Bold Enough

Madeleine MacRae
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

A podcast for bold, bright, ambitious leaders who want to think more honestly about success. In each episode, Madeleine MacRae explores what success really costs, how leaders define it for themselves, and how that definition evolves over time.

  1. 2d ago

    From Dental Assistant to Paint Store Pioneer

    What does it take to build a business around the life you actually want? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McCrae sits down with Ashley Peterson, co-owner of Blue Mist Paint and Supply, to talk about entrepreneurship, time freedom, taking bold risks, and finding success in unexpected places. Ashley and her husband, Heath, started their business just three years ago. What began as a renovation company with a showroom evolved through several pivots, including flooring, cabinetry, and installation, before becoming the full-service paint and supply store it is today. Ashley openly shares what she thought business ownership would look like versus what she actually discovered. While she expected the money and financial success, one of the greatest benefits has been something far more valuable to her: time freedom. Today, entrepreneurship gives Ashley the flexibility to spend more time with her son, homeschool him, support other local businesses, and use her own business as a real-world learning environment for him. Ashley also talks about the challenge of introducing Dunn-Edwards paint to South Carolina, where the brand was unfamiliar to many local painters. Rather than seeing that lack of awareness as a reason to stop, she saw an opportunity to help establish the brand in her market and build something that could have a much bigger impact over time. Along the way, Ashley has experienced some unexpected wins, including appearing on the cover of a trade magazine and winning a Best of South Carolina award for her independently owned paint and hardware store. In this conversation, Ashley and Madeline explore: Why time freedom can be more valuable than financial success How Ashley and Heath continually evolved their business until they found the right fit What it takes to introduce an unfamiliar brand to a new market Why creating your own category can help you stand out How entrepreneurship has allowed Ashley to spend more time with her son Why success can mean having more mountains left to climb How building a business can become an opportunity to teach and empower the next generation At the heart of Ashley's story is a powerful idea: you don't always have to compete in an existing category. Sometimes, you can create your own. Bold Enough explores the pressure, pivots, clarity, and courage behind building businesses and lives on your own terms.

    From Dental Assistant to Paint Store Pioneer

  2. Oct 2

    Turning Life's Hard Knocks into a Coaching Legacy

    What does it take to build a business that can succeed without you? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McCrae sits down with Bill McDevitt, small business and leadership coach and founder of Top of the World Coaching, to explore leadership, personal growth, succession, and the deeper meaning of building a lasting legacy. Bill spent nearly three decades with McDonald’s before making the transition from corporate America into entrepreneurship. Along the way, he discovered a leadership principle that would shape much of his work: teach people what you know, then have them teach someone else. That philosophy helped Bill understand the importance of developing people rather than making yourself indispensable. As he explains, if an owner is the business, it becomes difficult to build transferable value or eventually step away from it. Bill also shares his “Three Ps” philosophy: people, performance, and profit. His approach starts with getting the right people, training and coaching them well, and creating an environment where strong performance can naturally lead to stronger results. The conversation takes a personal turn as Bill shares the story of losing his wife to breast cancer and how honoring a promise they made together ultimately influenced his decision to leave corporate America and launch his coaching business. He also reflects on a lesson he learned as a 12-year-old paperboy, when taking responsibility for a broken window taught him about honesty, accountability, collaboration, and the lasting impact of doing the right thing. Bill and Madeline explore: Why being indispensable can actually hold a leader back How training your replacement creates stronger organizations Why business owners need to build systems beyond themselves The connection between people, performance, and profit How honesty and accountability shape lasting relationships Why empathy, flexibility, and self-awareness matter in leadership How difficult experiences can influence the direction of your life What it really means to build a meaningful legacy At the heart of this conversation is a powerful question: What will people say about you when you're not in the room, and what will they say when you're no longer around? This is a conversation about building something that lasts, empowering others to grow, and creating a legacy that extends far beyond the business itself. Bill McDevitt Top of the World Coaching - https://totwcoaching.com/ Email - bmcdevitt@totwcoaching.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billmcdevitt-top-of-the-world-coaching Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    Turning Life's Hard Knocks into a Coaching Legacy

  3. Sep 29

    Building a Business That Serves People First: Lessons from Surv’s Founder

    How does a simple idea become a business that changes the way people think about work, community, and growth? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McRae speaks with Patrick Brown, founder of Surv, about entrepreneurship, franchising, personal growth, and building a company around service. Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey started in college when he began knocking on doors in his community and offering his help to homeowners. His goal was simple: earn money for school while learning practical skills. But what he discovered was something much bigger — the power of building relationships and becoming part of people’s lives. That early experience became the foundation for Surv, a company designed to help homeowners with everyday tasks while creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. After expanding across Rhode Island, Patrick began franchising the business and building a model that could be replicated in new markets. In this conversation, Patrick shares what he learned while transitioning from being the person doing the work to the person building the system. He discusses the challenges of creating a repeatable franchise model, empowering franchise owners, and developing a business that can scale without losing its original mission. Patrick also opens up about one of the biggest lessons of his entrepreneurial journey: the importance of feedback. From having his first website completely critiqued by professional designers to learning how to separate valuable feedback from noise, he explains how growth comes from being willing to listen, reflect, and improve. At the heart of this episode is a powerful idea: Success is not just about reaching a finish line. It is about becoming who you want to become, creating meaningful impact, and embracing the journey along the way. A thoughtful conversation for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to turn everyday opportunities into something meaningful. Pat Brown Website: https://www.wesurv.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pat-brown-surv Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    Building a Business That Serves People First: Lessons from Surv’s Founder

  4. Sep 24

    The Overlooked Way to Build Confidence in Kids and Leaders Alike | Leigh Feldman

    How do you build a business that helps people discover who they are? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McRae speaks with Leigh Feldman, CEO of a youth enrichment brand platform, about entrepreneurship, franchising, leadership, and creating experiences that help children and families grow. Leigh’s work focuses on brands that combine education, creativity, and hands-on experiences to help children develop confidence and important life skills. Through Young Chefs Academy and Flower Power Cooking Studios, cooking becomes more than an activity. It becomes a way for kids to discover their abilities, build self-esteem, and learn that they can tackle challenges. In this conversation, Leigh shares why he believes every child deserves the opportunity to find the thing that makes their heart “flutter” — the activity where they feel connected, capable, and confident. They explore the importance of creating remarkable experiences, building strong franchise relationships, and supporting business owners through the challenges of scaling. Leigh explains why franchise success depends on reputation, relationships, and giving owners the tools they need to thrive. Leigh also discusses the challenges of evolving established brands, including maintaining culture, adapting processes, supporting different levels of technology comfort, and creating systems that serve everyone in the organization. At the heart of this episode is a powerful idea: Success is not just about what you build. It is about helping others discover what they are capable of building within themselves. A meaningful conversation for entrepreneurs, franchise leaders, parents, and anyone passionate about creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. Leigh Feldman Young Chefs Academy: https://youngchefsacademy.com Flower Power Studios:https://flourpowerstudios.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-feldman-39a2b4203 Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    The Overlooked Way to Build Confidence in Kids and Leaders Alike | Leigh Feldman

  5. Sep 22

    The Accidental Owner: Building a Legacy Business with Heart and Humility

    What happens when you say “yes” to an opportunity before you feel completely ready? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McRae speaks with Jen Young, owner of Mr. K’s Fabric Shop, about her unexpected journey from sales and marketing professional to entrepreneur and steward of a long-standing community business. Jen’s path into business ownership began with an offhand comment. While discussing ways to expand her husband’s carpet business, she jokingly said she could buy Mr. K’s. The very next day, the owner of the window coverings business contacted her about selling it. Despite having no experience in window treatments, upholstery, or awnings, Jen decided to take the leap and become the next owner of a company established in 1973. In this conversation, Jen shares how she used the skills she had developed throughout her career, from sales and customer service to HR and relationship building, to grow the business and preserve the trust customers had built over generations. She discusses the challenges of stepping into a legacy company, navigating uncertainty, building a stronger team, creating processes, and continuing to evolve while respecting the foundation that came before her. Jen also shares why success is not defined only by financial results. For her, success means having committed employees, loyal customers, strong community relationships, and the ability to continue building something meaningful. At the heart of this episode is a powerful reminder: Opportunities often come disguised as moments of uncertainty, but the preparation you build along the way gives you the confidence to say yes. A must-listen conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone considering taking the next bold step in their journey. Mr. K’s Fabric Shop Website: mrksquincy.com Facebook: Mr. K’s Fabric Shop – Quincy, IL Phone: (217) 222-5816 Jennifer Young LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/jennifer-young-a0977349 Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    The Accidental Owner: Building a Legacy Business with Heart and Humility

  6. Sep 21

    From Oil-Stained Engineer to Remote CEO: The Reinvention of Judy Cisler

    How do you build a business that gives you freedom instead of taking it away? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeline McRae speaks with Judy Cisler, entrepreneur and owner of a custom window coverings business, about her journey from industrial engineer to business owner and the lessons she learned while building a company that can thrive without her being involved every day. Judy’s path into entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. After working as an industrial engineer, she decided to create something of her own and discovered an opportunity in custom window treatments, a field that combined her natural eye for design with her passion for helping customers create beautiful spaces. Over the years, she built a showroom, purchased the building her business operates from, developed a team, and created systems that allowed her to step away from daily operations and focus on the strategic side of the company. In this conversation, Judy shares the challenges that came with scaling, including learning that hiring does not automatically solve problems, navigating difficult employee decisions, and evolving her own mindset as the business grew. She also explains why some of the greatest rewards of entrepreneurship come from watching other people grow, seeing employees develop confidence, and creating an environment where customers and team members feel valued. At the heart of this episode is Judy’s definition of success: A happy team, strong customer relationships, predictable processes, and the ability to continue building a life she loves. A powerful conversation for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to create companies that can grow, thrive, and provide freedom for the people behind them. Judy Cisler Website:https://www.gotchacovered.com/grand-rapids/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/judy-cisler-71600944 Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    From Oil-Stained Engineer to Remote CEO: The Reinvention of Judy Cisler

  7. Sep 15

    Why Delegation is Your Growth Multiplier with John Nieuewenburg

    What happens when the person who built the business becomes the biggest thing holding it back? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeleine MacRae speaks with John Nieuwenburg, business coach and founder of W5 Coaching, about the transition every growing entrepreneur must make: moving from being the expert who does the work to the leader who builds the organization. John specializes in helping small business owners, particularly those in trades and professional services, who have mastered their craft but need support learning how to run and scale a business. He shares why many entrepreneurs struggle not because they lack talent, but because they haven’t developed the leadership, delegation, communication, and mindset skills required for growth. In this conversation, John explains why business coaching is often personal coaching in disguise, helping owners improve not only their systems and strategies but also their ability to lead, communicate, and think differently about their role. They explore the biggest challenges business owners face: time, team, and money. John shares why many owners spend their most valuable hours on tasks they shouldn’t be doing, how to create systems that allow others to succeed, and why culture must be intentionally built rather than accidentally created. John also shares powerful leadership lessons around accountability, difficult conversations, and defining success beyond traditional measures. His perspective on success comes from his own journey, including overcoming one of the darkest moments of his life and discovering a renewed purpose in helping others move forward. At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful idea: You cannot grow your business beyond the mindset and leadership capacity of the person running it. A must-listen conversation for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to scale with intention, build stronger teams, and create a business that works beyond themselves. John Nieuwenburg Website – https://w5coaching.com/ Blog – https://w5coaching.com/resources/ TEDx Talk – Search “John Nieuwenburg TEDx” on YouTube Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

    Why Delegation is Your Growth Multiplier with John Nieuewenburg

  8. Sep 10

    Why Humble Leadership Builds Trust with Jeremy Morgan

    How do you become a leader people trust, respect, and want to follow? On this episode of Bold Enough, Madeleine MacRae speaks with Jeremy Morgan, Group President at HorsePower Brands, about entrepreneurship, franchising, leadership, and the power of serving others. Jeremy’s journey began as a college student looking for a way to pay for school without taking on debt. He purchased a College Pro Painters franchise, where he learned firsthand what it takes to build and operate a business. That experience eventually led him into franchising leadership roles, where he has helped launch and support hundreds of franchise owners throughout his career. Now leading brands within HorsePower Brands, Jeremy brings a unique perspective because he has experienced entrepreneurship from both sides: as an operator building his own business and as a leader helping others build theirs. In this conversation, Jeremy shares his philosophy of “live it to lead it” — the belief that leaders must understand the realities of the people they serve by stepping into their world, experiencing their challenges, and earning trust through action. They explore why influence is more powerful than control, why leaders must focus on serving rather than commanding, and why the best businesses are built through relationships, empathy, and shared success. Jeremy also shares a powerful story from his early entrepreneurial journey when a major crisis tested him as a young business owner — and how that moment shaped the way he coaches and leads others today. At the heart of this episode is a simple leadership lesson: The best leaders don’t just tell people what to do. They understand, support, and serve the people they lead. A powerful conversation for entrepreneurs, franchise owners, executives, and anyone looking to become a more impactful leader. Jeremy Morgan Website - https://horsepowerbrands.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremynmorgan Email - jmorgan@horsepowerbrands.com Groovy News - https://horsepowerbrands.com/groovy-hues-is-painting-the-future-with-new-leadership/ Bumblebee Blinds - https://www.bumblebeeblinds.com/ Madeleine MacRae Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/ Book – The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success Isn’t Enough

    Why Humble Leadership Builds Trust with Jeremy Morgan
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A podcast for bold, bright, ambitious leaders who want to think more honestly about success. In each episode, Madeleine MacRae explores what success really costs, how leaders define it for themselves, and how that definition evolves over time.

Information

  • Creator
    Madeleine MacRae
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Madeleine MacRae
  • Show Website
    Bold Enough