Proofing Stage

Hosted by Joan Kanner, Michelle Bond

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Feb 2025

Language

EN-US

About the show

Proofing Stage examines the origins, progress, struggles, and setbacks of entrepreneurs through the lens of its founders, who, among other things, have run a bagel business for the past 8 years. This podcast is about our experiences and the nitty gritty of being an underrepresented small business owner. Just like we've worked to fill the gap in quality bagels, lox, and schmear, these conversations fill the gap of knowledge, mentorship, and straight talk that are missing from other business pods and success stories. Join us, as we share wins and cautionary tales from that space between “atta girl” and “I told you so!” Hosted by Joan Kanner and Michelle Bond, with Season 1 contributions from Amanda Schwarz.

Listen to episodes

47 recent

February 26, 2025Episode 101 hr 8 min

Panning for Feedback Gold: A Strategy Bonanza

Marie Silverstrim, User Experience (UX) DesignerWhether you are observing actions or directly asking, your customers and clients are telling you something. Understanding not only what that is but the why behind it... well, that's what gets you to the good stuff.And, while it's always a good time to make sure your business goals are aligned with customer needs, Q1 of 2025 continues to remind us that the behaviors we use to understand these needs might not mean what we think they do, or what they once did. Just as possible, new and wonderful opportunities might emerge from this disruption. As we consider ways to understand existing customers and reach new ones during periods of uncertainty, our guide is Marie Silverstrim, a UX designer who is a master at breaking down concepts and delivering practical advice that is immediately actionable. Together with Joan Kanner's love of all things survey and Michelle Bond's contextualization of business in the current moment, we wrap up Proofing Stage's third season with an honest-to-goodness bonanza of tools and anecdotes to help you meet your moment.E.g.:Good design often goes unnoticed, making it feel invisibleFeedback from users is essential for improving products and servicesSurveys and direct conversations can yield valuable insightsStakeholder opinions can differ from user needs; balance is keyIterative design allows for continuous improvement and adaptationThe real 'why' behind user feedback is essential for growthLinksClassic UX 101 books:Don't Make Me Think by Steve KrugThe Design of Everyday Things by Don NormanOther books:Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover TawwabBurnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia NagoskiGlossary:Institutional Review Board (IRB)Likert scalePersonally identifiable information (PII)PollThe following UX terms may be found here:AffordancesMinimum viable product (MVP)QualitativeQuantitativeFocus groupsSurveyagile UXA/B testingCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by Come On Boy by MondayHopesPodcast Cover Art by Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

February 19, 2025Episode 91 hr 3 min

REPRISE! Don't Say "DEI," Just Make it Mean Something

When times are shit and you need a pep talk... and strategies... and allies... It's time to return to our Season 2 Episode with:Erin Stampp, she/her, MPP - Director, Professional DevelopmentWashington University School of Medicine in St. LouisIn this episode of Proofing Stage, hosts Michelle Bond and Joan Kanner are joined by DEI practitioner Erin Stampp. Together, they unpack the challenges and necessities of implementing effective DEI strategies, even for minority business owners.Erin emphasizes that true diversity goes beyond visibility; focusing on fostering an inclusive culture where diverse identities are seen and valued. The conversation also covers practical aspects like dietary restrictions in food businesses and universal design. Michelle and Joan share their experiences with integrating these practices into Bottoms Up Bagels, including staff reticence and industry norms.Erin highlights the importance of relational, equity-centered leadership, which involves creating a supportive environment through active listening and engagement. She addresses retention challenges and the truly counter-cultural work of inclusion and systemic change. Join us for a very open conversation about our blind spots, power-sharing in leadership, and the self-compassion required to make it stick. Like:Asking for, listening to and implementing input is where it’s atHow we can turn our exclamation points into question marksWhere the anti-racism, anti-sexism fairy dust residesThe trappings of cancel cultureTaking a sec to acknowledge what’s working and build on itBig, sexy (self-) compliments go a long wayLinksCheck out one of Erin’s current projects, a Desegregation History Timeline (education aid to advance culture change)Connect with Erin StamppLinkedInInstagramFaux Sponsor, "Cartoon Mallet" - written and performed by Joan KannerTheme music by Thorn HazeAdditional music:Combat Morning by Den Writeman (via Pixabay)Music for Puzzle Game by Ivantraveso (via Pixabay)Executive Producers, Joan Kanner and Michelle BondPodcast cover art by Lisa OryeFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

January 29, 2025Episode 81 hr 1 min

Defund, Dismiss, Delete: Business Lessons from Forgotten Radicals

Dr. Eleanor Rust and Dr. Tristra Newyear YeagerProducers, Writers & Hosts of Frances Wright: America's Forgotten RadicalWomen have - and do - play significant roles in shaping history, yet their stories are often never recorded in the first place or simply erased. By answering the question "Frances who?" Eleanor and Tristra provide insights into how some women-owned businesses are also forgotten - if they were acknowledged at all. Tired of battling algos? Navigating the troubled waters of modern journalism?Let's redefine success and shed light on women while they're making history. Oyez! Oyez! Gather 'round as we discuss how:Historical narratives should include contributions from diverse folksErasure doesn't have to happen, if you identify its methods and sourcesEngaging with history can inspire contemporary movements for changeFrances Wright's legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equalityStorytelling can amplify marginalized voices... NOWRemember: unlike Vegas, whatever happened in New Harmony shouldn't stay there.Connect with Eleanor & Tristra:Eleanor’s 19th-century history writingsTristra’s author website Links:Most of the obscure references made during this episode...CharonCassandraOrphic dressesNew Harmony, IndianaWorking Men's InstituteFirst-wave feminismDownright Gabbler cartoon of Frances WrightHegelian processBroadsidesKindness Tree MovementMDWST FableJosiah WarrenModern TimesCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional music by DirectToDreamsThe Dangers of Polka PSA Written by Joan Kanner Performed by Michelle Bond and Joan KannerMusic by Sonican; Alana JordanPodcast Cover Art: Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

January 8, 2025Episode 756 min

You Can't Grow by Cutting: The 20/25 Experience

Susan Clayton, Founder of WhitePaws RunMitts Better now or better now? Better now? Like many of you, we're entering the new year fine-tuning our vision and calling on our support systems. This includes brilliant business minds like, Susan Clayton, Founder of WhitePaws RunMitts who is hitting her stride while elevating themes for underrepresented founders with candor and joy. How can many of these businesses are both over-mentored and under-supported? How can spending money be difficult, and asking questions be threatening? Susan commiserates with Michelle and Joan in the Proofing Stage era, with sharpened perspective and insights. Together they challenge themselves and others, discussing equity, business savvy, permission vs. forgiveness, spending capital, disrupting systems and holding mentors (aka gatekeepers) accountable. This episode unboxes a wealth of holiday gifts and reorganizes the way we see ourselves and can operate in the world - demanding more and helping one another along the way. Run with us. Segments include:Building a Supportive Team and Trusting RelationshipsImportance of Long-Term Strategy, Collaborations and CommunityNeed for Practical Support in Business and Impact of Bureaucracy on Small BusinessesRisk and Growth in EntrepreneurshipCalling out Bias and Unconscious ObstaclesDefining Effective Mentorship and Protecting Intellectual PropertyConnect with Susan Clayton:https://runmitts.com/IG: @whitepaws_runmittsFB: @whitepawsrunmittsBlue Sky: @runmitts.bsky.socialLinkedin: @Susan(RunMitts, LLC)ClaytonLinks:More on themes in this episode in S1: EP4, The Myth of Meritocracy/Mentorship, SchmentorshipScroobious' vendor marketplaceThe Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye InstituteREI Path Ahead VenturesEpisode Sponsor: Trash B GoneCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional music: Tom Thumb - Feeling the Flow (via Pixabay)take out the trash by Jacob Field (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

January 1, 202518 min

BONUS: They Burned Women, Not Witches with The Human Resorceress

Tabitha? Cute, but don't mess. Endora? Fierce.Sabrina? Work.Joanne Lakomski? Um, legend.We're here with some new, free bonus content to start off 2025. Our recording with Joanne Lakomski, The Human Resorceress, was particularly content-rich and timely as we reflect on this past year while priming us for the new one.Hey, if you're one of our Proofing Stage+ Patreon subscribers, this is your second bonus with Joanne. Just a little plug for supporting us in that way. Ahem... This bonus content highlights themes that we couldn't fit into our main episode with Joanne. Wanna know one? All right. Let me give you a hint.There are so many things we find irritating that people regularly do. One is using the word "witch" to sanitize what they really want to call someone - "bitch." Yes, it's annoying that they're unnecessarily pulling a punch. But for us, it's also about mislabeling someone as a "witch." Rude. Don't be a Derwood! Treat yourself by listening to this bonus episode.While we're at it - shout out to the Gladys Kravitzs in your life!Connect with Joanne:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lakomski/humanresorceress.orgLinks:AxiologyRobert Hartman HierophantCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional music: 魔女 witch by nojisuma (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

December 18, 2024Episode 646 min

HR Magic with The Human Resorceress

Joanne Lakomski, Human Resorceress Coaching and Consulting At a time of year when we can feel overwhelmed, reflective, daunted and blessed (often within the same 30 minutes), we've got a salve for both your personal and professional pain points. This week Michelle and Joan connect with Joanne Lakomski, the Human Resorceress, bringing years of expertise in HR and Organizational Development to her coaching and consulting practice. Joanne's sorcery leverages a love and articulation of concepts and how they can illustrate what's at play in our work environments, and in our own minds. Her powers encourage deep listening and engagement, breaking down challenges to their specific elements and giving us a different lens through which to examine them. Our conversation is as warm and deep as it is silly and real, and offers the perfect treat for yourself this holiday season. Whether you're looking to take stock of 2024 milestones, or plan for new approaches in 2025, our time with Joanne puts the humanity of HR front and center, and gives plenty of potent wisdom for us to proof on and practice in the process. Some enchanted takeaways:Bev naps as the tried and true whiteboardWorkplace quid pro quos when it comes to authenticityThe neuroscience behind our decision makingHow you show up and the power of being seenHaving clarity of purpose and alignment tools to get thereBeing jazzed about embracing our female powerConnect with Joanne:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-lakomski/humanresorceress.orgLinks:Bev Nap WisdomMihaly "The Father of Flow" CsikszentmihalyiSee Joanne's Flow Diagram bev napcoaching.comCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional Music: Asimov by fanchisanchez (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

December 4, 2024Episode 549 min

Getting a Grip: Occupational & Entrepreneurial Therapy

Brandy Archie, OTD, OTR/L, CLIPPFounder, CEO at AskSAMIE Part session with your OT, part advice on goal setting and business management from your ET ("Entrepreneur Therapist"), Dr. Brandy Archie drops all kinds of knowledge on this week's episode. From her approach to working with those looking to age in place, to her lessons from multiple ventures aimed at improving patient quality of life, independence and self-determination, Brandy is leading the conversation for caregivers and founders alike.And have we mentioned that she hosts the Care Lab podcast? Together, Michelle, Joan and Brandy discuss the benefits of accessibility inside and outside of your home. Brandy also shares her insights on what it takes to run a growing business while setting milestones that support you reaching your big, audacious goal. Now that the season of giving (and buying) is upon us, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention that - in addition to pro-tips for making your environment work better for you and those you care about - Brandy's AskSAMIE platform also offers unique products, used and approved by professionals that make it easier to live independently and on our own terms.Hold on, we're chatting about:Occupational therapy and why it matters now, not just laterEntrepreneurial solutions to healthcare gapsHow to see your physical space through a different lensSometimes you just need to know how to do a thingHow to flip the script on "prevention" questions in your pitchSnarky feedback might still have meritThe importance of relationships in success, and knowing what to ask forSocial Media Links:https://www.asksamie.comhttps://www.facebook.com/AskSAMIEhttps://www.instagram.com/asksamiehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrandyarchie/https://www.linkedin.com/company/asksamie/https://www.twitter.com/Ask_SAMIEHandles:FB @AskSAMIEIG @AskSAMIETwitter @Ask_SAMIEYoutube @Ask-SAMIELinked In @AskSAMIELinks:Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone1 Million Cups The Baker's Body: Integrating Strategies for Physical Wellbeing and Longevity in Your BakeryEpisode Sponsor: Hers ElectricCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional Music: Bop It - Audio Tonic (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Find more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

November 27, 2024Episode 41 hr 0 min

Gratitude for Changing Our Minds: Business Books that Go Down Easy

Some things never change, and this includes our appetite for business self-help books. This holiday week, we're sharing a special episode with Joan and Michelle, discussing leadership-development propaganda from days gone by. What do concepts of success and decision-making look like in the rear view mirror, and what, perhaps not surprisingly, still holds true?Spend some time in this cozy conversation with our Proofing Stage hosts as they carve out some of these perspectives and serve up some of their own. It's the ultimate "proofing" episode just in time for your Thanksgiving trek, prep, to-do list, or downtime. This week, we're exploring:The industry of business self-help booksWhat's changed (and hasn't) about who's qualified to share expertiseHow conceptual models can provide guidance and bust our blocksWhere the House of Woo has moved to (and from)The cultural and environmental barriers at play in our work and in our mindsWe are thankful for you! Books:Everybody's Money by Sharon Stark, et al. The Relaxation Response by Herbert Benson, M.D. with Miriam Z. KlipperWinners & Losers by Sydney J. Harris, illustrated by Nicole HollanderSix Action Shoes by Edward de BonoConceptual Blockbusting: A Pleasurable Guide to Better Problem Solving by James L. Adams*Check out book covers and artwork at proofingstage.comCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional Music: Dance All Night by alanajordan (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Lisa OryeProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

November 13, 2024Episode 343 min

What Qualifies You? Passion, Position, Funding & Filmmaking

Dr. Anaïs Webster Mennuti, PharmD Co-founder of Shots With That LLC Marie Wilda, Founder/CEO Lenkai.co In this week's episode Michelle and Joan sit down with producers, Anaïs and Marie, to learn more about the driving factors behind their documentary film, Harmacy, including their personal experiences and funding sought to make it happen. While Big Pharma and the opioid epidemic have flooded our culture and consciousness, less attention has been paid to pharmacies themselves - their workers, and the people they serve.As corporate chains have elbowed out community pharmacies, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians also experience burnout, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, miscarriage, and even death. Patients experience frustration and fear of not being able to fill their prescriptions on time and the harmful repercussions that result. Our conversation looks at what it takes to bring this project (or any) to life - experience, persistence, money and connections are just the beginning.The question of "What qualifies you?" is familiar territory for women and underrepresented leaders in every industry and position. Join us for (another) candid conversation about why shedding light is important, what it takes to be heard, and the value of just doing the thing in order to prove your concept and build momentum.If you're thinking about any of the following, this one's for you:The hidden costs of things often not discussedTiming of pursuing a larger platform to tell your storyFinding a team to help you flesh out a conceptValuing your time and effort in relation to budgetBreaking into an industry as an outsiderUnderstanding where your work fits in a larger cultural contextUsing your lived and professional experience to do something others can'tOh, and stick around until the very end of the episode to learn about our surprise sponsor!Connect with Harmcacy Film:Web: Harmacy FilmSocials: @HarmacyFilmEmail for investment opportunitiesAnaïs Webster Mennuti, PharmD Director / Producer / Co-CreatorIG: @anaiswebmenMarie Wilda, ProducerFounder / CEO Lenkai.co (B2B Revenue Accelerator)IG: @m_esther12LinkedInLinks:Docs in ProgressScroobiousCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional Music by: AnyStyle via Pixabay & HVRGND via PixabayPodcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye Ad written and performed by Joan KannerAd music by: Lexin_Music via PixabayProduced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.

October 30, 2024Episode 256 min

Representation Matters: The 'Who's Got You' of Good PR

Megan Hanson, Public Relations & Communications ConsultantIn an age of perpetual content creation and AI, you don't tend to hear much about traditional PR anymore. Often, it can feel like it's about the likes, the engagement numbers. And, don't get us wrong, measures are important. But here's a secret that this Proofing Stage episode shouts loud and proud: It's the people behind those measures that matter most. Customers. Team Members. Your Publicist - these are all people, baby. Actual human beings who, in the words of Megan Hanson, "want to connect with actual human beings."Start ups and bootstrapping small businesses often don't have the budget, or sometimes even the vision, to see how the long game of relationship building can pay off big. It takes time, effort, money and skills that not everyone has or has the bandwidth for. Today's conversation with Megan fills in the gaps about what you need to know to decide if working with a PR person is right for you, and if it's the right time. Together with Megan, Michelle and Joan explore mission and personal and professional fit, because at the end of the day you need the best ambassador you can have to represent your business. And, that definition of best? Well, that's completely up to you. Representation matters in more ways than one:Breaking through the noise takes timeBuilding relationships and contacting the right peopleGiving up on a dream to find the best pathAdjusting thinking from sales calls onlyEvolving as the game changes around youChoosing a supporting cast, rather than a starring roleConnect with Megan Hanson:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megankhanson/Email - hanson.meg@gmail.com Colorado Folks, check out Thunderview CEO DinnersToilets & Plunjr's PR Success StoriesCredits:Theme Music by Thorn HazeAdditional Music by: The_Mountain (via Pixabay)Podcast Cover Art by Lisa Orye Ad written and performed by Joan KannerAd music by: Tech_Oasis (via Pixabay)Produced by Joan Kanner and Michelle BondFind more at proofingstage.comFollow us on Instagram and Threads @proofingstageJoin Proofing Stage+ to support us supporting you, AND access new bonus content in-between episodes!See Buzzsprout's Privacy Policy for listener privacy and read our disclaimer here.