From Burnout to Breakthrough on Building a Business That Runs Without You | Kristi Boccato

What happens when your business starts to own you instead of the other way around? In this powerful episode, Rufus sits down with Kristi Boccato — founder of The Basketry and now retail business coach behind The Retail Lab — to unpack the journey from creative burnout to sustainable, scalable success.

Kristi shares the real story behind selling her business, what it means to step outside your business and lead like an investor, and how she helps owners transform their companies into team-led machines. They dive into why most retailers ignore their profit margins, how to exit on your terms, and what it really takes to get unstuck without losing your spark.

🔑 Topics include:

• How to reclaim your time and freedom as a founder

• Building a leadership team that actually leads

• Scaling without losing the personal touch

• Why you should run your business like you’re selling it — even if you’re not

• The power of vulnerability and vision-driven coaching

  
  

• 🎙 Whether you're in retail or just stuck inside your own business, Kristi’s story will hit home — and help you sharpen your vision.

  
  

  🎧 Full show notes at: ⁠rufuscressend.com/podcast

  
  

  #ConstructiveInterference #BusinessScaling #EntrepreneurshipJourney #LeadershipTips #RetailSuccess #RufusCressend #WaterfrontWealthManagement #KristiBrocato #TheRetailLab