Marco Polo’s Vlada Bortnik on the Magic of Technology (for Good) & Human Connection

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showVlada Bortnik, co-founder & CEO of Marco Polo, the video messaging app, shares what it really means to build technology that helps people feel close, not just connected.Vlada’s journey—from growing up in Ukraine to working at Microsoft to creating one of the most intentional, human-centered apps in tech—reminds us that business can be both purposeful and profitable. She shares how she and her husband built Marco Polo while raising two young kids, how they’ve kept their company values at the center of every decision, and what it looks like to “work joyfully” for the long game.If you’ve ever felt like technology is pulling you away from what matters most, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that it doesn’t have to be that way.Connect with Vlada on LinkedIn and download the Marco Polo app at marcopolo.me. (BTW if you join Marco Polo and want to try the paid version, use my affiliate link to try 2 months free!)*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showUse October Theory to end 2025 strong & step into 2026 ready!October is the “Second New Year” — the perfect time to reflect, reset, and realign before the year ends. In this solo episode, I share 4 simple steps to make October Theory work for your business: review your 2025 goals, refresh your systems, refine your content calendar, and protect your energy.✨ Links & resources mentioned in this episode:Grab your free step-by-step Asana content calendar guideListen to my full episode on content calendarsBook a free 30-min consult to chat about your backend systemsStay tuned for Black Friday deals on my fav tools like 17hats + Flodesk — join my email list so you don’t miss them*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showEmail marketing is the most powerful tool in your business toolkit as a solopreneur—but most people overcomplicate it. In this solo episode, I’ll show you why email matters, how to start your list, and how to stay consistent so your subscribers look forward to hearing from you. 🫶 We’ll cover:Why email beats social media (40× more effective!)How to build your list—even if it’s just your two best friends to startThe role of consistency in building brand trust + better deliverabilityMy favorite tools for email marketing and content planning✨ Plus learn how to use the free version of Asana to create a Content Calendar and plan your email content with ease!+ICYMI: Episode #117 Why You NEED A Content Calendar 🗓️ & How to Make One - FREE!✨Snag 50% off your first year of Flodesk with code FAIRYTALE*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showSpoiler alert: I learned a lot being part of my very first collaboration— not just about launching, but about how even the best laid plans can change AND how important the client POV is. In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it was like to contribute to a recent collaboration bundle that I was genuinely excited about! I’ll walk you through what went well, what threw me off, and the biggest lessons I took away after opting into my fellow contributors’ offers.Whether you’re planning your next launch, offering a freebie, or hosting a collab of your own, these lessons and reflections are intended to help you keep your user experience as seamless as possible.*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showJosh Hall shares his inspiring journey from building a successful web design agency to becoming a sought-after business coach for creative entrepreneurs.Today, Josh is a web design business coach, podcast host, and course creator who helps creatives build businesses that give them freedom and flexibility.We dive into how showing up as your authentic self is the key to standing out in a crowded industry – you are your brand’s biggest differentiator. Josh's story is a great reminder that you have permission to evolve, pivot, and design your business around what matters most to you.Tune in to hear Josh’s tips on differentiating your brand, adopting a business-savvy approach, and creating a thriving business that truly supports the life you want to live.Learn more and connect with Josh at joshhall.co or webdesignerpro.com. *** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showGet ready for a little lesson in confidence 101 - with some sandy vibes!Janel Hawkins shares her journey from courageously quitting her job to moving back home to Alabama to pursue her passion for building sandcastles.Janel attributes her "false confidence" and "secondary confidence" to allowing her to keep moving forward, despite some skepticism and negativity around building a business in the sand; she was determined to figure things out, no matter what!Today, as the owner of Sandcastle University, Janel is redefining the art of sand sculpting. Her awe-inspiring creations grace the shores of Alabama, bringing joy to all who encounter them before they vanish with the tide. She also shares her knowledge and passion with people of all ages and skill levels through her classes. In this conversation, Janel discusses the challenges she faced, her strategic approach to overcoming obstacles, and how she expanded her business into teaching sandcastle building classes and creating custom sculptures for events. She also offers valuable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and insights into her business model, including navigating seasonality and leveraging social media for growth.Tune in to discover Janel's resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her craft and her team.Learn more about Janel and Sand Castle University at sandcastleu.com or follow her on social: Tik Tok | YouTube | Instagram *** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showWhen the life you've built no longer feels like yours — what comes next?This week, I’m joined by Jenn Arthurton, founder of Old Chicks Know Sht* and host of the podcast by the same name, for a conversation all about identity, reinvention, and redefining success in midlife.After a career shakeup in her 50s, Jenn found herself at a crossroads — one that required deep unlearning, quiet listening, and a whole lot of courage. What came next was a brand, community, and mission designed to empower women who feel like they’re just getting started.Jenn’s wisdom is an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to create a life that feels like you again.Whether you're navigating a season of change, feeling disconnected from your purpose, or simply craving more meaning in your work… this conversation will meet you where you are.Learn more and connect with Jenn at oldchicksknowshit.com and on Instagram.*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showWe don’t talk enough about the simple stuff in business — like saying thank you, acknowledging a message, or showing basic respect and professionalism. But today, I’m calling it out.In this episode, I’m diving into why modern business etiquette still matters — and how it can actually become a quiet superpower in your brand. I’m sharing a few real-life moments that sparked this conversation (including my swim team group texts and a frustrating Instacart experience) and unpacking how small gestures build trust, credibility, and connection with clients.And here's the good news: you don’t have to manually remember it all. You can (and should!) automate thoughtful touches with tools like 17hats so that simple courtesies don’t fall through the cracks when life or business gets busy.✨ Topics covered:The role of etiquette in the digital business worldWhy the “little things” can make a big brand impactHow systems can support better follow-through and client experiencePersonal stories that prove why this matters more than everA gentle reminder: none of us get it perfect — and that’s OKBook a free consult with me to chat about your systems.ICYMI Episode 152: How to Prioritize When You’re Overwhelmed AF*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showAlicia Conner is building a business while balancing a full-time job and two young kids—and she’s doing it with purpose. She helps sorority women translate their leadership experience into corporate-ready skills that get noticed and land them the jobs they want.We talk about the value of listening to your gut, especially when the noise of advice and expectation gets loud. Alicia shares how she’s leaned into her support system and why success as a “solopreneur” doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Plus, we cover how to use quieter seasons to focus on your systems so you're prepared for the growth you’re working toward. Whether you’re just starting your career or pivoting mid-way, this episode is packed with perspective and practical reminders.Connect with Alicia on Instagram @corporatesororitysister ICYMIAlicia and I spoke to connecting through Em Connors' membership; Em was actually a guest on the show back in 2023 when she shared hopes of creating a membership: Ep# 74 Canva, Courses, and Courage: Em Connors' Path to Online Success*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.

Text Kristen your thoughts or feedback about the showEver looked at your to-do list and felt completely paralyzed… or like a cat chasing its own tail getting absolutely nowhere? If yes, this episode is for you.Today, I’m sharing one of my go-to tools when overwhelm hits: the Eisenhower Matrix. It’s quick. It’s simple. It’s effective. Because when you can distinguish between importance and urgency, you can get clear on your priorities and start making strategic progress... which leads to sustainable growth for your biz.*** Freebie alert! Build Your Lead Management Fairytale Workflow with 17hats Say "goodbye" to inbox chaos and "hello" to streamlined lead management that saves time and boosts your business. This free guide will walk you through how to build a lead management workflow with 17hats'.