Deals with Heels

Hosted by Debra Bowers

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Episodes

122

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Deals with Heels is a leadership and business podcast for entrepreneurs, executives, and sales leaders who want clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. Hosted by Debra Bowers, the show explores leadership decision-making, sales psychology, communication, and the human side of business through real conversations and practical insight. Each episode helps listeners lead better, sell with integrity, and build a business that works for real life.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 12146 min

Growth Is Supposed to Feel Good. So Why Does It Feel So Heavy with Lauren Zaslansky Conner

Episode DescriptionGrowth is often portrayed as the goal.More revenue. More customers. More opportunity.But behind the scenes, growth can create something much heavier: more decisions, more pressure, more complexity, and more responsibility resting on the shoulders of leaders and founders.In this episode of Deals with Heels, Debra Bowers sits down with fractional COO and revenue operations strategist Lauren Zaslansky Conner to explore what really happens during the messy middle of growth.Together they discuss founder bottlenecks, decision fatigue, operational complexity, change management, team empowerment, customer experience, burnout, and why many organizations struggle not because of a lack of opportunity, but because their systems, processes, and leadership capacity haven't evolved alongside their growth.Lauren shares practical insights from years of helping growing organizations create structure, improve communication, and navigate change without sacrificing their people in the process.If you've ever felt overwhelmed by growth, stuck in constant decision-making, or frustrated by organizational friction, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at what sustainable growth actually requires.Key TopicsThe hidden weight of growth and leadershipThe messy middle of business growthWhy founders become organizational bottlenecksDecision fatigue and leadership overwhelmGrowth versus operational readinessThe connection between sales, operations, and customer experienceWhy organizations struggle with change managementEmpowering employees without creating confusionThe role of systems, documentation, and process clarityWhy retention is often more valuable than acquisitionCommunication breakdowns during growthThe dangers of burnout by exampleLeadership modeling and workplace cultureUnlimited PTO, vacation culture, and employee well-beingWhy businesses aren't families—and why that distinction mattersBuilding sustainable growth through clarity and intentional leadershipResourcesConnect with Our Guest, Lauren Zaslansky ConnerZAZ Business SolutionsHelping growing organizations navigate the messy middle of growth through operational clarity, strategic planning, revenue operations, and sustainable systems.Website:https://zazbusinesssolutions.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenzaslanskyconnerInterested in exploring what's creating friction in your growth or operations? Lauren welcomes conversations with founders and leaders navigating periods of change, scale, and organizational complexity.Connect with Debra Bowers & Stay Connected with Deals with HeelsLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/Free Resource – 5 Signs Your Growth Is Breaking:https://5signs.thegrowthvanguard.com/The Human Sales Playbook:https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookThe Growth Vanguard:https://thegrowthvanguard.com/Hexagon Media:https://hexagonmedia.net/If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a leader, founder, or colleague who needs to hear it.Deals with Heels is where we explore the human side of leadership, growth, sales, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become as leaders.Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if you're enjoying these conversations, please leave a review. Your reviews help more listeners discover the show and support our ability to bring thoughtful, meaningful conversations to a wider audience.🎙 Follow Deals with Heels on your favorite podcast platform⭐ Leave a review and help us grow📢 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from the conversationUntil next time, stand strong in your power—especially when it gets uncomfortable.

June 9, 2026Episode 12039 min

When Financial Pressure Stops Being About Money with Sue Schuster

Episode DescriptionMost business owners believe financial decisions are based on logic.Look at the numbers. Work harder. Stay disciplined. Push through.But beneath many financial decisions lies something far more powerful: fear.In this episode of Deals with Heels, Debra Bowers sits down with business funding strategist Sue Schuster to explore the emotional relationship founders have with money, risk, growth, and responsibility.Together they discuss why so many entrepreneurs rely on personal credit, wait too long to seek funding, struggle to price their services confidently, and carry financial pressure alone.Sue shares lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey and explains how founders can begin making funding decisions from strategy rather than survival.Whether you're scaling a business, navigating financial uncertainty, or questioning your next growth move, this conversation offers practical insights into the mindset and financial habits that shape long-term success.Key TopicsFear-driven vs. strategy-driven financial decisionsWhy founders often wait too long to seek fundingThe emotional relationship entrepreneurs have with moneyPersonal credit vs. business creditThe hidden risks of bootstrapping everything yourselfHow financial pressure impacts decision-makingUnderstanding business funding optionsThe dangers of merchant cash advances (MCAs)Why many business owners underprice their servicesStanding confidently in your value and pricingThe role of financial advisors, CFOs, and strategic partnersBreaking financial decisions down into manageable numbersBuilding a business that supports sustainable growthResourcesConnect with our Guest Sue SchusterBiz-fi.io Business funding and capital strategy resourcesWebsite https://biz-fi.io/sue-schusteremail sue@biz-fi.ioConnect with Debra Bowers Our Amazing HostLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/Free Resource - 5 Signs Your Growth is Breaking https://5signs.thegrowthvanguard.com/The Human Sales Playbook https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookThe Growth Vanguard https://thegrowthvanguard.com/Hexagon Media https://hexagonmedia.net/Stay Connected with Deals with HeelsIf this conversation resonated with you, share it with a leader, founder, or colleague who needs to hear it.Deals with Heels is where we explore the human side of leadership, growth, sales, decision-making, and the moments that shape who we become as leaders.Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and if you're enjoying these conversations, please leave a review. Your reviews help more listeners discover the show and support our ability to bring thoughtful, meaningful conversations to a wider audience.🎙 Follow Deals with Heels on your favorite podcast platform⭐ Leave a review and help us grow📢 Share this episode with someone who could benefit from the conversationUntil next time, stand strong in your power—especially when it gets uncomfortable.

June 2, 2026Episode 11936 min

How Great Leaders Build Trust Without Sacrificing Results with Kathy Eastwood

DescriptionLeadership isn't a choice between results and people.The strongest leaders know how to build trust, accountability, and performance at the same time.In this conversation, Debra Bowers sits down with leadership strategist Kathy Eastwood, creator of the E3 Leadership Code, to explore why so many organizations struggle with burnout, disengagement, and mistrust—and what leaders can do differently.Drawing from decades of executive leadership experience with organizations including EY, Hewlett Packard, startups, and private equity-backed companies, Kathy shares practical insights on navigating difficult decisions, creating psychological safety, building accountability, and leading through pressure without sacrificing humanity.Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or trying to create a healthier culture inside your organization, this episode offers a powerful reminder that trust isn't the opposite of performance—it's the foundation of it.Key Topics & Main IdeasHuman-centered leadership in high-pressure environmentsWhy leadership is often confused with controlBuilding trust before difficult decisions ariseThe hidden emotional burden leaders carryHow to handle layoffs and organizational change with dignityThe importance of psychological safety at workWhy employees need purpose, belonging, and clarityFear-based leadership vs. trust-based leadershipHow communication failures create organizational disconnectCreating alignment during periods of uncertaintyThe role of accountability without blameWhy expectations must be clearly definedThe connection between leadership and sales psychologyUnderstanding what motivates different peopleSelf-awareness as the foundation of effective leadershipEmotional regulation and leadership under pressureHow curiosity strengthens leadership relationshipsCreating sustainable performance without burnoutResourcesKathy Eastwood - Guest Website: https://kathyeastwood.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyeastwood/Instagram: @kathyeastwoodleadershipDebra Bowers - host - The Growth Vanguardhttps://thegrowthvanguard.comFree Resources:The Human Sales Playbook https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookFive Signs Your Growth Is Breakinghttps://5signs.thegrowthvanguard.com/Debra's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/If today's conversation resonated with you, if it challenged how you think about leadership, growth, or the pressures organizations face beneath the surface, then Deals with Heels is where those conversations continue, and I am happy you are here.Every week, I sit down with leaders, founders, experts, and change-makers to explore what actually drives sustainable growth—from trust and leadership to sales, culture, customer experience, and the human realities behind performance.Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you found value here today, I'd be grateful if you'd share the show with someone who could benefit from the conversation. It's one of the most meaningful ways to support the show.Until next week, Stand strong in your power- especially when it gets uncomfortable. Debra

May 26, 2026Episode 11840 min

When Growth Starts Breaking Leaders: Trust, Burnout & the Hidden Cost of Carrying Too Much with DeeAnn Palin

Episode Description:Leadership pressure rarely arrives all at once. It builds quietly through growth, responsibility, constant decisions, and the weight of people depending on you.In this deeply honest conversation, Debra Bowers sits down with leadership strategist and business consultant DeeAnn Palin to explore what really happens behind the scenes as organizations scale — and the emotional, operational, and relational costs leaders often carry silently.After leading major teams inside organizations like Target, Motorola, and the Phoenix Suns, DeeAnn now works with founder-led CEOs navigating rapid growth, leadership breakdowns, burnout, trust issues, and decision fatigue. Together, Debra and DeeAnn unpack why what built a company often won’t sustain it, why middle management is one of the hardest roles in business, and how organizations quietly begin breaking when trust, alignment, and communication fall behind growth.This episode goes far beyond traditional leadership advice. It explores emotional exhaustion, organizational pressure, sales culture, customer experience, founder identity, and why many leaders lose themselves while trying to hold everything together.If you’re a founder, executive, manager, entrepreneur, or someone carrying more than people realize, this conversation will hit home.Key Topics & Main IdeasThe emotional cost of leadership and growthWhat breaks down when companies scale too quicklyWhy CEOs silently carry overwhelming pressureTrust, alignment, and communication inside organizationsLeadership loneliness and executive burnoutWhy middle management is often the hardest role in businessSales culture vs. enterprise growth cultureCustomer experience as part of the growth cycleDecision fatigue and organizational misalignmentBuilding loyalty and trust in modern workplacesThe shift away from “clock-in culture”Why high performers leave organizationsCreating healthy company culture and accountabilityFounder identity and leadership evolutionHow leaders reconnect with clarity and intuitionPractical strategies for avoiding burnout and overwhelmResources & Links🌐 DeeAnn Palin – OnPoint Business Solutionshttps://www.onpointbiz.com🌐 Learn more about Debra Bowers & The Growth Vanguardhttps://thegrowthvanguard.com📘 Download Resources from The Growth VanguardThe Human Sales Playbook https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookFive Signs Your Growth Is Breaking https://5signs.thegrowthvanguard.com/🎙️ Follow & Subscribe to Deals with Heels so You Don't Miss Out Future Episodes and ConversationsAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

May 19, 2026Episode 11637 min

Breaking the Silence: Women, Money, and Hidden Vulnerabilities with Anna Felix

SUMMARYThis episode dives into the often-overlooked emotional and practical aspects of women’s financial health, emphasizing the importance of awareness, communication, and proactive planning. Debra Bowers hosts Anna Felix, a financial strategist, to share insights on how women can step into financial ownership before crises strike.Main topics - key insights:The hidden vulnerabilities women face regarding finance, often due to conditioning and societal normsThe emotional impact of unexpected life changes like death or divorce on financial stabilityHow to start and sustain conversations about money with partners, family, and in business settingsRecognizing red flags in financial situations, including hesitancy and misinformationPractical steps for women to gather and organize their financial documents and informationOvercoming cultural, religious, or personal barriers to financial involvementThe importance of regular financial check-ins and transparency in relationshipsEncouragement to view financial planning as a love letter to loved ones and a gift of securityResources & Links:https://annafelix.com/https://www.thegrowthvanguard.comThe Human Sales Playbook https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebook5 Signs Your Growth is Breaking https://5signs.thegrowthvanguard.com/Anna Felix LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/annafelix-smartmoney/ or reach out to Anna here 209 613 9445 anna.felix@strongholdpartners.comOur Host Debra Bowers' LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/Final notes:This conversation emphasizes that financial awareness and dialogue are vital tools for women to foster security and confidence, and not just for their own benefit, but as a gift to those they love. Starting the conversation can feel daunting, but it’s an investment in a more secure future, and it all begins with just one step—making that list, having that talk, and staying engaged.If you enjoyed this conversation, if it changed how you think about leadership, decision making or how you grow your business, please follow Deals with Heels so you don't miss out of future conversations! Please Like, Share and Subscribe to Help our Show!

May 12, 2026Episode 11635 min

The Surprising Power of Community Support in Destigmatizing Women's Health Issues - with Lauren Barker

SummaryJoin Debra Bowers, host of Deals with Heals, as she uncovers how Lauren Barker, CEO of Uresta, is transforming one of the most taboo health issues into a movement of trust, honesty, and humor. Discover the surprising strategies that break through shame, turning hesitant customers into loyal advocates without costly procedures or prescriptions.In this episode, Debra explores the critical role of community support in destigmatizing bladder leakage, and how genuine stories and social proof accelerate demand for solutions that truly improve lives. Lauren shares the power of humor, education, and real customer experiences in building trust in a private, sensitive space—proving that vulnerability can be your loudest marketing voice. You'll discover the importance of tapping into authentic customer feedback, creating accessible products that fill a market gap, and leveraging social proof to overcome societal conditioning about women’s health. Lauren also emphasizes the unique challenge of communicating complex medical solutions visually and how understanding your audience’s emotional journey leads to more impactful marketing. If you're a business builder working in a sensitive or taboo niche, this episode is your playbook for turning hesitation into action, building community, and transforming perception from shame to empowerment. Perfect for entrepreneurs, health innovators, and marketers ready to challenge societal taboos—this is the episode that will inspire you to lead with honesty, humor, and heart. Lauren Barker is the CEO and co-founder of Uresta, an FDA-cleared bladder support device designed to help women live leak-free. Her journey from finance into Femtech has made her a powerful advocate for women’s health, leveraging community, education, and innovative product solutions to change millions of lives. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind building trust in taboo markets and turning shy customers into outspoken champions. This episode is your guide to making authentic connections that drive demand and create lasting impact. Learn more about Uresta and Lauren's mission at urusta.com and join the conversation through their active social channels. This is more than a product—it's a movement to normalize women's health and turn silence into strength. Main Topics:Transition from finance to Femtech and the importance of authentic storytellingBuilding trust with women on stigmatized health issues using humor, education, and real storiesCreating a supportive community through Facebook groups and social proofSelf-managed, FDA-cleared solutions that fill a critical gap in women’s healthThe role of social proof and influencer marketing in taboo topicsEmphasizing customer feedback and continuous product evolutionAddressing emotional and lifestyle impacts of bladder health issuesDemystifying market barriers with accessible, over-the-counter solutionsResources & Links:The Growth Vanguard https://www.thegrowthvanguard.comUresta Website: https://urusta.comUresta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myuresta/Facebook Community - Uresta Insiders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/urestainsiderHuman Sales Playbook (Free Resource): https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookBook Suggestion: "Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller: https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Donald-Miller/dp/0718033329Connect with Lauren Barker:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-barker/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauren_barkerJoin us on Deals with Heals as we dive into transformative conversations that challenge the status quo and empower you to lead with authenticity and courage. Subscribe now to never miss an episode and connect with us on social media to join our growing community of change-makers. Your journey to impactful growth starts here! Stand Strong in your Power, Especially When it Gets Uncomfortable Like, Share & Tell Your Friends

May 5, 2026Episode 11537 min

The 90-Day Revenue Strategy Solopreneurs Need for Sustainable Success with Sue Pats

SummaryThis episode explores the realities of building a sustainable online business, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, realistic expectations, and emotional resilience. Guest Sue Patz shares her inspiring journey of recovery and her strategies for solopreneurs to generate consistent income while maintaining well-being.Key TopicsThe importance of simplicity in business systemsRealistic expectations for revenue growthEmotional resilience and mindset managementChapters00:00 The Promise of Quick Income in Online Business01:04 Rebuilding After Adversity: Sue's Journey03:11 Understanding the Solopreneur Experience06:33 Simplifying Business Operations09:38 The Importance of Focus in Marketing13:15 Managing Expectations and Emotional Burden18:54 The Reality of Consistent Revenue Generation24:43 Emotional Resilience and Mindset in Business27:48 Leveraging Done-For-You Products32:56 Connecting with Sue: Resources and PlatformsGUEST RESOURCESRapid Revenue Blueprint - https://example.com/rapid-revenue-blueprintSue Patz's Website - https://newbeginning.comLinkedIn Profile of Sue Patz - https://linkedin.com/in/sumedha-patwardhanSystem.io Platform - https://system.ioCourses.gg Platform - https://courses.ggHOST RESOURCESDebra's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/The Growth Vanguard website https://www.thegrowthvanguard.comThe Human Sales Playbook https://www.thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookIf you got anything from this episode, if it changed how you think about revenue, leadership and mindset - Please LIKE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Until next time Stand Strong in Your Power, Especially When it Get's Uncomfortable!

April 28, 2026Episode 11439 min

Overcoming Fear and Rejection in Leadership and Sales with LaQuincia Nichols

SUMMARYIn this episode, Debra Bowers interviews leadership coach LaQuincia about the internal and external challenges high-achieving women face when speaking up, setting boundaries, and advocating for themselves. They explore practical strategies for overcoming fear, handling rejection, and building confidence in leadership and sales contexts.KEY TOPICSInternal barriers to speaking upThe cost of silence in businessStrategies for building confidence and advocacyHandling rejection and feedbackThe importance of structured conversations in conflict resolutionTAKEAWAYSSpeaking up is crucial for revenue, boundaries, and self-respect.Internal fears and social programming often hold women back from advocating for themselves.Asking for what you want can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.Practicing structured conversations helps manage conflict and build trust.Feedback from clients and colleagues is a valuable tool for growth. GUEST RESOURCESTitle: S.P.A.R.K 30 ChallengeWhat/Why: Transform how you show up—unleash your fiercest truth and master a tough conversation you have been avoiding in just 30 days with the SPARK Challenge. This game-changer gives you the courage, clarity, and strategies to bring your boldest self to your biggest challenges in all areas of your life.How (Landing Page Link): https://www.experience-coaching.com/spark-challengeExperience Coaching Website - https://experience-coaching.comhttps://www.instagram.com/quincie_experience_coaching/www.linkedin.com/in/laquincia-nichols-741833bhttps://www.facebook.com/laquincianicholsHOST RESOURCESHuman Sales Playbook – Sell With Confidence, Connection & Humanity ⁠⁠https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebook⁠⁠Websites:⁠⁠https://www.hexagonmedia.net⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegrowthvanguard.com⁠⁠Connect with Debra on LinkedIn⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/⁠⁠If this episode changed how you think about leadership, growth and decision making we would love a review! Please LIKE, SHARE, DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE. It really does help us grow our show! Thank you for listening! Remember: Stand Strong in your Power, Especially when it gets Uncomfortable!

April 21, 2026Episode 11338 min

The Power of Letting Go: How Delegation Transforms Your Business with Renee Hastings

SummaryIn this insightful interview, Renee Hastings shares her expertise on the emotional and practical aspects of delegation, trust, and creating space for growth in business. Discover how letting go can lead to increased capacity, better relationships, and a more sustainable business model.Key Topics• Emotional challenges of delegation• Trust issues in leadership• Creating space for growth and innovationGUEST RESOURCESExecutive Help Now - https://www.executivehelpnow.comRenee Speaks Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/renee-speaks/id1541234567HOST RESOURCESHuman Sales Playbook – Sell With Confidence, Connection & Humanity ⁠https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebook⁠Websites:⁠https://www.hexagonmedia.net⁠⁠https://www.thegrowthvanguard.com⁠Connect with Debra on LinkedIn⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/⁠If this episode changed how you think about leadership, growth and decision making we would love a review! Please LIKE, SHARE, DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE. It really does help us grow our show! Thank you for listening! Remember: Stand Strong in your Power, Especially when it gets Uncomfortable!

April 14, 2026Episode 11240 min

The Emotional Cost of Sales: Insights from Justine Beauregard

SummaryExplore the human side of sales with Justine Beauregard, a sales coach and entrepreneur, as she shares her journey from robotic, manipulative sales tactics to a more natural, aligned approach. Learn how emotional resilience, curiosity, and authentic connection can transform your sales experience and results.Key TopicsEmotional Aspects of Sales: Exploring the emotional challenges and personal growth involved in sales roles, moving beyond scripts and techniques to human connection.Personal Sales Journeys: Debra and Justine share their personal experiences in sales, highlighting the transition from scripted environments to more authentic selling methods.Rejection and Resilience: Discussing the emotional impact of rejection in sales and strategies for emotional regulation and resilience.Curiosity and Feedback: The importance of curiosity in understanding client decisions and using feedback for personal and professional growth.Connection and Advocacy: Emphasizing the role of genuine connection and advocacy in successful sales interactions.GUEST RESOURCESWhy You Hate Sales Podcast - https://whyyouhatesales.comSell with Justine - https://sellwithjustine.comHOST RESOURCESHuman Sales Playbook – Sell With Confidence, Connection & Humanity https://thegrowthvanguard.com/free-ebookWebsites:https://www.hexagonmedia.nethttps://www.thegrowthvanguard.comConnect with Debra on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers/If this episode changed how you think about leadership, growth and decision making we would love a review! Please LIKE, SHARE, DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE. It really does help us grow our show! Thank you for listening! Remember: Stand Strong in your Power, Especially when it gets Uncomfortable!