That Big CEO Energy

Ever felt like the dream of entrepreneurial freedom has turned into a never-ending to-do list? Join me on this episode as I dive into my transformative journey from corporate HR to becoming the CEO of Kal+Co., and later, the founder of Little Martha's Bakery. Discover how trading high heels for a sourdough starter opened unexpected pathways and taught me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and embracing my inner CEO energy.Timestamps:0:00:00 - 0:12:27 | Nurturing EntrepreneurshipExplore my transition from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, driven by the desire to integrate my passions and strengths. Reflect on overcoming fears and embracing my CEO energy.0:12:27 - 0:29:19 | Launching Little Martha's BakeryTake a nostalgic look at the culinary influences of my grandmothers, Oma and Gigi, and the inspiration behind launching my sourdough business. Discover how it connects back to family baking traditions.0:29:19 - End | Embracing the Power of TryingEncouragement to adopt a mindset of trying new things and taking risks for growth. Learn the importance of making bold moves without regrets.Key Takeaways:Integrating Passions: How personal influences and passions shape your professional journey.Overcoming Barriers: Embrace your unique CEO energy and overcome fears.Empowerment Through Diversity: Pursue multiple interests and create a multifaceted life.Taking Action: Be inspired to try new things and make bold moves without regrets.Support the show

Ever felt like the dream of entrepreneurial freedom has turned into a never-ending to-do list? That moment hit me hard when I found myself drowning in administrative tasks and managing client expectations, leaving me disillusioned with the business I had once been so passionate about. Join me on this episode of That Big CEO Energy as we dive deep into the stark contrast between the idealized vision of business ownership and the often overwhelming reality. We talk about how important it is to lean on community and mutual support to navigate these choppy waters and reclaim the sense of freedom we all crave.Entrepreneurs often find themselves trapped by their own fears and pressures, suffocating their strategic growth and long-term vision. We'll explore three major challenges that contribute to these feelings: the fear of delegation, blurred boundaries between work and personal life, and unrelenting financial pressures. These obstacles can make anyone feel overwhelmed and burnt out, and we discuss actionable steps to tackle them head-on. It's time to break free from these chains and rediscover the excitement and purpose that led you to start your business in the first place.By focusing on core values and personal well-being, we're paving the way for meaningful growth and true entrepreneurial freedom. Tune in and let's transform our business journeys together, one empowered step at a time.Timestamps:0:00:00 - 0:05:00 | Breaking Free0:05:30 - 0:14:15 | Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges0:14:15 - 0:26:06 | Finding Freedom in Business0:26:06 - 0:27:07 | Empowering Your Business FreedomStay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

Remember the first time you tried to explain your business and ended up either blanking out or overwhelming your listener with too much info? Trust me, I’ve been there too. On today's episode of That Big CEO Energy, I'm opening up about my own embarrassing moments as the CEO of Calendco, where I struggled to succinctly convey what I actually do. Through sharing my personal journey, I unpack the common fear of judgment that holds many of us back and reveal strategies to craft an elevator pitch that’s both clear and confident.Why does talking about our work feel so daunting? Together, we’ll explore this question and examine the unconscious barriers that keep us from fully embracing our entrepreneurial roles. From transitioning from corporate titles to wearing multiple hats as business owners, I’ll provide practical advice to help you communicate your value without the anxiety. In this episode of That Big CEO Energy, you’ll learn:Overcoming Fear and Judgment: How you can overcome fears like judgment and imposter syndrome, with strategies to build confidence in sharing your business value.Crafting a Clear Elevator Pitch: Tips on creating a concise and compelling elevator pitch, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and highlighting service benefits.Practical Application and Practice: The importance of practicing the elevator pitch in various settings to refine it and boost confidence in sharing one's business story.Whether you’re managing a side hustle or a full-scale operation, let’s kick the notion of "small business" to the curb and step into the powerful CEO energy we’ve always envisioned. Tune in for actionable tips and the encouragement you need to share your story proudly and effectively.Timestamps:00:00 - 02:30 - Introduction02:31 - 05:00 - Personal Journey05:01 - 10:00 - Why Talking About Our Work Feels Daunting10:01 - 15:00 - Crafting Your Elevator Pitch15:01 - 20:00 - Practical Advice and Examples20:01 - 25:00 - Addressing Imposter Syndrome25:01 - 30:00 - Overcoming Overwhelm30:01 - 35:00 - Refining and Practicing Your Pitch35:01 - 40:00 - Real-Life Scenarios40:01 - 45:00 - Recap and Encouragement45:01 - 47:00 - Conclusion47:01 - 48:00 - OutroStay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

"Finding the right balance between being committed to your business and maintaining a healthy personal life is essential for long-term success and well-being." - Kallai PlummerWhen I first launched my operations management firm, I was all in—working long hours, skipping social events, and constantly mulling over work. While I thought this level of dedication was the key to success, it soon became clear that it was taking a toll on my personal life and well-being. Tune into this episode of Big CEO Energy as we explore the balance between being passionately involved in your business and maintaining a healthy personal life. I'll share my journey of learning to "date" my business rather than being "married" to it, and how this shift led to greater success and happiness.Join me as we discuss the dating versus marriage analogy, helping you recognize if your business commitment is leading to burnout or balance. We'll break down how to stay enthusiastic and passionate about your work without letting it overshadow other important areas of your life. With relatable examples and practical tips, this episode is a must-listen whether you're just starting out or have been running your business for years. Let’s find that sweet spot where you can achieve sustained success and happiness in both your business and personal life.Timestamps:0:00 - 5:00: Introduction and Personal Story5:01 - 15:00: Identifying Overcommitment and Under Commitment15:01 - 25:00: Finding the Right BalanceStay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

"Price is what you pay, value is what you get." - Laurie BarkmanAre you struggling to see what your exit plan is in your business? Today, my guest and I are unlocking the secrets to building a business that thrives without you at the helm!Join us as we chat with Laurie Barkman, a veteran in business transitions and exits, who shares invaluable lessons from her journey, including her tenure as the CEO of a $100 million company acquired by a Fortune 50 giant. Laurie unpacks the importance of balancing hustle culture with creating sustainable systems, and why starting exit planning early can significantly enhance your business's value. As the Business Transition Sherpa, Laurie provides key strategies to ensure your enterprise remains resilient through economic downturns and pandemics while keeping growth on track.In this episode of That Big CEO Energy, you’ll learn:Importance of Independence: Laurie emphasizes that a successful business should operate independently of its owner to enhance its value and attractiveness to potential buyers.Balancing Hustle and Sustainability: Learn how to navigate the balance between the 24/7 hustle culture and creating sustainable systems that allow your business to thrive without you.Exit Planning: Laurie shares why planning for an exit from the beginning is crucial for long-term success and how her Sherpa framework helps business owners transition smoothly.Learn how to navigate the complexities of business valuation and why your business needs to operate independently of you to maximize market value. Whether you’re a solopreneur looking to scale or a seasoned owner planning your next move, Laurie’s insights on strategic planning and personal transition will guide you in making informed, regret-free decisions for your business's future.Timestamps:0:00 - Introduction2:15 - Building a Business Without You5:45 - Balancing Hustle and Sustainability9:30 - Exit Planning13:20 - Transitioning from Job to Asset17:10 - Strategic Growth21:05 - External Challenges and Opportunities24:50 - Strategic Planning for Business Transition28:30 - Business Valuation32:15 - Team-Based Model for Solopreneurs36:40 - Resources Mentioned38:20 - Special Offers39:15 - Connect with Lori Barkman40:00 - Call to ActionConnect with Laurie BarkmanWebsite: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/Podcast: "Succession Stories"Book: "The Business Transition Handbook"Course: "Endgame Entrepreneurship"Additionally, If you want your business to be ready to sell at maximum value, now is the best time to start planning. Join the Endgame Entrepreneurship Masterclass at https://endgame.thinkific.com/courses/endgame-entrepreneurship. Get a 10% discount at checkout with code: bigceo10They also offer an Affiliate Program and if you are interested in learning more, please visit their partner page.https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/affiliate-partners/ Stay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comSupport the show

“Even if you're the only one in your business, say it with me: I need an SOP."- Kallai PlummerHave you ever felt like you're juggling a million tasks and deadlines in your business, only to realize you've dropped the ball on the project that mattered most? That's where I found myself before I learned the art of project management. In this episode, you’ll learn:How solopreneurs and small teams can create clear objectives and goals, implement Standard Operating Procedures, and avoid the common traps of project planning. It's not about chasing perfection; it's about crafting a reliable blueprint that keeps your business on course.As we explore the nooks and crannies of project planning and timeline management, I'll walk you through my own experiences of assigning responsibilities, the significance of visual planning, and the transformative power of CEO days for self-assessment. You'll learn why tools like Asana are game-changers for staying organized and hitting those deadlines.To cap it off, we'll have an honest chat about effective project management as the backbone of success. Regular check-ins, proactive approaches to challenges, and the flexibility to adjust timelines are all part of the dance. I'll also share why asking for help isn't just smart—it's strategic. So grab your notebook, and let’s fuel each other with our collective stories of triumph, as we harness that big CEO energy together.Timestamps:00:00 Mastering Project Management for Entrepreneurs15:26 Project Planning and Timeline Management22:39 Effective Project Management for Success34:05 Taking Control of Your Business GrowthIf you're ready to transform your small business through expert project management techniques and avoid common pitfalls, then this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Tap into your inner CEO and join us as we navigate the roadmap to entrepreneurial success, one strategic step at a time.Stay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling of dissatisfaction in your career, unsure of how to reignite your passion or pivot to something more meaningful?In this empowering conversation, we start by discussing the power of self-reflection and understanding our core passions and interests, which can provide insight into the gaps between our current situation and where we want to be.As we explore the world of meaningful work transitions, we also share valuable insights on researching new possibilities, networking, and seeking guidance from others who have made similar changes in their careers. Emphasizing the importance of personal and professional development, we discuss how building a strong skill set can help you embrace new challenges and thrive in different career paths. Don't miss this uplifting episode where we uncover the tools and strategies to inspire business growth and leadership, and ultimately help you find the path that leads to a fulfilling work life.--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------(0:00:02) - Finding Meaningful Work Transitions(0:15:17) - Inspiring Business Growth and LeadershipStay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

"Being clear to yourself and to others is kind, and our personal time is just as important as our work time." - Kallai PlummerFeeling overwhelmed by work and finding it hard to switch off? Are you working 24 hours even though you think you’re not? Constant connectivity drains our energy, affects our happiness, and diminishes our productivity. We often find sneaky ways, often unconsciously, that we turn ourselves into 24-hour businesses, whether we're entrepreneurs or corporate employees.In this episode of that Big CEO Energy, you’ll discover:The insidious ways we unknowingly turn into 24-hour businesses and the profound impact it has on our well-being and productivity. Actionable strategies like automations, task delegation, and conducting a time audit to safeguard your personal life. The cultural conditioning that prioritizes work over everything else and the way we can rediscover the joy and efficiency that come from well-defined boundaries.Discover how to reclaim your personal time and kick burnout to the curb in our latest episode on setting healthy work-life boundaries. Stay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

"What looks like laziness might actually be your brain working behind the scenes preparing for the next breakthrough." - Kallai PlummerEver felt guilty for slowing down, thinking you're being lazy? I’ve been there, especially during a difficult time juggling motherhood and a pesky arm injury. Through these experiences, I discovered that what society often labels as "laziness" can actually be a powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth. By giving myself permission to pause, I unlocked new levels of creativity and mental clarity.In this episode of That Big CEO Energy, you’ll discover:Redefining laziness in your lifeHow taking a step back can prevent burnout and foster genuine happiness and productivity. Advice on restructuring your work week and embracing those necessary moments of rest.Tune in to uncover how you can harness your energy, align with your true goals, and move forward with purpose and inspiration.Links Mentioned:That Big CEO Energy Season 2 Episode 72Stay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show

"Without purposeful structure, it's really, really easy to get caught up in the busyness instead of the business, and when that happens, we end up exhausted, overwhelmed and sometimes we even lose sight of why we started this in the first place, and the burnout is real." - Kallai PlummerHow do you currently define success in both your business and personal life, and how does your work week reflect that vision? Can reimagining your work week prevent burnout and boost your business growth? In this episode of That Big CEO Energy, you’ll discover:Crafting a meaningful work week, including defining a clear vision of success. Why conducting time audits to eliminate inefficiencies, and prioritizing tasks that align with your personal and business goals matters. The value of delegation and task batching as methods to enhance efficiency and free up time for more impactful work.Links Mentioned:That Big CEO Energy Season 2 Episode 71 with Amber De La GarzaWorld’s greatest podcast producer: Emily Milling with The Ultimate CreativeStay Connected:Need to learn how to lead with BIG CEO Energy but don’t know where to start? Let’s Connect HereVisit the website to learn how I can serve your business as a Fractional COO  www.thekalandco.comDo you have broken systems and processes and need help STAT? Check out my 1:1 Project Intensive where I come in like Superman and leave you with the cape! https://thekalandco.com/servicesLet’s be friends on social:Follow me on Instagram @_kalandcoConnect with me on LinkedInI would be really grateful if you left a review on iTunes so that others can find and turn on  their CEO Energy  too! Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” . I'd also love to hear what your favorite part of this episode is in the comments below. Thank you!Support the show