6h ago

Finding Your Voice and Speaking with Confidence with Grace C.W. Liu

Have you ever felt inspired to share your ideas, ask for what you want, and communicate with greater confidence and authenticity? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Grace C.W. Liu, award-winning author of Pearl of Grace®: A Path to Find Your Voice and Inner Worth, creator of the Pearl of Grace® framework, and founder of GraceSOULutions. Together, we explore how embracing your inner worth, communicating authentically, and sharing your voice can strengthen your relationships, career, and life. Grace shares the inspiration behind her Pearl of Grace® framework and explains why communication is about so much more than the words we speak. From our body language and energy to the stories we tell ourselves, every interaction creates an opportunity to build meaningful connections, strengthen confidence, and inspire others. We also explore how women can embrace their authentic voice, ask boldly for what they want, and build confidence through meaningful connection and self-awareness. Grace shares practical strategies for communicating with clarity, creating productive conversations, and choosing language that reflects your value and purpose. This conversation is filled with encouragement for women who are ready to embrace their voice, communicate with authenticity, and recognize that they already have everything they need within them to make an impact. Tune in to discover how your voice, your story, and your unique experiences can become some of your greatest strengths, and why, as Grace reminds us, the pearl is already inside of you. Let's make your passion pay! Meet Grace Grace C.W. Liu is an award-winning author of Pearl of Grace®: A Path to Find Your Voice and Inner Worth, creator of the Pearl of Grace® framework, and founder of GraceSOULutions. As a Women's Truth Awakener and professional communication strategist, Grace empowers quiet, overlooked women to speak up, ask boldly, and be heard so they communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact. Through her coaching, speaking, and transformational framework, Grace helps women embrace their inner worth, strengthen their communication, and confidently share their voices in business, leadership, and life. Her mission is to help women recognize that their voice matters, their story matters, and they already possess the wisdom and value needed to create meaningful change. Connect with Grace Website: https://gracesoulutions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-cw-liu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracesoulutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceChrysalis YouTube: https://youtube.com/@GraceSOULutions-dy3yq Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jul 27

How Company Culture Drives Business Success with Larry O'Toole

What does it take to build a business that people love to work for and customers trust for years to come? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with entrepreneur, author, and founder of Gentle Giant Moving Company, Larry O'Toole, to explore how hiring great people, leading with core values, and creating a people-first culture became the foundation of one of the nation's most respected moving companies. Starting with a borrowed truck and a simple newspaper advertisement, Larry built a business that has grown into an award-winning national company while staying true to its values. Together, we discuss why company culture begins with the very first person you hire, how strong leadership creates lasting impact, and why surrounding yourself with people of integrity helps businesses thrive. Larry shares how defining core values with his team shaped Gentle Giant's "Giant Heart" philosophy and created a workplace where employees grow into leaders and customers become lifelong advocates. We also explore the importance of hiring for character before skill, promoting from within, empowering employees to make decisions, and creating accountability through trust and teamwork. Larry offers practical leadership lessons on preserving culture as a business grows, resolving conflict with empathy, assuming positive intent, and building relationships that strengthen both employees and customers. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders who want to build a thriving company culture, strengthen their leadership, and create sustainable business success without compromising their values. Tune in to discover how leading with integrity, investing in your people, and creating a culture rooted in core values can help your business grow with purpose and make your passion pay. Let's make your passion pay! Meet Larry Larry O'Toole is the founder and president of Gentle Giant Moving Company, which he launched in 1980 with a borrowed truck and a newspaper advertisement. Under his leadership, Gentle Giant has grown into an award-winning national moving and storage company recognized for exceptional customer service, leadership development, and its people-first culture. Throughout his entrepreneurial journey, Larry has remained committed to one simple philosophy: hire great people, build a culture rooted in integrity, and empower employees to grow into leaders. That approach has helped Gentle Giant expand across the country while maintaining the values and customer experience that have defined the company from the beginning. Larry is also the author of Heavy Lifting: Building a Business with a Giant Heart, where he shares the leadership lessons, business principles, and core values that have guided his company for more than four decades. Connect with Larry Website: https://www.gentlegiant.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Lifting-Building-Business-Giant/dp/B0GWNGQTST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gentle-giant-moving-co./ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gentlegiant/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentlegiantmove Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17uJrMSJ2w/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@gentlegiantmovingco Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jul 20

Selling Through Service: How to Get More Clients with Lynn Whitbeck

What if sales became one of the most rewarding ways to serve others? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with sales strategist Lynn Whitbeck to explore how entrepreneurs can embrace sales as an opportunity to create meaningful impact. Together, we share practical strategies that help business owners create authentic, value-driven conversations that naturally lead to stronger relationships, more clients, and sustainable business growth Lynn shares how shifting your perspective from "pitching" to "inviting" creates a more genuine sales experience, why thoughtful questions build trust, and how a service-first mindset helps both you and your clients thrive. Together, we explore: Why sales is an act of serviceHow inviting someone to work with you creates opportunities for transformationThe importance of asking thoughtful questions and listening with intentionWhy your prospect should be talking for most of the conversationHow creating a "Value Vault" builds confidence and reinforces your impactUnderstanding objections as opportunities for future conversationsFollow-up strategies that strengthen relationships and keep momentum moving forwardPractical ways AI can support your sales process while keeping the human connection at the centerHow to create a consistent, repeatable sales strategy that supports long-term business growthOne of the most powerful insights from this conversation is Lynn's reminder that when you know your product or service creates meaningful transformation, extending an invitation to work together becomes an opportunity to help someone move closer to the results they desire. Whether you're a coach, consultant, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this episode will inspire you to approach sales with confidence, curiosity, and a heart to serve. Tune in to discover how a fresh perspective on sales can help you create greater impact, build stronger relationships, grow your business, and truly make your passion pay. Meet Lynn: Lynn Whitbeck is the Strategic Sales Queen. Business owners hire Lynn to ignite winning sales, because most fail to create consistent, repeatable, and scalable growth. So, Lynn helps sell with intent for maximum impact, influence, and income. Bottomline, sales love it or hate it, you won’t survive without it. Lynn is the Founder and CEO of Strategic Sales Queen, Amazon Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Host of Claim Your Career Crown and the Get More Clients shows. She has been seen on NBC, USA Today, HuffPost, Chicago Tribune, and more! When she is not working with clients, Lynn loves visiting National Parks, cooking, and playing Pokémon Go. Connect with Lynn: Website: https://strategicsalesqueen.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicsalesqueen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicsalesqueen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnwhitbeck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@strategicsalesqueen Get More Clients Checklist: https://strategicsalesqueen.com/checklist/ Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jul 13

AI-Powered and Human-Centered Systems that Drive Results

Can artificial intelligence help your business grow while strengthening the human connections that matter most? In this special solo episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I share my presentation from the AI Unleashed Summit, where I explore how small business owners can embrace AI with confidence while keeping people, purpose, and values at the center of everything they do. AI has quickly become part of the way we work, communicate, and create. Rather than viewing it as something to fear or something that replaces people, I believe AI is a powerful business partner that can simplify processes, spark creativity, and help us work more efficiently when we use it with intention. Throughout this presentation, I walk through practical examples of the AI tools I use every day and explain how they support the Six C's from my Make Your Passion Pay framework: Clarity, Connection, Community, Collaboration, Commitment, and Creativity. These principles help ensure technology serves people, rather than the other way around. In this episode, we discuss: Why AI is a tool that should amplify your voice, never replace it How to align AI with your core values and business culture Practical ways to use AI for communication, planning, and organization The importance of editing AI-generated content so it reflects your authentic voice AI tools I use, including ChatGPT, Otter, Zoom AI Companion, Calendly, PodMatch, and Google Drive How the Six C's create stronger businesses in an AI-powered world Why human connection, leadership, and relationships will always remain essential Simple first steps to thoughtfully integrate AI into your business I also share one of the most important mindset shifts I've made: AI is a creative partner, not the creator. It helps generate ideas, organize information, and improve efficiency, while we provide the wisdom, empathy, discernment, and heart that bring meaningful results. Whether you're just beginning to explore AI or looking for practical ways to use it more intentionally, this episode will encourage you to embrace technology without losing the human element that makes your business unique. Tune in to discover how AI can support your work, strengthen your systems, and help you create a business that reflects your values while serving people well. Let's make your passion pay! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jul 6

Planning with Intention: Navigating Downsizing and Aging in Place with Kelly Kelly

Have you ever wondered how much easier life's transitions could be with a thoughtful plan in place? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Kelly Kelly, founder of KindNest and a Downsizing & Aging-in-Place Consultant serving the St. Croix Valley. Kelly is passionate about helping individuals, couples, families, and adult children navigate one of life's biggest transitions with clarity, compassion, and intention. Together, we explore why planning ahead creates more choices, greater peace of mind, and smoother transitions for everyone involved. Kelly shares how she discovered a growing need while working in the home-building industry and how that experience inspired her to create a business centered on helping people make thoughtful decisions about their homes, belongings, and future. In this episode, we discuss: Why planning early creates greater freedom and confidenceThe emotional and practical challenges of downsizingHow aging-in-place assessments help people remain safely in their homesThe importance of building a trusted network of professionalsWhy every family's journey is uniqueHow asking for and accepting help strengthens relationships and communitiesThe role clarity plays in building both a meaningful business and a meaningful lifeKelly also shares how working through The Passion Test helped her gain the clarity to turn her vision into a business that reflects her values and her desire to serve others. Her story is a wonderful reminder that when passion meets purpose, meaningful work naturally follows. Whether you're beginning conversations with aging parents, considering your own future housing plans, or looking for inspiration to build a business around serving others, this conversation offers practical guidance and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in to discover how planning with intention can create greater peace of mind, stronger connections, and a future that reflects what matters most. Let's make your passion pay! Meet Kelly Kelly Kelly Kelly is a Downsizing & Aging-in-Place Consultant serving the St. Croix Valley. Through her business, KindNest, she helps individuals, couples, families, and out-of-town adult children navigate home transitions with intention by providing expert consultation and connecting them with a trusted network of local professionals. Her work focuses on both the practical and emotional aspects of downsizing and aging-in-place decisions, helping clients create personalized plans that support safety, independence, and peace of mind. As a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, Kelly also conducts home safety assessments and develops strategies that allow people to remain comfortably and confidently in the homes they love. Driven by compassion and a heart for service, Kelly is dedicated to helping families move through life's transitions with clarity, confidence, and care. Connect with Kelly Kelly With Kindnest Website Kelly With Kindnest on LinkedIn Email: kelly@kellywithkindnest.com Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jun 29

Gratitude as a Business Strategy with Kandas Rodarte

What if gratitude wasn't just a mindset, but one of the most powerful business strategies you could use? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Kandas Rodarte, creator of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, founder of the Gratitude Geek Lab, and community builder extraordinaire, to explore how gratitude, collaboration, and authentic connection can help entrepreneurs build thriving businesses and meaningful lives. Kandas shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began at just 18 years old selling Tupperware and evolved into becoming an internet marketing pioneer. Alongside her husband, she launched one of the first online custom furniture businesses, creating personalized shopping experiences long before e-commerce became commonplace. Throughout her career, Kandas has remained passionate about one thing above all else: building communities where people feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow. Together, we dive into: Why community is one of the most valuable assets an entrepreneur can buildHow collaboration creates opportunities that can't be achieved aloneThe role of inclusivity in fostering innovation, learning, and growthWhy women thrive when they have supportive spaces to connect and share ideasHow gratitude can become a daily business practice that attracts new opportunitiesThe importance of creating cultures and communities aligned with your valuesWhy courage is often required to find the communities where you truly belong Kandas also shares the inspiration behind the Gratitude Geek Lab and the Creator Collab Mixers, spaces designed to help women entrepreneurs, podcasters, bloggers, creators, and business owners connect, collaborate, and experiment with new ideas in a supportive environment. One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Kandas describes gratitude as fertilizer: when appreciation is shared freely, opportunities grow. From a simple thank-you to intentionally appreciating the people around you, gratitude creates momentum, strengthens relationships, and opens doors to new possibilities. This episode is a beautiful reminder that success doesn't have to be built through hustle, competition, or going it alone. When we embrace gratitude, invest in community, and collaborate with others, we create businesses and lives that are richer, more sustainable, and far more fulfilling. Tune in to discover how gratitude, connection, and community can help your passion pay. Let's make your passion pay! Meet Kandas Kandas Rodarte helps Gen X women solopreneurs build resilient, sustainable businesses after major life disruptions by centering gratitude, storytelling, and collaboration rather than hustle culture and transactional marketing. As the creator and host of the Gratitude Geek Podcast, founder of the Gratitude Geek Lab, and organizer of the Creator Collab Mixers, Kandas creates welcoming spaces where women can practice visibility, experiment with their message, strengthen their confidence, and build referral-rich networks through authentic connection. A veteran podcast host, YouTube talk show host, entrepreneur, and community builder, Kandas has spent more than three decades helping people connect, collaborate, and grow. Her philosophy is simple: gratitude isn't just a mindset—it's a business strategy. Through her work, she empowers women entrepreneurs to create meaningful businesses and supportive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Connect with Kandas Kandas Rodarte website: kandasrodarte.comGratitude Geek LabGratitude Geek PodcastCreator Co-op mixersConnect with Kandas on Linkedin Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jun 22

Building Meaningful Connections in a Digital World with Talia Rosenblum

Have you ever walked into a networking event, team meeting, or social gathering and found yourself having the same surface-level conversations over and over again? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Talia Rosenblum, founder of Third Space Experiences, to explore the power of meaningful human connection and why creating space for authentic conversations matters now more than ever. After spending more than a decade leading teams in the tech industry, Talia found herself reimagining what meaningful work could look like following a career transition. That journey led her to create Third Space Experiences, a company dedicated to helping individuals, teams, and communities build deeper relationships through thoughtfully designed, device-free connection experiences. Together, we explore: Why meaningful connection is essential for thriving teams and communitiesThe concept of “third spaces” and why they matterHow psychological safety creates stronger communication and collaborationWhy curiosity is one of the most powerful conversation startersHow leaders can create environments where people feel heard and valuedThe impact of technology on communication and human connectionWhy connection is a foundational leadership skill, not a “nice-to-have” activityTalia shares how her unique experiences help people move beyond job titles, roles, and small talk to discover common ground, shared experiences, and genuine understanding. Through carefully crafted prompts and facilitated conversations, participants often leave with new friendships, stronger workplace relationships, and a renewed appreciation for the people around them. We also discuss the importance of creating opportunities for connection in workplaces, communities, and everyday life. From improving team dynamics and fostering psychological safety to strengthening local communities, meaningful conversations can transform the way we work and relate to one another. This episode is a powerful reminder that while technology continues to evolve, our need for human connection remains constant. When we create intentional space for curiosity, conversation, and understanding, we build stronger teams, stronger communities, and stronger relationships. Tune in to discover how moving beyond small talk can open the door to deeper connection, greater collaboration, and a more fulfilling life. Let’s make your passion pay! Meet Talia After more than a decade in the tech industry leading teams and supporting organizational growth, Talia Rosenblum decided to take a different path and create something deeply aligned with her passion for human connection. As the founder of Third Space Experiences, Talia designs and facilitates device-free connection experiences that help people get to know one another beyond titles, roles, and surface-level conversations. Her work is rooted in the belief that meaningful connection creates stronger teams, healthier communities, and more fulfilling relationships. Drawing on her leadership experience and her fascination with how people connect, Talia creates engaging experiences that foster curiosity, psychological safety, authentic conversation, and belonging. Through her work with organizations, teams, and communities, she helps people build relationships that lead to greater collaboration, trust, and engagement. Connect with Talia Website: https://www.third-space-experiences.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliarosenblum/ Substack: https://thethirdspaceconnection.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/third_space_experiences/ Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Jun 15

Creating an Effervescent Life at Any Age with Dr. Susan Meyer

What if some of the most exciting, creative, and purpose-filled years of life are still ahead of you? In this inspiring episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I sit down with Dr. Susan Meyer, transformational coach, Life Architect, and author of Champagne Ladies: Effervescent at Any Age, to explore what it truly means to live with purpose, creativity, curiosity, and joy throughout every stage of life. Susan shares the stories behind her newest book, which highlights 38 remarkable women over the age of 70 who continue to create, contribute, travel, coach, write, perform, and inspire others in meaningful ways. From cabaret singers and digital nomads to coaches, authors, and community builders, these women are proof that passion and purpose continue to expand with age. Together, we dive into: Why curiosity and creativity are essential ingredients for an exciting lifeHow purpose evolves through different seasons of lifeThe power of resilience, connection, and contributionWhat it means to become a “creatrix” later in lifeWhy sharing your wisdom and voice mattersHow women are building meaningful second and third careers aligned with passion Susan also introduces the concept of “champagne ladies,” women who remain effervescent, engaged, and full of life by continuing to learn, create, connect, and explore new possibilities. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that there is no expiration date on creativity, contribution, or purpose. Whether you’re entering a new chapter, exploring what’s next, or simply looking for inspiration to embrace life more fully, this episode will encourage you to stay curious, follow your passions, and continue creating a life you love. Tune in to discover how wisdom, joy, and purpose can continue to grow with every passing year. Let’s make your passion pay! Dr. Susan Meyer’s Bio: Dr. Susan R. Meyer is a Life Architect and transformational coach who helps women create meaningful, purpose-driven lives. Her passion for interviewing women and sharing their stories led to her first book, Fifty Over Fifty: Wise and Wild Women Creating Wonderful Lives (And You Can Too!), featuring inspiring women who forged exciting and fulfilling paths later in life. Her newest book, Champagne Ladies: Effervescent at Any Age, published March 30, 2026, continues that mission by sharing the stories of 38 remarkable women over the age of 70 who continue to create, contribute, and inspire through their passions, careers, and personal journeys. With a background in teaching, organizational development, coaching, and training, Susan brings wisdom, warmth, and deep curiosity to her work. She is passionate about helping women embrace resilience, creativity, connection, and lifelong growth while discovering new possibilities in every season of life. Connect with Dr. Susan Meyer: Facebook: Susan R Meyer Coaching and Consulting https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064011036328 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanrmeyer/Amazon: Champagne Ladies: Effervescent at Any Age Book Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to visit LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let’s spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!

Make Your Passion Pay

Finding Your Voice and Speaking with Confidence with Grace C.W. Liu

How Company Culture Drives Business Success with Larry O'Toole

Selling Through Service: How to Get More Clients with Lynn Whitbeck

AI-Powered and Human-Centered Systems that Drive Results

Planning with Intention: Navigating Downsizing and Aging in Place with Kelly Kelly

Gratitude as a Business Strategy with Kandas Rodarte

Building Meaningful Connections in a Digital World with Talia Rosenblum

Creating an Effervescent Life at Any Age with Dr. Susan Meyer

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Make Your Passion Pay

Episodes

Finding Your Voice and Speaking with Confidence with Grace C.W. Liu

How Company Culture Drives Business Success with Larry O'Toole

Selling Through Service: How to Get More Clients with Lynn Whitbeck

AI-Powered and Human-Centered Systems that Drive Results

Planning with Intention: Navigating Downsizing and Aging in Place with Kelly Kelly

Gratitude as a Business Strategy with Kandas Rodarte

Building Meaningful Connections in a Digital World with Talia Rosenblum

Creating an Effervescent Life at Any Age with Dr. Susan Meyer

About

Information