How one entrepreneur turned a mental health crisis into a mission-driven business

Is money really the measure of success—or is joy the real currency of entrepreneurship?

In episode 286 of Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte talks with Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads.

After surviving a mental health crisis, Gretchen rebuilt her life and business from the ground up. Today she helps small business owners embrace people-first leadership, employee wellness, and authentic growth strategies. Together, we explore how gratitude, resilience, and humor can transform not only your business—but your entire outlook on success.

This conversation is packed with wisdom for female solopreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want to grow with purpose instead of pressure.

• Why joy—not money—creates sustainable business success
• How to reinvent yourself after personal or professional setbacks
• Practical wellness habits to help entrepreneurs thrive
• How gratitude builds stronger client and team relationships

Time Stamps:

00:00 – Intro: Chasing Joy vs. Chasing Money
02:15 – Gretchen Schoser’s Mental Health Journey
07:40 – From Pain to Purpose: Launching Schoser Solutions
12:10 – People-First Leadership for Small Business Owners
18:25 – Gratitude as a Business Growth Strategy
23:50 – Using Humor & Honesty in Podcasting
29:30 – Reinventing Entrepreneurship After Setbacks
35:00 – Wellness Habits for Entrepreneur Success
42:15 – Small Business Hiring & Team-Building Tips
48:20 – Advice for Female Solopreneurs Over 40
53:00 – Final Takeaways: Choosing Joy Every Day

Connect with Gretchen Schoser:

🌐 Website: https://schosersolutions.com
🎙️ Podcast: https://goesoninourheads.net

📖 Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/286

📥 Grab your free guide: Move the Needle: 8 Bold AI Experiments for Small Business Momentum → http://kandasrodarte.com/bold

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Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch

In this solo episode of Gratitude Geek, I tackle a controversial claim about artificial intelligence:

“The underlying purpose of AI is to allow wealth to access skill while removing from the skilled the ability to access wealth.” – @jeffowski

I call BS.

Instead, I share how AI actually levels the playing field and helps solopreneurs like me grow their businesses. You’ll hear how I use three powerful tools every day:

• NotebookLM for research and repurposing podcast/blog content

• ChatGPT (aka “River”) for brainstorming, clarity, and even pep talks

• Canva’s AI tools for quick, professional graphics that save time

Plus, I’ll update you on what’s new on the Gratitude Geek blog, and I’m announcing a brand-new free guide: 8 Bold Experiments to Move the Needle in Your Business.

🔗 Download the free guide here → http://kandasrodarte.com/bold
🔗 Explore the blog → http://kandasrodarte.com/blog
🔗 Full Show Notes: http://kandasrodarte.com/285

Whether you’re curious about AI, skeptical of the hype, or looking for practical tools to help your small business, this episode will give you fresh perspective (and a few bold experiments to try).

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Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch

Are you missing out on clients because you’re not telling your story? In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte talks with Robert B. Foster—speaker, coach, and author of Shut Up and Grind—about the power of storytelling to grow your business and boost your confidence.

Robert shares how to turn your life lessons into your most valuable marketing tool, connect authentically with clients, and find the courage to speak up even when it feels scary. From knowing when (and when not) to share personal details to building resilience through public speaking, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and inspiring examples.

If you’ve ever wondered how your unique journey could help you stand out in business, this episode will show you how to share it in a way that resonates and converts—on your own terms.

• Why storytelling is one of the most underrated marketing tools for solopreneurs
• How to decide which parts of your story to share—and which to keep private
• The difference between authentic confidence and performative presence
• How to reconcile ambition with self-care
• Why prioritizing yourself is good for your business and your clients

• Free Worksheet: Prioritize Yourself Without Guilt – https://robertbfoster.com/
• Robert’s Book: Shut Up and Grind - https://amzn.to/4ow40aT (affiliate link)
• Full Show Notes: http://kandasrodarte.com/284

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00:00 Intro – Meet Robert B. Foster
01:57 From restaurants to fitness to speaking
06:22 Why client connection starts with staff connection
09:08 Turning pain into purpose
11:45 Knowing when to share your story
20:13 Reconciling “grind” culture with self-care
25:07 Confidence vs. fake social media presence
31:48 Storytelling as a marketing tool
36:27 The power of a tribe and accountability
40:17 Prioritizing yourself without guilt
43:52 Imposter syndrome and expertise
46:29 A storytelling formula that inspires
51:10 Robert’s moment of gratitude

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About Gratitude Geek
Gratitude Geek is the podcast for micropreneurs who dare to build bold brands and lasting connections—on their own terms. Hosted by Kandas Rodarte, each episode dives into authentic marketing, relationship building, and sustainable business growth without hustle culture. http://GratitudeGeek.com

Franchise strategist Brittney Lincoln shares what female solopreneurs need to know about scaling through franchising, building systems, and leading with heart.

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Franchising isn't just for big corporations—it's a growth strategy female solopreneurs can use to scale smart and with heart.

In episode 283 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with franchise strategist and connector Brittney Lincoln, founder of Females in Franchising and VP at Limitless Franchise Growth. We dig into what makes a business franchisable, how to scale without burning out, and why helping others succeed might be your best path to growth.

Whether you're curious about turning your business into a franchise or just want to run your solopreneur biz more efficiently, this conversation is packed with systems, mindset shifts, and powerful takeaways.

What You'll Learn

• Why franchising isn’t just for big corporations—and how solopreneurs can benefit
• The 4 questions to ask before turning your business into a franchise
• How your personality and passion play a role in franchising success
• The surprising stats on women in franchising—and why that needs to change
• The difference between franchising and licensing (and which is right for you)
• How to systematize your solopreneur business like a mini-franchise
• The power of storytelling in brand growth (Wendy’s, Cheese Lady, and more)
• What franchise consultants do and why you shouldn’t buy without one
• How helping others succeed can accelerate your own business growth
• Brittney’s mission with Females in Franchising and how to get involved

Connect with Brittney Lincoln

🌐 Website: https://www.limitlessfranchisegrowth.com/

🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-lincoln-39356843/

📝 Full Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/283

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Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch

Struggling with self-doubt as a solopreneur? Self-trust coach Dawn Ledet reveals how your mindset, inner dialogue, and follow-through skills can unlock success after 40.

So many female entrepreneurs over 40 are held back not by lack of talent or hustle—but by self-doubt and second-guessing. In this episode, self-trust coach Dawn Ledet shares how your inner dialogue can become your biggest asset (instead of your sneakiest saboteur).

We dig into her 3E Success Method, how to rebuild self-trust after failure, and why having your own back might be the key to consistency and clarity in business.

If you’ve ever struggled to make decisions, follow through, or bounce back from perfectionism, this episode will help you see doubt in a whole new light.

• Why self-doubt might be pointing to your hidden strengths
• The 3 essential skills every entrepreneur needs to succeed
• The difference between confidence and self-trust
• Real-world tools for getting things done—even when you don’t feel like it
• How to start rebuilding trust in yourself todayConnect with Dawn Ledet

Connect with Dawn Ledet

• Website: theselftrustcoach.com
• Books: https://amzn.to/3U0Aa0g
• Podcast: The Self Trust Solution
• Free Resource: 7-Day Self Trust Boost
• Instagram: @dawnledetcoach
• Facebook: @dawnledetcoach
• LinkedIn: Dawn Ledet
• Show notes: http://kandasrodarte.com/282

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Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch

What if joy isn’t a fleeting feeling but the ultimate business strategy?

In episode 280, Air Force veteran, mental health advocate, and transformational leader Kimberly Mitchell — known as the "Joy Warrior" — shares her Journey to Joy System. Kimberly reveals how healing your inner world and rewriting limiting beliefs can unlock unstoppable success in life and business.

We explore why so many women struggle with money mindsets, how to turn fear into fuel, and why curiosity (not hustle) is the ultimate growth tool. From roller skating as an adult to reframing joy in daily tasks, Kimberly’s stories will have you rethinking what’s possible for you and your business.

“Joy isn’t a reward at the finish line — it’s the fuel that gets you there.” — Kimberly Mitchell

• Joy as a business strategy, not just a feeling
• Why healing your beliefs is the foundation of success
• How to transform money mindsets with respect and gratitude
• The power of curiosity and rewriting your personal story
• Embracing joy in "irrational" or unexpected ways to reconnect with yourself

Connect with Kimberly Mitchell

🖇️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oekimm/

📝 Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/280

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — Welcome & Introduction
• 2:00 — From Air Force to Corporate: Kimberly’s Journey
• 7:30 — Discovering the Power of Inner Work
• 12:00 — Overcoming Fear & Limiting Beliefs
• 17:00 — Joy as a Business Strategy
• 22:00 — Intention & Reframing
• 27:00 — Applying Joy Practically in Business
• 31:30 — Diversity, Openness & Community Impact
• 36:00 — Managing Money with Joy
• 41:00 — Finding Joy in Tedious Tasks
• 45:00 — Embracing Fun & Irrational Joy
• 48:00 — Legacy, Curiosity & Empowering Women
• 49:30 — Gratitude & Closing

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Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, comment & share!

Join the Gratitude Geek community and stay updated with exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and more. Sign up for our email list here: http://kandasrodarte.com/subscribe

Support Gratitude Geek Podcast

At Gratitude Geek, we aim to spread gratitude, sow seeds of appreciation, and harvest a bounty of generosity and kindness. As a listener, reader, and subscriber, you are part of this mission, and we are honored to have your support. If possible, please help finance the show: http://kandasrodarte.com/support

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in the show notes may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the show!

Gratitude Geek is part of the Podmatch Network. Learn how Podmatch can help you grow your visibility: http://kandasrodarte.com/podmatch