  What to listen for in this episode: The hidden role of fear in resistance, why “not growing” isn’t always about stubbornness or laziness. The difference between stuck but willing vs. stuck and resistant and how leaders should respond to each. Seven strategies for leading with compassion, including creating psychological safety, modeling curiosity, and knowing when to part ways.Special thanks to Josh Parnall for submitting this week's question: The challenges of developing someone who doesn’t want to grow. How do you lead someone like that? Facebook Group Limitless Leadership: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1C4De8HH2c/  Want to submit a question, send us a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    30 min

  6. 19 SEPT.

    Why Great Leaders Ask Questions, Not Just Give Answers | EP 7

    Send us a text She sat at her desk, staring at a list of problems she felt responsible to solve. The pressure was heavy, after all, wasn’t a leader supposed to have the answers? But then came the shift: what if leadership wasn’t about fixing everything, but about asking the right questions? That simple mindset flip changed the way she showed up for her team, and it can change the way you lead too. In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we unpack the concept of humble inquiry, a leadership style built on curiosity, not control. Instead of rushing to give solutions, we explore how creating space for your team to share ideas, take ownership, and problem-solve leads to stronger culture and sustainable growth. You’ll hear why asking better questions doesn’t make you look weak,  it makes you the kind of leader people trust and want to follow. What to listen for in this episode: The surprising leadership myth that keeps many entrepreneurs stuck in “answer mode.”How to use humble inquiry to empower your team and strengthen workplace culture.Simple question swaps you can start using today to shift from control → collaboration.Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    31 min

  7. 12 SEPT.

    Building Resilience: Thriving Under Entrepreneurial Pressure | EP 6

    Send us a text Every entrepreneur faces that moment when everything seems to be falling apart, missing files two days before a client deadline, algorithm changes that tank your reach overnight, or technical glitches that threaten your reputation. These scenarios used to send successful business owners into complete spirals of panic and self-doubt.  But what separates thriving entrepreneurs from those who burn out isn't avoiding these challenges, it's developing the soft skills of resilience which transforms every setback into fuel for growth and creative solutions. In this episode, we explore the essential skill of building entrepreneurial resilience, diving deep into how effective stress management and strategic problem solving can become your greatest business strategies.  We share three core strategies for developing unshakeable resilience: creating bounce-back routines, collecting evidence of your wins and recoveries, and building strategic support systems. Through personal confessions and real-world examples, we demonstrate how transparency and vulnerability actually build stronger business relationships and sustainable personal development practices. What You'll Learn in This Episode: • The 24-Hour Rule for Stress Management: A method for processing setbacks without letting them derail your entrepreneurial momentum or business strategies • Why Documenting Wins is Critical for Resilience: How collecting evidence of your successes and recoveries creates a foundation for future problem solving and growth mindset development • Building Your Strategic Support Ecosystem: The difference between emotional support and strategic guidance, and how to cultivate the right support systems for sustainable entrepreneurship success When you face your next business setback, will you choose to spiral into stress mode or step into your problem-solving superpower? What would change in your entrepreneurship journey if you viewed every challenge as evidence of your growing resilience? Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    32 min

  8. 5 SEPT.

    Understanding Empathy vs Enabling | Why Caring People In Business Care Themselves into Burnout | EP 5

    Send us a text Ever catch yourself spending unpaid hours researching solutions for problems you weren't even hired to solve? There have been times when we both have done exactly that, laying awake worrying about a business when we should have not. We then discovered the hard way that there's a crucial difference between caring about your clients and caring yourself straight into burnout. In this episode, we explore the difference between empathy and enabling in client relationships. We share hard-won lessons from our own experiences of burning out while trying to solve problems outside our expertise, and provide practical frameworks for maintaining boundaries without losing your caring nature. From the "empowerment check" method to building strategic referral networks, we offer actionable strategies for supporting clients while protecting energy and staying in one lane. What to listen for in this episode: The Helper's High Trap: Learn why that good feeling you get from being "needed" by clients can actually damage both your business and your client relationships.  The Empowerment Check Method: Discover a simple but powerful technique for separating feelings from fixing: asking "Do you want me to just listen right now or do you want me to help brainstorm a solution?" plus the follow-up question that shifts responsibility back to your client. The Strategic Referral Network: Understand how saying "I know someone who can help you" becomes your superpower for maintaining boundaries while still showing you care and how this approach can actually grow your business through relationship-building. What if the most empathetic thing you could do for your clients isn't diving in to rescue them, but stepping back and letting them figure it out themselves? Support the show Whether you’re looking to grow your visibility through Pinterest Marketing or streamline your Podcast Operations and Team Management, we help business owners and creatives build sustainable systems that work for them, not against them. Want to learn more about how this can work for you and your business, reach out to us! Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter: Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/3azyca95 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/ Host Sara Lowell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/ Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/ Host Dana Johnson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/ Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

    31 min
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À propos

Entrepreneur Encounter is a weekly podcast designed to support creative business owners in developing the soft skills that lead to lasting, values-aligned growth.Hosted by Dana Johnson, founder of a boutique Pinterest marketing agency for wedding pros and creatives, and Sara Lowell, a consultant specializing in business management & team leadership along with podcast management, each episode explores the mindset shifts, communication skills, and leadership habits that empower entrepreneurs to grow sustainably—without the burnout.Through real stories, practical frameworks, and transparent conversations, Dana and Sara offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a purpose-driven business in a constantly changing world.Whether you're building your visibility, managing a team, or simply trying to stay grounded while growing, this podcast is your companion in business and in life.

Informations

  • Création
    Entrepreneur Encounter
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    125
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Entrepreneur Encounter
  • Site web de l’émission
    Entrepreneur Encounter