[LEADERSHIP] Ep. 409 Dream Bigger: The Path to Successful Business Exits with Smoke Wallin

This week, Ash sits down with Susan Sarich, founder and CEO of SusieCakes, to explore her inspiring journey from cherished family traditions to building a celebrated bakery brand. Susan shares how she transformed her love for baking with her grandmothers into a thriving business that brings warmth and community to every location.   Susan and Ash dive into the entrepreneurial leap of faith, discussing the courage and dedication required to bring a passion to life. Susan highlights the challenges of growing her business while staying grounded in her core values, underscoring how preserving brand integrity has helped her maintain authenticity and connect deeply with her customers. Her story emphasizes the power of aligning personal purpose with professional goals, providing valuable encouragement for those looking to turn their dreams into reality.   But that’s not all. Susan offers actionable insights on navigating the delicate balance of scaling a business, from choosing partners who share your vision to setting boundaries with clients and vendors. She illustrates how heartfelt customer connections and creative persistence have fueled SusieCakes’ growth, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - How to transform personal passions into a sustainable business. - The importance of preserving brand integrity while scaling. - Key strategies for setting boundaries with clients to maintain quality. - How to build genuine connections that foster customer loyalty. - Tips for finding business partners who align with your values. - The importance of persistence and creativity in securing retail space.   If you’re passionate about turning your creative pursuits into a fulfilling career, this episode is filled with inspiration and insights on finding success without compromising what you love! Connect with Susan Sarich Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sarich-52a2b463/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiesarich/?hl=en Website: https://susiecakes.com/   Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak Visit shopify.com/youturn and only pay $1 for your first month's trial.  

This week, Ash is joined by Ron Omani Carson, founder and chairman of Carson Group, and a visionary in personal and professional development.   Ron and Ash dive deep into Ron’s journey from humble beginnings on a farm to becoming a celebrated financial advisor and entrepreneur. They explore how financial struggles ignited Ron’s ambition, but also the personal sacrifices he made along the way. Ron reflects on the pivotal moment following his mother’s passing, which pushed him to seek more balanced, meaningful goals beyond traditional success metrics.   But that’s just the start. Ron shares how psychedelics have been a powerful tool in his personal growth, offering breakthroughs in self-awareness and acceptance. He discusses the importance of breaking societal biases and shares heartfelt stories of family members embracing these transformative experiences. If you're seeking to reset your mindset and align with a deeper purpose, this episode is full of wisdom and actionable insights you won’t want to miss!   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to shift from chasing traditional success to seeking meaningful goals. The transformative power of psychedelics in personal growth and self-awareness. Insights into overcoming societal biases and embracing new perspectives. The importance of resetting your mental and physical systems through spiritual exploration. Strategies for facing fears, including the fear of death, with courage and self-love. How to align your ego with your soul for authentic relationships and fulfillment.   Connect with Ron Omani Carson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roncarson1?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roncarson6/?hl=en Website: https://www.carsongroup.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak Oracle: Want to do more and spend less?  Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/yourturn  

This week, Ash is joined by Darlene Santore, a distinguished performance, mindset, and leadership coach known for her work with C-level executives and professional athletes. Darlene and Ash delve into the emotional and mental challenges that leaders face, providing insights on how to effectively filter emotions for better decision-making. They explore the concept of building human and mental capital as a foundation for personal and professional growth, highlighting the ways in which leaders can elevate their performance and that of their teams. But that's just the start. Darlene shares transformative strategies for optimizing your environment to support success, including practical tips on incorporating natural elements and fostering positive social interactions. She also discusses the importance of aligning with your unique gifts and talents to achieve greatness in leadership.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How to filter emotions to make more effective leadership decisions. Practical tips for optimizing your environment for peak performance. The significance of character, follow-through, and work ethic in talent identification. Strategies for influencing those around you positively and intentionally. Resources for continuous growth, including Coachstarcom and "The Art of Bouncing Back." How to take ownership of your leadership style and thrive in your organization. If you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills and create a thriving work culture, this episode is filled with invaluable insights you won’t want to miss! Connect with Darlene Santore https://www.instagram.com/thecoachdar/ https://darsantore.com/ https://darsantore.com/the-art-of-bouncing-back-book-2023/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak Visit shopify.com/youturn and only pay $1 for your first month's trial.   NL copy: This week, Darlene Santor, a performance, mindset, and leadership coach, shares transformative insights for the You Turn community on unlocking high-performance leadership. Tune into the episode here if you're an Apple lover, or here if you're on Spotify.   We discuss: - Filtering Emotions for Effective Leadership Decisions - Building Human and Mental Capital for Growth - Optimizing Your Environment for Peak Performance - The Role of Character and Work Ethic in Talent Identification - Strategies for Positive Influence and Intentional Leadership - Resources for Continuous Growth and Development   Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you elevate your leadership skills and create a thriving workplace culture!  

This week, Ash is joined by Jess Burgio, a dynamic entrepreneur who transitioned from a successful 22-year career in the beauty industry to becoming a leading voice in the podcasting realm. Jess and Ash dive into the transformative power of storytelling and personal branding, exploring how Jess's experiences in beauty equipped her with the listening skills and curiosity essential for podcasting success. They discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on career trajectories and the importance of seeking clarity and confidence in your endeavors. But that’s just the beginning. Jess shares practical insights on overcoming feelings of "impact shame" and navigating career transitions with grace. She emphasizes the significance of networking through podcasting, revealing how this medium can amplify visibility and establish authority in a rapidly changing industry. If you’re considering launching a podcast or seeking to reinvent your career, this episode is brimming with actionable tips and inspiration! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to leverage storytelling to build a compelling personal brand. The role of listening skills and curiosity in successful podcasting. Strategies for overcoming comparisonitis and finding your unique voice. The importance of maintaining consistency in content creation and audience engagement. Tips for selecting budget-friendly equipment and maximizing social media for promotion. Insights into creating genuine connections and collaborations within the podcasting community.   Connect with Jess Burgio https://www.instagram.com/unscriptedthepodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/jessicaburgio/ https://www.jessicaburgio.com/ https://jessicaburgio.myflodesk.com/reasons-to-start-a-podcast   Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak

This week, Ash is joined by Dean Graziosi, a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author, who has worked alongside some of the top leaders like Tony Robbins. Dean shares his expert insights on how to navigate uncertain times, take bold actions, and thrive in both personal and business roles.   Dean and Ash dive deep into the challenges of scaling a business while balancing personal commitments, revealing the importance of focusing inward and embracing creativity when confronting obstacles. Dean introduces the concept of “new level, new devil,” explaining how each stage of growth brings new challenges, but also new opportunities for personal and professional development.   But that’s just the beginning. Dean provides actionable advice on how to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt, highlighting the power of envisioning a compelling future. Together with Ash, they discuss how setbacks often become the stepping stones to success, sharing personal stories of entrepreneurial struggle and resilience.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - How to embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth. - The mindset shift required to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. - Strategies for balancing personal and professional roles while scaling a business. - How to leverage creativity to solve business and personal challenges. - The importance of focusing on your zone of genius to propel your business. - Tips on maintaining momentum and navigating legal and financial hurdles.   If you’re looking to elevate your business, embrace challenges, and maintain balance in your life, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring insights!   Connect with Dean Graziosi Sign up to Secrets to Scaling Summit 2024 here: https://ashleysts.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deangraziosi/?hl=en Website: https://www.deangraziosi.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak  

This week, Ash is joined by Nirjary Desai, an inspiring entrepreneur and DEI advocate, who brings nearly two decades of experience in the hospitality and service industries.   Nirjary and Ash explore the critical role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in shaping business success. Drawing from her rich cultural heritage and global experiences, Nirjary shares candid reflections on overcoming cultural ignorance, finding common ground across diverse communities, and creating impactful, inclusive events for clients. The discussion delves into how DEI principles transform workplace dynamics, from hiring practices to leadership approaches.   But that’s just the beginning. Nirjary provides actionable strategies on how businesses—whether large corporations or small startups—can foster inclusive environments by balancing fair compensation with cultural recognition. She also touches on her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of passion, storytelling, and genuine connections in growing her successful event planning business. If you’re eager to build a diverse, inclusive, and purpose-driven business, this episode is packed with essential insights you won’t want to miss! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - How to embrace diversity and build an inclusive workplace culture. - The difference between hiring for competency versus culture. - Strategies for fostering passion and impact-driven motivation in your team. - The power of storytelling in driving organizational success. - Insights into building genuine connections to fuel business growth. - How to balance cultural recognition with fair compensation in corporate settings. Connect with Nirjary Desai Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nirjarymdesai/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirjarydesai/ Website: https://www.nirjarydesai.rocks/ and https://www.kiscubedevents.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak  

This week, Ash is joined by renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert Terri Cole, who returns to discuss her latest book, "Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency."   Terri and Ash dive deep into the often-overlooked world of high-functioning codependency (HFC), a condition where highly capable individuals overextend themselves to meet others' needs while neglecting their own. Through personal anecdotes and relatable stories, they explore how childhood conditioning often leads to HFC, and the challenges of breaking free from it. Terri shares her own experiences and provides insight into how to recognize and address this subtle yet damaging cycle.   But that's just the start. Terri offers practical solutions for overcoming HFC, introducing her High Functioning Codependent toolkit, which includes strategies for setting boundaries and fostering healthier, more balanced relationships. If you’ve ever struggled with prioritizing your own needs in relationships or felt burned out from constant caregiving, this episode is full of transformative tips to help you regain control.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - How high-functioning codependency manifests and why it's so difficult to detect. - The impact of childhood conditioning on relationship dynamics. - Key red flags like resentment and urgency that signal self-neglect. - How to set boundaries and renegotiate roles in relationships. - Practical tools from Terri's HFC toolkit to achieve more equitable connections. - The importance of self-respect and empowerment in breaking free from codependent patterns.   If you’re seeking to break the cycle of overgiving and regain balance in your relationships, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and strategies! Connect with Terri Cole Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-cole Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terricole/?hl=en Website: https://www.terricole.com/hfc/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak Oracle: Want to do more and spend less?  Take a free test drive of OCI at oracle.com/yourturn  

This week, Ash is joined by Jeff Barrett, a PR maestro and host of the Shorty Awards podcast, known for his expertise in branding and social media strategy. Jeff and Ash dive deep into the evolution of social media, discussing how the focus has shifted from vanity metrics like Facebook likes to the importance of building an owned audience through podcasts and email lists for sustainable brand growth. But it doesn’t stop there. Jeff shares cutting-edge insights into frictionless shopping with tools like TikTok Shop and how lifestyle brands can capitalize on innovative packaging and storytelling. If you're looking to build a long-lasting brand and adapt to the latest trends in the digital world, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you won’t want to miss! In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  How to build an authentic personal brand that stands the test of time.  The importance of shifting focus from vanity metrics to building a loyal audience.  Strategies for leveraging frictionless shopping tools to enhance the customer experience.  How to create lifestyle brands through unique storytelling and packaging.  The role of PR in building long-term brand trust and recognition.  Tips on maintaining personal boundaries while engaging with social media audiences. Connect with Jeff Barrett Twitter: https://x.com/barrettall?lang=en Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrettall/ Website: https://www.barrettpr.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak

This week, Ash is joined by James Williams, a certified high-performance coach with deep expertise in personal growth and entrepreneurship.   James and Ash explore the thrilling highs and daunting lows of entrepreneurship, offering insights into finding peace and purpose amidst the chaos. They discuss how aligning your career with core values can transform your life and how self-awareness and understanding your unique gifts can guide you through life’s transitions.   But that’s just the beginning. James provides practical strategies for balancing work and personal growth, from using honest self-assessments to uncover strengths and weaknesses, to mastering stress management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique. If you’re on a journey to fulfill your potential and lead with purpose, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won’t want to miss! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to find fulfillment by aligning your career with core values. The importance of self-awareness and using honest self-assessments. Practical tactics for navigating personal growth, like meditation and creative pursuits. Strategies for mastering presence and managing stress in high-stakes environments. How to balance likability with setting boundaries in leadership roles. The role of vulnerability and self-care in effective decision-making. Connect with James Williams https://www.instagram.com/jamesrswilliams/ https://thegrowthedge.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak Libsyn: Visit libsyn.com and use code YOUTURN for 2-months of FREE services.  

This week, Ash is joined by Bob Gentle, a seasoned personal branding expert with deep insights into transforming your business strategy through personal branding. Bob and Ash explore how personal branding can surpass traditional corporate branding by leveraging authentic human connections. They dive into effective marketing strategies, including content marketing, advertisements, networking, and active outbound sales. But there’s more. Bob shares his expertise on treating content marketing like an investment portfolio for balanced growth, the importance of structured sales processes, and turning personal relationships into business opportunities. If you're ready to elevate your brand and unlock new business potential, this episode is a must-listen! In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How personal branding can be more effective than corporate branding. Strategies for content marketing as a balanced investment portfolio. Leveraging personal relationships and networks for business growth. The Generosity Engine approach to social selling by providing value first. Connect with Bob Gentle https://www.instagram.com/bobgentle/?hl=en https://amplifyme.agency/ https://www.bobgentle.com/ Connect with Ash: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl/ Want to become a professional speaker and skyrocket your personal brand?  Ashley’s team at Wise Whisper Agency offers a done-with-you method to get your signature talk written and booked and it's helped more than 100 clients onto the TEDx stage! Head over to WiseWhisperAgency.com/speak