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In this episode, with Lila Turner, London-based entrepreneur and founder of Relationship Ready, a business that helps high-performing leaders find meaningful love, without turning dating into a KPI checklist.

Lila shares her unconventional journey from fashion design to emotional well-being and relationship coaching. Through personal stories of emotional overwhelm, burnout, and the drive to achieve happiness, she explains how reconnecting with her “deeper mind” changed everything—first for herself, then for the high-achieving clients she now supports.

From soft skills to self-awareness, Lila breaks down the invisible thinking patterns that hold people back in both their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a leader who can manage a boardroom but struggles with vulnerability, or an entrepreneur who feels like dating is just another to-do list item, this episode offers a fresh and powerful lens.

What You'll Learn:

• How emotional intensity doesn’t always equal emotional intelligence
  
  
• Why soft skills often develop after the pressure-filled 20s
  
  
• How to stop over-assessing and start showing up with presence

"Intensity doesn’t mean it has a good point. Your thoughts aren’t always telling you the truth, they're often just keeping you disconnected from your deeper self." – Lila Turner

Connect with Lila Turner:

Lila Turner, MA, Founder and CEO of Relationship Ready, is a visionary leader in love. A former fashion designer turned executive mentor, she discovered that true change begins with the relationship we have with ourselves. As a Partner at One Thought, she saw many high-achievers struggle with love. This inspired her to found Relationship Ready, helping people who can make anything in their life work- except love, break old patterns and find deep fulfilling connections. A sought-after speaker, published author and mentor, Lila shares her insights worldwide.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationshipready/

Website: https://relationship-ready.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=c933192b57fc24de02186fcf7&id=dffdd1898d

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Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

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Thinking about exiting your business can feel like the end of an era but what if it could be a new beginning instead? In this episode we sit down with Megan Kearney from Exit Factor to unpack what it really means to prepare your business for exit. Whether you're selling, stepping back, or shifting into a strategic role, this episode will open your eyes to exit strategies that honor both your hard work and your long-term goals.

Megan shares key insights on increasing your business valuation, creating systems that make your company attractive to buyers, and emotionally preparing yourself for this next chapter. The conversation dives deep into legacy planning, business optimization, and the importance of building an owner-independent operation. If you've ever felt torn between your identity as a founder and the idea of letting go, this is the episode you didn't know you needed.

Key takeaways to listen for:

You don’t have to sell to exit. There are many ways to transition out of day-to-day operations like placing an operator in charge while still maintaining involvement and earning potential.

Strong fundamentals boost valuation. Clean financials, recurring revenue, diversified clients, and documented systems are crucial to making your business attractive and ready for transition.

Exiting is emotional but manageable. Letting go doesn’t mean abandoning your legacy. It’s about shifting your mindset and preparing for growth in a new, exciting way.

Listen now to gain a new perspective on creating a business that continues to grow and thrive whether you're leading it hands-on or stepping into a new role.

Introducing Megan Kearney

As a women owner and Partner at Exit Factor of Lexington, Megan specializes in empowering business owners with tailored growth strategies and expert exit planning. With a robust background in business management and strategic consulting, she helps clients navigate the complexities of business growth, valuation, and transitions. Her role involves developing customized plans that align with client goals and drive sustainable success. Leveraging Exit Factor's innovative approach and industry-leading tools, she’s dedicated to delivering personalized, results-driven solutions that maximize business value and ensure smooth transitions.

Website - https://exitfactor.com/offices/lexington

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/exitfactorlexington

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/17zbUPmdk7/

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Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

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What happens when you list a service you don’t even know how to deliver... and it takes off? In this episode, Chris M. Walker shares how an experiment turned into a career-defining moment that not only got him out of his 9-to-5 but led to launching Legiit, a growing digital services platform helping entrepreneurs and agencies scale. From facing self-doubt to navigating tech mishaps and creating a sustainable daily routine, Chris walks us through the mindset and systems that helped him build a business that continues to grow, month after month.

Chris reveals how a single resold service turned into a booming business, why hitting a breaking point at his job pushed him toward entrepreneurship, and how creating his “ideal day” has become the secret to sustaining his success. Whether you’re side hustling your way out of a 9-to-5 or struggling with discipline as a full-time entrepreneur, this conversation is filled with real talk, inspiration, and actionable wisdom.

Key Takeaways To Listen For:

Start Before You’re “Ready”: Chris’s journey began by listing a service he didn’t even know how to do — not recommended, but proof that taking action can open doors you didn’t expect.

Your Routine is Your Foundation: Creating and repeating an “ideal day” has helped Chris maintain discipline without burnout. It’s not about hustle culture — it’s about sustainability.

Your Job Isn’t the Enemy — But Staying Stuck Might Be: Chris left his job not out of resentment, but because he realized the future he wanted wasn’t possible where he was. Sometimes the pain of staying is greater than the risk of leaving.

Ready to build your own version of success? Tune into this episode.

Introducing Chris Walker:

Chris M. Walker is a results-driven entrepreneur, digital marketer, and business strategist. He is the founder and CEO of Legiit.com, the world’s only B2B Growth Engine that connects businesses with top-tier talent. He also runs Superstar SEO, a highly successful digital marketing agency specializing in search engine optimization (SEO) and online business growth.

With years of experience in helping businesses scale, Chris is known for his innovative approach to marketing, automation, and business development. His expertise in SEO, freelancing, and entrepreneurship has made him a sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor to thousands of professionals worldwide. Through his personal brand and content, he empowers business owners to think bigger, take control of their success, and achieve long-term growth.

https://legiit.com - Legiit

https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisMWalker - YouTube

https://www.facebook.com/cmwlegiit/ - Facebook

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Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

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If you’ve ever looked at your child’s care options and thought, “This isn’t enough,” this episode will hit home. Shavon St. Germain saw a gap in early childhood development and decided to fill it—not just for her daughter, but for her entire community. What started as one mom’s determination to provide better care became a thriving, education-focused daycare that’s supported families for over 13 years.

In this episode, Shavon shares her powerful journey from speech therapist to entrepreneur, opening up about the moment she realized she couldn’t go back to a traditional job and the leap of faith it took to create the kind of childcare she couldn’t find. From licensing decisions to surprise twins that fast-tracked her expansion, she offers a vulnerable and inspiring look at building a business rooted in purpose and passion.

Key takeaways to listen for:

Build what you wish existed. Shavon created the kind of daycare she wanted for her daughter—one that nurtured both emotional and academic growth.

Trust the vision, even when it’s scary. Leaving a steady job with bills to pay wasn’t easy, but trusting her purpose helped Shavon take bold steps forward.

Word of mouth is powerful when your service is personal. Shavon’s daycare grew because parents saw and felt her dedication—and shared it with their village.

Catch the full conversation and be inspired by Shavon’s story of courage, community, and creating a legacy of care.

Introducing Shavon St. Germain

Shavon is a bilingual licensed speech-language pathologist and audiologist with over 20 years of experience working with families of children with speech and language delays. She’s also a mom of 3 and runs a childcare program.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/listenlearntalk/

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Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

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Ever felt completely safe with someone within minutes? That’s the power of presence—and today’s guest embodies it. A former anesthetist, she shares how the high-stakes skill of creating instant trust now shapes her approach to business, leadership, and connection.

We dive into soft skills, energy, and the science behind why your vibe matters, plus how quantum physics and emotional intelligence can transform the way you show up for clients and yourself.

Key takeaways to listen for:

Presence is powerful. Whether it’s in a surgical suite or a sales call, making someone feel like the most important person in the room builds trust and deepens connection instantly.

Soft skills aren’t so soft. Eye contact, active listening, and empathy aren’t just niceties, they’re backed by brain science and can transform the way we build relationships.

Your energy speaks louder than words. Our thoughts create our feelings, which directly impact our biofield and the energy we bring into a room. When we operate from love, gratitude, and peace, we literally raise our frequency—and others feel it.

Tune in for a fascinating blend of science, soul, and strategy that’ll shift how you show up as a leader and entrepreneur.

Introducing LaChelle Wieme:

Passionate about helping people unlock their full potential. For over 15 years, she’s been connecting with audiences as a motivational speaker, and for the past 6 years,she also had the privilege of guiding individuals and organizations through my coaching and business consulting practice. Whether it's on stage or working one-on-one with clients,she loves empowering people to achieve greater impact and income.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/lachellewieme/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lachellewieme

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz2fi9ddQb1t6MiwHCwZvTw

Support the show

Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

Send us a text

Marketing often feels intimidating, overwhelming, and sometimes downright confusing for entrepreneurs but what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, Melody Tholstrup, founder of My Size Marketing and marketing coach with 30+ years of experience, shares a refreshing perspective that will change how you think about marketing your business.

If you've ever felt "too salesy" or stuck in your marketing strategy, Melody’s insights will help you breathe easier and take a more service-driven approach that actually connects with your audience.

In this conversation, we break down why marketing should never be about you, it’s always about helping your customers. We explain how focusing on building relationships and trust, rather than just pushing products, creates lasting success.

Key takeaways to listen for:

• Marketing is about service, not self-promotion. Focus on how you help others rather than making it about you.
  
  
• Building relationships and trust is the foundation of good marketing. It's not about flashy ads, it’s about genuine connection.
  
  
• Work in 90-day cycles. Set short-term marketing goals to create momentum and stay focused on clear, achievable results.

Are you marketing your business to truly serve others or are you letting fear hold you back from making the impact you’re capable of?

Introducing Melody Tholstrup:

Melody Tholstrup is the founder of My Size Marketing, a marketing coaching and consulting firm and has been blessed to have worked in the marketing industry for over 30 years. She has helped a wide variety of clients, companies, and organizations locally and across the country with their marketing, media and public relations strategies.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysizemarketing/

Website: https://mysizemarketing.com/

Support the show

Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

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Ever feel like your creativity gets lost in the hustle of entrepreneurship? Or like the thing you once loved now feels like a burden? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into what it really means to create not just for business, but for ourselves. Our guest, Mike Brennan, shares his journey through creativity, entrepreneurship, and mental health, and how all is often more connected than we realize.

Throughout the conversation, Mike reflects on his own story, weaving in universal truths that resonate whether you're just starting out or knee-deep in building something meaningful. He talks about the importance of creating space to dream, the challenges of maintaining mental health as a solopreneur, and how essential it is to stay connected to your "why." This episode is a reminder that creativity isn’t just about art or content, it's about problem-solving, vision, and reclaiming agency over your own journey.

Key takeaways to listen for:

Creativity is Problem-Solving in Disguise: Creativity isn’t only about making art; it’s about seeing something in your mind and figuring out how to make it real.

Mental Health Needs Intention, Not Just Awareness: It’s not enough to know you need balance, you have to make time for it.

The Passion Trap is Real: Turning a passion into a business can slowly chip away at your love for it. External pressures like money and expectations can transform your joy into a job unless you’re intentional about protecting what fuels you.

What creative outlet or passion are you keeping for yourself just for the joy of it and how is it helping you stay grounded in your business journey?

Introducing Mike Brennan

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, isn't your typical Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity.

Mike's expertise goes beyond the pages of his book. He's helped renowned clients like Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and fun into their work. His art graces prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona.

Book Mike Brennan: https://www.mikebrennan.me/speaking

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebone/

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Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/

Send us a text

What happens when self-doubt collides with purpose? In this heartfelt conversation, we get real about the often-unspoken truths of entrepreneurship. From tackling imposter syndrome to embracing the discomfort of growth, we share how building confidence, discipline, and a strong mindset are essential for not just surviving, but thriving. Whether you're working from home, struggling with consistency, or learning to navigate failure, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that your personal growth can inspire something greater than yourself.

We’re diving into the role of soft skills and resilience in entrepreneurship, emphasizing that confidence is built through action and that failure is a necessary part of growth. We discuss how self-development, discipline, and community support can transform not just your business but your life. This episode is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning, and the more we grow, the more we empower others.

What is also covered in this episode:

• Why embracing failure is essential for learning, growth, and resilience.
  
  
• How discipline and consistency fuel success when working from home.
  
  
• The power of community support in overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

Tune in, take notes, and let this episode be the encouragement you need to keep moving forward because your journey matters.

Introducing Ivana Ivanek:

Ivana Ivanek is a keynote speaker, mindset coach, business strategist, and host of the Online Business By Design Podcast helping coaches, teachers and educators build an online business that makes money and impact.

After more than a decade of observing and connecting with people, she discovered a powerful truth: Fear of societal rejection and judgement is the hidden reason most people hold back from chasing their dreams.

Coming from a background where entrepreneurship wasn’t an option, and hitting rock bottom after failing a business in her early 20s, Ivana is on a mission to teach people how to stop playing small with their potential and make a lasting impact.

Website: https://ivanaivanek.com/

Social Media

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivana-ivanek-426553230/

https://www.instagram.com/ivanaivanek_/

Podcast

https://onlinebusinessbydesign.podigee.io/

Support the show

Connect with Entrepreneur Encounter:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneur_encounter/

Host Sara Lowell:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youarerembert/

Website: https://www.youarerembertllc.com/

Host Dana Johnson:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danas.desk.nc/

Website: https://ddvirtualmanagement.com/