How I’m Prepping My Business for Maternity Leave

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why the hell am I working this hard and still not getting paid?”—this episode is a mirror you need to look into. In this hotseat, I coach the co-founders of Good Grief, a care package brand built with love, grit, and a garage warehouse. They’re 4 years in, revenue’s solid, margins are improving—but the bank accounts? Not so much. We tackle: Why doubling your profit doesn’t mean your business is healthy The sneaky time and labor costs that kill product-based scaling How to build SOPs, hand off tasks, and stop micromanaging What to measure, when to pivot, and how to decide if you’re ready for a warehouse (or W2 team) This isn’t just a peek behind the curtain—it’s packed with practical business tips you can apply today to get clarity on how to set your business up to scale. ⏱️ Key Moments [01:15] Meet the sisters behind Good Grief and their startup story [03:25] What scaling looks like when you’re still in the garage [07:40] The hidden cost of trademarks, taxes, and trial-by-fire learning [10:10] Profit doubled—but they still weren’t paying themselves. Why? [14:33] Labor, packaging, and time traps: What’s eating your margins [19:12] The time audit every product founder should be doing [24:40] Marketing ROI vs. social guilt: Where should your energy go? [28:55] The truth about working on your business, not in it [33:22] What’s next for Good Grief—and how to prep for your own pivot 🔥 Ready to Get Sh*t Done? Scaling doesn’t start with ads. It starts with awareness. If you’re not tracking your team’s time, fulfillment efficiency, or product profitability—you’re not ready to grow. Let this hotseat episode light the fire to fix what’s blocking your business. 📊 Join KPI Club (Free) 👉 Get your free KPI Tracker & join the club: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/kpiordie 📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ 📑 Show notes & all episodes: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast 💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com 💫 Show Some Love Enjoyed this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Help more rebel leaders like you ditch the guesswork and build data-driven businesses.

This one’s different. It’s not just strategy—it’s real, messy, in-the-moment business evolution. In this episode, I’m breaking down: Why I grounded myself from new offers this year The moment I realized I had to break that rule How one piece of behind-the-scenes content led to a brand-new, sold-out VIP Day offer This isn’t about chasing shiny things. This is what happens when skill meets strategy meets market demand. ⏱️ Key Moments [00:47] Why 2025 was supposed to be a “no new offer” year [05:12] My exact hell yes offer suite (and what was missing) [12:34] The whiteboard day that changed everything [17:45] From Instagram B-roll to booked clients in under a week [23:08] What YOU need to know before launching “the thing” [28:15] Behind-the-scenes of how I structured the VIP Day 🔥 Wanna Book a VIP Day?Let’s map out your offer suite, pricing, marketing, and growth strategy—in a day.📅 Spots are limited → https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/vipday 📊 Prefer to start with your numbers?👉 Join KPI Club + get the free tracker: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/kpiordie 📲 Hang with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson🎧 Binge the full show archive: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast 💫 Show Some LoveLike what you heard? Drop a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify so more rebels like you can find this show.

Let’s get real—your numbers don’t lie. And when I actually sat down to look at mine before maternity leave, I didn’t love what I saw. In this episode, I’m breaking down the exact KPIs I tracked (like Instagram followers, podcast downloads, and email retention), what they revealed, and how they pushed me to make major pivots—including launching VIP Days, letting my marketing team go, and shifting my entire content strategy. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to: Audit your own KPIs to reveal what’s working (and what’s not) Let go of “nice-to-have” offers that aren’t pulling their weight Make bold, data-backed moves that prep your business for long-term sustainability ⏱️ Key Moments [01:17] – The real reason I tracked KPIs before maternity leave [06:44] – Why “just post it” content isn’t a strategy (and what I changed) [13:39] – When unsubscribes became the best feedback I ever got [20:10] – Why I ditched a freebie that wasn’t converting [28:45] – The KPI Club that’s replacing guesswork with confidence 🔥 Ready to Get Sh*t Done?You’re too smart to keep winging it.📊 Join KPI Club (Free): https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/kpiordie📲 Instagram inspo + hot takes: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ 📑 Show notes & all episodes: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast💡 Work with me: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com 💫 Show Some LoveIf this hit home, drop a 5-star review. It helps more rebel leaders ditch the chaos and lead with data.

Cutting back doesn’t mean falling behind. In this raw, behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing the exact changes I’ve made in my business as I prepare for maternity leave—financially, operationally, and emotionally. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to: ✅ Plan for a life shift without blowing up your business ✅ Decide what to pause, pivot, or pursue using KPIs ✅ Rebuild your strategy around what actually matters to you ⏱️ Key Moments [00:03] Why my CPA was my first call [04:45] The business offers I killed (and why) [10:15] How I rewired my content strategy for this season [15:50] The systems that make time off possible [19:32] Why being open is my new business superpower 🔥 Ready to Get Sh*t Done? If you don’t track it, you can’t fix it. Start treating your business like the empire it is—data first, decisions second. KPI or die, baby. 📊 Join KPI Club (Free) 👉 Get your free KPI Tracker & join the club: kelseymarieknutson.com/kpiordie 📲 Connect on Instagram: @kelseymarieknutson 📑 More episodes & show notes: kelseymarieknutson.com/podcast 💡 Work with me: kelseymarieknutson.com 💫 Love the Show? Leave a 5-star review on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite platform ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more rebel leaders ditch the guesswork and grow with data.

Let’s talk money—but make it empowering, strategic, and actually doable. In this episode, Kelsey sits down with financial coach (and retired rocket scientist) Stephanie Xenos to break down what financial independence really looks like and why it’s more accessible than you think. They’re calling BS on confusing jargon, high-fee advisors, and fear-based money mindsets. Instead? You’ll get actionable tools, real talk, and a refreshing take on how to build wealth your way—without shame, overwhelm, or giving all your power away. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: The difference between financial advisors vs. coaches (and why it matters) What “financial independence” actually means—and how to calculate your number How to build wealth even if you’re not ready to go full DIY The biggest mistakes ambitious women make with investing and retirement How to talk money in your relationship without starting a war 🔥 Key Moments: [00:00] Welcome to the Rebel-ution [02:15] Steph’s story: Rocket science, purpose, and financial empowerment [08:35] What is financial independence—and what does it take? [14:10] Financial coach vs. financial advisor: Who actually helps? [21:00] The emotional side of money: Why confidence comes from clarity [30:45] How business owners sabotage their personal wealth [38:20] Couples + money: Why you need to talk about it NOW [49:55] Budgeting made simple (and actually helpful) [56:30] What to do with old 401ks, advisors, and investment accounts [01:04:10] Case studies: What’s possible when women take the reins [01:11:25] How to work with Steph (and who it’s for) ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done?Stop handing your money over and hoping for the best. Take control of your financial future—because confident women don’t guess. They know. 👉 Connect with Steph: @stephanie_xenos👉 Join CEO Bootcamp: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp  📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:📑 Show notes & episode links: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp  🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-get-shit-done-podcast🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R3VfDAzKkw1oSzV9l6wWp🚀 Enjoyed this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more ambitious entrepreneurs like you find the show and take action!

Struggling to sell your offer? It’s not the economy—it’s a misalignment. There’s a trifecta behind every successful sale: Right People, Right Offer, Right Time. If one is off, your sales will struggle. In this episode, we break down how to audit your audience, refine your offer, and create urgency—so you can stop guessing and start selling. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: ✅ How to tell if you’re targeting the right audience ✅ The #1 mistake people make when creating new offers ✅ Why your pricing isn’t the real issue (and what is) ✅ How to create urgency without being pushy ✅ The simple framework to diagnose failed launches 🔥 Key Moments: 00:00 Welcome to the Rebel-ution 02:15 The real reason your sales aren’t converting 06:45 Are you targeting the right people? 11:30 Is this the right offer for them? 17:00 Why timing is the make-or-break factor 21:50 Stop blaming the economy—fix this instead 27:10 The ethical way to create urgency 34:20 How to audit your audience & get real feedback 38:45 Your next steps to actually sell your offer ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done? It’s time to stop playing the guessing game with your sales. If your last launch flopped, this framework will show you exactly what went wrong—and how to fix it next time. 👉 Join CEO Bootcamp: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:📑 Show notes & episode links: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-get-shit-done-podcast/id1565415846🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Qlv98fDg3boH4J0Q8JzNB 🔥 Enjoyed this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple or Spotify! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more ambitious entrepreneurs like you find the show and take action!

Hiring is not the answer to your growth problem—at least, not yet. Before bringing someone into the chaos, let’s make sure your business is set up to scale. In this episode, I’m walking you through three critical things you can do for free to support your next level of growth, without hiring a team. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: How to audit your offers and make strategic cuts or additions Why your systems and processes may be holding you back How to determine if you have a sales or marketing problem (so you can actually fix it) 🔥 Key Moments: [00:02] Hiring isn't always the solution—here’s why. [07:15] How I made the tough decision to cut my course (and what I replaced it with). [12:40] The hidden costs in your offers & when it’s time to raise prices. [19:55] The real reason your marketing isn’t converting. [26:20] Why automation isn’t always the answer—and what to do instead. ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done? Before you hire, let’s clean up your business first. And if you need guidance? That’s exactly what CEO Bootcamp is for. 👉 Join CEO Bootcamp: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ Links & Resources Mentioned: 📑 Show notes & episode links: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-get-shit-done-podcast/id1589801211🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0wJp6DoiZK5f35wymuU5QI 🔥 Loved this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more ambitious entrepreneurs like you find the show and take action!

Tracking KPIs is step one—but if you’re not using them, you’re still guessing. Your numbers should be the foundation for pricing, hiring, and marketing decisions, but most entrepreneurs either ignore them or don’t know what to do next. In this episode, I share: ✅ The #1 mistake business owners make after tracking their KPIs ✅ How to use data to adjust your pricing and increase profit ✅ When your numbers tell you it’s time to hire (or NOT hire) ✅ The difference between marketing and sales KPIs—and why you need both ✅ Why consistency in tracking is the key to scaling smarter 🔥 Key moments: [00:00] Intro – Why tracking KPIs isn’t enough [03:30] The missing piece: Context matters when looking at your data [07:15] Real-life example: How I used KPIs to make a hard business decision [12:45] When to raise your prices (and what the numbers should tell you first) [17:10] Are you ready to hire? The KPI-based way to know for sure [22:20] Marketing vs. Sales KPIs—what’s the difference, and why it matters [26:30] The importance of tracking KPIs consistently (not just when you feel like it) [30:10] How CEO Bootcamp helps you make data-driven business moves ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done?Tracking is great, but using your data is what separates a freelancer from a CEO. Look at your numbers, make the hard calls, and set yourself up for success. 👉 Join KPI Club: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/kpiordie📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ Links & Resources: 📑 Show notes & episode links: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast 💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com 🔥 CEO Bootcamp (DOORS CLOSING SOON): https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more ambitious entrepreneurs like you find the show and take action!

Giving away your best strategy advice for free? Not anymore. In this Hot Seat Coaching episode, I coach Jolene Fleming, a multi-brand accounting firm co-founder, through turning her ad hoc “pick my brain” convos into premium offers that actually scale. We map out two offer paths—one for annual financial planning, and one for in-the-moment decision support—while unpacking the real reason so many experts undervalue this kind of high-level service. Spoiler alert: it’s not about deliverables, it’s about transformation. If you’ve ever hesitated to charge for what you know helps people move faster and make better decisions, this episode is your permission slip to build the offer—and raise your rates. What You’ll Learn:✔️ How to productize your advice without adding complexity✔️ What clients really want from a strategy call (and what they don’t)✔️ The mindset shift that makes high-ticket offers feel natural✔️ How to launch a new service by starting with your current clients 🎧 Listen now and start building offers that reflect your expertise—without burning out. ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done?This is your nudge to turn conversations into conversions. Your insight is valuable. Let’s make sure your pricing reflects that. 👉 Connect with Jolene:@thesummacollective📲 Follow me on Instagram: @kelseymarieknutson 📌 Links & Resources:💡 Join CEO Bootcamp: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp🎧 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-get-shit-done-podcast🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R3VfDAzKkw1oSzV9l6wWp📑 Episode archive + show notes: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast⭐ Love the pod? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts—it helps more rebels find us!

Episode Summary Tracking KPIs as a solopreneur? That’s one thing. But when you’re leading a team, the numbers you track and the decisions you make need to evolve. In this episode, we’re breaking down the most crucial KPIs for business owners who manage employees—because if you’re not tracking the right data, you’re flying blind. From financial KPIs that ensure your team is profitable to operational metrics that optimize efficiency, this episode will help you take control, make strategic decisions, and lead with confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: The key financial metrics every business owner with a team MUST track How to measure employee performance and identify weak spots Why tracking your time (and your team’s) can transform productivity The hidden costs of bad hires and inefficient workflows How to set performance-based goals that actually motivate your team 🔥 Key Moments: [00:00] Intro: Why team KPIs are different from solo KPIs [05:12] Financial KPIs that leaders MUST track [10:45] Revenue-generating vs. non-revenue-generating employees—know the difference [17:20] How much are you paying your team vs. paying yourself? [23:50] The real cost of inefficiency—tracking time and productivity [30:35] The power of tracking client retention and referrals [37:10] The KPIs that tell you if your team is actually helping your business grow [44:50] Making decisions from data—not emotions ✨ Ready to Get Sh*t Done? Your business needs clear, data-driven decisions. Stop guessing and start leading like a CEO with the right KPIs in place. 👉 Join CEO Bootcamp: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp📲 Let’s connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseymarieknutson/ 📌 Links & Resources Mentioned: 📑 Show notes & episode links: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/podcasts/the-get-shit-done-podcast💡 Work with Kelsey: https://www.kelseymarieknutson.com/ceobootcamp🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-get-shit-done-podcast🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R3VfDAzKkw1oSzV9l6wWp 🚀 Enjoyed this episode? Drop a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ It helps more ambitious entrepreneurs like you find the show and take action!