Nurture Small Business

Our partner over at Biggest Goal conducts cohort-style training on creating AI agents to make your business operations more efficient. You can find the information for the most current training here ! And, add code NurtureSB to get a 10% discount!   If it feels like AI is everywhere right now—you’re not alone. Between the nonstop emails, the constant hype, and the pressure to keep up, it’s easy fo...

Finding the right employee often feels like a gamble. A bad choice steals your time, disrupts your culture, and stalls your growth. In this episode of Nurture Small Business , Denise Cagan steps in as your guide to help you move from "gut-feeling" interviews to a predictable, five-piece recruitment system.  Drawing from the principles of Geoff Smart’s Who: The A Method for Hiring , Denis...

Hiring is often reactive. You have an influx of work or attrition, and bam, you need someone now. This creates a lot of stress on you as a manager and business owner. How are you going to get that role filled and manage the work that needs to be done? The cost of putting the wrong candidate is tremendous. How patient are you in waiting to ensure you have the right candidate in the right seat?   Ma...

In this soul-stirring episode of the Nurture Small Business Podcast , host Denise Cagan welcomes spoken word artist, author, and visionary Dr. Yemaja Jubilee. From her early days writing poetry in secret to producing plays and publishing books rooted in personal and cultural history, Dr. Jubilee shares how she channels divine downloads to guide her creativity and purpose.   Listeners will hear abo...

From fashion merchandising at Tommy Hilfiger and Gap to leading e-commerce at Lucky Brand, Tiana Ravden spent over two decades shaping how people experience style. But a personal challenge—ruined silk tops and sweat marks—sparked her entrepreneurial journey and led to the founding of Eroe.     In this episode, Tiana shares how she transformed a DIY solution into a patented product while juggling c...

What if the real reason high-achieving leaders plateau has nothing to do with drive, strategy, or mindset—but something deeper, hardwired into the brain’s survival instincts? In this episode, our host Denise Cagan is joined by a fascinating guest, and together they uncover the invisible ceiling that holds leaders back, even when they’re doing everything right.  Mitch Weisburgh, creator of the Mind...

From her early aspirations as an educator to her experiences in technology, including her time at NASA, Helena's story is one of perseverance. In our latest episode,    ultimately fueled her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to create a business dedicated to empowering others through digital innovation. Helena delves into the art of building impactful online presences through website design...

Could you imagine starting your day tending to patients, then prepping to run your brick-and-mortar business, and on top of that, starting a nursing school? In this episode, our host Denise Cagan sits down with the incredibly driven Allison Lee, an entrepreneur who is living this reality every day.  Allison shares her powerful journey as a first-generation immigrant from Laos, and how the challeng...

Many small business owners have experienced pouring money into campaigns that simply don’t connect with their audience and just don't bring in results. In our latest episode, we're joined by Debbie Oster, a brand and marketing strategist who helps businesses transform those scattered efforts into a focused plan, tailored to their customers.     If you are a small business owner who'...

Failed organizational changes can cost you more than just time and money. In our latest episode, we're joined by Shantera Chatman, a seasoned consultant renowned for her expertise in change management and organizational culture. She's collaborated with major organizations like NASA, Toyota, Lexus, and UNICEF, helping them navigate complex transitions and ensure new initiatives truly take...

Want to learn how to build a sustainable nonprofit that makes a real difference? In our latest episode we're joined by Dr. Shantell Chambliss, the founder of Nonprofitability, a business that elevates nonprofits through expert program design and strategic funding development. She is also the founder of Dress for Success Central Virginia, an affiliate of the international nonprofit organizatio...

Scaling your small business doesn't have to mean sacrificing your sanity.  In our latest episode, we are joined by Annette Lee, Founder and President of Provider Insights, where she shares her secrets to building strong teams, nurturing client relationships, and making data-driven decisions by leveraging her time and talent.   Listen now for practical advice and real-world examples to help yo...

Want to learn how to stop trading hours for dollars? Join us as we chat with Kareen Walsh, a visionary business strategist, author, and podcaster who helps entrepreneurs turn their vision into 7 figure businesses.  Learn how she cloned herself with AI, leveraging cutting-edge technology to create an app that delivers her coaching expertise on-the-go—the innovative Hey Kareen App!   In our latest e...

Tired of feeling drained by difficult clients?  Sometimes, letting go is the best way to grow! Listen now as our host Denise Cagan shares her candid insights on a topic many small business owners avoid: firing clients.   It certainly may seem daunting and even counterintuitive; after all, we all want MORE clients, which means more business! But what if some clients are actually hurting your organi...

You can have the most innovative ideas and strategies, but if you lack emotional intelligence, you might fall short of your leadership potential.  Join us for an insightful conversation with Erica Emmett, founder of FYR Consulting (pronounced fire) and a certified Gallup Strengths coach, as she shares her expertise on the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. With a diverse background...

Think you landed your dream job? A few weeks ago, a very excited young woman contacted Denise Cagan regarding an email she received from Denise's company offering her a very attractive position. The problem was that her company was being impersonated! In this episode, Denise explores how today's increasing reliance on technology has made the job market a prime target for cybercriminals....

Join us in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti, founder and managing partner of Lodestone People Consulting. She is an expert in organizational psychology, specializing in leadership development, assessment, and coaching. Her focus is on optimizing people-related systems, including organizational culture, employee engagement, talent management, and executive coaching.  In this...

Tired of hiring candidates who look great on paper but can't deliver? The cost of bad hires in time, money, and morale is staggering. But what if there's a better way? Robyn Grable, an award-winning advocate for veterans, disabled individuals, and those deserving of a second opportunities, joins us to reveal how business owners can beat the hiring crunch with skills-based hiring. As a Na...

Are you feeling the flames of burnout licking at your heels? You're not alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into the fiery depths of entrepreneurial exhaustion with a woman who's not just an expert, but a survivor.   Meet Julie Bee , burnout strategist, and author of the groundbreaking book, "Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and FUEL Success."  With o...

You can have great processes and technology, but if you don't have the right people-power you will fall short of your goals. Join us for a fascinating chat with Jennifer White, an industrial engineer and process optimization pro from The MJW Group. She'll share how she helps businesses run smoother, using data and a deep understanding of how people interact with systems and technology. L...

Have you ever wondered how the hours you spend sitting each day might be silently sabotaging your health? Sitting for extended periods can lead to many health issues from poor posture to chronic pain. Today’s guest discusses women’s health, corrective exercises, and the impacts of prolonged sitting. For more than 17 years, Holly Beebe has empowered women of all ages to achieve greater fitness, hea...

How can overcoming entrepreneur isolation and fostering authentic social connections lead to greater well-being and success? Today’s guest shares tips on building a thriving support network that fuels both your professional and personal journey.  Meet Melissa Wesner , licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of LifeSpring Counseling Services , a group counseling practice in Maryland. A...

Have you ever experienced the chaos of a poorly executed onboarding process of a new hire? Today’s guest is a training expert focused on small business optimization.  Dr. Tonya Robertson is the owner of Focused Training Solutions , where she assists business owners with the complexities of the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth start for new hires. Tonya’s path to entrepreneurship started durin...

Imagine you could pack one backpack with life lessons, not textbooks. What would you fill it with, and where would you travel to learn them? From Northern Ireland, Bermuda, Vienna, and more, today’s guest has learned many valuable life lessons on her worldwide adventures.  Meet Meg Seitz, Founder and CEO of toth shop , a communications agency that focuses on the human and holistic approach to bran...

In a world where profits often take precedence, how are business leaders embracing their social responsibilities? Today’s guest has donated over four million bras globally, making essential items accessible while promoting environmental sustainability.  Elaine Birks-Mitchell , CEO of The Bra Recyclers focuses on circular economy principles by recycling and reusing bras to prevent landfill waste. R...