Rooted & Relentless

Steph Rubio
  • 5.0 (11)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Rooted & Relentless is the podcast for big-dreaming, soul-led entrepreneurs building businesses—and lives—on their own terms. Hosted by Biz Growth Strategist & Operational Powerhouse Steph Rubio, this show blends unfiltered business strategy with personal growth stories, mindset shifts, a touch of randomness, and plenty of humor to keep you laughing. Everything is on the table. It’s raw, real, and relentlessly honest. New episodes drop weekly(ish). Bring your notebook & an open mind. This is where strategy meets soul, & scaling doesn’t mean selling yours. Hang with Steph: Find me on IG and say hello: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio If you love the pod, you'll love the monthly newsletter, always packed with industry insights, a view from the C-Suite desk, what I'm currently loving, learning, loathing, the whole shebang: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect

  1. 1D AGO

    #33 Stakeholder Experience Series: Why Your Team Matters More Than You Think

    Everyone wants a “sustainable business.” But sustainability doesn’t come from hustling harder for new clients — it comes from taking better care of the people already inside your business. In this episode of Rooted & Relentless, Steph continues her Stakeholder Experience series and tackles one of the most overlooked stakeholder groups: your team. Whether you have employees, contractors, or a single VA supporting you, they are not just vendors — they are stakeholders in your reputation and growth. Steph breaks down why caring for your team isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a smart business strategy that saves money, builds referrals, and increases the quality of work happening inside your business. If you want your reputation to sell for you instead of constantly chasing new clients, add this episode is your playbook. Key TakeawaysYour reputation is your revenue. Everyone connected to your business carries your reputation — including your team.Contractors are still teammates. A CPA, VA, OBM, designer, or social media manager all have a stake in your business success.Retention saves serious money. Replacing team members costs time, energy, and lost institutional knowledge.Great leadership increases ROI. People who feel valued produce better work.Communication is the foundation of team culture. Direct, respectful feedback prevents bigger problems later.Little extras build loyalty. Celebrating milestones, offering growth opportunities, or sharing profit creates long-term advocates.If someone outgrows you, celebrate it. Ending relationships with integrity keeps your reputation strong.Memorable Moments & Soundbites“In business, your reputation is your revenue.” “Your teammates carry your name into rooms you’re not even in.” “Candor is kindness.” “If people feel valued, they’ll give you their best work.” “If they outgrow you, be happy for them.” “Your relationships become your growth engine and your reputation becomes your marketing.” Action Steps from This EpisodeIf you want to improve the experience your team has inside your business: Communicate directly and clearly.Don’t avoid uncomfortable feedback. Value their expertise.Your way isn’t the only way. Show appreciation regularly.A simple thank-you goes a long way. Remember they’re human.Mistakes and life happen. Refer them to opportunities.Support their growth the way they support your business. Add a little “extra.”Celebrate milestones, give bonuses, or offer education opportunities. Continue the ConversationHit Steph with a voice-note on IG: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio 🧠 Want high-level strategy and leadership conversations? Join The Mastermind: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind 📬 Join Steph’s email list for leadership-level strategy and real-life shenanigans packed with "aha's" and action: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect

    22 min

  2. 2D AGO

    #32 Let's Get Back Into Turning Your Reputation Into Your Revenue Engine

    This episode is both a reset and a return. Steph is bringing the Stakeholder Experience series back after an unexpected pause following the sudden loss of her father. In this conversation, she revisits the core idea behind the framework and why it fundamentally changes how entrepreneurs should think about reputation, relationships, and sustainable growth. Instead of focusing only on marketing or client experience, Steph introduces a broader lens: every person who interacts with your business is a stakeholder—and their experience shapes your reputation. And in business, your reputation is your revenue. Steph also shares a candid reflection on grief, leadership, and what it actually looks like to care for yourself while running a business and serving others. Sometimes the most powerful example of stakeholder care is how you show up for the stakeholder that gets ignored the most: you. In This EpisodeWhat Stakeholder Experience really means and why it’s bigger than client experienceThe five stakeholder groups that shape your business reputationWhy “your reputation is your revenue” isn’t just a cute phrase—it’s a business realityHow every interaction with your brand either strengthens or weakens your ecosystemNavigating business leadership during personal lossThe role of self-leadership and personal care in sustaining a business long termWhat to expect from the rest of the Stakeholder Experience series Memorable Moments: “Your reputation is your revenue.” “Every person who has a stake in your business defines your reputation.” “We either care for our stakeholders intentionally… or we neglect them. Both approaches have consequences.” “You are the ripple effect for everything around you.” “Knowing someone won’t live forever and experiencing their absence are two very different things.” Need to catch every episode in the series? Start with the introduction: On Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted-relentless/id1821487374?i=1000744890010 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2D4ttT7uIJ1OjK01Tsbp4W?si=8520dbe2ca23469d On YouTube: https://youtu.be/H3CBt1Jjikg Want more from Steph?Join the Rooted & Relentless Mastermind if you're also on a relentless journey of living a real life while also scaling and sustaining a business. We have strategies for both: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind Get strategies, tips & trips on leading your business straight to your inbox every few weeks: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect And subscribe to this podcast, duh! We try to keep it straight masterclass style around here so you'll leave with actionable ways to improve OR at least some belly laughs, but the goal is both.

    11 min

  3. MAR 5

    Event Series, Part 3: How Event Hosts Can Provide a Stellar Experience for Every Stakeholder

    This one’s for the event hosts (yes, your ears are probably burning 🔥). In Part 3, Taylor and I break down what it actually takes to deliver a stellar stakeholder experience—not just for attendees, but for speakers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers… everyone who has a stake in the success of your event. We talk communication, long-term planning, project management, boundaries + deadlines, and what to do when something inevitably goes sideways. Key takeaways Communication is queen. Anticipate what people will ask/need and answer it before they have to chase you.Stakeholder experience isn’t just attendees. Speakers, sponsors, vendors, volunteers all need clear expectations + direction.Clarity kills chaos. Agenda, logistics, dress code, where to go, what to bring, what happens next—spell it out.Add “a little extra.” Simple touches (hotel recs, food spots, post-event follow-up tips) make you memorable and referable.An event is a project. Treat it like one. If it has more than 10 steps, it needs a project plan (and this has… a lot more than 10).When you mess up: own it + solution it. Acknowledge it, communicate clearly, explain what happened (when helpful), and make it right.Use the 5x5 rule. If it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes spiraling—just handle it with care. LISTEN IN ORDER: Part 4 NEXT on The Power Table Podcast: Protect Your Safety & Sanity at Events 🔗 On Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-table-with-taylor-smith/id1775769731⁠⁠ 🔗 On Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4q9nlArV18b80rwqtIV2ik?si=6ca4396028474f22⁠⁠ MORE: Join the Rooted & Relentless Mastermind: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind Get in THE room to be in: Power Table LIVE ! It's April 22-23, 2026 in Destin, Florida. Get your ticket here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://20132019--thepowertable.thrivecart.com/the-power-table-live/ Send me a DM on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio/⁠⁠⁠ TAYLOR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsmithonline/ Website: https://www.taylorsmithonline.com/

    15 min

  4. MAR 3

    Event Series, Part 1: Tips on How to Choose Events That Make Sense for Your Business & Goals

    In Part 1 of this 4-part series with Taylor Smith, we break down how to evaluate events before you buy the ticket so you’re not leaving your family, spending real money, and walking back to your hotel room wondering what just happened. This episode lays the foundation for everything that follows. Key takeaways If the math doesn’t math, pay attention. Big attendance promises with chaotic marketing and short runway are a red flag.Clarity isn’t a transformation. If the event promise is a pile of buzzwords, you’re allowed to be skeptical.You should know who the room is for. If the host can’t clearly answer “who is this event for?”… that’s your answer.Social proof matters (even for first-time hosts). Green flag: smaller in-person iterations before going “big conference.”Set your goal before you go. Education? Connections? Exposure? Your goal determines what “worth it” looks like.Sometimes the smartest move is not attending. FOMO and “mutual support” aren’t business strategies.Aspirational vs operational events: Look at content + structure (workshops, networking, hot seats) and even how VIP is built. LISTEN IN ORDER: Part 2 NEXT on the Power Table Podcast: How to Be a Standout Attendee & Actually Realize A ROI 🔗 On Apple: ⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-table-with-taylor-smith/id1775769731⁠⁠ 🔗 On Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/4q9nlArV18b80rwqtIV2ik?si=6ca4396028474f22⁠⁠ MORE: Join the Rooted & Relentless Mastermind: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind Book your 1:1 Decision Intensive: https://www.stephrubio.com/small-business-consulting Get in THE room to be in, Power Table LIVE, April 22-23, 2026 in Destin, Florida: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://20132019--thepowertable.thrivecart.com/the-power-table-live/ Send me a DM on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio/⁠⁠⁠ TAYLOR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taylorsmithonline/ Website: https://www.taylorsmithonline.com/

    30 min

  5. FEB 6

    #29 Introducing the Clarity Coven: Meet Alisha Bean

    Episode Summary In this Clarity Coven feature, Steph sits down with Alisha Bean, a long-time client turned mastermind member, to talk about what actually breaks when a business grows—and why most founders don’t realize the real problem until they’re already overwhelmed. This conversation digs into the moment where things are technically “working,” but everything feels harder: communication is messy, systems are duct-taped together, the founder is back in the weeds, and the business starts pulling more instead of giving freedom. Steph and Alisha unpack the difference between growth and scaling, the danger of 20-step workflows that require constant founder approval, and why hiring support doesn’t magically remove responsibility—it changes how leadership shows up. In This Episode, We CoverWhat “leaks” look like in a growing business—and why patching them stops workingThe most common presenting problems (communication + systems) vs. the real root causesWhy your 20-step process is quietly sabotaging your ability to scaleThe difference between growth (more volume) and scaling (more efficiency + stability)How to delegate without losing awareness—and why that’s the actual CEO moveWhy hiring an executor isn’t “magic” (and what to expect when you do)The identity shift Alisha experienced going from “the shoes are too big” to fully owning her expertiseAlisha’s best advice for service providers building in a noisy, comparison-heavy online spaceKey Takeaways1) “It’s working” isn’t the same as “it’s built to scale.” Most businesses do work… until they don’t. If your systems were set up for one level of volume, they’ll start breaking when you grow. That’s not a personal failure—it’s a systems mismatch. 2) Duct tape is not a long-term strategy. When your backend is 15 tools “kind of” talking to each other, leaks are inevitable: missed handoffs, duplicated work, rising software costs, and team confusion. 3) Simplifying is scaling. If a process takes 20 steps and 10 approvals from you, you don’t have a workflow—you have a founder chokehold. Cutting it down (and pre-approving decisions) is how you stop being the bottleneck. 4) Delegation doesn’t mean “checking out.” Stepping out of execution doesn’t mean you stop knowing what’s happening. You keep awareness, build trust, and create clear lanes so your team can move without you micromanaging. 5) Confidence changes your marketing. Alisha shares how proving the concept (to herself and the right clients) changed how she showed up—no more “hoping” people believe in her… just telling the truth about what she’s already doing. Connect with AlishaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisha.bean.obm/ Keep up with Steph: Pop into my DM's on IG and tell me what you're up to: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio Join the Mastermind and grow with us: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind

    18 min

  6. FEB 4

    #28 Introducing the Clarity Coven: Meet Alissa Mills, The Luxe Momager

    In this Clarity Coven feature, Steph sits down with Alissa Mills, aka The Luxe Momager—an Online Business Manager who left a demanding corporate role after a life threatening wake-up call and rebuilt her life and career around what actually matters. This conversation is about far more than operations and management. It’s about choice, sustainability, leadership, and the luxury of designing a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Alissa shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the realities behind “effortless” online success, and why care, presence, and authenticity are the foundation of any business that’s meant to last. In this episode, we cover: The pivotal moment that pushed Alissa out of corporate and into entrepreneurshipWhy social media makes business look easier (and faster) than it actually isThe misconception that CEOs need to do everything themselvesChoosing your “hard” instead of defaulting to burnoutDelegation as a leadership skill—not a weaknessLetting go of perfection and building a brand rooted in care and humanityWhy authenticity beats polish every single timeRedefining luxury as choice, not aesthetics A moment that hits hard: Alissa opens up about realizing her business isn’t just about skills or services—it’s about making sure no one feels alone while building something meaningful. That clarity reshaped not only her brand, but how she shows up as a leader, a mom, and a human. If you’re building a service-based business, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or feeling the pressure to have it all figured out already—this episode is a deep exhale and a reality check in the best way. Follow along with Alissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theluxemomager/ Keep up with Steph's Shenanigans and keep your business game sharper than an Iron's Chef's favorite know: Tons of free, strategic advice from Steph's over two decades of experience straight to your inbox: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect And please, make yourself comfortable in my IG DM's. I love a good voice note ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio

    18 min

  7. FEB 3

    #27 Introducing Stakeholder Group 3: The People Who Get You Paid, Your Biz Buddies

    In this episode of Rooted & Relentless, Steph breaks down one of the most overlooked stakeholder groups in business: Your Biz Buddies. These are the people who have never paid you, never hired you, and never collaborated with you—yet still recommend you, refer you, and do not hesitate to associate their reputation with yours. This episode is a quick, grounded reminder that your reputation is doing more selling than your marketing ever will. And mad encouragement to give a little extra love and care to the people who support you even when it's not directly monetary, sending you referrals and opportunities like it's their job. In This Episode, We Cover: What “Biz Buddies” actually are (and why they matter)How referrals from Biz Buddies convert faster than cold leadsWhy trust—not transactions—is the foundation of these relationshipsSimple, human ways to care for Biz Buddies without making it weirdHow reputation quietly becomes your most powerful growth engine Key Takeaways: Biz Buddies lead people to you without being askedTrust is pre-built when someone drops your nameThese relationships save time, energy, and emotional laborYou don’t manufacture them—you earn themHow you move matters more than what you sell Notable Quotes: “Your reputation is your revenue.”“Biz Buddies exist because of how you move, not what you sell.”“You don’t manufacture these relationships—you earn them.” What’s Coming Next: The Stakeholder Experience series continues with: Your Team — contractors, W-2s, and support rolesYourself — because yes, you are a stakeholder too Loved This Episode? Support ya girl by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. That Biz Buddy support, ya feel me? Then, shoot me a message on IG and tell me how I can do the same for you: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio Oh and.. This pod isn't the only place I drop this good good. Get on my email list where I send two emails per month: Steph's Shenanigans all about what I'm loving, loathing, learning, and all the good stuff and The COO Edit where we get strategic and practical about staying one step ahead in your biz. https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect

    14 min

  8. JAN 28

    #26 Introducing the Clarity Coven: Meet Jaci Schreckengost

    In this Clarity Coven feature episode, Steph sits down with Jaci Schreckengost—writer, market, speaker, and author of Housewarming Parties—for a conversation that blends messaging strategy, creative identity, and what it actually takes to stop operating from survival mode. This episode is a masterclass in becoming impossible to ignore online—without burning yourself out, reinventing the wheel every week, or sanding down your personality to fit an algorithm. It’s also a powerful behind-the-scenes look at what stakeholder experience looks like in action: spotlighting clients, honoring their growth, and letting their work speak for itself. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why finding (and refining) your brand voice is less about being “revolutionary” and more about repetition and consistencyThe biggest misconception in content marketing—and why saying the same thing over and over is actually your competitive edgeHow getting to know yourself again is the key to a happier life and more fulfilling businessWhy repurposing isn’t lazy—it’s strategic (and saves your sanity)The difference between creating from fear vs. creating from joyHow clarity in your vision expands your identity—and your capacityWhy letting people dislike you is not a branding problem, it’s a branding strategyWhat happens when you stop building from survival mode and start designing intentionally Memorable Moments & Mic-Drop Lines “Repetition is how people know you know your stuff.”“You don’t need every post to be revolutionary—consistency builds authority.”“It’s wild to see what’s possible when I’m not terrified.”“You’re not just cutting people out—you're cutting the wrong people out and the right people in.” About Jaci Jaci Schreckengost is a writer, marketer, and speaker focused on helping brands find (or refine) their voice, effectively tell their stories, and become impossible to ignore online. She is also the author of a her debut poetry collection, Housewarming Parties. Connect with Jaci Instagram: @schreckengostcreativeWebsite: jacischreckengost.comBook: Housewarming Parties Steph’s Takeaway This conversation is a reminder that clarity creates expansion. When you stop building from fear and start building from intention, your work gets better, your messaging gets clearer, and your business finally feels like it fits. Come grow with Jaci and Steph inside Rooted & Relentless Mastermind: https://www.stephrubio.com/themastermind

    26 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Rooted & Relentless is the podcast for big-dreaming, soul-led entrepreneurs building businesses—and lives—on their own terms. Hosted by Biz Growth Strategist & Operational Powerhouse Steph Rubio, this show blends unfiltered business strategy with personal growth stories, mindset shifts, a touch of randomness, and plenty of humor to keep you laughing. Everything is on the table. It’s raw, real, and relentlessly honest. New episodes drop weekly(ish). Bring your notebook & an open mind. This is where strategy meets soul, & scaling doesn’t mean selling yours. Hang with Steph: Find me on IG and say hello: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio If you love the pod, you'll love the monthly newsletter, always packed with industry insights, a view from the C-Suite desk, what I'm currently loving, learning, loathing, the whole shebang: https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect

Information

  • Creator
    Steph Rubio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Steph Rubio

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