“Grants, Niches, and Growth” with Elizabeth Burrows – Reward Podcast Episode 27

We’ve heard the advice to “niche down”, but how can we do so without limiting ourselves and our BIG ideas for growth? Elizabeth Burrows, founder of Burrows Consulting, is a testament to thriving incredibly in a niche market. From family farm beginnings, Elizabeth leveraged her hands-on background and unique experiences to secure over $400 million in grants, proving that deep knowledge and specialized skills can create both financial and community wealth. Now, her firm has not only transformed healthcare access in rural and urban settings but also established a groundbreaking subscription model that proves that riches truly do lie in niches. In this episode of REWARD, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Elizabeth to explore how zoning in on your specific level of expertise can drive substantial success and community impact. This episode is not just about grants and business—it's a deep dive into our capacity for growth, resilience, and making a significant impact on the world. Ready to dive in? On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: How childhood farm-life actually inspired Elizabeth’s journey towards a successful career in grant writing (Spoiler – did you know there’s such a thing as a ‘sheep treadmill’?) Her pivot from pursuing law to grant writing – and how she’s making an impact, now more than ever) The groundbreaking launch of Burrows Consulting and their achievement of securing over $400 million in grants for healthcare centers. The unique business model that’s changing how businesses are securing funding – cha-ching! How Elizabeth’s own health struggles helped her find her niche, while bringing lasting change to her clients AND actionable steps on how you can cut through the noise and scale bigger than ever during Q4! And, learn more about The Trust and Elizabeth!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about Burrows Consulting Follow Elizabeth on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

These days, it seems the world is doing its best to pull us out of our center. And as business leaders, we are constantly pulled to work on the external. But today’s guest says the key to elevating our business to higher levels means tuning INTO our highest self, not running from it. Makhosi Nejeser is a spiritual teacher and ‘executive consciousness coach’ dedicated to empowering female leaders to reach back into their divine purpose and magic, in a world where it feels nearly forbidden. She combines the essence of feminine energy with wealth and inner work, equipping leaders to navigate both personal and professional landscapes with grace and authenticity (Sign us up!). In this episode of Reward, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Makhosi to unpack what it really means to achieve authenticity, wealth, and fulfillment – without losing your head (or heart) in the process. If you’re feeling the burn of these intense times and seeking to align your professional goals with a deeper sense of purpose and clarity, this episode is full of real insight you won't want to miss! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Makhosi’s take on the critical role of blending intuition, flexibility, and empathy to navigate today’s world. Her groundbreaking initiation to become a Zulu shaman (this was wild!)  The unlikely story of a first business based on a ‘party’ sales model (that was a bit R-rated!)   Ali’s advice on the importance of mindful consumption and how to avoid the social media ‘doom scroll’. AND the permission you may have been seeking to get out of your head and more into your heart during these turbulent times. And, learn more about The Trust and Makhosi!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Learn more about The Royal Shaman Follow Makhosi on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

When most people hear “Jiffy Lube”, they aren’t thinking of a sexy business model. But for Andrea Bailey Brown, the millions of dollars she’s created with repliable franchise models IS surely sexy! And that was the exact mentality that shifted her sights from a previous teaching career to the world of franchising and business development. Now, Andrew owns multiple locations and also now her own agency that consults for those wanting to consider buying a franchise or even franchise their OWN business model.   In this episode of Reward, host Ali Brown sits down with Trust member Andrea Bailey Brown to dive into her story as well as all the ins and outs of the franchising world. Don't miss Andrea's advice on the realities of franchise ownership in today’s world! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Andrea’s unique journey from Jiffy Lube franchisee to now giving advice to others who are serious about building wealth through franchising  How franchising or licensing can be your ticket to expanding your own business,  and how to know which is the best move Why Andrea loves LEGOS for team building and problem solving – she’s a certified facilitator of Lego “Serious Play” workshops! Ali’s questions for those thinking about getting their feet wet with franchising opportunities  AND how you can still join us in The Trust for our upcoming 2024 Fall Members Meeting!  And, learn more about The Trust and Andrea!  Learn more about The Trust – our premier community for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about Andrea Bailey Brown Consulting Follow Andrea Bailey Brown on Instagram and LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

DEI has been THE business buzzword for the last few years, but there’s also been backlash. So is it on the way out? Or here to stay? Rhonda Moret of Elevated Diversity discusses the issues affecting today’s organizations, and how her approach to DEI is still winning strong… with repeat clients like CBS and the Department of Homeland Security.   When Rhonda started her career decades ago in the high-paced world of advertising, she quickly found herself as one of the few women—and often the only woman of color—in the boardrooms of the golf industry. She used those firsthand experiences to shape her custom approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. While there are other programs that get it wrong, she’s seen the incredible power that comes when companies get DEI right—when they stop treating it like a checkbox and start using it to truly connect people. In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown connects with our member Rhonda to explore the reality of leading at the highest levels, and how the concept of inclusion can take your mission to new heights. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: The challenges and misconceptions surrounding DEI, especially in a post-2020 world after everyone jumped on the bandwagon  Why Rhonda’s truly diverse team isn’t just a talking point—it’s the backbone of their success. Ali’s advice on intentionally creating space for personal reflection (This is KEY as a leader) A keen reminder on how to protect your peace during these intense times (social media detox, anyone?) AND how you can join us in The Trust for our upcoming 2024 Fall Members Meeting!  And, learn more about The Trust and Rhonda!  Learn more about The Trust – our premier community for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about Elevated Diversity Follow Rhonda Moret on LinkedIn Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

Even at the higher levels, women often still find themselves trapped again and again in the relentless cycle of financial pressure. It’s true that the journey to business growth and financial freedom isn’t a cake walk. But… what if the true path to abundance was learning and allowing ourselves to relax? (Hmm… sign us up!)  Kate Northrup – entrepreneur, author of ‘Do Less’, and leader of the Relaxed Money revolution, is no stranger to the money stress loop. While she witnessed the intricate dance between money and life early on, it wasn’t until some unfortunate circumstances hit her own family that she learned the overwhelming link between our nervous systems and our perceived financial beliefs. Now, Kate leads entrepreneurs through pathways toward financial abundance through the integration of self-care, emotional intelligence, and revolutionary business practices – all while exploring the very loops that keep us ensnared in financial stress. In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Kate to challenge the conventional hustle culture, and invite in more success with ease. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Kate's unfiltered journey through financial stress that led her to her 90-day experiment of not succumbing to stress (this was mind blowing)  The role of childhood narratives in shaping our adult relationships with money… and why these subconscious scripts are both a curse and catalyst How Kate is blending financial clarity with *nervous system wellness* for unprecedented abundance – we love this approach!  Why Kate loves the group dynamic within "The Trust" (Culture > Competition, every time.) Ali’s insight on how we can begin unlearning some of our financial stress behaviors through the eyes of our children AND an exclusive invitation to learn more about The Trust next week on our 2024 Spring Invitation Call!  And, learn more about The Trust and Kate!  Learn more about Kate’s NEW ‘Relaxed Money’ Program (+ an exclusive bonus!) Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Kate Northrup on Instagram Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode! 

By now you know taking care of YOU is a priority that should be fiercely protected. Yet you also know (all too well) that it is easy for women entrepreneurs to overlook the pressing need for balance and self-care. But what happens when complete well-being becomes a cornerstone of your business model?  With a career spanning over four decades, Jean Kristensen has mastered the art of turning diversity into opportunity. Early on, she led her family's security guard business to corporate success. Today she focuses on her business that unites local, diverse suppliers with government agencies and major corporations. (She’ll share on today’s show how there is currently HUGE opportunity for women owned small businesses to play in that space!) But beyond the contracts, Jean's narrative reveals a heart aligned with wellness and authentic leadership. In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Jean to discuss aligning purpose, prioritizing health, and the power of embracing corporate relationships to cultivate stability, longevity, and meaningful impact in both life and business. If you’ve ever grappled with balancing ambition and well-being, this conversation is the answer you've been searching for. On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Jean's strategic guide to “going corporate” for big financial growth (and why that’s not actually as scary as it sounds!) Powerful insights on how the pursuit of wealth and business success impacts your overall health and well-being (Hint: self care ISN’T selfish) Jean’s take on the corporate wellness evolution and the shift towards investing in holistic leadership (SPOILER: there’s more to it than company yoga retreats!) Ali’s advice on the advantages of aligning with the corporate sector and Jean's firsthand experience landing multiple six-figure contracts. . Steps you can take right now towards developing an authentic work-life harmony that actually GENERATES energy, rather than depletes it AND an exclusive look at the Corporate Client Collective within The Trust! And, learn more about The Trust and Jean!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Learn more about JKA Solutions Follow Jean Kristensen on LinkedInConnect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

Want to hear a secret? Sometimes the masterpiece of business is a paint-by-*number*. While most women are generally great ‘earners’ as business owners – it’s time to shift focus well beyond the balance sheet and into creating a scalable, valuable ASSET that could not only be sold at some point, but benefit generations to come.  For Andrea Jenson, founder + CEO of The Cash Flow CFO, curating powerful financials comes like second nature. As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, she developed a knack for decoding financial statements early on, viewing them as storytelling canvases that reveal the past, present, and future of a business. Now, her company helps business owners master financial clarity and gain strategic foresight just like the big companies do, to build value and make smarter decisions that can pay off in a huge way.  In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Andrea to explore how mastering your numbers (and getting help to do so) is the key to growing your business into the asset you dreamed. You won't want to miss this episode to unlock untapped potential within your business! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Strategies for building *transferable value* within your business, enhancing market appeal, and fostering sustainable growth – especially if you’re thinking of SELLING your business in the next few years  How The Cash Flow CFO – Andrea's brainchild – is revolutionizing the support small businesses receive in handling their finances  Why Andrea said NO to taking over her family’s BBQ restaurant business, and wanted to go a different direction entirely.   Ali’s insight on when to start thinking about preparing your business for a successful sale (before it’s too late)  AND actionable tips for aligning financial goals with your business vision, driving profitability, and securing long-term success. Don't miss this enlightening episode of the #REWARDPodcast as we decode the secrets to financial success and empower you to approach your next move with confidence and clarity!  And, learn more about The Trust and Andrea!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Andrea Jenson on LinkedIn Learn more about Andrea’s The Cash Flow CFO Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

Physicians are just supposed to save lives, not take time to build businesses, right? For Nigerian-raised Dr. Nneka Unachukwu, the answer to that question was never as cut and dry as the medical world made it seem. To her, as a doctor, you're already running your own show, 'Dr. You, Incorporated,' whether you know it or not. And now she helps thousands of other physicians with her company EntreMD.  After noticing the fast-changes in healthcare and seeing so many physicians walk away from their stressful practices, Nneka claimed a towering mission: To coach and lift 100,000 physicians to build thriving, impactful businesses for the good of all. Defying the conventional path laid out for medical professionals, she transformed her calling for health care into a greater mission of empowering doctors worldwide. In this episode of REWARD, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Dr. Nneka to delve into the combination of raw purpose, authentic growth, and the unshakable resolve to change the way we look at physicians as entrepreneurs. This episode is NOT one to miss! On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: The ways Nneka is breaking barriers in the medical industry and helping physicians embrace entrepreneurship not only for their own survival but for the sake of their patients  Nneka’s testimony on how she is integrating her Christian faith and ministry into her work (we LOVED this - take notes on her holistic approach to life AND business!) Ali's insights on giving your clients authentic advice - even if they aren’t thinking long term yet – especially for women carving out their legacies in today's dynamic landscape The *big* leap of faith that Nneka took at her first meeting with The Trust that catapulted her into her first million dollar year with her new business (We *loved* this!) AND the permission you may have been seeking to redefine your role as a founder to fully step into your most authentic self And, learn more about The Trust and Nneka!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Dr. Nneka Unachukwu on Instagram Learn more about Nneka’s EntreMD programConnect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

In our new-media-driven world, the pressure is constantly on to be “camera ready” and create that perfect reel or live. And that feeling is exactly what drives many impact-driven women away from being more visible via video. But what if instead of trying to curate your most perfect online persona, you instead express your most authentic self to your audience that is craving it? That’s exactly what drove Keri Murphy to create her company that generates the impact it does. Her mission is twofold: to help women articulate their unique messages and to advocate for their personal evolution. Drawing from her background as a seasoned television personality, she and her team specialize in helping entrepreneurs leverage video to build influential brands. In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Keri to discuss the essentials of impactful video content for the modern female entrepreneur … and all the reasons why you no longer have to resist it. (Even when you have to deal with the haters.)  On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Real tips that you can use to harness your authenticity and stop fighting the video component when reaching your audience (It’s not as painful as it seems, we promise!) Keri’s motto for moving past negative comments into serving your dream clients (bless + BLOCK!) Ali’s advice on staying open to the life God has in store (HINT: The surrender actually leads to unexpected fulfillment in the long run) How self-care and taking time *slow down* are essential to avoid burnout and actually accelerate your goals. How communities like The Trust are critical for cultivating lasting, valuable connections and opportunities for women at higher levels AND… the juicy story of how Keri met her ‘dashing’ celebrity musician husband on Bumble! ;)  And, learn more about The Trust and Keri!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Keri Murphy on Instagram Learn more about Keri’s Inspired Living Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!

When was the last time you felt a profound call to action— so compelling that it felt divinely inspired? For many, that inner directive is a whisper, but for Dr. Danyelle Harmon, it was a roar.  With a powerful journey from a chaotic upbringing to becoming an Inc. 5000 CEO, Darnyelle discovered her purpose early on: Using WORDS to change lives. From a successful corporate career to running her own Mary Kay business, she transitioned to entrepreneurship, founding Incredible One Enterprises – a multi-million dollar coaching and consulting brand helping entrepreneurs make their first millions.  And as you’ll hear on this interview, Danyelle's new book Move to Millions isn't just a message; it's a movement.  In this episode of Reward, The Trust founder Ali Brown sits down with our member Darnyelle to discuss how the road of success for women at this level is now more intimate than ever before. It is now one full of tremendous faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of a graceful path to success.  Do NOT miss out on this conversation on how your spiritual alignment can beautifully synchronize with your entrepreneurial ambitions!  On this episode of the #REWARDPodcast, you’ll hear: Danyelle’s passionate recount of her book launch success and why the book represents her divine calling and the message she was destined to share with the world. The creation of Darnyelle’s "MOVE" acronym — a transformative approach to accessing the abundance we're all entitled to *without* relentless hustling Exclusive tips on how to establish true partnership in sales conversations, fostering authentic connections for more effective client relations. Ali and Danyelle's shared love for reading physical books (no Kindles here!) AND a powerful reminder of the spiritual elevation in entrepreneurship (*SPOILER* You don’t need to give up your faith in business. In fact, it’s more important to harness it now than ever!) And, learn more about The Trust and Darynelle!  Learn more about The Trust – our modern, premier network for 7+8-figure women entrepreneurs  Follow The Trust on Instagram and Linkedin  Follow Dr. Darnyelle Harmon on Instagram Learn more about Darnyelle’s Move to Millions Connect with us on social using the hashtag #RewardPodcast and share your key takeaways from this episode!