355. The Secret Sauce of Thought Leadership (and How to Find Yours) with Cris Gordon

What does it really take to scale a billion-dollar business—and still have time for what matters most? In this summer school replay of her interview on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, CEO School founder Suneera Madhani shares her powerful journey from corporate employee to unicorn founder. In this wide-ranging conversation, she opens up about redefining success, learning to reclaim time, and building a business rooted in purpose and presence. From her immigrant roots to the early days of pitching a fintech idea out of the trunk of her car, Suneera’s story is proof that confidence, clarity, and community can change everything. This episode is packed with practical takeaways and hard-earned wisdom for any founder ready to scale on their own terms. 🎧 Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this fan-favorite, get ready to be inspired—and reminded that women do, in fact, have it all. — In this episode, you’ll learn: 🕒 Why time—not money—is the real currency of success🧠 The mindset shifts that helped Suneera evolve from solopreneur to CEO💡 Her do–delegate–delete method for reclaiming time and energy📉 What social media gets wrong about entrepreneurship🧭 How to build a business by focusing on purpose over pressure — ✨ Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and tag @ceoschool to let us know your favorite takeaway. And don’t forget—new episodes return this fall. Until then, enjoy the best of CEO School, all summer long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the secret to success wasn’t more hustle—but better alignment? In this heartfelt solo finale, CEO School host Suneera Madhani reflects on five years of podcasting and the powerful lessons from this season. With themes of energy, alignment, and evolution, she walks listeners through the mindset shifts that helped her grow a billion-dollar business and build a new one—all while protecting her peace. From running a tech startup to creating the Millionaire Founders Club, this episode is a deeply personal (and strategic!) look at what it really takes to thrive as a woman in business. Whether you're entering your next season or finding your way in this one, this finale is packed with wisdom that will stay with you long after summer school ends. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ Why alignment—not hustle—is your most important strategy🗓️ How your calendar can (and should) reflect your real priorities⚡ The surprising truth about energy: it is the business plan🌱 Why you don’t have to choose between ambition and boundaries🎯 How to stop chasing the finish line—and start embracing the cycle 🎧 Plus: Suneera shares which episode went viral this season (hint: it’s the one with her mom!) 💬 Your Turn: What was your biggest takeaway this season? Tag @ceoschool and let us know! 📢 Love the show? Share with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:02:14) Personal Alignment for Business Success (00:05:41) Harnessing Positive Energy for Business Success (00:09:31) Achieving Stillness and Scale in Business (00:13:55) The Dynamic Entrepreneurial Journey: Embracing Growth (00:14:50) Finding Purpose in Business Scaling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder what it’s really like inside a room full of powerhouse women running seven and eight-figure businesses? In this special episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani is joined by President of CEO School and MFC community leader Brielle Cotterman, fresh off of the Millionaire Founders Club Spring Retreat. They’re giving you a true behind-the-scenes look at what goes down when nearly 100 seven-figure CEOs come together to share strategies, support each other, and scale with heart. From friendship and leadership to time management, team building, and new revenue plays, this conversation reveals the real, unfiltered truths of being a high-level female founder. It’s a celebration of sisterhood, strategy, and the belief that when women get in the right rooms, big things happen. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💬 Why your friendships might shift as you grow—and how to find a circle that gets it 🕰️ How top-tier CEOs are reclaiming their time and simplifying to scale 📈 The lessons they learned in licensing, upselling, and cross-selling are key to sustainable growth  🧠 The leadership mindset that separates solopreneurs from CEOs  👯‍♀️ How MFC members are leveraging community to create million-dollar deals Whether you’re already scaling or dreaming of your seven-figure moment, this episode will help you expand your vision, your circle, and your strategy. 💬 Your Turn: What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Tag @ceoschool and @briellecotterman on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:02:14) Supportive Community for Female Entrepreneurs (00:02:32) Empowering Female Entrepreneurs Through Networking Circles (00:09:39) Empowering Women: Business Support Networks (00:13:37) Strategic Growth and Opportunity Alignment in Business (00:19:58) Empowering CEOs through Effective Team Management (00:25:46) Elevating Personal Brands through Mutual Collaboration (00:28:21) "Your Net Worth is Your Network" Movement (00:39:12) Entrepreneurial Networking Retreats and Digital Meetups Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HR isn’t just policies and paperwork—it’s the secret to building an aligned, unstoppable team. In this episode, host Suneera Madhani sits down with HR experts and MFC members Kacie Scott and Nadian Zak of Zak Human Solutions for a crash course in all things people, culture, and compliance. Whether you’re hiring your first contractor or managing a full team, this candid conversation breaks down what you actually need to know as a founder—including the HR mistakes that could cost you big. In this episode, you’ll learn:📌 When to start taking HR seriously (hint: it’s earlier than you think)📕 The #1 document every company needs to have in place🚩 How to avoid misclassifying contractors (and the legal risks if you do)🧰 The best tools to streamline onboarding, payroll, and performance📈 How to manage, coach, and fire with confidence💡 Culture-building tips for hybrid teams (that actually work) This is your no-fluff guide to building the team your vision deserves. Whether you’re in growth mode or just trying to get your systems in place, this episode will leave you smarter, more empowered, and ready to lead with intention. 💬 Your Turn:What’s one HR practice you’re implementing after this episode? Tag @ceoschool and @zakhumansolutions to let us know! 📢 Loved this episode?Share it with a business bestie and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the key to scaling your business isn’t working harder—but rewiring how you think? In this episode of CEO School, Suneera sits down with UK-based business strategist, Forbes mentor, and founder of Dawn of a New Era, Dawn McGruer. Live from the Millionaire Founders Club Retreat, this powerhouse conversation dives deep into mindset, neuroscience, and the strategy behind sustainable, freedom-driven business growth. Dawn shares the three pillars that have helped thousands of women scale without burnout and explains why most of us are looking at success all wrong. You’ll also learn a voice journaling habit that just might change your life (and clear your to-do list). In this episode, you’ll learn: 🧠 How to rewire your brain for success with small, repeatable actions 📈 Why clarity and conviction are more powerful than any growth hack 📝 Dawn’s voice journaling method (and how she uses it to declutter her business) 🔥 How to break free from people-pleasing and start leading with purpose 📣 The "edge and wow" framework for showing up with bold messaging If you’re tired of feeling stuck or stretched too thin, this episode is a permission slip to build a business that truly supports the life you want. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one belief you’re ready to rewrite? Tag @ceoschool and @dawnmcgruer on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your next level of growth isn’t about doing more, but showing up more powerfully for the work you’re already doing? In this episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani sits down with powerhouse publicist and founder of CBee Communications, Cris Gordon, for a masterclass on visibility, storytelling, and stepping into the spotlight—even when it feels scary. Live from the Millionaire Founders Club Retreat, Cris shares her playbook for building a personal brand that opens doors, positions you as a thought leader, and helps your business scale. From DIY PR to pitch strategy, motherhood, and writing her first children’s book (while raising four kids!), this conversation is a must-listen for any woman ready to grow her impact and influence. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 The foundational ingredients of a powerful founder story 🧠 Why your brand’s "secret sauce" matters more than ever in today’s market 📱 DIY visibility strategies that don’t require a PR budget 👩🏽‍💼 How to step into thought leadership while juggling motherhood and business 📖 Why Cris wrote Mommy Marvelous and how she’s building a brand with heart If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of promoting yourself or unsure how to tell your story, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to be seen, heard, and celebrated. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one thing you want to be known for this year? Tag @ceoschool and @crisgordonpr on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on CEO School, we’re celebrating Mother’s Day with one of the most heartfelt, vulnerable, and inspiring episodes yet. Host Suneera Madhani is joined by the most important guest she’s ever had on the show—her mom, Shama Rehmetullah. In this candid conversation, Suneera and her mom talk about everything from growing up during wartime in Bangladesh to immigrating to the U.S. with nothing but a dream. Shama shares how she worked her way up from sweeping floors at 15 to managing a Garrett Popcorn shop in Chicago, how she raised her children with resilience and joy, and how she still shows up with purpose every single day. They also talk about generational patterns, breaking cycles, and the complicated, beautiful journey of being both a mom and a daughter. In this episode, you’ll learn: 🌍 Shama’s journey through war, immigration, and starting over in America 💪 How to raise kids with strong values while chasing your own dreams 🧠 What “mom guilt” really means—and why you don’t have to carry it ❤️ How to build confidence, community, and a life that reflects your purpose ✨ The family mottos and generational wisdom that still guide Suneera today Whether you’re a mother, daughter, or entrepreneur navigating motherhood and ambition, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and you absolutely have what it takes. 💬 Your Turn: What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you? Tag @ceoschool and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if your most valuable asset isn’t what you’re selling, but what you’ve already built? In this episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani sits down with licensing strategist and lifelong entrepreneur April Beach to unpack the untapped goldmine that lives inside your intellectual property. Live from the Millionaire Founders Club Retreat, April breaks down exactly how to turn your playbooks, processes, trainings, and frameworks into scalable assets through licensing. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, speaker, or service provider, this episode will open your eyes to a business model that builds wealth and freedom without burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn: 📚 The 3 types of licensable content companies are already looking for 💡 Real-life examples of how to license your IP to schools, corporations, and other experts 💸 How much to charge (including what her clients earn on average) 🤝 Who's buying your IP—and how to land licensing deals without doing the selling yourself 📈 How licensing increases the enterprise value of your business and creates legacy impact If you’re sitting on powerful content that’s just collecting dust, this episode is your permission slip to monetize it in a whole new way. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one piece of content you could license this year? Tag @ceoschool and @aprilbeachlicensing on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow entrepreneur and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:02:13) Monetizing Genius: Licensing for Knowledge Sharing (00:06:28) Licensing Opportunities: Channel, Augmentation, and Training (00:12:26) Thought Leadership Through Tailored Speaking Engagements (00:14:56) Licensing and Certification for Thought Leaders (00:20:28) Strategic IP Licensing for Business Growth (00:23:41) Enhancing Enterprise Value Through Intellectual Property Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder how some women turn their hardest seasons into their greatest growth? In this powerful episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani sits down with Dr. Neeta Bhushan—bestselling author, speaker, founder, and host of The Brave Table podcast—to talk about resilience, emotional health, and the art of coming back stronger. Live from the Millionaire Founders Club Retreat, Suneera and Neeta dive deep into grief, reinvention, motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating emotional safety in leadership and life. Neeta shares her personal story of profound loss, her journey to emotional healing, and the micro-resets that help high-achieving women reclaim joy every day. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💬 How to expand your capacity to feel—and why it’s the key to resilience 🎯 Small, powerful rituals to reset your nervous system throughout your day 🧠 Why successful women often numb out—and what to do instead 🌟 The real reason you feel exhausted by 8 PM (and how to fix it) ❤️ How to reconnect with yourself after seasons of survival mode If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, craving more connection, or simply need a reminder that your emotions are your superpower, this conversation is for you. 💬 Your Turn: What's one micro-reset you're going to try this week? Tag @ceoschool and @neetabhushan on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:03:30) Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Inclusive Networking (00:05:16) Fostering Genuine Connections for Business Growth (00:10:09) Navigating Loss: Transforming Pain into Resilience (00:14:44) "Embracing Vulnerability for Resilience and Joy" (00:19:11) Unhealthy Distractions for Emotional Well-Being (00:26:21) "Self-Compassion and Expressive Coping Strategies" (00:32:16) Vagus Nerve Activation through Laughter Therapy (00:37:08) Powerful Breathing Techniques for Relaxation (00:41:53) Anger Release Technique: Transforming Emotions Playfully (00:49:58) Ayurvedic Healing with Natural Ingredients Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this powerful episode of CEO School, host Suneera Madhani is joined by the incomparable Tiffany Aliche, aka @thebudgetnista. Tiffany opens up about how a financial scam, a job loss during the recession, and $300,000 in debt led her to start her mission: helping women become financially whole. Tiffany shares how she went from a broke preschool teacher to a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Get Good With Money Library. This conversation covers everything from the emotions of financial shame to building generational wealth—and why women must stop underestimating their power. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💸 The 10-step framework to achieve "financial wholeness" 🚫 The biggest money mistakes women make (and how to avoid them) 📈 How to invest without fear, even during market uncertainty 👩🏽‍💼 Why budgeting alone won’t build wealth (and what to focus on instead) 🤝 The CEO-level move that saved Tiffany from a $250K IRS nightmare This is the money conversation every woman needs to hear. Whether you're scaling your business or sorting your personal budget, you'll walk away empowered and equipped to take control of your financial future. Tiffany's website: https://thebudgetnista.com/ Buy Tiffany's Book! https://getgoodwithmoney.com/ 💬 Your Turn: What’s one step you’re taking toward financial wholeness? Tag @ceoschool and @thebudgetnista on Instagram and let us know! 📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend and leave a review to help more women scale with confidence. (00:03:05) From Debt to Empowerment: Tiffany Aliche's Journey (00:09:53) Monetizing Financial Education through Speaking Opportunities (00:11:33) "Comprehensive Financial Blueprint for Personal Wellness" (00:17:05) Financial Empowerment Through Open Conversations (00:21:29) Income Growth: Balancing Lifestyle and Budgeting (00:25:09) Expense Management for Financial Stability (00:34:32) Empowering Financial Security through Earning Discussions (00:39:18) Building Wealth through Confident Investing (00:44:04) Turning Financial Challenges into Opportunities (00:53:46) Self-investment for growth and opportunity success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices