Small Town Entrepreneur

My Last Therapy Session with Dr. Duffy In this heartfelt episode, Claire reflects on her nine-year journey towards overcoming mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. She shares insights from her therapy sessions with Dr. Duffy, discussing the importance of community, socialization, and self-care. Claire recounts her personal experiences, the tools and strategies that helped her heal, and the significance of having the right support system. The episode emphasizes the need to address loneliness and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in achieving personal growth and maintaining mental well-being. 01:04 Personal Struggles and Mental Health Journey 05:34 The Last Therapy Session 11:48 Reflecting on Progress and Tools for the Future 33:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Dr. Sarah Wilson, ND, is a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health. Dr. Wilson shares her journey of overcoming personal health struggles and how she leverages evidence-based natural medicine to address complex hormonal conditions, digestive issues, and energy production. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of health issues, which often stem from a combination of factors such as blood sugar dysregulation, inflammation, gut health, and hormonal imbalances. Dr. Wilson advocates for a no-nonsense approach to healthcare, encouraging women to achieve optimal health to improve not only their personal well-being but also their professional success. The episode explores the interconnectedness of health and business performance, underscoring the need for female entrepreneurs to prioritize their health to unlock their full potential and effectuate meaningful change in their communities and beyond.   01:05 Introducing Dr. Sarah Wilson: A Naturopathic Doctor's Mission 02:24 The Power of Naturopathic Medicine: Transforming Lives 03:48 Understanding the Root Causes of Disease 05:25 The Journey to Optimal Health: Personal Stories and Insights 08:52 The Science of Healing: Naturopathy's Approach to Common Health Issues 19:31 Empowering Female Entrepreneurs: Health as a Foundation for Success  4:00 The Urgency of a Healthier Lifestyle 25:11 Mindset Shifts for a Healthier Future 26:04 Practical Steps to Kickstart Your Health Journey 27:02 Personal Anecdotes: Real-life Health Wins 33:26 The Interconnection of Health and Business Success     Find me on social: Website: http://clairebouvier.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBouvierPage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire.bouvier/

Radical Insights: Personal Branding with Ryan Alford In this episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast, we discuss the power of personal branding and achieving brand success beyond big cities with marketing maverick Ryan Alford, founder of Radical. The Radcast w/ Ryan Alford - A Top 25 US Marketing Podcast Right About Now with Ryan Alford is the #1 Business and Marketing Show on Apple Podcast in the US and Great Britain featuring business tips, trends, industry stories, and world-famous guests. The conversation explores the idea that success and impactful personal branding can happen anywhere, not just in urban centers, thanks to technology. Ryan emphasizes the importance of adding value, being authentic, and the disciplined effort required to grow a personal brand. Furthermore, we delve into the role of AI in today's marketing, maintaining authenticity amidst technological advances, and Ryan's personal attributes contributing to his success, such as curiosity, resourcefulness, and grit. 00:00 The Power of Personal Branding with Ryan Alford00:46 The Journey of Ryan Alford02:11 Achieving Success Beyond Big Cities: Insights from Ryan Alford03:23 The Art of Growing a Personal Brand: Strategies and Realities06:50 The Evolution of Podcasting: Ryan Alford's Decade of Experience29:05 Embracing AI in Marketing: Staying Authentic in a Digital Age32:07 The Unstoppable Combination: Curiosity, Resourcefulness, and Grit

In this interesting talk, Dr. Evan Steeg joins us to chat about the fast progress and the right and wrong parts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Dr. Steeg knows a lot about AI and has worked with it for a long time. He talks about how AI is becoming more common, the dangers it might bring, and why it's important to use it responsibly. He says that while AI can help people and businesses a lot, we need to be careful with things like privacy and making sure it's fair for everyone. We talk about how AI can be used in creative tasks and in business, and also about the tricky problems we need to solve. Dr. Steeg believes that even as we use more AI, it's important to keep human values in mind. 00:00 Looking at the Future of AI: What Could Go Right or Wrong 00:59 Let's Dive Deep into AI with Dr. Evan Steeg 01:21 Dr. Steeg's Lifelong Interest in AI 02:01 Going from Science Fiction to Real AI 05:05 How AI Changed from Being in Books to Being Real 13:21 How AI Affects Us: Is it Fair and Easy to Use? 20:08 Will AI Make Jobs Better or Take Them Away? 24:06 Getting Ready for a World with Lots of AI 26:35 Remembering What Makes Us Human Even with AI Around 26:49 Why Being Good with People Matters Even in a High-Tech World 28:37 Being Curious Helps Us Learn and Make New Things 31:29 How School Needs to Change for Our Digital Time 35:35 Why Personal Stories Are More Important Than Tests 40:47 How AI Will Help Us Grow Personally and at Work 47:05 Why We Need to Think About What's Right and Wrong with AI

Join me as I reflect on the journey I had with podcasting, discussing the challenges of maintaining consistency in content creation while highlighting the power of passion in driving engagement. We'll delve into practical strategies for successful podcasting, from effective planning and simplifying technology to fostering audience interaction. Additionally, we'll explore the benefits of collaboration within the podcasting community and share exciting announcements about upcoming partnerships and a webinar designed for aspiring podcasters. I'm thrilled to encourage you to pursue your passion projects and share your unique message with the world.  A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your unwavering support and engagement throughout this incredible journey. Watch the youtube episode here! 5 Things I've Learned Starting a Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast, where we dive into the world of entrepreneurship and employment. I'm thrilled to have Ashley Mayhew from LinkedIn as our guest. We explore the dynamic landscape of career development and how it intersects with entrepreneurship. Ashley shares her insights on LinkedIn's growth, its role in empowering its 1 billion members with professional development opportunities, and the platform's changing demographics with a surge in younger users. We delve into the importance of aligning personal values with work, the necessity of continuous learning, and the power of leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for growth and opportunities. Ashley narrates her career journey, emphasizing the power of taking calculated risks, the significance of employer branding, and how companies can foster a culture of happiness and productivity. We highlight how generational shifts, particularly with Gen Z entering the workforce, are influencing talent acquisition and corporate culture toward skill-based hiring and job satisfaction. We also discussed the impact of AI on automating tasks and enhancing job satisfaction, underscoring the theme of navigating changes and grabbing opportunities for professional and personal development. 00:00 The Evolution of LinkedIn: A Billion-Member Milestone 01:07 Introducing the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast 01:26 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Beyond Founders 01:46 Meet Ashley Mayhew: LinkedIn's Relationship Manager 02:55 Ashley's Entrepreneurial Journey: Family Influence and Curiosity 05:59 The Drive for Continuous Learning and Education 12:53 Leveraging LinkedIn for Growth and Learning 14:03 The Power of Community and Shared Learning 18:20 LinkedIn's Rapid Growth and the Impact of COVID-19 22:31 Storytelling and Employer Branding in the Digital Age 29:01 Understanding Branding Beyond Logos 30:59 Unlocking the Power of Personal and Employer Branding 31:38 The Secret to Organizational Success: Happy People 32:25 Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture 34:31 The Future of Work: Skills, Entrepreneurship, and Sales 36:43 Leading Through Change and Building Effective Teams 48:04 Embracing Non-Linear Career Paths and the Role of AI 55:33 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking If you enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about entrepreneurship, don't forget to check out my [tools](https://www.clairebouvier.com/tools) that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast!   Find me on social: Website: http://clairebouvier.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireBouvierPage/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire.bouvier/

Welcome to another episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur podcast. I’m your host, Claire Bouvier. Today, we’re joined by Morgan Lehtinen, a trailblazer in green technology. Morgan’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and passion. From her early fascination with science and the environment, she has evolved into an entrepreneur, commercializing green filtration technologies to tackle challenges like oil spills. In our conversation, Morgan shares her philosophy of integrating diverse skills to create value, her approach to career transitions, and the role of mentorship and community in her journey. She’s currently focused on scaling up chemistry technologies for a wider impact, underscoring the potential of small communities like Kingston, Ontario, in nurturing innovation ecosystems. Here’s a quick rundown of our conversation: 00:00 Introduction: Merging Passions for Impact 01:06 Welcome to the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast 01:12 Meet Morgan Lehtinen: The Green Tech Entrepreneur 02:30 The Genesis of Green Technology: A Personal Journey 07:49 Bridging the Gap: From Lab to Market 13:04 Cultivating an Innovation Ecosystem 13:59 The Strength of Community and Networking 16:57 The Big Impact of Small Towns 21:16 Overcoming Challenges with Confidence 26:09 Advocating for Women in Science and Technology 34:54 Looking Ahead: The Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship 36:41 Wrapping Up Join us as we delve into Morgan’s inspiring journey, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the crucial role of relentless curiosity and optimism in effecting meaningful change.  

This episode of the 'Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast' introduces Thomas Bouvier, an entrepreneur deeply invested in the power of play. Opening with the host's reflections on the diminishing role of play in adult life and its numerous benefits, the episode transitions into introducing Thomas and discussing his unique position in a large family. The conversation delves into Thomas's entrepreneurial journey, starting from his disillusionment with the tech industry in Silicon Valley to his dedication to creating products that evoke the essence of play. Thomas shares insights from his various ventures, including transitioning from tech to the creation of 'Alfabeto', a card game designed to facilitate adult play. The discourse also touches on the manufacturing challenges and lessons learned in product development. The episode concludes with thoughts on the personal and societal importance of rediscovering play as adults, presenting 'Alfabeto' not only as a game but as a tool encouraging simple, meaningful engagement with the world. 00:00 The Power of Play: A Deep Dive into Its Importance01:04 Welcome to the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast: A Family Affair02:11 The Impact of Growing Up with Five Sisters03:59 From Silicon Valley Dreams to Entrepreneurial Reality08:52 The Journey from Employee to Entrepreneur: Trials and Triumphs09:44 Exploring the World of Crowdsourcing and Web321:10 The Philosophy of Play and Its Role in Our Lives30:14 Exploring the Versatility of Game Play30:47 Innovative Ways to Play with a Deck of Cards31:47 The Challenges of Product Packaging and Age Recommendations32:32 Protecting Ideas in a Competitive Market34:40 The Journey of Product Manufacturing and Simplification39:39 Embracing the Slow Process of Creation and Finding Motivation45:10 The Power of Commitment and Learning from Biographies53:26 The Future of One-Person Operations and Lowering Risks57:26 Incorporating Play into Daily Life: A Simple Start

In this episode, Carly Waters, a renowned literary agent working at PS Literary Agency since 2009, shares her journey in the book publishing industry and discusses the unpredictable nature of book success, as exemplified by 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo', which saw massive sales following its popularity on TikTok. Carly highlights the evolving landscape of content creation, the implications of technology on book publishing, and the immense potential for writers in both traditional books and digital content amidst technological advancements. She addresses the challenges and opportunities for fiction and non-fiction authors in the current market, emphasizing the importance of a robust online presence and platform for non-fiction writers. Carly also touches upon copyright issues, the emerging role ofAI in content creation, and the necessity for authors to be adaptable and entrepreneurial. Additionally, she provides insights into her work with the podcast 'The Shit No One Tells You About Writing', aiming to empower authors with the knowledge needed to navigate the publishing world successfully. 00:00 The Unpredictable Magic of Book Success00:49 Introducing Carly Waters: A Literary Innovator01:18 Carly Waters: The Journey of a Literary Agent03:29 Navigating the Future of Books in the Digital Age05:24 The Challenges and Opportunities in Publishing Today13:05 Embracing Technology and AI in Writing24:08 The Power of Storytelling and Advice for Aspiring Writers27:30 Final Thoughts and Advice for Storytellers

The Ultimate Customer Experience Formula with Jason Friedman This episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur podcast features a deep dive into the essence of customer experience with expert Jason Friedman. Jason begins by debunking a common misconception; he clarifies that businesses don't create customer experiences but rather, customer experiences are the outcomes of how businesses interact with them. The discussion unfolds as Jason shares his fascinating journey from a theater nerd to a lighting designer for rock bands and musicals, to evolving into a consultant helping large brands like Foot Locker revolutionize retail through theatrical concepts, which dramatically increased their sales. The spotlight then shifts to strategies for small businesses to improve their customer journey, with a strong emphasis on understanding and anticipating the needs of their customers better than they know themselves. Moreover, Jason stresses the importance of simplicity in an increasingly digital world and the power of human connection in storytelling. The conversation wraps with an exclusive offer for the listeners, promising an insightful strategy and tactic to enhance their businesses, emphasizing the blend of strategic thinking with actionable steps for immediate application. 00:00 Redefining Customer Experience: A New Perspective 01:45 Introducing Jason Friedman: From Theater to Business Success 03:04 The Power of Theatrical Elements in Enhancing Customer Experience 05:06 Transforming Foot Locker: A Case Study in Customer Experience 06:24 Expanding Horizons: From Foot Locker to Global Success 10:01 The Art of Creating Authentic Customer Experiences 20:30 Mastering the Customer Journey in the Digital Age 24:18 The Art of Service: A Personal Story 25:12 Celebrating Exceptional Service: A Birthday Dinner Experience 29:38 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Transitioning from Big Brands to Small Businesses 30:04 Empowering Entrepreneurs: Confidence, Learning, and Impact 35:10 Anticipating Customer Needs: Lessons from Corporate Clients 39:37 Simplifying Success: Navigating the Digital Age 43:20 A Special Gift for the Audience: The Road to Success

Web3 Explained with Author Steve Kaczynski In this engaging podcast episode, Steve Kaczynski shares his journey from being an early adopter of internet technologies to becoming a pioneering voice in the NFT space. He recounts how he quit his job to fully dive into NFTs, eventually co-authoring a Harvard Business Review article on the subject and a book titled 'The Everything Token.' The conversation explores the evolution of the internet from Web 1.0 to Web 3.0, emphasizing the transition from read, write, to ownership. Steve explains how NFTs are changing the game by enabling digital ownership and fostering stronger community connections through shared digital assets. He addresses skepticism around NFTs, draws parallels with early internet adoption, and outlines actionable steps for businesses and individuals to start exploring the potential of NFTs. This episode not only demystifies NFTs and Web 3.0 but also inspires listeners to embrace intellectual curiosity and explore new technological frontiers. 00:00 The Transformative Journey into NFTs and Web301:21 Introducing Steve Kaczynski: A Pioneer in NFTs and Web302:56 Demystifying Web3: From Basics to Business Applications03:17 The Evolution of the Internet: Understanding Web1, Web2, and Web305:06 Exploring the Power of Digital Ownership and NFTs08:02 The Early Adopter's Journey: From Skepticism to Success12:29 Embracing Risk and Spotting Trends in Tech and Business15:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Inevitability of Web321:19 Leveraging NFTs for Business: Real-World Applications and Opportunities27:11 Building Community and Identity Through NFTs30:37 Exploring the Potential of NFTs for Local Businesses30:55 The Power of NFTs in Enhancing Local Business Collaborations32:05 Overcoming Traditional Marketing Limitations with NFTs34:47 A Deep Dive into the Technical Backbone of NFTs36:51 Leveraging NFTs for Customer Engagement and Business Loyalty40:19 The Future of Artist and Fan Relationships Through NFTs43:43 Addressing the Challenges and Opportunities of NFT Adoption46:42 Empowering Communities and Individuals with Web3 and NFTs53:39 Final Thoughts on the Transformative Power of NFTs

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Graham O'Connor, the product lead for Connect.com, an innovative community under HubSpot designed for marketers, customer service, and sales professionals. Graham shares his journey from software engineering to leading the creation of a platform focused on fostering genuine connections and professional growth. He highlights how Connect.com aims to bridge the gap in authentic professional networking by offering a space where members can learn from each other, share insights, and build meaningful relationships. Graham's insights into the transition to remote work, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and the secrets to building a motivated and innovative team provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in today's digital landscape. With a mantra of "go with your natural flow," Graham encourages embracing our passions and curiosities to find success and fulfillment. Tune in to discover how Connect.com is shaping the future of professional networking and community building.

In this episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast, host Claire Bouvier welcomes Rathi Perumal, an engineer turned entrepreneur, to discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting a business as an immigrant in Canada. Rathi shares her journey from working in various roles across multiple firms to realizing that entrepreneurship was the only path she hadn't explored. Facing obstacles such as cultural adjustments, language barriers, and the struggle to be seen and valued in the workplace, Rathi's decision to start her own company was fueled by a desire for challenges and meaningful work. She emphasizes the importance of learning, flexibility, and finding a supportive community as key to navigating the complexities of building a business in a new country. Rathi’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment in the face of adversity.

In the episode of the "Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast" featuring Dr. John Conrad, the conversation delves into the essential nature of leadership across various sectors, from academia to business and education. Dr. Conrad articulates a vision of leadership that intertwines with innovation, emphasizing the need for understanding, influencing, and problem-solving. He challenges the common perception that leadership is inherent to those with titles or positions, suggesting instead that true leadership and innovation are about action and transformation, requiring consistent, often unglamorous work to understand and support others, navigate conflicts, and foster growth. The discussion also touches on the importance of empathy, kindness, compassion, and gratitude in influencing others more effectively than transactional incentives. Furthermore, Dr. Conrad reflects on the challenges of talent recruitment and retention in the current landscape, advocating for a belief in people's potential as a key driver of performance and leadership. The conversation extends to the practical aspects of managing tough situations, the value of taking even small actions to reduce anxiety, and the significance of building relationships and creating a legacy through people rather than accomplishments.

Join us for an energizing episode with Caitlin Bacher, an expert in transforming online course creators into thriving entrepreneurs. Caitlin shares her journey from social media management to creating a groundbreaking course on maximizing Facebook groups for business growth. Discover the pivot that led her to unlock the secret to selling courses on autopilot, allowing for a lifestyle of freedom without the constant hustle of launches. Caitlin emphasizes the power of authenticity, evergreen content, and listening to your audience to refine and evolve your offerings. Whether you're crafting your first course or seeking to scale without burnout, Caitlin's insights offer a blueprint for success. Dive deeper into her strategies by exploring her website and podcast, "Scale with Success," where she guides you through building a profitable sales engine in just 30 days.  Caitlin's 'Scale with Success' method, which allows her to make 10 million from selling her course through an auto-pilot launch strategy. Offering insights to solopreneurs and individuals trying to build an income through online courses, the interview delves into how to maximize profitability by selling more online courses WITHOUT launching! Check out Caitlin Bacher: https://caitlinbacher.com

In this episode, we dive into the critical world of business transitions with Judith Pineault, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor. With over 30 years of leadership in small business entrepreneurship, Judith shares her journey from running a family business to guiding over 70 startups and established businesses through pivotal growth and exit strategies. Discover the importance of succession planning, the reality that 75% of small businesses fail to sell, and how to prevent your life's work from becoming part of this statistic. Judith emphasizes the value of preparing your business for sale, regardless of its size, by focusing on key performance indicators, operational excellence, and creating a business that's attractive to potential buyers. Whether you're just starting or thinking about your exit, Judith's insights offer a roadmap for turning your business into a best-in-class operation, ready for the next chapter. Join us as we explore practical steps for business owners at any stage, aiming to secure their financial future and leave a lasting legacy.

In this episode of the Small Town Entrepreneur Podcast, host Claire Bouvier delves into a topic resonating deeply with many of us: imposter syndrome. Claire shares her personal journey, starting from her childhood experiences of feeling like she was constantly 'doing it wrong', to her diagnosis of ADHD at the age of 30. This episode shines a light on how neurodivergent individuals, particularly women entrepreneurs, often grapple with imposter syndrome. Claire discusses how the world, designed primarily for the neurotypical majority, can inadvertently exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and alienation in neurodivergent individuals. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and research insights, she explores the origins and implications of imposter syndrome, introduced by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in the 1970s. Key takeaways from this episode include: Understanding Neurodivergence: Claire explains how neurodivergence can be a strength, urging listeners to embrace their unique ways of thinking and processing the world. Combatting Negative Thinking: Strategies to identify and counter negative thought patterns, emphasizing the importance of positive affirmations and self-acknowledgement. The Power of Community: The significance of finding support among like-minded individuals and the benefits of mentorship and accountability. Celebrating Small Wins: Encouragement to recognize and celebrate both big and small achievements in the journey of personal and professional growth. Setting Realistic Goals and Embracing Learning: Advice on setting achievable goals and embracing a continuous learning mindset. Practicing Self-Compassion: Tips on being kinder to oneself, especially in challenging times.

This episode delves into the unexpected opportunities that illness can bring, particularly for entrepreneurs. We often view being unwell as a halt in our productivity, but it can actually be a moment to slow down, reflect, and engage with our inner creativity. I'll discuss the benefits of mindfulness, the joy of creative activities, and the importance of gratitude, even when we're bedridden. Whether you're currently navigating a sick day or planning for future ones, this episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to help you transform these times into periods of meaningful growth.   Resources "Big Magic" by Elizabeth Gilbert: Explore creativity with Elizabeth Gilbert's inspiring book. bit.ly/BigMagic-Book The 5 Minute Journal: Start your journey of gratitude with the 5 Minute Journal. bit.ly/5Min-Journal 10 Minute Wim Hof Meditation: Experience balance and relaxation with Wim Hof's guided meditation. bit.ly/WimHof-Meditation

In this episode of 'The Small Town Entrepreneur', we demystify the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and delve into its practical applications for small businesses. From enhancing customer service with chatbots to making marketing more effective and even simplifying accounting, discover how AI can be a game-changer for small businesses. Whether you run a cozy cafe, a local crafts store, or a budding farm, tune in to learn how AI can elevate your business operations, all while keeping that personal touch intact. 

In this enlightening episode, Claire Bouvier dives deep into the intricate dance between advancing AI technologies and the human touch, particularly within the context of small town entrepreneurship. From the transformative potentials of AI in business automation and insights generation to the philosophical implications for humanity, the conversation sheds light on the nuanced journey of intertwining tech with the essence of human creativity. As we tread this ever-evolving digital frontier, the question remains: how do we ensure that we retain our authentic selves while maximizing the benefits of AI? Join Claire as she unravels this and more, offering insights, strategies, and a thought-provoking reflection on the delicate balance we all seek.   You will want to hear until the end...