Millions Were Made

Jessica Marx
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to the Millions Were Made Podcast, where we dive deep into the strategies and insights of successful entrepreneurs who have achieved incredible personal wealth through revenue growth and smart business strategies. Join our host and industry expert, Jessica Marx as she interviews top-notch business owners who have crossed the 7-figure milestone and beyond. Get ready to learn firsthand from their experiences, uncover their secrets for success, and gain valuable knowledge that you can apply to your own entrepreneurial journey. Each episode is packed with actionable advice, practical tips, and real-life case studies, providing you with the roadmap for growing your personal wealth and building a thriving business. From revenue generation strategies to innovative marketing tactics, and from scalability techniques to financial management best practices, we cover it all. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to take their revenue and personal wealth to the next level, this podcast is for you. Tune in, subscribe, and unlock the strategies that can help you reach your financial goals and build a 7-figure business empire. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Get ready to accelerate your success and join the ranks of the less than 9% of 7-figure business owners.

  1. FEB 4

    #71 – Exit Strategy & Succession Planning: How Founders Strategically Plan for Exit, Succession, and Value Creation

    In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas explore the critical role of exit strategy, succession planning, and incentive structures in maximizing business valuation and founder wealth. Far too many founders begin thinking about exit planning only when they are exhausted, disengaged, or already in conversations with a broker—resulting in hurried negotiations, lowered valuations, and limited personal financial outcomes. Jessica and Brooke outline a proactive approach designed to help founders prepare three to five years ahead of exit, strengthen operational infrastructure, and ensure the business can transfer value beyond the founder. They discuss: Why 99% of founders don’t have an exit plan—and the risks that createsThe three primary outcomes for every business: shutdown, acquisition, or successionWhy broker valuations often overestimate value and how due diligence reshapes the numberHow operational, financial, and legal gaps erode business value during negotiationsThe link between founder dependency, scalability, and marketabilityHow small operational shifts can lead to significant increases in profitability and valuationWhy many acquisitions leave founders with minimal financial gainStructuring leadership roles—especially COO and CFO—to manage a future due diligence processWho should be part of exit planning—and why this information should not be disclosed to most employeesHow to maintain strategic momentum during an exit process to preserve leverage Jessica emphasizes the importance of preparing for exit long before a transition is imminent. By doing so, founders gain optionality, negotiation strength, and the ability to exit on their preferred terms. If you are committed to building a business that creates wealth, impact, and long-term opportunity—this episode provides a strategic roadmap for preparing your company for a successful transfer of ownership. Mini-timeline 00:00–00:52 — Why the Business Performance Audit was developed00:53–02:42 — Lack of exit plans among founders and associated risks02:43–04:23 — The three potential endpoints of a business04:24–05:24 — Why initial valuations are often inflated05:25–08:01 — The due diligence process and common pitfalls08:02–09:52 — Common outcomes of small business acquisitions09:53–11:25 — Defining peak performance and identifying profitability leaks11:26–12:51 — Legal and IP gaps that undermine valuationspan...

    23 min

  2. JAN 21

    #70 – The Invisible CEO Crisis: Why High-Performing Leaders Burn Out and What to Do About It with Julia Arndt Shelton

    In this episode, Jessica Marx welcomes Julia Arndt Shelton—TEDx speaker, author, and founder of The Peak Performance Method™—to explore one of the most important challenges facing high-achieving founders today: how to scale a company without sacrificing well-being, clarity, or quality of life. Drawing from her decade at Google and her personal experience with burnout, Julia shares the physiological, emotional, and behavioral signals leaders commonly overlook, and why traditional “hustle culture” often masquerades as high performance. Together, Jessica and Julia explore how identity, conditioning, and subconscious habits impact performance, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Inside this conversation, you’ll discover: The early physiological and psychological signs of burnoutWhy many founders unknowingly recreate corporate stress patterns in entrepreneurshipThe distinction between hustle-driven performance and sustainable high performanceHow identity, conditioning, and achievement narratives shape leadership behaviorsThe role of the nervous system in decision making, risk tolerance, and business growthWhy delegating, setting boundaries, and restructuring a CEO role accelerates scalePractical frameworks for prioritization, time management, and energy regulationHow to pause, recalibrate, and reset performance patterns in real timeThe importance of surrounding yourself with relationships that reflect both ambition and support Julia also provides actionable steps founders can implement immediately—from simple nervous system resets to strategic planning exercises—to help leaders protect their energy, elevate their thinking, and operate from clarity rather than urgency. If you are committed to sustainable success, this episode offers a research-backed perspective on what it takes to scale a company without compromising yourself in the process. Mini-timeline 00:00–02:30 — Why burnout is prevalent among high-performing founders02:31–06:00 — Julia’s story: corporate success, entrepreneurship, and burnout06:01–09:45 — External success vs. internal wellbeing09:46–13:25 — Burnout vs. high performance: defining the difference13:26–16:45 — Why founders recreate unsustainable work patterns16:46–20:00 — Identity, achievement, and self-worth20:01–23:45 — Awareness and the STOP framework23:46–26:55 — Delegation, control, and leadership developmentspan...

    44 min

  3. JAN 7

    #69 – Why Established Founders Are Thinking Beyond Q1 and Planning for Q3 in 2026

    In this episode of Millions Were Made, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas guide established founders through a strategic reset for 2026—one rooted in clarity, intentional planning, and sustainable leadership. As many business owners reflect on 2025, a common theme emerges: revenue alone did not deliver the sense of success or fulfillment they expected. Whether the year underperformed financially or simply felt heavier than anticipated, this episode addresses the deeper operational, emotional, and leadership challenges founders are navigating as they enter a new year. Jessica and Brooke share how the most established founders they advise are approaching the beginning of 2026—not by scrambling through Q1, but by proactively planning for the second half of the year, simplifying business models, securing revenue early, and creating space for strategic leadership. This conversation offers a grounded, data-driven perspective on how founders can move out of reactive decision-making and into long-term alignment—both professionally and personally. They discuss: Why revenue is an incomplete measure of business successThe emotional and leadership toll many founders experienced in 2025How top founders front-load strategy to avoid reactive Q1 decision-makingWhen and why founders should pause execution to reassess the business modelThe risks of overcomplication and fragmented offersWhy simplification is becoming a competitive advantageShifts in buyer behavior and what this means for sales cycles in 2026The growing importance of trust, referrals, and relationship-based sellingHow founders can rebuild confidence in their decision-makingAligning business strategy with the life and leadership role you want long term For founders who want to enter 2026 with clarity, control, and a strategic plan that supports both growth and personal sustainability, this episode provides a thoughtful roadmap forward. Mini-timeline 00:00–01:03 — Introduction and setting the tone for 202601:04–02:40 — Reflecting on 2025: why many founders feel misaligned02:41–04:14 — Redefining success beyond revenue metrics04:15–05:45 — Why a new year does not automatically create change05:46–07:20 — How established founders are planning ahead for Q307:21–08:52 — Where to start when Q1 still feels unclear08:53–10:54 — Using data—not emotion—to create clarityspan class="ql-ui"...

    25 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    #68 – The 2026 Founder Forecast: Lessons from Jasmine Star, Amy Porterfield, Shannon Matson, Keri Ford & Autumn Witt Boyd

    In this special episode, Jessica Marx brings together standout insights from five industry leaders — Jasmine Star, Amy Porterfield, Shannon Matson, Keri Ford and Autumn Witt Boyd — to deliver a comprehensive, high-level conversation on what today’s multi-million-dollar founders must master to stay relevant, profitable, and positioned for long-term success in 2025 and beyond. Across content strategy, marketing performance, leadership psychology, IP protection, and team development, this episode cuts through noise and gets straight to the strategic truths high-growth businesses need to hear. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: How to use trends strategically without diluting your brand — and what “contextualizing content” actually means for business growth (with Jasmine Star).Why a funnel that isn’t converting is rarely a traffic problem — and how to rebuild trust and customer readiness at every stage (with Shannon Matson).How your stress patterns influence your leadership capacity — and the somatic strategies elite founders use to scale sustainably (with Keri Ford).The IP gaps most founders overlook — and how to safeguard your brand, content, and proprietary processes before scaling or exiting (with Autumn Witt Boyd).What it truly takes to step into the CEO role — and why building a leadership team is the turning point for companies moving from seven to eight figures (with Amy Porterfield). If you’re committed to optimizing your systems, elevating your leadership, strengthening your legal foundation, and creating content that actually converts — this episode is a strategic roadmap for your next evolution. Mini-timeline  01:11— Jasmine Star: How to use trends strategically without copying and how to create contextualized, original content.07:06— Shannon Matson: Why funnels fail, the three types of trust required for conversions, and how to rebuild the customer journey.14:13 — Keri Ford: Leadership archetypes, stress responses, and how somatic strategies help founders scale without burnout.18:02 — Autumn Witt Boyd: The biggest legal mistakes founders make and how to protect trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary processes.24:11 / 24:41— Amy Porterfield: Moving from operator to CEO, building a leadership team, and forecasting for long-term growth.29:45— Jessica’s closing insight for founders ready to elevate into their next level. Resources Download the 2026 Business Planner at millionsweremade.comFollow @MillionsWereMade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tipsEpisode #36 - Amy Porterfield Episode #62 - Jasmine StarEpisode #54 - Autumn Witt BoydEpisode #56 - Keri...

    31 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    #67 – The Strategic Rebrand: How High-Performing Founders Elevate Their Brand, Website & Market Positioning with Victoria Marcouillier of BrandWell

    Jessica Marx sits down with Victoria Marcouillier, Founder and CEO of BrandWell Designs®, to discuss one of the most overlooked growth levers for established businesses: a strategic rebrand. If you’ve scaled into the multi–six or seven-figure range—but your brand, website, or messaging hasn’t evolved with you—this conversation is for you. Jessica and Victoria break down why so many successful founders outgrow the brand that got them started, and how an elevated brand identity directly impacts trust, conversions, referrals, and long-term scalability. Together, they explore: The disconnect between a company’s growth and its outdated online presenceHow high-caliber buyers evaluate your brand within the first few secondsThe shift toward simplicity and clarity in website design for 2026Why rebranding is a strategic business decision—not a cosmetic oneThe importance of a name and brand that can scale with your future visionHow to strengthen trust, increase conversions, and elevate market perceptionThe role branding plays in reducing founder dependencyHow AI is reshaping the branding landscape (and how to stay differentiated) Victoria also shares insights into how BrandWell Designs® approaches brand development through strategy—not just design—and how CEOs can confidently reposition themselves for the next level of growth. If your brand no longer reflects your expertise, price point, or business evolution, this episode will guide you through what needs to change—and why now is the time to do it. Mini-timeline 00:00–01:20 — Why branding matters at higher revenue levels.01:21–05:00 — Victoria’s background: agency founder, strategist, and mom of three. 05:01–08:05 — Why high-performing businesses often hide behind outdated websites.08:06–10:59 — The most common issues uncovered during website audits.11:00–13:17 — The shift in branding trends and what works heading into 2026.13:18–17:20 — Strategy-first branding: how BrandWell  Designs® extracts clarity and vision.20:38–24:38 — Why removing the founder from the brand is essential for scalability.24:39–28:24 — When a business name needs to evolve—and how to communicate the change.28:25–31:05 — How story-driven positioning sets brands apart in an AI-saturated market.31:06–34:46 — The growing importance of a strong online presence for referrals.34:47–40:35 — Timing, planning, and budgeting for a rebrand.40:36–44:37 — Victoria’s complimentary website audit for listeners.44:38–End — Where to find Victoria and how to begin your BrandWell transformation. Resources Have Victoria Audit Your Website: https://www.brandwelldesigns.com/millionsweremadeFollow @millionsweremade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tips Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade | @thejessicamarx Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Website: Millions Were Made Connect with Victoria Marcouillier: Website:  a href="https://www.brandwelldesigns.com/" rel="noopener...

    45 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    #66 – The 8-Figure Freedom Plan: How 8-Figure CEOs Build Teams That Run Themselves with Stacy Tuschl

    If your idea of “freedom” as a CEO still involves answering Slack messages at midnight, this episode is your wake-up call. Jessica Marx sits down with Stacy Tuschl, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Well-Oiled Operations, to unpack how scaling your business doesn’t have to mean working more—it means hiring smarter. Stacy has built multiple seven- and eight-figure companies while sipping coffee outside the day-to-day grind. She’s here to help you find, hire, and lead that elusive “number two” who can run your business like a well-oiled machine—so you can finally step into your visionary CEO role (and maybe even rediscover what weekends are). In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Identify when it’s time to hire your “number two” and what they should actually do.Structure your interview process to weed out the talkers and find the doers.Design an onboarding plan that prevents 90-day disasters.Create a compensation structure that rewards results, not just attendance.Build an A-player culture that doesn’t let mediocrity slide.Step out of the weeds and into true CEO leadership—without losing control. This isn’t fluffy leadership talk—it’s tactical, battle-tested strategy from someone who’s lived it. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale past seven figures without scaling your burnout, this is your roadmap. Ready to stop being your own bottleneck? Hit play—and start hiring your freedom. Mini-timeline 00:00–02:10 — The myth of “doing it all” and why freedom requires people, not just hustle.02:11–05:00 — Stacy’s inspiring journey from teaching dance classes in her parents’ backyard to leading multiple seven-figure enterprises.05:01–08:30 — Why most entrepreneurs get stuck before hiring their number two—and how to fix it.08:31–11:45 — How to define your next hire: EA vs. Operator, and when to choose each.11:46–15:30 — Mastering the interview process: why a single conversation isn’t enough to identify true top performers.15:31–18:45 — Spotting real A-players: Paid test projects and communication cues.18:46–22:00 — Compensation conversations: turning “I need $115K” into a win-win deal.22:01–26:45 — Onboarding that actually works: building 30-60-90 day success plans.26:46–30:15 — Pruning your team: when great people outgrow your company (and vice versa).30:16–34:00 — The CEO identity shift: what to actually do once you delegate yourself out.34:01–36:48 — How time freedom sparks innovation, strategic thinking, and long-term business creativity.36:49–End — Where to find Stacy and how to build your own “well-oiled” empire. Resources Download the 2026 Business Planner at millionsweremade.comFollow @MillionsWereMade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tips Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade | @thejessicamarx Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Website: Millions Were Made Connect with Stacy Tuschl: Website:

    35 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    #65 – The 8-Figure Infrastructure: How Mature Companies Operate Differently

    What truly separates seven-figure businesses from those scaling into eight? Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas break down what the most mature companies are doing differently — from how founders use their time to how they structure their org charts, manage profit margins, and lead their teams. This episode shows you the operational and mindset shifts required to move from “busy CEO” to strategic leader of a scalable enterprise. You’ll learn:• The key differences in how 7-figure and 8-figure founders spend their time. • Why mature companies grow margins — not just revenue — as they scale. • How to structure your org chart to hire for where you’re going, not where you are. • The smartest way to balance profit conservation with growth investment. • The most common founder bottlenecks that stall companies under $10 million. • How to transition from “doer” to CEO without losing visibility or control. Mini-timeline00:01–02:58 What separates 7-figure and 8-figure operations 02:58–04:55 The role of volume, scalability, and profit margins 04:55–06:08 Why clinging to profit can actually cap growth 06:08–08:45 The clarity problem — and how data solves it 09:06–11:21 How 8-figure founders spend their time differently 11:21–14:17 Org chart structure and hiring ahead of growth 14:17–17:13 Smart investment vs. overextension when scaling 17:29–19:40 Founder bottlenecks and letting go of control 20:18–21:46 Final advice for founders on the path to eight figures Resources• Listen to Episode #64 — What We Learned From Auditing 75+ Multi-Million-Dollar Businesses Download the 2026 Business Planner or at millionsweremade.comListen to Episode #53 on Increase Your Profit Margins Without Raising PricesListen to Episode #58 on Designing Incentive Comp That Actually ScalesFollow @millionsweremade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tips Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade | @thejessicamarx Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Website: Millions Were Made

    22 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    #64 – What We Learned From Auditing 75+ Multi-7 Figure Businesse

    After conducting more than 75 audits on multi-seven-figure companies, Jessica Marx and Brooke Dumas are revealing the common threads between businesses that scale — and those that stall. In this behind-the-scenes episode, you’ll hear what actually happens when Tailored Premier dissects a business from the inside out, the patterns they see across industries, and the small shifts that produce massive growth. You’ll learn: • The two biggest bottlenecks keeping founders stuck at the multi-seven-figure level. • Why simplifying your business model almost always increases revenue. • How innovation and mindset determine whether a company continues to scale. • What every audit reveals about offer structure, pricing, and team design. • How to prepare your company for an audit (and what data to track now). • The small operational shifts that unlock seven-figure growth without more work. Mini-timeline 00:01–03:11 What founders look like when they come in for an audit 03:11–05:30 Why most growing businesses become overly founder-centric 05:30–07:24 The two biggest factors every successful business has in common 07:24–09:33 Simplification vs. innovation — and why you need both 10:27–12:28 The importance of founder mindset and adaptability 13:26–15:42 What audits reveal about truth vs. perception in the online space 17:25–19:39 How to know when you’re ready for an audit 21:18–23:13 The part of the audit that excites Jessica the most 24:50–26:55 How Tailored Premier fast-tracks client results after an audit Resources Download the 2026 Business Planner or at millionsweremade.comListen to Episode #58 on Designing Incentive Comp That Actually ScalesListen to Episode #53 on Increase Your Profit Margins Without Raising PricesFollow @millionsweremade on Instagram for frameworks + strategy tips Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @millionsweremade | @thejessicamarx Work with Jessica: Tailored Premier Website: Millions Were Made

    26 min
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About

Welcome to the Millions Were Made Podcast, where we dive deep into the strategies and insights of successful entrepreneurs who have achieved incredible personal wealth through revenue growth and smart business strategies. Join our host and industry expert, Jessica Marx as she interviews top-notch business owners who have crossed the 7-figure milestone and beyond. Get ready to learn firsthand from their experiences, uncover their secrets for success, and gain valuable knowledge that you can apply to your own entrepreneurial journey. Each episode is packed with actionable advice, practical tips, and real-life case studies, providing you with the roadmap for growing your personal wealth and building a thriving business. From revenue generation strategies to innovative marketing tactics, and from scalability techniques to financial management best practices, we cover it all. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to take their revenue and personal wealth to the next level, this podcast is for you. Tune in, subscribe, and unlock the strategies that can help you reach your financial goals and build a 7-figure business empire. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Get ready to accelerate your success and join the ranks of the less than 9% of 7-figure business owners.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Marx
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Millions Were Made
  • Show Website
    Millions Were Made

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