140. Why Some Small Businesses Need a Fractional CFO, Not Just an Accountant with Danielle Hendon
Release Date: 08/27/2025
150. 40 Lessons at 40: Mindset, Purpose & Confidence for Your Next Chapter (Birthday Episode + Giveaway
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Birthday Episode + Giveaway on the But First, She Failed podcast. In this powerful conversation, Paola shares 40 Lessons at 40, offering the mindset shifts, purpose insights, calling breakthroughs, and growth lessons that have shaped her over the last decade. Through career pivots, moments of fear, seasons of uncertainty, motherhood, identity work, faith, and building a top 1% podcast, Paola has gathered wisdom she now pours back into her community — especially women navigating purpose, clarity, and reinvention. This episode is designed for anyone who feels stuck, behind, or on the edge of a...
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149. 3 Ways Worrying Is Sabotaging Your Growth (and What to Do Instead)
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Are you overthinking, spiraling in “what ifs,” or feeling stuck because worry is draining your energy? In this powerful mindset-reset episode, Paola shares the exact reality check she had to give herself this week—one she knows many faith-driven, purpose-seeking women need to hear too. If you’ve been feeling unfulfilled in your current job, sensing you’re meant for more, or trying to build a dream on the side while juggling all the things, this episode will help you understand how worry might be quietly sabotaging your growth, clarity, and purpose. Inside the episode, Paola breaks...
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148. 3 Types of Burnout (and What They’re Really Telling You)
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Feeling drained, unmotivated, or disconnected — even though you’re “doing all the right things”? You might be facing burnout… but not the kind you think. In this episode, host Paola Soares breaks down the three hidden types of burnout that ambitious, purpose-driven women often overlook. These are the kinds that sneak up on you when you’re checking every box, chasing growth, and still feeling empty inside. Paola shares the subtle signs you may be missing — and what burnout might actually be trying to tell you about your work, your mindset, and the season you’re in. 💡 You’ll...
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147. A Decade of Failing Forward Into Faith: Paola Soares on Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
✨ Special Episode: From Failure to Faith — Paola’s Interview on The Vibrant Flow Podcast ✨ This week on But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares shares something a little different. Recently, she was invited to be a guest on 🎙️ The Vibrant Flow Podcast with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen —a friend of But First, She Failed. Paola loved Johanna’s thoughtful questions and the authentic flow of their conversation so much that she asked if she could share it here with you. 💛 In this inspiring interview, Paola opens up about her decade-long journey of overcoming fear of failure,...
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146: The Power of Mindset: How Founder Ayana Rodriguez Partnered with the World’s Top Luxury Hotels
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
What does it take to build a brand that earns the trust of the world’s most prestigious hotels — and do it in an industry where you’re often the only woman, only Latina, or only woman of color in the room? In this powerful episode, Ayana Rodriguez, founder of ITAVI, shares how she transformed a simple idea about intentional childcare into a premium service now partnered with Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, 1 Hotel, Eden Roc, and more. From her early days running a children’s boutique to becoming the CEO of an award-winning company, Ayana’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance,...
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145. $1Billion Impact: How Latina CEO Jacqueline Basulto Built a Thriving Agency from $200
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
In this episode of But First, She Failed, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring Jacqueline Basulto, the Latina entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO behind SeedX, a digital growth agency she launched with just $200. Since then, her agency has helped clients generate over $1 billion in revenue through innovative digital strategies and data-driven growth. Jacqueline shares how she built a thriving business from humble beginnings, how motherhood fuels her leadership, and her secrets to finding great talent and creating lasting success. ✨ You’ll Learn: How to find great talent...
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144. How to Discover Your God-Given Calling and Purpose
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Have you ever wondered what you were truly created to do? Maybe you’ve climbed the career ladder, switched roles, or even launched a business—yet you still feel empty inside, like something’s missing. Or perhaps you’re in a season of transition after being let go and you’re asking God, “What is my true calling?” If so, this episode of the But First, She Failed Podcast is for you. In this episode, Paola Soares unpacks how to discover your God-given calling and shares practical steps to help you uncover the unique purpose God created you for. Through biblical truth and real-life...
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143.Why Community & Accountability Are Crucial for Successfully Walking in God-Given Calling
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Are you trying to pursue your God-given calling all on your own? If so, you may be setting yourself up for unnecessary struggle. In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola Soares shares why community and accountability are crucial to successfully walking in your God-given purpose. We’ll dive into the powerful role that accountability plays in helping you stay consistent, why isolation can lead to burnout and doubt, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate your growth and keep you faithful to the assignment God has placed on your life. If you’ve been wondering...
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142. 6 Signs You’re Walking in Your God-Given Calling (or Not)
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Do you know whether or not your walking in your God-given calling when it comes to your career or business? In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola shares 6 powerful signs to help you discern if you’re aligned with the unique purpose God created you for. Through personal stories, biblical truths, and real-life examples, Paola unpacks how you can tell the difference between simply having a job or business and living in the fullness of your calling. Because success and recognition can never replace the lasting fulfillment that comes when you step into God’s plan for your life. If...
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141. Career, Business, or Calling? Discover The Differences & Which One To Focus On
BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence
Do you have a career you’ve worked hard to build? Maybe you’ve stepped out and started a business? But deep down, you still wonder if you’re truly walking in your God-given calling… In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola unpacks the difference between building a career, running a business, and living out your true calling. Because here’s the truth: careers and businesses are good, but they will never fully satisfy if they’re not aligned with the purpose God uniquely designed for you. You’ll discover: ✨ Why careers bring growth but can leave you restless if they’re...
info_outlineAre your small business finances keeping you up at night? In this episode of But First, She Failed, Paola sits down with Danielle Hendon, Fractional CFO and founder of Four Corners CFO, to break down how entrepreneurs can gain financial clarity, prevent burnout, and finally start paying themselves with confidence.
Danielle explains the key differences between an accountant and a fractional CFO, and why having a CFO on your team can completely transform your business.
You’ll learn how fractional CFOs bring big business strategies to small businesses, why understanding your numbers empowers better decision-making, and the crucial steps every entrepreneur should take to prioritize profit. Whether you’re a creative business owner, a founder in growth mode, or an entrepreneur tired of financial stress, this episode will give you actionable tools to make smart money moves and build a sustainable business you love.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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The difference between an accountant and a fractional CFO
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Why financial clarity prevents burnout and fuels growth
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How to pay yourself and prioritize profit
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Big business strategies that work for small business owners
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Why work-life balance and smart money habits go hand-in-hand
Connect with Danielle:
Get the free Guide mentioned here: https://4cornerscfo.com/butfirstshefailed/
👯♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Club Call (Sept)
If you're ready to get out of your own head and into community, come connect with other like-minded women pursuing clarity and purpose. We'll share what we’re working on, where we’re stuck, and encourage one another. It’s completely FREE!
✅ Fill out the Accountability Club interest form here:
👉 Accountability Club link
💻 Let’s Connect:
📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed
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