The Learnings That Led To 250 Just Start Episodes with Jacqueline M. Baker

This milestone 250th episode of Just Start: Get Visible is a celebration of the journey—choosing courage over comfort, embracing imperfect action, and amplifying voices along the way. In this special episode, I take some time to reflect on the lessons I've learned from building businesses, writing books, launching this podcast, and helping others step into leadership and visibility. What started as a simple idea—just start—has grown into hundreds of conversations with founders, leaders, and professionals who chose to begin before they felt ready. Through personal stories and a little "show and tell," I share some of the experiences that shaped my journey—from launching my first company more than 20 years ago, to building Scarlet while working a corporate role, to evolving this very podcast into what it is today. If you've ever wondered what can happen when you decide to simply start, this episode is proof that progress doesn't require perfection—it requires action. Key Moments in This Episode 00:00 – Celebrating the 250th episode and the journey of Just Start: Get Visible 02:20 – Leaving my corporate role after building my business on the side for years 05:40 – My first company: starting an event planning business on a whim 08:30 – Why the skills from your past roles still matter today 10:10 – Building Scarlet and the importance of people, consistency, and accountability 13:50 – How I finished my first book Leader by Mistake using a "forcing function" 17:10 – Launching the podcast and why I eventually rebranded it 19:20 – The importance of consistency when building a platform 22:30 – Writing my second book The Unexpected Leader and the power of sharing your dreams 24:40 – Making it easier for people to support your work 26:40 – The evolution of the Manor Box and why timing sometimes matters 30:40 – Final reflections and encouragement to keep starting

In this episode, Sarah Glenn, Founder and CEO of Completely returns to the podcast to share how her career originally evolved from aspiring lawyer to entrepreneur. Drawing confidence from her commission-based recruiting background, she embraced a "bet on myself" mindset when building her business. Though she dislikes the administrative and financial burdens of entrepreneurship—and even faced a major tax-preparer error early on—she overcame these challenges by building a strong support team. Sarah's proudest growth over the past three years is in how she speaks to and treats herself, noting the ripple effect on her business, health, and overall well-being. She now maintains a comprehensive self-care system that includes a chiropractor, acupuncturist, therapist, coach, energy healer, and nutritionist. This milestone episode was such a joy to record and it is filled with laughter, learning and endless lessons. You're invited to just start and get visible in a way the feels right for you and we hope that this episode inspires you to do just that!

Starting sounds simple… until it's time to actually do it. In Episode 248, Jacqueline gets honest about something that often hides beneath our ambitions, ideas, and good intentions: the courage it takes to begin. We may talk about "just starting" all the time, but the reality? Stepping away from comfort—even comfortable stuckness—requires bravery. And in this episode, Jacqueline breaks down what that courage really looks like, how to build it, and how to use it in a way that feels honest and sustainable. This conversation is another "grandbaby" of the rich dialogue with Dallas Gordon in Episode 245, where the theme of multiple beginnings and evolving identities sparked this deeper dive. Inside this episode, you'll explore: 1. You Can Start Over—More Than Once You're not tied to old stories, old paths, or old roles. Jacqueline shares real examples (including from Dallas' many "lives") showing why new beginnings are not a sign of instability—they're a sign of permission. 2. Starting From Scratch Isn't Failure—It's Strategy Whether you're launching something new, restarting after a pause, or finally stepping into visibility, "scratch" isn't empty. You bring experience, wisdom, and tools that make each beginning stronger. 3. Fear, Uncertainty, and Imposter Syndrome Don't Disqualify You They make you human. You can take action with butterflies in your stomach. You can decide with imperfect information. Courage isn't the absence of fear—it's movement despite of it. This episode closes out a month inspired by Episode 245 with Dallas Gordon—an exploration of beginnings, reinvention, and visibility. If you missed that conversation, catch it at JacquelineMBaker.com/245. Next month kicks off with a powerful new visibility conversation and continues with three in-depth solo episodes to help you get visible in ways that align with who you truly are. Let this episode be your reminder: starting isn't easy—but you're worth the experience.

This month, we're slowing down to stretch our learning. Instead of rushing from one episode to the next, I'll be "milking" the goodness from the rich conversation with Dallas Gordon in Episode 245—and today's topic is a big one: how to be visible and keep your integrity In Episode 247: Visibility With Integrity, I explored what it truly means to show up publicly, professionally, and personally—in a way that aligns with your ethics, your values, and your capacity. You'll dive into: The Pressure to Perform vs. The Freedom to Be Real How the culture of curated perfection is shifting—and why you now have permission to share the imperfect, in-process moments of your journey (in whatever ways feel right to you). Your Unique Visibility Style Introvert, extrovert, ambivert, multipassionate—your personality plays a major role in how you show up. I'll help you uncover your personal visibility rhythm, the platforms that fit you best, and the pacing that won't send you into burnout. Creating Sustainable Visibility Practices From rituals to routines to processes,  I'll break down how to remain consistent without exhausting yourself, and how to show up with ease instead of pressure. This episode is your reminder that visibility doesn't have to be loud, constant, or draining. It just needs to be yours—rooted in integrity and aligned with the person you're becoming. ✨ Listen in and learn how to be seen in a way that feels good, honest, and sustainable. Catch the episode that inspired this series: JacquelineMBaker.com/245 Watch this over at: https://youtu.be/0gMeWOy3xYk

Do you ever feel rushed—rushed to the next task, the next goal, the next version of you—without fully honoring the moment you're actually in? Jacqueline knows that feeling well, and in this episode, she slows things down to help you step powerfully into your next season with intention. Building on the wisdom and rich conversation from Episode 245 with Dallas Gordon, this episode kicks off a February series dedicated to letting our learning live longer. Instead of rushing into new conversations, Jacqueline pulls forward the themes of reinvention, identity, and evolution that surfaced in her interview with Dallas—and breaks them down even further. In Episode 246: The Art of Reinvention, Jacqueline dives into: Letting Go of Old Identities Why it's normal (and necessary) to outgrow previous versions of yourself—and how to recognize when it's time to pivot, shed labels, or reimagine your narrative. Transferring Your Skills Across Seasons You don't have to throw away your old life to step into a new one. Jacqueline shows you how past passions, careers, and "hidden lessons" stack into powerful expertise that can fuel your next chapter. Reinventing Yourself Without Losing Yourself Learn how to stay grounded, aligned with your values, and rooted in authenticity as you evolve. Reinvention shouldn't erase who you are—it should reveal you more clearly. If you've been wondering whether it's time for a shift—or whether you're allowed to evolve again—this episode gives you both permission and practical guidance. ✨ Listen in and explore how to reinvent with intention, clarity, and confidence—without rushing your process. Catch the previous episode with Dallas Gordon at: JacquelineMBaker.com/245

Some conversations move you in ways you never expected. My deep and powerful dialogue with business consultant, author, and speaker Dallas Gordon was one of those unforgettable moments—filled with insight, honesty, and pure magic. At one point, I found myself captivated as she described what felt like the experience of living multiple lives throughout her entrepreneurial journey. From baker (yes… a real baker!) to coach, to the founder of a thriving stationery and subscription box brand, Dallas has worn many hats. Her depth of knowledge, the lessons she's gathered, and her refreshing transparency are both inspiring and educational. Tune in, soak up the gems, and let this conversation encourage you to Just Start and Get Visible—in whatever way feels authentic and right for you.

What if the secret to getting unstuck isn't a better plan—but a messier start? In this episode of Just Start: Get Visible, I will make the case for starting messy on purpose. Drawing from my background as a planner, project manager, and multi-time founder, I'll share why perfection is a fantasy—and how messy starts are often the most sustainable path forward. You'll learn why letting go of perfection creates momentum, how starting messy gives you room to evolve publicly, why normalizing discomfort is part of visibility, and how public commitment can dramatically improve follow-through. If you've been waiting for the "right time," the perfect strategy, or total confidence, this episode is your permission slip to begin anyway. Because you don't need a flawless plan—you just need to start.

In this episode, we break down why waiting to feel "ready" is costing you momentum. Let's explore reframing readiness as a decision, embracing imperfect action, and showing up consistently can unlock confidence, visibility and compounded impact. If you've been stuck in planning, overthinking, or perfectionism, this episode is your nudge to start now—right where you are.

Some conversations are just meant to be and this was one of them. Derrick Simpson of DAS Remodeling & Design shared the story of how his company came to be and where his inspiration for making dreams comes true was born. It was an inspiring, thoughtful an overall conversation that chronicles his journey from big box stores to a stop at the justice department to ultimately changing lives and relationships through home renovation and design. Listen, share and get started!    

I really love today's episode. I mean, in our history of over 200 episodes this is the first time that I have interviewed a DJ... and it's not just any DJ, it's our dear friend, DJ Kutz, aka Mike West. From sharing his historical love for music, how he "live" practices and how he navigates staying musically creative, this was quite a special conversation. Also, this episode is so special that you can also see it over on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ARzBSvhTk&t Ready? Let's get started! This episode originally aired on October 1st, 2024.