Starting as a receptionist during the 2007 recession, Lindsay Phillips never imagined she’d one day co-found SkyPhi Studios, a consulting firm that prioritizes people first. In this episode, Lindsay shares her journey of resilience, leadership, and building a business that thrives on flexibility, trust, and mentorship.

From Receptionist to COO: A Nonlinear Path to Leadership

Lindsay’s career trajectory wasn’t a straight shot to the top—it was a winding road of learning, adapting, and proving that leadership isn’t about titles but about action. She worked her way up, gaining firsthand experience in operations and management, which eventually led to co-founding SkyPhi Studios.

Her experience during the 2007 recession shaped her perspective on leadership and business: people are the foundation of success. This belief became the driving force behind SkyPhi Studios' human-centric consulting model.

Creating a Business with Flexibility and Trust

SkyPhi Studios is more than a consulting firm—it’s a community. Lindsay and her co-founder designed a company that values team members’ well-being as much as client success. Instead of rigid structures, they embrace flexibility, allowing their team to work in ways that best support their lives.

One key innovation is their “roster” model, a pool of skilled contractors who can step in as needed. This approach ensures the right expertise is available for every project while allowing team members to maintain work-life balance.

The Power of Mentorship and Clear Roles

Lindsay attributes much of her success to strong mentorship and learning how to delegate and trust her team. She emphasizes the importance of defining clear roles to ensure everyone knows their purpose within the organization. By creating this structure, SkyPhi Studios fosters a work environment that is both collaborative and empowering.

Giving Back: A Company That Cares

Beyond consulting, SkyPhi Studios is deeply invested in its community. One of the most heartwarming initiatives Lindsay shares is their holiday efforts to support foster youth, demonstrating that business success is about more than profit—it’s about making a positive impact.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

For those looking to start their own businesses, Lindsay’s advice is simple yet profound:

• Find a strong, balanced partner—someone who complements your strengths and weaknesses.
• Build a supportive team—no one succeeds alone.
• Stay flexible and trust the process—success doesn’t come from rigidity but from adapting to change.

Lindsay’s journey is a testament to creating a business that works for people, not the other way around. Whether you're leading a team or starting your own venture, her insights offer a roadmap to building something meaningful and sustainable.

Get in touch:

• LinkedIn: (5) Lindsay Phillips, PMP | LinkedIn
• Website: SkyPhi Studios

🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear more about Lindsay’s journey and how SkyPhi Studios is redefining consulting.

In this episode of The Scrappy Leader Podcast, Christy sits down with Andrea Delancy, a seasoned real estate professional and Certified Divorce Specialist who has carved out a meaningful niche in helping individuals navigate one of life’s toughest transitions—divorce. Andrea shares her personal journey, lessons learned, and how she found her calling in providing guidance and support for divorcing clients facing difficult real estate decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Andrea’s Journey: From 20+ years in real estate to specializing in assisting divorcing clients.
• Personal Experience: How Andrea’s own challenging divorce shaped her mission to help others avoid common pitfalls.
• Lessons Learned: The importance of being informed, knowing all available options, and surrounding yourself with the right support system.
• Divorce Done Different: A collaborative network Andrea co-founded, bringing together financial, legal, and mental health experts to support women going through divorce.
• The Power of Community: Why having a team of professionals and a strong personal support system can make all the difference during major life transitions.
• Go Where You’re Celebrated: A powerful lesson on choosing relationships and environments that uplift and support growth.

Resources & Links:

🔗 Website: AndreaSellsJax.com

📸 Instagram: @AndreaSellsJax | @DivorcePropertyProJax

💼 LinkedIn: Andrea Delancy

Divorce Done Different: Andrea is a co-founder of Divorce Done Different, a collaborative group of women professionals in family law, finance, real estate, mortgage lending, and mental health. Their mission is to empower and educate women through the divorce process with a holistic approach. They host free webinars featuring expert guidance and offer complimentary consultations. 🌐 Website – Divorce Done Different (Coming Soon!)

National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP): Andrea is a member of the NADP and holds a Certified Divorce Specialist designation. The NADP is a valuable resource for individuals seeking qualified divorce professionals across various industries.

Join the Conversation: If you found this episode valuable, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need this message of support and empowerment. Let’s navigate change together!

The Scrappy Leader Podcast: From Jazz to Journalism to Leadership with Julia Scott

Episode Summary: Welcome back to The Scrappy Leader Podcast! I’m your host, Christy Ritchie, and I’m beyond excited to introduce you to this week’s guest, the incredible Julia Scott. Julia and I go way back—we first met while training for triathlons and fundraising for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Since then, she’s had an amazing career journey that perfectly embodies what it means to be a scrappy leader.

In this episode, Julia takes us through her fascinating career pivot from jazz to journalism to digital marketing. She shares invaluable insights on building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing leadership. We also dive into the power of difficult conversations, learning to fire people (yes, it’s a leadership skill), and the importance of lassoing your cheerleaders to help you through the inevitable bumps along the way.

If you’ve ever doubted yourself as a leader or wondered how to turn unexpected career shifts into opportunities, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Julia’s unexpected career path: how a jazz degree led her to journalism and, eventually, digital marketing.
• How learning to talk to strangers as a reporter helped shape her leadership and business skills.
• The art of navigating change and why breathwork (hello, box breathing!) helps keep her grounded.
• What it means to be a people-pleasing leader—and how to balance being kind while making tough business decisions.
• The importance of addressing difficult workplace conversations with honesty and respect.
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and remind yourself of the value you bring to the table.
• Why asking for help is one of the most powerful leadership skills you can develop.
• The power of “lassoing your cheerleaders” and how to intentionally build a network of supporters.
• Julia’s key leadership lesson: It’s okay to love being in charge!

Memorable Quotes:

• “There are wins, and there are lessons. You learn from everything.” – Julia Scott
• “As a leader, you need to ask yourself: does this serve the business?” – Julia Scott
• “Being in business is like being a reporter. You have to learn to ask good questions and listen.” – Julia Scott
• “Asking for help is a leadership skill—practice it!” – Christy Ritchie
• “You don’t have to know everything to be a great leader. You just have to be willing to figure it out.” – Christy Ritchie

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Julia Scott on LinkedIn: Julia Scott LinkedIn
• Learn more about her company, J Scott Marketing: www.jscottmarketing.com
• Follow J Scott Marketing on Instagram: @jscottmarketing

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! Did this episode resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag me on LinkedIn or Instagram and let’s talk about what lessons from Julia’s journey hit home for you. And if you found value in this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another scrappy leader in your life!

Thanks for tuning in, and remember—leadership is a journey, not a destination. Keep leading, keep learning, and keep being scrappy!