“From Crisis to Wealth” with Penelope Jane Smith – Reward Podcast Episode 29

The world seems turbulent right now, and many are panicking over the election, the economy, everything! But to regain calm control, our guest today simply says, ‘Vote for yourself.’ It’s time to create your OWN economy that will thrive in any market and no matter who’s in office. Stop focusing on the external and focus on what YOU – you brilliant amazing woman – have control over at this very moment. Penelope Jane Smith has a robust background in real estate investment and transformed her own past financial struggle into a mission to guide others towards financial freedom. She is also the creator of Financial Freedom 101, a dynamic online event that equips participants with essential money management skills. Penelope is all about using automated systems and passive investing strategies to build wealth –  without the stress. In this episode of REWARD: The Podcast of The Trust, founder and host Ali Brown sits down for an insightful conversation with our member Penelope, and they delve into the power and simplicity of building a secure financial future. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Penelope’s journey of rebuilding her wealth after the 2008 financial crisis using her unique system for financial freedom Three top investment tips that Penelope swears by (PLUS the benefits of a passive strategy for a well-defined financial vision.) Ali’s advice for staying focused on controlled financial strategies, despite all of the noise – especially during election fallout. Penelope’s secret hack to transformational financial health: The Money Date (Intrigued? So were we!) The sign you've been looking for to take control of your financial health, with practical steps to achieve real financial independence. And, learn more about The Trust and Penelope!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about Penelope’s company Real Prosperity Inc Follow Penelope on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

Feel like your business needs a strategic boost…  without compromising your lifestyle? Then it’s time to make bold moves amidst any economic challenges – all while staying true to your personal values and vision. The secret? Mastering data-driven decision-making and leveraging market trends to your advantage. Jessica Marx is the founder of Tailored Premier – a boutique consulting firm and also a serial entrepreneur and five-time Forbes Business Advisor. With a rich background in commercial real estate and a pivotal role in a healthcare startup acquisition for over $8 billion, Jessica is blazing the trail on helping businesses navigate economic uncertainties and seize growth opportunities – even when times predict otherwise.  In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Jessica to discuss the rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability in business, and the power of diverse perspectives in strategic decision-making. Do NOT miss this charged conversation about mastering balance, leadership, and seizing opportunities amidst these challenging times. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Jessica’s  journey from commercial real estate to leading a healthcare startup AND its $8 billion exit How Jessica is making market trends and data align with her intuition and lifestyle Tips for YOU to build confidence *right now* to make swift decisions, and seize opportunities during these economic downturns. Ali’s advice on staying grounded while managing your business (add in raising twins for Difficult Mode!) The permission you may have been looking for to adapt your strategies to prioritize flexibility during this season And, learn more about The Trust and Jessica!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about Jessica’s company Tailored Premier Follow Jessica on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

We’ve heard the advice to “niche down”, but how can we do so without limiting ourselves and our BIG ideas for growth? Elizabeth Burrows, founder of Burrows Consulting, is a testament to thriving incredibly in a niche market. From family farm beginnings, Elizabeth leveraged her hands-on background and unique experiences to secure over $400 million in grants, proving that deep knowledge and specialized skills can create both financial and community wealth. Now, her firm has not only transformed healthcare access in rural and urban settings but also established a groundbreaking subscription model that proves that riches truly do lie in niches. In this episode of REWARD, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Elizabeth to explore how zoning in on your specific level of expertise can drive substantial success and community impact. This episode is not just about grants and business—it's a deep dive into our capacity for growth, resilience, and making a significant impact on the world. Ready to dive in? On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: How childhood farm-life actually inspired Elizabeth’s journey towards a successful career in grant writing (Spoiler – did you know there’s such a thing as a ‘sheep treadmill’?) Her pivot from pursuing law to grant writing – and how she’s making an impact, now more than ever) The groundbreaking launch of Burrows Consulting and their achievement of securing over $400 million in grants for healthcare centers. The unique business model that’s changing how businesses are securing funding – cha-ching! How Elizabeth’s own health struggles helped her find her niche, while bringing lasting change to her clients AND actionable steps on how you can cut through the noise and scale bigger than ever during Q4! And, learn more about The Trust and Elizabeth!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about Burrows Consulting Follow Elizabeth on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

These days, it seems the world is doing its best to pull us out of our center. And as business leaders, we are constantly pulled to work on the external. But today’s guest says the key to elevating our business to higher levels means tuning INTO our highest self, not running from it. Makhosi Nejeser is a spiritual teacher and ‘executive consciousness coach’ dedicated to empowering female leaders to reach back into their divine purpose and magic, in a world where it feels nearly forbidden. She combines the essence of feminine energy with wealth and inner work, equipping leaders to navigate both personal and professional landscapes with grace and authenticity (Sign us up!). In this episode of Reward, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Makhosi to unpack what it really means to achieve authenticity, wealth, and fulfillment – without losing your head (or heart) in the process. If you’re feeling the burn of these intense times and seeking to align your professional goals with a deeper sense of purpose and clarity, this episode is full of real insight you won't want to miss! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Makhosi’s take on the critical role of blending intuition, flexibility, and empathy to navigate today’s world. Her groundbreaking initiation to become a Zulu shaman (this was wild!)  The unlikely story of a first business based on a ‘party’ sales model (that was a bit R-rated!)   Ali’s advice on the importance of mindful consumption and how to avoid the social media ‘doom scroll’. AND the permission you may have been seeking to get out of your head and more into your heart during these turbulent times. And, learn more about The Trust and Makhosi!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about The Royal Shaman Follow Makhosi on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

When most people hear “Jiffy Lube”, they aren’t thinking of a sexy business model. But for Andrea Bailey Brown, the millions of dollars she’s created with repliable franchise models IS surely sexy! And that was the exact mentality that shifted her sights from a previous teaching career to the world of franchising and business development. Now, Andrew owns multiple locations and also now her own agency that consults for those wanting to consider buying a franchise or even franchise their OWN business model.   In this episode of Reward, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Andrea Bailey Brown to dive into her story as well as all the ins and outs of the franchising world. Don't miss Andrea's advice on the realities of franchise ownership in today’s world! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Andrea’s unique journey from Jiffy Lube franchisee to now giving advice to others who are serious about building wealth through franchising  How franchising or licensing can be your ticket to expanding your own business,  and how to know which is the best move Why Andrea loves LEGOS for team building and problem solving – she’s a certified facilitator of Lego “Serious Play” workshops! Ali’s questions for those thinking about getting their feet wet with franchising opportunities  AND how you can still join us in The Trust for our upcoming 2024 Fall Members Meeting!  And, learn more about The Trust and Andrea!  Learn more about The Trust – our premier community for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about Andrea Bailey Brown Consulting Follow Andrea Bailey Brown on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

DEI has been THE business buzzword for the last few years, but there’s also been backlash. So is it on the way out? Or here to stay? Rhonda Moret of Elevated Diversity discusses the issues affecting today’s organizations, and how her approach to DEI is still winning strong… with repeat clients like CBS and the Department of Homeland Security.   When Rhonda started her career decades ago in the high-paced world of advertising, she quickly found herself as one of the few women—and often the only woman of color—in the boardrooms of the golf industry. She used those firsthand experiences to shape her custom approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While there are other programs that get it wrong, she’s seen the incredible power that comes when companies get DEI right—when they stop treating it like a checkbox and start using it to truly connect people. In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown connects with our member Rhonda to explore the reality of leading at the highest levels, and how the concept of inclusion can take your mission to new heights. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: The challenges and misconceptions surrounding DEI, especially in a post-2020 world after everyone jumped on the bandwagon  Why Rhonda’s truly diverse team isn’t just a talking point—it’s the backbone of their success. Ali’s advice on intentionally creating space for personal reflection (This is KEY as a leader) A keen reminder on how to protect your peace during these intense times (social media detox, anyone?) AND how you can join us in The Trust for our upcoming 2024 Fall Members Meeting!  And, learn more about The Trust and Rhonda!  Learn more about The Trust – our premier community for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about Elevated Diversity Follow Rhonda Moret on LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

Even at the higher levels, women often still find themselves trapped again and again in the relentless cycle of financial pressure. It’s true that the journey to business growth and financial freedom isn’t a cake walk. But… what if the true path to abundance was learning and allowing ourselves to relax? (Hmm… sign us up!)  Kate Northrup – entrepreneur, author of ‘Do Less’, and leader of the Relaxed Money revolution, is no stranger to the money stress loop. While she witnessed the intricate dance between money and life early on, it wasn’t until some unfortunate circumstances hit her own family that she learned the overwhelming link between our nervous systems and our perceived financial beliefs. Now, Kate leads entrepreneurs through pathways toward financial abundance through the integration of self-care, emotional intelligence, and revolutionary business practices – all while exploring the very loops that keep us ensnared in financial stress. In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Kate to challenge the conventional hustle culture, and invite in more success with ease. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Kate's unfiltered journey through financial stress that led her to her 90-day experiment of not succumbing to stress (this was mind blowing)  The role of childhood narratives in shaping our adult relationships with money… and why these subconscious scripts are both a curse and catalyst How Kate is blending financial clarity with *nervous system wellness* for unprecedented abundance – we love this approach!  Why Kate loves the group dynamic within "The Trust" (Culture > Competition, every time.) Ali’s insight on how we can begin unlearning some of our financial stress behaviors through the eyes of our children AND an exclusive invitation to learn more about The Trust next week on our 2024 Spring Invitation Call!  And, learn more about The Trust and Kate!  Learn more about Kate’s NEW ‘Relaxed Money’ Program (+ an exclusive bonus!) Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Kate Northrup on Instagram Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

By now you know taking care of YOU is a priority that should be fiercely protected. Yet you also know (all too well) that it is easy for women entrepreneurs to overlook the pressing need for balance and self-care. But what happens when complete well-being becomes a cornerstone of your business model?  With a career spanning over four decades, Jean Kristensen has mastered the art of turning diversity into opportunity. Early on, she led her family's security guard business to corporate success. Today she focuses on her business that unites local, diverse suppliers with government agencies and major corporations. (She’ll share on today’s show how there is currently HUGE opportunity for women owned small businesses to play in that space!) But beyond the contracts, Jean's narrative reveals a heart aligned with wellness and authentic leadership. In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Jean to discuss aligning purpose, prioritizing health, and the power of embracing corporate relationships to cultivate stability, longevity, and meaningful impact in both life and business. If you’ve ever grappled with balancing ambition and well-being, this conversation is the answer you've been searching for. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Jean's strategic guide to “going corporate” for big financial growth (and why that’s not actually as scary as it sounds!) Powerful insights on how the pursuit of wealth and business success impacts your overall health and well-being (Hint: self care ISN’T selfish) Jean’s take on the corporate wellness evolution and the shift towards investing in holistic leadership (SPOILER: there’s more to it than company yoga retreats!) Ali’s advice on the advantages of aligning with the corporate sector and Jean's firsthand experience landing multiple six-figure contracts. . Steps you can take right now towards developing an authentic work-life harmony that actually GENERATES energy, rather than depletes it AND an exclusive look at the Corporate Client Collective within The Trust! And, learn more about The Trust and Jean!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about JKA Solutions Follow Jean Kristensen on LinkedInConnect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

Want to hear a secret? Sometimes the masterpiece of business is a paint-by-*number*. While most women are generally great ‘earners’ as business owners – it’s time to shift focus well beyond the balance sheet and into creating a scalable, valuable ASSET that could not only be sold at some point, but benefit generations to come.  For Andrea Jenson, founder + CEO of The Cash Flow CFO, curating powerful financials comes like second nature. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, she developed a knack for decoding financial statements early on, viewing them as storytelling canvases that reveal the past, present, and future of a business. Now, her company helps business owners master financial clarity and gain strategic foresight just like the big companies do, to build value and make smarter decisions that can pay off in a huge way.  In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Andrea to explore how mastering your numbers (and getting help to do so) is the key to growing your business into the asset you dreamed. You won't want to miss this episode to unlock untapped potential within your business! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Strategies for building *transferable value* within your business, enhancing market appeal, and fostering sustainable growth – especially if you’re thinking of SELLING your business in the next few years  How The Cash Flow CFO – Andrea's brainchild – is revolutionizing the support small businesses receive in handling their finances  Why Andrea said NO to taking over her family’s BBQ restaurant business, and wanted to go a different direction entirely.   Ali’s insight on when to start thinking about preparing your business for a successful sale (before it’s too late)  AND actionable tips for aligning financial goals with your business vision, driving profitability, and securing long-term success. Don't miss this enlightening episode of the #REWARDPodcast as we decode the secrets to financial success and empower you to approach your next move with confidence and clarity!  And, learn more about The Trust and Andrea!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Andrea Jenson on LinkedIn Learn more about Andrea’s The Cash Flow CFO Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

Physicians are just supposed to save lives, not take time to build businesses, right? For Nigerian-raised Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, the answer to that question was never as cut and dry as the medical world made it seem. To her, as a doctor, you're already running your own show, 'Dr. You, Incorporated,' whether you know it or not. And now she helps thousands of other physicians with her company EntreMD.  After noticing the fast-changes in healthcare and seeing so many physicians walk away from their stressful practices, Nneka claimed a towering mission: To coach and lift 100,000 physicians to build thriving, impactful businesses for the good of all. Defying the conventional path laid out for medical professionals, she transformed her calling for health care into a greater mission of empowering doctors worldwide. In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Dr. Nneka to delve into the combination of raw purpose, authentic growth, and the unshakable resolve to change the way we look at physicians as entrepreneurs. This episode is NOT one to miss! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: The ways Nneka is breaking barriers in the medical industry and helping physicians embrace entrepreneurship not only for their own survival but for the sake of their patients  Nneka’s testimony on how she is integrating her Christian faith and ministry into her work (we LOVED this - take notes on her holistic approach to life AND business!) Ali's insights on giving your clients authentic advice - even if they aren’t thinking long term yet – especially for women carving out their legacies in today's dynamic landscape The *big* leap of faith that Nneka took at her first meeting with The Trust that catapulted her into her first million dollar year with her new business (We *loved* this!) AND the permission you may have been seeking to redefine your role as a founder to fully step into your most authentic self And, learn more about The Trust and Nneka!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Dr. Nneka Unachukwu on Instagram Learn more about Nneka’s EntreMD programConnect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!