Can We Not? Business Is Hard Enough.

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam shares her two essential rules and one habit for effective networking. She emphasizes the importance of mutual value and enjoying the company of networking partners to avoid burnout and ensure that time spent on networking is worthwhile. Sam also discusses how she organizes and categorizes her connections in HubSpot to keep her networking...

Join us for an insightful episode of Lives with Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity as we welcome Colleen, a dynamic guest who blends wisdom and energy. We discuss everything from the importance of self-reflection and sticking to one's values, to the challenging moments of entrepreneurship and business leadership. Colleen shares her journey from attending an improv class to harnessing the positive asp...

Ever find yourself bending over backward to be the cool boss ? The one everyone likes, who’s fun, flexible, and super approachable — only to watch accountability tank, trust slip, and your own confidence take a nosedive? In this quick cast, we’re breaking down the “Cool Boss Trap” — why it happens, how it drains your time and money, and the dead-simple step that gets you out of the pendulum swing...

In this episode, we sit down with Paige, the CEO of Tree Ring Digital, an exceptional marketing agency based in Colorado. Paige shares insights into the messy and vulnerable side of business, discussing moments that drove her 'insane' and how she pivoted to better serve her clients. We explore the challenges of balancing client needs with strategic goals, the impact of AI on marketing, and the imp...

Should Your Virtual Assistant Handle Your Content and Social Media? Find Out Here! In this episode, we tackle a common question: can a virtual assistant (VA) help with content and social media posts? The short answer is yes, but with conditions. We delve into the importance of distinguishing whether you need a strategist or an executor first. Clarity on your ideal customer, messaging, and content...

In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' host Sam dives deep into the revolutionary world of AI with business strategist and branding expert Stephanie Sidebottom. The discussion covers practical applications of AI for business owners, from gamifying sales activities to creating custom AI bots for branding. Stephanie shares her transition to a more aligned business approach, emphasizin...

You’ve probably heard it before: “You need systems in your business.” But what is a system, really? In this quickcast, I’m breaking it down without the jargon. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or you’ve built a few workflows that still feel clunky, we’re walking through what a system actually is, why it matters, and how to keep it simple and scalable. If you’ve ever felt a little embarrassed t...

Welcome to the first live episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity! Join host Sam and her special guest, Bonnie, as they dive into strategies to lead your business with confidence and regain control over chaos. Bonnie, a seasoned executive assistant and now CEO, shares her journey from overcoming unrealistic client expectations to investing in herself. Learn how to set boundaries, the importance o...

Think you need a full playbook, polished SOPs, and perfect systems before you can hire an assistant? Think again. In this quick episode, I’m breaking down the real things you need in place before bringing someone into your business—hint: it’s less than you think. We’ll cover: The myth that keeps leaders stuck and overwhelmed What a “good enough” starting point looks like Why waiting until you're “...

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam guides small business owners and team leaders on how to regain control and confidence in their businesses using a strategic 90-day plan divided into three phases: Getting the Lay of the Land, Simplification, and Getting into a Growth Rhythm. Sam emphasizes the importance of clarity, simplifying processes, and fostering operational efficien...

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam delves into effective interview strategies essential for making sound hiring decisions. Discover the three key aspects to evaluate in candidates: character, competence, and culture fit. Learn to ask better questions that go beyond surface-level inquiries, and avoid common pitfalls that small team and family-run business managers often enco...

Don’t Just Delegate—Create Ownership In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, host Sam discusses the importance of transferring ownership when delegating tasks to ensure accountability and responsibility within a team. She provides practical examples from both personal and professional settings to illustrate how speaking in terms of ownership can lead to better outcomes and more engaged t...

Why Scaling Just Multiplies Pain When You're Already In Chaos In this episode of 'Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity,' Sam dives into the myth that scaling a business will solve existing chaos. Instead, scaling often amplifies existing issues, making them more expensive, exhausting, and messy. Through real-life anecdotes, Sam highlights the red flags that indicate a shaky business foundation and offe...

In this episode of Strategy Solutions and Sanity, business and team strategist Sam tackles the common challenge of being the bottleneck in your business. Sam outlines a clear, step-by-step delegation strategy to help small teams and family-run businesses identify tasks for delegation, create a job description for the business owner, and prioritize activities that can be passed on to others. By bre...

Stuck in Every Decision? Here’s Why Your Team Keeps Coming to You |  Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity In this episode of Strategy, Solutions, and Sanity, host Sam tackles a common issue faced by business owners—having to make every little decision in the team. Designed for second-time entrepreneurs and small family-run businesses, this video provides practical strategies to create a more autonomous...