This week on Slay The Gatekeeper, I’m joined by Lara Acosta, creator, strategist, and one of the most trusted voices on LinkedIn. Lara has built a multi–six-figure business using one platform, one funnel, and a level of consistency most people only talk about.In this conversation, Lara opens up about the posting habits, content styles, and small decisions that helped her grow an audience of hundreds of thousands, without trends, hacks, or cold outreach. She shares how she thinks about visibility, why simple posts outperform complicated ones, and how creators can stand out in a space where most people quit long before the results show up.We go deep into discipline, niche clarity, momentum, and the email-first approach that drives most of her revenue. If you're serious about growing on LinkedIn, making money from your expertise, or building a brand that people remember, this episode will give you the spark and the direction.03:10 The content style dominating LinkedIn right now (and why simple posts outperform polished ones)11:20 How to use your own story when you don’t feel “expert enough”15:50 The funnel that drives most of Lara’s revenue (LinkedIn → email → conversion)23:40 Who benefits from building a personal brand, and who doesn’t33:20 The posting rhythm that grows almost anyone within six months38:05 Authority vs. relatability: why people buy from creators who feel “close,” not perfect41:40 The trap of chasing big ideas and the one thing that actually moves a business forward49:20 Why waiting to feel ready keeps creators stuck for years58:40 Repetition, memory, and becoming known for something real1:15:15 The origin story of Kleo: how a problem they had turned into a fast-scaling productAbout Lara AcostaLara Acosta is a creator and entrepreneur known for her no-nonsense approach to personal branding and business growth. She has built multiple six-figure companies through organic content, a high-retention newsletter, and a simple conversion system that doesn’t rely on cold outreach or heavy sales tactics.She is the co-founder of Kleo, an AI-supported content tool built by top LinkedIn creators to help entrepreneurs write better posts, store ideas, and stay consistent without overthinking.Lara teaches creators, founders, and service providers how to grow with clarity, consistency, and a tone that feels like them, not a template.Connect with Lara: 📱 Instagram: @laraacostar💼 LinkedIn: Lara Acosta🌐 kleo.so🎙️YouTube: Lara AcostaStay connected with me📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
This week on Slay The Gatekeeper, I’m joined by Andrew Adams, speaker, coach, and self-mastery teacher, whose story of recovery and rebirth will stop you in your tracks.After spending 12 years in addiction, Andrew rebuilt his entire life from the inside out. Today, he helps others do the same, guiding people to break patterns, let go of attachments, and find peace within themselves.In this episode, Andrew shares the 5 cheat codes that helped him move from survival to self-mastery. We talk about how to spot the real source of your pain instead of just treating symptoms, how to shift your relationship with control, and why emotional intelligence is the difference between chaos and calm.This conversation goes way deeper than surface-level healing or “feel good” advice. It’s honest, raw, and full of truth. If you’ve ever caught yourself in the same loop, feeling like change is out of reach, this episode will remind you how much power you actually hold.01:04 The moment that sparked Andrew’s transformation04:20 “The pattern is not the problem”: looking beneath the surface09:10 How awareness shifts more than willpower ever can13:45 Cravings as clues and what they reveal about your inner world18:30 The illusion of control and learning to let go23:05 Redefining emotional intelligence (and why monks might have it easy)28:40 “Pain is sacred”: finding purpose in the hard seasons34:15 Love as a healing frequency39:20 Power × Purpose = Prosperity: the formula for a full lifeAbout Andrew AdamsAndrew Adams is a high-impact speaker and self-mastery coach who helps people reconnect with their power through awareness, healing, and emotional intelligence. After overcoming more than a decade of addiction, he now teaches others how to turn pain into purpose and live from the frequency of love.Connect with Andrew: 📱 Instagram: Andrew Adams💼 LinkedIn: Andrew Adams Stay connected with me📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Chris Lee, world-renowned transformational coach, speaker, and author, to talk about the profound inner work behind success, abundance, and self-mastery.Chris has spent over 25 years transforming the lives of thousands of people worldwide through his workshops, coaching, and media appearances, teaching people how to live an abundant, prosperous life. He’s known for his direct yet compassionate approach that gets to the root of limiting beliefs and rewires your mindset for radical change.We talk about the difference between having all the information (thanks ChatGPT) and transformation, why motivation alone isn’t enough, and how to break free from the victim mindset that keeps you playing small. Chris shares the habits, hacks, and perspective shifts that have shaped top performers, from redefining self-worth to mastering your self-talk and holding yourself (and others) to the highest standard.If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do but can’t seem to do it... this conversation will completely change how you see yourself and your potential 🤞03:05 The fear of “no”, and why you should ask anyway08:40 What makes transformational coaching different from motivation18:50 Information ≠ Transformation, why knowing isn’t doing25:40 Healing your neural pathways and reprogramming your beliefs33:00 The $100K personal development budget that changed everything40:10 Ditch the drainers for dreamers and build a growth-minded circle47:25 Feedback as a superpower for unstoppable growth54:30 From victim to creator, reclaiming your power1:03:10 The language shift that changes everything: “I have to” → “I choose to”1:14:40 Living your dream now, not laterAbout Chris LeeChris Lee is a transformational trainer, coach, and speaker with over 25 years of experience leading workshops and seminars around the world. He has trained thousands of people through his signature programs, helping them create extraordinary results in business, relationships, and life.He is the author of the bestseller Dile Yes! Ala VIDA, and the creator of The Torch Workshop, a leadership seminar for teens offered globally. Chris has led corporate trainings for organizations such as Coca-Cola, Unilever, Amgen, Procter & Gamble, and Miss America, and has been featured across Univision and Telemundo.He is also a recurring guest on The School of Greatness podcast with Lewis Howes and continues to inspire audiences worldwide through his transformational work and speaking engagements.Connect with Chris: 📱 Instagram: @chrisleemotivatorStay connected with me📧 Contact: courtney@smoothmedia.co 👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
This week's episode features Jacqueline Snyder, designer, business strategist, and CEO and founder of The Product Boss. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how entrepreneurs turn creative ideas into brands that scale.Jacqueline has helped over 2,000 founders launch product-based businesses, from small-batch makers to celebrity lines worn by Kim Kardashian, Carrie Underwood, and Gwen Stefani. She shares the cheat codes behind building a profitable brand: the habits that create momentum, the “Known For” method to choose your hero product, and the power of testing ideas before investing a cent.We also dive into how consistency compounds growth, why people want to be told what to buy, and how investing in yourself changes everything. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or second-guessing your next move, this conversation will light the fire to get started. Action takers are money makers! 💸04:24 Consistency is what scales you08:11 How to start a product-based business the smart way09:22 The “Known For” method: how to pick your hero product10:19 Inside celebrity brands: Jessica Alba, Gwen Stefani, and the power of authenticity13:07 Why ideas fail, and how action takers turn creativity into cash15:16 Test and Try: how to validate your product idea with $019:47 Bootcamps & challenges that actually convert28:08 Tell people what to buy (and why it always works)29:18 Investing in yourself and lifting your ceilingAbout JacquelineJacqueline Snyder, the visionary CEO and founder of The Product Boss, brings over two decades of expertise to the world of product-based businesses. As a first-generation American, she achieved global success with her own product business, Cuffs Couture, dressing celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood and selling in 60+ stores worldwide, generating over $100k in its first year through using a multi-sales channel approach. Combining her personal accomplishments with her background in fashion design, Jacqueline has guided over 2,000 fashion brands to success through one-on-one consulting. Known as the product-based business expert, she has generated over $10 million in course sales and helped over 80,000 product business owners surpass their goals. The Product Boss was also recognized as the 466th fastest-growing company in America by Inc 5000 and her podcast, The Product Boss Podcast, is among the Top 10 Apple Marketing Podcasts.Connect with Jacqueline: 📱 Instagram: @theproductboss🎙️ Podcast: The Product Boss: Business Coaching for Product-Based Female Entrepreneurs🌐 Website: theproductboss.comStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Whitney Uland, writer, coach, and creator of How to Be Famous, to talk about building a life, brand, and income that match who you are.We get into fame, creative flow, and why your “main character era” has more to do with energy than aesthetics. Whitney shares her cheat codes for success, from the millionaire morning habit that changed everything to why the world rewards people who decide they’re worthy before anyone else believes it. We also dive into the balance between structure and intuition in content creation, how to stop hiding behind strategy, and the kind of art that draws money, opportunities, and the audience meant for you.If you’ve been manifesting but nothing’s landing, this conversation will help you step into the person you’ve been visualising! 🪞03:30 How repurposing can reignite your creativity05:10 The “make your bed” mindset and habits that build momentum08:45 Turning burnout into flow and finding your creative rhythm12:50 The viral post that hit 4M views, and what it revealed about vulnerability16:00 Feminine vs. masculine energy in business and content19:30 The sober-curious edge: how clarity fuels focus and success24:00 Why discipline is the real love language of growth32:10 Creating content as a tool for manifestation36:00 Celebrity energy, magnetism, and becoming the person you’re posting about39:30 The artist’s responsibility: creating with purpose and integrity40:30 Fame, self-belief, and giving yourself the green lightAbout WhitneyWhitney Uland is a writer, actor, and coach helping creators embody confidence, self-belief, and purpose through storytelling and energetic alignment. Through her podcast How to Be Famous and her signature coaching, she teaches artists and entrepreneurs to merge vision with action and build influence rooted in authenticity.Connect with Whitney: 📱 Instagram: @whitneyuland🎙️ Podcast: How to Be FamousStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Nick Gray, entrepreneur, author, and community-builder, to talk about what it takes (and what to do) to get noticed, connect with the right people, and create opportunities out of thin air. Nick shares some of the most practical and refreshing networking advice you’ll ever hear, from why he offers free airport rides to founders, to how hosting meetups led to business deals, friendships, and even new companies. We talk about how to start before you’re ready, what to post when you’re stuck, how to turn fear into consistency, and why being generous with your ideas, time, and presence can open more doors than any marketing strategy! If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know where to start or how to “get in the room,” this episode is your playbook 🤝🔗 Mentioned in the episodeCourtney’s Fully Focused Retreat (October 19–22!) 4 days of co-working, wellness, and clarity in community.Nick’s Resources:* The Airport Rides Strategy — How generosity builds your network faster than ads* How to Host a Great Meetup — Nick’s step-by-step guide to bringing people together05:12 The mindset shift that helped Nick reach billion-dollar founders07:50 How the *Airport Ride Strategy* created genuine friendships and opportunities11:40 Hosting meetups that *don’t suck*, the “green day” rule and core group method17:30 How to turn a small event into a profitable business asset23:40 The behind-the-scenes blog Nick wrote about structuring half-day events26:00 The “Friends Newsletter”, and why it’s still the most underrated networking tool31:20 How sharing personal stories online builds a *category of one* brand38:20 Consistency vs. optimization, and how to finally stop overthinking content45:10 What “Minor League Famous” really means, and why you should aim for itAbout NickNick Gray is an entrepreneur, author, and community-builder based in Austin, Texas. He’s best known for founding and selling Museum Hack, a company that reimagined museum tours through storytelling and fun. He’s also the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party, praised by Atomic Habits author James Clear as “a must-read for anyone who wants to host a great event.” He’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine for his creative approach to networking and connection. Nick has built and sold multiple businesses, including a family aviation company, and now lives in Austin, Texas, where he writes, hosts events, and shares ideas through his popular Friends Newsletter, read by over 10,000 entrepreneurs and creatives. Today, he helps creators, founders, and business owners build stronger communities through simple, intentional gatherings.Connect with Nick: 🌐 Website: nickgray.net 👍 Instagram: @nickgraynews 💼 LinkedIn: Nick GrayStay connected with me👍 Instagram: @courtlynnjohnson 💼 LinkedIn: Courtney Johnson🎶 TikTok: @courtney..johnson
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson answers listener questions from the comfort of her bed in a candid Q&A session. She covers everything from booking speaking gigs and building a personal brand to overcoming fear, imposter syndrome, and the struggle to price your work with confidence. Along the way, Courtney shares her own stories, lessons learned, and the strategies she uses to create content consistently while balancing work and play.You’ll walk away with practical advice, relatable insights, and a dose of inspiration to help you grow as a creator and entrepreneur—without losing your sense of self in the process.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club. live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson welcomes Alannah Connealy, founder of Raena Health, for a candid conversation on women’s health and entrepreneurship.They dive into surprising wellness insights—like aspirin for period pain, the power of progesterone, myths about cancer, the dangers of seed oils, and the nutritional role of gelatin—while weaving in Alannah’s personal journey, entrepreneurial lessons, and her upcoming book on rethinking cancer.You’ll walk away with fresh health tips, business inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build purpose-driven solutions that truly help women thrive.About Alannah Connealy CEO & Founder of Raena Health — clean, effective hormone solutions for women.Instagram: @alannahconnealy LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alannahconnealy Company: @raenahealthSign up at skedsocial.com/trial for your 14-day free trial.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club. live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson takes listeners on a powerful deep dive into money, mindset, and the energetics of abundance through an unfiltered Q&A. She unpacks the hidden beliefs that shape how we view wealth, why intuition and fear both play a role in financial decision-making, and how generational conditioning keeps so many of us stuck in scarcity. Courtney shares practical tools and exercises to reprogram your money story, navigate risk without self-sabotage, and take inspired action without burning out.Together, these questions open the door to a bigger conversation about purpose, divine timing, and the balance between waiting for clarity and hiding behind procrastination. Courtney also explores the idea of dreams as destiny—and how aligning with your vision can turn possibility into reality.You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on abundance, tangible strategies to shift your relationship with money, and the clarity to move toward the life you’re meant to create.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club. live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent. Join here → https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Level Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with hypnotherapist Zach David Paul for a powerful deep dive into the subconscious mind, performance, and breaking free from hidden programming. Zach unpacks the misunderstood world of hypnosis—how elite athletes and entrepreneurs use it for peak performance, why it can be more effective than traditional methods, and the real impact subconscious conditioning has on your daily life. Together, Courtney and Zach explore the “cheat codes” to reprogramming your mind for success, the difference between manipulation for good vs. harm, and the shadowy systems that keep you stuck. The conversation also shines a light on the failures of the public school system, the importance of surrendering to service, and the role of self-awareness in unlocking freedom, with Zach sharing practical tools, free resources, and a grounded perspective on how you can use hypnosis as a pathway to growth and alignment. You’ll walk away with a fresh understanding of your subconscious, practical strategies to break old patterns, and the inspiration to reclaim your power—perfect if you’re curious about the untapped potential of your mind and ready to step outside the boxes society has placed around you.Never say “i don’t know what to post” again— Start your mornings with strategy and accountability in Sunrise Content Club. live zoom meeting weekdays at 8am CT with daily prompts, proven frameworks, and real-time coaching. Can’t make it every day? You’ll still have the prompts, replays, and community accountability to keep you consistent.Join here → https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with coach and creator Justin Amiraslani for a raw, wisdom-packed conversation on mindset, self-leadership, and creating the life you actually want.Justin opens up about the biggest cheat codes he’s discovered—from rewiring limiting beliefs and reframing “victim language,” to shifting how we view sales, triggers, and even everyday habits like doing the dishes. Together, Courtney and Justin unpack how simple mindset shifts can open the door to abundance, ease, and deeper alignment with your vision.The conversation explores why taking action (not waiting for perfection) is the true qualification for success, how to strengthen your relationship with receiving, and why surrounding yourself with the right community is non-negotiable if you want to grow. Justin also shares his unique approach to handling conflict, reframing objections, and cultivating gratitude as a daily practice.Listeners will walk away with practical tools for breaking free from self-sabotage, building confidence in decision-making, and approaching both business and life with more play, presence, and power.A must-listen if you’re ready to stop overthinking, get out of your own way, and start living fully into your dream.Courtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by award-winning ADHD creator Dani Donovan. Known for her viral comics, TikToks, and bestselling Anti-Planner, Dani has built a global community by sharing the ups and downs of life with ADHD.She opens up about perfectionism, gamification, body doubling, and the systems that actually stick—plus how embracing vulnerability helped her connect more deeply with her audience.Dani’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian, and she was the closing keynote speaker at the 2021 International ADHD Conference. Her content has inspired thousands to seek diagnosis, treatment, and self-acceptance.🔗 Connect with Dani: YouTube | TikTok | Website | InstagramCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by content creator and social media expert, Mila Holmes. Mila Holmes has established herself as a social media powerhouse, known for her creativity and expertise in content management. With a dedicated following across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, she combines professional experience with an authentic approach.The discussion includes valuable 'cheat codes' for personal and professional growth, such as rejection therapy, habit-building through identity integration, the importance of rest, and charging what you're worth. Mila shares her journey from preaching door-to-door as a Jehovah's Witness to becoming a successful content creator on TikTok. They also delve into tactics for securing brand partnerships and the importance of networking, along with actionable tips for content creators to optimize their online presence. Additionally, the conversation touches on the potential concerns of using CapCut and the significance of timely action in achieving your goals.A must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their content creation, business strategies, and personal development.Follow Mila here: TikTok → @bymilaholmes Instagram → @bymilaholmesCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26a
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, hosted by Courtney Johnson, Courtney interviews Caley Dimmock, an 11-year veteran in online advertising. Caley shares insights on when to start using ads, the importance of properly pricing services, the power of being multi-passionate, and the significance of setting boundaries in business. They discuss common pitfalls and the necessity of messy action for clarity. Caley also provides cheat codes for refining one's audience, the value of tiny offers, and maintaining a high-end brand perception. The conversation underscores the idea that big income is often sought for the freedom, rest, and ease it can afford rather than just the money itself.Caley Dimmock is a leading Marketing Strategist and Business Coach, and an established authority on digital ads, who’s all about making business growth simple, courageous, and aligned. Over the past 10 years she's helped hundreds of businesses significantly and profitably scale their revenue, with a focus on lean building, doing more with less, leveraging data, neuroscience and psychology-based marketing, and personal development. She's been featured by Forbes, CBS, Thrive Global, CBC, and more.Beyond the business stuff, she’s an INFJ, Enneagram 4, ADHDer, and mom to a hilarious 3-year-old who keeps her grounded (mostly). In her downtime, you’ll find her in Nova Scotia knee-deep in her garden or manifesting big dreams at her A-frame cabin.Connect with Caley:Instagram: @cjdimmockLinkedIn: Caley DimmockThreads: @cjdimmock
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson welcomes Abbey Page, a personal style strategist for single men who turns them into hot, well-dressed, right swipe single men. Abbey builds custom style strategies and outfit formulas that boost confidence, spark conversations, and make her clients look effortlessly cool—without spending hours or precious brain power thinking about clothes. Think: the girlfriend effect, without the actual girlfriend.Abbey discusses her approach to helping men achieve a cohesive and attractive style with minimal effort. They explore the cultural factors influencing men's fashion choices, the impact of clothing on mental health and opportunities, and why investing in quality pieces can be life-changing. Abbey also shares practical styling tips and stresses the importance of strategic wardrobe planning to enhance personal branding and communication.The episode is packed with engaging anecdotes, valuable insights, and actionable advice for men looking to elevate their style and confidence.Instagram: @abbey_page_ | Threads: @abbey_page_ | LinkedInCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson introduces Kendall Strampel, a seasoned entrepreneur with a compelling journey. Kendall shares her evolution from running a Justin Bieber fan page to becoming a powerhouse seven-figure business coach. Together, they dive into the dynamic entrepreneurial energy of Austin, Texas, and how Kendall blends work and play while staying laser-focused on impact.They break down her strategic methods for creating magnetic content, selling powerfully through Instagram stories, and showing up online with both presence and purpose. Kendall opens up about the importance of honoring your personal story, avoiding self-abandonment, and using calendar blocks as a tool for sustainable productivity.A business mentor and the founder of the Wealthy Women’s Business Academy, Kendall helps online coaches build standout brands, master sales, and scale to seven figures—without burning out. Known for her bold blend of strategy and soul, she shares how she scaled two coaching companies to seven figures by the age of 27 and now teaches women how to sell with conviction, lead with power, and build category-defining businesses.This episode is packed with gems on empathy, storytelling, and building a business that truly reflects who you are—inside and out.Connect with Kendall 🔗 Instagram: @kendallstrampel 📺 YouTube: Kendall StrampelCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Leola, a Tantra and Pleasure Priestess and the bestselling author of Sacred Sex Ed. Leola shares her unique insights into sacred sex education, the importance of balancing masculine and feminine energies, and practical cheat codes to unlock a life filled with pleasure, purpose, and financial abundance.They dive into strategies for setting boundaries, the significance of money dates, and the transformative power of receiving. Leola also emphasizes the healing potential of seduction and the necessity of releasing resentment towards patriarchy, men, and God.As a guide devoted to integrating the sacred power of spirituality and sexuality, Leola helps individuals transmute shame into ecstasy and desire into devotion. Her work empowers women to reclaim their sensuality as a force for spiritual expansion and to step fully into the Pleasure Priestess archetype. Through retreats, workshops, and immersive experiences rooted in tantra, feminine embodiment, and sex magic, she leads others on a path to embodied liberation and magnetic manifestation.Leola’s own journey began in her early 20s as a personal quest to heal trauma and reconnect with her body—and has since evolved into a global mission to help others find the divine within their own skin and seduce the world into a greater good.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on sacred sexuality, personal growth, and holistic empowerment—and leave turned on by life itself.✨ Learn more about Leola: Website: talktantratome.com Instagram: @talktantratomeCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Emmy Award-winning makeup artist and entrepreneur Ashley Fierro to unpack the power of intuitive business strategy—and how to align it with next-level client experience.With over 20 years in the industry and more than 3,000 luxury brides in her portfolio, Ashley shares the real foundations of building a fulfilling, scalable business—starting with gut instincts, boundary-setting, and leading with clarity. From ditching hourly pricing to embracing outcome-based value, Ashley’s approach blends creative intuition with business acumen.But her impact goes far beyond the chair. As the founder of Business of Makeup®, Ashley is on a mission to help beauty professionals turn their craft into purpose-driven, profitable careers. She shares what it takes to build a flexible brand that can grow with you—and why personal branding is the not-so-secret weapon for modern creatives.This episode is packed with practical advice, mindset shifts, and cheat codes for entrepreneurs who want more than just bookings—they want legacy.Ashley Fierro has been featured in Forbes, People, Martha Stewart Weddings, and more. Her work spans everything from high-profile brides and celebrities to commercial campaigns and pro athletes, both nationally and internationally. She leads a team that serves 120+ luxury bridal clients annually across her Southern California and Central Texas studios.From beauty chair to boardroom, her mission is clear: to elevate the artistry, professionalism, and personal brand power of creatives everywhere.🎧 Tune in to hear how she does it—and how you can too.Connect with Ashley:Instagram & TikTok@ashleyfierromuaLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ashleyfierroCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Shannon McNamara—the sharp and witty voice behind FluentlyForward, the podcast that unapologetically dissects pop culture, celebrity conspiracies, and the sociological underbelly of fame. But today, Shannon’s not here to talk blind items—she’s here to talk breakups.Together, Courtney and Shannon dive into the raw, messy, and often hilarious realities of heartbreak. They kick things off by calling out the most overused breakup clichés, then veer into refreshingly unconventional advice for actually moving on. From swapping out your phone wallpaper and rearranging your bedroom with breakup-focused feng shui, to turning ChatGPT into a personal healing coach and consulting psychics for clarity—you’ll hear it all.Shannon opens up about her own toolkit for heartbreak: no-contact rules, massages for oxytocin, enrolling in self-help programs, and even the controversial—but honest—use of low-dose Xanax for sleep. The duo even tackles the fine art of gaslighting yourself with positive affirmations, because sometimes fake-it-til-you-make-it does work.With equal parts humor, honesty, and a dose of the woo-woo, this episode is packed with unconventional strategies and emotional insight for anyone navigating the post-breakup fog. Whether you're newly single or still decoding texts from your ex, Courtney and Shannon offer a refreshing, nonjudgmental take on what healing actually looks like.And if you’re not already a fan of FluentlyForward, you’re in for a treat—Shannon brings the same sharp perspective and pop-culture savvy that’s made her show a must-listen for anyone who loves decoding fame, gossip, and the strange little corners of celebrity culture.🔗 Follow Shannon McNamara:Instagram | SubstackCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc
In this episode of Slay the Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson is joined by Chris—aka The Conversion Alchemist—a SaaS message-market fit specialist and conversion copywriter with a unique background in engineering and UX. After 10 years in industrial automation, Chris pivoted into digital marketing, serving as UX lead at Conversion Crimes and working with brands as a CRO expert since 2016.They dive into why starting a newsletter now (not later) is one of the most powerful things you can do for your brand—and exactly how to get people to actually sign up. Chris shares his favorite “cheat codes” for writing high-converting copy, including the importance of deep market research, decoding how your ideal client makes decisions, and clarifying your positioning and messaging strategy.Courtney and Chris also unpack how to use AI without sounding robotic—exploring practical ways to integrate tools like Google Gemini, Claude, Typing Mind, and Team GPT to supercharge your writing process without losing your voice.They also talk about making your first offer irresistible, and how Chris uses personalized Loom video audits to build trust and drive conversions right out of the gate.This episode is full of grounded, actionable insight for creatives, founders, and marketers ready to sharpen their message, grow their list, and turn their content into conversions.Connect with Chris: 🔗 Twitter (X) 📸 Instagram 🎥 YouTube 💼 LinkedInCourtney Johnson Socials:Insta: @courtlynnjohnsonLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylynnjohnson/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7oaV8L7rOBd878nlwydJrjTiktok: @courtney..johnsonPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/courtneylynnjohnsonNewsletter: https://artisanal-originator-6888.kit.com/0e038bf26aWork with Courtney:Sunrise Content Club: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/join-the-sunrise-content-clubLevel Up on Linkedin: https://maven.com/courtneyjohnson/personalbrandShort Form Video Accelerator: https://stan.store/courtlynnjohnson/p/get-started-with-this-amazing-course-2o7ml9sc