Your Truth Shared

Most experts are sitting on a powerful asset… and don’t even realise it. It’s not another social media strategy or a better funnel. It’s the intellectual property already inside your business. In this episode, I’m joined by Maeve Ferguson, who works with high-level thought leaders, bestselling authors and experts to turn their ideas and frameworks into lead-generating client engines that work whether they’re on stage, online… or completely offline. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on” just to generate leads — this conversation will change how you think about building your business. Episode Description What if your expertise could generate leads and clients even when you’re not actively selling? Many experts rely on constant content creation, social media posting, or launches to grow their business. But according to Maeve Ferguson, the real shift happens when you turn your expertise into infrastructure — a system that consistently attracts and converts the right clients. In this episode of Your Truth Shared, we explore how to transform your knowledge, frameworks, and experience into a client engine that fuels sustainable growth. Maeve shares how thought leaders build systems that qualify leads, position their expertise, and route the right people to the right offers — without relying on endless marketing activity. You’ll learn why the hardest stage of business is the journey to six figures, how intellectual property becomes a powerful strategic asset, and why attracting the right clients is far more important than attracting more people. If you’re ready to move from busy marketing to strategic growth, this episode is essential listening. What You’ll Learn in This Episode By listening, you’ll discover: • How to identify the hidden intellectual property already inside your business • Why most experts struggle with growth even when they’re working hard • The difference between real intellectual property and “fake frameworks” • How to turn your expertise into a client-generating engine • The role of diagnostic tools and assessments in qualifying the right clients • Why the journey from zero to six figures is the hardest stage of business • How to attract higher-level clients through “rich niche” positioning • Why successful entrepreneurs must continually evolve their frameworks  Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: Why Building a Client Engine Changes Everything Finola introduces the concept of building a scalable business engine and welcomes thought leadership strategist Maeve Ferguson. 01:00 — What Real Intellectual Property Looks Like in a Business Maeve explains the difference between true intellectual property, hidden IP, and the “fake frameworks” flooding the internet. 04:30 — How Experts Can Identify the IP Already Inside Their Business A practical framework for extracting your expertise and turning it into a structured methodology. 07:10 — Why Frameworks Need to Evolve in the Age of AI How constant testing and iteration keeps intellectual property relevant and valuable. 11:00 — Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Becoming a Category of One How experts position themselves uniquely in even the most competitive industries. 17:50 — Building a Client Engine That Generates Leads Automatically Maeve explains the systems that bring in qualified clients even when you’re not actively promoting. 20:45 — The Three Types of Diagnostic Funnels for Experts Quiz funnels, score-based diagnostics, and enterprise-level assessments explained. 24:10 — How Diagnostics Turn Leads into the Right Clients Using personalised insights to route people to the most relevant offer. 27:00 — Why the Journey to Six Figures Is the Hardest Stage of Business Maeve shares why this stage is challenging and what changes once your systems are dialled in. 30:40 — The Importance of Traffic: Why Funnels Alone Don’t Work Why even the best infrastructure fails without a strong traffic strategy. 32:20 — Rich Niche Positioning: Attracting Higher-Level Clients How speaking to “successful people problems” transforms the quality of clients you attract. 36:00 — Final Advice: Focus on the Right Customers, Not Just More Customers Guest Links Learn more about Maeve Ferguson: https://www.maeveferguson.com/ If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe to Your Truth Shared. Because the more intentional you want to be about building your business, the more important these conversations become. We’re here to help you think differently, grow deliberately, and build a business that supports the life you actually want. So hit subscribe now, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

What if the biggest AI disruption isn’t your marketing… but your customer’s mind? In this powerful return to Your Truth Shared, marketing futurist Mark Schaefer joins me to unpack the urgent ideas in his latest book, How AI Changes Your Customers. We’ve talked before about how marketers must adapt in an AI world. But this conversation flips the lens. Because AI isn’t just changing how we work. It’s changing how humans think. How they relate. How they decide. How they define purpose. And if your customer is being psychologically rewired in real time… your strategy must evolve too. Why You Need to Listen If you’re a business owner, founder, strategist, or leader navigating AI, this episode will help you: Understand how cognitive offloading is reshaping decision-making Recognise why customers may feel more adrift, anxious, or disconnected See how AI is influencing identity, purpose, and agency Avoid the trap of outsourcing your wisdom (and your voice) Reimagine how your brand can become more human, not less This is not an anti-AI conversation. It’s a deeply thoughtful exploration of how to use AI without losing your humanity. You’ll walk away clearer, braver, and more intentional about how you build your business in this new era. 🔎 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back Mark Schaefer: From Audacious to AI’s Next Impact Marketing futurist Mark Schaefer returns to discuss how AI is shifting from changing marketers to changing customers. 03:15 – How AI Is Psychologically Rewiring Your Customers Why cognitive offloading is real — and how reliance on AI tools may be reshaping human thinking. 08:30 – “Are We Making Ourselves Dumber?” The Risk of Cognitive Offloading What happens when AI replaces thinking, writing, planning, and even emotional processing. 14:05 – Earned Wisdom vs AI Shortcuts: Why Struggle Matters for Authority The concept of “phronesis” (earned wisdom) and why shortcuts create the illusion of intelligence. 19:40 – AI Relationships, Emotional Attachment & The Rise of Synthetic Companionship The growing trend of AI romantic relationships and what it means for human connection. 25:30 – Parenting, Education & The Speed Problem: Why Society Can’t Keep Up Why governments and schools are struggling to respond to rapid AI development. 29:50 – AI, Job Displacement & The Purpose Crisis What happens when identity and purpose are tied to work in an AI-disrupted economy. 36:10 – How Brands Can Restore Agency in an AI World Why adding friction (yes, friction!) may become a powerful competitive advantage. 42:00 – The Most Human Company Wins (Even in the Age of AI) Mark’s final perspective: how AI can actually help brands become more human. The Big Question This Episode Raises If AI can: Write your content Answer your emails Create your strategy Even simulate companionship Then what is left for you? And the deeper question… Who do you become in a world where effort is optional? This episode doesn’t just explore AI tools. It explores identity, agency, wisdom, and humanity. And that’s why it matters. A Personal Note There’s a moment in this conversation where we talk about shortcuts not creating wisdom — only the illusion of it. That landed. Because in business, just like in life, the struggle often becomes the source of authority. And if we outsource too much, too fast, we may win speed… but lose depth. This episode will challenge you — in the best way. 🎧 Listen now to Episode 130 and rethink how AI is shaping your customers — and your business. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone building in the AI era. Because the future isn’t just about smarter tools. It’s about staying human while we use them.

What actually changes you when you set a bold goal? Is it the number? Or is it the pressure that goal creates? In this return episode of Your Truth Shared, Finola shares what shifted when she took her Million Dollar ambition seriously — not as a vision board idea, but as a real commitment. This isn’t a revenue report. It’s a leadership reset. You’ll hear what the pressure of a bold goal revealed: The hidden gap between potential and habit Why staying “comfortable” can quietly limit scale How fragmentation stalls growth And why building an offer ecosystem — not just selling more — is the real lever for expansion If you know you’re capable of more but haven’t fully reached for it, this episode will meet you there. 🎧 What You’ll Walk Away With By the end of this episode, you will: ✔ Understand how bold goals expose growth gaps ✔ Recognise where habit may be limiting your scale ✔ See why scale requires integration, not just effort ✔ Learn what an “offer ecosystem” really means for service-based businesses ✔ Shift from fragmented selling to customer-led, compounding growth This episode isn’t about chasing a million. It’s about what happens when you stop protecting yourself from your own potential. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – A Deliberate Return: Why This Isn’t a Progress Update Reframing the Million Dollar goal as pressure, not performance. 01:40 – Self-Protection vs Self-Sabotage in Small Business The quiet pattern that keeps you inside what already works. 03:10 – The Gap Between Habit and Potential What happens when a bold goal becomes serious. 05:30 – Leadership & Being Seen Trying Why commitment changes behaviour — even when it’s uncomfortable. 06:40 – Expansion: Why Others Are Rooting For You How your ambition expands what feels possible for others. 07:30 – Evolution, Not Rejection Why past success isn’t wrong — just insufficient for scale. 08:20 – From Offers to Ecosystem: The Real Lever for Growth Why scale comes from integration, not isolated services. 10:40 – Why Fragmentation Kills Momentum The hidden reason many businesses plateau. 11:00 – Customer-Led Growth & Coherent Scale Listening as a strategy for exponential business growth. 🧭 Links & Resources 🪶 Use the Joyful Annual Planner (Free Tool) Plan from joy, not pressure. https://annualplan.joyfulplanner.com/  💌 Join The Joyful Million Playbook Finola’s private newsletter documenting her journey to build a million-euro business — joyfully, intentionally, and in real time.https://www.finolahoward.com/newsletters/the-joyful-million-playbook  🎧 Related Episode: Ep #114 – How I’m Planning a Million Euro Business — with Joy at the Centre Start at the declaration that set this journey in motion: https://www.finolahoward.com/podcasts/your-truth-shared/episodes/2149050445

Everyone says hosting or speaking at a summit will “explode your audience” — but do they really work? In this episode, marketing strategist and Making Good podcast host Lauren Tilden pulls back the curtain on what summits actually deliver, what most people get wrong, and how to use them as a powerful, intentional growth strategy — not just another marketing experiment. Whether you’re summit-curious, collaboration-shy, or simply ready to grow your email list without social media burnout, this conversation will change how you think about marketing forever. 💡 You’ll Learn What makes a summit succeed (and what instantly kills results) How Finola used a summit to grow her email list and convert new clients The one thing every speaker must have to turn visibility into subscribers Why intentionality beats hustle every single time The 3 jobs every piece of marketing must do if you want consistent sales ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why Summits Beat Social Media for Growth Lauren shares how virtual summits skyrocketed her email list and why email remains the highest-converting marketing channel. 02:15 – From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Marketer Lauren’s leap from corporate America to small business owner — and what she learned about authentic marketing along the way. 07:24 – The Power of Intentional Marketing Stop copying others — here’s how to clarify your goals, focus on results, and design marketing that feels good and works. 14:20 – Why Marketing Feels Scary (and How to Do It Anyway) How courage and repetition build confidence — plus Finola’s sea-swim metaphor for showing up bravely. 18:09 – What a Virtual Summit Really Is (and Isn’t) The anatomy of a summit: how it works, what it costs, and why it’s still one of the smartest list-building tools around. 24:46 – Should You Host or Speak at a Summit? Lauren’s checklist for finding the right summit to join or the right audience to host for. 29:24 – Collaboration Over Competition Why being in a room with “competitors” is actually one of the fastest ways to grow your brand. 32:34 – Finola’s Summit Results: What Actually Worked Finola shares how alignment, intention, and a clear freebie turned her summit appearance into conversions. 36:17 – The Clear Next Step That Converts Lauren’s top advice: give every viewer a reason to join your email list — and nurture them well once they do. 38:23 – Avoiding Summit Overwhelm How Lauren designed shorter, more actionable summits to keep participants engaged and excited. 42:33 – The Three Jobs Every Piece of Marketing Must Do Lauren’s final framework: reach new people, build relationships, and make the sale — intentionally. 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Lauren Tilden 🌐 laurentilden.co  🎧 Making Good Podcast 📸 Instagram: @laurentilden  Connect with Finola Howard 🌐 finolahoward.com  💌 Subscribe to The Joyful Million Playbook for deeper insights on building a Million Euro Business without burnout 📸 Instagram: @thisisfinolahoward  🎧 Listen to all episodes of Your Truth Shared wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Listen Now If you’ve ever wondered whether summits are worth it — or how to make your marketing finally click — this episode will give you the clarity (and courage) to grow on purpose.

What if the missing piece in your business isn’t another plan, but the feeling that drives it? In this milestone solo episode, Finola Howard shares the 20-year journey behind the Joyful Annual Planner — and the deeper belief that changed everything. This isn’t just about planning. It’s about why you plan. It’s about what happens when joy stops being an afterthought and becomes the very foundation of your business strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay connected to your purpose while actually hitting your goals, this episode will show you. By the end, you’ll see that the only way to build a business worth having is to follow the joy that makes you brave enough to do it your way. 🎧 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The true purpose of planning (and why most people get it wrong) How to connect long-term vision with day-to-day action Why clarity comes from connection, not more information The belief shift that will change how you see your business How joy fuels the courage to finally build what you were meant to create 🌟 TRANSFORMATION: You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of what your business can be — not a to-do list, but a living expression of your purpose. You’ll feel clearer, more courageous, and ready to plan from a place of joy, not pressure. Because joy isn’t the opposite of bravery — it’s the source of it. 🕰️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Joyful Heart of Business Strategy How Finola connects story, strategy, and soul to build authentic, resonant businesses. 02:15 – From 1999 to Now: The Vision That Wouldn’t Let Go A 20-year journey from the Get Strategic, Get Results system to the Joyful Annual Planner. 05:40 – Why Fragmented Thinking Kills Momentum The hidden danger of “niching down” too far — and how to see your whole business clearly. 08:45 – Clarity Comes from Connection, Not More Information Discover how connecting the dots creates exponential growth and peace of mind. 10:03 – A Vision 20 Years in the Making How a conversation with OnePageCRM founder Michael Fitzgerald sparked the launch of Finola’s dream project. 11:46 – The Power of Deadlines and the Domino Belief How a single deadline and a simple framework turned vision into reality. 14:20 – From Courage to Joy: The Shift That Changed Everything How Finola’s anchor word evolved from courage to joy — and how it redefined success. 19:48 – Becoming the Woman Brave Enough to Build It What it means to embody your next stage — and why your old dreams never die. 20:37 – A Question That Changes Everything What would you create if you planned from joy, not pressure? 🧭 LINKS AND RESOURCES 🪶 Use the Joyful Annual Planner (Free Tool) — Plan from joy, not pressure: https://annualplan.joyfulplanner.com/  💌 Join The Joyful Million Playbook — Finola’s private newsletter documenting her journey to build a million-euro business, joyfully. 🎧 Related Episode: Ep #126 – Michael Fitzgerald on Vision-Led Growth

The final deal is never made logically — it’s made psychologically. That’s the core truth at the heart of this conversation with Michael Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of OnePageCRM . Michael is an inventor turned entrepreneur whose product vision has never wavered: make sales as simple as possible — and as human as possible. In this episode, he shares how small, consistent promises create trust, and how trust is the ultimate sales strategy. He also turns the tables on me — challenging me to publicly commit to a shipping date for my own new product. (Yes, October 30th is officially locked in!) It’s a brilliant example of the courage it takes to stop perfecting and start releasing — the same lesson that turned OnePageCRM from a sketch on a napkin into a globally respected sales tool. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what truly drives conversions — not funnels filled with friction, but relationships built on reliability. Whether you’re a founder, coach, or consultant, this episode will help you sell with confidence, focus, and integrity. 🎯 Listen and you’ll learn: Why every sale is built on promises kept — and what that means for your next pitch. How trust, not tactics, determines whether someone buys. Why simplicity and consistency outperform complexity in every CRM. How to build a vision-led business that stays true to its purpose. The real power of “shipping before you’re ready” — and how it can transform your growth. ⏱️ Episode Chapters  00:00 – The Psychology of Sales: Why Every Deal Starts with Trust Michael reveals how the real buying decision is emotional, not logical — and why trust is your greatest conversion tool. 02:30 – From Inventor to Entrepreneur: The DNA of a Product Creator How a background in product design shaped Michael’s approach to building scalable software. 08:30 – Vision That Endures: Why OnePageCRM’s Mission Has Never Changed How staying anchored to one clear product vision created long-term growth. 10:45 – Next Action Thinking: The Simplest Way to Sell More Michael’s “next action” approach turns sales from something scary into something natural and repeatable. 15:10 – Zero Admin, Maximum Connection: Designing Tools That Serve People First Inside the design philosophy that helps small businesses stay focused on customers, not admin. 18:40 – Competing with Giants: Differentiation in a World of CRMs How OnePageCRM thrives beside massive players like Salesforce and HubSpot through clarity, honesty, and simplicity. 24:00 – Marketing on the Move: The Legendary Camper Van Tour The story behind Michael’s iconic UK road trip — and why meeting customers in person is still the most powerful marketing move. 28:20 – From Kitchen Table to Office: A Customer’s Transformation Story How a single CRM helped one entrepreneur grow from solo operator to employer — proof that focus drives results. 34:50 – The Pivot to Product: Burning the Ships and Going All In Michael shares the pivotal moment he left client work behind and built OnePageCRM from the ground up. 42:40 – Ship It: Lessons from Seth Godin and Reid Hoffman Why launching before it’s perfect is essential — and how to turn customer feedback into your fastest path to growth. 45:50 – The Challenge: Finola Commits to Shipping Her Product A powerful moment where Michael asks Finola to set a live shipping date — and she commits to October 30th. A masterclass in accountability, courage, and walking your own talk. 50:00 – Trust, Promises, and Small Business Character The emotional core of every sale — how to build trust that lasts long after the transaction. 53:40 – Customer Support as a Growth Engine Why Michael still answers customer emails — and what that reveals about leadership, service, and loyalty. 55:10 – Final Message: Know Your Customer, Keep Your Promises, Build Trust Michael’s closing advice for founders: your word is your greatest sales tool.   💬 Connect with Michael Fitzgerald Explore OnePageCRM’s action-focused sales system and discover how to simplify your selling at onepagecrm.com . Follow Michael on LinkedIn  for more insights on product design, leadership, and small business growth. 💬 Connect with Finola Howard I’m Finola Howard, Business Growth Strategist and host of Your Truth Shared. If this episode resonated, subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share it with someone building their next great idea. Get my Joyful Million Playbook Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights on building a million-euro business without burnout: 👉 finolahoward.com/newsletters/the-joyful-million-playbook   Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Pinterest  for daily inspiration, strategy, and stories from real entrepreneurs. 🎧 Listen now on: finolahoward.com/podcast or search Your Truth Shared with Finola Howard on your favourite podcast app.

AI can help you move faster, think clearer, and create better — but if you start letting it decide for you, you risk losing the very reason you became an entrepreneur in the first place: your freedom to choose. In this solo episode, Finola shares a powerful story from inside her SOAR program that triggered a gut-level “No, no, no!” reaction — and sparked this exploration of what happens when we hand over too much power to AI. You’ll learn how to collaborate with AI without surrendering your strategy, your originality, or your voice. Because while AI can support you — it should never be the decision-maker in your business. 💡 You’ll Walk Away With A grounded understanding of how to use AI as a collaborative tool — not a strategist. The real reason entrepreneurs hand over agency (and how to stop doing it). The 3 growth stages of decision-making every entrepreneur moves through. Insight into why AI’s “people-pleasing” nature is a danger to your strategic clarity. A renewed confidence in your human creativity and instinct — the parts AI can’t replace. 🕒 Episode Chapters (Keyword-rich for SEO and listener navigation) 00:01 — Welcome to Your Truth Shared Finola introduces her mission: to help entrepreneurs share their truth through aligned marketing and strategic clarity. 01:20 — How AI is Transforming Growth Inside SOAR Discover how AI helps SOAR participants align customers and offers — and create what Finola calls Grand Slam Offers. 03:45 — The Gut Reaction: When AI Crosses the Line Hear the moment that sparked this episode — a powerful reminder that AI should never decide your next strategic move. 06:15 — What ‘Agency’ Really Means in Business Drawing from the American Psychological Association, Finola defines agency as “the capacity to act independently and make free choices” — and explains why it’s central to entrepreneurial freedom. 08:30 — The Old Pattern: Handing Over Power From consultants to formulas and now AI — how entrepreneurs keep outsourcing decision-making, and why it slows growth. 10:45 — The People-Pleasing Problem with AI A real boardroom story that reveals the danger of people-pleasing advisors — and why AI’s design to “please” mirrors the same trap. 13:00 — Why Entrepreneurs Hand Over Agency Fear of failure, fear of being wrong, and overwhelm all lead to one thing: giving up decision-making power. 14:50 — The Growth Path of Decision-Making The evolution from early hesitation to a natural rhythm of decide → test → learn → adjust — and how that rhythm fuels true growth. 17:30 — Mark Schaefer’s Story: “I Fear AI is Making Me Dumber” A timely reflection from a 21-year-old student that captures the danger of dependence and the erosion of confidence. 18:45 — The Human Advantage: Reinvention Over Remix Finola challenges the idea that there are “no new ideas,” celebrating the unpredictable creativity only humans can generate. 19:27 — Closing: Mind Your Agency A final reminder to entrepreneurs: AI can accelerate your business, but you must still hold the steering wheel. ✨ Key Quote “AI is designed to people-please. But if you hand over power to a people-pleaser, where is the architect of your future? You might as well get a job.” 🌟 About This Episode This episode is for every entrepreneur experimenting with AI — and wondering how far to let it go. Finola shares why the greatest gift of entrepreneurship is your agency — your ability to choose, to act intentionally, and to be the architect of your own future. AI can support that. It can accelerate it. But it should never decide for you.   🔗 Connect & Continue 💌 Subscribe to The Joyful Million Playbook  🚀 Learn more about SOAR  📚 Read What If? Joy Was How You Measured Success 

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering when (or if) you should start running ads, this episode is your roadmap. Paid traffic can feel overwhelming—but the truth is, 95% of seven-figure businesses use ads to grow and sustain their results. Melissa Litchfield, Founder of Litchfield Media, breaks down how to confidently move beyond organic reach, design a funnel that actually converts, and reverse-engineer the math so your ad spend brings consistent returns. After listening, you’ll walk away knowing: How to design a funnel that nurtures, converts, and eliminates wasted ad spend. The real numbers behind ad campaigns (and how to calculate if ads will work for you). Where to start if you only have $200 a month—and when to scale bigger. Why ads aren’t a “dirty word” but a growth tool used by nearly every seven-figure business. Whether you’re running your first campaign or preparing to scale, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to invest in ads wisely. Episode Chapters [0:01] The Traffic Truth: Why Ads Fuel 7-Figure Growth Melissa shares why consistent traffic is the lifeblood of every seven-figure business. [2:12] From Agency to Accelerator: Melissa’s Entrepreneurial Journey How she built and reshaped her agency, and why “small but mighty” teams thrive. [6:28] Funnels as Foundation: What to Build Before You Run Ads Why a funnel is more than a landing page—and how it maps the entire customer journey. [10:42] Lead Magnets that Convert (and What’s Wasting Your Ad Spend) The difference between throwaway downloads and assets that attract ready-to-buy clients. [11:18] Anatomy of a Funnel: 5 Essential Steps to Move Leads to Sales Melissa breaks down landing pages, thank-you pages, email sequences, and nurture strategy. [15:46] The Fear Factor: Why Entrepreneurs Hesitate on Ads Overcoming the overwhelm of Ads Manager and building confidence to start small. [18:55] Where to Start: Budgeting $200 a Month for Ads How to grow reach and test conversions without blowing your budget. [23:28] Beyond Instagram: Using Ads to Amplify Your Content Practical micro-campaigns that drive podcast listens, blog traffic, and list growth. [24:53] The Math Behind Scaling: Reverse-Engineering Your Funnel Goals Step-by-step calculation of ad spend, registrants, conversions, and ROI. [29:13] The Hidden Truth: 95% of 7-Figure Businesses Run Ads Why successful entrepreneurs don’t always share their paid traffic strategies. [31:22] Done-With-You Support: Inside Melissa’s Traffic Support Accelerator How her live program helps business owners set up, optimize, and scale campaigns in real time. [34:26] Final Takeaway: Ads Don’t Have to Be Scary Melissa leaves you with a simple mindset shift to start running ads strategically.   Melissa’s Accessible Conversion Formula Let’s say you want 500 people registered for your next webinar: Registrants Goal → 500 people Cost per Registrant (CPR) → $8 500 × $8 = $4,000 ad spend Now work forward: Show-up Rate → Assume 20% attend live 500 × 20% = 100 live attendees Conversion Rate on Webinar → 4–5% typically enroll live 100 × 5% = 5 sales live Total Sales (including replays & follow-up emails) → Around 10 sales total from 500 registrants Revenue → If your program is $997 10 sales × $997 = $9,970 revenue ROI → Revenue ÷ Ad Spend $9,970 ÷ $4,000 = 2.5x Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) 👉 Takeaway: For every $1 you spend on ads, you can expect $2.50 back—once you know your numbers.    Resources and Links Connect with Melissa: Litchfield Media Check out Melissa's Traffic Support Accelerator HERE Connect with me: Finola Howard and discover how we can work together. If this episode resonated with you, the best way to support the show is simple:Subscribe, rate, and leave a quick review. It really helps more people discover Your Truth Shared.

Do you feel like every sale resets your business back to zero? 👉 Sell the programme. Start over. 👉 Sell the coaching package. Start over. 👉 Sell the product. Start over. That exhausting cycle isn’t a sales problem — it’s a fragmentation problem. In this episode of Your Truth Shared, I’ll show you how to defragment your money model so you can build flow in your business — flow of customers, flow of cash, and flow of growth. You’ll learn how to design a money model where every offer connects, every step makes sense, and each “yes” naturally leads to the next. No more guessing which product to push. No more feast-and-famine. Just a business that finally feels consistent, scalable, and aligned. ✨ What you’ll walk away with: How to spot fragmentation in your money model (and why it’s costing you revenue) Why customer profiling is the foundation of flow The mindset shift that turns hard selling into ease How to structure your offers into a guided sequence that solves real problems My own behind-the-scenes story of building flow in my business (including the gap I missed — and how I’m fixing it) The simple exercise you can do today to start creating a money model that works If you’re ready to stop chasing and start optimising, this episode will show you how to build the revenue engine your business needs to thrive. ⏱ Episode Chapters 0:01 – Welcome to Your Truth Shared Business growth starts with truth: why chasing the next customer is a trap. 2:07 – What Fragmentation Looks Like Real-world examples: coaches, consultants, and creative businesses stuck in one-off sales. 4:12 – Money Models as a Sequence Why each offer should solve the next customer pain point, not sit in isolation. 5:27 – Not Just for Online Businesses From McDonald’s “Would you like fries with that?” to bricks-and-mortar flow. 6:15 – The Hidden Cost of Customer Acquisition How fragmentation drives feast-and-famine cycles (and what flow changes). 7:28 – Building a Revenue Engine A look at $100M Money Models and the power of Attraction, Upsell, Downsell, and Continuity offers. 8:34 – The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Hard selling is your customer telling you your money model is broken. 9:55 – A Real-World Example from My Business How one free download grew into a full brand positioning engagement. 11:42 – Your Next Step to Create Flow A simple exercise to start shaping your money model around customer pain points. 13:32 – Going Deeper with SOAR How to build a seamless, repeatable money model inside SOAR. 👉 Resources & Links Join the SOAR Waitlist  — be first to know when doors open $100M Money Models by Alex Hormozi Connect with me: Website  | Instagram  | LinkedIn 

Only a tiny percentage of women ever reach seven figures in business. That’s one of the reasons I’m writing my next book—and in this episode, you get a front-row seat as I begin to frame it with my publisher and book coach, Debbie Jenkins. This isn’t just about writing. It’s about documenting an experiment: can I build a Million Euro business without burning out? And how do you capture the subtle shifts, the liminal moments, and the messy in-betweens that really change us along the way? Inside this raw, unfiltered conversation, you’ll hear: Why books fail when they map a journey instead of marking a landmark transformation. How to journal like an investigative reporter and never lose the insights that matter most. The 4F prompts (Failure, Firsts, Feck-Ups, and Fightbacks) to turn setbacks into fuel for growth. Why vulnerability isn’t about oversharing—it’s about showing what wakes you at 4am and how you carry on anyway. How to set powerful public intentions and hack serendipity so opportunities find you. If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book—or simply want to see what it takes to step fully into your own edge of potential—this episode will give you both the courage and the practical tools to start. 📍 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why I’m Writing My Next Book (and Why It Matters) The truth about women, seven figures, and building without burnout. 02:36 – The Power of Raw Conversations in Book Framing Why I chose to record this unfiltered and what you can learn from it. 04:20 – Journaling vs. Retrospective: Capturing Nuance in the Moment How to document subtle shifts before they disappear. 07:20 – The Map, the Landmark, and the Newsletter Why my Playbook is the “map” and the book will be the “landmark.” 10:24 – Vulnerability Without Oversharing How to show the doubts and fears that make your story real. 13:15 – Becoming Your Own Investigative Journalist Five questions to deepen your journaling practice. 17:39 – The 4F Framework for Transformation Failure, Firsts, Feck-Ups, and Fightbacks as journaling prompts. 23:42 – The Power of Intention: From Whispering to Declaring Why setting intentions publicly creates immediate momentum. 25:33 – Living in the Liminal Space Embracing the thresholds where real magic happens. 33:44 – Accountability, Habits, and No Zero Days How to keep moving forward and actually finish your book. 44:33 – Hacking Serendipity Expanding your “luck footprint” to attract opportunities. 49:01 – Closing Thoughts A glimpse of what’s next on this million-euro journey. Resources and Links Subscribe to The Joyful Million Playbook  for monthly behind-the-scenes reflections and lessons from my Million Euro experiment. Connect with Debbie Jenkins  – publisher, book coach, and author of Stop Writing Books Nobody Reads. Connect with me, Finola Howard , and discover how we can work together. 💡 If this episode resonated with you, the best way to support the show is simple: Subscribe, rate, and leave a quick review. It really helps more people discover Your Truth Shared.

Globally, 86% of small business owners pay themselves less than $100K a year. Only 20% of solopreneurs reach the $100K–$300K bracket. And just 3.6% ever hit the million mark. So why do so many stay stuck — and how can you break through? In this episode of Your Truth Shared, I unpack what really keeps small businesses from crossing that €100K line — and why it’s not about working harder, but working more consciously. We’ll explore: The Busyness Trap that keeps entrepreneurs on the hamster wheel The missing sales engine that moves businesses from €15K to €100K and beyond Why whole-business thinking matters just as much for solopreneurs as larger companies My five-question Consciousness Framework that turns random actions into aligned growth Why boring, consistent follow-through beats shiny tactics every time My own declaration to build a million-euro business — and why the odds don’t scare me If you’ve ever wondered how to take your business from busy to viable, from fragmented to aligned, and from stuck to sustainable — this one’s for you. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – The Reality Check: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Cross €100K 04:30 – Sales vs. Salary: Getting Clear on What You Really Want 08:15 – The Fear of Wanting: Why Entrepreneurs Hide Their Goals 12:40 – The Busyness Trap: When Consistency Becomes Pointless Activity 18:05 – The Missing Engine: Why Visibility Without Conversion Doesn’t Work 24:50 – Sales as a Relationship: The Power of Small Yeses 28:30 – Whole-Business Thinking: Culture, Alignment, and Follow-Through 33:00 – The Consciousness Framework: Five Questions That Change Everything 39:15 – Finishing What You Start: Why One Campaign Done Well Beats Two Half-Finished 43:20 – Reframe & Empower: Hitting €100K and Beyond Without Burnout 48:00 – My Million-Euro Declaration: Consciousness Over Hustle 52:15 – The Closing Challenge: Build a Business That Sustains You Resources & Links Connect with me: Website → finolahoward.com  Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward/ LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/finolahoward  Join the SOAR Waitlist: 👉 [Join the Jan 2026 Waitlist] If you loved this episode: Subscribe, rate, and review Your Truth Shared wherever you listen to podcasts — and share it with another entrepreneur who needs to hear this today.

Do you ever doubt whether your story is “worthy enough” to share? In this episode of Your Truth Shared, I’m joined by Jackie Goddard—former fashion designer, actor, and now speaking coach—who helps entrepreneurs and leaders discover the confidence to own their stories and share them powerfully. Jackie believes every one of us has a story that can inspire, connect, and transform—not just our audience, but also our businesses. If you’ve ever held back from speaking because you thought your story wasn’t big enough, dramatic enough, or important enough, this conversation will change that. What you’ll walk away with: How to reframe your story as an asset, not baggage. Simple tools to uncover stories you’ve forgotten you had. Practical techniques from acting to help you own the stage (and the Zoom room). The confidence shift that turns fear of public speaking into excitement. Why embodying your “number 8 self” could change how you show up everywhere. By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to speak with confidence, use storytelling as a tool for connection, and bring more authenticity into every room you enter. ⏱️ Episode Chapters [00:00] Every Story Matters: Why You Don’t Need Trauma to Speak Powerfully [05:00] From Acting to Speaking: Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Steal from the Stage [09:30] Own It: Turning Life Experiences into Confident Storytelling [13:45] Breaking the Myth: Everyone Has a Story Worth Sharing [18:50] Unique Selling Point: Why Your Journey Makes You Different [22:00] Frameworks That Work: Structuring Talks that Engage Audiences [25:30] Memorize to Improvise: Speaking Without Losing Your Place [32:15] Embodiment Exercise: Stepping Into Your “Number 8” Presence [37:20] Final Message: Choose Confidence, Choose to Share Your Story 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Jackie Goddard Website: Power to Speak  LinkedIn: Jackie Goddard  Connect with Finola Howard Website: finolahoward.com  LinkedIn: Finola Howard  Newsletter: The Joyful Million Playbook  ✨ If you loved this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast on your favorite app or here at https://lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared . Your support helps spread the word and makes it possible to keep sharing conversations like this. Next up… In Episode 121, I’m talking about a truth many entrepreneurs don’t want to face: why most small businesses don’t make 100K. This is the reality check you need — and the mindset shift that could change your business. If you want to make sure you don't miss it - just hit subscribe!

What if the reason your business feels fragmented isn’t because you’re doing something wrong — but because you haven’t anchored to the one thing that truly matters? In this episode of Your Truth Shared, I’m helping you find what I call your Cardinal Belief — the single, guiding truth that shapes everything you offer, teach, and build. It’s more than positioning. It’s your lighthouse. And when you name it, everything else begins to align. We’ll talk about the resistance that comes with choosing one thing, the myth of doing more, and the kind of clarity that creates momentum, income, and impact — without burning you out. You’ll also hear the transformation story of one of my SOAR clients, who went from hiding behind soft language to powerfully standing in her truth — and the difference it made in her business. 🔥 What You’ll Walk Away With: A deeper understanding of what a Cardinal Belief is and how to identify yours Why choosing one thing to focus on is the key to exponential growth How joy is more than a feeling — it's a business strategy Real-world examples of what changes when you fully commit to your belief The mindset shift that makes 10X growth possible Reflection prompts to get clear on what truly matters in your business If you’re ready to stop circling your potential and finally build something that feels like you and earns like it too — this episode is for you. ⏱️ Episode Chapters: 00:00 – Intro: What’s the One Thing That Matters Most? Discover why naming your Cardinal Belief could unlock the clarity you’ve been craving. 02:20 – The Strip-Back Moment: A Lesson from 20 Years Ago How one simple exercise helped me choose between being a marketer or being intuitive — and why that choice changed everything. 06:10 – From Intuition to Joy: The Birth of My Cardinal Belief A personal story of loss, courage, and how joy became my compass for business and life. 10:42 – Client Spotlight: Laura’s Transformation Through SOAR See how naming a bold Cardinal Belief changed the game for one incredible woman — and how it could for you too. 14:50 – The Lighthouse Metaphor: Finding the Message That Guides You Learn how your Cardinal Belief acts as a lighthouse in your brand, your strategy, and your growth. 17:15 – What a Cardinal Belief Actually Looks Like Define it, use it, and let it shape your offers, your marketing, and your decisions. 20:03 – Why Choosing One Thing Feels So Hard (But Matters So Much) A look at resistance, fear of getting it wrong, and how busyness is often a disguise for avoidance. 24:40 – Friction vs. Focus: Why You’re Stuck and How to Fix It The cost of doing too much — and how focus frees your growth, message, and energy. 27:58 – Simplicity as a Strategy: My Million Euro Declaration Behind the scenes of what changed when I publicly declared a big goal — and why your mindset needs to match your ambition. 33:21 – Closing Reflection: What’s Your Cardinal Belief? A challenge to name it, trust it, and build from there — plus an invitation to join the SOAR 2026 waitlist. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: 💡 Join the SOAR 2026 Waitlist: https://www.finolahoward.com/SOAR  📘 What If? Joy was how you measured success and the money proved you right 🧭 Download the free “Joy Compass” reflection prompt (optional lead magnet here) 🙌 Loved this episode? If this resonated with you, please rate, review, and share the podcast. It helps others discover the show and brings more truth-tellers into the community. 👉 Leave a review here: https://lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared

If you’ve ever struggled with showing up on video, thought your story wasn’t “big” enough, or felt like everyone’s already said what you want to say… this episode will flip your perspective. 🎥 Matt King is here to show you how to cut through the noise, not with perfection, but with personality. He shares his proven method for making human-centred, story-led videos that actually connect — all by using simple props, true stories, and the magic of your own lived experience. You’ll walk away knowing: Why your most ordinary objects can unlock extraordinary storytelling How to stop performing and start resonating with your audience What 3 videos every founder should create (and how to shoot them) The key difference between sharing what you know vs. what you believe 🎧 Whether you're camera-shy, a content pro, or somewhere in between — this conversation will reignite your confidence and creativity. 🧭 Episode Chapters (with SEO-rich keywords & timestamps) 00:00 – Feelings Sell, Not Features Emotional marketing, video storytelling, and human-first brand content 02:30 – From ‘How-To’ to ‘Here’s What I Believe’ Authentic video content, expert vs. explorer positioning, and the trust-building power of vulnerability 06:50 – Sharing the ‘In-Between’ Stage of Success Why showing the messy middle matters more than perfection 08:45 – Building a Brand Through Belonging Community-led marketing, relatable storytelling, and social proof 12:20 – The Truth About Video Fear Why showing your face is scary — and why it’s your biggest strength 14:00 – The Power of Props: Storytelling Tools You Already Own Creative video techniques, visual metaphors, and how to make props do the heavy lifting 22:20 – The 3 Videos Every Founder Needs Founder's story video, process explainer, and a testimonial that moves 25:15 – Chess Pieces & Strategy: Crafting Story From Objects Business storytelling prompts and how to spark video ideas using what’s around you 28:50 – You Already Have the Stories — Here's How to Find Them How to build video content from your memories, keepsakes, and everyday objects 31:00 – Why “Ordinary” Is Your Differentiator Standing out with emotional resonance instead of marketing hype 35:10 – Multi-Passionate & Proud: Redefining Entrepreneurship Side hustles, self-expression, and rejecting the all-or-nothing business model 41:30 – Just Start: Storytelling for Seasoned Entrepreneurs Why even established founders should experiment with story-led video 📌 Resources + Links Connect with Matt: immattking.com Subscribe to his newsletter The Click: HERE 💫 Connect with Finola Howard 👉 finolahoward.com 👉 Instagram: @thisisfinolahoward 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/finolahoward 💛 If you loved this episode... Please rate, review, and share the podcast! It truly helps us grow and reach more brilliant entrepreneurs like you. ✨ Leave a review here: lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared Thank you for tuning in to Your Truth Shared. Until next time, keep showing up with joy, clarity, and purpose.

What if the chaos in your business isn’t a reflection of your capacity—but of your systems? In this episode of Your Truth Shared, business strategist and systems expert Marci Rossi shares the truth behind what’s really holding you back—and it’s not what you think. 🔧 If you’ve ever felt stuck in indecision, drowning in half-done to-dos, or hiding behind “busy” instead of boldly selling your offers… this conversation is your turning point. You’ll discover how systems can unlock your creativity, give you more freedom, and allow you to consistently show up in your zone of genius. As Marci puts it: “Success isn’t a mystery. It’s a workflow.” 🎯 What you’ll walk away with: The real reason consistency is hard—and how to make it easier Why systems don’t have to feel rigid (and can actually support your creativity) The two biggest bottlenecks that keep entrepreneurs stuck—and how to fix them How to know what to systemize first to boost sales and client trust A fresh perspective on AI, delegation, and staying human in your marketing The step-by-step order to go from overwhelmed to in-control 💡 Whether you’re launching, scaling, or simply trying to get out of the weeds—this episode offers the clarity and encouragement you need to start building a business that works for you. 👉 Take Marci’s free quiz: What’s Your Business Bottleneck? ⏱️ Episode Chapters & SEO Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Marci Rossi SEO: business systems strategist, ease in entrepreneurship, scaling with systems 02:30 – Success Isn’t a Mystery—It’s a Workflow SEO: business workflows, consistent business growth, scaling strategies 04:00 – The Myth of the Magic Answer & the Truth About Consistency SEO: entrepreneur mindset, consistency vs. shiny object syndrome, growth habits 08:20 – The Two Biggest Bottlenecks in Business: Indecision and Implementation SEO: business bottlenecks, implementation challenges, decision-making for entrepreneurs 13:50 – Why Systems = Freedom (Not Rigidity) SEO: systems for creativity, business freedom, SOPs for entrepreneurs 16:25 – Where to Start with Systems (Without Overwhelm) SEO: how to create client onboarding systems, scaling for service providers 20:30 – Delegate the Right Way (Not Chaos) SEO: outsourcing tips, SOPs for delegation, building scalable processes 24:45 – How to Know What’s Working in Your Business (Hint: Look at the Data) SEO: track business metrics, lead sources, sales conversion data 26:30 – Using AI Without Losing Your Voice SEO: using ChatGPT for business, AI vs human touch, AI tools for entrepreneurs 31:20 – The Power of Lived Experience in Business Coaching SEO: human connection in coaching, choosing a business mentor, coaching vs AI 33:25 – How Much Time Should You Spend on Systems? SEO: productivity for entrepreneurs, time management tips, systemizing your business 35:00 – Face the Fear: Selling is Serving SEO: sales mindset, selling with confidence, overcome fear of selling 36:20 – Final Thoughts: Build While You Grow SEO: business strategy tips, grow with ease, small business systems 🔗 Connect with Us: 🔍 Take Marci’s free quiz to find your business bottleneck: 👉 marcirossi.com/business-bottleneck 💬 Connect with Marci Rossi on LinkedIn: 👉 linkedin.com/in/marcirossi 💫 Connect with Finola Howard: 👉 finolahoward.com 👉 Instagram: @thisisfinolahoward 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/finolahoward 💛 If you loved this episode... Please rate, review, and share the podcast! It truly helps us grow and reach more brilliant entrepreneurs like you. ✨ Leave a review here: lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared Thank you for tuning in to Your Truth Shared. Until next time, keep showing up with joy, clarity, and purpose.

Growth stalls for surprising reasons. This episode explores five — including the hidden impact of making decisions alone. 💡 Episode Summary: If business growth has felt slower or harder than it should be, you’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, Finola Howard explores five often-overlooked reasons entrepreneurs stay stuck, despite working hard and showing up consistently. From the quiet weight of decision-making in isolation to the fragmentation that creeps in without a clear strategy, she shares hard-won insights gathered from 26+ years of experience and thousands of business conversations. Whether you’re overthinking your next move, stuck in a sea of advice, or simply ready to grow with more clarity and connection — this conversation will meet you where you are. ⏱️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction Why working harder isn’t the answer — and what this episode will reveal. 02:10 – Shift 1: The Map Always Smooths the Journey Seeing the bigger picture and building from strategy — not reaction. 06:28 – Shift 2: Feedback Fuels Focus The loneliness no one talks about: carrying every decision alone. 14:04 – Shift 3: Experts and AI — No More Starting From Scratch How the right support and tools accelerate your growth. 19:12 – Shift 4: The Power of a Thinking Partner Having someone who holds the vision when you can’t. 25:26 – Shift 5: Everything Connects (Introducing the SOAR System) Bringing it all together — and what happens when your business clicks into place. 29:47 – Wrap-Up & Reflection Next steps if you’re ready to grow with more cohesion and clarity. 💬 Quote to Remember: “The deeper truth is that the incessant decision making is lonely. That’s what’s not talked about enough.” 🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Reframe You don’t need another tactic. You need space to think, structure that supports you, and a way to reconnect with the business you’re building. This episode is a powerful place to start. 🚀 Want Support Putting This Into Action? If what you heard today resonated, SOAR offers a structured, supportive space to apply these shifts and grow a business that fits you. Doors close for the current cohort on July 17. 👉 Click here to find out more Or DM Finola the word SOAR to get all the details. ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast — it really does help more listeners find Your Truth Shared. 🎧 https://lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared

Are you ready to move from being great at what you do… to being known for how you think? In this powerful conversation, Finola Howard is joined by personal brand strategist and fellow podcaster Shelley Rostlund to unpack “The Big Leap” — the transformation from subject matter expert to thought-leading visionary. With 86% of roles predicted to change in the next five years, Shelley shares why your human uniqueness, critical thinking, and personal brand are more valuable than ever. Finola reflects on her own leap toward building a joyful million-euro business — and what it takes to scale with purpose, not pressure. Expect clear frameworks, vulnerable stories, and Shelley’s Thought Leader’s Toolbox: five powerful tools every visionary needs to grow with integrity. If you know you’re ready for your next level—but you’re not sure how to rise without burning out—this episode is your sign. Key Takeaways: Why being an expert is no longer enough — and what sets visionaries apart in today’s world The role of personal branding in the age of AI — and how to protect your relevance How to define your unique marketable value (beyond your skills list) What it really takes to be seen as a thought leader (hint: it's not self-proclaimed) Five tools every visionary needs to grow with clarity and resilience   “You can't call yourself a thought leader—someone else has to say it first.”– Shelley Rostlund   Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Reinvention Is ComingWhy 86% of us will need to rethink how we work 02:20 – Expert or Visionary?Shelley breaks down the difference and why humility is key 06:30 – Personal Brand is the New MoatWhy branding your humanity matters more than ever 10:40 – AI + Awareness: A Real-World StoryHow teaching AI your voice can backfire—or elevate you 13:00 – Context Is Your SuperpowerThe human advantage AI can’t replicate 14:50 – The Bluetooth vs Mobile Network MetaphorUnderstanding scale in thought leadership 17:30 – Hiring VisionariesWhen to look beyond the expert to move your business forward 20:00 – Cross-Pollination Sparks BrillianceHow unrelated industries inspire genius 22:30 – Visibility as a Thought Leadership MetricWhy hiding behind “enough” limits your impact 27:00 – The Joyful Million DeclarationFinola’s personal leap—and what made it click 32:00 – What Makes You Truly Marketable?Shelley’s powerful lens for defining your unique value 38:00 – The Thought Leader’s Toolbox5 essential tools to lead with insight and resilience 44:30 – Why This Shift Matters Right NowThe coming business wave—and how to ride it with intention Resources & Links 💡 Shelley's article:   When Are You a Thought Leader? 📖 The Joyful Million PlaybookA behind-the-scenes, unfiltered look at what it really takes to build a €1 Million Euro Business without the Burnout!👉 Subscribe Here 🚀 SOAR: Build a Marketing Engine That Works Year After YearFinola’s signature program for values-led entrepreneurs who want to stop settling and start scaling with purpose.👉 Join SOAR   🤝 Connect with Shelley RostlundWebsite: shelleyrostlund.com/LinkedIn: @shelleyrostlundPodcast: The Brand Compass 🤝 Connect with Finola HowardWebsite: finolahoward.comInstagram: @thisisfinolahowardLinkedIn: @finolahowardPodcast: Your Truth Shared ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Please rate, review, and share it! It helps amplify voices like Shelley's and supports this podcast's mission. Leave a review at lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared

In this powerful solo episode, Finola Howard returns to the bold declaration she made in Episode 112: she’s building a million euro turnover business. The question that followed? How exactly are you going to do that, Finola? This episode is her answer. Finola shares the real, raw, and strategic shifts she’s making—not just in her business model, but in her body, her mindset, and her daily decisions. She introduces the guiding question that’s shaping every move she makes: “What would the Million Euro Me do?” This isn’t a hustle story. It’s a story of scaling with joy, clarity, and truth. If you’ve ever wondered if financial freedom and joyful living can co-exist—this is your roadmap. What You’ll Learn Why saying your big goal out loud is an act of personal power The mindset that supports sustainable, scalable success How to move beyond the “time-for-money” model Why physical wellbeing is key to financial expansion How to make strategic space for growth in your business What it looks like to shift from “enough” to “abundance without apology” Why joy is a legitimate—and essential—metric for success  Resources Mentioned ✨ The Joyful Million Playbook — Get the behind-the-scenes strategy, tools, and real numbers as Finola builds her €1M business with joy. 🚀 Join SOAR — Doors are open now for this transformative growth space for values-led entrepreneurs. 🎧 Listen to Episode 112 — The beginning of the journey: Making the Million Euro Declaration.   🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Your Truth Shared → Business Growth with a Joyful Heart Intro to the episode and the podcast’s mission to align story and strategy in business. 01:10 – Revisiting the Million Euro Declaration → From Bold Statement to Strategic Action Why saying the goal out loud changed everything—and how it created accountability. 03:30 – Purpose Over Ego → Challenging Limiting Beliefs Around Money and Success Why this isn’t about flashy numbers, but about proving that joy and money can coexist—especially for women in business. 06:30 – Preparing Me First → Mobility, Energy & What’s Loudest in Your Life The physical challenges Finola is addressing first, and how movement and flow are central to her vision of expansion. 10:00 – The Million Euro Mindset → From “Enough” to “Abundance Without Apology” Adopting identity-level thinking: “What would the Million Euro Me do right now?” 13:00 – Preparing the Business for Scale → Redesigning the Business Model to Break the Time-for-Money Cycle Key decision: setting a date to stop new 1:1 work and leaning into productisation. 16:45 – Productising What Already Works → Turning Proven Offers into Scalable Growth Tools Reviewing the existing product suite and moving toward a one-to-many model with strategic mentorship. 18:40 – Systems That Support Scaling → Fixing the Leaks and Creating a Growth Engine How systemising everything from content to funnels to onboarding creates space for expansion. 21:30 – Positioning and Visibility Strategy → Sharing the Story of Joy as a Business Growth Tool Why Finola is doubling down on visibility—and how clarity of story drives opportunity. 23:45 – The Role of Product Development and AI → Building Scalable Tools for Strategic Thinking How AI and micro tools are enabling a new product vision for strategic business growth. 27:15 – Trust Then Do, Do Then Trust → A Mantra for Courageous Action Acting from belief—even before the results arrive—and staying aligned with the vision. 29:00 – Your Invitation to Build with Joy → Subscribe, Join SOAR & Follow Along in The Joyful Million How to stay close to the journey and build your own joyful million alongside it.

What if burnout wasn’t caused by a job you hate—but by one you love? In this powerful and deeply human episode, Finola sits down with coach, public speaker, and podcaster Teri Holland, who opens up about her burnout story—not from loathing her work, but from being so passionate about it that it nearly broke her. Teri’s body hit a full stop, her adrenal system crashed, and she was told by her doctor that continuing could land her in hospital. What followed was a profound unraveling of identity and an unexpected rebirth—fuelled by the discovery of podcasting. You’ll hear: 🔥 Why loving your work too much can be just as dangerous as hating it. 🧠 The truth about cortisol and burnout—beyond the social media headlines. 🎧 How starting a podcast gave Teri a lifeline, a voice, and eventually a #1 spot on the iTunes Self-Improvement charts. 💡 Why podcasting can still be a brilliant visibility strategy (if you approach it right). 📋 The three reasons most podcasts fail before Episode 3—and how you can avoid the same fate. 🎯 Teri’s must-have Podcast Launch Strategy Checklist (linked in the show notes!). For aspiring podcasters: Teri drops gold on using your voice authentically, building sustainable content, and what vulnerability really means in the age of oversharing. Whether you’re podcast-curious or already publishing, her insights on what truly connects with listeners are a must-hear. “Every person has something to say, and everyone deserves to be heard.” ⏱️ Episode Chapters  00:00 – The Burnout You Didn't Expect burnout from loving your job, adrenal fatigue symptoms, work-life imbalance 02:47 – Teri’s Story: Burned Out by Passion burnout recovery, fitness industry burnout, autoimmune and overtraining 07:33 – What Cortisol Really Does in Your Body cortisol explained, adrenal fatigue, stress hormone cycle 11:00 – The Impact on Women’s Health progesterone levels and burnout, perimenopause and stress, hormone imbalance in women 14:37 – From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Discovering NLP burnout to business transformation, NLP therapy, mindset shift for entrepreneurs 18:53 – How Podcasting Helped Me Heal starting a podcast, podcasting after burnout, personal development podcasts 23:00 – Reaching #1 on iTunes: What Worked podcast launch strategy, podcast growth tips, how to grow your podcast audience 29:05 – Is Podcasting Still Worth It in 2025? should I start a podcast, podcasting in a crowded market, podcasting for entrepreneurs 34:27 – Tools, Tech & Time: Getting Started with Ease podcast gear for beginners, AI podcast editing, how to launch a podcast simply 38:59 – Solo Episodes vs Guest Interviews solo podcasting tips, guest interview strategy, authentic podcast voice 43:59 – Marketing Your Podcast the Right Way podcast SEO, podcast clips on social media, repurposing podcast content 47:51 – Final Thoughts: You Have Something to Say using your voice in business, expressing your truth, podcasting for purpose   🧠 Connect with Teri Holland LinkedIn - Teri Holland Download Her Podcast Launch Checklist   🔗 Connect with Finola Howard: https://www.finolahoward.com/book https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/ https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward   ❤️ Enjoyed this episode? Please rate, review, and share it! It helps amplify voices like Teri’s and supports this podcast's mission. Leave a review at lovethepodcast.com/yourtruthshared

What if joy wasn't just how you measured success — but how you achieved a million-euro business? This is the episode where I put that belief to the test, publicly. In this special solo episode, I do something I’ve never done before — I go public with my boldest business goal to date. One year after the release of my Amazon Bestselling book What If Joy Was How You Measured Success and the Money Proved You Right, I’m standing behind that message and declaring my intent to build a million-euro turnover business in just two years. Joyfully. Intentionally. Without burnout. This is more than a goal — it’s a live experiment in values-led entrepreneurship. It’s where theory meets practice, and joy meets metrics. Inside this episode: The powerful question I ask every entrepreneur (and myself) Why this declaration matters for you as much as it does for me How I’m changing this podcast to reflect the journey Three ways you can join me on the path to the Joyful Million If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build something financially significant and soul-aligned, this is the invitation you’ve been waiting for. 🕰️ Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & The Question That Changes Everything What are you willing to do to get what you want? A foundational question that shifts clarity, commitment, and ambition for every entrepreneur. 03:20 – Joyful Entrepreneurship and The Fallacy of “Should” Unpacking the difference between what you want vs. what you’ve been conditioned to want in business. 06:00 – The Courage to Declare What You Really Want Reflections on legacy, parents, purpose, and why owning your desire matters. 09:10 – From Bestseller to Bold Goal: Why I’m Going Public How the success of What If? inspired this million-euro declaration — and what comes next. 12:50 – The Joyful Million: My Official Declaration I name the number. I name the date. I make the commitment — out loud. 15:30 – Strategy Meets Soul: Why This Journey Will Be Different Lessons from scaling other people’s businesses — and why this time, I’m doing it for myself. 18:00 – Where Joy Meets Metrics: Behind the Scenes of Real Growth The decision to share monthly updates, marketing experiments, mindset shifts, and more. 21:15 – 3 Ways You Can Join Me on This Journey Be a podcast guest. Join the Joyful Million Playbook. Enrol in SOAR Cohort 2. 25:00 – Closing Reflections: Choosing Something Significant A final invitation to set your own bold, joyful goal — and walk the path with intention.   🛠️ Resources & Links ✨ Apply to be a guest on the podcast: Email me directly at ask@finolahoward.com 📨 Join the Joyful Million Playbook (monthly behind-the-scenes email): [Join Here] 🚀 Join SOAR – Cohort Two (12-month membership program): [Join Here] 💬 Connect Enjoying the podcast? Please leave a review and share this episode with a friend who’s building something meaningful. 🔗 Connect with Finola Howard:  https://www.finolahoward.com/book https://www.linkedin.com/in/finolahoward/ https://www.instagram.com/thisisfinolahoward https://www.facebook.com/thisisfinolahoward https://www.youtube.com/@ThisIsFinolaHoward