407: Your Story is Your Brand's Heartbeat with Ryan Koral

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the dynamic world of fractional consultancy with our latest conversation featuring the financial wizardry of Jennifer Ternay. Together, we delve into the exciting yet challenging realm of part-time, temporary consulting roles that can reshape businesses. Jennifer, with her rich experience as a fractional CFO, shares her unexpected entrepreneurial journey and how it led her to become a guiding light for companies in need of her financial acumen. Our candid discussion peels back the layers on how professionals like us can harness their skills to not only fill interim positions but also leave a lasting impact on the organizations we serve. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the art of leadership in temporary roles. I recount the nuanced differences of contract durations—from brief three-month stints to year-long commitments—and their profound effects on professional development and team cohesion. We tackle the delicate task of steering a team as a temporary captain, managing doubts, and the finesse required to translate previous experiences into securing new ventures. The conversation is punctuated with practical tips on navigating the waters of interim engagements and using discretion to maintain a respectful distance from sensitive information. Finally, we wrap up with a robust discussion on the balance between soft skills and hard results, particularly in technical fields like finance. I reflect on my own transformation into "Zen Jen" and how adopting a softer touch has been instrumental in boosting morale and tackling high turnover. We laugh over the classic tussles between finance and marketing departments while recognizing the power of tangible evidence in showcasing the value of soft skills. For those aiming to construct a successful lifestyle business, this episode is a goldmine, offering strategies for packaging your expertise in a way that aligns with your life and connects deeply with clients. Join us and be empowered to make a leap into fractional consulting with confidence and style. In this episode, you will hear: The concept and nuances of fractional consulting, including the differences between interim and ongoing roles in finance. The importance of understanding financial flows for business improvement and the journey from accidental entrepreneur to fractional CFO. Strategies for handling team dynamics and skepticism as a temporary leader, and the significance of discretion when leveraging past experiences. Pricing and packaging services for client engagements, maintaining confidentiality, and integrating personal lifestyle into work. The balance of soft skills and hard results in technical fields like finance, and the transformation from a strict to a "Zen Jen" leadership style. Challenges in measuring the impact of soft skills and the role of tangible evidence like books or talks in establishing credibility. Tips for building a successful lifestyle business in fractional consulting and securing diverse income streams. Connect with Me on Social Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

Unlock the full potential of your personal brand with the insights shared by the incredible Charissa Yong. If you've ever felt camera-shy or uncertain about what to wear, our discussion on using props, colors, and strategic wardrobe choices will transform your approach to photo shoots, ensuring your images leave a lasting impact and authentically represent the professional you are. In this episode, you will hear: Personal branding photography tips to enhance professional image and resonate with audiences. Overcoming confidence issues and using props, colors, and wardrobe choices to convey personality in photos. The significance of photographer-client chemistry. Preparation for a photo shoot, including creating a comprehensive shot list and outfit selection reflecting brand identity. Importance of maintaining a fresh digital persona with updated images on websites and social media. Logistics of photoshoot day, focusing on nutrition, rest, and managing the physical demands of modeling. Connect with Charissa charissahyongphotography.com instagram.com/charissahyongphotography linkedin.com/in/charissahyong Connect with Me on Social Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is the author of the bestselling book, Sacred Rest. In today's interview she unpacks the 7 types of rest and practical ways your high-achieving self can gain awareness around how you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving. This was an incredibly insightful interview and I hope you take what Dr. Saundra shares to heart. Towards the end of the episode, Saundra shares how book opened up speaking engagements and birthed a business that she didn't see coming. Listen to this episode and you'll get more than just great insights into rest, you'll glean takeaways into how she built her thougth leadership business. Connect with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Book: Sacred Rest Quiz: restquiz.com Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

Sean Osborn shares the strategies behind building his email list. Discover the secrets to expanding your reach, enhancing engagement, and unlocking the true potential of your email list. Connect with Sean: thinkingbigcoaching.com Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

Today I celebrate a special milestone — 10 years of podcasting. Yep, I started this thing back in February 2014. I've never had a viral episode. Ever. But I kept going. When I started, I thought I was late to the game. I've realized that it doesn't matter if you outlast everyone who quits or never starts. Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

James Harrington crashed a friend's BBQ years ago and it led to meeting some people who would change the course of his life and lead him to bring clean water to hundreds of thousands. Speaking to a room full of entrepreneurs, James share the special power that we can tap into when we reconnect with compassion and how each of us holds the key to making a tangible difference. I am a regular supporter of James' organization, The Ugandan Water Project. Check them out here: http://ugandanwaterproject.org Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

There's a lot of contradictory advice out there on the role "your story" should play in your overall marketing. So what's the right take? In this episode I share some candid thoughts on this issue, and then we dive into a session with my friend Ryan Koral from our in-person mastermind in Charleston, SC. Ryan Koral (http://tellstudios.com) is a leader in video marketing. In this talk, Ryan unveils the power behind blending personal stories with professional ambition, and how understanding the heart of your brand can catapult your business to new heights. Watch Ryan's talk on YouTube » Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

Michael Sheridan was a highly skilled software engineer who experienced a life-altering spiritual awakening that shifted his path from the coding to dream interpretation. Discover how an unexpected encounter with the spirit world and the profound insights from dreams led him to embrace his true purpose, transforming not only his own life but also those of countless others. This story is a testament to the power of inner reflection, the significance of dreams, and the possibility of finding one's calling in the most unexpected places. Connect with Michael: http://dream-analysis.com Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

We've all heard the fortune is in the follow-up, but it can also be said that the fortune is in the feedback. Today I sit down with Danna Junck, founder of the top-rated Trip Advisor restaurant Danna's BBQ (dannasbbq.com) in Branson, MO. Danna is also a well-respected coach for entrepreneurs. Watch this interview on YouTube » Those of us who run service-based businesses can learn a lot from the restaurant industry, so get ready to gain practical tips on customer relationships, meeting needs, and the power of mindset. A sneak peek: The fascinating story of how Danna ventured into the restaurant business as a teenager and discovered her passion for serving others The parallel between the restaurant industry and other service-oriented businesses Danna's 10-4 rule, a simple yet effective approach to delivering exceptional customer service that keeps clients coming back The mindset shift needed to navigate challenging situations, handle negative reviews, and embrace the power of thoughts Why life isn't supposed to be happy all the time (loved this!) Connect with Danna: The Abundant Life Clarity Guide: 12 Questions to Unlock Your Wealth Potential (PDF) Danna's Website: dannajunck.com Danna's Instagram Danna's LinkedIn Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube

If you're in business for yourself then respecting yourself is respecting the business - and vice versa. Join me for this episode as I share five actions (and one bonus!) that have strengthened my self-respect and in turn, grown my business. Do the ordinary things in an extraordinary manner. Charge appropriately Save your money Design your calendar Try one new thing a year Watch this episode on YouTube » Was this episode valuable to you? Share it with a friend or DM me on Instagram (@mikekim) to let me know what jumped out at you. Connect with Me on Social: Instagram  LinkedIn Facebook  Twitter  YouTube