The Business of Thinking Big

Hosted by Lianne Kim

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421

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Oct 2026

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About the show

The Business of Thinking Big Podcast is hosted by business coach and founder of Mamas & Co., Lianne Kim. In this podcast we talk all things business mindset, strategy and hustle. So, if you're looking to grow your revenue, serve more dream clients and create amazing new possibilities, then you my friend are in the right place!

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October 22, 2026Episode 42213 min

Quick Tip: The Fortune's in the Follow up

What happens after a potential client says, “Let me think about it”? In this quick tip episode of The Business of Thinking Big , Lianne Kim shares one of the simplest—and most often overlooked—sales strategies: follow-up. Drawing from her early days in sales and years of working with entrepreneurs, Lianne explains why it can take multiple touch points before someone is ready to make a purchase decision. Whether you’re following up after a discovery call or staying visible through your content, consistent follow-up can help keep you top of mind and give potential clients the information, reassurance, or social proof they need to move forward. In this episode, you'll learn: Why it can take multiple touch points before someone makes a purchase decision What counts as a “touch point” in your marketing Why potential clients may need time before deciding to buy How to follow up after a discovery call Why social proof and testimonials can be powerful follow-up tools How to use content as a form of passive follow-up The difference between personalized and passive follow-up Why you shouldn’t let warm leads go cold How to use AI and mass marketing to support your follow-up efforts One simple follow-up action you can take today If you’ve ever had a great sales conversation only to never hear from the potential client again, this episode is your reminder that the conversation doesn’t have to end there. Sometimes, the next step toward a “hell yes” is simply staying in touch and giving someone a reason to take action. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introducing this month’s Quick Tip 01:00 – The power of follow-up 02:00 – Understanding customer touch points 03:00 – Why people need multiple touch points before buying 04:00 – What your own purchasing habits can teach you 05:00 – Why follow-up matters for bigger purchases 06:00 – Applying follow-up to your business 07:00 – What to send after a discovery call 08:00 – Using social proof to follow up 09:00 – Asking: “What does she need to hear from me today?” 10:00 – Using content and AI for follow-up 11:00 – Why you shouldn’t let leads go cold 12:00 – Your simple follow-up action 13:00 – Making follow-up part of your sales strategy — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

October 15, 2026Episode 42128 min

How to Handle Rejection (From the Archives)

What if rejection isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong—but simply part of building a business? In this special From the Archives episode of The Business of Thinking Big , Lianne Kim revisits one of her favorite episodes, originally recorded in April 2021 and titled “Reframing Rejection.” She shares why hearing “no” can feel especially personal when you’re selling your own services, and how learning to emotionally detach from the outcome can completely change the way you approach sales. Whether you’re hearing “no” on sales calls, funding applications, speaking opportunities, partnerships, or new offers, rejection is something every entrepreneur will experience. The goal isn’t to avoid it—it’s to learn from it, keep going, and recognize that a “no” to your offer isn’t necessarily a “no” to you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why rejection can feel so personal when you’re selling yourself and your own services How to separate a “no” to your offer from a “no” to you Why practicing sales conversations can make rejection feel less uncomfortable How to detach from the need for someone to say yes Why your self-worth shouldn’t depend on clients, sales, or external validation How rejection can help you identify your dream clients How to use a “no” as an opportunity to review and improve your sales conversations Why hearing “no” can actually be a sign that you’re putting enough offers out there How to reframe rejection as learning instead of failure Why business is a marathon of relationships, conversations, and opportunities—not a sprint If you’ve ever taken a “no” personally, let it stop you in your tracks, or wondered whether rejection means you’re not good enough, this episode is a reminder that rejection is simply part of the entrepreneurial journey. The real growth comes from what you choose to do with it. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – Introducing the “From the Archives” series 02:00 – Why Lianne chose to revisit “Reframing Rejection” 04:00 – Rejection is a normal part of entrepreneurship 08:00 – Why hearing “no” can feel so personal 10:00 – Lianne’s early experiences with sales and rejection 12:00 – Practice makes sales conversations easier 13:00 – A “no” to your offer is not a “no” to you 15:00 – Detaching from the need to hear yes 16:00 – The danger of tying your self-worth to external validation 17:00 – Why you’re not meant to work with everyone 18:00 – Identifying and attracting your dream clients 19:00 – Reframing “no” as a learning opportunity 20:00 – Becoming a detective in your sales conversations 21:00 – Understanding value vs. price 22:00 – Why hearing no can mean you’re making enough offers 23:00 – Getting better through repetition 24:00 – Rejection as part of the entrepreneurial game 25:00 – Building relationships over time 27:00 – Why rejection doesn’t make you a bad entrepreneur — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

October 8, 2026Episode 42048 min

Growing your Revenue and Mindset with Bethany Jo Mikelait

What happens when you take a highly specialized skill, turn it into a business, and learn to think like an entrepreneur along the way? In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim sits down with her client Bethany Joe Michalait, an accredited conservator and restorer of fine art and the owner of The Art Conservatory in Toronto. Bethany shares how she turned a career in art conservation into a thriving business after losing her job during the economic slowdown following the COVID pandemic. Bethany opens up about the mindset challenges she faced as a first-time business owner, from imagining too small and thinking about revenue as an hourly wage to overcoming the fear of raising her rates. She also shares how building an online presence, letting go of perfection, and investing in support helped transform her business. Now, nearly five years into her business, Bethany has reached her first six-figure revenue milestone and is preparing to move her business out of her home basement and into a commercial space. In this episode, you'll learn: How Bethany turned a highly specialized skill into a successful business Why thinking like a business owner requires a different mindset than thinking like an employee How to recognize and overcome the mental roadblocks that can keep you playing small Why pricing your services based on your value and costs matters How raising her rates helped Bethany attract clients who valued her expertise Why being the cheapest option isn't always the best way to attract customers How social media became an unexpected marketing and portfolio tool Why letting go of perfection can make showing up online much easier How Bethany used a business grant to publish a book and grow her credibility Why reframing your career goals around the life you want can change how you build your business How outsourcing administrative work can create more time for your zone of genius Why saying no to projects outside your expertise can help your business grow The importance of protecting time that is strictly not work How investing in coaching and support early can help you navigate the steep learning curve of entrepreneurship Whether you're a new business owner, a creative professional, or someone struggling with pricing, visibility, or perfectionism, Bethany's story is a powerful reminder that building a business isn't just about becoming better at what you do. It's also about learning how to think bigger, value your expertise, and create a business that supports the life you want. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – Meet Bethany Joe Michalait and The Art Conservatory 01:00 – How Bethany discovered art conservation 02:00 – Starting a business after losing her job 03:00 – Why Bethany sought out a business coach 04:00 – Identifying her business knowledge gaps 05:00 – What Bethany knew and where she needed support 06:00 – The challenge of finding clients in a niche market 07:00 – Marketing to a highly specific audience 08:00 – The mental roadblocks behind business growth 09:00 – Learning to think like a business owner 10:00 – Imagining bigger and overcoming limiting beliefs 11:00 – The fear of raising your rates 12:00 – Why creative professionals often undervalue their work 13:00 – How raising her rates changed Bethany's business 14:00 – Why being cheaper can send the wrong signal 15:00 – Pricing based on expertise, materials, and experience 16:00 – Building a business out of necessity 17:00 – Staying committed when the stakes are high 18:00 – Detaching emotionally from clients who say no 19:00 – Becoming more confident in the value of your work 20:00 – Moving out of the basement and into a commercial space 21:00 – Celebrating Bethany's first six-figure milestone 22:00 – Making smart investments in your business 23:00 – The coaching lessons that made the biggest difference 24:00 – Building your business around the life you want 25:00 – Why work shouldn't become your entire life 26:00 – Overcoming resistance to social media 27:00 – Using social media to build trust and credibility 28:00 – Why showing your work online matters 29:00 – How customers are discovering businesses differently 30:00 – Turning Instagram into a digital portfolio 31:00 – How an online presence can help AI recommend your business 32:00 – Doing things differently in a niche industry 33:00 – Moving through resistance and taking action 34:00 – Letting go of perfection on social media 35:00 – Creating content based on what your audience responds to 36:00 – The pressure of perfection in art conservation 37:00 – Balancing high standards with experimentation 38:00 – How coaching changed Bethany's mindset 39:00 – The importance of getting help early 40:00 – Using a business grant to invest in marketing 41:00 – Publishing a book to build credibility and educate clients 42:00 – Becoming the limiting factor in your own business 43:00 – Outsourcing bookkeeping and creating more capacity 44:00 – Learning to say no to the wrong projects 45:00 – Building a business that leaves room for life 46:00 – Protecting time that is strictly not work 47:00 – Bethany's advice for other entrepreneurs 48:00 – Where to find The Art Conservatory — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

October 1, 2026Episode 41929 min

How to Tap into your Highest Self

What if the version of you who is calm, centered, strategic, and clear-headed is always available — even when life feels chaotic? In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim explores what it means to tap into your “highest self” — especially during those seasons when motherhood, business, and life seem to be pulling you in a million different directions. After a chaotic back-to-school transition, Lianne reflects on the difference between reacting from your stressed “small self” and responding from a more grounded, intentional place. Lianne walks through powerful questions to help you identify who you are when you're at your best, the qualities your highest self possesses, and the habits and rituals that help you access that version of yourself more consistently. In this episode, you'll learn: What your “highest self” really means and how it differs from your stressed or reactive self How to recognize when you're operating from a place of reaction instead of intention Why busy seasons of motherhood and business can make it harder to feel centered How to identify who you are when you're at your very best What qualities your highest self possesses that your “small self” may not How patience, kindness, emotional maturity, and strategic thinking can change the way you respond to challenges How to handle criticism and difficult situations without reacting emotionally Why a failed launch or setback can be an opportunity to pause, assess, and get strategic How writing down the qualities of your highest self can help you embody them The daily habits and rituals that make it easier to access your highest self Why movement, healthy eating, sleep, and morning rituals can influence how you show up How creating space to pause and regroup can help you approach your business and life with greater clarity Whether you're navigating a busy season of motherhood, feeling pulled in too many directions, or simply want to feel more grounded in your business, this episode is an invitation to pause and reconnect with the best version of yourself. Your highest self isn't someone you need to become. She's a version of you that you can learn to access — one intentional habit, pause, and choice at a time. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – What does it mean to tap into your highest self? 01:00 – Navigating the chaos of back-to-school season 02:00 – Balancing motherhood and focused work time 03:00 – Being present during the teenage years 04:00 – When life interrupts your workday 05:00 – The challenge of being emotionally available and running a business 06:00 – Why so many mamapreneurs feel pulled in every direction 07:00 – Moving from reaction mode to a more centered place 08:00 – What it looks like when we're not operating from our highest self 09:00 – When difficult life circumstances take over 10:00 – Why your highest self can sometimes feel elusive 11:00 – Question #1: Who am I being when I'm at my best? 12:00 – Defining your best version of yourself 13:00 – Question #2: What qualities does my highest self possess? 14:00 – Recognizing your “small self” and emotional reactivity 15:00 – Learning from the moments when you feel proud of your work 16:00 – Patience, calm, and emotional mastery 17:00 – Responding to criticism from your highest self 18:00 – Choosing kindness over defensiveness 19:00 – Why stress makes it harder to lead with kindness 20:00 – Reactivity vs. emotional maturity 21:00 – How your highest self responds to a failed launch 22:00 – Turning setbacks into strategic learning opportunities 23:00 – Using reminders to embody your highest-self qualities 24:00 – Question #3: What habits and rituals help me be my highest self? 25:00 – The power of morning rituals and creating space 26:00 – Why morning movement is a non-negotiable 27:00 – How nutrition and healthy habits support your highest self 28:00 – The importance of sleep and taking care of yourself 29:00 – Choosing the habits that help you access your best self — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

September 24, 2026Episode 41824 min

90-Day Goal Setting

What if the next 90 days could be your most powerful quarter of the year? In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim shares a practical approach to setting goals that actually feel exciting, achievable, and aligned with where you are right now. Instead of simply pushing yourself to accomplish more, Lianne encourages you to pause, reflect, and consider what would genuinely feel good to achieve over the next 90 days. She walks through how to look back at the goals you set earlier in the year without judgment, assess where you are now, and create three focused goals for the next quarter: one for revenue, one for business growth, and one for your personal life. Lianne also explains why your goals need to be specific and measurable, how to balance ambitious goals with the realities of your schedule and family life, and why knowing what your business and life need right now is essential to creating meaningful progress. In this episode, you'll learn: Why 90 days can be a powerful timeframe for achieving meaningful goals How to reflect on your yearly goals without judging yourself How to identify what would feel genuinely good to accomplish The three types of goals every female founder should consider How to set a clear and compelling 90-day revenue goal How to choose a business milestone that supports your revenue goals Why your personal goal may be the most important goal of all How to make your goals specific, measurable, and actionable Why knowing your schedule, energy, and priorities matters when setting goals How clear goals can help you step into your role as the CEO of your life and business Whether you're feeling behind on your yearly goals, craving more balance, or ready to make the next quarter your most productive yet, this episode will help you create a focused 90-day plan that supports both your business and your life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why the next 90 days can be incredibly powerful 01:00 – Why aggressive goals aren't always the answer 02:00 – How much you can accomplish in 90 days 03:00 – Why it's okay to reset your goals 04:00 – Reflecting on what you wanted at the beginning of the year 05:00 – Letting go of self-judgment around unmet goals 06:00 – Giving yourself grace when life gets in the way 07:00 – Asking, "Where am I now?" 08:00 – Acknowledging your progress and current energy 09:00 – What would feel really good in the next 90 days? 10:00 – Why there's no such thing as the "perfect" goal 11:00 – Why quarterly goals can be more effective than annual goals 12:00 – Goal #1: Creating your 90-day revenue goal 13:00 – Balancing ambitious goals with your real-life schedule 14:00 – Goal #2: Choosing your business milestone goal 15:00 – Aligning your business milestone with your revenue goal 16:00 – Goal #3: Choosing your personal goal 17:00 – Identifying the one thing that could improve everything else 18:00 – Your three goals for the next 90 days 19:00 – Making your goals specific and measurable 20:00 – Defining your clear and compelling desired end result 21:00 – How clear goals help you become the CEO of your life 22:00 – Working with a business coach or mentor 23:00 – Taking ownership of your goals and priorities 24:00 – Final encouragement to make the next 90 days count — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

September 17, 2026Episode 41733 min

6-Figure Success Stories

What does it really take to build a six-figure business? In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim takes a walk down memory lane and shares eight inspiring success stories from women she has coached over the years. These women come from different industries and different stages of business and motherhood, but each found their own path to reaching six figures. From growing a consulting business from $0 to over $100K in six months to overcoming burnout, imposter syndrome, and the fear of being visible, these stories highlight the strategies, mindset shifts, support systems, and bold decisions that helped these women grow. Lianne also explores the importance of refining your offers, learning from your clients, building strong peer support, investing in yourself, and staying open to how your success might actually unfold. In this episode, you'll learn: How Caitlin Beattie grew from $0 to $100K in six months Why staying open to what the market is telling you can help refine your business How Fran Murray transitioned from baking to becoming a service provider Why strategic pricing, systems, and staffing can support sustainable growth How Judy Lutieri transformed her wellness business by adding coaching Why you can't force someone who isn't ready for change The power of peer support and accountability when building a business How Gio Aiello moved from burnout to running a six-figure doula agency Why nervous system work and mindset can play a role in navigating business growth How Leah Davidson overcame limiting beliefs and built a six-figure coaching business Why being a helper doesn't mean you can't make money How Brittany Gaudio learned to aim higher and understand her ideal clients How Andrea Morad overcame imposter syndrome and became more visible Why you don't always know where your next big business opportunity will come from Whether you're dreaming of your first six figures or already working toward a bigger revenue goal, these stories are a reminder that there isn't one single path to success. Sometimes, you simply need the right strategy, support, and willingness to keep moving forward. Timestamps: 00:00 – Eight inspiring six-figure success stories 01:00 – Caitlin Beattie's journey from $0 to $100K in six months 02:00 – How Caitlin surpassed $300K in her first year 03:00 – Using client feedback to refine your business 04:00 – Fran Murray's transition from baker to service provider 05:00 – Repricing and restructuring for sustainable growth 06:00 – Building systems and adding support as demand grows 07:00 – Setting ambitious revenue goals 08:00 – Judy Lutieri's successful wellness business 09:00 – Meeting clients where they are 10:00 – Why you can't force someone to change 11:00 – The power of serving clients through transformation 12:00 – How peer support helped two entrepreneurs reach six figures 13:00 – The importance of feeling seen and supported 14:00 – Building a community of women who want each other to succeed 15:00 – The power of accountability and connection 16:00 – Gio Aiello's journey from burnout to six figures 17:00 – Navigating the roller coaster of entrepreneurship 18:00 – Understanding fear and nervous system responses 19:00 – Learning to sit with the ups and downs 20:00 – Leah Davidson's journey to becoming a six-figure coach 21:00 – Overcoming the belief that you shouldn't charge for your work 22:00 – Reinvesting in your business to reach more people 23:00 – Celebrating big wins and overcoming self-doubt 24:00 – Creating a successful six-figure launch 25:00 – Brittany Gaudio and the courage to aim higher 26:00 – Understanding your ideal client and what they're willing to invest in 27:00 – Learning to play bigger in your business 28:00 – Andrea Morad's journey through imposter syndrome 29:00 – Becoming visible despite fear and self-doubt 30:00 – Setting a six-figure goal and making it happen 31:00 – Staying open to how success might come 32:00 – Why support can help you get further, faster 33:00 – Setting your own big, bold business goals — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

September 10, 2026Episode 41615 min

Quick Tip: Putting yourself FIRST!

What if putting yourself first could actually make you a better mom, partner, and leader? In this quick tip episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim talks about why learning to prioritize your own needs is especially important during busy seasons of life. For many mom entrepreneurs, caring for children, partners, aging parents, and everyone else can make it feel natural to put yourself at the bottom of the list. Lianne shares practical ways to create more space, freedom, and support in your life, including having difficult conversations, building systems at home, and trusting your children to take on more responsibility. She also explains why asking for help isn't selfish and how empowering the people around you can help you become a better leader and parent. In this episode, you'll learn: Why putting yourself first can lead to more joy, success, and abundance How to have difficult conversations about what you need Why creating systems can make it easier to prioritize yourself How to empower your children to take on more responsibility Why asking for help isn't selfish How to create more balance in household responsibilities Why being specific about your needs and requests matters How small changes can give you back valuable time and energy Why prioritizing yourself can make you a better mom and leader Whether you're a mom entrepreneur navigating a busy season, caring for children and aging parents, or simply feeling like everyone else's needs come before your own, this episode is a reminder that you deserve a place on your own priority list, too. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – Why putting yourself first matters 01:00 – Preparing for a busy season 02:00 – The challenge of being part of the sandwich generation 03:00 – Why putting yourself first can create more joy and success 04:00 – Having difficult conversations with your partner 05:00 – Asking for the support you need 06:00 – Building systems into your daily life 07:00 – Using a family calendar to create more flow 08:00 – Trusting your kids to take on more responsibility 09:00 – Creating systems so you can prioritize yourself 10:00 – Empowering children through chores and allowances 11:00 – Teaching kids that household responsibilities are shared 12:00 – Asking for help with family responsibilities 13:00 – Getting specific about what you need 14:00 – Your action step: Ask for help with one thing — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

September 3, 2026Episode 41537 min

Power Rituals to Get More Done

Do you ever feel like you're carrying an endless mental load while trying to juggle your business, family, and everything else life throws at you? In this solo episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim shares practical strategies for getting more done without falling into the trap of constant productivity, overwhelm, or trying to do everything at once. She talks honestly about navigating a busy season of life while running a business and why the goal isn't maximum output, but creating more clarity, focus, and flow. Lianne walks through simple systems that help her protect her time and energy, from starting the day with movement and using a visual weekly planner to setting meaningful time blocks, eliminating distractions, and creating boundaries with family, friends, and work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why getting more done isn't about maximum output How 20 minutes of movement can improve focus and mental clarity Why having a visual schedule can help reduce mental overwhelm How to connect your daily tasks to your bigger goals Why time blocking can help prevent context switching and brain fatigue How to eliminate distractions and protect your focus The importance of setting boundaries around your workday How to keep household responsibilities from taking over business time Why creating systems can help you work with more flow and less stress How to prioritize progress over perfection Whether you're a busy entrepreneur, a working mom, or simply someone trying to manage a full life without constantly feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you rethink productivity and create a way of working that feels more focused, intentional, and sustainable. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – Why getting more done doesn't mean doing everything 02:00 – The invisible mental load of a busy life 03:00 – Creating focus instead of chasing maximum output 04:00 – Why movement should be part of your morning routine 06:00 – Starting your day in the right energetic state 08:00 – How morning movement improves focus and clarity 10:00 – Why 20 minutes can make a major difference 11:00 – Using a visual schedule to organize your week 13:00 – Finding a planning system that works for your brain 15:00 – Why Lianne prefers a paper planner over a digital calendar 16:00 – Creating more control over your time and energy 17:00 – Why your goals should guide your priorities 19:00 – Reverse engineering your week from your desired outcome 20:00 – Considering your team's priorities and needs 21:00 – How time blocking improves focus 22:00 – Understanding context switching and brain fatigue 23:00 – Creating meaningful blocks of focused work 24:00 – Why dedicated creative days can boost productivity 25:00 – Designing your week around your energy 26:00 – The impact of distractions on your business 27:00 – Creating a work environment that supports focus 28:00 – Setting boundaries with family and friends 30:00 – Why your phone may be your biggest distraction 31:00 – Turning off notifications and protecting your attention 32:00 – Keeping household tasks out of your workday 33:00 – Why boundaries are essential for getting more done 34:00 – Protecting your time during travel and retreats 35:00 – Working through the discomfort of setting boundaries 36:00 – Creating systems that allow you to work in flow — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

August 27, 2026Episode 41442 min

Built on a Dream with Ashley Duarte-Devlin

What happens when a simple dream turns into a thriving business built around belonging, inclusion, and community? In this episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim sits down with Ashley Duarte Devlin, owner and director of Camp Dreamwood, an inclusive overnight summer camp in Ontario. Ashley shares how a dream at age 20 became a camp serving kids from all walks of life, why organic growth and word of mouth have been at the heart of Dreamwood's success, and how she has built a business without losing sight of the community that makes it special. Ashley also opens up about navigating a lupus diagnosis while running a seasonal business, the importance of finding a deeper "why," and why growing bigger isn't always the best measure of success. In this episode, you'll learn: How a simple dream became Camp Dreamwood Why organic growth and word-of-mouth marketing can be incredibly powerful How to build a business around strong values and a clear mission The importance of creating an inclusive community where kids can see themselves in others How Ashley pivoted during COVID and found new ways to keep her community connected Why seasonal businesses need thoughtful planning and consistent revenue strategies How sponsorship programs can create greater access and diversity What it means to grow a business mindfully without sacrificing community How Ashley's health journey shaped her purpose and perspective Why a strong "why" can help you keep moving through difficult seasons Whether you're a business owner thinking about sustainable growth, a parent looking for meaningful experiences for your children, or someone navigating an unexpected challenge, this episode is a powerful reminder that success isn't always about becoming bigger. Sometimes, it's about building something meaningful and creating a community that people never want to leave. Timestamps:‌ ‌ 00:00 – Meet Ashley Duarte Devlin and Camp Dreamwood 01:00 – What makes Dreamwood different 03:00 – How Ashley came up with the idea for an overnight camp 05:00 – The origin of the name Dreamwood 06:00 – Growing from a small camp into a full-time business 07:00 – Navigating COVID and unexpected business challenges 09:00 – Turning a setback into an opportunity for growth 10:00 – The power of word-of-mouth marketing 12:00 – How powerful storytelling and video can sell an experience 14:00 – Keeping campers connected during the off-season 15:00 – How COVID inspired new ways to build community 17:00 – Creating year-round revenue for a seasonal business 18:00 – Why early registration matters 20:00 – The return of Dreamwood's annual fundraiser 21:00 – Sponsoring 24 campers through community support 23:00 – Why inclusion and diversity matter at camp 24:00 – Creating opportunities for campers to become leaders 26:00 – Ashley's lupus diagnosis and health journey 28:00 – Finding a deeper "why" during difficult seasons 30:00 – Grieving the life you thought you would have 31:00 – Motherhood, adoption, and unexpected blessings 32:00 – What's next for Camp Dreamwood 34:00 – Why bigger isn't always better 35:00 – Growing a business mindfully and organically 36:00 – The power of Color Wars and creating memorable experiences 37:00 – Why Dreamwood is a screen-free camp 38:00 – Building connection in an increasingly disconnected world 40:00 – Where to find Camp Dreamwood 41:00 – The power of community and finding your village — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com

August 20, 2026Episode 41323 min

Fast-tracking Focus

Struggling to stay focused when your business, family, and everyday life are all competing for your attention? In this solo episode of The Business of Thinking Big, Lianne Kim shares the practical strategies she uses to create focused work time—even while juggling the demands of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a busy household. Drawing from her own experience, she explains why focus isn't something you simply find—it's something you intentionally create. Lianne introduces three key pillars that have helped her maximize productivity, minimize distractions, and make the most of every work block. Whether you're working from home with young kids, balancing multiple responsibilities, or simply finding it hard to concentrate, these tips will help you create an environment where meaningful work can happen. In this episode, you'll learn: Why focus starts before you sit down to work How to manage interruptions from family and daily life Simple ways to create boundaries that support productivity Why your physical and digital workspace matters How preparing for a task ahead of time helps you accomplish more Tips for identifying your most productive hours and protecting them Whether you're building a business while raising a family or simply trying to make better use of your workday, this episode offers practical strategies to help you work with greater intention and less stress. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why finding focus feels harder than ever 02:00 – The reality of balancing business and family life 04:00 – Pillar #1: Managing the people around you 06:00 – Creating boundaries with children and family 09:00 – Communicating your needs and expectations clearly 11:00 – Pillar #2: Managing your physical and digital space 13:00 – Eliminating distractions before you begin working 15:00 – Pillar #3: Preparing your tasks in advance 17:00 – Gathering everything you need before your work block 18:00 – Finding your most productive time of day 20:00 – Creating a workspace that supports deep focus 22:00 – Final thoughts on building sustainable productivity — ‌Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liannekimcoach Instagram: @liannekimcoach Join the Mamas & Co. community to get access to valuable resources and the support of likeminded mompreneurs and mentors: https://www.mamasandco.com Instagram: @mamasandco Podcasting support: https://theultimatecreative.com