It's All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley

It’s All About SWAGGER with Marlena M.D. Kelley is a weekly podcast created for you, the entrepreneur. The intention is to encourage, equip, and empower entrepreneurs to live and speak their truth as they grow their business and their bottom line. Every Monday get your ear buds ready and listen to insights, tips, and strategies designed to help you (SWAGGER Fam) make money, stay calm, and use AI strategically. SWAGGER is Speaking With Authority & Graciousness Generously Educating my Raving fans and clients.

062: Why Testing Your Vision Is A Trap 11/10/2025

062: Why Testing Your Vision Is A Trap In this episode, I dive deep into a question that many entrepreneurs grapple with: Is the advice to test your niche or build a minimum viable product really serving your journey? I challenge the conventional wisdom that encourages constant testing rather than trusting your vision. While hustle culture pushes us toward validating our ideas through market trials, I argue that this approach can lead to burnout and diminished self-esteem, especially for those of us who have experienced the entrepreneurial grind with its accompanying pressures and fears. I reflect on the roots of this testing mentality, suggest that it stems from an underlying fear—that our ideas and visions are not valid unless proven through sales or approval from others. I emphasize that your vision is not merely a test; it is a divine assignment, a calling that you are uniquely equipped to manifest. Instead of seeking validation, I advocate for a shift towards trusting our innate wisdom and lived experiences, which fundamentally shapes our entrepreneurial endeavors. My philosophy centers on the idea that when we prioritize our vision and work with purpose, we can truly harness the potential that comes from aligning our business goals with our personal values. Throughout my journey as a Gen X entrepreneur, I share personal anecdotes, including my transformative experience after a health crisis that forced me to reevaluate my relentless pursuit of hustle. As I navigated my recovery, I discovered the importance of trusting in a vision that connects my professional goals with my personal mission—helping others manage their health and build successful businesses without sacrificing their well-being. It is this profound awareness that drives me to say that when we move away from testing towards embracing our calling, we can cultivate both clarity and peace of mind, which naturally leads to profit that follows purpose. To support this shift, I introduce my book, "Dear Entrepreneur," and my accompanying "Heart and Mind Business Playbook," designed as practical tools for the entrepreneurial journey. The book contains 52 letters of love and encouragement intended to remind you of your worth and the significance of your vision. Along with this, the playbook serves as a guided system, providing structured weekly activities that allow you to reflect, write, and take action towards your goals—whether that means confronting feelings of unworthiness or navigating challenges like comparison. My aim is to help you create a stay-calm system that inspires you to take bold actions and ultimately honor your calling. As I encourage you to stop testing your vision, I also remind you that you possess the power to bring your dreams to fruition. I believe wholeheartedly in your potential, and this episode serves as a heartfelt reminder that your vision is worthy, and you are deserving of the journey ahead. Visit my site to discover more about the resources available to you and to start taking empowered steps towards entrepreneurial success. /episode/index/show/itsallaboutswagger/id/38972225

061: I'm Back 10/31/2025

061: I'm Back In this episode, I reconnect with listeners after a significant seven-year hiatus since Episode 60, sharing my journey from health crisis to newfound clarity and purpose. I openly discuss the perilous moment when I was hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to my diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and having to take insulin. It served as a wake-up call, revealing that I had ignored my body’s warning signs and normalized my struggles. I emphasize the importance of not only listening to our bodies but also recognizing that our businesses communicate their own needs. I aim to speak directly to my fellow Gen X entrepreneurs—those of you who might be starting a business later in life or pivoting after facing personal or professional challenges. Many of you may feel overwhelmed by the constant pressure to hustle, grind, and adhere to trends that might not align with your vision. I'm here to reassure you that it’s okay to step back and reassess. Yourvision and your past experiences can actually be your greatest advantages I reveal that I’ve spent the last five years rebuilding not just my health, but also my vision and voice. I stress that entrepreneurship shouldn’t drain you; instead, it should energize you and align with your life. The essence of my message is centered on three key pillars: your vision, your voice, and using AI strategically. These elements can guide you effectively without having to chase every new trend or tactic in the fast-paced business world. Moreover, I share the exciting news of restarting this podcast with a commitment to deliver consistent and meaningful content. I plan to eventually expand my reach across various platforms where my audience is present—LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and more—so we can connect no matter where you are. I also highlight my new book, "Dear Entrepreneur," which provides 52 letters of love and encouragement designed to uplift you on those tough days. This resource aims to foster peace of mind as you navigate your entrepreneurial journey, reminding you that it's crucial to give yourself permission to start over, pivot when necessary, and build a business that thrives alongside your personal life. In this comeback episode, I invite all of you who may be recovering from health crises, setbacks, or periods of silence to join me on this journey. Together, we can redefine what success looks like, focusing on authenticity rather than competition. You are not broken; you simply need to make a decision to embrace your true self and recognize that you can thrive by being you. So, if you're feeling stuck or ready to take the next step, visit my website to access valuable resources, including the Heart and Mind Business Playbook, and let me know where you're experiencing challenges. Remember, entrepreneurship is not a journey. /episode/index/show/itsallaboutswagger/id/38855785