Tough Stuff

Hosted by Audrey Saccone

Business Entrepreneurship

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Latest episode

May 2024

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Tough Stuff podcast. Here we go beyond vanity numbers, designer handbags, and perfect highlights to talk about the unsexy parts of business. I’m Audrey Saccone, founder of a web development agency based in New York City. We support incredible celebrity- and influencer-founded brands, and I’m bringing that rolodex straight to you so that you can get a true peek behind them and their businesses. We believe you can learn a lot more from the lows than the highs, so we’re bringing all those learnings to the forefront.

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25 recent

May 14, 2024Episode 1222 min

Audrey Saccone on Her Personal Story and the Ups and Downs of Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Tough Stuff, we flip the mic and host Audrey Saccone is interviewed by friend and colleague Ashli Pollard. Audrey shares her journey from working in the nonprofit art space to launching her own business. She discusses the challenges she faced and the decision to pivot her business model. Audrey also talks about the importance of mindset and seeking support during the transition. We hope you enjoy this peek behind the curtain! * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 03:48 Uneven resources, overload, and personal dissatisfaction explained. 07:53 Challenging decision to pause and reflect. 12:22 Shedding old patterns, seeking spiritual guidance. 15:07 Business started at 30; experience counts. 16:08 Experienced mentor showed potential for long-term success. 19:19 Struggled to value experience, peers guided pricing. * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest Host: Ashli Pollard ✦ Follow @teamapconsulting on Instagram Learn more about Ashli’s portfolio of businesses: Team AP Consulting, Me Time, Dial Zero Marketing, Fast Forward Productions, Cocky Ventures

May 7, 2024Episode 1124 min

Leslie Hall on Business Partnerships and Niching Down

Leslie Ann Hall, CEO and founder of Iced Media, shares her journey in building a successful agency in the beauty industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying focused and specializing in a specific niche, such as beauty and wellness. Leslie also discusses the challenges of working with business partners and the importance of finding partners who share the same values and vision. She highlights the value of asking for help and building a strong support network. Leslie also talks about the exciting opportunities in social commerce, particularly in TikTok Shop. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and Background 08:03 Lessons from Business Partnerships 13:02 The Power of Asking for Help 24:33 The Exciting Opportunities in Social Commerce * * * * * * * * * ✏️ RESOURCES · The Messy Truth: How I Sold My Business for Millions But Almost Lost Myself by Alli Webb * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram

April 30, 2024Episode 1021 min

Olivia Austin on Entrepreneurship, Motherhood, and Purpose Driven Success

In today’s episode, we welcome Olivia Austin, brand strategist and business consultant. Olivia shares her inspiring journey from ditching the corporate grind to embracing a life of creativity and purpose through her design studio, Current. Dive deep as she reveals the challenges of scaling a business only to realize it wasn't aligned with her true desires, and how redefining success helped her reshape her life and business to better suit her new role as a mother. Olivia shares her strategies for maintaining creativity and control over her workload, and how she transitioned her service offerings to better accommodate long-term client relationships and a less hectic lifestyle. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 03:28 Surprised by the success of freelancers, considers quitting. 09:16 Visionary creative with subconscious success misconceptions overcome. 10:43 Pregnancy sparks worries about work-life balance. 13:56 Small wins and original why drive business. 17:42 Parenting teaches efficient time management and prioritization. 20:51 Thanking Olivia for insights, subscribe for more. * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Olivia Austin ✦ Explore Olivia Austin’s Website Explore Current Design Studio Follow @byoliviaaustin on Instagram Listen to Behind the Design Podcast Download Olivia’s free ClickUp leads tracker Access Olivia’s free 6 Figure Design Process Course

April 23, 2024Episode 925 min

Kelly S. Ruta on Building a Coaching Business with Two Chronic Illnesses

Kelly is a former clinical psychotherapist turned business coach, who has battled with the demanding challenges of chronic illnesses while growing her business to peak performance, only to scale things back when adversity struck in the form of long COVID. Despite these setbacks, her determination and expertise in fostering resilience have allowed her to adapt and continue to support fellow entrepreneurs. In today's episode, Kelly shares her personal struggles and the profound impact they've had on her life and coaching practice. From living with ME/CFS and long COVID to reframing what high performance truly means, she brings a unique perspective on how to maintain a business through incredibly tough times. We'll unpack her strategies for emotional agility, discuss the power of vulnerability as a leader, and explore her focus on developing an “ultimate inner operating system” for sustainable success. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 05:18 Overcame challenges, now struggling with COVID impact. 08:36 Business hit by COVID, rebuilt, still challenging. 11:24 Advocate for self, choose supportive medical team. 13:11 Challenges of being a high-achieving woman. 19:05 Recognize and manage emotions, don't suppress them. 22:15 Acknowledge feelings, respond intentionally to emotions. * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Kelly S. Ruta ✦ Follow @kellysruta on InstagramFree Training: Mind Over Money: Unlock Epic Profit and Shatter Your Money Ceiling...FOR GOOD!

April 16, 2024Episode 814 min

Shannon Matson on Mastering Online Business and Brick-and-Mortar

On this episode of Tough Stuff, Shannon shares the reality of starting a brick-and-mortar business during a pandemic, the significance of online marketing strategies for offline businesses, and the art of combining her passion with practical insights to achieve exceptional growth. Plus, we get personal, discussing the dynamics of working closely with a spouse and finding balance between professional collaboration and personal life. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Passion for coffee led to successful new venture. 06:08 Online marketing, influencer outreach, and strong opening. 07:36 Anticipation, fear, and uncertainty of business launch. 10:53 Balancing business roles, dividing responsibilities for efficiency. * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Shannon Matson ✦ Visit The Social Bungalow Website Follow @thesocialbungalow on Instagram Keep up with @bungalowcoffeeco on Instagram

April 9, 2024Episode 725 min

Chelsea Christensen on Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Chelsea Christensen shares her journey from coaching drill teams and teaching dance to establishing a thriving screen printing business, Uniformity Apparel. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of growing her business alongside her family, becoming a mother to twins, and navigating the entrepreneurial world with ingenuity and passion. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 04:59 Grateful for the ability to bring extra money into her family. 09:11 Tried side businesses; struggled with printing business. 11:00 Realized the value of hiring, delegating tasks. 16:02 Balancing family and business with children's involvement. 18:10 Recognizing imbalance, clarifying priorities, reframing self-doubt. 21:34 Recurring thought of high achievers: "I should do more." 23:16 Entrepreneurs resonate with constant need for improvement. * * * * * * * * * ✏️ RESOURCES · Shopify (aff. link) · Read The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Chelsea Christensen ✦ Explore Chelsea Christensen’s Website Follow @chelseachristensen on Instagram Listen to The Dance of Growth podcast Save 10% off all non-subscription items at you-ay.com with code TOUGHSTUFF

April 2, 2024Episode 624 min

Daniela Justus on Transitioning from Freelancer to CEO

In this episode of the Tough Stuff Podcast, Daniela shares her journey from freelancer to agency owner, touching on the challenges of transitioning roles, holding clients accountable, and navigating the world of digital marketing and advertising. We also explore the common misconceptions and misleading narratives prevalent in the online space, offering valuable insights and practical advice for budding entrepreneurs. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on business, marketing, and the realities behind the scenes. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 04:03 Navigating business growth, adapting, and evolving mindset. 06:31 Tech entrepreneur's unconventional path challenges expectations. 09:55 Ads are great for initial stages, but require consistent funnels for scaling. 14:31 Making connections and prioritizing client needs in sales. 17:54 Investing in ads can save time. 20:50 Success often leads to financial struggles, debt. * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Daniela Justus ✦ Visit Daniela’s Website Follow @danielaejustus on Instagram

March 26, 202415 min

Adrienne Richardson on Navigating Divorce and Rediscovering Her Identity

In this episode, I sit down with Adrienne Richardson, founder of Powerplay Media and one of the industry's leading Facebook ad strategists. Adrienne opens up about her personal journey through divorce as a business owner and mom of 2, including how she navigated this time with her team and clients. She also shares how she’s thinking about Act 2 of her life and the lessons she’s gained in resilience and authenticity. Join us for an inspiring and candid conversation that unveils the power of vulnerability and the beauty of starting over. * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Divorce was a tough but hopeful choice. 04:34 Severe anxiety, medication, support, no attacks after. 08:38 Struggling to be productive, learned self-compassion. 10:43 Planning for personal and professional freedom ahead. 13:48 Sharing impactful stories softened and awakened me. * * * * * * * * * ✏️ RESOURCES · Listen to The Resilience Factor podcast with Adrienne Richardson * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Adrienne Richardson ✦ Explore Adrienne Richardson’s Website Follow @adrienne_richardson_ on Instagram Connect with Adrienne Richardson on Facebook and YouTube Join Powerplayers Club

March 19, 202423 min

Gabrielle Gimler on Letting Go of Pressure to Manifest Your Success

On this episode of Tough Stuff Podcast, I'm joined by Gabrielle Gimler, an Intuitive Channeler and Manifestation Expert for entrepreneurs. Together we explore her journey from getting laid off to becoming an entrepreneur and the transformative power of embracing self-love and acceptance through spiritual growth. We delve into how Gabrielle helps her clients overcome money blockages and the profound concept of manifesting success by detaching oneself from pressure to reach personal and professional goals. If you’re looking to be inspired to start your spiritual journey and connect it to your business, don’t miss this episode! * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Realizing the power of intuition and channeling 05:16 Embracing self-love and manifesting gifts 06:37 Unhiding oneself to find genuine happiness 12:38 Getting humbled by money and the universe 14:31 Untying your identity from money for validation 17:54 Shifting focus to follow intuition 20:43 Revealing her channeling abilities right before getting married * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Gabrielle Gimler✦ Explore Gabrielle Gimler’s Website Follow @gabrielleelaura on Instagram

March 12, 2024Episode 330 min

Chelsea Winstead on Prioritizing Life Experiences Over The Rat Race

On this episode of the Tough Stuff Podcast, I sit down with Co-founder of HerHQ Chelsea Winstead. We take a deep dive into the pitfalls of over-prioritizing work at the expense of personal wellbeing, the importance of combating comparisonitis, and the challenges of growing and scaling a remote team. If you’re ready to infuse more pleasure and peace into your life both in and outside of business, don’t miss this episode! * * * * * * * * * ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 03:31 Figuring out when to let clients move on 09:12 Becoming a business mentor and educator 11:14 Overcoming the struggles of going from solo entrepreneur to CEO 13:48 Predicting hiring needs for your team 18:38 Managing your team effectively 22:09 Striving to find meaning and identity beyond work 27:26 Prioritizing enjoyment over excess * * * * * * * * * ✏️ RESOURCES · ClickUp for Project Management Solutions · Radically Content by Jamie Varon · Listen to Tough Stuff: Jamie Varon on Overcoming Rejection, Fear, and Self Sabotage * * * * * * * * * 👋 STAY IN TOUCH ✦ Tough Stuff Podcast ✦ Our website Follow @toughstuffpod on Instagram ✦ Your Host: Audrey Saccone ✦ Follow @audreysaccone on Instagram Follow @audreysaccone on TikTok Learn more about Audrey Digital Follow @audreydigital on Instagram ✦ Today’s Guest: Chelsea Winstead ✦ Explore Chelsea Winstead’s Website Follow @chelsea.winstead on Instagram Follow @herhq.co on Instagram