Episodes
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Amy Choi is the co-founder of WorkFree, the first freelance platform powered by communities. As a former freelancer and global professional with 15+ years of experience across tech sales, recruitment, and digital marketing, Amy understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities in the freelance ecosystem.
In this episode, Amy shares how her transition to freelancing after becoming a mother led to creating WorkFree, a unique three-sided marketplace connecting freelance communities, talent, and clients. Our conversation explores the innovative approach of putting communities at the center of freelance work, recognizing and formalizing the organic networks that freelancers have always used to find work and support each other.
We discuss the intentional design decisions behind WorkFree's platform, the importance of creating win-win-win scenarios for all participants, and how understanding the freelance experience firsthand leads to more thoughtful, effective solutions for the independent workforce.
Whether you're a freelancer, community leader, or company looking to build stronger relationships with independent talent, Amy's practical wisdom and innovative approach offer valuable insights into the future of freelance work.
Learn more about Amy on her website or LinkedIn
For more content and live events go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com
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Melisa Liberman is a business coach for independent consultants and author of "Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a Reality."
In this episode, she shares her journey from corporate executive to accidental entrepreneur, offering deep insights into the mindset shifts required when transitioning from corporate to independent work. Her story is particularly compelling because it highlights a common experience among consultants: the unexpected challenge of rebuilding identity and confidence outside the corporate structure.
Our conversation explores the nuanced differences between freelancers, consultants, and other independent workers, but more importantly, dives into the psychological aspects of this career transition. Even professionals with impressive credentials and extensive experience face imposter syndrome and self-doubt when striking out on their own. Melisa's candid discussion about her own journey from being labeled "sales repellent" in her corporate role to successfully running her own business provides valuable insights for anyone considering or currently navigating the independent path.
We also discuss the critical mindset shifts required for success - from embracing failure as a learning opportunity to developing a business owner's perspective. The conversation reveals how the transition from corporate to independent work isn't just about changing how you work, but fundamentally transforming how you think about yourself and your value in the marketplace.
Whether you're considering the leap to independent consulting or already running your own practice, Melisa's practical wisdom and honest insights about the realities of building a consulting business offer valuable guidance for creating a sustainable independent career.
Learn more about Melisa:
Grow Your Consulting Business: The 14-Step Roadmap to Make Your Independent Consulting Goals a RealityGrow Your Independent Consulting Business Podcast LinkedInFor more content and live events go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
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Rachel Renock has been an incredible innovator in the freelance space, and this conversation barely scratches the surface of her expertise in helping independents build more profitable and collaborative businesses.
In this episode, we dive deep into the future of freelance work, exploring what Rachel calls "virtual studios" - a model where freelancers team up fluidly to tackle bigger projects and scale their businesses without the traditional overhead of agencies. Drawing from her experience as both a former advertising creative and now the CEO of Wethos, Rachel shares invaluable insights on:
The power of collaborative freelancing and building "elastic" businesses Why transparency in pricing is crucial for the entire freelance ecosystem How to think about scaling a service-based business without falling into common traps The importance of focusing on profitability over productivity How crowdsourced data can help freelancers command better ratesWhether you're a solo freelancer looking to grow your business or someone interested in the future of work, Rachel's perspective on building more sustainable and profitable independent businesses is a must-listen.
Learn more about Rachel.
For more content and live events go to https://www.fruitioninitiatives.com
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It was a pleasure having Steve King, a founding partner of Emergent Research, on the podcast. With over 25 years of experience, his work focuses on the future of work, particularly how it impacts small businesses, independent workers, and the gig economy.
Our conversation covers a range of topics, including the post-pandemic rise in full-time freelancing, the impact of AI on independent work, and the changing perceptions of freelancing in academia and business. Steve offers unique insights as both a researcher and a practitioner, running Emergent Research as a two-person operation that leverages freelance talent.
We discuss the importance of understanding risk profiles for freelancers, the need for better systems to connect independent workers with clients, and the exciting opportunities that new technologies bring to the freelance world. Whether you're an independent professional or a company leader, this episode provides valuable insights into the trends shaping the future of work.
To learn more about Steve go to www.emergentresearch.com or his LinkedIn.
For more content and live events go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
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Matthew has been an invaluable thought leader in the freelance ecosystem, and this conversation barely scratches the surface of his deep expertise in the future of work and the freelance economy.
We dive into some fascinating topics that are crucial for both freelancers and the companies that hire them like:
The "Expert's Curse" in consulting and how it affects freelancers transitioning from corporate roles - Whether the freelance economy is truly a revolution or more of an evolutionThe challenges companies face in scaling freelance programs and how we can address themThe power (and pitfalls) of terminology in our industry - from "gig work" to "consulting" to "fractional"How the future of work is shaping up and what it means for both independent professionals and traditional businessesWhether you're a solo consultant aiming to build a sustainable business or a company leader interested in leveraging freelance talent more effectively, this episode offers valuable insights that will help you navigate the changing landscape of work.
To learn more about Matthew:
Follow Human Cloud
Follow on LinkedIn
Follow Human Cloud on LinkedIn
Listen to the Human Cloud Podcast
Buy the Human Cloud BookFor more content and live events go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
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Laura has been an amazing thought partner and this conversation is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of her deep expertise helping independent consultants build sustainable businesses.
In this episode we talk about her consultant blueprint, becoming an accidental entrepreneur, and the future of work.
To learn more about Laura, go to her website, LinkedIn, Youtube, or Medium.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Kristin and I are kindred spirits! I’ve been taking on more fractional COO engagements, and I’m not alone.
The rise of the Fractional C-suite freelancer has been prominent over the last few years. That’s one of the many reasons why I wanted to talk to Kristin and compare Fractional COO experiences.
In 2021, Kristin took a leap of faith by leaving her secure job to pursue a goal she'd been dreaming about for years—to travel the world full-time (with her husband and toddler) and to start a new business that she could operate on the road. And that's when Virtual COO was born.
Her passion for helping small business owners started when she was young in an entrepreneurial home.
She studied business and has spent her career in leadership, operations, strategy and events, running a successful event P&L for four years and growing it from $8M to $16M in top line revenue.
She has now helped numerous small businesses with their operations and strategy needs. Her mission is to help small business owners narrow their priorities and deliver results—her team is excited to do that for you!
Learn more about Kristin on her website or on LinkedIn.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Yurii is on a mission to build connections among freelancers and bring greater visibility to the joys and sorrows that we all deal with. We had a great conversation about the power of community, defining work for ourselves, and holding space for each other.
Learn more about Yurri on LinkedIn and Substack.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Reuben created the “anti-CRM” for freelancers and consultants based on his own experience building a solopreneur business.
His platform is based on key values that successful freelancers share, including valuing relationships above all else.
In this episode talk about the power of positioning, the “relationship business,” and the non-linear journey that is freelancing.
To learn more about Reuben, go to www.mimiran.com or www.salesfornerds.io.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Úna and Peter are some of my most favorite people and this conversation was one of the best so far. They started their freelance ecosystem in Ireland in response to the need for support during the pandemic and it has grown exponentially since then. In this episode we talk about having each others’ backs, learning how to build a business based on values, elevating freelancing, and much more.
To learn more about Úna and Peter, visit their website, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
To learn more about Sarah, go to the website. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe athttps://www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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I had a great time talking with Ryan about all things soloprenuer finances.
Ryan is a solopreneur finance expert who is committed to helping business owners understand their numbers and feel in control of their money.
He grew up in Southern California and went to college at Arizona State University where he graduated with a Master's Degree in Accounting and started down the typical accounting path, working in Big 4 accounting firms, earning his CPA, and working for Fortune 500 companies.
However, as he got deeper into the corporate path, he began to feel empty. Like the work he was doing was valuable, but providing no value. He realized that a deep value for him is making an impact in his professional work. There are business owners out there that don't understand their numbers and he is committed to filling the role of helping them understand.
Over the years, one thing has become clear… he loves diving into confusing situations and forging a way forward. Money is relevant to everyone's life, and he loves how intertwined it is with emotion. He is committed to helping everyone he encounters feel in control of their money.
Connect with Ryan:
LinkedInWebsiteTo learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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David Kaplan might be a new-ish freelancer, but he already knows the key to success - you just have to try! I had such a great conversation with David talking about learning by doing, mindset shifts, and the rewards of perseverance.
David is 29, from the Czech Republic, and now lives in Squamish, BC, Canada. He has a master's degree in engineering and started his web development business right after university. In 2022, he landed his first major project as a lead front-end developer for a hospital in the Czech Republic. Since then, he has focused on e-commerce development using the Shopify platform. Alongside his business, David is a passionate athlete who enjoys ski touring, mountaineering, running, and rock climbing. In the summer of 2023, he ran across Vancouver Island, covering nearly 400km in 9 days, to raise money for Doctors Without Borders.
To learn more about David, go to his website or follow him on LinkedIn or Facebook.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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When you bootstrap a micro-consulting platform as a side-hustle, you are for sure a hustler. Chrissy and Jim not only have created an awesome platform for people to share and monetize their unique talents, they’ve done it in a way that honors the unique contributions of their micro-consultants (aka Aces).
Chrissy is a co-founder and Chief Ace at Aces on Tap. She's passionate about helping people take control of their time and getting paid fairly for their talents. Chrissy has had a full-time job since she was a teenager, and she's also owned a few small businesses over the years - from dog training to martial arts event coordination. Handling every aspect of a small business is tough, and she thinks Aces on Tap can make that easier for people.
Jim Neitzel has always believed in the power of connecting people to solve problems. For decades, he's fulfilled this commitment by innovating in healthcare contact centers. Now, with Aces on Tap, Jim wants to be a part of removing the middle-man from information sharing and create a new paradigm of partnership.
Learn more about Aces on Tap on Instagram, Youtube, and their website.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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In this episode of The Hustlers Manifesto podcast, I interview Joe Sanok, a father, entrepreneur, and author of the book "Thursday is the New Friday". Joe shares his journey of starting his counseling private practice in 2006 and realizing he had no business skills whatsoever. He then started a podcast to interview people and learn tips, which eventually led him to grow his practice and sell it in 2019. Now, he podcasts, consults, and has membership communities to help people build thriving private practices they absolutely love.
We discuss the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, especially when working from home. Joe emphasizes the value of downtime and enjoying life, not just running from one event to the other. He also shares his insights on the changing nature of work, where people are realizing that outcomes matter more than sitting in a chair for 40 hours a week.
Joe's book "Thursday is the New Friday" is available at all bookstores online and explores concepts like finding your sprint type and the four-day workweek. He also hosts the "Practice of the Practice" podcast, which primarily targets service-based workers and owners but also offers general business advice.
To learn more about Joe Sanok, check out his podcast "Practice of the Practice", visit his website, or follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
For early access and transcriptions of The Hustlers Manifesto podcast, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com. To learn more about the host Sarah Duran, visit www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
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In this episode of The Hustlers Manifesto podcast, I interview Adam Faulkner, a proud freelance business owner and creator of the "Be FreelanceAF" course. Adam shares his journey of founding his freelance video production business "CreativeAF" at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and how he hasn't looked back since. We discuss the importance of creating opportunities for yourself, the myth of competition, and the power of building genuine relationships in your network.
Adam is a proud freelance business owner and creator of the "Be FreelanceAF" course. His calling has always been working for himself, having entrepreneurial parents. He founded his freelance video production business "CreativeAF" at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 and hasn’t looked back since. He creates video content that in-house teams can't and has worked with some incredible international clients. His mission now is helping the next wave of freelancers achieve freelance success. That's why he created the "Be FreelanceAF" course, showing freelancers how to turn their expertise into a freelance business success, create efficient systems that save time and money, and go from "regular" freelancer to standout freelancer.
Learn more about Adam on LinkedIn.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Karina Rehavia isn't building "just" another freelance marketplace; she's building an ecosystem for freelancers and their clients that focuses on an amazing experience on both sides of the equation. Plus, she's one of the most dedicated and passionate people I know. We talk about freelancing in Latin America, her no a**holes policy, and hope for 2024.
Karina is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a proven track record of innovative service offerings. In her 20-year career I’ve had the honor of contributing to the development and growth of business initiatives for some of the most prominent organizations in the world in the areas of international business development, management and large-scale project leadership, having lived and worked in Brazil, the USA, England, China and UAE. At Ollo, she investigates the future of work and new work-related ecosystems, helping companies and independent professionals navigate the challenges and opportunities of the open talent economy.
To learn more about Karina, connect on LinkedIn and learn more about Ollo.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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Anyone who names her business Uncompany is clearly a hustler at heart. Maari Casey cares so deeply about freelancers and the clients they serve. She's built an amazing company that helps freelancers build their businesses and find the right clients. We talk about the crazy year freelancers have had in 2023, what it's like to run a business where almost every is or has been a freelancer, and what is on the horizon for us in 2024.
Maari is an ad-agency art director turned freelancer turned entrepreneur. After leaving the full-time agency space she set-out into freelance only to discover a void between the quickly growing talent pool of freelance consultants and clients looking to connect with this resource. In 2015, Maari launched Uncompany to create a “soft place to land” for freelancers looking to connect for community, education and opportunities - as well as trusted resource for clients looking to grow, and scale their teams into a truly HYBRID workforce with freelance talent.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
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Jon is one of the most knowledgeable people about the freelance global context, and we get to pick his brain about what we can expect on the horizon for the freelance revolution. We talk about how both freelancers and platforms need to define what makes them special, the stages all freelancers go through in their work, and of course, what 2024 has in store for freelancers and the organizations that serve them.
Jon is an HR thought leader, author, teacher and early stage investor. Writing about the freelance revolution and the future of work. Books include HR From the Outside In, HR Transformation, and Agile Talent. Follow him on twitter @jon_younger, and check his Linkedin page for new articles.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com. For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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We're bringing back Anna Burgess Yang to help us think about how to plan for the new year as a freelancer. If you're ready to stop making the same New Year’s resolutions for your business but never achieving them and start investing in the support + structure you need to run your business instead of letting it run you, you can also sign up for my new year planning workshop series, The 2024 Freelance Flight Plan www.fruitioninitiatives.com/workshop.
Anna is a former product manager who left an executive role in 2021 to pursue an entirely different life. After bouncing around a few different jobs for two years, Anna is now a freelance technology writer and journalist. She is also obsessed with workflow automation and removing boring/tedious work from life. She helps freelancers and other solopreneurs do the same through written how-to guides and 1:1 workflow consulting. Anna lives in a suburb of Chicago with her husband, three kids, and three cats. In addition to client work, she writes on Medium, Substack, and has a newsletter.To learn more about Anna visit both of her websites https://annabyang.com/ and https://www.tinkeringwithideas.io/ and check out her writing at https://annabyang.medium.com/ and https://annabyang.substack.com/,
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com.
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When I came across John's company, Opolis, I knew we had to talk. Opolis is one of the companies pioneering the infrastructure that freelancers everywhere need for the future of work.
John Paller is a Denver-based blockchain entrepreneur, inventor and futurist, and the Founder and Executive Steward of Opolis, a Digital Employment Cooperative for independent workers. He is also the founder and Executive Steward of ETHDenver, the world’s largest Web3 and Ethereum-based festival. Prior to discovering Ethereum in 2015, John spent more than 15 years in the talent acquisition, HR Technology, and employment systems, building multiple successful enterprises. John brings a breadth of experience in fundraising, investor relations, community outreach and crypto economies, guiding his vision of democratizing employment and growing decentralized communities. In 2014, John was awarded “40 Under 40” by the Denver Business Journal for his contribution to shaping the future of business.To learn. more about John and Opolis visit https://opolis.co/.
To learn more about Sarah, go to www.fruitioninitiatives.com.
For early access and transcriptions, subscribe at www.thehustlersmanifesto.com
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