Hiring is often reactive. You have an influx of work or attrition, and bam, you need someone now. This creates a lot of stress on you as a manager and business owner. How are you going to get that role filled and manage the work that needs to be done? The cost of putting the wrong candidate is tremendous. How patient are you in waiting to ensure you have the right candidate in the right seat?

Many interviewers resort to questions that don’t really give you the information needed to hire. And, many are not trained to dig beyond the surface answers that candidates give. These are answers that are often practiced showing themselves in the best light.

There is a way to hire much more predictably. Learn more about role development and how to get beyond the surface answers in this podcast.

About Your Host

Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who.

Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

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In this soul-stirring episode of the Nurture Small Business Podcast, host Denise Cagan welcomes spoken word artist, author, and visionary Dr. Yemaja Jubilee. From her early days writing poetry in secret to producing plays and publishing books rooted in personal and cultural history, Dr. Jubilee shares how she channels divine downloads to guide her creativity and purpose.

Listeners will hear about her latest book, Born and Raised Under Jim Crow: Now You Know, her transformative dreams, and her unique acronyms like BYOV [Bring Your Own Voice], BYOT [Bring Your Own Truth], and AI [Authenticity and Integrity]. She also recounts the historic journey of bringing Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, to Virginia—an effort born from a dream and realized through community collaboration.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or a creative soul looking for permission to express your truth, this episode is a masterclass in living authentically, embracing inner brilliance, and letting purpose unfold naturally.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Jubilee:
Facebook & Instagram: @yemajajubilee
YouTube: Love, Light, and Positivity with Dr. Yemaja Jubilee

About Your Host

Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who.

Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

Connect on LinkedIn

From fashion merchandising at Tommy Hilfiger and Gap to leading e-commerce at Lucky Brand, Tiana Ravden spent over two decades shaping how people experience style. But a personal challenge—ruined silk tops and sweat marks—sparked her entrepreneurial journey and led to the founding of Eroe.

In this episode, Tiana shares how she transformed a DIY solution into a patented product while juggling corporate roles, restaurant ownership, and motherhood. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. You’ll hear how she navigated the complexities of product development, built a brand rooted in authenticity, and found support in unexpected places, including her identical twin sister.

Whether you're a founder or a dreamer, this episode is packed with insights on balancing vision with business realities, protecting your ideas, and building a brand that truly empowers.

About Your Host

Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who.

Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

Connect on LinkedIn