Iconoclasting

Sarah Smith
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

The road not traveled can be rockier, but it also teaches you more. Hear from people who had unconventional and non-linear pathways into what they do now, how they got there, and why it matters that they rejected the norms and focused on how to build what fits for them.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    EP 09 - Iconoclasting with Ilana Morris

    What if the career you were meant for is one you've never even heard of? In this episode of Iconoclasting, I sit down with Ilana Morris, an OBM (Online Business Manager) and Systems Strategist at IAM Business Solutions, who went from educator to online business expert without following a single traditional step. Her story is a masterclass in recognizing the value of what you already know, building the technical skills that make you irreplaceable, and finding a community that opens doors you didn't know existed. Ilana's journey is proof that a non-traditional path isn't a detour; it's often a shortcut to doing work that actually fits who you are. Here's what we cover: ✅ How Ilana transitioned from education to Online Business Management ✅ Why transferable skills are more powerful than most people realize ✅ What an OBM actually does and why businesses need one ✅ The role of data management and systems strategy in online business ✅ Why knowing "the codes" makes you irreplaceable in any industry ✅ How community and networking accelerate non-traditional career paths ✅ Actionable advice for identifying and leveraging your own transferable skills Whether you're a teacher, a career-changer, or an entrepreneur trying to get more organized, this episode will challenge how you think about the skills you already have. Ilana Morris specializes in designing end-to-end client experiences for mission-driven founders. With 10+ years in operations, data management, and organizational systems, she blends strategic thinking with hands-on implementation to create systems that feel intuitive, supportive, and sustainable. As a values-aligned, queer professional and advocate for equity, she brings a human-first approach to every engagement that honors capacity, lived experience, and the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Her work helps founders move from operational chaos to calm clarity, giving them the freedom to lead, rest, and grow without burning out. — 🔗 CONNECT WITH ILANA: 🌐 Website: https://iambusinesssolutions.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/IlanaMorris 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED: OBM Training Programs: https://www.obmtraining.com Systems Strategy Resources: https://www.systemsstrategies.com — 📌 Subscribe to Iconoclasting for more conversations on non-traditional paths, entrepreneurship, and building businesses on your own terms. 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclastinnovationsllc 🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform — ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Ilana Morris and Her Journey 02:53 From Education to Online Business Management 05:35 Navigating Career Transitions and Skill Development 08:20 Understanding the Role of an Online Business Manager 11:05 The Importance of Community and Networking 13:52 Lessons from a Non-Traditional Path 16:11 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways — 🔑 KEYWORDS: online business manager, OBM, systems strategist, non-traditional career, transferable skills, career transition, online business management, entrepreneurship, community building, Iconoclasting podcast

    19 min

  2. Jun 4

    EP 08 - Iconoclasting with Julia Bocchese

    Most small businesses are ignoring two of the most powerful tools for building their digital presence: Pinterest and SEO. In this episode of Iconoclasting, I sit down with Julia Bocchese, founder of Julia Renee Consulting and an expert SEO and Pinterest strategist who works with creative and holistic businesses to help them show up where their customers are actually searching. Julia is an SEO, Pinterest, and AI search strategist who helps businesses get found online and attract the right clients through search. She’s the founder of Julia Renee Consulting, where she builds clear, sustainable strategies focused on real growth, conversions, and long-term visibility, without the confusing jargon. Julia shares how she went from a traditional corporate career to full-time freelancing, what five college minors and a lot of trial and error taught her about building expertise, and why Pinterest is one of the most underrated search platforms for small businesses, especially in niche markets with less competition. We cover: ✅ Why Pinterest is a search engine, not just a social platform ✅ How smaller niches on Pinterest create less competition and more opportunity ✅ The real impact AI is having on SEO strategies right now ✅ How to build a strong, sustainable digital presence as a small business ✅ Julia's journey from corporate job to freelance consulting ✅ Why learning from multiple sources is the key to staying ahead ✅ Advice for navigating a nonlinear career path Whether you're a small business owner, a freelancer, or just trying to figure out how to actually get found online, this conversation is for you. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes of Iconoclasting 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclastinnovationsllc 🌐 Learn more about Julia: https://juliareneeconsulting.com/ — ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to SEO and Pinterest Strategies 02:32 Exploring Julia's Business and Niche 05:19 Educational Background and Career Path 10:58 Transitioning to Freelancing and Business Ownership 16:46 The Impact of AI on SEO Strategies 22:24 Advice for Nonlinear Career Paths — 🔑 KEYWORDS: Pinterest marketing, SEO for small business, SEO strategy, AI and SEO, Pinterest SEO, Julia Renee Consulting, digital marketing for small businesses, freelancing, content strategy, Iconoclasting podcast

    22 min

  3. May 21

    EP 07 - Iconoclasting with Genie Gratto

    What does it take to turn a journalism background into a thriving communications business? In this episode, I sit down with Genie Gratto, CEO and founder of GWRITES, to talk about her journey from journalist to nonprofit communicator to full-time entrepreneur. Genie shares the real story behind building a narrative strategy business, including the financial mistakes, the mindset shifts, and the storytelling philosophy that drives everything she does. In this episode, we cover: ✅ How GWRITES evolved from a side hustle to a full-time business ✅ Why directness is the foundation of great narrative strategy ✅ The mindset that changed how she approaches opportunity ✅ Financial challenges entrepreneurs face in the early stages (and how to navigate them) ✅ How storytelling connects audiences to mission and drives real impact ✅ Why adaptability is the most important trait for entrepreneurs Whether you're a communicator, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a nonprofit professional, this conversation is full of practical wisdom you can use right now. 🎙️ Listen on your favorite podcast platform 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every other Thursday 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @iconoclast_innovations_llc — ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 00:00 The Genesis of GWRITES 02:45 Navigating the Journalism Landscape 05:29 The Evolution of Narrative Strategy 08:15 Lessons from Entrepreneurship 11:05 The Importance of Directness and Opportunity 13:41 Financial Lessons and Mistakes 16:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs — 🔑 KEYWORDS: narrative strategy, content strategy, women entrepreneurs, journalism to entrepreneurship, nonprofit communications, GWRITES, storytelling for business, entrepreneur advice, communications consulting, podcast for entrepreneurs

    23 min

  4. May 7

    EP 06 - Iconolcasting with Christine Beurmann

    Christine Beurmann is a senior enterprise agile and delivery leader with over 15 years of experience helping organizations turn strategy into predictable execution. She’s led Agile Release Trains, enterprise transformations, and product operations across financial services, SaaS, retail, and life sciences, partnering closely with executives to stabilize delivery and drive real business outcomes. In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Christine delve into the evolving field of Product Operations, exploring its significance, the skills required, and the impact of AI on the industry. Christine shares her journey from Agile coaching to Product Ops, emphasizing the importance of communication, negotiation skills, and understanding the market in making the transition. Christine also offers valuable career insights, encouraging listeners to embrace opportunities and recognize that progress is often nonlinear. Takeaways Fall in love with the problem, not just the solution.Progress in careers is not always linear; embrace opportunities.Agile principles are becoming part of everyone's job, not just a single role. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:08 Journey into Product Operations 10:12 The Importance of Communication 17:36 AI's Impact on Product Operations 23:33 Career Insights and Advice

    29 min

  5. Apr 24

    EP 05 - Iconoclasting with Robbin Kelton

    Robbin Kelton is the hostess of the Mamapreneur Podcast, with nearly 5 years and 100+ episodes spotlighting women and moms from around the world—helping them gain global exposure for their brands. She curates luxe networking experiences across DFW, creating spaces rooted in Community, Connection, and Collaboration (the kind that actually moves the needle). Most recently, she founded Team Robbin’s Divas Cancer Foundation, providing resources and care packages to women currently undergoing cancer treatment. Her motto says it all: “True Connection Happens When You’re IN the Room!” The conversation with Robbin Kelton of Mamapreneur podcast covers the journey of starting and expanding the Mamapreneur brand, overcoming fear, and taking action. Robbin shares her non-traditional pathway and emphasizes the importance of community, collaboration, and connection. The discussion also delves into the expansion of the Mamapreneur brand and the significance of taking action despite fear. Takeaways Community, Collaboration, and ConnectionOvercoming Fear and Taking Action Connect with Robbin Mamapreneurpodcast.com https://team-robbins-816802550992.us-west1.run.app/#/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mamapreneur Podcast07:14 Starting a Podcast and Overcoming Fear14:05 Expanding the Mamapreneur Brand21:17 Conclusion and Where to Find Robbin

    21 min

  6. Apr 9

    EP 04 - Iconoclasting with Rita Richa

    Rita Richa is the Founder and Chief Storytelling Officer of Reignite Media, a story-driven sales consulting firm working with Fortune 500 and B2B brands. She’s also the award-winning host of Bippity Boppity Business and helps brands turn conversations into relationships and relationships into revenue. In this engaging conversation, Rita Richa, Chief Storytelling Officer at Reignite Media, shares her unconventional journey from aspiring performer to successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of storytelling in business, the magic of Disney as an inspiration, and the challenges she faced along the way. Rita emphasizes the significance of belief, opportunity, and finding one's purpose, while also highlighting the value of community and support in achieving success. The episode concludes with key takeaways for listeners on navigating their own journeys. Takeaways Reignite Media focuses on story-driven sales for B2B brands.Storytelling can create magic in business content.An unconventional journey can lead to unexpected success.Belief in oneself and support from others is crucial. Connect with Rita LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritaricha/ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Reignite Media03:09 The Journey of Storytelling in Business06:59Rita's Unconventional Path to Success12:25 Finding Purpose and Overcoming Adversity18:18 Finding Support: The Importance of Belief in Your Potential20:28 Discovering Passion: The Joy of Working in Media23:43 Navigating Choices: The Impact of COVID on Career Decisions25:16 Key Takeaways: Lessons from an Unconventional Path

    30 min

  7. Mar 26

    EP 03 - Iconoclasting with Caroline Benefield

    Caroline Benefield is a digital marketing consultant specializing in brand storytelling, campaign strategy, and performance-driven marketing. Her work blends creative content with data-driven insights to build marketing strategies that connect and convert. Caroline shares her journey into digital marketing, emphasizing the goal of demystifying the digital marketing space. Caroline also shares her personal journey and the development of Southern Grid Digital, along with her top three marketing tips, focusing on simplicity, authenticity, and value-driven strategies. Connect with Caroline IG - @southerngritdigitalLI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-weeks-9bb58578/Website - southerngritdigital.comPortfolio - https://southerngritdigital.lovable.app/ Takeaways Demystifying digital marketingAuthenticity in marketing Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Digital Marketing Services07:15 Values in Marketing15:52 Personal Journey and Business Development24:30 Marketing Tips and Strategies

    30 min

  8. Mar 12

    EP 02: Iconoclasting with Erin Peshoff

    Erin Peshoff leads Vivia Studios, where she helps founders, teams, and consultants untangle messy processes and design systems that actually stick. Her work blends people-first change management with practical tools so organizations can scale without burning out. We delve into the world of Vivia Studios and positive psychology, exploring the challenges faced by nonprofits and solopreneurs, the implementation of new systems, and the importance of growth mindset and authenticity. Erin shares her journey into positive psychology and emphasizes the value of personal growth and resilience. Takeaways Positive psychologyNonprofit consultancyPersonal growth Connect with Erin https://www.viviastudios.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nonprofitgrowthstudio/ Chapters 00:00 Vivia Studios and Positive Psychology08:32 Challenges in Nonprofit and Consulting15:14 Learning about Positive Psychology21:19 Key Takeaways

    23 min

  9. Feb 21

    EP 01: Welcome to Iconoclasting

    In the inaugural episode of Iconoclasting, Sarah Smith shares her personal journey of navigating a non-traditional career path. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and highlights how societal expectations can shape our choices. Through her experiences, she encourages listeners to embrace unconventional pathways and explore their unique journeys. Connect with Sarah: Visit WebsiteConnect on LinkedInFollow on InstagramVisit YouTube ChannelEmail

    7 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The road not traveled can be rockier, but it also teaches you more. Hear from people who had unconventional and non-linear pathways into what they do now, how they got there, and why it matters that they rejected the norms and focused on how to build what fits for them.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Smith
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sarah Smith
  • Show Website
    Iconoclasting