E259 | 2026 Business Trends and Predictions - Part 2
Release Date: 12/16/2025
E289 | The Subtle Ways We Compromise What We Want for Others
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Have you ever faced a fork in the road and wondered how a single decision could shape everything? Do you sometimes compromise your true self for the people or circumstances around you? Have you ever looked back and realized how much a moment changed your personal or business journey? In this episode, I share three personal stories about decisions that pulled me away from who I really am. I open up about modifying my jewelry brand’s meaning to accommodate a partner, accepting a misaligned job that affected my health, and embracing the label of “ops person” even though my heart belongs to...
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E288 | How to Get Talked About When You’re Not in the Room with Michael Roderick
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Have you ever wondered how to get people talking about you when you’re not in the room? Do you want your ideas to not only be memorable but also truly referable? Are you curious about how to attract the right clients without resorting to hyped-up marketing tactics? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Roderick to unpack what makes ideas stick, the difference between aspirational and excellence audiences, and how to communicate your value in a way that resonates and gets people genuinely interested. He is the CEO of Small Pond Enterprises, which helps thoughtful givers become thought...
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E287 | Creating Freedom of Choice in Your Business
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What does true freedom in your business look like? Do you dream of reaching a point where your decisions are driven by choice, not necessity? In this episode, I share a pivotal story from early in my entrepreneurial journey that completely shifted my view of business success and inspired me to pursue the ultimate freedom: the freedom of choice. Through a memorable conversation with a business mentor, I describe how witnessing someone confidently choose between extra revenue or quality time with family opened my eyes to new possibilities. I reflect on how this experience pushed me to focus on...
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E286 | Showing Up as All of You in Your Business (Here's What I'm Changing)
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Are you feeling the need to reinvent yourself? Do you wonder how personal transformations can reshape your business? Are you curious about what it’s like to fully embrace every facet of who you are as a founder? In this episode, I share an honest behind-the-scenes look at a year of big shifts, including personal loss, challenging work dynamics, a cancer scare, and moving across the country. Through these changes, I reflect on how stepping away from past compromises has sparked a renewed commitment to aligning both my life and business with what truly lights me up. I talk about rediscovering...
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E285 | How to Create Wealth Beyond Your Business with Amelia Misenheimer
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Are you ready to think bigger than just business revenue? Have you wondered how to turn your profits into lasting wealth? What if your investments could truly align with your values and lifestyle? In this episode, I speak with Amelia Misenheimer, a Wealth Building Strategist who supports entrepreneurs in growing personal wealth beyond their core businesses. We explore how to shift your mindset from focusing purely on profit to building long-term personal wealth. Amelia shares her experience in real estate and investing to share practical strategies tailored to different risk profiles, life...
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E284 | Why Your Business Needs a Visionary Operating System
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Are you ready to finally step into your true role as a visionary founder? Have you wondered how to keep your business running at top quality without everything depending on you? Are you looking for a way to combine human expertise and AI capabilities while staying true to your brand? In this episode, I share the importance of building a visionary operating system for your business, a foundation that helps both people and technology understand exactly how you want things done. I talk about the components that make up this system: your business’s universe, your personal genius, and your...
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E283 | How to Handle Business Identity Evolution
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Are you feeling the call to step into a new version of yourself or your business? Are you interested in how AI can truly support your next chapter? In this episode, I share a special behind-the-scenes look into my private podcast, revealing honest insights about identity evolution in business. I talk about how many business owners and right-hand partners are navigating not only shifts in their services but also deep internal changes. From embracing AI as a strategic asset to rethinking roles and client communication, I offer guidance on making these transitions thoughtfully. You’ll hear...
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E282 | Building a Business That Doesn’t Depend on Your Rescue with Emily Sadri
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How do you build a business that doesn’t depend solely on you? What does truly sustainable scaling look like for women entrepreneurs? How can honoring your health and rhythms actually fuel your business growth? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Emily Sadri, a women’s health nurse practitioner and entrepreneur, who shares her journey from burnout in clinical medicine to building a seven-figure practice spanning 16 states. Emily talks about the mindset shifts, experiments, and business model changes that helped her avoid burnout, enhance retention, and create more value for her...
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E281 | The Missing Step Before Letting AI Run Your Business
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Are you ready to trust AI to run parts of your business? Do you wish your AI outputs sounded just like you? Can your team truly deliver at your standards without your constant input? In this episode, I share why shaping AI to work for your business starts with a clear foundation rooted in your unique values, vision, and decision-making style. I walk through the gaps many founders face when AI and team members just can’t capture the essence of how things are done. By exploring how your personal “genius,” your business “universe,” and your “code” combine, I show the transformation...
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E280 | Hidden Reasons Causing You to Lose Revenue and Referrals
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Are you making subtle mistakes that cost your business money? Have you wondered how AI and automation are shaping the way your brand connects with your audience? Have you noticed changes in brands you once trusted? In this episode, I share personal experiences where messaging felt inconsistent and where AI was used in a way that removed the human touch. This led me to step away from an event I used to attend regularly and stop referring clients to a brand I once valued. I walk through real examples of how even small disconnects, like automated emails that feel impersonal or overly aggressive...
info_outlineAre you ready to shape your business for 2026 and beyond? Wondering how human connection and strategic thinking will help you stand out in a market filled with automation? Curious about practical ways to build resilience and nurture your team’s success?
In this episode, I share the latest trends and predictions for entrepreneurs looking to scale sustainably. Together, we discover why personalized touches matter more than ever, how transformation wins over simple transactions, and which strategies will help you create loyal clients and innovative teams. You will learn why building strong cash and energetic reserves for yourself and your team is essential for weathering uncertainty, and how the power of relationships can truly elevate your business.
If you’re inspired to transform your business, join me in the Soul Collective community or explore our certification programs. Connect with me for workshops and ongoing support to strategically scale your business. Subscribe for more insights and leave a review to help others grow their businesses with intention. Let’s work together to make 2026 your most fulfilling year yet!
- Importance of human connection
- Transformation Over Transaction
- Strategic Use of AI & Lean Teams
- “Who You Know” Matters
Ready to get out of the day-to-day operations of your business?
A SOL (Strategy + Operations Leader) is the missing link between your vision and results that aren’t dependent on you! Certify your existing right-hand or get support in hiring the right person: https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/sol
Looking to go deeper and learn how to scale your business sustainably?
SIMPLIFY TO SCALE will help you to reclaim your time, increase your impact and profit, and simplify your business as you scale to multiple-7 figures and beyond so you finally get to enjoy the success you worked so hard to achieve. Find out more at: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/scale
Ready to become a strategic leader who understands how to balance sustainable and scalable growth with operational efficiency?
Join our SOL Collective, an elite and private community for Business Strategists and Operational Leaders who advise and support founders in scaling their businesses. Learn more at https://www.strategicopsinstitute.com/collective
Have questions? Want to explore partnering together to scale your business? Connect with me on my personal Instagram @cristagrasso or LinkedIn and let’s start a conversation.
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