I'm so excited to kick off a new series here on The Inside Story Podcast – the Podcast Summer Swaps!

In this series, I’ll be featuring podcasts of LIGHTbeamers I’ve guested on, and today, I’m sharing with you my episode on the Pleasure & Profits Podcast hosted by my good friend, Rachel Anzalone.

On Rachel's show, we talked about the things that often hold women back from stepping into the spotlight, and the magic that happens when you combine storytelling with building a strong community. We also explored how to grow your business in a way that feels authentically aligned with you, and how to identify that "one thing" that can truly propel you forward.

Listen in as we discuss:

• What holds many women back from stepping into the spotlight
• The power of storytelling & community in creating impact
• How to grow your business in a way that feels authentic & aligned to you
• How she finally got clear on the one thing that would allow her grow her business...

Marriage and launching a business are two enormous commitments that demand tons of effort, honest communication, and grit. Balancing a thriving business with a strong marriage can be tricky, but incredibly rewarding.  For couples venturing into entrepreneurship together, it's a unique adventure that blends work and life, amplifying both successes and challenges. The key? Deep understanding, clear boundaries, and a shared vision.

In this episode, my husband, Kyle Pertuis, joins the discussion on balancing marriage and entrepreneurship. We share our journey with you – plus insights on maintaining harmony, leveraging each other's strengths, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Listen in as Kyle and I discuss: 

• The importance of mindset over outcomes
• Embracing a trial-and-error in entrepreneurship and viewing failures as opportunities to try new strategies
• How combining strengths and expertise from both partners can enhance business ventures and...

Have you ever felt like your experiences could be valuable to others, but haven't known how to share them? Thought leadership is a powerful way to leverage your unique story (often underestimated "gold nuggets") to connect with a wider audience and establish credibility.

In this episode of The Inside Story Podcast, we dive into the topic with Emily Crookston, a writer and consultant who helps aspiring thought leaders unlock their potential. We'll explore how to find your niche, craft a compelling story, and turn your ideas into a book that makes a difference.

Listen in as Emily and I discuss:

• Uncovering your "gold nuggets and identifying the unique aspects of your background and experience that resonate with your target audience
• The power of storytelling and how sharing your personal story can connect with your audience on a deeper level and establish your credibility as a thought leader
• Building your thought leadership journey including practical steps you can take to develop...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing our world, acting as a powerful tool across all aspects of life. From assisting with creative tasks like story writing to streamlining  business processes, AI supports human capabilities in many ways. However, it isn’t a replacement for human intelligence. AI excels at handling data and repetitive tasks, but it lacks the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking that make humans irreplaceable. 

In today's episode of the podcast, let’s get into the world of storytelling and explore the growing influence of AI. Are you curious if AI can write your next captivating story? I break down this myth, highlighting how AI can be a helpful companion in the storytelling process, but ultimately, the power to share your unique voice and experiences lies with you.

Join me today as I talk about:

• How AI can be a brainstorming buddy for storytellers – suggesting ideas, plots, and structure
• Why AI can’t replace YOU
• ...

In today's digital world, it's easy to get caught up in follower counts and the number of likes your posts get. But for many businesses, the key to true growth lies in building a strong community. Genuine connections with people who are interested in what you offer create a network of loyal supporters who will not only buy from you but also spread the word about your business. This sense of community creates a powerful foundation for long-term success.

Today’s podcast guest is Holly Haynes, business strategy coach, podcaster, and founder of the Crush the Rush brand.  Holly isn't just about helping women build successful businesses; she's passionate about creating a supportive community. Join us as we chat with Holly about her powerful strategies and the power of community in achieving  your entrepreneurial dreams!

Listen in as Holly and I discuss:

• How she built her seven-figure business and the role of community in her success
• Why social media wasn't the most...

Self-care is such a common term nowadays, but what is it really and how does the practice of self-care benefit us?

Simply defined, self-care is the practice of taking deliberate actions to maintain and improve one's physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Its importance lies in how it helps individuals manage stress, enhance their overall health, and maintain a balanced life. By prioritizing self-care, people can prevent burnout, boost their resilience, and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Today on our podcast, we’re talking to Tami Hackbarth, author of the book The Essential Guide to 100% Guilt-Free Self-Care. Like most of us, she has experienced feeling out of balance, overworked, and overwhelmed by life's demands, but has found a way to bring balance and an overall sense of calm in her life. She shares her insights and practical tips on how to feel good every day and live a life free from the chaos and guilt that many of us experience.

Listen in as Tami and I talk...

Networking brings different feelings for many people, ranging from very important to quite intimidating. It's a key for growing one’s career and business, but the thought of making connections in formal settings can be stressful. For some, networking is a tiresome task filled with self-promotion, but others see it as a chance to find common interests and make helpful connections. The main challenge is managing these interactions well to form true and beneficial relationships.

Melissa Camilleri is the co-founder of The Prosper Network. Here, she helps create a supportive community where women in business can build meaningful connections and grow together. Melissa's work focuses on fostering real relationships and mutual benefits, ensuring that every interaction within the network is purposeful and impactful.

Join me and Melissa today as she and I talk about:

• My own networking journey, including periods of intense networking and times when I avoided it
• The mixed feelings...

A CEO in any business plays an important role in guiding a company's growth. They not only plan for the future but also lead the company through challenges as it grows. An effective leader not only strategically plans for the future but also leads decisively, motivating teams toward common goals. As the company grows, the CEO's priorities evolve to include building a strong organization, fostering a positive company culture, and making quick decisions.

Brigham Dallas is the founder of Hello Sugar, a rapidly growing franchise in the beauty industry. With his strategic foresight and innovative approach, he has grown Hello Sugar from a single location into a successful national franchise. His leadership style, marked by an understanding of the industry and a commitment to empowering new business owners, establishes him as a leader in the entrepreneurial world.

Listen in as Brigham and I talk about:

• Hello Sugar’s rapid growth through franchising
• His insights on starting a...

Imagine a life where you no longer compromise on your dreams. Most people think that this is something that’s out of their reach, not realizing that it’s actually possible. What it takes is taking your natural talents and adding some strategic steps to create an energy that moves you towards the life you’re meant to live.

Tamara Wamsley is a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach who specializes in helping women leverage their unique strengths and talents to uncover and fulfill their true purpose. With her expert insights into strategy and personal development, she guides individuals towards transformative change and empowerment.

Join me and Tamara as we discuss:

• The importance of finding and understanding your life purpose, particularly how it relates to both personal and professional fulfillment
• Identifying your top strengths and how this can lead to significant changes in your career path
• Taking concrete steps when you find out your strengths and your life purpose
• ...

The magic of collaboration lies in its ability to bring together different minds and talents to create a sum greater than its parts. But collaboration not only fosters creativity and achieves goals; it can also transform lives.

Two years ago, I teamed up with publisher Lanette Pottle and a wonderful community of women to write three books: Elevate Your Voice, Step Into Your Brave, and Shine Your Light. This book project not only provided a platform for these women to share their stories but also endeavored to achieve another goal, and that is to support other women around the world reach their dreams.

Join me today on the podcast as I share with you:

• How Lanette and I led a group of 34 women in writing and publishing three books, each contributing personal stories
• The way this project not only achieved critical success, with each book becoming an Amazon bestseller, but also demonstrated the power of collaboration
• Our decision to direct the profits from the sales of these books to...