Slay The Gatekeeper

Matthew Rieck joins host Courtney Johnson on this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper to reveal key “cheat codes” for employee retention, leadership, and workplace culture. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at InZone Insurance and the author of The Employee Retention Bible, Matt shares actionable insights on how businesses can keep top talent and create thriving work environments.He breaks down why self-perception determines income, how companies fail by promoting managers without leadership training, and the importance of eliminating high-performing but toxic employees. Matt also explains why companies should leverage social media for employee recognition, implement all-company meetings for transparency, and use succession planning to ensure long-term growth. From practical strategies to leadership mindset shifts, this episode is packed with valuable insights for both employees and employers.Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or visit mattrieck.com to learn more. You can also grab his book, The Employee Retention Bible, on Amazon.CJ Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings:Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandVIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vipGumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Kaisha Slaughter joins host Courtney Johnson on this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper to reveal some of the spiciest "cheat codes" for personal transformation. Kaisha, an intuitive guide and self-image coach, shares how our bodies physically react to toxic relationships, why self-image influences every aspect of our lives, and how shifting our energy can completely change our reality. She breaks down how our thoughts shape our physical appearance, why self-image is the key to career success and healthy relationships, and how to train your brain to focus on abundance instead of scarcity. Kaisha also shares her own journey of overcoming an "incurable" chronic illness, shifting out of victim mentality, and learning to receive abundance. From manifesting money to feeling safe being seen, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tools to help you step into your power. Connect with Kaisha on Instagram and TikTok at @kaishaslaughter or visit her website at kaishaslaughter.com.CJ Socials: Insta: @courtlynnjohnson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj Tiktok: @courtney..johnson Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings: Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand VIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vip Gumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Natalie Restrepo from House of Vibration is here to discuss bridging the gap between spirituality and the business world. Natalie shares her journey from feeling like an outsider in corporate America to becoming a master salesperson and an energetic business consultant. The conversation delves into the importance of aligning one's work with their higher mission, the power of investing in oneself, and practical tips for navigating spiritual and business landscapes. The episode highlights the significance of healing, remembering one's purpose, and using various tools and modalities to achieve personal and professional growth, perfect for those seeking to balance their spiritual aspirations with their business goals.CJ Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings:Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandVIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vipGumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Renee Murphy is a former fashion industry professional turned environmental scientist who has built a successful speaking career. In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson talks with Renee Murphy about her inspiring journey from fashion to environmental science and her successful speaking career. Renee shares her story of overcoming fear, following her passion for native plants, and transitioning to a career focused on speaking and teaching. The discussion covers several practical 'cheat codes' for aspiring speakers, including applying for speaking engagements on LinkedIn, building a personal brand, and negotiating speaking terms. They emphasize the importance of starting small, networking strategically, and using social media effectively. Renee also highlights the value of sharing personal stories to engage audiences and offers insights into how to think more about helping the audience rather than focusing on personal fears. The episode is filled with actionable advice and motivational anecdotes to help listeners begin their own speaking journeys.CJ Socials: Insta: @courtlynnjohnson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj Tiktok: @courtney..johnson Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings: Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand VIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vipGumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Today our host, Courtney Johnson addresses questions from her audience, offering free advice and consulting on topics such as creating digital products, making a living as a content creator, converting viewers into customers, starting a podcast, and overcoming burnout. She shares her insights on personal branding, brand deals, social media strategies, monetizing coaching businesses, and dealing with trolls. Courtney also elaborates on overcoming negative money mindsets, utilizing freelancing as a career transition, and leveraging LinkedIn reviews. The episode concludes with advice on transformational experiences and discussing the future of blogging and private Instagram stories.CJ Socials:Insta:@courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok:@courtney..johnsonNewsletter:https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aCJ Offerings:Maven:https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandVIP Intensive Workshop:https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vipGumroad:https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Owen Hunt delves into the concepts of Reality Transurfing. Owen shares his personal journey of discovering this mysterious book in 2016 while facing depression and how it differed from other spiritual texts by addressing both the positive and negative aspects of reality. They discuss key ideas such as intention, manifestation, and the concept of pendulums—energetic informational structures that influence our lives. They also explore practical tips for setting intentions, the importance of feeling deserving, and maintaining individuality within group dynamics. Owen highlights the value of celebrating actions over outcomes and how aligning heart and mind can lead to authentic success. CJ Socials: Insta: @courtlynnjohnson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJ Tiktok: @courtney..johnson Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a CJ Offerings: Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand VIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vip Gumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

Jessica Gill, Chief content officer on To Be Magnetic, discusses the structured and scientifically grounded approach of 'To Be Magnetic' to manifestation, making it accessible to more people. She explains the three pillars of manifestation: unblocking limiting beliefs, taking aligned actions, and expanding one's beliefs by seeing examples in others. Jessica shares practical steps and tools for overcoming subconscious blocks and emphasizes the importance of iterating towards one's goals. The conversation also explores how conditioned desires influence our goals and how to find authentic desires. Jessica offers insights into manifesting meaningful relationships and navigating tests that challenge one’s progress. She concludes by highlighting the importance of making conscious choices and aligning actions with true desires. Instagram: @jessicaashleygill  Expanded Podcast by TBM: https://tobemagnetic.com/expanded-podcast  TikTok: @jessicaashleygill CJ Socials: Insta: @courtlynnjohnson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj Tiktok: @courtney..johnson Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a CJ Offerings: Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand VIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vip Gumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

McKenna Elizabeth, a successful sales professional, shares her journey from elementary education to tech sales, emphasizing the importance of personal branding on LinkedIn. She discusses the advantages of building a personal brand, automating sales tasks, and leveraging social media for inbound leads. McKenna also provides valuable insights into transitioning from teaching to sales and offers unique cheat codes for women in sales, including understanding voice modulation and the benefits of networking within every department. Additionally, she touches on the psychological aspects of selling and the importance of having a strong personal network. Instagram: @mckenah.elizabeth.sales  Tiktok: mckenah.elizabeth  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenahelizabeth/ CJ Socials: Insta: @courtlynnjohnson Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrj Tiktok: @courtney..johnson Newsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a CJ Offerings: Maven: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrand VIP Intensive Workshop: https://www.thecourtneyjohnson.com/vip Gumroad: https://courtneyjohnson.gumroad.com/

In this episode of the 'Slay the Gatekeeper' podcast, host Courtney Johnson converses with Christy Nguyen, a wealth hypnotherapist who specializes in helping people overcome their limiting beliefs about money. Christy explains the science behind hypnotherapy, its effectiveness in changing behaviors, and how it can be a powerful tool for financial success. She shares intriguing client stories and practical 'cheat codes' for improving one’s relationship with money. Additionally, Courtney discusses her personal transformative experiences with Christy's sessions and offers unique strategies like holding money rituals and surrounding oneself with financially successful individuals.

In this episode of 'Slay the Gatekeeper', host Courtney is joined by Lauren Petrowski, a news media expert, to discuss strategies for utilizing local news to amplify business, social media presence, and content creation. They explore who can benefit from local news, the steps to get started, pitching techniques, the importance of being available, and creating compelling content for TV. They also delve into the best practices for preparing for an on-air appearance, emphasizing expertise and visual storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for any small business owner or content creator looking to expand their reach and credibility by leveraging the power of local media.

Stop paying for your stuff! If you’re an influencer, a thought leader, or honestly have any kind of public presence, you could be getting free sh*t left and right. And Nancy Kaatz is here to tell us exactly how we can start. In this episode, Nancy and I dig into what you could be getting, how to link and start affiliate programs, how to contact brands directly, and how to stop overthinking and start posting. Plus, we’re sharing some of the craziest stuff we’ve seen other creators get for free. If you want to start getting free stuff from brands you use every day, this episode is for you. What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [01:48] Why you should be linking literally everything [04:35] Why it’s time for you to apply for Amazon’s affiliate program [09:58] How and where you should be contacting brands [19:43] How to stop being overthinking and just get to creating [24:50] Why you should be tagging any and all brands shown in your content [30:46] Some of the wildest stuff we’ve seen people get for free Sign up for my next LinkedIn Cohort, starting Jan 6 (through Jan 27!) Connect with Nancy Kaatz Follow Nancy on TikTok Join Content Creation 101 Live Follow Nancy on Instagram Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

Alright, if you’ve been around here for a minute, you’ve heard me talk about my Level up on Linkedin Accelerator course.  But today, I’m giving you a full breakdown. I’m going through what this course is for, why I started it, the week by week structure and course outline, and some commonly asked questions about my course. (Plus, some testimonials from former students.)  If you’ve been curious about this course and how it could actually benefit you and your career, this episode was literally made for you. Let’s jump in and I hope to see you in my LinkedIn course in January! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:17] A little background on my LinkedIn cohort [04:16] How my LinkedIn course is structured [07:47] What we cover each week in the course [15:35] Answering some commonly asked questions about my LinkedIn course [19:04] Who this course is for Sign up for my next LinkedIn Cohort, starting Jan 6 (through Jan 27!) Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

How do you unlock the elusive world of venture capital and make sure you’re putting your best foot forward as a founder? It’s more than just having a great idea or a slick pitch deck. It’s about being able to express your authentic self honestly and openly to investors – and yes, having a LinkedIn profile helps. In this episode, Kate McAndrew is here to ungatekeep the VC world, sharing insights on cofounder splits, due diligence, and what funders really want to see. Plus, we get into self-care with high ROI, the power of branding through feminine archetypes, and why it’s sometimes necessary to say “no.” Ready to decode the VC game? Let’s go! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [01:27] Why cofounders shouldn’t necessarily have equal splits [02:40] What due diligence looks like in VC funding (and how your LinkedIn profile factors in) [08:00] Why refusing to have a LinkedIn profile is an outdated perspective [11:51] What VC funders are actually looking for in a founder [15:00] The Goddess Guide to Branding and the feminine archetypes it lays out for companies and start-ups [25:18] Why self-care is crucial and finding self-care with the best ROI for you [32:51] Reframing and getting comfortable with saying “no” [39:39] Why Kate doesn’t get out of bed for less than a billion dollars Hang out with me and get access to everything you need to crush it in your career on my Patreon. Join now for access to dozens of tutorials, tips, resources, and subscriber-only podcasts for only $10 a month! Connect with Kate McAndrew Connect with Kate on LinkedIn Visit the Baukunst website Get the Goddess Guide to Branding Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

How do you build a business that your customers (not just you or your team) actually feel invested in? It’s not just about having a good product or a great price point. It stems from building community with the people who actually use your product.  And in this episode, Michael Rangel of Novo is here to tell us exactly how he’s done that (along with sharing some of his other awesome career cheat codes.) Michael’s breaking down why transparency matters, why failure is the best teacher, and why you have to put aside your ego when it comes to business. Let’s get into it! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:44] What Novo is and how it helps small businesses [05:42] Do you really need formal education to succeed in business? [09:26] The necessity of rejection and failure in business [12:59] How creating a culture of transparency will transform your business for the better [15:22] Why you have to build community with your customers [20:05] Why you need to leave your ego behind when it comes to business [29:22] What you should prioritize over a paycheck when starting your career Hang out with me and get access to everything you need to crush it in your career on my Patreon. Join now for access to dozens of tutorials, tips, resources, and subscriber-only podcasts for only $10 a month! Connect with Michael Rangel Connect with Michael on LinkedIn Visit the Novo website Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

You have questions, and I’ve got answers! Q&As are my absolute favorite, and I’m holding nothing back today.  I’ve got some hacks for my ADHD girlies out there, how to overcome cringe mountain and show up consistently on social media, a ton of career advice from getting started to making big transitions, PLUS my hot take for this episode: why that lay-off might be the best thing to ever happen to you. Let’s get into it! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [01:35] How to show up when you’re terrified of cringe mountain [05:30] My best productivity hacks for ADHD girlies [11:15] How to take a step back when you’re making a career changes [16:56] Hacks for showing up and staying consistent on social media [22:15] Why getting laid off could be the best thing for you Hang out with me and get access to everything you need to crush it in your career on my Patreon. Join now for access to dozens of tutorials, tips, resources, and subscriber-only podcasts for only $10 a month! Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

This episode is all about money, baby, and in particular, how to keep and use that money wisely. Because when it comes to using our money mindfully, it’s not about restriction. It’s about saying “yes” to purchases with intention and in a way that brings value to your life. Michela Allocca of Break Your Budget is here to share her top five personal finance cheat codes. From her thoughts on shopping, to where to find high quality (and reasonably priced) products, to her top career tips, this is an episode you can’t miss. What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [01:44] Why shopping is NOT a hobby [06:46] How to curate products and purchases mindfully [11:30] Some of the things you shouldn't spend money on [16:12] The types of things you SHOULD be spending money on (and where you can find those things) [25:16] How to save money on everyday items and routines [33:13] Why you’re wasting your time searching for your dream job [36:57] What task tracking is and how it can catapult you to success Hang out with me and get access to everything you need to crush it in your career on my Patreon. Join now for access to dozens of tutorials, tips, resources, and subscriber-only podcasts for only $10 a month! Connect with Michela Connect with Michela on LinkedIn Follow Michela on Instagram Visit the Break Your Budget website Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

Everyone you know wants to write a book… But how do you actually do that?  In this episode, I’m joined by Ellen Polk to actually break down the pieces of self-publishing (and a little trad publishing too.) We’re covering why you probably have enough content for a draft already, how you can still have a team in self-publishing, why traditional publishing isn’t necessarily a smaller investment, and at the end of the day, how you actually get your ROI from a book you’ve written. Let’s get started! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:20] ⁠⁠Make managing your taxes simpler and less expensive [02:23] An introduction to Ellen and her company, Sage House Editorial [04:39] Why, if you make content, you already have enough material for a book draft [12:35] Why self-publishing doesn’t mean doing everything alone [15:43] Breaking down how self-publishing vs traditional publishing works (including their similarities) [21:09] How to think about the ROI of it all [26:55] How getting clear on the problem you’re solving with your content and your book  Join Collective and make managing and filing your taxes so much simpler (and less expensive!) Connect with Ellen Polk Connect with Ellen on LinkedIn Follow Sage House Publishing on Instagram Visit Sage House Publishing website Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

When it comes to audience building and growing your personal following, it’s all about the content, baby. And if the content’s not good, your personal brand isn’t going to grow. So in this episode, I’m sitting down with Donavan Barrett of Narrative Collective to give you the cheat codes you need to make more engaging content. We’re covering why some of us are afraid of being seen, how to create more interesting (and less preachy) content, and why you don’t have to worry about algorithms. Let’s dive in! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:20] ⁠⁠Make managing your taxes simpler and less expensive [04:27] How to break out of your shell and try new things when it comes to content creation [07:21] Why you have to stop worrying about the algorithm [14:31] Figure out the audience that you want to be speaking to [21:53] One of Donovan’s favorite content creation tactics [30:04] How to leverage other brands and creatives to grow your following Join Collective and make managing and filing your taxes so much simpler (and less expensive!) Connect with Donavan Connect with Donavan on LinkedIn Follow Donavan on Instagram Visit the Narrative Creative website Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

If you’re a relatively new or small content creator, you’re probably in the place I was last year–making a few deals, but not knowing what to charge or where to look for partnerships. Well, look no further, friends, because I’ve got Kelsey of Elizabeth Talent here today to share her top five influencer marketing cheat codes. Her tips are going to help you find better partners, make better content, and make you more money. Let’s dive in! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:20] ⁠⁠Why you need to join Intuition University [02:57] How much money I’ve made through brand deals in 2024 as a content creator (and why I made SO MUCH less in 2023) [07:34] Why you need to be doing brand research outside of Google and other public spaces [17:41] Why you should be creating the kind of content that you like to see [23:11] Why it’s time you for to get comfortable with cold outreach [29:50] How to start thinking about your worth–and charging for it [37:14] Why you need to take a look at your network (but not in the traditional sense) Get in on Intuition University⁠ before the doors close on Oct 31! My next LinkedIn cohort starts on Oct 28! If you’re ready to level up on LinkedIn, you can’t miss this.  Connect with Kelsey Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn Follow Elizabeth Talent on Instagram Visit the Elizabeth Talent website Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube

Listen up! Fame is a resource. It can get you attention, opportunities, and options– but you have to be willing to embrace it and be seen as your authentic self to cultivate it. And I get it. That can be hard, which is why I’ve got Whitney Uland here with me today to walk through her five best cheat codes on how to create fame for yourself and overcome some of the mindset blocks that keep us from being seen. If you’re ready to be seen and make waves, this is an episode you can’t miss. Let’s dive in! What’s in this episode: [00:00] Intro  [00:20] ⁠⁠Why you need to join Intuition University [03:18] How to get over your fear of being seen and step into the identity of a celebrity [10:10] How to show up more authentically online [19:33] How to create boundaries and feel safe being seen [30:01] Why you need to be triggering to get seen (but maybe not in the way you think) Get in on Intuition University⁠ before the doors close on Oct 31! My next LinkedIn cohort starts on Oct 28! If you’re ready to level up on LinkedIn, you can’t miss this.  Connect with Whitney Follow Whitney on TikTok Follow Whitney on Instagram Work with Whitney Connect with Courtney Courses Newsletter TikTok ⁠⁠  Linkedin ⁠  Instagram  Twitter ⁠⁠ YouTube