Unapologetic

Hosted by Tara Leson

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-CA

About the show

Welcome to Unapologetic. Expect unfiltered, real talk about business and life, and making an impact in both.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 7, 2026Episode 11527 min

You don't have to... copy anyone else's strategy to be successful

This is the 3rd episode in the 'you don't have to' mini series and today it's all about something I talk about A LOT. It's probably also one of the biggest traps to fall into in business, because there are so many options out there that are being sold to you constantly telling you that if you 'just follow these 5 steps' or implement THIS exact framework, that's the way success will surely come. Copy this, steal my strategy... so you too can be just as successful. Except that's not the way it works. Your definition of success comes from finding the strategies that work for YOUR business, based on your goals, your life, and your circumstances. Not copying what someone else has done 🤍 I'd love to hear your thoughts after you give this episode a listen! Top takeaways from this episode... ✨ The main ways these ineffective 'steal my strategy to become successful' show up and how to make sure you aren't falling into the trap ✨ Why copying someone else's 'tried and true' strategy doesn't work for your business even if it worked for hers... ✨ Five questions to ask yourself to get clear on what YOU really want and the strategies that make sense for you and your business Check out all the details for Impact and add to your name to the waitlist here! We're kicking off officially on September 28 and if you're looking for a blend of customized 1:1, group, and community support for the fall and into the new year - I'd love for you to see if Impact would be a fit! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

August 31, 2026Episode 11422 min

You don't have to... have a team to have a successful online business

This is the second episode in my 'you don't have to' mini series and today I'm tackling the topic of having a team. I'm 100% NOT opposed to having a team. And that's like with all of these topics that I'm challenging and talking about in this series, there's nuance and it's the bigger issue of what's commonly seen and heard and the blanket statements of: 'this is required for success'. When it's not. The reason I love having these conversations is because there are so many ways business can look and I truly believe no one should be forced into a box of - it has to be 'x' when there are about a million ways it CAN look and you can be successful. The bottom line is you DON'T have to have a team to be successful as a business owner online or to make a lot of money. There's a lot of context and nuance around this topic and considerations that I go over in this episode that I don't hear talked about a lot, which also play into whether this is the right choice for you or not. But that's what it comes down - is right for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts after you give the episode a listen!! Top takeaways from this episode... ✨ The importance of defining your own success and goals before hiring ✨ Why my honest thoughts on having a team doesn't contradict the work I do, it enhances it ✨ Top things to think about before - 'do you need a team and who do you need hire if you do' ✨ Tradeoffs to keep in mind when hiring a team member beyond the simple - they'll take work off your plate ✨ The most important mindset shift to make when running your business as a solopreneur Book a free systems and strategy session if you want to chat about through this for your business and what makes sense for your OR to get a clear on your next steps towards consistent clients and income! If you're listening on Aug 31 - it's the LAST day to take advantage of $500 off of the 6 Week Intensive!! We can work together on creating the strategy and implementing the systems for your next launch or refining one of your offers - with or without a team! Check out all the details here! The waitlist is open for Impact! Check out the details and add your name to be the first to grab one of the spots and join us when we kick off in September! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

August 24, 2026Episode 11325 min

You don't have to... have a big audience or a huge email list to be successful

This is the first in the 6 episode series - 'You don't have to' where I'm challenging and breaking down some of the common things we hear online that are "required" for success. The 'should's' and blanket statements that get thrown out as what's needed to make money, get clients consistently, and be successful. Today I'm chatting about big audiences and the 10K email subscriber list. You don't 'have' to have either to be successful, AND of course, that comes with nuance, and depends on YOUR business - all of which I cover in the episode. There's ONE thing though that is always needed and will differentiate you regardless of your audience size, type of business, or really anything else - CONNECTION. Big or small, the business owners who are putting in time to connect and are doing it for real (not through an AI bot) are coming out ahead. Top takeaways from this episode... ✨ The one question I always come back to for myself and clients and why you don't need tens of thousands of followers or email subscribers to make money online ✨ How blanket statement advice breaks down because every business has different goals, offers, and capacity ✨ Why growing an email list is absolutely needed, but making audience and list growth your sole focus can take away from what will actually result in clients ✨ When audience growth DOES matter but connection is the actual key for sales and conversions ✨ Automate your tasks, not connections to stay connected and build relationships no matter the size of your business Until Aug 31 when you sign up for the 6 Week intensive, you'll still receive $500 off and we can work together on creating the strategy and implementing the systems for your next launch or refining one of your offers - without needing a huge audience and focusing on that connection piece! Check out all the details here! The waitlist is open for Impact! Check out the details and add your name to be the first to grab one of the spots and join us when we kick off in September! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

August 17, 2026Episode 11229 min

One thing I know for sure, AI is NOT coming for my business...

One thing I've seen a lot of lately - 'AI is coming for your business...' And one thing I've said a lot of now and over time: No. It is not. Not mine anyways... Besides the fact that I think it's a lot of fear mongering from people trying to get you to buy their newest AI creation that will solve all your problems and make you a millionaire... I actually think there's a smarter way to look at. It goes back to what people actually want and what AI can NEVER do. Be human 🤍 I'd love to hear your thoughts and how you use (or don't use) AI in your business! Top takeaways from this episode... ✨ Human connection is key to authentic business growth ✨ How I've seen AI being overused and the only way it would actually be able to take over your business ✨ What I TRIED using it for (and it was basically a fail) ✨ The ONE time saving thing I do use AI for now... ✨ The biggest thing to consider when you choose to use AI (IMO...) The waitlist is open for Impact!! Check out all the details and add your name here! If you're looking for 1:1 support for a launch or refining one of your offers - the 6 Week Intensive is $500 off until Aug 31! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

August 10, 2026Episode 11134 min

I don't 'launch' like anyone else does... you don't have to either.

Whether you find launching the easiest thing ever or the thought of it makes you want to crawl into a hole and cease to exist... I think you'll enjoy this episode. I've always had different thoughts about it. Even when it seemed like everyone could just throw out anything (and I mean ANYTHING) back in 2020 and it would apparently sell out in seconds. I also have a lot of thoughts on all of that which I might share at another time, but today I'm talking about 'launching' or promoting something - offer, service, product - and doing it differently. Doing it in a way that actually feels good to YOU because although there are truly no secrets, the 'not a secret' to launching, promoting, selling, and doing it successfully is when you find what feels best and works for YOU and double down on that. Top takeaways from this episode... ✨What works for ONE does not work for all... the key is finding what works best for you. ✨I'm breaking down how to find what's best for your business ✨Know your people - it's not just about what you're selling, but WHO you're marketing to ✨Being honest with yourself about your capacity and energy levels is going to make the process so much more enjoyable Want to plan out your next launch together in the 6 Week Intensive?? Book a free strategy and systems session so we can chat about what that looks like! ($500 off until Aug 31!) Join us for Tech Help Desk - the topic this month is all about launching and promo! This Thursday, August 13 you can also join me for free for my Planning for a Stress-free Break from Business Workshop - sign up here! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

August 3, 2026Episode 11021 min

Fuck yeah. I'm back... and more unapologetic than ever.

I am so happy to be back recording the podcast!! And I DID need the break to clear my head and figure out what I wanted to do with it. Figuring that out, as well as my thoughts on business overall, really came back to one question that I share in the episode and that I always ask clients or anyone in this situation. When the path is feeling unclear or like there's pressure to do things a certain way and 'fit in' because that's what it seems like you 'should' do... I'm also sharing a bit about what's upcoming 👀 A few main takeaways from this episode... ✨ The question I come back to stay true to MY own vision instead of conforming to societal expectations ✨ Taking time off from your business is essential (especially to maintain your sanity) ✨ Why I believe authenticity and honesty are more valuable than flashy success stories. ✨ You can build a wildly successful business that also allows you to enjoy your life. ✨ Prioritizing your mental health and self-care is a must for long term success Sign up here to join me for my free workshop - Planning for a stress-free break from business! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

February 18, 2026Episode 10923 min

The last episode... for now.

This episode honestly took me a couple weeks to record. Not only because life has been crazy and the world has been extra heavy, but because in a way I didn't want to. I LOVE podcasting. I was so proud of starting this podcast, continuing for almost 2 years pretty much straight (little breaks here and there), reaching 100 episodes, having the guests on that I wanted to, and making it MINE. I've never cared about vanity metrics or if I'm in the top whatever, it was something I could say I did and made it my own. I talked about so many things I truly care about and always showed up 100% authentically. To the point where, I'm pretty sure I forgot to edit out some things I meant to. But that was kind of the point. To be UNAPOLOGETIC. To show up the way that felt good to me, to share what I felt was important, and to continue because I loved it. Making this decision was hard AF. But right now, it's the right one. I talk about why, how this relates to doing what's best for you personally and your business, and what's next. As always, go after everything you fucking want. And be unapologetic about it 🤍 Grab your spot for my upcoming masterclass Simplify to Scale! Book a FREE Strategy and Systems to Scale Session here! Grab the Free 2026 Revenue Planner! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

January 21, 2026Episode 10838 min

Unapologetic Marketing - Ditch the Trends for Better Results

If marketing trends have never been your thing but you've always felt like you 'should' take part because, of course, you'll probably miss out if you don't - this episode is for you. I talk a lot about structuring your business your way, choosing what you want to do, and that includes choosing what you DON'T. And if you don't want to do Black Friday, if you're not into the whole New Year, New Me, you're in the fitness industry and can't get onboard with all the weight loss marketing, I have great news - you never have to. Today I'm chatting about how to get unapologetic with your values and beliefs in your business so that you can become so convicted that you don't feel the pull of the 'should's' and can actually decide how YOU want to market your business (and get better results for it). I'll also be diving into some of the strategy around what you CAN still do during these seasonal marketing trend times when you're aren't 'trending' but can take advantage of the fact that people are primed to buy. I'm tying up the episode with 3 questions to ask yourself so you can market the way YOU want this year and get the results you want from it: Are there ways you're marketing in your business that don't actually feel aligned but you feel like you're doing because you 'should'? How are you going to lean into being more unapologetic about your business values regardless of if they follow the hot trends or not? How are you connecting with your ideal clients vs trying to 'market' perfectly so that they'll buy? I'd love to hear your takeaways after you listen! Book a FREE Strategy and Systems to Scale Session here! Grab the Free 2026 Revenue Planner! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

January 14, 2026Episode 10744 min

Empowering Women to Break the Cycle of Burnout with Maude Burger-Smith

Today on the podcast I have Maude joining me to have a conversation about a perfect topic to be thinking about at the beginning of the year - burnout. And most importantly, what we can do as women to prevent burnout, in both our lives and businesses. We have a great discussion about our takes on the societal pressures on women that lead to burnout and how you can break these patterns, set boundaries that make sense (and don't mean you're a bitch...), and say NO without guilt. That last one, we ALL need more of. Tune in as Maude shares her expertise and work with clients as a Burnout and Leadership Coach, as well as the ways she's shifted her own thinking around the pressures and expectations that lead to burnout so you can do the same!! ABOUT MAUDE Maude is a burnout prevention and leadership coach for women. She has 15 years of corporate experience; is multi-modally trained; holds ICF accreditation and works in the burnout prevention/high functioning depression space - particularly supporting women in professional and personal growth. CONNECT WITH MAUDE HERE: https://www.coachingwithmaude.com/exhale-1-on-1-coaching ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/maude-burger-smith/ Book a FREE Strategy and Systems to Scale Session here! Grab the Free 2026 Revenue Planner! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.

January 7, 2026Episode 10635 min

Unapologetic Revenue Goals for 2026

Happy 2026!! In today's episode I'm talking all about revenue goals, something that a lot of us are thinking about right now as we go into a new year and consider the goals we'd like to achieve in 2026, of course a big one of those being - revenue. I'm covering: What holds us back from setting higher revenue goals instead of the 'I'm just going to settle with this' number, and how you can get unapologetic with your revenue goals for 2026 The practical side of reaching your revenue goals and if your unapologetic number is possible NOW The way my clients and I stay on track and focused to hit our revenue goals, and how you can customize this same process to work for you! There are 3 questions I'm leaving you with to tie up the episode: What is YOUR unapologetic revenue goal for 2026? Can you get there right now with the way your business is currently set up? How are you going to show up both unapologetically and practically so you can meet your goal? Book a FREE Strategy and Systems to Scale Session here! Grab the Free 2026 Revenue Planner! Send us Fan Mail Connect with me here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamtaraleson/ Website: https://www.taraleson.com Check out The Safer List here! It's updated every Tues and Fri with new business owners! The Safer List is a resource for business owners who are looking to make sure they are spending with and supporting businesses who value ALL human rights and are looking to make a POSITIVE difference in the world at a time when we need it most.