Spark Good Podcast
Discover how business can ignite positive change in the world on the Spark Good Podcast. Join us as we delve into strategies, stories, and insights that empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs seeking to ‘do business’ differently. Host Stephanie Malon-Rufi, MBA, brings 20+ years working within and as a consultant for social businesses from the start-up phase to scaling and experience as a holistic leadership coach. From innovative approaches to profit and purpose alignment to practical tips for creating a positive social impact, Spark Good Podcast offers inspiration and guidance. Plus learn how to nurture your own well-being, change traditional rules that might be holding you back, and thrive in your role as a social business owner. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply curious about the intersection of business and social impact, the Spark Good Podcast has something for you. Join our community of changemakers as we inspire, inform, and empower you to make a meaningful difference in the world through your business.
info_outline
#20: Six Key Questions to Refine Your Business Offers
05/02/2024
#20: Six Key Questions to Refine Your Business Offers
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores the fundamental questions every business owner should ask themselves to refine their offerings and maximize impact. Through a systematic breakdown of six key questions—Who, What, Why, When, Where, and How—Stephanie guides listeners in understanding their target audience, defining their unique value proposition, and optimizing their sales and delivery processes. Drawing from her own experiences, she illustrates the practical application of these questions in shaping her business offerings. By encouraging listeners to engage with these questions, Stephanie empowers entrepreneurs to align their businesses with meaningful causes, foster positive social change, and ultimately, spark good in the world. Free Quarterly Planning Download: Strategy Call/Spark Session: Strategic Intensive: Spark Coaching: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/31093198
info_outline
#19: Ways to Find Clarity in Your Business
04/23/2024
#19: Ways to Find Clarity in Your Business
Feeling unmotivated to work on your business? Maybe you don’t actually have a motivation problem. Maybe you have a lack of clarity. This week, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi highlights the common struggle of feeling unmotivated, which often stems from a lack of direction and clarity of action rather than a true motivation deficit. Through relatable examples and insightful exercises, Stephanie offers five practical strategies for cultivating clarity in business decision-making. Stepahnie also shares a tip for how to minimize the constant feels of not being clear in your business with a consistent practice to adopt. Overall, Stepahnei emphasizes that seeking clarity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing practice essential for driving motivation and success. Free Quarterly Planning Download: Strategy Call/Spark Session: Strategic Intensive: Spark Coaching: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30959198
info_outline
#18: From Awareness to Action: Transforming Your Entrepreneurial Path
04/17/2024
#18: From Awareness to Action: Transforming Your Entrepreneurial Path
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi explores the vital role of self-awareness in entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from James Clear, author of "Atomic Habits," Stephanie underscores the importance of habitual actions in achieving business goals and emphasizes the foundational role of self-awareness in behavior change. She unpacks the concept of self-awareness, highlighting its relevance to understanding personal values, leadership styles, and resource allocation. Through practical strategies such as personality assessments, ongoing learning, and seeking feedback, Stephanie guides listeners in cultivating self-awareness for enhanced decision-making and alignment with business objectives. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to embrace self-awareness as a catalyst for positive change and to continue fostering growth in both personal and professional domains. Free Quarterly Planning Download: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30866613
info_outline
#17: 10 Ways to Stay Focused and Accountable to Your Quarterly Business Goals
04/03/2024
#17: 10 Ways to Stay Focused and Accountable to Your Quarterly Business Goals
In this episode we explore staying accountable to quarterly business goals. With a wealth of experience in coaching business owners toward sustainable and impactful ventures, Stephanie shares invaluable insights and practical strategies to ensure goal attainment. From the importance of physically writing down goals to scheduling regular reviews, keeping goals visible, and utilizing digital tools for tracking progress, Stephanie offers 10 ideas for how to stay both focused and accountable to your business goals on a consistent basis. With her expertise and passion for sparking good through business, Stephanie inspires listeners to take actionable steps towards realizing their goals and making a positive impact in the world. Free Quarterly Planning Download: Spark Good Collective: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30666203
info_outline
#16: Quarterly Planning Essentials: Building Your Business Roadmap
03/26/2024
#16: Quarterly Planning Essentials: Building Your Business Roadmap
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi walks through the indispensable practice of quarterly planning for business success. She emphasizes the transition from an entrepreneurial mindset to embracing the role of a visionary leader, highlighting how quarterly planning serves as a crucial tool in this evolution. Stephanie underscores the significance of quarterly planning in refining business strategies, maintaining focus, and avoiding the frantic pace often associated with end-of-year rushes. Throughout the episode, Stephanie outlines a practical framework for quarterly planning, encompassing four key stages: reflection, planning, execution, and support. You can grab her free download that walks you through this planning process. Free Quarterly Planning Download: Spark Good Collective: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30551198
info_outline
#15: 7 Strategies to Escape the Entrepreneurial Hamster Wheel
03/20/2024
#15: 7 Strategies to Escape the Entrepreneurial Hamster Wheel
In this episode, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi discusses the phenomenon known as being on the hamster wheel, a state all too familiar to entrepreneurs and small business owners. With a keen eye for identifying the subtle signs of this relentless cycle, Stephanie explains how this shows up for business owners. From reactive decision-making to a loss of passion and purpose, she outlines seven key indicators that signal one's entrapment within this exhausting pattern. In addition to illuminating the problem; Stephanie offers actionable strategies for stopping living in this state. From mastering the art of prioritization and time management to streamlining processes and fostering crucial mindset shifts, she provides a roadmap to changing old patterns. Emphasizing the importance of personal development, seeking external support, and engaging in reflective practice, Stephanie empowers listeners to reclaim control of their entrepreneurial journey and steer clear of the hamster wheel's relentless spin. Spark Good Collective: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30459633
info_outline
#14: Strategic Choices: Mastering Decision-Making in Business
03/12/2024
#14: Strategic Choices: Mastering Decision-Making in Business
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi shares the intricacies of decision-making in business, offering valuable insights and strategies to navigate this essential aspect of entrepreneurship. Stephanie explores the multitude of decisions entrepreneurs face daily, from operational choices to strategic planning, emphasizing the staggering volume of decisions individuals make on a subconscious level. She discusses the challenges inherent in decision fatigue and analysis paralysis, shedding light on the pitfalls that can impede progress. Transitioning from an entrepreneurial to a CEO mindset, Stephanie highlights the importance of strategic decision-making, operational excellence, and delegating tasks to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Throughout the episode, she offers practical tips such as minimizing decisions, creating repeatable processes, and recognizing and overcoming decision-making influenced by fear. Stephanie also introduces the Spark Good Collective, a supportive business owner community aimed at providing accountability, collaboration, and ongoing support. Spark Good Collective: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30332008
info_outline
#13 Elevate Your Business: From Entrepreneurial to CEO Mindset
03/05/2024
#13 Elevate Your Business: From Entrepreneurial to CEO Mindset
Are you seeking long-term sustainability and growth for your business? Have you ever wondered what it takes to shift from being an entrepreneur to a CEO? In this episode, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi delves into the critcial journey of shifting from an entrepreneurial mindset to a CEO mindset. She explores the fundamental differences between the two, highlighting the key characteristics of each and emphasizing the importance of making this crucial transition for business growth and sustainability. Stephanie offers practical tips for recognizing the need to shift your mindset, assessing your business's current state, investing in learning and development, and building a supportive network to facilitate the transition effectively. Learn more about the Spark Good Collective: Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/30227253
info_outline
Using the Power of Vision Casting for Your Business
12/06/2023
Using the Power of Vision Casting for Your Business
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28949183
info_outline
Beyond Goals: The Crucial First Step in Business Planning
11/15/2023
Beyond Goals: The Crucial First Step in Business Planning
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28658073
info_outline
The Power of Creating Your Annual Strategic Business Plan
11/08/2023
The Power of Creating Your Annual Strategic Business Plan
This episode of Spark Good podcast introduces the importance of developing an annual strategic plan for businesses, regardless of their size. Host, Stephanie Malon-Rufi, emphasizes the benefits of strategic planning, including increased growth rates, proactive decision-making, and better adaptability to change. Stephanie breaks down six key advantages of creating an annual plan and executing it.. To help listeners kickstart their planning process, she invites them to a live virtual workshop on December 8th, where they can craft their strategic plan for 2024. Stephanie also provides pre-work exercises to prepare for the workshop, ensuring participants are ready to maximize the benefits of their annual plan. for Amplify Your Impact: A Strategic Planning Virtual Workshop Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28560062
info_outline
Working "On" Instead of "In" Your Business
10/31/2023
Working "On" Instead of "In" Your Business
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28479761
info_outline
8. Clarifying and Assessing Your Business Offers
10/24/2023
8. Clarifying and Assessing Your Business Offers
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi walks through a practical yet powerful exercise designed to help businesses clarify and assess their offers. The episode begins with an introduction to the importance of regularly checking in on your business's offerings and talks about how the end of the year is a perfect time to do this, especially as you begin to do annual strategic planning for your business. The main topic of the episode explores six crucial categories for each business offer that you have. This exercise is a valuable tool for preparing for annual planning, providing insights into areas for improvement and business strategy refinement and shedding light on your sales and marketing strategy. Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28414703
info_outline
Your (Growth) Mindset is Your Greatest Asset
10/17/2023
Your (Growth) Mindset is Your Greatest Asset
Did you know that your mindset is truly one of your greatest assets…in your business…and in life? Listen to this episode about the transformative power of a growth mindset. With a strong emphasis on aligning business goals with meaningful causes and nurturing personal well-being, Stephanie dives into the concept of mindset and its pivotal role in entrepreneurship and small businesses. She explores the six key benefits of adopting a growth mindset, including resilience, innovation, continuous learning, adaptability, improved relationships, and long-term success. Furthermore, Stephanie offers actionable insights on how to cultivate a growth mindset. By staying persistent and consistent in embracing a growth mindset, entrepreneurs and business owners can embrace their potential for positive social impact and long-term success. Don't miss this inspiring episode that encourages self-improvement and personal growth for business owners and individuals alike. Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28344419
info_outline
6. What can you accomplish in 12 weeks?
10/11/2023
6. What can you accomplish in 12 weeks?
In this episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi challenges listeners to seize the 12 weeks remaining in the year and set impactful goals. Stephanie emphasizes the power of putting goals in writing and sharing them with others to boost accountability. She shares her top three objectives for the final quarter of 2023, which include finalizing an annual planning package with a virtual workshop, planning the launch of the "Spark Good Collective" group coaching experience, and committing to increased marketing visibility. Stephanie shares additional ideas about what strategic initiatives you can commit to working on in the last 12 weeks of the year. The episode encourages reflection and goal-setting and invites listeners to share their own goals…write them down, share them, and take action! Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28287509
info_outline
5. The Value of Transparency in Your Business
09/27/2023
5. The Value of Transparency in Your Business
In this episode host Stephanie Malon-Rufi focuses on the pivotal role of transparency in business. Stephanie delves into the historical lack of transparency in traditional business practices, highlighting the factors that often discourage it, such as competitive advantage and hierarchical organizational structures. She then discusses the numerous benefits of embracing transparency, including building trust, fostering accountability, and facilitating the measurement of social and environmental impact. Stephanie provides five actionable ways for businesses to increase transparency, spanning pricing transparency, improved communication and information access, ethical advertising and promotion, supply chain transparency, and nurturing a culture of feedback and engagement. Throughout the episode, she underscores the value of authenticity in achieving long-term success and invites listeners to explore their own businesses' transparency levels. Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28161287
info_outline
4. Aligning Your Business with Your Zone of Genius
09/19/2023
4. Aligning Your Business with Your Zone of Genius
In this fourth episode of the Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi dives into the concept of discovering and working within your "Zone of Genius." Drawing inspiration from Gay Hendricks' book "The Big Leap," Stephanie explains that your Zone of Genius represents the activities that come most effortlessly to you, those moments when you feel truly alive and in flow. By identifying and understanding your Zone of Genius, you can unlock numerous benefits, including making your business more sustainable and enjoyable. Stephanie guides listeners through three insightful exercises: a set of questions to pinpoint your Zone of Genius, an exercise called "The Vital Few" from Kate Northrup's book "Do Less," and an energy audit to assess which activities drain or energize you. These exercises help you gain self-awareness, align your work with your passions, and ultimately achieve more with ease. Embracing your Zone of Genius allows you to transform your approach to work, making it both fulfilling and efficient. Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28075581
info_outline
6 Ways We Can ‘Do Business’ Differently
09/12/2023
6 Ways We Can ‘Do Business’ Differently
In this enlightening episode of the Spark Good Podcast, listeners are invited to explore innovative ways to reshape traditional business models and create a positive social impact. The episode begins by critiquing the conventional focus on maximizing shareholder value, highlighting its detrimental effects on externalizing costs and fostering a short-term outlook. Six transformative strategies for doing business differently are then unveiled: Declaring a purpose-driven mission that centers on social and environmental impact. Transitioning from manipulative marketing practices to ethical marketing. Embracing transparency, both internally and externally. Adopting flexible pricing models to promote equity. Prioritizing employee well-being, beginning with business owners themselves. Leading by example, demonstrating values, setting boundaries, and emphasizing personal well-being. Listeners are encouraged to explore these strategies to align their business practices with their values and vision for a more socially conscious and sustainable future. Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28006983
info_outline
The 5 Cs to Successfully Build a Social Change Business
09/12/2023
The 5 Cs to Successfully Build a Social Change Business
In this episode host Stephanie Malon-Rufi introduces listeners to her framework, "The 5 Cs to Successfully Build a Social Change Business." Stephanie explores the five essential elements for social entrepreneurs to consider: Competition, where she redefines competition as a positive force and discusses two common mistakes entrepreneurs make that are best to avoid Cha-Ching (Money), highlighting the importance of financial understanding, profit, pricing, funding options, and a healthy money mindset Community, encompassing community support, network building, and selecting the right support and experts Change, emphasizing how businesses can drive change through practices, advocacy, and industry disruption Care, a reminder to integrate personal well-being and priorities into business planning Stephanie offers insightful guidance on each of these pillars, setting the stage for future discussions on impactful entrepreneurship. Learn more at: www.sparkgood.net You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up here Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on LinkedIn and Instagram Spark Good website - check out the free resource page Take the Quiz: Is Your Business Impacting Social Change? Check out the catalog of episodes from Social Change Leaders Podcast
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28006971
info_outline
1. Welcome and Introduction to the Spark Good Podcast
09/12/2023
1. Welcome and Introduction to the Spark Good Podcast
In the inaugural episode of The Spark Good Podcast, host Stephanie Malon-Rufi shares her excitement for launching a podcast dedicated to social businesses and the fusion of profit and purpose. Stephanie delves into her background, which includes experiences in nonprofits and business, emphasizing her passion for using business as a vehicle for social change. She discusses her early career working for a nonprofit with a unique social enterprise model and her educational journey, which led to her interest in entrepreneurship. Stephanie also details her extensive experience in startups and consulting, ultimately leading to the creation of her business, "Spark Good." She introduces the three pillars of her approach—business strategy, personal growth and well-being, and social impact—and outlines the benefits clients can expect. Stephanie offers three main ways to work with her: One-on-One Private Coaching (requires a six-month commitment) Spark Strategy Intensive (a half-day VIP work session) Spark Session (a 90-minute virtual meeting) Learn more at: You can also connect with Stephanie through: Weekly Friday emails (short, simple with one or two key takeaways) - sign up Social Media - (moderately 😉) active on and Spark Good website - check out the Take the Check out the catalog of episodes from
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/28006965
info_outline
Spark Good Podcast Trailer
06/09/2023
Spark Good Podcast Trailer
Welcome to the Spark Good Podcast, your weekly dose of inspiration, strategies, and stories that will ignite your passion for making a difference. With your host, Stephanie Malon-Rufi and you will delve into the world of entrepreneurship and small business and explore how we can harness its power to spark good. There is an incredible potential of business to have a positive social impact and we want to help you discover how you can align your business goals with meaningful causes and contribute to a better world. Learn More:
/episode/index/show/ef35d815-15d7-4a96-b33c-47127e236091/id/27088962