Your Truth Shared

Hosted by Finola Howard

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Apr 2026

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Every Business Has a Story to Tell because that’s how the Market Decides Whether to Buy or Not. Your story has to resonate with who you are AND with the people you want to serve. This podcast is about helping you reach the market in a way that feels right to you. So, if you’re an entrepreneur with a dream you want to make real, then this is the podcast for you because Great Marketing is Your Truth Shared.

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April 15, 202634 min

#133 Strategic Storytelling That Sells: How to Turn Your Brand from Invisible to Irresistible with Marc Rust

What if your brand isn’t underperforming… …it’s just not being felt? In this episode, Marc Rust shares why most businesses are stuck measuring the wrong things—and how shifting from transactions to connection can completely transform your growth. What You’ll Walk Away With If your marketing feels like effort without return… this episode will shift how you see everything. You’ll discover: Why branding is not your logo—it’s your entire business experience How to move from surface-level marketing to deep, trust-driven connection What “strategic storytelling” really means—and how it drives measurable growth Why your real customer might not be who you think it is How to turn a “normal” product or service into something people actively choose (and talk about) This isn’t about doing more marketing. It’s about finally making your marketing work. Episode Summary In this conversation, I sit down with Marc Rust of Consequently Creative to explore the powerful intersection of storytelling, brand strategy, and measurable business growth. Marc breaks down why so many businesses stay stuck focusing on short-term sales metrics—and what becomes possible when you shift your focus to connection, trust, and audience understanding. From redefining your true customer to transforming “ordinary” offers into remarkable ones, this episode will challenge how you think about brand—and show you what’s actually driving buying decisions today. As Marc puts it: “Clarity will outweigh cleverness any day.” Episode Chapters  00:00 – Introduction to Strategic Storytelling & Brand Growth Brand strategy, storytelling in marketing, measurable branding results 02:00 – Why Branding Starts Earlier Than You Think What shapes brand perception, emotional connection in advertising 05:30 – The Real Impact of Branding on Business Value How branding affects company valuation, buyer psychology in business 08:30 – Can You Actually Measure Brand Success? Brand metrics vs sales metrics, audience engagement and marketing analytics 11:30 – Why Sales Metrics Alone Are Limiting Your Growth Customer engagement strategies, modern marketing measurement 14:00 – Trust, Connection & Brand Advocacy Explained Building trust in business, turning customers into brand advocates 16:30 – Apple, Barnes & Noble & the Power of Long-Term Brand Thinking Customer experience strategy, relationship-driven marketing examples 20:00 – The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make About Their Audience Customer research, identifying your true target audience 22:30 – The ‘Adult Daughter’ Insight That Changed Everything Audience segmentation strategy, real-world brand transformation case study 25:00 – Why Leaders Lose Sight of Their Customers CEO mindset, business growth strategy, staying customer-focused 28:00 – Storytelling for Business Growth & Scaling How storytelling drives growth, brand positioning for scale 30:00 – From Ordinary to Remarkable: The Butter Example Product differentiation strategy, premium branding through storytelling 32:30 – Practical Action: How to Clarify Your Brand Message Today Brand clarity, simplifying your marketing message 33:30 – Why Clarity Beats Cleverness in Marketing Clear messaging strategy, effective communication in branding About the Guest Marc Rust is a brand strategist and founder of Consequently Creative, where he helps businesses use strategic storytelling to drive meaningful engagement and measurable growth. 🌐 Learn more: https://consequentlycreative.com/    If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe to Your Truth Shared. Because the more intentional you want to be about building your business, the more important these conversations become. We’re here to help you think differently, grow deliberately, and build a business that supports the life you actually want. So hit subscribe now, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

April 8, 202649 min

#132 Why Your Emails Aren’t Selling (And What Happens When You Fix It) with Katie Skelton

What if the thing you’re avoiding… is actually the fastest path to consistent sales? In this episode, I sit down with self-proclaimed “email weirdo” Katie Skelton to unpack one of the most misunderstood (and underused) growth tools in business: email marketing. Because here’s the truth: Most business owners aren’t struggling with visibility. They’re struggling with conversion. And email? That’s where it happens. Katie made a bold decision to send emails every single day—breaking every “rule” in the book. What happened next? Her revenue didn’t just grow… it more than doubled. But this isn’t about spamming your list. It’s about: Understanding why your emails aren’t converting Learning how to sell without sounding salesy Building trust, connection, and momentum—daily Inside this conversation, we go deep on what it really takes to turn email into a powerful sales engine (without burning out or becoming someone you’re not). What You’ll Walk Away With: A completely new perspective on selling via email (without fear) Clarity on the difference between content vs. conversion A practical way to make offers consistently (without feeling pushy) Insight into why your offer—not your marketing—is the real problem Permission to build your business in a way that actually works for you If you’ve been sitting on an email list… or second-guessing every “send” button… This episode will change how you see it—and how you use it. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Meet Katie Skelton: The “Email Weirdo” Who Turns Words into Revenue Email marketing strategy, email copywriting expert, email conversion 02:00 – Why Email Is Still the #1 Conversion Channel for Business Growth email marketing ROI, conversion strategy, sales through email 04:00 – Weekly vs Daily Emails: The Shift That Changed Everything daily email marketing, email frequency strategy, consistent sales 06:30 – The Truth About Selling in Emails (And Why You’re Avoiding It) how to sell in emails, email offers, non-pushy selling 10:00 – Why More Emails = More Sales (The Compounding Effect Explained) email marketing consistency, sales psychology, buyer journey touchpoints 14:00 – Product vs Offer: The Real Reason Your Emails Aren’t Converting offer creation, positioning, messaging strategy 18:00 – “Seller’s Remorse” & Building an Offer You Actually Believe In offer alignment, business model clarity, joyful business 21:00 – What “Value” Really Means in Email Marketing (It’s Not What You Think) email content strategy, value in marketing, audience engagement 24:00 – The Story That Sold Without Selling (The Power of Human Content) storytelling in marketing, authenticity in business, connection marketing 28:00 – Authenticity vs Strategy: Are You Posting for Attention or Impact? authentic marketing, vulnerability in content, trust building 32:00 – Breaking the Rules: No Zoom Calls, No Traditional Website, No Problem asynchronous business model, online course delivery, alternative business models 36:00 – Building a Business Around Your Energy (Not Someone Else’s Blueprint) aligned business strategy, sustainable growth, entrepreneurial mindset 41:00 – Why Everything Leads to Email (And Why That Works) email list building, marketing funnel strategy, audience ownership 45:00 – From €0 to Six Figures: The Real Impact of Email Strategy business growth case study, scaling with email, revenue growth 49:00 – Final Advice: Trust Your Energy, Write Daily, Block the Noise entrepreneur mindset, confidence building, content creation habits If this episode shifted how you think about email—even slightly—don’t let that insight sit idle. Make sure you hit subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Because this podcast isn’t just about ideas. It’s about building a business that actually works—for you. And if you know someone who’s been overthinking their marketing, send them this episode. It might be the permission they’ve been waiting for. Guest Links Learn More about Katie - https://littlegreenduck.co.uk/  If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe to Your Truth Shared. Because the more intentional you want to be about building your business, the more important these conversations become. We’re here to help you think differently, grow deliberately, and build a business that supports the life you actually want. So hit subscribe now, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

March 11, 202637 min

#131 The Hidden Asset in Your Business: Turning Your Knowledge into Scalable Growth with Maeve Ferguson

Most experts are sitting on a powerful asset… and don’t even realise it. It’s not another social media strategy or a better funnel. It’s the intellectual property already inside your business. In this episode, I’m joined by Maeve Ferguson, who works with high-level thought leaders, bestselling authors and experts to turn their ideas and frameworks into lead-generating client engines that work whether they’re on stage, online… or completely offline. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly “on” just to generate leads — this conversation will change how you think about building your business. Episode Description What if your expertise could generate leads and clients even when you’re not actively selling? Many experts rely on constant content creation, social media posting, or launches to grow their business. But according to Maeve Ferguson, the real shift happens when you turn your expertise into infrastructure — a system that consistently attracts and converts the right clients. In this episode of Your Truth Shared, we explore how to transform your knowledge, frameworks, and experience into a client engine that fuels sustainable growth. Maeve shares how thought leaders build systems that qualify leads, position their expertise, and route the right people to the right offers — without relying on endless marketing activity. You’ll learn why the hardest stage of business is the journey to six figures, how intellectual property becomes a powerful strategic asset, and why attracting the right clients is far more important than attracting more people. If you’re ready to move from busy marketing to strategic growth, this episode is essential listening. What You’ll Learn in This Episode By listening, you’ll discover: • How to identify the hidden intellectual property already inside your business • Why most experts struggle with growth even when they’re working hard • The difference between real intellectual property and “fake frameworks” • How to turn your expertise into a client-generating engine • The role of diagnostic tools and assessments in qualifying the right clients • Why the journey from zero to six figures is the hardest stage of business • How to attract higher-level clients through “rich niche” positioning • Why successful entrepreneurs must continually evolve their frameworks  Episode Chapters 00:00 — Introduction: Why Building a Client Engine Changes Everything Finola introduces the concept of building a scalable business engine and welcomes thought leadership strategist Maeve Ferguson. 01:00 — What Real Intellectual Property Looks Like in a Business Maeve explains the difference between true intellectual property, hidden IP, and the “fake frameworks” flooding the internet. 04:30 — How Experts Can Identify the IP Already Inside Their Business A practical framework for extracting your expertise and turning it into a structured methodology. 07:10 — Why Frameworks Need to Evolve in the Age of AI How constant testing and iteration keeps intellectual property relevant and valuable. 11:00 — Standing Out in a Crowded Market: Becoming a Category of One How experts position themselves uniquely in even the most competitive industries. 17:50 — Building a Client Engine That Generates Leads Automatically Maeve explains the systems that bring in qualified clients even when you’re not actively promoting. 20:45 — The Three Types of Diagnostic Funnels for Experts Quiz funnels, score-based diagnostics, and enterprise-level assessments explained. 24:10 — How Diagnostics Turn Leads into the Right Clients Using personalised insights to route people to the most relevant offer. 27:00 — Why the Journey to Six Figures Is the Hardest Stage of Business Maeve shares why this stage is challenging and what changes once your systems are dialled in. 30:40 — The Importance of Traffic: Why Funnels Alone Don’t Work Why even the best infrastructure fails without a strong traffic strategy. 32:20 — Rich Niche Positioning: Attracting Higher-Level Clients How speaking to “successful people problems” transforms the quality of clients you attract. 36:00 — Final Advice: Focus on the Right Customers, Not Just More Customers Guest Links Learn more about Maeve Ferguson: https://www.maeveferguson.com/ If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure you subscribe to Your Truth Shared. Because the more intentional you want to be about building your business, the more important these conversations become. We’re here to help you think differently, grow deliberately, and build a business that supports the life you actually want. So hit subscribe now, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

March 3, 202640 min

#130 How AI Is Rewiring Your Customers — A Conversation with Mark Schaefer

What if the biggest AI disruption isn’t your marketing… but your customer’s mind? In this powerful return to Your Truth Shared, marketing futurist Mark Schaefer joins me to unpack the urgent ideas in his latest book, How AI Changes Your Customers. We’ve talked before about how marketers must adapt in an AI world. But this conversation flips the lens. Because AI isn’t just changing how we work. It’s changing how humans think. How they relate. How they decide. How they define purpose. And if your customer is being psychologically rewired in real time… your strategy must evolve too. Why You Need to Listen If you’re a business owner, founder, strategist, or leader navigating AI, this episode will help you: Understand how cognitive offloading is reshaping decision-making Recognise why customers may feel more adrift, anxious, or disconnected See how AI is influencing identity, purpose, and agency Avoid the trap of outsourcing your wisdom (and your voice) Reimagine how your brand can become more human, not less This is not an anti-AI conversation. It’s a deeply thoughtful exploration of how to use AI without losing your humanity. You’ll walk away clearer, braver, and more intentional about how you build your business in this new era. 🔎 Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome Back Mark Schaefer: From Audacious to AI’s Next Impact Marketing futurist Mark Schaefer returns to discuss how AI is shifting from changing marketers to changing customers. 03:15 – How AI Is Psychologically Rewiring Your Customers Why cognitive offloading is real — and how reliance on AI tools may be reshaping human thinking. 08:30 – “Are We Making Ourselves Dumber?” The Risk of Cognitive Offloading What happens when AI replaces thinking, writing, planning, and even emotional processing. 14:05 – Earned Wisdom vs AI Shortcuts: Why Struggle Matters for Authority The concept of “phronesis” (earned wisdom) and why shortcuts create the illusion of intelligence. 19:40 – AI Relationships, Emotional Attachment & The Rise of Synthetic Companionship The growing trend of AI romantic relationships and what it means for human connection. 25:30 – Parenting, Education & The Speed Problem: Why Society Can’t Keep Up Why governments and schools are struggling to respond to rapid AI development. 29:50 – AI, Job Displacement & The Purpose Crisis What happens when identity and purpose are tied to work in an AI-disrupted economy. 36:10 – How Brands Can Restore Agency in an AI World Why adding friction (yes, friction!) may become a powerful competitive advantage. 42:00 – The Most Human Company Wins (Even in the Age of AI) Mark’s final perspective: how AI can actually help brands become more human. The Big Question This Episode Raises If AI can: Write your content Answer your emails Create your strategy Even simulate companionship Then what is left for you? And the deeper question… Who do you become in a world where effort is optional? This episode doesn’t just explore AI tools. It explores identity, agency, wisdom, and humanity. And that’s why it matters. A Personal Note There’s a moment in this conversation where we talk about shortcuts not creating wisdom — only the illusion of it. That landed. Because in business, just like in life, the struggle often becomes the source of authority. And if we outsource too much, too fast, we may win speed… but lose depth. This episode will challenge you — in the best way. 🎧 Listen now to Episode 130 and rethink how AI is shaping your customers — and your business. If this conversation resonates, share it with someone building in the AI era. Because the future isn’t just about smarter tools. It’s about staying human while we use them.

February 18, 202614 min

#129 Why Pressure Matters More Than Your Million Dollar Goal with Finola Howard

What actually changes you when you set a bold goal? Is it the number? Or is it the pressure that goal creates? In this return episode of Your Truth Shared, Finola shares what shifted when she took her Million Dollar ambition seriously — not as a vision board idea, but as a real commitment. This isn’t a revenue report. It’s a leadership reset. You’ll hear what the pressure of a bold goal revealed: The hidden gap between potential and habit Why staying “comfortable” can quietly limit scale How fragmentation stalls growth And why building an offer ecosystem — not just selling more — is the real lever for expansion If you know you’re capable of more but haven’t fully reached for it, this episode will meet you there. 🎧 What You’ll Walk Away With By the end of this episode, you will: ✔ Understand how bold goals expose growth gaps ✔ Recognise where habit may be limiting your scale ✔ See why scale requires integration, not just effort ✔ Learn what an “offer ecosystem” really means for service-based businesses ✔ Shift from fragmented selling to customer-led, compounding growth This episode isn’t about chasing a million. It’s about what happens when you stop protecting yourself from your own potential. 🕒 Episode Chapters 00:00 – A Deliberate Return: Why This Isn’t a Progress Update Reframing the Million Dollar goal as pressure, not performance. 01:40 – Self-Protection vs Self-Sabotage in Small Business The quiet pattern that keeps you inside what already works. 03:10 – The Gap Between Habit and Potential What happens when a bold goal becomes serious. 05:30 – Leadership & Being Seen Trying Why commitment changes behaviour — even when it’s uncomfortable. 06:40 – Expansion: Why Others Are Rooting For You How your ambition expands what feels possible for others. 07:30 – Evolution, Not Rejection Why past success isn’t wrong — just insufficient for scale. 08:20 – From Offers to Ecosystem: The Real Lever for Growth Why scale comes from integration, not isolated services. 10:40 – Why Fragmentation Kills Momentum The hidden reason many businesses plateau. 11:00 – Customer-Led Growth & Coherent Scale Listening as a strategy for exponential business growth. 🧭 Links & Resources 🪶 Use the Joyful Annual Planner (Free Tool) Plan from joy, not pressure. https://annualplan.joyfulplanner.com/  💌 Join The Joyful Million Playbook Finola’s private newsletter documenting her journey to build a million-euro business — joyfully, intentionally, and in real time.https://www.finolahoward.com/newsletters/the-joyful-million-playbook  🎧 Related Episode: Ep #114 – How I’m Planning a Million Euro Business — with Joy at the Centre Start at the declaration that set this journey in motion: https://www.finolahoward.com/podcasts/your-truth-shared/episodes/2149050445

November 11, 202546 min

#128 Are Virtual Summits Worth It? The Real ROI of Collaboration with Lauren Tilden

Everyone says hosting or speaking at a summit will “explode your audience” — but do they really work? In this episode, marketing strategist and Making Good podcast host Lauren Tilden pulls back the curtain on what summits actually deliver, what most people get wrong, and how to use them as a powerful, intentional growth strategy — not just another marketing experiment. Whether you’re summit-curious, collaboration-shy, or simply ready to grow your email list without social media burnout, this conversation will change how you think about marketing forever. 💡 You’ll Learn What makes a summit succeed (and what instantly kills results) How Finola used a summit to grow her email list and convert new clients The one thing every speaker must have to turn visibility into subscribers Why intentionality beats hustle every single time The 3 jobs every piece of marketing must do if you want consistent sales ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Why Summits Beat Social Media for Growth Lauren shares how virtual summits skyrocketed her email list and why email remains the highest-converting marketing channel. 02:15 – From Corporate Burnout to Purpose-Driven Marketer Lauren’s leap from corporate America to small business owner — and what she learned about authentic marketing along the way. 07:24 – The Power of Intentional Marketing Stop copying others — here’s how to clarify your goals, focus on results, and design marketing that feels good and works. 14:20 – Why Marketing Feels Scary (and How to Do It Anyway) How courage and repetition build confidence — plus Finola’s sea-swim metaphor for showing up bravely. 18:09 – What a Virtual Summit Really Is (and Isn’t) The anatomy of a summit: how it works, what it costs, and why it’s still one of the smartest list-building tools around. 24:46 – Should You Host or Speak at a Summit? Lauren’s checklist for finding the right summit to join or the right audience to host for. 29:24 – Collaboration Over Competition Why being in a room with “competitors” is actually one of the fastest ways to grow your brand. 32:34 – Finola’s Summit Results: What Actually Worked Finola shares how alignment, intention, and a clear freebie turned her summit appearance into conversions. 36:17 – The Clear Next Step That Converts Lauren’s top advice: give every viewer a reason to join your email list — and nurture them well once they do. 38:23 – Avoiding Summit Overwhelm How Lauren designed shorter, more actionable summits to keep participants engaged and excited. 42:33 – The Three Jobs Every Piece of Marketing Must Do Lauren’s final framework: reach new people, build relationships, and make the sale — intentionally. 🔗 Resources & Links Connect with Lauren Tilden 🌐 laurentilden.co  🎧 Making Good Podcast 📸 Instagram: @laurentilden  Connect with Finola Howard 🌐 finolahoward.com  💌 Subscribe to The Joyful Million Playbook for deeper insights on building a Million Euro Business without burnout 📸 Instagram: @thisisfinolahoward  🎧 Listen to all episodes of Your Truth Shared wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Listen Now If you’ve ever wondered whether summits are worth it — or how to make your marketing finally click — this episode will give you the clarity (and courage) to grow on purpose.

November 4, 202522 min

#127 The Only Way to Build a Business Worth Having with Finola Howard

What if the missing piece in your business isn’t another plan, but the feeling that drives it? In this milestone solo episode, Finola Howard shares the 20-year journey behind the Joyful Annual Planner — and the deeper belief that changed everything. This isn’t just about planning. It’s about why you plan. It’s about what happens when joy stops being an afterthought and becomes the very foundation of your business strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay connected to your purpose while actually hitting your goals, this episode will show you. By the end, you’ll see that the only way to build a business worth having is to follow the joy that makes you brave enough to do it your way. 🎧 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The true purpose of planning (and why most people get it wrong) How to connect long-term vision with day-to-day action Why clarity comes from connection, not more information The belief shift that will change how you see your business How joy fuels the courage to finally build what you were meant to create 🌟 TRANSFORMATION: You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of what your business can be — not a to-do list, but a living expression of your purpose. You’ll feel clearer, more courageous, and ready to plan from a place of joy, not pressure. Because joy isn’t the opposite of bravery — it’s the source of it. 🕰️ EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Joyful Heart of Business Strategy How Finola connects story, strategy, and soul to build authentic, resonant businesses. 02:15 – From 1999 to Now: The Vision That Wouldn’t Let Go A 20-year journey from the Get Strategic, Get Results system to the Joyful Annual Planner. 05:40 – Why Fragmented Thinking Kills Momentum The hidden danger of “niching down” too far — and how to see your whole business clearly. 08:45 – Clarity Comes from Connection, Not More Information Discover how connecting the dots creates exponential growth and peace of mind. 10:03 – A Vision 20 Years in the Making How a conversation with OnePageCRM founder Michael Fitzgerald sparked the launch of Finola’s dream project. 11:46 – The Power of Deadlines and the Domino Belief How a single deadline and a simple framework turned vision into reality. 14:20 – From Courage to Joy: The Shift That Changed Everything How Finola’s anchor word evolved from courage to joy — and how it redefined success. 19:48 – Becoming the Woman Brave Enough to Build It What it means to embody your next stage — and why your old dreams never die. 20:37 – A Question That Changes Everything What would you create if you planned from joy, not pressure? 🧭 LINKS AND RESOURCES 🪶 Use the Joyful Annual Planner (Free Tool) — Plan from joy, not pressure: https://annualplan.joyfulplanner.com/  💌 Join The Joyful Million Playbook — Finola’s private newsletter documenting her journey to build a million-euro business, joyfully. 🎧 Related Episode: Ep #126 – Michael Fitzgerald on Vision-Led Growth

October 14, 202556 min

#126 The Psychology of Sales — Building Trust One Promise at a Time with Michael Fitzgerald

The final deal is never made logically — it’s made psychologically. That’s the core truth at the heart of this conversation with Michael Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of OnePageCRM . Michael is an inventor turned entrepreneur whose product vision has never wavered: make sales as simple as possible — and as human as possible. In this episode, he shares how small, consistent promises create trust, and how trust is the ultimate sales strategy. He also turns the tables on me — challenging me to publicly commit to a shipping date for my own new product. (Yes, October 30th is officially locked in!) It’s a brilliant example of the courage it takes to stop perfecting and start releasing — the same lesson that turned OnePageCRM from a sketch on a napkin into a globally respected sales tool. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective on what truly drives conversions — not funnels filled with friction, but relationships built on reliability. Whether you’re a founder, coach, or consultant, this episode will help you sell with confidence, focus, and integrity. 🎯 Listen and you’ll learn: Why every sale is built on promises kept — and what that means for your next pitch. How trust, not tactics, determines whether someone buys. Why simplicity and consistency outperform complexity in every CRM. How to build a vision-led business that stays true to its purpose. The real power of “shipping before you’re ready” — and how it can transform your growth. ⏱️ Episode Chapters  00:00 – The Psychology of Sales: Why Every Deal Starts with Trust Michael reveals how the real buying decision is emotional, not logical — and why trust is your greatest conversion tool. 02:30 – From Inventor to Entrepreneur: The DNA of a Product Creator How a background in product design shaped Michael’s approach to building scalable software. 08:30 – Vision That Endures: Why OnePageCRM’s Mission Has Never Changed How staying anchored to one clear product vision created long-term growth. 10:45 – Next Action Thinking: The Simplest Way to Sell More Michael’s “next action” approach turns sales from something scary into something natural and repeatable. 15:10 – Zero Admin, Maximum Connection: Designing Tools That Serve People First Inside the design philosophy that helps small businesses stay focused on customers, not admin. 18:40 – Competing with Giants: Differentiation in a World of CRMs How OnePageCRM thrives beside massive players like Salesforce and HubSpot through clarity, honesty, and simplicity. 24:00 – Marketing on the Move: The Legendary Camper Van Tour The story behind Michael’s iconic UK road trip — and why meeting customers in person is still the most powerful marketing move. 28:20 – From Kitchen Table to Office: A Customer’s Transformation Story How a single CRM helped one entrepreneur grow from solo operator to employer — proof that focus drives results. 34:50 – The Pivot to Product: Burning the Ships and Going All In Michael shares the pivotal moment he left client work behind and built OnePageCRM from the ground up. 42:40 – Ship It: Lessons from Seth Godin and Reid Hoffman Why launching before it’s perfect is essential — and how to turn customer feedback into your fastest path to growth. 45:50 – The Challenge: Finola Commits to Shipping Her Product A powerful moment where Michael asks Finola to set a live shipping date — and she commits to October 30th. A masterclass in accountability, courage, and walking your own talk. 50:00 – Trust, Promises, and Small Business Character The emotional core of every sale — how to build trust that lasts long after the transaction. 53:40 – Customer Support as a Growth Engine Why Michael still answers customer emails — and what that reveals about leadership, service, and loyalty. 55:10 – Final Message: Know Your Customer, Keep Your Promises, Build Trust Michael’s closing advice for founders: your word is your greatest sales tool.   💬 Connect with Michael Fitzgerald Explore OnePageCRM’s action-focused sales system and discover how to simplify your selling at onepagecrm.com . Follow Michael on LinkedIn  for more insights on product design, leadership, and small business growth. 💬 Connect with Finola Howard I’m Finola Howard, Business Growth Strategist and host of Your Truth Shared. If this episode resonated, subscribe to the show, leave a review, and share it with someone building their next great idea. Get my Joyful Million Playbook Newsletter for behind-the-scenes insights on building a million-euro business without burnout: 👉 finolahoward.com/newsletters/the-joyful-million-playbook   Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and Pinterest  for daily inspiration, strategy, and stories from real entrepreneurs. 🎧 Listen now on: finolahoward.com/podcast or search Your Truth Shared with Finola Howard on your favourite podcast app.

October 7, 202521 min

#125 AI Can Support You — But It Shouldn't Decide for You with Finola Howard

AI can help you move faster, think clearer, and create better — but if you start letting it decide for you, you risk losing the very reason you became an entrepreneur in the first place: your freedom to choose. In this solo episode, Finola shares a powerful story from inside her SOAR program that triggered a gut-level “No, no, no!” reaction — and sparked this exploration of what happens when we hand over too much power to AI. You’ll learn how to collaborate with AI without surrendering your strategy, your originality, or your voice. Because while AI can support you — it should never be the decision-maker in your business. 💡 You’ll Walk Away With A grounded understanding of how to use AI as a collaborative tool — not a strategist. The real reason entrepreneurs hand over agency (and how to stop doing it). The 3 growth stages of decision-making every entrepreneur moves through. Insight into why AI’s “people-pleasing” nature is a danger to your strategic clarity. A renewed confidence in your human creativity and instinct — the parts AI can’t replace. 🕒 Episode Chapters (Keyword-rich for SEO and listener navigation) 00:01 — Welcome to Your Truth Shared Finola introduces her mission: to help entrepreneurs share their truth through aligned marketing and strategic clarity. 01:20 — How AI is Transforming Growth Inside SOAR Discover how AI helps SOAR participants align customers and offers — and create what Finola calls Grand Slam Offers. 03:45 — The Gut Reaction: When AI Crosses the Line Hear the moment that sparked this episode — a powerful reminder that AI should never decide your next strategic move. 06:15 — What ‘Agency’ Really Means in Business Drawing from the American Psychological Association, Finola defines agency as “the capacity to act independently and make free choices” — and explains why it’s central to entrepreneurial freedom. 08:30 — The Old Pattern: Handing Over Power From consultants to formulas and now AI — how entrepreneurs keep outsourcing decision-making, and why it slows growth. 10:45 — The People-Pleasing Problem with AI A real boardroom story that reveals the danger of people-pleasing advisors — and why AI’s design to “please” mirrors the same trap. 13:00 — Why Entrepreneurs Hand Over Agency Fear of failure, fear of being wrong, and overwhelm all lead to one thing: giving up decision-making power. 14:50 — The Growth Path of Decision-Making The evolution from early hesitation to a natural rhythm of decide → test → learn → adjust — and how that rhythm fuels true growth. 17:30 — Mark Schaefer’s Story: “I Fear AI is Making Me Dumber” A timely reflection from a 21-year-old student that captures the danger of dependence and the erosion of confidence. 18:45 — The Human Advantage: Reinvention Over Remix Finola challenges the idea that there are “no new ideas,” celebrating the unpredictable creativity only humans can generate. 19:27 — Closing: Mind Your Agency A final reminder to entrepreneurs: AI can accelerate your business, but you must still hold the steering wheel. ✨ Key Quote “AI is designed to people-please. But if you hand over power to a people-pleaser, where is the architect of your future? You might as well get a job.” 🌟 About This Episode This episode is for every entrepreneur experimenting with AI — and wondering how far to let it go. Finola shares why the greatest gift of entrepreneurship is your agency — your ability to choose, to act intentionally, and to be the architect of your own future. AI can support that. It can accelerate it. But it should never decide for you.   🔗 Connect & Continue 💌 Subscribe to The Joyful Million Playbook  🚀 Learn more about SOAR  📚 Read What If? Joy Was How You Measured Success 

October 2, 202535 min

#124 — Funnels That Convert, Ads That Scale: Proven Steps to Business Growth with Melissa Litchfield

If you’ve ever felt stuck wondering when (or if) you should start running ads, this episode is your roadmap. Paid traffic can feel overwhelming—but the truth is, 95% of seven-figure businesses use ads to grow and sustain their results. Melissa Litchfield, Founder of Litchfield Media, breaks down how to confidently move beyond organic reach, design a funnel that actually converts, and reverse-engineer the math so your ad spend brings consistent returns. After listening, you’ll walk away knowing: How to design a funnel that nurtures, converts, and eliminates wasted ad spend. The real numbers behind ad campaigns (and how to calculate if ads will work for you). Where to start if you only have $200 a month—and when to scale bigger. Why ads aren’t a “dirty word” but a growth tool used by nearly every seven-figure business. Whether you’re running your first campaign or preparing to scale, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to invest in ads wisely. Episode Chapters [0:01] The Traffic Truth: Why Ads Fuel 7-Figure Growth Melissa shares why consistent traffic is the lifeblood of every seven-figure business. [2:12] From Agency to Accelerator: Melissa’s Entrepreneurial Journey How she built and reshaped her agency, and why “small but mighty” teams thrive. [6:28] Funnels as Foundation: What to Build Before You Run Ads Why a funnel is more than a landing page—and how it maps the entire customer journey. [10:42] Lead Magnets that Convert (and What’s Wasting Your Ad Spend) The difference between throwaway downloads and assets that attract ready-to-buy clients. [11:18] Anatomy of a Funnel: 5 Essential Steps to Move Leads to Sales Melissa breaks down landing pages, thank-you pages, email sequences, and nurture strategy. [15:46] The Fear Factor: Why Entrepreneurs Hesitate on Ads Overcoming the overwhelm of Ads Manager and building confidence to start small. [18:55] Where to Start: Budgeting $200 a Month for Ads How to grow reach and test conversions without blowing your budget. [23:28] Beyond Instagram: Using Ads to Amplify Your Content Practical micro-campaigns that drive podcast listens, blog traffic, and list growth. [24:53] The Math Behind Scaling: Reverse-Engineering Your Funnel Goals Step-by-step calculation of ad spend, registrants, conversions, and ROI. [29:13] The Hidden Truth: 95% of 7-Figure Businesses Run Ads Why successful entrepreneurs don’t always share their paid traffic strategies. [31:22] Done-With-You Support: Inside Melissa’s Traffic Support Accelerator How her live program helps business owners set up, optimize, and scale campaigns in real time. [34:26] Final Takeaway: Ads Don’t Have to Be Scary Melissa leaves you with a simple mindset shift to start running ads strategically.   Melissa’s Accessible Conversion Formula Let’s say you want 500 people registered for your next webinar: Registrants Goal → 500 people Cost per Registrant (CPR) → $8 500 × $8 = $4,000 ad spend Now work forward: Show-up Rate → Assume 20% attend live 500 × 20% = 100 live attendees Conversion Rate on Webinar → 4–5% typically enroll live 100 × 5% = 5 sales live Total Sales (including replays & follow-up emails) → Around 10 sales total from 500 registrants Revenue → If your program is $997 10 sales × $997 = $9,970 revenue ROI → Revenue ÷ Ad Spend $9,970 ÷ $4,000 = 2.5x Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) 👉 Takeaway: For every $1 you spend on ads, you can expect $2.50 back—once you know your numbers.    Resources and Links Connect with Melissa: Litchfield Media Check out Melissa's Traffic Support Accelerator HERE Connect with me: Finola Howard and discover how we can work together. If this episode resonated with you, the best way to support the show is simple:Subscribe, rate, and leave a quick review. It really helps more people discover Your Truth Shared.