Consulting Matters

Do you really stop and celebrate your growth in your big milestones in your consulting or coaching business journey? I know I sure don't. A few weeks ago, I received an award from Kajabi, the platform on which my website is built. They recognized me for earning a million dollars. I'm a "$1 million Superhero," and when I got this award, I felt really weird about it. I wasn't sure what to make of it, because it's like, wow, I made a million dollars from this B2C business that I've been working on for the last few years, and at first, I didn't want to celebrate it. Why? Because I'm embarrassed. It took me so much longer to achieve this milestone than it did when I started my consulting business.  I got this award right before I went on vacation. It coincided with my 15th anniversary in business, and then I did a podcast with Karen Laus on confidence in pricing and confidence in general. So, I went on vacation and had lots of time to think about why I want to hide something so meaningful.  In this episode, you'll hear: The real story behind my $1 million milestone. How I found the courage to leave Disney, rebuild after divorce, and pivot my business completely. The mindset shifts that helped me move from embarrassment to celebration. Why sharing your success isn't bragging, it's essential. A simple reframe to help you own your wins with integrity and inspire others to do the same. Next Steps Celebrate with me: Take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come. Share your own milestone or small win publicly, or with a trusted peer, and let others witness your success. Drop it in the comments of the post for this episode! I want to hear about it. Practice “sober celebration”: Reflect on your achievements with integrity... not exaggerating, not minimizing, simply acknowledging what’s true. Inspire courage: Use your transparency to encourage others. When you share what’s possible, you expand what others believe is possible for them. Reframe success: Remember, sharing your wins isn’t bragging. It’s important. It gives evidence of what’s possible when you lead with courage, purpose, and persistence. Join the conversation: Post your milestone on LinkedIn or your platform of choice and tag me. Let’s start normalizing the celebration of integrity-driven success. Other episodes you may enjoy: How to Be Confident in Your Pricing and Get Paid What You’re Worth with Karen Laos (Ep133) How to Land Strategic Client Engagements without Pushy Sales (EP129) The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging with Katie Anderson (Ep126) About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Today, we're exploring what it means to stay human in the age of AI and what it truly entails to create a human-centered organization in these challenging times. To help us explore this topic, my guest today is Edwin Mouriño-Ruiz. He's the president and founder of Human Intelligent Workplace, and he is dedicated to prioritizing human intelligence at work in the area of artificial intelligence. We dive into the impact of AI, among other things that are creating challenges for creating these human-centered workforces. We're going to provide some ideas for consultants and coaches who work on culture and people practices. How can they succeed in an environment where, let's face it, current legislation is definitely creating barriers to creating those welcoming workplaces? In this episode, you'll hear:  How Dr. Edwin Mouriño’s journey from the Air Force to academia inspired his focus on Human Intelligent Workplaces. What it really means to build human-centered organizations that prioritize leadership, culture, engagement, and psychological safety. Why AI should be seen as a tool to enhance, not replace, human intelligence—and how to keep our creativity and critical thinking alive in an AI world. How consultants and leaders can balance technology with empathy, authenticity, and compassion at work. The truth about DEI backlash and why many companies are simply rebranding their inclusion work and what demographic trends make this work essential. Practical advice for consultants helping clients create people-first cultures despite shifting legislation and cultural headwinds. What it takes for leaders to truly “stay human”: investing in personal growth, modeling healthy behaviors, and creating workplaces where people thrive. Where to dive in: (00:11) Human Intelligence in the Workplace(08:03) Navigating AI in People-Centered Workplace(12:48) Balancing AI and Human Creativity(23:31) Leadership Development and Diversity Strategies(28:27) Navigating Diversity Challenges in Organizations(40:13) Building Human Intelligence in the Workplace Next Steps: Revisit your leadership approach: Reflect on how you’re modeling empathy, authenticity, and care within your organization or with your clients. Audit your use of AI: Identify where technology enhances your work and where it might be replacing critical thinking or genuine connection. Reframe inclusion efforts: Keep building welcoming, human-centered workplaces by embedding DEI principles into everyday leadership and culture practices, even if the terminology changes. About the guest: Dr. Edwin Mouriño Ruiz, is an Air Force veteran, author, and leadership expert who helps organizations and leaders grow through emotional intelligence, DEI, and human-centered strategy. As founder of Human Intelligent (HI) Workplace, he combines decades of experience—from Fortune 100 consulting to academia—to empower teams to lead with purpose. His work bridges research and real-world impact, focusing on leadership development, organizational change, and building more human workplaces. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Have you ever wondered if you’re charging enough for your consulting or coaching? I know I sure have. Maybe you’re stuck pricing by the hour, or maybe you discount to win the work. If that sounds like you, you’re in luck, because in this episode we’re getting into how to confidently ask for your worth and get paid for it. We’re wrapping up the series on the journey from service provider to strategic partner with a conversation about pricing - figuring out the right price, being confident in it and then asking for it. This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart because it’s the full expression of my brand and show promise about owning the power of what you do. But the reality is for most of us, when it comes to being asked what you charge or choosing a price for your offers, it’s a moment of dread and fear, instead of confidence. But it doesn’t have to be. Today, my guest is Karen Laos who is a communication expert and confidence cultivator and popular speaker about pricing with confidence. She is going to show you how to ask clients to work with you without hesitation and charge fees that reflect your worth without apology. When you tune in you’ll discover:  Why pricing stirs up so much fear for consultants and coaches  How to know if it’s mindset or value clarity holding back your pricing  Why undercharging crushes your confidence (and shortchanges your clients)  How to shift from charging for time to charging for value  What to say when a client pushes back with “Your fees are too high” This conversation will be your boost of positive energy and give you the courage to price confidently, know your value, and prove ROI. Discover why the first sale is always to yourself, and when you can clearly connect your work to the outcomes clients achieve, you’ll never second-guess your worth again. Next Steps: Reflect on this: Where are you undervaluing yourself? Are you clearly communicating the transformation you deliver? Does your pricing reflect fear—or the true value you bring? If you’re ready to move from transactional service provider to transformational partner, the Impact and Income Accelerator is where we make it happen. This 8-week group coaching program will help you nail your value, position yourself strategically, and 10x your fees and impact, starting with your very next client. We kick off October 14, and spots are almost gone. Book a call with me today to see if it’s the right fit: www.betsyjordyn.com/accelerator . Other episodes you may enjoy: How to Use a Discovery Meeting to Multiply Revenue and Impact (Ep132) Quantify the Value of Your Consulting or Coaching with Jack Phillips (Ep131) Why Listening Pays with Rick Bommelje (Ep130) How to Land Strategic Client Engagements without Pushy Sales (EP129) About the guest: Karen Laos is a Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator helping women overcome self-doubt and ask for what they want. With 25 years as a C-Suite advisor and speaker for Google, Starbucks, and NASA, she shares proven strategies that lead to more clients, promotions, and negotiation wins. She is the author of Trust Your Own Voice and host of the Ignite Your Confidence podcast. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Are you ready to learn how to run the absolute best discovery meeting of your client's life?  Find out how to make that happen on today's episode of the Consulting Matters podcast.  I'm super excited about the Discovery Meeting because I believe in its power. It's literally the most important meeting of your entire consulting or coaching engagement, and it plays the defining role in both your impact and income potential. And if you are somebody who wants to work with leaders and organizations, this is the time to position yourself as the peer that they need, that your clients need, so that you can influence them to take action on the things that you envision for them that are in their best interest. There's so much to the discovery meeting. I've been leading up to this over the last few episodes. I really got focused on the principles of partnership with Peter Block in episode 123. I shared with you in the last couple of episodes about how to leverage strategic listening and the ROI mindset from Rick Bommelje and Jack Phillips. I shared with you the story of Katie Anderson and how she was able to level up her impact and income while working less in episode 126. All of this comes together here in this moment in the discovery meeting. Not only will you discover why this meeting is so critical, but you'll also learn how to make the most of it, positioning yourself as a strategic partner to your clients and increasing your chances of landing the strategic work. You're going to learn also why sharing your credentials is literally the worst way to establish your credibility and what you need to do instead, and I'm going to give you insight and tips on how to transform lame and rigid sales or contracting meetings into meaningful conversations that, in themselves, deliver powerful client value.  Where to dive in: (00:00) Maximizing Discovery Meeting Impact(10:55) Strategic Positioning for Impactful Discovery Meetings(21:32) Mastering the Discovery Meeting Pivot(28:50) Leveraging Pricing for Client ROI Next Step: If you’re ready to stop leaving money, influence, and opportunity on the table, it’s time to master the pivot from client “wants” to real strategic needs. That’s exactly what I’ll walk you through inside the Impact & Income Accelerator. This 8-week group coaching program will help you: Run discovery meetings that position you as a trusted partner (not a service provider). Confidently link your fees to ROI, not hours. Create compelling proposals your clients can’t wait to say yes to. 👉 Learn more and reserve your spot here: betsyjordyn.com/accelerator About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

 Ever feel that gap between knowing that your consulting or coaching adds tremendous value to your clients and being able to articulate that value, let alone quantify it? Today’s episode of the Consulting Matters podcast is going to change that.  We are not just talking about clarifying the value of what you do; we're also about quantifying it and making that value clear, credible, and compelling to the clients you're trying to attract. It's for this reason that I'm super-excited to share my interview with Jack Phillips. He is literally the leading expert on this.  Jack is an author of numerous books and the founder of the ROI Institute. His ROI methodology is a proven framework for showing the value of what we do and the return our clients get from working with us. And if that doesn't entice you enough, let me tell you, he first made an impact on me way back in 1999! I met Jack when I was a new OD consultant at Disney. He taught the ROI workshop to my organization's development team. And that workshop played a key role in my success and led me to position myself more strategically with Disney executives. His ROI framework, and more over, the ROI mindset has also had a profound impact on what I do NOW to help consultants and coaches to position themselves more strategically in the market and with their clients. Listen to this episode so you can: Get clarity not just on what you do or even the value, but on the ROI. The ROI skillset and mindset transform everything! Change how you view yourself. You’ll shift from being seen as a cost center to being valued as an investment, and that shift transforms how you position yourself, especially when landing clients. Learn how to use Jack’s framework to connect the dots between the work you do that may at first glance feel “soft” to the hard outcomes your clients care most about. Get a practical hack for speaking the language of business, for instant credibility. This interview will show you the key to unlocking more money through making a bigger difference. Where to dive in: (00:00) Quantifying Value in Consulting and Coaching(04:19) Leveraging Value in Career Advancement(14:15) Maximizing ROI in Consulting and Coaching(28:26) Prioritizing Business Outcomes in Consulting(33:35) Driving Business Impact Through Leadership Coherence(49:21) Unlocking Value Through ROI Mindset(59:01) Implementing ROI Thinking Across Sectors Next Steps: Don’t miss the early bird pricing for my new 8-week group coaching program, Impact and Income Accelerator, starting October 14th. In this program, you’ll learn how to apply the ROI mindset directly to your client conversations so you can land bigger, higher-paying engagements with ease. Get all the details at betsyjordyn.com/accelerator Jack Phillips is generously giving away his book The Consultant Scorecard to Consulting Matters listeners. To claim your free copy, simply visit ROI Institute  and mention that you heard Jack on the podcast when you submit your shipping address. https://roiinstitute.net/contact-us/  About the guest: Dr. Jack J. Phillips, Chairman of ROI Institute and creator of the ROI Methodology®, is a global authority on accountability, measurement, and business impact. Author of 100+ books and former bank president, he has helped Fortune 500 companies and governments worldwide prove the value of their initiatives. Named one of the Top 50 Coaches in the World by Thinkers50, Jack’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and CNN.  About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services    

Ever notice how many consultants and coaches struggle with trying to figure out the right questions to ask? Which, honestly, is better than obsessing over the right advice to give. Here’s the truth: it’s not about the question. It’s about how well you listen to the answer. That’s why I’m super-excited about this week’s Consulting Matters episode. I got to sit down with my very first mentor—Dr. Rick Bommelje. He’s the one who taught me, 30 years ago, the advice that changed everything for me: no one will automatically use your expertise the way you want—you have to position yourself for it.  Rick is also one of the world’s leading experts on listening. And in this conversation, he breaks down why listening isn’t just a nice-to-have skill. It’s the skill that earns you permission to influence and builds credibility more than anything else. Here’s what you’ll discover when you tune in:   What listening really means (spoiler: it’s way more than nodding and eye contact)  Why listening is the ultimate consulting and coaching competency  How listening changes the game in discovery meetings and coaching sessions  The role listening plays when clients face big, messy, “adaptive” challenges  How listening also applies inward and helps you discern your own vocation and purpose This one’s special to me.  It’s not every day you get to honor someone who’s made such a lasting difference in your career. (You’ll even hear me tear up as I share the depth of my gratitude.) If you’ve ever gotten value from my advice on positioning for impact, you have Rick to thank. Where to dive in: (00:00) Mastering Impact and Income Accelerator(06:27) Career Transformations Through Mentorship(22:33) The Power of Active Seer Listening(39:37) Navigating Leadership Through Adaptive Challenges(55:24) Deepening Leadership Through Authentic Listening Next step:  Active, reflective listening is a cornerstone of my Partnership Setup™ approach to landing strategic client engagements. It’s the skill that earns you permission to move past “what they want” into real business goals. If you want to master this in your own practice, join me inside my brand-new group coaching program, the Impact and Income Accelerator, starting October 14. Enrollment is open now, and early bird discounts are available. Sign up here https://www.betsyjordyn.com/accelerator About the guest: Rick Bommelje has over 30 years of professional experience in the fields of leadership, listening, and adult education. Rick is a Professor in the Department of Communication at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. The Princeton Review named Rick one of ‘The Best 300 Professors’ in the Nation. He also is the past President of the International Listening Association and was inducted into the Listening Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rick and Lyman Steil published the pioneering book, “Listening Leaders: The Ten Golden Rules to Listen, Lead, and Succeed”. Rick’s latest book is titled “Listening Pays: Achieve Significance through the Power of Listening”. He facilitates retreats on the Courage to Lead. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Why do some consultants and coaches land the strategic, bigger, higher-impact and higher-paying client engagements? Hint: it’s not better sales or contracting skills.  Pay close attention this episode where I’ll share with you how to use the very skills that make you such an amazing consultant or coach (active listening, bringing order to chaos, relationship building) to shift your approach to landing clients from sales and contracting to partnership set up for greater impact and income.  In this episode of Consulting Matters, I break down the essential shifts you need to make if you want to consistently land strategic client engagements without feeling pushy, manipulative, or “salesy.” What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why giving clients what they ask for will keep you from strategic, high-paying engagements How to accelerate your shift from service provider to strategic partner, step by step (in a way that works with how your brain makes change)  How to turn discovery meetings, proposals, and pricing from a source of stress into a foundation of influence Why It Matters If you’re tired of chasing clients or feeling like you’re stuck in a cycle of lower-paying work, this episode will help you reposition yourself for engagements that are more strategic, more rewarding, and more aligned with your expertise. Where to Dive In: (00:00) The Power of Partnership Setup(08:07) Service Provider to Strategic Partner Transition(15:37) Creating a Vision for Strategic Partnerships(20:17) Creating Vision for Client Relationships(30:18) Building Trust and Value With Clients(39:34) Mastering Strategic Consulting Skills Through Practice(46:32) Transitioning to Strategic Partner Roles(54:00) Embracing the Impact of Consulting Next Steps: Ready to master partnership setup and land more strategic client engagements? Check out my brand-new group coaching experience, the Impact and Income Accelerator. You’ll learn how to position yourself for greater impact and income and help even hesitant clients see the rock-solid ROI of working with you. 👉 Get all the details and early-bird pricing at betsyjordyn.com/accelerator . And don’t forget to subscribe to the Consulting Matters podcast so you never miss an episode.  About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services    

Are you positioning your consulting or coaching as a service provider or as a strategic partner? In this episode, I break down the difference, the trap most of us fall into, and how you can start shifting into the role that positions your consulting or coaching for greater influence. This is the question I’m diving into as I kick off my new series, From Service Provider to Strategic Partner. I’ll walk you through the difference between being a service provider by choice (and why that can be a great fit), versus falling into the accidental service provider trap. We’ll also explore what it means to step into the role of strategic partner, why it matters, and how it sets you up for greater impact and income. I’ll share: How to know if you’re in the service provider trap (and what it’s really costing you). Why so many of us fall into service provider mode after leaving our 9-to-5. What it really looks like to show up as a strategic partner, and how your value shifts when you do. Simple steps to begin making this shift with your very next client opportunity. If you’ve been hustling for piecemeal gigs, stuck in labor intensive projects or billing by the hour but know you’re capable of more — this episode will help you see a new path forward. Where to dive in: (0:00:36) – What this series is about and why it matters (0:05:42) – Service provider by choice and the clear value it creates (0:11:18) – The accidental service provider trap (and how to spot it) (0:18:55) – Why we all fall into service provider mode at first (0:23:21) – The role of strategic partner and how to position yourself for it Next steps: Reflect on and then choose what works best for you — service provider or strategic partner. If strategic partner is your answer (but you’re not there yet), notice what mindset shifts you’re already seeing that you need to make so you can be open to the new approaches I’ll be sharing in the coming episodes. And when you’re done listening, grab my free Discovery Meeting Script at betsyjordyn.com/discovery-meeting-script. It’ll show you the exact questions to ask — and how to ask them — so you can start making this shift in your very next client conversation. I’m also launching a new group coaching program that turns these partnership principles into action. You’ll get step-by-step guidance and peer support to make this process your own and immediately level up your impact and income — starting with your very next client. Email me at betsy@betsyjordyn.com if you want early access details (and an exclusive discount for early action.) Related Episodes from Consulting Matters: How to Escape the “Relying on Referral” Trap (and Get More of The Right Clients) (Ep121) The Pair of Hands Trap: What Keeps Consultants From Strategic Client Partnership (Ep 53) Four Parts of a Well Positioned Consulting or Coaching Brand (Ep47) About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand positioning and messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 30 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a high-impact, high-income consulting or coaching business? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services   

Too often, Lean consultants and improvement practitioners have the skills and tools to create massive transformation but struggle to communicate their value in a way that resonates with executives and decision-makers. In this bonus episode, I sit down with Katie Anderson, internationally recognized leadership and Lean consultant, to talk about why positioning and language matter just as much as technical expertise. Together, we unpack the challenges practitioners face when they rely on jargon and how reframing your message in terms of outcomes, people, and business value opens doors to greater influence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Lean practitioners often undersell their impact by focusing on tools instead of transformation How to drop jargon and speak in language executives immediately understand The power of positioning yourself as a strategic partner, not just a process expert Why “respect for people” is not just a Lean principle but a compelling value proposition Practical tips to reframe your message so it connects to both business results and human impact Why This Conversation Matters If you have ever felt frustrated that leaders do not understand what you do, this episode is for you. Katie and I dig into the real reason. It is not that your work lacks value. It is that the way you describe it may not bridge the gap between process improvement and business outcomes. This conversation will help you reimagine how you talk about your expertise so that you are seen not as a support function but as an indispensable partner in driving organizational success. Where To Dive In (00:10) Empowering Lean Consultants Through Positioning(11:59) Developing Lean Culture for Employee Engagement(16:48) Framing Value Transformation for Lean Implementation(22:58) Aligning Consultants for Organizational Transformation(32:57) Creating a Unified Vision for Change(44:29) Articulating Value and Impact in Lean(50:03) Measuring and Communicating Lean Value Next Steps If this conversation with Katie Anderson resonated with you and you’re ready to level up your own positioning and influence as a consultant, I’ve created a free resource just for you. This FREE audio training and workbook,  From Playing Small to Playing True, has proven strategies to get you the clarity & confidence you need to go after the consulting or coaching clients, impact & income you’re ready for. When you know the value of what you do and convey it with clarity, building a highly profitable, purpose-driven consulting or coaching business isn’t just possible, but inevitable! (even in challenging economic times). Sign up here. Check out my other episode where Katie and I dive into the ROI of her positioning and messaging transformation. AND you can see the full case study on Katie's brand positioning transformation here. If you’re ready to stop hiding behind jargon and start positioning your expertise in a way that leaders truly understand, let’s talk. Book a free discovery call with me and we’ll explore how you can elevate your message, expand your influence, and create the impact you’re meant to have. Book your Discovery Call and learn more about my services here. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: The ROI of Elevating Your Strategic Positioning & Messaging with Katie Anderson (Ep126) How to Use Your Love for Learning to Take Bigger Risks with Katie Anderson (Ep35) Why Lean Is the Best Way to True Employee Engagement with Tom West and Mark Ryan (Ep125) What If We Got Employee Engagement All Wrong with Beverly Crowell (Ep124) Peter Block on Flawless Consulting, Relationship Power & the Common Good (Ep123) About the guest:  Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership consultant, professional speaker, and learning enthusiast, who inspires and equips purpose-driven leaders create organizational learning cultures that foster innovation, engagement, and continuous improvement. A skilled change agent, Katie has empowered tens of thousands of global leaders across diverse industries to transform their cultures and accelerate individual and organizational impact. Katie is the author of the bestselling book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, which has received multiple international awards, including the Shingo Publication Award, and has been translated into over eight languages. Katie is also the host of the transformational leadership podcast Chain of Learning®. Katie holds a BA with honors from Stanford University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Australia, where she received her Master’s degree in public health policy. A global citizen who has lived in seven countries, Katie regularly hosts an immersive Japan Leadership Experience for global leaders looking to deepen their knowledge of people-centered leadership and operational excellence. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Wondering if working on clarifying your brand positioning and refining your messaging creates revenue? You bet it does! If you have been thinking that working on this is a nice-to-have marketing or coaching exercise when you have more money to invest or clients... think again. Especially in today’s confusing and complex market. Today we’re talking about the powerful, rock-solid return on your investment of money, time and talents in elevating your positioning in the market and enhancing how you frame up, describe, pitch and price what you do with my guest Katie Anderson. She was on the show back in episode 35 over 3 years when she first became my client. When started our work together, Katie was already successful... as a Shingo Award winning author of Leading to Learn and Learning to Lead and sought-after keynote speaker. Still, despite her opportunities, she knew how she was writing and talking about what she did was holding her back from her next stage of success and impact. Can you relate to the struggle of knowing that you have so much value you create for your clients but not have the words to describe it and how it affects the results you get from your networking, the quality of offers you put in front of clients, your pricing and so much more? Can you also relate to the struggling of investing time and money in fixing this when it either seems like something you shouldn’t be struggling with or soft? This is exactly what Katie, and I get into onto today’s show. When you tune in, you’ll hear first-hand from Katie on the powerful ROI she has gotten from not just investing in elevating her foundational brand messaging but also her approach to landing clients, her online presence and more! We chat about Katie’s journey from hourly contractor to sought-after thought leader and premium brand and the lessons learned along with the way. We get into:  The mindset and strategic investments the propel growth  How to take advantage of the opportunities you’re presented with – such as Katie’s husband’s job opportunity in Japan led to what much of the success Katie enjoys now  Why my partnership set up approach beats contracting and sales and how it has empowered Katie to dramatically increase her impact and income  The difference between endorsements and benefit-driven testimonials – and how working on Katie’s has turned me into a lean evangelist  The legit struggle that Katie, like many lean practitioners, had with articulating the value of what she did  The powerful impact and ROI Katie got when she got clear on who she helped and more importantly the problem she solved Why you need this episode: If you struggle conveying the value of what you do in your networking, website, offers, proposals, and pricing and it’s holding you back from the success and impact you want as a consultant or coach, in general or specifically in today’s confusing times and want to know if it’s worth your money and time to fix it, this is the episode for you. And if you’re an operational excellence, lean, continuous learning practitioner – you’re going to love this episode and the bonus one that Katie and I recorded that follows this one on that is specific to your messaging and positioning challenges. Where to dive in: (00:00) Elevating Brand Positioning for Revenue(06:50) Shifting Business Focus for Growth(20:15) Creating Value Through Client Collaboration(26:12) Clarifying Value and Target Audience(35:22) Transformative Value and Mindset Shift(48:46) Reigniting Purposeful Consulting Relationships(01:02:06) Empowering Consultants for Purposeful Growth(01:06:34) Improving Leader Understanding of Lean Next steps:  If you’re struggling like Katie was with articulating the value of what you do, here’s where to start to overcome it. Pay attention to the people you’re drawn to help and the problems you’re motivated to solve and ask yourself some questions about why these matters to you. What do you see is possible for them that they don’t see yet for themselves? What difference will that change make? And if you need someone to help you do this, book a discovery call with me here.  The real value, the real ROI of doing positioning and messaging work isn’t about marketing. It’s about mindset and getting out of your own head and getting into the clients you want to serve. That is where the real source of clarity and confidence comes from.  Head on over to my website at www.betsyjordyn.com where you’ll find lots of free resources to help you take the next step. I have a free audio training on “Playing Small to Playing True”, several downloads, including a messaging guide and my discovery meeting scripts, that Katie uses to get the results she enjoys today. And of course you can learn more about my highly personalized strategic brand partnership programs.  And if you’re a lean practitioner – tune into the bonus episode that Katie and I recorded on the why it’ so hard to get leaders to get the value of what you do and ideas on how to fix it. You can also explore Katie's transformation here!  If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: How to Use Your Love for Learning to Take Bigger Risks with Katie Anderson (Ep35) Why Lean Is the Best Way to True Employee Engagement with Tom West and Mark Ryan (Ep125) What If We Got Employee Engagement All Wrong with Beverly Crowell (Ep124) Peter Block on Flawless Consulting, Relationship Power & the Common Good (Ep123) About the guest:  Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership consultant, professional speaker, and learning enthusiast, who inspires and equips purpose-driven leaders create organizational learning cultures that foster innovation, engagement, and continuous improvement. A skilled change agent, Katie has empowered tens of thousands of global leaders across diverse industries to transform their cultures and accelerate individual and organizational impact. Katie is the author of the bestselling book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, which has received multiple international awards, including the Shingo Publication Award, and has been translated into over eight languages. Katie is also the host of the transformational leadership podcast Chain of Learning®. Katie holds a BA with honors from Stanford University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Australia, where she received her Master’s degree in public health policy. A global citizen who has lived in seven countries, Katie regularly hosts an immersive Japan Leadership Experience for global leaders looking to deepen their knowledge of people-centered leadership and operational excellence. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services    

Lean: The unsung hero of employee engagement that actually works You might think employee engagement is best created by HR. Think again. In this episode of the Consulting Matters podcast, I’m joined by Tom West and Mark Ryan of Green Dot Consulting - self-proclaimed improvement nerds on a mission to rescue the world from bad processes. If you’re a consultant or coach who wants to help your clients improve performance and engagement (especially in these uncertain times), this conversation is a must-listen.  We unpack why process improvement isn’t just about efficiency… …it’s a powerful, people-first strategy that boosts morale, productivity, and performance all at once! Tune in to discover:  Why Lean and process improvement is the most overlooked secret to increasing employee engagement  What leaders of highly engaged workforces NEVER do when faced with lots of employee complaints  Why fixing broken processes (more than recognition or bumps in pay) makes employees feel respected, appreciated, valued and heard  Where hidden opportunities for cross-functional collaboration between Lean, HR, and OD are waiting to be uncovered  Why consultants and coaches who connect people, process, and profit are needed now more than ever  How to make waste the enemy—not the economy—so you can boldly position yourself for the clients who need you right now  Listen now and get ready to become an improvement nerd yourself (if you’re not already). Where to dive in: (00:00) The Power of Lean for Engagement(04:59) Passion for Process Improvement(11:42) Uncovering Employee Engagement Gaps(27:20) The Value of Employee Engagement(37:58) Collaboration for Operational Excellence(49:19) Empowering People for Success(58:33) Uncovering Lean Process Improvement Value About the guests:  Thomas West, founder of GreenDot, is an “Improvement Nerd” with a rare ASQ Master Black Belt and a string of other credentials that prove he’s as good with strategy as he is with a stopwatch. A PMP, Organizational Change Management pro, and Malcolm Baldrige Examiner, Thomas helps organizations go from good to great by building cultures where ideas flourish and change sticks. When he’s not improving processes, he’s training for endurance races or visiting National Parks with his wife and three sons, on track to see them all before the boys graduate. Mark Ryan is a process improvement and operational leader at GreenDot, where he drives organizational change from the ground up. He empowers teams through Lean Six Sigma training and workshops, helping companies eliminate waste, boost efficiency, and build a culture of daily improvement. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Agree or Disagree: Employee engagement should be the #1 leadership priority. If you have been working with organizations, as a leader or a consultant, I'd hedge a bet that you'd agree. But what if we have all gotten this completely wrong!  What if everything we believe about employee engagement and what organizations are pumping billions of dollars into can't and will never work, or not how we think it will? To explore what the real alternative is to employee engagement and what is actually needed to create workplaces that have respect for people at their core... I'm bringing on the Consulting Matters podcast, Beverly Crowell.  She is the Managing Partner of Peter Block's Designed Learning, an organization that creates structured learning experiences that awaken a sense of purpose to create organizations that serve the common good.  Tune in now to discover: ⁠What we believe about employee disengagement is fundamentally flawed, and why it's wasting billions of dollars and countless hours ⁠The questions we should and shouldn't be asking on employee engagement surveys The power of positive accountability... why leaders will see increased performance when we ask employees to take responsibility for their own engagement If you're an organizational consultant or coach (particularly in organization development, HR, L&D, and Lean), passionate about creating workplaces that have respect for people at their core, this is the conversation you will NOT want to miss.  Where to dive in: (00:00) Reimagining Employee Engagement in Organizations(08:41) Redefining Employee Engagement Ownership(14:10) Revolutionizing Employee Engagement in Organizations(27:58) Empowering Entrepreneurial Mindset in Organizations(40:24) Contracting for Effective Consulting Partnerships(47:32) Empowering Organizational Relationships Through Partnership About the guest: Beverly Crowell is the Managing Partner at Designed Learning, the for-profit arm of Peter Block’s work. With over 15 years of experience across consulting, talent management, and organizational development, Beverly brings deep expertise in helping organizations reimagine how they engage, develop, and lead their people. She’s worked with Fortune 500 companies across industries, from aerospace to healthcare and is a contributing author to several leading handbooks on leadership and talent. A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Beverly is known for her ability to challenge assumptions and spark meaningful change. She lives in Merritt Island, Florida, with her husband and two children.  About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

When you think about the work we do as consultants and coaches, it’s easy to focus on deliverables, frameworks, and strategies. But beneath all that lies a deeper truth: What is the real power we bring—especially when we don’t have formal authority? In this episode, I’m diving into some of the most meaningful questions facing our profession today: What is the true influence of consultants and coaches in today’s organizational landscape? How do we stay grounded in values like dignity, respect, and people-centered leadership when external pressures, and even legislation, create real barriers? And what role should we play in advancing social impact? These are not easy questions. But they are the ones that matter. And that’s exactly why I invited none other than Peter Block to join me for this conversation. Peter is the author of Flawless Consulting, the book so many of us in this field consider the Bible of our profession. I first read it when I was a brand-new OD consultant at Disney—and re-reading it during my sabbatical reminded me just how deeply Peter’s thinking has shaped my own. This conversation is both personally meaningful and professionally transformative. Peter shares his insights on consulting with integrity, power without authority, and how we can help build organizations that serve the common good, even in the face of short-term thinking and rising social challenges. What You’ll Learn: Why Peter Block originally resisted writing Flawless Consulting—and what changed his mind How consultants can influence without control or authority Why “how we are with each other” matters more than what we say Simple, transformational questions that deepen client conversations The deeper purpose of consulting as a force for social good Where To Dive In: (0:00:02) - The Value of Consulting in Organizations(0:12:52) - The Ethical Role of Consultants(0:19:05) - The Illusion of Control and Power(0:25:24) - Embracing Agency in Consulting Relationships(0:31:47) - Shifting Perspectives in Consulting Relationships(0:40:01) - Exploring Empowerment and Collaboration Journey(0:48:38) - Navigating Organizational Shifts and Values(0:59:59) - Embodying the Common Good Philosophy(1:13:03) - Building a Community of Purpose-Driven Consultants Exact Quotes from the Episode: “The relationship is the delivery system for my expertise.” — Peter Block [0:05:37] “How you and I are with each other will make it real or make it a speech.” — Peter Block [0:09:03] “I was very nervous that my peers in OD would say, ‘Peter, the model was a cookbook.’” — Peter Block [0:05:37] “What you know is not the same as what people act on. The relationship makes it actionable.” — Peter Block [paraphrased summary of extended quote, 0:05:37] “Every invitation matters—and yours especially so.” — Peter Block [0:04:12] Next Steps:  I invite you to reflect on Peter's deep wisdom, especially around how our relationship skills really are, the delivery mechanism of our expertise, the illusion of control and how nobody, even the top executives, have control. I loved what we got into about the differences between control and power, the prevailing myths that are out there that affect our own thinking and how we show up in the world around scarcity and division, and how a Flawless Consulting approach, this relationship and collaborative approach, is what's needed in any economy. As a branding person, I'd be remiss if I did not draw out what I love what Peter said about looking for clients who are looking for us. So the question I invite you to consider is how easy or hard are you making it for the people who are looking for you to get what you do?  Inspired by Peter Block’s take on purpose-driven consulting? Take the next step and reclaim your own power with Betsy Jordyn’s free audio training + workbook: From Playing Small to Playing TrueDiscover the proven strategies to gain the clarity and confidence you need to attract the consulting or coaching clients, impact, and income you're truly ready for—even in challenging times. Access it free here and start building a business that reflects your true value. About the guest: Peter Block is an author and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the co-founder of Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops designed to build the skills outlined in his books. Peter is part of the Common Good Alliance of Greater Cincinnati and was a member of his local neighborhood council. His books include Activating the Common Good, Confronting Our Freedom, Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How Is Yes, Community, and The Abundant Community. His work is in the restoraDon of the common good and creaDng a world that reclaims our humanity from the onslaught of modernism. Peter’s honors and awards include the Organization Development Network's 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and its 2004 first-place Members' Choice Award in recognition of his book Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used (1999) as the most influential book for Organizational Development practitioners over the past 40 years. He is the recipient of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Award for Distinguished Contributions and the Association for Quality and Participation President's Award; he has also been named to Training Magazine's HRD Hall of Fame. www.designedlearning.com www.peterblock.com About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

What does it really mean to scale up your success as a consultant or coach? What does it look like to step into new levels of impact, especially if you don’t have dreams of growing a firm or leading a global enterprise? I’m diving into these questions and more as I take you behind the scenes of my latest brand relaunch – which after months of strategy, design, copywriting and more – it’s finally done. What I don’t want to do in this episode is to make it about promotion. If I did a good job, my website should do that work for me. It’s about the lessons I learned that were uniquely powerful in this particular brand relaunch, which was an unexpected outcome of my 7-month sabbatical that I can’t seem to stop talking about. I’ll be diving into the transferable lessons that I got that are for sure relevant for you if you’re wanting to grow a solopreneur consulting or coaching business that thrives over time. I’ll be sharing with you: What most of us don’t fully get about growing a solopreneur business The signs we often miss when we’re ready for success The real purposes of working on your brand positioning, messaging and website, plus why it’s ultimately NOT a marketing exercise Secrets to aging online with grace and power My specific evolution, what’s new and what’s staying the same Where to dive in: (0:00:12) - Scaling Up Success as Solopreneur Consultant (0:12:15) - Elevating Your Solopreneur Business (0:15:53) - Transforming My Business Brand and Message Next steps: I’d love for you visit my website and check it all out: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/   Download my freebies: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/opt-in  Email me at betsy@betsyjordyn.com and let me know what you think – and  about the typos you’re bound to find (remember it’s success not perfection, but the perfectionist in me will want to fix it!) And if you’re on the cusp of your next level and wants a partner to get you through your transformation faster, with less spin, more focus and greater clarity and confidence, I’d love to help you. After you check out my website, hit the big button at the top to request a discovery meeting to get started.  Related Episodes from Consulting Matters: Embracing Your Expertise: The Importance of Believing in Yourself (Ep 59) Why CEO’s Hire Consultants and Coaches: The REAL Value They Bring (Ep 64) My Top 5 Consulting, Coaching & Entrepreneurial Mistakes (Ep 115) Nail Your Consulting or Coaching Niche with 5 Simple Strategies (Ep 113) About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  

Agree or disagree: “Referrals on Repeat” is the dream As a consulting or coaching business owner, you know that sustainable and scalable success depends on your client pipeline, filled with the right clients who are excited to work with you and invest in your partnership. I’d hedge a bet that you agree. But what if a dream of “referrals on repeat” is actually stands in the way from consistent client attraction and quietly keeps you stuck? In this episode of the Consulting Matters Podcast, I'll be sharing all about the “relying on referrals trap" - when we are completely dependent on our referral network for lead generation - why it's so easy to fall into and how to get out of it! Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode: What is positive word of mouth and why it’s not the marketing strategy you think it is How you can tell if you’re in the “relying on referrals trap” 3 reasons why referrals dry up – even with people with robust professional networks The #1 thing you need to escape the “relying on referrals trap” (and chances you already know what it is) How to use your relationship skills to build a predictable client pipeline (and avoid what people do on LinkedIn that absolutely kills their networking) If you’ve been waiting for the right people to send clients your way, but you’re ready to be in the driver’s seat, this episode is for you. Where to dive in: (0:00:00) - The Relying on Referrals Trap(0:13:16) - The Referral Network Trap(0:28:17) - Leveraging Websites and LinkedIn for Marketing(0:33:01) - Building Client Relationships for Growth Next Steps: To help you with the go/no go point of identifying your ideal client and your messaging, grab my free guide – www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads  Related Episodes from Consulting Matters: How to Strategically Position Your Consulting or Coaching for the Right Clients & Bigger Impact  - Even in 2025 (Ep120) Nail Your Consulting or Coaching Niche with 5 Simple Strategies (And Get It Right the First Time)” (Ep 113)  Want to Start Your Own Consulting or Coaching Business? How to Finally Make It Happen (Ep110) About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services      

A deep dive into strategic positioning (& how it helps consultants and coaches step into greater traction, impact and income). Picture this. You’re at a point where you ready to take your consulting or coaching business to the next level and you’re finally ready to leave your leadership career to start your own business, or build something of your own after getting by with referrals or going after more strategic client work. You know that what you got you here while great…isn’t enough to get you where you want to go. You feel the gap. You know you're capable of more. But your brand, your message, your offers, your website and approach to getting clients - they're not quite lining up with the level you’re aiming for. Can you relate? If so, pay close attention to this episode where I share with you what you need to do get everything re-aligned to your next level of success and impact as a consultant, coach and business owner. Here’s what you’ll discover in today’s episode:  5 steps in my proven success roadmap that gets you strategically positioned for the clients, impact and income you’re ready for.  Why you’ll speed up your progress and profits if you slow down and take a more intentional approach to getting clients  Why waiting until you have all clarity and confidence before you use this roadmap is guaranteed to keep you stuck and spinning  What makes some consultants and coaches thrive during volatile and uncertain market conditions – and others not so much Where to dive in: (0:00:00) - Strategic Positioning for Consultants and Coaches(0:06:43) - Accelerating Success Through Listening and Clarity(0:14:01) - Crafting Clear Brand Positioning and Messaging(0:24:43) - Strategic Positioning and Website Myths(0:35:40) - Empowering Consultants and Coaches for Success(0:45:24) - Podcast Promotion Strategy Tune in to discover how you can say goodbye to hit or miss client attraction, stalled out progress and settling for less than your potential and say hello to flow -  A predictable client pipeline filled with the right clients who are ready and excited to invest in your strategic consulting or coaching partnership! When you’re done listening, I got four brand-new guides to help you refine your messaging, master your discovery meeting, get your website done faster and build a foundation for using your ideas to attract and warm up the right clients. Click here to get instant access: www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads Next steps: Identify what you have in place and what’s missing – identify the first missing item from the roadmap and develop actions to plug in that hole first before moving on  Head on over to www.betsyjordyn.com/downloads and get your free guides to help you move from insight into action  If you want to accelerate your progress and deepen your confidence by working with me, let’s talk. Head on over to www.betsyjordyn.com/schedule and request a discovery meeting. In the first meeting, my gift to you is use my framing skills to help you clarify what your next level of success and impact looks like and what achieving it will create for your business, career and life. IF we decide then if we’re a fit, we’ll move onto co-creating your solution but before that. Related Episodes from Consulting Matters Nail Your Consulting or Coaching Niche with 5 Simple Strategies (Ep 113) Why You Need an Ideal Client Archetype (Ep 38) About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services 

In this on-air coaching session, I sit down with Brenda Reiss—a remarkable forgiveness coach with a unique perspective on transformation and empowerment. Brenda’s journey spans a 30-year corporate career and personal challenges, and she’s redefined her coaching practice to focus on empowering women in midlife. Her experience coping with her husband’s dementia diagnosis has inspired her to expand her services beyond forgiveness coaching, helping women reclaim their identities and live authentically. Together, we unpack the complexities of rebranding and the importance of creating a brand that resonates with personal growth and transformation. I guide Brenda through aligning her coaching practice with her powerful story—helping her stand out and connect with the women she’s called to serve. For high-achieving women navigating the often-turbulent waters of personal relationships, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Professional success doesn’t always translate into personal fulfillment, and Brenda shares the emotional challenges faced by women who excel at work but struggle at home. We explore the disconnect that arises from toxic relationship dynamics and the journey towards self-empowerment that ultimately leads to personal happiness—independent of external relationships. Brenda’s multifaceted coaching approach—blending forgiveness, money, and grief coaching—addresses the unique needs of high-achieving women. She offers a personalized, judgment-free space where clients gain clarity and empowerment to make conscious decisions. Throughout our conversation, I highlight the critical role of effective brand positioning for coaches, emphasizing transformation and outcome-focused language that attracts and engages clients. What You’ll Learn The most common positioning mistakes consultants and coaches make (and how to fix them) What you’re really listening for when you do a market scan — and why it matters What you need to get clear on to make your competition irrelevant How to articulate the unique and powerful value your clients get only from working with you Where To Dive In (0:00:12) — Rebranding and Repositioning a Coaching Business (0:10:16) — Navigating High-Achieving Women's Relationships (0:22:50) — Understanding High-Achieving Women's Relationships (0:31:05) — Empathy and Credibility in Coaching (0:39:48) — Customized Coaching for High-Achieving Women (0:50:46) — Effective Brand Positioning for Coaches Related Episodes from Consulting Matters How to Clarify Your Brand Promise (and Why It Matters) How to Build a Brand That Connects with Your Audience Creating a Personal Brand Story That Resonates Positioning Your Consulting Brand for Impact About the guest: Brenda Reiss is a transformative forgiveness coach who empowers women in midlife to heal from toxic patterns and reclaim their authentic selves. With over 30 years of experience—including time in the corporate world and caring for a spouse with dementia—Brenda blends forgiveness, money, and grief coaching to help high-achieving women create clarity, confidence, and purpose in every area of life. https://brendareisscoaching.com/  About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services 

In this episode of Consulting Matters, I sit down with Michelle Natalya Moore, a former Big Four equity partner who transformed her career, and her life, to align with her authentic business purpose. We dive deep into how Michelle moved from overthinking and analysis paralysis to finding confidence and clarity in her own business journey. Michelle shares her incredible path from working on complex digital transformations in Russia to building a business that champions digital well-being and supports teams and leaders to thrive without cognitive overload. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why transitioning from corporate success to entrepreneurship is more than just a career change; it’s a full-on life transformation. How Michelle recognized her own “Zoom addiction” during COVID and turned that challenge into a catalyst for her new purpose. The signs of cognitive overload (hint: messy digital closets, reactive cultures, and more) and how to design work-life balance that works for you. The power of “being seen," how Michelle’s branding, messaging, and photography unlocked her authentic voice. How Michelle uses the Orlando Offline Club to help teams unplug, innovate, and reconnect with purpose. The real reason tech can both help and hurt and why it’s crucial to design your relationship with technology intentionally. Key Takeaway: Michelle’s journey shows that moving from confusion to confidence in business is not a one-time event but an iterative process. She shares how aligning with your purpose, and getting your ideas out of your head, can lead to impactful, authentic success. Timestamps and Key Topics: (0:00:00) - Building a Purpose-Driven Consulting BusinessA Big Four equity partner turned digital well-being strategist shares her journey and tips for building a purpose-driven consulting business. (0:03:19) - Navigating Career Transitions and PurposeA dynamic career in management consulting, starting with an MBA in Houston and a move to Moscow, leading to a shift towards social impact work. (0:18:10) - Building a Purpose-Driven Activist BusinessTransitioning between business models, focusing on B2B, creating offline experiences, addressing digital harms, advocating for balanced technology use. (0:30:06) - Crafting Messaging and Branding With PurposePositioning and messaging for personal brand, work-life design for mental energy, symbolism of ginkgo leaf, recognizing cognitive overload, healthier tech relationship for high achievers. (0:35:26) - Managing Attention and Digital OverloadMaintaining focus, minimizing distractions, and decluttering digital tools are key to harnessing attention in our work and personal lives. (0:40:26) - Designing Environments for Productive WorkIntentional design of virtual and physical workspaces can enhance productivity, creativity, and well-being for individuals and teams. (0:55:28) - Navigating Tech Relationships for ActivismYour Tech Relationship" Substack newsletter discusses regulating social media, managing technology use, and transitioning from a Big Four equity partner. (1:01:28) - Navigating Iterations in Business GrowthNature's transformation journey in entrepreneurship, emphasizing iteration, purpose, digital well-being, and aligning values with a changing world. (1:07:19) - Sharing Success Stories for Business GrowthMichelle's transformative journey working with me, showcased on my website's success stories page, highlights impactful work and offers personalized guidance. About the guest: Michelle Natalya Moore is a Capacity Consultant and Digital Wellbeing Advocate dedicated to empowering high-achieving women to reclaim and enhance their creative, intellectual, and mental capacities. With over 25 years in international consulting—including roles as an equity partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst & Young—Michelle experienced firsthand the toll of constant task-switching and overwork on cognitive function. This realization led her to explore and develop strategies for focus and presence, which she now shares through her consulting programs and retreats. Her mission is to help others achieve accomplishment with ease by restoring their mental bandwidth and fostering a healthier relationship with technology. https://www.michellenatalyamoore.com/  About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services 

What if the key to your next level of growth isn't pushing harder, but stepping back? In this episode of Consulting Matters, Betsy Jordyn is joined by Cady North, financial advisor, author, and entrepreneur, to explore the transformative power of sabbaticals—especially for high-achieving consultants and coaches. They unpack the mindset shifts, financial considerations, and long-term rewards that come from stepping away intentionally. Whether you’re facing burnout, navigating a life transition, or simply seeking clarity on what’s next, this episode will help you view rest not as a reward, but as a strategic investment in your business and your well-being. Timestamps and Key Topics: (0:00:01) – The Power of Taking a Sabbatical How a sabbatical can spark deep clarity and healing for high-achieving professionals. Includes lessons on embracing stillness and preparing financially. (0:08:13) – The Value of Taking a Break Why sabbaticals are becoming more common—and necessary—for personal growth, creativity, and exploring new possibilities. (0:20:31) – Rediscovering Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurship How time off can lead to a more sustainable work-life rhythm, and inspire business reinvention that reflects your true values. (0:28:41) – Reflections on Sabbatical and Return How intentional pauses open space for creativity, redefine productivity, and guide your re-entry into work with renewed purpose. (0:33:55) – Navigating the Post-Sabbatical Transition What to expect as you transition back into business, and why honoring your new pace and energy is key to long-term success. (0:39:15) – The Art of Taking Sabbaticals Financial planning tips, mindset shifts, and real client stories that illustrate the ROI of taking a well-designed break. (0:47:05) – The Power of Sabbatical Coaching Why communication, intention, and structure matter when planning a sabbatical—and how Cady supports her clients through the process. (0:54:06) – The Power of Sabbatical Reflection How to use nature, movement, and creative practices to process insights and build a business that aligns with who you truly are. Resources Mentioned: The Art of the Sabbatical by Cady North: https://a.co/d/76fbRkg Learn more about Cady North and her coaching: www.cadynorth.com Explore Betsy Jordyn’s clarity and brand positioning work: www.betsyjordyn.com/services Watch the video on YouTube. About the Guest: Cady North is a personal finance expert. She works one-on-one with women to support their money journeys and writes about money, mindset, and work breaks. After spending more than a decade in corporate roles, her life-changing sabbatical in 2015 led her to start her entrepreneurial journey.  As founder and CEO of North Financial Advisors and author of The Resiliency Effect, and The Art of the Sabbatical, her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Business Insider, and The Washington Post. She is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Registered Life Planner®, and has an MBA from Georgetown University and BA from the University of Texas at Austin. About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services  Subscribe and Share: Subscribe to Consulting Matters on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If this conversation inspired you, share it with a friend who may be ready to explore the ROI of rest.

Have you ever thought about hitting pause on your business—but immediately wondered how that could even work? In this powerful first episode of the Consulting Matters podcast (formerly Enough Already), host Betsy Jordyn shares her personal story of stepping away from her business for a sabbatical after experiencing deep, soul-level, exhaustion. She unpacks what led her to take the break, how she funded and planned it, and most importantly, what she discovered in the silence. This episode is more than a personal update—it’s a roadmap for high achievers, especially consultants and coaches, who’ve been running on empty but aren’t sure how to stop. If you're questioning your next move, craving clarity, or ready to rebuild from a more grounded place, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn: Why high achievers need courage—not just strategy—to take a sabbatical How Betsy planned, funded, and structured her time away What to expect in the discomfort of rest (and how to move through it) How her sabbatical became the catalyst for a business and brand reinvention The biggest ROI: walking away from performance addiction to rediscover purpose How she’s choosing purpose over perfection in her return to work Where To Dive In:  0:00:00) - Navigating a Sabbatical and Return(0:09:47) - Personal Growth Through Sabbatical Transformation(0:16:08) - Walking Towards Purpose and Clarity(0:27:06) - Discovering Clarity and Purpose Through Sabbatical(0:37:18) - Consulting Matters Podcast Launch and Services If you’re a purpose-driven consultant or coach ready to build a sustainable, impactful business, hit subscribe and share this episode with someone who might need permission to pause. Resources Mentioned: Work with Betsy: www.betsyjordyn.com/services Contact Betsy directly: betsy@betsyjordyn.com Learn more about Michelle Natalia Moore and digital detox: About the host: Betsy Jordyn is a business mentor, brand messaging strategist, and former Disney consultant who helps purpose-driven consultants and coaches build profitable businesses rooted in their unique strengths. With over 20 years in the industry and a knack for turning big ideas into clear positioning, she's your go-to for strategy that aligns with your calling. Ready to turn your expertise into a business that makes both impact and income? Work with me: https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services