<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/style.xsl" type="text/xsl"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0"><channel><atom:link href="https://feeds.captivate.fm/business-misfits/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title><![CDATA[Business Misfits]]></title><podcast:guid>f8aa4962-5024-5186-a32b-76782eaa4d37</podcast:guid><lastBuildDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:00:14 +0000</lastBuildDate><generator>Captivate.fm</generator><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright 2025 Melody Edwards]]></copyright><managingEditor>Melody Edwards, Lifelong Entrepreneur, Business Misfit, and sparkly brained creative human</managingEditor><itunes:summary><![CDATA[Hosted by Melody Edwards, your "Lady of Business," this show is designed for the quiet innovators, the heart-centered leaders, the purpose-driven, the community builders, and the givers -Imposter syndrome be damned! 
If you’re a mission-driven business human who feels like you don’t quite fit in, or your definition of business creativity doesn’t conform, you’ve found your people!
This is a space where unique voices are celebrated. 
This podcast is perfect for the emotionally intelligent, growth-minded-sparkly-brained leaders, entrepreneurs, or visionaries who are unafraid to show vulnerability and embrace accountability.
Our listeners are curious, passionate and ready to make an impact.
The music recorded for the (Bizfit) intro, outro (Ima Misfit), and Timeline of Your Life on Business Misfits was written and recorded by Melody Edwards (Copyright 2024). ]]></itunes:summary><image><url>https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg</url><title>Business Misfits</title><link><![CDATA[https://feeds.captivate.fm/business-misfits]]></link></image><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><itunes:owner><itunes:name>Melody Edwards, Lifelong Entrepreneur, Business Misfit, and sparkly brained creative human</itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author>Melody Edwards, Lifelong Entrepreneur, Business Misfit, and sparkly brained creative human</itunes:author><description>Hosted by Melody Edwards, your &quot;Lady of Business,&quot; this show is designed for the quiet innovators, the heart-centered leaders, the purpose-driven, the community builders, and the givers -Imposter syndrome be damned! 
If you’re a mission-driven business human who feels like you don’t quite fit in, or your definition of business creativity doesn’t conform, you’ve found your people!
This is a space where unique voices are celebrated. 
This podcast is perfect for the emotionally intelligent, growth-minded-sparkly-brained leaders, entrepreneurs, or visionaries who are unafraid to show vulnerability and embrace accountability.
Our listeners are curious, passionate and ready to make an impact.
The music recorded for the (Bizfit) intro, outro (Ima Misfit), and Timeline of Your Life on Business Misfits was written and recorded by Melody Edwards (Copyright 2024). </description><link>https://feeds.captivate.fm/business-misfits</link><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" rel="hub"/><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Entrepreneurship"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Education"><itunes:category text="Self-Improvement"/></itunes:category><itunes:category text="Business"><itunes:category text="Management"/></itunes:category><podcast:locked>no</podcast:locked><podcast:medium>podcast</podcast:medium><item><title>The Fractional CFO Advantage: Expert Insights for Small Business Growth</title><itunes:title>The Fractional CFO Advantage: Expert Insights for Small Business Growth</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we dive into a topic that many small business owners overlook: the power of having a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on your team. I’m joined by Justin Boyd from <strong>Cash Flow Co-Pilots</strong>, who breaks down why a fractional CFO is so much more than just “fancy accounting.”</p><p>We talk about:</p><ul><li>The difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a CFO</li><li>Why cash flow struggles are so common (and so stressful) for small businesses</li><li>How looking ahead with a financial strategy can change the whole direction of your business</li><li>The peace of mind that comes from having someone guide you through big money decisions</li></ul><br/><p>Justin also shares real examples and practical advice for business owners who feel like they’re always guessing with their numbers.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>A <strong>fractional CFO</strong> gives small businesses access to strategic financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.</li><li>Bookkeepers and accountants look at the past. CFOs help you plan for the future.</li><li>Cash flow problems are one of the biggest reasons businesses feel “stuck.”</li><li>Good financial management isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about having a plan that helps you grow.</li><li>Having someone in your corner who understands both the numbers and the business side makes decision-making less overwhelming.</li></ul><br/><p>Justin also shares his personal story about his shift from employee to business owner, and how homeschooling has allowed his kids more opportunity to learn about the world and themselves, while building resilience along the way.</p><p>To Connect With Justin:</p><p>https://yourcashflowcopilot.com/</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084415706531</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode, we dive into a topic that many small business owners overlook: the power of having a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on your team. I’m joined by Justin Boyd from <strong>Cash Flow Co-Pilots</strong>, who breaks down why a fractional CFO is so much more than just “fancy accounting.”</p><p>We talk about:</p><ul><li>The difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a CFO</li><li>Why cash flow struggles are so common (and so stressful) for small businesses</li><li>How looking ahead with a financial strategy can change the whole direction of your business</li><li>The peace of mind that comes from having someone guide you through big money decisions</li></ul><br/><p>Justin also shares real examples and practical advice for business owners who feel like they’re always guessing with their numbers.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>A <strong>fractional CFO</strong> gives small businesses access to strategic financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.</li><li>Bookkeepers and accountants look at the past. CFOs help you plan for the future.</li><li>Cash flow problems are one of the biggest reasons businesses feel “stuck.”</li><li>Good financial management isn’t about spreadsheets—it’s about having a plan that helps you grow.</li><li>Having someone in your corner who understands both the numbers and the business side makes decision-making less overwhelming.</li></ul><br/><p>Justin also shares his personal story about his shift from employee to business owner, and how homeschooling has allowed his kids more opportunity to learn about the world and themselves, while building resilience along the way.</p><p>To Connect With Justin:</p><p>https://yourcashflowcopilot.com/</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084415706531</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/cfo]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">1bb46592-0c47-442c-ae60-cfe15cd33636</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/af3c22e1-f1ae-40ba-b5d0-961b23f050d2/Justin-Boyd-827.jpg"/><pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/1bb46592-0c47-442c-ae60-cfe15cd33636.mp3" length="54003588" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>37:30</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>22</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>22</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f9b8e5ab-1600-4d67-887f-ab17b8bbfba8/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f9b8e5ab-1600-4d67-887f-ab17b8bbfba8/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/f9b8e5ab-1600-4d67-887f-ab17b8bbfba8/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Behind the Scenes of TikTok Fame: Singing, Algorithms, and the Business of Creativity</title><itunes:title>Behind the Scenes of TikTok Fame: Singing, Algorithms, and the Business of Creativity</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>What really happens after you go viral?</strong></p><p>On this episode of The Business Misfits podcast, host Melody Edwards sits down with the multi-talented Jenn Beaupre-aka Rozette-a celebrated vocal coach, singer, and performer who’s captured audiences from North America to Asia and everywhere in between. Together, they dive into what it means to be someone who forges their own path, prioritizing creativity, happiness, and human connection over the rigid formulas of mainstream success. </p><p>Jen shares the evolution of her career, from nurturing beginner singers to navigating viral moments on TikTok that transformed her client roster overnight. The conversation unpacks the tricky realities of building a purpose-driven business in the digital age, the ever-shifting algorithms of social media, and the vulnerability that comes with making a living from your passion.</p><p>They talk about:</p><ul><li>The myth of overnight success</li><li>Imposter syndrome and creative self-doubt</li><li>Why algorithm changes mess with your head</li><li>Building a creative business that actually fits your life</li><li>What it means to be “witnessed” in your work</li></ul><br/><p>If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it online, drowning in visibility, or trying to run a business with duct-tape systems, this conversation is for you.</p><p><strong>Learn more about Jenn</strong>:<a href="https://www.jennbeaupre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.jennbeaupre.com/</a></p><p><strong>Jenn's Vocal Coaching:</strong> <a href="https://linktr.ee/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Listen to Jenn's new Single 'Here' </strong> <a href="https://bfan.link/here-10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bfan.link/here-10</a></p><p><strong>Follow Jenn on:</strong></p><p><strong>Youtube:</strong> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@RozetteSaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RozetteSaaangs</a><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Tiktok: </strong><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Facebook: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>What really happens after you go viral?</strong></p><p>On this episode of The Business Misfits podcast, host Melody Edwards sits down with the multi-talented Jenn Beaupre-aka Rozette-a celebrated vocal coach, singer, and performer who’s captured audiences from North America to Asia and everywhere in between. Together, they dive into what it means to be someone who forges their own path, prioritizing creativity, happiness, and human connection over the rigid formulas of mainstream success. </p><p>Jen shares the evolution of her career, from nurturing beginner singers to navigating viral moments on TikTok that transformed her client roster overnight. The conversation unpacks the tricky realities of building a purpose-driven business in the digital age, the ever-shifting algorithms of social media, and the vulnerability that comes with making a living from your passion.</p><p>They talk about:</p><ul><li>The myth of overnight success</li><li>Imposter syndrome and creative self-doubt</li><li>Why algorithm changes mess with your head</li><li>Building a creative business that actually fits your life</li><li>What it means to be “witnessed” in your work</li></ul><br/><p>If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it online, drowning in visibility, or trying to run a business with duct-tape systems, this conversation is for you.</p><p><strong>Learn more about Jenn</strong>:<a href="https://www.jennbeaupre.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.jennbeaupre.com/</a></p><p><strong>Jenn's Vocal Coaching:</strong> <a href="https://linktr.ee/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://linktr.ee/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Listen to Jenn's new Single 'Here' </strong> <a href="https://bfan.link/here-10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bfan.link/here-10</a></p><p><strong>Follow Jenn on:</strong></p><p><strong>Youtube:</strong> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/@RozetteSaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@RozetteSaaangs</a><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Tiktok: </strong><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@rozettesaaangs</a></p><p><strong>Facebook: </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rozettesaaangs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/rozettesaaangs</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/jenn-beaupre]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">a0d76312-4254-4859-82aa-1328e1416df6</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/c6203d46-ab84-4d43-b19f-185e9cdec8a7/ga3iSl5EqPNkqkNxk-ci3TGN.jpg"/><pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:30:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/a0d76312-4254-4859-82aa-1328e1416df6.mp3" length="51934921" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>54:06</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>21</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>21</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/da8bdfb3-072b-4ad2-997d-b22895ae1516/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/da8bdfb3-072b-4ad2-997d-b22895ae1516/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Coaching ADHD Women,  Masking, and Midlife Change with Danica Lefever</title><itunes:title>Coaching ADHD Women,  Masking, and Midlife Change with Danica Lefever</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Host Melody Edwards sits down with Danica Lefever, a former engineer who now coaches late-diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD women.</p><p>They dig into the realities of getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, especially for women who’ve spent their lives masking symptoms to meet expectations. Melody and Danica swap personal stories about growing up, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and learning to embrace their uniquely wired brains.  You’ll hear how Danica decided to move away from from engineering, the moment that changed everything, and why understanding your brain can change your business, and your life. They also break down the difference between coaching and therapy, how to manage energy instead of time, and why unmasking might be the most powerful move you can make.</p><p>Whether you’re a late-diagnosed bizfit, or a recovering perfectionist, this episode is a permission slip for you.</p><p>Visit Danica at <a href="https://www.danicalefever.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.danicalefever.com/</a></p><p>Time Stamps:</p><p>10:04 Navigating Life's Pressures and Identity</p><p>12:37 Life-Changing ADHD Diagnosis</p><p>17:47 Embracing Self-Diagnosis for Understanding</p><p>23:08 Learning to Pause After Tragedy</p><p>29:27 Optimizing Entrepreneurial Schedules</p><p>32:47 Struggling with Self-Connection</p><p>39:45 Transition from Engineering to Coaching</p><p>44:17 ADHD Awareness Evolution Through TikTok</p><p>53:21 Choosing Challenges Over Comfort</p><p>57:40 Jaguar Vision: Embracing Agency</p><p>01:03:42 Positive Intelligence for Mental Fitness</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Host Melody Edwards sits down with Danica Lefever, a former engineer who now coaches late-diagnosed or undiagnosed ADHD women.</p><p>They dig into the realities of getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, especially for women who’ve spent their lives masking symptoms to meet expectations. Melody and Danica swap personal stories about growing up, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and learning to embrace their uniquely wired brains.  You’ll hear how Danica decided to move away from from engineering, the moment that changed everything, and why understanding your brain can change your business, and your life. They also break down the difference between coaching and therapy, how to manage energy instead of time, and why unmasking might be the most powerful move you can make.</p><p>Whether you’re a late-diagnosed bizfit, or a recovering perfectionist, this episode is a permission slip for you.</p><p>Visit Danica at <a href="https://www.danicalefever.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.danicalefever.com/</a></p><p>Time Stamps:</p><p>10:04 Navigating Life's Pressures and Identity</p><p>12:37 Life-Changing ADHD Diagnosis</p><p>17:47 Embracing Self-Diagnosis for Understanding</p><p>23:08 Learning to Pause After Tragedy</p><p>29:27 Optimizing Entrepreneurial Schedules</p><p>32:47 Struggling with Self-Connection</p><p>39:45 Transition from Engineering to Coaching</p><p>44:17 ADHD Awareness Evolution Through TikTok</p><p>53:21 Choosing Challenges Over Comfort</p><p>57:40 Jaguar Vision: Embracing Agency</p><p>01:03:42 Positive Intelligence for Mental Fitness</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/danica-lefever]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">e42372d6-2862-4e36-85d1-7f82df387743</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fd8ab873-45e9-4906-8c43-79670331c848/1iluqPMlCziqPPtdzIQJzC76.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/e42372d6-2862-4e36-85d1-7f82df387743.mp3" length="58322883" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:09:26</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>20</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>20</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season></item><item><title>The Courage to Change: Stacy Jordan on Sobriety, Sales Success, and Self-Worth -19</title><itunes:title>The Courage to Change: Stacy Jordan on Sobriety, Sales Success, and Self-Worth</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>I sat down with Stacey Jordan for a conversation that quickly went deep. </p><p>Stacey opens up about her pivotal decision to get sober in March 2000 as a young single mother, and how that choice completely transformed her life trajectory. She talks candidly about finding support and developing spiritual practices that helped her learn to be present with herself instead of escaping through substances.</p><p>One of the most moving parts of our conversation was when Stacey described how her son Hunter's birth in 2012 with a rare genetic disorder shifted her entire perspective. This challenging experience inspired her to hire a business coach and tackle the limiting beliefs that were holding her back professionally and personally.</p><p>Throughout our talk, we explore:</p><ul><li>Our shared experiences as women in male-dominated industries</li><li>How working through imposter syndrome transformed our approaches to business</li><li>The journey of recognizing and breaking through limiting beliefs</li><li>Finding purpose in helping others after overcoming personal struggles</li><li>Healing from narcissistic abuse and navigating divorce</li></ul><br/><p>Stacey's famous hugs (the ones where she waits for you to finally exhale!) symbolize her approach to both business and life -creating genuine connection and being fully present. Her story shows how personal growth directly impacts business success, and how facing our deepest fears can lead to both professional achievement and personal fulfillment. If you've ever struggled with feeling worthy or wondered how to transform personal challenges into strength, this conversation will resonate with you. We wrap up with our fun Misfit Minute rapid-fire questions that reveal even more about what makes Stacey tick!</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">About Stacey Jordan:</strong></p><p>Stacey is the VP of Sales at Decor IQ, LLC, where she has been since 2021. With 21 years of experience creating Christmas magic and helping others succeed in their business, she specializes in transforming spaces with innovative holiday decor and lighting solutions. Stacey identifies as a free spirit, seeker, visionary, giver, misfit, creative, eternal optimist, business human, unconventional, heart-centered leader, purpose-driven community builder, truth teller, and proud mommy. Her passion extends to her Commercial Christmas Collective, where she helps people grow into commercial Christmas pros.</p><p><strong>Connect with Stacey:</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Stacey.xmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Stacey.xmas</a></p><p>Linked-In: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyxmas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyxmas/</a></p><p><strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ursulainc.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ursulainc.co/</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I sat down with Stacey Jordan for a conversation that quickly went deep. </p><p>Stacey opens up about her pivotal decision to get sober in March 2000 as a young single mother, and how that choice completely transformed her life trajectory. She talks candidly about finding support and developing spiritual practices that helped her learn to be present with herself instead of escaping through substances.</p><p>One of the most moving parts of our conversation was when Stacey described how her son Hunter's birth in 2012 with a rare genetic disorder shifted her entire perspective. This challenging experience inspired her to hire a business coach and tackle the limiting beliefs that were holding her back professionally and personally.</p><p>Throughout our talk, we explore:</p><ul><li>Our shared experiences as women in male-dominated industries</li><li>How working through imposter syndrome transformed our approaches to business</li><li>The journey of recognizing and breaking through limiting beliefs</li><li>Finding purpose in helping others after overcoming personal struggles</li><li>Healing from narcissistic abuse and navigating divorce</li></ul><br/><p>Stacey's famous hugs (the ones where she waits for you to finally exhale!) symbolize her approach to both business and life -creating genuine connection and being fully present. Her story shows how personal growth directly impacts business success, and how facing our deepest fears can lead to both professional achievement and personal fulfillment. If you've ever struggled with feeling worthy or wondered how to transform personal challenges into strength, this conversation will resonate with you. We wrap up with our fun Misfit Minute rapid-fire questions that reveal even more about what makes Stacey tick!</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">About Stacey Jordan:</strong></p><p>Stacey is the VP of Sales at Decor IQ, LLC, where she has been since 2021. With 21 years of experience creating Christmas magic and helping others succeed in their business, she specializes in transforming spaces with innovative holiday decor and lighting solutions. Stacey identifies as a free spirit, seeker, visionary, giver, misfit, creative, eternal optimist, business human, unconventional, heart-centered leader, purpose-driven community builder, truth teller, and proud mommy. Her passion extends to her Commercial Christmas Collective, where she helps people grow into commercial Christmas pros.</p><p><strong>Connect with Stacey:</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Stacey.xmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/Stacey.xmas</a></p><p>Linked-In: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyxmas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyxmas/</a></p><p><strong>Resources Mentioned:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ursulainc.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ursulainc.co/</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/the-courage-to-change-stacy-jordan-on-sobriety-sales-success-and-self-worth]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">2567d8c4-b5d9-41cf-9261-0875d6b58e4e</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/02f405a3-6e76-45d6-98bf-7c1d8cfdcb29/nhSJBWiDvQkVRmlNY41t_oN2.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/35016b4d-6c28-40ab-816d-a68abee29f6f/25-25-5-31-PM.mp3" length="70766677" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>49:08</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>19</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>19</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season></item><item><title>The Entrepreneur&apos;s Identity Crisis: From Workaholic to Leader - The Transition No One Prepares You For</title><itunes:title>The Entrepreneur&apos;s Identity Crisis: From Workaholic to Leader - The Transition No One Prepares You For</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode Melody dives deep into what it takes to transition from a busy workaholic to a strategic leader. She shares her personal experiences, including the identity crisis she faced after selling her business and the challenges of finding purpose beyond busyness. She emphasizes the importance of measuring productivity by impact rather than effort and discusses the profound shift required to move from being a hustler to a visionary leader. </p><p>00:00&nbsp;Introduction: The Myth of Hard Work</p><p>00:36&nbsp;Welcome to Business Misfits</p><p>01:19&nbsp;The Identity Crisis of a Recovering Workaholic</p><p>05:30&nbsp;The Transition from Worker to Leader</p><p>06:25&nbsp;The Illusion of Busyness</p><p>10:21&nbsp;The Challenge of Letting Go</p><p>20:56&nbsp;Redefining Success and Impact</p><p>28:38&nbsp;Final Thoughts and Call to Action</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode Melody dives deep into what it takes to transition from a busy workaholic to a strategic leader. She shares her personal experiences, including the identity crisis she faced after selling her business and the challenges of finding purpose beyond busyness. She emphasizes the importance of measuring productivity by impact rather than effort and discusses the profound shift required to move from being a hustler to a visionary leader. </p><p>00:00&nbsp;Introduction: The Myth of Hard Work</p><p>00:36&nbsp;Welcome to Business Misfits</p><p>01:19&nbsp;The Identity Crisis of a Recovering Workaholic</p><p>05:30&nbsp;The Transition from Worker to Leader</p><p>06:25&nbsp;The Illusion of Busyness</p><p>10:21&nbsp;The Challenge of Letting Go</p><p>20:56&nbsp;Redefining Success and Impact</p><p>28:38&nbsp;Final Thoughts and Call to Action</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/the-identity-crisis]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">2260a1e6-d273-42eb-a0cb-147440408d7c</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/08aa8ae6-c323-4896-b56c-fb7d3363efd5/pBWLEVjLKs1jXHJwoidIGuaa.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f6837d89-b884-47b5-af3f-58a33f0fb01b/17-25-7-53-pm-descript-converted.mp3" length="37405923" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>31:10</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>18</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>18</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/2cd4fdf1-6a27-4eb6-bc08-c33a532055f6/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>A Quick Message For Bizfits</title><itunes:title>A Quick Message For Bizfits</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Hello, Bizfit. I want to take a quick moment to share some news about the show. From now on, I'll be releasing episodes once a month, instead of every week.</p><p>I have some big projects I'm working on, one I'm especially excited about. But, as you know, projects take time, and time is my limited resource.</p><p>This podcast means a lot to me, and I want to do it right, without burning myself out. So, I'm cutting myself some slack, and I'm taking a step back.</p><p>That's&nbsp;it.  Thank&nbsp;you&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;for&nbsp;your&nbsp;support.&nbsp;</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello, Bizfit. I want to take a quick moment to share some news about the show. From now on, I'll be releasing episodes once a month, instead of every week.</p><p>I have some big projects I'm working on, one I'm especially excited about. But, as you know, projects take time, and time is my limited resource.</p><p>This podcast means a lot to me, and I want to do it right, without burning myself out. So, I'm cutting myself some slack, and I'm taking a step back.</p><p>That's&nbsp;it.  Thank&nbsp;you&nbsp;so&nbsp;much&nbsp;for&nbsp;your&nbsp;support.&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/changes]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">618ff32c-900e-4361-bc09-ea25f6041484</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/fa9bb29c-5738-4f1b-a11e-6da900d37d54/ZF3YZ6EIcGe33EVDi2NAvWoU.png"/><pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/618ff32c-900e-4361-bc09-ea25f6041484.mp3" length="274956" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>00:34</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>bonus</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:season>2</podcast:season></item><item><title>More Than a Coach: Samantha Doyle’s Playbook for Business Success - 17</title><itunes:title>More Than a Coach: Samantha Doyle’s Playbook for Business Success</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	What does it take to scale a business without burning out? Samantha Doyle breaks it down, sharing her journey from high-level business acquisitions to building her own strategic coaching practice. We dig into what makes a company valuable, why so many small businesses never sell, and how owners can shift from doing everything to leading with intention.</p><p>	Scaling isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. We talk about company culture, why high performers can sometimes be a liability, and how to build a business that runs without the owner. Samantha also shares insights on imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated spaces, and the power of finding the right support system.</p><p>	If you’re ready to scale, sell, or create a business that gives you more freedom, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and insights you won’t want to miss.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	What does it take to scale a business without burning out? Samantha Doyle breaks it down, sharing her journey from high-level business acquisitions to building her own strategic coaching practice. We dig into what makes a company valuable, why so many small businesses never sell, and how owners can shift from doing everything to leading with intention.</p><p>	Scaling isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. We talk about company culture, why high performers can sometimes be a liability, and how to build a business that runs without the owner. Samantha also shares insights on imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated spaces, and the power of finding the right support system.</p><p>	If you’re ready to scale, sell, or create a business that gives you more freedom, this episode is packed with real-world strategies and insights you won’t want to miss.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/more-than-a-coach-samantha-doyles-playbook-for-business-success-17]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">2f967e33-bd38-4dbf-bc6e-06656225589a</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2f452118-90da-488d-8434-4a6b01d53565/Episode-17.mp3" length="162422473" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:07:41</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>17</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>17</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/69c76a9d-9119-4343-a619-adba44a3245e/index.html" type="text/html"/><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-2f452118-90da-488d-8434-4a6b01d53565.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>Shining Through the Darkness: How Lindsay Lights Found Her Calling - 16</title><itunes:title>Shining Through the Darkness: How Lindsay Lights Found Her Calling</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	What happens when a love for trees, a passion for lights, and a heart for people collide? You get Lindsay Lights—a true business misfit who's on a mission to brighten the world in more ways than one. From studying forestry to running a thriving Christmas light installation business, Lindsay shares how grief shaped her purpose, why trees tell a deeper story, and how holiday lights became her way of spreading hope.</p><p>	In this episode, we dive into the magic of trees, the emotional power of light, and the delicate balance of running a business while staying true to your mission. Lindsay opens up about personal loss, finding resilience, and her dream of building a light-themed park. We also talk about the challenges of networking, following your intuition in business, and why creativity and strategy go hand in hand.</p><p>	If you've ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold, this one’s for you. Join us for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation with someone who truly lights up the world.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	What happens when a love for trees, a passion for lights, and a heart for people collide? You get Lindsay Lights—a true business misfit who's on a mission to brighten the world in more ways than one. From studying forestry to running a thriving Christmas light installation business, Lindsay shares how grief shaped her purpose, why trees tell a deeper story, and how holiday lights became her way of spreading hope.</p><p>	In this episode, we dive into the magic of trees, the emotional power of light, and the delicate balance of running a business while staying true to your mission. Lindsay opens up about personal loss, finding resilience, and her dream of building a light-themed park. We also talk about the challenges of networking, following your intuition in business, and why creativity and strategy go hand in hand.</p><p>	If you've ever felt like you don’t quite fit the mold, this one’s for you. Join us for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation with someone who truly lights up the world.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/lights-trees-the-business-of-spreading-joy-a-conversation-with-lindsay-lights-16]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">99b7e4c5-89c0-4a72-a814-fa9950300d99</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/025cabee-c5a9-4bce-96b6-98a6d12feb22/Episode-16.mp3" length="101882953" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>42:27</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>16</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>16</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-025cabee-c5a9-4bce-96b6-98a6d12feb22.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>How to Delegate Effectively: A Sparkly Brain&apos;s Strategic Guide for Entrepreneurs - 15</title><itunes:title>How to Delegate Effectively: A Sparkly Brain&apos;s Strategic Guide for Entrepreneurs</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	Running a business with an ADHD brain isn’t about forcing yourself into traditional productivity methods—it’s about creating a structure that actually works for you. For years, I fought against my own brain, feeling overwhelmed by endless ideas, time blindness, and executive dysfunction. No matter how hard I worked, I felt like I was always behind. Everything changed when I stopped trying to fit into systems designed for neurotypical minds and built a business that supported how I actually think.</p><p>	In this episode, I share how I learned to work with my brain instead of against it. I talk about the power of delegation, how hiring an executive assistant transformed my productivity, and why traditional goal-setting and organization methods don’t always work for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. I break down the systems that keep me moving forward, how I manage my energy instead of just my time, and why true productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on what truly matters.</p><p>	If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in a cycle of unfinished projects, this episode will give you a new way to approach work, delegation, and growth—one that actually fits how your brain works.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	Running a business with an ADHD brain isn’t about forcing yourself into traditional productivity methods—it’s about creating a structure that actually works for you. For years, I fought against my own brain, feeling overwhelmed by endless ideas, time blindness, and executive dysfunction. No matter how hard I worked, I felt like I was always behind. Everything changed when I stopped trying to fit into systems designed for neurotypical minds and built a business that supported how I actually think.</p><p>	In this episode, I share how I learned to work with my brain instead of against it. I talk about the power of delegation, how hiring an executive assistant transformed my productivity, and why traditional goal-setting and organization methods don’t always work for neurodivergent entrepreneurs. I break down the systems that keep me moving forward, how I manage my energy instead of just my time, and why true productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about focusing on what truly matters.</p><p>	If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in a cycle of unfinished projects, this episode will give you a new way to approach work, delegation, and growth—one that actually fits how your brain works.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/the-sparkly-brain-entrepreneurs-guide-to-productivity-delegation-growth-15]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">f8f0f1f1-f9ad-4598-b3d0-dd6e819d89ce</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/b9491300-b62f-4755-b730-4cbb6646ec5f/Episode-15.mp3" length="117860233" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>49:07</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>15</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>15</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/aabee45b-b378-4a42-96e7-b617b252240e/index.html" type="text/html"/><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-b9491300-b62f-4755-b730-4cbb6646ec5f.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>More Than Money: The Unexpected Lessons of Leadership &amp; Entrepreneurship with Shawn Day - 14</title><itunes:title>More Than Money: The Unexpected Lessons of Leadership &amp; Entrepreneurship with Shawn Day</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	What happens when you spend years building a business, sell it for a great exit, and then find yourself asking, now what? That’s exactly what Shawn Day faced after selling his cleaning company, and in this episode, he opens up about the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey.</p><p>	We dive deep into the evolution from a natural-born salesperson to a business leader, and why recruiting and company culture became his obsession. Shawn shares the hard lessons he learned about hiring—how investing in people can make or break a business, why most business owners focus on marketing but neglect recruitment, and the mindset shift needed to build a team that actually sticks around.</p><p>	But it’s not just about business mechanics—we also get into the personal side of entrepreneurship. Shawn talks about the struggles of identity loss after selling his company, dealing with ego, and the emotional weight of transitioning from being a workaholic to figuring out what truly matters. He shares insights on overcoming comparison traps, learning to lead with intention, and finding purpose beyond just the grind.</p><p>	This conversation is raw, real, and packed with wisdom for any business owner who’s ever felt stuck, unsure, or just plain tired of the hiring game. If you want to build a thriving business without burning out, this one’s for you.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	What happens when you spend years building a business, sell it for a great exit, and then find yourself asking, now what? That’s exactly what Shawn Day faced after selling his cleaning company, and in this episode, he opens up about the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey.</p><p>	We dive deep into the evolution from a natural-born salesperson to a business leader, and why recruiting and company culture became his obsession. Shawn shares the hard lessons he learned about hiring—how investing in people can make or break a business, why most business owners focus on marketing but neglect recruitment, and the mindset shift needed to build a team that actually sticks around.</p><p>	But it’s not just about business mechanics—we also get into the personal side of entrepreneurship. Shawn talks about the struggles of identity loss after selling his company, dealing with ego, and the emotional weight of transitioning from being a workaholic to figuring out what truly matters. He shares insights on overcoming comparison traps, learning to lead with intention, and finding purpose beyond just the grind.</p><p>	This conversation is raw, real, and packed with wisdom for any business owner who’s ever felt stuck, unsure, or just plain tired of the hiring game. If you want to build a thriving business without burning out, this one’s for you.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/more-than-money-the-unexpected-lessons-of-leadership-entrepreneurship-with-shawn-day-14]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">2c61a0f3-4fa5-410a-8602-573a927d467f</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/3752d946-74bd-4ece-a7b4-89802d8638fc/Episode-14.mp3" length="156210518" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:04:39</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>14</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>14</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/95124813-af90-4649-b109-d7d01f6746c6/index.html" type="text/html"/><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-3752d946-74bd-4ece-a7b4-89802d8638fc.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>The Melody Manager: The Art of Managing a Sparkly-Brained Human - 13</title><itunes:title>The Melody Manager: The Art of Managing a Sparkly-Brained Human</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	What’s it really like to work with a high-energy, visionary entrepreneur? In this episode, Melody pulls back the curtain on her working relationship with Kristine, her executive assistant and collaborator. They dive deep into the challenges of managing a sparkly-brained business owner,  and striking a balance between control and delegation.</p><p>	Kristine shares her journey from joining the company as a virtual assistant to becoming Mel's trusted right-hand partner, revealing how she helps keep Melody on track (even when new ideas are constantly coming). They talk about the cultural differences between the U.S. and the Philippines, the biggest misconceptions about executive assistants, and why trust is the foundation of a truly successful working relationship.</p><p>	You'll also hear about the challenges of shifting from managing tasks to managing a person, how Kristine learned to push back and set boundaries, and what it takes to transition from support staff to collaborator. Plus, Melody gets real about being a recovering  micromanaging, and the systems they use to stay (mostly) sane in a fast-growing business.</p><p>	If you’ve ever wondered what makes a visionary-executive assistant relationship thrive, how to find (or be) a great EA, or why every business owner needs their own “Melody Manager,” this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest reflection.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	What’s it really like to work with a high-energy, visionary entrepreneur? In this episode, Melody pulls back the curtain on her working relationship with Kristine, her executive assistant and collaborator. They dive deep into the challenges of managing a sparkly-brained business owner,  and striking a balance between control and delegation.</p><p>	Kristine shares her journey from joining the company as a virtual assistant to becoming Mel's trusted right-hand partner, revealing how she helps keep Melody on track (even when new ideas are constantly coming). They talk about the cultural differences between the U.S. and the Philippines, the biggest misconceptions about executive assistants, and why trust is the foundation of a truly successful working relationship.</p><p>	You'll also hear about the challenges of shifting from managing tasks to managing a person, how Kristine learned to push back and set boundaries, and what it takes to transition from support staff to collaborator. Plus, Melody gets real about being a recovering  micromanaging, and the systems they use to stay (mostly) sane in a fast-growing business.</p><p>	If you’ve ever wondered what makes a visionary-executive assistant relationship thrive, how to find (or be) a great EA, or why every business owner needs their own “Melody Manager,” this episode is packed with insight, humor, and honest reflection.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/the-melody-manager]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">a3b71521-4c6b-4cf3-b0a9-90296acff76c</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/91aa90d0-7e52-4ed2-b6db-a305a36713ba/rQLtU0313_V4fXL3o-ox_nBV.png"/><pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2fec2c8c-b360-4f28-95bd-3a4bfb948bdd/Episode-13.mp3" length="155290517" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:04:04</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>13</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>13</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/6ed376ef-bba5-4ccf-8c01-f578ca07f75b/index.html" type="text/html"/><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-2fec2c8c-b360-4f28-95bd-3a4bfb948bdd.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>Vision, AI, and Navigating Business as a Misfit with Curt Kempton - 12</title><itunes:title>Vision, AI, and Navigating Business as a Misfit with Curt Kempton</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>	In this episode of Business Misfits, we explore the intersection of ethics, purpose, and profitability in the modern business landscape. How do you stay true to your values when faced with difficult decisions? Can a business prioritize integrity and still achieve sustainable growth? We tackle these pressing questions and share real-world insights to help you align your mission with your bottom line.</p><p>	From navigating ethical dilemmas to building a culture rooted in trust, we dive deep into the challenges and rewards of leading with authenticity. You’ll hear strategies for fostering meaningful connections with your team, customers, and stakeholders while staying competitive in a fast-paced world.</p><p>	This conversation is all about empowering you to think differently, challenge the status quo, and embrace the misfit mindset to create a lasting impact—both in your business and beyond.</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>	In this episode of Business Misfits, we explore the intersection of ethics, purpose, and profitability in the modern business landscape. How do you stay true to your values when faced with difficult decisions? Can a business prioritize integrity and still achieve sustainable growth? We tackle these pressing questions and share real-world insights to help you align your mission with your bottom line.</p><p>	From navigating ethical dilemmas to building a culture rooted in trust, we dive deep into the challenges and rewards of leading with authenticity. You’ll hear strategies for fostering meaningful connections with your team, customers, and stakeholders while staying competitive in a fast-paced world.</p><p>	This conversation is all about empowering you to think differently, challenge the status quo, and embrace the misfit mindset to create a lasting impact—both in your business and beyond.</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/leading-with-vision-ai-authentic-leadership-and-scaling-with-curt-kempton]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c7d26074-cf06-4bf8-bb41-3a48915f232f</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/3ee73c9f-947d-4631-8b3f-f96154547091/iEXibvMFZiHpSEL2Ea39JQlA.png"/><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/913d8fa8-1ce2-4d59-b730-8f09ae9f1b8d/Episode-11.mp3" length="198845296" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:22:15</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><itunes:episode>12</itunes:episode><itunes:season>2</itunes:season><podcast:episode>12</podcast:episode><podcast:season>2</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/a66bc0bb-141f-4078-a764-d25024946ba3/index.html" type="text/html"/><podcast:chapters url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/chapter-913d8fa8-1ce2-4d59-b730-8f09ae9f1b8d.json" type="application/json+chapters"/></item><item><title>Mindset Reset</title><itunes:title>Mindset Reset</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Mindset Reset: My Journey from Learning to Unlearning</strong></p><p>In this episode, Melody discusses the counterintuitive key to growth - unlearning.  Melody shares personal experiences, realizations from attending a conference, and tools to help recognize and unlearn old beliefs. </p><p>00:30&nbsp;Information Hoarding</p><p>01:04&nbsp;The Problem with More Knowledge</p><p>01:20&nbsp;The Importance of Unlearning</p><p>03:28&nbsp;Steps to Start Unlearning</p><p>04:05&nbsp;The 'Five Whys' Method</p><p>06:18&nbsp;Practical Exercise</p><p>07:29&nbsp;Ketamine Therapy</p><p>09:48&nbsp;Facing her Fear of Snakes</p><p>11:56&nbsp;Final Thoughts </p><p>Melody Edwards is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://homeserviceva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Mindset Reset: My Journey from Learning to Unlearning</strong></p><p>In this episode, Melody discusses the counterintuitive key to growth - unlearning.  Melody shares personal experiences, realizations from attending a conference, and tools to help recognize and unlearn old beliefs. </p><p>00:30&nbsp;Information Hoarding</p><p>01:04&nbsp;The Problem with More Knowledge</p><p>01:20&nbsp;The Importance of Unlearning</p><p>03:28&nbsp;Steps to Start Unlearning</p><p>04:05&nbsp;The 'Five Whys' Method</p><p>06:18&nbsp;Practical Exercise</p><p>07:29&nbsp;Ketamine Therapy</p><p>09:48&nbsp;Facing her Fear of Snakes</p><p>11:56&nbsp;Final Thoughts </p><p>Melody Edwards is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://homeserviceva.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/mindset-reset]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">d554b333-aee1-46de-8e4b-e74dfc8e298c</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/dbfb1927-d49d-4f88-9437-78898d316196/oRB_GQCLbvAr8hg6wiaKaY6E.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/dea0bd08-0874-4fa2-83ff-40e94e1a997a/21-25-3-48-AM.mp3" length="18908182" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>13:08</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>11</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>11</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/6eee4e6a-6c53-4671-b7e6-7f5a34f69cf3/transcript.json" type="application/json"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/6eee4e6a-6c53-4671-b7e6-7f5a34f69cf3/transcript.srt" type="application/srt" rel="captions"/><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/6eee4e6a-6c53-4671-b7e6-7f5a34f69cf3/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Confidence in Business: It&apos;s Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Embracing Vulnerability -10</title><itunes:title>Confidence in Business: It&apos;s Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Embracing Vulnerability</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>It's time to sit down with Our Lady of Business, host Melody Edwards, to have her share her entrepreneurial journey as a self-employed technician to systems slaying business owner with all the unique challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She shares the importance of prompt action in making impactful changes within the business world and how this has played out in her ventures. Listen in as Melody explores the dynamics of sales and marketing, the role of confidence, and the impact of vulnerability on professional perception. Whether you're struggling with niching strategies or seeking to understand different personality types like givers, takers, and matchers, this episode offers valuable insights that can reshape your approach to business and personal growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that targets visionary leaders who prioritize ethics and meaningful change. Stay until the end to better understand Melody's vision for this work and how you can play a bigger role in shaping things for the future.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It's time to sit down with Our Lady of Business, host Melody Edwards, to have her share her entrepreneurial journey as a self-employed technician to systems slaying business owner with all the unique challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. She shares the importance of prompt action in making impactful changes within the business world and how this has played out in her ventures. Listen in as Melody explores the dynamics of sales and marketing, the role of confidence, and the impact of vulnerability on professional perception. Whether you're struggling with niching strategies or seeking to understand different personality types like givers, takers, and matchers, this episode offers valuable insights that can reshape your approach to business and personal growth. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that targets visionary leaders who prioritize ethics and meaningful change. Stay until the end to better understand Melody's vision for this work and how you can play a bigger role in shaping things for the future.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/overcoming-imposter-syndrome]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c6b1fad1-7778-4a1a-8134-703adc404376</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/cc684f7c-2977-4f9f-a297-e161e84017c5/hnbI_GepLG-F8-zQNJRBtQ4S.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f87d67b2-9a14-4059-8605-4500f827edbe/BMP-10.mp3" length="37640985" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>39:13</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>10</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>10</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/faab7ae5-68d0-46d9-84ed-09b98ebcf168/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Building Business that Affords the Freedom to Travel Abroad with Carrie Guenther -9</title><itunes:title>Building Business that Affords the Freedom to Travel Abroad with Carrie Guenther</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Tune in for an insightful conversation between Melody and guest Carrie Guenther as they touch on everything from flexible entrepreneurship to the complexities of cultural adaptation. In this engaging episode they discuss the benefits of positive online communities, versus toxic ones. They explore the challenges of imposter syndrome in male-dominated industries and share personal experiences from their careers. Carrie, who spends winters in Thailand, speaks about adapting to different cultures, language barriers, and unique perspectives from living abroad. Melody, who is working with her team in the Philippines, shares cultural reflections and the warmth of the local community. Hear how their encounters in Southeast Asia shape their unique global perspectives and entrepreneurial journeys. From strategic seasonal work to fascinating cultural adaptations, this episode is packed with insightful stories and reflections on living and working abroad. Don't miss their heartfelt discussion about identity, connection, and the beauty of thoughtful design in everyday life.</p><p><strong>Carrie Guenther</strong> is an entrepreneur and avid traveler who runs her window cleaning business, while spending winters in Thailand. She started her journey in business in the early 2000s and founded Window Ninja in 2013.</p><p>As a strong leader, Carrie has faced many challenges, especially in male-dominated industries, and has worked through feelings of imposter syndrome. She’s found support in communities like the "Into the Flow" Facebook group, which has been a positive space for her growth.</p><p>Carrie’s love for travel has taken her all over Southeast Asia for more than 20 years, and she appreciates the region's slower pace and rich culture. This offers a nice contrast to her time in the fast-paced U.S. She enjoys blending work with her passion for design and treasures unique items like the string lights Melody gifted her.</p><p>Carrie’s story is about resilience and balance—finding ways to work and enjoy life, stay connected to others, and embrace new cultures.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tune in for an insightful conversation between Melody and guest Carrie Guenther as they touch on everything from flexible entrepreneurship to the complexities of cultural adaptation. In this engaging episode they discuss the benefits of positive online communities, versus toxic ones. They explore the challenges of imposter syndrome in male-dominated industries and share personal experiences from their careers. Carrie, who spends winters in Thailand, speaks about adapting to different cultures, language barriers, and unique perspectives from living abroad. Melody, who is working with her team in the Philippines, shares cultural reflections and the warmth of the local community. Hear how their encounters in Southeast Asia shape their unique global perspectives and entrepreneurial journeys. From strategic seasonal work to fascinating cultural adaptations, this episode is packed with insightful stories and reflections on living and working abroad. Don't miss their heartfelt discussion about identity, connection, and the beauty of thoughtful design in everyday life.</p><p><strong>Carrie Guenther</strong> is an entrepreneur and avid traveler who runs her window cleaning business, while spending winters in Thailand. She started her journey in business in the early 2000s and founded Window Ninja in 2013.</p><p>As a strong leader, Carrie has faced many challenges, especially in male-dominated industries, and has worked through feelings of imposter syndrome. She’s found support in communities like the "Into the Flow" Facebook group, which has been a positive space for her growth.</p><p>Carrie’s love for travel has taken her all over Southeast Asia for more than 20 years, and she appreciates the region's slower pace and rich culture. This offers a nice contrast to her time in the fast-paced U.S. She enjoys blending work with her passion for design and treasures unique items like the string lights Melody gifted her.</p><p>Carrie’s story is about resilience and balance—finding ways to work and enjoy life, stay connected to others, and embrace new cultures.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/freedom-to-travel]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">40a57889-f8ea-470c-af5a-0654396098a2</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/192856f9-e2f4-44f2-85ff-38f46479cd19/73eg1P_gN9oYyLY_ZQKuZ7Jl.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/9295b4b3-178b-41ed-8e00-0dba3f797328/BMP-9-Carrie-Guenther.mp3" length="45109915" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>46:59</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>9</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>9</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/ff0927ef-cb07-460f-ab52-c164e5d3db64/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Overcoming Business Hurdles and Creating Success with Libby De Lucien -8</title><itunes:title>Overcoming Business Hurdles and Creating Success with Libby De Lucien</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this compelling episode of Business Misfits, Melody engages with Libby De Lucien in a valuable conversation about balancing business growth and personal development. Libby recounts significant milestones, such as her cleaning business hitting $1 million in revenue and launching WHOOP Recruit. Learn how she expertly navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and diversified her business portfolio across various states, while wrestling with the challenges wrought by natural disasters like hurricanes. The episode touches upon Libby's journey in book writing, coaching, and the value of mentorship, offering listeners a comprehensive look at how she harmonizes her family life with her ambitious entrepreneurial pursuits. Tune in for practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity.</p><p><strong>Libby</strong>, a mom and entrepreneur from a business-oriented family, founded WootRecruit, a SaaS that helps 500+ companies globally with hiring, and Organize It, a cleaning and organizing company since 2017. Recently, she launched Service Cart, another SaaS, to streamline online sales for cleaning services. </p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com"...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this compelling episode of Business Misfits, Melody engages with Libby De Lucien in a valuable conversation about balancing business growth and personal development. Libby recounts significant milestones, such as her cleaning business hitting $1 million in revenue and launching WHOOP Recruit. Learn how she expertly navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and diversified her business portfolio across various states, while wrestling with the challenges wrought by natural disasters like hurricanes. The episode touches upon Libby's journey in book writing, coaching, and the value of mentorship, offering listeners a comprehensive look at how she harmonizes her family life with her ambitious entrepreneurial pursuits. Tune in for practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and an inspiring narrative of overcoming adversity.</p><p><strong>Libby</strong>, a mom and entrepreneur from a business-oriented family, founded WootRecruit, a SaaS that helps 500+ companies globally with hiring, and Organize It, a cleaning and organizing company since 2017. Recently, she launched Service Cart, another SaaS, to streamline online sales for cleaning services. </p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/creating-success]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">fdea1bec-12be-43e4-88cc-78deda30094d</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/f5eccbd0-2d85-44a6-a308-9ed4f0c4f1e0/7-m5lkrvtSZbrdxH1rAermZU.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/ced7e375-5c8a-4334-bcd5-73c5924ad652/BMP-8-Libby-DeLucien.mp3" length="44773458" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>46:38</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>8</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>8</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/7b56b8db-f264-4e64-9530-7478403aa5cb/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Navigating Challenges: Irum Jones on Strength, Family, and Fortune -8</title><itunes:title>Navigating Challenges: Irum Jones on Strength, Family, and Fortune</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Episode 7 of "Business Misfits" features the remarkable Irum Jones, a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Melody guides the conversation as Irum shares her experiences with abandonment, foster care, and the harsh realities of being a woman in the trades. Discover the strategies she used to overcome these challenges and build a successful career. Topics like the importance of feedback, managing imposter syndrome, and the role of authenticity in business are just a few of the highlights. Tune in to hear about the innovative concept of "dream management" and how vision boards can align your professional and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of motivation and practical advice.</p><p><strong>Irum Jones</strong> is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, STEAM educator, podcaster, philanthropist, and advocate. But she doesn't stop there—she even wears a hard hat as a licensed HVAC &amp; Electrical contractor. Talk about a diverse skill set! Her passion lies in working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and businesses to create sustainable programs for under-resourced communities. She's a catalyst for change, revitalizing neighborhoods and bringing hope to those in need. Not only does she bring operational effectiveness and excellence to her family's flagship business, Electrician On-Call, but she has also served as a trusted advisor to thousands of businesses nationwide. She also serves as the Chief Empowerment Officer for Dallas Professional Women - a referral network community that supports, consults and pairs women business owners with partnerships. Most recently she's helped launch over 60 branches of On Call Service Pros, a property maintenance company that connects homeowners to vetted 5 Star Businesses.</p><p>Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and extends far beyond her immediate sphere, reaching communities near and far. When she's not immersed in her professional endeavors, Irum finds joy in volunteering with her family. Whether it's lending a helping hand, speaking passionately to students, or simply being the enthusiastic taste-tester for her husband's mouthwatering BBQ! </p><p>Irum's heart-work focuses on improving the community and pours her energy toward initiatives that strengthen family values, create inclusive environments, empower families, supports workforce development in the trades and create safe spaces for women &amp; children to thrive. In Irum's dynamic world, the sky is not the limit— it's a launching pad for extraordinary achievements. She fearlessly seizes every opportunity to uplift others and make a lasting, positive impact. Her infectious energy, unwavering determination, and compassionate spirit inspire everyone around her to dream big, reach for the stars, and create a better tomorrow.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Episode 7 of "Business Misfits" features the remarkable Irum Jones, a woman whose life story is a testament to resilience and determination. Melody guides the conversation as Irum shares her experiences with abandonment, foster care, and the harsh realities of being a woman in the trades. Discover the strategies she used to overcome these challenges and build a successful career. Topics like the importance of feedback, managing imposter syndrome, and the role of authenticity in business are just a few of the highlights. Tune in to hear about the innovative concept of "dream management" and how vision boards can align your professional and personal life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone needing a boost of motivation and practical advice.</p><p><strong>Irum Jones</strong> is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, STEAM educator, podcaster, philanthropist, and advocate. But she doesn't stop there—she even wears a hard hat as a licensed HVAC &amp; Electrical contractor. Talk about a diverse skill set! Her passion lies in working hand-in-hand with community-based organizations and businesses to create sustainable programs for under-resourced communities. She's a catalyst for change, revitalizing neighborhoods and bringing hope to those in need. Not only does she bring operational effectiveness and excellence to her family's flagship business, Electrician On-Call, but she has also served as a trusted advisor to thousands of businesses nationwide. She also serves as the Chief Empowerment Officer for Dallas Professional Women - a referral network community that supports, consults and pairs women business owners with partnerships. Most recently she's helped launch over 60 branches of On Call Service Pros, a property maintenance company that connects homeowners to vetted 5 Star Businesses.</p><p>Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and Irum's commitment to driving change impacts and extends far beyond her immediate sphere, reaching communities near and far. When she's not immersed in her professional endeavors, Irum finds joy in volunteering with her family. Whether it's lending a helping hand, speaking passionately to students, or simply being the enthusiastic taste-tester for her husband's mouthwatering BBQ! </p><p>Irum's heart-work focuses on improving the community and pours her energy toward initiatives that strengthen family values, create inclusive environments, empower families, supports workforce development in the trades and create safe spaces for women &amp; children to thrive. In Irum's dynamic world, the sky is not the limit— it's a launching pad for extraordinary achievements. She fearlessly seizes every opportunity to uplift others and make a lasting, positive impact. Her infectious energy, unwavering determination, and compassionate spirit inspire everyone around her to dream big, reach for the stars, and create a better tomorrow.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/navigating-challenges]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">9798adb9-9dcc-4555-a642-7c36c4c7b6bc</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/2b8e019d-6f22-497c-988f-4840befaccf9/S6iAK_kesbasCbwwgpZivp7M.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/bc620e98-1fad-404f-9361-2fa751c59491/BMP-7-Irum-Jones.mp3" length="60348289" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:02:52</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>7</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>7</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/9ef10103-0c49-4537-a169-a0373cb4cba4/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Purpose-Driven Business: Melody and April Talk Relationships, Resilience, and Innovation -6</title><itunes:title>Purpose-Driven Business: Melody and April Talk Relationships, Resilience, and Innovation</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Join Melody and special guest April Dodson on this episode of Business Misfits as they share candid stories and essential lessons from their entrepreneurial paths. April, a pioneering force in the window cleaning industry, reveals the strategic and innovative approaches she used to scale her ventures and overcome challenges. Discover how April's yoga practice has been a cornerstone for managing stress and maintaining clarity amid the hustle. With conversations touching on parenting, the fine art of balancing work and life, and the importance of grit, this episode promises actionable advice and heartfelt moments. You'll learn about April's innovative business - BidSlot and what she's done to support the service industry in creative ways. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion packed with entrepreneurial spirit and personal growth tips.</p><h1>Learn about April Dodson:</h1><p>Being entrepreneurial from a young age, April Dodson has a passion for business and a love, passion and desire to help others succeed. By her early 20s, she launched her first company and her track record since has been one of success. April successfully launched and scaled six companies, selling three for profit with three still in operation. Utilizing her experiences and skills, she played a pivotal role in helping clients and others grow and in some cases sell their businesses.</p><p>A forward-thinking leader, April is always on top of industry trends, continually seeking the latest technologies and ideas to benefit her clients. With an innate ability to see the bigger picture and dive into the details, she’s a trusted partner for businesses looking to scale, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. April invests in continuing education and has certifications from PMI and PSI as she continues toward Project Manager Practitioner (PMP) Away from the business office, April is a yoga-loving outdoor enthusiast. Join her on her journey to balance work and play.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Join Melody and special guest April Dodson on this episode of Business Misfits as they share candid stories and essential lessons from their entrepreneurial paths. April, a pioneering force in the window cleaning industry, reveals the strategic and innovative approaches she used to scale her ventures and overcome challenges. Discover how April's yoga practice has been a cornerstone for managing stress and maintaining clarity amid the hustle. With conversations touching on parenting, the fine art of balancing work and life, and the importance of grit, this episode promises actionable advice and heartfelt moments. You'll learn about April's innovative business - BidSlot and what she's done to support the service industry in creative ways. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion packed with entrepreneurial spirit and personal growth tips.</p><h1>Learn about April Dodson:</h1><p>Being entrepreneurial from a young age, April Dodson has a passion for business and a love, passion and desire to help others succeed. By her early 20s, she launched her first company and her track record since has been one of success. April successfully launched and scaled six companies, selling three for profit with three still in operation. Utilizing her experiences and skills, she played a pivotal role in helping clients and others grow and in some cases sell their businesses.</p><p>A forward-thinking leader, April is always on top of industry trends, continually seeking the latest technologies and ideas to benefit her clients. With an innate ability to see the bigger picture and dive into the details, she’s a trusted partner for businesses looking to scale, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. April invests in continuing education and has certifications from PMI and PSI as she continues toward Project Manager Practitioner (PMP) Away from the business office, April is a yoga-loving outdoor enthusiast. Join her on her journey to balance work and play.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/resilience-and-innovation]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">c672a112-2c69-4305-a3a3-8e0d06432158</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/aa2bf904-cc47-4a5e-8162-80951da00265/mqFIhKM4V_lTEeplXgOKi7KE.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2c12999f-41fe-4ca6-8565-ba960508f743/BMP-6-April-Dodson.mp3" length="54802389" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>57:05</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>6</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>6</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/3ed15dc7-d8fd-44be-a295-8b4027fd04b7/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Surviving Tough Times and Resilience: Bobby Oliver on Thriving Business -5</title><itunes:title>Surviving Tough Times and Resilience: Bobby Oliver on Thriving Business</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Business Misfits</em>, Melody welcomes Bobby Oliver, a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique story. Bobby touches on the deep fulfillment she finds in supporting others, relates her journey from economics school dropout to thriving business owner, and reflects on the resilience forged through childhood chaos and unexpected trauma. Both hosts open up about their battles with mental health, including ADHD and imposter syndrome, exploring how these challenges shape their entrepreneurial spirit. With Bobby's captivating personal anecdotes, including her adoption story and an accident that unraveled her marriage, and Melody's own transformative experiences, this conversation is a goldmine for business misfits who thrive on overcoming adversity and embracing everything they bring to the table. Tune in to hear inspiring tales, valuable insights, and the humor that keeps them going.</p><p><strong>Bobby Oliver</strong> is an entrepreneur located in Denver, Colorado. With a background in business and economics, she has successfully started, built, and sold multiple businesses over the past five years. Currently, Bobby's primary focus is on real estate investing, particularly in land acquisitions and development across Colorado. She is currently working with the City of Denver to create more affordable housing options. She attributes her success to the support of friends and the invaluable guidance of her mentors. Bobby has big plans for the future and is excited about the opportunities to make an even greater impact in her community.</p><p>YneSMG2KJV900TOlgj7p. </p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <em>Business Misfits</em>, Melody welcomes Bobby Oliver, a seasoned entrepreneur with a unique story. Bobby touches on the deep fulfillment she finds in supporting others, relates her journey from economics school dropout to thriving business owner, and reflects on the resilience forged through childhood chaos and unexpected trauma. Both hosts open up about their battles with mental health, including ADHD and imposter syndrome, exploring how these challenges shape their entrepreneurial spirit. With Bobby's captivating personal anecdotes, including her adoption story and an accident that unraveled her marriage, and Melody's own transformative experiences, this conversation is a goldmine for business misfits who thrive on overcoming adversity and embracing everything they bring to the table. Tune in to hear inspiring tales, valuable insights, and the humor that keeps them going.</p><p><strong>Bobby Oliver</strong> is an entrepreneur located in Denver, Colorado. With a background in business and economics, she has successfully started, built, and sold multiple businesses over the past five years. Currently, Bobby's primary focus is on real estate investing, particularly in land acquisitions and development across Colorado. She is currently working with the City of Denver to create more affordable housing options. She attributes her success to the support of friends and the invaluable guidance of her mentors. Bobby has big plans for the future and is excited about the opportunities to make an even greater impact in her community.</p><p>YneSMG2KJV900TOlgj7p. </p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/thriving-business]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">b5810e1b-1d50-4879-87e9-f1cac536c62e</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/94bff9b2-d2c1-45a7-af84-3abfc692ada6/T6ir58O7x1x_9oghXaJKZ_4D.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/02f20480-350b-4d19-962d-502bc3d63c0a/BMP-5-Bobby-Oliver.mp3" length="39257651" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>40:54</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>5</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/7dd07cf2-01e8-4ece-96c2-66c88c729a99/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>How to Beat Competition and Build Strong Customer Relationships -4</title><itunes:title>How to Beat Competition and Build Strong Customer Relationships</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this exciting episode of "Business Misfits," Melody hosts the trailblazing entrepreneur Sarah Van Der Meer. Together, they explore the relentless pursuit of innovation, emphasizing reinvestment in resources like top-tier programmers for a killer software rewrite. Sarah shares a candid experience about dealing with competitors imitating her platform and the emotional toll of staying ahead in the tech race. From the art of focusing on unique features rather than engaging in price wars to fostering strong customer relationships, Sarah's insights offer practical wisdom for every entrepreneur. Don't miss the fascinating "misfit minute" segment, where Sarah's relaxed, introverted side shines through. Tune in to get inspired on managing competition, overcoming discouragement, and learning from failures—essential themes for business growth and personal development.</p><p><strong>Sarah van der Meer </strong>is the founder of Holiday Home Concepts, a pioneering design and measurement software for the lighting industry. With over a decade of experience, she developed a solution that simplifies the most challenging aspects of holiday light estimation into one user-friendly platform. Sarah is passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time, boost their sales, and scale their businesses to new heights.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this exciting episode of "Business Misfits," Melody hosts the trailblazing entrepreneur Sarah Van Der Meer. Together, they explore the relentless pursuit of innovation, emphasizing reinvestment in resources like top-tier programmers for a killer software rewrite. Sarah shares a candid experience about dealing with competitors imitating her platform and the emotional toll of staying ahead in the tech race. From the art of focusing on unique features rather than engaging in price wars to fostering strong customer relationships, Sarah's insights offer practical wisdom for every entrepreneur. Don't miss the fascinating "misfit minute" segment, where Sarah's relaxed, introverted side shines through. Tune in to get inspired on managing competition, overcoming discouragement, and learning from failures—essential themes for business growth and personal development.</p><p><strong>Sarah van der Meer </strong>is the founder of Holiday Home Concepts, a pioneering design and measurement software for the lighting industry. With over a decade of experience, she developed a solution that simplifies the most challenging aspects of holiday light estimation into one user-friendly platform. Sarah is passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time, boost their sales, and scale their businesses to new heights.</p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/beat-competition]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">03d03b41-cd2b-4bda-91fe-33817a333452</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/b257dfb6-3316-4964-bf95-f8073bda0703/mImuiSD_MVxJLy956XxinHV-.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/46a497f2-e0df-42b2-9f1a-2f6409b3c6f5/BMP-4-Sarah-Van-Der-Meer-revised-11-19.mp3" length="48118803" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>50:07</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>4</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/d3d541c7-793d-4884-9faf-65aa05dbde8c/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Unlocking Digital Success with Kasy Allen: Coffee Talks and AI Insights -3</title><itunes:title>Unlocking Digital Success with Kasy Allen: Coffee Talks and AI Insights</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>This episode of <em>Business Misfits</em> invites you to explore the unique perspectives of Kasy Allen, a trendsetter in digital and email marketing. Host Melody teases out valuable insights on the role of AI in the creative process and its impact on marketing efficiency. Curious about making authentic connections? Listen as Kasy shares her approach to personal branding, goal-setting, networking, and overcoming impostor syndrome. Eager to challenge the status quo? Melody and Kasy discuss impactful strategies for leading with authenticity. Don’t miss the "Misfit Minute" where we learn quirky, yet insightful preferences of our guest. Engage with us to boost your marketing game while staying true to your unique voice!</p><p><strong>Kasy Allen</strong> is the owner of West Agate Digital, where she leverages her expertise in digital marketing and business strategy. She also serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Wheatley Creek Services, helping manage day-to-day operations and driving growth for the company. With a passion for both the digital and service industries, Kasy brings a unique blend of leadership and creativity to every project she tackles.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com"]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This episode of <em>Business Misfits</em> invites you to explore the unique perspectives of Kasy Allen, a trendsetter in digital and email marketing. Host Melody teases out valuable insights on the role of AI in the creative process and its impact on marketing efficiency. Curious about making authentic connections? Listen as Kasy shares her approach to personal branding, goal-setting, networking, and overcoming impostor syndrome. Eager to challenge the status quo? Melody and Kasy discuss impactful strategies for leading with authenticity. Don’t miss the "Misfit Minute" where we learn quirky, yet insightful preferences of our guest. Engage with us to boost your marketing game while staying true to your unique voice!</p><p><strong>Kasy Allen</strong> is the owner of West Agate Digital, where she leverages her expertise in digital marketing and business strategy. She also serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Wheatley Creek Services, helping manage day-to-day operations and driving growth for the company. With a passion for both the digital and service industries, Kasy brings a unique blend of leadership and creativity to every project she tackles.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/ai-insights]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">2a57a0fe-6bad-47f7-a496-9ae47aac6b51</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/d930075f-f979-400c-8d8f-2d1ed566fd5e/Z4opcBJQpAiIugTdFpb6eiTb.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 12 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2e241949-33dc-4b86-8210-0ce7fbff7817/BMP-3-Kasy-Allen.mp3" length="37799391" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>39:22</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>3</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/adb28ead-5cb7-4681-819c-55a683ade394/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Adversity Architect - Scaling a Business, Redefining Success, &amp; Resilience in Business - BM2</title><itunes:title>Adversity Architect - Scaling a Business, Redefining Success, &amp; Resilience in Business</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <em>Business Misfits</em> podcast, host Melody Edwards welcomes Edwina Adams, a seasoned entrepreneur and thought leader. Edwina recounts her path from a career in emergency medical services to launching and successfully exiting multiple businesses. With nearly two decades of experience, she offers insights into the importance of mentoring, balancing personal and professional lives, and the profound impact of adversity. Intrigued by stories of resilience and success in the face of immense challenges? This episode promises to deliver that and more. Don’t miss out!</p><p><strong>Edwina Adams</strong> is an Adversity Architect. She is resilient with a diverse background. A military veteran and a retired paramedic who also has nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of the <em>Business Misfits</em> podcast, host Melody Edwards welcomes Edwina Adams, a seasoned entrepreneur and thought leader. Edwina recounts her path from a career in emergency medical services to launching and successfully exiting multiple businesses. With nearly two decades of experience, she offers insights into the importance of mentoring, balancing personal and professional lives, and the profound impact of adversity. Intrigued by stories of resilience and success in the face of immense challenges? This episode promises to deliver that and more. Don’t miss out!</p><p><strong>Edwina Adams</strong> is an Adversity Architect. She is resilient with a diverse background. A military veteran and a retired paramedic who also has nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience.</p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/growth-through-adversity]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">cd1ae729-ca40-4059-a0e3-98acb85222ee</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/2363ed6a-ec65-45fd-95ac-c6718d7e387f/9QGL1JSzIBadHOrvB6e5ET9v.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 05 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/2e7bfd5a-9c30-4aea-8817-2936905a7469/BMP-2-Edwina-Adams-V3-1105.mp3" length="27174451" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>28:18</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>true</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>2</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/a7c5398a-6575-4acb-9830-22b80446ff27/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Kedma Ough on Building Resilience- How to Turn a Fail into a Learning Experience -1</title><itunes:title>Kedma Ough on Building Resilience- How to Turn a Fail into a Learning Experience</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>In the debut episode of Business Misfits, Melody and Kedma Ough discuss the essential traits for entrepreneurial success, such as grit, detailed money management, and the power of authenticity. Inspired by her own experiences, Kedma shares lessons on choosing the right environments and leveraging past failures for future triumphs. Melody’s reflections on her optimism and growth mindset are insightful for anyone looking to lead effectively. From getting past imposter syndrome to finding community and support, their conversation is filled with actionable advice for business owners on their path to financial and personal freedom. Join in for stories that resonate and strategies that work.</p><p><strong>Kedma Ough</strong> is a nationally recognized business funding expert, best-selling author, and fifth-generation entrepreneur. With a passion for helping businesses succeed, Kedma has guided over 10,000 entrepreneurs in securing targeted funding to grow their ventures. Her expertise spans from helping startups scale to assisting inventors in bringing groundbreaking products to market.</p><p>Inspired by her great-great-grandfather, who traveled across Ireland as a peddler, Kedma understands the challenges of entrepreneurship and the determination it takes to succeed. Her mission is to serve as a funding navigator, helping businesses find the simplest, most effective paths to success. Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an established company, Kedma is dedicated to making business funding accessible and achievable for all.</p><p>Follow Kedma Ough on Socials:</p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kedma.ough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kedma.ough</a> </p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kedma_ough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kedma_ough</a> </p><p>Website: <a href="http://www.kedmaough.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.kedmaough.com</a> </p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her...]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the debut episode of Business Misfits, Melody and Kedma Ough discuss the essential traits for entrepreneurial success, such as grit, detailed money management, and the power of authenticity. Inspired by her own experiences, Kedma shares lessons on choosing the right environments and leveraging past failures for future triumphs. Melody’s reflections on her optimism and growth mindset are insightful for anyone looking to lead effectively. From getting past imposter syndrome to finding community and support, their conversation is filled with actionable advice for business owners on their path to financial and personal freedom. Join in for stories that resonate and strategies that work.</p><p><strong>Kedma Ough</strong> is a nationally recognized business funding expert, best-selling author, and fifth-generation entrepreneur. With a passion for helping businesses succeed, Kedma has guided over 10,000 entrepreneurs in securing targeted funding to grow their ventures. Her expertise spans from helping startups scale to assisting inventors in bringing groundbreaking products to market.</p><p>Inspired by her great-great-grandfather, who traveled across Ireland as a peddler, Kedma understands the challenges of entrepreneurship and the determination it takes to succeed. Her mission is to serve as a funding navigator, helping businesses find the simplest, most effective paths to success. Whether you're launching a startup or expanding an established company, Kedma is dedicated to making business funding accessible and achievable for all.</p><p>Follow Kedma Ough on Socials:</p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kedma.ough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@kedma.ough</a> </p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/kedma_ough" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">kedma_ough</a> </p><p>Website: <a href="http://www.kedmaough.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.kedmaough.com</a> </p><p>All the music you heard on the show today was written and recorded by Melody Edwards.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Hey Bizfit! Let’s Stay Connected</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/businessmisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@businessmisfits</a></p><p>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebusinessmisfit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebusinessmisfit</a></p><p>Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/homeserviceva" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homeserviceva</a></p><p>Connect on LinkedIn: @<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodysedwards/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">melodysedwards</a></p><p><br></p><p>Find all my things: <a href="http://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p><p><strong class="ql-size-large">Melody Edwards </strong>is a lifelong entrepreneur with a sparkly brain and a passion for building purpose-driven businesses. Over the past 25 years, she has successfully started, acquired, operated, and sold a variety of unconventional businesses, ultimately leading her to co-found <a href="https://www.HomeServiceVA.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>HomeServiceVA.com</em></a> with her first assistant, Din. Together, they built the company they wished had existed when they first started working together—a virtual assistant matchmaking agency that helps entrepreneurs streamline their operations with effective systems and talented virtual collaborators.</p><p>Being diagnosed with ADHD as a young adult changed her life. With newfound insight and understanding, Melody set out to master her brain's unique wiring, creating systems that allowed her to thrive in the "sparkliest" parts of her brain while delegating tasks that drained her. One of the most transformative decisions she made was hiring an Executive Assistant, which expedited her impact by allowing her to focus on the big projects and ideas that energize her.</p><p>Through her podcast, <a href="https://bit.ly/BizMisfits" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>The Business Misfits</em></a>, Melody shares insights from her decades-long business journey and interviews fellow unconventional entrepreneurs to empower others to embrace their inner "Bizfit" and build businesses on their own terms. Her mission is to help purpose-driven business owners craft their path with creativity, intuition, and heart.</p><p>Outside of business, Melody is a creative human who loves ALL THE THINGS… friends, AI, singing, bike rides, camping, crafting, ice cream, and building things. She lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband Matt, their children Sophia and Max, and their dog Shaun. </p><p>You can find all her things on <a href="https://www.melodythings.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.melodythings.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/building-resilience]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">81a93e82-2e3c-4451-bfc1-c6d35979829c</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/f56d459f-b8f8-4811-8083-655bfb430cac/YALSO1T5SY7WQ_difEqsfKQT.jpg"/><pubDate>Tue, 29 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/4182e3e2-ec0e-4585-b624-75e8f5128547/BMP-1-Kedma-Ough.mp3" length="44592900" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>46:27</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:episode>1</podcast:episode><podcast:season>1</podcast:season><podcast:transcript url="https://transcripts.captivate.fm/transcript/5df75637-6ae4-4758-98f6-1948fa06e5ca/index.html" type="text/html"/></item><item><title>Introducing the Business Misfits Podcast- Redefining Success for Heart-Centered Leaders and Visionary Entrepreneurs</title><itunes:title>Introducing the Business Misfits Podcast- Redefining Success for Heart-Centered Leaders and Visionary Entrepreneurs</itunes:title><description><![CDATA[<p>Are you an unconventional thinker or a purpose-driven entrepreneur who feels out of place in the traditional business world? Then the *Business Misfits Podcast* is your new home!</p><p>Melody Edwards is your guide to your guide through the world of heart-centered entrepreneurship and a fellow "business misfit"—someone who challenges the status quo and opts for a creative adventure over a rigid formula. Melody promises intriguing conversations with like-minded visionaries and boundary-pushers. Each episode aims to inspire and motivate, helping you transform your creative and intuitive business ideas into impactful realities. </p><p>Subscribe today and join the community of misfits who measure success not just in profits, but in the lives they touch and the difference they make. </p><p>New episodes drop every Tuesday on your favorite podcast platform.</p><p>4zdlGd8qeIIYCvmffUCF</p>]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you an unconventional thinker or a purpose-driven entrepreneur who feels out of place in the traditional business world? Then the *Business Misfits Podcast* is your new home!</p><p>Melody Edwards is your guide to your guide through the world of heart-centered entrepreneurship and a fellow "business misfit"—someone who challenges the status quo and opts for a creative adventure over a rigid formula. Melody promises intriguing conversations with like-minded visionaries and boundary-pushers. Each episode aims to inspire and motivate, helping you transform your creative and intuitive business ideas into impactful realities. </p><p>Subscribe today and join the community of misfits who measure success not just in profits, but in the lives they touch and the difference they make. </p><p>New episodes drop every Tuesday on your favorite podcast platform.</p><p>4zdlGd8qeIIYCvmffUCF</p>]]></content:encoded><link><![CDATA[https://soulproprietorpod.com/episodes/heart-centered-leaders]]></link><guid isPermaLink="false">8575433e-ddd8-48f6-849c-414b7e44f5bc</guid><itunes:image href="https://artwork.captivate.fm/97172d16-cb91-4733-8ec4-48cbaa16bf60/BzEqhQMIhi645rxFTMyl2bOu.jpg"/><pubDate>Sun, 20 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate><enclosure url="https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/4866da64-514a-4628-94b6-233bf7f4e026/BMP-Trailer.mp3" length="1207901" type="audio/mpeg"/><itunes:duration>01:15</itunes:duration><itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit><itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><itunes:season>1</itunes:season><podcast:season>1</podcast:season></item></channel></rss>