In this milestone episode of the She Believed She Could podcast, host Allison Walsh opens up about what it was really like to go all in on her own business for the first time. Even with years of entrepreneurial experience, nothing prepared her for the unique challenges—and incredible rewards—of taking her side hustle to full-time status.

Allison shares the 10 most important lessons she learned over the past year—insights that will resonate whether you’re thinking about taking the leap, already running your business, or simply craving more freedom and fulfillment in your career. From moving forward despite fear, to hiring support before you think you’re ready, to redefining success on your own terms, these lessons are equal parts real talk and inspiration.

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the time to bet on yourself, this episode is your sign. Get ready for honest stories, actionable strategies, and the encouragement you need to trust your gut and go after the life and business you’ve been dreaming of.

💡 Memorable Moments

• "You’re never going to feel 100% ready. Courage is about moving forward anyway."
• "Hiring support isn’t just delegation—it’s amplification."
• "Don’t drag dead weight out of guilt—fail fast so you can move forward faster."
• "Your network is your net worth—nurture it without expectation."
• "Boundaries protect your energy and allow you to show up fully where it matters most."
• "A personal brand isn’t about you—it’s about the people you’re meant to serve."
• "Success might look different than you imagined—define it for yourself."
• "Confidence builds everything else, so celebrate the small wins often."
• "Your why has to be louder than your fear."
• "You are capable of so much more than you know."

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Build Your Brand On Demand
• Download The Be Unforgettable Playbook

In this thought-provoking episode, host Allison Walsh sits down with Alice Heiman—internationally known sales strategist and "Chief Sales Energizer"—to discuss the intersection of business growth, personal transformation, and the realities of being a high-performing woman at midlife.

Alice opens up about her journey from elementary school teacher to top-tier sales expert for CEOs of innovative companies. She dives deep into navigating leadership while caring for family, handling perimenopause, and planning strategic exits. This conversation is full of truth, strategy, and empowerment for women navigating business and life in their 40s, 50s, and beyond.

💡 Key Takeaways
→ Why women CEOs need to give themselves grace while leading and growing
→ The real story behind Alice’s shift from educator to sales strategist
→ How to build a go-to-market strategy that drives profitable growth
→ Why most CEOs hire the wrong sales leader—and how to get it right
→ Navigating menopause and major life changes while running a company
→ How energy, support systems, and intentional planning create scalable success
→ The importance of “who not how” and building the right team

🛠️ Resources & Links
🔗 Connect with Alice: LinkedIn
🌐 Website: aliceheiman.com
📚 Book Recs:

• Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez
• Wonderhell by Laura Gassner Otting

💬 Memorable Moments

• “Women CEOs are building companies, taking care of aging parents, supporting grown kids—and going through perimenopause. That deserves grace, not guilt.”
• “You don’t need to wait for confidence. You already have the proof—you’ve done hard things before. You can do them again.”
• “If you’re trying to scale from $10M to $20M, don’t hire someone who’s only managed status quo. Hire the person who knows how to grow.”
• “Think about the whole lifecycle of your business and your life—your energy, your vision, your people. You don’t have to do it all alone.”

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Build Your Brand On Demand
• Download The Be Unforgettable Playbook

If you’ve ever felt like your passions were “too much,” or worried that loving something wholeheartedly wasn’t acceptable as an adult—this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Allison sits down with A.J. Wolfe, founder of the wildly popular Disney Food Blog and newly published author of Disney Adults. With over 16 years of experience building a thriving media company and community, A.J. shares the untold story behind the Disney adult fandom—including the joy, the side eyes, the addiction, and the incredible sense of belonging.

They talk about what it takes to keep up in the ever-changing world of digital media, the realities of starting messy, and why doing hard things is the key to building confidence and success. A.J. also opens up about writing her debut book, how it pushed her out of her comfort zone, and how serving her audience remains at the heart of everything she creates.

Whether you’re a Disney fan, a multi-passionate creative, or someone dreaming of writing a book or launching a brand—this episode is filled with honest insights, permission to be unapologetically yourself, and a whole lot of inspiration.

Episode Highlights:

• The origin story of Disney Food Blog—and why A.J. created what didn’t exist yet
• How she built a multi-platform media company that now includes YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more
• Why Disney Adults was the book she always wanted to write—and why it’s more than just a love letter
• The misunderstood stereotypes of Disney adults and the reality behind them
• Lessons learned from evolving digital platforms and staying ahead of media trends
• The power of starting messy, staying flexible, and doing the hard things first
• The difference between vanity metrics and real business success—and how A.J. defines true impact
• Advice for aspiring authors, creators, and entrepreneurs ready to chase big dreams
• What confidence means to A.J.—and how her 11-year-old keeps her accountable to that growth
• Her favorite source of business inspiration (spoiler: it’s Gary Vee!)

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ready to own their passion, embrace their quirks, and turn what they love into something that makes an impact. A.J. Wolfe’s story is a powerful reminder that when you start before you’re ready, stay in service to your audience, and lean into what brings you joy, you’re not just building a brand—you’re creating a legacy.

Buy the book: https://amzn.to/3IwxDbC

Connect with Allison

• Interested in working together? Fill out this form.
• www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• www.shebelievedbook.com
• www.allisonwalshconsulting.com
• Build Your Brand On Demand
• Download The Be Unforgettable Playbook