Nurture Small Business

Hosted by Denise Cagan

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Episodes

203

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Nurture Small Business shares small business growth ideas, survival strategies, and stories of how women entrepreneurs creatively nurture their businesses for success. Join us as we amplify our voices as one, uplifting and creating a thriving space for women-owned small businesses. Topics included: Bipartisan Legislation that Impacts Women-Owned Small Businesses, Resources for Women Business Owners, Self-Care for Women Small Business Owners, Business Development, Boundaries Within a Family Business, Workplace Culture, Talent Management, Exit and Continuity Plans for Your Business, New Technology, Forecasting, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 522 min

What Squash Bugs Taught Me About Leadership

What do squash bugs, a six-year-old, and business leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Nurture Small Business, our host Denise Cagan explores one of the most underrated yet critical business skills: curiosity. When a struggling home garden led to a series of incorrect diagnoses, it revealed a powerful lesson about modern leadership and problem-solving. Too often, business owners identify the first visible symptom, apply a quick fix, and wonder why the issue persists. The reality? What we see on the surface is rarely the root cause. Through stories from the garden, a candid moment with her granddaughter, and a classic psychology exercise on human perception, Denise illustrates how curiosity helps leaders step past snap judgments, and create workplaces where teams feel safe bringing their best ideas forward. Whether you're troubleshooting a business challenge, navigating a difficult conversation, or leading a growing team, this episode will remind you to pause, dig deeper, and look beyond the obvious. Don't forget to subscribe to Nurture Small Business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with a fellow business owner. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

July 17, 2026Episode 416 min

Getting Past the Ambiguity as You Hire

Hiring can feel like a guessing game—especially when candidates show up with pumped-up resumes but lack the real-world skills your business needs. In this episode of the Nurture Small Business Podcast, host Denise Cagan continues our hiring series by breaking down how to cut through the ambiguity and polished answers to make smart, confident hiring decisions. If you've ever hired someone who interviewed beautifully but struggled on the job, this episode is a must-listen. Denise shares how to move past surface-level, rehearsed answers and structure your hiring interviews to reveal a candidate’s true capabilities. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Spotting the "We" vs. "I" Trap: Learn how to identify candidates who rely heavily on team achievements, and get practical tips on how to probe deeper to clarify their actual, individual contribution. The Power of Structured Interviews: Discover how approaching candidates with structured curiosity and clarity helps you evaluate actual job performance instead of just good interviewing skills. Aligning Your Hiring Process: Learn how to use a Critical Skills Matrix to seamlessly connect your job description, interview questions, and interview criteria into one aligned system. The Working Interview: Explore how practical, real-time working interviews can give you direct insight into how a candidate thinks, organizes, and executes under realistic conditions. Stop guessing and start building a high-performing team. Subscribe to the Nurture Small Business Podcast for more actionable small business hiring tips and management strategies! About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

June 11, 2026Episode 315 min

The Cautious Embracer’s Guide to AI

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 for business owners to feel overwhelmed, unsure of what actually matters, and even a little uneasy about where all this is headed. In this episode of Nurture Small Business , host Denise Cagan cuts through the noise to explore this very real challenge for today’s business owners. Drawing on her decades of experience, and a manufacturing mindset rooted in Quality Assurance, Denise shares a practical perspective: AI isn’t something you fear or blindly chase—it’s something you use intentionally. Join us as she discusses: The delicate balance between opportunity and risk. Real-world productivity gains AI can deliver vs. the critical need for human oversight. Data security, privacy, and long-term platform stability. The promise (and creepiness) of hyper-personalization. Why choosing the right tools matters more than trying every tool. If you’ve been wondering how to adopt AI without getting lost in the hype—or building your business on shaky ground—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward thoughtfully. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

May 19, 2026Episode 216 min

The Guide to High-Impact Hiring

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 , Denise adapts high-level strategies specifically for solopreneurs and small organizations. You’ll walk away with a clear plan to: Ditch the "Brainteasers": Why oddball questions fail and what to ask instead. Define Success: How to shift your focus from knowledge to measurable outcomes. Build Your Scorecard: Standardized evaluation tool to ensure every candidate is viewed through a consistent lens—one that aligns with your required outcomes. Stop guessing and start building a team that actually supports your business. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

March 4, 2026Episode 113 min

Hiring: What the Resume Doesn’t Tell You

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? Many interviewers resort to questions that don’t really give you the information needed to hire. And, many are not trained to dig beyond the surface answers that candidates give. These are answers that are often practiced showing themselves in the best light. There is a way to hire much more predictably. Learn more about role development and how to get beyond the surface answers in this podcast. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

October 15, 2025Episode 1032 min

Poetry, Purpose, and the Power of Dreams with Dr. Yemaja Jubilee

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 about her latest book, Born and Raised Under Jim Crow: Now You Know , her transformative dreams, and her unique acronyms like BYOV [Bring Your Own Voice], BYOT [Bring Your Own Truth], and AI [Authenticity and Integrity]. She also recounts the historic journey of bringing Dr. Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, to Virginia—an effort born from a dream and realized through community collaboration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking inspiration or a creative soul looking for permission to express your truth, this episode is a masterclass in living authentically, embracing inner brilliance, and letting purpose unfold naturally. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jubilee: Facebook & Instagram: @yemajajubilee YouTube: Love, Light, and Positivity with Dr. Yemaja Jubilee About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

September 16, 2025Episode 924 min

How a Personal Challenge Turned into a Patented Product and Purpose-Driven Brand

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 corporate roles, restaurant ownership, and motherhood. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. You’ll hear how she navigated the complexities of product development, built a brand rooted in authenticity, and found support in unexpected places, including her identical twin sister. Whether you're a founder or a dreamer, this episode is packed with insights on balancing vision with business realities, protecting your ideas, and building a brand that truly empowers. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

August 19, 2025Episode 825 min

How Hidden Brain Patterns Sabotage Success

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 Shifting Method, joins the show to discuss his innovative approach to revealing how unconscious survival patterns sabotage success. He explains how leaders can rewire their internal operating system to lead, decide, and scale without burning out. Drawing from neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and leadership strategy, Mitch shares the journey that led him from Education Technology to brain-based transformation, and the three essential elements every leader must master. Welcome to a conversation that could shift the way you think, lead, and grow. About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

July 15, 2025Episode 730 min

Your Brand's Story Through Color and Connection

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, emphasizing the importance of color psychology in branding and how a signature color, like her vibrant orange, can elevate a business's identity. Small business owners will benefit from her insights into her thoughtful client vetting process, fostering genuine relationships, and the strength that comes from building a supportive community. Connect with Helena: Website: hrichnetworks.com https://www.facebook.com/HRichNetworks https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrichnetworks https://www.instagram.com/hrichnetworks/ http://www.youtube.com/c/Hrichnetworksllc About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn

June 17, 2025Episode 621 min

Turning Immigrant Resilience into an Entrepreneurial Advantage

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 challenges of her family starting over in a new country shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. A nurse of 27 years, Allison discusses what prompted her to leap into the world of business, driven by a desire to help people in a new way. You’ll get a real-world look at the financial rollercoaster of a new brick-and-mortar, where sales can go from zero to thousands in 24 hours. Allison shares her playbook on navigating a family business partnership, including when to push and when to step back and let your partner learn from failure. Plus, discover the single most important principle she uses to build customer loyalty that has nothing to do with marketing and everything to do with connection. If you're looking for a dose of motivation and practical advice on building a business with true purpose, you don't want to miss this. Listen now. Revitalize Wellness Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/16DS75sHN7/?mibextid=wwXIfr Revitalize Wellness Instagram https://www.instagram.com/revitalizewellnessmedspa?igsh=Ymw2dHpwc3Vqd2Zs&utm_source=qr Revitalize Wellness TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@revitalizewellnessmedspa?_t=ZP-8vB5gUKjuk2&_r=1 About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who’s Who . Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support , DCA Association Management , and Denise Cagan Business Consulting . In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan . Connect on LinkedIn