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What happens when family, business, legacy, and pressure collide?

In this episode of _Business Origin Stories_, I sit down with **Scott Gingold**, a self-described _family business therapist_ who helps founders, owners, and multi-generational companies untangle conflict, rebuild trust, and move forward without blowing up the business—or their relationships.

Scott’s path to this work is anything but typical. From surviving life-or-death moments as a first responder to building, exiting, and reinventing multiple businesses, his approach to leadership and resilience is grounded in perspective, accountability, and humanity.

In our conversation, we explore:

- Why most family businesses stall (and what actually gets them unstuck)
- How fear, guilt, and unspoken expectations quietly sabotage growth
- The real difference between talking _at_ each other and working _with_ each other
- Why resilience—not excuses—is the defining leadership skill right now
- What successful founders do differently when the world shifts
- How to redefine success beyond revenue, titles, or exits
- Why CEOs and business owners need confidential space to think out loud

We also talk about creativity in uncertain markets, resisting doom-scroll culture, human-to-human connection in sales, and why building a meaningful life _alongside_ a successful business isn’t optional—it’s the point.

This episode is for:

- Family-owned and multi-generational businesses
- Founders and CEOs feeling stuck or overwhelmed
- Leaders navigating growth, conflict, or transition
- Anyone redefining success beyond hustle

Connect with Scott: https://www.gingoldadvisors.com/

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What if the biggest thing holding women back isn’t a lack of opportunity—but the quiet agreements we make with ourselves to wait?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, I’m joined by Emily Lampkin, longtime Washington, D.C. power broker, global speaker, and author of the upcoming book White Lies and Duct Tape. Emily has spent decades working inside politics, government, corporations, and global organizations—and studying one question closely:

Why do some women thrive, while others slowly abandon their dreams?

Emily breaks down the three fundamentals she’s seen in women who build fulfilled, powerful lives—whether they’re CEOs, elected officials, entrepreneurs, or managing hotels, households, or communities:

• Selling You: How women must learn to articulate their value, advocate for themselves, and communicate differently in male- and female-dominated environments
• Widening the Circle: Why access—to people, information, and relationships—is everything, and how to build a dynamic, useful network without performative networking
• Going Now: The cost of waiting for the “right time,” and how women unknowingly become their own dream-slashers

We also talk about the real story behind White Lies and Duct Tape—a phrase that perfectly captures how women hold everything together while postponing what matters most to them. Emily makes a powerful case for why every woman deserves her own strategic plan, not someday—but now.

This conversation is honest, sharp, and deeply liberating. It’s for women who are done waiting for permission, perfect timing, or imaginary milestones—and ready to build lives and careers that actually fit.

Connect with Emily: https://www.emilylampkin.com/

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What if your next career move isn't about finding the perfect job—but finally becoming the most unapologetic version of yourself?

Executive coach Jennifer Speciale joins host Amy Schutte for a raw conversation about career reinvention, owning your story, and stepping into your power without apologizing for it.

Jennifer opens up about her own pivots: moving to Italy, realizing she was massively underutilized, and rebuilding her career from scratch with clarity and zero regrets. Now she helps executives, emerging leaders, and anyone feeling stuck turn their experience into visibility, confidence, and intentional next moves.

If you're navigating a transition, craving more meaning at work, or struggling to tell your story as a leader—this episode will give you the tools, the permission, and the push you need.

What we cover:

• How to spot when you're being underutilized (and what to actually do about it)
• The mindset shifts that help leaders stop shrinking and start owning their space
• Why storytelling isn't fluffy—it's essential for career growth and getting noticed
• How to identify the wins, metrics, and moments that make you stand out
• What career pivots really require (for entrepreneurs and executives)
• How to prep for your next level before you're ready
• Why so many women leave the workforce mid-career—and how to come back stronger
• The art of taking credit, being visible, and ditching the self-minimizing habit

If you've ever thought, "There has to be more for me than this"—start here.

Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn or at https://www.jenniferspeciale.com/

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Why do we resist change, even when we want it?
How do leaders move from fear into possibility when the world around them is evolving faster than ever?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with Andi Simon, a blue ocean strategist, author, and leadership advisor who helps organizations reinvent themselves, rewrite their internal narratives, and navigate the identity shifts required for growth.

Together, they explore:

Why humans cling to old stories and how to gently unhook from them
The psychology of change — and what actually helps people cross the threshold into something new

•  How to spot or create your own blue ocean in any industry
• Why AI and emerging technologies trigger fear, and how leaders can move from panic to possibility
•  The mindset traits that make transformation sustainable, both personally and organizationally
•  How rewriting your story (or a team member’s) opens doors to confidence, adaptability, and innovation

Andi also shares beautiful insights about work, purpose, and the overlooked transition many leaders face between mid-career and retirement, and why that season might be one of the greatest blue oceans of all.

If you’re navigating a transition, building something new, or feeling the pull toward your next chapter, this episode will expand your perspective and give you tangible tools to step forward with clarity and courage.

Connect with Andi at https://www.simonassociates.net/ or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andisimon/

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What happens when the thing you’ve built your identity on… stops being the thing the world needs from you?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with Michael Landers — global leadership and culture consultant, author, and founder of Culture Crossing — for a raw, honest conversation about AI, identity, purpose, and what remains when everything around us changes.

Together, they explore:

• How 20+ years of expertise in leadership and culture suddenly felt shaky in the face of rapidly advancing AI
• Why so many of us tether our worth to productivity, titles, and credentials — and what happens when those are stripped away
• The idea of an “existential vacuum” and why AI layoffs and disruption may intensify questions of meaning and purpose
• Viktor Frankl’s framework of creative, experiential, and attitudinal values — and how it can guide us through identity shifts
• Jungian psychology’s concept of the “second adulthood” and why so many people in their 30s–50s feel like the life they built no longer fits
• Why Michael believes AI will increase the need for authentic interaction, community, and shared experience
• How leaders, founders, and organizations may need to reinvent the playbook for leadership in a world where expertise is increasingly commoditized

Who are you if you’re not your job?
What remains when your expertise becomes obsolete?
And how do we navigate this shift with more self-awareness, humanity, and hope?

If you’re a leader, founder, or high-achiever who feels like your identity is in motion, this episode will give you language, frameworks, and a sense that you’re not alone in the “lab.”

• Website: culturecrossing.net
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellandersculturecrossing/

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What does it take to create visual content for some of the world's biggest brands—and sustain that success for over two decades?

In this episode, director and photographer Stewart Cohen pulls back the curtain on the creative industry, sharing insights from his extensive portfolio working with American Airlines, AT&T, Coca-Cola, MGM Resorts, and Frito-Lay through his production company, SC Pictures.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• The evolution of brand storytelling – How visual campaigns have shifted from ultra-polished productions to embracing authentic, user-generated aesthetics
• What actually works in short-form content – Stewart's approach to creating compelling six-second ads that capture attention and drive engagement
• AI's impact on creative work – An honest look at how artificial intelligence is changing photography, video production, and the future of creative careers (spoiler: it's not all doom and gloom)
•  How to land corporate clients – Stewart's networking strategies, including why airplane conversations have led to some of his best opportunities
•  The patience principle – Why thinking in 20-year increments, not two-year plans, is the key to building a sustainable creative business
•  Behind major campaigns – Insights into the creative process for everything from Super Bowl commercials to tourism campaigns
• Building in the licensing space – How Stewart became an influential player by acquiring SuperStock and expanding to manage 26 million visual assets

Perfect for: Creative entrepreneurs, marketers, photographers, videographers, business owners looking to scale, and anyone curious about the intersection of creativity and commerce in the digital age.

Stewart's philosophy? "Framing life in its best light" while staying nimble, authentic, and always marketing—even at 30,000 feet.

Connect with Stewart Cohen:  Stewart Cohen | Dallas, TX | Commercial Video Production | Photography

Want help clarifying your message and telling stories that actually connect? That's what we do. Visit hudsonandco. co to learn more.

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What if one tiny decision—like choosing a local salt over a supermarket staple—could help change your food system, your family life, and your business?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with Sarah McElrae, the founder of Summa Salts and the beloved “Salt Lady” of Jacksonville, Florida. Sarah went from a chaotic childhood and a career in education to building a fast-growing, values-driven product-based business rooted in local food, regenerative farming, and really fun salt blends (hello, Vampire Killer and Lava Head crew 🥵).

She shares how a deeply personal health journey led her to rethink food quality, why she believes nature still has the best blueprint for how we eat, and how one small choice—like visiting your farmers market—can genuinely move the needle for local growers and makers. We also get into the real talk of scaling a product-based business, bringing her husband into the company, homeschooling their daughter, and filtering every big decision through the lens of family balance.

Listen in to learn:

• How Summa Salts went from a home kitchen and farmers markets to a legal commercial kitchen and a growing e-commerce brand
• The mindset shifts Sarah made to move from “just making a product” to leading a mission-driven local food movement
• Practical ways anyone can support regenerative food systems without needing a full homestead or giant garden
• What she’s learned about trust, vulnerability, and relationships from authors like Dr. John Gottman and Brené Brown—and how that shapes her family and business
• Why playful branding (like Vampire Killer and Lava) + strong values is such a powerful combo for standing out online

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your “little” product idea into a real, profitable brand—or you just want to eat better, live more locally, and make one meaningful decision a day—this conversation will inspire you to start right where you are.

Buy your own salts: https://summasalts.com

Follow Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summasalts/

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Are you making big decisions from a place of clarity—or chaos?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with executive coach and decision-making expert Michael Walker to unpack why so many founders and leaders feel stuck, second-guess themselves, or unintentionally throw their teams into whiplash with constant pivots.

Drawing on years of research, coaching, and real-world leadership experience, Mike breaks down:

• Why decision-making is a teachable skill, not a personality trait you either have or don’t
• How to understand your decision-making style (gut-decider, slow processor, community processor, etc.) and actually work with it
• What neuroscience reveals about how our brains choose, and why we often feel fear or resistance around big moves
• The hidden role of values and identity in every major business decision
• How better decisions can save your company time, money, and team burnout
• Smart ways to use AI as a critical-thinking partner (not just a “yes-bot”) to pressure test your ideas

If you’re a founder, executive, or leader who’s tired of decision fatigue, chaos, or “winging it,” this conversation will give you language, frameworks, and hope.

Tune in to learn how to make more aligned, effective decisions—for your business, your team, and your life.

About Michael Walker: 

Michael Walker brings over 30 years of leadership experience in independent and international schools, with a deep understanding of mission-driven organizations. Born in Australia, raised in Mexico City, and having raised his family in Hawaii, he has lived, studied, and worked in three countries and six U.S. states—giving him a broad perspective on culture and organizational dynamics. Michael holds a doctorate in the neuroscience of decision-making and earned his executive coaching certification from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute. Through his practice, Dynamic Decisions Coaching, he helps leaders see possibilities, navigate transitions, and make decisions with intention and confidence.

Website: https://go.dynamicdecisionscoaching.com/executive-coaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-walker-ed-d-5089a870/

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What would change if you—and your team—worked from your strengths every day?

Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF PCC Jennifer Doyle Vancil, M.Ed. joins Amy to break down CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) and show leaders, founders, and professionals how to align work with what people naturally do best. After 25+ years in higher ed as an advisor and career coach, Jennifer shifted into private practice to help individuals, executives, and teams increase performance, engagement, and retention—by design, not accident.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The “Name it, Claim it, Aim it” framework to turn results into real-world action
• Why strengths can be both superpower and snag—and how to spot the difference
• The “dominant-hand” exercise that instantly sells the case for strengths-based roles
• The Bring / Need lens leaders can use to reduce turnover and boost morale
• How to coach and manage to the person, not to your own style
• Why you should be hired for your strengths, not in spite of them

About Jennifer:
Jennifer Doyle Vancil, M.Ed., is a strengths-based coach and trainer based in Northern Colorado, Expert Contributor on Practical Strengths: Career Success, and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF Professional Certified Coach. She works with private career clients, leaders, teams, and other coaches who want to help people work from their strengths. She’s currently writing a book of real-world stories on how people leveraged strengths to make work better.

Connect with her at www.communicatingstrengths.com or www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervancil

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If you’ve ever stared at your phone wondering, “What do I even post on Stories today?” — this episode is going to feel like a deep exhale.

In this conversation, I’m joined by business coach and mentor Gabrielle Forleo, who helps women make serious money online by refining their marketing, messaging, sales strategies, and relationship with money. After 17 years as a global sales leader, meditation teacher, and keynote speaker at the Chopra Center with Deepak Chopra, Gabrielle took her intuitive nudges seriously and built a thriving online business of her own.

Inside the episode, we dive into:

• Why Instagram Stories is the most powerful sales platform for online business owners
• Gabrielle’s Stories That Make You Money method (including the Inspirational/Educational Anchor you can post every single morning)
• How to use embodiment, proof, and celebration to turn silent story views into paying clients
• The truth about curating your feed, muting accounts, and staying authentic on social media
• What “following the nudge” actually feels like — and how Gabrielle used intention, intuition, and side hustling to transition out of her 9–5 without panic
• Why now is the best time for good-hearted women to have a lot of money (and what they do with it)

If you’re ready to use Instagram Stories to sell out your offers — without back-to-back sales calls or performative posting — this episode will change the way you show up online.

Connect with Gabrielle here: https://www.gabrielleforleo.com/

Follow Gabrielle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielleforleo/

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Tired of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or trapped in a cycle of overthinking? What if you could make bold, confident decisions without guilt, fear, or second-guessing?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with Jessica Frew, a bold decision coach and author of the new book "Shove Your Shoulds." Jessica shares her powerful personal story and unveils her three-part framework—Be Gentle, Be Humble, Be Bold—designed to help ambitious women reconnect with their intuition.

Listen in to learn:

• The surprising signs that you're stuck in decision paralysis (and how to break free).
• Why "shoving your shoulds" is the first step toward building a life and business that feel true to you.
• Actionable steps to stop self-sabotage, release judgment, and start trusting your gut.
• How to build the muscle of decision-making, even when the choices feel overwhelming.

If you’re ready to stop letting outside noise dictate your life and start making choices that feel deeply aligned and empowering, this conversation is for you. Tune in to discover how to move from stuck and tired to bold and unstoppable.

Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/

Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook

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Are we preparing our children for a world that doesn't even exist yet? As artificial intelligence reshapes our society, parents and educators are facing a critical question: how do we teach the next generation to thrive in the age of AI without sacrificing critical thinking and discernment?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte is joined by Cameron Fugate—a former teacher, parent, and leader in the AI space—for a crucial conversation about the intersection of AI and education. They explore why avoiding AI in schools is a missed opportunity and discuss practical ways to teach children how to use these powerful tools responsibly.

Listen in to discover:

• How to talk to your kids about AI in a way that fosters curiosity and critical thinking.
• The difference between automating tasks and elevating human potential in business and life.
• Practical strategies for using AI to assess bias, check facts, and navigate a complex digital world.
• Why teaching with discernment is key to preparing students for the jobs of the future.

If you're a parent, teacher, or business leader curious about the role of AI in shaping the next generation, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Tune in to learn how we can all be part of building a better, human-first future.

Connect with Cameron here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-fugate/

Grab her amazing Ai freebie: https://go.magneticlifesystems.com/ai-for-real-life 

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What if one single pin could bring consistent traffic, leads, and sales to your business — for months or even years — without spending a dime on ads?

In this episode of Business Origin Stories, host Amy Schutte sits down with Pinterest strategist Gwendolyn Griffin for a mini masterclass on how to turn Pinterest into a sustainable marketing machine for your business. Gwendolyn breaks down her simple, organic approach that helps small business owners, coaches, and creatives grow without burnout.

You’ll learn:
✨ How Pinterest actually works as a visual search engine (not social media)
✨ The difference between short-term content and long-term discoverability
✨ Why one well-designed pin can quietly drive traffic for months or years
✨ The step-by-step process Gwendolyn uses to optimize Pinterest profiles for SEO
✨ How to find and use keywords that help your ideal clients discover you
✨ What consistency really looks like on Pinterest — and how often to post
✨ Why Pinterest is still an untapped goldmine for organic leads in 2025

If you’ve ever felt frustrated pouring time and money into social media with little return, this conversation will show you a simpler, smarter way to grow your brand.

Because when done right, Pinterest doesn’t just give you traffic — it gives you time back.

• Get Gwendolyn's Pinterest Quick Start Guide 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenspinfluence/
• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwendolyn-griffin-633a71366/

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Grief in leadership is real—and most entrepreneurs don’t get a playbook for it. In this powerful conversation, TEDx speaker and transformational coach Dr. Lynda Reid joins host Amy Schutte on Business Origin Stories to talk about navigating grief, burnout, and big life pivots while still leading teams and companies with clarity.

Drawing on neuroscience, Positive Intelligence® (saboteurs vs. sage) and her M.O.R.E. framework (Meaning, Owning, Relationships, Emotions), Dr. Reid shares how to move from the reflexive “yeah, but…” to a confident “hell, yes.” She also offers grounded practices for staying present in hard seasons, supporting grieving colleagues, and rebuilding momentum in your business after loss.

You’ll learn:

• Why grief isn’t “stages”—it’s a lifelong companion and how to work with it, not against it
• The most common leadership saboteurs and how to quiet them in real time
• A simple tactile exercise to reset your nervous system during tough meetings
• How founders can hold results loosely (and still hit goals)
• M.O.R.E.: a practical lens for meaning, identity, relationships, and emotional fluency in business
• Language shifts that change pricing confidence (e.g., “I receive” vs. “my price is”)

If you’re an entrepreneur or leader navigating loss, change, or uncertainty, this episode will meet you with honesty—and real tools to keep going.

• Website: https://drlyndareid.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlyndareid
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlyndareid/

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What if an AI agent could give you back 10+ hours a week and save six figures this year? In this solo episode, host Amy Schutte shares how she quietly tested and built AI systems for small businesses—and the exact agent that’s projected to save a client $100,000+ in 12 months. You’ll hear Amy’s two strongest (and slightly spicy) opinions about AI, why it must be handled with care, and how to make your business fertile and sustainable—not burned out.

Amy also reveals a striking response from ChatGPT to the question, “How do humans survive when AI takes over?”Spoiler: the win isn’t man vs. machine—it’s human + machine.

You’ll learn:

• What AI agents can actually do for small businesses (with real examples)
• How to reclaim time by automating admin, content, and customer service
• The Fertile Business lens: systems that nourish your brand (not drain it)
• The #1 mindset shift for pricing and value when using AI in your workflow
• Guardrails and ethics: how to adopt AI without losing your brand’s soul

Mini use cases: a bakery freeing hours from captions & inbox, a realtor closing more deals with instant follow-ups, and a coach turning expertise into a consistent content flywheel.

If you’re ready to stop drowning in busywork and start building a business that’s alive—this episode is your roadmap.

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What if the way you show up in your clothes could transform how you lead, work, and live?

In this episode, I sit down with stylist and coach Ellie Steinbrink, who shares her journey from 20 years in marketing to building a business rooted in authenticity and style. After losing her job during the pandemic,Ellie leaned into her lifelong passion and discovered that style can be a doorway into self trust, empowerment, and the freedom to break the rules.

We talk about:

 👗 How Ellie’s career pivot revealed a deeper calling around style and authenticity
 👗 The role meditation played in giving her clarity and courage
 👗 Why imposter syndrome shows up when we follow a new path, and how to work through it
 👗 Practical ways to rewrite the “rules” we’ve absorbed about how women should dress
 👗 How self trust in style translates into leadership, confidence, and everyday life

If you’ve ever felt stuck in old narratives about what you should wear or who you should be, this episode will remind you that standing out is the goal — not fitting in.

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Connect with Ellie:

• elliesteinbrink.com
• Instagram: @style.decoded
• LinkedIn: @elliesteinbrink

Or grab a copy of Ellie's Style Mindset Reset to find out what you may need to let go of in order to make an incredible and lasting style transformation.

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What if showing up on video didn’t have to feel overwhelming — and could actually become the easiest way to grow your brand?

In this episode, I’m joined by Ed Troxell, personal brand coach and video strategist, who helps entrepreneurs stand out online without getting lost in the tech, the hustle, or the self-doubt. Ed shares how he went from dreading video to launching his own daily talk show, and how that experience shaped the simple system he now teaches his clients.

We talk about:
 🎥 Why video is the fastest path to building trust and visibility
 🎥 The most common excuses holding people back and how to move past them
 🎥 Ed’s “Just 15” method for showing up consistently without burning out
 🎥 How to reframe your self-talk so you actually enjoy hitting record
 🎥 Real client results (including doubling business in just six months)

Whether you’re a realtor, coach, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation will help you ditch the perfectionism, show up as yourself, and finally put video to work in your business.

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Connect with Ed:

• edtroxell.com
• Instagram: @edtroxellcreativeig
• LinkedIn: @edtroxell

👉🏻 And don't forget to grab Ed's Free Visibility Plan — the first step to marketing your business in just 15 minutes a day.

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What if the key to growing your business wasn’t just marketing harder, but learning how to share your story with credibility and trust?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jennifer Kaplan, founder of Evolve PR and Marketing and one of the top voices in the PR world today. Over the past 20 years, Jennifer has built the largest PR firm in Arizona, serving more than 100 clients across industries — and she knows what it takes to create visibility that actually moves the needle.

We dive into Jennifer’s journey from starting her company at age 30 to scaling a thriving agency, and she shares powerful insights every entrepreneur can use to strengthen their reputation and brand presence.

You’ll hear:

 ✨ Why PR, branding, and marketing are different, and why you need all three
 ✨ The surprising power of earned media (and how to leverage it long after it airs)
 ✨ How to know when your business is ready for PR
 ✨ Creative ways to use awards, rankings, and recognition to build credibility
 ✨ What business owners need to understand about reputation in a world where impressions matter more than ever

Whether you’re brand new to PR or considering your next big visibility move, this conversation will help you think differently about how to show up, share your story, and build lasting trust with your audience.

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Connect with Jennifer:

• www.evolveprandmarketing.com
• Instagram: @evolveprandmarketing
• LinkedIn: @jennifer-kaplan-b331948

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What if building a business didn’t mean climbing the corporate ladder, but creating one that actually fits your life as a mom?

In this special throwback episode, I’m joined by Crystalee Beck — mom of four, serial entrepreneur, and founder of The Mama Ladder and Comma Copywriters. Crystalee has been paving the way for women at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship, showing us what it looks like to grow thriving companies while honoring our values, families, and energy.

Her wisdom in this conversation sparked more emails and DMs from listeners than any other episode I’ve recorded — and for good reason. Crystalee is transparent, practical, and deeply inspiring.

We talk about:
✨ How she built two businesses from scratch while raising little ones
✨ The hard but powerful decision to pause her passion project during COVID
✨ What it looks like to design a “life first” business and team culture
✨ Why protecting your time and energy is the most sustainable growth strategy
✨ The story behind The High Five Grant for Moms and how you can apply

Whether you’re just starting your business with babies at home or you’re ready to scale with intention, this conversation will encourage you to step into your own version of success.

🎧 Listen in — and if you’re a mom with a business who’s made at least $10K in revenue, apply for the High Five Grant at https://themamaladder.com/grant. Applications are open through September 30, 2025!

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Leadership gets talked about in terms of strategy and performance, but the truth is, it always comes back to people. That’s the heartbeat of my conversation today with Rick Harris.

Rick is the CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), a 30+ year nonprofit leader, and a former radio DJ with an incredible story to share. What I love most about Rick is how he leads with connection to create teams and communities that thrive because relationships come first.

In this episode, we talk about:

•  Rick’s surprising leap from radio into association leadership
• Why authentic conversations matter more than endless emails and Slack messages
• How trust, transparency, and equal pay build retention and loyalty
• Practical networking tips you can use whether you’re leading a team or growing your business

Rick reminds us that personal connection fuels both healthy culture and sustainable business at the same time.

If you’re ready for a fresh perspective on leadership, relationships, and what it really takes to build something that lasts, this conversation will encourage you and give you plenty to put into practice.

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Connect with Rick:

• Website: http://www.apmp.org
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apmp

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What does it take to go from bootstrapping a beauty business in your spare bedroom… to running two growing brands and leading a team of 60?

This week, I’m joined by Jen Beyers — founder of Evrmore Extensions and co-CEO of Rare Bird Beauties, a Chicago-based bridal hair and makeup agency. Jen started out doing hair for friends on the weekend and built her career one client (and one apartment salon) at a time.

Now, she’s known for both her artistry and her systems. Her companies serve hundreds of clients each year, and she’s carved out a niche that didn’t exist before by creating high-quality, color-matched extensions that solve a major pain point for stylists and brides alike.

Inside the episode, we talk about:

• How Jen spotted a gap in the market and turned it into a thriving product line
• What it really looks like to run two companies (with 60 contractors and five kids)
• Building a business with your romantic partner, and keeping work and life separate when things get hard
• The repair process that saved her co-founder relationship
• How radical candor and clear roles keep their team aligned and their vision strong
• Why business valuation matters - and what she learned the hard way

This one is full of gold for anyone navigating business partnerships, building something from scratch, or leading while holding a lot. Jen is smart, grounded, and generous, and this conversation will leave you thinking about how to grow with intention, not urgency.

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Connect with Jen:

• evrmoreextensions.com
• Instagram: @evrmoreextensions

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

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What if the thing you do for fun held the key to a more aligned and sustainable business?

This week, I’m joined by Michelle Pecak: pricing expert, operations strategist, and founder of My Vibe, a business community built on healing, connection, and reciprocity. After 25 years in supply chain and pricing for billion-dollar companies, Michelle took a leap. She walked away from the boardroom to build something that didn’t just pay the bills, but actually lit her up.

In this episode, we talk about:

• How Michelle rebranded “quantum operations” to make pricing feel powerful again
• The moment she realized she was more than a cog in the corporate wheel
• Why your joy doesn’t have to be your job, but it can be your safety net
• What it means to build reciprocal business communities that nourish everyone involved
• How she blends deep operational knowledge with healing, Human Design, and intuition

Michelle’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to abandon what you’re good at to build something new. And sometimes the most secure move isn’t the most traditional one — it’s the one that lets you bring your full self to the table.

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Connect with Michelle:

• myvibecommunity.com
• Instagram: @michellepecak
• LinkedIn: @michelle-pecak

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

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When life feels too comfortable, growth can feel unnatural.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing what’s been on my mind lately: how convenience shapes the way we live, work, and lead — and what we might be missing when everything is designed to make things easier.

I’m not talking about burnout or over-efforting. I’m talking about the quiet spaces where growth gets stalled, simply because it’s unfamiliar. When we’re used to optimized routines, even small shifts can feel like massive disruptions. But that discomfort? It matters. And it’s often where something new is trying to take root.

**Inside this episode, I talk about:**

- Why transformation often feels worse before it feels better
- The hidden cost of outsourcing the “hard parts” of life
- A moment when expert advice didn’t align with my truth and what I did instead
- The 4Rs framework I use to navigate micro-transformations (especially in messy seasons)
- How to move when every part of you wants to freeze

This one’s a gentle gut check, and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is choose discomfort on purpose.



Come say hi on Instagram @amyschutte_. If you're listening in real time, I’m wandering through Italy, gelato in hand, and sharing the behind-the-scenes as I go.

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

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What if your most ordinary, slice-of-life moments were actually the key to becoming a more magnetic storyteller?

This week I’m joined by Seth Donlin, storytelling coach, podcast guesting expert, and the kind of person who can turn a trip to the grocery store into a masterclass on authenticity. Seth teaches entrepreneurs how to turn everyday experiences into engaging narratives that build trust, connect with audiences, and convert.

He’s also one of the most thoughtful voices I’ve met when it comes to story strategy. Not just how to tell a story, but how to recognize it, refine it, and repurpose it so it lands.

Inside the episode, we talk about:

🎙 Why “relatable” stories often perform better than dramatic ones
 🎙 The difference between authenticity, transparency, and oversharing
 🎙 How Seth uses a “story seed” journal to capture and organize moments worth telling
 🎙 What to do when you don’t think you have any good stories to share
 🎙 The exact process he teaches for connecting everyday stories to business lessons (plus how AI can help)

We also explore how podcast guesting builds trust faster than almost any other marketing strategy and why preparation is the secret to sounding unscripted.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a story powerful or want to be the kind of guest people actually remember, this one’s for you.

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Connect with Seth:

• awenaf.com
• Instagram: @seth.donlin
• LinkedIn: @sethdonlin

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

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This week, I’m joined by Katie Lantukh — messaging strategist, copywriting genius, and one of the sharpest, most thoughtful voices I know when it comes to saying the thing… without saying it like everyone else.

Katie’s one of the voices I trust most when it comes to brand messaging. She helps founders find the right words, and more importantly, the right platforms to communicate what they do in a way that feels aligned, strategic, and clear.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What “messaging” actually means (and why so many people misunderstand it)
• Why LinkedIn has become a powerful brand-building tool
• How to use AI to generate better content ideas without sounding robotic
• Katie’s favorite way to build trust on LinkedIn (even if you never send a cold DM)
• What she’s learned from posting consistently for over a year and how it changed her website, her strategy, and her referral network

We also get into the difference between thought leadership and sales copy, the surprising power of lurkers, and what it really looks like to market your business in a way that matches your energy.

Plus: Katie shares the unexpected way her business grew alongside her daughter — and why her origin story starts with pie.

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Connect with Katie:

• murphy.marketing
• LinkedIn: @katielantukh
• Instagram: @KatieLantukh
• Or check out these on-demand resources and live LinkedIn workshops

Instagram:

@amyschutte_

Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co