Build A Better Business

We’ve all heard the saying, “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” But what happens when you — the business owner or leader — are the cat? If your team struggles the moment, you step away, that’s not just a people issue — it’s a leadership and systems issue. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to build a business that runs smoothly even when you’re not around. You’ll learn how to: Set clear...

Conflict at work is inevitable — but chaos doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Marty shares a simple four-step framework for handling employee conflict calmly and effectively. Whether it’s two employees who just can’t get along or tension that’s been simmering for weeks, this episode gives you practical tools to bring clarity and resolution. 🪄 You’ll Learn: How to spot conflict early — before it...

We spend years teaching our kids to think for themselves—to question, to ask why, and to not just follow the crowd. So why, as business owners and leaders, do we get frustrated when our employees do the same thing? In this episode, we explore why curiosity is a strength, not a threat, in your workplace. You’ll learn how to respond when employees ask “why,” why that question actually signals e...

How do you keep your employees motivated when you don’t have the budget for big bonuses or perks? If you’re a small business owner, this is a question you’ve probably asked yourself more than once. The good news is— you don’t need a big budget to build a motivated, loyal team. In this episode, I share four powerful strategies to motivate employees without money—all practical, low-cost approaches t...

Are you addicted to your phone? If you’re like most people, the answer is yes. The average person checks their phone 96 times a day—that’s once every 10 minutes. And while it may feel harmless, the constant pings, scrolling, and notifications are rewiring our brains and eroding our ability to focus. In this episode, I break down why phone addiction isn’t just a distraction—it’s a leadership issue....

In this episode, we dive into an often overlooked truth: your company doesn’t need everyone to exceed expectations. What it really needs are steady, reliable people who meet expectations. As a business owner or leader, it’s easy to view your team through the lens of a high achiever—you want everyone to push harder, do more, and constantly go above and beyond. But that mindset can create burnout an...

Starting is easy. Staying consistent? That’s the hard part. Consistency is one of the hardest skills to master—and one of the most important. As leaders and business owners, inconsistency in how we show up, communicate, or follow through can hurt trust, credibility, and results. In this episode, I dive into: ✔ Why consistency matters more than intensity ✔ The real reasons we struggle to stay consi...

The best athletes in the world have coaches. Why? Because they know they can’t see everything themselves. Leadership and business aren’t any different. Coaching gives you the perspective, accountability, and tools to grow in ways you can’t on your own. In this episode, I break down: Why coaching is needed — even if you’re already successful. What coaching actually is (and what it isn’t). The tangi...

Have you ever sent an email that seemed clear—only to have it misread? In this episode, we unpack why written communication so often gets lost in translation. Learn how to make your writing kinder, clearer, and more effective, and discover a simple tool that can help you structure your messages, so they land the way you intend. In this episode I share practical strategies to improve your written c...

Some days, our mind feels like a peaceful garden—things in order, some beautiful orchids hanging in the corner and a gentle breeze blowing. Other days? It’s a full-on three-ring circus with monkeys swinging from the rafters. Today we’re going to talk about how to calm the noise, reframe your self-talk, and cultivate a mental space that helps you, not hinders you. Imagine your mind garden: what you...

Those of you that have been in my world for a while know that I am not a fan of annual reviews. Mainly because most companies don’t make the effort to do them well. They pull out the form and check all 5’s so that they don’t hurt the employees’ feelings and treat them as a quick check the box exercise so that HR leaves them alone. And let’s be real—most annual reviews are dreaded by everyone. They...

Today’s episode might sting a little… but it’s something you need to hear. Are you an unintentional bully? It’s not a title any of us want, but if we’re honest—gossip has probably come out of our mouths more times than we care to admit. We’ve all been there: You’re frustrated. Someone dropped the ball. You need to vent. You share it with someone “just to get it off your chest.” But here’s the thin...

Letting someone go is never easy — but sometimes it’s necessary. In this episode, we’re walking through the steps you should take before making that decision. We'll talk about coaching conversations, documenting performance, and asking the critical question: Should they be fired — or would they thrive in a different role? 📢We’ll also cover my #1 rule when it comes to terminations: It should never...

“Have you ever caught yourself thinking, ‘That’s an HR issue’? Or handed off a tough employee conversation because, well... isn’t that what HR is for?” Quick preview of what’s coming: Common misconceptions about HR What’s actually a leader’s responsibility How to work with HR, not dump on them The Misunderstanding: What HR Isn’t HR isn’t your clean-up crew. HR doesn’t manage your people — you do ....

Today we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for a reset: why hiring for skills and mindset matters more than hiring for a degree. Especially in small businesses, this can be the difference between landing your next great team member — or missing out because of outdated job requirements. We’ve all been trained to think a degree equals readiness. But here’s the truth: a diploma doesn’t guara...

Not everything can be a priority. Effective time management starts with making purposeful choices, managing your energy, and setting boundaries that protect your focus. “Do you ever look at your to-do list and feel your heart rate go up?” The Why : Why everything feels like a priority (client expectations, team needs, our own ambition). A Mindset Shift: Not Everything Deserves Your Yes The id...

Have you ever felt guilty for taking a vacation? Have you packed your laptop “just in case,” only to end up answering emails from the beach or joining Zoom calls from your hotel? You’re not alone. But you are missing the point of PTO. Today, we’re diving into the importance of real time off. Why taking a vacation and unplugging matters.   The best leaders I know build white space into their c...

Have you ever given what you thought were really clear instructions on a project—only to have it go completely sideways? Ever found yourself thinking, “I swear I explained this already…”? If you’re nodding right now, you are not alone—and this episode is definitely for you.   🔹 The Myth of Common Sense Here’s a hard truth: What’s obvious to you is not obvious to everyone else. And yet, we op...

Today we’re talking about something simple but powerful: the One-on-One Conversation . You know, the one meeting that has the power to boost trust, improve performance, and create real connection between you and your team members—but too often it gets skipped, rushed, or you treat it like a troublesome item to check off your to-do -list. Today we’re going to change that. What to listen for: Let’s...

Ever feel like running your business should be easier than it is? Does it feel like you are constantly juggling people problems, customer demands, and a to-do list that never ends—and wondering, “Why isn’t this working better?” If you’ve ever thought this, you are in the right place. Welcome to Build a Better Business—a weekly podcast about leadership, communication, culture, and all the moving pi...