The Queen of Automation

The Art of Accountability: How I Handled Losing a Client

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Navigating the tumultuous waters of client relationships can be a real rollercoaster, right? One moment, you're cruising along, and the next, BAM! You find yourself staring at the wreckage of a lost client, heartbroken and wondering what went wrong. That's exactly the vibe we dive into with Meghan Donnelly, the Queen of Automation, as she shares an all-too-common tale of dropping the ball in business. She takes us on a journey through her experience of losing a three-year client, who she had nurtured from the ground up. It's a raw and honest reflection on accountability and the importance of maintaining open lines of communication in our business dealings. Megan doesn't sugarcoat the harsh reality—she owned her mistakes and even walked us through the uncomfortable moments of facing the fallout. It's a lesson in humility and a call to action for anyone who's ever felt the sting of losing a valued partnership.

Megan emphasizes that the essence of business is not just about flawless execution but rather how you respond when things go haywire. She shares her own missteps, from missed deadlines to broken communication, and how those slip-ups led to the inevitable parting. But wait, there's a silver lining! After this experience, Megan made major changes to her backend processes, implementing automated systems that keep her on track and ensure nothing slips through the cracks again. The takeaway? It's all about learning from our blunders and stepping up our game, so we never have to feel that gut-wrenching disappointment again. After all, navigating the wild world of entrepreneurship is as much about resilience as it is about strategy.

As the episode wraps up, Megan leaves us with a powerful message that resonates deeply: your reputation isn't built on never failing—it's built on how you handle those failures. It’s a call to embrace discomfort, stay accountable, and build relationships that last, even when the going gets tough. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to reflect on your own client relationships—because this episode just might change how you approach your business forever!

Takeaways:

It's vital to own up to your mistakes in business, as accountability fosters trust and growth.
When things go wrong, how you respond defines your reputation more than your successes.
After losing a client, I revamped my entire approach to ensure nothing slips through the cracks again.
Communication is key; proactively updating clients prevents misunderstandings and builds lasting relationships.
Your systems are only as good as your commitment to using them effectively in your business.
Failure isn't the end; it's a stepping stone toward better leadership and honing your skills.

Chronically Automated Episode #26: The Anti-Resolution Revolution: Finding Your True Path in 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Alright, my friend, let’s dive right into the heart of this episode where we’re tackling the age-old trope of “New Year, New You.” Spoiler alert: we think it's a bit overrated!

Meghan and Anthony kick things off with a chat about how business owners, especially those of us who are neurodiverse, can shake off the pressure of those lofty resolutions and instead focus on sustainable growth and reflection throughout the year. They share some golden nuggets about building a lifestyle that works for you, rather than waiting for January 1st to make changes that often fizzle out faster than a cheap firework.

So, if you’re tired of the New Year’s resolution hustle and want to explore a more laid-back, continuous growth method, stick around! We’ll also dish out some fun ways to reflect on your past year—think photo reminiscing and good ol' voice memos—because hey, who doesn’t love a good trip down memory lane? Let’s roll! Meghan Donnelly and Anthony Lobosco embark on a vibrant discussion about the intersection of neurodiversity and entrepreneurship, opening the first episode of 2026 with a refreshing take on self-improvement.

They throw a curveball at the typical 'New Year, New You' mantra, suggesting that the pressure to reinvent oneself annually is not just unrealistic but also detrimental to one’s self-esteem and growth. Instead, they promote a continuous, rolling approach to goal-setting and self-reflection, encouraging listeners to embrace the journey of personal and professional development throughout the year, rather than confining it to the first few weeks of January.

The episode is rich with anecdotes and humor, as Meghan shares her experiences navigating her business in a state of 'hyper-growth' while maintaining clarity and focus. Anthony’s playful interjections add a layer of relatability, making their conversation both engaging and insightful. They highlight the critical importance of celebrating small wins and reflecting on past experiences, using personal photographs as a means to trigger memories of success and growth.

By doing so, they argue that one can cultivate a more positive mindset, transforming the way we perceive our achievements and failures. Through laughter and light-hearted commentary, Megan and Anthony challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding resolutions, proposing instead that personal development should be an ongoing process that is not dictated by the calendar.

Their discussion serves as a call to action for listeners to take control of their journeys, emphasizing that every moment is ripe for change and growth. This episode is not just an entertaining listen; it’s a manifesto for anyone looking to redefine their approach to self-improvement and entrepreneurship in a neurodiverse world.

Takeaways:

Embrace the 'rolling 12' concept for continual self-assessment and goal tracking throughout the year, not just in January.
Reflecting on previous experiences through photos can unveil hidden personal growth and joyful memories you might have forgotten.
New Year's resolutions often lead to disappointment; instead, focus on small, incremental improvements every day.
The idea of 'New Year, New You' is a myth; we evolve continuously, not just at the start of a new year.
Building a business around your health is not just possible, but essential for sustained success and well-being.
Celebrate lifestyle goals rather than drastic resolutions; small wins lead to lasting motivation and fulfillment.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Chronically Automated
Meghan Donnelly
Anthony Lobosco
Mel Robbins
Nat Berman
Darren Mass
Mondo Salavanti
Bill Fanter

How to be the CEO of your life with Adam Hurd.

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of automation and entrepreneurship with the fabulous Adam Thomas, who’s all about helping you become the CEO of your life and business.

Forget the fluff; this episode is packed with real talk about simplifying your operations and embracing the chaos of starting up. Adam's journey from finance to coaching is a wild ride that’s going to inspire you to trust your gut and listen to that inner voice telling you to pivot.

We’re shedding light on how belief and behavior go hand in hand when it comes to achieving those lofty goals, and trust me, you don’t want to miss these practical tips that’ll have you saying goodbye to burnout and hello to a balanced life. So grab your favorite drink, kick back, and let’s unravel the secrets to making your business work for you, not the other way around!

Automation isn't just a buzzword; it's the lifeline for entrepreneurs looking to streamline their operations and gain back precious time. In this episode, we dive deep with Adam, a leadership coach who brings a wealth of experience from the finance world into the realm of coaching and entrepreneurship. He shares his journey from building a successful financial planning company to realizing his true passion for helping others become the CEOs of their own lives and businesses.

It’s all about moving from just surviving to thriving in your professional life, and Adam’s insights are both enlightening and practical. He emphasizes that being a CEO is about more than just the title; it’s about taking charge of your life and making intentional choices that align with your values and goals. We explore the concept of intuition versus intelligence in decision-making, and Adam reveals how tapping into your gut feelings can often lead to the best outcomes.

He discusses the importance of believing in yourself and finding meaning in your work, which is crucial for achieving your dreams. This episode is packed with humor and relatable anecdotes, making it both an entertaining and informative listen for anyone looking to take control of their business and life. Plus, you'll learn how to simplify your operations without losing the essence of what makes your business unique. Tune in for some laughs and a lot of wisdom!

Takeaways:

In today's world, embracing automation and AI can streamline your business operations, making your life a whole lot easier and more productive in the process.
The journey of becoming the CEO of your life and business begins with understanding your passions and aligning your daily actions with them.
It's crucial to differentiate between a lifestyle business and a legacy business, as each serves different purposes in achieving your personal and financial goals.
Listening to your intuition can guide you; it whispers the right decisions amidst the chaos of external influences and societal expectations.
Creating a fulfilling life means prioritizing what truly matters to you, whether that’s family, freedom, or financial independence, rather than just chasing arbitrary numbers.
Incorporating vulnerability in business interactions fosters deeper connections and trust, ultimately leading to more meaningful outcomes.

Links referenced in this episode:

Companies mentioned in this episode:

LinkedIn
Atomic Business Coaching
Danny Del Vecchio
Nat Berman
Darren Mass
Tom Marino

The Lie Keeping You Stuck in Corporate, With Lisa McPhee

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0600

She had the title. The salary. The corporate credibility.

And she walked away from it anyway.

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa McPhee, a business coach who helps high-achieving women make the leap from corporate to coaching without losing their minds in the process.

We get into the real stuff: the self-doubt that hits when you go from "expert in the room" to "nobody knows who I am yet." Why your pricing has to match your belief in yourself. And why automation should never be your first move (even though everyone wants it to be).

If you've ever felt successful on paper but exhausted in real life, this one's for you.

In this episode, we cover:

→ Why high achievers struggle the most when starting their own business

→ How to define what you actually want (not what you think you should want)

→ The role of data collection before you automate anything

→ Why community is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs

→ How to build confidence by recognizing what you've already done

→ When to bring in AI and technology (and when to wait)

Connect with Lisa McPhee: [Insert LinkedIn URL] [Insert Website URL]

Connect with Meghan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanmdonnelly

Website: https://thequeenofautomation.com

Episode #74 Why High Performers Quietly Burn Out with Allison Ditmer

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of the Queen of Automation podcast, I sat down with Allison Ditmer, and honestly, this conversation hit on so many layers of what it really looks like to build a business that actually supports your life instead of consuming it. Allison joined me from cold, snowy Ohio, which immediately bonded us because Midwest winters are not for the weak, and we kicked things off talking about her background, her career pivot, and how she found her way into building a LinkedIn-driven business that actually works.

She spent 15 years in the corporate world in digital marketing, working closely with brand teams, strategy, and large-scale websites. She talked openly about what it’s like to get comfortable in corporate, how predictable it can feel, and why that predictability can be both a safety net and a trap. COVID became a major turning point for her, especially while juggling back-to-back calls at home with young kids, and she realized she wanted something different. Not a side hustle. Not a perfectly mapped plan. Just something that gave her more freedom and control over her time.

What I loved about Allison’s story is that she didn’t leave corporate with a perfectly polished business idea. She left because she knew the structure she was in no longer fit the life she wanted. From there, she built a business around LinkedIn, helping executives and fractional leaders turn their presence into a real client-generating machine, not just content for content’s sake. We talked a lot about how LinkedIn has changed, why authenticity actually matters now, and how building relationships beats spamming people with DMs every single time.

We also dug into work-life balance, or as I like to call it, the myth of work-life balance. Allison shared how she thinks more in terms of alignment than balance, designing days that work for her energy, her family, and her business. We talked about burnout, permission to rest when you hit that wall, and why beating yourself up for being tired never actually helps. This was one of those conversations that feels validating if you’re a parent, a founder, or honestly just a human trying to do too much at once.

This episode is really about redefining success on your own terms, building a business that fits your real life, and using platforms like LinkedIn intentionally instead of letting them run you. Allison’s approach is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest, and I think anyone navigating a career pivot, building a personal brand, or trying to reclaim time will take something meaningful away from this conversation.

Connect with Allison on LinkedIn to keep up with her work and insights.

Chronically Automated - Episode #24 How to Step Away Without Feeling Like Your Business Will Explode

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode felt like the natural follow-up to the latest Chronically Automated drop, where I walked everyone through my end-of-year reset and how I rebuilt the backend of my business so I can actually take time off during the holidays without spiraling. And then of course, in true neurodivergent fashion, I admitted that even when the systems are perfect, my brain still gives me the finger and insists on freaking out anyway.

So today, Anthony and I sat down and just… got honest about it. The holidays hit differently when you're a business owner, especially when your brain refuses to shut up. I talked about how I try to automate everything, clean up my workflows, tighten my operations, and prep for rest, and yet somehow still feel the magnetic pull of notifications like I'm missing something catastrophic. Meanwhile, Anthony shared this whole chapter about accidentally giving up drinking and how that one shift changed his energy, his anxiety, his mornings, and honestly his entire baseline. It was such a good moment because you could hear the difference in how he shows up for his business now compared to a year ago.

We went all the way into the reality that no matter how many systems we build, we can’t automate our brains. The panic still shows up. The fear of stepping away still shows up. The “no one is working Christmas week but my brain is convinced the world will implode without me” still shows up. And then we started riffing on hops, gluten, inflammation, processed food, why our bodies riot after 30, and how much your lifestyle actually impacts your ability to run a business without feeling like you're crumbling from the inside out.

And honestly, that was the heart of the episode: the intersection between being a founder, being neurodivergent, trying to rest, trying to be a person, and still showing up for the people and business you love. Nothing polished. Nothing Pinterest-perfect. Just real founders talking about the mess that comes with trying to unplug when your nervous system refuses to do what you tell it.

If you’ve ever prepped for time off and still felt guilty, anxious, wired, or weirdly convinced that five minutes away from your inbox will ruin your entire life, this is the episode you needed.

Episode #73 From Alien Movies to Automation: Steven Puri’s Wild Career Pivot

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I jumped into one of the most unexpectedly delightful conversations with Steven Puri, and honestly, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit two chairs down from Steven freakin’ Spielberg in a private DreamWorks story meeting, this one is your jam.

Steven came in hot with the kind of résumé that makes you blink twice. Senior executive at multiple film studios. Tech founder. Twenty million raised. Three companies. One exit. Two failures. The whole beautiful, messy journey. And then he pivots into this chapter of his life where he’s helping high performers get their time and focus back through The Sukha Company… which, you know, is basically my love language.

We talk about DreamWorks, and not in the glossy “Hollywood magic” way. Steven shares what it was actually like to work inside one of the only studios still run by creatives, where the mandate wasn't “make it cheaper,” it was “make it 1% better.” And of course, I had to ask if he ever had that fan-boy moment. His answer? Absolute gold. The man can sit next to Brad Pitt and feel nothing, but mention Gandhi or MLK and he’s floored. And that opened a whole door for us about impact, purpose, and what actually matters when you’re building a life.

Then we got into the transition, how he went from film sets and alien-movie story meetings to building tech companies and eventually designing tools to help people get into flow states. The through-line is wild: two engineer parents, coding as a kid, USC, the rise of digital film… and then this fascination with how the highest performers stay stable, grounded, and burnout-free even when the stakes are massive.

And yes, we eventually got to my favorite topic: what it really takes to manage your time, your brain, and your energy when you’re building something big. Steven and I are totally aligned on this idea that productivity isn’t about squeezing more into your day, it’s about actually being in control of your day. You’ll hear the two of us bounce back and forth about creativity, systems, life design, and why everyone should stop pretending they’re not allowed to have a freaking fangirl moment when something or someone lights you up.

This episode is just fun. It’s insightful. It’s a little chaotic in the best way. And if you need a reminder that your career can have multiple lifetimes, and that your day can get a whole lot easier when you stop fighting your own brain, you’re going to love this one.

Episode #72 The Holiday Survival System for Founders & Operators

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode is my love letter to December, the sparkly, chaotic month that somehow manages to deliver holiday joy and business panic in the same breath. I got into why this season feels like it’s personally targeting anyone running a company, and how the real issue isn’t the calendar, it’s the constant repetition baked into your day.

I talked about the stress stew of inbox chaos, year-end pressure, family plans, and that low-grade fear that everything might fall apart the second you try to take time off. And because this is The Queen of Automation podcast, I dug into the sneaky tasks that drain your time and attention without you even noticing. The pings, the follow-ups, the tiny admin loops that steal more energy than the big, important work ever does.

The heart of the episode is a simple mindset shift, that reclaiming your time isn’t about doing more, it’s about removing what never needed your brain in the first place. Exploring how free yourself from even a couple of those repeatable tasks can completely change how the holidays feel, and how automation, delegation, and smarter systems are really just tools for getting your life back.

So if December has you feeling stretched, scattered, or secretly spiraling, this conversation is the reset your nervous system needed. It’s all about making this season lighter, making next year smarter, and reminding you that your business doesn’t need to hold you hostage to run well.

And yes, you deserve a holiday that doesn’t come with a side of panic.

Chronically Automated - Episode #23 How to Stop Fighting AI and Start Winning With It

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This week on The Queen of Automation, I really went all-in on something that’s been bubbling up in every conversation lately, fear. The real, sweaty-palms, am-I-about-to-be-replaced kind. And I didn’t sugarcoat it. I said the thing out loud: yes, the fear is valid. And also, you’re aiming it in the wrong direction. AI isn’t the villain in the movie; it’s the sassy sidekick who shows up with iced coffee and a plan.

Anthony and I unpacked what’s actually happening when people say they’re “afraid of AI,” because let’s be honest, it’s rarely the tech. It’s the loss of control. It’s the unknown. It’s the moment you realize your job, your industry, or even your identity might need to evolve faster than you’re comfortable with. And that’s a lot. I get it. I’ve lived it.

But here’s the part I kept coming back to: your mind gets to decide whether AI is the thing that destroys your momentum or the thing that scales it. I talked about how communication, real communication, is the heart of every relationship, including the one you’re building with AI. If you feed it vague, low-effort prompts, it’s going to mirror that energy right back at you. Garbage in, garbage out. But if you treat it like a capable partner and give it context, direction, tone, expectations, it becomes a superpower. A multiplier. A second brain that actually listens.

We got into the weeds about prompting, why most people are doing it wrong, why a “long prompt” isn’t wasted time, and how the right structure can get you to 98%-done content every single time. And yes, I admitted that I talk to my AI like a person, with please and thank you and the occasional emotional check-in. And no, I’m not stopping.

We also talked about the bigger picture. About how AI didn’t suddenly show up, it’s been around for years. Zoom transcripts? AI. Your phone finishing your sentences? AI. The stuff everybody was happily using until it suddenly got a name and a spotlight.

And then we wrapped it all in a reminder I probably needed to hear too: you still have control. You control how you react, how you adapt, how quickly you learn, and how willing you are to experiment. AI isn’t replacing the humans who stay curious. It’s replacing the ones who freeze.

If you’re in that fear spiral, this episode is basically me grabbing you by the shoulders, gently, and reminding you that you’re not powerless. You’re early.

And if you want help learning this stuff the right way, with the right systems and the right humans, well… that’s literally what we do.

Episode #70 How Alana Sparrow Helps Leaders Stand Out

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I finally got to sit down with someone I’ve followed forever, Alana Sparrow, and let me tell you, she did not disappoint. From her Instagram brilliance to her LinkedIn presence, Alana’s brand voice is everything I wish more people would lean into: bold, grounded, creative, and unapologetically real.

We got into the real story behind her personal brand philosophy and why branding should never be some recycled jargon blueprint. Alana shared what she calls your "unique value DNA," this uncopyable blend of four elements (which she didn’t reveal because genius has boundaries, okay?) that power your messaging spine and make your identity actually sustainable instead of pieced together from borrowed internet noise.

The part that hit me the hardest? Her take on personal branding versus business branding. When you build a business brand, it’s often manufactured from archetypes. But a personal brand needs to be lived. It has to be you. And if you try to mimic someone else, people will feel it and bounce.

Alana walked us through her brand development process, how she leverages her background in painting and design to shape visual identity, and how important it is to root your messaging in the actual experiences and values that built you. If you're trying to make people feel something when they interact with your brand (and you should be), this episode is your new playbook.

We also talked about the role of strategy, systems, and even posting cadence, because none of this content magic is accidental. It’s a creative system, not chaos.

This was a hilarious, real, tech-glitch-filled ride (seriously, go watch the video if you need a laugh), but it was packed with sharp insight on standing out and being irreplaceable in your niche.

If you’ve ever wondered how to build a personal brand that actually works without selling your soul, this one’s for you.

Connect with Alana on LinkedIn to see what real thought leadership looks like and start rethinking the way you show up online.

Chronically Automated - Episode #22 Why “Starting Over” Is the Most Powerful Business Move

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode was a ride, and a fiery one at that. I dove straight into the chaos and clarity that comes from burning everything down in your business when you know something just isn’t working anymore. You know that moment, when you’ve hit a wall, everything feels misaligned, and your gut is screaming, “Start over!” Yeah, we’ve all been there. But this episode wasn’t about the fire. It was about what happens after the smoke clears.

I walked through my own process of rebuilding from scratch and why, when you're pivoting hard, speed matters. You’ll hear me unapologetically reject the “move slow and be strategic” advice in favor of my favorite framework: move fast, break things, fix them, and test again. And again. And again. Because the best way to scale something that actually works is to stress-test it in real time.

I also pulled Anthony in to talk about what that rebuild can look like when you’ve got the right tools in your corner, specifically Digital Magic CRM. I don’t just recommend it, I live and build inside it daily. For both of us, having DMC as our foundation means we can pivot quickly, test offers, launch new ideas, and scale without getting stuck in the tech. I helped Anthony build his platform inside DMC, and you’ll hear how he’s been able to evolve it rapidly by using AI, GPT analysis, and feedback loops from real conversations. That’s how growth actually happens.

We also riffed on how GPT has completely transformed the way I do offer development, especially when it comes to testing content, comparing angles, and pulling insights I might have missed. AI isn't just a tool, it's a second brain if you use it right. I shared a few scenarios and walked through how I use GPT to test and validate pivot directions fast, because when it comes to entrepreneurship, momentum is everything.

This episode is for anyone who’s standing in the ashes of something they thought would work but didn’t, and they’re ready to build something bolder, cleaner, and smarter.

If you’re in burn-it-down mode or just itching for a smarter rebuild, this is your playbook. And no, it’s not easy, but I’m not here to sell you easy. I’m here to show you it’s worth it.

Episode #70 - Selling Is Not Sleazy. You’re Just Doing It Wrong w/ Charlotte Lloyd

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This week on The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Charlotte Lloyd, and if you’ve ever felt uncertain or uncomfortable about selling your services, this is the episode you need to hear.

Charlotte has spent over two decades in B2B sales, working with global giants like Danone, PepsiCo, and the World Bank. But what sets her apart is how she has translated that big-brand experience into simple, effective strategies for coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs who are navigating sales on their own.

We got into her journey from commission-only consulting with clients like the Financial Times to building a thriving business helping others master client acquisition. She shared how she moved to Spain, weathered the COVID lockdowns, and unintentionally went viral on LinkedIn by sharing real, relatable sales advice that people actually wanted. That momentum turned into her full-time business, Charlotte Lloyd Consulting, and the launch of her Client Acquisition Club.

We unpacked the difference between marketing and sales and why most business owners lean too heavily on content instead of conversations. Charlotte made a powerful case for why automation can't replace genuine human connection and how being good at sales doesn't mean being pushy or slick. It means knowing how to listen, respond, and build trust.

She also answered the question most founders are afraid to ask: how many people really follow through when they're told to do outreach? Her answer might not surprise you, but the insight that followed will.

This conversation is full of clarity, nuance, and actual strategy. If you're tired of the noise around “just create content and wait,” Charlotte offers a more grounded, actionable path forward.

And if you missed last week’s episode with Tim Jones, we went deep into digital storytelling, systems, and how creativity fits into automation. It’s a strong companion to this one.

If you're a founder, coach, or small business owner who wants a sales process that feels good and actually works, this conversation with Charlotte Lloyd is a must-listen.

Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn or head to charlottelloyd.com to learn more about her work and the Client Acquisition Club.

Chronically Automated - Episode #21 Why “Burning It Down” Might Be the Smartest Move You’ve Ever Made

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode might be one of my favorite conversations yet, because we dive headfirst into something every entrepreneur has dealt with: building something amazing, only to want to burn it all down three months later. Sound familiar? Yeah. You’re not alone. I’ve done it. Anthony’s done it. You’ve probably done it too. But here’s the thing, I don’t think that’s sabotage. I think that’s evolution.

I kick things off with a hilarious (and strangely relevant) story about my youngest son becoming the number one ranked professional air hockey player in Wisconsin. Yup. That’s a thing. And while it started off as just a funny mom moment, it quickly turned into a metaphor for entrepreneurship: you can turn anything into a money-making opportunity if you love it enough. But... it might not pay the bills. Passion projects are beautiful, but not everything we love will feed us, and that’s okay. You still need them. They’re fuel.

Then, Anthony and I get into the nitty gritty of what it really means to "burn it all down." The truth is, sometimes starting over is not sabotage. It’s a pivot. It’s iteration. It’s reinvention. If you’re like me, and you need stimulation and momentum to stay motivated, blowing things up might not be destruction. It might be clarity in motion.

We also get real about timelines. How long do you let something sit before you decide it’s not working? 30 days? 90 days? A year? And what if the thing that feels like a failure was just ahead of its time? I share my experience with “Neighborbee,” and how shutting it down wasn’t a failure, it just wasn’t the right time or built the right way. But the idea? Still fire. Still necessary. Still coming back.

This is the episode for you if you’ve ever second-guessed blowing up your business, questioned your need to change direction, or felt like maybe your pattern of reinvention was just self-sabotage. Spoiler: it’s probably not.

We talk dopamine, creative energy, how some of us need newness to stay engaged, and why the messiness of entrepreneurship is where the real magic lives.

If you’ve ever felt like you were the only one who kept wanting to throw the match on your own worK, you’re going to feel very seen in this one.

Episode #69 - The Hard Truth About Failing a Client You Care About

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I got raw and honest about something that doesn’t get talked about enough, what happens when you screw up. After three solid years with a client I truly admired, I dropped the ball. We missed things, and they decided to move on. It stung hard, not just because they were paying clients, but because they’d become friends. Watching the brand we’d built together start to fall apart under bad automation and worse AI content was painful.

So I opened up about what to do when that happens, when you’re the problem. It’s easy to say “move on” or “put your big girl pants on,” but that doesn’t touch the part where your confidence takes a hit. I kept working, stayed professional, even helped them with tech stuff afterward just to make things right. And then, out of nowhere, they reached out saying it’s been terrible working with their new team. That moment gave me the chance to respond with honesty, not sales, to own the mistake, say I was sorry, and leave the door open.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever dropped the ball and felt that pit in their stomach afterward. I share how I handled it, what I learned, and why owning your mistakes is one of the strongest things you can do as a leader. Because being great at business isn’t about being perfect, it’s about how you handle it when you’re not.

At the end of the day, operations are only good when they work, and sometimes, they don’t work because of you. When that happens, own it, fix it, grow from it, and keep going.

Chronically Automated - Episode #20 The Myth of Simplicity and the Power of Complex Brains

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

We’re back, finally, and if I’m being honest, I forgot we were recording today until Anthony reminded me. It’s been a few weeks, and my brain’s been sprinting in a thousand directions as usual. But the second we hit record, it all came rushing back in the best possible way. This episode was one of those unfiltered conversations that starts off feeling casual and ends up hitting harder than you expected.

Anthony and I got deep into the disconnect between how fast our brains move and how painfully slow and linear the world around us expects us to be. If you’re neurodivergent, ADHD, autistic, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or all of the above, you already know what I’m talking about. That constant tension between how you think and how you’re expected to function. It’s exhausting, not because we’re incapable, but because the system we’re operating in wasn’t built for brains like ours.

What came out of this conversation was something I think a lot of us need to hear right now. It’s not about slowing down your brain. It’s about learning how to work with it instead of constantly fighting it. For me, that means surrounding myself with people who challenge me and support me, using things like vitamin patches to keep my dopamine where it needs to be, and leaning all the way into the power of focus, not fake productivity, not multitasking, but actual, intentional deep focus. One thing at a time. Not because I’m bad at multitasking, but because it’s a lie. And it’s breaking our brains.

We also touched on something that doesn’t get talked about enough, the way most tools and systems are designed to flatten thought complexity. They try to make everything so simple that it strips away the nuance. But the truth is, our complexity is where the brilliance lives. We’re not trying to reduce it, we’re trying to support it.

There were moments where I found myself saying things I didn’t even know I needed to hear. This one reminded me that just because I need to approach things differently doesn’t mean I’m doing it wrong. And if you’re navigating a world that constantly tries to compress your creativity into boxes that don’t fit, you’re not doing it wrong either.

It felt good to sit in that space with Anthony and just say it out loud, no script, no filters, just the truth.

Let me know what hit home for you. I think this one’s going to stick with a lot of people.

Episode #68 Automation Is Not A Magic Wand, Stop Treating It Like One

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode is for every founder who thinks automation is the shortcut to scaling. Spoiler alert: it’s not.

I’ve spent the last 20+ years building systems, real ones. I’ve tested every tool, seen the hype cycles, and cleaned up more broken automation than I can count. So when I say most people are automating chaos and calling it “growth,” I say that with love… and receipts.

Automation isn’t some shiny magic wand. It’s a system. And systems don’t work when the foundation is trash.

Inside this episode, I get real about what automation can actually do for you, and where it’ll burn you if you’re not careful. This isn’t me bashing tech. I love automation. I built a business on it. But I also know how dangerous it is when people start automating just to feel productive. Automating bad data, broken customer journeys, or slapping together tools with zero strategy? That’s not efficiency. That’s digital quicksand.

I’m not here to sell you another AI tool. I’m here to help you think like a systems leader, because that’s what it actually takes to reclaim your time, streamline your ops, and scale without chaos.

If you’re automating just to keep up with what everyone else is doing, you’re already behind. But if you’re ready to use automation to build something intentional, sustainable, and smart?

Then you’re exactly where you need to be.

Episode #67 - Automation Won’t Save You From This: Becky Henderson on the Real Work Founders Avoid

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with executive leadership coach Becky Henderson. If you know me, you know I spend a lot of time in the weeds of operations, systems, automation, and all the tangible pieces of a business. But Becky works on the most important system of all: your brain.

We dove headfirst into what it really means to reprogram your internal operating system. Not the software kind, but the belief systems, the mindset patterns, and the stories we’ve been carrying since we were kids. Becky’s whole philosophy is that being drives doing. You can’t hustle or hack your way into the kind of leadership that feels aligned, calm, and powerful if you’re operating from old programming that doesn’t serve you anymore.

What struck me the most was how Becky makes these intangible things feel so practical. She talked about how high-achieving founders often hit a wall, not because they’re not capable, but because they’re still running on beliefs that are no longer true. Maybe they never were. And when she said, what feels familiar isn’t necessarily true, it landed hard.

Things got personal, too. I didn’t expect to, but I ended up getting real about my own ADHD diagnosis and how that shaped the way I saw myself, especially in my 20s and 30s when I was trying to climb the corporate ladder, raise kids, and prove that I was normal enough to keep up. Becky flipped that narrative on its head in real time and gave me a powerful reframe that I know will stay with me and hopefully with you too.

This conversation wasn’t about productivity hacks or quick wins. It was about reclaiming your energy, your focus, and your identity so that your systems, internal and external, work better. If you’ve ever found yourself burning out while chasing success, or wondering why nothing ever feels quite enough, you’ll feel seen in this episode.

Becky’s work is that rare blend of truth-telling, emotional intelligence, and strategy that every founder needs in their back pocket. It’s not therapy. It’s not coaching in the traditional sense. It’s a total recalibration.

If you’re a founder or executive and you’ve been feeling like something’s off, even though everything on paper looks great, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

To learn more about Becky’s work, connect with her on LinkedIn, She’s someone you’ll want in your corner if you’re ready to build from a place of alignment, vitality, and clarity. Her book, The Art of Becoming, is one to watch. It's all about reprogramming the inner operating system that drives your leadership and your life.

Episode #66 The Dad Funnel, the Death of Hustle, and the Power of Saying “No” with Jacob Pegs

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I got to sit down and chat with Jacob Pegs, a conversation two years in the making. We’ve been orbiting each other online, commenting, sharing, and supporting each other's content on LinkedIn, but this was our first real face-to-face (well, Zoom-to-Zoom) chat, and it did not disappoint.

Jacob is one of those rare operators who actually lives what he preaches. He walked away from a half-million-dollar agency not because it wasn’t working, but because it wasn’t working for him. We got real about what burnout really looks like, and how building something successful doesn’t mean it’s sustainable, especially when you’re doing it at the expense of your creativity, your energy, and your identity.

He shared his journey of moving from proposal-writing and endless calls to something radically simple and sustainable: one offer, one post, one email. That’s the Modern Maker model, and let me tell you, it just works. His systems are elegant, simple, and human. They reflect a founder who actually wants to live the life he’s building. And now with a daughter in the picture, Jacob’s “Dad Funnel” concept hits even harder.

We talked about designing a lifestyle-first business, and what it actually takes to unlearn the toxic hustle narrative that keeps founders locked in cages of their own creation. I opened up about my own experiences too, working in SaaS, running ops for multiple companies, managing my own tech business, and how even with 20+ years of experience, you still need people in your corner to bounce ideas off of and keep you grounded.

This episode is for every founder, ops nerd, and tech-savvy entrepreneur who’s wondering if there’s a simpler way. Spoiler alert: there is. And Jacob’s doing it brilliantly.

If you’re building your own thing and feel like you're drowning in complexity, you're going to love this episode. You’ll walk away with a permission slip to make your business boring, in the best possible way.

Connect with Jacob Pegs on LinkedIn to see exactly how he’s rewriting the rules of simplicity, systems, and showing up fully as yourself.

Chronically Automated - Episode #19 When Your Workflow Looks Broken But Delivers Like a Beast

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I dive deep into how nonlinear minds (like mine) are shaping the future of systems, tech, and workflow design, and let me tell you, it's a ride.

This one was personal. We expanded on last week’s episode, where we talked about my habit of spotting patterns and thinking ten steps ahead (even if those ten steps don’t always happen in a straight line). I opened up about how my brain doesn’t operate in a linear way, it time-hops. I jump from today to five years ago to three days from now, and somehow it all ties together when I’m building systems, mapping workflows, or implementing tech. I call it “non-chronological bursts of processing,” and if you’ve ever experienced hyperfocus followed by complete apathy, you’ll get it.

Anthony challenged me in the best way. He asked how I manage to be strategic and systems-driven while operating in such a chaotic creative flow. Spoiler alert: it is chaotic, but it works. We talked about ADHD, parenting neurodiverse kids, and how understanding your brain's operating system changes the game, especially when building a business that doesn’t follow the traditional playbook.

We also got into the difference between order and productivity. Just because something is in order doesn’t mean it’s actually moving the needle. I shared how I attack my daily task list based on ROI, not in the monetary sense, but in terms of what’s going to move me closer to my big three goals. The task list always ends up rearranged, and that’s intentional. Because linear productivity is a myth for most of us. And trying to force your brain into that mold? Wasted energy.

This episode is for the builders who think sideways. The ones who feel like they’re operating in chaos, but are actually ahead of their time. If that’s you, you’re not broken, you’re just not wired like the old system. And maybe that’s exactly what makes you the one who’s going to change it.

Episode #65 Inside the Mind of an AI Strategist: Raja Sampathi on Fear, Power, and Execution

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This week on the Queen of Automation podcast, I finally sat down with Raja Sampathi. If you don’t know him yet, you will soon. He’s an ex-Deloitte consultant turned AI strategist, but that barely scratches the surface. Raja is one of the few people out there bridging the gap between AI implementation and actual human leadership. He’s not just talking about the tools. He’s talking about the people who are supposed to use them and why they’re frozen in fear, stuck in confusion, or completely overwhelmed by where to even start.

This conversation was powerful because it pulled the curtain back on a very real issue in the world of AI and automation. People want the results, but they’re not building the habits or communication skills to get there. Raja’s approach focuses on what’s often ignored, the internal mindset and leadership gaps that keep companies from ever seeing an ROI. He’s not selling hype. He’s helping leaders build clarity, calm, and confidence so they can actually make strategic moves with AI instead of just reacting to it.

We also talked about the therapy bot he built. Not just what it does, but how he trained it, why it works, and what makes it different from the thousands of generic GPT clones out there. It all comes back to quality input. If your prompt is vague, rushed, or poorly thought through, your output is going to reflect that. The good stuff happens when you treat the tool like a collaborator, not a vending machine.

This episode ties back to what I always say. Tech only works when it works. And it only works when you train it to serve a specific purpose. If you’re throwing tools at problems without clarity or communication, you’re going to waste time, money, and energy. Raja and I unpack what it actually looks like to approach AI with intention and how the right mix of executive coaching, automation, and strategy can move the needle faster than any shiny new platform.

Connect with Raja on LinkedIn to see how he's helping leaders approach AI with less fear and more clarity. Tell him the Queen of Automation sent you.

Chronically Automated - Episode #18 This Is What It’s Like to Run a Business with a Brain That Never Shuts Off

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On the latest episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I went full throttle into something that lives rent-free in my brain: the way neurodivergent business owners, especially those of us with ADHD, build pattern-based systems that become the backbone of how we operate and survive in business.

We talked about how our brains are literally wired to anticipate chaos and find order before the rest of the room even realizes something is shifting. I broke down my pattern loop: spot, validate, track, automate, act, and how it connects directly to how I build businesses, processes, and even manage my household. If you’ve ever found yourself automating in your head before you’ve even written it down, this one’s going to feel like home.

Anthony shared this super raw story about how back in 2002, way before tech culture was mainstream, he tried to launch a hyperlocal communication platform right after living near Ground Zero post-9/11. That platform was essentially what Nextdoor became, except 20 years earlier. Hearing him talk about trying to build something like that in a world without Zapier or Make, no off-the-shelf tools, no developers, just vision, really hit hard.

We also riffed on burnout in a way that most people don’t talk about, how neurodivergent folks can burn out without realizing it because we’ve normalized high-stimulation environments and don’t notice the fatigue until it’s too late. And why we default to building automation and systems not just because it’s smart business, but because our brains literally need the relief from constant overload.

This episode is for you if you feel like you're always on, if you’ve been told you move too fast, or if you’ve ever tried to reverse-engineer your own burnout.

Let’s be real. Automating laundry might still be out of reach for now, but building systems to reclaim your time, energy, and actual brain function is something we can do. And we’re talking all about it.

Episode #64 Make Gmail, Slack, and Google Calendar Shut the Hell Up

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode is all about getting your time and focus back without adding another tool to your stack. I’m walking you through three simple switches you can flip inside Gmail, Google Calendar, and Slack that will instantly cut down distractions and stop the nonstop notification chaos.

These aren’t hacks. They’re built-in features most people don’t even know exist. I’m showing you how to train your existing systems to actually support deep work instead of interrupting it every five minutes. You’ll hear exactly how I set up my own tools to stay in flow, stay on task, and stop the swirl of context switching that wrecks productivity.

If your brain’s been feeling fried by 10am or you’re constantly pulled in a hundred directions before lunch, this episode is for you.

We’re not adding more. We’re turning down the noise.

I promise, fewer pings, more done.

Episode #63 - Work 100 Hours a Week at Apple… or Build Systems That Work for You? Jon Chose Both

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Jon Weiskopf, a brilliant former Apple engineer turned real estate investor who’s building an empire by rethinking everything we thought we knew about the industry. His journey from racing lawnmowers in Pennsylvania to running global engineering projects for Apple is wild enough. But what’s even more powerful is how he walked away from all of it to reclaim his time, rebuild his purpose, and build a business on his terms.

We talked about burnout, ambition, and the myth of work-life balance, especially when you're used to high-performance environments like Silicon Valley. Jon got brutally honest about the toll of 100-hour workweeks, parenting during a pandemic, and the shift that happened when he realized he’d spent 20 years building real estate but never owning any of it. That moment changed everything.

What really stood out in our conversation was Jon’s ability to blend hardcore engineering thinking with practical entrepreneurship. He’s building systems and processes for his real estate business that pull directly from his time leading projects at Apple. Except now, he’s the boss. We dug into why owning your time is the real currency, and how automation, operational clarity, and delegation are the tools every entrepreneur needs to build sustainably.

This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a “successful” career that no longer fits. Jon’s story is proof that it’s never too late to pivot. Sometimes your biggest leap comes right after you burn it all down and start again, smarter, simpler, and on your own damn terms.

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn to follow his journey and get inspired by the systems he's building from the ground up.

Chronically Automated - Episode #17 No Dopamine, No Problem: Systems That Work Anyway

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I basically turned a chaotic morning into content therapy. I forgot my own intro, my kid had a dentist emergency, dopamine was at zero, and that’s exactly why this conversation needed to happen.

We ended up talking about what it’s really like trying to run a business when your brain isn't cooperating. Like how when dopamine drops, everything feels harder, slower, and less worth doing. Even the systems I usually love felt heavy, until we started laughing about it, which somehow brought my brain back online.

We talked about how hard it is to stay consistent when your neurodiverse brain just decides “nope.” And how automation, when it’s built right, can actually carry you through those crashes. Not the fake productivity hacks or robot cold-callers, but real systems that give you breathing room when you need it most.

I even joked about building Anthony a “Lobo Dialer”, which, let’s be honest, I could do, but I won’t, because sales should still feel human. Just like ops should feel fun. And it actually can, when you build it around how your brain really works, not how it’s “supposed to.”

If your brain’s ever betrayed you mid-launch, mid-project, or mid-conversation, this one’s for you. The chaos is real, but so is the magic when you stop fighting it and start designing around it.

Go listen. It’s the most honest conversation I’ve had in a while, and if nothing else, it might make you feel a little less broken.

Chronically Automated - Episode #16 Automation Isn’t Optional When Your Body Says No

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode of Chronically Automated hit hard in all the right ways. Anthony and I dove into one of the most misunderstood and misapplied tools in the entrepreneurial toolbox: the morning routine. But this wasn’t your typical "5 AM club" nonsense.

We unpacked why traditional morning routines just don’t work for founders, solo entrepreneurs, and especially those of us navigating chronic illness, neurodivergence, or shifting mental/physical baselines. Spoiler alert: rigid systems don’t serve fluctuating realities. What we actually need? Flexible frameworks and reset rituals that change with our energy, not fight against it.

Anthony brought the with his lived experience. From sales pressures to managing MS flare-ups as the weather cools, his daily reality is a masterclass in resilience. He shared how he structures his mornings using AI, seasonal tracking, and customized templates for “foggy,” “crisis,” “focus,” and “low-energy” days, yes, real automation meets real life. We even talked through how founders can pre-build sales flows, onboarding systems, and energy-specific workflows before you crash, not after. Build for the bad days. Always.

We also tied this episode back to our last one (which has been blowing up, by the way) on layoffs and AI-driven job loss. If you missed that one, go queue it up. People are still DM’ing us about the Salesforce cuts and how it hit home. Automation is happening whether you like it or not, this episode shows you how to use it on your terms.

Oh, and one more thing, this is your reminder that Anthony isn’t just my cohost. He’s a damn blueprint for what it looks like to build a life and business that fits you, not the other way around.

Go listen. Reframe your mornings. Reclaim your time.

Episode #62 - Cool Is Not a KPI: Stop Buying Useless Software

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

You don’t have a tech stack. You have a graveyard of good intentions.

You keep signing up for new tools thinking this one will fix the chaos, but all you’re doing is layering bandaids over bad decisions and calling it “streamlining.” You’re wasting time, energy, and money on software that looks good but does nothing. And you know it.

In this quick and dirty episode of The Queen of Automation, I’m breaking down the exact 3-question filter I use to shut down shiny object syndrome before it costs you another dime. I’ll teach you how to run napkin ROI math in under a minute, kill distractions in your tech stack, and stop confusing “cool features” with actual outcomes. This is your wake-up call.

Chronically Automated - Episode #16 You Can’t Compete With AI. So Here’s How You Beat It.

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I had a really honest conversation about what it actually means when people start losing their jobs to AI. This wasn’t hypothetical or clickbait. We’re talking about 4,000 real people laid off from Salesforce because their AI platform is now handling over half of their customer service work. Same output, fewer humans. That’s the new reality.

We talked about what it feels like to face the idea of being replaced, especially when your value has always been tied to speed, accuracy, or availability, things AI is built to outperform. And we looked at the flipside too. Because if you’ve ever had to adapt, work differently, or figure things out on your own, you’re already ahead. You’re already thinking the way AI wants to be supported.

Anthony and I both come from that kind of mindset. We’re not afraid of AI. We’re embracing it. It helps us move faster and think bigger, but we also know it’s not going away, and ignoring it won’t save anyone’s job. What will make a difference is learning how to work with it, how to guide it, how to become the person who improves it.

I also introduced something I’m really excited about. We’ve opened up a free community called Displaced by AI. It’s a space for anyone who’s already been affected by automation, or feels like the clock is ticking. Whether you’re overwhelmed, skeptical, or just trying to figure out where you fit, this is a place to start learning and connecting. No pressure, no tech jargon, just real people navigating a huge shift together.

This episode wasn’t just strategy, it was personal. There were moments where we had to pause and really sit with what this all means. But there was also hope, because once you understand what’s happening, you can start to take control. And that’s where all the power is.

If you’re wondering how to stay relevant, how to adapt, or how to rebuild in the middle of all this change, I hope you’ll give it a listen. This is just the beginning.

Episode #61 - Stop Posting, Start Operating: Real Talk with Kevin Brunnock

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Kevin Brunnock, a real estate professional redefining how client connection and content intersect in one of the toughest markets in the world, New York City.

Kevin operates out of Manhattan as part of R New York, a fast-growing, family-run brokerage known for delivering high-touch service combined with sophisticated market strategy. He specializes in helping both buyers and sellers of condos, co-ops, townhouses, and multi-family investments align with their financial goals, whether that means optimizing cap rates, boosting cash-on-cash returns, or navigating value-driven residential transactions

In our conversation, we dove into what it takes to run a real estate business in NYC, from navigating compact spaces and massive price tags to the power of authentic content. Kevin doesn’t rely on high production, he’s building stories with just a selfie stick and his phone. He brings viewers into the soul of a building, the rhythm of a block, those little slices of NYC that make each listing feel lived-in and real. That authenticity becomes credibility. That credibility builds business.

We also explored how agents can rise above the noise by turning consistency, creativity, and realness into competitive advantage. For Kevin, social media isn’t a strategy, it’s the delivery system. The strategy is connection.

Whether you’re in real estate, service-based business, or building a personal brand, there’s something here you can use today.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn. He’s someone who knows the numbers, and knows how to make real estate feel unmistakably human.

Chronically Automated - Episode #15 - The Unsexy Truth About Automation and Mental Health

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I dive into something that’s way too familiar for a lot of entrepreneurs: those days when your body and brain just won’t cooperate, but your business still needs you to show up.

I recorded this episode in real time, while hopped up on Claritin-D, Sudafed, and way too much espresso. My allergies were in full attack mode, my brain was foggy, and I felt completely out of it, but I showed up anyway. And that’s exactly what we talked about, how to know when to push through and when to let your systems take over so you can rest.

Anthony shares how he navigates pain and medications while still leading and showing up for his business. We talk about how important it is to build systems that don’t just scale your work, but actually support your real life, especially on the days when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

This isn’t a polished, pretty episode. It’s raw, a little chaotic, and 100 percent real. If you’ve ever had to lead through brain fog, burnout, chronic illness, or mental exhaustion, I see you. This one’s for you.

Episode #60 - Your Brain Is the Bottleneck: Evan Marks on Rewiring Your Inner Operating System

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Evan Marks, the founder of M1 Performance, and let me just say, this one went deep.

Evan’s not your typical coach. He’s a mental performance specialist who’s disrupting the hustle-obsessed leadership culture by helping high-performing execs and founders rewire their mindset, literally. We talked about what it means to build a mental operating system that supports sustainable performance, longevity, and actual fulfillment. That hit hard.

I loved how he framed emotions as data, not drama, and how we can use that information to create intentional behavioral changes that support our goals. We dug into neuroplasticity, the myth of “positive thinking,” and why repetition and reps are everything. He said something that stuck with me: “Behavior changes before feelings.” That was a mic-drop moment. If you’ve ever said, “I’ll start when I feel ready,” this episode is your wake-up call.

And as much as we love tech and automation around here, Evan reminded me that the biggest system we need to optimize is ourselves. Our mind, our health, and how we show up every single day. We talked about default reactions, creating space between stimulus and response, and why slowing down is actually the fastest way to accelerate growth. Powerful stuff.

Connect with Evan Marks on LinkedIn or check out M1 Performance if you're ready to level up from the inside out. Trust me, this is not about motivation posters or morning routines. This is science-backed strategy for founders and leaders who want to actually perform at the level they're aiming for.

Chronically Automated - Episode #13 Why High Performers Secretly Suck at Resting, and What It’s Costing You

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:15:00 -0600

This episode got personal, fast. Anthony and I peeled back the layers on something most high-performing entrepreneurs won’t admit out loud: how deeply uncomfortable it feels to rest when you're wired to go full throttle.

We started by joking about how he recorded our last episode from a literal closet while on vacation. Funny, yes, but also a perfect lead-in to a bigger point: even when we say we’re “taking a break,” we’re often just shifting our hustle to a different room. Because rest, real rest, feels like rebellion when you're used to building nonstop.

We talked about the guilt, the discomfort, the narratives that say rest equals laziness, and how that mindset is not only wrong, it’s dangerous. Especially for entrepreneurs navigating autoimmune conditions, chronic illness, or neurodivergence. If you can’t shut your brain off, you’re not really resting. And if you're not resting, you’re not recovering. Period.

Anthony shared something powerful: after seven full days of intentional rest, his MS symptoms actually improved. That’s not a luxury, that’s data. And that data should change how we approach performance and health. Meanwhile, I broke down how and why I build structured breaks into my day, not just because I need to, but because when I don’t, I crash. Hard.

We also dug into sprint cycles, Pomodoro timing, and why real productivity isn’t about how many hours you push, it’s about how strategically you recover. This is especially true if you want longevity in business, not just flash-in-the-pan success.

If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll rest when you’ve “earned it,” I want you to stop and listen to this episode. Entrepreneurs who want to sit at the A table, who want to build something real and sustainable, need to stop equating output with value.

You don’t need to collapse to justify a break. And rest doesn’t make you weak. It makes you ready.

This episode is your permission slip to stop pushing through when your body and your business are begging you to pause. Take the damn break. And do it like your growth depends on it, because it does.

Episode #59 - Your Team Is Waiting On You to Get Out of the Way - Here’s How to Let Go

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the curtain of my own business to show you four systems that I’ve personally implemented, systems that finally got me out of the weeds, out of my team’s way, and back into actually enjoying what I do again. If you’re stuck being the bottleneck in your own company, if nothing moves forward without your sign-off, if you’re overwhelmed and low-key terrified to take time off because you think everything’s going to break down without you, this episode is for you.

I built these systems so that my business could move faster than I can, on purpose. Because I’m not here to micromanage. I’m here to build. I didn’t start this business to be a glorified taskmaster. And neither did you.

Here’s what I walk you through:

1. SOPs That Actually Get Used.

Not the boring step-by-step Word docs no one reads, I’m talking Loom video SOPs, backed with AI-generated written instructions. We’ve created a real-time video library so my team knows exactly how and why we do what we do. It’s updated on the fly, easily accessible, and a game-changer in reducing back-and-forths. Now, when someone asks how to send a launch email, they don’t ask me. They check the library.

2. Pre-Built Client Onboarding Workflows.

Manual onboarding is killing your momentum. We built automated onboarding that triggers the moment a contract is signed. Clients get a welcome email, access instructions, prep checklists, and either a 14-day email learning sequence or the option to jump straight into a call with our team. The point? No one waits. We start strong. They feel supported from minute one, and that’s what builds trust and retention.

3. Project Management With Built-In Accountability.

I share how we use tools like ClickUp and Notion in a way that’s actually useful, not overwhelming. No feature overload. Just real-time visibility into what’s being worked on, who owns it, and what’s blocked. My team knows I’m not checking up on them, I’m empowering them to own it. No micromanaging. No guessing. No constant notifications blowing up my phone.

4. A Centralized Knowledge Base With Embedded Culture.

This is next-level ops. We’re not just storing SOPs. We’ve built a living hub that includes brand voice guides, templates, meeting notes, workflows, and even core values, everything documented and centralized. It trains your team without you. It protects your business. And it sets the standard of excellence without burning you out.

So if your business only runs when you’re in the room, it’s not a business, it’s a burnout machine. Let’s fix that. Hit play and let me show you how I built out my systems to scale without losing control, and how you can do the same.

Chronically Automated - Episode #12 If You Need to Be at 100% to Succeed… You’re Screwed

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On this new episode of Chronically Automated, Meghan and Anthony unpack a conversation that hits home for founders who are done building businesses around unrealistic expectations. Broadcasting from a literal closet in Long Beach Island, Anthony shares how he’s managing to blend vacation and work, thanks to systems and automation that actually support real life, not some productivity fantasy.

The big idea in this episode is battery-based business planning. That means designing your operations, systems, and calendars around the version of yourself who isn’t operating at 100%. Most entrepreneurs build their workflows for their peak performance days, the days when everything is aligned, energy is high, focus is sharp, and motivation is overflowing. But those days are rare. And when you’re neurodivergent, chronically ill, or just a human running a business, building for your best-case scenario is a recipe for failure.

Meghan calls out what she describes as sabotage in disguise. Every time you fail to meet your perfectly structured plan, you chip away at your confidence. And then you blame yourself for not showing up, instead of questioning why the system didn’t support you on an off day. The problem isn’t your lack of discipline, it’s the rigidity of your systems. That’s why she pushes hard for building in a margin of error. Your operations should catch you when you fall, not punish you for being human.

The episode also calls out a major pitfall in small business automation: duct-taping your tech stack with tools like Zapier and Make, without a real strategy. That Frankenstein approach eventually becomes unmanageable, especially when your energy dips and you don’t have the bandwidth to fix it. If your systems only work when you’re at full capacity, they don’t actually work.

Anthony shares his journey of being skeptical at first, even with an IT background, because he simply didn’t realize what was possible. Once he saw that everything from lead gen to follow-ups to landing pages could run from a single platform with built-in automations, it was game-changing. He went from disbelief to full buy-in, and it’s clear he’s not looking back.

This episode doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of being a business owner with inconsistent energy. It’s not about pushing harder, it’s about building smarter. Megan and Anthony give listeners permission to build systems that don’t rely on their best selves, and instead, support them through the messy, real-world ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Chronically Automated continues to serve as the go-to resource for business owners who want to blend smart tech, sustainable growth, and real-life rhythms, without pretending it’s always perfect. This one’s a must-listen.

Episode #58 Marc Lawrence on Why Real Networking Still Beats Funnels

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode was a bit different from the usual tech-deep-dives I love, but in the best possible way. I brought on someone who, in my opinion, embodies one of the most overlooked systems in business today: real, human networking. Not the transactional kind. Not the mass-DM spam kind. I'm talking about the kind that actually builds relationships and drives opportunity over time.

Marc Lawrence joined me for this episode, and if you don’t know him yet, you should. He’s a former litigator, real estate exec, and now a key player in land development and private equity. He’s also one of the earliest members of the BrandBilt community, and, honestly, one of the best natural connectors I’ve ever met.

What I loved about this conversation is that it reminded me of something most entrepreneurs forget: not all systems are tech stacks. Some of the most valuable systems in our business are the human-powered ones, the way we show up consistently, the way we follow up, the way we build trust in real time and in person.

Marc talked about growing a title insurance company from 15 to 150 people before selling it, working directly with Barbara Corcoran (yes, that Barbara), and how he’s using LinkedIn to take conversations from online to IRL, without ever losing his voice or his authenticity. The guy shows up fully as himself, and it’s why people naturally want to do business with him.

He’s also in his 50s, still learning, still evolving, and still out there showing up on LinkedIn better than people half his age. That kind of consistency, curiosity, and humility is something I’ll always respect, and it’s a big part of what this podcast is really about: creating systems that work because they’re human, not in spite of it.

This episode isn’t about software, CRMs, or AI, but it’s absolutely about systems. If you’ve been sleeping on the power of your network, your personal brand, or the opportunities that come from simply showing up consistently and building relationships with intention, this one’s for you.

Connect with Marc Lawrence on LinkedIn to see what real relationship-building looks like in action.

Episode #57 From Patterns to Profits: Bill Fanter’s Trading Framework

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Bill Fanter, a live trading educator who makes the stock market feel a whole lot less intimidating. Bill is based in Las Vegas, ironically, he doesn’t gamble, and instead focuses on helping people “be the house” in the market by trading with discipline and strategy.

We dove into the psychology behind trading, why 80% of success comes from mindset and only 20% from technical skills, and how greed and fear move the markets. Bill shared why chasing “hot tips” on TikTok is a recipe for disaster, the importance of risk management, and why you should never trade more than 10% of your account balance. He also walked me through how he built a thriving online community where members can watch him trade live alongside other professional analysts, get a free weekly watch list, and take part in his masterclass, all powered by automation that keeps his business running like clockwork.

One of my favorite moments was hearing how Bill’s students are now bringing their kids into the program, teaching high schoolers and young adults not just how to trade, but how to understand market technicals for long-term wealth building. We also got into the nitty-gritty of trading technology, the quirks of platforms like Think or Swim, and why even the best systems can still be at the mercy of internet service providers.

If you’ve ever been curious about live trading, automation in financial education, or building an engaged membership community, you’ll get a ton of insight from this conversation.

Connect with Bill on LinkedIn or visit billfanter.com to access his Discord community, masterclass, free weekly watch list, and webinars.

Chronically Automated - Episode #11 - The Lie We Tell Ourselves About Doing It All

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I dive deep into something that hits way too close to home for so many of us: automation shame. That feeling like you’re cheating or being lazy for wanting help, for not wanting to do everything manually, for leaning on systems, tools, AI, or people to lighten the load. Spoiler alert: it’s bullshit.

I’m here to say it loud: you are not broken for needing help. You’re not weak. You’re not lazy. You’re just human. And if you’re neurodiverse like us, even more reason to build smart systems around your messy reality. Waiting until you're burned out or in the middle of a fog spiral is not the move. Automation isn't cheating. It’s survival. It’s strategy. It’s leadership.

We unpack where this guilt comes from: internalized ableism, perfectionism, ego, and how to reframe the whole damn thing. We also talk about how automation isn’t some cold, impersonal tech monster. Done right, it gives you your life back. And yeah, there is such a thing as over-automating, but let’s be real. Most of you aren’t even close to that line. You’re still doing everything manually.

Anthony also shares how he didn’t even know what was possible until we started working together. And that’s the truth for a lot of people. Even tech-savvy folks get stuck in old workflows because they just haven’t had someone come in with a fresh perspective and say, “Wait, what if we did it this way?”

We get into time recovery metrics, SOPs that require automation (not as an afterthought), gamifying progress, and creating celebration triggers that reinforce wins. Because this isn’t just about productivity. It’s about wellness, identity, and getting back to the parts of your business and life you actually like.

This episode is for every founder who’s ever felt guilty for not doing it all themselves. For every builder who bought a shiny template that didn’t work. For everyone who’s scared to ask for help or let go of control. Stop trying to fit your business into someone else’s blueprint. Get a custom fit. Ask for help. Use the damn tech.

Everything is figureoutable. You just don’t have to figure it out alone.

Episode #56 Cut the Fees, Keep the Cash: Sarah Blesi on Payment Systems That Scale

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I sat down with Sarah Blesi from Simple Clear Payments to talk about one of the most ignored, boring-but-critical pieces of the operations puzzle: payment processing. And before you roll your eyes, hang on. If you’re still using Stripe or PayPal just because it was easy to set up, and you’ve never looked at what it’s actually costing you, you need to hear this.

Sarah is one of those people who makes “unsexy” operations feel powerful. She’s not just cutting people’s fees. She’s giving business owners their time, their freedom, and their control back. And the kicker? It’s not complicated. She’s not waving a magic wand. She’s just paying attention to things most people have ignored for way too long.

We got into the mindset shift around cost versus value. How operational decisions like switching merchant services aren’t just about saving a few bucks. They’re about designing a better lifestyle. One of my favorite parts of this episode is when Sarah tells the story of a caterer she helped. Someone who used to spend an hour every night manually keying in payments, and how switching systems gave him 45 minutes a day back with his kids. That’s what it’s really about. Not percentages. Not spreadsheets. Time.

We also went deep on what I always talk about. That whole “work-life balance” thing is a lie. You’re one human being. You can’t separate your life into neat little compartments. So instead of chasing balance, start building a business that actually supports the life you want. Sarah gets that. Her whole approach is about cutting costs without cutting corners, reclaiming time without adding tech overwhelm, and making smarter choices that serve you now, not just when you hit seven figures.

If you're tired of busywork, buried in Stripe fees, or just sick of the idea that "this is the way it’s always been done," this episode is for you.

Connect with Sarah Blesi on LinkedIn to learn how to cut your processing costs, get your time back, and build a business that doesn’t burn you out.

Episode #55 If You’re Still Thinking Like an Employee, Watch This — with Paulina Tillman

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In the latest episode of The Queen of Automation, I sit down with the incredible Paulina Tillman for a raw and real conversation that hits close to home for so many of us who’ve walked away from corporate life to build something on our own terms. Paulina is a mindset strategist who’s all about helping ex-corporate junkies rewire their thinking and start fresh, not just with what they do, but with who they are.

In this episode, Paulina shares the exact transformation process she guides her clients through, starting with who you’re being, not just what you’re doing. We break down how leaving corporate means unlearning decades of conditioning, things like "success equals a paycheck" and "you must always be productive to have worth." If you've ever been told what to do your entire life, from school to bosses, and then suddenly you're the one in charge, it can be paralyzing. This conversation is for you.

We also dive into why simply taking action doesn’t work if your identity is still stuck in fear or lack, and why the corporate mindset just doesn’t translate when you’re trying to build a personal brand or run a business. Paulina’s philosophy: don’t just take action, rebuild your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs first so the action actually works. And if you’re wondering about her community? It’s small, intimate, and filled with people who are ready to be brutally honest, show up messy, and do the work. No fluff. No hiding. Just true transformation.

This episode isn’t just a pep talk, it’s a recalibration for anyone feeling like they’re in the in-between. It’s about learning to trust yourself again, questioning the rules you were handed, and doing it all in a way that feels true to you.

Connect with Paulina on LinkedIn to learn more about the Mindset Mastery Tribe and how she’s helping high-achievers start over without losing themselves in the process.

Chronically Automated - Episode #9

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, I got real with Anthony about something a lot of founders and fast-moving entrepreneurs don’t talk about enough: using crisis mode as a business strategy, and why that mindset will quietly burn you out.

We dove into the reality of feeling calm only when everything’s on fire. I opened up about how my ADHD brain thrives in urgency, how that clarity under pressure is addicting, and how for years I unintentionally created chaos just so I could jump in and fix it. Spoiler alert: that’s not sustainable, and it’s definitely not a growth strategy.

Anthony brought his own perspective to the table, how his sales-driven brain seeks momentum, but not necessarily the chaos that comes with it. And that contrast sparked an honest conversation about how we each handle structure, stress, and strategy.

This episode isn’t about glorifying high-stress performance. It’s about recognizing it, unpacking it, and retraining your brain to operate from stability instead of survival. I shared how I’ve shifted out of that crisis cycle, what I do now when everything feels “too calm,” and how I channel that energy into learning new tech, building systems, and scaling operations that don’t rely on adrenaline.

We also talked about how subconscious patterns can sabotage your business, how to spot them, and what it actually looks like to lead from clarity instead of chaos.

If you’re building your business off urgency and wondering why it always feels like you’re one step from burnout, this one’s for you.

Episode #54 The Brutal Truth About Scaling, Burnout, and Exit Plans with Mariana Polic

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Mariana Polic from Shift Intelligence. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because I interviewed her husband Ivan last year, and now, we’re bringing things full circle with Mariana. We dug into the evolution of their business from "Jumpstart Your Exit" to "Shift Intelligence," and why that change reflects a much deeper shift in the way they serve high-growth founders and 7- to 8-figure business owners.

We explored how critical it is to remove yourself from the daily weeds of operations if you ever want to sell, scale, or just breathe again. Mariana and I are perfectly aligned in our belief that most business owners wait too long to automate and systematize their business, and by the time they’re ready to exit, it’s a hot mess behind the scenes. We talked candidly about burnout, leadership development, and the very real signs you’re too deep in your business to see clearly (like crappy sleep, cranky kids, and the creeping feeling that you’re running yourself into the ground).

Mariana broke down what the Shift Intelligence framework actually means, why it was born out of their own exit from a legacy manufacturing business, and how it now helps founders future-proof their companies before "shift hits the fan." We touched on how her and Ivan’s roles balance each other out, what it really takes to build a team that can run without you, and why preparing for an exit should be something you're thinking about long before you're ready to walk away.

If you’re a founder who’s stuck in the ops and you’re craving real work-life integration, this episode will hit home. Because spoiler alert: balance is a lie, we all have one life, and the sooner you build systems to support it, the better.

Connect with Mariana on LinkedIn and get inspired to make your next move smarter, not harder. Because when your business is finally running without you, you can actually get back to running your life.

Chronically Automated - Episode #8 The ADHD Entrepreneur’s Survival Strategy (That No One Talks About)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, I pull back the curtain on what I call “parallel universe planning.” If you’re neurodivergent like me, you’ll get this immediately. I’ve got one brain that’s a high-functioning, strategic, growth-hacking machine, the part of me that people love to hire, that solves massive problems in minutes and builds systems that scale. And then there’s the other one. The impulsive, emotionally reactive, chaotic version that shows up uninvited and wrecks all the carefully laid plans.

That push-pull between two mental realities creates more than confusion. It leads to real burnout. I’ll hyperfocus, go 500 percent on a project, build it out at lightning speed, and then crash so hard I can barely get out of bed. It’s a cycle I’ve lived over and over, and I’m finally learning how to design around it instead of trying to fight it.

Anthony joins me in this conversation, and while he doesn’t have an ADHD diagnosis, his experience in high-pressure sales mirrors a lot of the same patterns. We talk about the constant pressure, the crash, and what happens when your systems aren’t strong enough to carry you through those dips.

For me, automation and a small, trusted team have become non-negotiable. Without a CRM and processes in place, I’d be drowning in distractions. Systems aren’t just helpful, they’re survival. I need tools and workflows that can catch what my brain drops and protect the time and energy I do have.

This episode isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about honoring how we work, building support around it, and making smarter decisions that allow us to keep showing up without burning out. If you’ve ever felt like your brain is the CEO one day and the saboteur the next, this one’s for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brand Built

Digital Magic CRM

Episode #53 The Human Cost of Scaling: Alexandra Nunez Breaks It Down

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I had the pleasure of talking with Alexandra, a fractional Chief Wellness Officer who is all about bringing the human element back into business. What I loved most about our conversation was her unapologetic focus on people over productivity. She’s out here reminding all of us that businesses don’t run without humans, and humans don’t run well when they’re burned out.

Alexandra and I got real about what it means to run a company in a world that’s obsessed with systems, scaling, and AI. Yes, we both love automation (obviously), but she hit on something I talk about a lot: if the founder is burned out, the business is already broken. Her take? We don’t need “work-life balance.” We need integration—a way of living and working where we stop pretending we’re two different people clocking in and out of each life.

She spoke about the evolution of society and how we’ve chased tech, productivity, and money, often at the expense of our mental and physical health. And it hit me hard because it’s exactly what I see in so many of the founders and small business owners I work with. The moment you believe that rest is weakness or slowing down means failure, you’re building something on a very shaky foundation.

This episode is a must-listen if you're feeling like your business is running you instead of the other way around, or if you just need the reminder that scaling doesn’t require suffering.

Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn to dig deeper into how she helps founders and entrepreneurs prioritize sustainable success without sacrificing themselves in the process. She’s the strategist you want in your corner if you’re serious about scaling with intention, clarity, and well-being at the core.

Mentioned in this episode:

Digital Magic CRM

Brand Built

Chronically Automated - Episode #7 Designing Systems That Don’t Punish You for Being Human

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This episode was a really raw one for me. I opened up about something I see over and over again with my clients, and if I’m being honest, with myself too. It’s that feeling that our systems are broken, when in reality, what’s actually off is how we see ourselves.

Anthony and I talked through how chronically ill and neurodiverse entrepreneurs (hi, that’s us) often build schedules and systems for the version of ourselves we wish we were instead of the version we are right now. So then what happens? Burnout, abandoned workflows, guilt, and a whole lot of self-blame. And it sucks.

We shared a really honest moment from a few weeks ago where Anthony hit a wall with his system. He thought everything was broken, but it turned out he just needed a reset, to look at it from the lens of who he is now, not who he was three months ago. We talked through how to build systems that actually pivot with you, in real-time, without making you feel like a failure every time your day doesn’t go to plan.

I also talked about the importance of what I call “daily capacity checks.” Not the nonsense productivity hacks. I'm talking about real, practical strategies for navigating the chaos that is ADHD, chronic illness, or just running a business while being a whole-ass human. We’re not robots. We need systems that are flexible enough to meet us where we are.

And yes, we talked about Digital Magic CRM. Again. Because it works. The way we built it for Anthony gives him full control, pause automation, skip steps, move people around, no rigid pipelines, no pressure. It’s built around his life. That’s the goal.

We wrapped the episode diving into how powerful it is when you give yourself permission to stop forcing yourself to fit into a mold that was never designed for how your brain works. This is about building systems that support the actual you, the messy, brilliant, unpredictable you, not the Pinterest version of yourself who sticks to a perfect calendar.

So if you’ve ever felt like your system was failing, maybe give yourself some grace and ask: are you designing it for the real you?

Episode #52 Elijah Szasz Breaks Down the Story-First Framework for Startup Success

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I had the chance to sit down with Elijah Szasz, and wow, it was such a ride. Elijah’s energy is palpable, and honestly, we could’ve talked for hours. He’s not just an innovative entrepreneur, he’s got this wildly creative brain that blends tech innovation with storytelling and lifestyle design in a way that makes you want to toss out every business rulebook you’ve ever read.

We dug into his journey from Silicon Valley to Salt Lake City, how he launched his tech agency 14 years ago (with roots in supporting eBay, no less), and how he evolved from just delivering software into building entire brand experiences. But what really makes Elijah’s story stand out is this unconventional CPG venture he co-founded, think energy potions inspired by World of Warcraft, complete with vampire-themed drinks in IV bags. It's as bonkers as it sounds—and it worked. He scaled it to 4,500 shelves. The way he tells the story? Gold.

What struck me the most was how he's always thinking in systems, human-centered design, user journey mapping, and product-market fit all wrapped in creativity. It’s no surprise he’s now helping early-stage founders build from scratch with deep strategy, clickable prototypes, and UI/UX systems that get them funded. It's startup building with soul.

We also hit a nerve that a lot of entrepreneurs will feel: the raw, real tension between building a business that runs you versus building one you actually enjoy running. Elijah’s take on designing a lifestyle alongside your tech stack was so aligned with everything I preach: don’t just build a business, build a life you actually want to live.

If you want to keep up with Elijah or explore more of his unconventional genius, connect with him on LinkedIn. Seriously, if you’re into bold ideas, brand building, or just need some fresh inspiration for how tech and creativity can coexist in a business that actually feels good to run, he’s one to follow.

Chronically Automated - Episode #8 You’re Not Busy. You’re Just Operating Without a Brain Buffer

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I dive deep into what I call "looping thoughts", that overwhelming feeling of mental load creep where your to-do list seems like a never-ending cycle. Even as tasks move to the “done” column, the list keeps growing, feeding that stressful loop. I share how I manage it with structured task filtering and strategic use of tools like ChatGPT. I open my week by reviewing only the tasks due that week, then daily filter again to focus solely on what's due that day. I even voice-command my custom GPT (yes, shoutout to Nixie!) to prioritize my list based on revenue-generating goals and our company’s big vision.

Anthony joins me to unpack his own experience balancing multiple projects daily, and we compare notes on managing energy, not time. He emphasizes time-blocking and rhythm, particularly in sales. We also discuss the myth of multitasking, why it's a productivity killer, and how doing one task at a time, to completion, is the real game-changer.

We round out the convo by exploring how automation can support these strategies and why prioritizing energy, clarity, and strategic delegation is more effective than any time management hack out there.

Mentioned in this episode:

Brand Built

Digital Magic CRM

Episode #51 The Brand Before the System. A Deep Dive with Robert Friedman

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Robert Friedman, founder of Fearless Branding, and someone I think is doing truly important work. We met through BrandBuilt (surprise, surprise) and instantly clicked over our shared belief that your message is everything. I’ve heard Robert say “tell your story fearlessly” so many times, and it stuck with me. That idea is not just a tagline. It’s the core of what makes his approach so effective.

Robert works with consulting and professional services firms who are amazing at what they do, but their messaging sounds like everyone else in their industry. They’re frustrated. They’re doing all the things—SEO, paid ads, even hiring agencies—but the leads are off, the quality’s not there, and the results fall flat. One of Robert’s clients said it best: “You’re marketing me like a frozen dinner, but I’m a five-star meal.” That line alone? GOLD. And so true for so many businesses out there.

What we really got into was how branding and automation aren't just separate pillars. They’re completely interconnected. If your brand is weak, no amount of automation will save you. It’ll just amplify the broken stuff. This is something I see all the time. People blame their systems when it’s really their message that’s falling short. I can't tell you how many times I've been paid to audit tech stacks, only to find out the system’s working perfectly fine. It’s just amplifying a brand that doesn’t convert.

We also talked about “work-life balance” (aka the myth). I’m always saying, you're one person. There’s no separation between work and life if you’re an entrepreneur. The whole point of building your business should be to create freedom. Time freedom. But you don’t get there by adding more tech. You get there by starting with a brand that lands, resonates, and attracts the right people. Only then do you layer in automation to scale what’s already working.

Robert brought up this amazing visual. You can either pedal your business forward on a beach cruiser or a finely tuned racing bike. Both take effort, but one gets you a lot further with the same energy. Your brand is that bike. I loved that framing because it’s exactly what I help people do after their brand is solid. Build systems that actually give you back your time and move the needle.

We wrapped by agreeing that it doesn’t matter how beautiful your website is or how fancy your CRM is. If the message doesn’t work, nothing else will. And vice versa. If the systems aren’t there to support it, you’ll be stuck in manual mode forever. Both sides need to work together.

Want to connect with Robert?

Find him at fearlessbranding.com and take his Brand Strength Assessment. It’s a super quick quiz but gives you huge insight into whether your brand is actually working for you. And of course, we’ll link his LinkedIn in the show notes.

If you’re serious about building a business that supports the lifestyle you actually want to live, this is an episode you’ll want to replay.

Chronically Automated - Episode #5 Automation is Not a Personality. Stop Hiding Behind It!

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this latest episode of Chronically Automated, Megan and Anthony peel back the shiny layer of automation to get real about something nobody’s talking about enough: hiding behind your systems. Megan dives into the uncomfortable truth of over-automation, when tech becomes a shield instead of a solution. Whether it’s dodging customer confrontations, masking mistakes with cold autoresponders, or letting bots take over the emotional core of your brand, they expose how automation can go from asset to liability fast.

Anthony jumps in from a sales lens, venting about the emotionally disconnected experience so many brands are delivering. He and Megan both challenge the myth that automation is the answer to everything. The real magic? Balance, knowing when to lean on systems and when to bring in the human touch.

The episode also dives into raw, real-life examples, including Anthony’s own frustration moment that Megan helped unravel. Not with a workflow, but with a phone call. They unpack how authenticity is becoming the new currency in a world dominated by AI, and how simple, unscripted actions like personal voice notes or live DMs can build real relationships that bots just can't replicate.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone building a personal brand, navigating high-ticket sales, or trying to automate without losing their soul. It's not about killing automation. It’s about knowing when to take your face out of the funnel and show up.

50 Episodes. 1 Massive Rebuild. Darren Mass & Nat Berman Tell All

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Episode 50. That’s right, fifty. And what better way to mark the moment than to bring in the two people I’ve probably name-dropped more than anyone else on this show, Nat and Darren from Brandbilt. This episode isn’t just a celebration. It’s a full-circle, behind-the-scenes look at what the last year has meant, what we’ve built, what broke, and why we kept going anyway.

From DMs that started with “Hey, remember me?” to building a platform that actually supports our community instead of boxing it in, we’re breaking down how Brandbilt went from an idea to a thriving space filled with real conversation, real collaboration, and real growth. And yeah, we talk about School. We talk about the billing nightmares. We talk about the churn. We talk about what happens when you stop listening to the wrong people and start building what actually works for you.

This one is raw, honest, and full of the stuff most people try to hide behind polished funnels and templated BS. It’s a reflection on transformation. Mine, theirs, and the community’s. And it’s also a reminder that the best systems aren’t perfect. They’re intentional. So if you’re building something, breaking something, or trying to figure out what the hell is next, this one’s for you. Welcome to episode 50. Let’s go.

Chronically Automated - Episode #4 Burn Your To-Do List: The Truth About Productivity

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony Lobosco and I unpack the real cost of distractions and why multitasking is a myth. Research shows it takes 15 minutes to refocus after a distraction, and that’s time most of us don’t have to waste.

We break down the difference between uncontrollable distractions (like kids and pets) and the ones you can eliminate (like phone alerts and bad time blocking). I talk about how I still struggle with bouncing between tasks thanks to ADHD, and why noise-canceling headphones and automation systems have become mission-critical for my workflow.

Anthony brings his perspective on navigating productivity with neurological challenges, and we both agree: It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing the right things with clarity and focus.

If you’re stuck in the loop of multitasking and burnout, this episode is your roadmap to a simpler, more productive work style.

Episode #49 From ‘Nice to Have’ to ‘Need to Have’, Fabi Paolini on Brand Power

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, branding strategist Fabi Paolini breaks down why messaging, not tech, design, or funnels, is what truly drives conversions. While the show usually focuses on systems and automation, this conversation zooms in on the words behind the business, and how the right message builds trust and demand before a sale is even made.

Fabi shares her Angle of Mastery framework, which helps entrepreneurs reposition their offers as essential, not optional. Instead of fixating on pain points, she teaches how to speak directly to “power buyers” by reflecting their identity, ambition, and lifestyle. Her process starts with understanding real buyers, identifying the root cause of their problems, and crafting a message that becomes the antidote, then applying it consistently across all content and communication.

She also highlights how messaging fuels the rest of your systems, whether it’s content automation or onboarding. Thanks to her approach, she’s built a high-converting, time-efficient business that runs just four hours a day, with sales call close rates as high as 65%.

The episode ends with a clear takeaway: without strong messaging, your systems won’t work. But with it, your brand becomes unforgettable.

Connect with Fabi Paolini at brandmessagesession.com to book a free 15-minute brand messaging assessment. You can also follow her on LinkedIn and Facebook for powerful insights that help you attract the right clients and stand out online.

Chronically Automated - Episode #3 Multitasking Is Bullsh*t. Here’s What Actually Works

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

This one’s for every founder, coach, consultant, or creative who’s ever looked at their calendar and thought, “What fresh hell is this?” If your days are a blur of reschedules, forgotten calls, and mystery meetings that make you question your sanity, welcome. You’re in the right episode.

In this conversation, Anthony and I go deep into the mess and magic of scheduling as a business owner. I’m talking about the raw, unfiltered reality of managing a business, a family, a team, multiple brands, and still trying to show up like you’ve got it all together. I don’t. But what I do have is a system.

We unpack how I went from seven scattered calendars and inbox chaos to building a setup where things actually flow. Where automation isn’t just some tech buzzword, it’s my survival strategy. I share the backstory behind a YouTube video I made years ago that exploded overnight, all because so many people were drowning in calendar drama and had no idea there was a better way.

We also talk about why automation doesn't have to mean soulless or robotic. Done right, it creates space for better conversations, deeper connections, and yes, a few more quiet mornings where you get to sip your coffee like a damn human.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how I choreograph my business around real life, not the other way around. We dig into the emotional load of disorganized operations, the myth of multitasking, and why you should absolutely give your VA access to your calendar (stop clutching your pearls, just do it).

If you’re craving a lifestyle that actually works for your brain, your business, and your bandwidth… this episode is your blueprint to start. Calendars aren’t just tools. They’re territory. And if you’re not owning yours, someone else is.

Episode #48 Kelly Meerbott on the Truth About Leadership Burnout

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I sat down with Kelly Meerbott, a powerhouse leadership coach who helps top-tier leaders scale without burning out. Kelly opened up about how she went from crushing it in radio sales to being blindsided by a layoff after standing up to a toxic corporate culture. That moment sent her into a spiral, but it also launched her coaching career.

She got real about the emotional and professional cost of being a strong woman in business, the importance of having the right support system, and why coaching isn’t a trend, it’s a necessity. Kelly’s approach is all about helping high-performers cut through the noise, own their story, and lead with emotional intelligence.

We also talked about her recent challenges, losing contracts, letting team members go, and how she handled it all with clarity, grace, and straight-up leadership. Her people wanted to keep working for her for free. That says it all.

If you’re leading at a high level and feeling the pressure, Kelly’s the one you want in your corner.

Connect with her at kellymeerbott.com or on LinkedIn. She's open for DMs and always down to offer real talk and real help.

Episode #47 Inside the Frankenstack: Sean Nihill on Streamlining Systems for Scale

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Sean Nihill of Resourceive to get deep into one of my favorite rabbit holes: the chaotic, messy, and totally fixable intersection of tech strategy, automation, AI, and cybersecurity. From the very beginning, we called out the truth so many business owners ignore, technology is only good when it actually works. And when it doesn't, it's usually because someone threw tools at a problem without a real strategy.

Sean and I bonded over our shared background in tech and our love for helping businesses, whether SMBs or enterprise, get their systems streamlined and secure. He emphasized the importance of acting as a strategic tech advisor, not just pushing a one-size-fits-all solution. That resonated hard. We dug into cybersecurity hygiene for companies big and small, why two-factor authentication isn't the enemy (it’s your armor, people!), and the hidden costs of data vulnerabilities that too many founders ignore until it's too late.

Then came the real meat: automation and AI. I got to share why over-automation is a real thing and how it can strip your brand of the human touch that actually creates customer loyalty. I brought up one of my core beliefs, automations should make your life easier and your customers' experience smoother, not robotic. Sean and I both agreed that overcomplicating your tech stack doesn’t just cost money, it kills momentum and clarity. We called out the common trap of duct-taping 20+ tools together with Zapier and hoping it all holds. Spoiler: it doesn’t. We also talked about when to buy tech versus build it, and why having a strategy from day one will save you from tech debt and team headaches later.

This conversation was honest, punchy, and full of real talk about the operational black holes companies fall into, and how to pull yourself out of them with the right support. I loved Sean’s grounded, human-first approach to solving IT and infrastructure problems. He’s not just talking tech, he’s building partnerships, and it shows.

Connect with Sean Nihill on LinkedIn and visit resourceive.com to learn how his team helps businesses align tech strategy with real-world growth.

Chronically Automated - Episode #2 The No-BS System for People Whose Brains Don’t Sit Still

Thu, 29 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony Lobosco and I tear apart one of the most overlooked productivity roadblocks: the humble to-do list. But this wasn't your vanilla productivity convo. We cracked open what it's really like trying to manage executive function when you're neurodiverse, in chronic pain, or simply exhausted by decision fatigue. Spoiler alert: sticky notes and “just write three things” advice don’t cut it when your brain’s on fire and your calendar’s drowning.

We broke down how automation, when it's built around the user, not the task, becomes an external brain. A lifeline. A stress-reliever. Whether it’s dealing with MS-related pain, ADHD inertia, or mental overload, we showed exactly how smart systems create clarity. And not hypotheticals, real workflows I’ve built for Anthony in Digital Magic CRM that give him his time, energy, and sanity back every single day like getting a reminder to follow up with a lead at the exact right moment, without having to think about it.

We dug into why over-automation is a real problem (yes, Queen of Automation said it) and how too many systems will wreck your brain faster than no systems. The key? Build your automation around how your brain works. Hate notifications? Use fewer. Need 8,000 like me? Do it. It’s not about doing it “right”, it’s about doing it your way.

We also talked Slack, Trello, Google Calendar, iPhone hacks, and RescueTime. But here’s the real takeaway: your systems are only as good as they are customized. You don’t need another SaaS subscription, you need a strategy that actually aligns with your dopamine, your energy, and your life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, exec, or corporate rebel with a chaotic brain, you’re not broken, you just need better systems.

This one’s packed with hard truth, humor, and the exact frameworks to take your brain from scattered to strategic. Listen in, laugh a little, learn a lot, and if nothing else, stop working on the shit you hate. It’s killing your productivity and your joy. Let’s fix that.

Chronically Automated - Episode #1 When Your Brain Ghosts You: Automation to the Rescue

Thu, 22 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of Chronically Automated, Anthony and I (The Queen of Automation) dug into the real experience of living and working with brain fog. We both deal with it regularly, me with ADHD, and Anthony with MS, and while our triggers are different, the outcome is the same: unpredictable mental shutdowns that make even simple tasks feel impossible.

For me, it's misplacing my phone five times a day or losing track of what I was doing mid-task. For Anthony, it's the neurological slowdowns that come with MS, making it hard to process, speak, or stay mentally present. We talked about how automation has become a lifeline, not as some cold, robotic fix, but as a practical way to keep things moving when our brains aren’t cooperating.

I compared it to bowling bumpers, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about staying on track. I rely heavily on things like time-blocking, notification layers, and task triggers. Anthony calls it choreographing his day.

We both agreed that tools like Digital Magic CRM help us set up systems that catch what we’d otherwise drop: onboarding emails, task follow-ups, reminders, all the stuff that drains our mental bandwidth if done manually.

We also got real about how ignoring brain fog can lead to missed deadlines, bad customer experiences, and unnecessary stress. That’s why I push for automating even just the task reminders if you’re not ready to automate the full action. And no, it’s not dehumanizing, it's strategic. If you’re constantly forgetting things, automate them. Full stop. Lastly, we closed with a reminder that perfection isn’t the goal, progress is. Don’t be afraid to break things. That’s how better systems get built.

Episode #46 Why Emmy Winner Tim Jones Believes Storytelling Can Fix Broken Healthcare

Tue, 20 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, the conversation takes a refreshing turn from the usual tech talk to explore how storytelling and systems thinking can make a real-world impact, especially in healthcare. Host Meghan introduces Tim Jones, an Emmy Award-winning creative whose journey from Ohio to Hollywood and eventually into healthcare animation is anything but ordinary. Tim started out in feature animation at Warner Brothers before diving into digital media and storytelling for the web, where he earned an Emmy for animated shorts for ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning.

The heart of the episode focuses on Tim’s shift into healthcare, where his work uses animation to help children and veterans better understand complex medical journeys. His company, Health Nuts Media, translates overwhelming health data into emotionally resonant stories, making difficult topics like chemotherapy and hospice care more approachable. Tim shares how animation can break cultural barriers, reduce fear, and create empathy, not just for patients but also for overworked healthcare staff who need better communication tools. Throughout, Meghan and Tim reflect on how systems aren't just tech, they're the intentional frameworks we build through mindset, storytelling, and emotional connection.

Connect with Tim to learn more about how storytelling can transform the way we approach healthcare and communication at healthnutsmedia.com or find him on LinkedIn.

Chronically Automated - Pilot Episode

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Welcome to the kickoff episode of Chronically Automated, where I, Megan Donnelly, also known as The Queen of Automation, sit down with my friend and fellow entrepreneur Anthony Lobosco to talk about what it really means to run a business when you’re living with a chronic condition or navigating neurodiversity. This isn’t your typical tech chat. We’re not here to glorify hustle or throw out generic productivity tips.

We’re here to talk about how automation, done right, can support you when your brain or body decides to take the day off, and how it’s become our secret weapon for staying in the game.

In this episode, we dive into our personal stories, mine with ADHD, and Anthony’s with MS, and how both of us had to rebuild the way we work to match the reality of our lives. From managing brain fog and sudden pain to parenting, pitching, and still showing up as founders, we share how automation has helped us create systems that don’t just make us more productive, they make our lives more livable.

We also get real about something no one talks about enough: the systems we’re all taught to follow were built for neurotypical, able-bodied people. So instead of trying to force ourselves to fit those rules, we’ve built our own, with CRMs, smart notifications, AI workflows, and a whole lot of radical honesty. Whether it’s my army of pinging smart devices or Anthony’s energy-based task batching, everything we do is designed to support how we function best.

If you’re an entrepreneur who’s ever felt like the way the world works just isn’t built for you, this series is for you. Chronically Automated is about turning real challenges into real systems that hold you up, even when you can’t. Let us show you how to build a business that’s human-first, sustainable, and still wildly effective.

Episode #45 Your Cashflow Is Broken: Mando Sallavanti on Financial Ops That Scale

Tue, 13 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I brought on Mando Sallavanti from Freedom Path Wealth to talk about why traditional finance advice doesn’t work for modern professionals. He’s not preaching sacrifice now to maybe enjoy life at 65. His focus is on using money intentionally, today, so you can actually live the lifestyle you're working so hard to build. We talked about why “work-life balance” is a dead concept, and how real freedom comes from integrating your finances with how you want to live right now.

Mando shared how he helps clients automate cashflow using a system that routes all income into a central “reservoir” before it's distributed to checking, investments, and savings. This flips the usual behavior of spending first and maybe saving later. With real-time visibility into the system, his team can act proactively, no waiting on spreadsheets or client guesswork. It’s one of the smartest, most efficient ways I’ve seen financial automation done.

We also got into the psychology of money, why most people either hoard it out of fear or burn through it assuming tomorrow is guaranteed. Mando challenges both extremes. His standard: save at least 25% of your income for the long term and spend the rest without guilt. If you can’t do that, it’s not a budgeting issue, it's an income issue. And income problems are solved by investing in skills, mentorship, and growth, not by cutting back on essentials.

The best part is that he’s not selling magic. He’s helping people implement systems, stay accountable, and actually follow through. It’s not about having more information, it’s about having the right execution strategy. If you're building a business or career and still feel like you’re trading time for money, this episode will shift your thinking.

Connect with Mando on LinkedIn to see how he’s helping small business owners, tech professionals, and entrepreneurs build real financial systems that support freedom, not just some vague “retirement” plan.

Episode #44 Elizabeth Eiss on Building a Hybrid SaaS + Service Powerhouse

Tue, 06 May 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, I sat down with the brilliant Elizabeth, founder of The Efficiency Queen, whose rise from virtual assistant to backend systems strategist is a full-on masterclass in scaling through simplicity.

Elizabeth has built a business around doing what most service-based founders avoid: making systems sexy, streamlined, and seriously profitable. We talk about how she moved from hourly VA work to high-ticket backend consulting, all while rebranding herself as “The Queen of Automation”, and living up to every inch of the title.

She breaks down how she uses her white-labeled GoHighLevel setup to create a powerful hybrid model: part agency, part SaaS, and entirely client-centered. Her approach is bold—she’s not stacking more tools, she’s reducing them. Not offering more custom builds, but building smarter containers that drive long-term results.

This episode is packed with strategy for anyone tired of piecing together tech stacks and chasing the next shiny app. Elizabeth shows us what it looks like to own your expertise, charge for outcomes, and build systems that support scale without selling your sanity.

If you're ready to move from being the bottleneck to building a business that runs like magic, this conversation will light the match.

Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn, follow her for unfiltered insight on systems that scale, behind the scenes gems from her automation builds, and fresh takes on how to simplify your backend without sacrificing growth.

Whether you’re a done-for-you service provider, agency founder, or coach with a growing client load, Elizabeth is someone you want in your corner when it’s time to clean up the chaos and level up your operations

Episode #43 Inside the Broken Sales Systems of Hospitality with Cory Falter

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, host Megan dives into an energetic, no-holds-barred conversation with Cory Falter, partner at Lure Agency and president of HSMAI San Diego. Cory shares how he and his team are shaking up the stagnant hospitality industry by helping independent hotels and hospitality vendors move away from a broken, reactive sales culture and into a more proactive, profitable approach.

The discussion highlights how Lure Agency specializes in B2B marketing for independent hotels, steering them away from overreliance on third-party platforms like Booking.com and Expedia that siphon off up to 30% of revenue per booking. Cory breaks down how the hospitality sector, battered by the COVID shutdowns but still largely stuck in old-school habits, needs to stop depending on external lead sources and start driving direct business. He stresses that the industry’s addiction to intermediaries not only eats away at profitability but also directly lowers property valuations when hotels go to sell.

Megan and Cory also unpack the severe consequences of poor digital customer experiences, using personal anecdotes to illustrate how big brands have allowed user frustration to become the norm. Cory points out that while revenge travel temporarily masked systemic problems, the hospitality space is about to get blindsided by generative AI, and those who don't adapt will lose out fast.

Boutique and independent hotels are positioned to win because they can act quickly and build personalized, human-first experiences both online and offline, something bureaucratic giants like Marriott and Hilton can’t keep up with. Cory emphasizes that hotels must stop commoditizing themselves through faceless RFP processes and impersonal booking funnels and instead craft emotional, meaningful connections from the very first touchpoint.

He offers Parker Palm Springs as a rare success story: a boutique hotel whose online experience fully aligns with its in-person brand, creating a cohesive and magnetic guest journey. Finally, Cory introduces Lure Agency’s new “Breakouts” program, designed to teach hotel sales teams and vendors how to build direct, relationship-driven revenue pipelines that put them back in control of their growth.

This episode is a masterclass in why standing still is no longer an option in hospitality, and how the ones who embrace digital transformation, automation, and brand experience will own the future.

Connect with Cory on LinkedIn to learn more about how you can drive direct revenue, reclaim your brand experience, and future-proof your hospitality business.

Episode #42 How Phyllis Winters Helps Founders Stop Duct-Taping Their Businesses Together

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Phyllis Winters, an AI and automation strategist with a deep background in systems thinking and real-world implementation. She’s worked across industries, from manufacturing to digital agencies, helping fast-moving businesses create operational clarity with technology that actually supports their growth.

Phyllis brings a rare combo to the table: strategic thinking that’s grounded in business logic, and the technical know-how to make automation work without losing the human experience. We talked about what really goes wrong when founders rush into tech without a clear understanding of their customer journey, and how automation, when done wrong, just makes broken processes run faster.

This conversation cuts through the hype. We explored why user experience must come before workflow mapping, how AI can truly support lean teams, and why building a system that works for you, not just your software, is the key to digital transformation that doesn’t backfire.

Phyllis knows how to take messy, overcomplicated backends and turn them into systems that feel intuitive, for you and your clients. If you’ve been duct-taping your tech together and calling it a process, this one’s going to hit home.

Connect with Phyllis on LinkedIn and see how she’s helping businesses bring strategy back into systems.

Episode #41 The Anti-Hustle Recruiting Model: How Megan Juliano Built Her Business on Clarity

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Megan Juliano, founder of Digi Staffing Solutions and the definition of building a personal brand that actually works. We talked about what it really takes to run a lean, high-performing recruiting business that doesn’t just rely on hustle, but runs on intention and systems that make sense.

Megan shared how she went from corporate tech recruiting to building her own firm, focused on go-to-market talent, and how she flipped the typical “recruiter spam” narrative on LinkedIn by showing up with bold, direct, no-fluff content that gets results. She's not interested in being just another recruiter in someone’s inbox, she’s built a brand that attracts the right people and makes them want to work with her.

We also got into the myth of work-life balance (spoiler: neither of us believe in it), how she structures her day to protect her energy, and why she treats her content like a non-negotiable business system, not an afterthought. From her client pipeline to her tech stack, Megan runs a solo business with the precision of a well-oiled machine, but she does it in a way that still feels fully aligned with how she wants to live.

And yes, I tried to convince her to launch a newsletter, because the way she thinks, writes, and builds relationships is too good not to scale.

This episode is all about building smarter, not just bigger, using systems that give you time back, and a brand that keeps working even when you’re not logged in.

Connect with Megan on LinkedIn and follow her journey, she’s the kind of recruiter rewriting the rulebook.

Episode #40 Why Founders Burn Out Trying to Scale (Nathan Rosenlund Explains)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, host Megan Donnelly welcomes Nathan from Kodiak Consulting, a fellow member of the Brand Built community and a powerhouse in helping entrepreneurs lay unshakable business foundations. They dig into the truth about building a business that doesn’t just grow, it thrives sustainably. Nathan unpacks how he partners with founders to clarify direction, simplify operations, and create systems rooted in intention, not overwhelm. Rather than talking at clients, he’s known for his ability to co-create with them, bringing warmth, clarity, and a deep sense of support to what can often feel like a chaotic journey.

The conversation smashes the outdated myth of "work-life balance," replacing it with a mindset focused on lifestyle design and time management. Nathan emphasizes building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. They also explore the psychology behind motivation vs. inspiration, reframing motivation as a strategic external force that sparks internal purpose. Megan and Nathan discuss how automation, technology, and even mindset work best when rooted in systems, and how systems aren’t about tools, they’re about repeatable habits built on clear processes. A business doesn’t need to run on 18-step automations to be successful, it needs clarity of outcome and alignment with how the owner actually wants to live.

Nathan introduces the idea of mind shift, a more powerful evolution of mindset, where instead of just “thinking bigger,” entrepreneurs shift their mental framework toward tangible goals and actionable systems. He also delivers an absolute masterclass in analogies (yes, the biscuit and gravy one is a gem), and shares practical wisdom around SOPs, over-processing, and why most business owners actually know their systems are broken but don’t know how to fix them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ready to simplify their tech, streamline their business habits, and finally design a business that doesn’t burn them out.

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn to learn more about his upcoming YouTube channel, foundational business strategy work, and how you can work with him one-on-one to design systems that actually serve your lifestyle.

Episode #39 Automation Without Purpose Is Just Chaos - A Real Talk with Mark Bentcover

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:30:00 -0600

On this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sat down with Mark Bentcover, Agile strategist, Lean systems expert, and the brain behind Creative Kraken. We had the kind of conversation that cuts through the noise and gets to the real stuff: how to actually make tech and systems work for you, not the other way around.

Mark’s background is deep, IBM, Boeing, decades of program management, but what makes him brilliant is how he brings creative energy into operations.

We talked about the myth of work-life balance, why most people are using tech backwards, and how to align your business around a purpose that actually matters.

We also went deep on agile thinking (for life and business), the obsession with automation for automation’s sake, and how to stop wasting time on tools that don’t move the needle. If you’re building, scaling, or just trying to make your systems feel less chaotic, this one’s going to hit.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn if you’re ready to think differently about operations, creativity, and how to run your business like it was built on purpose.

Episode #38 Why Most Salespeople Fail and How PJ Valentini Keeps Winning

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, I sit down with PJ Valentini to explore how discipline, adaptability, and creativity have shaped his unconventional journey from martial arts instructor to sales professional at IDN Directory. With a background in teaching karate for 15 years and a third-degree black belt, PJ realized running a martial arts studio wasn’t his path. Instead, he reinvented himself as a front-end developer, but a family health crisis brought him to Tennessee, where he unexpectedly pivoted into sales.

Encouraged by his sales team and his mother, PJ embraced the challenge of sales. What began as an experiment turned into a successful five-year journey, where he now promotes IDN Directory, a SaaS tool that helps healthcare suppliers connect with decision-makers at Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs). His mission is to streamline supply chains by connecting top vendors with healthcare leaders through powerful, targeted solutions.

Despite describing his work as a “faceless mission,” PJ understands that building a personal brand is essential for credibility in today’s digital world. His relentless discipline, rooted in his martial arts training, drives his approach to sales, from setting personal boundaries to constantly learning from mentors, even if it means cringing over LinkedIn posts at 3 AM.

PJ’s journey highlights that success comes from discipline, adaptability, and authenticity. His focus on building relationships and refining his approach to reach the right customers shows his dedication to growth. Connect with PJ to discover how the IDN Directory can help you make powerful connections in the healthcare industry.

Find him on LinkedIn under PJ Valentini or reach out directly at PJValentini@IDNdirectory.com.

Episode #37 Kevin Hodgkins on The Right (and Wrong) Way to Build Sales Funnels

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, Meghan Donnelly sits down with Kevin Hodgkins to talk about automation, marketing, and why so many business owners are making things harder than they need to be.

Kevin shares how he structures his time to protect creativity and deep work, making sure his business isn’t consumed by meetings, admin tasks, and unnecessary complexity. Running a company from Prince Edward Island—what he jokingly calls District 13 from The Hunger Games—he’s built a business that doesn’t rely on constant availability but instead runs on systems that let him scale without burning out.

The conversation dives deep into sales and marketing, where Kevin pulls apart the idea that more tactics equal better results. He explains why YouTube ads are the future of visibility, how most sales funnels are too complicated to convert, and why the words you use in your messaging matter more than the strategies you follow. He also explores the psychology of buying decisions, breaking down why pain-driven messaging moves people to action while most marketing just gets ignored.

This episode is a candid, unfiltered look at automation, growth, and the difference between working efficiently and just working more.

Find him on LinkedIn, that’s where he shares his insights on automation, sales, and marketing strategy. If you’re serious about creating systems that actually scale, he’s someone you want in your network.

Episode #36 Aligning Your Money with Your Life with James Mayer

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Join me in this episode of The Queen of Automation, where we tear down the myths and fears surrounding financial planning and wealth management. No financial jargon, no judgment—just a raw, unfiltered conversation with wealth strategist James Mayer, who helps people take control of their money and build a financial future that actually fits their life.

James doesn’t just talk numbers—he makes finance relatable, strategic, and actionable. We dive deep into the psychology of money, why most people avoid dealing with their finances, and how automation can make saving and investing effortless.

And here’s the reality check: financial planning isn’t just about retirement—it’s about making smart money moves right now, so you don’t wake up years from now wondering where all your time and income went. James shares how he helps people get past the fear, prioritize what truly matters, and ditch the guilt and confusion that keep them stuck.

We also challenge the idea of work-life balance and why your finances and your business need to be in sync. This isn’t about cutting every luxury—it’s about making sure your money supports the life you actually want.

James is all about practical, no-fluff financial strategies, and in this episode, we break down:

Why most people overcomplicate financial planning—and how to simplify it
How automation can help you build wealth with less effort
The biggest financial mistakes entrepreneurs make (and how to avoid them)
Why “keeping up with the Joneses” is a trap that destroys financial security
How to set financial goals that actually support your lifestyle, not just arbitrary revenue targets

James is the financial expert you didn’t know you needed, and he’s sharing the exact strategies to help you stop stressing about money and start making it work for you.

Connect with James on LinkedIn, because that’s where the best financial conversations are happening.

Episode #35 The Art of Making Money on LinkedIn (Without Feeling Gross) with Natasha Walstra

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Join me in this Queen of Automation episode where we tear down the myths of social selling, work-life balance, and the messy reality of running a business on your own terms. No fluff, no corporate jargon, just an unfiltered conversation with LinkedIn powerhouse Natasha Walstra, who built a thriving business without a website, a polished brand, or a massive audience. Just smart, strategic moves.

And here’s the kicker, she did all of this while becoming a first-time mom. Imagine launching a business and suddenly being responsible for keeping a tiny human alive. Chaos? Definitely. Possible? Absolutely.

We dive deep into why most people overcomplicate LinkedIn and make it weird when it should be the most natural networking platform out there. Natasha breaks down how she turned connection-building into a revenue-generating machine, without ever feeling like she was “selling.” We also get into why “work-life balance” is a joke, and how real success comes from work-life integration, designing your business around the life you actually want, instead of burning out trying to juggle everything separately.

Natasha is in the middle of a major shift, moving from one-on-one coaching to landing high-value corporate contracts and figuring out how to scale without sacrificing time with her son. She’s sharing what’s working, what’s not, and how she’s thinking about the next phase of her business. This is the kind of raw, real-time conversation that most people don’t talk about, but they should.

Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn—because that’s where she’s making things happen.

Episode #34 Retention, Automation, and Breaking the Rules of Marketing with Steph Vrona

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Alright, let’s cut to the chase—cannabis marketing is a mess. It’s full of outdated systems, ridiculous red tape, and business owners who are so obsessed with getting new customers that they completely ignore the ones they already have.

That’s exactly why I brought Steph Vrona on the show today. She’s the founder of HighDef Studio, and she’s single-handedly shifting the way cannabis brands think about retention marketing.

We got into why dispensaries are constantly struggling despite raking in millions, why most cannabis loyalty programs are absolute trash, and how the industry keeps getting in its own way by refusing to embrace marketing operations. Steph is out here preaching the gospel of keeping your damn customers happy, and she’s got the data to back it up.

Of course, we didn’t stop there. We also got real about entrepreneurship, ADHD, and the absolute BS of “work-life balance.” Steph and I both know that being an entrepreneur isn’t about clocking in and out—it’s about building a business that actually works for you. We talked about automation, delegation, and why the smartest thing you can do is stop doing everything yourself. If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in tasks you hate instead of running your business like a boss, you need to hear this episode.

Steph doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and neither do I. If you’re tired of hearing the same old business advice and actually want to make more money without burning yourself out, hit play and take some notes.

Connect with Steph Vrona

🔗 LinkedIn: Steph Vrona

🌐 Website: HighDef Studio

Episode #33 Danny DelVecchio’s 3-Step Method for Making Video Marketing Easy & Effective

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 06:30:00 -0600

Join me as I chat with Danny DelVecchio, the mastermind behind helping entrepreneurs create video content without overcomplicating it. Danny shares how he went from podcasting back in 2014 to becoming one of LinkedIn’s top video creators, proving that you don’t need fancy equipment to make an impact, just your phone, decent lighting, and a solid mic.

We dive into the reality of entrepreneurship, and Danny doesn’t hold back. Work-life balance? He calls it bullshit and encourages building a life where work fits seamlessly into what you love. We also get real about the risks of relying too much on social media platforms and how Danny safeguards his business with email lists and YouTube, because let’s be honest, no one wants to be at the mercy of an algorithm.

Danny breaks down his simple approach to video production that anyone can use: record casual conversations where a friend asks you questions, then edit them out for a natural, authentic vibe. No scripts, no pressure, just you showing up as you are.

We also talk about automation (of course), and Danny shares how he’s built a system that eliminates bottlenecks by giving clients direct access to editors. It’s a game-changer that saves time, reduces stress, and lets founders focus on what they do best.

If you’ve been overthinking your video strategy or drowning in the day-to-day of running a business, this episode is for you. Danny’s insights on video, automation, and keeping things simple are exactly what every busy entrepreneur needs to hear.

Connect with Danny DelVecchio:

LinkedIn: Danny DelVecchio
YouTube: Danny DelVecchio’s Channel
Website: www.dannyvideos.com

Connect with Danny for more tips on video marketing, automation, and building a business that works for you!

Episode #32 How to Simplify Your Systems and Scale Your Podcast with Ryan R. Sullivan

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:15:00 -0600

In this episode, I sat down with Ryan R. Sullivan, a podcast strategist, musician, and entrepreneur who’s making waves by helping businesses turn podcasts into powerful tools for growth. We explored the realities of podcasting, automation, and systems, breaking down why building a strategy is crucial for success. Ryan shared his journey of trial and error, offering real, honest insights into how he’s learned to connect creativity with strategy to generate results. His approach is a refreshing reminder that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things in a repeatable way.

We also talked about what it really means to create a business that fits your life. Ryan and I both believe that work-life balance is a myth for entrepreneurs—it’s all about harmony. It’s not about separating work from life but integrating everything you love into one cohesive flow. Ryan’s perspective on aligning your business with your passions hit home for me, and his insights on how to use systems and automation to reclaim your time are nothing short of game-changing.

What stood out most is Ryan’s ability to simplify complex problems. From podcasting to operations, his approach is rooted in strategy and intentionality, with no fluff or unnecessary shortcuts. He’s all about solving the right problems in the smartest way possible, whether that means automating tasks, bringing in the right people, or streamlining systems. The energy and expertise he brings to the conversation are a testament to his dedication to helping others win.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to scale their business while staying true to their values. Whether you’re curious about podcasting, struggling with systems, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship, Ryan’s advice will inspire you to think bigger and act smarter.

Where to Find Ryan

LinkedIn: Ryan R. Sullivan
Podcast: The Ryan Sullivan Show
YouTube: Ryan R. Sullivan Channel
Website: RyanRSullivan.com

Episode #31 Spam what? Email Deliverability Strategy with Karen Grill

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:15:00 -0600

Join me as I chat with the brilliant Karen Grill, a business coach with a knack for email deliverability. Karen shares her fascinating journey into this crucial area, highlighting how her clients' struggles with ever-evolving technology led her to focus on helping businesses navigate these challenges. With Google's significant changes to email systems last year, Karen provides insights on why staying informed and having experts to guide you through tech hurdles is essential. Together, we also explore the concept of work-life balance and discuss how to create a harmonious blend of business and personal life.

Listen in as Karen and I offer practical advice for troubleshooting email deliverability issues before reaching out for external help. We cover the importance of monitoring email metrics to spot potential problems, like declining open rates due to changes from providers like Google and Yahoo. Additionally, we touch on the unique challenges of emailing large corporations with strict spam filters and firewalls, sharing tips like simplifying email signatures to avoid triggering these barriers. Our conversation is packed with personal anecdotes and expert strategies to enhance your email deliverability and ensure your messages reach their intended recipients.

We also explore the art of email list management and deliverability, with Karen providing valuable tips on crafting subject lines that bypass spam filters and engage your audience. The discussion emphasizes the need for regular list cleaning, segmenting, and understanding sender reputation. Karen shares insights on managing both new and established domains, highlighting the importance of patience and strategic planning. Wrapping up, we underline the significance of having a skilled expert who can anticipate and address technology challenges, ensuring your systems function seamlessly and effectively.

Connect with Karen Grill on LinkedIn to master email deliverability, avoid the spam folder, and get your emails actually opened.

Episode #30 Mastering Insurance as a Solopreneur: Mitchell Underwood

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:15:00 -0600

What if navigating the world of health insurance for the self-employed wasn't a nightmare, but an empowering journey? Join me, as I sit down with Mitchell Underwood, a health insurance consultant who champions a client-first approach. Discover how Mitchell's innovative methods can transform the intimidating process of finding affordable health insurance into a seamless experience tailored to your unique life goals. By focusing on personal branding and genuine, consultative advice, Mitchell stands apart from the traditional, commission-driven tactics of the industry, offering solopreneurs and contractors solutions that truly advocate for their best interests.

In our conversation, we explore the pivotal role of building authentic connections, particularly through LinkedIn networking, and how these relationships can enrich your business and personal life. We share personal stories that highlight the transformative power of trust and authenticity in business interactions. Learn about the importance of developing offline connections through newsletters and the challenges faced during health insurance open enrollment. Armed with Mitchell's insights and strategies, you'll be better equipped to navigate employer-based options and insurance terminology with confidence, allowing you to focus on building a lifestyle that supports your entrepreneurial journey.

Connect with Mitchell on LinkedIn to simplify health insurance for solopreneurs. With his client-first approach, tailored solutions, and focus on authenticity, he’ll help you navigate your options with confidence.

Episode #29 No Fluff: Mindset, Mental Blocks & Business Operations with Tom Harman

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:15:00 -0600

Join me for an engaging episode as I sit down with Tom Harman, a passionate mental health advocate for men, broadcasting from the chilly climate of Kitchener, Ontario. Together, we explore Tom's professional journey from his long-standing career in selling appliances to major national retailers to his fervent pursuit of turning his advocacy for mental health into a meaningful business.

Tom shares candid insights about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship and teases an exciting personal update that hints at a positive start to the new year. Our conversation offers an inspiring glimpse into resilience and the quest for purpose. Listen in as we navigate the transition from hobby to business through the power of personal branding and mental health support.

We challenge the fluffy reputation of mindset transformation by emphasizing its critical role in overcoming mental blocks and normalizing emotions. The episode also highlights the unique approach of integrating personal branding with mental health awareness, encouraging authenticity in both personal and professional settings. This journey is all about embracing your true self and leveraging your experiences to build a brand that resonates. Explore the concept of breaking mental blocks with a focus on systems and processes that enhance both personal and professional life.

We address societal perceptions of gender and emotions, shedding light on the struggles men face in expressing vulnerability.

The episode offers valuable advice on managing anxiety, breaking tasks into manageable pieces, and building self-proof through small, achievable goals. By fostering human connection and vulnerability, we uncover the importance of authentic experiences in alleviating anxiety and overcoming the pressures of constant comparison.

aTune in for a refreshing perspective on balancing authenticity and data obsession in today's fast-paced world.

Connect with Tom Harman on LinkedIn to dive deeper into his journey, combining his passion for mental health advocacy with entrepreneurship. Gain insights into his unique approach to personal branding, overcoming mental blocks, and fostering vulnerability in professional settings.

Episode #28 Beyond Wall Street: Hugh Meyer’s Transition to Meaningful Wealth Management

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 06:15:00 -0600

Join me as I welcome the exceptional Hugh Meyer, a finance professional who traded the bustling world of Wall Street for the sunny innovation of Los Angeles. Listen in as Hugh shares his compelling journey from a rigid institutional finance career to a more dynamic and supportive environment at Eyeline Wealth Partners. Hugh's candid insights into his experiences on Wall Street, the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, and his transition to a more technology-driven approach in serving clients will leave you inspired. Alongside professional anecdotes, Hugh opens up about managing life with three teenage boys, providing a unique blend of personal and professional wisdom.

In our engaging conversation, we explore the transformation from the high-pressure demands of Wall Street to the rewarding balance of working as an independent contractor. Hugh and I discuss the importance of prioritizing family and health over relentless work hours and share strategies like time blocking and daily routines that enhance productivity and well-being. We highlight how personal systems, whether technological or habitual, can significantly impact both business and personal life, emphasizing the power of mindset in building effective routines.

Our discussion also highlights the role of education and technology in enhancing business efficiency. We talk about the critical importance of implementing systems to handle administrative tasks, allowing more focus on client growth and needs. By sharing our personal experiences and strategies, we stress the benefits of adopting the right technological solutions to stay competitive. We wrap up with a lively chat about building relationships through humor and networking, encouraging listeners to connect with Hugh Meyer on LinkedIn and underscoring the value of technology when it functions well.

Connect with Hugh Meyer on LinkedIn to discover how he helps clients balance life and business by combining financial expertise with innovative strategies.

Episode #27 Bringing the Human Touch to Digital Hiring with John Carpenter

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 06:15:00 -0600

John Carpenter, an esteemed recruiter with deep roots in retail and hospitality, joins me on the Queen of Automation podcast to share his one-of-a-kind approach to recruitment. John believes that the key to successful hiring is understanding candidates as individuals, not just names on a resume. Tune in as we explore his philosophy of conducting interviews as genuine conversations rather than ticking off checklists, and how this personal touch can transform the hiring process for both candidates and employers. I also share my own experiences, highlighting the art of matching personalities to roles and the pivotal role recruiters play in creating a smooth experience.

The hospitality industry is undergoing a seismic shift, and we're here to unpack it. As technology reshapes the landscape, from automated check-ins to kiosks handling tasks once managed by bartenders, new challenges and opportunities emerge. We discuss how these technological advancements are setting new expectations for work-life balance and challenging long-standing norms. Ageism in tech adoption and the rise of automation-driven hospitality models also come under the spotlight, offering insights into the evolving workforce dynamics and what they mean for recruitment strategies.

The digital age demands a strategic approach to managing online presence, and we’re diving into its complexities. The balance between leveraging technology for efficiency and maintaining vital personal interactions is crucial, especially in smaller communities. Social media's impact on recruitment, from influencing company policies on employee posts to shaping public perceptions, is another area we explore. With anecdotes and expert advice, we emphasize the need to align digital presence with company values while preserving personal freedom. Don’t forget to check the show notes for contact details, and connect with us for more insights on effective business scaling.

Connect with John Carpenter on LinkedIn to learn how his unique approach to recruitment focuses on understanding candidates as individuals and transforming the hiring process into meaningful conversations.

CHAPTERS WITH TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Recruiting Strategies and Personal Connections

(09:58) Impact of Automation on Hospitality Industry

(19:41) Importance of Managing Online Presence

(32:23) Hospitality Recruiting and Consulting Expertise

Episode #26 Started Talking, Never Stopped: How 2024 Became My Podcast Year

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 06:15:00 -0600

In this heartfelt wrap-up episode, I take a moment to reflect on an incredible year of podcasting. This has been a dream of mine for a long time, and 2024 was the year it all came together. I couldn’t be more excited about what we’ve built and what’s on the horizon for 2025!

This episode is all about gratitude—for the listeners, the guests, and everyone who has supported the podcast along the way. I also share some thoughts on the power of taking that first leap toward a big goal and how it feels to see it come to life.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you a restful, joyful holiday season and an amazing start to the new year!

Episode #25 Mastering Time and Building Real Relationships with Tom Clement

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 06:15:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, Meghan Donnelly sits down with Tom Clement, an experienced entrepreneur, professor, and systems thinker. Together, they explore the realities of work-life balance, the importance of building systems for small businesses, and how leveraging automation can give entrepreneurs back their most valuable resource—time.

Tom shares his unique journey, from owning a motorcycle dealership to teaching business strategies and working with incarcerated individuals to provide hope and reduce recidivism. The conversation covers the misconceptions of "work-life balance," the value of loyalty and humanity in the workplace, and practical steps for creating systems that simplify operations.

Key Topics Discussed:

Tom’s journey from business owner to professor.
Why "work-life balance" is a myth and how to embrace a unified life.
The importance of aligning your work with your life goals.
The power of systems and how small businesses can build them effectively.
Using automation and AI to create operational manuals and save time.
The importance of fostering meaningful connections, both online and offline.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Work-Life Balance and Life Goals

(14:00) Effective Time Management Strategies

(21:13) Navigating LinkedIn and Building Relationships

(33:30) Leveraging Technology for Success

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) Work-Life Balance and Life Goals

This chapter of the Queen of Automation podcast features a conversation with Tom Clement, a seasoned business leader and educator. We explore Tom's diverse career journey from owning a motorcycle dealership to becoming a business professor, including his unique role in teaching incarcerated individuals in Arizona. The discussion centers on the concept of work-life balance, with both Tom and I expressing skepticism about the traditional notion of separating work from personal life. Instead, we advocate for integrating work and personal life into a single life plan driven by personal goals. By prioritizing life goals over conventional career paths, individuals can create a lifestyle that aligns with their personal aspirations, whether that means taking unconventional days off or making career choices that support family and personal fulfillment.

(14:00) Effective Time Management Strategies

This chapter explores the timeless principles of time management inspired by Alan Lakin, a prominent figure in the field from the 70s and 80s. I recount my experience of inviting a dean, a staunch advocate of Lakin's methods, to speak to my class on personal marketing. The session underscored two pivotal lessons: using the mantra "What's the best use of my time right now?" and maintaining an efficient inbox by promptly dealing with or discarding emails. I share my approach to managing emails through a folder system, prioritizing crucial messages while keeping distractions at bay. Emphasizing the importance of organization, I discuss how I keep my inbox clutter-free and stress the value of preserving data by never deleting emails, allowing for easy retrieval when necessary.

(21:13) Navigating LinkedIn and Building Relationships

This chapter explores the approach of using LinkedIn as a tool for genuine networking rather than focusing on metrics like impressions and reach. I discuss the importance of building a meaningful inner circle and the value of connecting with mentors and individuals who can provide guidance and insights. The conversation emphasizes the power of offering value to others, even for free, to create authentic relationships that lead to recommendations and opportunities. I share the realization of LinkedIn being an echo chamber, encouraging the pursuit of third-degree connections to expand networks beyond familiar circles. Additionally, the importance of building connections outside of LinkedIn, such as through email lists, is highlighted to ensure lasting relationships. The overall message is to use LinkedIn for enjoyable and impactful networking rather than being consumed by follower counts and sales tactics.

(33:30) Leveraging Technology for Success

This chapter highlights the fascinating insights shared by Tom, whose expertise and cool projects are discussed throughout the episode. We encourage listeners to explore Tom's work further through the links provided in the show notes. The conversation underscores the importance of technology functioning correctly to be truly beneficial. As we wrap up this engaging session, we remind everyone to stay curious and connected with the evolving world of technology. Join us next week for more exciting discussions.

Connect with Tom Clement on LinkedIn to discover how he helps businesses and individuals build systems that streamline operations, embrace automation, and align work with life goals, creating sustainable success and balance.

Episode #24 The #1 Business Mistake You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix It) with Tom Wells

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode of The Queen of Automation, host Meghan Donnelly chats with Tom Wells, founder of Wells Virtual Bookkeeping, to uncover why accurate bookkeeping is the backbone of every successful business—especially for small, service-based entrepreneurs.

Tom shares his journey of growing up in a family business and how it inspired his passion for helping business owners simplify their finances. Together, Meghan and Tom explore:

The power of outsourcing bookkeeping: Why delegating tasks like bank reconciliation, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll can save you time, money, and stress.
Understanding your financial metrics: How having clear insights into your finances helps avoid common pitfalls and ensures long-term stability.
Flexible pricing for small businesses: Tom's innovative transaction-based pricing model that aligns services with client needs.
The role of technology in financial success: Practical tips for leveraging tech to address pain points and streamline your operations.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs ready to make smarter financial decisions and embrace technology to drive growth.

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) Importance of Bookkeeping in Business

This chapter brings an engaging discussion with Tom Wells from Wells Virtual Bookkeeping, highlighting the crucial role of knowing your numbers in business success. We explore the significance of accurate bookkeeping for small business owners and how outsourcing this task can alleviate common financial missteps. Tom introduces his family-run business, emphasizing their passion for assisting service-based companies across the U.S. We also discuss the importance of having a reliable team to ensure financial stability and planning, regardless of a business owner's exit strategy. Throughout, I emphasize that understanding financial metrics is essential for avoiding the entrepreneurial equivalent of living paycheck to paycheck, and how partnering with a skilled bookkeeping service like Tom's can help achieve this.

(10:44) Benefits of Outsourcing Bookkeeping Services

This chapter explores the importance of maintaining current financial information in business, comparing it to the ease of completing a puzzle with only a few missing pieces. We emphasize that staying updated is not only efficient but also cost-effective, as outdated data can lead to financial inefficiencies and inaccurate tax information. The distinction between bookkeeping and tax law is highlighted, stressing the value of hiring specialists for each area to maximize returns and ensure compliance. We discuss the advantages of outsourcing bookkeeping services, such as gaining access to comprehensive services like bank reconciliation, AP/AR management, and payroll at a fractional cost. The importance of communication with clients is underscored, noting the necessity for regular interaction to maintain financial accuracy. We also explain the unique pricing model based on transaction volume, which adjusts every 90 days to reflect the client's current needs.

(23:53) Technology Solutions for Business Success

This chapter explores our process of understanding your business by getting to know you and identifying your pain points to provide effective solutions. Megan and I discuss how our approach is centered around making technology work for you, emphasizing the importance of technology functioning properly to be beneficial. We also remind our listeners that additional information, including links to our LinkedIn profiles, will be available in the show notes for easy access. We conclude with a note of appreciation and a reminder to join us next week as we continue to help make technology work for everyone.

Connect with Tom Wells on LinkedIn to learn how he helps small service-based businesses simplify their finances, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve long-term stability through precise bookkeeping and smart financial strategies.

Episode #23 Mindset > Tech: The Surprising Truth Behind Successful Operations with Alana Tart

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 06:15:00 -0600

Join me on the Queen of Automation podcast as I sit down with the remarkable Alana Tart, an executive coach and mindfulness teacher, who shares her transformative journey from the high-pressure world of big law to a life that truly resonates with her core values.

Broadcasting from the scenic landscapes of Switzerland, Alana discusses her dual career path, blending her legal expertise with her passion for coaching. She offers insights into what it means to be a coach, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in fostering unshakable confidence. Through the compelling story of a client’s transformation, Alana illustrates the profound impact coaching can have on one’s outlook on life. Together, we question traditional concepts of work-life balance, advocating for a more integrated approach to life that honors personal and professional fulfillment as a cohesive whole.

In another engaging segment, we explore the interconnectedness of mindset, mindfulness, and growth mindset, shedding light on how these elements can enhance both personal well-being and business efficiency. It's not just about automating or delegating tasks; it's about a mindset shift that begins with self-awareness and mindfulness. I share my experiences teaching mindfulness to my teenage children, highlighting the importance of self-control and non-judgmental awareness. This holistic approach to mindfulness incorporates compassion and gratitude, enriching the practice of executive coaching by promoting self-compassion and a balanced perspective. Listen in as we uncover how these principles can simplify life and business, ultimately leading to more harmonious and productive living.

Catch up with Alana on LinkedIn to learn more about how she helps dedicated professionals reclaim their power and rebuild a solid foundation when life feels like it's slipping away.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Balancing Life and Work Perspectives

(10:36) Mindset, Mindfulness, and Growth Mindset

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) Balancing Life and Work Perspectives

This chapter of the Queen of Automation podcast takes a refreshing turn as I chat with Alana Tart, an executive coach and mindfulness teacher, about her journey from being a big law professional to living a life that aligns with her values. Calling in from Switzerland, Alana shares how her experiences led her to a fulfilling dual career path as both a lawyer and a coach. We explore what it means to be a coach, focusing on helping clients become unshakable through mindfulness and self-awareness. Alana recounts the inspiring story of a client who transformed his outlook on life, highlighting the impact of coaching. We also touch on the concept of work-life balance, questioning traditional notions and considering life as an integrated whole rather than segmented into work and personal time.

(10:36) Mindset, Mindfulness, and Growth Mindset

This chapter focuses on the interconnectedness of systems, technology, and mindset, emphasizing the importance of automating, delegating, or eliminating tasks to enhance both business efficiency and personal well-being. We explore how these concepts, often perceived as separate, are deeply linked through mindfulness and self-awareness. It's highlighted that simplifying life and business doesn't necessarily mean relying on technology, but rather starts with a mindset shift. I share personal experiences of teaching mindfulness to my teenage children, stressing the significance of self-control and the ability to observe one's thoughts and emotions without judgment. The discussion underscores the holistic approach to mindfulness, integrating attitudes such as compassion and gratitude, and how these principles can enhance executive coaching by fostering a nonjudgmental awareness and self-compassion.

Episode #22 Corporate Skills That Fuel Entrepreneurial Success with Anthony Lobosco

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:30:00 -0600

Come hang out with me as I chat with Anthony Lobosco, the brilliant mind behind Lobo IT Consulting. Anthony takes us on a journey through his impressive tech career, sharing stories from his time at industry giants like Cisco and Lumen.

We talk about what it really takes to connect technology partners with buyers, crafting solutions in AI, customer experience, and security. Anthony's advice is packed with wisdom about building relationships and recommending the right tech solutions. Plus, we dive into how corporate experience can be a springboard for anyone dreaming of starting their own business one day.

Our conversation also gets personal as we explore the importance of blending work and life in a way that feels natural. I share a bit about my time at Asysco and how seeing different sides of a corporation taught me so much. Together, we challenge the old-school work-life balance idea, arguing for a lifestyle where you decide when to hustle and when to unwind. Automation comes up as a game-changer here, helping us design careers that fit our lives—not the other way around.

Finally, we dig into the ever-present challenge of staying efficient while managing digital clutter. From automating, delegating, and cutting out unnecessary tasks to switching from Evernote to Notion, we cover strategies for staying organized in the digital world. We even touch on ways to manage time-suckers like LinkedIn and explore tools for streamlining projects.

Oh, and I have a little invite for you—join us in the Brand Built Community for tech tutorials where we share even more tips to thrive in this fast-paced digital age!

Catch up with Anthony Lobosco on LinkedIn to see what he’s up to and in Lobo IT if you need help making smarter and more strategic technology decisions.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Building Technology Solutions Through Experience

(06:40) Navigating Technology Careers and Work-Life Balance

(13:17) Maximizing Efficiency and Automation

(21:22) Navigating Digital Organizational Tools

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) Building Technology Solutions Through Experience

This chapter of the Queen of Automation podcast features a conversation with Anthony Lovasco, founder of Lobo IT Consulting. We explore how Anthony brings technology partners and buyers together to solve challenges related to AI, customer experience, and security. I share my admiration for Anthony's work in IT consulting and discuss the importance of building relationships to effectively recommend technology solutions. Anthony recounts his career journey, highlighting his experience at major companies like Cisco and Lumen, which provided him with invaluable industry knowledge. We both emphasize the benefits of gaining experience in a corporate setting, especially for younger individuals entering the tech industry, as it allows access to advanced technology and builds a strong foundation for future entrepreneurial endeavors.

(06:40) Navigating Technology Careers and Work-Life Balance

This chapter focuses on the importance of blending real-world experience with guidance from industry veterans in the technology sector. We explore the immense value of working in large corporations, where exposure to various departments enriches one's knowledge and skills. I share personal experiences of how my journey in technology, including a significant stint at Asysco, has been a learning curve that feeds into my passion. We also discuss the idea of work-life balance, emphasizing the belief that life should not be compartmentalized into personal and work categories. Instead, the aim should be to build a lifestyle that integrates both seamlessly. This includes choosing when to work and taking time off as needed, rather than adhering to a traditional weekend schedule. We touch upon the role of automation in achieving a balanced lifestyle and the idea of building a career that supports one's personal life goals.

(13:17) Maximizing Efficiency and Automation

This chapter addresses the challenges and strategies of automating tasks in business operations, with a focus on the balance between automation, delegation, and elimination. We explore the difficulties of managing time-consuming activities, such as engaging on LinkedIn, while emphasizing the importance of authentic interaction. The conversation highlights the role of tools like Notion in organizing thoughts and tasks but notes the complexity of fully automating processes. We also discuss the merits of hiring skilled individuals to maintain a personal touch in communication, as opposed to over-relying on AI, which can often result in impersonal outcomes. The dialogue encourages business professionals to evaluate the time spent on social media platforms against their overall business goals, suggesting outsourcing when the time investment becomes excessive. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance to ensure both efficiency and authenticity in business operations.

(21:22) Navigating Digital Organizational Tools

This chapter explores the transition from using Evernote to Notion, reflecting on how Notion has succeeded in areas where Evernote struggled, especially in organization and search functionality. I share personal experiences with Notion and other productivity tools like Slack and Airtable, highlighting the importance of robust search capabilities in managing information effectively. There's a candid discussion about the challenges of managing digital clutter, particularly for those with ADHD, and the value of tools that can categorize and organize information efficiently. Additionally, I mention my use of Remarkable for seamless note-taking and integration with digital systems. We touch on upcoming plans to demonstrate a project management folder structure that has been beneficial over the years, and I invite listeners to join our tech tutorials in the Brand Built Community for more insights and guidance.

Episode #21 Beyond the Nine-to-Five: Kendra Pennington’s Blueprint for Modern Mom

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:30:00 -0600

Picture juggling a high-stakes career while managing the endless tasks of motherhood—sound familiar? That’s the reality for many working moms, and Kendra Pennington knows it all too well. As the CEO and founder of Beyond the Ninth, Kendra shares her journey of transforming personal struggles into a supportive haven for mothers everywhere. From navigating awkward interview questions to handling toxic management, she sheds light on the hidden challenges of balancing professional and personal life. This episode reveals the pressing need for employers to offer flexibility and understanding to parents striving to harmonize work and home responsibilities.

We challenge the rigid norms of corporate culture with a fresh take on work-life balance, particularly in the realm of remote work. Productivity isn’t about clocking in an arbitrary eight hours; it’s about the quality and timeliness of what you achieve. With techniques like the Pomodoro method, we explore how short, focused work intervals can boost efficiency. It's a call for organizations to see employees as humans with dynamic needs, especially in at-will employment states where job security is precarious. Working mothers often face unique hurdles, and there's an urgent need for workplaces to evolve and offer genuine support.

Managing a community is no small feat, and Kendra shares her insights on creating a positive, focused environment for working moms in the Beyond the Ninth app. This isn’t about the vast, often overwhelming landscape of traditional social media—it's about crafting a space that offers authentic connection and understanding. We delve into the intricacies of managing community expectations and maintaining personal balance while leading with love and support. Discover why having a dedicated platform is vital for mothers seeking connection free from the noise and judgment of the online world, and how these spaces can provide the encouragement they need most.

Catch up with Kendra Pennington on LinkedIn to see what she’s creating with Beyond the Ninth.

Episode #20 Cracking the Code: How Emotion and Technology Fuel Entrepreneurial Success

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:30:00 -0600

Growing up on stage in the world of musical theater, I learned more than just how to sing and dance.

Those early days, playing roles like Annie and taking on Shakespearean characters, taught me the art of emotional connection—a skill that has profoundly influenced my journey as an entrepreneur.

Join me, Megan Donnelly, as I explore how the lessons of theater have shaped my approach to creating unforgettable user and customer experiences.

By marrying creativity with technology, I've discovered the secret to crafting business systems that don't just work but resonate deeply with audiences, leaving them moved and satisfied—just like a stellar performance.

This episode invites you to see your brand, products, and services through the lens of a theatrical performance, where the real magic lies in the emotional impact on your audience.

We discuss the power of storytelling and humor in creating memorable experiences and highlight the pivotal role that emotions play in the world of branding.

By focusing on the feelings you want your audience to carry with them and the stories they’ll share, you can elevate your brand to new heights.

Tune in to reflect on how your past experiences can shape your future success, both on stage and in the business world.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) The Power of Emotional Connection

(11:53) Creating Emotional Resonance Through Branding

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) The Power of Emotional Connection

This chapter explores how my background in musical theater and performing arts has uniquely shaped my abilities as an entrepreneur, particularly in enhancing user and customer experiences. Growing up on stage, from playing roles like Annie and Shakespearean characters to performing in jazz bands, taught me the importance of connecting with an audience and tapping into their emotions. This artistic journey honed my skills in understanding and prioritizing customer satisfaction, similar to how a performer seeks to leave their audience moved and happy. I share how using both the analytical and creative sides of my brain has allowed me to bridge the gap between creativity and technology, making me a "unicorn" in the business world. Through storytelling and humor, I emphasize the importance of crafting experiences that resonate, whether on stage or in the world of automation and business systems.

(11:53) Creating Emotional Resonance Through Branding

This chapter focuses on the concept of viewing your brand, products, and services as a show, emphasizing the importance of the emotional experience you create for your audience. I explore how crucial it is to consider what feelings you want your audience to have after engaging with your brand and what stories you want them to share with others. By identifying the emotions you aim to evoke, you can craft a memorable experience that resonates with your audience. The episode wraps up with a reminder that technology is only beneficial when it functions properly, and an invitation to join us next week for more insights.

Episode #19 Mastering LinkedIn Content: Insights from Supergrow's Journey with Utsav Patel

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:30:00 -0600

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your LinkedIn engagement with our special guest, Utsav Patel, co-founder and CMO of Supergrow. You'll hear the riveting story of how Elon Musk's unexpected acquisition of Twitter led to a seismic shift in Utsav and his co-founder Devin's entrepreneurial journey, compelling them to create Supergrow. This episode is packed with invaluable lessons on adapting to sudden market changes and transforming challenges into groundbreaking opportunities.

Dive into the burgeoning LinkedIn creator economy and discover why it's poised for an explosive future akin to Instagram and TikTok. We unpack Supergrow's commitment to compliance with LinkedIn's terms of service, demonstrating how maintaining this balance not only safeguards user accounts but also promotes a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for content creators. Learn how Supergrow navigates these complexities to provide a robust tool that aligns with LinkedIn's rules, ensuring your content strategy remains unscathed.

From crafting high-quality posts with AI formatting to overcoming creative blocks with an inspiration feed, Supergrow is a game-changer for content creators. Hear firsthand about the new scheduling feature that automates previously tedious tasks, making your LinkedIn presence more strategic and less time-consuming. We also touch on the work-life balance challenges faced in the startup world and share strategies that have helped the Supergrow team maintain equilibrium. Join us for an inspiring discussion that reaffirms Supergrow's status as an indispensable tool for anyone serious about LinkedIn content creation.

CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Building Supergrow

(11:19) Navigating LinkedIn Compliance and Building Supergrow

(21:07) Maximizing Content Creation With Supergrow

(32:13) Balancing Work and Future Features

CHAPTERS WITH LONG SUMMARIES

(00:00) Building Supergrow

This chapter focuses on an engaging discussion with Utsav, co-founder and CMO of Supergrow, an innovative AI tool designed to enhance LinkedIn content formatting for better engagement. We explore Utsav's journey, including the challenges faced when Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter led to a sudden price hike in the Twitter API, forcing Utsav and his co-founder Devin to pivot from their initial projects. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and finding new opportunities, ultimately leading to the creation of Supergrow. We discuss how Supergrow simplifies the process of crafting effective LinkedIn posts by focusing on formatting techniques used by top creators, making it easier for users to grow their followers and boost engagement.

(11:19) Navigating LinkedIn Compliance and Building Supergrow

This chapter explores the growing concerns and excitement around LinkedIn's creator economy and its future. We discuss the platform's current state and speculate on whether LinkedIn will face an implosion or continue to thrive. Emphasizing LinkedIn's bullish stance on creators, we predict an explosion of content creation similar to what platforms like Instagram and TikTok have experienced. Additionally, we delve into the challenges of maintaining compliance with LinkedIn's terms of service, highlighting the rigorous measures taken to ensure that our software remains within permissible boundaries. By prioritizing adherence to LinkedIn's rules, we aim to safeguard user accounts and foster a sustainable ecosystem for content creators.

(21:07) Maximizing Content Creation With Supergrow

This chapter highlights the remarkable capabilities of Supergrow, a powerful tool designed to aid creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners in generating high-quality content efficiently. We explore how Supergrow assists users in crafting posts, formatting them with AI, and utilizing various templates, including custom and popular formats. The tool also features an inspiration feed to help overcome creative blocks, and offers functionalities like carousel creation and brand tone settings, which enhance the consistency and personalization of content. Additionally, we discuss the ease of use and the positive impact Supergrow has had on our team over the past year, reaffirming its value as a must-have tool for content creation.

(32:13) Balancing Work and Future Features

This chapter explores the challenges and strategies of achieving work-life balance while building a startup, especially in the early, intense stages of development. We discuss the initial lack of balance, long hours, and the eventual establishment of routines, such as waking up early, working out, and delegating tasks. The conversation highlights the importance of loving what you do to endure the initial hardships and avoid burnout. We also touch on a new feature release from Super Grow that allows creators to schedule posts and comments on LinkedIn, addressing a previously manual and time-consuming task. Additionally, we consider the evolving norms around using tools for automated engagement on social media platforms.

Connect with Utsav Patel on Linkedin, co-founder and CMO of Supergrow, to learn how to skyrocket your LinkedIn engagement, adapt to market changes, and leverage AI tools for content creation.

Episode #18 Optimize Your Business for Just $6/Month – A Step-by-Step Guide for Solopreneurs and Small Teams

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:30:00 -0600

In this episode, The Queen of Automation explains how to optimize a business using Google for just $6 a month.

Meghan demonstrates four ways Google can help run a business, including using branded email templates, creating a filtering system for emails, utilizing Google Drive for task management, and using Google Chat for communication.

She also shows how to schedule emails, set up meetings, and manage contacts within Gmail, emphasizing the importance of having a paid version of Google for business purposes.

Chapters