Entrepreneur Encounter
Entrepreneur Encounter is a weekly podcast designed to support creative business owners in developing the soft skills that lead to lasting, values-aligned growth.
Hosted by Dana Johnson, founder of a boutique Pinterest marketing agency for wedding pros and creatives, and Sara Lowell, a consultant specializing in business management & team leadership along with podcast management, each episode explores the mindset shifts, communication skills, and leadership habits that empower entrepreneurs to grow sustainably—without the burnout.
Through real stories, practical frameworks, and transparent conversations, Dana and Sara offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to run a purpose-driven business in a constantly changing world.
Whether you're building your visibility, managing a team, or simply trying to stay grounded while growing, this podcast is your companion in business and in life.
Episodes
112 episodes
How to Set Healthy Business Boundaries and Prevent Entrepreneur Burnout: A Wedding Photographer's Success Story
Are you tired of working weekends, answering client emails at 2 AM, and feeling completely burned out in your creative business? What if you could take eight weeks of vacation while having your highest-earning year yet? Wedding photographer and...
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38:30
From Burnout to Connection: How Soft Skills and Self-Awareness Can Transform Love & Leadership
In this episode, with Lila Turner, London-based entrepreneur and founder of Relationship Ready, a business that helps high-performing leaders find meaningful love, without turning dating into a KPI checklist.Lila shares her unco...
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34:13
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How to Create a Smart Exit Strategy Without Losing Your Legacy | Business Valuation & Optimization Tips
Thinking about exiting your business can feel like the end of an era but what if it could be a new beginning instead? In this episode we sit down with Megan Kearney from Exit Factor to unpack what it really means to prepare your busine...
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22:07
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How Ideal Routines and Soft Skills Fuel Long-Term Business Growth
What happens when you list a service you don’t even know how to deliver... and it takes off? In this episode, Chris M. Walker shares how an experiment turned into a career-defining moment that not only got him out of his 9-to-5 but led...
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24:41
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Building a Business That Aligns with Your Values-Even When Life Changes Everything
If you’ve ever looked at your child’s care options and thought, “This isn’t enough,” this episode will hit home. Shavon St. Germain saw a gap in early childhood development and decided to fill it—not just for her daughter, but for her entire co...
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25:12
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Manifesting Momentum: How Energy, Mindset & Emotional Intelligence Fuel Business Growth
Ever felt completely safe with someone within minutes? That’s the power of presence—and today’s guest embodies it. A former anesthetist, she shares how the high-stakes skill of creating instant trust now shapes her approach to business, leaders...
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40:59
The Secret to Successful Marketing: Building Trust and Serving Your Audience
Marketing often feels intimidating, overwhelming, and sometimes downright confusing for entrepreneurs but what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Melody Tholstrup, founder of My Size Marketing and marketing coach with 3...
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38:08
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From Burnout to Breakthrough: How to Protect Your Passion and Mental Health as an Entrepreneur
Ever feel like your creativity gets lost in the hustle of entrepreneurship? Or like the thing you once loved now feels like a burden? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to create not just for business, but for ...
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29:00
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From Self-Doubt to Empowerment: Building Confidence and Resilience in the Digital Space
What happens when self-doubt collides with purpose? In this heartfelt conversation, we get real about the often-unspoken truths of entrepreneurship. From tackling imposter syndrome to embracing the discomfort of growth, we share how building co...
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42:34
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From Daily Habits to Lasting Impact: How Self-Awareness Fuels Success
Have you ever felt stuck, like you’re pouring effort into something with no visible results? It’s frustrating, right? But what if success works like a bamboo tree, growing beneath the surface for years before being a success overnight? The jour...
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28:37
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How Customer Service Drives Your Business
No matter the industry you’re in, you will always interact with people. Customer Service is more than checking off to-do lists or sending a monthly email update, customer service is what drives your business. On your journey as an entrepreneur,...
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30:04
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Rewriting Your Identity: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Building a Business You Believe In
The biggest challenge in entrepreneurship isn’t the strategy, it’s believing in yourself. When you step into the unknown, self-doubt creeps in, imposter syndrome tells you you’re not ready, and the fear of failure will hold you back. <...
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33:22
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Balancing Creativity and Productivity: Time Management Strategies for Entrepreneurs
We’ve all heard the term time management—but how well are you actually managing your time? Think about the projects on your plate, the clients you work with, and all the moving pieces that go into planning.Today, we’re sitting d...
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30:07
From Wardrobe to Personal Brand: Style Tips for Confidence, Networking, and Success
“I think a soft skill is being judgment free too. You know, letting people know we all have our stories….I'm not judging you. I just want you to feel the best.” Tara WilliamsHow often do you look in your wardrobe and over...
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25:34
Mastering Soft Skills and Systems: How Visionary Entrepreneurs Can Scale with Smart Delegation
“But systems should generally be done first before you bring in that person to maintain the department.” Arianna TenineShe saw that no matter what you do in your business, you need a foundation. More often than not, entrepreneurs have ma...
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36:10
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Entrepreneurship & Wealth Building: Mastering Cash Flow, Investing, and Business Strategy
“But if you really take care of them and create a system for where they're very well rewarded, they're part of this, they're part of the growth, you grow, they grow, and you bring other elements into it.” M.C. Laubscher Ins...
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32:34
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The Art of Speaking: A Business Strategy
“Consider speaking as part of a broader business strategy, not just a standalone service” - Blair Bryant NicholsIn this episode, we welcome Blair Bryant Nichols. He shares insights on leveraging speaking engagements to grow a business, d...
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31:25
Investing In Personal Growth is Essential for Entrepreneurs
“Continuous improvement can lead to significant business growth” - Mickie KennedyIn this episode, we welcome Mickie Kennedy. We dive into his journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of self-awareness, effective management, and custome...
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25:47
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Open-Mindedness Leads to Better Collaboration and Innovation
“Generational differences can impact workplace dynamics” - Amy WarthamIn this episode, we welcome Amy Wartham. We dive into the critical role of soft skills in both personal and professional contexts. There are a few soft skills that are...
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32:29
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Transforming Patient Care Through Communication
“Team dynamics can be challenging, especially in a predominantly female environment” - Terri PaigeIn this episode, Terri Paige, shares her journey as a healthcare entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of soft skills, effective communi...
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28:55
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Empathy, Alignment, and Authenticity: The Keys to Standing Out in Business
“Look for opportunities to shout each other out. It's a lovely, beautiful thing when it starts to happen.” - Cynthia HayesIn this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Hayes, the owner of Liger Marketing, to discuss the power of brand therap...
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26:46
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Practical Steps to Achieve Self-Acceptance and Radiate Confidence
"You are a magnet when you are yourself." - Anne-Sophie ReinhardtIn this episode we welcome Anne-Sophie Reinhardt, a mind-body coach dedicated to helping women embrace body positivity and self-acceptance. We dive into the challenges of b...
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25:18
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Power Couples: Balancing Business and Marriage The Power of Delegation and Automation
“We use the acronym ADE: Automate, Delegate, Eliminate. Of the tasks not in your sweet spot or zone of genius, what can you automate, delegate, or eliminate? That’s how you stay productive and focused on what truly matters” - Robert and Kay Lee...
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42:21
Finding Balance: Mastering Time Management and Self-Care
“We are worthy of it, and we need it.”- Felicia BaughIn this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we dive into two critical aspects of entrepreneurship: prioritizing tasks effectively and embracing self-care. From overcoming decis...
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26:24
Empathy and Tough Calls: How to Navigate Challenging Workplace Situations
“Avoiding hard conversations doesn’t solve problems. It’s about approaching them with honesty, respect, and a clear focus on finding solutions.” - Mark Lumpkin In this episode of Entrepreneur Encounter, we sit down with Mar...
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25:09
