The Speak Easy Podcast

Jen Estill and Karen Stefl — creative studio entrepreneurs, brand and video experts, boss ladies, moms
  • 5.0 (22)
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The Speak Easy Podcast

Hi. Jen Estill and Karen Stefl here. In The Speak Easy Podcast, we share years of expertise in marketing, branding, video production, strategy—not to mention management, employee development, mentoring, sales, creativity, maintaining life balance, managing money, and.. you get the idea. It takes a lot to keep a couple of creative studios thriving. We developed this podcast after years of "how do you..." boss lady conversations. It was clear that if we were both in such similar places with regard to business growth, and personal growth, and work/life/motherhood/bossland balance, then other women may be, too. We'd been sharing confessions over cocktails for quite a while—solving problems, asking for advice, and whispering the secret fears and disappointments that successful women are never supposed to have. (You've had those, right? It's not just us?) Thus, Speak Easy was born. Our goal and our promise is to speak with honesty about the challenges that experienced women in the creative industry face. To create a community where we can support one another and abandon the mantra that we put on a good face and make it look like we have it all together, even when we don't. You can expect honesty, complete vulnerability and even a good laugh. And cocktails. You can expect cocktails.

  1. Opportunity is Not a Pie

    2 DAYS AGO

    Opportunity is Not a Pie

    Have you ever met an entrepreneur who views networking as a solo sport? It’s surprising, especially in the service business world, where relationships are the foundation of success. In this episode, we explore how collaboration and generosity can strengthen your network, your reputation, and ultimately, your opportunities. Sharing a "give first" approach can transform your entrepreneurial journey and demonstrate that opportunity isn’t a zero-sum game. Building community happens one relationship and one effort at a time. By being kind and supportive — not just to your immediate network but to their networks, too — you create a ripple effect that comes back tenfold. Join us as we discuss the power of big-picture thinking, generosity, and why, in business, success isn't a limited resource.

    13 min
  2. Tall Orders, Quick Turnarounds

    NOV 19

    Tall Orders, Quick Turnarounds

    There’s an art to navigating tricky projects while maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional service. Whether you're navigating a tight deadline or dealing with evolving client demands, success in these scenarios often comes down to communication and trust. When tasked with a project that’s more of a sprint than a marathon, maintaining clear, consistent team communication saves time, reduces confusion, and minimizes wasted effort. In this episode, we share our strategies for leaning on strong workflows, maintaining team communication and staying client-focused to ensure a seamless experience for clients — even when things get hectic behind the scenes.

    17 min
  3. Being an Intentional Mother When You’re an Entrepreneur

    OCT 22

    Being an Intentional Mother When You’re an Entrepreneur

    A lesson shared by many entrepreneurs and parents is this: Time is limited, and you can’t do everything all the time for everyone. Combine that truth with the knowledge that every stage of your children’s development requires an entirely different playbook of parenting skills, and it's easy to lose sight of any plans you made to intentionally showing up for all of life’s responsibilities. Pulling from our own experiences as mothers and entrepreneurs, this week’s episode explores how focusing on values over tasks can help you make thoughtful decisions about family time and foster independence in your kids. Join us as we talk through the complexity of balancing work, motherhood, and personal well-being.

    16 min
  4. Is Your Creative Tank Full?

    OCT 9

    Is Your Creative Tank Full?

    Creative burnout is something many face. In this episode, we dive into how to recognize the signs and navigate through it. Whether it’s struggling to focus, feeling uninspired, or simply pushing too hard without taking time to recharge, burnout can stop creativity in its tracks. Learning the tell-tale signals that it’s time to step back and refuel not only helps you better look after yourself, but it also stops you from burning energy producing work that’s below your own standards. Whether mixing up your routine or trying a new hobby, refilling your creative tank is essential to staying engaged and productive. Tune in for practical advice on how to avoid burnout and keep your creative spark alive.

    16 min
  5. Case Study: MI Children’s Savings Accounts for CEDAM

    SEP 25

    Case Study: MI Children’s Savings Accounts for CEDAM

    In our latest case study, we dive into Redhead’s work supporting the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) on marketing for the Michigan Children’s Savings Account Network. The Network, consisting of 17 programs across the state, aims to help students save for their postsecondary education through Children's Savings Accounts (CSAs). Recognizing the marketing capacity challenges faced by program leaders, Redhead developed a comprehensive CSA Program Marketing Toolkit, complemented by instructional videos and regular tips in newsletters, to ensure effective implementation. Jen shares insights on building marketing resources that go beyond teaching skills and set clients up for success — even when time and capacity are limited. Join us as we dive into how thoughtful, long-term solutions help organizations make a lasting impact.

    20 min
  6. Are You Doing the Task or Solving the Problem?

    SEP 10

    Are You Doing the Task or Solving the Problem?

    In this episode, we’re exploring the difference between task-oriented and objective-oriented thinking. Focusing on the task at hand may feel like less mental labor, but it's important to remember that tasks are only one part of addressing a larger challenge. By aligning your work with the larger objective, you'll not only accomplish more but also approach your tasks with greater purpose and ownership. On the flip side, there are risks to focusing solely on tasks, like losing motivation or missing key issues. Whether at work or home, taking a step back to consider the bigger picture ensures that your efforts are moving you closer to your goals. Tune in to learn how thinking strategically about your tasks can lead to more meaningful outcomes.

    14 min
  7. What Are Your Growth Options When You Feel Like You’re at the Top?

    AUG 29

    What Are Your Growth Options When You Feel Like You’re at the Top?

    In this episode, we dive into the dilemma of reaching the top and wondering, "Am I done yet?" Spoiler alert: not quite. We explore that feeling of having climbed the career ladder, only to find the horizon still stretching far and wide. When you’ve hit your goals and the view from the top is fantastic, what’s next? We discuss the signs of burnout, the pressure that comes with success, and how to keep moving forward. Whether it's learning something new, mentoring others, or taking on a fresh challenge, there’s always another peak to summit. So, what’s your next move?

    15 min
  8. Case Study: Render Video Distribution

    AUG 13

    Case Study: Render Video Distribution

    When it comes to video marketing, the key to maximizing reach and enhancing brand visibility is starting with a solid distribution strategy. Whether earned, owned, or paid, each channel requires a different approach to craft a video that resonates with a distinct audience. Measuring the effectiveness of these strategies is crucial to ensuring that each video effort achieves its intended impact. In this week’s case study, Karen provides listeners with a peek behind the curtain of video production and walks us through Render’s strategies for successful video distribution.

    22 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Hi. Jen Estill and Karen Stefl here. In The Speak Easy Podcast, we share years of expertise in marketing, branding, video production, strategy—not to mention management, employee development, mentoring, sales, creativity, maintaining life balance, managing money, and.. you get the idea. It takes a lot to keep a couple of creative studios thriving. We developed this podcast after years of "how do you..." boss lady conversations. It was clear that if we were both in such similar places with regard to business growth, and personal growth, and work/life/motherhood/bossland balance, then other women may be, too. We'd been sharing confessions over cocktails for quite a while—solving problems, asking for advice, and whispering the secret fears and disappointments that successful women are never supposed to have. (You've had those, right? It's not just us?) Thus, Speak Easy was born. Our goal and our promise is to speak with honesty about the challenges that experienced women in the creative industry face. To create a community where we can support one another and abandon the mantra that we put on a good face and make it look like we have it all together, even when we don't. You can expect honesty, complete vulnerability and even a good laugh. And cocktails. You can expect cocktails.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Estill and Karen Stefl — creative studio entrepreneurs, brand and video experts, boss ladies, moms
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    210
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Speak Easy Podcast

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