Are you feeling stuck in your business—even though you’re already successful?

 In this episode of Small Business Pivots, host Michael D. Morrison sits down with Athena Captain, a nationally recognized business coach, consultant, and speaker based in Oklahoma City, who helps business owners scale to their next level of success.

Athena shares her powerful story of resilience—from growing up in extreme adversity to leading multi-million-dollar companies—and reveals the three controllable “knobs” that drive every thriving business:

✅ Your Database — why your contact list is your most valuable business asset and how to finally use it.
✅ Your Clients — how to nurture relationships that create repeat customers and referrals.
✅ Your Referrals — how to turn trusted partners into your true sales force.

You’ll also hear how Athena built multiple businesses while raising a child with special needs, what she learned from her mentor Darren Hardy, and how every entrepreneur can rebuild their mindset, routine, and revenue from the ground up.

This conversation will help you refocus on what really drives growth—relationships, systems, and revenue.

 You’ll also hear insights from her mentor Darren Hardy, practical tips on choosing a CRM, and her philosophy on staying grounded through faith, systems, and discipline. 

🎧 Listen now to learn how to simplify, scale, and strengthen your business.

Connect with Athena Captain:

• Website: https://www.athenacaptain.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenacaptain/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athenacaptaincoaching
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenacaptain/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@athenacaptain1373
• Podcast: https://www.athenacaptain.com/podcast/
• Blog: https://www.athenacaptain.com/blog/

Show Notes / Time Stamps

• 00:00 – Welcome & intro to Athena Captain
• 01:30 – Business today vs 5 years ago: why owners must adapt
• 04:45 – Athena’s story: from trauma to resilience and leadership
• 11:00 – Mindset and routine: how successful people fight limiting beliefs
• 16:15 – The importance of faith, therapy & daily discipline
• 19:40 – “Stop the Noise”: why inertia is killing business growth
• 22:00 – Knob #1 – Your Database: own your data vs depend on social media
• 27:20 – CRM 101: how to choose the right system for your industry
• 31:15 – Knob #2 – Nurturing Clients for Repeat Revenue
• 37:30 – Knob #3 – Referrals as Your True Sales Force
• 43:40 – The $70K lesson: why basics beat shiny objects
• 47:50 – Building intentional referral partnerships and relationships
• 52:10 – Athena’s resources: Goal-Setting Bootcamp & upcoming book
• 54:00 – Final takeaway: “Don’t underestimate the knowledge you already possess."

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4. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with our Host, Founder & CEO?
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