Why Chasing Joy Is Better Than Chasing Money | Gretchen Schoser
Gratitude Geek
How one entrepreneur turned a mental health crisis into a mission-driven business Is money really the measure of successâor is joy the real currency of entrepreneurship? In episode 286 of Gratitude Geek Podcast, host Kandas Rodarte talks with Gretchen Schoser, founder of Schoser Talent and Wellness Solutions and co-host of the award-winning podcast Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads. After surviving a mental health crisis, Gretchen rebuilt her life and business from the ground up. Today she helps small business owners embrace people-first leadership, employee wellness, and authentic growth...
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3 AI Tools I Use Everyday | Kandas Rodarte
Gratitude Geek
In this solo episode of Gratitude Geek, I tackle a controversial claim about artificial intelligence: âThe underlying purpose of AI is to allow wealth to access skill while removing from the skilled the ability to access wealth.â â @jeffowski I call BS. Instead, I share how AI actually levels the playing field and helps solopreneurs like me grow their businesses. Youâll hear how I use three powerful tools every day: NotebookLM for research and repurposing podcast/blog content ChatGPT (aka âRiverâ) for brainstorming, clarity, and even pep talks Canvaâs AI tools for quick,...
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How Sharing Your Story Can Win Clients and Build Confidence | Robert B. Foster
Gratitude Geek
Are you missing out on clients because youâre not telling your story? In this episode of Gratitude Geek, Kandas Rodarte talks with Robert B. Fosterâspeaker, coach, and author of Shut Up and Grindâabout the power of storytelling to grow your business and boost your confidence. Robert shares how to turn your life lessons into your most valuable marketing tool, connect authentically with clients, and find the courage to speak up even when it feels scary. From knowing when (and when not) to share personal details to building resilience through public speaking, this conversation is packed...
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Is Your Business Franchisable? Tips to Scale with Heart | Brittney Lincoln
Gratitude Geek
Franchise strategist Brittney Lincoln shares what female solopreneurs need to know about scaling through franchising, building systems, and leading with heart. === Franchising isn't just for big corporationsâit's a growth strategy female solopreneurs can use to scale smart and with heart. In episode 283 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with franchise strategist and connector Brittney Lincoln, founder of Females in Franchising and VP at Limitless Franchise Growth. We dig into what makes a business franchisable, how to scale without burning out, and why helping others succeed might be your best...
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What If Your Biggest Doubts Are Actually Superpowers? | Dawn Ledet
Gratitude Geek
Struggling with self-doubt as a solopreneur? Self-trust coach Dawn Ledet reveals how your mindset, inner dialogue, and follow-through skills can unlock success after 40. So many female entrepreneurs over 40 are held back not by lack of talent or hustleâbut by self-doubt and second-guessing. In this episode, self-trust coach Dawn Ledet shares how your inner dialogue can become your biggest asset (instead of your sneakiest saboteur). We dig into her 3E Success Method, how to rebuild self-trust after failure, and why having your own back might be the key to consistency and clarity in business....
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Business After Breast Cancer | Deb Krier
Gratitude Geek
What happens when cancer crashes your life and your livelihood? In episode 281 of the Gratitude Geek podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur and cancer thriver Deb Krier to talk candidly about living with Stage 4 breast cancer while still showing up for your clients, your business, and most importantlyâyourself. Deb and I donât sugarcoat anything. Weâve both walked through cancer diagnoses, nerve damage, port drama, chemo fog, and endless unsolicited âcures.â And yetâwe kept going. Sometimes we paused. Sometimes we powered through. And we both learned how to run our businesses in...
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Joy-Driven Success: Transform Your Life & Business | Kimberley Mitchell
Gratitude Geek
What if joy isnât a fleeting feeling but the ultimate business strategy? In episode 280, Air Force veteran, mental health advocate, and transformational leader Kimberly Mitchell â known as the "Joy Warrior" â shares her Journey to Joy System. Kimberly reveals how healing your inner world and rewriting limiting beliefs can unlock unstoppable success in life and business. We explore why so many women struggle with money mindsets, how to turn fear into fuel, and why curiosity (not hustle) is the ultimate growth tool. From roller skating as an adult to reframing joy in daily tasks,...
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Financial Clarity for Solopreneurs | Ahuva Gruen
Gratitude Geek
Ever feel like your bank account is speaking a language you donât understand? Itâs time to stop panicking and start profiting. In this powerful episode of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with Ahuva Gruen â a fractional CFO (thatâs Chief Financial Officer, your businessâs financial brain!) and financial clarity coach for small businesses. We break down why clarity, not just cash, is the real secret weapon for solopreneurs. Ahuva shares her journey from childhood wig sales and candy hustles to becoming a trusted CFO for growing businesses. We dig into how to price your offerings correctly...
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How to Tell Your Business Story on TV | Michelle Rupp
Gratitude Geek
Telling your business story on TV isn't just about publicity â itâs about creating a legacy. In this powerful episode, Emmy Award-winning journalist and media strategist Michelle Rupp joins me to break down how to leverage your story to gain earned media, build trust, and create real community change. We unpack Michelle's own experience of televising her heart surgery, why womenâs health stories need more airtime, and how small businesses can turn one segment into long-term growth. Youâll learn how to craft an irresistible media hook, tailor your message to the right audience, and...
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Audiobook Narration Leads to Second Act Success | Paul Heitsch
Gratitude Geek
What happens when you pivot careers after 40 and land your dream gig? Paul Heitsch knows. A former composer and sound engineer, Paul stepped into audiobook narration later in lifeâand now heâs narrated over 380 titles, including the Omega Force sci-fi series by Joshua Dalzelle (episode 265). In this candid conversation, Paul shares how he built a thriving voiceover business in his second act, what AI canât replicate, and how storytelling is still a deeply human craft. đ§ In This Episode: How Paul found audiobook success after 40 What it takes to build a voice acting career from...
info_outlineAI and automation are game-changers, but they can feel a little... well, robotic. In episode 269, I sit down with strategic marketing expert Chris Troka to talk about how solopreneurs can automate workflows without losing the personal connection that makes small businesses thrive. Chris shares his journey from wedding DJ to automation expert and gives real-world advice on blending tech with heart.
What You'll Learn:
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Why consistent follow-up is critical (and how automation makes it easier)
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How to keep your client communications feeling personal
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The best CRM tools for solopreneurs (and how to choose one)
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How to identify and remove "friction" from your buyer's journey
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Why your business needs simple systems before it can scale
Connect with Chris Troka
đ Website: https://focused-biz.com and https://christroka.com
đď¸ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-troka-3a093058/
đ Show Notes: https://kandasrodarte.com/269
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