Business on Top with Kaeli Lindholm
Business on Top is the podcast for visionary women founders leading without a playbook—rewriting outdated business rules and building powerful, life-first companies in a world that has not yet caught up to how women lead today. Each episode explores the real work of leadership: identity expansion, decision-making under pressure, structural growth, and the messy realities behind building companies that create both profit and freedom.
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Episode 1: A New Chapter Begins
05/04/2026
Episode 1: A New Chapter Begins
Welcome to the very first episode of Business on Top, a podcast created for women who are building, leading, and navigating the complexities of growth in a world that hasn’t fully caught up to their reality. In this opening conversation, I share the deeper truth behind what so many of us as women are experiencing, but haven’t always had the language to articulate. As we step into greater financial leadership, build companies, and expand our influence, the traditional ideas of “work-life balance” and “doing it all” start to fall short. What I’ve found instead is a much more nuanced tension: how to build something meaningful without losing connection to what matters most. I introduce the Life First Business Model, a framework I use to measure success beyond revenue, through health, wealth, impact, and freedom. I also bring you into real stories from my own journey and from the women I’ve worked with, moments that highlight what leadership actually looks like behind the scenes. This episode is the foundation for the conversations we’re going to have here. Conversations that challenge outdated models, normalize the complexity of modern leadership, and create space for us to build businesses that truly support our lives. If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating something that hasn’t been clearly defined yet… you’re not alone. And you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Resources → Subscribe to → Learn more & book a call with our team to learn if the is right for you! → Learn more about our : June 12–13 at The Gwen, Chicago → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 315: The End of an Era: The Final Fierce Factor Episode
04/20/2026
Episode 315: The End of an Era: The Final Fierce Factor Episode
Episode 315 marks the end of an era, and the beginning of something entirely new. After five and a half years of recording weekly episodes, this final chapter of the Fierce Factor Podcast is both a reflection and a turning point. What started in 2020 as a space to give women permission, to want more, to build bigger, to pursue both impact and financial success, has grown into something far more meaningful. This podcast has been a place for honest conversations, for finding your voice, and for navigating the very real, often unspoken experience of building a business and a life at the same time. But the conversation has evolved. The women in this community are no longer asking, “Can I do this?” They are building. Expanding. Leading. And now asking a different question: “How do I become the absolute best at what I’m creating?” With that evolution comes a new layer of complexity, one that is more nuanced, more demanding, and often more isolating than expected. In this episode, I share my deeply personal reflection on what it means to lead in this current era, where many women are building businesses at a level they’ve never seen modeled before. Without a clear blueprint, they are learning how to lead while actively holding the weight of that responsibility. This conversation explores the reality of modern leadership: the pressure, the identity shifts, the ambition, and the quiet questions so many founders carry but rarely say out loud. It’s about what it looks like to continue growing something meaningful without slowly losing yourself in the process, and how to build in a way that is both expansive and sustainable. While this chapter is coming to a close, the work is not. A new era is emerging, one that holds deeper, more honest conversations about leadership, capacity, and what it truly takes to build at this level. If you’ve been part of the Fierce Factor journey, this is a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come, and a powerful invitation into what’s next. Resources → Learn more & book a call with our team to learn if the is right for you! → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 314: Learning to Lead Before You Feel Ready with Melanie Crowley
04/13/2026
Episode 314: Learning to Lead Before You Feel Ready with Melanie Crowley
In this episode, I’m bringing you a replay from our recent SPARK sprint, where we focused on strengthening operational leadership inside growing aesthetic and wellness practices. During this conversation, I sat down with Melanie Crowley, Practice Manager at Renova Aesthetics, to talk through her journey from elementary education into managing a multi-million dollar business, without a traditional background in this industry. What unfolds is an honest and highly relatable look at what it means to step into leadership before you feel fully ready, and build confidence through action. Together, we unpack the evolving relationship between an owner and a practice manager, and what it really takes to create alignment as a business grows. From navigating team dynamics and implementing change, to learning how to hold accountability without losing trust, Melanie shares what it’s looked like to develop her leadership in real time. Inside this replay, we also get into some of the realities that many practice managers and owners face but don’t often say out loud… What happens when your team doesn’t understand your role How to lead people who were there before you How to balance being supportive while still upholding standards And how consistent communication becomes the foundation for trust, performance, and culture If you’re a practice manager learning how to lead, or an owner looking to strengthen your operational leadership and partnership, I think you’ll find this conversation both validating and clarifying. Because what this conversation reinforces is simple… Leadership isn’t something you wait to feel ready for. It’s something you build, one conversation, one decision, and one level-up at a time. Resources → Learn more & book a call with our team to learn if the is right for you! → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 313: Turning Big Ideas into Executable Strategy with Whitney Stanford
04/06/2026
Episode 313: Turning Big Ideas into Executable Strategy with Whitney Stanford
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Whitney Stanford, Practice Manager of Meg Fox Aesthetics, for a conversation I’ve been really looking forward to sharing. This episode is a replay from Day 3 of our SPARK event, where we focused on strengthening operational leadership inside growing practices. We talk about what leadership actually looks like when you’re in that seat between vision and execution, responsible for taking big ideas and turning them into something your team can consistently carry out across a growing, multi-location practice. Whitney shares her experience navigating that role, from building trust with her team while still holding a high standard for performance, to creating clarity around expectations so accountability feels collaborative rather than confrontational. We also get into how leadership has evolved for her as the business has grown, and what it’s taken to develop the confidence and structure needed to support that growth. Throughout the conversation, we unpack the idea that as a business scales, complexity increases, and sustainable growth requires more than effort. It requires systems, alignment, and operational excellence. We also talk about the frameworks and tools Whitney has implemented to bring more consistency to her leadership and create clear, trackable execution across her team. If you’re a Practice Manager, or an owner working closely with one, this episode will give you a real look at what it takes to scale without everything falling back on one person. Resources → Learn more & book a call with our team to learn if the is right for you! → Snag your ticket for the . There are just a handful of tickets remaining! → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 312: How to Stop Scaling Chaos
03/30/2026
Episode 312: How to Stop Scaling Chaos
This week’s episode of The Fierce Factor Podcast is a special one. We’re bringing you a replay from Day 1 of SPARK, our leadership intensive designed for aesthetic practice owners and practice managers, and the official introduction of the KLC Practice Manager Academy. Built over two years of real-world application, this program was created to address one of the most critical gaps in the aesthetics industry: operational leadership. Because what gets a practice to its first level of success is rarely what sustains it as it grows. In this episode, we unpack the leadership challenges that emerge as businesses scale, owners carrying too much operational weight, practice managers being asked to lead without clear structure or authority, and teams relying on a few key people instead of a defined leadership system. The practices that truly thrive are not just clinically excellent, they are operationally strong. They are built on a true partnership between owner and practice manager, with clearly defined roles and leadership development at the core. If you’re ready to move from reactive problem-solving to confident, structured leadership, and build a business that can grow sustainably, this conversation will resonate deeply. Resources → Learn more & book a call with our team to learn if the is right for you! → Snag your ticket for the . There are just a handful of tickets remaining! → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 311: Bonus: How to Become the Kind of Leader You'd Want to Follow
03/23/2026
Episode 311: Bonus: How to Become the Kind of Leader You'd Want to Follow
In this bonus replay episode, I shared something really personal, and honestly, deeply relevant to anyone navigating growth as a business owner. While traveling during my son’s lacrosse season last summer, I found myself experiencing that familiar entrepreneurial anxiety…the kind that shows up when you’re away from your business and wondering if things are still running smoothly without you. That season pushed me to take a closer look at how I was leading, how I was protecting my energy, and what I was actually saying yes to in my day-to-day. It became about more than just time management. It was about energetic alignment and intentional leadership. Inside this episode, I explored: Why psychological safety is the key to high-performing teams The truth behind “no one can do it like me” How to identify the 10–20% of your work that truly energizes you Why defining your own leadership philosophy changes everything If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your business or disconnected from your vision, my hope was that this episode felt like a breath of fresh air and a nudge to lead in a way that truly supports the life you’re building. Resources → Register for : A 5-day strategic reset for aesthetic and wellness practice owners and practice managers navigating growth, change, and what’s next. → Snag your ticket for the . There are just a handful of tickets remaining! → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 310: Bonus: The Critical Role of a Practice Leader & When to Hire One
03/16/2026
Episode 310: Bonus: The Critical Role of a Practice Leader & When to Hire One
In this replay episode, we’re revisiting one of the most important leadership decisions every growing practice owner faces: should you promote someone from within, or bring in outside leadership talent? As founders, many of us build our businesses around the skills we know best—whether that’s clinical excellence or coaching expertise. But the transition from hands-on provider to visionary CEO requires a completely different leadership skill set. In this conversation, we unpack common mistakes that can slow growth, like overpaying for experienced hires before your business is ready, or promoting a team member into leadership without the training and support they need to succeed. Instead, you’ll learn how to identify, develop, and support a Practice Leader—a role designed to bridge the gap between the front desk and operations management while strengthening the leadership structure of your practice. We also cover the core leadership capabilities that make someone effective in this role, including communication, influence, accountability, and team leadership, along with how to set clear career pathways, identify skill gaps, and recognize early red flags when evaluating potential leaders. If you’re building or restructuring your leadership team, this replay is packed with insights to help you make smarter promotion decisions, avoid costly leadership missteps, and create the structure needed to support long-term growth. Resources → Register for : A 5-day strategic reset for aesthetic and wellness practice owners and practice managers navigating growth, change, and what’s next. → Snag your ticket for the . There are just a handful of tickets remaining! → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 309: The White Glove Client Experience: Raising the Standard in Aesthetics (ALT Panel)
03/09/2026
Episode 309: The White Glove Client Experience: Raising the Standard in Aesthetics (ALT Panel)
We’re taking you back into the room at our 2025 ALT Experience for a special replay from the stage. In this conversation, I sit down with founders and CEOs Meg Fox, Sara Trammell, and Allie Edwards to talk about what it really means to create a white glove patient experience inside a growing practice. Not the kind that feels forced or fancy for the sake of appearance, but the kind rooted in intention, standards, and leadership. We unpack how each of them defines white glove service in a way that fits their brand, and how they ensure it’s felt consistently, from the first click online to checkout. We talk about greeting protocols, respecting time, managing late arrivals, rebooking systems, retail integration, and how small environmental details, from scent to lighting to language, reinforce trust. You’ll hear how consistency across locations protects brand equity, why digital presence must match the in-person experience, and how to measure excellence through rebooking rates, reviews, call monitoring, and team accountability. This episode is honest and tactical. It’s about setting standards, documenting expectations, training your team to deliver excellence without constant supervision, and balancing generosity with strong boundaries. If elevating your patient journey is part of your growth strategy this year, this panel will push you to think beyond personality and into process. And if you want to be in rooms where these conversations happen live, we have just a handful of tickets left for . Secure your seat at klcconsultants.com/alt and join us in raising the standard. Resources → Snag your ticket for the → Register for : A 5-day strategic reset for aesthetic and wellness practice owners and practice managers navigating growth, change, and what’s next. → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. Let’s step into the conversation.
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Episode 308: Structure Without Micromanagement: The Leadership Shift Inside Growing Practices (ALT 2025 Replay)
03/02/2026
Episode 308: Structure Without Micromanagement: The Leadership Shift Inside Growing Practices (ALT 2025 Replay)
This week on The Fierce Factor Podcast, we’re bringing you another powerful replay from the ALT Experience 2025 stage, and this one is all about what leadership really looks like inside a scaling practice. I sit down with three high-level operators and practice leaders, Amanda Siem, Melanie Crowley, and Liz Grad Murphy, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about managing teams, building trust, and navigating the often complicated dynamic between founders and managers. We unpack what it actually takes to turn vision into action, how to coach instead of constantly fixing, and why clear expectations eliminate chaos. You’ll hear real talk about psychological safety, proactive communication, systems that create autonomy, and the tension between control and trust as your business grows. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle, struggled to loosen your grip, or wondered how to build a team that can truly run with you, not just report to you, this conversation will hit home. If you want to experience conversations like this live, there are only a handful of ALT Experience tickets remaining. Special bonus: , you’ll receive a 2-hour coaching intensive to prepare a customized growth plan prior to the event so you don’t just attend, you arrive with strategy. Resources → Snag your ticket for the → Download our NEW free resource, to clarify who owns what, define decision authority, and understand what your practice still depends on the Owner for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 307: Retain to Grow: Designing Development Runways for High-Growth Employees (ALT 2025 Replay)
02/23/2026
Episode 307: Retain to Grow: Designing Development Runways for High-Growth Employees (ALT 2025 Replay)
In this week’s episode, we’re bringing you a powerful panel replay straight from our ALT 2025 stage: Retain to Grow: Designing Development Runways for High-Growth Employees. On this panel, Kaeli is joined by Shelby Miller, DNP, Heidi Hermel, NP, and Rachel King, FNP-C. Each of these founders leads a thriving practice with strong team culture. And notably, each operates under a different compensation structure. Three different models. Three successful, growing organizations. This panel conversation dives deep into what it really takes to attract, develop, and retain top talent in today’s competitive landscape. We unpack compensation models that actually drive performance, when profit-sharing makes sense, how to structure growth pathways, and the balance between rewarding excellence while protecting the business. You’ll hear transparent conversations around commission structures, onboarding, mentorship tiers, leadership development, and how to prevent your best people from being lured away by flashy offers that don’t hold up under scrutiny. More importantly, we explore how to create emotional loyalty, cast long-term vision, and build a culture where high performers see their future with you. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow without losing your best people, this episode is for you. And if this conversation resonates, ALT 2026 is where you need to be. by February 28 and receive a complimentary 1:1 Mini Intensive — a private 2-hour strategy session designed to tackle your biggest business challenge. Exclusive to the first 10 registrations $1,297 value Personalized action plan you can implement immediately We’ll see you in the room! Resources → Snag your ticket for the → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 306: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 3 with Krista Donargo, SGA
02/16/2026
Episode 306: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 3 with Krista Donargo, SGA
This episode is Part 3 of our special Develop Your Voice of Impact series, and it’s all about what happens when the stakes are high and the spotlight is on. In this conversation, Krista Donargo, SGA, dives into the difference between recorded content and live communication, and why so many brilliant leaders lose their power when they step on stage, lead a training, or answer questions in real time. From keynotes and panels to team trainings and high-pressure conversations, this episode breaks down what it really takes to speak with confidence, presence, and authority when things don’t go exactly as planned. She covers why over-rehearsing can backfire, how to stop hiding behind notes, and what to do when tech fails, nerves spike, or the room’s energy feels off. You’ll learn how to use pattern interrupts to keep people engaged, how to handle tough or impromptu questions without rambling, and why silence is often more powerful than filling space with words. If you want to command a room, sound grounded under pressure, and communicate in a way that feels both confident and human, this episode is for you. If you’re ready to expand your voice to match the level of leadership you’re stepping into, our are now open. These personalized 1:1 coaching sessions are designed to help high-performing founders communicate with authority, lead with presence, and use their voice as a strategic asset, on stage, online, and inside their business. Details and booking information are available in the show notes. Resources → Learn more about our → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 305: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 2 with Krista Donargo, SGA
02/09/2026
Episode 305: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 2 with Krista Donargo, SGA
Before Sara Blakely became the founder of Spanx, her life looked nothing like a success story. She failed the LSAT twice, was told she was “too short” at a Disney audition, and spent seven years selling fax machines door to door—hearing no over and over again. What changed everything wasn’t luck. It was how she treated rejection. Instead of seeing discomfort as failure, she treated it like training. In Part 2 of our Develop Your Voice Impact series, Krista Donargo, SGA unpacks how Blakely learned to fail forward, show up before things felt polished, and turn a scrappy idea into a billion-dollar brand without investors, a roadmap, or industry experience. From there, we zoom out to a skill every leader needs but few are ever taught: storytelling. Storytelling isn’t fluff—it’s a leadership tool. Stories activate emotion and logic, reduce resistance to change, and help people trust, understand, and follow your ideas. Whether you’re leading a team, speaking on stage, guiding clients, or showing up online, how you communicate matters just as much as what you’re saying. This is exactly the work we do inside our Voice of Impact Mini Intensives, to help leaders identify the stories they need to tell, shape them with intention, and deliver them with confidence, clarity, and authority. These high-touch intensives are designed to help your voice match the level of leadership you’re stepping into—without scripts, gimmicks, or overproduction. If you’ve ever struggled to get people to understand, trust, or act on your ideas, this episode will change how you think about communication—and what’s possible when you learn to use your voice with intention. Because growth doesn’t require perfection. It requires conviction, connection, and the willingness to be uncomfortable long before the results show up. Resources → Learn more about our → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 304: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 1 with Krista Donargo, SGA
02/02/2026
Episode 304: Develop Your Voice of Impact: Part 1 with Krista Donargo, SGA
In part one of our Develop Your Voice of Impact podcast takeover, KLC’s Strategic Growth Advisor, Krista Donargo kicks off a powerful three-part series designed to help high-performing founders become more confident, compelling, and magnetic communicators, online, in person, and on stage. This episode explores why so many accomplished leaders lose their authority the moment a camera turns on or they’re asked to speak publicly, and why it has nothing to do with skill. Krista unpacks the real culprit behind shaky confidence: self-conscious, performance-based communication. Through personal stories and client examples, she introduces a service-led approach that shifts the focus from “How do I sound?” to “How can I help?” You’ll learn how over-polishing erases presence, why trends and perfection dilute trust, and how intention, insight, and invitation create authentic authority. This foundational conversation sets the tone for the entire series and reframes communication as a leadership practice—not a content task. If you’re ready to stop performing and start leading with your voice, this episode is your starting point. Resources → Learn more about our → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 303: Safety vs Growth
01/26/2026
Episode 303: Safety vs Growth
In this episode, I’m unpacking one of the most dangerous myths women are taught about success: that “playing it safe” is the responsible choice. This conversation was sparked by a reflection on 2016, the year I started KLC and the year my brother passed away, and a question that stopped me in my tracks: Is my life truly better because I chose growth over safety? What I’ve learned over the past decade is this: safety is often conditional, and comfort can be far more limiting than risk. I take you back to my corporate career at Bayer Healthcare, a role that looked secure by every traditional measure. Great pay, benefits, prestige, and a clear path forward… until one unexpected call from HR shattered the illusion of stability. That moment changed how I understand security, responsibility, and agency, especially for women. We’ll talk about why big companies are often romanticized as “safe,” why small business ownership is framed as risky, and how that mindset shows up when women build their own companies. I’ll also share a powerful story about growth, discomfort, and why the very tension we try to avoid is often what prepares us for our next level. If you’re craving expansion but feel stuck optimizing for familiarity instead of fulfillment, this episode is your invitation to rethink what safety really means, and to consider whether the boldest move might actually be the most responsible one. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for: → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. As always, thank you for listening. I’ll see you right back here next week.
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Episode 302: Bonus: Why Your Injector Isn't Booked
01/19/2026
Episode 302: Bonus: Why Your Injector Isn't Booked
Episode 302 is a special bonus episode, and one every aesthetics and wellness founder needs if you’ve hired help but still feel like everything runs through you. You’ve hired a talented provider, invested in training, and yet you’re still carrying most of the revenue load. Patients wait for you. Your injector’s schedule stays open. And before frustration sets in, it’s important to understand the real factors keeping your provider from being fully booked. In this episode, I’m breaking down the 10 reasons your injector isn’t fully booked, from over-reliance on your personal brand and misaligned expectations, to gaps in clinical confidence and positioning. More importantly, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to build a team that consistently drives demand and delivers high-value results without you driving every dollar. I’m also sharing details about this month’s on January 28, featuring three powerhouse multi-location CEOs who’ve cracked the code on building booked-out, trusted providers. If you’re ready to scale without burning out, this conversation will reshape how you lead, coach, and grow your team. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for: → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 301: My 2026 Predictions
01/12/2026
Episode 301: My 2026 Predictions
This isn’t a conversation about resolutions, hustle, or chasing the next shiny tactic. It’s a grounded, strategic look at what’s actually going to separate thriving practices from struggling ones in the year ahead. In this episode, we zoom out to reflect on the shifts shaping our industry—maturing consumer behavior, increased economic discernment, rapid AI expansion, and the quiet erosion of average experiences—and what those forces demand from today’s leaders. You’ll hear the 10 defining predictions for 2026, including why retention will outperform revenue growth, how client experience becomes a competitive advantage, why personalization replaces price-driven luxury, and how human-centered leadership will quietly win in an increasingly automated world. This episode is for the founder who’s been building infrastructure while others chased shortcuts. For the leader who values depth over noise, intention over urgency, and trust over tactics. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for: → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. If you’re ready to lead with clarity, discipline, and humanity in 2026—this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.
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Episode 300: The Best of 2025 (Milestone Episode!)
01/05/2026
Episode 300: The Best of 2025 (Milestone Episode!)
Episode 300 is a milestone, and I wanted to mark it the way we actually grow: by looking back at what worked, what landed, and what leaders kept coming back to when things got loud. This is a recap episode of our most revisited conversations, the ones that sparked the most “I needed this” replies, the ones that turned into team meetings, boundary resets, revenue decisions, and CEO-level pivots. In this episode, I’m recapping: The leadership moves that keep you steady when the outside world feels unstable The culture standards that make great teams possible (and keep turnover from eating you alive) The strategic decisions that protect your margins, your energy, and your long-term valuation The life-first lens that makes success feel like success (not like a prettier version of burnout) Want the full list in one clean place so you can binge in order, share with your team, or save it for your next CEO reset? Download the Top 10 Fierce Factor Episodes List with direct links to every episode mentioned in today’s recap. Resources → Download your copy of our → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 299: Scaling with Confidence: Why CTS Live is the One Big Domino for Your Practice with Krista Donargo, SGA
12/29/2025
Episode 299: Scaling with Confidence: Why CTS Live is the One Big Domino for Your Practice with Krista Donargo, SGA
I know what it feels like to be stuck in the "messy middle" of practice growth, that stage where you’ve achieved success, but you’ve also become the absolute bottleneck of your own business. I’ve spent years coaching female founders through this exact inflection point, and in this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I created Confidence to Scale LIVE. During this conversation, KLC Strategic Growth Advisor, Krista Donargo, and I break down exactly what you can expect during our upcoming live kickoff in Manhattan Beach on January 9th and 10th. I share my core philosophy that scaling isn't actually about adding more complexities to your plate; it’s about subtracting and building a better framework that allows you to confidently let go of the weeds. We walk through the six milestones of our 90-day blueprint, including how to unearth your million-dollar confidence and create a proprietary method that makes your practice competitionless. This isn't just about a two-day event, it’s about the 90 days of personalized coaching and accountability that follow to ensure these systems actually stick in your practice. If you are tired of trying to scale on sheer willpower and you're ready to find that "one big domino" that will knock over all the rest, this episode is for you. I’m personally inviting you to join our January 2026 cohort of , and finally start digging up the dirt to lay a real foundation instead of just hanging more chandeliers. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. Listen in to hear how we help you reclaim your time and energy, and if you’re ready to take that next empowered step with me, I’d love for you to to see if CTS Live is the right fit for your next level of growth.
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Episode 298: Signs You're on the Verge of a Breakthrough
12/22/2025
Episode 298: Signs You're on the Verge of a Breakthrough
As we approach the end of the year, reflection has a way of stirring up emotions we don’t always talk about, pride, grief, uncertainty, and a quiet sense that something new is forming beneath the surface. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing what I’ve been sitting with during a season I don’t love… the season of waiting. The season where the calendar looks full of routine white boxes instead of big launches. The season where you’ve planted the seeds, done the work, and yet the results haven’t fully arrived. The season that asks you to slow down, trust yourself, and expand your capacity instead of forcing outcomes. We’ll talk about why this “in-between” space is actually the most critical phase of growth, in business and in life, and why so many high-achieving women sabotage their next level by digging up seeds too early. I’ll share the signs that a breakthrough is closer than you think, what emotional resilience really looks like at higher levels of leadership, and why learning to sit in discomfort is a competitive advantage most founders never develop. If you feel restless, unsettled, or like your old strategies no longer fit — this episode is for you. You’re not behind. You’re not stuck. You’re being prepared. And your next level is closer than it feels. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 297: The Turning Point: Stepping Out of Burnout and Into Confident Leadership with Jolee Hughes, NP-BC
12/15/2025
Episode 297: The Turning Point: Stepping Out of Burnout and Into Confident Leadership with Jolee Hughes, NP-BC
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jolee Hughes, NP-BC for a raw and honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a business that grows without consuming your entire life. If you’ve ever found yourself doing everything, carrying the weight of every decision, or secretly wondering how much longer you can keep pushing at this pace… this conversation will feel like a deep exhale. Jolee shares her journey from being the bottleneck in her business, burned out, overwhelmed, and afraid to let go, to becoming a confident, supported leader with a team she trusts. We talk about the uncomfortable but necessary identity shift from provider to CEO, learning to delegate with clarity, and how structure became the thing that finally gave her freedom. You’ll hear the mindset that allowed her to stop white-knuckling her way through growth, the systems that helped her team step up, and the breakthroughs that rebuilt her energy and her confidence. Whether you’re in a season of expansion, exhaustion, or somewhere in between, Jolee’s story will remind you that scaling doesn’t require more hustle, it requires more leadership. And you don’t have to do it alone. Resources → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 296: The Identity Shift Every High-Level Woman Must Make in 2026
12/08/2025
Episode 296: The Identity Shift Every High-Level Woman Must Make in 2026
In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a conversation that’s been unfolding quietly, but urgently, inside the minds of high-level women across the aesthetics and wellness industry. After hosting our annual POP Leadership retreat and receiving an overwhelming wave of private messages about visibility, voice, and leadership, I realized it was time to revisit a topic I first explored over 260 episodes ago: finding, and owning, your truest, most powerful voice. This episode dives deep into the identity shift every high-level woman must make in 2026. Not the shift into “showing up more,” but into showing up as the woman you actually are: the woman with a perspective, a philosophy, and a message that deserves the microphone. I share the personal stories, missteps, and moments of conviction that shaped my own thought leadership, and why the future of influence isn’t about being louder, it’s about being more aligned, more grounded, and more you. If you’ve ever felt the tension between being visible and being authentic, between leading your business and being consumed by it, this episode will speak directly to your soul. And I’m announcing , our intimate two-day immersive and 90-day incubator designed to support high-performing founders who are ready to scale with clarity, structure, and unshakeable conviction. Resources → Download the → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. This is the next chapter of female leadership. Let’s step into it together.
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Episode 295: Real Estate, Acquisitions & Real Leadership: How Dr. Melissa Hubiak is Building Life-first Wealth
12/01/2025
Episode 295: Real Estate, Acquisitions & Real Leadership: How Dr. Melissa Hubiak is Building Life-first Wealth
If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to build a thriving, multi-location aesthetic business while staying grounded, humble, and values-driven… this episode is your permission slip. Melissa Hubiak, MD is a quiet powerhouse, a contrarian thinker who has scaled her practice not by following the industry “rules,” but by rewriting them. From growing up with no electricity as the oldest of six, to navigating a pandemic right after a massive expansion, to purchasing multiple buildings and stepping into the role of CEO, Melissa has built her empire with resilience, creativity, and a whole lot of grit. In our conversation, she opens up about: Transitioning out of the treatment room to lead a growing team Why she chose to buy businesses instead of selling Her real estate strategy (including how she purchased six buildings) Navigating trademark challenges, expansion fears, and identity shifts How confidence is created through action — not handed to you What it really takes to scale with integrity, clarity, and courage This is an episode for the founder who’s craving expansion, but wants to do it the right way. The woman who senses a bigger vision calling her forward — and needs the reminder that she is capable of so much more than she realizes. I can’t wait for you to hear Melissa’s story. It will change the way you think about leadership, growth, and what’s truly possible for your business. Resources → Download the → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. Press play, and let’s dive in.
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Episode 294: The Future of Aesthetics
11/24/2025
Episode 294: The Future of Aesthetics
If you’re craving clarity in a noisy industry, if you want to grow without sacrificing your sanity, if you’re committed to excellence and hungry for sustainable, grounded success, this episode is for you. As we wrap up 2025, I’m sharing the real, unfiltered thoughts I’ve been wrestling with behind the scenes, observations from a year spent sitting with small groups of founders across the country, breaking bread, and talking about the realities of leadership in our evolving industry. And what I’ve seen is this: We are living in an era of performative success. Visibility is being mistaken for value. Speed is being confused with strategy. And somewhere between AI, algorithms, and “look at me” culture… we’re losing sight of what’s real. In this episode, I unpack: The emotional crisis happening beneath the surface of our industry — the tension between growth and integrity. How the obsession with visibility is pushing founders into reactive decisions that erode their confidence and their businesses. Why the “quiet majority” — the women building intentionally and with integrity — hold the true power to shape the future of aesthetics and wellness. The importance of mastery, humanity, and leading with substance in a world that rewards speed and showmanship. Why the leaders of tomorrow will be the ones willing to build slowly, privately, and with conviction. I also share personal stories and three powerful from women inside our programs who built businesses grounded in clarity, structure, and soul, not chaos or comparison. And if you’re ready to structure that growth, protect your vision, and build your next level with intention, I invite you to join me for my 2026 Strategic Planning Masterclass, part of our 90K in 90 Days Challenge. On December 5th, I’m walking you through the same framework we use with our private clients to help them design their next 90 days of strategic, sustainable growth, with clarity, KPIs, a marketing calendar, and a plan that honors your life-first values. If you’re ready to step into 2026 with confidence, strategy, and soul, reserve your seat at klcconsultants.com/90daychallenge. Resources → Download the → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 293: 90k in 90 Days Challenge
11/21/2025
Episode 293: 90k in 90 Days Challenge
In this episode, I’m closing out 2025 with a real, honest conversation about what it takes to finish the year strong and set yourself up for an impactful 2026. I spent the entire day deep inside the numbers of my business, reviewing every program, every metric, every lever, and it reminded me how important it is for us as CEOs to pause, assess, and identify the one main constraint that’s actually holding us back. I’m sharing why so many of us get caught trying to fix problems that haven’t even happened yet, and how that tendency keeps us from addressing the simple but powerful issue right in front of us. I talk through how we bottleneck our own growth, why boundaries and team support matter, and what it looks like to step fully into the CEO role your business needs. I also introduce you to the , the exact tool I created to help you see clearly what’s happening inside your business, from revenue drivers and patient flow to profitability and team performance. This audit will be the foundation for our upcoming Strategic Planning Masterclass on December 5th, where I’ll walk you through how to activate what you uncover and build a strategic plan for 2026. Plus, I share details about , our brand-new two-day retreat and 90-day coaching experience happening in January. This is the most intimate, hands-on strategic support we’ve ever offered, designed to help you build systems, hire top talent, streamline operations, and create a blueprint for your next million-dollar milestone. If you’re ready to wrap up 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a real plan, this episode will give you direction, momentum, and the exact next steps to take. Download the audit, join the masterclass, and let’s get you set up for your best year yet. Resources → Download the → Learn more & secure your spot for → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 292: Stop Asking for Permission to Lead
11/17/2025
Episode 292: Stop Asking for Permission to Lead
In this episode, I’m getting real about the emotional rollercoaster that comes with being a CEO, especially as we close out Q4. Between the external chaos, the end-of-year pressure, and the constant push to perform, it’s easy to lose trust in the one thing that built your business in the first place: your own wisdom. I’ll share why so many high-achieving women find themselves second-guessing their decisions and outsourcing their confidence to “experts,” accountants, and Facebook groups — and how to break that cycle for good. We’ll talk about what it really means to lead through uncertainty, how to separate your worth from your numbers, and why true leadership is built not in the planning, but in the pivots. If you’ve been feeling the weight of decision fatigue or questioning your next move, this episode will remind you that you already have everything you need to lead with clarity, conviction, and courage. Plus, I’ll walk you through a free resource I created, , to help you pinpoint the real bottlenecks in your business and step into 2026 with confidence and direction. Stop waiting for permission to lead, goddess. You already have it. Resources → Download the → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move. Tune in now and let’s make some bold moves together.
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Episode 291: Female Founder Forum, Part 2: Building Loyalty Programs That Actually Work
11/10/2025
Episode 291: Female Founder Forum, Part 2: Building Loyalty Programs That Actually Work
In this episode, we’re continuing the conversation from part two of our Female Founder Forum with three incredible founders—Gabrielle Hudson (Onyx Medical Esthetics), Lauren Grandanetti (Sunday Skin), and Morgan Kraut (MK Esthetics). Together, we’re diving deeper into what it really takes to design, price, and scale a membership program that drives loyalty, profitability, and lasting impact. We’re talking about the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that transform memberships from a discount plan into a true growth engine for your business. You’ll hear how these women built models that elevate their brands, empower their teams, and create meaningful, long-term relationships with their patients. If you’re ready to refine your program, or finally launch one that works, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to do it right. In this episode, we discuss: How to price and position your memberships to protect your margins How to train your team to sell with confidence and authenticity The psychology behind exclusivity and premium positioning Real-world lessons from top-performing medspa owners The key metrics to track to ensure membership success Resources → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 290: Female Founder Forum, Part 1: Building Loyalty Programs That Actually Work
11/03/2025
Episode 290: Female Founder Forum, Part 1: Building Loyalty Programs That Actually Work
In this special episode of The Fierce Factor Podcast, I’m bringing you Part 1 of our Female Founder Forum, where I sat down with three powerhouse women in aesthetics—Lauren Grandanetti of Sunday Skin, Morgan Kraut of MK Esthetics, and Gabrielle Hudson of Onyx Medical Aesthetics—for a raw, unfiltered conversation about building loyalty programs that actually work. We’re talking about the truth behind memberships, what makes patients stay loyal, and how to design programs that build community, protect your margins, and grow recurring revenue without discounting your value. This conversation is packed with strategy, real-world examples, and honest reflections from women who are leading 6- and 7-figure businesses while staying deeply connected to their purpose. In Part 1, we dive into: Why loyalty starts with relationships, not rewards The balance between exclusivity and accessibility How to price memberships for profit and retention What it really means to build a brand people belong to If you’ve ever questioned whether membership programs are right for your practice—or how to make them truly work—this episode is for you. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where we’ll unpack team alignment, selling with confidence, and scaling loyalty programs sustainably. Resources → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 289: From Overwhelmed to Disciplined
10/27/2025
Episode 289: From Overwhelmed to Disciplined
As we round the corner to the end of the year, I know how hard it can feel to stay motivated — especially when you’re leading a business, a team, and a vision that never stops evolving. In this episode, I’m opening up about what it really takes to stay consistent and focused when your energy dips and motivation fades. I’m sharing the mindset shift that changed everything for me — the one that helped me evolve from a high-achieving entrepreneur into a disciplined, impact-driven leader. These are the habits that carried me through the highs and lows of building a business and continue to ground me today. Here’s what I’ll walk you through: Why motivation isn’t the key to success — discipline is. My 3-step framework to rewire your brain for high performance: Learn, Apply, Repeat. How to quiet “idea overload” and stay focused on the actions that actually move the needle. What it looks like to evolve from doing the work to becoming the kind of leader who shows up — even when it’s hard. If you’re ready to stop chasing motivation and start creating momentum, this episode is your invitation to do the work that changes everything. Resources → → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 288: What World-Class Brands Do Differently With Memberships
10/20/2025
Episode 288: What World-Class Brands Do Differently With Memberships
In this episode of The Fierce Factor, I’m unpacking the truth about loyalty programs, and why so many in aesthetics are missing the mark. We’ve been sold the idea that memberships and loyalty programs are the secret to patient retention. But here’s the reality: most are designed backwards. They rely on discounts, lock patients in with contracts, and create operational chaos — all while eroding profit and burning out your team. I’ll share what the world’s most trusted brands, think Costco, Starbucks, and Peloton, understand about loyalty that most aesthetic practices overlook. You’ll learn how to design programs that make patients feel invested, not obligated… and how to turn your existing community into a movement that fuels sustainable, cash-positive growth. If you’re ready to move beyond cookie-cutter memberships and create real loyalty that lasts, you won’t want to miss our upcoming free webinar, , on October 29th. Join me and a panel of powerhouse female founders for 90 minutes of honest strategy and proven systems that are transforming practices across the country. Resources → → → Follow Kaeli on Instagram: Additional Ways to Connect: Ready to scale with intention? Let’s map out your next strategic move.
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Episode 287: Building Premium Loyalty That Converts
10/13/2025
Episode 287: Building Premium Loyalty That Converts
Loyalty programs are everywhere in aesthetics, but most of them are built backwards. In this episode of The Fierce Factor Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the industry’s most misunderstood business strategies: loyalty and membership programs. While consultants and conferences love to hype memberships as the silver bullet for retention, the truth is, loyalty isn’t built by locking patients in, it’s earned by investing in them. I’ll share how to design loyalty programs that actually drive growth, protect margins, and inspire long-term patient relationships, not burnout or discount dependency. You’ll hear how real female founders have used memberships to increase lifetime value, boost retention, and generate half a million in recurring revenue, all while staying true to their brand and team culture. I’m also walking you through 10 key areas to audit inside your practice right now to uncover hidden revenue opportunities within your existing patient base. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building loyalty programs that actually work, this episode is your blueprint. Don’t Miss Our Free Founder Forum! Join me October 29th for the Founder Forum: Building Loyalty Programs That Actually Work, a live 90-minute panel featuring powerhouse female founders who have built profitable, retention-driving membership programs inside their practices. No fluff. No product pitches. Just real strategy from women who’ve done the work. Save your free seat now → Listen to the episode now and get ready to rethink how loyalty really works in aesthetics.
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