Build A Better Business

Managers are exhausted — and it’s not because they don’t care or aren’t capable. In this episode, we talk about why middle managers are burning out faster than anyone else, what overwhelm really looks like in leadership roles, and the hidden cost of promoting people without giving them the support they need to lead. If you’ve noticed frustration, disengagement, or inconsistency showing up in your...

Life doesn’t usually ask permission before it changes. It doesn’t check your calendar. And it definitely doesn’t care what’s going on at work. In this episode, I share a personal story about caregiving and how an unexpected life transition reshaped daily routines, capacity, and mental load. From there, the conversation expands into what these moments mean for leadership, company culture, and...

January gives us a natural pause — a chance to reflect, realign, and reset how we work together. But a culture reset doesn’t mean scrapping everything and starting over. It means getting intentional about what matters most and how it shows up every day. In this episode, we talk about how leaders can use the new year to reset culture with clarity, consistency, and purpose — without burning out thei...

When you hear “leadership training,” you might think it’s only for owners, executives, or managers. But the truth is — leadership skills matter at every level of a business. In this episode, we explore why leadership training isn’t just for the C Suite — it’s a gift you can give yourself. From receptionists and project managers to solopreneurs wearing every hat, leadership training helps peop...

As we move into the final two weeks before Christmas, the busy season can easily overshadow the quiet moments that give this time of year its meaning. In today’s episode, we’re slowing things down and exploring the heart of the holiday season— gratitude. We’ll talk about: Why gratitude is especially important this time of year How to cultivate gratitude in the middle of holiday chaos Simple, meani...

As leaders, we love a good goal-setting session — but how often do those big plans actually make it off the page? In this episode, I break down how to create a plan that actually works — one that connects your goals, capacity, and accountability so progress doesn’t stall by February. You’ll learn how to: ✅ Align goals with your real capacity (people, time, and budget) ✅ Define the “why” behind e...

Year-End Reflections: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What to Do Differently. Before you rush into goal setting for next year, hit pause. This episode walks you through a simple, practical reflection process to help you identify what truly worked this year — and what didn’t — so you can build smarter, more sustainable plans for 2026. We’ll talk about: ✅ How to celebrate wins without glossing over l...

Balance, kindness, and creativity during what can be a chaotic time of year. The holidays can bring out the best — and sometimes the most stressful — moments at work. One person loves the decorations, another can’t stand the noise. Some look forward to the party, while others quietly wish it didn’t exist. In this episode of the podcast, I share how leaders can approach the season with thoughtfulne...

January is one of the highest turnover months of the year — not because people want new jobs, but because leaders miss the warning signs in December. In this episode we break down how to recognize burnout, re-engage your team, and plan for staffing success in the new year. Whether you lead a small team or a growing company, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to prevent burnout, boos...

What’s it like to be on the other side of you? In this episode, we dive into one of the most underrated leadership skills — self-awareness. Learn how to recognize blind spots, align your intent with your impact, and create a culture where trust and communication thrive. You’ll hear how internal and external self-awareness shape the way your team experiences you, how to catch subtle cues when your...

In this episode of The Build a Better Business Podcast, we explore the science and strategy behind bringing pets — and even pet imagery — into the workplace. From real dogs under desks to dog wall art on the walls, research shows that our furry friends can reduce stress, strengthen connection, and improve overall well-being. Discover the proven benefits of pets at work, the challenges le...

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 ....