Episodes
-
As a business girlie, beauty girlie, fitness girlie, fashion girlie….I’ve made a lot of bad money decisions that continue to haunt me. I mean, I’ve processed most of them in therapy and I’ve gotten wiser over the years, but sometimes, it annoys me thinking about them!
Years and years of being in the social media eye did not help, too. In this episode, I’ve distilled some of the most common bad money decisions that ladies make, regrettable purchases I made when I started to make more money, purchases that somehow made it to my life even though I had no intention of enjoying it, all the weird mental gymnastics this took, and how you can get over it, too.
You got this, girl! If you love this episode, you may also like: How I Paid Off My Debt Fast
Disclaimer: I am aware that certain systemic injustices can put a lot of ladies in a bad financial situation, so when I say “broke” in this podcast, it means “money tight when they should not be”.
-
As a former competitive poker player and pretty much a very “F it, let’s do it!” kind of person sometimes, I needed to know how to properly calculate risk. Over the years, I’ve had wins and made mistakes, and I reflected on this topic so I can share my best advice for you.
So grab a warm drink (or a spritzy cold one) and enjoy this episode about how to lessen risks in life and business. Then let me know what you think of it! :) Find me on Instagram at @karlastefan.
Also check out - How to Solve Problems episode here.
-
Missing episodes?
-
Just in the past year, I’ve traveled to seven countries. Add maybe four more for layovers.
I recently got hit with a surprise trip back to the Philippines, where I had to travel over 30 hours to stay there for a few weeks. And get this – it was super easy.
I don’t get jetlagged (yep, never in my life) and I learned a few things along the way so that I can keep my diet and business in order even when I’m taking these crazy trips.
Definitely did not come easy – I’ve had missed flights, missed calls, missed business, and I used to just accept that my health won’t be the priority because I’m traveling.
This is not the case anymore. Dive in as I share my best tips for no-jetlag travel, and my best advice for getting your health and business in order even when you’re traveling.
P.S. Well I won’t lie, having a fully outsourced team helps A LOT! So if you need help for that, you know where to find me. ;)
Peep my travels here: @karlastefan (Instagram)
-
Have you ever thought about starting a speaking career or hitting up stages to grow your business? You’re in for a treat!
Veteran educator, emcee, and standup comedian Adam Palmeter sits with me today to talk about how to prep for public speaking, how to grow a “creative” career without going broke, surprising ways to build up your confidence, key benefits for entrepreneurs as they nurture their speaking career, and easy ways to get over stagefright.
I’ve been in the public speaking circuit since I was in high school, and I learned so many new things in this conversation. If you are ever curious about this, prep your fave beverage, put on your Airpods while at the gym, and listen in.
***
Adam is a multi-media artist who has done hundreds of mural, writing, children’s book, and public speaking projects. He has also a thriving career as a teacher and coach, and has performed comedy in 22 countries. Check out Adam’s work and adventures at AdamPalmeter.com.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adampalmeter/
Website: https://www.adampalmeter.com/
-
It’s pretty straightforward: we had a great conversation about 10 Uncanny Ways to Find Great Hires.
Last week I sat with the Founder of BarbellJobs.com, hiring expert and business broker Sebastian Gast. We talked about some of our best hires, our “creative” ways in finding them, secret green flags to look out for, and we also dispelled some myths and discussed nuances about hiring.
(Side note: listen to why I specifically love hiring friends and family, and how I still uphold merit over nepotism.)
Follow Sebastian on Linkedin.
***
Sebastian is the current owner of BarbellJobs.com, an online job board for the fitness industry. He acquired the site in 2023, following his previous experience as a brick and mortar fitness studio owner. Despite growing the location to #1 in Colorado and Top 20 in the country, hiring talent was consistently one of his (and the fitness industry's) biggest challenges. He is really passionate about small business and is still a licensed business broker. While he has also worked in corporate roles, he is energized by learning from other entrepreneurs and non-conventional career paths. He is Colombian, a triple citizen, and lives with his wife, two kids, and a dog in Colorado.
If you liked this episode share it with an entrepreneur friend and tag us! It will really make our day. You rock! :)
-
This is a special encore podcast episode sponsored by Social Media Pro, home to the world’s best social media certification courses.
In this episode we talked about weaving humor in your marketing. We discussed…
How to be funny but still be on the “safe side” of things 3 surprising moneymaking benefits to making someone laughWhat really brings engagement in your posts (not HUMOR per se…)Why humor is the “cheapest” way to build a connection Can humor be learned or not?I really enjoyed this episode so if you like it, I’d appreciate sharing it with your friends, too. :)
Check out Social Media Pro’s suite of certifications if you want to get better at the top social media trends! Buy it for you or your team, and get the best info from the best sources.
Follow me on Instagram and check out my stories for some funny stuff daily ;)
-
In business, we always make that mistake of mismanaging money. Whether it’s a misguided purchase or just poor projection, a lot of us struggle to really “get this right”. If you are one of us, then this podcast is for you.
Eric is a digital marketing strategist who supports two families in Peru and USA, and is open about sharing his tips on frugality and money management on social media. His recent post about budgeting a $1500 a month budget in Texas got mixed reactions from people, and it led me to find him and pick his brain on the topic of frugality.
(Now, while that budget seems like a lot in some countries, in the USA many will consider this on the lower end.)
In this episode, we discuss…
His story on spending time in a developed and in a developing country, how different it was, and his theory on why immigrants have a higher likelihood of success in the US Do you need to be broke to be frugal? Or do you need to be frugal so you don’t become broke?Some stupid money decisions we’ve made in the past (yes I shared some of mine, too!) Why some people refuse to be frugal, and why there is a negative viewpoint on thisTools and resources that help with budgeting and staying frugalFollow Eric and his musings here: https://www.facebook.com/ericridenour333
And let me know what you think of this episode! Drop a comment, reply, a rating or send me a DM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlastefan/
-
As of today, my podcast is two years old.
It’s one of the things that has immensely ROI’d many, many times over, because I sought the help of experts before starting, and I also learned from my mistakes along the way.
I’ve had a lot of opportunities directly from the podcast… from hot leads, to profitable affiliate partnerships,Some highlights…
Top 5 best benefits of a well-done podcast 4 Points of clarity you need to build before you start your podcast Keep it simple: a few things you really need to start a good podcast Top tips for maximum exposure during your launch and what you should optimize for 4 Ways to make the most out of your podcast, on a revenue generation standpoint The ONE BEST TIP for people to guarantee podcast longevityFor those who want to start their own podcast, make their current podcast better, or someone who is keen to fully take advantage of the benefits of a podcast, this is a GREAT EPISODE to listen to.
P.S. Take advantage of Proximity’s all-in podcast production offer for just $595 a month for the first 20 clients. DM me on Instagram @karlastefan to grab your spot!
-
What if your personal life and socialization can be as organized and as efficient as your business life?
This can now stop being just a fantasy as we sit with Kieran for today’s episode about systematizing one’s personal life.
Kieran Browning is an efficiency consultant who has been spending the last 4 years helping entrepreneurs, especially mompreneurs, streamline their systems and processes to free up 20+ hours a week of their time
Listen in as we talk about…
The book that inspired it all (you might know this if you’re a location independent entrepreneur just like me!) What his non negotiables are in terms of planning his social life/ personal listWhat is a burnout score and how do you deal with it?If you’re burnt out, the quality of your decisions are bad (deep dive)Three qualities of a good system for your personal life (very important)If you’re a business owner, a busy mompreneur, and or know one that would need Keiran’s amazing operations and systems genius, connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieranbrowning/ or his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kieranbrowning1/
If you loved this episode, pls drop us a comment and a rating! We’d appreciate it. :) - Karla
-
If you grew up in a poor family, one thing that you might not know is that you may have been operating on a scarcity mindset.
Join me and Andy as we talk about our childhood and all the times our parents emphasized how important it was to save money, how money is scarce, and how we need to work hard and be cheap all the time.
As we grew older and became entrepreneurs, we started to look at money differently.
Andy shares…
His first business and how entrepreneurship and creating value “clicked” in this head How he found a mentor and his 3 TIP on how to be a powerful protege, basically how to attract good mentors as well His ONE ACTIVITY, ONE THING that made him change his scarcity mindset His huge mistake as he was starting to make money, something he wished he’s done earlier His main advice to people who are looking to grow their money and not make stupid mistakesHow his business helps other small and medium business owners organize their sales and customer relationships (stop leaving money on the table!)Andy Audate is a renowned small business marketing expert and the founder of Progreda. With a proven track record, he specializes in assisting small businesses in effectively marketing their high-ticket services through webinars that have attracted over 9,500 entrepreneurs.
Andy's SaaS has achieved a seven-figure run rate, and his guidance has empowered thousands of small businesses to create marketing campaigns that have collectively generated $20+ million in revenue.
Progreda helps organize and speed up sales for small and medium business. It’s an all-in-one email marketing, funnel, call follow ups, and CRM platform. Try Progreda for 14 DAYS FREE using this link:
Follow Andy’s inspiring business adventures here.
-
There were many times in my life when I needed to put my game face on because I gotta pay a huge amount of debt.
My biggest, most challenging story with debt happened when I lost my dad at 22.
He spent two months in the ICU, and his meds were costing us at least $800 a day.
My mom worked hard day and night to care for him, I went out and made as much money as I could, and we borrowed from so many people.
Unfortunately, after all of that work, my dad passed away.
We experienced a loss much bigger than money.
Losing my dad was one of the most painful moments of my life. So painful it even dwarfed the fact that I owed over $60,000 USD (3 million pesos) when I was barely making $1,000 a month that time.
So I got to work right away, did my best to support my family, became a breadwinner at 22, and paid off that debt like my life depended on it.
And my, I learned a lot. Every debt that came after that was child’s game. And, along the way, I learned lessons on how to manage debt, investment, and revenue generation.
Join me as I shared my best mindset shifts, practical lessons, and strategies to get over a huge debt.
One day you might need it. :)
If you liked this episode, please drop a 5 star review and share with a person you care for.
I also have the video version up on my Youtube channel. -
What do corporate people really think of remote work? And how different is it from us, entrepreneurs?
I was always curious about this, so I thoughtfully threatened— I mean, convinced!-- my husband, the ultimate retired corporate guy to tell me about his experience.
The remote work culture blew up during the pandemic big time, and in this episode, we talked about the emotional journey that went with it, the changes we noticed from our colleagues, best practices both from corporate and smaller businesses, and most of all, what we did to cope with the challenges of the pandemic. (Well hopefully there’s not a next one.)
Bonus: If you’re a business owner, listen til the end to peep our top 3 tips to make the most out of a happier, more productive workplace with remote work.
And oh, get to know my husband, Alex. :)
Alex Booth's journey is nothing short of inspirational. Hailing from Northern Idaho, his love for the outdoors and relentless ambition drove him from snowboarding to golf and onto the business world.
Starting in Seattle at YP, he aimed high, nearly hitting an ambitious earnings goal that dwarfed his family's modest income. His quest for growth led him through tech giants like Microsoft Bing Ads to Amazon, where he excelled in customer success.
The pandemic turned his path to Mexico, where love and new beginnings awaited. Alex founded Huckleberry Consulting, leveraging his expertise to foster customer-centric growth. Tune in for a story of determination, love, and entrepreneurship.
Follow him on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-booth-huckleberry/
Claim a FREE Customer Success Audit too: email him/ his assistant directly at [email protected] and mention this podcast episode $1k VALUE. Limited to the first 20 people only.
-
As an outsourcing professional, one of the things that I always get asked about is delegation!
Many people struggle with it, and oftentimes it is what's in the way before they get to their dream revenue, their goals, their ideal life.
Whether you are thinking of how to start properly delegating, or wanting to get better in it as a boss, this podcast is for you.
Follow me on Instagram for more happy outsourcing adventures!
-
Unless you have a career in fashion, we solely participate in fashion as consumers. Clothes and accessories are things that we buy. And that’s it.
In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Boga, a journalism-trainer writer who has extensive work in news and lifestyle media, PR, and science communication.
We talked about…
What is sustainability in fashion, and how it differs in terms of shared realities across different countries Our journey towards fashion as we change job situations, locations, budgets, and economic statusHow we process the emotional rewards of buying new items (dopamine) and the feeling of helping the environment (also dopamine!) How we buy clothes to communicate status but how we should also navigate the fangs of conspicuous consumption Surprising ways we can inculcate sustainable habits in our daily lives (hint: it’s MORE than just going to Goodwill and buying second hand clothes!)I really enjoyed this conversation because it tackled fashion in a different light.
As entrepreneurs who dabble in fashion merely as consumers, we were able to discuss angles that would never come up in our day-to-day lives.
After this episode, I mindfully donated a few of my clothes and chose to be more intentional with the things I buy. :) [Don’t worry! This is not a podcast about minimalism! Haha!]
***
Jesse is a 2023 fellow of the Next Gen Assembly, an advocacy program led by non‑profit organization Global Fashion Agenda and Fashion Values, a sustainability education program developed by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the UAL-London College of Fashion. He convenes voices from fashion, sustainability and beyond in the Unstitch: Sustainable Fashion Forum.
As a member of the WEF Global Shapers Community, Jesse takes leadership roles in convening youths and communities for inclusive conversations about sustainability. He believes in the power of writing and creating storytelling-centered platforms to achieve global goals.
He is @thegamejay on Instagram.
Check out his works on:
Fashion RevolutionFashion ValuesUnstitch: Sustainable Fashion Forum -
With a lot of discernment…hopefully. My guest and I have been there and even though it was quite a roller coaster, we’ve learned a few things along the way.
Elaine Tsung, Owner and Founder of a web design and branding company, sits with me to tell her stories from dating as a busy woman, how she stays focused on her goals while also investing time finding a good partner, the top qualities that she looks for in a man, and her tips on how to land ambitious female entrepreneurs who are building the life that they want.
Bonus: hear the gossip about her peculiar dating experience in Las Vegas, where she got love bombed for three days…and then turned cold after! WTF is wrong with you guys?!
Enjoy this episode on a chill afternoon by the pool with your girlfriends, or gritting your teeth at a nail salon by yourself. Haha! And if you got some stories and insights, I’d love to hear them! Message me on Insta: @karlastefan and let’s be friends!
Follow Elaine’s adventures on Instagram: @elainetsung
Check out Elaine’s wonderful design portfolio here.
-
I've always wanted to share a lot of the behind the scenes of my life, so here's a start! Check out this neat list of 15 of my favorite items and purchases under $100. They're absolutely life changing -- at least for me! (Teaser: They're mostly health and productivity stuff!) If you have any item that springs to mind, please let me know so I can get em for myself too. Also, if you know anyone who works for these companies, tell them they are very welcome to sponsor me, haha! Follow me on Instagram: @karlastefan for more behind-the-scenes moments through #LifeByDesign
-
Breakups are such a b*tch! Especially when you're running a business.
Today I sat with Eliza Vi to talk about this^. She's a Mexican Medicine Woman, Sacred Intimacy Coach and a Feminine and Masculine Energetics expert.
She leads a movement of powerful women who choose to defy all odds against them and strive to live a deeply fulfilling life of abundance in love, connection and wealth.
In this episode, we talk about how to equip yourself when navigating through grief, getting to know how to regulate your nervous system, how to be open for support, how to fully accept and know that you deserve to continue moving forward, and how to avoid the common traps that we might get into when trying to get over a breakup (e.g. overspending, workaholism, wanting to be desired or dating immediately.
All of these, told through the lens of entrepreneurs, living the holistic experience of also running a business, and being present for yourself in the whole process.
She also shares the ONE MAGIC PRINCIPLE that kept her grounded: The human comes first, and what this means as it unfolded in her life as a woman and as a coach. Follow Eliza's adventures and truth bombs: @iamelizavi
-
After his viral Shark Tank stint -- with Marc Cuban calling him a charlatan and Mr. Wonderful dropping the F bombs pretty hard -- all the hate came rolling for Maneesh Sethi, Founder of Pavlok.
(Pavlok is a wearable device company that helps people eliminate bad habits and form positive ones.)
People were emailing him hate messages, messaging him on social media, calling their home phone, and sending threats to his family members. Even though he didn't expect how bad it would be, he decided to take the best of this "fame" and used it to forward his business. Tune in to listen to his story of frustration on the human race, if "all PR is good PR" is really true for everyone, what it was like putting himself out there in this way, how this can be a lesson to all Founders who are thinking of doing the same, and how to turn this hate into something positive. Now an eight figure business, Pavlok continues to change lives all over the world with their new product rollouts and new features. Check them out on Indiegogo and of course, the official Pavlok site, both linked below. P.S. Did you know about Maneesh's story about hiring his assistant to slap his face to stop him from procrastinating? He tells that here, too. Indiegogo: https://indiegogo.com/projects/shock-clock-max-alarm-clock-that-shocks-you-awake#/
Pavlok site: https://shop.pavlok.com/ -
"It's lonely at the top"
"Entrepreneurship is not sexy"
"This is so hard that's why people don't do it!"
These are just some of the most common thoughts that people have about entrepreneurship.
And painfully, I admit they're all true! However, you may be wondering, why do we, entrepreneurs, keep doing this business thing?
How do we deal with all of its ugly parts?
Sit with me and Alex Snider, a well known coach for seven and eight figure entrepreneurs. She goes on a deep dive about her experience, how her clients have dealt with these, and shares interesting insights about the difficult times that we all go through!
Peep her best work here:
Website: https://alexsnider.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asyetunknown
P.S. Check out my TOP 6 Ugliest parts of entrepreneurship in this episode too!
P.P.S. Follow my adventures on Instagram @karlastefan.
-
A lot of people come to me with problems.
I don't know; maybe I look like I have solutions. That's not true though, I still fumble life sometimes.
However, over my years of experience as the eldest child of an Asian family, a corporate event planner, and a consultant, I've found a handful of ways to solve problems better. Get your notebook out or maybe go for a thoughtful walk with this podcast in your ear. Presenting: my best ways to solve problems.
(Got more to add? DM me on Instagram @karlastefan.) - Show more
