In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Lisa Zelenak, a seasoned sales coach and entrepreneur. We discussed Lisa's journey of leaving her 9-5 job to pursue her passion for helping others and creating impactful transformations.

Lisa shared her background, starting from her college days when she founded a nonprofit organization, showcasing her initial courage to step into the unknown. This pivotal moment set the stage for her future endeavors in business and coaching. We discussed the importance of facing fears and embracing courage to pursue what truly matters.

The conversation then shifted to the concept of transformation and how it plays a significant role in Lisa's coaching and business ventures. Lisa emphasized the power of listening to people's needs and providing value through transformational experiences. We explored the idea of standing for something rather than focusing on a specific niche or purpose, highlighting the importance of authenticity and relatability in business.

Lisa also shared insights into her latest project, Startup Miami, a physical space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and growth for entrepreneurs. She discussed her vision for expanding the space into multiple floors and incubators, aiming to revolutionize the way business is conducted and bring about positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Throughout the episode, Lisa's passion for helping others and creating meaningful transformations shone through. Her dedication to listening, understanding, and serving people was evident in her approach to coaching and business. Listeners were encouraged to embrace their fears, stand for something meaningful, and focus on impact and transformation in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

To learn more about Lisa Zelenak and her work, listeners can connect with her on Instagram at Lisa.Zelenak or follow Startup Miami for updates on her latest projects and initiatives. This episode served as a reminder to show up imperfectly, embrace transformation, and make a difference in the lives of others.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Don Mamone, a speaker, identity coach, and diversity consultant. Don shared their journey of self-discovery and embracing their authentic self, particularly in terms of their non-binary identity. Their story is one of courage, self-acceptance, and empowerment, as they navigated the challenges of coming out and finding their true identity.

Don highlighted the importance of unearthing one's identity and recognizing the potential for creating a greater impact by being true to oneself. They emphasized the significance of authenticity in both personal and professional settings, sharing insights on how being genuine can lead to greater connections and opportunities.

Throughout the conversation, Don shared personal anecdotes and experiences, illustrating the transformative power of embracing one's true self. They discussed the process of acknowledging, accepting, embracing, and owning one's identity, offering a four-step framework for individuals seeking to overcome internal conflicts and live authentically.

Don also touched on the impact of authenticity in business, emphasizing the value of aligning one's personal brand with their authentic identity. They highlighted the importance of being true to oneself in professional settings, as it can lead to differentiation, stronger connections with clients, and a more fulfilling career.

Listeners were encouraged to explore their own identities, confront internal conflicts, and embrace their uniqueness. Don shared insights on how individuals can navigate challenges in their careers, advocating for authenticity and self-love as key drivers of personal and professional success.

In this episode, I am joined by Mila Markson, a remarkable individual who transitioned from being a nanny to achieving seven figures through her successful affiliate and digital marketing business.

Mila shares her story of initially aspiring to the American dream of a stable job and income when she moved to the U.S. from Brazil, but eventually realized it wasn’t for her and she wanted more for her life. She highlights the challenges she faced, including language barriers and lack of experience, which led her to explore online opportunities.

Through dedication and perseverance, Mila found success in affiliate marketing, leading to significant financial growth and the ability to retire her husband from his corporate job. She also discusses the importance of having a strong "why" behind your actions and the determination to overcome obstacles.

Mila's journey took off when she started creating organic content on Instagram, which became her primary platform for reaching her audience. She discussed the pivotal moment when she realized her business was thriving and the impact of consistent testing and learning in her success.

After seeing success in the affiliate marketing space, Mila began to create her own program called Millionaire Wealth Academy. She emphasized the value of focusing on one business model, product, and platform to achieve success before expanding into other areas.

Throughout the episode, Mila's authenticity, approachability, and dedication to sharing her knowledge shine through. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to take action, focus on a single goal, and let your "why" drive you forward.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Danny Walsh, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the online business space. Danny's approach to business is rooted in putting people first and focusing on helping others.

Danny shares a bit about his background, growing up in a deprived area in England, to starting a music business and later transitioning into entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Danny's unwavering desire to help others has been a driving force in his career.

One key takeaway from our conversation was the importance of asking for what you want. Danny shared a poignant story about a friend who struggled to ask for help, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome. This served as a powerful reminder of the impact of not speaking up and seeking support when needed.

We discuss the significance of giving value to others and how it can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

Throughout the episode, Danny's message of focusing on people, values, and the power of asking resonated deeply. His hat, emblazoned with the words "Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket," encapsulates his philosophy of prioritizing relationships and making a positive impact.

You can connect with Danny on Facebook at facebook.com/DannyWalshMarketing, seek advice, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The episode concluded with a call to action for individuals to reflect on their values, prioritize helping others, and embrace the power of asking for what they need.

Start your journey of digital marketing at https://www.sidehustlelaura.com/dwa

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:03:51 - Overcoming Setbacks and Building Resilience

00:09:15 - Importance of Vision, Mission, and Core Values

00:14:42 - Monetizing and Providing Value

00:19:43 - The Power of Asking

00:24:30 - Real-Life Takeaway: The Importance of Asking

00:28:49 - Receiving and Acting on Quality Advice

00:29:16 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In today's episode, I have the honor of interviewing Hannah Schneider, a successful PR professional and entrepreneur. Hannah shares her journey from working in the hospitality industry in New York to founding her own luxury PR agency, BRND HOUSE, in Nashville, TN. She discusses the importance of excellent service, client retention, the evolution of her management style, and what goes into building a business that is worth acquisition.

She shares her experiences working in the hospitality industry, which laid the foundation for her approach to client service. She emphasized the importance of anticipating client needs and providing top-notch service, drawing parallels between her time in restaurants and her work in PR.

Hannah also opens her heart to share the challenges of balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship and how having her daughter has caused a shift in her empathy and the way she manages her staff. Hannah's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and prioritizing personal well-being in the fast-paced world of business.

As Hannah navigates her new role post-acquisition, she reflects on the value of being a supportive team player and the importance of embracing change and growth. She encourages listeners to explore their passions, take risks, and not be afraid of failure in the entrepreneurial journey.

Timestamps:

00:00:02 - Introduction to Hannah Schneider and her background in PR

00:05:30 - Importance of client retention and service in PR agencies

00:10:17 - Hannah's journey of being an entrepreneur and a mother

00:14:15 - Balancing work and personal life as a mother and entrepreneur

00:20:39 - Hannah's experience of selling her coffee shop, Kettner Coffee Supply

00:25:20 - Hannah's journey of being acquired and transitioning to a new role

00:30:53 - Hannah's perspective on being a number two or number three in a business

00:35:42 - Discussing the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship and failure

00:37:42 - Reflection on the impact of being acquired on work-life balance and personal life

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with James Curran, a linchpin funnel expert and former software developer who transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship after working numerous top-tier corporate jobs.

Despite feeling disheartened by winding up at a call center job out of college, James discovered his knack for technology and eventually became a software developer. He delved into the challenges of climbing the corporate ladder and the pivotal moment that led him to leave the daily 9 to 5 grind.

James candidly shares his struggles with fear and uncertainty about venturing into entrepreneurship. He talks about the importance of taking risks, failing, and learning from those experiences. His supportive wife played a significant role in encouraging him to pursue his dreams and embrace independence.

As James transitioned into helping entrepreneurs create linchpin funnels, he explained the concept of recurring value and the benefits of subscription-based services and continuity programs. He also highlights the importance of creating content consistently and building a strong online presence to attract clients organically.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Background

00:05:30 - Transition to Leaving the 9 to 5 Job

00:08:13 - Overcoming Fear of Failure

00:11:16 - Realization of Lack of Guarantees in Employment

00:12:16 - Current Role in Helping Businesses

00:13:24 - Applying the Linchpin Concept to Businesses

00:14:45 - Ideal Dream Client

00:16:25 - Appreciation for Providing Value

00:18:06 - Advice for Leaving a 9 to 5 Job

00:20:45 - Where to Follow James Curran

Hey there, Escape Artists! Welcome to the very first episode of Escape Artist Podcast. I'm your host, Laura Demetrious, and I am beyond thrilled to kick off this journey with you all. In this episode, I share a bit about my background as a digital marketer with over 15 years of experience, working for various entrepreneurs and businesses. I've always been a doer, starting with teaching dance at a young age to support my passion for dancing.

I open up about how my self-worth was deeply tied to my job, and how losing a job I loved due to a company restructure was a turning point for me. It made me realize that I didn't have to keep proving myself to others and that I had the courage and skills to launch my own business. This realization led me to start Escape Artist Podcast, a platform where I aim to inspire and motivate listeners to pursue their passions and break free from the traditional nine-to-five mindset.

Throughout the episode, I explore the importance of self-worth beyond work and shared my goals for the podcast. I want listeners to feel encouraged, inspired, and excited about the possibilities of creating a life they love.

Listeners can expect to hear from successful entrepreneurs, musicians, artists, and dreamers who have taken the leap to follow their passions. I hope that their stories will inspire others to do the same and realize that they, too, can achieve their dreams.

To stay connected, listeners can visit www.sidehustlelaura.com/podcast to submit feedback, requests, or questions. They can also connect with me on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, as well as follow Escape Artist Podcast Instagram page for updates and clips from upcoming episodes.

I am incredibly grateful for all of you who are tuning in and embarking on this journey with me. Thank you for your support, and I can't wait to share more inspiring stories and insights with you in the episodes to come. Stay tuned for next week's episode, and until then, keep dreaming, keep believing, and keep breaking free. Thank you, and see you next time on Escape Artist Podcast!

00:00:01 - Introduction to Escape Artist Podcast

00:05:30 - Reflecting on Job Loss and Emotions

00:08:18 - Launching Escape Artist Podcast

00:10:03 - What to Expect from Escape Artist Podcast