<![CDATA[People On Purpose®]]>ca23d817-bfa5-5c12-8686-29e2bce40197Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:30 +0000Captivate.fmKira La Forgiahttps://artwork.captivate.fm/f3b1be4d-741d-423f-9e5e-3ab909e175e4/People-On-Purpose-Pod-Cover.jpgPeople On Purpose®Kira La ForgiaKira La ForgiaPeople On Purpose, the podcast that reminds you that your business doesn’t run on policies and processes alone... it runs on people. If you’ve been with us since the On The Up & Up! days, you probably remember the tactical HR tips, the “how-to hire” episodes, and my rants about I-9s and contractors vs. employees. And don’t worry, you’ll still hear the occasional HR compliance tip. But after years of working with hundreds of small businesses, I realized something big: It’s not the systems or the SOPs that make your business work. It’s the humans behind them. So this new chapter of the podcast is about the messy middle of building a team. Think: more purpose than payroll and more community than compliance. We’re talking about what it really takes to create a workplace where people actually want to show up, not because they have to, but because they believe in what you’re building… or at the very least, because it feels great to work there. Each week, we’ll explore the people-side of small business - from leadership and management, to community and culture - with best best practices, strategies, and the occasional leadership horror story - because we’ve all got ‘em.https://www.the-paradigm.com/podcasttrueepisodicnopodcastS2E8: Why the Best Teams Feel a Little Bit Like a CultS2E8: Why the Best Teams Feel a Little Bit Like a CultNot an actual cult. But kind of. The teams that show up fully, carry the business when things get hard, and genuinely care about the mission all have something in common — and it has nothing to do with skill set.

In this episode, we're getting personal about a really hard year, a team member who let us down, and what it taught us about what actually makes a team work. Spoiler: it's not the offer letter.

Listen in to hear:

  1. What cult-like community actually means in a small business context — and what it definitely doesn't
  2. Why hiring someone you already know and trust can teach you everything about culture
  3. The real reason our best revenue year happened during our hardest personal year
  4. Why engagement has nothing to do with perks and everything to do with connection
  5. Why you can mess up the onboarding paperwork and still build an incredible team — and exactly when that excuse runs out

]]>Not an actual cult. But kind of. The teams that show up fully, carry the business when things get hard, and genuinely care about the mission all have something in common — and it has nothing to do with skill set.

In this episode, we're getting personal about a really hard year, a team member who let us down, and what it taught us about what actually makes a team work. Spoiler: it's not the offer letter.

Listen in to hear:

  1. What cult-like community actually means in a small business context — and what it definitely doesn't
  2. Why hiring someone you already know and trust can teach you everything about culture
  3. The real reason our best revenue year happened during our hardest personal year
  4. Why engagement has nothing to do with perks and everything to do with connection
  5. Why you can mess up the onboarding paperwork and still build an incredible team — and exactly when that excuse runs out

]]>1f90b72c-c393-429b-894e-219268a67428Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -070035:04truefull2882S2E7: The Real Reason Your Hires Aren't Working OutS2E7: The Real Reason Your Hires Aren't Working OutIf you've ever let someone go in their first 90 days and thought "another bad hire" — this episode is going to challenge that story. The real reason your hires aren't working out probably has less to do with them and a lot more to do with what's happening before they ever find their footing.

Listen in to hear:

  1. The surprising parallel between your customer experience and your employee onboarding
  2. Why the first 90 days are 100% your responsibility as a leader — and why that's actually good news
  3. What most small business owners get wrong about onboarding talented people
  4. Why the better the hire, the more onboarding they actually need
  5. How to stop living in the echo chamber of "employees these days" and start taking ownership

]]>If you've ever let someone go in their first 90 days and thought "another bad hire" — this episode is going to challenge that story. The real reason your hires aren't working out probably has less to do with them and a lot more to do with what's happening before they ever find their footing.

Listen in to hear:

  1. The surprising parallel between your customer experience and your employee onboarding
  2. Why the first 90 days are 100% your responsibility as a leader — and why that's actually good news
  3. What most small business owners get wrong about onboarding talented people
  4. Why the better the hire, the more onboarding they actually need
  5. How to stop living in the echo chamber of "employees these days" and start taking ownership

]]>2e736931-8c61-47f8-a43f-87341bf59c40Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -070033:25truefull2772S2E6: Evolution of CultureS2E6: Evolution of CultureIf something feels off in your business and you can't quite put your finger on it — culture could be the culprit. Company culture doesn't collapse overnight. It drifts over time and by the time most founders realize there's been a shift, it can be difficult to get things back on track.

In this episode we break down the four phases every small business culture goes through, how to identify which one you're in right now, and what to do about it before it gets expensive.

Listen in to hear:

  1. Why culture is the root cause of most of the problems showing up in your business right now
  2. The four phases of company culture and what each one requires from you as a leader
  3. Why founders don't notice their culture is changing until something breaks
  4. What it actually means to let your culture evolve intentionally instead of accidentally
  5. Why addressing your culture is basically therapy for your business

]]>If something feels off in your business and you can't quite put your finger on it — culture could be the culprit. Company culture doesn't collapse overnight. It drifts over time and by the time most founders realize there's been a shift, it can be difficult to get things back on track.

In this episode we break down the four phases every small business culture goes through, how to identify which one you're in right now, and what to do about it before it gets expensive.

Listen in to hear:

  1. Why culture is the root cause of most of the problems showing up in your business right now
  2. The four phases of company culture and what each one requires from you as a leader
  3. Why founders don't notice their culture is changing until something breaks
  4. What it actually means to let your culture evolve intentionally instead of accidentally
  5. Why addressing your culture is basically therapy for your business

]]>1c2de4b7-201e-4220-9fa0-e7ea50451d4bWed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -070050:54truefull2662S2E5: Having Difficult Conversations 2.0S2E5: Having Difficult Conversations 2.0If you're the one always delivering bad news, rejecting PTO requests, and handling every performance issue — even for people who don't directly report to you — there's a problem. Your managers are avoiding the hard conversations by passing the uncomfortable stuff up to you, which means you're stuck doing everyone's job instead of actually leading your business.

This episode is about why difficult conversations keep landing on your desk, and how to shift that responsibility back to where it belongs: with your managers.

Listen in to hear:

  1. Why copying someone else's leadership style makes you less effective in the moment.
  2. The three questions every manager should be able to answer without hesitation.
  3. Why PTO approvals are a capacity planning tool, not an admin task.
  4. What bottom-up accountability actually looks like in practtice.
  5. The real cost of managers who dodge difficult conversations.

]]>If you're the one always delivering bad news, rejecting PTO requests, and handling every performance issue — even for people who don't directly report to you — there's a problem. Your managers are avoiding the hard conversations by passing the uncomfortable stuff up to you, which means you're stuck doing everyone's job instead of actually leading your business.

This episode is about why difficult conversations keep landing on your desk, and how to shift that responsibility back to where it belongs: with your managers.

Listen in to hear:

  1. Why copying someone else's leadership style makes you less effective in the moment.
  2. The three questions every manager should be able to answer without hesitation.
  3. Why PTO approvals are a capacity planning tool, not an admin task.
  4. What bottom-up accountability actually looks like in practtice.
  5. The real cost of managers who dodge difficult conversations.

]]>9e494f89-f4c0-4609-bed4-3b835466082cWed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -070036:16truefull2552S2E4: Stop Treating HR Like a Necessary EvilS2E4: Stop Treating HR Like a Necessary EvilMost founders think HR = legal protection. A compliance checkbox. Something you have to “deal with” when a problem pops up — and something you try not to think about the rest of the time.

But if you’re constantly putting out fires with your team, drowning in management conversations, or second-guessing every business decision because you don’t know how it will land, HR might not be the solution — it’s more likely the root of the problem.

In this episode we flip the script about HR and help you dig into what it should actually be: the engine that drives growth, profitability, and a team that doesn’t want to leave.

Listen in to hear why:

  1. The “call me when you need me” approach to HR is keeping you stuck in reactive mode, always plugging holes instead of building systems that grow with you.
  2. Your brilliant ideas might be unprofitable — and how strategic HR can help you find out for sure.
  3. Proactive support helps you adapt to organizational changes quickly and efficiently.
  4. Compliance is the gateway, not the destination — the real work is in leadership development and communication.
  5. You need a partner who filters every decision through the lens of “How will this actually work with our team?”

]]>Most founders think HR = legal protection. A compliance checkbox. Something you have to “deal with” when a problem pops up — and something you try not to think about the rest of the time.

But if you’re constantly putting out fires with your team, drowning in management conversations, or second-guessing every business decision because you don’t know how it will land, HR might not be the solution — it’s more likely the root of the problem.

In this episode we flip the script about HR and help you dig into what it should actually be: the engine that drives growth, profitability, and a team that doesn’t want to leave.

Listen in to hear why:

  1. The “call me when you need me” approach to HR is keeping you stuck in reactive mode, always plugging holes instead of building systems that grow with you.
  2. Your brilliant ideas might be unprofitable — and how strategic HR can help you find out for sure.
  3. Proactive support helps you adapt to organizational changes quickly and efficiently.
  4. Compliance is the gateway, not the destination — the real work is in leadership development and communication.
  5. You need a partner who filters every decision through the lens of “How will this actually work with our team?”

]]>79b34baf-a12e-48aa-bcab-62f7da7aa3e3Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -070025:54truefull2442S2E3 Is Your Need for Control Costing You Money?S2E3 Is Your Need for Control Costing You Money?Let’s talk about how the fear of letting go is often the exact thing keeping founders stuck, whether it’s at a revenue plateau, in team chaos, or just straight-up exhausted. This episode talks about why your business can’t be built on “cement” (aka rigid control) when the world is built on constant change (market shifts, team changes, and yes… vibes). You’ll hear the difference between relinquishing control and relinquishing accountability, and why confusing those two will sink you in founder quicksand. 

Listen in to hear why:

  • Control isn’t a growth strategy, it’s usually a fear response wearing a blazer.
  • Relinquishing control does NOT mean relinquishing accountability.
  • Your advisors should evolve with your business, because the people who got you to $100K might not be the ones who get you to $1M.
  • Autonomy is a culture feature. If your managers can’t make decisions, your company can’t grow (and your inbox becomes a war zone).

]]>Let’s talk about how the fear of letting go is often the exact thing keeping founders stuck, whether it’s at a revenue plateau, in team chaos, or just straight-up exhausted. This episode talks about why your business can’t be built on “cement” (aka rigid control) when the world is built on constant change (market shifts, team changes, and yes… vibes). You’ll hear the difference between relinquishing control and relinquishing accountability, and why confusing those two will sink you in founder quicksand. 

Listen in to hear why:

  • Control isn’t a growth strategy, it’s usually a fear response wearing a blazer.
  • Relinquishing control does NOT mean relinquishing accountability.
  • Your advisors should evolve with your business, because the people who got you to $100K might not be the ones who get you to $1M.
  • Autonomy is a culture feature. If your managers can’t make decisions, your company can’t grow (and your inbox becomes a war zone).

]]>c105e59f-90f5-486f-8313-6c64856eb1f7Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -070035:00truefull2332S2E2: Falling In Love With Your BusinessS2E2: Falling In Love With Your BusinessIf the idea of “falling in love” with your business makes you roll your eyes a little…same. But hear us out:

In this episode, Kira talks through what that phrase actually means: building a business that feels worth showing up for, especially when life is doing the absolute most.

This episode is part pep talk, part leadership reality check, and part “hey girl, your mission statement can’t just live in a Canva deck.” We’re talking all about mission & vision, trust, leadership identity, and how to build a team culture that’s unified, bought-in, and honestly… a little cult-like (in the best, non-creepy way).

Key Takeaways:

  • Your mission and vision aren’t “set it and forget it”. They need revisiting as you evolve.
  • Trust on a team is more than just you trusting them, it’s you building systems that help them trust you.
  • The strongest leadership doesn't involve copy/paste from LinkedIn or Shark Tank, but rather owning who you are and leading from that.
  • A “cult-like” team culture comes from shared commitment to the mission (not surface-level perks and vibes).
  • Your business will reflect back what you put into it, and alignment + authenticity are what make it

This one’s your reminder that you don’t need a new personality to lead well...you just need to lead on purpose!

]]>If the idea of “falling in love” with your business makes you roll your eyes a little…same. But hear us out:

In this episode, Kira talks through what that phrase actually means: building a business that feels worth showing up for, especially when life is doing the absolute most.

This episode is part pep talk, part leadership reality check, and part “hey girl, your mission statement can’t just live in a Canva deck.” We’re talking all about mission & vision, trust, leadership identity, and how to build a team culture that’s unified, bought-in, and honestly… a little cult-like (in the best, non-creepy way).

Key Takeaways:

  • Your mission and vision aren’t “set it and forget it”. They need revisiting as you evolve.
  • Trust on a team is more than just you trusting them, it’s you building systems that help them trust you.
  • The strongest leadership doesn't involve copy/paste from LinkedIn or Shark Tank, but rather owning who you are and leading from that.
  • A “cult-like” team culture comes from shared commitment to the mission (not surface-level perks and vibes).
  • Your business will reflect back what you put into it, and alignment + authenticity are what make it

This one’s your reminder that you don’t need a new personality to lead well...you just need to lead on purpose!

]]>a9d10191-1082-4e78-b001-42d9fdb224e0Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -070026:00truefull2222S2E1: The Wake-Up Call That Shattered My Leadership IdentityS2E1: The Wake-Up Call That Shattered My Leadership IdentityTake a peek behind the curtain of the podcast’s brand-new direction that’s less “HR rulebook,” more “let’s talk about the wonderfully unpredictable humans running your business.” Kira shares the personal burnout story that cracked her leadership wide open, why mental health and real support systems aren’t optional, and what authentic leadership actually looks like when you stop white-knuckling through it.

Kira’s story sets the tone for this new era and is an open invitation for returning listeners and fresh arrivals to buckle up and align with the honest, human-first conversations that will guide every episode from here on out.

We're so glad you're along for this ride!

]]>Take a peek behind the curtain of the podcast’s brand-new direction that’s less “HR rulebook,” more “let’s talk about the wonderfully unpredictable humans running your business.” Kira shares the personal burnout story that cracked her leadership wide open, why mental health and real support systems aren’t optional, and what authentic leadership actually looks like when you stop white-knuckling through it.

Kira’s story sets the tone for this new era and is an open invitation for returning listeners and fresh arrivals to buckle up and align with the honest, human-first conversations that will guide every episode from here on out.

We're so glad you're along for this ride!

]]>35890bb0-3e4b-40d8-8ed2-7068625e7d0fWed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -070022:09truefull2112People On Purpose®People On Purpose®People On Purpose® Trailer

]]>People On Purpose® Trailer

]]>67515e39-ca64-4e09-9840-e1d4778fe130Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -070001:22truefull22Ep. 112 Sunsetting a Core Offer & Saying Goodbye to Set To ScaleEp. 112 Sunsetting a Core Offer & Saying Goodbye to Set To ScaleSometimes the best move in business is pulling the plug on something that’s “working” (ugh lol)

This episode is more personal than usual because I’m opening up about sunsetting our Set to Scale® membership. It’s a decision that didn’t come lightly, but one that brought me more clarity (and relief) than I expected in the chaos of it all.

I’m sharing:

  • Why a membership that looked profitable on paper wasn’t sustainable in real life
  • The mix of trauma, vulnerability, and strategy that pushed me to finally make the call
  • What this shift means for how Paradigm is serving clients moving forward 
  • How you can think about your own offers when it’s time to pivot or let go


If you’ve ever had to retire an offer, or are staring down a decision you know you need to make, this one will definitely hit home.

]]>Sometimes the best move in business is pulling the plug on something that’s “working” (ugh lol)

This episode is more personal than usual because I’m opening up about sunsetting our Set to Scale® membership. It’s a decision that didn’t come lightly, but one that brought me more clarity (and relief) than I expected in the chaos of it all.

I’m sharing:

  • Why a membership that looked profitable on paper wasn’t sustainable in real life
  • The mix of trauma, vulnerability, and strategy that pushed me to finally make the call
  • What this shift means for how Paradigm is serving clients moving forward 
  • How you can think about your own offers when it’s time to pivot or let go


If you’ve ever had to retire an offer, or are staring down a decision you know you need to make, this one will definitely hit home.

]]>bc69da44-d541-49c2-bb52-781d41913601Wed, 10 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -070044:12truefull11121121Ep. 111 Hiring your friends...? Listen to this first!Ep. 111 Hiring your friends...? Listen to this first!Let's answer one of the most common (and complicated) leadership questions: Should I hire someone I’m friends with?

I'm sharing hard-won lessons from client stories and my own team, including what makes these hires work…or crash and burn. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at what being locked out of Instagram for a month taught me about boundaries, balance, and why your socials aren’t everything.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why hiring friends can work and when it absolutely doesn’t
  • How to tell someone you care about they’re not the right fit
  • The hiring rubric every founder needs to stay objective
  • Why your leadership style is the real dealbreaker

Sign up for our newsletter : https://the-paradigm.com/newsletter

]]>Let's answer one of the most common (and complicated) leadership questions: Should I hire someone I’m friends with?

I'm sharing hard-won lessons from client stories and my own team, including what makes these hires work…or crash and burn. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at what being locked out of Instagram for a month taught me about boundaries, balance, and why your socials aren’t everything.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why hiring friends can work and when it absolutely doesn’t
  • How to tell someone you care about they’re not the right fit
  • The hiring rubric every founder needs to stay objective
  • Why your leadership style is the real dealbreaker

Sign up for our newsletter : https://the-paradigm.com/newsletter

]]>d8b9ca4e-c1ee-4e0f-a3bf-341f83e1306dWed, 16 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -070027:18truefull11111111Ep. 110 Staying Solo & Selling Smart with Copywriter Andrea ShahEp. 110 Staying Solo & Selling Smart with Copywriter Andrea ShahIn this episode, I’m joined by copywriter Andrea Shah for a conversation about messaging that works and feels like you. We’re talking about what drives buyers to say “yes,” how to balance fear-based marketing with real connection, and why your website copy matters just as much (if not more!) than your brand design.

Andrea shares:

  • How her career went from corporate translation gigs to website copy for creative business owners
  • Why she chose the solo path instead of scaling a team and what she’s learned about leadership along the way
  • How wedding pros (and any creative entrepreneur) can use buyer psychology to sell with empathy, not pressure
  • Tips for setting realistic timelines, booking clients on a waitlist, and handling slow seasons without panic
  • Her two quick wins to improve your website copy today (it’s easier than you think)

About Andrea Shah

Andrea Shah is a conversion copywriter who helps wedding professionals and other creative business owners turn their websites into working sales tools. With a background in brand voice, website strategy, and buyer psychology, Andrea’s specialty is writing copy that feels personal, powerful, and clear. She’s a Diet Coke enthusiast, market research nerd, and firm believer that you don’t have to scale a team to build a successful business.

Find and follow Andrea at andreashah.com and on Instagram & Threads at @andreashahcopy.

]]>In this episode, I’m joined by copywriter Andrea Shah for a conversation about messaging that works and feels like you. We’re talking about what drives buyers to say “yes,” how to balance fear-based marketing with real connection, and why your website copy matters just as much (if not more!) than your brand design.

Andrea shares:

  • How her career went from corporate translation gigs to website copy for creative business owners
  • Why she chose the solo path instead of scaling a team and what she’s learned about leadership along the way
  • How wedding pros (and any creative entrepreneur) can use buyer psychology to sell with empathy, not pressure
  • Tips for setting realistic timelines, booking clients on a waitlist, and handling slow seasons without panic
  • Her two quick wins to improve your website copy today (it’s easier than you think)

About Andrea Shah

Andrea Shah is a conversion copywriter who helps wedding professionals and other creative business owners turn their websites into working sales tools. With a background in brand voice, website strategy, and buyer psychology, Andrea’s specialty is writing copy that feels personal, powerful, and clear. She’s a Diet Coke enthusiast, market research nerd, and firm believer that you don’t have to scale a team to build a successful business.

Find and follow Andrea at andreashah.com and on Instagram & Threads at @andreashahcopy.

]]>ef0fae36-77d1-4763-a6fc-fcb887cbb739Wed, 09 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -070058:10truefull11101101Ep. 109 The No-BS Guide to Legally Paying Your EmployeesEp. 109 The No-BS Guide to Legally Paying Your EmployeesPay and wages are hands-down one of the most confusing parts of hiring for the leaders we talk to. You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself wondering, why you can’t just cut a $500 check to your assistant at the end of a big project,

This episode gets right to the point to clear the fog and give you a straight answer about the only two legal ways to pay an employee. This one’s short, sweet, and essential if you’re building a team.

You’ll hear:

💰 The only two legal ways to pay employees (and why “project pay” usually isn’t one of them)

⚖️ When a flat rate might actually work and when it’s a compliance disaster

📅 The payroll schedule I recommend to keep things simple, clean, and legal

🧾 How to budget labor costs without accidentally breaking wage laws

LINKS MENTIONED

Contact Paradigm: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>Pay and wages are hands-down one of the most confusing parts of hiring for the leaders we talk to. You’re not alone if you’ve found yourself wondering, why you can’t just cut a $500 check to your assistant at the end of a big project,

This episode gets right to the point to clear the fog and give you a straight answer about the only two legal ways to pay an employee. This one’s short, sweet, and essential if you’re building a team.

You’ll hear:

💰 The only two legal ways to pay employees (and why “project pay” usually isn’t one of them)

⚖️ When a flat rate might actually work and when it’s a compliance disaster

📅 The payroll schedule I recommend to keep things simple, clean, and legal

🧾 How to budget labor costs without accidentally breaking wage laws

LINKS MENTIONED

Contact Paradigm: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>e76803f6-1081-41cd-8ce6-82051146b7e4Wed, 14 May 2025 06:00:00 -070019:55truefull11091091Ep. 108 Why “Good Culture” Falls Apart Without a Shared VocabularyEp. 108 Why “Good Culture” Falls Apart Without a Shared VocabularyAfter coming off an inspiring in-person team retreat, I’m sharing the real markers of success inside a small business. This episode explores the culture-defining power of clearly communicating expectations, especially around one of the most misunderstood (and overused) buzzwords in business: flexibility. If you've ever wondered why your team isn't "getting it" or how to lead with more clarity, tune in to this episode!

We cover:

  • Why in-person connection still matters in remote teams (even in 2025)
  • How “flexibility” can backfire when it’s not clearly defined
  • The one question every leader should ask to check the pulse of their culture
  • How to identify what success actually looks like in a healthy team based on your values

Listen now and grab your free HR Self-Assessment to make sure your culture is built on solid ground.

LINKS MENTIONED

HR Self Assessment: https://the-paradigm.com/hr-self-assessment

]]>After coming off an inspiring in-person team retreat, I’m sharing the real markers of success inside a small business. This episode explores the culture-defining power of clearly communicating expectations, especially around one of the most misunderstood (and overused) buzzwords in business: flexibility. If you've ever wondered why your team isn't "getting it" or how to lead with more clarity, tune in to this episode!

We cover:

  • Why in-person connection still matters in remote teams (even in 2025)
  • How “flexibility” can backfire when it’s not clearly defined
  • The one question every leader should ask to check the pulse of their culture
  • How to identify what success actually looks like in a healthy team based on your values

Listen now and grab your free HR Self-Assessment to make sure your culture is built on solid ground.

LINKS MENTIONED

HR Self Assessment: https://the-paradigm.com/hr-self-assessment

]]>e027a377-c0d9-40bf-9a8d-e48f79c4a357Wed, 07 May 2025 06:00:00 -070022:19truefull11081081Ep. 107 How I’m Using AI Without Selling My Soul (or Screwing Over My Clients)Ep. 107 How I’m Using AI Without Selling My Soul (or Screwing Over My Clients)Let’s talk about how I’m using AI in my business and my personal life to make things easier without losing the heart, ethics, or human-centered focus of my work. I’m sharing the tools I use, the workflows that save me HOURS each week, and some surprising ways AI has helped me make decisions, manage my health, and even stay emotionally regulated.

If you’ve been feeling weird about using AI or wondering how to do it without turning into a walking ChatGPT regurgitator...

Tune in for:

  • How I use AI to turn longform content (like client calls or podcasts) into social-ready content
  • Why it’s my secret weapon for remembering client details and cutting down on call prep
  • The surprising way I use AI to help me stay on track with health goals
  • How ChatGPT helps me rewrite emotionally-charged emails so I can respond with clarity
  • Why I believe you can (and should) use AI and still be an ethical, values-driven human (with a healthy dose of skepticism)

Links Mentioned:


]]>Let’s talk about how I’m using AI in my business and my personal life to make things easier without losing the heart, ethics, or human-centered focus of my work. I’m sharing the tools I use, the workflows that save me HOURS each week, and some surprising ways AI has helped me make decisions, manage my health, and even stay emotionally regulated.

If you’ve been feeling weird about using AI or wondering how to do it without turning into a walking ChatGPT regurgitator...

Tune in for:

  • How I use AI to turn longform content (like client calls or podcasts) into social-ready content
  • Why it’s my secret weapon for remembering client details and cutting down on call prep
  • The surprising way I use AI to help me stay on track with health goals
  • How ChatGPT helps me rewrite emotionally-charged emails so I can respond with clarity
  • Why I believe you can (and should) use AI and still be an ethical, values-driven human (with a healthy dose of skepticism)

Links Mentioned:


]]>0c9d70b4-4f6d-4921-b408-aff4d86fae62Wed, 23 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -070030:20truefull11071071Ep. 106 How to Grow Without Losing Yourself with Sam Vander WielenEp. 106 How to Grow Without Losing Yourself with Sam Vander WielenWhat if your business was the least interesting thing about you? In this episode, Kira sits down with legal educator and author Sam Vander Wielen to talk about building a life-first business…one that can weather anything, from grief to burnout to the chaos of online entrepreneurship. They cover everything from crisis-proofing your systems to writing a book deal-worthy proposal and ignoring the internet gurus. Whether you're scaling or just starting out, this is your reminder that simpler can be smarter.

In this episode, you'll hear:

  • How Sam built an $8M biz around one offer
  • Why your passion doesn’t have to be your product
  • Crisis-proofing your business
  • The anti-guru way to grow your business
  • The truth about personal branding vs. personal identity
  • Why When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy is the book we all needed in business school

Links Mentioned


]]>What if your business was the least interesting thing about you? In this episode, Kira sits down with legal educator and author Sam Vander Wielen to talk about building a life-first business…one that can weather anything, from grief to burnout to the chaos of online entrepreneurship. They cover everything from crisis-proofing your systems to writing a book deal-worthy proposal and ignoring the internet gurus. Whether you're scaling or just starting out, this is your reminder that simpler can be smarter.

In this episode, you'll hear:

  • How Sam built an $8M biz around one offer
  • Why your passion doesn’t have to be your product
  • Crisis-proofing your business
  • The anti-guru way to grow your business
  • The truth about personal branding vs. personal identity
  • Why When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy is the book we all needed in business school

Links Mentioned


]]>e0109247-e8fe-46a0-bed7-144a6a4e003fWed, 16 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -070052:52truefull11061061Ep. 105: Business Is Weird Right Now. Here’s What I’m Doing About It.Ep. 105: Business Is Weird Right Now. Here’s What I’m Doing About It.We made it to Q2, but not without some bruises. In this solo episode, Kira shares her raw, honest take on what Q1 of 2025 taught her as a founder, leader, and business owner navigating through uncertainty (and yes, a two-star review). From finding stability in chaos to staying agile in how we serve, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons and powerful reminders for anyone leading a team right now.

Whether you’re riding high or barely hanging on, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why your team doesn’t need a perfect leader – just a steady one
  • What one bad review taught Kira about accountability, growth, and protecting your team’s confidence
  • The leadership trait people are craving more than ever in uncertain times
  • Why agility beats rigidity when it comes to offers, org charts, and internal ops
  • A new HR self-assessment tool designed to show you what you don’t know about compliance (and why that’s not your fault)

Listen now to hear Kira’s hot takes, honest confessions, and real talk about leading in today’s landscape.

LINKS MENTIONED

Don’t forget to grab the HR Self-Assessment Tool and DM Kira your score! 

The-paradigmHR Self Assessment For Small Businesses

]]>We made it to Q2, but not without some bruises. In this solo episode, Kira shares her raw, honest take on what Q1 of 2025 taught her as a founder, leader, and business owner navigating through uncertainty (and yes, a two-star review). From finding stability in chaos to staying agile in how we serve, this episode is full of hard-earned lessons and powerful reminders for anyone leading a team right now.

Whether you’re riding high or barely hanging on, this one’s for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

  • Why your team doesn’t need a perfect leader – just a steady one
  • What one bad review taught Kira about accountability, growth, and protecting your team’s confidence
  • The leadership trait people are craving more than ever in uncertain times
  • Why agility beats rigidity when it comes to offers, org charts, and internal ops
  • A new HR self-assessment tool designed to show you what you don’t know about compliance (and why that’s not your fault)

Listen now to hear Kira’s hot takes, honest confessions, and real talk about leading in today’s landscape.

LINKS MENTIONED

Don’t forget to grab the HR Self-Assessment Tool and DM Kira your score! 

The-paradigmHR Self Assessment For Small Businesses

]]>0eb4f459-10bd-436d-a3a8-5a0be7b19b04Wed, 02 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -070029:57truefull11051051Ep. 104: Three Silent Mistakes Wedding and Events Pros Make With Their TeamEp. 104: Three Silent Mistakes Wedding and Events Pros Make With Their TeamIn this episode, I’m diving into all things HR in the wedding and events world—because let’s be real, planning dreamy days doesn’t mean your backend operations should be a nightmare. We’re talking about some of the most common missteps pros make when it comes to classifying employees, setting up pay structures, and building a team culture that actually works. I’m breaking down the legal stuff in a way that doesn’t make your eyes glaze over—and sharing how to make HR work for your business (not against it).

What You’ll Learn

✨ The HR headaches that are way too common in the wedding and events industry

⚖️ Why getting employee vs. contractor classification right really matters

💸 How your pay structure should support both your business goals and your team

🌿 The kind of culture that helps your team thrive (and keeps you out of legal hot water)

📋 Why HR should feel like support, not red tape

🔍 How an HR self-assessment can shine a light on your blind spots

💬 The power of community and ongoing education in staying ahead of the curve

Whether you’re running a solo operation or managing a growing team, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about the people side of your business.

]]>In this episode, I’m diving into all things HR in the wedding and events world—because let’s be real, planning dreamy days doesn’t mean your backend operations should be a nightmare. We’re talking about some of the most common missteps pros make when it comes to classifying employees, setting up pay structures, and building a team culture that actually works. I’m breaking down the legal stuff in a way that doesn’t make your eyes glaze over—and sharing how to make HR work for your business (not against it).

What You’ll Learn

✨ The HR headaches that are way too common in the wedding and events industry

⚖️ Why getting employee vs. contractor classification right really matters

💸 How your pay structure should support both your business goals and your team

🌿 The kind of culture that helps your team thrive (and keeps you out of legal hot water)

📋 Why HR should feel like support, not red tape

🔍 How an HR self-assessment can shine a light on your blind spots

💬 The power of community and ongoing education in staying ahead of the curve

Whether you’re running a solo operation or managing a growing team, this episode will help you make smarter, more confident decisions about the people side of your business.

]]>e4a97edf-4786-49e9-b3fe-3633a706462bWed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -070015:16truefull11041041Ep. 103 Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, & the HR Nightmare Of It AllEp. 103 Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, & the HR Nightmare Of It AllCome gab with two pop-culture junkies with unhealthy celeb gossip addictions and an alarming depth of knowledge in HR and legal drama as we deep-dive into one of Hollywood’s juiciest legal cases.

Kelli Jones and I are serving up the piping hot tea on the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case. We're breaking down the details we can’t stop obsessing over and the surprisingly relatable lessons small business owners can steal from it. Long story short: there’s more to learn here than just who sent the cringiest late-night texts…

About Kelli Jones 

Kelli is a lawyer, passive income strategist, and digital entrepreneur with equal parts dreamer and doer. She ditched her 9-7 for her own law firm in 2020 and never looked back. Kelli traded working all the time for a job she hated in a toxic environment to build a brand of her own to help entrepreneurs stop dreading the legal and start taking it seriously.

]]>Come gab with two pop-culture junkies with unhealthy celeb gossip addictions and an alarming depth of knowledge in HR and legal drama as we deep-dive into one of Hollywood’s juiciest legal cases.

Kelli Jones and I are serving up the piping hot tea on the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni case. We're breaking down the details we can’t stop obsessing over and the surprisingly relatable lessons small business owners can steal from it. Long story short: there’s more to learn here than just who sent the cringiest late-night texts…

About Kelli Jones 

Kelli is a lawyer, passive income strategist, and digital entrepreneur with equal parts dreamer and doer. She ditched her 9-7 for her own law firm in 2020 and never looked back. Kelli traded working all the time for a job she hated in a toxic environment to build a brand of her own to help entrepreneurs stop dreading the legal and start taking it seriously.

]]>d676bd7f-4a97-436a-9673-18ef196ed6e1Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -070046:35truefull11031031Ep. 102 Hiring An Assistant – What I Wish I Knew Sooner!Ep. 102 Hiring An Assistant – What I Wish I Knew Sooner!This week, I’m diving into my journey towards hiring an assistant (mistakes were made) and how I intentionally created their role to sidestep the pitfalls I’ve fallen into before.

  • My 2025 “word of the year” and how it’s guiding my decisions this year;
  • Two key tips from the business book that I now swear by; 
  • Mistakes made and lessons learned on the path to hiring the right kind of assistant (aka not a VA!)
  • Some of the ways that my role and approach to business has already changed for the better after just one month of having an assistant

LINKS MENTIONED:

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on all the new laws and rollbacks in this new political climate, and how they may impact your small business.

Sign up here: https://the-paradigm.com/newsletter 

]]>This week, I’m diving into my journey towards hiring an assistant (mistakes were made) and how I intentionally created their role to sidestep the pitfalls I’ve fallen into before.

  • My 2025 “word of the year” and how it’s guiding my decisions this year;
  • Two key tips from the business book that I now swear by; 
  • Mistakes made and lessons learned on the path to hiring the right kind of assistant (aka not a VA!)
  • Some of the ways that my role and approach to business has already changed for the better after just one month of having an assistant

LINKS MENTIONED:

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates on all the new laws and rollbacks in this new political climate, and how they may impact your small business.

Sign up here: https://the-paradigm.com/newsletter 

]]>c1ea15e0-42ce-4efc-808b-c1d0ebba7a32Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -070036:03truefull11021021Ep. 101: 2024 Recap and Lessons From A Growing HR Agency FounderEp. 101: 2024 Recap and Lessons From A Growing HR Agency FounderThis one is for the entrepreneurs who are ready to get off the roller coaster.

In this episode, Kira reflects on her journey through 2024 and sets the stage for 2025 and how her word of the year for 2024 drove her takeaways from the year, which had more ups and downs than usual.

We discuss:

  • the challenges Kira faced in her business,
  • the importance of community and relationships,
  • how innovation can stem from curiosity, and
  • Kira emphasizes the value of personal development and the lessons learned from navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, ultimately looking forward to a more connected year ahead.

For information about Fractional HR for your small business, please visit https://www.the-paradigm.com or to connect further with Kira, reach out via instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theparadigmm

]]>This one is for the entrepreneurs who are ready to get off the roller coaster.

In this episode, Kira reflects on her journey through 2024 and sets the stage for 2025 and how her word of the year for 2024 drove her takeaways from the year, which had more ups and downs than usual.

We discuss:

  • the challenges Kira faced in her business,
  • the importance of community and relationships,
  • how innovation can stem from curiosity, and
  • Kira emphasizes the value of personal development and the lessons learned from navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, ultimately looking forward to a more connected year ahead.

For information about Fractional HR for your small business, please visit https://www.the-paradigm.com or to connect further with Kira, reach out via instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theparadigmm

]]>b966f4d7-b5e2-43b5-88ef-824a038160ffWed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -070036:39truefull11011011Ep. 100! Politics At Work?! Leading Through Tension With EmpathyEp. 100! Politics At Work?! Leading Through Tension With EmpathyWe did it! We’ve hit the big 1-0-0! In what was originally planned to be a celebratory episode, we’re talking about something a little heavier, because we know it's been on a lot of your minds right now. And that is...

How to manage your team’s post-election stress and shaky team dynamics - especially when politics aren’t part of your company culture. 


No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, this episode offers actionable advice on setting boundaries, aligning values with culture, and creating environments where tough conversations lead to growth - not tension. We also unpack why avoiding conflict isn’t the answer and how focusing on shared values can serve as a bridge during divisive times.


So click play and celebrate 100 episodes of learning, leading, and leveling up with us! 🎉


LINKS MENTIONED

Discover your people leadership style and unlock your management potential: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Learn more about our signature management and leadership training program, People on Purpose: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose 


]]>We did it! We’ve hit the big 1-0-0! In what was originally planned to be a celebratory episode, we’re talking about something a little heavier, because we know it's been on a lot of your minds right now. And that is...

How to manage your team’s post-election stress and shaky team dynamics - especially when politics aren’t part of your company culture. 


No matter what side of the aisle you sit on, this episode offers actionable advice on setting boundaries, aligning values with culture, and creating environments where tough conversations lead to growth - not tension. We also unpack why avoiding conflict isn’t the answer and how focusing on shared values can serve as a bridge during divisive times.


So click play and celebrate 100 episodes of learning, leading, and leveling up with us! 🎉


LINKS MENTIONED

Discover your people leadership style and unlock your management potential: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Learn more about our signature management and leadership training program, People on Purpose: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose 


]]>06fb7ce2-99d4-44f6-8dbd-9af72ce44c77Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -070026:39truefull11001001Ep. 99: Behind The Veil Of Growing A Wedding Biz w/ Adrienna McDermottEp. 99: Behind The Veil Of Growing A Wedding Biz w/ Adrienna McDermottKira chats with Adrienna McDermott, founder of Ava and the Bee, about what it takes to build a successful wedding industry business. Adrienna shares about her journey from solopreneur to running a full-blown marketing agency – and the lessons she learned along the way about scaling with intention and why treating your people right is the right way to grow your business.

Whether you're a wedding pro or just someone who loves a good entrepreneurial success story, this episode is full of insights, laughs, and relatable moments.

Links Mentioned

Find Ava & The Bee and all their incredible resources at: https://avaandthebee.com/

]]>Kira chats with Adrienna McDermott, founder of Ava and the Bee, about what it takes to build a successful wedding industry business. Adrienna shares about her journey from solopreneur to running a full-blown marketing agency – and the lessons she learned along the way about scaling with intention and why treating your people right is the right way to grow your business.

Whether you're a wedding pro or just someone who loves a good entrepreneurial success story, this episode is full of insights, laughs, and relatable moments.

Links Mentioned

Find Ava & The Bee and all their incredible resources at: https://avaandthebee.com/

]]>a1c6b5d6-258b-4da6-8bd9-385bcade6e31Wed, 23 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -070048:32truefull199991Ep 98: Is Social Media Marketing Worth Your Time? with Emma Tessler of Ninety Five MediaEp 98: Is Social Media Marketing Worth Your Time? with Emma Tessler of Ninety Five MediaEver wondered if social media is actually making a difference in your business, or if it’s just another time suck? 🤔 

In today’s episode of On The Up & Up, we answer this question with Emma Tessler, founder of Ninety-Five Media. Emma’s been in the social media game since back when Instagram was all filtered food pics and sepia sunsets (we’ve come so far!). She’s seen firsthand how social has evolved from an afterthought to a make-or-break marketing tool, and she’s here to spill all the tea.


If you’re a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing social media landscape, this episode is your guide. We cover:


  • How social media influences 74% of buyers’ decisions (yep, that many!), making it a key player in your business’s success.
  • What she thinks about the advice floating around saying, “You can totally scale your business without social media.” (Spoiler alert: She has thoughts).
  • How to build a seamless brand experience on social media while still keeping it personal and relatable.
  • The evolution of social media marketing and how it’s changing the way small businesses create content in 2024.
  • The #1 key performance indicator Instagram looks at for their algorithm – so you know where to focus your energy for max impact.
  • Her advice for founders who are ready to transition their social presence from “It’s just me!” to a full-blown company brand now that they’ve got a team backing them up.
  • Her take as an agency owner on building, managing, and leading a team.


Whether you’re thinking about transitioning from a personal brand to a company presence or figuring out how to streamline your content creation, this episode offers tangible tips, like:


  • Leveraging trending content your way.
  • Using Instagram DMs as a powerful sales tool (hint: there’s more money in your DMs than you might think!).


If you want to level up your social game and align your brand for 2025, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using now!

Links Mentioned



]]>Ever wondered if social media is actually making a difference in your business, or if it’s just another time suck? 🤔 

In today’s episode of On The Up & Up, we answer this question with Emma Tessler, founder of Ninety-Five Media. Emma’s been in the social media game since back when Instagram was all filtered food pics and sepia sunsets (we’ve come so far!). She’s seen firsthand how social has evolved from an afterthought to a make-or-break marketing tool, and she’s here to spill all the tea.


If you’re a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing social media landscape, this episode is your guide. We cover:


  • How social media influences 74% of buyers’ decisions (yep, that many!), making it a key player in your business’s success.
  • What she thinks about the advice floating around saying, “You can totally scale your business without social media.” (Spoiler alert: She has thoughts).
  • How to build a seamless brand experience on social media while still keeping it personal and relatable.
  • The evolution of social media marketing and how it’s changing the way small businesses create content in 2024.
  • The #1 key performance indicator Instagram looks at for their algorithm – so you know where to focus your energy for max impact.
  • Her advice for founders who are ready to transition their social presence from “It’s just me!” to a full-blown company brand now that they’ve got a team backing them up.
  • Her take as an agency owner on building, managing, and leading a team.


Whether you’re thinking about transitioning from a personal brand to a company presence or figuring out how to streamline your content creation, this episode offers tangible tips, like:


  • Leveraging trending content your way.
  • Using Instagram DMs as a powerful sales tool (hint: there’s more money in your DMs than you might think!).


If you want to level up your social game and align your brand for 2025, this episode is packed with strategies you can start using now!

Links Mentioned



]]>14821432-b032-4405-957c-4833e4b6cfb4Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -070057:00truefull198981Ep. 97: Putting Hours Back On The Clock With Systems Expert Rachael MuellerEp. 97: Putting Hours Back On The Clock With Systems Expert Rachael MuellerDid you know the average business owner wastes 250 hours a year on tasks that could be automated? 

Today’s guest, Rachael Mueller, Fractional COO & Systems Expert, is here to help you reclaim that time. She’s an organization fanatic and aims to make herself obsolete for her clients by setting up sustainable systems, tools, and automations so your business runs smoothly – without needing constant oversight.

PLUS, since this *is* an HR podcast, we talk about how operations experts can stay independent without risking compliance classification issues (think: good contracts, defined scope, solid boundaries). And for the business owners listening, this is your reminder to make sure you’re treating your working relationships with external experts the right way to keep things above board.


Tune in to learn how processes, tools, and automations can make you fall in love with your business again!


Links Mentioned: 


Connect with Rachael on IG: @hay.rachael


Rachael’s Website: https://heyrachael.com/

]]>Did you know the average business owner wastes 250 hours a year on tasks that could be automated? 

Today’s guest, Rachael Mueller, Fractional COO & Systems Expert, is here to help you reclaim that time. She’s an organization fanatic and aims to make herself obsolete for her clients by setting up sustainable systems, tools, and automations so your business runs smoothly – without needing constant oversight.

PLUS, since this *is* an HR podcast, we talk about how operations experts can stay independent without risking compliance classification issues (think: good contracts, defined scope, solid boundaries). And for the business owners listening, this is your reminder to make sure you’re treating your working relationships with external experts the right way to keep things above board.


Tune in to learn how processes, tools, and automations can make you fall in love with your business again!


Links Mentioned: 


Connect with Rachael on IG: @hay.rachael


Rachael’s Website: https://heyrachael.com/

]]>43685b1b-011e-4864-8488-8785b0ba641bWed, 09 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -070001:04:03truefull197971Ep. 96: A Look Inside Small Business Recruiting with Ashley MinaEp. 96: A Look Inside Small Business Recruiting with Ashley MinaI always tell you to hire based on the role, not just the person you want... but today, I’m eating my words! At least I’m an honest hypocrite 😉

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce you to Ashley Mina, our newest team member at Paradigm. The moment I met Ashley, I knew we had to work together, so I created a whole new department just for her! (I know, do as I say, not as I do!)

Ashley’s here to share her insider insights about recruiting for small businesses. We got into:


  • My fears around creating a whole new service and department
  • Ashley’s transition from high-volume corporate recruiting to small business recruiting
  • Balancing a “sales mindset” with a quality candidate experience
  • Why small businesses should prioritize the candidate experience while hiring
  • Trends Ashley is seeing in candidates applying to our clients’ small businesses vs. corporate roles
  • The perks of using an external recruiter and hiring tips for DIY-ers
  • Red and green flags in job descriptions
  • Ashley’s advice for building diverse teams, even if you don’t come from a diverse background


Tune in to hear all of Ashley’s insider tips, why she’s such an amazing fit for our team, and how she can help yours! 


Links Mentioned:


Episode 82: Are These 5 Biases In Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-82-are-these-5-biases-in-hiring-sabotaging-your-dream-team/id1661939979?i=1000661034302 


Find Ashley’s online: Your Work Wife Ashley (https://www.yourworkwifeashley.com/) 


Follow Ashley IG at @yourworkwifeashley 


Interested in our recruiting services? Learn more here! https://the-paradigm.com/recruiting 


]]>I always tell you to hire based on the role, not just the person you want... but today, I’m eating my words! At least I’m an honest hypocrite 😉

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce you to Ashley Mina, our newest team member at Paradigm. The moment I met Ashley, I knew we had to work together, so I created a whole new department just for her! (I know, do as I say, not as I do!)

Ashley’s here to share her insider insights about recruiting for small businesses. We got into:


  • My fears around creating a whole new service and department
  • Ashley’s transition from high-volume corporate recruiting to small business recruiting
  • Balancing a “sales mindset” with a quality candidate experience
  • Why small businesses should prioritize the candidate experience while hiring
  • Trends Ashley is seeing in candidates applying to our clients’ small businesses vs. corporate roles
  • The perks of using an external recruiter and hiring tips for DIY-ers
  • Red and green flags in job descriptions
  • Ashley’s advice for building diverse teams, even if you don’t come from a diverse background


Tune in to hear all of Ashley’s insider tips, why she’s such an amazing fit for our team, and how she can help yours! 


Links Mentioned:


Episode 82: Are These 5 Biases In Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-82-are-these-5-biases-in-hiring-sabotaging-your-dream-team/id1661939979?i=1000661034302 


Find Ashley’s online: Your Work Wife Ashley (https://www.yourworkwifeashley.com/) 


Follow Ashley IG at @yourworkwifeashley 


Interested in our recruiting services? Learn more here! https://the-paradigm.com/recruiting 


]]>c67624ab-3972-47f7-8aaa-e8c1aa57f86dWed, 02 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -070001:02:29truefull196961Ep. 95: Passing The Baton: How To Develop Leaders On Your TeamEp. 95: Passing The Baton: How To Develop Leaders On Your TeamLeadership is one of the biggest responsibilities you’ll take on in your career. But when you nail it, you don’t have to do it all yourself. You can actually hand off some of those people management duties to someone else (hello, delegation!).

As long as you’ve set your future leaders up for success first. That’s what today’s episode is all about: laying the groundwork so you can confidently pass the torch.


We’re giving practice advice about:


✨ What to look for when identifying future leaders

✨ How to keep your company culture intact when someone else steps up

✨ The must-haves before delegating any team management


Tune in now!


Links Mentioned: 

If you’re catching this before 9/30/24, you’ve still got time to save $200 and lock in exclusive access to mentorship, coaching, and community inside People On Purpose. This is our signature management and leadership training program, and it won’t be available in this format or price until next year, so don’t miss out!


https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

]]>Leadership is one of the biggest responsibilities you’ll take on in your career. But when you nail it, you don’t have to do it all yourself. You can actually hand off some of those people management duties to someone else (hello, delegation!).

As long as you’ve set your future leaders up for success first. That’s what today’s episode is all about: laying the groundwork so you can confidently pass the torch.


We’re giving practice advice about:


✨ What to look for when identifying future leaders

✨ How to keep your company culture intact when someone else steps up

✨ The must-haves before delegating any team management


Tune in now!


Links Mentioned: 

If you’re catching this before 9/30/24, you’ve still got time to save $200 and lock in exclusive access to mentorship, coaching, and community inside People On Purpose. This is our signature management and leadership training program, and it won’t be available in this format or price until next year, so don’t miss out!


https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

]]>f9ebe562-46d5-428c-aaaf-e49710b95383Wed, 25 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -070019:18truefull195951Ep. 94: There’s No Such Thing As a “Born Leader”Ep. 94: There’s No Such Thing As a “Born Leader”We’ve all been sold a big fat lie: that the ability to lead is something everyone’s born with.

Let’s talk about this is not only untrue, but it’s also kind of dangerous.

Plus, we’re also exploring the real difference between leadership and management. (Yes, they’re not the same thing, even though we tend to use them interchangeably around here.) Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what it really means to be an effective leader and manager.


Links Mentioned


Take advantage of our special promo pricing for People On Purpose, AND get access to our exclusive community to enhance your learning: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose 


*Expires on 9/30


]]>We’ve all been sold a big fat lie: that the ability to lead is something everyone’s born with.

Let’s talk about this is not only untrue, but it’s also kind of dangerous.

Plus, we’re also exploring the real difference between leadership and management. (Yes, they’re not the same thing, even though we tend to use them interchangeably around here.) Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what it really means to be an effective leader and manager.


Links Mentioned


Take advantage of our special promo pricing for People On Purpose, AND get access to our exclusive community to enhance your learning: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose 


*Expires on 9/30


]]>993af291-2f0d-4eeb-b1af-877026b2cf4dWed, 18 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -070022:03truefull194941Ep. 93: BTS People On Purpose®: The Leadership Program Built for Modern ManagersEp. 93: BTS People On Purpose®: The Leadership Program Built for Modern ManagersIt’s here! The fifth edition of People On Purpose®, our signature leadership and management training program, has officially launched – and I want to dive into it.

But don’t worry, this episode isn’t a sales pitch. I’m not here to talk you into POP, but to share the philosophy behind POP and why I built it the way I did. Understanding that philosophy gets to the heart of what real leadership training is all about.


The biggest takeaway? People On Purpose® isn’t for everyone – and that’s by design. It’s built for managers and leaders who align with our core values, which I’ll be unpacking in today’s episode.

Tune in now to find out more!


LINKS MENTIONED:

Join People On Purpose® today: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

 

Read more about the People On Purpose® Philosophy: https://the-paradigm.com/pop-philosophy/ 



]]>It’s here! The fifth edition of People On Purpose®, our signature leadership and management training program, has officially launched – and I want to dive into it.

But don’t worry, this episode isn’t a sales pitch. I’m not here to talk you into POP, but to share the philosophy behind POP and why I built it the way I did. Understanding that philosophy gets to the heart of what real leadership training is all about.


The biggest takeaway? People On Purpose® isn’t for everyone – and that’s by design. It’s built for managers and leaders who align with our core values, which I’ll be unpacking in today’s episode.

Tune in now to find out more!


LINKS MENTIONED:

Join People On Purpose® today: https://the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

 

Read more about the People On Purpose® Philosophy: https://the-paradigm.com/pop-philosophy/ 



]]>91095ccd-5ff8-454c-9154-c4188f855b98Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -070034:39truefull193931Ep. 92: Is Your Brain Sabotaging Your Leadership Success?Ep. 92: Is Your Brain Sabotaging Your Leadership Success?If the thought of having a tough conversation with someone you manage makes you want to bolt , you’re not alone - and there’s actually a ton of science behind it.

Our brains aren’t exactly wired to enjoy this part of management. In fact, they’re working over time to convince us to avoid sitting down for that challenging chat with an employee.  


Today we’re talking about what’s really happening in our brains when we’re faced with an employee issue: from the fight-or-flight response and cognitive dissonance to social conditioning, negativity bias, emotional regulation challenges, and fear of the unknown. 


We’ll also talk about a framework for recognizing when a difficult conversation is exactly what’s needed to solve a problem, and how to build the confidence to tackle it head-on every single time.


LINKS MENTIONED


Tackling Tough Conversations Masterclass: https://the-paradigm.com/tackling-tough-conversations 


If you want to hear even more science behind the challenges of leadership, check out our recent episode on unconscious biases in hiring: “Ep. 82: Are These 5 Biases in Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team?”

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-82-are-these-5-biases-in-hiring-sabotaging-your-dream-team/id1661939979?i=1000661034302



]]>If the thought of having a tough conversation with someone you manage makes you want to bolt , you’re not alone - and there’s actually a ton of science behind it.

Our brains aren’t exactly wired to enjoy this part of management. In fact, they’re working over time to convince us to avoid sitting down for that challenging chat with an employee.  


Today we’re talking about what’s really happening in our brains when we’re faced with an employee issue: from the fight-or-flight response and cognitive dissonance to social conditioning, negativity bias, emotional regulation challenges, and fear of the unknown. 


We’ll also talk about a framework for recognizing when a difficult conversation is exactly what’s needed to solve a problem, and how to build the confidence to tackle it head-on every single time.


LINKS MENTIONED


Tackling Tough Conversations Masterclass: https://the-paradigm.com/tackling-tough-conversations 


If you want to hear even more science behind the challenges of leadership, check out our recent episode on unconscious biases in hiring: “Ep. 82: Are These 5 Biases in Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team?”

 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-82-are-these-5-biases-in-hiring-sabotaging-your-dream-team/id1661939979?i=1000661034302



]]>a5d65854-4797-4a63-8d1f-0b1e6ac8e896Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -070027:40truefull192921Ep. 91: ‘She said what?!’ How To Build A Common Leadership LanguageEp. 91: ‘She said what?!’ How To Build A Common Leadership LanguageMost leaders don’t wake up planning to fail their teams, but sometimes it happens unintentionally. 

And one of the biggest culprits is a lack of common leadership language and management philosophy across the organization. 


When everyone’s on a different page and speaking a different language, silos start forming, and your team struggles to collaborate effectively. This is especially risky in those critical stages of small business growth when scaling your team is key to unlocking your company’s full potential.


I get it - this sounds super abstract. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m sharing real-world stories that brought this concept to life for me, and I think will for you too.


Whether you’re managing a team within a larger corporation or leading one your own business, this episode is packed with insights on how to create a consistent, clear, and direct leadership language that will set everyone up for success. 


Links Mentioned

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>Most leaders don’t wake up planning to fail their teams, but sometimes it happens unintentionally. 

And one of the biggest culprits is a lack of common leadership language and management philosophy across the organization. 


When everyone’s on a different page and speaking a different language, silos start forming, and your team struggles to collaborate effectively. This is especially risky in those critical stages of small business growth when scaling your team is key to unlocking your company’s full potential.


I get it - this sounds super abstract. That’s why in today’s episode, I’m sharing real-world stories that brought this concept to life for me, and I think will for you too.


Whether you’re managing a team within a larger corporation or leading one your own business, this episode is packed with insights on how to create a consistent, clear, and direct leadership language that will set everyone up for success. 


Links Mentioned

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>ea434860-e32d-4f11-a758-f4b8d1fcda31Wed, 28 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -070031:33truefull191911Ep. 90: [Part 2] 5 Steps To Go From Manager to Trusted LeaderEp. 90: [Part 2] 5 Steps To Go From Manager to Trusted LeaderLast week, we kicked off a 5 day plan to go from a day-to-day manager to a trusted leader who knows how to boost your team’s profitability and productivity. If you missed that deep dive of the first 2 steps - reflect and observe - make sure you go back and catch that one too! Today, we’re wrapping it up with the 3 final steps:

  1. Unite your team with shared values and a common language. 
  2. Give each team member a voice in their success. 
  3. Build a plan that connects your team’s individual goals with the big-picture organizational wins. 

Remember, how you lead when everything’s running smoothly—aka when your team is crushing it and the vibes are on point—is a whole different game from leading in the thick of challenges.

Waiting until the house is on fire to deepen your self-awareness as a leader or sharpen your skills is not the move. The time to do this work is when things are steady. That’s what keeps those fires from turning into full-blown infernos.

LINKS MENTIONED

Download the freebie: “5 Day Plan To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader.” https://the-paradigm.com/5-day-plan-to-leadership 

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Catch up on the first 2 steps in last week’s episode: “Ep. 89: [Part 1] 5 Steps To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-89-five-steps-to-go-from-manager-to-trusted-leader-part-1/id1661939979?i=1000665270028

]]>Last week, we kicked off a 5 day plan to go from a day-to-day manager to a trusted leader who knows how to boost your team’s profitability and productivity. If you missed that deep dive of the first 2 steps - reflect and observe - make sure you go back and catch that one too! Today, we’re wrapping it up with the 3 final steps:

  1. Unite your team with shared values and a common language. 
  2. Give each team member a voice in their success. 
  3. Build a plan that connects your team’s individual goals with the big-picture organizational wins. 

Remember, how you lead when everything’s running smoothly—aka when your team is crushing it and the vibes are on point—is a whole different game from leading in the thick of challenges.

Waiting until the house is on fire to deepen your self-awareness as a leader or sharpen your skills is not the move. The time to do this work is when things are steady. That’s what keeps those fires from turning into full-blown infernos.

LINKS MENTIONED

Download the freebie: “5 Day Plan To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader.” https://the-paradigm.com/5-day-plan-to-leadership 

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Catch up on the first 2 steps in last week’s episode: “Ep. 89: [Part 1] 5 Steps To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-89-five-steps-to-go-from-manager-to-trusted-leader-part-1/id1661939979?i=1000665270028

]]>6da346fe-54e3-45d8-9e7a-cc35b81e6a5aWed, 21 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -070025:45truefull190901Ep. 89: [Part 1] 5 Steps To Go From Manager to Trusted LeaderEp. 89: [Part 1] 5 Steps To Go From Manager to Trusted LeaderLet’s hit the reset button - on both your management and your team.

As managers and leaders, it’s our job to get everyone on the same boat and moving in the same direction. But sometimes it feels like some people are in canoes, some are on jet skis, and some are in a totally different lake. 

It happens. But there are simple ways to get everyone back on course, including yourself.

In this episode, we kick off a 5-day plan designed to transform you from a manager to a trusted leader in under an hour a day. Today, we're diving into the first two steps: Reflection and Observation. These steps are the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive team—and a more empowered you.

Join me for a quick chat about these crucial starting points and get ready to transform your leadership and your team by next week. Trust us, this reset will change everything!

LINKS MENTIONED

Download the freebie: “5 Day Plan To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader.” https://the-paradigm.com/5-day-plan-to-leadership 

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 

]]>Let’s hit the reset button - on both your management and your team.

As managers and leaders, it’s our job to get everyone on the same boat and moving in the same direction. But sometimes it feels like some people are in canoes, some are on jet skis, and some are in a totally different lake. 

It happens. But there are simple ways to get everyone back on course, including yourself.

In this episode, we kick off a 5-day plan designed to transform you from a manager to a trusted leader in under an hour a day. Today, we're diving into the first two steps: Reflection and Observation. These steps are the foundation for a stronger, more cohesive team—and a more empowered you.

Join me for a quick chat about these crucial starting points and get ready to transform your leadership and your team by next week. Trust us, this reset will change everything!

LINKS MENTIONED

Download the freebie: “5 Day Plan To Go From Manager To Trusted Leader.” https://the-paradigm.com/5-day-plan-to-leadership 

Take the quiz to discover your People Leadership Archetype and start leading more authentically: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 

]]>5989fcca-6168-4b0a-8b57-1db55ddbe5b6Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -070016:12truefull189891Ep. 88: Lean Into Leading: LoriAnn Kuntz on The Power Of Learning Your Leadership StyleEp. 88: Lean Into Leading: LoriAnn Kuntz on The Power Of Learning Your Leadership StyleLoriAnn Kuntz, a finance expert by trade (and a legal eagle by necessity), never planned on hiring employees. 

She had properly classified contractors, and that arrangement was working out just fine…until it wasn’t. As soon as she realized she needed more say over her team’s work, she knew it was time to change up her team’s structure. 


It’s one thing to chat about these principles through our typical HR lens; it’s another to hear them straight from someone who’s in the trenches, leading and learning every day. 


LoriAnn and I chatted about:


  • The financial ins and outs you need to consider before hiring a team member.
  • The mental gymnastics (hello, mindset shifts) of moving from working with contractors to managing PT or FT employees.
  • The often overlooked value of knowing yourself as a leader and building a successful team.
  • Why great leadership doesn’t just matter in the here and now - it can change employees’ lives for years to come.
  • And the ultimate power move: hiring people who might just be smarter than you.


Tune in now to get inspired! 


About LoriAnn & Profit Priority

LoriAnn is the owner and CEO of Profit Priority, a boutique accounting and fractional CFO firm helping creatives go from unsure to unstoppable when thinking about their finances. With over 8 years of experience in accounting and small business finance, she has the insight and experience to help you up-level your business while removing the stress and burden of managing your finances. Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for years, her mission is to help creatives feel peace about their numbers while growing their profit and confidence. Business aside, LoriAnn is really just a midwest gal obsessed with running, reading, iced coffees and spending time on the farm with her two little kiddos.


Links Mentioned

LoriAnn’s website: https://www.profitpriority.co/ 

LoriAnn’s podcast: https://www.profitpriority.co/podcast 

Download LoriAnn’s free cash flow projection tool - https://www.profitpriority.co/cashflow

Connect with LoriAnn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriannkuntz.co/?hl=en 


Take our quiz to dIscover your own Leadership Archetype: the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>LoriAnn Kuntz, a finance expert by trade (and a legal eagle by necessity), never planned on hiring employees. 

She had properly classified contractors, and that arrangement was working out just fine…until it wasn’t. As soon as she realized she needed more say over her team’s work, she knew it was time to change up her team’s structure. 


It’s one thing to chat about these principles through our typical HR lens; it’s another to hear them straight from someone who’s in the trenches, leading and learning every day. 


LoriAnn and I chatted about:


  • The financial ins and outs you need to consider before hiring a team member.
  • The mental gymnastics (hello, mindset shifts) of moving from working with contractors to managing PT or FT employees.
  • The often overlooked value of knowing yourself as a leader and building a successful team.
  • Why great leadership doesn’t just matter in the here and now - it can change employees’ lives for years to come.
  • And the ultimate power move: hiring people who might just be smarter than you.


Tune in now to get inspired! 


About LoriAnn & Profit Priority

LoriAnn is the owner and CEO of Profit Priority, a boutique accounting and fractional CFO firm helping creatives go from unsure to unstoppable when thinking about their finances. With over 8 years of experience in accounting and small business finance, she has the insight and experience to help you up-level your business while removing the stress and burden of managing your finances. Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for years, her mission is to help creatives feel peace about their numbers while growing their profit and confidence. Business aside, LoriAnn is really just a midwest gal obsessed with running, reading, iced coffees and spending time on the farm with her two little kiddos.


Links Mentioned

LoriAnn’s website: https://www.profitpriority.co/ 

LoriAnn’s podcast: https://www.profitpriority.co/podcast 

Download LoriAnn’s free cash flow projection tool - https://www.profitpriority.co/cashflow

Connect with LoriAnn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriannkuntz.co/?hl=en 


Take our quiz to dIscover your own Leadership Archetype: the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>36bc003c-d046-44b4-8e6a-1b9be4f1c813Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -070059:11truefull188881Ep. 87: The Missing Link In New Hire Training & DevelopmentEp. 87: The Missing Link In New Hire Training & DevelopmentEver wonder why some new hires knock it out of the park while others can’t seem to find the ball, despite having all your training videos and SOPs at their fingertips?

In this episode, we’re focusing on the major mindset shift that leaders have to make - but often don’t - between sending the offer letter and training their new employee. We’ll talk about how this mindset sets the stage for effectively using documentation not just to instruct, but to uncover and bridge the skills gaps of new team members. 


Plus, hear the common pitfalls in standard training methods and how to transform your own internal process through engaging, strategic conversations that tap into the raw potential of each new hire.


LINKS MENTIONED

Catch our recent episodes about documentation’s role in leadership:


Ep. 83: Hot Take: Documentation Is The Dark Horse Of Accountable Company Cultures: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-83-hot-take-documentation-is-the-dark-horse/id1661939979?i=1000661781225 


Ep. 84: How To Create Seamless Employee Onboarding [Beyond The Paperwork]:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-84-how-to-create-seamless-employee-onboarding-beyond/id1661939979?i=1000662522969 


Sign up for our Documentation 101 Workshop to ensure you and your team are effectively documenting what matters most to your business: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101

]]>Ever wonder why some new hires knock it out of the park while others can’t seem to find the ball, despite having all your training videos and SOPs at their fingertips?

In this episode, we’re focusing on the major mindset shift that leaders have to make - but often don’t - between sending the offer letter and training their new employee. We’ll talk about how this mindset sets the stage for effectively using documentation not just to instruct, but to uncover and bridge the skills gaps of new team members. 


Plus, hear the common pitfalls in standard training methods and how to transform your own internal process through engaging, strategic conversations that tap into the raw potential of each new hire.


LINKS MENTIONED

Catch our recent episodes about documentation’s role in leadership:


Ep. 83: Hot Take: Documentation Is The Dark Horse Of Accountable Company Cultures: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-83-hot-take-documentation-is-the-dark-horse/id1661939979?i=1000661781225 


Ep. 84: How To Create Seamless Employee Onboarding [Beyond The Paperwork]:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-84-how-to-create-seamless-employee-onboarding-beyond/id1661939979?i=1000662522969 


Sign up for our Documentation 101 Workshop to ensure you and your team are effectively documenting what matters most to your business: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101

]]>e4c0605f-be09-411e-ae5e-8e099b30a7cbWed, 31 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070027:19truefull187871Ep. 86: Biz Friends With Benefits: Building Community With Taryn RachelleEp. 86: Biz Friends With Benefits: Building Community With Taryn RachelleHow crucial is community for small business owners and entrepreneurs? 

So crucial that our friend Taryn Rachelle restructured her entire business into a personal brand to better serve the community she'd spent years building.

In this episode, we're setting aside our usual convos on HR regulations and team management to dive into community-based business with Taryn. We chat about:

  • Imposter Syndrome and stepping out (or getting pushed?) of your comfort zone.
  • The joy of being selective with business opportunities.
  • Why Taryn is extremely selective of the systems and tools for her business (and why you should be too).
  • Her tips for business owners looking to unite their online community in person.

Taryn is your girlfriend with a plan and has been crowned the systems & community queen. As the founder of Taryn Rachelle, Keynote Speaker and Podcast Host of She Can Systemize, Taryn prides herself on helping YOU create a business that can thrive while also having a thriving personal life. With her years of knowledge in systems, running a business primarily solo and now working at the Head of Community & Partnerships for Dubsado, Taryn knows her way around running a successful business that does not run you. 


If you’re looking for a little inspiration from a fellow female founder, this is the episode for you!


FIND TARYN ONLINE:


Follow @thetarynrachelle for educational resources and to learn more about Taryn’s incredible retreat!


]]>How crucial is community for small business owners and entrepreneurs? 

So crucial that our friend Taryn Rachelle restructured her entire business into a personal brand to better serve the community she'd spent years building.

In this episode, we're setting aside our usual convos on HR regulations and team management to dive into community-based business with Taryn. We chat about:

  • Imposter Syndrome and stepping out (or getting pushed?) of your comfort zone.
  • The joy of being selective with business opportunities.
  • Why Taryn is extremely selective of the systems and tools for her business (and why you should be too).
  • Her tips for business owners looking to unite their online community in person.

Taryn is your girlfriend with a plan and has been crowned the systems & community queen. As the founder of Taryn Rachelle, Keynote Speaker and Podcast Host of She Can Systemize, Taryn prides herself on helping YOU create a business that can thrive while also having a thriving personal life. With her years of knowledge in systems, running a business primarily solo and now working at the Head of Community & Partnerships for Dubsado, Taryn knows her way around running a successful business that does not run you. 


If you’re looking for a little inspiration from a fellow female founder, this is the episode for you!


FIND TARYN ONLINE:


Follow @thetarynrachelle for educational resources and to learn more about Taryn’s incredible retreat!


]]>aa7da4fb-0c07-4e72-8825-264cc9713d3bWed, 24 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070051:52truefull186861Ep. 85: [BONUS Ep!] Something About Her Trademarks With Lawyer KelliEp. 85: [BONUS Ep!] Something About Her Trademarks With Lawyer KelliOur legal (Bravo) correspondent is back for some BREAKING news about our girls Ariana and Katie and their former Menu Consultant and Karen of the sandwich world, Penny . Also we break down Love Island USA because we can't stop talking about it, and dive into the weird world of sibling drama via the rumor that Sandoval and Rachel's lawyers are BROTHERS?

Also, Kelli teaches us about how trademarks add a value of about 30%+ to your business valuation, and why creating a business with assets is a key component to otherwise difficult to sell and scale service based businesses.

Follow Kelli at @lawyerkelli_ on Instagram

]]>Our legal (Bravo) correspondent is back for some BREAKING news about our girls Ariana and Katie and their former Menu Consultant and Karen of the sandwich world, Penny . Also we break down Love Island USA because we can't stop talking about it, and dive into the weird world of sibling drama via the rumor that Sandoval and Rachel's lawyers are BROTHERS?

Also, Kelli teaches us about how trademarks add a value of about 30%+ to your business valuation, and why creating a business with assets is a key component to otherwise difficult to sell and scale service based businesses.

Follow Kelli at @lawyerkelli_ on Instagram

]]>e30e62e2-2519-49c2-97b7-ca9c58477159Mon, 22 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070054:43truefull185851Ep. 84: How To Create Seamless Employee Onboarding [Beyond The Paperwork]Ep. 84: How To Create Seamless Employee Onboarding [Beyond The Paperwork]There are two sides of the seamless onboarding coin:

There’s the one most people think about, which is all the compliance stuff. Paperwork, forms, yada yada yada. 


But today we’re talking about the other side: the cultural elements of seamless onboarding that contribute to not only the employee experience, but the leadership experience as well. 


Join us as we talk through the 4 stages of an employee’s onboarding (which start before you’re even paying them!) with tips to make each one seamless and reflective of your culture as possible. 


LINKS MENTIONED:


Take the Leadership Archetype Quiz and understand how to lean into your personal leadership style to better support your team: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Our Documentation 101 workshop teaches an essential skill to add to your leadership toolkit to cultivate an accountable company culture, starting with employee onboarding.

]]>There are two sides of the seamless onboarding coin:

There’s the one most people think about, which is all the compliance stuff. Paperwork, forms, yada yada yada. 


But today we’re talking about the other side: the cultural elements of seamless onboarding that contribute to not only the employee experience, but the leadership experience as well. 


Join us as we talk through the 4 stages of an employee’s onboarding (which start before you’re even paying them!) with tips to make each one seamless and reflective of your culture as possible. 


LINKS MENTIONED:


Take the Leadership Archetype Quiz and understand how to lean into your personal leadership style to better support your team: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz 


Our Documentation 101 workshop teaches an essential skill to add to your leadership toolkit to cultivate an accountable company culture, starting with employee onboarding.

]]>ab2ef4b5-fc91-4120-a47b-cd881c82de3eWed, 17 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070028:55truefull184841Ep. 83: Hot Take: Documentation Is The Dark Horse Of Accountable Company CulturesEp. 83: Hot Take: Documentation Is The Dark Horse Of Accountable Company CulturesLet’s talk about one basic skill (dare I say, the #1 skill) that every business owner and leader can bolster within their teams to cultivate a culture rich in accountability, empowerment, productivity, and long-term relationships.

This skill is the answer to questions about how to build a proactive and engaged team while simultaneously creating an environment that’s in line with the way that you’re leading.

Surprisingly, this skill isn’t something you’ll find in most management books, and it’s probably not something you’ve encountered in the usual corporate settings. But it’s completely transformed the cultures of businesses who do it well.

So…what is it, and how do you learn it? 

Tune in to find out! 

LINKS MENTIONED

Sign up for our newly enhanced Documentation 101 Workshop: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101 

Purchase it for yourself or as a team resource to ensure everyone in your business is documenting the right things at the right time to support your company culture!

]]>Let’s talk about one basic skill (dare I say, the #1 skill) that every business owner and leader can bolster within their teams to cultivate a culture rich in accountability, empowerment, productivity, and long-term relationships.

This skill is the answer to questions about how to build a proactive and engaged team while simultaneously creating an environment that’s in line with the way that you’re leading.

Surprisingly, this skill isn’t something you’ll find in most management books, and it’s probably not something you’ve encountered in the usual corporate settings. But it’s completely transformed the cultures of businesses who do it well.

So…what is it, and how do you learn it? 

Tune in to find out! 

LINKS MENTIONED

Sign up for our newly enhanced Documentation 101 Workshop: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101 

Purchase it for yourself or as a team resource to ensure everyone in your business is documenting the right things at the right time to support your company culture!

]]>deb6748c-8aed-403a-a9a0-d0a5ccfc5736Wed, 10 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070029:28truefull183831Ep. 82: Are These 5 Biases in Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team?Ep. 82: Are These 5 Biases in Hiring Sabotaging Your Dream Team?As an entrepreneur, you’re not expected to magically transform into a professional recruiter overnight. Interviewing without letting bias crash the party is a learned skill, not something that just pops into your brain the moment you launch your business.

But the truth still remains: bias in hiring is a sneaky thief that shrinks your candidate pool down to a fraction of what it could be.

Don’t worry, today’s episode isn’t about making you an expert recruiter. It’s simply about bringing your awareness to the 5 common biases we see in hiring, and recognizing how sneaky they are. Plus 3 tips for actively combating them in your own processes. Once you know what to look for and how to address them, ensuring your hiring process and team dynamics are fair and in everyone’s best interest can become a conscious effort. 


Tune in now and take the next step in building a diverse and inclusive team!


LINKS MENTIONED

Here’s last week’s episode about the business case for building a diverse workforce: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-81-diversity-in-workplace-statistics-why-inclusivity/id1661939979?i=1000660315629 


Further Reading: The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976 


Join our HR membership, Set To Scale, to get access to all the templates and hiring rubrics mentioned in this episode: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale


Sign up for our Documentation 101 Workshop here: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101

]]>As an entrepreneur, you’re not expected to magically transform into a professional recruiter overnight. Interviewing without letting bias crash the party is a learned skill, not something that just pops into your brain the moment you launch your business.

But the truth still remains: bias in hiring is a sneaky thief that shrinks your candidate pool down to a fraction of what it could be.

Don’t worry, today’s episode isn’t about making you an expert recruiter. It’s simply about bringing your awareness to the 5 common biases we see in hiring, and recognizing how sneaky they are. Plus 3 tips for actively combating them in your own processes. Once you know what to look for and how to address them, ensuring your hiring process and team dynamics are fair and in everyone’s best interest can become a conscious effort. 


Tune in now and take the next step in building a diverse and inclusive team!


LINKS MENTIONED

Here’s last week’s episode about the business case for building a diverse workforce: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-81-diversity-in-workplace-statistics-why-inclusivity/id1661939979?i=1000660315629 


Further Reading: The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Montell https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Age-of-Magical-Overthinking/Amanda-Montell/9781668007976 


Join our HR membership, Set To Scale, to get access to all the templates and hiring rubrics mentioned in this episode: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale


Sign up for our Documentation 101 Workshop here: https://courses.the-paradigm.com/courses/documentation-101

]]>60ff9700-f0fc-4b25-8450-6fd02fa88bebWed, 03 Jul 2024 06:00:00 -070040:23truefull182821Ep. 81: Diversity In Workplace Statistics: Why Inclusivity Boosts BusinessEp. 81: Diversity In Workplace Statistics: Why Inclusivity Boosts BusinessIf there's one conversation we're never putting on mute, it's about the real value of diversity on your team. 

Not because 'diversity' has been a trendy buzzword since 2020, but because we've got recent and cited stats to prove that diversity really is better for your business.

In today’s episode, we're diving into why diversity is a major win for your bottom line, and we’ll show you how to champion it authentically, not performatively.

Tune in now!


SOURCES AND FURTHER READING 


"Corporate Diversity Data: What Fortune 500 DEI Reports Reveal." Purpose Brand, purposebrand.com/blog/diversity-report-examples-fortune-2023/.


Parker, Kim, et al. "On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z so Far." Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends Project, 14 May 2020, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2/#fn-28453-1.


"Gender Pay Gap Statistics You Should Know." Built In, builtin.com/recruiting/gender-pay-gap-statistics.


"U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Feb. 2024, www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/womens-earnings-were-83-6-percent-of-mens-in-2023.htm.


"Understanding Organizational Barriers to a More Inclusive Workplace." McKinsey & Company, www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/understanding-organizational-barriers-to-a-more-inclusive-workplace.


Wilson, Reid. "Diversity Defines the Millennial Generation." Brookings, Brookings, 24 July 2014, www.brookings.edu/articles/diversity-defines-the-millennial-generation/.


"Women in Tech." Built In, builtin.com/women-tech.


]]>If there's one conversation we're never putting on mute, it's about the real value of diversity on your team. 

Not because 'diversity' has been a trendy buzzword since 2020, but because we've got recent and cited stats to prove that diversity really is better for your business.

In today’s episode, we're diving into why diversity is a major win for your bottom line, and we’ll show you how to champion it authentically, not performatively.

Tune in now!


SOURCES AND FURTHER READING 


"Corporate Diversity Data: What Fortune 500 DEI Reports Reveal." Purpose Brand, purposebrand.com/blog/diversity-report-examples-fortune-2023/.


Parker, Kim, et al. "On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z so Far." Pew Research Center's Social & Demographic Trends Project, 14 May 2020, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2/#fn-28453-1.


"Gender Pay Gap Statistics You Should Know." Built In, builtin.com/recruiting/gender-pay-gap-statistics.


"U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 Feb. 2024, www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/womens-earnings-were-83-6-percent-of-mens-in-2023.htm.


"Understanding Organizational Barriers to a More Inclusive Workplace." McKinsey & Company, www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/understanding-organizational-barriers-to-a-more-inclusive-workplace.


Wilson, Reid. "Diversity Defines the Millennial Generation." Brookings, Brookings, 24 July 2014, www.brookings.edu/articles/diversity-defines-the-millennial-generation/.


"Women in Tech." Built In, builtin.com/women-tech.


]]>1aa5a71c-1776-4e7d-a002-59a135ec47c5Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -070026:07truefull181811Ep 80: Juneteenth Insights And The Role of HR in Advancing Racial EquityEp 80: Juneteenth Insights And The Role of HR in Advancing Racial EquityHappy Juneteenth! 

Today we’re honoring the end of slavery, celebrating Black freedom, and celebrating the slow strides we're making. 

But part of our celebration as non-Black Americans is recognizing the work we have to put in to keep pushing the needle for racial equity.


Now, I recognize it’s not my place as a white woman to speak about the experience of Black Americans. But it is my place to spotlight the ongoing struggles and discrimination Black Americans face, particularly in the workforce.


So, keeping it in my lane: let’s dive into what Juneteenth means for businesses and HR. How can we, as leaders, better support and impact other people’s experience in the entrepreneurial world?


Join me today to explore some key statistics and lessons I’ve learned on being true allies in the fight for racial equity.


And follow along on our Instagram as we share Black creators we love to follow, laugh with, and learn from.


REFERENCES


Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm.


Yahoo Finance. “Black CEO Representation in Fortune 500 Companies.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/black-ceo-representation-fortune-500-103000820.html


Pew Research Center. “How Americans View Their Jobs.” March 30, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/#:~:text=Black%20workers%20are%20the%20most%20likely%20to%20say%20they%E2%80%99ve%20been%20discriminated%20against%20in%20the%20workplace%20because%20of%20their%20race%20or%20ethnicity.


National Bureau of Economic Research. “Paper w29053.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.nber.org/papers/w29053.


Built In. “Examples of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion/unconscious-bias-examples.

]]>Happy Juneteenth! 

Today we’re honoring the end of slavery, celebrating Black freedom, and celebrating the slow strides we're making. 

But part of our celebration as non-Black Americans is recognizing the work we have to put in to keep pushing the needle for racial equity.


Now, I recognize it’s not my place as a white woman to speak about the experience of Black Americans. But it is my place to spotlight the ongoing struggles and discrimination Black Americans face, particularly in the workforce.


So, keeping it in my lane: let’s dive into what Juneteenth means for businesses and HR. How can we, as leaders, better support and impact other people’s experience in the entrepreneurial world?


Join me today to explore some key statistics and lessons I’ve learned on being true allies in the fight for racial equity.


And follow along on our Instagram as we share Black creators we love to follow, laugh with, and learn from.


REFERENCES


Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.htm.


Yahoo Finance. “Black CEO Representation in Fortune 500 Companies.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/black-ceo-representation-fortune-500-103000820.html


Pew Research Center. “How Americans View Their Jobs.” March 30, 2023. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/#:~:text=Black%20workers%20are%20the%20most%20likely%20to%20say%20they%E2%80%99ve%20been%20discriminated%20against%20in%20the%20workplace%20because%20of%20their%20race%20or%20ethnicity.


National Bureau of Economic Research. “Paper w29053.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://www.nber.org/papers/w29053.


Built In. “Examples of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace.” Accessed June 17, 2024. https://builtin.com/diversity-inclusion/unconscious-bias-examples.

]]>64043949-aa35-447a-9093-7fdd2f581b1aWed, 19 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -070015:18truefull180801Ep 79: The 40+ Founder: Writing Your Next Career Chapter with Encore EmpireEp 79: The 40+ Founder: Writing Your Next Career Chapter with Encore EmpireThink your career's best moments are in the rearview? Think again! 

Join us as we dive into the transformative journeys of women who are turning decades of experience - in and out of the office - into entrepreneurial gold.

Carmen Reed-Gilkison and Deirdre Harter of Encore Empire are flipping the script on what it means to be a “seasoned professional.” Together, we explore their unique approach to coaching late-blooming entrepreneurs: transitioning from the corporate ladder to the entrepreneurial journey, shedding the employee mindset for a CEO’s vision, and managing the limiting beliefs that often comes hand-in-hand with a significant pivot. 


Remember, it’s never too late to chase what lights you up. These ladies will prove that your prime years could still be ahead, fueled by a bit of grit and a lot of passion


Tune in now!


About Carmen and Deirdre: 


With over 45 years of combined corporate experience, founders of Encore Empire, Carmen Reed-Gilkison and Deirdre Harter, work with women who are ready to own the power they’ve spent decades building by guiding them through the process of mastering their big ideas, wrangling their doubts, and taking action with smart, actionable strategy.


They're a duo of a CPA and a Certified Online Business Manager & Whole Person Coach, each with their own entrepreneurial background, who have teamed up to help other women in their age bracket cash in on their life experience. 


Carmen and Deirdre are committed to honoring the perspective and insight women over forty bring to the table because real magic happens when we devote our time and energy not to taking care of everyone else—but to finally realize our own goals and ambitions. 


Links Mentioned:


The Marketing Methodology Workshop: How would it feel to ditch the marketing overwhelm so you can spend your precious time growing your business? Build out your custom marketing framework and create a simple-to-follow system to achieve your business goals in three easy steps.


https://encoreempire.com/upandup


]]>Think your career's best moments are in the rearview? Think again! 

Join us as we dive into the transformative journeys of women who are turning decades of experience - in and out of the office - into entrepreneurial gold.

Carmen Reed-Gilkison and Deirdre Harter of Encore Empire are flipping the script on what it means to be a “seasoned professional.” Together, we explore their unique approach to coaching late-blooming entrepreneurs: transitioning from the corporate ladder to the entrepreneurial journey, shedding the employee mindset for a CEO’s vision, and managing the limiting beliefs that often comes hand-in-hand with a significant pivot. 


Remember, it’s never too late to chase what lights you up. These ladies will prove that your prime years could still be ahead, fueled by a bit of grit and a lot of passion


Tune in now!


About Carmen and Deirdre: 


With over 45 years of combined corporate experience, founders of Encore Empire, Carmen Reed-Gilkison and Deirdre Harter, work with women who are ready to own the power they’ve spent decades building by guiding them through the process of mastering their big ideas, wrangling their doubts, and taking action with smart, actionable strategy.


They're a duo of a CPA and a Certified Online Business Manager & Whole Person Coach, each with their own entrepreneurial background, who have teamed up to help other women in their age bracket cash in on their life experience. 


Carmen and Deirdre are committed to honoring the perspective and insight women over forty bring to the table because real magic happens when we devote our time and energy not to taking care of everyone else—but to finally realize our own goals and ambitions. 


Links Mentioned:


The Marketing Methodology Workshop: How would it feel to ditch the marketing overwhelm so you can spend your precious time growing your business? Build out your custom marketing framework and create a simple-to-follow system to achieve your business goals in three easy steps.


https://encoreempire.com/upandup


]]>e685559e-a5c8-415f-b90b-19e6d9f6508cWed, 12 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -070051:57truefull179791Ep 78: Shifting From Creative Entrepreneur To CEO with Kristin RichardsEp 78: Shifting From Creative Entrepreneur To CEO with Kristin RichardsAs a creative entrepreneur, do you ever feel like your job completely transformed overnight? 

One moment, you’re working in your creative zone of genius, and the next, you’re knee-deep in job descriptions, payroll, team performance reviews...the whole People Ops shebang. 

Not exactly what you had in mind when you branched out on your own, is it?

Not everyone loves this shift. Some folks thrive, while others feel a little lost. If you’re gearing up to hire a team or have already taken the leap into leadership, how do you handle this new reality of growth?


Today, I’m chatting with Kristin Richards, CEO of In Flow Design Co. She’s here to share her journey from creative entrepreneur to people leader and how she keeps her creative passion alive through it all.


We dive into:


-Taking accountability when things go wrong


- Empowering your team to discover what excites them


-Balancing leadership with finding joy in your business


-Staying true to your values, no matter what


-Rethinking the employee vs. contractor debate


-Building trust with a network of experts to grow your business


Join us for a candid, empowering conversation that’ll inspire you to embrace your evolution as a leader while staying true to what lights you up. 


About Kristin


Kristin Richards is the CEO and creative director of the branding and website design agency In Flow Design Co. Kristin launched her business while living overseas in Australia, and has grown it beyond a one-woman show into having a team and selling digital products. Her company In Flow specialties in working with clients in the coaching, consulting and luxury travel industries. She is also a certified mindset & success coach, and believes in building a business based around your values and lifestyle.

Links Mentioned


In Flow Design: https://inflowdesignco.com/ 


Steal Kristin's step-by-step website launch process! This is the same process she and her team use with her website design clients - all in one handy dandy free checklist: https://inflowdesignco.com/website-launch-checklist 


Launch your website workshop: https://inflowdesignco.com/intentional-website-workshop 

]]>As a creative entrepreneur, do you ever feel like your job completely transformed overnight? 

One moment, you’re working in your creative zone of genius, and the next, you’re knee-deep in job descriptions, payroll, team performance reviews...the whole People Ops shebang. 

Not exactly what you had in mind when you branched out on your own, is it?

Not everyone loves this shift. Some folks thrive, while others feel a little lost. If you’re gearing up to hire a team or have already taken the leap into leadership, how do you handle this new reality of growth?


Today, I’m chatting with Kristin Richards, CEO of In Flow Design Co. She’s here to share her journey from creative entrepreneur to people leader and how she keeps her creative passion alive through it all.


We dive into:


-Taking accountability when things go wrong


- Empowering your team to discover what excites them


-Balancing leadership with finding joy in your business


-Staying true to your values, no matter what


-Rethinking the employee vs. contractor debate


-Building trust with a network of experts to grow your business


Join us for a candid, empowering conversation that’ll inspire you to embrace your evolution as a leader while staying true to what lights you up. 


About Kristin


Kristin Richards is the CEO and creative director of the branding and website design agency In Flow Design Co. Kristin launched her business while living overseas in Australia, and has grown it beyond a one-woman show into having a team and selling digital products. Her company In Flow specialties in working with clients in the coaching, consulting and luxury travel industries. She is also a certified mindset & success coach, and believes in building a business based around your values and lifestyle.

Links Mentioned


In Flow Design: https://inflowdesignco.com/ 


Steal Kristin's step-by-step website launch process! This is the same process she and her team use with her website design clients - all in one handy dandy free checklist: https://inflowdesignco.com/website-launch-checklist 


Launch your website workshop: https://inflowdesignco.com/intentional-website-workshop 

]]>bca741d9-db7b-4202-8db1-699cd690b7a2Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -070052:13truefull180801Ep 77 From Breaking Point to Breakthrough: Mary Beth Storjohann on Balancing Mental Health and LeadershipEp 77 From Breaking Point to Breakthrough: Mary Beth Storjohann on Balancing Mental Health and LeadershipAre you checking in with yourself and your mental health?

We know Mental Health Awareness Month has been all about how we, as leaders, can support our employees. But let’s flip the script for a moment: what about your own mental health? 

What's at risk when you're always operating at full throttle without a break?


This week, we have a story you don't want to miss from Mary Beth Storjohann, Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners.


It's powerful to hear a woman who's achieved so much career success talk openly about mental health struggles. It reminds us that no matter where you are in your career, mental health is crucial.


Mary Beth shares her journey of success in a male-dominated field, candidly discussing what led her to a mental health breaking point and how she bounced back with a fresh perspective on boundaries and protecting her peace.


She also dives into the unique pressures on women in leadership and the impact we, as female leaders, can have on the people we lead.


Tune in to hear Mary Beth's story and get inspired to prioritize your own mental health while leading with compassion and strength.


About Mary Beth Storjohann


Mary Beth Storjohann is Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, and speaker with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined Abacus in 2019 as Chief Marketing Officer after successfully launching and growing her own RIA firm and in 2022 was appointed as Co-CEO.


A believer that “actions speak louder than words,” Storjohann is known for sparking conversations and modeling change in the financial services industry by leaning into uncomfortable dialogue and decisions in order to leave the world and our industry in a better place. She is a fierce advocate for women, diversity, equity & inclusion, and making financial advice accessible to underserved populations and has been invited to speak at various industry and consumer-focused conferences about the work Abacus is doing in these areas.


Mary Beth has been featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Glamour, NPR, The New York Times, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, CNBC, Forbes, and more.


Her accolades include the “Top 40 Under 40” by Investment News, being listed as a 2023 MO 100 Top Impact CEO by Big Path Capital, and she was named a Top Ten Most Influential Advisor by Investopedia – a list celebrating financial advisors making significant contributions to critical conversations about financial literacy and wealth management.


Mary Beth lives in San Diego with her husband, a 5 & 7-year-old who are constantly demanding snacks, and two rescue dogs.


Links Mentioned


Find Mary Beth and Abacus Wealth online: 


WEBSITE: https://abacuswealth.com/ <- make sure to check out their free course for business owners getting started with their finances!


PODCAST: “If Money Were Easy”: https://abacuswealth.com/podcast/if-money-were-easy/


On this podcast you’re going to learn from leading authors, business owners, professionals, and many of our very own in-house financial professionals from Abacus. Expect to hear about money and values, growing your wealth, creating an impact, leadership, financial wins and (some losses), and more. Our goal is that you walk away from each episode with at least one takeaway that you can implement on your financial journey.


Available on your favorite streaming platform.


INSTAGRAM: @Marybstorj on IG


BOOK: “Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choice With Your Money on Amazon” https://www.amazon.com/Work-Your-Wealth-Smarter-Choices/dp/0692627332 


Get a free copy of the book! Here’s how: Give On The Up & Up a 5 star review and let us know what you loved about this episode. Then take a screenshot of the review and DM it to us on IG (@theparadigmm) and we’ll make sure you get a copy of the book for free!

]]>Are you checking in with yourself and your mental health?

We know Mental Health Awareness Month has been all about how we, as leaders, can support our employees. But let’s flip the script for a moment: what about your own mental health? 

What's at risk when you're always operating at full throttle without a break?


This week, we have a story you don't want to miss from Mary Beth Storjohann, Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners.


It's powerful to hear a woman who's achieved so much career success talk openly about mental health struggles. It reminds us that no matter where you are in your career, mental health is crucial.


Mary Beth shares her journey of success in a male-dominated field, candidly discussing what led her to a mental health breaking point and how she bounced back with a fresh perspective on boundaries and protecting her peace.


She also dives into the unique pressures on women in leadership and the impact we, as female leaders, can have on the people we lead.


Tune in to hear Mary Beth's story and get inspired to prioritize your own mental health while leading with compassion and strength.


About Mary Beth Storjohann


Mary Beth Storjohann is Co-CEO of Abacus Wealth Partners. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, and speaker with 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined Abacus in 2019 as Chief Marketing Officer after successfully launching and growing her own RIA firm and in 2022 was appointed as Co-CEO.


A believer that “actions speak louder than words,” Storjohann is known for sparking conversations and modeling change in the financial services industry by leaning into uncomfortable dialogue and decisions in order to leave the world and our industry in a better place. She is a fierce advocate for women, diversity, equity & inclusion, and making financial advice accessible to underserved populations and has been invited to speak at various industry and consumer-focused conferences about the work Abacus is doing in these areas.


Mary Beth has been featured in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NBC, Glamour, NPR, The New York Times, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, CNBC, Forbes, and more.


Her accolades include the “Top 40 Under 40” by Investment News, being listed as a 2023 MO 100 Top Impact CEO by Big Path Capital, and she was named a Top Ten Most Influential Advisor by Investopedia – a list celebrating financial advisors making significant contributions to critical conversations about financial literacy and wealth management.


Mary Beth lives in San Diego with her husband, a 5 & 7-year-old who are constantly demanding snacks, and two rescue dogs.


Links Mentioned


Find Mary Beth and Abacus Wealth online: 


WEBSITE: https://abacuswealth.com/ <- make sure to check out their free course for business owners getting started with their finances!


PODCAST: “If Money Were Easy”: https://abacuswealth.com/podcast/if-money-were-easy/


On this podcast you’re going to learn from leading authors, business owners, professionals, and many of our very own in-house financial professionals from Abacus. Expect to hear about money and values, growing your wealth, creating an impact, leadership, financial wins and (some losses), and more. Our goal is that you walk away from each episode with at least one takeaway that you can implement on your financial journey.


Available on your favorite streaming platform.


INSTAGRAM: @Marybstorj on IG


BOOK: “Work Your Wealth: 9 Steps to Making Smarter Choice With Your Money on Amazon” https://www.amazon.com/Work-Your-Wealth-Smarter-Choices/dp/0692627332 


Get a free copy of the book! Here’s how: Give On The Up & Up a 5 star review and let us know what you loved about this episode. Then take a screenshot of the review and DM it to us on IG (@theparadigmm) and we’ll make sure you get a copy of the book for free!

]]>3ae9b6b5-63e6-4ab9-863c-41946af9937fWed, 29 May 2024 06:00:00 -070001:03:18truefull177771Ep 76: "Can We Talk?" How To Address Underperformance Collaboratively In Remote BusinessEp 76: "Can We Talk?" How To Address Underperformance Collaboratively In Remote BusinessYou know what feels ickier than having that awkward underperformance chat with an employee in a stuffy conference room? 

Having to do it over Zoom. 


We’re huge champions of remote work, but it definitely throws in some extra hurdles for managers. Especially when you don’t have the benefit of connection from in-person settings. 


Addressing underperformance is never straightforward, no matter where your team is. But when you’re dealing with it remotely, knowing the right (and wrong) way to handle it makes all the difference.


Today’s episode is all about how to identify underperformance, when to bring it up, and how to address it with 14 quick and easy DO’s and DONT’s.


Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Conversation Log: Use this as a framework for documenting situations and behaviors on your team that should be recorded as part of your team member's employee file.

]]>You know what feels ickier than having that awkward underperformance chat with an employee in a stuffy conference room? 

Having to do it over Zoom. 


We’re huge champions of remote work, but it definitely throws in some extra hurdles for managers. Especially when you don’t have the benefit of connection from in-person settings. 


Addressing underperformance is never straightforward, no matter where your team is. But when you’re dealing with it remotely, knowing the right (and wrong) way to handle it makes all the difference.


Today’s episode is all about how to identify underperformance, when to bring it up, and how to address it with 14 quick and easy DO’s and DONT’s.


Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Conversation Log: Use this as a framework for documenting situations and behaviors on your team that should be recorded as part of your team member's employee file.

]]>e1a268c4-9ed2-4594-8320-ccda931ea95aWed, 22 May 2024 06:00:00 -070042:08truefull176761Ep. 75 How To Conduct Employee Performance Reviews That Don’t SuckEp. 75 How To Conduct Employee Performance Reviews That Don’t SuckSay it with me:

“My past experience in corporate America won’t dictate how I conduct employee performance reviews. I’m not here to give negative feedback just for the sake of documentation.” 


Performance reviews have a bad rap, but they don’t have to suck. When we rethink the purpose of the review process, it can actually become something everyone looks forward to.


Today, we’re offering a new perspective that will make performance reviews positive and productive, without the dread or anxiety.


We’ll cover:


Why performance reviews are still a must


How to set the stage for a productive review conversation


Understanding the difference between compensation reviews and performance reviews, and when to combine and/or separate them


The impact of your company’s culture on your performance reviews;


A common mistake in evaluating employee performance


How to use performance reviews to boost employee engagement and satisfaction


Basically, we’re here to show you that performance reviews can be beneficial for the company, uplifting for the employee, and empowering for you as a leader. As a modern leader, you have the unique opportunity to reshape this process to fit your business and your team. That’s what effective leadership is all about!


Tune in and let’s reset the standard for performance reviews together!


LINKS MENTIONED


Join our Set To Scale membership: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale

]]>Say it with me:

“My past experience in corporate America won’t dictate how I conduct employee performance reviews. I’m not here to give negative feedback just for the sake of documentation.” 


Performance reviews have a bad rap, but they don’t have to suck. When we rethink the purpose of the review process, it can actually become something everyone looks forward to.


Today, we’re offering a new perspective that will make performance reviews positive and productive, without the dread or anxiety.


We’ll cover:


Why performance reviews are still a must


How to set the stage for a productive review conversation


Understanding the difference between compensation reviews and performance reviews, and when to combine and/or separate them


The impact of your company’s culture on your performance reviews;


A common mistake in evaluating employee performance


How to use performance reviews to boost employee engagement and satisfaction


Basically, we’re here to show you that performance reviews can be beneficial for the company, uplifting for the employee, and empowering for you as a leader. As a modern leader, you have the unique opportunity to reshape this process to fit your business and your team. That’s what effective leadership is all about!


Tune in and let’s reset the standard for performance reviews together!


LINKS MENTIONED


Join our Set To Scale membership: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale

]]>5669af4b-0813-42fd-9582-b3ee306873abWed, 15 May 2024 06:00:00 -070031:42truefull175751Ep. 74 Ditch The Drama: Performance Management And The Role Of Continuous FeedbackEp. 74 Ditch The Drama: Performance Management And The Role Of Continuous FeedbackPerformance management: Love it? Hate it? Wondering what the big deal is? 

It can be a real mixed bag. Maybe you skip into those meetings, giddy to shower your team members with glowing feedback and praise. Orrrrr maybe you’re dragging your when the feedback is a bit more…complicated.

But what if there was a way to make performance evaluations less of an emotional rollercoaster…

Today’s episode is all about how to shift from that dreaded annual review to continuous, two-way feedback that genuinely nurtures growth.


We're talking all about: 

  • Reframing the role of a performance evaluation;
  • The magic of continuous feedback in promoting collaboration;
  • How to cultivate a coaching culture that meshes with your team's dynamic and your company's operations;
  • 3 practical strategies our clients have successfully implemented to keep feedback flowing smoothly, without sacrificing their unique cultures or leadership styles.
  • And, yes, why face-to-face meetings still matter, even for remote or asynchronous teams.


We’re not here to convince you of the benefits of performance evaluations. We’re acknowledging the nuance of not wanting to do them, and how to put mechanisms in place to make the process a more natural, productive part of your workplace.


SHOW NOTES:

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about The Paradigm Solution, our 90-day HR-in-a-box service: https://the-paradigm.com/contact 

]]>Performance management: Love it? Hate it? Wondering what the big deal is? 

It can be a real mixed bag. Maybe you skip into those meetings, giddy to shower your team members with glowing feedback and praise. Orrrrr maybe you’re dragging your when the feedback is a bit more…complicated.

But what if there was a way to make performance evaluations less of an emotional rollercoaster…

Today’s episode is all about how to shift from that dreaded annual review to continuous, two-way feedback that genuinely nurtures growth.


We're talking all about: 

  • Reframing the role of a performance evaluation;
  • The magic of continuous feedback in promoting collaboration;
  • How to cultivate a coaching culture that meshes with your team's dynamic and your company's operations;
  • 3 practical strategies our clients have successfully implemented to keep feedback flowing smoothly, without sacrificing their unique cultures or leadership styles.
  • And, yes, why face-to-face meetings still matter, even for remote or asynchronous teams.


We’re not here to convince you of the benefits of performance evaluations. We’re acknowledging the nuance of not wanting to do them, and how to put mechanisms in place to make the process a more natural, productive part of your workplace.


SHOW NOTES:

Schedule a free consultation to learn more about The Paradigm Solution, our 90-day HR-in-a-box service: https://the-paradigm.com/contact 

]]>db7aa6f0-26c1-4631-8ace-1be7b155d9a6Wed, 08 May 2024 06:00:00 -070028:28truefull174741Ep. 73 [Bonus Ep!] Bravo Legal Drama and HR Disasters Part 2Ep. 73 [Bonus Ep!] Bravo Legal Drama and HR Disasters Part 2We're baaaack baby!

Kelli Jones and I are at it again with more Bravo legal drama, more HR disasters, and more fun. And maybe a little snark. I mean, we ARE talking about Bravo afterall.

Kelli is a trademark attorney, a fellow reality TV aficionado, and my go-to friend for Bravo drama and lawsuit breakdowns.

This time, we're covering:

  • Trademarks and why they matter
  • Updates on the Caroline Manzo / Brandy Glanville lawsuit
  • Our thoughts on the blatant racial discrimination within the Bravo network
  • Kristen Doute’s controversial comeback after being canceled (with lots of snark and eye rolls)
  • Performative actions and the lack of accountability among Bravolebrities
  • Safety concerns on set

And, of course, we're breaking down the legal and HR implications of it all.

If you're looking for some real world examples of what can go wrong when a business skirts around strategic HR, look no further.

Come gossip with us!

SHOW NOTES:

Find and follow Kelli online!

Website https://www.lawyerkelli.com/

IG: @lawyerkelli_

TikTok: @lawyerkelli

]]>We're baaaack baby!

Kelli Jones and I are at it again with more Bravo legal drama, more HR disasters, and more fun. And maybe a little snark. I mean, we ARE talking about Bravo afterall.

Kelli is a trademark attorney, a fellow reality TV aficionado, and my go-to friend for Bravo drama and lawsuit breakdowns.

This time, we're covering:

  • Trademarks and why they matter
  • Updates on the Caroline Manzo / Brandy Glanville lawsuit
  • Our thoughts on the blatant racial discrimination within the Bravo network
  • Kristen Doute’s controversial comeback after being canceled (with lots of snark and eye rolls)
  • Performative actions and the lack of accountability among Bravolebrities
  • Safety concerns on set

And, of course, we're breaking down the legal and HR implications of it all.

If you're looking for some real world examples of what can go wrong when a business skirts around strategic HR, look no further.

Come gossip with us!

SHOW NOTES:

Find and follow Kelli online!

Website https://www.lawyerkelli.com/

IG: @lawyerkelli_

TikTok: @lawyerkelli

]]>69d1f74d-cc31-4cc1-bf5a-450b66e4c712Fri, 03 May 2024 06:00:00 -070001:15:40truefull173731Ep. 72 Beyond Metrics: Managing a Team Remotely With A Human-First ApproachEp. 72 Beyond Metrics: Managing a Team Remotely With A Human-First ApproachThey might just be faces on a screen, but your employees are real, living humans who need more than KPIs and goals to truly thrive.

Don’t get us wrong — clear goals and expectations are 100% crucial for measuring success. You'll never catch us telling you NOT to clearly communicate goals and expectations. But true leadership goes beyond just tracking performance. It's about filling each team member’s cup with motivation and engagement in ways that suit their unique work styles.

This doesn't just boost their productivity, it contributes to your ability to lead effectively. 


Filling those cups means really getting to know your people beyond the checkboxes on their task lists.


Let’s talk about this invisible layer of culture building that many leaders overlook, especially when managing remotely.


SHOW NOTES:

Take the Leadership Archetype Quiz to discover your unique leadership style and get personalized tips for leaning into your natural skills and abilities: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>They might just be faces on a screen, but your employees are real, living humans who need more than KPIs and goals to truly thrive.

Don’t get us wrong — clear goals and expectations are 100% crucial for measuring success. You'll never catch us telling you NOT to clearly communicate goals and expectations. But true leadership goes beyond just tracking performance. It's about filling each team member’s cup with motivation and engagement in ways that suit their unique work styles.

This doesn't just boost their productivity, it contributes to your ability to lead effectively. 


Filling those cups means really getting to know your people beyond the checkboxes on their task lists.


Let’s talk about this invisible layer of culture building that many leaders overlook, especially when managing remotely.


SHOW NOTES:

Take the Leadership Archetype Quiz to discover your unique leadership style and get personalized tips for leaning into your natural skills and abilities: https://the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>9436b802-334e-4de4-a5f0-0407d8fb3d09Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -070029:43truefull172721Ep. 71 [BONUS Ep!] Pop Culture and PR for Small Business with Brittney LynnEp. 71 [BONUS Ep!] Pop Culture and PR for Small Business with Brittney LynnThink your small business doesn’t need Public Relations? Don't write it off yet!

You might be wondering how a publicist could possibly help your under-the-radar biz. Or thinking you’re too “small” for a PR strategy.

But before you dismiss the idea, let Brittney Lynn share some insights that might just totally change the way you see PR and its potential for your business!

Brittney is a thought-leader for how purposeful connection can change the world. Through her agency, The Human Connection Agency, she’s leading the way in the online business space for companies who are looking to connect authentically with their audience and share their stories through a thoughtful PR strategy. Her clients have been featured in places like The New York Times, Fast Company, Real Simple, Forbes, Business Insider, The Today Show, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and more.


She also has lots of thoughts about Tom Sandoval’s PR disaster, which I just can’t get enough of. 


Timestamps:


02:52: The importance of PR in a marketing strategy (even for small businesses!)

06:11: Crafting a unique message and point of view in PR

11:55: Overcoming limiting beliefs holding people back from putting themselves out there

13:14: Where to start with pitching yourself

20:14: The reality of being more visible

27:43: The long-term nature of PR and the need for persistence

37:02: Good vs. terrible podcast pitch strategies and how to be a stellar guest

52:30: PR lessons from Tom Sandoval and the Vanderpump mess

1:21:59: Similarities and differences between HR & PR


Links Mentioned:


Learn more about Brittney and her PR agency: https://www.humanconnectionagency.com/ 

Follow Brittney on IG @brittneyllynn

]]>Think your small business doesn’t need Public Relations? Don't write it off yet!

You might be wondering how a publicist could possibly help your under-the-radar biz. Or thinking you’re too “small” for a PR strategy.

But before you dismiss the idea, let Brittney Lynn share some insights that might just totally change the way you see PR and its potential for your business!

Brittney is a thought-leader for how purposeful connection can change the world. Through her agency, The Human Connection Agency, she’s leading the way in the online business space for companies who are looking to connect authentically with their audience and share their stories through a thoughtful PR strategy. Her clients have been featured in places like The New York Times, Fast Company, Real Simple, Forbes, Business Insider, The Today Show, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and more.


She also has lots of thoughts about Tom Sandoval’s PR disaster, which I just can’t get enough of. 


Timestamps:


02:52: The importance of PR in a marketing strategy (even for small businesses!)

06:11: Crafting a unique message and point of view in PR

11:55: Overcoming limiting beliefs holding people back from putting themselves out there

13:14: Where to start with pitching yourself

20:14: The reality of being more visible

27:43: The long-term nature of PR and the need for persistence

37:02: Good vs. terrible podcast pitch strategies and how to be a stellar guest

52:30: PR lessons from Tom Sandoval and the Vanderpump mess

1:21:59: Similarities and differences between HR & PR


Links Mentioned:


Learn more about Brittney and her PR agency: https://www.humanconnectionagency.com/ 

Follow Brittney on IG @brittneyllynn

]]>05ef939c-2ab5-47e7-87ea-e8b8a7a75135Fri, 26 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -070001:34:18truefull171711Ep. 70 Client And Employee Appreciation Gifts 101: Building A Memorable Brand with Kristin FisherEp. 70 Client And Employee Appreciation Gifts 101: Building A Memorable Brand with Kristin FisherWhen done right, employee and client appreciation gifts can stop your recipient in their tracks and generate a fantastic ROI. #goals

But if you miss the mark, they'll breeze past these gifts without a second thought, tossing them (and your hard-earned business dollars) in the trash as they go.

Eh ehm, no, that new client you just signed doesn't feel special opening a box of generic, branded knick-knacks weeks after onboarding.

Turns out, there's a lot to consider in crafting a gift-giving strategy!

This week, the Queen of intentional gifting, Kristin Fisher of Bocu, joins us to discuss how and why to integrate thoughtful gifts into your overall marketing strategy.

We unwrap:

  • Strategies for meaningful and purposeful B2B and B2C gifting that reflect your values and ensure a worthwhile investment.
  • The trust that develops through the physical exchange of gifts.
  • Why promotional materials are not equivalent to meaningful gifting, whether for teams or clients.
  • When to include your logo on a gift and when to leave it off.
  • Tips for maximizing your gifting budget to achieve the greatest return.
  • Innovative and affordable ways to show appreciation that deliver tangible ROI.

She’s also built an incredibly thoughtful and intentional ecommerce brand that we’re swooning over. Whether you’re product or service based, there’s something for everyone in this episode!

ABOUT KRISTIN

Kristin is a former corporate retail buyer turned small business owner & retail coach. Bocu came to life in 2018 as a solution to make it easier to send a thoughtful gift without sacrificing your gift-giving style or standards. 

LINKS MENTIONED

For businesses looking to send thoughtful gifts, head to www.shopbocu.com and use the code UpAndUp15 to receive 15% off

Follow Bocu on IG @shopbocu 

Kristin also offers Retail Strategy Coaching and Mentorship for product-based brands, makers, brick and mortar stores. Visit https://kristinfishercoaching.com/ to learn more!

]]>When done right, employee and client appreciation gifts can stop your recipient in their tracks and generate a fantastic ROI. #goals

But if you miss the mark, they'll breeze past these gifts without a second thought, tossing them (and your hard-earned business dollars) in the trash as they go.

Eh ehm, no, that new client you just signed doesn't feel special opening a box of generic, branded knick-knacks weeks after onboarding.

Turns out, there's a lot to consider in crafting a gift-giving strategy!

This week, the Queen of intentional gifting, Kristin Fisher of Bocu, joins us to discuss how and why to integrate thoughtful gifts into your overall marketing strategy.

We unwrap:

  • Strategies for meaningful and purposeful B2B and B2C gifting that reflect your values and ensure a worthwhile investment.
  • The trust that develops through the physical exchange of gifts.
  • Why promotional materials are not equivalent to meaningful gifting, whether for teams or clients.
  • When to include your logo on a gift and when to leave it off.
  • Tips for maximizing your gifting budget to achieve the greatest return.
  • Innovative and affordable ways to show appreciation that deliver tangible ROI.

She’s also built an incredibly thoughtful and intentional ecommerce brand that we’re swooning over. Whether you’re product or service based, there’s something for everyone in this episode!

ABOUT KRISTIN

Kristin is a former corporate retail buyer turned small business owner & retail coach. Bocu came to life in 2018 as a solution to make it easier to send a thoughtful gift without sacrificing your gift-giving style or standards. 

LINKS MENTIONED

For businesses looking to send thoughtful gifts, head to www.shopbocu.com and use the code UpAndUp15 to receive 15% off

Follow Bocu on IG @shopbocu 

Kristin also offers Retail Strategy Coaching and Mentorship for product-based brands, makers, brick and mortar stores. Visit https://kristinfishercoaching.com/ to learn more!

]]>d2ebbc38-a81e-4707-b091-285bf1204fdcWed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -070051:08truefull170701Ep. 69 Myth Buster: Does An Employee Cost More Than A Contractor?Ep. 69 Myth Buster: Does An Employee Cost More Than A Contractor?“But Kira, aren’t employees more expensive than contractors?! I can't afford to be compliant!”

We’ve heard it a million times, and we know why. There's a lot of misinformation out there. So we’re putting this fallacy to rest once and for all. 

We’re diving into the 3 actual costs of hiring an employee versus a contractor. What exactly will hit your budget? We'll break down the must-pays (eh ehm, taxes), the optional extras, and how much to budget to keep everything HR compliant when working with employees. 

Plus I’m revealing the most unexpected, often overlooked cost of bringing on an employee. Trust me, it’s not what you’re thinking.

Let’s bust this myth together! 

SHOW NOTES: 

Employee Cost Calculator: Download the calculator here and start plugging in your numbers today! https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator?_pos=1&_sid=7a0642f27&_ss=r

Set To Scale: Join our monthly membership for personalized HR solutions that grow with your business. Learn more here: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale 


]]>“But Kira, aren’t employees more expensive than contractors?! I can't afford to be compliant!”

We’ve heard it a million times, and we know why. There's a lot of misinformation out there. So we’re putting this fallacy to rest once and for all. 

We’re diving into the 3 actual costs of hiring an employee versus a contractor. What exactly will hit your budget? We'll break down the must-pays (eh ehm, taxes), the optional extras, and how much to budget to keep everything HR compliant when working with employees. 

Plus I’m revealing the most unexpected, often overlooked cost of bringing on an employee. Trust me, it’s not what you’re thinking.

Let’s bust this myth together! 

SHOW NOTES: 

Employee Cost Calculator: Download the calculator here and start plugging in your numbers today! https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator?_pos=1&_sid=7a0642f27&_ss=r

Set To Scale: Join our monthly membership for personalized HR solutions that grow with your business. Learn more here: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale 


]]>5851f00f-c16f-4d56-89ba-9a70b47bedf2Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -070014:44truefull169691Ep. 68 Protecting Your Peace While Leading A Blended TeamEp. 68 Protecting Your Peace While Leading A Blended TeamEver feel like you're carrying the weight of your team’s happiness and productivity on your shoulders?

It's too much, right? Especially for compassionate leaders who genuinely care about their people.

Good news, straight from the HR horse’s mouth! You’re not actually as on the line for everyone’s wellbeing as you may think. Let's rethink our responsibilities as leaders.

If you're leading a blended team of employees and contractors and finding it tough to manage everyone’s wellbeing, let’s chat about where to channel your leadership energy and where it's okay to take a step back.

Leadership is heavy enough as it is…this episode will help you lighten your load!

Timestamps: 

2:15 The Responsibility of Business Owners and Leaders To Your Team

6:25 Demanding a Good Client Experience From Your Contractors

11:45 Different Leadership Approaches for Employees and Contractors

15:25 Managing Performance and Enriching the Employee Experience

18:35 Legal and Compliance Implications Of How You Treat A Blended Team

LINKS MENTIONED:

Join Set To Scale: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale

]]>Ever feel like you're carrying the weight of your team’s happiness and productivity on your shoulders?

It's too much, right? Especially for compassionate leaders who genuinely care about their people.

Good news, straight from the HR horse’s mouth! You’re not actually as on the line for everyone’s wellbeing as you may think. Let's rethink our responsibilities as leaders.

If you're leading a blended team of employees and contractors and finding it tough to manage everyone’s wellbeing, let’s chat about where to channel your leadership energy and where it's okay to take a step back.

Leadership is heavy enough as it is…this episode will help you lighten your load!

Timestamps: 

2:15 The Responsibility of Business Owners and Leaders To Your Team

6:25 Demanding a Good Client Experience From Your Contractors

11:45 Different Leadership Approaches for Employees and Contractors

15:25 Managing Performance and Enriching the Employee Experience

18:35 Legal and Compliance Implications Of How You Treat A Blended Team

LINKS MENTIONED:

Join Set To Scale: https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale

]]>915ff7d3-59ed-4165-8476-e42b101cd488Wed, 10 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -070021:58truefull168681Ep. 69 #NoFilter: Jamar Diggs Gets Real & Raw About The Ups & Downs of LeadershipEp. 69 #NoFilter: Jamar Diggs Gets Real & Raw About The Ups & Downs of LeadershipFeeling like your biz isn't quite clicking the way you hoped? It’s not just you!

Entrepreneurship can be a real cluster f*ck sometimes. But we sit firmly in our belief that sharing stories from those who've navigated the twists and turns to success is what keeps us all going!

So today, Jamar Diggs and I giggled our way through this warm-hug-of-an-episode as he shared his leadership journey, from Busch Gardens to YouTube Marketing Strategist, and A LOT in between! Jamar is sharing it all; launching his own agency, wrestling with the whole contractor vs. employee dilemma, course correction as a manager with internalized trauma from past jobs, and ultimately switching up his entire business model to align with how he works best (isn’t that what blazing your own trail should be all about?!) 


Whew! Jamar’s candidness is a refreshing reminder that we're all out here just learning and figuring things out as we go! 


PLUS, Jamar gives us a crash course on YouTube marketing and nurturing your audience through the funnel of engagement…get ready to take notes! 


SHOW NOTES


Join The Low Lift Club here: https://jamardiggs.com/community 


Access Jamar’s Free Training, “YouTube Funnel Blueprint”, here: https://jamardiggs.com/blueprint    


Follow Jamar on YouTube and Instagram (@jamardiggs) for lessons in all things YouTube, and tons of laughs!


]]>Feeling like your biz isn't quite clicking the way you hoped? It’s not just you!

Entrepreneurship can be a real cluster f*ck sometimes. But we sit firmly in our belief that sharing stories from those who've navigated the twists and turns to success is what keeps us all going!

So today, Jamar Diggs and I giggled our way through this warm-hug-of-an-episode as he shared his leadership journey, from Busch Gardens to YouTube Marketing Strategist, and A LOT in between! Jamar is sharing it all; launching his own agency, wrestling with the whole contractor vs. employee dilemma, course correction as a manager with internalized trauma from past jobs, and ultimately switching up his entire business model to align with how he works best (isn’t that what blazing your own trail should be all about?!) 


Whew! Jamar’s candidness is a refreshing reminder that we're all out here just learning and figuring things out as we go! 


PLUS, Jamar gives us a crash course on YouTube marketing and nurturing your audience through the funnel of engagement…get ready to take notes! 


SHOW NOTES


Join The Low Lift Club here: https://jamardiggs.com/community 


Access Jamar’s Free Training, “YouTube Funnel Blueprint”, here: https://jamardiggs.com/blueprint    


Follow Jamar on YouTube and Instagram (@jamardiggs) for lessons in all things YouTube, and tons of laughs!


]]>156d4734-7c6b-4871-ba5f-bcf4c662a0abWed, 03 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -070001:01:15truefull167671Ep. 66 Six Factors Of Contractor Classification Explained [Part 2: Factors 4-6]Ep. 66 Six Factors Of Contractor Classification Explained [Part 2: Factors 4-6]Let's pick up right where we left off, shall we? 

Last week, we delved into the DOL's first three factors of contractor vs. employee classification, covering control, investment, and permanence, and how they influence your hiring decisions. 

This week, we're wrapping up our deep dive with the final three factors, complete with real-world examples to help you apply them. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether a role in your business calls for a contractor or an employee. 

If you missed last week's episode, be sure to check it out first, then come back here to round out your understanding of worker classification under the DOL’s Final Ruling!

Timestamps:

5:13: Factor #4 - Nature and Degree of Control

13:03: Factor #5 - Extent To Which Work Performed Is An Integral Part of Potential Employer’s Business

17:34: Factor #6 - Skill & Initiative

SHOW NOTES:

The DOL has a super helpful compliance guide for small entities navigating this new law.

Full link here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide#overview 

Have more questions about the DOL’s Final Ruling? Schedule a free consultation and we can assess your risk and help you come up with a plan moving forward.

Full link here: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>Let's pick up right where we left off, shall we? 

Last week, we delved into the DOL's first three factors of contractor vs. employee classification, covering control, investment, and permanence, and how they influence your hiring decisions. 

This week, we're wrapping up our deep dive with the final three factors, complete with real-world examples to help you apply them. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of whether a role in your business calls for a contractor or an employee. 

If you missed last week's episode, be sure to check it out first, then come back here to round out your understanding of worker classification under the DOL’s Final Ruling!

Timestamps:

5:13: Factor #4 - Nature and Degree of Control

13:03: Factor #5 - Extent To Which Work Performed Is An Integral Part of Potential Employer’s Business

17:34: Factor #6 - Skill & Initiative

SHOW NOTES:

The DOL has a super helpful compliance guide for small entities navigating this new law.

Full link here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide#overview 

Have more questions about the DOL’s Final Ruling? Schedule a free consultation and we can assess your risk and help you come up with a plan moving forward.

Full link here: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>e65827e5-7eed-42e2-8c7f-0baf57a2aa50Wed, 27 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -070023:33truefull166661Ep. 65 [Bonus Ep!] Bravo Drama and The Tea Behind The LawsuitsEp. 65 [Bonus Ep!] Bravo Drama and The Tea Behind The LawsuitsWhew, time to lighten the mood around here! 

We’ve spent the last few weeks digging into some heavy stuff, what with the DOL’s Final Ruling and all its implications on your business, and I know we could all use a little reprieve.

So today we’re taking a sharp left turn and gossiping in the other language I speak fluently: BRAVO DRAMA!!

I’m joined by attorney and fellow Bravohead, Kelli Jones, to pour some of the juiciest legal tea on Bravo stars' legal battles and the big takeaways we can all learn as business owners, managers, and leaders.

Kelli is a lawyer, passive income strategist, and digital entrepreneur with equal parts dreamer and doer. She ditched her 9-7 for her own law firm in 2020 and never looked back. Kelli traded working all the time for a job she hated in a toxic environment to build a brand of her own to help entrepreneurs stop dreading the legal and start taking it seriously.

TIMESTAMPS:

1:59 Kelly’s Villain Origin Story

16:20 The Consequences of Workplace Issues in Reality TV

17:55 A Breakdown of Caroline Manzo’s Lawsuit Against Bravo

27:10 What Policies Other Reality Show Networks Have Put In Place To Prevent/Mitigate Legal Drama 

34:00 Leah McSweeney’s Lawsuit Against Bravo and Andy Cohen

36:55 Involvement Of Andy Cohen As An Employee Of The Bravo Network

42:37 Legal Analysis of Rachel’s (formerly known as Raquel) Lawsuit

1:01:32 Hope for Cleanup Within Bravo’s Work Environment

SHOW NOTES:

Find and follow Kelli online! 


Website https://www.lawyerkelli.com/ 

IG: @lawyerkelli_ 

TikTok: @lawyerkelli 

]]>Whew, time to lighten the mood around here! 

We’ve spent the last few weeks digging into some heavy stuff, what with the DOL’s Final Ruling and all its implications on your business, and I know we could all use a little reprieve.

So today we’re taking a sharp left turn and gossiping in the other language I speak fluently: BRAVO DRAMA!!

I’m joined by attorney and fellow Bravohead, Kelli Jones, to pour some of the juiciest legal tea on Bravo stars' legal battles and the big takeaways we can all learn as business owners, managers, and leaders.

Kelli is a lawyer, passive income strategist, and digital entrepreneur with equal parts dreamer and doer. She ditched her 9-7 for her own law firm in 2020 and never looked back. Kelli traded working all the time for a job she hated in a toxic environment to build a brand of her own to help entrepreneurs stop dreading the legal and start taking it seriously.

TIMESTAMPS:

1:59 Kelly’s Villain Origin Story

16:20 The Consequences of Workplace Issues in Reality TV

17:55 A Breakdown of Caroline Manzo’s Lawsuit Against Bravo

27:10 What Policies Other Reality Show Networks Have Put In Place To Prevent/Mitigate Legal Drama 

34:00 Leah McSweeney’s Lawsuit Against Bravo and Andy Cohen

36:55 Involvement Of Andy Cohen As An Employee Of The Bravo Network

42:37 Legal Analysis of Rachel’s (formerly known as Raquel) Lawsuit

1:01:32 Hope for Cleanup Within Bravo’s Work Environment

SHOW NOTES:

Find and follow Kelli online! 


Website https://www.lawyerkelli.com/ 

IG: @lawyerkelli_ 

TikTok: @lawyerkelli 

]]>5418c8a5-b56b-4846-a03d-65fd24e0849fFri, 22 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -070001:12:56truefull165651Ep. 64 Six Factors Of Contractor Classification Explained [Part 1: Factors 1-3]Ep. 64 Six Factors Of Contractor Classification Explained [Part 1: Factors 1-3]Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?

The past few weeks we've been painting with broad strokes about the DOL's Final Ruling on the whole contractor vs. employee saga. If you’ve been following along, you’ve def heard us say that there are now 6 factors to consider for classifying your workers.  But we haven't really rolled up our sleeves and gotten into the weeds of what those factors actually mean…until now! 

Hit play for a deep dive into factors 1-3, and stay tuned for next week's episode where we'll tackle factors 4-6. If you have a team, or are thinking about hiring in the future, you’ll wanna be all ears for this!

Timestamps:

6:00: Factor #1 - Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill

9:28: Factor #2 - Investments by the worker and the potential employer

15:35: Factor #3 -  The degree of permanence in the work relationship

18:24: Tips for Freelancers who need to talk to their client about being misclassified

Links Mentioned: 

The DOL’s Small Entity Compliance Guide 

Full link here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide#overview 

Let's talk! Schedule a free consultation and we can assess your risk and help you come up with a plan moving forward.

Full link here: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?

The past few weeks we've been painting with broad strokes about the DOL's Final Ruling on the whole contractor vs. employee saga. If you’ve been following along, you’ve def heard us say that there are now 6 factors to consider for classifying your workers.  But we haven't really rolled up our sleeves and gotten into the weeds of what those factors actually mean…until now! 

Hit play for a deep dive into factors 1-3, and stay tuned for next week's episode where we'll tackle factors 4-6. If you have a team, or are thinking about hiring in the future, you’ll wanna be all ears for this!

Timestamps:

6:00: Factor #1 - Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill

9:28: Factor #2 - Investments by the worker and the potential employer

15:35: Factor #3 -  The degree of permanence in the work relationship

18:24: Tips for Freelancers who need to talk to their client about being misclassified

Links Mentioned: 

The DOL’s Small Entity Compliance Guide 

Full link here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide#overview 

Let's talk! Schedule a free consultation and we can assess your risk and help you come up with a plan moving forward.

Full link here: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

]]>5b8620ab-f9b3-4a7e-8dd0-d68b7b6af7daWed, 20 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -070027:20truefull164641Ep. 63 DOL Debrief: The Final Contractor Ruling ExplainedEp. 63 DOL Debrief: The Final Contractor Ruling ExplainedPOV: You’re totally overwhelmed by the DOL’s Final Ruling on independent contractors.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of info on this game-changing update from the DOL, and lots of businesses are scrambling to find their footing in this new terrain. So we’re taking a few steps back to come at this whole convo from a different angle.

I'm hitting pause on the "next steps" chat to dive into the who, what, when, where, and why of the DOL's shiny new rules on independent contractor classification. Getting a grip on the origins and true intentions of these laws is key to understanding their impact on your biz.

Trust me, once you know WHY these rules are in place, compliance will feel like a total no-brainer.

LINKS MENTIONED:

I don’t get to say this a lot, but the DOL’s Compliance Guide is actually pretty user friendly and easy to read! Check it out here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide 

The Paradigm Solution: Laying the groundwork for hiring employees is definitely a bigger undertaking than working with contractors, but our signature done-for-you HR service takes the weight off your shoulders and sets you up for long-term success. Learn more here: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

]]>POV: You’re totally overwhelmed by the DOL’s Final Ruling on independent contractors.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of info on this game-changing update from the DOL, and lots of businesses are scrambling to find their footing in this new terrain. So we’re taking a few steps back to come at this whole convo from a different angle.

I'm hitting pause on the "next steps" chat to dive into the who, what, when, where, and why of the DOL's shiny new rules on independent contractor classification. Getting a grip on the origins and true intentions of these laws is key to understanding their impact on your biz.

Trust me, once you know WHY these rules are in place, compliance will feel like a total no-brainer.

LINKS MENTIONED:

I don’t get to say this a lot, but the DOL’s Compliance Guide is actually pretty user friendly and easy to read! Check it out here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/government-contracts/small-entity-compliance-guide 

The Paradigm Solution: Laying the groundwork for hiring employees is definitely a bigger undertaking than working with contractors, but our signature done-for-you HR service takes the weight off your shoulders and sets you up for long-term success. Learn more here: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

]]>03726231-7f30-421c-836b-932f2379ba02Wed, 13 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -070030:01truefull163631Ep. 62 Countdown to Compliance: Navigating Contractor to Employee TransitionsEp. 62 Countdown to Compliance: Navigating Contractor to Employee TransitionsClock’s ticking!! The DOL’s new ruling on independent contractor misclassification goes into effect in less!than!a!week!

What does this mean for you??

Well, if you’re a business owner who nods your head “yes” after reading reading these two statements:

You understands you’re not in compliance with how you’ve classified your team and are ready to switch from contractors to employees; and,You want to keep the same folks in the same roles, just with a new classification to get your business on the right side of the law.

Then the time is NOW to sit down and talk to your team about proposed changes to their classification and to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

But now you’re probably wondering how the heck to bring up this conversation with them, right? What do they need to know about the switch? How will this *actually* impact your relationship with them? What if a contractor refuses to make the switch?

Let’s get into it!

Tune in for talking points and additional context you need in order to have confident and productive conversations about this time-sensitive topic. You don’t need to be scared of this conversation, but you do need to be prepared!

Links mentioned:Our Set To Scale Template Shop features employment offer letter templates to help you craft a well-thought out offer that brings clarity and structure to the switch from contractor to employee. Type “Offer Letter” into the search bar to find templates for several different employment scenarios, depending on your unique situation.

Not sure if you need to make the switch from contractor to employee? Listen to our past episode “Does My Business Need An Employee Or Contractor” to learn more about the difference and things to consider!

]]>Clock’s ticking!! The DOL’s new ruling on independent contractor misclassification goes into effect in less!than!a!week!

What does this mean for you??

Well, if you’re a business owner who nods your head “yes” after reading reading these two statements:

You understands you’re not in compliance with how you’ve classified your team and are ready to switch from contractors to employees; and,You want to keep the same folks in the same roles, just with a new classification to get your business on the right side of the law.

Then the time is NOW to sit down and talk to your team about proposed changes to their classification and to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

But now you’re probably wondering how the heck to bring up this conversation with them, right? What do they need to know about the switch? How will this *actually* impact your relationship with them? What if a contractor refuses to make the switch?

Let’s get into it!

Tune in for talking points and additional context you need in order to have confident and productive conversations about this time-sensitive topic. You don’t need to be scared of this conversation, but you do need to be prepared!

Links mentioned:Our Set To Scale Template Shop features employment offer letter templates to help you craft a well-thought out offer that brings clarity and structure to the switch from contractor to employee. Type “Offer Letter” into the search bar to find templates for several different employment scenarios, depending on your unique situation.

Not sure if you need to make the switch from contractor to employee? Listen to our past episode “Does My Business Need An Employee Or Contractor” to learn more about the difference and things to consider!

]]>d4060ee7-d5b0-467d-ab78-93faa28fe29aWed, 06 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -070044:05truefull162621Ep. 61 Sipping Success and Lessons in Leadership with Kaitlyn Parker [Copy Uncorked]Ep. 61 Sipping Success and Lessons in Leadership with Kaitlyn Parker [Copy Uncorked]Here’s 1 of the 398,402 things nobody teaches you when building a brand and becoming a leader:

Your external brand ≠ your internal company culture. Just because the world sees your brand in a certain light doesn’t mean your team has to march to that beat behind the scenes.

Few people know this better than Kailtyn Parker of Copy Uncorked. Her business’s brand is strategically drenched in wine culture, but don’t let that fool her – their internal culture isn’t exactly what you’d expect.

Tune in to hear Kaitlyn’s approach to leading a team that's as intentional and well-thought-out as her iconic brand. Bring your favorite glass because she’s pouring up insights on:

🍷The critical role of culture-driven hiring, especially when your brand and your culture aren’t one in the same 

🍷The role of personality tests, method acting, and mirroring in effective leadership

🍷How “remaining in choice” steadies the wild ride of entrepreneurship

🍷Lessons in leadership from her days at Lululemon

🍷Putting a premium on Subject Matter Experts when hiring a lean team

We always knew Kaitlyn is a wordsmith, but dang – the wisdom she drops in this episode is *CHEF’S KISS* for anyone trying to step up their leadership game. 

ABOUT KAITLYN AND COPY UNCORKED:

Kaitlyn Parker is the founder/CEO, brand strategist, and wine enthusiast behind Copy Uncorked - a full-service copywriting & creative agency pouring up personality-fueled sales copy to help brands grow. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Kaitlyn holds a Master’s in Strategic Communications and has worked with 200+ clients worldwide in her 8+ years of industry experience. She's also developed Copy Uncorked's suite of educational products for non-copywriters—collectively known as CU Edu. Each program is designed to help emerging entrepreneurs develop their brand messaging, write their own website copy, and every piece of copy after that.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram @copyuncorked or visit copyuncorked.com.

]]>Here’s 1 of the 398,402 things nobody teaches you when building a brand and becoming a leader:

Your external brand ≠ your internal company culture. Just because the world sees your brand in a certain light doesn’t mean your team has to march to that beat behind the scenes.

Few people know this better than Kailtyn Parker of Copy Uncorked. Her business’s brand is strategically drenched in wine culture, but don’t let that fool her – their internal culture isn’t exactly what you’d expect.

Tune in to hear Kaitlyn’s approach to leading a team that's as intentional and well-thought-out as her iconic brand. Bring your favorite glass because she’s pouring up insights on:

🍷The critical role of culture-driven hiring, especially when your brand and your culture aren’t one in the same 

🍷The role of personality tests, method acting, and mirroring in effective leadership

🍷How “remaining in choice” steadies the wild ride of entrepreneurship

🍷Lessons in leadership from her days at Lululemon

🍷Putting a premium on Subject Matter Experts when hiring a lean team

We always knew Kaitlyn is a wordsmith, but dang – the wisdom she drops in this episode is *CHEF’S KISS* for anyone trying to step up their leadership game. 

ABOUT KAITLYN AND COPY UNCORKED:

Kaitlyn Parker is the founder/CEO, brand strategist, and wine enthusiast behind Copy Uncorked - a full-service copywriting & creative agency pouring up personality-fueled sales copy to help brands grow. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Kaitlyn holds a Master’s in Strategic Communications and has worked with 200+ clients worldwide in her 8+ years of industry experience. She's also developed Copy Uncorked's suite of educational products for non-copywriters—collectively known as CU Edu. Each program is designed to help emerging entrepreneurs develop their brand messaging, write their own website copy, and every piece of copy after that.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Connect with Kaitlyn on Instagram @copyuncorked or visit copyuncorked.com.

]]>295c529a-d9ba-4c08-8506-090ea28fd0f1Wed, 28 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -070048:18truefull161611Ep. 60 No Cubicle, No Problem: 3 Key Elements Of Your Remote Work PolicyEp. 60 No Cubicle, No Problem: 3 Key Elements Of Your Remote Work PolicyPsst…I don’t know who needs to hear this, but:

It’s time we move past the old-school belief that real work only happens when we’re all parked in office chairs. That mindset is as outdated as the office cubicles tech giants are trying to herd their talent back into (oops! Guess I do know who needs to hear this!) 

Do remote work relationships crash and burn sometimes? For sure. But it’s not always about the distance. More often than not, it’s about the people and the policies, or lack thereof, that are supposed to have their backs. 

As leaders in this “new normal” way of working, it’s crucial we adapt. So let’s talk about the 3 things to focus on in your remote work policy to empower those who thrive in the virtual workspace.

Timestamps:

00:38 The Fallacy of Remote Work

02:49 Misconceptions about Remote Work

03:55 Failures in Remote Work Relationships

05:54 Creating Company Policies For Remote Work

07:29 Guidelines For Remote Work Behaviors

08:10 Setting Expectations for Remote Work

15:33 Using Metrics To Create Tangible Goals

21:24 Learning Opportunities For Leaders and Managers in Remote Work

LINKS MENTIONED:

Prior To The Hire Guide - we’ll help you think through all the things you didn’t know you needed to think through before making your next hire!

]]>Psst…I don’t know who needs to hear this, but:

It’s time we move past the old-school belief that real work only happens when we’re all parked in office chairs. That mindset is as outdated as the office cubicles tech giants are trying to herd their talent back into (oops! Guess I do know who needs to hear this!) 

Do remote work relationships crash and burn sometimes? For sure. But it’s not always about the distance. More often than not, it’s about the people and the policies, or lack thereof, that are supposed to have their backs. 

As leaders in this “new normal” way of working, it’s crucial we adapt. So let’s talk about the 3 things to focus on in your remote work policy to empower those who thrive in the virtual workspace.

Timestamps:

00:38 The Fallacy of Remote Work

02:49 Misconceptions about Remote Work

03:55 Failures in Remote Work Relationships

05:54 Creating Company Policies For Remote Work

07:29 Guidelines For Remote Work Behaviors

08:10 Setting Expectations for Remote Work

15:33 Using Metrics To Create Tangible Goals

21:24 Learning Opportunities For Leaders and Managers in Remote Work

LINKS MENTIONED:

Prior To The Hire Guide - we’ll help you think through all the things you didn’t know you needed to think through before making your next hire!

]]>641151e5-7c52-4ba6-b2d0-97571fd5a714Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -070025:31truefull160601Ep. 59 Love Notes & Leadership: Cultivating Culture Through Internal CommunicationEp. 59 Love Notes & Leadership: Cultivating Culture Through Internal CommunicationWhat’s your most unpopular opinion as a manager or people leader?

I’m sharing mine this week, and it’s going to ruffle some feathers. It’s about one of my rules for internal communication with my remote team, and it’s one that I think a lot more leaders should adopt. This one small boundary has helped me establish a company culture steeped in respect for my team's space and energy, while aligning the way we work with the my values as a business owner.

Come for the hot take, stay for the essentials of effective communication for your own remote team!

]]>What’s your most unpopular opinion as a manager or people leader?

I’m sharing mine this week, and it’s going to ruffle some feathers. It’s about one of my rules for internal communication with my remote team, and it’s one that I think a lot more leaders should adopt. This one small boundary has helped me establish a company culture steeped in respect for my team's space and energy, while aligning the way we work with the my values as a business owner.

Come for the hot take, stay for the essentials of effective communication for your own remote team!

]]>ff038b50-37e6-4625-9382-83f12f6be87aWed, 14 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -070029:57truefull159591Ep. 58 Behind The Screens: Establishing Remote Accountability and Building Trust At WorkEp. 58 Behind The Screens: Establishing Remote Accountability and Building Trust At WorkThink leading a remote team is just a game of juggling Zoom calls and Slack messages in an effort to herd your team in a march towards deadlines? Think again. 

It's actually a trust-building marathon, and many leaders are dropping the baton by not establishing trust early or consistently enough with their team, leading to some major backfires.

Building trust and accountability with a remote team isn't a 'do it once and dust your hands’ kind of task. It's an ongoing journey and a continuous leveling up of your leadership skills. This isn't just a process; it's an evolution that mirrors your growth as a boss (how badass is that??)


This week, let's dive into the world of the unseen – the intangible elements of building trust at work. We'll explore some concrete strategies to plant the seeds of trust and accountability within your team, nurturing them to grow in ways that resonate with your unique leadership style. 


Listen now!


LINKS MENTIONED:


People Leader Archetype Quiz: Discovering your leadership archetype will reveal where your strengths are in communication and leadership, and can help you identify how to build trust with your team. Take the quick quiz now and empower yourself to become a better leader!

]]>Think leading a remote team is just a game of juggling Zoom calls and Slack messages in an effort to herd your team in a march towards deadlines? Think again. 

It's actually a trust-building marathon, and many leaders are dropping the baton by not establishing trust early or consistently enough with their team, leading to some major backfires.

Building trust and accountability with a remote team isn't a 'do it once and dust your hands’ kind of task. It's an ongoing journey and a continuous leveling up of your leadership skills. This isn't just a process; it's an evolution that mirrors your growth as a boss (how badass is that??)


This week, let's dive into the world of the unseen – the intangible elements of building trust at work. We'll explore some concrete strategies to plant the seeds of trust and accountability within your team, nurturing them to grow in ways that resonate with your unique leadership style. 


Listen now!


LINKS MENTIONED:


People Leader Archetype Quiz: Discovering your leadership archetype will reveal where your strengths are in communication and leadership, and can help you identify how to build trust with your team. Take the quick quiz now and empower yourself to become a better leader!

]]>614d0a80-fc05-4fb9-a18e-509f9029ba77Wed, 07 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -070053:00truefull158581Ep. 57 Four Steps To Avoiding The Biggest First-Time Hiring MistakeEp. 57 Four Steps To Avoiding The Biggest First-Time Hiring MistakeEver wondered how people successfully go from solopreneur to CEO with a team?

The secret isn't about nailing one specific management style or mastering a recruiting trick. It's really about how your team comes together around your business’s growth goals, starting with an intentional hiring process that paves the way for everyone's success.

So why isn’t everyone who hires a team thriving and massively scaling their business?

This week we’re delving into one major hiring pitfall many fall into on their journey to team building. This one mistake is so major, it often makes people regret hiring in the first place. Plus, we’ll talk through 4 steps you can take to transform your next hire from a gamble into a guaranteed investment in your business’s success. 

If hiring is on your mind, don’t miss this episode! 

Timestamps:

5:24 - The biggest hiring mistake revealed

14:30 - The 4 steps to avoiding this mistake

18:38 - Real-life examples of these 4 steps in action

Links Mentioned:

Getting ready to hire? Download our free Prior To The Hire Guide for a more in depth look at the 4 steps outlined in this episode, including a framework and worksheet you can use to build out the role your business needs to ROI.

Full link: https://the-paradigm.com/prior-to-the-hire  

]]>Ever wondered how people successfully go from solopreneur to CEO with a team?

The secret isn't about nailing one specific management style or mastering a recruiting trick. It's really about how your team comes together around your business’s growth goals, starting with an intentional hiring process that paves the way for everyone's success.

So why isn’t everyone who hires a team thriving and massively scaling their business?

This week we’re delving into one major hiring pitfall many fall into on their journey to team building. This one mistake is so major, it often makes people regret hiring in the first place. Plus, we’ll talk through 4 steps you can take to transform your next hire from a gamble into a guaranteed investment in your business’s success. 

If hiring is on your mind, don’t miss this episode! 

Timestamps:

5:24 - The biggest hiring mistake revealed

14:30 - The 4 steps to avoiding this mistake

18:38 - Real-life examples of these 4 steps in action

Links Mentioned:

Getting ready to hire? Download our free Prior To The Hire Guide for a more in depth look at the 4 steps outlined in this episode, including a framework and worksheet you can use to build out the role your business needs to ROI.

Full link: https://the-paradigm.com/prior-to-the-hire  

]]>85086159-79e9-4f4f-b3cc-a8b4a1f11d51Wed, 31 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -070032:02truefull157571Ep. 56 Culture Driven Onboarding For Remote TeamsEp. 56 Culture Driven Onboarding For Remote TeamsAs business owners, people managers, and CEOs, we often overlook the significant impact company culture has on our leadership experience. It's important to realize that culture is not just about creating a fun workplace (though we’re all about making work fun if that’s your vibe!); it's crucial in fostering productivity and ensuring the collective success of your team, which directly influences the success of your business.

So, how do you ensure that every new addition to your team not only understands but also integrates well into your company's culture, especially when you’re not in a face-to-face environment?

Let’s talk about it! In this week’s episode, we’re honing in on culture-driven onboarding processes, discussing strategies to ensure new team members seamlessly integrate into your team's dynamics and culture. This process starts wayyy before their first day of work, and it’s about soooo much more than paperwork. 

We’re talking through cultural touchpoints to consider during four stages of a culture-driven onboarding process: the pre-hire or candidacy process, orientation, acclimation to your team, company, and systems, as well as training and development.

We’ll also dive into:

  • The impact of your onboarding process on the overall culture of your company.
  • Understanding when onboarding starts and ends.
  • Strategies to prepare your company and team for a new employee, optimizing their success through a culture-driven onboarding process.
  • Debunking common myths about what is permissible to ask during an interview.
  • A universal cultural element we recommend for every organization, regardless of the rest of your culture.

Tune in now!

]]>As business owners, people managers, and CEOs, we often overlook the significant impact company culture has on our leadership experience. It's important to realize that culture is not just about creating a fun workplace (though we’re all about making work fun if that’s your vibe!); it's crucial in fostering productivity and ensuring the collective success of your team, which directly influences the success of your business.

So, how do you ensure that every new addition to your team not only understands but also integrates well into your company's culture, especially when you’re not in a face-to-face environment?

Let’s talk about it! In this week’s episode, we’re honing in on culture-driven onboarding processes, discussing strategies to ensure new team members seamlessly integrate into your team's dynamics and culture. This process starts wayyy before their first day of work, and it’s about soooo much more than paperwork. 

We’re talking through cultural touchpoints to consider during four stages of a culture-driven onboarding process: the pre-hire or candidacy process, orientation, acclimation to your team, company, and systems, as well as training and development.

We’ll also dive into:

  • The impact of your onboarding process on the overall culture of your company.
  • Understanding when onboarding starts and ends.
  • Strategies to prepare your company and team for a new employee, optimizing their success through a culture-driven onboarding process.
  • Debunking common myths about what is permissible to ask during an interview.
  • A universal cultural element we recommend for every organization, regardless of the rest of your culture.

Tune in now!

]]>0d0e89f8-561d-4cc5-8f0f-f9121320c3bfWed, 24 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -070038:15truefull156561Ep. 55 Hiring Your First Employee & Passing Down the Art of Great Management With Meg EvansEp. 55 Hiring Your First Employee & Passing Down the Art of Great Management With Meg EvansThis week, we’re excited to have Meg Evans from Born To Roam Bookkeeping on the podcast to chat all about making that first hire for your business. 

Meg is a licensed CPA, numbers nerd, and small business bookkeeper. She is the founder and CEO of Born to Roam Bookkeeping LLC, a virtual boutique bookkeeping agency based out of California. She and her team are on a mission to empower and equip female CEOs with the tools and knowledge they need to financially fuel a life of freedom and exploration. 

We delved into the common fears entrepreneurs face when hiring for the first time (eh ehm, like relinquishing control over certain tasks) and the essential mental preparation needed to bring someone into your business and step into a leadership role.

If you’re on the cusp of hiring, whether it's for the first time or the 10th time, there is a lot to be learned from this conversation. Tune in to hear: 

  • A transformative experience Meg had while being managed by favorite boss (who, interestingly, is also the one who laid her off) that has profoundly shaped her approach to people management.
  • Meg's journey to realizing why her business needs employees rather than contractors— music to my ears!
  • The key skill Meg believes is vital for managing a team, particularly in a remote setting.
  • Reflective questions to help identify the specific role your business needs to fill next.
  • Practical tips for juggling the dual roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we have on our employees and how we can shape their careers in ways we might not even realize.

Connect with Meg Instagram:

If you’re interested in Meg’s bookkeeping services, send her a DM on Instagram (@borntoroambookkeeping)

]]>This week, we’re excited to have Meg Evans from Born To Roam Bookkeeping on the podcast to chat all about making that first hire for your business. 

Meg is a licensed CPA, numbers nerd, and small business bookkeeper. She is the founder and CEO of Born to Roam Bookkeeping LLC, a virtual boutique bookkeeping agency based out of California. She and her team are on a mission to empower and equip female CEOs with the tools and knowledge they need to financially fuel a life of freedom and exploration. 

We delved into the common fears entrepreneurs face when hiring for the first time (eh ehm, like relinquishing control over certain tasks) and the essential mental preparation needed to bring someone into your business and step into a leadership role.

If you’re on the cusp of hiring, whether it's for the first time or the 10th time, there is a lot to be learned from this conversation. Tune in to hear: 

  • A transformative experience Meg had while being managed by favorite boss (who, interestingly, is also the one who laid her off) that has profoundly shaped her approach to people management.
  • Meg's journey to realizing why her business needs employees rather than contractors— music to my ears!
  • The key skill Meg believes is vital for managing a team, particularly in a remote setting.
  • Reflective questions to help identify the specific role your business needs to fill next.
  • Practical tips for juggling the dual roles of motherhood and entrepreneurship.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact we have on our employees and how we can shape their careers in ways we might not even realize.

Connect with Meg Instagram:

If you’re interested in Meg’s bookkeeping services, send her a DM on Instagram (@borntoroambookkeeping)

]]>af051de0-4175-47c5-b670-afb57e313368Wed, 17 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -070054:35truefull155551Ep. 54 Toxic Flexibility: How Structure Creates Freedom For Your TeamEp. 54 Toxic Flexibility: How Structure Creates Freedom For Your TeamWhen you’re thinking about building and shaping your company culture, you might be tempted to go along with the trends of online business and offer your team allll the flexibility they “want.”

But what we’re actually seeing is that too much flexibility isn’t actually as rewarding for people to work within as we may think. Turns out, people don't just need structure to thrive at work—they actually want it. Excessive flexibility can shake the very foundation your team needs to grow and excel, leading to some unexpected pitfalls. 

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about why people need guardrails (which come in the form of direct and concise policies and procedures) in order for you to get an ROI on your hire.  We'll explore the concept of 'toxic flexibility'—what it is, why it's a problem, and how you can steer clear of it. Plus, we're balancing the scales by discussing 

Tune in to learn:

  • The 2 most common scenarios where toxic flexibility shows up
  • The importance of mixing in a bit of 'old school' with the new flex trends
  • What an ‘intrapraneur’ is and how to avoid making hiring mistakes
  • What one statistic tells us about how people prefer to work
  • The 2 key steps you can take as a CEO to avoid toxic flexibility in your company culture

As a CEO, it's crucial to navigate these waters carefully. So, we're wrapping things up with two essential steps you can take to keep 'toxic flexibility' out of your company culture. Listen now!

]]>When you’re thinking about building and shaping your company culture, you might be tempted to go along with the trends of online business and offer your team allll the flexibility they “want.”

But what we’re actually seeing is that too much flexibility isn’t actually as rewarding for people to work within as we may think. Turns out, people don't just need structure to thrive at work—they actually want it. Excessive flexibility can shake the very foundation your team needs to grow and excel, leading to some unexpected pitfalls. 

In this week’s episode, we’re talking about why people need guardrails (which come in the form of direct and concise policies and procedures) in order for you to get an ROI on your hire.  We'll explore the concept of 'toxic flexibility'—what it is, why it's a problem, and how you can steer clear of it. Plus, we're balancing the scales by discussing 

Tune in to learn:

  • The 2 most common scenarios where toxic flexibility shows up
  • The importance of mixing in a bit of 'old school' with the new flex trends
  • What an ‘intrapraneur’ is and how to avoid making hiring mistakes
  • What one statistic tells us about how people prefer to work
  • The 2 key steps you can take as a CEO to avoid toxic flexibility in your company culture

As a CEO, it's crucial to navigate these waters carefully. So, we're wrapping things up with two essential steps you can take to keep 'toxic flexibility' out of your company culture. Listen now!

]]>6f8505ad-e9fa-437b-8e17-9578cf8fc9c1Wed, 10 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -070027:33truefull154541Ep. 53 HR Compliance: The Big Bad Wolf of HiringEp. 53 HR Compliance: The Big Bad Wolf of HiringHappy New Year! Let’s start 2024 fresh by getting back to basics. 

Like, realllly basic.

In this episode, I'm talking about what we actually mean when we say "HR compliance" and exploring its significance for all businesses regardless of location, size, or industry.

HR compliance isn't JUST about adhering to laws and regulations related to employment (although yes, that is its #1 function); it's also about creating a balanced and fair experience for everyone in your workplace, including yourself. We discuss how compliance acts as a vital preventative measure to steer clear of legal pitfalls, and the nuanced role HR plays in safeguarding both the company and its work environment.

This episode is all about boiling it down to the basics and covering points like:

  • What HR compliance even means and where it should live within your business
  • How labor laws fit into compliance
  • Payroll compliance vs. HR compliance
  • Basic standards of HR compliance that are often overlooked
  • The ONE must-have policy you absolutely need in your company

In the spirit of "new year, new you"...this is the perfect time to make sure all your HR compliance ducks are in a row! Fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation call and discover how we can support your business in staying compliant and On The Up & Up.

Links Mentioned:

First Hire Starter Pack: Visit the Set To Scale Shop at www.settoscale.com for our First Hire Starter Pack, which provides the minimum viable options for compliance when making your first hire, including a MUST-HAVE EEO clause.

Prior To The Hire Guide: Check out our website to download our 'Prior To The Hire' Guide, detailing the essential considerations you need to know before your next hire.

]]>Happy New Year! Let’s start 2024 fresh by getting back to basics. 

Like, realllly basic.

In this episode, I'm talking about what we actually mean when we say "HR compliance" and exploring its significance for all businesses regardless of location, size, or industry.

HR compliance isn't JUST about adhering to laws and regulations related to employment (although yes, that is its #1 function); it's also about creating a balanced and fair experience for everyone in your workplace, including yourself. We discuss how compliance acts as a vital preventative measure to steer clear of legal pitfalls, and the nuanced role HR plays in safeguarding both the company and its work environment.

This episode is all about boiling it down to the basics and covering points like:

  • What HR compliance even means and where it should live within your business
  • How labor laws fit into compliance
  • Payroll compliance vs. HR compliance
  • Basic standards of HR compliance that are often overlooked
  • The ONE must-have policy you absolutely need in your company

In the spirit of "new year, new you"...this is the perfect time to make sure all your HR compliance ducks are in a row! Fill out the contact form on our website for a free consultation call and discover how we can support your business in staying compliant and On The Up & Up.

Links Mentioned:

First Hire Starter Pack: Visit the Set To Scale Shop at www.settoscale.com for our First Hire Starter Pack, which provides the minimum viable options for compliance when making your first hire, including a MUST-HAVE EEO clause.

Prior To The Hire Guide: Check out our website to download our 'Prior To The Hire' Guide, detailing the essential considerations you need to know before your next hire.

]]>e4e1017b-b150-47b4-850e-579504ba7500Wed, 03 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -070037:21truefull153531Ep. 52 Words Of Wisdom From Our ClientsEp. 52 Words Of Wisdom From Our ClientsIt’s our anniversary! To celebrate one-year since launching On The Up & Up, we've got a special treat lined up for this week's episode.

We're switching things up and letting some of our amazing clients take the spotlight. They're here to share the real-deal lessons they've learned while building their online businesses.

This episode is all about answering one big question: 'If you could go back in time to when you were just starting out, what business advice would you give yourself?'

Our lineup includes 7 incredible online business owners from all stages of business. Whether they've been in it for over a decade, just starting out, running an agency, or even recently sold their business, they've got advice you'll want to hear.

This one feels like a heart-to-heart with the business mentor you've always dreamed of having.

So grab a notebook, pour a glass of your favorite celebratory bev (it IS our anniversary after all), and tune in! 

Connect with our contributors!

Braden Drake @notavglaw https://notavglaw.com/

Kristin Richards @girlbossdesigner @kristinrichards.co https://girlbossdesigner.com/

Lauren Loreto @brandgoodtime www.brandgoodtime.com

Haley Johnson @propegy www.propegy.com

Rachael Mueller @heyrachael https://heyrachael.com/

Abagail Pumphrey @bossproject https://bossproject.com/

Katie Hunt @prooftoproduct https://www.prooftoproduct.com/

]]>It’s our anniversary! To celebrate one-year since launching On The Up & Up, we've got a special treat lined up for this week's episode.

We're switching things up and letting some of our amazing clients take the spotlight. They're here to share the real-deal lessons they've learned while building their online businesses.

This episode is all about answering one big question: 'If you could go back in time to when you were just starting out, what business advice would you give yourself?'

Our lineup includes 7 incredible online business owners from all stages of business. Whether they've been in it for over a decade, just starting out, running an agency, or even recently sold their business, they've got advice you'll want to hear.

This one feels like a heart-to-heart with the business mentor you've always dreamed of having.

So grab a notebook, pour a glass of your favorite celebratory bev (it IS our anniversary after all), and tune in! 

Connect with our contributors!

Braden Drake @notavglaw https://notavglaw.com/

Kristin Richards @girlbossdesigner @kristinrichards.co https://girlbossdesigner.com/

Lauren Loreto @brandgoodtime www.brandgoodtime.com

Haley Johnson @propegy www.propegy.com

Rachael Mueller @heyrachael https://heyrachael.com/

Abagail Pumphrey @bossproject https://bossproject.com/

Katie Hunt @prooftoproduct https://www.prooftoproduct.com/

]]>a481e1a8-b21d-41de-9ae3-5ebd2c5cd76aWed, 13 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -070035:41truefull152521Ep. 51 How To Plan And Facilitate a Meaningful End Of Year Team MeetingEp. 51 How To Plan And Facilitate a Meaningful End Of Year Team MeetingThis week Kira talks about how to plan, prepare for, and facilitate a meaningful and valuable end of year team meeting. Since this meeting should be a little different than your standard all-team, we knew this topic required its own spotlight!

If you take away nothing else from this episode, remember this: your employees don’t need a regurgitation of metrics around your successes and failures from the past year; they need to feel valued because of the job that they do, and seen and heard by both their boss and their colleagues. And that's what this episode is all about!

Tune in to hear Kira cover:

  • What makes the end-of-year team meeting so important, and why you should prepare for it a little differently than you other meetings;
  • The 3 sections to include in your meeting agenda, and how to create meaning in each;
  • What data to collect from your employees and from your business to prepare for the meeting;
  • How and why to bring each employee to a level playing field before you start the meeting, no matter their role or how long they’ve been a part of your team;
  • How to frame business results, both good and not-so-good, as a launching pad for meaningful discussions in a productive environment that doesn’t bring about shame and anxiety;
  • How to respond to feedback from employees in a way that's aligned with your values and how you want to move forward in the new year; 
  • Lots more!

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Year End Wrap Up Bundle: https://settoscale.com/products/year-end-bundle 

Grab our year end wrap up bundle and make sure your team is ready to take on the new year with you!

Includes: 

  • Year End Checklist 
  • Year End Wrap Up Meeting Agenda

]]>This week Kira talks about how to plan, prepare for, and facilitate a meaningful and valuable end of year team meeting. Since this meeting should be a little different than your standard all-team, we knew this topic required its own spotlight!

If you take away nothing else from this episode, remember this: your employees don’t need a regurgitation of metrics around your successes and failures from the past year; they need to feel valued because of the job that they do, and seen and heard by both their boss and their colleagues. And that's what this episode is all about!

Tune in to hear Kira cover:

  • What makes the end-of-year team meeting so important, and why you should prepare for it a little differently than you other meetings;
  • The 3 sections to include in your meeting agenda, and how to create meaning in each;
  • What data to collect from your employees and from your business to prepare for the meeting;
  • How and why to bring each employee to a level playing field before you start the meeting, no matter their role or how long they’ve been a part of your team;
  • How to frame business results, both good and not-so-good, as a launching pad for meaningful discussions in a productive environment that doesn’t bring about shame and anxiety;
  • How to respond to feedback from employees in a way that's aligned with your values and how you want to move forward in the new year; 
  • Lots more!

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Year End Wrap Up Bundle: https://settoscale.com/products/year-end-bundle 

Grab our year end wrap up bundle and make sure your team is ready to take on the new year with you!

Includes: 

  • Year End Checklist 
  • Year End Wrap Up Meeting Agenda

]]>6d2827f8-5959-4419-83f5-c2fae94e4b6aWed, 29 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -070039:23truefull151511Ep. 50 Sales are down? Planning For The Worst When You Have A TeamEp. 50 Sales are down? Planning For The Worst When You Have A TeamIn this episode, Kira dives into planning for the worst in sales. She explores the empowering mindset needed during uncertainties, the transformative value of seeing your team as an investment, and the importance of maintaining transparency, legality, perspective, and having HR processes in place.

Join Set To Scale: https://www.the-paradigm.com/setoscale

Key Points:

Mindset:

  • Embrace the exciting roller coaster of entrepreneurship.
  • Discover personal growth opportunities aligned with your business goals.

Team Investment:

  • Recognize your team as a dynamic investment in growth.
  • Make transformative decisions as a positive aspect of smart business management.

Financial Options:

  • Explore loans as a powerful tool to overcome challenges.
  • Consider potential benefits and opportunities associated with financial assistance.

Culture and HR Readiness:

  • Empower your team through transparent communication.
  • Have HR processes in place to ensure a smooth and positive transition.

Perspective:

  • See business transitions as opportunities for positive change.
  • Overcome fears of legal repercussions with a hopeful outlook.

Business Realities:

  • Acknowledge the potential for positive growth amid challenges.

In times of slow sales, encourage entrepreneurs to approach uncertainties optimistically, prioritize team well-being, embrace growth opportunities, and ensure HR readiness for a seamless transition.

]]>In this episode, Kira dives into planning for the worst in sales. She explores the empowering mindset needed during uncertainties, the transformative value of seeing your team as an investment, and the importance of maintaining transparency, legality, perspective, and having HR processes in place.

Join Set To Scale: https://www.the-paradigm.com/setoscale

Key Points:

Mindset:

  • Embrace the exciting roller coaster of entrepreneurship.
  • Discover personal growth opportunities aligned with your business goals.

Team Investment:

  • Recognize your team as a dynamic investment in growth.
  • Make transformative decisions as a positive aspect of smart business management.

Financial Options:

  • Explore loans as a powerful tool to overcome challenges.
  • Consider potential benefits and opportunities associated with financial assistance.

Culture and HR Readiness:

  • Empower your team through transparent communication.
  • Have HR processes in place to ensure a smooth and positive transition.

Perspective:

  • See business transitions as opportunities for positive change.
  • Overcome fears of legal repercussions with a hopeful outlook.

Business Realities:

  • Acknowledge the potential for positive growth amid challenges.

In times of slow sales, encourage entrepreneurs to approach uncertainties optimistically, prioritize team well-being, embrace growth opportunities, and ensure HR readiness for a seamless transition.

]]>d41f06b9-4fd4-4587-bba1-8aab143d7f2dThu, 16 Nov 2023 13:30:00 -070038:09truefull150501Ep. 49 Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Dr. Taylor DayEp. 49 Navigating Neurodiversity in the Workplace with Dr. Taylor DayDr. Taylor Day joins us on the podcast this week to shed some light on neurodiversity in the workplace (and beyond!)

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist with expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. She has a PhD in clinical psychology and her own private practice is centered on The Whole Family Approach, a process Dr. Tay has founded and perfected over the years. Dr. Tay specializes in working with autistic children and their families and uses a combination of evidence-informed principles, along with her personal expertise with an autistic brother, to provide neurodivergent affirming care. 

Kira and Dr. Tay discuss the reality that HR policies are based on neurotypicality and how we - as employers and business owners - can step into proactive measures instead of reactive ones to accommodate our team members and create a company culture that prevents burnout. Dr. Tay shares how she’s built a team around her values and the culture she  

Check out this week’s episode to hear Kira and Dr. Tay talk about:

  • How to not lose the special parts of your business as you bring on more team members
  • How proactive vs. reactive measures prevent burnout, and what the looks like for Dr. Tay’s business
  • Modeling behavior you want to see in your employees
  • The difference between person-first language vs. identity-first language 
  • Dr. Tay’s approach to hiring 
  • Appropriate terminology to use around neurodivergence
  • How to approach individuals about what kind of accommodations they need without causing offense
  • Opening a dialogue with people without making assumptions or hurting someone’s feelings
  • What to do if someone isn’t disclosing what you suspect to be neurodivergent 

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Dr. Taylor Day’s Instagram: @the.dr.tay 

Dr. Taylor Day’s Website:  Drtaylorday.com

Email: taylor@drtaylorday.com

]]>Dr. Taylor Day joins us on the podcast this week to shed some light on neurodiversity in the workplace (and beyond!)

Dr. Taylor Day is a licensed psychologist with expertise in the early diagnosis and intervention of autism. She has a PhD in clinical psychology and her own private practice is centered on The Whole Family Approach, a process Dr. Tay has founded and perfected over the years. Dr. Tay specializes in working with autistic children and their families and uses a combination of evidence-informed principles, along with her personal expertise with an autistic brother, to provide neurodivergent affirming care. 

Kira and Dr. Tay discuss the reality that HR policies are based on neurotypicality and how we - as employers and business owners - can step into proactive measures instead of reactive ones to accommodate our team members and create a company culture that prevents burnout. Dr. Tay shares how she’s built a team around her values and the culture she  

Check out this week’s episode to hear Kira and Dr. Tay talk about:

  • How to not lose the special parts of your business as you bring on more team members
  • How proactive vs. reactive measures prevent burnout, and what the looks like for Dr. Tay’s business
  • Modeling behavior you want to see in your employees
  • The difference between person-first language vs. identity-first language 
  • Dr. Tay’s approach to hiring 
  • Appropriate terminology to use around neurodivergence
  • How to approach individuals about what kind of accommodations they need without causing offense
  • Opening a dialogue with people without making assumptions or hurting someone’s feelings
  • What to do if someone isn’t disclosing what you suspect to be neurodivergent 

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Dr. Taylor Day’s Instagram: @the.dr.tay 

Dr. Taylor Day’s Website:  Drtaylorday.com

Email: taylor@drtaylorday.com

]]>9f89ebfd-f4b5-421f-822e-3d29165b8780Wed, 15 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -070001:03:32truefull149491Ep. 48 Decoding PTO: Considerations & Best Practices For Maximizing Workforce PerformanceEp. 48 Decoding PTO: Considerations & Best Practices For Maximizing Workforce PerformanceMany folks toss around the term "PTO" pretty casually, but trust me, it's a lot more intricate than it might seem. In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the world of PTO to help you make savvy choices when shaping your team's policy.

The purpose of this episode isn’t to walk you through the process of creating a PTO policy (although that is a service we offer 😉), but it’s to share insights to help you turn those swirling thoughts in your head into a solid plan on paper. Keep in mind, while your PTO policy does affect your bottom line, it's more about the nuts and bolts of your business operations and gaining a deeper understanding of how your team manages their time.

So tune into this week’s episode to learn:

  • The HR perspective on "PTO" and what it entails
  • The importance of implementing a PTO tracking system, even for full-time salaried employees, to optimize your team's performance
  • A clear breakdown of what PTO covers and what it doesn't
  • The distinctions between PTO and vacation time
  • The pros and cons of a comprehensive PTO policy versus categorizing time off into distinct buckets, like vacation, bereavement, and sick days.


We're also addressing your burning PTO-related questions:

  • Whether offering paid sick leave is a legal requirement
  • Effective strategies for managing PTO requests and scheduling
  • The considerations behind "roll-over" versus "use it or lose it" policies, both from a legal and company culture perspective
  • The possibility of setting limits on accrued PTO for employees
  • Handling PTO when an employee leaves the company
  • Preventing PTO abuse and excessive absenteeism
  • Exploring potential tax implications tied to providing PTO
  • Sharing best practices for communicating your PTO policy to your team.


Ultimately, when it comes to PTO, it's just like crafting any other policy for our business. It demands careful consideration, purposeful planning, diligent execution, and an acknowledgment that it will continuously evolve to establish a robust foundation. As leaders, we bear the responsibility of embracing this structure, ensuring that our team members can function effectively within it, and unleash their full potential when they're "on the clock."


Links Mentioned:

Employee Cost Calculator: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator?_pos=1&_sid=01d39c2d7&_ss=r 

Last week’s episode on inclusive holidays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-build-an-inclusive-company-holiday-policy/id1661939979?i=1000633353423 

Blog post on inclusive holidays: https://the-paradigm.com/2024_inclusive_holidays/ 


]]>Many folks toss around the term "PTO" pretty casually, but trust me, it's a lot more intricate than it might seem. In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the world of PTO to help you make savvy choices when shaping your team's policy.

The purpose of this episode isn’t to walk you through the process of creating a PTO policy (although that is a service we offer 😉), but it’s to share insights to help you turn those swirling thoughts in your head into a solid plan on paper. Keep in mind, while your PTO policy does affect your bottom line, it's more about the nuts and bolts of your business operations and gaining a deeper understanding of how your team manages their time.

So tune into this week’s episode to learn:

  • The HR perspective on "PTO" and what it entails
  • The importance of implementing a PTO tracking system, even for full-time salaried employees, to optimize your team's performance
  • A clear breakdown of what PTO covers and what it doesn't
  • The distinctions between PTO and vacation time
  • The pros and cons of a comprehensive PTO policy versus categorizing time off into distinct buckets, like vacation, bereavement, and sick days.


We're also addressing your burning PTO-related questions:

  • Whether offering paid sick leave is a legal requirement
  • Effective strategies for managing PTO requests and scheduling
  • The considerations behind "roll-over" versus "use it or lose it" policies, both from a legal and company culture perspective
  • The possibility of setting limits on accrued PTO for employees
  • Handling PTO when an employee leaves the company
  • Preventing PTO abuse and excessive absenteeism
  • Exploring potential tax implications tied to providing PTO
  • Sharing best practices for communicating your PTO policy to your team.


Ultimately, when it comes to PTO, it's just like crafting any other policy for our business. It demands careful consideration, purposeful planning, diligent execution, and an acknowledgment that it will continuously evolve to establish a robust foundation. As leaders, we bear the responsibility of embracing this structure, ensuring that our team members can function effectively within it, and unleash their full potential when they're "on the clock."


Links Mentioned:

Employee Cost Calculator: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator?_pos=1&_sid=01d39c2d7&_ss=r 

Last week’s episode on inclusive holidays: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-build-an-inclusive-company-holiday-policy/id1661939979?i=1000633353423 

Blog post on inclusive holidays: https://the-paradigm.com/2024_inclusive_holidays/ 


]]>9ba3a006-861b-4e5d-b6f5-14caedde50b0Wed, 08 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -070051:12truefull148481Ep. 47 How To Build An Inclusive Company Holiday PolicyEp. 47 How To Build An Inclusive Company Holiday PolicyToday’s episode may be straight forward, but it’s not without nuance! On this week’s episode of On The Up & Up, we’re ushering in the holiday season with an episode dedicated to building your holiday policy.

But the goal of this episode is not to list out a bunch of holidays you should include in your policy. It’s to show you how different perspectives - and how choosing which holidays your company observes - can impact your company culture.

We’re diving into: 

🦃What it means to build a holiday policy within your company

🦃How to balance time off for the holidays your company observes with what is required to keep the company going so you can live the life of your choosing;

🦃The deal with “Floating Holidays” and best practices for including them in your policy in lieu of “inclusive holidays”; 

🦃Whether or not it’s illegal to ask employees to work on Thanksgiving (spoiler: it’s not);

🦃The difference between your holiday policy and your PTO policy;

🦃 Our advice for building a holiday policy for the first time within your business.

We want to preface this episode by acknowledging that the Federally recognized holidays within the U.S. are very ethnocentric around white, Christian culture. Paradigm is working hard as a company to practice diversity and inclusivity, and are always learning. As always, we welcome your feedback!

Links Mentioned:

  • Blog post with a wide range of inclusive holidays you can include in your company policy;
  • Set To Scale - join our monthly HR membership and start building your company’s holiday policy as soon as today!

]]>Today’s episode may be straight forward, but it’s not without nuance! On this week’s episode of On The Up & Up, we’re ushering in the holiday season with an episode dedicated to building your holiday policy.

But the goal of this episode is not to list out a bunch of holidays you should include in your policy. It’s to show you how different perspectives - and how choosing which holidays your company observes - can impact your company culture.

We’re diving into: 

🦃What it means to build a holiday policy within your company

🦃How to balance time off for the holidays your company observes with what is required to keep the company going so you can live the life of your choosing;

🦃The deal with “Floating Holidays” and best practices for including them in your policy in lieu of “inclusive holidays”; 

🦃Whether or not it’s illegal to ask employees to work on Thanksgiving (spoiler: it’s not);

🦃The difference between your holiday policy and your PTO policy;

🦃 Our advice for building a holiday policy for the first time within your business.

We want to preface this episode by acknowledging that the Federally recognized holidays within the U.S. are very ethnocentric around white, Christian culture. Paradigm is working hard as a company to practice diversity and inclusivity, and are always learning. As always, we welcome your feedback!

Links Mentioned:

  • Blog post with a wide range of inclusive holidays you can include in your company policy;
  • Set To Scale - join our monthly HR membership and start building your company’s holiday policy as soon as today!

]]>ed0d0d98-e807-44dc-86f8-b1a6028b0ef3Wed, 01 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -070026:58truefull147471Ep. 46 Candidate Assessments vs. Test Projects: What, When, Why, and How To Use ThemEp. 46 Candidate Assessments vs. Test Projects: What, When, Why, and How To Use ThemIn last week’s episode, we talked about the 4th and final step of the interview process: evaluating candidates. 

We briefly touched on two ways to do this using candidate assessments and test projects, but this week we’re continuing that conversation and digging even deeper into these two methods to make sure you know what they are, and when, why, and how to use them to get the data you need to make the best hiring decision for your business. 

We cover: 

  • The difference between assessments and test projects;
  • Which third party assessments we recommend;
  • When it’s appropriate to use a test project and when it’s not;
  • How to design a test project so it’s aligned with the role and your business;
  • If, and when, to pay a candidate for their time taking a test project;
  • How to assign weight to different areas of a test project.

This is the nitty gritty that we looove getting into, because getting this step right is what will make all the difference in your hiring outcome! 

Tune in now!

Links mentioned:

Set To Scale: HR when you need it! Our HR membership gives you direct access to HR experts for a fraction of the cost of hiring an HR team; hyper-focused, bite-sized HR video trainings for any and every real world people-management scenario you can imagine; an extensive library of templates for every contract, performance review, offer and/or termination letter, employee handbook, documentation checklist, interview guide, job description, or policy, you could ever need, PLUS a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders you can ask questions to, bounce ideas off of, learn from, and more. 

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off! This will help you get a great head start for planning an internally scalable recruiting process, reducing the time between posting the job to having an employee that’s making you money!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)

]]>In last week’s episode, we talked about the 4th and final step of the interview process: evaluating candidates. 

We briefly touched on two ways to do this using candidate assessments and test projects, but this week we’re continuing that conversation and digging even deeper into these two methods to make sure you know what they are, and when, why, and how to use them to get the data you need to make the best hiring decision for your business. 

We cover: 

  • The difference between assessments and test projects;
  • Which third party assessments we recommend;
  • When it’s appropriate to use a test project and when it’s not;
  • How to design a test project so it’s aligned with the role and your business;
  • If, and when, to pay a candidate for their time taking a test project;
  • How to assign weight to different areas of a test project.

This is the nitty gritty that we looove getting into, because getting this step right is what will make all the difference in your hiring outcome! 

Tune in now!

Links mentioned:

Set To Scale: HR when you need it! Our HR membership gives you direct access to HR experts for a fraction of the cost of hiring an HR team; hyper-focused, bite-sized HR video trainings for any and every real world people-management scenario you can imagine; an extensive library of templates for every contract, performance review, offer and/or termination letter, employee handbook, documentation checklist, interview guide, job description, or policy, you could ever need, PLUS a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders you can ask questions to, bounce ideas off of, learn from, and more. 

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off! This will help you get a great head start for planning an internally scalable recruiting process, reducing the time between posting the job to having an employee that’s making you money!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)

]]>cba75a4b-18c4-4a55-bc7e-4afab5b9e886Wed, 25 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -070025:13truefull146461Ep. 45 Nailing The Basics Of Interviewing (Part 2)Ep. 45 Nailing The Basics Of Interviewing (Part 2)If you tuned into last week’s episode, you know we’re diving into the 4 basic steps of interviewing. These 4 steps are not only tried and true for bringing in amazing candidates that will lead you to your next hire, but they’ve also been tested through the lens of compliance. So if you’re going to take any advice on interviewing (i.e. what you can and can’t ask during an interview, how to assess candidates, how to frame the conversation, etc..) THIS is it.

Last week’s episode was about the first 2 steps of this 4 part interviewing process (after you drafted the JD, posted a kickass job post, and are rock solid on knowing your compliance responsibilities with regards to your hiring.)

ICYMI, those two steps were:

1) Screening candidates

2) Digging deeper and assessing the culture fit

On this week’s episode, we’re talking about the quantitative side of interviewing…aka what happens as people progress beyond the early screening and first interview stage:

3) Validate

4) Evaluate

We’ll be talking about how to turn the QUALITATIVE materials you’ve collected during your interviews into a QUANTITATIVE set of data you can use to assess candidates against each other.

THIS is what makes your hiring process replicable, so you can scale more effortlessly and effectively each time you hire.

I’ll also be sharing specific tips for the Validate and the Evaluate steps that will help you reduce the COST of hiring (time and money) so you can get to an ROI sooner. 

So if you have a data-driven mind and you've ever asked yourself (or me!) the question:

“How do I quantify whether or not someone is a good candidate?”

This is the episode for you! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off! This will help you get a great head start for planning an internally scalable recruiting process, reducing the time between posting the job to having an employee that’s making you money!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)


Set to Scale: this is where we can help you establish a hiring rubric to not only ensure your next hire is the best fit for your business, but that your future hiring is efficient, effective, and fair!

]]>If you tuned into last week’s episode, you know we’re diving into the 4 basic steps of interviewing. These 4 steps are not only tried and true for bringing in amazing candidates that will lead you to your next hire, but they’ve also been tested through the lens of compliance. So if you’re going to take any advice on interviewing (i.e. what you can and can’t ask during an interview, how to assess candidates, how to frame the conversation, etc..) THIS is it.

Last week’s episode was about the first 2 steps of this 4 part interviewing process (after you drafted the JD, posted a kickass job post, and are rock solid on knowing your compliance responsibilities with regards to your hiring.)

ICYMI, those two steps were:

1) Screening candidates

2) Digging deeper and assessing the culture fit

On this week’s episode, we’re talking about the quantitative side of interviewing…aka what happens as people progress beyond the early screening and first interview stage:

3) Validate

4) Evaluate

We’ll be talking about how to turn the QUALITATIVE materials you’ve collected during your interviews into a QUANTITATIVE set of data you can use to assess candidates against each other.

THIS is what makes your hiring process replicable, so you can scale more effortlessly and effectively each time you hire.

I’ll also be sharing specific tips for the Validate and the Evaluate steps that will help you reduce the COST of hiring (time and money) so you can get to an ROI sooner. 

So if you have a data-driven mind and you've ever asked yourself (or me!) the question:

“How do I quantify whether or not someone is a good candidate?”

This is the episode for you! 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off! This will help you get a great head start for planning an internally scalable recruiting process, reducing the time between posting the job to having an employee that’s making you money!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)


Set to Scale: this is where we can help you establish a hiring rubric to not only ensure your next hire is the best fit for your business, but that your future hiring is efficient, effective, and fair!

]]>4bbc3148-d37a-4dd3-b8b6-8925f378fcf6Wed, 18 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -070023:36truefull145451Ep. 44 Nailing The Basics Of Interviewing (Part 1)Ep. 44 Nailing The Basics Of Interviewing (Part 1)We’re continuing our month-long deep dive into hiring and interviewing by breaking down the basics of interviewing into a 4-part process.  This week, we’re digging into the first two steps:

  1. Screening candidates
  2. Digging deeper / assessing culture fit

Kira underscores how crucial it is to prioritize candidate comfort throughout the entire interview process, which not only helps communicate your company culture from the get-go but also lays the foundation for a successful hire. She shares valuable tips on creating a positive interview experience for everyone involved, and shows how these small gestures can make a big impact on your business's image.

She also explains the benefits of maintaining a clear focus on what you're looking for in a candidate while remaining open to various "who" possibilities, which not only reduces bias but also optimizes your return on investment in the hiring process.

(Spoiler: the term ‘culture fit’ is often used as a smokescreen for bias - and we’re not about that around here!)

Whether you're an entrepreneur interviewing candidates for your own business, or representing one as a hiring manager, this episode is a must-listen!

Listen now! 

And tune in next week when Kira covers steps 3 and 4 of the hiring process: 

  1. Validate
  2. Evaluate 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)

]]>We’re continuing our month-long deep dive into hiring and interviewing by breaking down the basics of interviewing into a 4-part process.  This week, we’re digging into the first two steps:

  1. Screening candidates
  2. Digging deeper / assessing culture fit

Kira underscores how crucial it is to prioritize candidate comfort throughout the entire interview process, which not only helps communicate your company culture from the get-go but also lays the foundation for a successful hire. She shares valuable tips on creating a positive interview experience for everyone involved, and shows how these small gestures can make a big impact on your business's image.

She also explains the benefits of maintaining a clear focus on what you're looking for in a candidate while remaining open to various "who" possibilities, which not only reduces bias but also optimizes your return on investment in the hiring process.

(Spoiler: the term ‘culture fit’ is often used as a smokescreen for bias - and we’re not about that around here!)

Whether you're an entrepreneur interviewing candidates for your own business, or representing one as a hiring manager, this episode is a must-listen!

Listen now! 

And tune in next week when Kira covers steps 3 and 4 of the hiring process: 

  1. Validate
  2. Evaluate 

LINKS MENTIONED:

Paradigm Consulting Interview Bundle - use code UAU1023 for 50% off!

Bundle includes: 

  • Hiring Process Email Templates
  • Interview No No's
  • Interview Questions Part I - Habits and Mindset
  • Interview Questions Part II - Leadership and Management
  • Interview Script (3 Part Process)

]]>0ab21fa0-239d-4480-b2d7-d9de9a8576c3Wed, 11 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -070030:34truefull144441Ep. 43 Protecting Your IP and Building A Dream Team with Chandler J. EsqEp. 43 Protecting Your IP and Building A Dream Team with Chandler J. EsqThis week we’re kicking off a month-long deep dive into interviews, starting with a mashup of online business supervillains: HR and Legal! 

That’s right, Kira is joined by IP Lawyer badass, Chandler of Lethal Legal (with a biz name like that how can you NOT be a badass?!) to chat *some* things Intellectual Property, but mostly all about how being super intentional throughout the hiring process is a long game well worth the effort.

Chandler J. Esq is an experienced intellectual property attorney and educator. Serving clients worldwide, she helps entrepreneurs and creators implement a strong legal foundation for their business so they can scale, stress-free. Through providing attorney-drafted contracts and brand ownership, she protects your brand so you can stay in CEO mode, confident and worry-free.

Kira and Chandler cover:

  • The most important things you, as a business owner, can do to protect your IP
  • How to find a trustworthy attorney (what to look for and how to look for it)
  • What Chandler did to find the PERFECT full-time employee for her business
  • The importance of sticking to your proverbial guns about your hiring non-negotiables
  • Important characteristics to look for in your very first hire, no matter what skills you require

Chandler is living proof that hiring a FTE is NOT as scary as it sounds, and the payoff IS as good as it sounds. 

Tune in now!

Learn more about Chandler and Lethal Legal: https://yourlethallegal.com/

Lethal Legal's Contract Template Shop: https://shoplethallegal.com/

Follow Chandler on IG: @lawyerchandlerj

]]>This week we’re kicking off a month-long deep dive into interviews, starting with a mashup of online business supervillains: HR and Legal! 

That’s right, Kira is joined by IP Lawyer badass, Chandler of Lethal Legal (with a biz name like that how can you NOT be a badass?!) to chat *some* things Intellectual Property, but mostly all about how being super intentional throughout the hiring process is a long game well worth the effort.

Chandler J. Esq is an experienced intellectual property attorney and educator. Serving clients worldwide, she helps entrepreneurs and creators implement a strong legal foundation for their business so they can scale, stress-free. Through providing attorney-drafted contracts and brand ownership, she protects your brand so you can stay in CEO mode, confident and worry-free.

Kira and Chandler cover:

  • The most important things you, as a business owner, can do to protect your IP
  • How to find a trustworthy attorney (what to look for and how to look for it)
  • What Chandler did to find the PERFECT full-time employee for her business
  • The importance of sticking to your proverbial guns about your hiring non-negotiables
  • Important characteristics to look for in your very first hire, no matter what skills you require

Chandler is living proof that hiring a FTE is NOT as scary as it sounds, and the payoff IS as good as it sounds. 

Tune in now!

Learn more about Chandler and Lethal Legal: https://yourlethallegal.com/

Lethal Legal's Contract Template Shop: https://shoplethallegal.com/

Follow Chandler on IG: @lawyerchandlerj

]]>e2f5dc00-fc9f-495f-b698-d3caa18c4ecbWed, 04 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -070053:21truefull143431Ep. 42 Accounting For Small Business Success with Little Fish AccountingEp. 42 Accounting For Small Business Success with Little Fish AccountingIn today's episode, we're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into the wild world of small business finances. Our guest, Keila from Little Fish Accounting, brings some seriously valuable insight and a unique perspective to small business finances, emphasizing empathy, care, and consideration. 

As founder and owner of Little Fish Accounting, Keila has created a safe space for business owners to face their fears head on, helping countless clients save money on taxes, avoid financial pitfalls, and achieve their financial goals. With over two decades of experience in taxes and accounting, Keila’s portfolio of clients includes coaches, consultants, makers and service providers across all industries. 

Join us as we explore the crucial role of good bookkeeping, the relationship between finance and HR, and how data-driven decisions can transform your business's financial future.


We talk about:


💰Keila’s #1 piece of advice for staying out of highly problematic, risky situations for small business owners (hint: it rhymes with wood cook-beeping)

💰Bookkeeping practices that make a significant impact on Keila’s small business clients' finances.

💰 The role of AI in bookkeeping 

💰 The importance of properly categorizing payroll from a compliance AND a financial planning standpoint (spoiler: bonuses, vacation days, commissions, reimbursements, etc all need to be categorized differently)

💰 Whether or not Beyonce tickets and massages are deductible business expenses (and other questionable expenses)


Keila also shares her unique perspective on offering employee benefits to her team as a small business owner - and the mindset shifts she made in order to do so.


If you’re a small business, and your business makes money - you don’t want to miss this episode! 


Find Little Fish Accounting online:


https://www.littlefishaccounting.com 

https://www.instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick/ 


]]>In today's episode, we're rolling up our sleeves and diving headfirst into the wild world of small business finances. Our guest, Keila from Little Fish Accounting, brings some seriously valuable insight and a unique perspective to small business finances, emphasizing empathy, care, and consideration. 

As founder and owner of Little Fish Accounting, Keila has created a safe space for business owners to face their fears head on, helping countless clients save money on taxes, avoid financial pitfalls, and achieve their financial goals. With over two decades of experience in taxes and accounting, Keila’s portfolio of clients includes coaches, consultants, makers and service providers across all industries. 

Join us as we explore the crucial role of good bookkeeping, the relationship between finance and HR, and how data-driven decisions can transform your business's financial future.


We talk about:


💰Keila’s #1 piece of advice for staying out of highly problematic, risky situations for small business owners (hint: it rhymes with wood cook-beeping)

💰Bookkeeping practices that make a significant impact on Keila’s small business clients' finances.

💰 The role of AI in bookkeeping 

💰 The importance of properly categorizing payroll from a compliance AND a financial planning standpoint (spoiler: bonuses, vacation days, commissions, reimbursements, etc all need to be categorized differently)

💰 Whether or not Beyonce tickets and massages are deductible business expenses (and other questionable expenses)


Keila also shares her unique perspective on offering employee benefits to her team as a small business owner - and the mindset shifts she made in order to do so.


If you’re a small business, and your business makes money - you don’t want to miss this episode! 


Find Little Fish Accounting online:


https://www.littlefishaccounting.com 

https://www.instagram.com/littlefishaccounting 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keilahilltrawick/ 


]]>b07a442f-d845-4072-bc7a-1587d0c8a3daWed, 27 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -070051:01truefull142421Ep. 41 The Truth About Traditional BenefitsEp. 41 The Truth About Traditional BenefitsEntrepreneurs who are almost ready to hire their first full-time employee often get stopped up by one question.

“If someone works for my business full-time, don’t I have to provide them health insurance and retirement benefits?”

The short answer is: No…but there are caveats (this is an HR podcast afterall!)

On this week’s episode of On The Up & Up, Kira shares some common misconceptions about providing “traditional” benefits. She covers:

📝 Scenarios in which you do and do not have to provide traditional benefits

📝 Alternative approaches to health and retirement benefits for small businesses

📝 The role of technology and automation in benefits administration

📝 Whether you have to provide the same benefits to all employees

📝 The first steps you should take before including these benefits in your overall compensation package

If you're an entrepreneur navigating the world of hiring your first full-time employee, this episode is a must-listen!

Links mentioned:

Dr. Noor Health Care Advisor (https://drnoorhealth.com/) 

Employee Cost Calculator (https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator)

]]>Entrepreneurs who are almost ready to hire their first full-time employee often get stopped up by one question.

“If someone works for my business full-time, don’t I have to provide them health insurance and retirement benefits?”

The short answer is: No…but there are caveats (this is an HR podcast afterall!)

On this week’s episode of On The Up & Up, Kira shares some common misconceptions about providing “traditional” benefits. She covers:

📝 Scenarios in which you do and do not have to provide traditional benefits

📝 Alternative approaches to health and retirement benefits for small businesses

📝 The role of technology and automation in benefits administration

📝 Whether you have to provide the same benefits to all employees

📝 The first steps you should take before including these benefits in your overall compensation package

If you're an entrepreneur navigating the world of hiring your first full-time employee, this episode is a must-listen!

Links mentioned:

Dr. Noor Health Care Advisor (https://drnoorhealth.com/) 

Employee Cost Calculator (https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator)

]]>2b09965b-6f07-4627-b6f5-5e3954a1ea75Wed, 20 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -070027:25falsefull141411Ep. 40 Four Crucial Compensation ConsiderationsEp. 40 Four Crucial Compensation ConsiderationsWe’re continuing our September deep dive into the world of Employee Benefits! On this week's episode of On The Up & Up, Kira is tackling one of the most intricate aspects of team building: Compensation.

The decision of what to pay someone involves a bunch of complex factors, and Kira is breaking them all down. 

In this episode, she explores the four crucial considerations when determining someone’s compensation:

💰 Classification: Are they a contractor or an employee? If they're an employee, are they full-time or part-time, exempt or non-exempt, hourly or salaried?

💰 Time and Nature of Work: Analyzing when and what they're doing while working.

💰 Big-Picture Strategy: This is all about labor profit margins, scalability, and the cost of benefits.

💰 Location Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regional regulations.

There’s a lot that goes into each of these four considerations, but this episode is meant to demystify the complex world of compensation planning so you can confidently hire and retain top talent while creating an ROI for your company.

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Blog: Employee Classification (https://the-paradigm.com/employee-classification/) 

Resource: Employee cost and calculator (https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator)

Resource: Worker classification cheatsheet by state (https://notavglaw.com/cheatsheet)

]]>We’re continuing our September deep dive into the world of Employee Benefits! On this week's episode of On The Up & Up, Kira is tackling one of the most intricate aspects of team building: Compensation.

The decision of what to pay someone involves a bunch of complex factors, and Kira is breaking them all down. 

In this episode, she explores the four crucial considerations when determining someone’s compensation:

💰 Classification: Are they a contractor or an employee? If they're an employee, are they full-time or part-time, exempt or non-exempt, hourly or salaried?

💰 Time and Nature of Work: Analyzing when and what they're doing while working.

💰 Big-Picture Strategy: This is all about labor profit margins, scalability, and the cost of benefits.

💰 Location Compliance: Ensuring compliance with regional regulations.

There’s a lot that goes into each of these four considerations, but this episode is meant to demystify the complex world of compensation planning so you can confidently hire and retain top talent while creating an ROI for your company.

Tune in now!

LINKS MENTIONED:

Blog: Employee Classification (https://the-paradigm.com/employee-classification/) 

Resource: Employee cost and calculator (https://settoscale.com/products/employee-cost-calculator)

Resource: Worker classification cheatsheet by state (https://notavglaw.com/cheatsheet)

]]>097bcc77-f35a-41a9-a1a4-0577ce2d82f2Wed, 13 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -070037:34falsefull140401Ep. 39 The Benefit of Providing Alternative Employee PerksEp. 39 The Benefit of Providing Alternative Employee PerksAre you a small business owner dreading the maze (and expense) of employee benefits? Navigating this world can seem overwhelming, especially if you're approaching it the same way large corporations do.

But as small business owners, we have the freedom to do things differently – and it's not a daunting task. We have the privilege of crafting personalized benefit packages that resonate with our employees and impact them in meaningful ways.

In this week's episode of On The Up & Up, we delve into how alternative benefits can elevate your total compensation packages, adding real value and motivation for your employees. 


And here's a hint: it's not all about traditional health insurance!


Join Kira this week as we kick off our month-long journey into the world of employee benefits on this exciting episode of On The Up & Up.


Links Mentioned:

https://the-paradigm.com/alternativeperks/

]]>Are you a small business owner dreading the maze (and expense) of employee benefits? Navigating this world can seem overwhelming, especially if you're approaching it the same way large corporations do.

But as small business owners, we have the freedom to do things differently – and it's not a daunting task. We have the privilege of crafting personalized benefit packages that resonate with our employees and impact them in meaningful ways.

In this week's episode of On The Up & Up, we delve into how alternative benefits can elevate your total compensation packages, adding real value and motivation for your employees. 


And here's a hint: it's not all about traditional health insurance!


Join Kira this week as we kick off our month-long journey into the world of employee benefits on this exciting episode of On The Up & Up.


Links Mentioned:

https://the-paradigm.com/alternativeperks/

]]>81d7eefb-9b3a-4e7b-a808-c37efc5fba52Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -070029:37falsefull139391Ep. 38 Cultivating Inclusivity: Designing Company Culture for Diverse Workstyles with Allison ConwayEp. 38 Cultivating Inclusivity: Designing Company Culture for Diverse Workstyles with Allison ConwayThis week Kira is joined by world traveler and brand strategist, Allison Conway. Allison candidly shares her unique experience as a successful entrepreneur with diagnosed learning and processing differences.  

Through her company, Sealevel Agency, Allison helps businesses in traditionally "vanilla" industries create a brand and marketing strategy that's fun, bold, and exciting for the business owners and their customers. Allison has been to over 40 countries, and uses all of her experiences of travel, late dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses, and commitment to being a little bit weird to show her clients how to have fun, make a lot of money, and make a big impact.

Tune in to Kira and Allison’s enlightening conversation as they delve into Allison’s entrepreneurial journey fueled by unique learning differences and defying traditional norms. They cover:


✨ How Allison built her business around the life she wanted to live, not the other way around; 

✨ The gift of hindsight and entrepreneurial wisdom through the lens of experience;

✨ The emotional journey of entrepreneurship;

✨ How undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD diagnosis led to a lifetime of self doubt (and how a diagnosis changed everything);

✨ How the patriarchy does a disservice to women with learning differences;

✨ Setting up your company culture for people who process and work differently.


This episode is as relatable as it is raw - don’t miss it!


Links mentioned:

SeaLevel Agency’s website: https://sealevelagency.com/ 

Follow Allison Conway on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoneconway/

]]>This week Kira is joined by world traveler and brand strategist, Allison Conway. Allison candidly shares her unique experience as a successful entrepreneur with diagnosed learning and processing differences.  

Through her company, Sealevel Agency, Allison helps businesses in traditionally "vanilla" industries create a brand and marketing strategy that's fun, bold, and exciting for the business owners and their customers. Allison has been to over 40 countries, and uses all of her experiences of travel, late dyslexia and ADHD diagnoses, and commitment to being a little bit weird to show her clients how to have fun, make a lot of money, and make a big impact.

Tune in to Kira and Allison’s enlightening conversation as they delve into Allison’s entrepreneurial journey fueled by unique learning differences and defying traditional norms. They cover:


✨ How Allison built her business around the life she wanted to live, not the other way around; 

✨ The gift of hindsight and entrepreneurial wisdom through the lens of experience;

✨ The emotional journey of entrepreneurship;

✨ How undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD diagnosis led to a lifetime of self doubt (and how a diagnosis changed everything);

✨ How the patriarchy does a disservice to women with learning differences;

✨ Setting up your company culture for people who process and work differently.


This episode is as relatable as it is raw - don’t miss it!


Links mentioned:

SeaLevel Agency’s website: https://sealevelagency.com/ 

Follow Allison Conway on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisoneconway/

]]>e1afe019-0b48-4c3f-baf8-cdc58d3e7d39Wed, 30 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -070046:40falsefull138381Ep. 37 Delegation Dynamics: The Art of Stepping Back with Marrin CostelloEp. 37 Delegation Dynamics: The Art of Stepping Back with Marrin CostelloThis week we’re mixing things up a bit and chatting with the brains behind one of our favorite product-based businesses! Joining Kira on this week’s episode of On The Up & Up is Marrin Costello, an American businesswoman, designer, and brand-architect of her eponymous jewelry brand.

Marrin’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 10 after falling in love with the art of jewelry making. Just two decades later, Costello has built a luxury lifestyle brand that has been featured in Vogue, Huffington Post, and Who What Wear, amongst many others — and whose collection can be found in over 100 retailers nationwide. The byproduct to creating a successful company and internationally recognized business? Having the experience, knowledge, and foundation to support other companies, brands, and entrepreneurs alike in finding their own respective success.

Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Kira and Marrin delve into:

💎 Marrin's journey in self-development and how it correlates to her craft as a jewelry designer and business owner;

💎 How Marrin reverse engineered building a business around her established brand;

💎 The value of building community around a brand;

💎 Listening to the market to inspire and inform business decisions;

💎 Harmonizing masculine and the feminine energies in business;

💎 How Marrin curated her own life in order to cultivate her brand;

💎 Delegation as the the true measure of a leader (and Marrin’s lessons from early delegation dynamics)

This episode is packed with gems that can be directly applied to any business. Tune in now!

Links mentioned:

Catch up on Kira’s guest appearance on Marrin’s podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/marrin-costello-radio/episodes/76--Kira-La-Forgia-Paradigm-Consulting-e20dqcv 

Visit the Marrin Costello website: https://marrincostello.com/

Follow Marrin Costello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marrincostellojewelry/

]]>This week we’re mixing things up a bit and chatting with the brains behind one of our favorite product-based businesses! Joining Kira on this week’s episode of On The Up & Up is Marrin Costello, an American businesswoman, designer, and brand-architect of her eponymous jewelry brand.

Marrin’s entrepreneurial journey began at age 10 after falling in love with the art of jewelry making. Just two decades later, Costello has built a luxury lifestyle brand that has been featured in Vogue, Huffington Post, and Who What Wear, amongst many others — and whose collection can be found in over 100 retailers nationwide. The byproduct to creating a successful company and internationally recognized business? Having the experience, knowledge, and foundation to support other companies, brands, and entrepreneurs alike in finding their own respective success.

Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Kira and Marrin delve into:

💎 Marrin's journey in self-development and how it correlates to her craft as a jewelry designer and business owner;

💎 How Marrin reverse engineered building a business around her established brand;

💎 The value of building community around a brand;

💎 Listening to the market to inspire and inform business decisions;

💎 Harmonizing masculine and the feminine energies in business;

💎 How Marrin curated her own life in order to cultivate her brand;

💎 Delegation as the the true measure of a leader (and Marrin’s lessons from early delegation dynamics)

This episode is packed with gems that can be directly applied to any business. Tune in now!

Links mentioned:

Catch up on Kira’s guest appearance on Marrin’s podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/marrin-costello-radio/episodes/76--Kira-La-Forgia-Paradigm-Consulting-e20dqcv 

Visit the Marrin Costello website: https://marrincostello.com/

Follow Marrin Costello on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marrincostellojewelry/

]]>101b290a-47fc-4b5b-b93a-4876a0a29a63Wed, 23 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -070058:12falsefull137371Ep. 36 The Social Project With Alisha KumarEp. 36 The Social Project With Alisha KumarThis week Kira hosts Alisha Kumar of The Social Project, a social media agency specialized in building lifestyle brands, on The Up & Up.  

With over 13 years in the marketing industry, Alisha has experience working with some of the world’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, developing out of the box and momentous marketing campaigns that never fail to make a statement. She is passionate about helping businesses take advantage of marketing efforts to create a unique footprint and has a knack of thinking big picture, while getting down to every detail needed. You can find her with multiple drinks and quoting one too many Kardashians.

Kira and Alisha dive into:

  • Mistakes people make when hiring social media managers
  • The difference between a Social Media Manager and a Social Media Marketer
  • Questions to ask in an interview to find someone who really knows what they're doing (and didn't just watch some tutorials online)
  • What has and hasn’t changed for women of color in the workplace in the online business/remote world
  • Showing up "authentically" online vs. conducting business in person 
  • The pipeline of leads and #1 skill every business owner should have

Here's where you can find Alisha online:

Website: https://thesocialproject.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialprojectinc/

]]>This week Kira hosts Alisha Kumar of The Social Project, a social media agency specialized in building lifestyle brands, on The Up & Up.  

With over 13 years in the marketing industry, Alisha has experience working with some of the world’s most innovative and forward thinking brands, developing out of the box and momentous marketing campaigns that never fail to make a statement. She is passionate about helping businesses take advantage of marketing efforts to create a unique footprint and has a knack of thinking big picture, while getting down to every detail needed. You can find her with multiple drinks and quoting one too many Kardashians.

Kira and Alisha dive into:

  • Mistakes people make when hiring social media managers
  • The difference between a Social Media Manager and a Social Media Marketer
  • Questions to ask in an interview to find someone who really knows what they're doing (and didn't just watch some tutorials online)
  • What has and hasn’t changed for women of color in the workplace in the online business/remote world
  • Showing up "authentically" online vs. conducting business in person 
  • The pipeline of leads and #1 skill every business owner should have

Here's where you can find Alisha online:

Website: https://thesocialproject.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialprojectinc/

]]>fbb2b299-7253-4f01-8be9-4936c2558507Wed, 16 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -070041:59falsefull136361Ep. 35 Optimizing Google Search Results with Andrea Barnhill and Tyler CooperEp. 35 Optimizing Google Search Results with Andrea Barnhill and Tyler CooperIn this week's episode, Kira welcomes SEO duo Andrea Barnhill and Tyler Cooper to the podcast. Andrea and Tyler are the Co-Founders of Socratrik, an SEO Agency that helps small and large businesses get found on Google. With 15+ years of SEO and digital marketing experience, their team helps businesses get ahead of the industry-unique SEO challenges, and helps them stay there.

A bit about Andrea: Prior to starting Socratik 5+ years ago, Andrea spent the first few years of her career in SEO at tourism and ecommerce brands. But at Socratik, she’s transitioned to running the operational side of the business, overseeing team development and growth, hiring, fostering a culture, among other things. 

A bit about Tyler: Tyler is an SEO expert who has helped many brands experience radical SEO transformation. Tyler has been in SEO for 14+ years, seeking out an entrepreneurial path since the beginning of his career, and has consulted companies across several different industries. As Socratik’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tyler helps businesses create a framework for exponential growth, and oversees the Socratik team to deliver and execute against it.

Andrea, Tyler, & Kira cover:

-What it takes to run a business as a partnership;

-Building a team when your business has a lot of moving parts;

-Why working in an echo chamber isn’t helpful for your business;

-How and when to be intentionally transparent with your team;

-What small steps you can take right now to start improving your SEO;

--How you know your business might be ready to invest in an SEO strategy;

-SEO scams that can actually put your website in jeopardy;

Join us this week for their expert insights into business partnerships and optimizing google search results for your business.

Looking for Socratik online? Here's where you can find them:

Website: https://socratik.agency/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socratikagency/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socratik-agency/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SocratikSEO

]]>In this week's episode, Kira welcomes SEO duo Andrea Barnhill and Tyler Cooper to the podcast. Andrea and Tyler are the Co-Founders of Socratrik, an SEO Agency that helps small and large businesses get found on Google. With 15+ years of SEO and digital marketing experience, their team helps businesses get ahead of the industry-unique SEO challenges, and helps them stay there.

A bit about Andrea: Prior to starting Socratik 5+ years ago, Andrea spent the first few years of her career in SEO at tourism and ecommerce brands. But at Socratik, she’s transitioned to running the operational side of the business, overseeing team development and growth, hiring, fostering a culture, among other things. 

A bit about Tyler: Tyler is an SEO expert who has helped many brands experience radical SEO transformation. Tyler has been in SEO for 14+ years, seeking out an entrepreneurial path since the beginning of his career, and has consulted companies across several different industries. As Socratik’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tyler helps businesses create a framework for exponential growth, and oversees the Socratik team to deliver and execute against it.

Andrea, Tyler, & Kira cover:

-What it takes to run a business as a partnership;

-Building a team when your business has a lot of moving parts;

-Why working in an echo chamber isn’t helpful for your business;

-How and when to be intentionally transparent with your team;

-What small steps you can take right now to start improving your SEO;

--How you know your business might be ready to invest in an SEO strategy;

-SEO scams that can actually put your website in jeopardy;

Join us this week for their expert insights into business partnerships and optimizing google search results for your business.

Looking for Socratik online? Here's where you can find them:

Website: https://socratik.agency/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socratikagency/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/socratik-agency/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SocratikSEO

]]>b9248692-09ae-4266-a210-b7436f0a29b0Wed, 09 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -070048:05falsefull135351Ep. 34 Protecting Your Intellectual Property With Autumn Witt BoydEp. 34 Protecting Your Intellectual Property With Autumn Witt BoydIn this episode Kira welcomes Autumn Witt Boyd to the podcast. Autumn is an experienced & relatable lawyer that helps million dollar coaches and online educators reach their big goals. Autumn and her team at the AWB Firm guide businesses on the legal side, offering full legal support. She is passionate about helping creatives to get paid for the art that they create. 

Autumn & Kira cover all things legal: 

  • How to put legitimacy behind your projects 
  • Toxic Flexibility - when you go to extremes in order to provide the space that you were never given 
  • How to move away from toxic flexibility - creating healthy boundaries for the first time 
  • How to find the best attorney through your network 
  • Protecting intellectual property from employees and contractors 
  • Using NDA’s to protect trade Secrets - processes and systems that are unique to you
  • How to register a trade mark 
  • How to be a collaborative leader

Join us this week as we delve into effective leadership and safeguarding intellectual property. Don't miss out on the expert advice!

Take The Archetype Quiz: https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz 

Set up a consult with Autumn: https://app.lawmatics.com/forms/share/30bef71e-1f7b-4fd4-a2bd-d2a7deff3203 

Autumn’s Instagram: @awbfirm https://instagram.com/awbfirm?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

]]>In this episode Kira welcomes Autumn Witt Boyd to the podcast. Autumn is an experienced & relatable lawyer that helps million dollar coaches and online educators reach their big goals. Autumn and her team at the AWB Firm guide businesses on the legal side, offering full legal support. She is passionate about helping creatives to get paid for the art that they create. 

Autumn & Kira cover all things legal: 

  • How to put legitimacy behind your projects 
  • Toxic Flexibility - when you go to extremes in order to provide the space that you were never given 
  • How to move away from toxic flexibility - creating healthy boundaries for the first time 
  • How to find the best attorney through your network 
  • Protecting intellectual property from employees and contractors 
  • Using NDA’s to protect trade Secrets - processes and systems that are unique to you
  • How to register a trade mark 
  • How to be a collaborative leader

Join us this week as we delve into effective leadership and safeguarding intellectual property. Don't miss out on the expert advice!

Take The Archetype Quiz: https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz 

Set up a consult with Autumn: https://app.lawmatics.com/forms/share/30bef71e-1f7b-4fd4-a2bd-d2a7deff3203 

Autumn’s Instagram: @awbfirm https://instagram.com/awbfirm?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

]]>46ea14a1-8863-4eeb-93c4-bd2c42b04479Wed, 02 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -070001:04:26falsefull134341Ep. 33 Guarding Gold: Mastering Intellectual Property Protection for Entrepreneurs With Nequosha AndersonEp. 33 Guarding Gold: Mastering Intellectual Property Protection for Entrepreneurs With Nequosha AndersonIn this week’s episode of On the Up and Up, we talk alllll things Intellectual Property with client, friend, and kickass IP Attorney, Nequosha Anderson. 

In this episode, we cover: 

  • The emotional impact of intellectual property theft and how it parallels feeling violated, uncovering the importance of protective measures.
  • The (not talked about enough) risks posed by artificial intelligence in content creation
  • The need for registered copyrights and trademarks as preventive measures.
  • Gain practical tips on strategic planning and quarterly goal-setting to fortify the security of your intellectual property.
  • Learn the initial steps taken in cases of intellectual property theft and the differentiation between offensive and defensive protection strategies.
  • How to integrate legal services early in the entrepreneurial journey to ensure compliance and long-term security.
  • The importance of a client experience to create value and longevity in business.

More About Nequosha

Nequosha is a business and intellectual property attorney for the last eight years who assists primarily women creatives who want to legally protect their income-producing ideas. She safeguards businesses and brand assets to ensure their intellectual property is secure and not stolen, allowing the business owner to creatively operate in their genius and not be robbed of what’s rightfully theirs. She serves clients in this space throughout the United States.

ALF Trademarks 101 (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70s5bPo4G64

Follow Nequosha On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquire44/

Inquire for Legal Support: https://andersonlawfl.com/

]]>In this week’s episode of On the Up and Up, we talk alllll things Intellectual Property with client, friend, and kickass IP Attorney, Nequosha Anderson. 

In this episode, we cover: 

  • The emotional impact of intellectual property theft and how it parallels feeling violated, uncovering the importance of protective measures.
  • The (not talked about enough) risks posed by artificial intelligence in content creation
  • The need for registered copyrights and trademarks as preventive measures.
  • Gain practical tips on strategic planning and quarterly goal-setting to fortify the security of your intellectual property.
  • Learn the initial steps taken in cases of intellectual property theft and the differentiation between offensive and defensive protection strategies.
  • How to integrate legal services early in the entrepreneurial journey to ensure compliance and long-term security.
  • The importance of a client experience to create value and longevity in business.

More About Nequosha

Nequosha is a business and intellectual property attorney for the last eight years who assists primarily women creatives who want to legally protect their income-producing ideas. She safeguards businesses and brand assets to ensure their intellectual property is secure and not stolen, allowing the business owner to creatively operate in their genius and not be robbed of what’s rightfully theirs. She serves clients in this space throughout the United States.

ALF Trademarks 101 (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70s5bPo4G64

Follow Nequosha On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esquire44/

Inquire for Legal Support: https://andersonlawfl.com/

]]>2e26222e-81c4-4550-a585-2364f9cc746eWed, 26 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -070056:54falsefull133331Ep. 32 Shameless Entrepreneurship With Jen LawrenceEp. 32 Shameless Entrepreneurship With Jen LawrenceIn this episode of On the Up and Up, we chat with Jen Lawrence of Jenerosity Partners, a longtime friend and colleague about all things people and operations as both separate but equally important priorities as an entrepreneur.

Jen's 20+ year background in Executive Assisting, Project Management, and then moving into the foray of entrepreneurship herself has given her a deep and insightful foundation on which to help female entrepreneurs grow their business. In this value packed episode, we discuss:

✴️ The necessary blend of people and process

✴️ Using assessments to create a common language on your team

✴️ Jen's business evolution and why VIP Days were not IT for her (and why that's okay!)

✴️ The importance of embracing continuing education and a growth mindset as an entrepreneur

✴️ The beauty of finding your #2

✴️ The key difference between results and methods

✴️ The role of shame in growth and how you can use it as a call to action to motivate your own evolution

✴️ How compliance and operations are BFFs and it's not shameful to feel like you missed the mark in creating compliant team resources


More About Jen

Jen Lawrence is a Business Process Consultant focusing on streamlining workflows, optimizing tools, and aligning teams for operational efficiency and effectiveness. Leveraging over twenty years of administrative and project management experience, she helps entrepreneurs and small businesses develop highly customized and strategic solutions to solve their biggest people, processes, and technology pain points.

Links Mentioned

https://www.instagram.com/jenerositypartners/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlawrence/

Get A Free Consult From Paradigm

https://www.the-paradigm.com/contactus

]]>In this episode of On the Up and Up, we chat with Jen Lawrence of Jenerosity Partners, a longtime friend and colleague about all things people and operations as both separate but equally important priorities as an entrepreneur.

Jen's 20+ year background in Executive Assisting, Project Management, and then moving into the foray of entrepreneurship herself has given her a deep and insightful foundation on which to help female entrepreneurs grow their business. In this value packed episode, we discuss:

✴️ The necessary blend of people and process

✴️ Using assessments to create a common language on your team

✴️ Jen's business evolution and why VIP Days were not IT for her (and why that's okay!)

✴️ The importance of embracing continuing education and a growth mindset as an entrepreneur

✴️ The beauty of finding your #2

✴️ The key difference between results and methods

✴️ The role of shame in growth and how you can use it as a call to action to motivate your own evolution

✴️ How compliance and operations are BFFs and it's not shameful to feel like you missed the mark in creating compliant team resources


More About Jen

Jen Lawrence is a Business Process Consultant focusing on streamlining workflows, optimizing tools, and aligning teams for operational efficiency and effectiveness. Leveraging over twenty years of administrative and project management experience, she helps entrepreneurs and small businesses develop highly customized and strategic solutions to solve their biggest people, processes, and technology pain points.

Links Mentioned

https://www.instagram.com/jenerositypartners/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlawrence/

Get A Free Consult From Paradigm

https://www.the-paradigm.com/contactus

]]>d29fdf57-53e1-4157-aacf-7609d1373939Wed, 19 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -070056:49falsefull132321Ep. 31 Going Deeper With Shannon Matson of The Social BungalowEp. 31 Going Deeper With Shannon Matson of The Social BungalowIn this week's episode of "On the Up and Up," we talk with Shannon Matson, CEO and Founder of The Social Bungalow, an education company that helps entrepreneurs structure simple yet sophisticated online businesses. With comprehensive experience in marketing and advertising, Shannon prides herself on helping others structure and market their businesses for exceptional growth.

Her journey began in the corporate world, where she held titles such as VP of Marketing for a global publishing company and National Director of Sales & Marketing for a fitness franchise. These varying industries and array of accreditations - from pursuing continued education credits in copywriting, which she utilized to write weekly articles for Forbes and Entrepreneur.com, to becoming Google Adwords certified - speak to her insatiable hunger for driving traffic and conversions to remarkable brands.

Shannon generously shares her career journey and the driving factors behind her brand, business, and the weighty emotions that come with team growth, especially when your business runs as a personal brand.

In This Episode

🌴 Shannon and The Social Bungalow’s Origin Story

🌴 The direct correlation of conversions and relationships with your community

🌴 Taking a generous approach to free, high quality content to earn your community’s attention

🌴 Why Shannon is the voice in my head for all things digital marketing

🌴 Balancing personal relationships with leadership (IE: running a business with your husband and hiring your sister and mom!)

🌴 The emotional labor that comes with a large team, and why a lean team works for Shannon

Listen NOW!

Links Mentioned:

Follow Shannon On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbungalow/ 

Business Blind Spot QUIZ 

]]>In this week's episode of "On the Up and Up," we talk with Shannon Matson, CEO and Founder of The Social Bungalow, an education company that helps entrepreneurs structure simple yet sophisticated online businesses. With comprehensive experience in marketing and advertising, Shannon prides herself on helping others structure and market their businesses for exceptional growth.

Her journey began in the corporate world, where she held titles such as VP of Marketing for a global publishing company and National Director of Sales & Marketing for a fitness franchise. These varying industries and array of accreditations - from pursuing continued education credits in copywriting, which she utilized to write weekly articles for Forbes and Entrepreneur.com, to becoming Google Adwords certified - speak to her insatiable hunger for driving traffic and conversions to remarkable brands.

Shannon generously shares her career journey and the driving factors behind her brand, business, and the weighty emotions that come with team growth, especially when your business runs as a personal brand.

In This Episode

🌴 Shannon and The Social Bungalow’s Origin Story

🌴 The direct correlation of conversions and relationships with your community

🌴 Taking a generous approach to free, high quality content to earn your community’s attention

🌴 Why Shannon is the voice in my head for all things digital marketing

🌴 Balancing personal relationships with leadership (IE: running a business with your husband and hiring your sister and mom!)

🌴 The emotional labor that comes with a large team, and why a lean team works for Shannon

Listen NOW!

Links Mentioned:

Follow Shannon On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesocialbungalow/ 

Business Blind Spot QUIZ 

]]>9cb34cc1-4f39-4b9e-80a7-905600d90a1eWed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:00 -070050:18falsefull131311Ep. 30 The Entrepreneurship Rollercoaster with Marketing Whiz Haley Johnson of PropegyEp. 30 The Entrepreneurship Rollercoaster with Marketing Whiz Haley Johnson of PropegyIn this episode, Haley Johnson shares her thoughts on marketing in the online business space. We talk all about her leadership type and the ups and downs she has experienced in growing a team. If you have ever felt alone in the rollercoaster of building a business, this episode is for you. Perfectly balanced with education (marketing doesn't have to be a mystery?) and a celebration of the unique type of friendship that comes with building businesses together. Hope you enjoy the episode!

_

Haley is a trauma-informed marketing strategist and copywriter on a mission to make marketing feel good again. Whether that looks like building out marketing strategy for values-driven service providers, supporting aspiring thought leaders inside of Thought Leaders Collective, or collaborating with another business owner on the next big thing for mission-driven entrepreneurs – can you say foreshadowing? – Haley is thinking about feel-good ways for you to market and grow your business 24/7.

When she's not nerding out over market research analysis or transcribing client interviews, you can find her knee deep in a business podcast while *trying* to garden, taking her rescue pup Roxy on a hot girl walk (no other dogs allowed ), or on a coffee chat with another biz owner bc hot damn this bitch loves to network. 

You can connect with Haley on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-e-johnson/

Listen to her podcast, Messy inn the Middle: messyinthemiddlepod.com

Join Thought Leaders Collective (and use code PARADIGM for 50% off your first payment): thoughtleaderscollective.com

OR take the quiz to uncover your next opt in at haleyejohnson.com/quiz :) 

]]>In this episode, Haley Johnson shares her thoughts on marketing in the online business space. We talk all about her leadership type and the ups and downs she has experienced in growing a team. If you have ever felt alone in the rollercoaster of building a business, this episode is for you. Perfectly balanced with education (marketing doesn't have to be a mystery?) and a celebration of the unique type of friendship that comes with building businesses together. Hope you enjoy the episode!

_

Haley is a trauma-informed marketing strategist and copywriter on a mission to make marketing feel good again. Whether that looks like building out marketing strategy for values-driven service providers, supporting aspiring thought leaders inside of Thought Leaders Collective, or collaborating with another business owner on the next big thing for mission-driven entrepreneurs – can you say foreshadowing? – Haley is thinking about feel-good ways for you to market and grow your business 24/7.

When she's not nerding out over market research analysis or transcribing client interviews, you can find her knee deep in a business podcast while *trying* to garden, taking her rescue pup Roxy on a hot girl walk (no other dogs allowed ), or on a coffee chat with another biz owner bc hot damn this bitch loves to network. 

You can connect with Haley on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-e-johnson/

Listen to her podcast, Messy inn the Middle: messyinthemiddlepod.com

Join Thought Leaders Collective (and use code PARADIGM for 50% off your first payment): thoughtleaderscollective.com

OR take the quiz to uncover your next opt in at haleyejohnson.com/quiz :) 

]]>be71ab7e-e216-4a6e-9f75-0880a770f8a3Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:30:00 -070001:09:48falsefull130301Ep. 29 Why Google Ads Is The Missing Link In Your Marketing Plan With Chelann and Samuel WattEp. 29 Why Google Ads Is The Missing Link In Your Marketing Plan With Chelann and Samuel WattThis week we are thrilled to be joined by the dynamic duo, Sam and Chelann Watt. Together, they take us on a journey through their lives, from the moment they first met, to the rollercoaster ride of building a business side by side, and the path that led them to where they stand today.

We cover

  • How to hire the right people
  • What questions to ask during interviews
  • The highs & lows of working with a business partner
  • Team Performance Reviews
  • Work Life Balance
  • Google Ads

Get ready for an episode filled with intriguing discussions about mushrooms, zombies, and a killer business model. Sam and Chelann will share their unique perspectives, the challenges they've faced, and the triumphs they've celebrated along the way. Their story is one of determination, and unwavering commitment.

Sam Watt is the founder and CEO of Watt Advertising - a Google Ads Specializing Company  obsessed with providing guaranteed exceptional results for exceptional clients.

With over $2.5 million generated for clients, if you need Done For You Google Ads & Sales Funnel Optimization - Watt Advertising is your solution. Put the Ad spend you’re wasting to use. It’s time to get more sales.

Hang out with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwattadvertising/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Learn more about Watt Advertising: https://wattadvertising.com

Chelann Watt is the COO of Watt Advertising & host of the Chelann Again podcast. She’s been a serial entrepreneur for over 10 years, owning businesses ranging from juice bars to entrepreneur innovation centers. Chelann’s expertise is turning a grand vision for a business into reality.

Learn more about Chelann on LinkedIn & Instagram. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelann-watt-871849116/

https://www.instagram.com/chelannwatt/

Learn more about Watt Advertising. https://wattadvertising.com

Learn more about Chelann Again. https://www.chelannagain.com/

]]>This week we are thrilled to be joined by the dynamic duo, Sam and Chelann Watt. Together, they take us on a journey through their lives, from the moment they first met, to the rollercoaster ride of building a business side by side, and the path that led them to where they stand today.

We cover

  • How to hire the right people
  • What questions to ask during interviews
  • The highs & lows of working with a business partner
  • Team Performance Reviews
  • Work Life Balance
  • Google Ads

Get ready for an episode filled with intriguing discussions about mushrooms, zombies, and a killer business model. Sam and Chelann will share their unique perspectives, the challenges they've faced, and the triumphs they've celebrated along the way. Their story is one of determination, and unwavering commitment.

Sam Watt is the founder and CEO of Watt Advertising - a Google Ads Specializing Company  obsessed with providing guaranteed exceptional results for exceptional clients.

With over $2.5 million generated for clients, if you need Done For You Google Ads & Sales Funnel Optimization - Watt Advertising is your solution. Put the Ad spend you’re wasting to use. It’s time to get more sales.

Hang out with Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwattadvertising/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Learn more about Watt Advertising: https://wattadvertising.com

Chelann Watt is the COO of Watt Advertising & host of the Chelann Again podcast. She’s been a serial entrepreneur for over 10 years, owning businesses ranging from juice bars to entrepreneur innovation centers. Chelann’s expertise is turning a grand vision for a business into reality.

Learn more about Chelann on LinkedIn & Instagram. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelann-watt-871849116/

https://www.instagram.com/chelannwatt/

Learn more about Watt Advertising. https://wattadvertising.com

Learn more about Chelann Again. https://www.chelannagain.com/

]]>c0e83e37-fdf0-498f-a86f-f05276b1231fWed, 28 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -070055:20falsefull129291Ep. 28 How To Live The Freepreneur Lifestyle With Madi PaigeEp. 28 How To Live The Freepreneur Lifestyle With Madi PaigeOn this week’s episode we are lucky enough to be joined by Madison Paige, Business Growth Specialist, Top Rated Business Podcast Host, & Public Speaker - helping brands build a ride or die online community so you can stand out & sell out using social media. Her genuine spirit, high energy, & 8 years of experience in the social media world supporting over 150 businesses equips her to bring you high level, practical tips as your newest biz growth bestie.

During our in-depth discussion, we explore a range of captivating subjects, including the essential qualities to consider when recruiting for your small team. Madison Paige shares her expertise on identifying key traits in potential team members, emphasizing the significance of aligning values, strong work ethic, and effective communication skills.

We also delve into the intriguing concept of the Freepreneur lifestyle and uncover practical strategies to transform this aspiration into a personal reality. Madison provides valuable insights on embracing freedom and flexibility, leveraging skills, and creating passive income streams to break free from conventional constraints and achieve a life of autonomy and fulfillment.

By the way, Madi and Kira recorded 2 parts to the pod, we know you won’t be able to get enough of this ep so make sure you pop over to the Small Business Growth podcast to get the whole picture! 

Small Business Growth Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1y45JpWNjsiXGDVZmIADGs?si=9QurLZMCRoOXW3kmWSJXwA

www.thisismadisonpaige.com/links 

www.instagram.com/thisismadisonpaige 

]]>On this week’s episode we are lucky enough to be joined by Madison Paige, Business Growth Specialist, Top Rated Business Podcast Host, & Public Speaker - helping brands build a ride or die online community so you can stand out & sell out using social media. Her genuine spirit, high energy, & 8 years of experience in the social media world supporting over 150 businesses equips her to bring you high level, practical tips as your newest biz growth bestie.

During our in-depth discussion, we explore a range of captivating subjects, including the essential qualities to consider when recruiting for your small team. Madison Paige shares her expertise on identifying key traits in potential team members, emphasizing the significance of aligning values, strong work ethic, and effective communication skills.

We also delve into the intriguing concept of the Freepreneur lifestyle and uncover practical strategies to transform this aspiration into a personal reality. Madison provides valuable insights on embracing freedom and flexibility, leveraging skills, and creating passive income streams to break free from conventional constraints and achieve a life of autonomy and fulfillment.

By the way, Madi and Kira recorded 2 parts to the pod, we know you won’t be able to get enough of this ep so make sure you pop over to the Small Business Growth podcast to get the whole picture! 

Small Business Growth Podcast: 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1y45JpWNjsiXGDVZmIADGs?si=9QurLZMCRoOXW3kmWSJXwA

www.thisismadisonpaige.com/links 

www.instagram.com/thisismadisonpaige 

]]>84ed20b3-9740-4b56-aed6-f030008065aeWed, 21 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -070055:39falsefull128281Ep. 27 Is Your Cycle Of Crisis Keeping You Stuck? + How To Fix ItEp. 27 Is Your Cycle Of Crisis Keeping You Stuck? + How To Fix ItWhen a cycle involves individuals, their emotions, and feelings, it can lead to burnout, making it crucial for leaders to disrupt such unhealthy patterns. This week we explore the cycle of crisis.

It typically starts with a minor issue faced by an employee, such as missing a deadline or arriving late, which the manager chooses to overlook initially. As time progresses, a medium-sized issue arises, yet the leader still hesitates to acknowledge it. Eventually, a major problem emerges, catching the attention of other employees, forcing the manager to address it and impose disciplinary measures.

Here lies the problem: there was no open dialogue prior to the occurrence of the major issue, causing the employee to lose trust due to the lack of prior communication about the concerns being addressed.

Consequently, the cycle repeats itself, perpetuating negative effects on the employee, the team, and the leader. Communication suffers, confusion arises, and employees experience a dwindling sense of trust.

So, how can we break this detrimental cycle for our employees? That is what we are covering this week. 

Links:

https://www.the-paradigm.com/tackling-tough-conversations

https://www.the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

 

]]>When a cycle involves individuals, their emotions, and feelings, it can lead to burnout, making it crucial for leaders to disrupt such unhealthy patterns. This week we explore the cycle of crisis.

It typically starts with a minor issue faced by an employee, such as missing a deadline or arriving late, which the manager chooses to overlook initially. As time progresses, a medium-sized issue arises, yet the leader still hesitates to acknowledge it. Eventually, a major problem emerges, catching the attention of other employees, forcing the manager to address it and impose disciplinary measures.

Here lies the problem: there was no open dialogue prior to the occurrence of the major issue, causing the employee to lose trust due to the lack of prior communication about the concerns being addressed.

Consequently, the cycle repeats itself, perpetuating negative effects on the employee, the team, and the leader. Communication suffers, confusion arises, and employees experience a dwindling sense of trust.

So, how can we break this detrimental cycle for our employees? That is what we are covering this week. 

Links:

https://www.the-paradigm.com/tackling-tough-conversations

https://www.the-paradigm.com/people-on-purpose

 

]]>2cb9b98f-a63e-47e4-8833-1b5067473cd7Wed, 14 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -070028:33falsefull127271Ep. 26 Building A Life-First Business w/ Abagail PumphreyEp. 26 Building A Life-First Business w/ Abagail PumphreyBuckle up for today's episode as Kira is joined by Abagail Pumphrey, the visionary founder of the Boss Project!

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of women in business as they explore the ins and outs of this empowering realm.

Kira and Abagail share their insights on how to thrive as a woman in the business landscape while still putting your personal life first. Their mission is crystal clear: to empower more women to achieve financial freedom by establishing stable and sustainable online businesses.

Abagail opens up about the highs and lows of her career, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her into the formidable businesswoman she is today. From navigating the complexities of starting a business from scratch to overcoming setbacks and embracing personal growth, she reveals the invaluable wisdom she gained through her own experiences. 

Boss Project: 

Founded by Abagail Pumphrey and Emylee Williams in 2015, Boss Project is a creative digital agency that works with service based business owners from around the world. They became internet famous after the creation of their training, Trello for Business, took the online business industry by storm completely revitalizing the systems of over 10k business owners.

Boss Project has been featured in Forbes, Marie Claire, INC, HuffPost, and Dubsado. Their twice weekly podcast, The Strategy Hour, continuously tops Business and Management Charts on Apple and has over 100k monthly listeners.

Their superpower is helping small business owners create systems to scale that prioritize service, revenue growth, and living in a Life-First business.

Links: 

Strategy Hour Episode: https://bossproject.com/podcast/hiring-tips-for-growing-small-businesses-with-kira-la-forgia

Quiz: 

https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

 

]]>Buckle up for today's episode as Kira is joined by Abagail Pumphrey, the visionary founder of the Boss Project!

Get ready to dive into the captivating world of women in business as they explore the ins and outs of this empowering realm.

Kira and Abagail share their insights on how to thrive as a woman in the business landscape while still putting your personal life first. Their mission is crystal clear: to empower more women to achieve financial freedom by establishing stable and sustainable online businesses.

Abagail opens up about the highs and lows of her career, sharing the pivotal moments that shaped her into the formidable businesswoman she is today. From navigating the complexities of starting a business from scratch to overcoming setbacks and embracing personal growth, she reveals the invaluable wisdom she gained through her own experiences. 

Boss Project: 

Founded by Abagail Pumphrey and Emylee Williams in 2015, Boss Project is a creative digital agency that works with service based business owners from around the world. They became internet famous after the creation of their training, Trello for Business, took the online business industry by storm completely revitalizing the systems of over 10k business owners.

Boss Project has been featured in Forbes, Marie Claire, INC, HuffPost, and Dubsado. Their twice weekly podcast, The Strategy Hour, continuously tops Business and Management Charts on Apple and has over 100k monthly listeners.

Their superpower is helping small business owners create systems to scale that prioritize service, revenue growth, and living in a Life-First business.

Links: 

Strategy Hour Episode: https://bossproject.com/podcast/hiring-tips-for-growing-small-businesses-with-kira-la-forgia

Quiz: 

https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

 

]]>86114bb5-8a13-41c7-9f5d-34f3a2a606fdWed, 07 Jun 2023 06:00:00 -070001:00:15falsefull126261Ep. 25 Let's Talk Boundaries: Leading Your Team Without Losing Your MindEp. 25 Let's Talk Boundaries: Leading Your Team Without Losing Your MindWe understand that as a leader you face unforeseen issues that demand your attention. On average team leaders spend three hours a day dealing with such unexpected matters. 

There is a lot to be discussed when it comes to creating boundaries. Our goal is to create the most predictable scenarios through proactive management. Building a solid level of trust involves demonstrating consistent adaptability in how and when you adjust your boundaries according to your team's needs.

One of the key differences in being a leader, and being led, is the intentional creation of our own space to be successful.  

Physical boundaries:

  • Think like an employee
  • When and how to be reached

Emotional Boundaries:

  • The On Off Switch
  • Which emotional topics are and aren't okay to talk about at work, it is easier to start with strict boundaries 

Experience-Centered:

  • Learning triggers and authenticity in leadership
  • Don't underestimate the power of predictability in management. Whatever type of leader you are, be that consistently

If you aren't sure what your boundaries are, lean on your company handbook. Reach out to us if you need any help with this. 

Have conversations before they knock on your door. Lead with boundaries, reflect the culture that you want to build. Set the foundation for how you want to show up for yourself and your team.

]]>We understand that as a leader you face unforeseen issues that demand your attention. On average team leaders spend three hours a day dealing with such unexpected matters. 

There is a lot to be discussed when it comes to creating boundaries. Our goal is to create the most predictable scenarios through proactive management. Building a solid level of trust involves demonstrating consistent adaptability in how and when you adjust your boundaries according to your team's needs.

One of the key differences in being a leader, and being led, is the intentional creation of our own space to be successful.  

Physical boundaries:

  • Think like an employee
  • When and how to be reached

Emotional Boundaries:

  • The On Off Switch
  • Which emotional topics are and aren't okay to talk about at work, it is easier to start with strict boundaries 

Experience-Centered:

  • Learning triggers and authenticity in leadership
  • Don't underestimate the power of predictability in management. Whatever type of leader you are, be that consistently

If you aren't sure what your boundaries are, lean on your company handbook. Reach out to us if you need any help with this. 

Have conversations before they knock on your door. Lead with boundaries, reflect the culture that you want to build. Set the foundation for how you want to show up for yourself and your team.

]]>4d206e64-7f58-4c4c-9188-5a6f1c3cb318Wed, 31 May 2023 06:00:00 -070021:42falsefull125251Ep. 24 Finding Meaning In Team LeadershipEp. 24 Finding Meaning In Team LeadershipIn the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, we often hear about the impact we have on our clients, but it is crucial to acknowledge that our most substantial and influential impact is achieved directly through our teams.

Without a cohesive and high-performing team, it becomes challenging to consistently deliver exceptional results to our clients. Therefore, investing in our teams' growth, well-being, and development is where our biggest impact lies as entrepreneurs.

Ripple effect of good management:

✔️Demands other companies to treat their employees better

✔️Gives our team a healthy view of work 

✔️Teaches people how to advocate for themselves

✔️Positive reputation to your company

✔️Easier to retain culturally aligned employees

The adverse

  • Can cause serious harm to people by managing poorly
  • May cause emotional issues 
  • Low productivity
  • Lost time on legal/hr stuff 
  • Negative reputation to your company

Amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business and overlook the importance of our own experiences as entrepreneurs. However, it is crucial to recognize that our own experiences matter deeply when it comes to creating an employee-centric culture within our organizations.

]]>In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, we often hear about the impact we have on our clients, but it is crucial to acknowledge that our most substantial and influential impact is achieved directly through our teams.

Without a cohesive and high-performing team, it becomes challenging to consistently deliver exceptional results to our clients. Therefore, investing in our teams' growth, well-being, and development is where our biggest impact lies as entrepreneurs.

Ripple effect of good management:

✔️Demands other companies to treat their employees better

✔️Gives our team a healthy view of work 

✔️Teaches people how to advocate for themselves

✔️Positive reputation to your company

✔️Easier to retain culturally aligned employees

The adverse

  • Can cause serious harm to people by managing poorly
  • May cause emotional issues 
  • Low productivity
  • Lost time on legal/hr stuff 
  • Negative reputation to your company

Amidst the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business and overlook the importance of our own experiences as entrepreneurs. However, it is crucial to recognize that our own experiences matter deeply when it comes to creating an employee-centric culture within our organizations.

]]>7f36173a-0ae5-4a49-9c73-693d7170263dWed, 24 May 2023 06:00:00 -070026:57falsefull124241Ep. 23 Find Your People Leader ArchetypeEp. 23 Find Your People Leader ArchetypeWant to know how to be a better leader, without having to change anything about yourself? Before you listen to this, make sure and take the quiz and buckle up for some free personalized leadership coaching. 

In this week's episode, we talk through the 5 different People Leader Archetypes as well as the components of our personalities that contribute to your type. 

Learn the elements of decision making and culture preferences that go into identifying your type, the importance of understanding who you are as a leader in making decisions in your business. In management, we have to be prepared for anything, so reacting thoughtfully and intentionally is based solely on knowing your tendencies as a leader and how they affect other people, and your business's bottom line. 

"Every decision you make in your business will either cost you money, or make you money."

Take the quiz: https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

Topics mentioned: Hofstede's Theory of Culture https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/hofstedes-cultural-dimensions-theory/

]]>Want to know how to be a better leader, without having to change anything about yourself? Before you listen to this, make sure and take the quiz and buckle up for some free personalized leadership coaching. 

In this week's episode, we talk through the 5 different People Leader Archetypes as well as the components of our personalities that contribute to your type. 

Learn the elements of decision making and culture preferences that go into identifying your type, the importance of understanding who you are as a leader in making decisions in your business. In management, we have to be prepared for anything, so reacting thoughtfully and intentionally is based solely on knowing your tendencies as a leader and how they affect other people, and your business's bottom line. 

"Every decision you make in your business will either cost you money, or make you money."

Take the quiz: https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

Topics mentioned: Hofstede's Theory of Culture https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/hofstedes-cultural-dimensions-theory/

]]>581e000d-ea0a-4b90-9554-ae2d848c7214Tue, 23 May 2023 06:00:00 -070040:50falsefull123231Ep. 22 Navigating Leadership As An Introvert With Emma LouiseEp. 22 Navigating Leadership As An Introvert With Emma LouiseThis week Kira is joined by Emma-Louise Parkes, an Online Business Coach and Strategist for introvert owned businesses. Before entering the online business space, she spent 17 years in one of the world’s most stressful, male-focused, and extroverted fields: air traffic control. Alongside her time behind the radar keeping the busy skies above London safe, she also became an instructor for new recruits – fueling her love of coaching. 

Today, Emma-Louise is an internationally recognised certified online business consultant and NLP master practitioner with accreditations in EFT/TFT. She’s also the host of the award winning podcast, The Ambitious Introvert®. Having built her six-figure brand in under three years without previous business experience, Emma-Louise is proof that when you take aligned action, you can scale your business with ease and speed. 

Emma-Louise’s mission is to help her clients embrace their introvert nature, stay in their zone of genius, and impact more people with their profitable, sustainable businesses. You can find her at www.emmalouiseparkes.com or inside her free Facebook group, The Ambitious Introvert® Network, where she empowers her community of smart, sensitive entrepreneurs.

Topics covered in this week’s episode: 

-Introversion in leadership 

-How Introversion ebbs & flows 

-Why Mindset Matters 

 Listen to Emma-Louise’s podcast: https://emmalouiseparkes.com/podcast 

Join Emma-Louise’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/introvertnetwork

Part 2 with Emma-Louise will be released this Wednesday. Make sure you tune in!

]]>This week Kira is joined by Emma-Louise Parkes, an Online Business Coach and Strategist for introvert owned businesses. Before entering the online business space, she spent 17 years in one of the world’s most stressful, male-focused, and extroverted fields: air traffic control. Alongside her time behind the radar keeping the busy skies above London safe, she also became an instructor for new recruits – fueling her love of coaching. 

Today, Emma-Louise is an internationally recognised certified online business consultant and NLP master practitioner with accreditations in EFT/TFT. She’s also the host of the award winning podcast, The Ambitious Introvert®. Having built her six-figure brand in under three years without previous business experience, Emma-Louise is proof that when you take aligned action, you can scale your business with ease and speed. 

Emma-Louise’s mission is to help her clients embrace their introvert nature, stay in their zone of genius, and impact more people with their profitable, sustainable businesses. You can find her at www.emmalouiseparkes.com or inside her free Facebook group, The Ambitious Introvert® Network, where she empowers her community of smart, sensitive entrepreneurs.

Topics covered in this week’s episode: 

-Introversion in leadership 

-How Introversion ebbs & flows 

-Why Mindset Matters 

 Listen to Emma-Louise’s podcast: https://emmalouiseparkes.com/podcast 

Join Emma-Louise’s Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/introvertnetwork

Part 2 with Emma-Louise will be released this Wednesday. Make sure you tune in!

]]>e332878e-def5-458f-bfb7-52aa79570facMon, 22 May 2023 06:00:00 -070058:33falsefull122221Ep. 21 Guarantee ROI From Your New Hire: Hiring HackEp. 21 Guarantee ROI From Your New Hire: Hiring HackThe process of hiring your first few employees can be intimidating. In this episode, Kira breaks down a few ways you can relieve that hiring anxiety. 

Tune in to hear what this looks like for marketing assistants, operations managers, administrative assistants, and more. 

Have your new hires complete these tasks to familiarize them with their new position: 

Marketing/Social Media Assistant:

  • Create and Update a Content Bank
  • Create a Metrics Database

Operations Manager:

  • Create a workflow to interconnect your systems. This gets them to dip their toe into it, to understand the functionality and how it's connected to the other systems. 

Admin Assistant

  • Have them manage Inbox & Google Drive organization
  • Work with them to make sure that you can capitalize on their interests in the systems that you have in your company 

Operations Assistant 

  • Have them build an SOP library for you (if you already have SOPs, then they should be keeping them updated) 

Coach or Client Manager

  • Create Frequently Asked Questions databases,audit your programs for, for current and accurate information, and they can help to templatize and update your workflows and your SOPs

Empower your employees by presenting them with projects that push their boundaries and allow them to reach new heights. 

Take these steps, embrace the challenge, and don't forget to share your success stories with us! We're excited to hear how these strategies work for you! 

Let’s Get Engaged Podcast Episode:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-engaged-increase-your-employee-engagement/id1661939979?i=1000610717434 

Discover your leadership archetype quiz:

https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>The process of hiring your first few employees can be intimidating. In this episode, Kira breaks down a few ways you can relieve that hiring anxiety. 

Tune in to hear what this looks like for marketing assistants, operations managers, administrative assistants, and more. 

Have your new hires complete these tasks to familiarize them with their new position: 

Marketing/Social Media Assistant:

  • Create and Update a Content Bank
  • Create a Metrics Database

Operations Manager:

  • Create a workflow to interconnect your systems. This gets them to dip their toe into it, to understand the functionality and how it's connected to the other systems. 

Admin Assistant

  • Have them manage Inbox & Google Drive organization
  • Work with them to make sure that you can capitalize on their interests in the systems that you have in your company 

Operations Assistant 

  • Have them build an SOP library for you (if you already have SOPs, then they should be keeping them updated) 

Coach or Client Manager

  • Create Frequently Asked Questions databases,audit your programs for, for current and accurate information, and they can help to templatize and update your workflows and your SOPs

Empower your employees by presenting them with projects that push their boundaries and allow them to reach new heights. 

Take these steps, embrace the challenge, and don't forget to share your success stories with us! We're excited to hear how these strategies work for you! 

Let’s Get Engaged Podcast Episode:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-engaged-increase-your-employee-engagement/id1661939979?i=1000610717434 

Discover your leadership archetype quiz:

https://www.the-paradigm.com/quiz

]]>c83a3871-534c-4e91-895a-45705a3edffeWed, 17 May 2023 06:00:00 -070031:51falsefull121211Ep. 20 Four Ways To Coach Your Team To Better ResultsEp. 20 Four Ways To Coach Your Team To Better ResultsIn this episode, we are diving into four different types of leadership that can help you coach your team to better results.

  • The first type is direct leadership, where you give clear instructions and focus on getting things done.  
  • The second type is coaching leadership, where you challenge your team members to enhance their productivity by questioning their thinking and expanding the possibilities of their tasks. 
  • The third type is support leadership, where you advocate for and educate your team members.
  • Finally, there's delegation leadership, where you can expand the quality of work by delegating tasks effectively. 

We also talk about how you can empower yourself as a leader by acknowledging the work you delegate and following up with your team members. If you're interested in learning more about management, check out our management course, Paradigm Management Foundations. Don't forget to leave us a review and check out the free resources to dive deeper into becoming an effective and amazing manager.

]]>In this episode, we are diving into four different types of leadership that can help you coach your team to better results.

  • The first type is direct leadership, where you give clear instructions and focus on getting things done.  
  • The second type is coaching leadership, where you challenge your team members to enhance their productivity by questioning their thinking and expanding the possibilities of their tasks. 
  • The third type is support leadership, where you advocate for and educate your team members.
  • Finally, there's delegation leadership, where you can expand the quality of work by delegating tasks effectively. 

We also talk about how you can empower yourself as a leader by acknowledging the work you delegate and following up with your team members. If you're interested in learning more about management, check out our management course, Paradigm Management Foundations. Don't forget to leave us a review and check out the free resources to dive deeper into becoming an effective and amazing manager.

]]>9cf74d57-e4a7-4f88-b196-cf898acc6641Wed, 10 May 2023 06:00:00 -070031:36falsefull120201Ep. 19 Tough Conversations: Creating A Mentally Healthy Work EnvironmentEp. 19 Tough Conversations: Creating A Mentally Healthy Work EnvironmentAre you creating a healthy work environment for your employees?

Mental health is a crucial topic, and countless studies show that work plays a significant role in most people’s mental health. So, what are you doing to make sure that your team members experience a positive, healthy environment at work? Here are some places to start:

  • Perspective: Are your employees truly comfortable at work, or just hiding friction from you for fear of retaliation? 😨
  • Accountability: Everyone should be on the same page about expectations, KPIs, and performance evaluations. 📋
  • Empathy: Your employees are humans who deserve compassion in every situation. 🤗
  • Communication: Open, honest conversations (even difficult ones) help your employees feel valued and secure. 🤝

It’s almost Mental Health Awareness Month, so now’s the perfect time to evaluate the work environment you’re creating in your business.

Resources mentioned:

  • Podcast: How to Have Difficult Conversations With Employees: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-have-difficult-conversations-with-employees/id1661939979?i=1000598656908
  • Paradigm Management Foundations: https://the-paradigm.com/management-foundations

]]>Are you creating a healthy work environment for your employees?

Mental health is a crucial topic, and countless studies show that work plays a significant role in most people’s mental health. So, what are you doing to make sure that your team members experience a positive, healthy environment at work? Here are some places to start:

  • Perspective: Are your employees truly comfortable at work, or just hiding friction from you for fear of retaliation? 😨
  • Accountability: Everyone should be on the same page about expectations, KPIs, and performance evaluations. 📋
  • Empathy: Your employees are humans who deserve compassion in every situation. 🤗
  • Communication: Open, honest conversations (even difficult ones) help your employees feel valued and secure. 🤝

It’s almost Mental Health Awareness Month, so now’s the perfect time to evaluate the work environment you’re creating in your business.

Resources mentioned:

  • Podcast: How to Have Difficult Conversations With Employees: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-have-difficult-conversations-with-employees/id1661939979?i=1000598656908
  • Paradigm Management Foundations: https://the-paradigm.com/management-foundations

]]>51c6bc3b-8586-444a-b2a3-481895f7a508Wed, 03 May 2023 06:00:00 -070022:43falsefull119191Ep. 18 Let's Get Engaged: Increase Your Employee EngagementEp. 18 Let's Get Engaged: Increase Your Employee EngagementHow’s your employee engagement? And why does it even matter?

Engaged employees are more creative, innovative, and committed to your mission. So how do you foster that engagement? 

In this episode, I’m talking about three of the main tenants of employee engagement:

  • Short term: All the things that help your employees enjoy their day-to-day experience.
  • Long term: Encouraging your employees to be invested for the long haul.
  • Mission and values: Hiring team members who believe in your values and show up to contribute to them every day.

Get realistic tips and honest advice to improve your team’s engagement at work. 

Resources mentioned:

  • Podcast: What’s REALLY Stopping You From Hiring?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-really-stopping-you-from-hiring/id1661939979?i=1000599761385
  • Podcast: When to Work With a Recruiter vs. When to DIY Your Hiring With Meg Baker: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-to-work-with-a-recruiter-vs-when-to-diy-your/id1661939979?i=1000607535374
  • Paradigm Management Foundations: https://the-paradigm.com/management-foundations

]]>How’s your employee engagement? And why does it even matter?

Engaged employees are more creative, innovative, and committed to your mission. So how do you foster that engagement? 

In this episode, I’m talking about three of the main tenants of employee engagement:

  • Short term: All the things that help your employees enjoy their day-to-day experience.
  • Long term: Encouraging your employees to be invested for the long haul.
  • Mission and values: Hiring team members who believe in your values and show up to contribute to them every day.

Get realistic tips and honest advice to improve your team’s engagement at work. 

Resources mentioned:

  • Podcast: What’s REALLY Stopping You From Hiring?: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-really-stopping-you-from-hiring/id1661939979?i=1000599761385
  • Podcast: When to Work With a Recruiter vs. When to DIY Your Hiring With Meg Baker: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-to-work-with-a-recruiter-vs-when-to-diy-your/id1661939979?i=1000607535374
  • Paradigm Management Foundations: https://the-paradigm.com/management-foundations

]]>aa279713-e5ba-4244-a7fd-c3e6c4395a1dWed, 26 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -070030:18falsefull118181Ep. 17 Doing Business Differently With Grace Blacksea of Quench CollectiveEp. 17 Doing Business Differently With Grace Blacksea of Quench CollectiveWhat does it really mean to be a good leader? 

Part of it is avoiding the toxic, narcissistic traits of notoriously bad bosses. But that’s not enough — a great leader actively works to create an encouraging, inclusive, and supportive environment for their employees. 

What does that look like in practice? That’s what I’m talking about with Grace Blacksea, founder of Quench Collective. Through Quench Collective, Grace helps entrepreneurs create businesses that match their values, goals, and priorities.

Grace and I covered a wide range of leadership topics:

  • Bad bosses and what NOT to do as a leader 😡
  • Being a responsible, intuitive, and intentional manager 😇
  • Building a trustworthy team, and getting out of the way so they can work 🤝
  • The financial pressures of entrepreneurship💲

Catch our full conversation for an honest look at being an ethical and effective leader.

Find Grace here:

  • Quench Collective: https://www.quench-collective.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quench.collective/

]]>What does it really mean to be a good leader? 

Part of it is avoiding the toxic, narcissistic traits of notoriously bad bosses. But that’s not enough — a great leader actively works to create an encouraging, inclusive, and supportive environment for their employees. 

What does that look like in practice? That’s what I’m talking about with Grace Blacksea, founder of Quench Collective. Through Quench Collective, Grace helps entrepreneurs create businesses that match their values, goals, and priorities.

Grace and I covered a wide range of leadership topics:

  • Bad bosses and what NOT to do as a leader 😡
  • Being a responsible, intuitive, and intentional manager 😇
  • Building a trustworthy team, and getting out of the way so they can work 🤝
  • The financial pressures of entrepreneurship💲

Catch our full conversation for an honest look at being an ethical and effective leader.

Find Grace here:

  • Quench Collective: https://www.quench-collective.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quench.collective/

]]>eecb9d61-a142-4d52-84da-05fa57921b5fWed, 19 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -070001:02:08falsefull117171Ep. 16 Creating a Culture of InclusivityEp. 16 Creating a Culture of InclusivityHow do you create a culture of inclusivity in your business?

It takes more than just drafting anti-discrimination policies and giving your employees some pamphlets. You’ve got to model inclusivity and build an employee-centric culture. 

This episode is all about inclusivity and discrimination:

  • The financial cost of discrimination complaints 💲
  • What an inclusive work environment looks like 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿
  • How to write effective, ethical company policies 📜
  • What it means to educate and lead your team well 😇

Get all the tools and resources you need to make true progress toward inclusivity in your business.

Resources mentioned:

2022 Employment Discrimination Statistics Employees Need to Know: https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2022/07/18/employment-discrimination-statistics-employees-need-to-know/

]]>How do you create a culture of inclusivity in your business?

It takes more than just drafting anti-discrimination policies and giving your employees some pamphlets. You’ve got to model inclusivity and build an employee-centric culture. 

This episode is all about inclusivity and discrimination:

  • The financial cost of discrimination complaints 💲
  • What an inclusive work environment looks like 👏🏻👏🏼👏🏽👏🏾👏🏿
  • How to write effective, ethical company policies 📜
  • What it means to educate and lead your team well 😇

Get all the tools and resources you need to make true progress toward inclusivity in your business.

Resources mentioned:

2022 Employment Discrimination Statistics Employees Need to Know: https://www.wenzelfenton.com/blog/2022/07/18/employment-discrimination-statistics-employees-need-to-know/

]]>2b757cf4-5de5-40d9-a3bc-75bca545f4cfWed, 12 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -070023:41falsefull116161Ep. 15 When To Work With A Recruiter vs. When To DIY Your Hiring With Meg BakerEp. 15 When To Work With A Recruiter vs. When To DIY Your Hiring With Meg BakerDo you really need to find a recruiter or can you DIY your hiring process?

It really depends on your business and what you’re looking for in a new team member. The better question is, “How can I create a hiring process that’s inclusive, fair, and able to find the best candidate for my team?”

And if you want to do that, this is the episode for you. I’m chatting with Meg McCoy of Meg K & Co. about all the ins and outs of hiring and how to do it well:

  • What it really means to be inclusive and support diversity 
  • How to set good expectations and create meaningful criteria 
  • How to choose the right candidate 
  • When you can DIY your hiring vs. when to work with a recruiter 

Hiring is a chance for you to make a positive impact on the world and build a team that will help your business grow. Catch my whole convo with Meg and get ready to rock your next hiring campaign.

Resources mentioned:

Hiring VIP Day: https://the-paradigm.com/hiringvipday 

Find Meg here:

  • Meg K & Co.: https://megkco.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megkco/

]]>Do you really need to find a recruiter or can you DIY your hiring process?

It really depends on your business and what you’re looking for in a new team member. The better question is, “How can I create a hiring process that’s inclusive, fair, and able to find the best candidate for my team?”

And if you want to do that, this is the episode for you. I’m chatting with Meg McCoy of Meg K & Co. about all the ins and outs of hiring and how to do it well:

  • What it really means to be inclusive and support diversity 
  • How to set good expectations and create meaningful criteria 
  • How to choose the right candidate 
  • When you can DIY your hiring vs. when to work with a recruiter 

Hiring is a chance for you to make a positive impact on the world and build a team that will help your business grow. Catch my whole convo with Meg and get ready to rock your next hiring campaign.

Resources mentioned:

Hiring VIP Day: https://the-paradigm.com/hiringvipday 

Find Meg here:

  • Meg K & Co.: https://megkco.com/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megkco/

]]>bf2bf9af-d5ab-45e7-8507-7cdf87e883c2Wed, 05 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -070001:02:38falsefull115151Ep. 14 What's With All the HR Docs? With Kiley VanGilderEp. 14 What's With All the HR Docs? With Kiley VanGilderLet’s talk HR documents: Do you really need all that boring paperwork?

You probably already know the answer — YES! HR documentation might not be the sexiest part of running a business, but it’s absolutely critical.

And that’s what I’m chatting about with my right-hand woman here at Paradigm: Kiley VanGilder. We chatted about how she helped me build this business from the ground up and covered all the essentials of HR documentation:

  • Why HR docs are important 📜📎📜
  • The benefits of an employee handbook 📖
  • Closing the gap between HR and management ➡️⬅️
  • Figuring out which documents you REALLY need 🤔

Tune in to catch our whole convo — and get an eye-opening glimpse inside operations here at Paradigm! 👀 

Resources mentioned:

The Paradigm Solution: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

Set to Scale: 6 Must-Have Employee Policies Done for You: https://settoscale.com/products/6-must-have-employee-policies-done-for-you-policy-bundle

Set to Scale: Performance Evaluation Form: https://settoscale.com/products/performance-evaluation

]]>Let’s talk HR documents: Do you really need all that boring paperwork?

You probably already know the answer — YES! HR documentation might not be the sexiest part of running a business, but it’s absolutely critical.

And that’s what I’m chatting about with my right-hand woman here at Paradigm: Kiley VanGilder. We chatted about how she helped me build this business from the ground up and covered all the essentials of HR documentation:

  • Why HR docs are important 📜📎📜
  • The benefits of an employee handbook 📖
  • Closing the gap between HR and management ➡️⬅️
  • Figuring out which documents you REALLY need 🤔

Tune in to catch our whole convo — and get an eye-opening glimpse inside operations here at Paradigm! 👀 

Resources mentioned:

The Paradigm Solution: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

Set to Scale: 6 Must-Have Employee Policies Done for You: https://settoscale.com/products/6-must-have-employee-policies-done-for-you-policy-bundle

Set to Scale: Performance Evaluation Form: https://settoscale.com/products/performance-evaluation

]]>b7d43262-6596-45f6-a358-36f7da939b6bWed, 29 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -070057:06falsefull114141Ep. 13 HR For Creative Business Owners With Abbey McGrewEp. 13 HR For Creative Business Owners With Abbey McGrewIs it time to let an employee go?

Firing an employee isn’t fun, but it’s something that all business owners have to deal with at some point. How do you fire someone the “right” way? I’ve got lots of HR advice for you:

✔️Communicating your expectations

✔️Documenting your feedback and performance evaluations

✔️Deciding when to fire 

✔️Following legal protocols

I’ve also got tips on following up with your team members and finding ways to improve your hiring and training process. Tune in for all the details!

Links mentioned:

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee: https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

Involuntary Termination: The HR Do’s & Don’t’s: https://the-paradigm.com/termination/

Set to Scale Employee Termination Checklist: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-termination-checklist

]]>Is it time to let an employee go?

Firing an employee isn’t fun, but it’s something that all business owners have to deal with at some point. How do you fire someone the “right” way? I’ve got lots of HR advice for you:

✔️Communicating your expectations

✔️Documenting your feedback and performance evaluations

✔️Deciding when to fire 

✔️Following legal protocols

I’ve also got tips on following up with your team members and finding ways to improve your hiring and training process. Tune in for all the details!

Links mentioned:

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee: https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

Involuntary Termination: The HR Do’s & Don’t’s: https://the-paradigm.com/termination/

Set to Scale Employee Termination Checklist: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-termination-checklist

]]>3ab1759e-c4d9-47fd-94ee-596f3e9fd094Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -070058:37falsefull113131Ep. 12 Termination: When to Pull The Trigger and How To Do It RightEp. 12 Termination: When to Pull The Trigger and How To Do It RightIs it time to let an employee go

Firing an employee isn’t fun, but it’s something that all business owners have to deal with at some point. How do you fire someone the “right” way? I’ve got lots of HR advice for you:

✔️Communicating your expectations

✔️Documenting your feedback and performance evaluations

✔️Deciding when to fire 

✔️Following legal protocols

I’ve also got tips on following up with your team members and finding ways to improve your hiring and training process. Tune in for all the details!

Links mentioned:

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee: https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

Involuntary Termination: The HR Do’s & Don’t’s: https://the-paradigm.com/termination/

Set to Scale Employee Termination Checklist: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-termination-checklist

]]>Is it time to let an employee go

Firing an employee isn’t fun, but it’s something that all business owners have to deal with at some point. How do you fire someone the “right” way? I’ve got lots of HR advice for you:

✔️Communicating your expectations

✔️Documenting your feedback and performance evaluations

✔️Deciding when to fire 

✔️Following legal protocols

I’ve also got tips on following up with your team members and finding ways to improve your hiring and training process. Tune in for all the details!

Links mentioned:

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee: https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

Involuntary Termination: The HR Do’s & Don’t’s: https://the-paradigm.com/termination/

Set to Scale Employee Termination Checklist: https://settoscale.com/products/employee-termination-checklist

]]>b95d5375-40ab-40e7-ad3b-5f55471f599aWed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -070035:26falsefull112121Ep. 11 How To Intentionally Pivot Your Team With Steph WeberEp. 11 How To Intentionally Pivot Your Team With Steph WeberWhat’s the secret to building a successful company?

That’s what I’m talking about with Steph Weber, CEO of The Weber Co. We chatted about creating a positive company culture, identifying and leaning into your niche, and being a good leader. That’s not all! Our discussion also covered: 

✔️Hiring — and firing — well

✔️Showing up for your team

✔️Pivoting your business

✔️Communicating effectively

Tune in for an honest conversation about our successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way!

Links mentioned:

What’s Really Stopping You From Hiring (& How to Overcome It) https://the-paradigm.com/stoppingyoufromhiring/

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

BRANDED! Podcast Episode 105: https://open.spotify.com/episode/722Kmlxeq2y8uI67vDUVhQ 

Find Steph Weber here: 

  • Website: theweberco.com/
  • Instagram: @theweberco

]]>What’s the secret to building a successful company?

That’s what I’m talking about with Steph Weber, CEO of The Weber Co. We chatted about creating a positive company culture, identifying and leaning into your niche, and being a good leader. That’s not all! Our discussion also covered: 

✔️Hiring — and firing — well

✔️Showing up for your team

✔️Pivoting your business

✔️Communicating effectively

Tune in for an honest conversation about our successes, failures, and lessons learned along the way!

Links mentioned:

What’s Really Stopping You From Hiring (& How to Overcome It) https://the-paradigm.com/stoppingyoufromhiring/

Terminating an Under-Performing Employee https://the-paradigm.com/terminating-the-under-performer/

BRANDED! Podcast Episode 105: https://open.spotify.com/episode/722Kmlxeq2y8uI67vDUVhQ 

Find Steph Weber here: 

  • Website: theweberco.com/
  • Instagram: @theweberco

]]>1b0eb1bb-523d-45b1-9b49-a7c5f23c98e0Wed, 08 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -070052:42falsefull111111Ep. 10 Stop Believing These HR MythsEp. 10 Stop Believing These HR Myths“Hiring is like dating.” “If you’re not hiring before you’re ready, you’re waiting too long.” 

How many of these hiring myths have you seen in tweets and posts from business “experts”? Probably too many.

In today’s episode, I’m debunking these common HR and hiring myths that I hear over and over again. I’ve got stories and advice from my own experience and my convos with real hiring experts.

Here are the 4 most common myths I’m covering:

  • “Hire before you’re ready” 🚩
  • “Hiring is like dating” 🤢
  • “You can treat contractors like employees” 😕
  • “Hire slow, fire fast” 🛑

Get my take on these myths along with advice and tips for making hiring better for everyone involved!

Links mentioned:

Blog Post: Debunking 4 Harmful Hiring Myths https://the-paradigm.com/hiringmyths/

Video of my previous conversation with Meg Baker, a hiring strategist: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUc_3OtJFQI/

Find Meg Baker here:

  • Website: https://megkco.com/
  • Instagram: @megkco

]]>“Hiring is like dating.” “If you’re not hiring before you’re ready, you’re waiting too long.” 

How many of these hiring myths have you seen in tweets and posts from business “experts”? Probably too many.

In today’s episode, I’m debunking these common HR and hiring myths that I hear over and over again. I’ve got stories and advice from my own experience and my convos with real hiring experts.

Here are the 4 most common myths I’m covering:

  • “Hire before you’re ready” 🚩
  • “Hiring is like dating” 🤢
  • “You can treat contractors like employees” 😕
  • “Hire slow, fire fast” 🛑

Get my take on these myths along with advice and tips for making hiring better for everyone involved!

Links mentioned:

Blog Post: Debunking 4 Harmful Hiring Myths https://the-paradigm.com/hiringmyths/

Video of my previous conversation with Meg Baker, a hiring strategist: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CUc_3OtJFQI/

Find Meg Baker here:

  • Website: https://megkco.com/
  • Instagram: @megkco

]]>48d37712-aa5a-4104-a753-96be2ec67680Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -070031:21falsefull110101Ep. 9 How to Grow & Lead a Small Business With Lauren LoretoEp. 9 How to Grow & Lead a Small Business With Lauren LoretoWhat does it really mean to run a business? It’s not just about knowing your audience and creating offers that resonate with them. You need to know when to scale and how to hire, train, and lead a team. 

This episode features my conversation with Lauren Loreto of Brand Good Time. We cover all the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, from hiring your first employee to having an exit strategy. Tune in for an honest look at agency ownership, HR tasks, and building a business that you love.

Links mentioned:

Find Lauren here:

  • Website: Brand Good Time https://brandgoodtime.com/
  • Podcast: She’s Busy AF https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-busy-af/id1555489844
  • Instagram: @brandgoodtime
  • Twitter: @brandgoodtime
  • LinkedIn: Lauren Loreto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto/

Metrics Mothership Spreadsheet: https://brandgoodtime.com/metrics-mothership

]]>What does it really mean to run a business? It’s not just about knowing your audience and creating offers that resonate with them. You need to know when to scale and how to hire, train, and lead a team. 

This episode features my conversation with Lauren Loreto of Brand Good Time. We cover all the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, from hiring your first employee to having an exit strategy. Tune in for an honest look at agency ownership, HR tasks, and building a business that you love.

Links mentioned:

Find Lauren here:

  • Website: Brand Good Time https://brandgoodtime.com/
  • Podcast: She’s Busy AF https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-busy-af/id1555489844
  • Instagram: @brandgoodtime
  • Twitter: @brandgoodtime
  • LinkedIn: Lauren Loreto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenloreto/

Metrics Mothership Spreadsheet: https://brandgoodtime.com/metrics-mothership

]]>431ac1c9-268b-4674-83bd-2cc2a9537d0cWed, 22 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -070001:00:17falsefull1991Ep. 8 What's REALLY Stopping You From Hiring?Ep. 8 What's REALLY Stopping You From Hiring?You know you need to hire someone to help your business grow — but you’re procrastinating. And the work is piling up.

This is a common issue that many small business owners face, especially women. Why? Well, we have a few ideas.

This episode covers all the factors that stop business owners from hiring, as well as practical tips for overcoming these challenges. It’s time to grow a team that helps you grow! 

We cover:

  • Issues with delegating responsibilities
  • Financial risks of hiring
  • Feeling guilty about asking for help
  • And more

Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe to On the Up & Up. We’ll be sharing HR, hiring, and small business leadership tips every week!

Links mentioned:

Schedule a Call: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

The Paradigm Solution: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

Case Studies (on how investing in hiring leads to more revenue)

https://the-paradigm.com/easyscaling

https://the-paradigm.com/bossproject

Contractor vs. employee: https://the-paradigm.com/contractoremployeelifecycle/

Set to Scale resources for solopreneurs:  https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale 

]]>You know you need to hire someone to help your business grow — but you’re procrastinating. And the work is piling up.

This is a common issue that many small business owners face, especially women. Why? Well, we have a few ideas.

This episode covers all the factors that stop business owners from hiring, as well as practical tips for overcoming these challenges. It’s time to grow a team that helps you grow! 

We cover:

  • Issues with delegating responsibilities
  • Financial risks of hiring
  • Feeling guilty about asking for help
  • And more

Tune in and don’t forget to subscribe to On the Up & Up. We’ll be sharing HR, hiring, and small business leadership tips every week!

Links mentioned:

Schedule a Call: https://the-paradigm.com/contact

The Paradigm Solution: https://the-paradigm.com/the-paradigm-solution

Case Studies (on how investing in hiring leads to more revenue)

https://the-paradigm.com/easyscaling

https://the-paradigm.com/bossproject

Contractor vs. employee: https://the-paradigm.com/contractoremployeelifecycle/

Set to Scale resources for solopreneurs:  https://the-paradigm.com/settoscale 

]]>6c825f5a-c501-485a-ad3a-82c4aed47700Wed, 15 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -070044:00falsefull1881Ep. 7 How to Have Difficult Conversations With EmployeesEp. 7 How to Have Difficult Conversations With EmployeesEven with the best training, resources, and management in the world, your employees will need feedback. Sometimes, that feedback is hard to give. Whether it’s telling them they need to provide higher quality work, you want to address their behavior, or you have to let them go… you will eventually have a difficult conversation with an employee.

I’ve been there and it sucks. But as an HR professional (and as someone who’s been through years of therapy), I’m sharing a few things you can do to make those hard conversations suck less for everyone involved.

We talk about: 

  • Why you can’t ignore difficult conversations
  • When to bring up an issue with an employee (Spoiler alert: ASAP!)
  • How to be a trustworthy manager
  • Why HR documentation is essential (It’s more than just a CYA measure)

I’m here to help you address issues as they arise, so you can avoid letting things fester in your team culture or in your productivity. Listen in if you need to have a difficult conversation with an employee or team member — without the stress and tears. 

Don't forget to share this episode with any small business owners you know, and leave us a review! Screenshot and share your review and tag us @theparadigmm on Instagram!

Links mentioned:

Set to Scale Shop


]]>Even with the best training, resources, and management in the world, your employees will need feedback. Sometimes, that feedback is hard to give. Whether it’s telling them they need to provide higher quality work, you want to address their behavior, or you have to let them go… you will eventually have a difficult conversation with an employee.

I’ve been there and it sucks. But as an HR professional (and as someone who’s been through years of therapy), I’m sharing a few things you can do to make those hard conversations suck less for everyone involved.

We talk about: 

  • Why you can’t ignore difficult conversations
  • When to bring up an issue with an employee (Spoiler alert: ASAP!)
  • How to be a trustworthy manager
  • Why HR documentation is essential (It’s more than just a CYA measure)

I’m here to help you address issues as they arise, so you can avoid letting things fester in your team culture or in your productivity. Listen in if you need to have a difficult conversation with an employee or team member — without the stress and tears. 

Don't forget to share this episode with any small business owners you know, and leave us a review! Screenshot and share your review and tag us @theparadigmm on Instagram!

Links mentioned:

Set to Scale Shop


]]>0613b928-786f-417d-aa0d-4947d6145fd5Wed, 08 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -070024:05falsefull1771Ep. 6 You're Ready To Hire Your First Employee - Now What?Ep. 6 You're Ready To Hire Your First Employee - Now What?You’ve thought about it long and hard. You’ve wondered if you can keep doing it all yourself (you can’t). You’ve tried to find another contractor to pick up some of the pieces, but you just need more dedicated help.

And now you’re ready. It’s time to hire your first employee. Except… you have no clue what to do. You’re like a deer in headlights. That’s why this episode of On the Up and Up is all about what to do when you’re ready to hire.

We talk about:

  • The difference between a job post and a job description and why confusing the two is the biggest mistake small business owners make before hiring.
  • The difference between payroll (tax) compliance and HR (legal) compliance for team members.
  • How hiring a first employee is a completely different experience than any other type of hiring.
  • How to protect your special sauce from intellectual property theft.
  • WTF is up with employment contracts — and what to do instead.
  • The purpose and function of the employee handbook, aka the HR Bible.

I’m here to help you feel more confident in your hiring decision, so you can get the help you need. Listen in if you want to figure out what to do when you’re ready to bring on that first team member.

Don’t forget to share this episode with any small business owners you know, and leave us a review! Screenshot and share your review and tag us @theparadigmm on Instagram!

Links mentioned:

Set to Scale Shop (Job Description Outlines) https://settoscale.com/collections/job-description-templates

NDA Template from LegalMiga affiliate link: https://www.thelegalmigalibrary.com/non-disclosure-confidentiality-agreement/ay6sz

Interview Bundle https://settoscale.com/products/interviewing-bundle

Rippling HR & IT: email us hello@the-paradigm.com and skip the annoying sales people

]]>You’ve thought about it long and hard. You’ve wondered if you can keep doing it all yourself (you can’t). You’ve tried to find another contractor to pick up some of the pieces, but you just need more dedicated help.

And now you’re ready. It’s time to hire your first employee. Except… you have no clue what to do. You’re like a deer in headlights. That’s why this episode of On the Up and Up is all about what to do when you’re ready to hire.

We talk about:

  • The difference between a job post and a job description and why confusing the two is the biggest mistake small business owners make before hiring.
  • The difference between payroll (tax) compliance and HR (legal) compliance for team members.
  • How hiring a first employee is a completely different experience than any other type of hiring.
  • How to protect your special sauce from intellectual property theft.
  • WTF is up with employment contracts — and what to do instead.
  • The purpose and function of the employee handbook, aka the HR Bible.

I’m here to help you feel more confident in your hiring decision, so you can get the help you need. Listen in if you want to figure out what to do when you’re ready to bring on that first team member.

Don’t forget to share this episode with any small business owners you know, and leave us a review! Screenshot and share your review and tag us @theparadigmm on Instagram!

Links mentioned:

Set to Scale Shop (Job Description Outlines) https://settoscale.com/collections/job-description-templates

NDA Template from LegalMiga affiliate link: https://www.thelegalmigalibrary.com/non-disclosure-confidentiality-agreement/ay6sz

Interview Bundle https://settoscale.com/products/interviewing-bundle

Rippling HR & IT: email us hello@the-paradigm.com and skip the annoying sales people

]]>acbde67b-4cc8-42d9-a758-44ac607b5f02Wed, 01 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -070025:57falsefull1661Ep. 5 Employee vs Contractor Mindset With Jordan KingEp. 5 Employee vs Contractor Mindset With Jordan KingThis week we are lucky enough to feature Jordan King, who generously shares her knowledge as a serial entrepreneur. 

This episode is not about deciding who to hire, but rather about understanding the mindset of the individuals you bring onto your team in order to place them in the appropriate role, even if it is not currently available in your company. 

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Professionalism & communication is key in expediting success in this process.
  • Business leadership is a combination of natural abilities and learned skills.
  • As a leader, it's important to have a deeper level of understanding of your team members in order to get the best results from them and balance that with the culture of your business.
  • Firing or not retaining an employee is not always the worst thing for your team. In fact, the negative impact can be exponentially higher when a person is trying to fit into a role that isn't best for them, their skill sets, or their overall goals.
  • We discuss the mindset differences between employees and entrepreneurs and how leaders can learn to identify these differences and manage their team members into the best fit for them.

Tune in next week as we cover approaching difficult conversations.

-----------------------

Resources:

Case Study: How Strategic HR Helped Easy Scaling Founder Jordan Schanda King Build A Company Culture That Thrives So She Can Truly Embrace The Ease Of Scaling Her Biz

-----------------------

Guest Info:

Introducing our guest for today's episode, Jordan Schanda King. Jordan is a serial entrepreneur and an expert on all things scaling and operations. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, she has published a book, founded multiple businesses, successfully sold a business, and built a multiple-six-figure agency, Easy Scaling, from scratch in less than a year. Easy Scaling employs a team of over twenty expert implementers specializing in operations, tech, design, copywriting, and more. Together, they help female coaches, agency owners, and service providers scale their business without burning out, so that they can build a sustainable business that they love. We're excited to have Jordan on the show today to share her insights and expertise.

Jordan’s Instagram: JordanSchandaking

Jordan’s Website: EasyScaling.com 

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>This week we are lucky enough to feature Jordan King, who generously shares her knowledge as a serial entrepreneur. 

This episode is not about deciding who to hire, but rather about understanding the mindset of the individuals you bring onto your team in order to place them in the appropriate role, even if it is not currently available in your company. 

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Professionalism & communication is key in expediting success in this process.
  • Business leadership is a combination of natural abilities and learned skills.
  • As a leader, it's important to have a deeper level of understanding of your team members in order to get the best results from them and balance that with the culture of your business.
  • Firing or not retaining an employee is not always the worst thing for your team. In fact, the negative impact can be exponentially higher when a person is trying to fit into a role that isn't best for them, their skill sets, or their overall goals.
  • We discuss the mindset differences between employees and entrepreneurs and how leaders can learn to identify these differences and manage their team members into the best fit for them.

Tune in next week as we cover approaching difficult conversations.

-----------------------

Resources:

Case Study: How Strategic HR Helped Easy Scaling Founder Jordan Schanda King Build A Company Culture That Thrives So She Can Truly Embrace The Ease Of Scaling Her Biz

-----------------------

Guest Info:

Introducing our guest for today's episode, Jordan Schanda King. Jordan is a serial entrepreneur and an expert on all things scaling and operations. With over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship, she has published a book, founded multiple businesses, successfully sold a business, and built a multiple-six-figure agency, Easy Scaling, from scratch in less than a year. Easy Scaling employs a team of over twenty expert implementers specializing in operations, tech, design, copywriting, and more. Together, they help female coaches, agency owners, and service providers scale their business without burning out, so that they can build a sustainable business that they love. We're excited to have Jordan on the show today to share her insights and expertise.

Jordan’s Instagram: JordanSchandaking

Jordan’s Website: EasyScaling.com 

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>f4dcfe6f-9fb2-4e61-a6a7-c80617cd78c5Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -070001:03:27falsefull1551Ep. 4 Three Questions To Ask Yourself Before You HireEp. 4 Three Questions To Ask Yourself Before You HireIf you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or work in human resources, then this week’s episode was made just for you!

When it comes to growing your business, the decision to add employees can feel very overwhelming. The truth is that hiring a new employee can bring comfort and ease in your everyday work life. 

If you find yourself wondering Is it time to hire a new employee? These 3 questions should bring you clarity. 

Capacity - Is your ability to create revenue impeded by your capacity limits?

Mindset - Are you ready to change the way you view your business to make space for true support?

Stability - Can you identify an average revenue marker or profit margin that you can expect to come in each month that allows for setting a budget?

We can take all three of these things and deconstruct them into whether or not an employee or contractor is the right move. A long term, involved player in a growing business will be most successful in starting and growing in an employee role. A bandaid on a bullet hole, or hemorrhage hire is going to be more about the tasks and less about the person. 

Things that you don’t need to have sorted before you hire:

  • Revenue of XX amount - Don’t worry about the numbers. Look for consistent predictable revenue. 
  • A desire to grow and expand - Hiring could mean growth, or it could mean maintenance - a hire can mean the difference between a busy life for you or a truly sustainable model with less profit. Neither are wrong.
  • SOP Libraries - Processes are important, but you don't need them to be set in stone to hire support. 
  • KPI Dashboards - if you can ID one measure of success to start, you can always build on those later 

Don’t wait for the stars to align to hire a new employee. Take the risk with the proper precautions, and watch your business flourish. 

Next week, we're chatting with my dear friend and client, Jordan King, to chat all about the overhaul of a team built on being contractors, and then mindset shifts that happen when converting business owners to employees (and the pitfalls!) 

----

Resources: 

Follow Dana Shular: https://www.instagram.com/danashular/ 

1 in 3 professional women say they've experienced sexual harassment at work

Check out our blog: https://the-paradigm.com/blog/  

---- 

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or work in human resources, then this week’s episode was made just for you!

When it comes to growing your business, the decision to add employees can feel very overwhelming. The truth is that hiring a new employee can bring comfort and ease in your everyday work life. 

If you find yourself wondering Is it time to hire a new employee? These 3 questions should bring you clarity. 

Capacity - Is your ability to create revenue impeded by your capacity limits?

Mindset - Are you ready to change the way you view your business to make space for true support?

Stability - Can you identify an average revenue marker or profit margin that you can expect to come in each month that allows for setting a budget?

We can take all three of these things and deconstruct them into whether or not an employee or contractor is the right move. A long term, involved player in a growing business will be most successful in starting and growing in an employee role. A bandaid on a bullet hole, or hemorrhage hire is going to be more about the tasks and less about the person. 

Things that you don’t need to have sorted before you hire:

  • Revenue of XX amount - Don’t worry about the numbers. Look for consistent predictable revenue. 
  • A desire to grow and expand - Hiring could mean growth, or it could mean maintenance - a hire can mean the difference between a busy life for you or a truly sustainable model with less profit. Neither are wrong.
  • SOP Libraries - Processes are important, but you don't need them to be set in stone to hire support. 
  • KPI Dashboards - if you can ID one measure of success to start, you can always build on those later 

Don’t wait for the stars to align to hire a new employee. Take the risk with the proper precautions, and watch your business flourish. 

Next week, we're chatting with my dear friend and client, Jordan King, to chat all about the overhaul of a team built on being contractors, and then mindset shifts that happen when converting business owners to employees (and the pitfalls!) 

----

Resources: 

Follow Dana Shular: https://www.instagram.com/danashular/ 

1 in 3 professional women say they've experienced sexual harassment at work

Check out our blog: https://the-paradigm.com/blog/  

---- 

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>a753ea1f-06ba-4c55-99ff-4dd0628be499Wed, 18 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -070040:40falsefull1441Ep. 3 Does My Business Need An Employee or Contractor?Ep. 3 Does My Business Need An Employee or Contractor?This one's for all small business owners who are expanding for the first time!

Today, we cover one of the MOST talked about topics we receive when it comes to planning, hiring, developing, managing, and not getting screwed in building your team: the employee vs. contractor discussion.

The employee vs. contractor discussion is constantly evolving. There is a LOT of grey area, so it's essential to be up to date on the IRS's regulations and those within your state.

As a small business owner, having a mix of employees and contractors can help to create an enriching workplace. But how do you ensure it's still profitable? How can you approach this through a lens of neutrality? Find out some things to consider when expanding your team by tuning into this week's episode!

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Reasons why the employee vs. contractor conversation is ongoing
  • Why having a mix of employees and contractors can be beneficial
  • The power of having a small team
  • The danger behind misclassifying an employee and/or contractor
  • The main differences between an employee vs. a contractor (according to the IRS)
  • Creating an enriching work environment that evolves over time
  • Behavioral control
  • Financial control
  • Relationships of the parties
  • The permanency of the relationship
  • The energy exchange of an employer-employee relationship and an employer-contractor relationship

-----------------------

RESOURCES:


-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>This one's for all small business owners who are expanding for the first time!

Today, we cover one of the MOST talked about topics we receive when it comes to planning, hiring, developing, managing, and not getting screwed in building your team: the employee vs. contractor discussion.

The employee vs. contractor discussion is constantly evolving. There is a LOT of grey area, so it's essential to be up to date on the IRS's regulations and those within your state.

As a small business owner, having a mix of employees and contractors can help to create an enriching workplace. But how do you ensure it's still profitable? How can you approach this through a lens of neutrality? Find out some things to consider when expanding your team by tuning into this week's episode!

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Reasons why the employee vs. contractor conversation is ongoing
  • Why having a mix of employees and contractors can be beneficial
  • The power of having a small team
  • The danger behind misclassifying an employee and/or contractor
  • The main differences between an employee vs. a contractor (according to the IRS)
  • Creating an enriching work environment that evolves over time
  • Behavioral control
  • Financial control
  • Relationships of the parties
  • The permanency of the relationship
  • The energy exchange of an employer-employee relationship and an employer-contractor relationship

-----------------------

RESOURCES:


-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>fa256d4d-2447-496f-b904-607f9d66b10fWed, 11 Jan 2023 06:03:00 -070046:00falsefull1331Ep. 2 Spilling Secrets of Entrepreneurship With Braden DrakeEp. 2 Spilling Secrets of Entrepreneurship With Braden DrakePlease join us in welcoming Braden Adam Drake for our official launch episode!

In this witty and amusing episode, Braden and Kira spill some of their experiences in the workforce and stepping into the world of entrepreneurship.

If you thought that attorneys and tax professionals were bland, think again! Braden will quickly change your mind while providing educational tidbits.

Plus, for all of our Californian listeners out there, Braden touches on California's contractor laws: AB5.

Disclaimer: these episodes are NOT meant to take the place of an HR or Legal Department.

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Braden's origin story
  • The worst boss Braden had in the workforce
  • The highlights and lowlights of Kira and Braden's internship experiences
  • What would they both have done differently if they could go back in time
  • Litigation vs. transactional laws
  • How HR and attorneys can work together to support your business
  • Introduction to the AB5 law in California
  • Fears entrepreneurs typically have around hiring
  • Anecdotes from Braden's journey of having a team of contractors to employees
  • The value of the 3-year picture
  • Advice for writing work emails
  • People Braden tries to emulate

-----------------------

RESOURCES:


-----------------------

Guest info:

Braden is a California licensed attorney and tax professional. His tagline is your gay best friend here to help you get your legal, tax, and financial shit legit. Braden works primarily with service-based, creative small business owners through his signature program Profit Rx.

Follow Braden on Instagram @bradenadamdrake, and if you want to binge Braden's Podcast, look for Unf*ck Your Biz With Braden!

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>Please join us in welcoming Braden Adam Drake for our official launch episode!

In this witty and amusing episode, Braden and Kira spill some of their experiences in the workforce and stepping into the world of entrepreneurship.

If you thought that attorneys and tax professionals were bland, think again! Braden will quickly change your mind while providing educational tidbits.

Plus, for all of our Californian listeners out there, Braden touches on California's contractor laws: AB5.

Disclaimer: these episodes are NOT meant to take the place of an HR or Legal Department.

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Braden's origin story
  • The worst boss Braden had in the workforce
  • The highlights and lowlights of Kira and Braden's internship experiences
  • What would they both have done differently if they could go back in time
  • Litigation vs. transactional laws
  • How HR and attorneys can work together to support your business
  • Introduction to the AB5 law in California
  • Fears entrepreneurs typically have around hiring
  • Anecdotes from Braden's journey of having a team of contractors to employees
  • The value of the 3-year picture
  • Advice for writing work emails
  • People Braden tries to emulate

-----------------------

RESOURCES:


-----------------------

Guest info:

Braden is a California licensed attorney and tax professional. His tagline is your gay best friend here to help you get your legal, tax, and financial shit legit. Braden works primarily with service-based, creative small business owners through his signature program Profit Rx.

Follow Braden on Instagram @bradenadamdrake, and if you want to binge Braden's Podcast, look for Unf*ck Your Biz With Braden!

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let's get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>5b1e1d6d-7847-4095-b1c6-0dc0afd5f7e4Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:02:00 -070044:40falsefull1221Ep. 1 What even is HR?What even is HR?Welcome to the On the Up and Up podcast!

We know that HR can seem boring and not sexy, and we're here to disrupt that. Throughout this podcast, you can expect entertaining anecdotes and insightful conversations as we reframe HR in a new light.

In today's episode, our host and founder of Paradigm Consulting, Kira La Forgia, jumps right into what HR encapsulates, how it's always on the growth journey, and precisely what you can expect as you listen to our weekly episodes.

Building a team can be incredibly enriching when met with strategic implementation. Let's thrive together through compliance-informed solutions!

Disclaimer: these episodes are NOT meant to take the place of an HR or Legal Department.

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Why Kira started this podcast and how she decided on the name
  • What is Paradigm and what we do
  • How HR is here to make a positive difference in a workplace
  • What you can expect by tuning in
  • How this will be the most entertaining podcast about HR
  • What you'll walk away with after each episode

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let’s get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>Welcome to the On the Up and Up podcast!

We know that HR can seem boring and not sexy, and we're here to disrupt that. Throughout this podcast, you can expect entertaining anecdotes and insightful conversations as we reframe HR in a new light.

In today's episode, our host and founder of Paradigm Consulting, Kira La Forgia, jumps right into what HR encapsulates, how it's always on the growth journey, and precisely what you can expect as you listen to our weekly episodes.

Building a team can be incredibly enriching when met with strategic implementation. Let's thrive together through compliance-informed solutions!

Disclaimer: these episodes are NOT meant to take the place of an HR or Legal Department.

--------------------------

In today's episode, we cover:

  • Why Kira started this podcast and how she decided on the name
  • What is Paradigm and what we do
  • How HR is here to make a positive difference in a workplace
  • What you can expect by tuning in
  • How this will be the most entertaining podcast about HR
  • What you'll walk away with after each episode

-----------------------

Like what you hear?

Let’s get your business Set to Scale - Get started!

Get Down With The Up And Up! Join our community for monthly tips, tricks, and all the juicy goss about entrepreneurship, people operations, and team development straight to your inbox.

Connect with me at:

Instagram: @theparadigmm

LinkedIn: Kira La Forgia

Facebook: Paradigm Consulting

]]>c631d4cf-8053-4658-9344-f6ca3be1d301Wed, 11 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -070022:37falsefull1111Welcome to On the Up & Up!Welcome to On the Up & Up!Welcome to On the Up and Up! I am your host, Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm Consulting.

On this podcast, get the real reality behind leadership and management. Not just the buzzwords and HR-appropriate policies, but the good, the bad, and the juicy gossip that comes with the behind-the-scenes of running a business. 

Join us as we laugh and sometimes even squirm while shooting the (sometimes HR-inappropriate) sh*t with badass founders, diverse managers, and kickass employees. 

Running a business is hard, but we can make it less lonely and maybe even…. dare I say…fun.


]]>Welcome to On the Up and Up! I am your host, Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm Consulting.

On this podcast, get the real reality behind leadership and management. Not just the buzzwords and HR-appropriate policies, but the good, the bad, and the juicy gossip that comes with the behind-the-scenes of running a business. 

Join us as we laugh and sometimes even squirm while shooting the (sometimes HR-inappropriate) sh*t with badass founders, diverse managers, and kickass employees. 

Running a business is hard, but we can make it less lonely and maybe even…. dare I say…fun.


]]>bf913572-96ba-4ffd-840e-f60ed6ca0c14Thu, 29 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -070001:41falsetrailer11