Episodes

  • Ep.86-How to Lead and Grow a Community While Growing Yourself

    Ep.86-How to Lead and Grow a Community While Growing Yourself
    May 21 2025
    How to Lead and Grow a Community While Growing Yourself Let me tell you something I’ve learned the long, messy, beautiful way: you do not need to have it all figured out before you start building something that matters. We tend to think that in order to lead, we need to be 10 steps ahead. That to create a business, a network, a movement, or even a support group, we need to have the credentials, the perfect plan, and all the confidence in the world. But here's the truth: growth and leadership happen at the same time—and they often look a lot messier than the highlight reels we see on social media. In this season of my life and business, I'm showing up as I am—imperfect, evolving, and still learning. And I’ve realized that this is where real connection lives. When you're honest about where you are, people don't back away... they lean in. The 5 Things Helping Me Lead and Grow (Even When I’m Still Figuring It Out) 1. Embrace the Work-in-Progress Season There is no “ready.” If you wait until you’ve got it all together, you’ll be waiting forever. I used to believe I had to earn the right to lead or launch something. Now? I know the magic is in starting before you're ready. People connect with honesty, not perfection. So if you're just starting, say so. If you're pivoting or starting over, say that too. That’s where the connection begins. 2. Lead From Where You Are You don’t need to be 10 steps ahead—you just need to be willing to stand next to someone and say, “I don’t know everything, but I’m here with you.” One of the most powerful things you can do is create space—for conversations, support, reflection, and mutual growth. Host something small. A 30-minute coffee chat, a silent co-working hour, or even a casual DM exchange. The size doesn’t matter. The intention does. 3. Be Transparent (Even When It’s Not Pretty) Some days I wake up feeling unstoppable. Other days? It’s like running through molasses with a backpack full of undone tasks. But I show up anyway. Why? Because people are craving real. And when I share the hard stuff—the doubts, the detours, the imposter syndrome—I always get DMs, emails, and messages saying, “Same.” You don’t have to be bulletproof. You just have to be you. 4. Grow With Your People You’re not building for your community. You’re building with them. Ask what they need. Invite them into the process. Let them help shape what comes next. When people feel like they’re co-creating something, they’re more likely to stick around because it’s not just your space anymore. It’s ours. 5. Celebrate the Tiny Stuff I’m terrible at celebrating my own wins. (There, I said it.) But I’m working on it—because those tiny triumphs? They matter. They add up. Finished a hard email? Posted something vulnerable? Recorded a podcast episode even when you wanted to hide under a blanket? That is worthy of celebration. Don’t skip over it. Your Invitation to Start Now If you’ve been waiting for a sign that you’re allowed to begin before you’re “ready,” this is it. You are not too late. You’re not behind. You’re a real human in motion with something to say—and that is more than enough. Whether you're leading five people or five hundred, whether you're just starting or starting over, you're building something that matters. Let it be messy. Let it be real. And let it grow from exactly where you are. I’m right there with you. 💛 🎧 Listen now to The Seed: Building Your Business – Growing Your Business with Isabel DesousaAnd if you love it, share it with a friend. That’s how we grow—together. 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    16 mins
  • Ep.85-Bootstraps and Breakthroughs: Lessons from Isabel De Sousa

    Ep.85-Bootstraps and Breakthroughs: Lessons from Isabel De Sousa
    May 14 2025
    From Bikini Dreams to Saks Shelves: Isabel De Sousa’s Journey with Akalia What if you stopped waiting for everything to be perfect… and just started? That’s exactly what Isabel De Sousa did. This week on The Seed: Building Your Business, I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Isabel, founder of the luxury fashion brand Akalia—a line that’s gone from college side hustle to being featured in high-end boutiques and major retailers like Saks. But like most great success stories, the journey didn’t come with a straight path or flawless blueprint. It came with grit, vision, and a whole lot of learning on the go. Isabel started selling swimwear in college, while most of her classmates were focused on parties and finals. She was busy Googling how to open an LLC as an international student, figuring out shipping logistics, and navigating the confusing maze of small business startup life. Sound familiar? Over the years, she pivoted through industries—from banking to marketing to retail—all while carrying the seed of something bigger inside her. And eventually, she brought Akalia to life. In our conversation, Isabel shared so many real takeaways that I want you to walk away with. So if you’re building something of your own—whether you’re just getting started or deep in the grind—here are a few of her biggest lessons you can apply right now: 1. Execution Beats Perfection If you’re holding off on launching until your website is perfect, your logo is flawless, or your product photos look like a Vogue spread—stop. As Isabel says, “Start with what you have. Fancy will come later.” Get your product in people’s hands. Get feedback. Make adjustments. Just start. 2. Focus on the Product First You don’t need PR, influencers, or a massive marketing budget to begin. Focus on making your product or service really good. When the quality and value are clear, the rest gets easier. Save the fancy tools and expensive packaging until you know you’ve created something people actually want. 3. Know Your Numbers Isabel learned from her time in banking that a business only works if your money does. Use tools like the Profit First method to allocate funds, manage cash flow, and make sure you're paying yourself, too. You don’t need a finance degree—just discipline and a plan. 4. Block Out the Noise There will always be people questioning your vision or telling you you’re doing too much. Isabel’s advice? “Reduce the noise and focus.” Not everyone is meant to understand your dream—and that’s okay. Keep showing up anyway. 5. There’s No Such Thing as Overnight Success The world will see your highlight reel, but you’ll live the long nights, the rejections, the moments you want to quit. That’s normal. That’s entrepreneurship. The more we share the whole story, the more we give each other permission to keep going. Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot Isabel lost a major contract with Macy’s when she raised her prices to reflect higher quality—but that shift is what opened the door to Saks and her current success. Sometimes letting go of what used to work is exactly what creates space for the next level. If you’re building a business and wondering if you’re doing it “right,” I invite you to listen to this episode. You’ll hear from a woman who didn’t wait until she had it all figured out—she moved forward with clarity, courage, and a whole lot of belief in what could be. 🎧 Listen now to The Seed: Building Your Business – Growing Your Business with Isabel DesousaAnd if you love it, share it with a friend. That’s how we grow—together. 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    36 mins
  • Ep.84-5 Fresh Business Development Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

    Ep.84-5 Fresh Business Development Ideas That Actually Work in 2025
    May 7 2025
    Stop Overthinking Business Development: Start with What You Already Have Let’s be honest—“business development” can sound intimidating. Like you need a massive marketing budget, a viral social media strategy, or a team of experts just to move the needle. But here’s the truth: Business development isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing the right small things—again and again. This week on The Seed, I shared not just tips and trends, but a deeply personal look at how I’ve been growing Dandelion-Inc from the ground up. No hacks. No big brand behind me. No overnight success. Just relationships, consistency, and belief. And I want to break it down for you—what’s really working when it comes to growth that’s intentional, sustainable, and aligned with who you are. I Started With What I Had When I launched Dandelion-Inc, I didn’t have a huge audience or ad spend. But I did have conversations. I did have belief. And that belief turned into value-driven content, trust-building moments, and authentic relationships. There were (and still are) seasons when I felt like I was watering dry soil. But little by little, the roots have taken hold. Connections are deepening, referrals are coming in, and opportunities are growing. Not because I went viral—but because I kept showing up. That's the real heart of business development. Let’s Simplify What Business Development Really Means It’s not about pushing or chasing. It’s about planting. It’s about nurturing. Whether you’re running a nonprofit, selling a product, offering a service, or building a movement—it all comes back to the same thing:How do I create real opportunities, nurture them, and grow something that lasts? Here are 5 fresh business development ideas I shared on the podcast that can help you thrive in 2025 and beyond—without losing your mind or your values in the process. 1. Personalized Micro-Connections Over Mass Marketing Forget blasting emails to thousands. Start thinking: Who can I genuinely connect with today? A quick voice note. A thoughtful DM. A short email that lets someone know they’ve been seen. These small touches are how we build relationships—and relationships are what build businesses. 2. Own One Micro-Moment of Value If you try to be everything to everyone, you end up being nothing to anyone. Pick one small, powerful piece of what you do—and be known for that. Time mastery for entrepreneurs. A signature bracelet. Bite-sized health tips. Just own your corner. Consistency will always speak louder than volume. 3. Co-Create Instead of Compete I love collaborating with other women in business—especially those who are in the same arena as me. Co-creating energizes you and expands your audience without doubling your work. Do a joint live, build a shared freebie, or host a pop-up event. Find the people who serve similar audiences and build something together. It feels good. It is good. 4. Nurture Your Leads—Don’t Just Capture Them Everyone’s chasing attention, but keeping trust is where the magic is. Simple welcome emails. Check-ins. A quick personal reply. These moments build confidence in your audience. And confidence turns into conversions—whether that’s a sale, a sign-up, or a new member. 5. Build an Off-Social Touchpoint Instagram can help people find you—but you need a place to keep them. Whether it’s your email list, private podcast feed, or membership platform—own your space. Social media changes constantly. Your relationship with your audience shouldn’t depend on an algorithm. Here’s Your Call to Action You don’t have to implement all five ideas tomorrow. Just pick one. Start small. Water it. Nurture it. You’ll be amazed at what grows in a year when you commit to showing up consistently in a way that feels true to you. If something in this post sparked a new idea or gave you a moment of clarity, I’d love to hear from you. Share it with someone you're growing alongside,
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    15 mins
  • Ep.83-This Is Your Brain on Marketing

    Ep.83-This Is Your Brain on Marketing
    Apr 30 2025
    This Is Your Brain on Marketing Have you ever wondered why you fall for ads you know are too good to be true?Why you feel a twinge of FOMO after scrolling social media?Or why sometimes your brain says “yes” before you even know what’s happening? You’re not broken. You’re human.And today on The Seed, we dive deep into why that happens — and what it means for you, your business, and your mental health. I’m so excited because I had the absolute joy of sitting down with Nicole Powell, a powerhouse in the world of neuromarketing and brand strategy. Nicole broke down how marketing doesn’t just "influence" you — it taps into your subconscious in ways most of us don’t even realize. (Spoiler alert: even when you think you’re immune, you’re not.) Here’s a peek at what we cover: Neuromarketing 101: What it is, why it matters, and how brands use it to get inside your head (in ways you don't even notice). Why market research isn’t always enough: How people say one thing but do another — and why it matters for your brand strategy. The truth about marketing promises: Those “quick wins” you see online? Yeah... we’re breaking down why they often don’t work (and why it's not your fault when they don’t). The emotional cost of false marketing: How believing you’re “failing” because of empty promises damages your mindset — and what to watch out for. How to market with integrity: What good marketing looks like, and how you can build real connections without manipulation. Nicole and I also got real about the mental weight of constantly trying to "keep up" online — and why giving your ideas time to breathe might be the best marketing strategy you’re not using yet. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, jaded by false promises, or just tired of chasing trends that don't feel authentic to you — this episode is going to feel like a deep breath of fresh air. You don’t have to change who you are to succeed.You just need to understand the world you’re operating in — and how to protect your mind (and your mission) while doing it. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: On Apple And if you want to learn more about Nicole’s work (seriously, she’s a marketing magician who actually cares about people, not just profits), head over to: https://nicolepowellbrand.com/ 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    34 mins
  • Ep.82-Delegation, Growth, and Getting Your Time Back with Molly Rose Speed

    Ep.82-Delegation, Growth, and Getting Your Time Back with Molly Rose Speed
    Apr 23 2025
    You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone Let me set the scene: I’m hopping on a Zoom, and somehow I’ve magically become “Patty.” No idea how. Tech gremlins? Maybe. But after a quick identity swap and a good laugh, I got to have one of the most insightful, refreshing conversations with Molly Rose Speed—and I knew immediately this one needed to be shared. Molly is the founder of Virtual Assistant Management and the brains behind a certified virtual assistant training academy that isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about creating real, reliable, business-ready support for entrepreneurs who are ready to stop juggling it all. Here’s what made this conversation hit home: as solopreneurs, we start businesses to create freedom. To be there for our kids. To pursue our passions. To build something meaningful. But somewhere along the way, we become everything in our business. CEO. Customer service rep. Marketing director. Inbox gatekeeper. Canva designer. Accountant. IT. Travel agent. Sound familiar? Molly knows that story well—because she lived it. She walked away from the corporate cubicle, became a virtual assistant before the world even had a name for it, and built a business that now helps other VAs get certified and matched with entrepreneurs who need their help. What We Covered: The two biggest commodities in business: time and money. Why the VA world is more than just task-ticking—it’s a relationship, a partnership, and yes, even a bit of matchmaking. When you’re actually ready to hire a VA—and when you’re not. How Molly's training ensures VAs are prepared, professional, and passionate about helping your business grow. And how getting just 5 hours a week back can change everything. Molly breaks it down beautifully—if you’re spending $25–$30/hour on a VA, could you be freeing yourself up to go earn $100 in that same hour? Or even better: could you be spending that hour at your kid’s soccer game or NOT replying to emails at midnight? Here’s the thing: delegation isn’t just about scaling. It’s about breathing again. It’s about bringing joy back to your work and clarity back to your days. And if you’re anything like me—running a business, managing family life, and dreaming bigger than your hours allow—you deserve that support. If you’re curious about what a virtual assistant could do for your business (or if you want to become a VA yourself), visit Molly’s site:👉 www.virtualassistantmanagement.com You’ll find her free masterclass, details about the certification, and how to book a discovery call with her team. This isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing better—with help. You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone anymore. 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    21 mins
  • Ep.81-Push or Plateau: Which Path Are You On?

    Ep.81-Push or Plateau: Which Path Are You On?
    Apr 16 2025
    Push or Plateau: Which Path Are You On? Have you ever hit a point in your business where you’re busy — working, checking things off — but deep down, you know you’re not really growing? You’re stuck in what I call the actively waiting space. It feels like progress because you’re moving... but in reality, you’re staying right where you are. And you know what? It happens to all of us. Myself included. In fact, it’s completely normal — especially after the whirlwind of getting your business off the ground. (Trust me, that early startup phase? It’s like the first trimester of pregnancy — exhausting, emotional, and almost invisible to the outside world.) But here’s the thing nobody tells you: The growth phase doesn’t happen automatically. In business, growth isn’t passive — it’s a choice. And that choice starts when you realize you have two options: ✅ Push into the uncomfortable spaces that lead to real momentum ✅ Or stay in the comfort zone and slowly plateau In this week’s episode of the podcast, I'm breaking down: → Why pushing doesn’t mean working yourself into the ground → What "pushing" actually looks like in a sustainable, life-giving way → How to recognize when you’re stuck in the actively waiting phase → Simple, real-world examples of small risks that lead to big growth If you’re craving honest encouragement and real action steps — without the hustle culture guilt — this episode is for you. 🎧 Click here to listen to Push or Plateau: Which Path Are You On? (and get the nudge you didn’t even know you needed) You can listen to the full episode [here]. And if you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your people, and leave a review. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women — together. 🌱 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    10 mins
  • Ep.80-From $600K in Debt to 10X Success

    Ep.80-From $600K in Debt to 10X Success
    Apr 9 2025
    Growth Doesn’t Happen in a Silo: Lessons from Linda McKissack If there’s one thing I will keep shouting from the rooftops, it’s this: connections don't happen when you stay hidden away. Growth — real, transformational growth — requires courage. It requires stepping outside your comfortable circle and putting yourself out there, even when it feels a little scary. And this week on The Seed, I had the absolute joy of interviewing someone who embodies that spirit: Linda McKissack. Linda’s story is one of resilience, determination, and true entrepreneurial grit. From being $600,000 in debt in her mid-20s to building an empire in real estate and entrepreneurship, Linda’s journey proves that success isn't about having more resources — it's about using what you have with intention and drive. During our conversation, Linda shared powerful insights on what it really takes to grow — not just in business, but as a person. She talked about the importance of understanding your own unique talents, of getting back up after setbacks, and of surrounding yourself with people who inspire you to dream bigger. One of my favorite takeaways? 🌟 Progress is only truly visible when you look backward. It’s so easy to get stuck focusing on where we aren't yet. But when you pause and reflect on how far you've already come, you realize you're building something stronger than you ever imagined. Linda also reminded us that success isn’t about being the smartest or most connected person in the room. It’s about tapping into your unique gifts, staying true to your goals, and taking the scary steps — like hiring your first assistant, going after that big deal, or simply reaching out to someone you admire. Here are a few gems Linda shared that I know I’ll be holding onto: Find your energy points. What lights you up? What feels effortless? Double down on those. Surround yourself with people who see your potential — not those who try to dim your light. Set scary goals. If your dreams don't make you a little nervous, they aren’t big enough. Stay in action. Progress comes from doing, not just knowing. And if you take anything away from our conversation, I hope it’s this: Big, beautiful opportunities are waiting for you — but you have to be willing to step out, connect, and claim them. You can listen to the full episode [here]. And if you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your people, and leave a review. Let’s keep cultivating growth and empowering women — together. 🌱 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    38 mins
  • Ep.79-One Small Shift That Can Change Your Business This Week

    Ep.79-One Small Shift That Can Change Your Business This Week
    Apr 2 2025
    One Small Shift That Can Change Everything in Your Business This Week Let's just get straight to the point. What Are You Actually Doing to Move the Needle? I had a moment this week. I was staring at my color-coded calendar (yes, I love my color coding) and realized… it was packed. But I couldn’t help but think—what in all of this is actually moving my business forward? Not just checking off boxes or staying busy. I mean the real, momentum-building stuff. So here’s the shift: Audit your week. Look at everything you have on your plate and identify the tasks that do one (or more) of these three things: Bring in revenue Grow your visibility or network Deepen meaningful connections Everything else? It’s probably just noise. Filler. The busy work that makes us feel productive without actually creating change. Choose ONE High-Impact Action This Week Now comes the fun part. I want you to pick just one high-impact action to focus on this week. Not five. Not twenty. One. Stuck on what that could be? Here are a few ideas to get you started: Reach out to a past client or warm lead. Send a quick message: “Hey, thinking of you! How’s everything going?” Go live on Instagram or LinkedIn with a quick story or a lesson you’ve learned—just make sure there’s a clear call to action. Pitch yourself to a podcast. (Yes, even this one!) Share your story. You never know who’s waiting to hear it. Create a flash offer—just for your audience. Maybe it’s a 24-hour deal on your service or product. Email your list and remind them what you’re currently offering. Don’t assume they know! Ask for a referral. Your people won’t think to refer you unless you ask. None of these require a Canva graphic or a full-blown funnel. All they need is a little courage and the decision to show up differently. Remember—revenue, visibility, connection. That’s your filter. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone! Here’s the truth no one talks about: You can know exactly what to do… but trying to do it alone? That’s where most of us get stuck. That’s why I created Dandelion-Inc. Even if you’re a solopreneur, you shouldn’t have to go it solo. Inside our community, women are sharing ideas, testing offers, celebrating wins, and navigating the hard stuff—in real time. There’s accountability. There’s encouragement. And most of all, there’s real connection. Because it’s not about being “on” all the time. It’s about being honest. Being yourself. And knowing someone’s got your back when you go for that bold move or scary ask. So here’s my simple invitation: You are welcome here. If you’ve been craving a community that’s warm, real, and in it with you, I’d love to connect. Click [here] to schedule a quick one-on-one (I’m slightly obsessed with my Calendly), and let’s talk. 📩 Want more insights like this? Sign up for my newsletter at Dandelion-Inc.com and get weekly strategies to help you grow your business with confidence! Listen to the full conversation here.Don't forget to check out our blog, beyond the podcast, by clicking here.
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    11 mins