The Forward-Thinking Founder

 When I talk to small business owners, one thing stands out: most of them started their business with big dreams. Maybe it was about having the freedom to build something their way, or maybe it was about creating a legacy that mattered. But somewhere along the line, things got... complicated. Have you ever felt like the business is running you instead of the other way around? Like you’re stuck managing every little detail just to keep things moving? One minute you’re working on a big-picture plan to grow, and the next, you’re dealing with scheduling issues or chasing down invoices. It makes me wonder—how much time do you actually spend on the things that matter most ? The stuff that moves your business forward? From what I see, many business owners are stretched so thin that they don’t have the bandwidth to focus on the bigger picture. And here’s the thing: I don’t think it’s because they’re not working hard enough. It’s because they’re trying to do it all—wearing the hat of the ow...

 Leadership isn’t about getting people to follow you—it’s about inspiring them to show up as their best selves, day in and day out. But let’s be honest: that’s easier said than done. If you’ve ever felt like you’re pulling all the weight, wondering why your team isn’t as engaged or aligned as they could be, you’re not alone. Leadership struggles are real, and they can feel isolating. The truth is, building a dream team isn’t about hiring perfect people or solving every problem overnight. It’s about creating an environment where trust, purpose, and clarity take root. It’s about understanding the deeper “why” behind your leadership approach and using that to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want your team to be. In this blog, we’ll explore five key leadership lessons—each designed to help you move from the frustrations of Pain Island to the success and fulfillment of Pleasure Island. These aren’t just tips; they’re actionable insights that address the heart of what ...

Picture this: it’s the end of another long day, and you’re staring at a to-do list that somehow grew larger instead of shrinking.  You’ve been working nonstop—emails, client calls, putting out fires—but the progress? It feels like you’re running in circles, right? I know it does for me. Some days, it feels like no matter how much effort I put in, there’s always more waiting. The hours disappear, and I’m left wondering what I actually accomplished.  But what I’ve realized is that the problem isn’t a lack of hard work. It’s about how I’m managing my time and energy. And when I finally figured that out, everything changed. I started noticing the patterns that were draining my day and found simple ways to create more space ... without sacrificing the quality I wanted to deliver. So, if you’ve ever felt the same way, let’s talk about eight specific ways to make that shift happen and take back control of your time.

Connie had a knack for getting things done. She’d built her business from scratch, and every detail mattered to her. She had a way of knowing what needed to be fixed, what needed attention, and who could handle it—but that didn’t stop her from stepping in. Her team, though? They felt like they were always walking on eggshells. Connie wasn’t overtly critical, but the way she quietly redid their work or sidestepped them when decisions needed to be made left them feeling unsure. Over time, that passiveness turned into frustration, and her team started pulling back. They stopped offering ideas and began doing the bare minimum. Connie chalked it up to “just needing better people.” But deep down, she knew something wasn’t right. She was exhausted, working late into the night to keep things afloat. Her business wasn’t growing like she’d hoped, and she couldn’t figure out why. Recognizing the Problem When Connie and I had our first real conversation about her business, the truth came out slowl...