The Self-Employed Life

The final episode after 1000 episodes and 11 years! To close out this epic journey, I share some background on the starting and growth of the show as well as the biggest lessons I've learned from interviewing so many people. I hope you'll take these lessons to heart! I believe there's a lot of value in them for you. Let's stay connected on social and be sure to check out and join me on my next sho...

A lot of creatives think we are doomed to a life without systems because that's not our natural inclination. Our business is "us," which makes it difficult to scale. I know that I personally have trouble making the connection between who I am as a photographer and my branding. Whether or not systems come easily to you, it's time to put on our "big-boy pants." All businesses need to revisit the fun...

A lot of creatives think we are doomed to a life without systems because that's not our natural inclination. Our business is "us," which makes it difficult to scale. I know that I personally have trouble making the connection between who I am as a photographer and my branding. Whether or not systems come easily to you, it's time to put on our "big-boy pants." All businesses need to revisit the fun...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the pleasure of speaking with leadership advisor and host of The Virtual Campfire , Tony Martignetti. Tony shares what it means to live as a multidimensional person in a one-dimensional world, explaining how we are too often asked to compartmentalize or suppress parts of ourselves. Together, we explore why people feel trapped in narrow roles, how i...

As we're getting close to the last episode of The Self-Employed Life podcast, I wanted to leave you with something helpful and actionable. Here it is! Pretty common advice that I offer to many coaching clients and it's certainly a big part of the conversation with prospective members of my High Achievers group. What is the one thing that can change everything? Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbo...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great  pleasure of speaking with the author of the forthcoming book From Fear to Flow: Transcending the Ego and Living the Life You Were Meant to Live,  Tom Roberts. Tom uses his experience on the racetrack and in dentistry to  challenge the conventional view of flow as simply a performance tool and instead presents it as a natural, authentic s...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great pleasure of speaking with occupational health psychologist Dr. Christina Guthier, author of Joyfully Exhausted , about the often misunderstood concept of burnout. We discuss the idea that not all exhaustion is bad, explore the difference between joyful and harmful exhaustion, and examine the effort-reward imbalance that many self-employed...

People are typically very uncomfortable exisitning in what appears to be a paradox. I think where we often get tripped up is when we believe we have to resolve  these tensions—pick one truth and discard the other. But what if wisdom and life comes from learning to stand  in the paradox? To hold both truths at once. Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury – Website Contact Jeffrey...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Katie Keller Wood, Montessori educator, TEDx speaker, and author of the upcoming book Alignment: A Montessori Approach to Reimagining Work-Life Balance. We challenge the myth of work-life balance and instead explore the powerful metaphor of a life mosaic—how different aspects of our life can align without rigid separati...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life  podcast, I had the great pleasure of speaking with learning scientist, curriculum expert, and the "Workshop Whisperer", Julia Phelan. In this episode we explore how well-intended coaches, consultants, and course creators can unknowingly do harm when they don't understand how people actually learn. Julia shares insights into why oversimplified advice disco...

Do you suffer from feelings of overwhelm? Too much going on, too much to do, too much of whatever? I know I do and it's always been a source of wasted energy. In this episode I offer a whole reframing of overwhelm, a shifting of how you might think about it with hopefully positive results. Give it a try! Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury – Website Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyS...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Emily Paul, a member of my High Achievers year-long coaching group. We explored the concept of alchemy—what it really means and why it's essential for entrepreneurs. Emily shares how she helps high-achieving individuals dissolve old patterns, tap into deeper intuition, and reconnect with their authentic selves thr...

I've spent the past five weeks in Paris with one week left. When I left the U.S., I had some very clear intentions. One of them was to explore all the aspects of #TheArtOfLivingWell. I'd like to share what I learned so that you can consider these "luxuries" in your own life. Sell to the Rich: The Insiders Handbook to Selling Luxury – Website Contact Jeffrey – JeffreyShaw.com Books by Jeffrey Shaw...

In this episode of the Self-Employed Life, I had the great privilege of speaking with Nesha Pai, author of the book "Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles". Nesha shared how she transitioned from running a fully remote accounting firm to empowering others to pursue their boldest dreams.  She further explains how personal tragedies deepened her mission. We explored the difference between courage and braver...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great pleasure of speaking with Annette Mason, sabbaticalist and Succession Architect at Trilogy Design Works. Annette shared how intentional sabbaticals can be powerful tools for self-employed individuals to regain clarity, spark creativity, and build sustainable success. We discussed the difference between a vacation and a sabbatical, how to...

In this episode of the Self Employed Life, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Heather Holloway, founder of Holloway Media Services. Heather shared her journey of personal and professional emergence, emphasizing the importance of stress reduction and serving more. We further discussed her social media strategy, focusing on the significance of LinkedIn for business networking and personal bra...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great pleasure of speaking with Rob Hunter about the art of effective communication. Rob shares his insights on why communication is a critical — yet often overlooked — skill in many businesses today. He offers practical tips and strategies to help business owners strengthen their communication and better connect with their teams and clients. R...

One of my goals is to help you develop an Alchemist Mindset. Differing from the concepts of a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. This is to have a willingness to learn from things that have nothing to do with what you do, but turning it into something valuable for yourself. Doing business with you must feel like a luxury - customers will accept no less. My new book, Sell to the Rich: The Insiders...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gayle Friend, founder of Unrestricted Intimacy, about the power of creating deep, meaningful relationships in business. Gayle redefines intimacy as more than just a romantic concept—it's about forming deep, authentic connections with clients through shared experiences, vulnerability, and presence. We explored the often-...

"What motivates us most is the desire to become bolder versions of ourselves." This is a quote from my first book, LINGO, and I believe that to be true. With all the goals we might have, and all the rewards we can pursue, I do believe that continuing to find a bolder version of ourselves is at the heart of our motivation. In the episodes I share a few thoughts on being bold and a wonderful story f...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great pleasure of speaking with Shaneh Woods , CEO of Prosperity First. During our conversation, we discussed the importance of understanding both the soul and science of money, and how mindset and strategy come together to shape financial success. Shaneh shares exceptional insights on breaking through financial ceilings, setting goals with an...

Words have a powerful energy. In this episode I share the importance of paying attention to the energy of words and how to use the right words with careful intention to influence the results you want. Contact Jeffrey –   Website Books   Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable resources to help you – Take The Self-Employed Assessment!   Ever feel like you're all over the plac...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the pleasure of speaking with two guests, Milton Pedraza and Erica Wertheim Zohar, co-authors of High Trust Worth: The New Currency of Business is Not Money, It's Trust . We discuss the power of trust in business and why it is more important now than ever. Drawing from their experience in the luxury market, Milton and Erica break down the five pill...

There are so many options to increase your sales and even more importantly, enhance the experience for your customers. I cover several ideas that you can add to your business that will delight your customers and increase your average sale. Contact Jeffrey –   Website Books   Watch my TEDx LincolnSquare video and please share!   Valuable resources to help you – Take The Self-Employed Assessment!  ...

In this episode of The Self-Employed Life , I had the great pleasure of speaking with Deborah Coviello, author of The CEO's Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track , to talk about what it really means to be a CEO. Deborah explains the power of shifting from a results-driven mindset to one that prioritizes peace of mind. We discuss how that change of thought can lead to better leadership and long-...