Voted Least Likely

Hosted by Leah Yard

Business Entrepreneurship Education

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Do you feel alone in your struggle? Do you feel like you know there is something special in you to give, but you feel stuck? Do you feel like the least likely person to be able to succeed? Ya, me too. The good news? You’re in the right place. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast. I’m Leah, and I’ll be your host on this messy trip. I am a high school drop out who accidentally became an entrepreneur (aka: a certified ”Failure Expert”). When starting my jewellery business Leah Yard Designs, I struggled to find peers in the industry I could relate to. I felt completely alone and was tired of hearing entrepreneurial stories where everything seemed to ”fall into place” at the right time. Because starting something new? Building a business? It’s messy, heartbreaking, and often embarrassing. After failing over and over, I finally stumbled my way into success. But I’m not here to tell you how to be successful. I started the Voted Least Likely Podcast to share stories of failure, and demystify what it really means to be successful so YOU don’t feel alone. Welcome to the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I hope you didn’t get dressed up for this ;) Website: www.leahyard.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahyard/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahyard

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 10, 2026Episode 18117 min

I Was WRONG About Scalability

We’re constantly told to build businesses that are scalable, efficient, and systemized. But what if some of the things that aren’t scalable are actually your biggest advantage? In this episode, I’m talking about a few things I’ve changed my mind about when it comes to growing a business. For a long time, I avoided doing things that felt too time-consuming or too dependent on me because I thought, Well, I can't do this forever. And that's true. I can't. But I've realized that just because something isn't scalable doesn't mean it isn't valuable. There are things you can do at one stage of your business that you simply won't be able to do later. One-on-one styling sessions. Writing a handwritten note in every order. Giving customers more of your time and attention. Creating experiences that rely on you. When you're small, those things aren't necessarily inefficiencies to eliminate. They can be your advantage. The trick is knowing which things are worth doing because you're small—and recognizing when it's time to let them go, systemize them, or hand them off. In this episode, I'm sharing the things I've changed my mind about, what I've learned about scalability, and why I'm no longer so quick to dismiss something just because I can't imagine doing it at a much larger scale. Because maybe the goal isn't to build a business that can do everything without you. Maybe the goal is to take advantage of the things only you can do while you can. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

September 2, 2026Episode 1808 min

Building CHARACTER Alongside Your Business

I heard someone say on a panel recently, “You are building your character alongside your business.” And it has stayed with me for weeks. As entrepreneurs, we're constantly measuring things: revenue, sales, followers, growth, profit, goals reached. There are endless ways to track whether the business is moving forward. But some of the things that matter most aren't really trackable. The decision to do the right thing when nobody would know if you didn't. Choosing your reputation over a quick win. Being honest when honesty is inconvenient. How you treat people when you're stressed, disappointed, or have something to lose. The kind of person you become while you're building the thing you want so badly. Those choices don't show up in your monthly revenue report. There isn't a notification telling you that you made the right call. And sometimes doing the right thing doesn't even seem to benefit your business in the short term. But over time, those decisions become your reputation. They become how people experience you. And most importantly, they become who you are. In this episode, I’m thinking about what it means to build character alongside a business—and why I think we should pay more attention to the things we're building that can't be measured. Because success isn't only about what you build. It's also about who you become while you're building it. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

August 19, 2026Episode 17921 min

Life Update & Mid-Year Check-In

This week's episode of the Voted Least Likely podcast is a personal one. It's not the original show I have planned on sharing, but this topic has been on my mind. At the beginning of every year, I complete a Life Vision Worksheet. This process helps me plan for the year, set big goals, and create trackable lists to keep me on pace. This year, when I look back at what I wrote down for 2026, I don't even recognize that life. Things have gone so differently than I had expected. There was a specific moment in April that I keep using as a reference point, because even though that was only 4 months ago, life has changed so much since then. I wanted to share today's episode because I know I'm not the only one here. I know I'm not the only one who has set a big goal, swung big, and missed. This week's episode is a life update, and a mid-year check in. It's time to set our sights on something new, recalibrate, and lock in. A lot can change in a few months. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

August 12, 2026Episode 1788 min

What I have Learned about FAILURE after 150 Episodes

For four years, Voted Least Likely has been built around one simple idea: if we talked about failure more openly, we'd all feel a little less alone on our entrepreneurial journey. This week, I'm reflecting on the biggest lessons I've learned after focusing on something so many of us are uncomfortable talking about: failure. If you've ever felt like you're the only one struggling, this episode is a reminder that you're not. Behind every success story is a long list of mistakes, pivots, setbacks, and lessons that rarely make it onto social media. Thank you for being part of the Voted Least Likely podcast. Here's to many more honest conversations about the realities of building a meaningful life and career. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

July 29, 2026Episode 17714 min

What 150 Episodes Taught Me About Entrepreneurship, FAILURE & Finding My Voice

When I launched the Voted Least Likely Podcast, I was on the verge of closing my business. I felt like I was the only entrepreneur who wasn't succeeding. Social media made it seem like everyone else had figured it out, while I was navigating missed opportunities, disappointment, and failure. So instead of giving up, I started talking about it. Four years later, that decision has led to 150 episodes, incredible guests, honest conversations, and a community built around one simple idea: you don't have to succeed alone. In this special milestone episode, I'm reflecting on what I've learned from hosting the podcast, the surprising ways it has changed me, the common themes that have emerged from conversations with entrepreneurs, and the biggest mistakes I've made along the way. If you've ever felt behind, questioned yourself, or wondered if everyone else has it figured out, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share: - Why I started the Voted Least Likely Podcast -The unexpected ways podcasting has changed my confidence and communication -The biggest lessons I've learned after interviewing 35 entrepreneurs -Why imposter syndrome may never completely disappear -The surprising definition of success that keeps coming up -The failures and mistakes I've made as a podcast host -Why vulnerability has become one of the greatest gifts this show has given me Thank you to everyone who has been part of these first 150 episodes. Thank you for listening, sharing episodes, and being part of this community. Whether you've been here since episode one or just recently found the show, I'm so grateful you're here. Here's to the next 150 episodes. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

July 22, 2026Episode 17621 min

When Your Business OUTGROWS You

Building a business is exciting, but growth doesn't just bring bigger opportunities—it also brings bigger challenges. In this solo episode of the Voted Least Likely podcast, I'm sharing some of the growing pains I've been experiencing as Leah Yard Designs continues to evolve. From managing larger financial decisions (like spending $30,000 on events, or an unexpected $15,000 tax bill) to navigating changing customer expectations, I've realized that every new level of business asks something different of you. I'm also opening up about the more personal side of growth. The bittersweet moments that remind you your business is expanding—even when they're harder than you expected. Every stage of business comes with its own challenges. The goal isn't to avoid them—it's to grow into the person who can handle them. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

July 15, 2026Episode 1758 min

The Antidote to OVERTHINKING

Whenever I find myself feeling stuck in my business, I've noticed something interesting: the solution is almost always the same. Take the next actionable step. In this short solo episode, I'm sharing why taking action has become one of the most powerful tools in my business. Whether I'm dealing with comparison, rejection, uncertainty, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I've learned that action has a way of cutting through the noise. Instead of waiting for confidence or clarity to appear, I've found that they often come because I decided to move forward. If you've been overthinking your next move or waiting for the "perfect" time to start, I hope this episode encourages you to take one small step today. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

July 8, 2026Episode 17344 min

Building a Business That Supports Your WELLBEING with Megan Swan

Building a business often comes with long hours, uncertainty, and the pressure to always be "on." But what happens when success comes at the expense of your wellbeing? In this episode of the Voted Least Likely podcast, I'm joined by wellness infrastructure strategist and entrepreneur Megan Swan for a conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable business and life. We talk about why taking care of yourself isn't a luxury, it's one of the most important investments you can make as an entrepreneur. We also dive into imposter syndrome, and why it doesn't magically disappear as you become more successful. Megan shares her perspective on learning to move forward even when self-doubt is still present. Finally, we explore identity—how our sense of self shifts through major life and career changes, and why embracing those transitions can open the door to new opportunities and support systems. Whether you're navigating entrepreneurship, a career pivot, or simply trying to find a healthier balance, I think you'll take something away from this conversation. Learn more about Megan Swan: https://meganswanwellness.com/ Megan Swan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/meganswanwellness/ Megan Swan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-swan-wellness/ Connect with the Voted Least Likely Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

July 1, 2026Episode 17416 min

When Life and Business Both Feel HARD

Lately, it feels like life and business have been throwing curveballs at the same time. In this solo episode of the Voted Least Likely podcast, I'm opening up about a season that has felt especially challenging. When disappointments start piling up, it's easy to look around and feel like everyone else is moving forward while you're standing still. I've definitely found myself in that mindset recently. I'm sharing what this season has looked like for me, the lessons I'm trying to hold onto, and a few reminders that have helped me navigate the uncertainty. If you've ever felt stuck, discouraged, or like your timeline isn't keeping up with everyone else's, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone—and that difficult seasons don't last forever. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard

June 24, 2026Episode 1728 min

The Urge to OVER-EXPLAIN Everything

Have you ever caught yourself explaining a decision long after you've already made it? In this episode of Voted Least Likely, I'm talking about something I've been working on lately: the habit of over-explaining myself. Recently, I said no to an invitation. My first instinct was to write a long explanation outlining all the reasons why I couldn't make it. I wanted to make sure they understood. I wanted to avoid disappointing them. And if I'm being honest, I probably wanted to avoid being judged. But instead, I decided to simply say no. That small moment got me thinking about how often we overexplain our choices, boundaries, and decisions. Whether it's declining an invitation, changing directions in our business, or making a decision that other people might not understand, many of us feel the need to justify ourselves in order to gain approval. If you've ever found yourself writing the three-paragraph text message when one sentence would have done, this episode is for you. Let’s Connect If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway. Send me a message or share this episode with someone who might need it. Subscribe & Review If you’re enjoying Voted Least Likely, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it helps more people find the show 💗 Connect with the Podcast: www.leahyard.com IG: @leahyard TikTok: @leahyard