What $100M CEOs Taught Me About Growth

→ Find our latest hiring opportunities at https://www.jasminestar.com/careers. ←↓A consultant recently told me she was “wildly impressed” with our hiring process.Instead of celebrating… I panicked.Because the truth is, we didn’t build a polished corporate system. We built it through trial, error, and hard lessons.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how we hire — and why it works.Every business needs both. Most founders just don’t know which one they’re actually hiring.I walk you through our three hiring pathways:• Hiring from within (promote based on ability, not loyalty)• Hiring from your personal brand (yes, your content attracts teammates)• Hiring with a recruiter (and how to give feedback that actually works)Plus, the leadership truth that changed everything for me:The person you want to hire might not be able to find you… because you’re not yet the leader who can contain them.Scaling isn’t just systems.It’s people.And the right people will take you further than any funnel ever could.Book Mentioned: Radical Candor by Kim ScottClick play to hear all of this and:[00:00] The “Wildly Impressed” Hiring Compliment That Made Me Panic[02:45] System Builders vs. System Implementers (And Why It Matters)[06:15] How We Promote From Within Without Damaging Culture[14:30] Using Personal Brand to Attract (and Repel) Team Members[20:05] Our Exact DM → Automation → Application Funnel[27:40] Why We Do Group Interviews (And Who They’re For)[32:15] When to Use a Recruiter (And What I Learned the Hard Way)[38:55] A-Players vs. B-Players vs. C-Players[45:20] The Leadership Shift Required to Hire BetterListen to Related Episodes:Why High Achievers Burn Out (and How to Fix It)How I’m Wooing My Next Executive Hire; Building a Dream Team Starts with THISHiring, training, and retaining high-performing team members with Natalie Dawson📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode627

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Brock, a digital advertising expert and founder of a powerhouse agency. We dive into her Rainmaker Method, a step-by-step guide to crafting ads that resonate and convert. Ashley breaks down the six pillars of successful messaging and shows you how to target the right audience, boost your sales, and build trust with your brand.Ashley also shares her journey from corporate advertising to helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses with impactful ads. If you’re ready to elevate your marketing and make it rain, this episode is for you!Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Why you need to craft your ads to resonate, articulate, and be memorable.[05:00] Learn how to speak to your audience at different stages of awareness.[10:00] Ashley shares why articulation can make or break your ad’s effectiveness.[15:00] Discover how identifying your ideal customer can lead to more effective advertising.[20:00] Hear how Ashley pivoted from working with massive corporations to helping small business owners succeed.[25:00] Ashley shares how she grew her business through persistence and a willingness to invest in her growth.Listen to Related Episodes:Unreasonable Hospitality: What It Takes to Be Number One in Your Industry with Will GuidaraFour Secrets to Unstoppable MarketingOld School Marketing Tactics, New School ResultsConnect With Ashley Brock:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ads.with.ashleyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WinWithPaidAdsWebsite: https://www.paidadscoaching.com/challengePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/win-with-paid-ads/id1715064884📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode626

In this episode, we dive into one of the most transformative topics for business growth: asking the RIGHT question.Ever felt stuck in your business, working hard but not seeing the results? I’ve been there, and I’ve learned that sometimes it’s not about doing more—it’s about asking the right question.I share how I went from asking safe, ego-boosting questions to asking ones that could radically change my business. Plus, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step framework I use to uncover the one big question that leads to massive results.Ready to learn how the right question can transform your business? Let’s dive in!Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Learn why the key to unlocking growth in your business is not doing more, but asking the right question that drives real change.[02:00] From asking safe, ego-boosting questions to discovering the ones that truly move the needle, discover how this shift can supercharge your growth.[03:41] Explore an example from 2023 about a safe question asked in a mastermind event—and why it didn’t have the impact expected.[05:30] Discover the valuable advice from a former CEO on hiring and paying top talent for better results and higher productivity.[08:30] How raising the pay for a part-time executive assistant led to massive reductions in administrative responsibilities and improved business efficiency.[10:00] Get a step-by-step framework on how to uncover the one big question that will solve your business challenges and lead to transformation.[12:00] Learn how asking deeper questions can help you get unstuck and start solving business problems more effectively.[14:30] A deep dive into why some problems require courage to face—and why accepting the challenge will lead to a greater business outcome.Listen to Related Episodes:What $100M CEOs Taught Me About GrowthBuilding Boring Businesses, Embracing Questions, and Doing Hard Things with Codie SanchezHow to Ask Questions that Get Results📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode625

Have you ever looked around a room full of successful entrepreneurs and thought, “I don’t belong here”?That moment hit hard the first time I considered joining a mastermind — and saw the $25,000 price tag.In this episode, I’m sharing the raw truth of investing in my very first mastermind: the doubts, the imposter syndrome, and the terrifying leap that turned into a $255,000 launch just six months later.At the time, I had never invested in peer coaching or business education. I had built my company solo — no courses, no mentors, no community. But I knew something had to change.What happened next challenged everything: my beliefs about money, my mindset around growth, and what’s actually possible when you're the least experienced person in the room.If you've ever questioned whether masterminds are worth it, felt intimidated in high-level rooms, or wondered if you're ready to invest in yourself… this episode is your permission slip.You're not underqualified. You’re just getting started.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:40] The definition of a mastermind — and how it reframes business growth[02:02] Feeling under-qualified to join a high-level room of entrepreneurs[03:32] The initial shock of a $25,000 price tag — and the debate that followed[04:41] A simple mindset shift: What if the investment could be earned back?[05:56] How proximity to brilliant minds led to a $255K launch in six months[07:30] How cultural and financial background influences risk-taking in business[08:25] The unexpected benefits of being the least experienced in the room🎧 Listen to the full episode, How a Mastermind Changed the Trajectory of My Business (and how it can do the same for you): Part 1, >>HERE<<Listen to Related Episodes:5 Mindset Shifts for Business GrowthHow I Maximize My Experiences and Investments to Reach My Next Level as a CEOHow a Mastermind Changed the Trajectory of My Business (and how it can do the same for you): Part 2Are you a 7-figure business owner ready to create a powerful brand, learn high-level marketing strategies, and build systems that scale alongside a group of talented 7-figure entrepreneurs? Then you must click >>HERE<< to check out my mastermind and add your name to the waitlist to be first to know when applications open up.For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode624

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to leave this job… start the thing… pivot… but I can’t afford to,” this episode is for you.I’m joined by the Financial Feminist herself, Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K. After graduating with degrees in communication and theater, Tori landed in a toxic corporate job she couldn’t afford to leave. That’s when everything shifted.She realized money wasn’t about being rich — it was about having options.So she set a bold goal: save $100,000 by age 25. What started with a $20 domain, three blog posts, and $49 coaching sessions at Starbucks eventually became a movement empowering women to take control of their finances.But here’s the truth: the $100K wasn’t the win.Freedom was.In this episode, we talk about financial autonomy, documenting your journey for accountability, and why building revenue isn’t about validation — it’s about choice.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Why Money Is About Freedom, Not Just Wealth[06:35] How $49 Coaching Sessions Built a Business Foundation[12:10] The Real Cost of Staying in a Toxic Job[18:45] Why Documenting Your Goal Creates Accountability[24:20] From Blog Posts to a Movement: Building Her First $100K[31:05] Scaling Beyond Coaching: Avoiding the “Not Scalable” Trap[38:40] Money as Power: Creating Options for WomenListen to Related Episodes:The 3 Financial Mistakes Ambitious Founders Keep MakingBuild Wealth by Changing the Way You Think About Money with Anthony O’NealWealth Building Strategies: How to Budget, Invest, and Raise Your PricesConnect With Tori Dunlap:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herfirst100k/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/herfirst100K/Website: https://herfirst100k.com/📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode623

I didn’t want to talk about this… but here we are.At the start of the year, I joined a new fitness program—something totally outside my comfort zone. And I wanted to quit four times in the first week alone.But I didn’t.This episode is about what that journey has taught me—not just about health, but about business, consistency, and what it really takes to stick with something when it gets hard.Because the truth is: everything you want comes with a cost.Are you willing to pay it?I’m sharing a mindset framework that’s helped me stay committed through discomfort, and how it applies whether you're trying to get in shape or build a 7-figure business.Let’s talk about fear, doubt, discipline—and choosing not to quit.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Opening up about a personal transformation for accountability, connection, and growth.[02:30] The fear of failure and the vulnerable question: "Will this actually work for me?"[03:20] Lifelong body image struggles and how they shaped Jasmine’s identity and confidence.[04:57] Realizing the parallels between business and fitness: discomfort, doubt, and discipline.[06:35] The mindset shift: follow the “recipe” before adding your own flavor.[10:12] How to overcome distractions that try to sabotage your growth.[15:14] Why the “messy middle” is where most quit—and how to push through by focusing on your future self.Listen to Related Episodes:How I Maximize My Experiences and Investments to Reach My Next Level as a CEOInside My $50K Investment with Gary Vee’s Team: How I Make Smart Business InvestmentsThe Real ROI of Personal Development📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode622

If you’ve ever grown so fast you barely recognized yourself… this one is for you.In this conversation with Leila Hormozi, we go behind the curtain of rapid business growth — beyond revenue, beyond strategy — and into identity.We talk about criticism, visibility, filtering yourself to avoid judgment, and what really happens when your business grows faster than your comfort zone.From the outside, explosive growth can look like a highlight reel. From the inside? It can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even painful.Leila shares why “the more you want to grow, the more you’re going to be in pain” — not because growth is bad, but because it demands an identity shift.If you’re a 7-figure founder scaling higher… Hiring leaders for the first time… Outgrowing your old systems… Or white-knuckling your next level…You’re not broken. You’re evolving.This episode is your permission slip to embrace the stretch — and lead with honesty along the way.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:01] How to stop trying to “prove yourself” to the internet[00:05] Why hyper-growth feels like pain—and what 2025 taught her about “unfamiliar territory”[00:10] The moment health forced leadership evolution[00:15] How “dangerously confident” content gets made when life is falling apart[00:20] The self-care boundary that actually scales a company[00:28] Her non-negotiable morning routine[00:35] The leadership book she had to write[00:49] Flash-fire leadership: building a culture where people tell you the hard truth (and how to reward honesty)Listen to Related Episodes:Building a Wildly Successful Business (and how to show up when it’s hard) with Leila HormoziHow You Can Develop the BEST Traits in LeadershipGrowing in Life + Business: What I'm Learning in the Messy MiddleConnect With Leila HormoziInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilahormoziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/leila.naghshinehWebsite: https://www.acquisition.com/📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode621

Are you making great money… but still not building real wealth? You’re not alone.In this episode, I chat with Kaitlyn Carlson, former Wall Street wealth manager and founder of Theory Planning Partners, who helps 7-figure female entrepreneurs build financial legacies—not just businesses.This isn’t your typical finance convo. We’re breaking down:✨ Why high income doesn’t equal financial freedom✨ Mindset blocks that keep you stuck, even at 7 figures✨ How childhood money dynamics impact your business✨ Why you need a wealth team, not just a bookkeeperKaitlyn shares practical strategies and powerful shifts to help you move from hustle to legacy—and finally keep more of what you earn.Whether you’re making $500K or $5M, this conversation will help you rethink how you lead, earn, and build a future on your terms.Click play to hear all of this and:[03:44] Why most 7-figure entrepreneurs focus on income but ignore long-term wealth[08:19] The financial wake-up call that led Kaitlyn to serve female founders[11:11] How childhood experiences shape your financial mindset[16:05] The key differences between an income strategy and a wealth strategy[23:45] Why building wealth requires a team (and not just a bookkeeper!)[29:32] How to evaluate if your business is scalable, sellable, or sustainable[37:51] The mental shift that changes everything: from “I have enough” to “I’m enough”Listen to Related Episodes:Tax Secrets Every Entrepreneur Should Know with Karlton Dennis8 Mindset Shifts to Transform Your Relationship with MoneyWealth Building Strategies: How to Budget, Invest, and Raise Your PricesConnect With Kaitlyn Carlson:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theoryplanningpartnersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090129347132Website: https://theoryplanning.com/📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode620

In this episode, I share one of the most transformative moments of my life: watching my mom relearn how to walk after aggressive cancer treatments. It was humbling, heartbreaking, and taught me a core truth—if you don’t believe in yourself, nothing else matters.Even with the support of loved ones, if you lack belief in your vision, your goals, or your ability to make it happen… your dreams will stall.So what does belief really look like in business? It’s not about pretending everything’s fine or reciting affirmations in the mirror. It’s about choosing to lead with intention, not insecurity. It’s about seeing your future self clearly and making daily decisions that align with her.This isn’t just mindset fluff—it’s a roadmap for making belief your business strategy.Whether you’re feeling stuck, afraid, or like your “baby steps” aren’t working fast enough… this episode will remind you that every small, imperfect action counts. And belief? That’s the first one.Let’s take that step—together.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] Why discomfort is the price of change (and what baby steps really teach us)[01:45] The emotional moment watching my mom relearn how to walk—and what it taught me about belief[02:38] Hard truth: If you don’t believe in you, your dreams won’t work[03:39] The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when trying to grow: consulting their past[04:33] A guided exercise to envision your future self and reverse engineer their habits[06:10] How small decisions (like online grocery delivery!) reflect your identity as a future CEO[08:02] Why you must act like your future self today—not once you “arrive”Listen to Related Episodes:How to Become Your Own Advocate and Get What You Want With Heather HansenHow to Gain Unshakable Confidence Through Clarity ft. Erin Weed📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode619

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of my last quarter of 2025—a whirlwind of decisions, mindset shifts, and lessons learned. The theme? Laying bricks—small actions that lead to big breakthroughs.I’ll share a personal moment walking my daughter into kindergarten for the first time and how it symbolized growth in my life and business. You’ll hear about my unconventional partnership with JD, where he’s the primary caretaker and I’m the CEO, and how I’ve built a business that serves my life first.I’ll also talk about surprising lessons from a sales call, balancing business with personal life, and my plans for 2026. This episode is packed with mindset shifts, behind-the-scenes stories, and actionable tips for your own business journey.Click play to hear all of this and:[00:00] How volunteering at my daughter’s kindergarten and aligning my schedule taught me valuable lessons for business.[02:00] The decisions JD and I made as parents and entrepreneurs to design a life and business that serves our family first.[05:00] Why being in the right rooms and investing in experiences—like the Hampton Executive Retreat—can pay off in unexpected ways.[08:00] A deep dive into my class on “The Three Money Beliefs That Made Me Millions” and how a major technical issue taught me the importance of mindset.[10:00] The importance of getting clear on hiring decisions and understanding who you need on your team to scale in 2026.[12:00] Why I spent $5,000 on a two-hour consult and how it helped me avoid costly mistakes while accelerating my growth.Listen to Related Episodes:Quarterly Review: Behind the Scenes of My Biggest Lessons of Q3My Raw and Real Q2 Business ReviewQuarter One Review: Inside My Podcast Monetization Strategy + Course Launch Wins📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of insider business strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://jasminestar.com/newsletter 📧For full show notes, visit jasminestar.com/podcast/episode618