The Climb

Struggling to stay productive and maintain a work-life balance? Today’s guest will help you “neurohack” your way to higher profits and peace of mind.In this episode of The Climb, Natasha chats with Jennifer “JJ” Jank, a Certified Financial Planner turned “Chief Brain Hacker” who helps business owners and their teams be more productive, effective, and profitable.JJ is here to share simple, science-based tips for boosting productivity and work-life balance so you can sleep soundly every single night.Ready to reclaim your time, energy, and attention? Tune in to learn how to move away from the busy-ness of business and towards more joy… without sacrificing profits.Mountains we’re climbing in this episode:JJ’s journey from financial planner to entrepreneur and consultantHow she pivoted in business after losing her passion for itNeuroscience-based tips for increasing productivityWays to start cultivating a better work-life balanceHow to reset your emotions and reduce your cortisolOvercoming analysis paralysis in starting a businessHow to get into a flow state more oftenKey Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs Growing Their Business:The brain loves when tasks are finished. If you leave a task unfinished, the brain is more likely to create stress/panic around those tasks. Neuroscience-based Solution: Break the tasks down into smaller, more achievable tasks and/or write down what you have to finish.Letting go of the reins doesn’t always come naturally to women entrepreneurs, but you really do need to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. Let your employees troubleshoot by themselves before jumping in to help.To get into a flow state more often at work, try reducing your work hours by 25% (Hello, 4-day work week!).Respect the blocks you put in your calendar(s). Treat them as client calls that you can’t ignore.Take time to recharge every day. Bonus points if you use that time to do something you LOVE!Reflection Question:How does this episode make you feel about your potential for productivity and work-life balance?Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources:Read Jennifer Janks’ books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jennifer-Jank/author/B078NKL55S Connect with Jennifer “JJ” Jank:Website: https://www.jenniferjank.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferjankEmail: jj@jenniferjank.com Climb with us!Website: www.innermountain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundationFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundationYouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation.This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Think of a trademark as preventative care or an insurance policy for your business. When life tries to attack, you want your IP (Intellectual Property) to be protected! That’s why we invited an IP lawyer (and inspirational business woman) to tell us more.In this episode, Natasha sits down with Lauren Bercuson, an IP Lawyer and Founder of Storylock Legal, to discuss the must-know basics of trademarking, plus the key lessons she’s learned along her entrepreneurial journey.Lauren’s story goes much deeper than just becoming a trademark attorney. While her infant son was recovering from a stroke, Lauren started blogging about children’s books (HappilyEverElephants.com) and even became her son’s school librarian. Then, while seeing other moms killing it in business, but not protecting their assets, Lauren’s inner lawyer came out to shine once again. With her son healed and thriving, she made the decision to transition back into IP law, create Storylock Legal, and start helping other women founders protect their businesses.Today, you’ll hear how Lauren overcame perfectionism while growing two businesses, why networking is so crucial for her success, and why trademarking is essential for any business or idea.Remember, “done is better than perfect.” ⛰️Mountains we’re climbing in this episode:Lauren’s career journey: From lawyer to blogger to librarian to entrepreneur.Overcoming the challenges of working full-time as a divorced mom of two.How Lauren let go of perfectionism & made the decision to go full-time.Creating community around your business & Networking your way to success.Marketing yourself on LinkedIn: How Lauren is learning to authentically show up and connect with others online.Trademarking 101: What entrepreneurs should know about trademarking & why it’s important for every business.What does an IP lawyer do & how can they help my business succeed?When is the best time to trademark my business/product/idea?When should international businesses get a US trademark? + How Lauren can help.Key Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs:Networking and building relationships with other female founders enhances feelings of self-trust and empowerment.Bringing your warmth and personality into your work will open up doors for success you didn’t realize were there.Your trademark tells a story to your audience. Don’t have a trademark? Your story could be stolen!Marketing yourself on social media is all about being your authentic self. Don’t try to copy what others are doing, but instead find what inspires you and make it your own.Consider joining Entreprenista if you’re seeking a game-changing community to network with. That’s how Natasha and Lauren met!There’s no bad time to trademark your business/product/idea, but the earlier you do it, the better!Reflection Question:What does the concept of connection mean to you?Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources:Happily Ever Elephants: https://happilyeverelephants.comListen to our episode with Emily Paulsen: https://bit.ly/3Cl8SMzEntreprenista: https://entreprenista.comThe Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr: https://lisabarr.com/books/goddess-of-warAll the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203019740-all-the-colors-of-the-darkMost Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo: https://www.clairelombardo.com/the-most-fun-we-ever-had.html Connect with Lauren Bercuson:Website: https://www.storylocklegal.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenbercusonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/storylocklegal Climb with us!Website: www.innermountain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundationFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundationYouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation.This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Overwhelm. It can get the best of us… and even cause burnout. But it can also help you shine light on what you need to change to feel happy again. Today, we’re exploring ways to prevent and overcome burnout, find clarity, and reconnect with the joys of entrepreneurship.Our guest is Amanda Nowak, Founder of Element Eight Coaching. Previously the Founder of The Simple Home, Amanda experienced the incredible highs and overwhelming lows of entrepreneurship. The journey took a toll on her well-being, but led to a crucial turning point — the decision to prioritize health and happiness over constant hustle. Now, she helps overwhelmed women find the clarity they need to create balance, fulfillment, and sustainable success in their lives.You deserve a life you don’t have to take a vacation from.If you want to make a change in your business, pursue something different, or simply rediscover what gives you joy, start here - start now. ⛰️Mountains we’re climbing in this episode:Amanda’s journey of highs and lows in entrepreneurshipTypical signs of overwhelm and burnoutSteps to take if you’re feeling overwhelmed/burnout as a business ownerChanges that happened when Amanda switched to a 4-day work weekHow Amanda helps women find clarity and create balance in their livesPractices that prevent Amanda from getting overwhelmed and out of balanceTips for setting and enforcing boundaries at workHow to have hard conversations as a leader (and why you shouldn’t avoid conflict)Key Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs:Being the bottleneck in your own business can cause major inefficiencies and eventually burnout. Delegation will help you avoid this!If you don’t know what you want from your career, it’s harder to create goals and easier to get burnt out. Work on getting clear on what you want first (coaching helps with this!), then set specific goals to get you there.Make sure you know ways to prevent burnout, so it doesn’t threaten your business or personal life.The first step to overcoming overwhelm is creating space for yourself. Take time to calm and ground yourself, then take time to figure out how you’re going to change your situation.If you’re starting to feel burnt out, consider delegating more, restructuring your business, simplifying processes, hiring a coach, or seeking mentorship.Don’t wait to have those hard conversations you need to have. After they’re over, everything always works out and you’ll feel so much better. Reflection Question:What obstacles are preventing you from being the entrepreneur you want to be? Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources:The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: https://juliacameronlive.com/books-by-julia/the-artists-way-a-spiritual-path-to-higher-creativity Connect with Amanda Nowak:Website: https://element-8.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-nowak-762b074Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/element.eight.coaching Climb with us!Website: www.innermountain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundationFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundationYouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation.This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

If you’re dreaming of building a multi-million dollar business, we want you to know that it’s possible. It just takes a bit of mentorship, a few mindset shifts, lots of delegation, and of course, a healthy dose of self-care.Today’s guest is Jenna Spencer, the Founder of and Visionary at AssistPro®, an agency that provides busy leaders with virtual executive assistants.Jenna built this business as a mother of 3 and has since doubled her annual growth every single year. How does she do it (and stay sane through it all)? Join us to find out.Mountains we’re climbing in this episode:How mentorship took Jenna from part-time assistant to entrepreneur/founderAdvice on finding a mentor and building a mentor relationshipLessons learned from rapid, sustained business growthThe importance of embracing change while growing and scaling a businessUsing AI to optimize business and employee efficiencyHow to change your mindset around delegation & start optimizing your timeTips for overcoming perfectionismThe top two self-care activities Jenna can’t live withoutKey Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs Growing Their Business:Lots of different people can be your mentor, even if you’re not in a mentor relationship with them. You can always learn from others and apply their teachings. Don’t be afraid to ask people questions!When scaling your business, be prepared to learn as you go and become a different version of yourself. Remember, you ARE capable.Delegation could be the key that unlocks your business’s potential for growth. Get out of your own way and start delegating tasks so you can focus on what you do best.How much energy are you spending to get things perfect? Next time you’re feeling consumed by perfectionism, try slowing down and asking yourself: Is this good enough for right now? (Because you can always change it later!)Reflection Question:What role models do you have who exemplify success? Why and how?Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Resources:Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): https://www.eosworldwide.comTraction by Gina Wickman: https://www.eosworldwide.com/traction-bookStart With WHY by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-whyThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Connect with Jenna Spencer:Website: https://assistpro.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-spencer-0980ba93 Climb with us!Website: www.innermountain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundationFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundationYouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundationThe Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation. This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

Every entrepreneur wants to focus on their purpose, create impact, and make more money in ways that feel good, right? It may sound easier said than done, but today’s guest is proving that an aligned, purpose-driven life is absolutely within your reach.Yetunde Shorters is an Award-Winning Publicist, Twin Mom, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Coach who helps women entrepreneurs identify their purpose, use it for impact, own their authenticity, and build a brand that’s aligned with their core values.If you know you’re meant for more, but need help stepping into that, Yetunde is the cheerleader you need (literally, she has pom poms ready to shake for you!). As she says, the sooner you step into your purpose, the sooner we’ll have a better world. Mountains we’re climbing in this episode:How Yetunde discovered her passion for public relations and entrepreneurshipHer approach to helping women recognize their purpose and align their career with their purpose and valuesHow to work with your subconscious to create your ideal lifeThe power of being multi-passionate: Why it’s important to embrace all your passions and interests while building your careerWhat happened when Yetunde followed her intuition for one yearHow having twins impacted her life, boundaries, and identity as an entrepreneurYetunde’s non-negotiable self-care routine (inspired by her struggle with adrenal fatigue) Key Takeaways for Female Entrepreneurs Growing Their Business:Your subconscious is more powerful than you think and it doesn’t have a sense of humor. So be mindful of the thoughts and feelings you’re attaching to. Focus on what you do want rather than what you don’t want.Don’t get caught up in the belief that you’re supposed to have one passion in life. Every passion and interest you have is fueling your future. Explore the possibilities, but know there will come a time to focus on one thing so you can maximize its power.If you’re more intuitive, use your intuition as a personal assistant to guide your actions, especially when you feel stuck, lost, or unfocused.If you’re more logical, think of your intuition as an extension of your heart-mind connection. If you listen to it, it will give you the step-by-step plan you need to move forward and be successful.The work that you’re meant to do will transform lives. You were born worthy of that. Reflection Question:When have you listened to your heart? When did you first know that you could trust your inner voice? Subscribe to "The Climb", share your journey with us, and create a world where every woman is empowered to reach her summit. #TogetherWeClimb. Connect with Yetunde Shorters:Website: https://www.yetundeshorters.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yetundeshorters Climb with us!Website: www.innermountain.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/inner_mountain_foundationFacebook: www.facebook.com/TheInnerMountainFoundationYouTube: www.youtube.com/@InnerMountainFoundation The Climb Podcast is proudly presented by The Inner Mountain Foundation. This episode is produced and brought to you by Reignite Media.

This episode is packed with invaluable insights as Kim shares her transition from running an in-person fitness business to establishing herself as an online thought leader in coaching and publishing. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of the publishing world and the challenges of standing out in today's content-heavy, AI-driven environment.Kim also opens up about her experiences in launching an Internet radio station, offering practical advice on overcoming inner critics and perfectionism. Tune in as Natasha reflects on her own inner dialogue and the quest for nurturing inner strength. From managing multiple income streams and breaking free from the cyclical hamster wheel to valuing oneself confidently and setting boundaries, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and actionable advice.Don't miss this candid conversation, brought to you by the Inner Mountain Foundation, as Kim and Natasha discuss unlearning hustle culture, the power of movement, and prioritizing self-care. Whether you're a high-achieving woman looking to overcome imposter syndrome or an entrepreneur navigating the ups and downs of business, this episode is tailored for you. Let's climb together!

Welcome to "The Climb," brought to you by the Inner Mountain foundation and inspired by the empowering work of Diane Wong. In today's episode, hosts Natasha Walstra and business maven Pallavi Pande dive into the dynamic journey of running a sustainable business amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tune in to learn how Pallavi identified a niche market for sustainable single-use disposables, pivoted her company Detox toward business-to-business sales, and spearheaded a significant growth surge by investing in brand building and leveraging mentorship. Discover the ripple effects of taking bold actions, the power of near bound marketing, and the pivotal role of data-driven decisions in accelerating business success. Pallavi also shares personal stories, including how her daughters champion the brand and the meaningful community initiatives her brand supports. So, get ready to be inspired by Pallavi Pande’s incredible story of resilience, innovation, and the drive to make a difference.

Robin Higgins embarked on her journey with the exact expectations that shaped the futures of many of her peers — the drive towards professional success as the unwavering path to financial security. Her narrative began to unfold within the collegiate halls as a chemistry major, a field she pursued not out of genuine passion but instead for practicality and, by her admission, somewhat trivial reasons. Despite the lackluster motivation behind her academic choice, Robin persevered, setting the stage for what would later be recognized as a quintessential millennial trajectory — one where the initial steps were taken more out of obligation and expectation than a deep-seated calling.

Lea Durante is a scholar whose educational journey took her through the halls of the nation's most prestigious institutions, including Harvard and Johns Hopkins. A testament to her pursuit of knowledge, Lea's academic endeavors led her to an astonishing discovery that piqued her intellectual curiosity—the intricacies of the endocannabinoid system.She became fascinated by how this complex network plays a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis within the human body. Her studies illuminated how the system's receptors for naturally occurring molecules, anandamide, and 2-AG, are more abundant than any other receptor type within the body. Lea's work centered on how the endocannabinoid system is the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of physiological processes, from the rhythm of our heartbeat to the strength of our bones, the robustness of our immune defense, and the efficiency of our digestive system.Lea Durante's expertise and passion for the subject have made her a respected figure in human physiology. She is dedicated to uncovering the secrets of balance and well-being=== inherent in our biological makeup.

In this installment of "The Climb," titled "Paths to Success: Embracing Varied Experiences," join us with the extraordinary Dee Kerr. Journey through Dee's evolution from crafting technological innovations to making strides in the literary publishing industry, all while emphasizing the importance of relishing in unique and non-direct career achievements.Go on Dee's journey with us, from starting an educational venture to navigating investor relationships and managing the wide-ranging duties of leadership. She covers pivotal choices for writers, such as selecting the best publishing route and utilizing well-timed book releases for business growth. Dee and Natasha will shed light on creating a vibrant community, the dynamics influencing the book industry, and the critical role of conducting financial analyses for business success.They also reminisce about their mentoring relationship. Dee's role in unlocking Natasha's potential highlights the power of mentorship and the wonderful cycle of giving back.Prepare for a journey through complex career paths, the significance of guidance, and the power of sharing your narrative.