Beyond Business

The host of Beyond Business (Maddie Silk) breaks down Emotional Intelligence not as a buzzword, but as one of the most overlooked drivers of real business results. She shares how self-awareness, emotional regulation, and reading people in real time show up daily — in client conversations, tough feedback, rejection, and high-pressure moments. Pulling from her own experience in sales, leadership, an...

Hannah and Maddie discuss why many business owners don’t actually need more leads but need a better system for handling and converting the leads they already get, since leads often come in across multiple channels and get missed when life gets busy. They emphasize that today’s consumers expect fast responses, and the first 5–10 minutes after an inquiry is the highest conversion window, using examp...

The host of Beyond Business (Hannah Anderson) discusses “working mom whiplash,” the exhausting daily shift between parenting demands and professional expectations, using spring break childcare, early-morning routines, and sudden school nurse calls as examples. Reframing whiplash as a superpower, she connects it to “code switching,” describing how rapid identity and behavior shifts build elite adap...

In this episode, I (Maddie) sat down with my three boys to get their take on business… and let’s just say, their answers did not disappoint. From what they think a business is, to what they think I do for a living, to their completely unfiltered commentary on why people are in business—this episode is equal parts hilarious and surprisingly insightful. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest (a...

Maddie and Hannah discuss shifting sales expectations, noting that traditional pushy tactics and “sales breath” no longer work because buyers are more educated, have more choices, and prioritize trust. They emphasize selling through relationship-building, authenticity, transparency, and honest expectation-setting, especially in long-term services like marketing. They describe modern salespeople as...

Hannah and Maddie welcome photographer and business owner Leah O’Connell, creator of the weekly “Firefly Letters,” to discuss building a photography business from scratch and evolving it through major life seasons. Leah shares how an early passion for storytelling led from mall portrait studios and camp media work to mentoring opportunities in Hawaii after repeated rejections from a college progra...

Beyond Business hosts Maddie and Hannah interview David Vander Bloomen of the De Pere Chamber about his career pivots from music education to TV photojournalism, marketing, promotional products, law enforcement, and ultimately chamber leadership after injury, burnout, and stress-related health scares. David emphasizes a servant mindset, faith, and clarity of purpose as anchors through change, enco...

In this episode of Beyond Business, Maddie and Hannah discuss the complexities of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life, particularly in the context of parenthood. They address the challenges posed by unexpected events such as snow days and personal illnesses, and the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset. The conversation highlights the need for positive self-talk, rea...

In episode 11 of Beyond Business, hosts Maddie and Hannah delve into the life and career of Sam, a top-producing realtor from Green Bay. Sam shares her inspiring story of being a single mom, her transition from the health and fitness industry to real estate, and how she navigated her career during the unpredictable times of COVID. The discussion highlights the importance of being intentional and e...

In this episode of 'Beyond Business,' we talk to Jennifer Muse, a former teacher turned children's book author. Jennifer opens up about her personal and professional journey, including having a stroke at 39 weeks pregnant, leaving teaching and entering the construction industry. Despite the setbacks, Jennifer found a new sense of purpose by writing a children's book inspired by her...

In this reflective and relatable podcast episode, the hosts reconnect after the holidays to share highlights from family time, travel, and the realities of motherhood during a busy season. They discuss how the end of the year prompted deeper reflection on work-life balance, personal growth, and what it means to be present both at home and in their careers. The conversation naturally transitions in...

In this episode of Beyond Business, host Hannah introduces a new series focusing on marketing insights. The episode dives into the concept of personal branding, challenging the notion that business owners don't need a personal brand. Hannah explains the importance of personal branding as a launch point for all marketing efforts and how it helps build a relatable and trustworthy image. She emphasiz...

In Episode 7 of Beyond Business, we dive into the complexities and misconceptions of scaling a business with special guest Jennifer Bryerton. The conversation challenges the assumption that growth always equates to success. Jennifer shares her journey through entrepreneurship and motherhood, highlighting the importance of intentionality, balance, and prioritizing impact over expansion. Key topics...

In this episode of 'Beyond Business,' hosts Maddie and Hannah discuss the intricate balance between business and personal success. They explore how the mindset behind juggling both spheres is crucial, and emphasize the importance of purposeful marketing over mere strategy. The episode features real-life anecdotes from business owners burned by ineffective marketing tactics and discusses ho...

In this episode of Beyond Business, hosts Maddie and Hannah chat with special guest Erica Gregory, founder of Three Cheers Marketing. Erica shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to starting her own business while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. She discusses the pivotal role her children played in motivating her to pursue entrepreneurship, the importance of having a s...

In episode four, Maddie and Hannah discuss the challenges and techniques of capturing, saving, and organizing information and ideas while on the move. They share personal experiences, strategies, and tools such as the notes app, screenshots, voice memos, and color-coded systems to keep track of ideas. They emphasize the importance of identifying the best times for creative thinking and offer insig...

Hosts Maddie and Hannah dive into a conversation with Susan Doughty-Smith, founder of Talent Advancement Professionals. They discuss Susan's insights on leadership, 'happenstance career theory', culture, and employee engagement. Susan shares her journey from TV news to HR and ultimately entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of humility, continuous growth, and building a cohesive culture wit...

In this episode of Beyond Business, hosts Maddie and Hannah challenge the conventional concept of work-life balance and advocate for a more realistic approach: work-life integration. They discuss how entrepreneurs, leaders, and working parents can blend their professional and personal lives seamlessly to reduce stress and increase fulfillment. They also share practical strategies, including settin...

In this debut episode of Beyond Business, hosts Hannah Anderson and Maddie Silk introduce their new podcast dedicated to exploring life beyond the boardroom. They discuss their background as marketing strategists, share personal stories of how their careers and lives have pivoted, and explain the podcast's core values: consistency, vulnerability, excellence, and curiosity. The hosts also highl...