All Episodes

In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha welcomes financial expert Megan Schwan. Megan shares her inspiring journey from being a teen mom to becoming a successful business owner. She discusses the importance of fostering a supportive culture, embracing calculated risks, and using the Profit First method to manage business finances effectively. Megan also highlights her personal experiences, including overcoming challenges like divorce and moving across the country, all while maintaining a growing business and raising four children. Tune in for valuable insights on resilience, business strategy, and financial empowerment. 00:00 Introduction and Show Overview 00:16 Meet Megan Schwan 02:22 Megan's Journey: From Teen Mom to Business Owner 05:20 Balancing Family and Business 10:31 The Importance of Calculated Risks 16:13 Trusting Intuition in Business 20:41 The Drive Behind Determination 22:15 Major Life Changes and Business Flexibility 22:56 The Importance of Grit and Determination 24:12 Navigating a Saturated Market 30:36 The Concept of Profit First 40:09 Implementing Profit First: A Personal Journey 44:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

In this quickcast, we explore the two primary reasons clients seek consulting help: proactive preparation for growth and being overwhelmed by unsustainable workloads. The discussion emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to avoid burnout and improve business operations. Key points include the necessity of recognizing and changing non-productive behaviors, understanding that hustling harder isn't the solution, and the benefits of maintaining healthy communication and respect with clients. The video also mentions a follow-up episode focusing on effective delegation to prevent becoming a bottleneck in the business. 00:00 Introduction: The Two Camps of Clients 00:55 Recognizing the Need for Change 01:46 The Importance of Setting Boundaries 02:38 Overcoming Fear and Ego 03:17 Shifting to a CEO Mindset 04:33 Building a Stronger Team and Processes 05:53 Conclusion: Maintaining Sanity and Growth

Join us for an insightful episode of 'Strategy Solutions and Sanity' featuring Nikki, The Sales Maven! Nikki shares her fascinating journey from working in a male-dominated tech industry to becoming a renowned sales expert. Discover how she navigated her way using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) to enhance her communication skills and build meaningful client relationships. Learn actionable sales strategies, the importance of asking the right questions, and how to manage sales conversations effectively. Perfect for business owners and sales professionals looking to improve their sales tactics and build stronger client relationships. Don't miss Nikki's exclusive offer of a free training on sealing the deal with effective questions! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:59 Nikki's Journey to Becoming the Sales Maven 02:31 Understanding Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) 06:24 The Importance of Flexibility in Sales 07:31 Building Relationships and Rapport in Sales 20:19 The Selling Staircase Framework 27:44 Rant on Referral Partners and Sales Process 28:59 The Importance of Giving Price Ranges 30:21 Personal Experience with a Sales Process 32:56 The Value of Flexibility in Sales 34:44 Using AI Note Takers for Sales Conversations 36:19 Overcoming Shyness in Business 40:13 Finding Inspiration from Others 45:31 Adapting Coaching Styles to Client Needs 52:39 The Power of Asking Questions in Sales 55:01 Special Offer for Listeners - Free Gift: salesmaven.com/sanity

In this quick episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, Sam, a business and team strategist, outlines how delegating high-impact tasks to virtual assistants (VAs) who leverage AI can significantly enhance your sales process. The episode covers five strategies: filtering high-quality leads, providing follow-up support, preparing for sales calls, turning sales conversations into marketing content, and improving the client experience. These strategies aim to help business owners and small teams offload critical yet time-consuming tasks, ensuring they can focus on building relationships and driving sales growth. Sam emphasizes the importance of combining AI's efficiency with a VA's human judgment to maximize sales effectiveness. 00:00 Introduction: The Problem with Wearing Too Many Hats 00:15 The Power of Delegation: Leveraging Virtual Assistants 00:55 Combining AI and VAs for Sales Success 02:31 Five Strategies to Boost Sales with AI-Powered VAs 02:36 Strategy 1: Filtering High-Quality Leads 03:59 Strategy 2: Follow-Up Support to Avoid Dropping the Ball 05:01 Strategy 3: Sales Prep for Sharp Client Interactions 05:50 Strategy 4: Turning Sales Conversations into Marketing Content 06:48 Strategy 5: Enhancing Client Experience for Repeat Business 07:25 Conclusion: Elevate Your Sales Game with AI and VAs

Catch this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity as we dive into the messy and often overlooked aspects of growing a business. Our special guest, Sarah Gonnella from Full Sail Partners, shares her journey and insights into effective leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how embracing technology can simplify business processes. Sarah discusses practical strategies for building a collaborative and fun company culture while maintaining high standards of excellence. Learn how to reframe challenges, leverage AI for better efficiency, and the crucial steps for meaningful automation. Whether you're struggling with sales, trying to improve client satisfaction, or looking to enhance your leadership skills, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable insights. 00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity 00:36 Introducing Our Guest: Sarah Gonnella 01:20 Sarah's Professional Journey and Personal Insights 02:57 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth 05:10 The Importance of Reflection and Self-Awareness 07:05 Leadership Lessons and Overcoming Mistakes 16:59 Navigating Sales and Embracing Vulnerability 21:33 Balancing Logic and Emotional Intelligence 27:23 The Role of KPIs and Unintended Consequences 28:02 Balancing Utilization and Collaboration 28:57 Setting Clear Goals and KPIs 29:47 Learning from Mistakes in Management 30:56 The Importance of Guardrails in Management 36:09 Building a Fun and Productive Work Environment 37:32 The Role of Branding in Business Success 39:34 Effective Onboarding and Training 49:44 Embracing AI and Automation

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam Cordero Prestidge explains why open door policies often fail to achieve their intended purpose. Despite being a well-intentioned concept aimed at creating an accessible and supportive environment, these policies fall short because employees may hesitate to seek help due to a desire to appear competent. Sam highlights the importance of leaders actively reaching out to their team members to offer support, building trust, and ensuring that their employees feel seen and understood. She shares personal experiences to emphasize the need for proactive leadership and offers actionable strategies for fostering better communication and support within teams. 00:00 Introduction to Open Door Policies 00:25 The Concept and Its Shortcomings 02:32 Real-World Examples and Challenges

In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Samantha speaks with the dynamic Jesse Hernandez about navigating the complexities of business, leadership, and personal development. Jesse shares his rich journey from starting as an apprentice in the construction industry to becoming a renowned consultant who emphasizes human-centric operational strategies. He provides insights into his approach to overcoming failure, optimizing work execution, and scaling improvements while keeping a focus on emotional intelligence and servant leadership. Discover how Jesse's adventurous, non-conformist approach—paired with a robust understanding of business metrics—helps him maintain sanity and achieve remarkable success in his ventures. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to balance ambition with human-centric leadership. Plus, don’t miss the exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop with both Samantha and Jesse on people-centered operations for managers! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:36 Meet Jessie Hernandez 00:46 Jessie's Career Journey 02:29 Emotional Intelligence and People-Centered Leadership 03:08 Challenges and Insights on Serving Others 06:46 Scaling and Business Strategies 12:06 Pricing Strategies and Client Engagement 21:20 Execution and Experimentation in Business 21:47 Personal Reflections and Non-Conformity 24:22 Balancing Risks and Rewards 25:10 Overcoming Personal Struggles 25:38 Investing in Personal Growth 27:33 The Importance of Context and Perspective 28:21 Navigating Business Challenges 29:25 The Value of a Good Assistant 34:44 Challenging the Status Quo 45:59 Experimenting and Evaluating 48:47 Upcoming Workshop Announcement

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business strategist Sam discusses the common pitfalls and solutions related to delegation in business. She emphasizes that true delegation should provide relief, freeing up both time and mental space. Sam identifies three warning signs indicating ineffective delegation and offers four key points to determine whether the problem lies with the assistant or the delegator. By addressing these issues, entrepreneurs can leverage their assistants more effectively, fostering a more strategic and productive work environment. 00:00 Introduction to Effective Delegation 01:19 Understanding the Relief of Delegation 01:55 Warning Signs of Ineffective Delegation 03:34 Is It a You Problem or a Them Problem? 03:56 Four Signs of Delegation Issues 04:42 Building Context and Setting Expectations 06:07 Realistic Expectations for Delegation 06:52 Conclusion and Self-Reflection

How do you lead when you feel like an outsider? What if your superpower isn’t technical skill, but the ability to bring people together? In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, & Sanity, I sit down with Jennifer Lacy—facilitator, coach, people collector, and culture builder in the construction industry. We talk about what it really takes to navigate resistance, lead change, and step into your value (even when you feel like an imposter). Jen shares what it was like coming into construction with zero technical background, how her roots in teaching made her a stronger facilitator, and why facilitation is an underrated leadership superpower. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, questioned your seat at the table, or struggled to engage the “hard-to-reach” people on your team—this one’s for you. What We Talk About: Why facilitation is one of the most underrated skills in leadership How Jen overcame imposter syndrome (even with 20+ years of experience!) What to do when team members resist change How to build a personal advisory board (and why it matters) The power of asking curious questions that shift the room What “collisions” really mean—and how they shape your leadership legacy How to show up fully without expecting anything in return

Feeling disorganized, overwhelmed, or like your team just isn't performing the way it should? In this AMA Quickcast, I’m breaking down the first thing I audit when a business owner comes to me feeling maxed out — whether they’re solo or leading a team of 50. This isn’t a full operational overhaul. It’s a laser-focused check on one critical issue: goal-task alignment. If you're constantly busy but not making real progress, this is where I’d start. Because more often than not, the problem isn’t a lack of effort — it’s misaligned execution. 🎯 In this episode, I cover: The real definition of productive (and why “busy” isn’t it) What goal-task alignment looks like in practice Why this is the fastest way to identify performance gaps How to run a mini audit on your own calendar, inbox, and task list What misalignment symptoms really point to Whether you’re the only one running the show or leading a growing team, this quickcast will help you start untangling the overwhelm and focus your energy on what actually moves the needle. 📩 Got a question for a future AMA?  Connect with me on LinkedIn: Samantha Cordero Prestidge Or email: info@auxosvs.com

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam shares her two essential rules and one habit for effective networking. She emphasizes the importance of mutual value and enjoying the company of networking partners to avoid burnout and ensure that time spent on networking is worthwhile. Sam also discusses how she organizes and categorizes her connections in HubSpot to keep her networking strategies practical, fun, and profitable. She encourages listeners to share their own networking strategies and offers to answer questions on business and team strategy. 00:00 Introduction to Networking Strategies 00:41 The Networking Burnout Experience 01:50 Reassessing Networking Groups 02:14 Rule #1: The Two-Way Street 04:55 Rule #2: Enjoy the Conversation 06:03 The Habit: Ranking Your Network 07:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive aspects of being 'selfishly' productive. We dive deep into maintaining mental health at work, the importance of setting boundaries, the nuances of consultative sales, and strategies to avoid people-pleasing traps. This episode is packed with practical advice and personal stories to inspire and guide you in both business and life. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation!

Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the cool boss? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive? In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing between people-pleasing and micromanaging. You'll learn:  ✅ How trying too hard to be liked quietly erodes your team’s performance  ✅ The role of clear expectations in keeping things fun and high performing ✅ How to handle tough conversations without turning into a jerk If you’ve been struggling with slipping standards, second-guessing your leadership, or just want to finally build a team that respects you and enjoys working with you, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the importance of relationship building. Paige also delves into the evolution of her company, from a solo operation to a team of 15, and the importance of proactive digital asset management. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on maintaining sanity in the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing.

Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here! In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content vision is crucial before involving a VA. We also share experiences and advice on why high-level strategy should come first and what roles VAs can effectively fill. Tune in to discover the best approach to optimizing your marketing efforts with the right support. 00:00 Introduction: Can a VA Help with Content and Social Media? 00:11 Determining Your Needs: Strategist or Executor? 00:40 When a VA Can Execute Your Content Strategy 01:06 The Importance of Clarity Before Execution 01:25 Personal Experience: The Pitfalls of Skipping Strategy 02:10 Deciding Between a Strategist and a VA 02:48 Conclusion: Finding the Right Support for Your Team

In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizing the importance of making processes simple and fun. If you’re curious about integrating AI into your business and maintaining sanity in the process, this episode is a must-watch! 00:00 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity 00:42 Introducing Stephanie Sidebottom 01:35 The Philosophy of Imperfect Action 03:12 The Struggle with Perfectionism 07:26 Finding Alignment in Business 15:03 Embracing AI for Business Growth 26:43 Using AI for Personal Tasks 27:53 Exploring AI Platforms and Custom Bots 30:48 Staying Updated with AI 32:42 Balancing Learning and Avoiding Shiny Object Syndrome 36:07 AI Tools and Software Recommendations 42:30 Building Custom AI Solutions for Businesses 50:00 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice

You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what is a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable. If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed to ask “what does that even mean?”—this one’s for you. 🎯 Why systems aren’t just tech tools or SOPs  🧠 The key traits of a system that actually works  📈 How to build systems that grow with you Let’s ditch the overwhelm and make business easier—one simple system at a time. 🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to auxosvs.com to learn more. 🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with #AskSam in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode!

Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance of being brave and open to opportunities, and the transformative power of networking and delegating. This episode is packed with insights on maintaining sanity in business, balancing personal and professional life, and continuously evolving as a leader. Don't miss out on these valuable lessons designed to help entrepreneurs thrive! 00:00 Introduction to Strategy Solutions and Sanity 00:43 First Live Show and Special Guest Introduction 02:09 The Importance of Vulnerability and Collaboration 03:55 A Story of Lost Sanity in Business 09:14 Setting Boundaries and Managing Expectations 15:33 Investing in Yourself and Your Business 24:54 Wearing a Suit and Zoom Calls 25:09 Identifying and Overcoming Business Weaknesses 25:52 Mastermind Groups and Sales Skills 26:39 Delegating Tasks and Social Media 29:39 Imposter Syndrome and CEO Role 31:04 Embracing White Space and Personal Time 35:19 New Ventures and Podcasting 39:41 Writing Books and Overcoming Self-Doubt 43:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again. In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the real things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover: The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed What a “good enough” starting point looks like Why waiting until you're “ready” is just a fancy form of procrastination Whether you’re drowning in admin work or just tired of doing everything yourself, this is your permission slip to move forward—even if it’s messy. 🎯 Want support finding and onboarding an assistant who actually makes your life easier? Head to auxosvs.com to learn more. 🗣 Got a question about hiring, delegation, or operations? Send an email to info@auxosvs.com with #AskSam in the subject line and I’ll tackle it in a future episode! 

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam guides small business owners and team leaders on how to regain control and confidence in their businesses using a strategic 90-day plan divided into three phases: Getting the Lay of the Land, Simplification, and Getting into a Growth Rhythm. Sam emphasizes the importance of clarity, simplifying processes, and fostering operational efficiency to turn things around. Listeners will learn how to achieve both short-term wins and long-term goals, transforming their roles and setting up their teams for sustainable success. 00:00 Introduction: Taking Control of Your Business 00:58 Welcome to Strategy Solutions and Sanity 02:48 Phase 1: Getting the Lay of the Land 07:35 Phase 2: Simplification 12:16 Phase 3: Rhythm for Growth 16:07 Conclusion and Next Steps For help implementing this in your business, reach out to info@auxosvs.com