Videos

Are you still buried in your inbox, running every task, and calling it “leadership”? Think again. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Renee Hastings, founder and CEO of Executive Help Now, to break down the real cost of trying to do everything yourself—and how hiring the right assistant is the most strategic move a CEO can make. Renee shares her powerful journey from corporate burnout to building a thriving virtual assistant agency. They dive into how to delegate with confidence, what separates a great assistant from a disastrous one, and why letting go isn’t about losing control—it’s about building a business that can grow without you. If you’re exhausted, overloaded, and secretly wondering how other leaders make it look so easy—this episode is your blueprint. Inside this episode: ✔️ Why burnout is the red flag you can’t ignore ✔️ How to find an assistant who actually frees you up ✔️ The #1 thing you should delegate first ✔️ What “good help” really looks like—and how to hire…

Can AI write your content? Sure. But can it connect, convert, and build trust with your audience the way a human can? Not even close. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Emmy-winning journalist and Fractional CMO Becky Freemal to talk about the real edge businesses still have in an AI-powered world: storytelling. From building a magnetic brand voice to actually making sense of your data, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs who want to lead with strategy and soul. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why good data isn’t enough 01:58 – Meet Becky Freemal: From journalism to marketing 03:18 – Storytelling is not optional—it’s revenue-driving 04:25 – Where to use story in your business (hint: everywhere) 06:12 – Brand voice breakdown: what it is and why it matters 07:40 – The hidden cost of voice mismatch 08:46 – How to define your voice (even as a solopreneur) 09:53 – Using product data to refine your messaging 12:00 – Jennifer’s AI brand guide experiment 13:25 – How to get AI to writ…

If your work feels draining, your team’s energy is low, and productivity is stalling, it’s not a systems problem—it’s a flow problem. In this episode of the Happy Productive Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Diane Allen—keynote speaker, violinist, and author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius. Love What You Do—to unpack the science and strategy behind getting into your flow state on demand. Diane shares how a career-defining onstage freeze led her to reverse-engineer flow so leaders and business owners can work smarter, fuel their teams, and rediscover the joy in what they do. You’ll learn how to: • Identify your personal flow triggers to reignite energy and focus • Lead your business from a place of inspired alignment • Tap into your team’s full potential through group flow • Turn stressful, stuck moments into momentum and clarity • Use flow as a tool for decision-making, leadership, and performance If you’re feeling burned out or disconnected from your business—this episode is your rese…

What if the way you dress is silently costing you sales, clients, and credibility? In this episode of the Happy Productive Podcast, Jennifer sits down with personal brand strategist and Prosperous Image founder Lee Hayward to talk about why your image is one of the most underused tools in your business, and how aligning your presence with your power can fuel serious growth. This isn’t about fashion. It’s about identity, alignment, and energy. You’ll learn how to show up like the 7-figure version of yourself—before you get there, and why your image might be the very thing blocking your next breakthrough. In this episode: Why your image is repelling (or attracting) high-value clients How to align your wardrobe with your future business, not your past self What it really means to “dress for success” (hint: it’s not just about looks) How to lead with confidence—even when your body, mindset, or business is in transition Simple ways to uplevel your presence without sacrificing comfort or…

Most people cringe at the word “sales”, but what if you could master it with authenticity and integrity? In this eye-opening episode, Jennifer sits down with Geoffrey M. Reid, bestselling author of The Revenue Catalyst, former university professor, and globally recognized sales leader. From public policy analyst to top revenue generator across North America, Geoffrey shares how smart, genuine sales isn’t about pressure. It’s about powerful conversations that create pull, not push. Whether you’re a business owner, team builder, or just trying to improve your own sales mindset, this episode is packed with actionable gems. Timestamps: [04:15] Why business schools don’t teach sales [05:20] Great salespeople are made, not born [06:00] Can you be great at sales and authentic? [07:15] The myth of the “pushy” salesperson [08:00] What really holds people back from embracing sales [09:00] KPI plans and making sales predictable [10:10] Overcoming fear and building confidence [11:00] Who the b…

Men aren’t broken—they’re just missing the tools. In this episode of the Happy Productive Podcast, Jennifer sits down with Owen Marcus, founder of MELD and a pioneer in men’s emotional fluency. For decades, Owen has helped men drop the armor, ditch the isolation, and reconnect with who they truly are—not just for their relationships, but for their leadership, their careers, and their peace of mind. You’ll hear: ✔ The biggest lie men are taught about emotions (and how it holds them back) ✔ Why emotional expression isn’t weakness—it’s a leadership skill ✔ The secret to connecting better at home and at work ✔ How the nervous system affects your relationships more than you think ✔ What actually works (spoiler: it’s not more therapy or talking it out) Whether you’re a man looking for deeper connection or a woman who wants to support the men in your life, this episode will flip the script on what strength really looks like. 💥 Because emotional fluency isn’t just for women—it’s the futur…

Are your emails going straight to spam? If you’re relying on outdated outreach strategies — or worse, blasting 1,000 cold emails with zero engagement — this episode is for you. Jennifer Dawn sits down with Shira Simmonds, CEO of SSC Digital and founder of SmartReach AI, to unpack why your cold outreach is failing and what actually works in 2025. Learn how to: • Warm up domains (and why it matters) • Send only 30 emails a day per domain • Use AI to write emails in your tone and voice • Leverage LinkedIn signals for smarter targeting If you want more leads without wasting time, money, or credibility — start here. Watch now to discover why “lead gen lies” are keeping your business stuck. Links: Connect with Jennifer: ⁠www.jenniferdawncoaching.com ⁠Join our Academy: ⁠www.jenniferdawnacademy.com⁠ Shira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirasimmonds/ Smart Reach: https://www.smartreachai.com/product Tune in and start building a freedom-fueled business th…

Dr. Laurel Mellin is a health psychologist who founded and developed emotional brain training (EBT). She is an associate clinical professor of family and community medicine and pediatrics at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Mellin has authored papers on the science and efficacy of EBT and is a New York Times bestselling author of four books on the method. Stress and trauma—especially from early childhood—can create survival circuits in the brain, which drive coping mechanisms such as overworking, emotional withdrawal, and unhealthy habits like overeating or excessive perfectionism. Most people, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, often feel emotionally drained and disconnected because of stress. Dr. Laurel describes five levels of stress in the brain, from a calm, connected state (Level 1) to a stressed-out state (Level 5), where the emotional brain takes over. EBT helps shift individuals from a higher stress level to a more positive, calm state, where they can mak…

Burnout is preventable. It's within our control to take action and prioritize self-care. Dr. Nekeshia Hammond is a leadership development coach, mental wellness expert, and keynote motivational speaker who helps high performers navigate burnout, exhaustion, and resiliency. In this episode, she dives deep into the importance of self-care for maintaining mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It is important to recognize burnout and find personal ways to reset, it with the help of support. Jen and Dr. Nakeshia challenge the outdated "go, go, go" mentality and encourage us to embrace a more balanced approach to life, where self-care is not just an option, but a priority. Dr. Nekeshia explains that the ‘baby steps approach’ is the only way to get lasting results. Women must overcome any guilt tied to self-care. If you’re feeling burned out and overwhelmed, taking small, but intentional steps each day will lead to lasting change and help you rediscover your balance and well-being. All…

Businesses suffer when their owners do not prioritize their health.Ellen Goldman, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, PCC, is a wellness coach, healthy lifestyle and weight loss coach, speaker, and author. She is passionate about serving others and helping them achieve their health and wellness goals.Ellen explains that the real challenge lies in behavior change. Many people attempt to overhaul their lifestyles, but this approach often leads to burnout and failure. The key is mindset and motivation, which serve as the foundation for lasting change.Ellen introduces her MAP framework—Mindset, Awareness, and Preparation—as the blueprint for sustainable health habits. The first step is shifting your mindset from "I don't have time for self-care" to "I make time for self-care."Ellen also explains success in weight loss differently. It is a result of correcting overall lifestyle imbalances—such as stress, sleep, and exercise—rather than simply restricting food intake.Start with small, manageable changes and em…

Achieving success in any area—health, career, or relationships—requires consistent, intentional actions over time. Drewbie Wilson is the CEO of Call the Damn Leads, a bestselling author, podcaster, consultant and mentor. He inspires leaders to become the most elite version of themselves. Drewbie shares his transformation story from weighing over 300 pounds to losing 100 pounds—not just once, but twice. "The truth will set you free, even if it hurts sometimes," explaining how tough love from his wife and friend helped him change his unhealthy habits. He found the inspiration for this drastic change in entrepreneurial communities and motivational resources. He also developed the "Four Sixes Strategy"—a concept for balanced success that divides each day’s 24 hours into four parts: six hours for sleep, six for family or relationships, six for business, and six for self-care. Since time is the one resource you can't buy more of, Drewbie shares insights on how we lose available time, how to…

If you don’t have a way to receive honest feedback, you’re missing out on the opportunity to become the leader you could be. Beate Cheleete is a podcast host, facilitator, author, business and growth strategist, and founder of "The Woman’s Code." She offers practical strategies, blueprints, and tools to enhance women’s leadership skills and amplify their impact. Beate simplifies complex processes into repeatable steps, helping women turn their talents into thriving businesses and seize career opportunities. Beate shares her story, starting as a photographer in Germany and eventually selling her business for millions to Bill Gates. Now, she helps business owners develop systems and strategies to grow and scale their businesses. She explains what the Five-Star Success Blueprint is, why simplicity and clarity in business offers matter, and why business owners should adjust pricing, refine branding, and be flexible based on current market conditions. All successful business owners often…

Running the business with the end in mind improves its future saleability and also enhances how the business operates today. Laurie Barkman, is the CEO of The Business Transition Sherpa, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship, and podcast host. She is the former CEO of a $100 million revenue company that was sold to a Fortune 50. Her expertise in business transition, succession, entrepreneurship, marketing, and M&A has been spotlighted in various media like Newsweek, Forbes, Yahoo! Finance, WTAE/abc, and more. After going through an acquisition herself, she recognized the importance of helping business owners with succession planning and building value proactively. Many business owners don’t consider exit planning early enough and that is a crucial step not only for later-stage companies. The usual scenario is selling when the company is in bad shape is the worst option. Lori offers examples of how business owners can make their business more attractive to buyers and some might be weir…

It's not about fixing emotional eating—it's about loving yourself through it. Marla Mervis Hartmann, is a coach, TedX speaker and creator of Love Your Body, Love Yourself. She shares her personal journey of struggling with restrictive dieting, over-exercising, and body dissatisfaction despite having a healthy physique. Women face societal pressures and diet culture that often lead to a cycle of criticism and control, particularly as the body changes through different life stages like menopause. Marla says that all women should practice self-compassion and avoid being overly critical of our bodies. Healing involves slowing down, tuning into what the body truly needs, and addressing underlying fears of acceptance and authenticity. It is very important how we speak to ourselves, what we push into ourselves emotionally because that will reflect on the eating habits. Personal stories in this episode are heart-touching and "Death by chocolate," captures the emotional complexities tied to fo…

It's not about fixing emotional eating—it's about loving yourself through it. Marla Mervis Hartmann, is a coach, TedX speaker and creator of Love Your Body, Love Yourself. She shares her personal journey of struggling with restrictive dieting, over-exercising, and body dissatisfaction despite having a healthy physique. Women face societal pressures and diet culture that often lead to a cycle of criticism and control, particularly as the body changes through different life stages like menopause. Marla says that all women should practice self-compassion and avoid being overly critical of our bodies. Healing involves slowing down, tuning into what the body truly needs, and addressing underlying fears of acceptance and authenticity. It is very important how we speak to ourselves, what we push into ourselves emotionally because that will reflect on the eating habits. Personal stories in this episode are heart-touching and "Death by chocolate," captures the emotional complexities tied to fo…

We all intuitively feel like we should be doing better, bigger, serving in a greater capacity.David Conway is the founder of Conway Consulting, a sales and mindset mentor and coach, and he teaches entrepreneurs how to achieve any result that they desire by developing their minds so that we can all live up to our life's full potential. Through leveling up their mindset, business, and results, Dave helps his clients with an action-oriented approach to mindset and sales mentorship.Dave shares his very painful journey into personal development, which began when he attended a talk by Bob Proctor at the age of 18. However, despite being exposed to these ideas, Dave struggled for 15 years to convert his knowledge into success. Then in 2017 everything changed.Dave shares how he transformed his life by applying these principles, transitioning from a carpenter earning $5,000 a month to running a successful consulting business making over $4 million annually. He shares his tips on what we can do…

Transformation is the change, but we usually get stuck in how to do it. Cindy Carrillo is the CEO of Finding Your Nxt, a business coach, and a rancher. She shares her journey from being an entrepreneur working with Fortune 500 companies to completely changing her lifestyle by buying a ranch in Colorado.Cindy started her business, Work Options Group, in the 1980s to help employees balance work and personal life, offering caregiving services that became widely successful over 20 years. After realizing it was time to move on, she sold her company and decided to pursue a long-held dream of living in the country. Cindy found a 35-acre property in the "Little Switzerland of America," built a home from scratch, and developed the sustainable, animal-friendly lifestyle she dreamed of. On her ranch, Cindy hosts retreats, and one-on-one business coaching sessions that are more effective since nature allows us to more easily connect to our awareness and our whys. Cindy found her dream and is livi…

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're struggling with burnout and feeling overwhelmed by endless to-do lists, this episode is for you. Today, we talk with Teresa Vozza, a leadership expert and executive coach, who shares her wisdom on aligning with your true values to prevent burnout. Teresa challenges the toxic belief that busyness equals importance, encouraging us to break free from the workaholic mindset. She emphasizes that less can be more and highlights the importance of focusing on what truly aligns with your values. By practicing meaningful intent and prioritizing your vision, you can avoid burnout and lead a happier, healthier life. It's time to drop the addiction to busyness and focus on what really matters! Timestamps: 🌹 Teresa is a leadership expert with over 20 years of corporate experience: productivity is really about making choices that align with your values and stopping those activities that don't. 02:13 🗒 The rush of…

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're an entrepreneur seeking true fulfillment in your business and life, this episode is for you. Today, we talk with Tony Wang, a business coach who helps leaders tackle their inner work to achieve a more meaningful and fulfilling version of success. Tony emphasizes that success is more than just material achievements; it’s about healing inner wounds and developing a positive mindset and deep emotional awareness. Without this inner work, even the greatest achievements can feel empty. If you’re struggling with emotional health and it’s affecting your business, consider finding a coach, healer, or therapist to help you break through to the next level. You don’t have to do it alone—find real fulfillment and a renewed love for life! Timestamps: 🔵 Tony is a business coach and mentor who helps business leaders and entrepreneurs redesign their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs to create a more fulfilling life…

Welcome back to another empowering episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're an entrepreneur feeling stuck in the grind of building your business, this episode is for you. Today, we talk with Jeffrey Shaw, the founder of Self-Employed Business Institute, who coaches entrepreneurs to spend more time doing what they excel at and build the life of their dreams. Jeffrey shares the common trap business owners fall into—getting bogged down in marketing and operations, leaving little time for what truly makes them money and brings them joy. He emphasizes the importance of hiring experts to fast-track your business growth, reminding us that it’s hard to see what your business needs when you’re too close to it. Investing in coaching and services allows you to focus on your strengths and achieve your dream life. Don’t try to be an expert in everything—hire a coach and get the push you need to succeed! Timestamps: 🥚 Jeffrey began his entrepreneurial experience selling eggs door to doo…

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're seeking genuine success in both business and life, this episode is for you. Today, we talk with T. Mark Mayer, a psychotherapist and consultant specializing in conflict resolution, authentic management, and business coaching. Mark shares his journey from high-profile corporate roles to becoming a psychotherapist after realizing that chasing external success left him unfulfilled. He now helps others connect with their authentic selves through his work and his book, The Art of Being Authentic. Mark emphasizes the power of language, shifting from “I have to” to “I choose to,” and explains why personal development is crucial for business success. He and Jennifer discuss how finding your authentic self can transform both your business and personal life. Timestamps: 😍 Trying to live upon what his surroundings expect of him: Mark went to psychotherapy training and then he changed his life. 02:00 💎 Trainin…

Welcome back to another impactful episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're an entrepreneur aiming to scale your business and leave a lasting legacy, this episode is a must-listen. Today, we speak with Dr. Linette Montae, a strategic and profitability partner who helps underrepresented CEOs, leaders, and entrepreneurs elevate their authority and profitability. Dr. Linette shares her 40-year journey, including consulting for major corporations like Marriott and Avis. Despite facing challenges as a woman of color in male-driven industries, she emphasizes the power of mindset in scaling businesses. Dr. Linette highlights that providing an exceptional customer experience and focusing on a single successful product can lead to financial success. It's time to take off the Superwoman capes and redefine success on our terms. Timestamps: 👩🏽‍💼 40 years of entrepreneurship and consulting: a woman of color in a male-dominated industry. 01:38 🧠 Scaling and profitability are not about th…

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the Happy Productive Podcast! If you're a busy entrepreneur juggling the demands of business and life, this episode is for you. Today, we chat with Hally Brooke, the Founder & CEO of Live Nourished Coaching. Hally helps entrepreneurs transform their lifestyles to prevent and treat illness and stress. The life of a business owner is hectic, but prioritizing your health is key to success. Studies show that self-care leads to more money, happier employees, and overall business success. Make self-care a daily habit to recharge, gain clarity, and live more joyfully. Don't wait—start prioritizing your well-being today to boost your health and business! Timestamps: 👱‍♀️ Hally worked herself into stress and illness, but overcame it: working with entrepreneurs on movement, nutrition, mindset, resilience, and relationships, while her team handles regular functional medicine patients. 01:17 🧯 Functional medicine is a root cause medicine - it treats…

Overwhelm often comes from over-scheduling and bad planning. Katy Allen is the CEO of Artful Agenda & co-founder of Adulting App. She built her business based on her need for a better time management tool and her love for paper planners. Creatives and business owners manage a lot of things at once, and proper planning is crucial for productivity, but also for creativity. Katy and Jennifer share their experiences in creating business planners and which tips and tricks you can use to make the best out of your day, week, and year. They also discuss why gentle structure in scheduling your day is important and allows creativity to flow naturally. Every day, you must ask yourself what can move the needle in your business, and should be addressed with priority, what can be done later or by someone else? These are all critically important because over-scheduling can damage the business. Use time blocking as a tool to more realistically maintain daily goals and avoid over-commitment. And don’t…