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    Podcast Summary

    • Understanding Customers and Building Strong TeamsEffective leaders prioritize customer understanding, surround themselves with talent, and maintain a strategic mindset to excel in their present role and reach long-term career goals.

      Identifying and developing the qualities of a successful executive involves a combination of empathy for customers, the ability to build strong teams, and a strategic mindset. Mike Troiano, a venture capitalist and former executive and CEO, emphasizes the importance of these traits in his experience. He suggests that effective leaders have a strong understanding of their customers and the ability to surround themselves with talented individuals. Furthermore, he advises aspiring executives to think ahead about their career goals and the skills and experiences they need to acquire to reach those goals. A key takeaway from the discussion is that while it's important to have a long-term vision, it's equally important to excel in the present role and make the most of the opportunities available.

    • Investing in networking and considering new opportunitiesTo advance in your career, invest in networking and be open to new opportunities, while remaining loyal to your current employer.

      Ambition and loyalty can coexist in a career, but it's essential to invest in networking and consider new opportunities when feeling stagnant. The woman in question should not view looking for growth as disloyalty to her current employer, but rather as an investment in her future. However, her resume may not present a clear path to leadership roles, so she should carefully consider her next move to create a cohesive career narrative that aligns with her aspirations. Ultimately, the question is not just about whether one aspires to reach the C-suite, but also about being willing to pay the price and make the sacrifices required to achieve that goal.

    • Building a compelling narrative for career advancementIdentify job requirements, package experiences, scale ambitions, and maintain an open network to advance a career.

      When trying to position oneself as an attractive candidate despite a less-than-ideal resume or current career level, it's essential to build a compelling narrative that aligns with the hiring manager's needs. This involves identifying the specific skills and experiences required for the desired job and packaging one's experiences to demonstrate the ability to meet those criteria. It's also crucial to scale one's ambitions to match the current experience base and consider the impact of potential opportunities on personal and family life. In summary, the key to advancing a career is to define the next steps in specific, actionable terms and maintain an open network while evaluating opportunities thoroughly.

    • Focus on marketing strengths instead of weaknessesAssess challenges, communicate honestly, and remain patient for the right career opportunity

      When facing a difficult work situation, it's essential to consider all options carefully before making a decision. In the case of the letter writer, she should focus on marketing her experiences and skills as strengths instead of weaknesses when interviewing for new opportunities. However, it might not be realistic for her to aim for a C-suite role or a global organization immediately. For those in a similar situation as the letter writer, it's crucial to assess the reasons behind the challenges they face at their current job and communicate honestly with their team about the situation. Although it may be tempting to leave a company that lacks vision or support, there are opportunities for growth even in difficult circumstances. Ultimately, being patient and finding the right organization that aligns with one's career goals is essential.

    • Managing a team during layoffs in a failing organizationWeigh personal and professional benefits against emotional cost when managing in a failing organization, find something to love or be well-compensated to make challenges worthwhile.

      If you're in a leadership role and you don't believe in the company's strategy or vision, it can take a toll on both you and your team. The speaker shares his experience of working in a failing organization where he had to manage a team during layoffs. He acknowledges that staying in such a role can be emotionally challenging, especially when you're responsible for implementing unrealistic targets and letting people go. However, if the learning opportunities and potential growth outweigh the negative aspects, it might be worth considering staying. Ultimately, it's essential to weigh the personal and professional benefits against the potential emotional cost. Additionally, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding something to love in your work or being well-compensated to make the challenges worthwhile.

    • Finding meaning and purpose in a difficult work environmentWhen faced with a challenging work environment, consider staying for potential benefits like learning new skills, performing a bigger role, or using the experience to enhance your resume. However, if you strongly disagree with the company's strategy and haven't been heard, it might be time to seek new opportunities.

      When facing a difficult work environment after layoffs, it's essential to find meaning and purpose in your job beyond just compensation. If you strongly disagree with the company's strategy and haven't been heard, it might be time to look for a new opportunity. However, considering the time it could take to find a new job, it's worth considering the potential benefits of staying, such as learning new skills, performing a bigger role, or even using the experience to boost your resume. Ultimately, it's a personal decision that depends on your values, priorities, and circumstances. Additionally, newly promoted managers in uncertain times should focus on building relationships with new leadership and staying energized to adapt to the changing business landscape.

    • Managing Workplace Dynamics: Clear Communication with Your ManagerApproach your boss for a candid conversation when feeling anxious about a new team dynamic, and collaborate to ensure a productive work environment.

      Navigating complex workplace dynamics requires clear communication with your manager. In the discussed scenario, a colleague with a more senior title and work experience is being brought into regular team check-ins, causing anxiety for the letter writer about her role and potential power shift. It's essential to understand the manager's intentions and the value the colleague brings to the team. Instead of avoiding her, the letter writer should approach her boss for a candid conversation and collaborate to ensure a productive work environment. Reacting negatively or trying to exclude the colleague could harm the letter writer's reputation. It's natural to feel anxious or envious, but it's crucial to address these feelings constructively. Ultimately, clear communication and collaboration are key to managing workplace dynamics effectively.

    • Navigating Professional Relationships with RivalsRead between the lines in ambiguous conversations, focus on understanding rivals' strengths, build bridges and find common ground, and maintain a productive and respectful dynamic.

      Navigating professional relationships, especially those with potential rivals or uncertain changes, requires careful consideration and authenticity. If a conversation with a manager leaves room for ambiguity, it's essential to read between the lines and make educated inferences. This approach puts you in a better position than remaining in the dark. Additionally, focusing on understanding the strengths and learning from potential rivals can lead to productive rivalries, fostering better performance and collaboration. An authentic effort to build bridges and find common ground is key, rather than masking true feelings. Remember, healthy competition can be beneficial, but it's essential to maintain a productive and respectful dynamic. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with both parties to ensure the rivalry remains productive.

    • Collaborating with rivals can be productiveFocus on common goals and mutual respect in collaborations with rivals to mitigate conflicts and foster productivity.

      Professional collaboration between rivals can be beneficial and productive, especially when driven by mutual respect. This dynamic is particularly important in competitive work environments, where respect can help mitigate potential conflicts and create a more productive working relationship. When entering potentially challenging meetings with rivals, it's important to focus on the objective of the meeting and work together towards a common goal, rather than engaging in head-to-head conflict. Additionally, in environments with limited opportunities for advancement, it's essential to look for new opportunities and avenues for growth, rather than getting stuck in a zero-sum game mindset. Ultimately, starting a conversation with your boss about their intentions in bringing a rival closer can help alleviate anxiety and foster a better understanding of the situation.

    • Collaborate with challenging colleaguesInstead of competing with challenging colleagues, focus on shared objectives and find ways to work productively together. If necessary, look for new opportunities where you can excel beyond their purview.

      Instead of trying to undermine or exclude a colleague, it's more productive to build bridges and collaborate. Former tech CEO, Mike Troiano, emphasized the importance of focusing on shared objectives in meetings and finding ways to work productively together. If someone feels that their organization is a zero-sum game, they should look for new opportunities and games where they can grow and excel beyond their current colleague's purview. The key is to appreciate what each person brings to the table while also highlighting one's own strengths. As Mike put it, "They should find ways to work productively together." So, the next time you encounter a challenging colleague, try to collaborate and focus on shared objectives rather than competition. And if you enjoy our podcast, don't forget to subscribe to Harvard Business Review for more insights on leadership and other topics.

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    TIMESTAMPS

    Ep36 Client Success Stories Megan

    Thu, 10/28 3:27PM • 38:32

    SUMMARY KEYWORDS

    people, megan, coach, programme, business, working, life, mindset, coaching, athletes, nervous, job, started, clients, support, talk, months, messaged, volleyball, evolved

    SPEAKERS

    Megan Griffin, Paula Shepherd

     

    Paula Shepherd  00:00

    This is the third client success story that I'm bringing you. I had Patti Collins, Mike, Dr. Misty Lee. Today I have Megan Gryphon, who is an athletic mindset coach for young female athletes. I want to just recap the story of Megan, because Megan and I have been working together since April of 2020. So right about when I started, there's been a huge evolution both in my own coaching and then through Megan's as well. So Megan started with me as a indirect sales in a leadership position. You had a fairly large team, right?

     

    Megan Griffin  00:44

    Hmm. Okay. Yeah, around like 100.

     

    Paula Shepherd  00:47

    Okay, so she had a fairly large team, she was indirect sales, and her ultimate goal was to get out of her job as a teacher, right? Sound familiar from Patty story getting out of your job as a teacher? But not because you didn't like teaching? Right? Why were you looking to get out of your job at that time.

     

    Megan Griffin  01:07

    Um, I was, I was having to coach multiple different things. And I was never around my kids. I was always gone. And I really liked having the kind of time freedom that went along with my direct sales business, and I didn't like being locked in somewhere.

     

    Paula Shepherd  01:26

    Yeah, I, I think that's for a lot of people, right? They, they don't know how to set the boundaries, they don't know how to set the standards for themselves. And that was for you to back then I know, you were this job, this side job, this direct sales job initially, that you were like, this is going to be the thing that gets me out of teaching was actually taking up more of your time, then probably your teaching job, because you were taking, you're taking literally the I can work from anywhere. And so you were like you were working from the beach, you were working from your car, yeah, anywhere that you could work you were working from. And so you know, the last time that I talked to you the last time that we talked live, and people got to hear your story, you had left your nine to five job. You started your athletic mindset, coaching business, which was kind of a fluke, because you had started with coaching volleyball, which you've done for a long time as a collegiate athlete, been involved in volleyball, but you didn't really want to do it. And we were able to switch up your mindset, your personal mindset on how you were actually making a difference and making it less about the physical and more about the mindset. And seeing how damaging traditional coaching had really been for such a long time. So here we are. And now you're part of my Magennis part of my amplified voice mastery programme, which is my high level 12 month programme. And this is a very high touch one on one and a curated community as well. I can't, I can't even squish this into a box like high value, high value one on one group, whatever. Um, and so in this amount of time, this has been since July, a couple of really big things have happened for you. And the first was an invitation to to coach some pretty amazing people. And I know you got ill and you weren't able to do it. But I'd love for you to share kind of what's happened for you since the last time we talked in that summer.

     

    Megan Griffin  03:42

    Yeah. So this summer, I will rolled in a coaching programme. And one of the well she's what the President or

     

    Paula Shepherd  03:54

    Yeah, so Dan Stevens, we did a feature here with Dez. Yes.

     

    Megan Griffin  03:58

    She had put out there in the group that she was needing mindset coaches to go down to or was in Orlando, and do mindset training with NFL prospect athletes. And I immediately messaged you, and was like, wow, I need to do this. I'm writing this lady back. And so I was invited to do it and I did end up having a sinus infection and I couldn't attend. It was very severe. But it was an honour to even be invited and thought of and because she had messaged me, she knew what I did and she seen my posting and everything on online and she invited me so you got

     

    Paula Shepherd  04:48

    it was NFL and CFL prospects that you were invited to go coach and it was sad that you got ill but you know sometimes, especially in these times, it was important for you to take some precautions but Just being asked is such an honour. And, you know, I, I wonder if you think about back even six months from then. Could you even imagine having that opportunity?

     

    Megan Griffin  05:14

    Oh, no. I mean, I started my mindset business in the end of December. So 2020 of 2020. Yeah. So this was July. And I was asked in June, there's no way I, in January would have ever thought I would have been even invited to do something like that. It was definitely an honour.

     

    Paula Shepherd  05:39

    So you and then and then, right, and then what comes next? What comes next is you actually at that point, were approached by someone else who was seeing what you were doing online, and came to you and said, there is a statewide conference? And I really think that you should put your name in the hat to be a featured expert.

     

    Megan Griffin  06:07

    Yeah. Yeah, one of the previous teachers that I taught with at a school here in South Carolina, had messaged me, and had been following what I've been saying online, and she was like, I really think you should see what happens, just everything you're doing is great, and you should share it with other people. So we did a proposal. And it was so exciting for the conference. And we, I submitted the proposal and then kind of forgot about it, honestly, I just was like, oh, send this in and see what happens. And it's how traditional coaching negatively affects athletes for a lifetime. And I had just forgot. And then all of a sudden, like, two months ago, I got an email that said, I was chosen to be a speaker at the South Carolina Conference, which is happening next month.

     

    Paula Shepherd  07:07

    It's so exciting. So this is an opportunity for you to meet people, these are your, your, the fate, like your favourite kind of clients, these are the people that you want to affect because they're actually going to affect change. So you get to use your voice to impact people in a way that maybe you're not going to be coaching these young women that they're working with, or young men that they're working with. But you get to at least get them to see that the way that things have been happening for a really long time, aren't actually serving these people that are actually more damaging. So I love the fact that you were so willing to do it, I remember you coming to me and saying, okay, they offered me this opportunity. And I don't know what to do with it, and then sent you the information. How did you feel about writing that proposal?

     

    Megan Griffin  07:57

    I was nervous, pretty nervous. I have, I have done other speaking obligations, but not about the mindset part. I've talked to my direct sales company that I'm in. I've done leadership trainings and things like that, but I've never had to present in front of this type of client or, you know, peers. And so I was very, very nervous. And I remember having it up there and it was uploaded. And I remember, okay, once I hit this button, it's like real life. And I was very nervous. And I hit submit. And I was like, Okay, here we go.

     

    Paula Shepherd  08:41

    Yeah. I mean, I remember writing that sitting with you. And you think, Okay, I'm not even really sure. And really just tapping into what you were actually doing and how you were supporting people. And so this was a not a just sign up for this thing. But it was a you actually got selected. So we wrote the proposal. You submitted it a couple of months later, I remember you messaging me on a Sunday night going, I know you don't look at this, but I really have to talk to you. And immediately I'm like, What's wrong, I don't normally look at my stuff. And you You told me that you had gotten in and how excited you were and how nervous you were. And and yet, like things just continue to come down the pipeline for you. Because you haven't done a lot of promotion on social media. We've really helped you kind of lean into what your strengths are. And do it your way. And social media has become your holistic business tool that you use as a PS, but not the only way that you do business. Right, right. So the next thing that happened just recently this just happened about a week ago. We chatted on the phone and I remember some your club volleyball The person who runs the club volleyball, I'm going to mess that all up right now came to you and said, go talk to your director. There we go. He has the title director came to you and said, go talk to your business coach about this. So what was he seeing you do and seeing the result in these young women, that he, I know, but I want you to tell them that he want you to plan out.

     

    Megan Griffin  10:25

    So last year, I coached club also. And so I didn't coach coach, a specific team, I just was kind of a all around helper, I did small groups. So I got to work one on one with a lot of young athletes, instead of just being on one specific team. And then, so I worked hand in hand with him last year, and then this year, I have him on my staff for my high school programme. So because I feel like we are very much in tune with how we would like to see these young athletes lives develop later, so and we see the impact that we can do now. And why wait until they're older if we can support them now. So we he came to me and wanted to well, he wanted me to talk to you, because he knows that I have a business coach, so so he wanted me to talk to you. And as to figure out how we could offer the mindset aspect of sports to these elite athletes who are playing year round sports, particularly I coach at a volleyball club. But, um, so he wanted to figure out how we could support them, because he had seen a huge difference in a lot of the athletes that I was particularly working with one on one or in a group programme setting or things like that. So he was noticing that their confidence level had gone up in like their themselves being able to lead more and using their voice on the court, he had seen that when they were making mistakes, because that sports were going to make mistakes. He had seen that a lot of those athletes that I was either working with him practice, or had worked with previously in my own business, that they were able to bounce back and not go down the drain and spiral and spiral. And then you end up having to take them out. So it might be one ball. But then the next ball, they were back in it and ready to go. They had also seen that they were able to take constructive criticism from coaches and not be sassy and backtalk. Cuz sometimes people aren't coachable. And that's one of the things that I really try to focus on is understanding like the role of a coach and the role of a player. But I encourage questions, because I don't feel like coaches are here. And players are here. Yes, I have the title. But I want us to be more of a cohesive unit, rather than me just telling you what to do. So I, I've taught them to ask me questions in a respectful way. And if they have problems, or if they don't agree with something, then for them to know that they can come to me, they can ask me maybe not in that exact moment, because that might be a high intense moment. Or not appropriate, but that they can come to me afterwards. And so he had seen all of these things happening with about 10 Girls, and he wanted to be able to offer that type of support to more of the athletes at his club, because we have athletes that are nine years old, all the way to 18. And so he sees the impact that we can make together. Not just physical skills, but the emotional and the mental and all of that he sees the impact that we can make for the future might not be like right this second, but it's for later. So I'm really excited for that opportunity to be able to offer it to the entire club not just being selective.

     

    Paula Shepherd  14:37

    That's amazing. Megan, you're talking about the physical aspect, but then you were also talking about the, you know, the mental aspect and creating that resilience on and off the court. And that's very similar right to the work that you and I have done together which was so profound, right? You've taken so much action. You've evolved so much in such a short period of time like it's really been rapid that your ability to show up as a leader and lead by example, and be the role model for them, and demonstrate to them that it's not just how much time they put in on the court, but also how much time they spend prioritising themselves. And I think that that's made all the difference. Do you feel like your the impact that you're making with these young women is a result of what you're learning yourself?

     

    Megan Griffin  15:30

    Oh, absolutely. I mean, I've been working one on one with you since April 2020. And I was overwhelmed. And I was stressed, and I didn't know how to have boundaries, I didn't know how to have a schedule, or use a planner, or prioritise what I needed to do in life. It's not always financial wins, I think I get more excited about the nonfinancial wins.

     

    Paula Shepherd  15:58

    Like your quota, do it, like your NAP quota.

     

    Megan Griffin  16:02

    That's right nap quota. For one, I have a I had a 2021 goal of taking five naps a week. And I continue to do that. Because I'm one of those people that doesn't slow down, and I always have something to do. And I just really like to rest, that's the only time that my brain shuts off. So not quota is important to me. But also like being able to notice that, like, for instance, laundry was always a big thing. For me, I have a pile of laundry sitting next to me, you know, that's a normal thing. It used to stress me out, but it's gonna be there, I can put it away later. Like, if I have something else that I need to do, I, it's still gonna be there, it's okay, I used to really stress me out. So like, those types of things are picking up on the little things that I do during the day that make me feel successful, I think is something that I've definitely passed on to the young girls that I'm working with, because they're trying to do all the things, all the things, they don't have to do all the things, they just have to be really intentional with what they're choosing to do. And they need to fit in time just for them. It might be with friends, it might be with their siblings, or it might just be like, Hey, I just want to chill for an hour, and take a nap. Um, but you know, that's definitely something that I have passed down and taught them to appreciate. And notice, noticing it is the one of the most influential things because if you don't see it, then you don't know that, hey, maybe I should be doing something else. Um, but just to be able to pick up on things that are stressing them out or bringing anxiety to their life, and being able to see ways that they can fill that time with something that makes them happy. So really, like, Yes, I'm the physical part because I am a volleyball coach. But I really, really like the other side. Like, I have the knowledge and the skill set to be a great volleyball coach. Um, but the other wins, the non sports wins are the ones that I really, really celebrate with my clients. Because that you stuff that's going to be outside of the gym that eventually they're not going to be an athlete anymore. So if I can teach them and influence and support them on the aspects of outside sports, along with when I see them, I'm then later in life when they're like Who Who am I now, sports are done. They're not going to be questioning that because they're already going to know what makes them happy. They're already going to know how they like to spend their time, they're already going to know leadership skills and all the things that they're going to need later in life, not just what they need on the court.

     

    Paula Shepherd  19:05

    And I love it. Because as you were talking, I was thinking, and we've talked about this before, that I wish I would have had someone in those years, saying it's not all about this one thing. It's about who you are as a person. And the fact that as you have been not just working with these girls, not just the ones that are paying, but also the people that you're coaching with, you know, physically, that as you were developing the team as you were making selections, you made it very clear from the beginning, you set your own standard and said, this is about more than just how well you play the game. I want to see people that show up. As leaders. I want to see people that are coachable. I want people that are going to prioritise teamwork that care about how they make other people feel You know, I want to see you integrate yourself as a teammate, I want to see you speak up for yourself, right? You told the parents that I want to see these girls come to me with their concerns. So I may push you away and ask them to come work with me. And I just, I think there's a lot that you've done, just in this short amount of time, to help these young women be able to decondition themselves from that blow and go mentality, that so many of us that are now you know, 3040 50 years old, are trying to unwind ourselves from, so that we can just be and be intentional, know that it's not the amount of work you do, but the quality of the work. And that, that quality often takes less time, which you've learned, and now you're able to pass on to your clients. So and this opportunity, this collaboration, this opportunity, just based on what other people were seeing happen as a result is upwards of could potentially be a $30,000 opportunity for you, every single person when every single person takes those available slots, because it's going to happen. I mean, look at the evidence from the very beginning of not even knowing you were going to start a business. And then in December going, you know, I really think I might want to be a athletic mindset coach. I mean, what would you think about that, and then developing this thing over time, that the more vested you were in it, the more you created something that you believed in, and not something somebody said would sell, the better off? You were. So I guess I would say from the last time that you talked about your experience, what do you think, what what do you think have been some major shifts for you things that have changed as a result of, you know, us working together?

     

    Megan Griffin  21:55

    Mmm, hmm. A lot of things. All of a lot of things. Um, so I mean, since, what August of 2020, it was when I turned down that teaching contract. And I've been working for myself since then. At first, it was the direct sales company. And then I started my mindset business. And I've been doing that since December of 2020. Um, but something that's been really awesome, is like, I know, other people are seeing what I'm posting, or like you said earlier, like, that's second to me. I am a talker. And I would rather just build a connection in our relationship with someone just by talking to them. Some people don't have that opportunity by where they live, or maybe you know, they're shy or something I'm not. But maybe they just haven't honed in on how to use their voice yet. But I, I, I knew people were seeing it. But I didn't know that my number one person was seeing it. My number one person being my husband. I didn't know that he was really he never liked me. He didn't like my posts often. Or, you know, he wasn't leaving comments or anything. I mean, he wasn't your client. So it wasn't my client. So I wasn't keeping tabs on him, you know. Um, so I didn't know he was paying attention to what I was doing. I know, he knew what I did. But I didn't know that he really read what I wrote. And so when he started talking to me about things that he had read or situations that he had noticed, even when I was coaching my volleyball team, you know, I got to thinking, Oh, he really is watching. And so he has actually, since we talked last, he has actually quit a job where he was making like $60,000 quit that job because he was so miserable and so unhappy. And he had seen me being able to make my own hours and be intentional when I wanted to work and take time off if I needed to, and rearrange my schedule, and I still got to take the kids to school and pick the kids up and still go to practice and go to the grocery store and do all those other things. And he was locked in somewhere doing something all day long. Waking up at the crack of dawn, waking up at 230 in the morning, working all day till one or two and then being dog tired the rest of the night. And so as he was seeing the things that I was able to do and you know how I changed and how I wasn't overwhelmed and stressed out anymore. He finally did quit his job in July and he actually just attended a course in Tampa, he stayed at Patty's house. He just attended a course this weekend, and he passed his test. And he is now going to work for himself and start his own business. And he's going to be a certified pool operator, which is something that he really enjoys. He loves being outside. He loves pools. And he's going to be able to do, you know, work for himself and not rely on other people to make his money.

     

    Paula Shepherd  25:37

    Oh, my gosh, yeah. And he was, this is literally so Patty's husband did the same thing. Right, like, you guys are friends. That's how Patti came into my life was through you referrals. Right. And Patty's husband left her his job just recently to go to a totally different industry, something that he has been wanting to do. And because he was inspired by her and so knowing your husband had a very labour intensive job, very labour intensive, was getting up early, like you said, was dog tired? He you guys were like two ships passing in the night. Yeah, now. And then he was starting to see all of these things, and quit his job. He quit his job before any of this happened, right? He quit that job during the summer. Meanwhile, you guys had just moved to the beach, right? You just move to where you want it to be. And you figured it out. You figured it out. Now, I will say like, let's be really honest with people here. Because we don't want people to be like, Oh my gosh, I like, let me just quit my job right now. And everything's gonna be great. Like, did you have moments of fear?

     

    Megan Griffin  26:44

    Oh, absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. And I was very nervous, even when I turned down that teaching contract. I mean, that was like guaranteed money, it was gonna hit my bank account every single month. I was very nervous. I was very nervous starting this business. He was very nervous quitting that job. And then, you know, we fell into, he fell into working at the place that we really love to work or love that we like to go visit is our favourite beach bar. He started working there. And then now he's decided by working there, that he really wants to be involved in pools and do his own business. So yeah, he was very, very nervous too, because I mean, $60,000 Guaranteed that's a lot of money.

     

    Paula Shepherd  27:40

    Yeah, if that's what you know, right? That's what you know, you're literally picking yourself up out of the comfort of what you know. And he's watched you do it over and over again, and has been very supportive of you. Right? Never, you know, and I think sometimes people think, you know, well, maybe her husband made a lot of money. And that's why she was able to do it. I mean, he did make money. But there, her salary was also important. So I just want people to recognise the fact that even though Megan is bubbly, even though Megan is a go getter, even though she has made so much rapid progress, and so many connections, there's still fear. And that happens at every single level, every time you evolve to the next level, like every investment that you make, like, I know that as Meg as I have worked with Megan, my prices has have increased, Megan doesn't have my price that she had back in April 2020. Because I've invested in myself, and I've evolved, and she's done the same thing. And I think you might have raised your prices three times now three times, right, three times. Okay. So she's ready to raise your prices. And she's even had people reach out to her and say, Do you have any spots? I think your last one. Oman was a mother that said, I've seen so much change in my daughter that I'm going to be selfish and take one of those spots right now. And I'm pretty sure she you were like, I have to update all my pricing because I just raised the pricing. And she said, okay, and she wants to pay me and I'm right, because that happens so quickly. Right. And typically, you are prepared for that. So you have your some automated systems. But you also have a very, very well connected network and opportunity where you do reach out to people, you're not automating that process. So I want people to recognise like fear is always going to be there. So even you know, now you've invested in Mike, this is my top level programme. There's a lot of fear around that. I know. How are you feeling like, people, some people might go, wow, you've been working together that long. Does it feel stale? No. I mean, this is true. Like when you've worked with somebody for a long time, the fear is, well, is that going to be stale? How are you feeling now that it's been over a year? 18 months something Yeah, even longer than that a little longer than 18 months? With the progress that you're making,

     

    Megan Griffin  30:03

    well, if I wasn't seeing progress, I wouldn't still be here. The value and support that you and your team provide is well worth the investment that I choose to make in myself.

     

    Paula Shepherd  30:24

    I love that, that I choose to make it myself, then I choose, I choose to do

     

    Megan Griffin  30:29

    it. No one's forcing me. My good, my husband's made a couple comments a few times, and he's been like, so we're gonna have Paula in our lives forever. And I was like, Uh, probably, because, like, I, like you don't see your clients as just money. Like you and your team don't see us as just money signs, like, you're really genuinely wanting to help and support our dreams. Because if we're doing that together, then you're being fulfilled also, not just us. And, like, it's, I'm not gonna say it's priceless, because there is a price. I mean, like, you don't do it, because I pay you money. Like, I pay you money, you you choose to work with certain people who, like fit your values and your, you know, everything that you stand for. And so I feel like I've always had that connection. And even when you're bringing team members on, like, you select them for a reason. And you're not gonna just throw random people at your community or at your clients and just be like, Oh, well, go talk to them. Like, that doesn't happen. Um, you know, like, Rachel and being the Human Design alignment coach, like, I have, I've struggled a few times, there's been some struggle moments where I've been like, I need to talk to Rachel, and she's there, like, I've never felt unsupported. Which is, you know, because sometimes my husband doesn't get it, or my friends don't get it, because they don't will. Now Patti has her own business. But before it was just me. And I was like, I don't have anybody to bounce these ideas off to or talk through situations. And so it's been really, really a blessing that I met you through this other avenue, and that we've been able to still work together and still see growth and things are always changing and evolving. So I'm really excited for what's to come. I mean, we're not done.

     

    Paula Shepherd  32:50

    No, we're not done, we're not done. And I'm excited to see what comes for you. Because so much has happened in such a short amount of time. And being you know, you in November speaking to literally an entire audience full of the people that need to hear your message is, I mean, it's, uh, can you imagine that can imagine I mean, anybody that's listening right now, having an entire audience there just to hear you speak, to select to be in the room with you. That is huge. And the and it's not just about the opportunity, it's that Megan is she embodies the leadership, she embodies all of it, she's showing up in a way that tells people, not just I am the expert, but that I care enough about this, to talk about it and make an impact. And that is the difference, right? That is the difference between traditional sales and marketing, right? And actually approaching it with an experienced based mindset. So Megan, I'm so proud of you, you've come such a long way. And it's not over yet. So it's gonna keep going. Is there any? Is there any other like parting words you'd say to somebody that maybe is considering investing in themselves, talking to me about any of the programmes that that I offer? Or just in general when it comes to starting your business?

     

    Megan Griffin  34:22

    Well, like you said, there's always going to be fear and doubt, and in anything in life, anything. And so just having a support system and someone that can talk you through that not influence you. But you're you're really great at laying it out there and letting me make the decision. Like you. You don't you're not my boss, so you don't tell me what to do. You just give me all my kids. We talk about it and then I just to choose what I want to happen. And so I think sometimes people don't really understand what having a coach means. And I mean, there's accountability. There's things that I need to do every week, there's things I need to do every day. But at the end of the day, if I don't do them, it's like, shame on Megan. It's like, You're not coming to me being like, Oh, girl, bad girl. Like, that doesn't happen. It's me. It's holding. It's having someone that encourages me to hold myself accountable for what I want in life. And that is so important, because I want to do it for me. I don't want to do it for you.

     

    Paula Shepherd  35:46

    Yeah. So yeah, I mean, it is it's about a self led process, right? It is about advocating for yourself, it is about, you know, knowing what you want and going for it. And that support that you have from the right coach, when you have the right coach, if that's what you're looking for somebody that's not going to give you the answers, that's going to help pull out the information from you so that you're running a business that you love, right? I didn't create the business for Megan, Megan created the business. And as she's learned what she likes, and she doesn't, she's evolved as a person. And the business has evolved alongside of it. She's not running the same business. You know, today that she was in December, late December of 2020. Or even in March, you know, as she's seeing that she's making the impact. She's standing a little taller, she's taking up a little bit more space. Right. She's recognising when things aren't working. When that comes up. It's okay. Well, let's go back to what does work for you not, let's try all these marketing strategies, what works for you? And so, Megan, thank you so much for telling another part of your story. I feel like it's like the Megan sagas the Megan adventure. That's right. And, and so I'm sure that we'll have another one of these in another six months with some pretty rad wins. All right. Well, Megan, again, thank you so much for being here. If you've taken the time to listen to Meghan story, thank you for doing so let us know what your biggest aha moment is. Reach out to Meghan if you're wondering what it's like to work with me, or any questions that you have about our business, or if you know anyone who has a an athlete that could use a little mindset support to boost their performance in life and on the forum. Thank you for listening to this episode of The confidence session. I know there are hundreds of 1000s of podcasts. And I'm so grateful that you chose to spend your time today with me. Head on over to be fearless with paula.com forward slash podcast to check out the show notes from today's episode and grab links to all the amazing goodies mentioned today. Also, if you loved this episode, as much as I loved making it, make sure you don't miss any future ones by hitting the subscribe button right now. See you next time.

    Ep. 35: Why it’s Never Too Late To Create A Tax Plan with Ceinwyn Rudnick

    Ep. 35: Why it’s Never Too Late To Create A Tax Plan with Ceinwyn Rudnick

    Are you on top of your tax plan? Or do you reluctantly dig out all of the receipts you’ve been avoiding all year? In today’s episode Ceinwyn Rudnick, CPA and bookkeeper, shares why right now is the best time to get on top of your taxes, even in the fourth quarter. She shares upcoming changes in IRS statutes, advice for business owners at all levels, getting your children involved in your business and how to feel calm, confident and prepared when it comes time to file your taxes!

     

    Ceinwyn educates and empowers small business owners to feel secure in their financial knowledge. She helps her clients with tax savings, boosting their bottom line & saving their time and sanity. She is passionate about helping women build long term wealth and start to change the dynamic of society itself. 

     

    In this episode we chat about:

    - How to make the most profitable use of your time

    - Why prolonged losses can make you an IRS target

    - Making finances fun

    - What you need to know about PayPal, Venmo & CashApp

    - Empowering your children to get involved in business

    And so much more!

     

    Connect with Ceinwyn: 

     

    Veritasaccountingsolutions.com

    www.instagram.com/ceinwynrudnick

    Financial Alchemy Academy - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3597220467060253

     

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    TIMESTAMPS

    (02:03) What does “6 figures” really means to the IRS?

    (03:45) How reinvesting helps and harms you. How your tax plan should be a game of chess NOT a game of hockey.

     (04:55) The first question you should ask after deduction.

    (06:03) How taking a loss can make you of interest to the IRS.

    (07:14) When you get bigger your bottom line can get smaller!

    (09:11) Planning your finances from a place of security. Should not be surprised by your tax bill.

    (10:03) How breaking tax strategy down into chunks can make it manageable for everyone.

     (11:55)  The tax gap and how this might target your small business.

    (14:33)  Prepared but scared? Don’t act out of fear with your taxes this year. Why right now is the time to fix your taxes!

    (17:03) Are softwares as good as dedicated bookkeeping support?

    (17:50) Is doing your own books the most profitable use of your time in your business?

    (20:00) How to make it fun!

    (22:10) Paypal, Venmo, CashApp the pros and cons.

    (25:58) How to get your family involved

    (27:58) Green Light, an empowering way to teach your kids how to earn, budget and spend.