You Can’t Make All the Mistakes Yourself

Jessica Fialkovich is the Co-founder and CEO of Exit Factor, which teaches entrepreneurs how to buy, build, and sell their small to midsize companies. She is a business expert, author, speaker, and small business advocate. When Jessica sold her first business a decade ago, she had no idea where to start. Fortunately, she was able to exit successfully and buy her next company — a business brokerage office. For 10 years, she has built the fastest growing and most successful business brokerage firm in the US, but realized that most business owners who decide to sell are not prepared.

In founding her education firm, Exit Factor, Jessica decided to pull back the curtain about how the business sales process works and give buyers and sellers the tools to successfully and profitably complete a transaction. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has successfully built and sold two startups along with her husband and business partner Al.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• What drove Jessica Fialkovich to start Decanted Wines
• Jessica shares why she sold her wine business and what she learned from the experience
• How Jessica bought a business brokerage firm
• Jessica describes the process of writing her book and reveals a practical anecdote
• Jessica’s speaking engagements — and the most impactful advice she has ever received
• How Jessica works with her husband and leads like a woman

In this episode…

As an entrepreneur, the journey to success is often challenging as you encounter obstacles, make mistakes, and face your fears. So how can you facilitate this process effectively?

Jessica Fialkovich says you don’t have to try every strategy to find what works and what doesn’t. Instead, learn from other’s mistakes to make better decisions. This advice has helped Jessica successfully acquire, sell, and exit many businesses. Now, she’s developed educational resources to help entrepreneurs in their process.

In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Jessica Fialkovich, the Co-founder and CEO of Exit Factor, to talk about helping entrepreneurs sell and exit their businesses. Jessica also talks about her book, her speaking engagements, and the lessons she learned in her entrepreneurial journey.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Exit Factor
• Jessica Fialkovich on LinkedIn
• Albert Fialkovich on LinkedIn
• Getting the Most for Selling Your Business: How to Get Top Dollar for the Company You’ve Nurtured for Years by Jessica Fialkovich and Anne Mary Ciminelli 
• A Million Ways to A Million Dollars by San Bristol
• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
• Entrepreneurs Organization (EO)
• EO’s Global Speakers Academy (GSA)
• EO Alchemy 2022

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

[The Men Who Support the Women] Remove the Obstacle

Stephen Shortt is the Managing Director of ETC Consult and is involved in different industries including leadership development, psychometric selection, entrepreneurship, and education both nationally and internationally. He is the former Global Chair of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, which supports student entrepreneurs around the world. He’s also served on the global committee for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Accelerator Program.

Stephen spent many years fine-tuning his “why” to help him get more clarity about what he wanted to do with his life. And it all boils down to two words: aspire and empower. He wants to help individuals and teams aspire to a better future and empower them to get there. Stephen has delivered seminars and workshops, moderated panel discussions, and acted as the emcee for a range of international events on the topics like entrepreneurship, international communication, leadership, social media marketing, audiovisual marketing, and more.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Stephen Shortt shares his perspective on the elevation of female leaders over the last 20 years
• Why Stephen is a feminist and created the blog, Feminist Father
• What are the barriers to women leading in society, and how can we address them?
• Stephen shares an eye-opening conversation regarding unconscious bias and limiting beliefs
• How to honor the different skills and traits of women
• The best advice Stephen received from a mentor — and his advice to women who feel like there are so many barriers in leadership
• Stephen talks about his superpower

In this episode…

When it comes to leadership, women are often judged not based on their skills, value, or the results they can bring — they’re often judged based on gender stereotypes. So what can we do to address these issues and reach a more equitable world?

Oftentimes, our unconscious bias leads us to make generalized assumptions. But it’s our job to challenge those assumptions in order to create a better, more equitable future. We have to move past the labels and understand that each individual has a unique skill set, no matter their gender.

In this episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show, Andrea Heuston sits down with Stephen Shortt, Managing Director of ETC Consult. Stephen shares how he became a feminist father for his daughters’ future, how one seemingly ordinary conversation with his sister changed his whole perspective on men’s roles in supporting women leaders, how to challenge unconscious bias and limiting beliefs on gender, and so much more!

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Stephen Shortt on LinkedIn
• Stephen Shortt’s website
• Feminist Father
• Successful Succession
• Karl Funke on LinkedIn

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

We Are All Worthy of Help

Lauren Reed is the Founder and President of Reed Public Relations. She earned her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation in 2010 and has been a long-standing member of the Public Relations Society of America, serving as President of the Nashville chapter in 2017.

Lauren is a member of the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and serves on the board of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). She has been named to the Nashville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and its list of Most Admired CEOs in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. She also received a Nashville Emerging Leader Award from the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Lauren was named to the Nashville Post’s In Charge list and has been featured in publications such as StyleBlueprint, Bizwomen, and The New York Times. She is a mother of three, one of whom is a three-month old baby.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Lauren Reed explains how she started an agency
• What went right for Lauren when she started Reed Public Relations?
• Lauren shares her experience climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, recovering from a ski accident, and the lessons she learned from asking for help
• Lauren’s advice for a woman struggling to ask for help
• Lauren talks about her superpower and shares her contact details

In this episode…

Do you find it difficult to ask for help from others? Do you think asking for help makes you weak? Do you fear rejection?

Unknown to many women, reaching out to others and asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Many people are willing to help you not only in the business environment but also at a personal level. Everyone is worthy of receiving help.

Lauren Reed, the Founder and President of Reed Public Relations, joins Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show to discuss why women are worthy of getting help. Lauren also shares her journey to entrepreneurship and talks about the lessons she learned from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and recovering from a ski accident. Stay tuned.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Reed Public Relations
• Reed Public Relations on Instagram
• Lauren Reed on LinkedIn
• Lauren Reed on Instagram
• Lead Like a Woman: Tales From the Trenches by Lauren Reed, et al.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

You Are SO Worthy

Susan Drumm is the Founder and CEO of Meritage Leadership, a leadership consulting firm built on the principle that people are the most important asset of any business. Susan is an advisor and leadership coach focused on helping leaders and their teams develop the capacity and mindsets to lead in today’s disruptive environment. She has been running the boutique consulting firm since 2006 and has graduate degrees from Harvard Law School, Carnegie Mellon University, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. 

In 2021, Susan launched a YouTube channel and podcast called The Enlightened Executive, where she spotlights groundbreaking techniques and strategies to help executives and entrepreneurs get the edge in personal and leadership effectiveness. She is a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and volunteers her time with several boards and organizations including Board Developer and Selfless Givers. Susan serves clients globally and lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is passionate about travel, hiking, pilates, and healthy living. She recently added a new family member, Jasmine, a Toy Australian shepherd.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Susan Drumm’s education and career background — and how she got into leadership consulting
• What went right for Susan when she started Meritage Leadership?
• Susan talks about the Leaders Playlist, explains how to shift states using music, and talks about the importance of negative emotions
• Susan’s advice to women who are ready to make shifts in their lives
• The best piece of advice Susan has received and her superpower
• Where to learn more and get in touch with Susan Drumm

In this episode…

If you have reached your limits and are tired of living the kind of life you currently live, then it’s time for you to make changes. If you want to be present and live an authentic life, it’s important that you stop old, unproductive patterns and embrace new habits.  

Susan Drumm advises women to use music to make shifts in their lives. It’s not just about listening to good music but creating playlists of uplifting songs that resonate with you. You have to build your self-worth, confidence, and feminine energy, and learn how to trust yourself.

In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Susan Drumm, the Founder and CEO of Meritage Leadership, to talk about how music can transform your leadership and your life. Susan also talks about the value of leveraging relationships to build a business, the lessons she learned from doing drama, and how to use music intentionally to get where you want to be. Stay tuned.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Meritage Leadership
• Susan Drumm’s website
• Susan Drumm’s Quiz
• Susan Drumm on LinkedIn
• Susan Drumm’s YouTube channel
• The Enlightened Executive podcast
• BCG
• “Just Start” with Joyce Shulman

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

The Outgoing Introvert

Natasha Miller is the Founder and Chief Experience Designer of Entire Productions, the go-to experience design event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco. She has been on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America for three years in a row. Her passion and commitment to giving back drive her invariable contributions and participation with numerous charitable organizations.

Natasha also performs as a jazz vocalist and is a trained classical violinist. She is a proud graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and has studied entrepreneurship at the Harvard Business School and MIT. She is also a member of the Recording Academy, ASCAP, SF Travel, and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). She resides in San Francisco, California, where she is a member and on the board of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• Natasha Miller’s background in music and how she got into event production
• What has led to the growth of Entire Productions and its entry to the Inc. 5000 list?
• What went right for Natasha as she grew her business?
• Natasha explains what an outgoing introvert means and talks about the mission of her podcast, Fascinating Entrepreneurs
• The most interesting event Natasha has organized
• How Natasha became a homeless teen, her advice to a person feeling lost, and how she empowers women
• Natasha’s superpower and how to get in touch with her

In this episode…

Being an introvert does not mean that you cannot be outgoing, vivacious, and a top performer. You can be your best self but still set boundaries on how much time you spend with others, both professionally and personally.

As a person who identifies herself as an outgoing introvert, Natasha Miller knows very well what this means. She enjoys spending a big chunk of her time alone despite being at the helm of an event production company. She is not shy and lets other people know what to expect when working with her.

Natasha Miller, the Founder and Chief Experience Designer at Entire Productions, joins Andrea Heuston in this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show where she talks about growing a multimillion-dollar event production company. Natasha also explains what an outgoing introvert refers to, talks about setting boundaries, and describes the importance of seeking mentorship. Stay tuned.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Entire Productions
• Natasha Miller’s website
• Natasha Miller on LinkedIn
• Relentless: My Journey from a Homeless Shelter to the Inc. 5000 by Natasha Miller
• Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
• Jason Feifer on LinkedIn
• Fascinating Entrepreneurs
• Andrea Heuston on the Fascinating Entrepreneurs podcast
• Dreamforce
• Salesforce

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.

Take Off Your Hero Cape

Marina Byezhanova is a Soviet-born, Ukraine-raised, and Canada-based entrepreneur, whose goal is to scale the reach of people’s voices. Growing up, she experienced what it was like to not have a voice. Her life’s mission is to inspire people to own their narrative.

As Co-founder of a personal branding agency called Brand of a Leader, Marina has been quoted and referenced in publications such as Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, Success Magazine, Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Post. She has spoken to audiences of entrepreneurs and business executives in North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Marina is a proud member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and is presently the Canadian Social Media Expert serving on the regional board of directors.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

• How Marina Byezhanova’s companies help people find their voice and stand out
• Why Marina founded Pronexia, InfluenceHR, and Brand of a Leader
• What went right for Marina when she started her companies
• How Andrea Heuston has been building her business around her ‘why’
• Marina explains what focusing on radical authenticity means to her
• What drives Marina to help entrepreneurs stand out through personal branding?
• Marina explains how she migrated to Canada and how she leads like a woman
• The most impactful piece of advice Marina has received from a mentor and her advice to women trying to find their voice
• Marina’s superpower and contact details

In this episode…

Marina Byezhanova, a serial entrepreneur, lives her life and builds her businesses centered around authenticity. She believes in the power of being yourself, being unique, and accepting who you are. However, this was not always the case.

When Marina moved to Canada from Ukraine, she wanted to fit in with the young people in her new environment. She changed her lifestyle, way of dressing, and even her hairstyle just to fit in. However, she later realized that she was unique — and fitting in was not as important as she thought. Marina went on to start and build three companies and always ensured that she focused on authenticity, the companies’ culture, and core values, even if at times she lost clients because of that.

In this episode of the Lead Like A Woman Show, Andrea Heuston is joined by Marina Byezhanova, the Co-founder of Brand of a Leader, to discuss the importance of being an authentic leader. They also talk about the importance of building a business around a culture, being guided by core values, and why entrepreneurs should understand their ‘why’ for going into business.

Resources Mentioned in this episode

• Artitudes Design
• Brand of a Leader
• Marina Byezhanova on LinkedIn
• Pronexia
• InfluenceHR
• Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO)
• Global Leadership Conference (GLC)
• EO Accelerator
• Simon Sinek
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Artitudes Design by Andrea Heuston. Artitudes Design is an award-winning creative agency that has been creating visual communication for Fortune 500 companies for over 25 years. They have worked with notable companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Expedia, and have also served startups and nonprofit organizations.

They specialize in connecting speakers with audiences by creating visual value with presentations and through the creation of motion graphics, video, and content.

To learn more about Artitudes Design, visit their website today. Checkout their portfolio to see their previous projects, and contact them today to find out how they can help you bring your business a cut above the rest.